Fal Dara

Across the churning expanse of the Dragon's Claw Straight, Fal Dara cuts an imposing figure against the horizon. The strait, a natural barrier stained crimson by countless battles, serves as a precarious demilitarized zone during fleeting periods of peace. When war ignites, however, the Dragon's Claw Straight runs red with the blood of combatants.
Fal Dara itself is a marvel of resilience. Its formidable walls, crafted from a black, volcanic stone called nightshard, rise like an impregnable dam against the tides and the relentless Hakkak hordes. Within, the city pulsates with life. Barracks and training grounds co-exist with bustling marketplaces and vibrant gardens, a testament to Fal Dara's role as both a bastion of defense and a thriving center of Arbane society. Elven archers hone their skills beneath the boughs of ancient oaks, transplanted from the heart of Arbane as a defiant symbol of their homeland. A constant hum of activity thrums through the city, a counterpoint to the ever-present roar of the Dragon's Claw Straight.

Government

Fal Dara operates under a unique governing system that blends the martial necessity of a wartime city with the inherent love of freedom ingrained in Arbane's elven and fey heritage. 
A council of seasoned veterans, both military leaders and respected civilians, holds ultimate authority within Fal Dara. This council, known as the "Fal Dara Vigil," is responsible for overseeing the city's defense, resource allocation, and civilian well-being. Membership on the council is a mix of elected positions and those reserved for military commanders. This ensures a balance between strategic decision-making and practical battlefield experience.
Fal Dara acts as a crucible for new recruits. All Arbane volunteers and enscripted, regardless of destination, begin their training here. The harsh realities of war are tempered with the guidance of seasoned veterans, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose within the diverse ranks. Once trained, soldiers are deployed based on need and specialization. Fal Dara itself houses a permanent garrison, but it also serves as the logistical and strategic hub for numerous smaller forts and camps scattered along the Dragon's Claw Straight. These outposts rely on Fal Dara for supplies, reinforcements, and tactical guidance.
Despite the martial atmosphere, Fal Dara strives to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Gardens are meticulously maintained even within the fortified walls, offering a breath of fresh air and a connection to Arbane's natural beauty. Cultural events like music nights and storytelling sessions are encouraged, fostering a sense of community and reminding soldiers of the peaceful life they are fighting to protect.
The system is not without its challenges. The influx of volunteers requires constant adaptation and integration. Blending martial law with Elven ideals requires careful navigation to avoid stifling the spirit of the people they defend. Tensions can arise between the permanent garrison, hardened by years on the frontlines, and the newly arrived volunteers. Experienced leadership and a shared sense of purpose are crucial in maintaining unity.

Infrastructure

Fal Dara's infrastructure reflects its dual life as a fortress and a thriving city. Everything within the massive nightshard walls is built with both defense and daily life in mind.
The heart of Fal Dara's infrastructure is its nigh-impenetrable wall. Constructed from the aforementioned nightshard, a volcanic rock renowned for its strength, the walls are layered with firing steps, archer positions, and strategically placed towers manned by elite marksmen. These fortifications are constantly patrolled and maintained, ensuring they remain a formidable barrier against the Hakkak hordes.
Within the walls lies a network of barracks, meticulously organized to house the vast legion of soldiers stationed at Fal Dara. These barracks are not simply dormitories; they include training facilities where soldiers hone their combat skills in simulated environments and practice formations. Archery ranges line the inner walls, while expansive courtyards serve as drill grounds for infantry and cavalry.
Life in Fal Dara revolves around war preparedness. A network of armories stores a vast arsenal of weapons and armor, meticulously maintained by skilled weaponsmiths. These armories are supplemented by workshops where blacksmiths forge new weapons and armorers keep existing equipment battle-ready. Fal Dara even boasts workshops dedicated to the construction and maintenance of siege weaponry, a constant reminder of the city's potential offensive capabilities. These vast armories not only supply the citadel, but most of the battlegrounds territory.
Fal Dara's ability to withstand long sieges hinges on its extensive network of supply depots and granaries. These storehouses hold provisions for both the soldiers and the civilian population, ensuring they can endure even the most protracted conflicts. Regular shipments arrive from Arbane's heartland, but Fal Dara also cultivates its own food sources within the walls through rooftop gardens that blanket the city and strategically placed greenhouses.
The harsh realities of war necessitate a robust medical infrastructure. Fal Dara boasts well-equipped hospitals staffed by skilled healers, that draw drom the sylvan magics of Arbane honed through generations of conflict. Because of this, Fal Dara, and Arbane as a whole, has some of the most advanced and wonderous remadies of the continent. So much so, that civilians of great illness, not born in the first world, will travel to the battlegrounds in the middle of war just to see a healer at Fal Dara.
Despite the ever-present threat, life in Fal Dara bustles with a surprising vibrancy. Marketplaces offer a diverse array of goods and services, catering to both the soldiers and the civilian population. Blacksmiths forge not only weapons, but also tools and everyday necessities. Tailors mend uniforms and create clothing, while taverns provide a space for soldiers and civilians to unwind and find solace in shared experiences.

Districts

The Ward Gates:

Entry into Fal Dara is strictly controlled through massive iron gates adorned with intricate elven runes that shimmer with faint fey magic. These runes serve a dual purpose: detecting magical tampering and acting as a subtle ward against hostile spells. Upon passing through the gates, visitors find themselves in the bustling Defender's Square.
This central plaza serves as the lifeblood of Fal Dara. Here, soldiers drill in precise formations, their movements echoing off the surrounding buildings. Centaur messengers weave through the crowds, delivering vital messages from outposts along the Dragon's Claw Straight. On market days, the square transforms into a vibrant marketplace, with stalls overflowing with fresh produce, handcrafted wares, and exotic trinkets brought in by traders from across Arbane. Banners emblazoned with the sigils of various Elven houses flutter in the breeze, a testament to the diverse citizenry who call Fal Dara home. 
Most armories and storehouses can be found here in the Defender's Square and is usually as far as most visitors go into the citadel if not enlisted. It is the third largest district in the citadel.

Military Districts:

Beyond the Defender's Square lie districts dedicated to the unwavering defense of Arbane: the Bladewind Barracks and the Hall of Champions.
The Bladewind Barracks is labyrinthine network of buildings houses the core of Fal Dara's military might. Human soldiers bunk alongside stoic elves, their camaraderie forged in the fires of war. Training yards echo with the clang of steel and the barked commands of drill instructors. The majority of the healing temples can be found within the Bladewind Barracks district, as often are needed to tend to the soldiers during the war. Within the Bladewind Barracks lies the prestigious Hall of Champions.
This grand hall serves as a training ground for Fal Dara's elite warriors. Here, veterans hone their skills in swordsmanship, archery, and arcane combat under the tutelage of legendary heroes. The walls are adorned with murals depicting past victories, serving as a constant source of inspiration for aspiring warriors. However, most importantly, is the dragonic script that lights every stone of every wall inside the Hall of Champions. A gift from High King Torinn, the etching of every name of every champion who has ever died giving their mortal life to Arbane in the conflict of the The Eternal War . This has sometimes been a point of tension amongst those who are killed in the war but were blessed, or cursed, to have been borne in the First World granting them another chance at life.

Civilian Districts:

Fal Dara isn't just about war. Generations of families have called the citadel home, weaving a tapestry of civilian life amidst the martial bustle.
The Wisperwood Grove is an enchanting district is a testament to Arbane's fey heritage. Living trees with bark that shimmers like moonlight form a natural canopy overhead. Here, families dwell in houses "carved" from living wood, their windows adorned with twinkling "fairy berries" lights, special Goodberries that shine like fireflies in moonlight. Hidden pathways lead to secret gardens where herbalists cultivate rare plants with restorative properties. On warm nights, the air thrums with the soft melody of pan flutes, a reminder of the magic that still flickers within the heart of Fal Dara. The Wisperwood Grove is the largest district outside of the Bladewind Barracks, incoperating most of the nativeborn Fal Dara civilians.
The rhythmic pounding of hooves announces the Centaur Quarter. Spacious stables house these noble creatures, who serve as scouts, messengers, and even formidable shock cavalry in times of war. Centaur families reside in specially designed dwellings that cater to their unique stature. Taverns in this district boast roaring fireplaces, perfect for weary centaurs to warm their hooves after a long patrol. The laughter and camaraderie that spill out from these establishments are a testament to the strong bonds forged between human and centaur within the walls of Fal Dara.

History

Fal Dara's origins trace back to a solitary watchtower, a lonely sentinel perched on the precipice overlooking the Dragon's Claw Straight. Centuries of relentless orcish raids from across the strait necessitated a more substantial defense. Fal Dara morphed into a fortified camp, housing legions of Arbane's defenders. As the war became a generational struggle, the lives of those stationed there mirrored its relentless pace. Families were brought in, farms established within the fortified walls, and a spirit of community blossomed amidst the constant threat. Trade routes were established across the strait during lulls in the fighting, bringing not just supplies but also the seeds of culture and commerce.
Today, Fal Dara stands as a defiant beacon. It is a testament to Arbane's unwavering determination not only to defend their borders but to carve out a life for themselves, even on the precipice of war. It is a crucible where the flames of conflict forge a unique people - a blend of stoic warriors and passionate civilians, all bound by their unwavering dedication to the survival of their nation.

Founding Date

4/17/3592

Alternative Name(s)

Guardian's Hold

Type

Citadel

Population

Fal Dara's population is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 inhabitants depending on the fluctuation of the The Eternal War

Location under

Battlegrounds, Arbane