Clayridge Ruins

Clayridge Ruins mark the remnants of an ancient fortress, once a proud stronghold that guarded the early trade and migration routes through the Stonewarden Heights. Built by a long-forgotten kingdom that predated Jou’lunn’s rise, the fortress was strategically positioned to oversee and control the passage between the neighboring lands of Eouma and Dhuma. Its high walls and fortified towers once stood as a symbol of power and resilience, but now, only crumbling battlements and moss-covered stone remain.

Historical Significance

Clayridge was not merely an outpost; it was the site of a legendary battle, a clash between two great powers whose names have faded into myth. According to local legend, this battle was fought for control of the Stonewarden Heights and the lucrative trade routes that passed through Slaver’s Pass. The scale of the conflict was immense, and it is said that the earth itself was scorched by the fury of the armies that fought here, leaving the land forever marked by blood and fire.
The fortress fell during this climactic battle, its walls shattered by siege engines and ancient magics, and the once-thriving garrison was reduced to rubble. The battle ended with neither side claiming victory, and the ruins were abandoned, left to the elements and the passage of time. Today, Clayridge Ruins stand as a testament to this long-lost war, and relics of the conflict—broken weapons, rusted armor, and crumbled statues—can still be found scattered among the debris.

Modern-Day Importance

Although the ruins have been largely forgotten by the common folk, Blackwatch Bastion’s proximity has rekindled interest in Clayridge among Jou’lunn’s military strategists and scholars. Some believe that beneath the layers of rubble lie secrets—possibly tunnels, hidden armories, or even ancient magical artifacts—that could provide a strategic advantage to whoever controls them. Treasure hunters, adventurers, and scholars occasionally venture into the ruins, hoping to uncover something valuable from the past.
However, the site is not without danger. The terrain around the ruins is unstable, and many who enter are never seen again. Some whisper that the spirits of those who died in the battle still haunt the area, their restless souls bound to the land, unable to find peace. Others believe that dangerous creatures have made the ruins their home, lurking in the shadows of the collapsed towers and broken walls.

Legends and Mysteries

Local legends speak of a powerful artifact—a relic of the ancient battle—that is said to be buried deep within the ruins. Known as the "Heart of Clayridge," this artifact is believed to be a weapon of immense power, capable of turning the tide of any war. Some say it was the reason the two armies fought so fiercely, while others believe it to be a creation of the gods themselves. Whether the Heart of Clayridge truly exists or is just a myth, its legend continues to draw those willing to risk the dangers of the ruins in search of it.

Type

Ruins