Dytikos Keep
Dytikos Keep is a fortification built within the southern parts of the Kingdom of Alsona. The nearby village is maintained by the local baron, who oversees all trading affairs within. Since the end of the Wingo War, the keep itself has been nationalized by the Royal Army of Alsona. There is a cleared area in the woods around the keep that marks the location where a local market and camp is set up for caravans and travelers following the road between the more populated north and the town of Stoupi to the east. Trade is common, but mostly along the barter system as caravans trade among themselves for what they may need on their journey. For the most part, the local garrison's main mission to patrol the forests to the south and west, maintaining vigilance against bandits or monsters.
Purpose / Function
Towards the end of the tenth century, the Shin Empire was beginning to scale back its commitments to other nations. For Alsona, this meant an end to the aid in patrolling the southern Efcharistos River and the southern Patridaxos. The immense tract of woods and farms that were sparsely settled was a constant dwelling for bandits along both sides of the river, sometimes even using powerful Shin magic or technology. It was clear that the Shin had no further interest in helping in the region, so permission was given for the construction of Dytikos Keep. Although it was equipped with a handful of siege engines, it was designed with a large rotating garrison in mind, sending out patrols into the south and west to watch over the smaller villages of Alsona.
History
When construction upon Dytikos was completed, it was immediately garrisoned by the forces of the local baron, who was charged with preserving order. The baroness at the time took this to mean she had clearance to raise taxes across the entire region. Her forces were little more than thugs hired to collect as much gold and lucre from the peasantry as possible. These extravagances were ignored by Parthenonas, as the baroness did manage to maintain order, even after the Shin officially closed the border in 999 AF. Although the locals were horribly taxed, the situation seemed likely to continue indefinitely.
That changed with the outbreak of the Wingo War. The baroness' forces were called into action, and while they had been effective at extorting funds from the lower classes, they were less than skilled at fighting a veteran enemy in battle. Nearly her entire levy was wiped out, and after the First Battle of Zachari Crossing, dwarves and elves alike began swarming across the southern Patridaxos. Those who survived their raids ended up sheltering within Dytikos Keep. The keep offered a safe haven, but was able to do little to protect the region. The Queen, as part of an attempt to turn the war around, declared the nationalization of the army, and all fortifications within Alsona. When the war came to an end, the keep remained under the monarchy's control.
Today, Dytikos is watched over by several regiments stationed in the area, protecting once more against bandit and monster raids. It is used as a place of training and exercise for new recruits, who cut their teeth on the skirmishes with bandits in the Patridaxos.
Founding Date
996 AF
Type
Castle
Parent Location
Owner
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Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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