Black Citadel

The Black Citadel is one of the most frightening buildings in Blackhold, and that in itself is a feat. Its tall, highly defensible walls are daunting to be near, and it is often said that the first test of an apprentice Umbramage is to see whether or not he quakes in fear at the first sight of the Black Citadel. The citadel's cavernous halls are lit and heated by a rock that ignites under a flame, known as Coal. Its tall windows are stained purple from obsidian rich glass, as clearer glass has to be imported to the island. The citadel is the training ground and academy for Umbramages of all walks of life, made even more tantalising by its location on Black Island the epicentre of Umbramagic energy. The Citadel is guarded by the Black Island Garrison, who wield weapons of Shadowsteel forged in the Black Forge and who can often kill an enemy before he even notices they are there. The Citadel is often considered the most important building in the United A'Mi Duchies and is armed to the teeth to show for it. There has not been a single successful raid on Blackhold since its construction and the crushing of the army of Cal'As the Foolhardy in his attempt to destroy the spiritual centre of Umbramancy and the United A'Mi Duchies as a whole.

Purpose / Function

The Black Citadel is a multipurpose fortress designed to secure control of the Umbramagic centre of Black Island for the United A'Mi Duchies. Not only is it a nearly impregnable defensive fortification, but it also:

• Educates apprentice mages in the art of Umbramancy
• Allows practising Umbramages the freedom to experiment without reprocussions
• Houses and armours the Black Island Garrison, a unit of soldiers tasked with defending Black Island at any cost
• Stores food and provisions as a town-wide warehouse for the long, dark winters

Among many other smaller uses.

Architecture

Stark and imposing. The battlements of the citadel have been built to be efficient, easy to defend and easy to repair. This sacrificies beauty however, and the sheer black walls of the outer defences often terrify those from outside the island.

Alternative Names

The Dark Citadel

Type

Fortress

Parent Location

Cur'A'Mol (Blackhold)

Owning Organization

United A'Mi Duchies