Initial Impressions
Fort Ksar is the oldest of the great Jaktan border fortresses. Despite now being behind the frontier, it is kept up-to-date, and is regarded as the last line of defence and key to the peninsular.
The fort is on the coastal plain, and gives the impression of a low, hulking sandstone beast. Its towers are squat drums of grey-tan quartzite, it’s walls are lower than most of the other border fortresses but what they lack in height they make up in thickness and strength. The overall plan is concentric, with a broad sea-moat. On the seaward side, a heavily defended gatehouse with treble portcullises allows access to a small but carefully isolated harbour within the fortress’ outer walls.
Outside the fort, a sizeable town has grown up on the east side, growing rich on trade passing down to and from the capital, Jakta along the Royal Military Road. The town itself has a reasonably strong wall and sea-moat, but the fort authorities are careful to ensure that the town does not directly abut the fort. Instead of providing cover for any attacker, the space between the two is an ideal killing field, swept by fields of fire from both.
At the centre of each of Fort Ksar’s towers is a sturdy mast. In peacetime, they are used as flagpoles, each flying the banner of Fort Ksar; gules, a bar purpure, bringing some gaiety to an otherwise very dour place. In wartime, the masts are used to anchor nets and strong cables as a defence against aerial attack.
Who Rules
Count Vorman von Ksar - in his early 60’s, grey of hair and beard, slightly plump and prone to drink-induced ruddy face, but a renowned warrior and defensive strategist. Veteran of many sieges of Fort Ksar, which he never lost to any foe.
Other Important People
Countess Elenara von Ksar – once a great beauty, and still handsome and slender, albeit grey-haired. A very gracious lady, and a true love match for her husband despite the seeming contrast between them.
Helmuth von Ksar – eldest son of Count Vorman and Countess Elenara - in his early 30’s, slim and quite handsome even though he inherits his father’s ruddy-face.
Bitred von Ksar – younger son of Count Vorman. A dissolute fop, who rivals his father in drink if not ability.
Notable Buildings
Fort Ksar
1 Fort Ksar
2 Seaward Gate
3 Towngate
4
Ksartown
1. Fortgate
2. Jakta Road Gate
3. Town Hall
4. Count Armin’s Square
5. Magistrates Court
6. Temple of Tyr – Senior priest Father Sanjust
7. Temple of Odin – Senior priest Father Sigismund von Augen
8. Temple of Thor – Senior priest Father Aedrec Malledon
9. The Three Casks – Travellers’ Inn, mid-market. Owned and managed by Cedric Malbar.
10. The King and Duke – Travellers’ Inn, upmarket
11. Rogan’s Doom – Travellers’ Inn, downmarket
12. The Inn of the Six Silks – High-class brothel
13. The Nail and Horseshoe – Sutler’s Shop
14. Berdan’s Forge – armourer
15. Felmor’s Smithy – swordsmith
16.
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