A palace is one of the ultimate symbols of prestige and influence. Owning one indicates a level of social standing and power that is undeniable. A palace might function as the residence of a royal family, seat of government or simply as a luxury retreat for the rich and famous. The design of a palace depends entirely on what the society constructing it deems suitable, as well as the environment in which it is built – for example, a palace constructed by aquatic species at the bottom of a lake or sea might be filled with luminescent sponges and jellyfish, with halls and corridors grown from colourful corals and decorated with pearls, whereas palace of an avian species might be built high on a cliff face, with multiple tunnels open to the wind creating music as the breezes pass through.

Most palaces will be furnished and decorated with expensive objects d’art, fountains, extensive gardens and a host of luxuries for residents and fortunate guests to enjoy. Most palaces will feature separate wings for residents and visiting dignitaries, the better to provide privacy and security as well as to cater to specific environmental needs. Most will also feature segregated living quarters for the army of staff required to tend to the needs, whims and fancies of the residents and guests. The larger the palace, the more staff will be needed, as the palace must be staffed around the clock with butlers, maids, cooks, security personnel and any of the myriad of specialized workers required to tend to the residents and guests.