Sycaeum

"Sycaeum is an old citadel that endured several sackings before finally being conquered by the northern merchant republics. These days it is an important watch on the southern borders of the Republic of Callaern, governed by the Magistrate of Sukraeum.
In the 9th century after Parretoa the republic of Assaen led various military conquests into Preic lands in attempts to consolidate the trade ports in the Broken Bay. By this time the settlement had already been sacked by the Empires from the Delasis Delta, abandoned, rebuilt and sacked again. When the Assaen armies arrived at the citadel the outer walls were in disrepair and the defenders occupied dealing with slave uprisings incited by Assaen spies. After a short siege the defenders were forced to retreat to the inner citadel where they held out several months.
During the siege the soldiers of Assaen went through the city, pillaging and burning down Preic places of worship. The defenders were forced to witness from the citadel as the city burned below them. Little of the lower city survived the siege; the walls were torn down, and the Great Agora and bathhouses were burned to the ground. Eventually the defenders surrendered the city to the enemy.
Since then the northern merchant republics have ruled over the city. The Acropolis survived the siege and still serves as a religious center for the citizens of Sycaeum today. However, the old keep, which was ruined after the siege, was rebuilt in Callaeran style as the Magistrates Castle. As an important stronghold in the border lands of Callaern, Sycaeum has secured privileges granting them religious freedom and permitting the practice of slavery, though no Callaerans may become slaves.
The Callaeran and Preic traditions often clash in Sycaeum, with priests of the Great Balance fiercely opposing the slavery in the town, while the Preic nobility will fight to hold on to their culture. The Magistrate, a local noble appointed by the Callaeran overlords attempts to maintain a delicate balance between enforcing the Republic's laws and honoring local traditions and culture."
D. Harewood, Fendalian Cartographer

Maps

• 

  Sycaeum

Alternative Name(s)

Sikkum, Siekem

Type

Town

Population

1800

Location under

Preica

Owning Organization

Republic of Callaern