Roc'h Goueon
Purpose / Function
The castle of Roc'h Goueon sits atop a high cliff on a narrow peninsula, overlooking the rocky coast below, controlling a commanding view of the surrounding area. Initially constructed as watchpoint to protect against raids of the northern coast and River Renk, the mission of the castle has since been expanded. Legends identify the castle's site, the earlier structures since destroyed, as bastions against the Dragons of Dol and Dreger, as well as other creatures from Faerie or beyond. For the most part, the castle is viewed as a defense against invasion from Kingdom of Logres or Viking raids from Fjallkonan Orkney or the Lost Peninsula. The nobility of Breizh views the Baron of the Ar Mor Emrodez as a largely ceremonial post, a quiet respite for deserving nobles, although the guardians of the castle rarely see it this way, as the region is a hotbed of Faerie activity and raiders from the Northern Islands.
Alterations
The site of the castle has hosted fortifications since the time of the Empire, although the current structure is much more recent. Originally a simple round keep atop the cliffs, the fortress has been expanded considerably with the additions of 2 gatehouses, protective curtain walls and a large living area, as well as general improvements to the grounds to include a parade ground and gardens within the two courtyards.
The castle was last renovated under Baron Melion Bisclavret, updating the physical and magical defenses and expanding the residence.
Architecture
The approach to the castle is dominated by the flat moorland atop the peninsula's steep cliffs, the surf frothing against the razor-sharp stones below. A large Kalvar, known locally as Gargantua's Finger, attributed as the digit of some long-dead giant, sits outside the first drawbridge, its faves carved with Arkane runes.
The castle itself is built on the tip of Kab Frehel in the Duchy of Breizh, the rocky precipice cut off from the main landmass by a pair of deep and wide fissures in the rock, crossed by wooden drawbridges the width of a carriage. Approaching from the south, the first bridge is crossed to a fortified gatehouse on an "island" of rock and a south-facing curtain wall. The northern half of this section is open, allowing no refuge from the main structure should it fall to an attacker. A path, flanked by gardens and a parade ground leads to the second, longer bridge and the main complex.
The baron's residence, as well as a chapel, are built directly into the heavy gatehouse on the main complex, topped with crenelated fortifications and a small tower, magikally reinforced to withstand even dragonfire or trebuchet bombardment. The complex includes a guardhouse, the kitchens, and an audience chamber with a large fireplace, as well as bedrooms.
Continuing north, the grounds are taken up by more gardens and a well, leading to the distinctive main keep, a circular building built into the rock itself. This keep is topped with a dome and a curious crown, both accessible by rough stairs, allowing an incredibly effective watchpost and signalling location to the nearby town of Sant-Maloù and other settlements and ships.
To the north of the keep is a sunken second courtyard. A fortified curtain wall surrounds the perimeter, making a full circuit around the complex back to the gatehouse.
Several small outbuildings are built against the wall, providing a number of services to the main structures.
History
The origins of a castle on the site are lost to the sands of time, but the circular donjon is built on the remains of a motte-and-bailey castle that was present when the fortress passed to the Bisclavret family. It is believed that the site has been utilized since before the fall of The Remusan Empire. Furthermore, the castle is protected by ancient wards the predates the structures themselves.
Following his campaign in the Goat Broceliande, Melion Bisclavret was ascended to Baron and granted the castle, expanding it to its present form. The castle played host to a emissary from Fjallkonan and her retinue. Upon the death of Melion, the land passed to the Frihep family. The Friheps, uninterested in living the remote location, chose to neglect the site and instead live in Dinan, posting a drunken castellan to oversee the site as it begins to crumble.
Founding Date
899
Alternative Names
The Rock, Guigemar's Rock, Guyon's Rock
Type
Castle
Parent Location
Owner
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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