Zarrin Keep

Zarrin Keep, perched on a low, rocky rise amidst the vast Plains of Zarroth, was once the mightiest stronghold in northern Teros. Commissioned by Zarroth of House Balan in 1264, the keep served as a testament to the newfound strength and unity of the realm.
With its thick, dark stone walls and sturdy towers, it stood as a bulwark against any who would dare challenge the fledgling kingdom. Now, however, the keep is a crumbling relic, its glory long faded, a casualty not of war but of nature’s wrath. In 2182, a devastating earthquake tore through the region, reducing much of the fortress to rubble and rendering it nearly uninhabitable.
The keep’s remains are scattered across the rocky hilltop like the broken bones of a great beast. The central tower, once the seat of Zarroth’s power in the north, leans precariously, its upper levels shattered. The main courtyard is choked with debris, and the ancient stone walls, cracked and buckled, are overgrown with hardy grasses and creeping vines. Only a few of the keep’s original chambers remain intact, hidden beneath the shattered structure, their entrances concealed by fallen stones and earth.
Despite its dilapidated state, Zarrin Keep has not been entirely abandoned. Drovak Nalin, a former soldier, now turned brigand, now occupies what remains of the once-grand stronghold. He and his band of outlaws use the ruined fortress as a base from which to launch raids on passing caravans and travellers daring to cross the dangerous plains. They have adapted the remaining structures to suit their needs, reinforcing collapsed walls and creating makeshift barricades from the scattered stones. Watchfires burn at night along the broken battlements, and scouts keep a vigilant eye on the surrounding plains for approaching threats or opportunities.
Zarrin Keep’s isolation and forbidding presence have made it an ideal refuge for outlaws and vagabonds, but Drovak’s ambitions extend far beyond simple banditry. He claims to be the true heir to the fallen House Balan, a distant relative of the long-dead royal line, and seeks to reclaim what he sees as his birthright.

RUINED STRUCTURE
2182

Founding Date

1264

Type

Ruins