Kastellion
Hook's Bay
Three strong, square towers stand watch over Iskendra from across the strait of Hook's Bay. Connected by strong, unadorned walls of granite. Only a few scattered holes for artillery and archers can be seen. On the land, a huge gate with wide, metal doors and oil pots guards a water silo. This single gate appears to be the only way into the castle, at least without tearing down its mighty walls.—Wyford of Heathmere's "A Tour of Old Palladia"
Purpose / Function
The Kastellion or simply, the Castle of Iskendra, is not located within the city proper. Instead, it lies on the Kaneshite mainland, across from the peninsula. The primary purpose of the Kastellion is to house the Tower Chain, a brilliant innovation of the utmost effectiveness and simplicity. Made of adamantium links, the Tower Chain is connected on either side to the Kastellion and to the Strategion. During periods of siege, the Tower Chain can be raised to prevent ships from entering the northern harbor districts.
The Kastellion houses Iskendra’s true dungeons. These obliettes house the common criminals of Iskendra, as well as those considered too dangerous to be held within the Golden Gates of the Strategion. Torture facilities and offices of espionage can also be found here.
Some in Iskendra also tell of secret cells dedicated to housing monsters and other unholy creatures. They claim that the Emperor holds onto them in case of another riot or uprising, so he can unleash them on his rivals without taking the blame.
Alterations
The Kastellion was originally the palace of an earlier city during the Mithril Era, but was later renovated and rebuilt as a powerful fortress during the Late Palladian Era.
Architecture
The Kastellion is comprised of three towers inside a central bailey with a single set of unadorned granite walls surrounding the towers. A single main gate lies on the north side of the walls, while several hidden doors and hatches can be found nearby. However, these doors are big enough for only one person to move through at a time, and can easily be collapsed in case of a siege.
History
The Kastellion also doubles as the barracks of the Imperial Legion’s Capitol Theme. Since the Age of Steel, when emperors came and went like the tide, the Legion itself has been banned from enter the city, for fear that they might overthrow the sitting emperor and replace them with one of their commanders. Though this may seem like a security flaw, it has yet to endanger Iskendra itself, as the city remains protected by the Kyprinoi and the Varangian guard. Moreover, officers are allowed to cross over individually to study and meet with advisors at the Strategion, allowing for a transfer of knowledge.
Alternative Names
The Castle; The Castle of Iskendra;
Type
Castle
Parent Location
Owning Organization
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