Traylam Academy
Note: This article refers to the fortress called Traylam Academy. For the description of the organization that administrates the academy, please see Traylam Academy.
Purpose / Function
Originally a strategic fortress at Traylam pass, the castle was later altered by The Arbiters to serve as their base of operations and the home of Traylam Academy.
Alterations
Many wooden structures have been built all around the fortress to accomodate various courses of study and research. Whilst they have altered the skyline of the fortress, the masonry remains unchanged from its original purpose over 500 years ago.
Architecture
The mossy gray stone of the Academy protrudes from the cliff in Traylam pass, with a small stream of snow melt running down through it and into the pass. Various parapets overlook the extremities of the fortress, providing excellent views of the surrounding landscape. The original fortress was hewn inside the rock itself, and still houses The Arbiters' headquarters. The large courtyard inside the walls houses many new wooden constructions added over the years to accomodate various courses of study and research. They sometimes ascend over the stone walls, giving the fortress a characteristic skyline towering above the surrounding valleys but flanked by Mount Traylam, which it's partially hewn from.
Defenses
Despite its current status as primarily an Academy, The Arbiters still call this their home, and it was originally designed as a strategic outpost. Thus, it is built with heavy stone walls, parapets, arrow slits, murder holes, etc. The heavy wooden drawbridge allows passage from the large masonry ramp into the fortress. A portcullis can be lowered behind it as well for more protection. A single catapult adorns the top of one of the western towers, but at this point it is primarily for training purposes.
History
The castle that houses Traylam Academy was originally constructed as a strategic stronghold in the narrow pass between the fertile plains in the east and the desert lands in the west. However, within 50 years its strategic importance was reduced to nothing as all enemies of The Atraelian Empire in the area fell. It sat abandoned for a few years, until the first Arbiters made it their base of operations. Wishing to train more recruits for their order, they altered and reconstructed the fortress to suit a more educational purpose. Eventually, a separate entity was created to control the training and selection of recruits for The Arbiters, and thus Traylam Academy was created.
Tourism
While not the most common occurance, some pilgrims do make their way to the academy to pay homage to The Arbiters. Family of students sometimes make the journey to visit their children. Some also make their way here after attending a Banner Blitz match at Windstone Arena nearby.
Founding Date
512 LD
Type
College / Academy
Parent Location
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments