Sunday, May 21, 2023

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #141

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #141 

May 21st, 2023 

  • Number: 141 

  • Name: Noldrune Castle 

  • Location: North coast of Noldrune on Staplefish Bay, northwest of Lapit Bay 

  • Population (approx.): 520 (castle and surrounding settlement) 

  • Brief: Before the invasion of the Ta’arnan Empire from the south, the northern half of Sudeben was known as the land of the Allied Kings. One by one the Kingdoms fell to the might of Ta’arna’s legions, leaving Noldrune, the Swords of the Night, alone. The last King of Noldrune sued for peace and surrendered to Ta’arna at sunrise on the fields outside of his castle along the coast. Years later that same castle became the center of resistance to the Empire, House Noldrune , rising in the darkness and leading the successful rebellion to found the City-State named in their honor. But as a martial and political power, Noldrune was spent and began to fade, propped up by arranged marriages, strength of their faith to Poul, and titles granted to rising powers. 189 years ago, House Claid pushed aside House Noldrune, the latter retreating to their castle where the survivors remain to this day. Traditions persist and many nobles continue to visit Noldrune Castle to “kiss the ring” and pay homage to those who freed the land. 

  • Geography: Noldrune Castle, known as the Nightfort, is a massive fortification on the cliffs overlooking Staplefish Bay. Black basalt walls enclose a substantial courtyard, the main keep itself, a Church of Poul, and attendant outbuildings. Wide ramps and stairs descend the cliffs from the northern walls to a small harbor below. A village covers the grounds next to the moat that surrounds the southern walls centered about the main gate, with its grand towers and imposing barbican. Visitors will note the styles of the village and castle and traditions of the inhabitants seem foreign for their genesis is in the time of the Allied Kings, 15 centuries ago. 


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