Fort Fadran

Fort Fadran stands as a compact but solidly built fortification on the eastern border of Parroc, perched on the western bank of the River Pud. Its strategic location allows it to monitor the vital trade routes and crossings between Parroc and the neighbouring region of Jalussan. The fort’s position, overlooking a narrow stone bridge that spans the river, provides a key checkpoint for both traders and travellers. Though Fort Fadran was originally built to defend against external threats, its purpose has shifted over the years to more administrative and financial control under the command of Lord Hostan Elmondan.
The architecture of Fort Fadran is functional, with thick stone walls and several squat watchtowers that provide a commanding view of the surrounding plains and the river. The fort’s layout is compact, consisting of two primary levels with guard posts, barracks, and an armoury on the lower floor, while the upper level houses Lord Elmondan’s quarters and a small administrative office. A covered walkway connects the towers, allowing sentries to patrol without exposure to the elements. The courtyard, though modest in size, serves as a bustling centre of activity where soldiers drill, and goods are inspected before being allowed passage across the bridge.
Lord Hostan Elmondan has held command of Fort Fadran for several years, and his rule has become synonymous with greed and corruption. A man known for his avarice, Elmondan has turned the fort into a checkpoint where traders and travellers alike are required to pay heavy tolls and bribes to ensure their safe passage. Those who refuse or cannot afford the fees are often detained under false pretenses, their goods seized and “confiscated” for the crown—though most of the spoils find their way into Lord Elmondan’s personal coffers.
Despite the grievances of the local population and numerous complaints lodged against him, Lord Elmondan has managed to evade repercussions due to his well-placed connections within the Forbin nobility. His control over Fort Fadran has become increasingly oppressive, with his guards enforcing his will and turning a blind eye to any misconduct that lines their pockets. Rumours of smuggling operations and illicit deals with powerful merchants from Jalussan swirl around the fort, though concrete evidence has yet to surface.
Recently, however, tensions have begun to rise within Fort Fadran. A series of mysterious disappearances among the fort’s staff and local merchants have left the garrison on edge. Some believe that Lord Elmondan’s underhanded dealings have finally caught up with him, and that a rival faction—perhaps from Jalussan—is targeting his operations. Others whisper of something darker, hinting at a shadowy group seeking to expose Elmondan’s corruption and bring justice to the region.
To complicate matters further, a recent attempt to intercept a key shipment of “confiscated goods” en route to a secretive buyer in Jalussan was foiled by unknown assailants. Several guards were killed, and the shipment vanished without a trace. Lord Elmondan is now desperate to uncover who was behind the attack and recover his lost spoils before word of this incident reaches his superiors.

Type

Castle