Fort Wedrin
Fort Wedrin looms over the northern approach to the River Dura, a formidable presence that commands both the surrounding forested hills and the river crossing that leads deeper into the heart of Gilrim. Strategically positioned to protect the northern flank of the region, the castle has long served as a key defensive post against any incursions from the north or west. Its stout stone walls and square keep are a testament to the military might of Gilrim, standing firm against the passage of time and the shifting tides of politics.
The fort’s layout is designed for defence and observation, with its central keep rising above a courtyard flanked by two high watchtowers. From these towers, the garrison can survey the nearby roadways and forest edges, ensuring that no movement goes unnoticed. The fort’s defences are further bolstered by a series of thick outer walls, reinforced with iron bands, and a deep moat that encircles the main structure. While Fort Wedrin is smaller than some of the other fortresses in the region, its position along the river and the vigilance of its defenders make it a crucial checkpoint for any who would pass through northern Gilrim.
Despite its strength and apparent security, Fort Wedrin is a place shrouded in suspicion and unease. Lord Pajorr Tyman, the ruler of the castle, has come under scrutiny in recent years. A charismatic and shrewd nobleman, Tyman has been known to make overtures of friendship to the Kingdom of Remon, which lies just across the sea to the west. His connections with Remon's merchants and diplomats have raised eyebrows among his peers, but nothing has ever been proven against him - at least, not publicly. Nevertheless, rumours swirl that Tyman’s loyalties may not be as firm as his castle walls, and that Fort Wedrin has become a nexus of espionage and shadowy dealings.
The fort’s proximity to the coast and the western border of Gilrim makes it an ideal staging ground for those engaged in clandestine activities. The narrow, twisting paths through the woods and the hidden coves along the coastline are said to be used by smugglers and spies, slipping past the watchful eyes of the official garrison. It is whispered that secret messages pass through the hands of Tyman’s trusted courtiers, encoded in seemingly innocuous correspondence or carried by birds trained to fly across the channel to Remon.
Recently, suspicions have mounted that Fort Wedrin has become a hub for espionage, with information about Gilrim’s defences and troop movements being leaked to the enemy. Several patrols in the area have reported encountering mysterious figures along the riverbank at night, and there are signs that the fort’s own garrison may have been compromised. Guards have noticed unfamiliar symbols etched into stones near the river, and coded messages have been found hidden within supply crates.
Type
Castle
Comments