Fisen (K5)

Fisen was built in 164 by Medrik of Serelind and later used as a mustering point by his forces before the Battle of Noneth. For centuries, the keep remained the principal seat for kings of Kaldor, but soon after the restoration, it became the moot of Balimshire. This continued until Haldan II built Querina and reorganized the shires in 624. Fisen Keep has always been the primary gateway to the Rethel Fen and its mysterious inhabitants. Locals refer to the fenlanders as “the undins,” something of a play on the words “undine” and “undead.” This busy river port handles all manner of strange fenlander boats bearing furs, herbs, dyes, and potions trapped or gathered in the extensive marshlands south of Fisen. Locals entering the fens to gather their own herbs have a habit of disappearing in the deep bogs. The keep is the home of Medrik’s Banner and Medrik’s Spear, purported relics of the great King himself. The banner is little more than a worn and faded square of dirty brown cloth with a few patches of colored thread. The banner and spear hang in a place of honor in the great hall. The spear hangs point down, an unusual orientation; touching the spearhead is said to bring luck in battle. A local legend relates how Aidrik II commanded a Knight to bring him Medrik’s Spear before the Battle of Kiban in 377. The spear dropped suddenly as it was being removed from the wall and pierced the knight through the eye. It was an ill omen and Aidrik lost the battle after the Earl of Pagostra (Kiban) defected to Fierth the Usurper. The victorious Fierth personally replaced the spear on the wall where it remains to this day.