The Crossroads

"Very few buildings in Galladia are as popular with all sort of life as the former Fort Crossroads." - Encyclopedia Gloratium

In the times of old, Fort Crossroads stood as a major garrison along the major arterial roads running north-south and east-west across Galladia. Mercahnt's and their goods would make their way across the continent from various ports and villages to gather in the town near the fort. The fort itself was square in shape surrounding a tall central tower to give the garrison a sweeping view of the surrounding country side and the approaches to the fort.

At the end of the Silver Dusk era, the fort was abandoned in favor of smaller garrisons along the road and at the edge of the Silver Wood. The fort itself turned into a bustling hub of trade, commerce, and social gatherings. Level upon level of stalls containing shops selling goods from across the worlds, taverns serving cool mead and wine, office of various banks and trading companies, and outposts for the continents guilds and Academies. During the height of the trading season, hundreds flock to the tower to trade and sell their wares, while others simply come to stroll the diverse levels and peoples moving through the fort.

Architecture

Stone construction in the classical Forefather style although more utilitarian than some other works reflecting later construction of the Silver Dawn era, with parapets built on the lower level. A central tower rises six stories out of the center of the fort, with an opening in the middle that allows air to flow through the fort and provide water to the courtyard beneath. The design of the building also allows cooler air to flow up through the center of the building, through the much cooler courtyard area and out the top of the central opening.

Tourism

Thousands of people visit the old fort throughout the year, with numbers significantly elevated in late summer when merchants begin making the largest quantity of runs before fall and winter begin to set in. Nobles are less common in the Crossroads, but some occasionally make their way to the tower to take in the sights and smells of the vast market. The main courtyard is especially fascinating, with a fountain that channels water from the cistern high in the tower, and burbles in the courtyard to provide water for the trees planted there and feed drinking water troughs. The courtyard is also able to stay relatively cool, due to the foliage and forefather design, and is a common gathering place during the heat of the summers. 

People will then stay either in one o the small inns within the Fort, or one of the larger and more luxurious inns surrounding the base that often have larger rooms and a better selection of meals.

Founding Date

Late Silver Dawn Era

Alternative Names

Merchants Tower

Type

Shopping mall / Commercial Complex

Parent Location

Galladian Lowlands

Owning Organization

New Kingdom of Galladia