Location Fort Emberstone

[Abstract]

x x Fort Emberstone Known as the shadow of the south, Fort Emberstone was originally built as a solitary outpost upon Emberstone island, a large and jagged slab of land settled just off the southern coast of lake Ravok. Hastily constructed by the Ebonstryfe in a growing attempt to extend their dominance over the wilds of the mainland, the small fort saw little in the way action during its early years of use save for its primary role of overlooking and protecting the Southern Outpost which lied only little more than a mile away. As time went on and the military might of Ravok evolved and swelled into an something entirely new and greater, so to did the minor outpost. By 480 AV, Emberstone, under the watchful command of lord Gru'tal himself, had developed into a massive and sprawling castle upon the lake. Capable of housing nearly five hundred zealous troops as well as weather any siege for months on end, the stronghold had matured into more than just an impregnable fortress upon the shore, Emberstone became a symbol of iron and rock that carried one simple message for all those who looked upon it... "Defiance is death." Emberstone is very often the first sight many travelers lay eyes upon when their grueling journey to Rhysol's capital comes to an end. With walls reaching up to a staggering forty feet high in some places, and watchtowers spiraling even taller still, it is no coincidence the fortress is such an unnervingly prominent landmark. Thunderously deep horns blare daily to herald the return and departure of the numerous patrols sent out to push back the wilds and enforce the city's rule as far as possible. The banners of the Black Sun and the fort's own blood red sigil are flown proudly from the tallest battlements day and night, an ever present and ever real declaration of pride and complete dominance by the followers of Rhysol. As the first and foremost launching point for any military operation into the rest of Syliras, fort Emberstone is home to many loyal sons and daughters of the Defiler, each of whom have sworn to not only protect their sacred city with their lives, but also wipe away the enemies that dare to threaten it. Initially a secluded island with little economic value, the fortress has since exploded far past its primitive origins and expanded into three distinct segments that all culminate to form the bastion's intimidating entirety. First, upon the shore stands the gatehouse, a small and imperial keep in of itself. As the name implies, it is the primary and only land based entrance to the island fortification. With its back to the hallowed lake and surrounded by a moat of its own, the broad walls of the semicircular keep enclose a flat and spacious and well worn portion of the shore for its purposes. While this area is largely barren of any structures or major garrison, it holds host to the fort's stone stables, where the impressive supply of warhorses and other mounts are housed. Alongside this are the main training grounds where soldiers keep their skills impeccably honed and ruthlessly dangerous while waiting for their next battle. For the most part however, the gatehouse is a rally point for the brave soldiers inside, and the first of many imposing obstacles for any army fool enough to attempt an assault. Once through the thick portcullis and past the daunting array of gate towers and murderholes, the path from the gatehouse then proceeds to flow into the fifty yard long stone bridge that connects the mainland to Emberstone island itself. Known as the Path of Rydune, this impressively lengthy display of architecture spans the width of the water that once separated the fortress from its ward, the Southern Outpost. Wide enough to support four men riding abreast, the bridge itself is just another equally deadly hurdle for attackers to overcome, easily capable of turning any charging force into a crushed and useless mob of gridlocked soldiers trapped and helpless against the rain of arrows and Ebonstryfe descending down upon them. Oftentimes defenders, usually the men with far too much time on their hands, will mount their monstrous kills and conquests from the nearby forests upon bloody pikes that line the walkway. When competition among the troops who call the fortress home drives this gruesome pastime into full swing, the entire length Rydune's bridge can quite thoroughly become a vile and horrific sight to behold, even for the most hardened warriors who cross stained black stone. While far from the finest citadel the wold has ever seen, the fortress proper is still undeniably a monumental manifestation of unwavering conviction and honored military might. Aside from the obvious battlements and sturdy dark walls that ring the very fringes of the rocky island, things of distinct noteworthiness include the many barracks that line the outermost edges of the fort, the single, humble smithy near the water's threshold that tirelessly works to fill the brimming armory to its bursting, and the few other modest workshops and necessities needed by a fortress of solidarity as well. Along with this comes the accommodating but relatively meager system of docks on the northern face of the island. Useful mainly when troops and supplies from Ravok are required, but also as a means of rapidly deploying large contingents across the the length of the massive lake as well. The castle itself is an impressive construct to say the least, easily the largest structure within the fort as it houses officers and other amenities while serving as the final bulwark of spite for the defenders to hold. It is also said that while it pales in comparison to Ravok's own Black Hole, the deep, watery dungeons of castle Emberstone are rumored to be exquisitely nightmarish in their own right. Credit to Elias Caldera