Kastell Distrein

A legendary fortress in Faerie, the seat of Morrigan, Queen of Winter. Time does not pass within its walls.
"I will praise the Sovereign, supreme Lord of the land, Who hath extended her dominion over the shore of the world. Stout was the prison of Gweir [Gwydion] in Caer Sidi, Through the spite of Pwyll and Pryderi: No one before him went into it. The heavy blue chain firmly held the youth, And before the spoils of Annwn woefully he sang, And thenceforth till doom he shall remain a bard. Thrice enough to fill Prydwen we went into it; Except seven, none returned from Caer Sidi [Revolving Castle].
"Am I not a candidate for fame, to be heard in song In Caer Pedryvan [Four-cornered Castle], four times revolving? The first word from the cauldron, when was it spoken? By the breath of nine maidens it was gently warmed. Is it not the cauldron of the Chief of Annwn? What is its fashion? A rim of pearls is round its edge. It will not cook the food of a coward or one foresworn. A sword flashing bright will be raised to him, And left in the hand of Lleminawg. And before the door of the gate of Uffren [The Cold Place] the lamp was burning. When went with Arthur--a splendid labour!-- Except seven, non returned from Caer Vedwyd [Castle of Revelry].
"Am I not a candidate for fame, to be heard in song In Caer Pedryvan, in the Isle of the Strong Door, Where twilight and pitchy darkness meet together, And bright wine is the drink of the host? Thrice enough to fill Prydwen we went on the sea. Except seven, none returned from Caer Rigor [Kingly Castle]. "I will not allow much praise to the leaders of literature. Beyond Caer Wydyr [Glass Castle] they saw not the prowess of Arthur; Three-score hundreds stood on the walls; It was hard to converse with their watchman. Thrice enough to fill Prydwen we went with Arthur; Except seven, none returned from Caer Golud [Castle of Riches].
"I will not allow much praise to the spiritless. They know not on what day, or who caused it, Or in what hour of the serene day Cwy was born, Or who caused that he should not go to the dales of Devwy. They know not the brindled ox with the broad head-band, Whose yoke is seven-score handbreadths. When we went with Arthur, of mournful memory, Except seven, none returned from Caer Vandwy [another name for otherworld].
"I will not allow much praise to those of drooping courage. They know not what day the chief arose, Nor in what hour of the serene day the owner was born, Nor what animal they keep, with its head of silver. When we went with Arthur, of anxious striving, Except seven, non returned from Caer Ochren [another name for otherworld]

Book of Taliesin

(Real world credit for poem translation Charles Squire, 1905)

Purpose / Function

A powerful crystal fortress deep with Faerie, Kastell Distrein serves as a treasury and feasting hall for the Unseelie Court and the Queen of Winter.

Architecture

A large crystalline castle with four high walls, constantly spinning to prevent easy access to the front gate by attackers. One hundred and sixty sentinels line the ramparts at all times, ever watchful and ever silent. It is located on a snow-covered plain in perpetual night. A large fire burns at the front gate.
The Chamber of Inspiration - A circular chamber of smooth grey stone in the very center of the fortress, underneath an elaborately vaulted ceiling that replicates in detail the night sky, which changes in real time. Nine Nathair Oracles reside in this room, tending to the Cauldron of Inspiration, one of the most prized treasures of the Unseelie Court. A pearl-rimmed cauldron, drinking from it inspires the creation of unparalleled artwork, song and poetry, based on the skillset of the artisan.
The Great Hall - A massive cruciform throne room and feasting hall. A massive colonnaded Gothic nave with Norman vaulting, the mother-of-pearl walls of this room are lined by stained glass that shimmers like water, lit from behind be an unseen source. Three massive organs are found in the hall. A smokeless fire burns in the center of the room.
The Wine Cellar - A vast subterranean network of glistening crystal walls, lined with casks of white wine.

Alternative Names

Caer Sidi [Revolving Castle], Caer Pedryvan [Four-cornered Castle], Caer Vedwyd [Castle of Revelry], Caer Rigor [Kingly Castle], Caer Wydyr [Glass Castle], Caer Golud [Castle of Riches]

Type

Fortress