Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #142

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #142 

May 22nd, 2023 

• Number: 142 

• Name: Claid Castle 

• Location:  Northwest Noldrune, east of the Noldrune River and west of Belladorn 

• Population (approx.): 1,200 (keep and surrounding town) 

• Brief: In the aftermath of the collapse of the Ta’arnan Empire which enabled the successful rebellion led by House Noldrune, House Claid slowly grew their position and power initially as a stalwart alley of Noldrune to the preeminent and now ruling House of the City-State. Claid did this by presenting a more secular worldview, which appealed to the masses in the aftermath of the battles between the factions of the Six Gods. They gradually grew their capabilities in all aspects; militarily, economically and magically, and at the same time slowly undermined their opposition, notably House Noldrune. Eventually, Claid offered Noldrune a carrot (an arranged marriage to pass (surrender) the title of Baron and a nominal position of respect) or a stick (civil war and likely annihilation). As Claid ascended to the throne of the City-State, the importance and development of the western half of Noldrune grew. Trading with Carasta and Taodeas centered on roads departing Claid Castle. Belladorn (#1) remained the largest city of Noldrune, but political power resided in the west. 

• Geography: Claid Castle started as a single tower of a landed Knight in service to Ta’arna over 800 years ago. Through cunning, guile and skill, the first Knight of Claid built a House and a Castle. The tower became a tall circular keep, then they built fortress of towers about the keep and now a castle, separated from the fortress by a large courtyard, spreads over the plains of Noldrune. Claid Castle, on a slightly raised plot of land, is surrounded by an oblong curtain wall backed by tall towers every 30m. Two barbicans, at each end of the complex, contain massive gates flanked by crenelated towers. Loyal retainers and servants maintain residences downslope of the walls, flanking the main entrance road, from the castle end, connected to the local highway. A small settlement, mostly Inns and shops, can be found at the intersection.