Barrier Fortress

Marvels of arcane and mundane arts both. They still stand, pristine as the day they were built. While the empire which constructed them is little more than a faint memory.

The Barrier Fortresses of Ciello are five great fortresses built by the Imperium. The island has been chosen as the empire's primary stronghold in the Royal Archipelago. As such the fortresses were built at strategic points throughout the island, particularly near deepwater harbours, or at chokepoints along the fjords and bays of the island. Enchanted with magic, and designed by the greatest military architects of the time, the fortresses are considered nearly impregnable even to the modern era. The Fortresses can be found at: Cunaris , Reddingfield , Callimno , Lavello and Tyrios.

History

The fortresses were intended to make it impossible to expell the Imperium from Ciello by any outside force. By guarding every major port on the island, and furthermore dividing the island in two zones, north and south; the fortresses would make it possible for Imperial forces to hold Ciello indefinetly. Initially the fortresses served to make Ciello a base for the subjugation of the Royal Archipelago to the Imperium. Subsequently the island served as the main base from which the Imperium kept order in the region. Revolts which might have proven fatal to the empire's hold on the region failed, largely because Imperial forces could always weather the storm and await reinforcements behind the walls of the barrier fortresses.
Later, when the Imperium collapsed in on itself the fortresses allowed the various warlords on Ciello a certain degree of protection from outsiders. While raids on the coastal settlements were frequent, major attacks were rare. The island submitted peacefully to king Nebi during his unification campaign. When Amellianus Fabii "Rex" invaded the barrier fortresses proved the most enduring obstacle to his conquest.
In latter years the fortresses have served to cement the power of the dukes of Ciello. Their hold on the island, particularly its northern half is entirely dependant on their control of the fortresses.

Founding Date

350 BIC - 150 BIC

Type

Fortress

Parent Location

Island of Ciello

Owner

Duke Medwyn Belaroth

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Count Antonio de Aldershall

Owning Organization

Duchy of Ciello