Lexin Keep
Lexin Keep is a fortification along the borders between the Lewite tribal lands and the dwarven kingdom of Valtkos Wingo. The keep currently maintains the defenses between the two nations, attempting to prevent raids by Lewites clans, while also acting as a garrison to patrol and protect the southern provinces of the fledgling dwarven state. The keep is built upon an open plain, with clear visibility in all directions, and assisted by a series of concealed relay towers that provide a courier system to allow the dwarves to have advance knowledge of any raids or attacks from the south.
Purpose / Function
Lexin Keep was originally built with two objectives in mind: the containment of dangerous prisoners, and the protection of the border with the Sypi Confederacy. Prior to the construction of the fort, there was little in the way of civilization in the Nors Highlands, and the border between Confederate lands and Alsonan lands was nebulous at best. The citadel itself was built tall and with a commanding view over the surrounding plains, well aware of the threat of mobile Confederate raiders. Larger construction was underground, where vaults were dug out by human and dwarven engineers alike. These vaults were designed with the containment of the worst prisoners Alsona had to offer, with the logic being that should they escape, they would soon become a Confederate problem instead of an Alsonan one.
The vaults were immediately provided with the best wards and spell security that could be found. While most captives and prisoners ultimately were sent to Wingo Mine instead of Lexin Keep, those who demonstrated arcane prowess or psychopathic urges were sent here instead. For the most part, this consisted primarily of dwarves, but a handful of elves captured from the Tenashi Kingdom were sent here too. The vaults were provided with the best security and locks that Alsona could provide, to keep these people contained.
Alterations
The dwarves captured Lexin Keep in the battle there during 1023. They immediately began integrating it into their new nation, particularly after reviewing the records of those imprisoned within. The majority of records were destroyed by the Alsonans when they withdrew the majority of the garrison following the defeat at the First Battle of Zachari Crossing. This led to careful experimentation by the elves and dwarves to determine who within the dungeons below were worthy of release. Most of the inmates were released and died in the war that followed or escaped elsewhere. After the war ended, the prison complex was maintained, and in fact expanded, by the dwarves.
Most of the old dungeons were repurposed into storage and garrisons, but the dwarves immediately began expanding the tunnels across the southern part of their nation. They used these tunnels to create hidden observation posts and relay stations across southern Valtkos Wingo, allowing them to begin troop movements without being noticed by their enemies. The majority of these new tunnels are still incomplete, as the focus of the dwarven efforts have been on turning Wingo itself into a proper dwarven city.
Founding Date
968
Type
Castle
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments