Castles and Defensive Structures

There are many castles and other fortifications across the islands of the Helerin Archipelago. Many of these form part of each nation's defences, and are home to nobles and mighty captains. Others may be home to mages, rogues, or other independent actors.
Helerin’s military and defensive structures, from towering fortresses to coastal watchtowers, are built with durability and strategic importance in mind. These fortifications often reflect Norran and Boma craftsmanship, with robust stonework, reinforced walls, and towers that provide vantage points over critical regions.
Castles and forts, particularly in mountainous areas like Remon and Forbin, serve as both military strongholds and symbols of protection for the people. Walls, battlements, and gatehouses are carefully designed to defend against potential threats while displaying the power and stability of the ruling forces.
For more information about the architecture and buildings of Helerin, see: Architecture.

Forbin

See also: Castles and towers of Forbin

Castle Kamand

Castle Kamand is a fortress in Bostin on the eastern coast. Lord Motta, a great support of the Golden King, is in charge here.

Darkstone

Darkstone lies on the west coast and is home to the Keeva Lord of Gilrim, Seras Halfmoon.

Fort Jalus

Fort Jalus is a great keep overlooking the Bay of Jalus. It is from here that Kirra Frenmar governs the region of Jalussan.

Palace of the Golden King

The Golden King, Trybon Fane, holds court in his vast palace in Forbin's capital, Holdras.

Northwatch

Northwatch is a mighty fort in the Northern Marches. From here, Halla Shride strives to maintain her precarious rule over the region.

White Keep

Guarding the east-west road across Midrun, White Keep is home to the Lord Guardian of the region, Pel Highstaff.

Mar Mabon

See also: Castles and towers of Mar Mabon

Castle Varathis

Castle Varathis rises at the western end of Orbont's busy harbour, a multi-tiered fortress that combines elegance with defensive strength. Its sweeping arches and balconies offer a commanding view of the city and the Mabon Channel. Lord Trivek, known as ‘Tormus the Handsome,’ holds court here, using his charm and cunning to navigate the labyrinthine politics of Orbont. Commander Varodeen is Trivek's military chief, leading Orbont's garrison stationed within the castle.

Citadel of the Serpent

Perched on a rocky outcrop at the western edge of Gathansin, the Citadel of the Serpent looms over the town like a watchful guardian. Mistress Bantheen, a shrewd and formidable ruler, resides within its walls. The citadel is renowned for its unique spire shaped like a serpent’s head and the presence of the Serpent Guard, a disciplined force that ensures the Mistress’s grip on power. Commander Ranteen is their ambitious leader.

Fort Tavad

Fort Tavad stands at the northern edge of the Jarocan Plain, a symbol of neutrality and collaboration amidst the shifting alliances of the Mar Mabon Townships. Overseen by the seasoned Commander Jorn, it serves as a meeting place for township leaders, protected by the sworn neutrality of the Knights of Mabon, who mediate disputes and uphold agreements under the auspices of the goddess Lessada.

Palace of the Sun

The Palace of the Sun in the city of Argonsa is a grand testament to the city’s wealth and power. Home to Prince Alfic, a skilled Channeller and avid collector of magical artefacts, the palace’s golden spires and tiered courtyards overlook the Sea of Fair Winds. Security at the palace is maintained by the Sun Guard, Alfic's personal force led by the Prince's loyal lieutenant, Captain Passell.

Mar Miskun

See also: Castles and towers of Mar Miskun

Bastion of Kunkana

A military stronghold in the town of Kunkana, the Bastion is a robust and heavily defended keep that serves as the command centre for the region’s defence. Fittar Mobinn, Master of Kunkana and a stern leader known for his iron will and tactical acumen, resides here.

Fort Drasash

Situated at the eastern edge of the Penstrarn Hills, Fort Drasash oversees the key fork where the road to Penstrarn descends. The fort is commanded by Captain Paylin, a disciplined and dedicated officer who keeps a close watch over the surrounding trade routes.

Fort Hassar

Perched on the western tip of Mar Miskun, Fort Hassar guards the coast and serves as a base for patrol boats that monitor the western seas. Led by Captain Tarfell, the fort maintains a modest garrison of soldiers and sailors tasked with deterring piracy.

Fort Hayil

The northernmost stronghold of Mar Miskun, Fort Hayil commands a vital position overlooking the Hayil Strait. Though its garrison is large, the fort has become a place of corruption under the rule of Captain Kapprin, whose greed and ambition have weakened its defences.

High Keep of Penstrarn

The grand fortress at the southern edge of the city of Penstrarn, this imposing keep serves as the residence of Lady Yennithir and the seat of power for one of the most influential cities in the League of Mar Miskun. It stands as a symbol of authority and control over the city and its surrounding territories.

Round Keep of Ashanok

A massive domed structure in the heart of Ashanok, the Round Keep is a hub of political power for the city’s seven Dukes. Each Duke maintains a presence here, reflecting the unity and shared governance of Ashanok’s merchant elite.

Tower of Tarinor

Overlooking the road between Ashanok and Halfway, the Tower of Tarinor serves as a military outpost guarding the Riverlands. Commanded by Captain Calinn, it plays a crucial role in maintaining order along the roads and protecting the region from bandit raids.

Varferill

Perched atop the cliffs of Reaver's Bay, the fortress of Varferril is a pirate stronghold ruled by the fearsome Kagarran the Grim. From this fortified base, Kagarran commands his fleet of corsair vessels, preying upon ships that venture too close to his domain.

Remon

See also: Castles and towers of Remon

Castle Biltar

Situated on the southern coast along Berin Sound, Castle Biltar serves as a critical coastal stronghold. Commanded by Lord Drannis, the fortress plays a vital role in protecting the timber-rich Denerth Woods and securing the coastline. However, the mysterious disappearance of a heirloom blade, the Song of the Tide, has caused tension within its walls.

Fort Dayn

Fort Dayn is the kingdom’s first line of defence along the Straits of Jaltra. Commanded by Lord Karvas Mannakar, this sprawling fortress is a vital military hub. Recently, concerns about supply irregularities and the growing influence of Mannakar’s son, Althus, have troubled the garrison.

Irestone

A sturdy fortress on the Bay of Laknas, Irestone guards the southern Plains of Daraneen and nearby trade routes. Lord Commander Venrick oversees this outpost, where he contends with raids led by the elusive warlord Jalash Karnoch.

Laknas Keep

The great Keep at Laknas controls the vital Ogir River crossing in the north of Remon. Under Lord Garron, a cousin of King Dastan III the keep has become a hub of corruption and ambition, as Garron turns the once-honourable fortress into his personal fiefdom.

Old Palace of Jaltra

The Old Palace in Jaltra once served as the royal residence of Remon’s monarchs before the capital moved to Harsann. Now occupied by Princess Karenth, the King’s younger sister, the palace still houses a small garrison and the Royal Crypt, while its crumbling western wing falls into the sea.

Royal Palace of Harsann

The Royal Palace in Harsann is the current seat of the monarchs of Remon. Built on a rise overlooking the River Dayn and Bay of Harsann, it serves as both a symbol of power and a hub for political affairs. Its strategic location and strong defences make it one of Remon’s most secure fortifications.
The Palace Guard is led by Commander Forchamen, a hero of the War of Salvation.

Soldra Garrison

Perched above the cascading falls of the River Dayn, the Garrison at Soldra is a critical outpost controlling trade with the Norran. Commanded by the strict Captain Yuldan, tensions have risen as Yuldan’s harsh policies have damaged trade relations with the Norran cities.

Seynan Islands

See also: Castles and towers of the Seynan Islands
The islanders maintain no major fortifications themselves. Neighbouring Forbin occupies the great keep of Torbanan at the eastern edge of the islands (its twin citadel Beranan is an unoccupied ruin).

Teros

See also: Castles and towers of Teros

Bronze Palace

Situated in the capital city of Olnath, the Bronze Palace serves as the administrative and military headquarters for the Peacekeeper occupation in Teros. The largest garrison in Teros is housed here, with over 1,200 soldiers stationed within its fortified walls. Supreme Commander Nortis leads the Peacekeepers.

Castle Birishad

Located in the southern Redpeaks, Castle Birishad is the regional command centre for Peacekeeper forces. Overseeing the vital road near Dassar Bridge, it enables Commander Yorshan to secure key routes through the mountains and maintain control over the Oln and Andras river valleys.

Castle Elchorr

Castle Elchorr controls the vital trade routes near the Natarrine Sands. Despite its nominal Peacekeeper garrison, the castle has become a hub for smuggling and corruption; Captain Thaysis has been effectively usurped by the warlord Maxan Roshar.

Castle Gennar

Perched on the southern shores of Leviathan Bay, Castle Gennar is a crucial stronghold for the Peacekeepers in the bay region. The garrison stationed here under Captain Chasrinn oversees coastal approaches, protecting Forbin’s hold on this key territory.

Citadel of the Gate

Located on the western coast, the Natarr garrison at the Citadel of the Gate ensures Peacekeeper control over the Natarrine Sands and secures vital coastal routes. This garrison castle supports operations against bandits and raiders that threaten the region, although the ailing Commander Haskar is starting to lose his grip here.

Elinann Garrison

The Elinann Garrison under the charismatic Commander Serrak serves as the primary Peacekeeper stronghold on Teros Minor, overseeing both the city itself and the shipping lanes of the Mabon Channel. With 800 soldiers stationed here, it acts as a reserve force, capable of reinforcing other regions of Teros if needed.

Keep of Benann

Strategically positioned in the Crimson Hills, the Keep at Benann monitors the volatile region’s trade routes and serves as a forward operating base for Peacekeeper patrols and anti-raider operations. The garrison also controls several key mining sites, which are vital for the region’s economy. Captain Karrodin, who leads the force here, is a corrupt bully.

Pandruna

Located on the Challan Peninsula, the citadel of Pandruna remains under the dominion of the ancient Drile sorcerer known as the Scaled Keeper. Its fabled arcane power make it a fortress of notable importance, and one not controlled by Forbin’s forces.