### **The Ruby Fortress** --- ## **Basic Information** - **Name:** The Ruby Fortress - **Type:** Fortress / Military Stronghold - **Region:** Located on the western border of Brevoy, near the Icerime Peaks, serving as a strategic bastion between Rostland and Issia. - **Scale & Population:** Moderately populated, housing a **permanent garrison** of elite Aldori-trained warriors, smiths, and support staff. Refugees and political exiles sympathetic to the Aldori cause occasionally take shelter within its walls. - **Primary Inhabitants:** - **Aldori Swordlords & Duelists** – Elite warriors sworn to the Aldori cause. - **Mercenaries & Scouts** – Loyal to [[Jamandi Aldori]] and trained for skirmishes against House Surtova and Pitaxian incursions. - **Political Dissidents & Exiles** – Nobles, merchants, and rebels who refuse to bow to House Surtova. - **Craftsmen & Traders** – Smiths, armorers, and suppliers who help maintain the fortress economy. - **Climate & Terrain:** - A **rugged, mountainous** region with cold winds sweeping down from the Icerime Peaks. - **Winters are harsh**, but the fortress is built for endurance, with heated halls and well-stocked granaries. - Surrounding forests provide hunting grounds, while hidden mountain passes offer secret escape routes. --- ## **Geography & Layout** - **Key Features & Landmarks:** - **The Crimson Keep** – The central stronghold, named for the deep red stonework and battle banners that adorn its walls. - **The Blade Ring** – An open-air dueling ground where Aldori warriors test their skill in single combat and military drills. - **The Anvil Quarter** – A series of forges and workshops producing some of the finest weapons in Brevoy, especially Aldori dueling swords. - **The Iron Gate** – The heavily fortified main entrance, reinforced with enchanted steel and warded against scrying magic. - **The Ruby Veins** – Secret tunnels running beneath the fortress, rumored to lead to lost dwarven mines or escape routes into the mountains. - **Notable Districts/Areas:** - **The Warlord’s Hall** – Headquarters of the Aldori command, where tactical meetings and war councils take place. - **The Exile's Refuge** – A hidden sector within the fortress, providing asylum to those fleeing House Surtova or other political enemies. - **The Shadow Vaults** – A lower chamber rumored to house artifacts, confiscated Pitaxian intelligence, and Aldori secrets too dangerous for public knowledge. - **Connections & Accessibility:** - **Mountain Passes** – Treacherous but known routes allow for hidden movement of troops and supplies. - **Secret Paths to Restov** – Covert trails used to maintain communication with [[Jamandi Aldori]] and her agents in Restov. - **Riverside Trade Route** – A hidden dock along a narrow river, allowing smugglers and trusted traders to supply the fortress without drawing suspicion. --- ## **Culture & Society** - **Local Governance:** - Ruled by an **Aldori Warlord**, appointed directly by [[Jamandi Aldori]]. The current Warlord, **Commander Tarwyn Kell**, is known for his **unwavering discipline and brutal efficiency** in rooting out Surtova spies. - The fortress operates under **strict martial law**, with every citizen expected to contribute in training, defense, or trade. - **Economy & Trade:** - **Weapon & Armor Crafting** – The Ruby Fortress produces masterwork Aldori dueling swords, light armor, and enchanted weapons for the resistance. - **Mercenary Contracts** – The fortress secretly funds and trains elite mercenary groups to weaken Surtova’s grip on Brevoy. - **Espionage Network** – Information brokers pass through the fortress, trading intelligence on House Surtova, King [[Castruccio Irovetti]], and even River Kingdom politics. - **Religion & Beliefs:** - **Iomedae (Goddess of Honor & Justice)** – Revered by many Aldori warriors as a symbol of righteous combat. - **Gorum (God of War)** – Respected among the more battle-hardened fighters who embrace the warrior's path. - **Desna (Goddess of Freedom)** – Favored by political exiles and refugees seeking liberation from tyranny. - **Laws & Customs:** - **The Aldori Code** – Strength, discipline, and personal honor are paramount. To challenge an Aldori warrior means accepting the consequences of the duel. - **Dueling Traditions** – Disputes among the fortress residents are settled through duels, with the **first blood rule** or, in extreme cases, to the death. - **Absolute Secrecy** – Visitors must swear an **oath of silence** before leaving, as revealing secrets of the fortress is punishable by exile or death. - **No Surtova Presence** – Anyone suspected of being a Surtova informant is immediately interrogated. Those found guilty are either executed or turned into false informants for counter-espionage. - **Languages Spoken:** - Common, Taldane, Hallit (used in coded war messages), Draconic (used in secret cipher texts). --- ## **History & Lore** - **Origins & Founding:** - Built over **200 years ago**, the Ruby Fortress was originally a Brevic stronghold but was abandoned during the conquest of Choral the Conqueror. - **Restored by Aldori exiles**, it became a hidden sanctuary for those resisting Surtova rule. - **Legends say** the deep red stone in its walls was **stained with the blood of slain invaders** during its reclamation. - **Major Historical Events:** - **The Battle of the Crimson Pass** – A legendary skirmish where an outnumbered Aldori force held off a Surtova siege for two weeks. - **The Betrayal of Velyan Tar** – A former Aldori champion turned traitor and sold fortress secrets to Surtova. He was later hunted down and slain, but his betrayal left a lasting wound on the fortress’s trust in outsiders. - **The Burning of the Outposts** – A recent event where King [[Castruccio Irovetti]]’s forces attacked Aldori supply lines, forcing the fortress to tighten security. - **Current Conflicts or Issues:** - **Surtova Saboteurs** – Rumors suggest spies are infiltrating supply routes and planting dissent within the ranks. - **Pressure from Pitax** – King [[Castruccio Irovetti]] may be planning an incursion to disrupt Aldori strongholds. - **Dwindling Resources** – With the rise of tensions, the fortress needs **more supplies, allies, and funds** to continue operating. - **Rumors & Mysteries:** - **A Hidden Aldori Heir** – Some believe the **rightful ruler of Brevoy** was hidden in the fortress generations ago, waiting for the right moment to reclaim the throne. - **The Sealed Vaults** – A series of underground chambers said to contain relics from **pre-Conquest Brevoy** remain locked behind arcane wards. - **Aldori’s Last Stand** – Some warriors whisper that should Brevoy fall completely, the Ruby Fortress is the final stand for the Aldori way of life. --- ## **Notable NPCs & Factions** - **Key Figures:** - **Commander Tarwyn Kell (Warlord of the Fortress)** – A grim, disciplined leader with a reputation for **relentless training and tactical genius**. - **Captain Liera Vanath (Head of Intelligence)** – A ruthless and paranoid spymaster, always watching for Surtova infiltrators. - **Master-At-Arms Haldren Vale** – Oversees combat training, known for his **unforgiving dueling regimen**. - **Factions or Power Groups:** - **The Crimson Blades** – A mercenary group secretly trained here to launch raids on Surtova-aligned nobles. - **The Silent Pact** – A covert network of **informants and spies** gathering intelligence on both House Surtova and King [[Castruccio Irovetti]]. - **Major Monsters or Threats:** - **Frost Wraiths** – Spirits of long-dead warriors said to guard the oldest parts of the fortress. - **Pitaxian Infiltrators** – King [[Castruccio Irovetti]]’s agents seeking to **sabotage Aldori power**. --- ## **Adventure Hooks** - Rivermarch is asked to **smuggle vital supplies** to the fortress. - A **Surtova traitor** has fled into the fortress—what secrets do they hold? - King [[Castruccio Irovetti]] is moving against the Aldori, and Rivermarch must **choose a side**.