Fool's March
Merely fifteen years after the formation of the Blademaidens, Arisha Semimur recognized the need for a central base of operations for her growing order. On her journeys, she discovered a strategic location: a high plateau with a clear vantage point of the surrounding territories. This area, initially a simple encampment, soon transformed into a stronghold. It was named Fool's March, symbolizing the folly of those who would dare challenge the Blademaidens.
Fool's March flourished. Its walls and fortifications strengthened, and it became a beacon for those seeking refuge, training, or justice. Many aspiring Blademaidens came to train, turning it into not just a military hub but also a center for learning and culture. The Golden Era saw the construction of the Hall of Blades, an academy and training ground, and the Great Archive, which stored knowledge from all over the known world.
Following the victory over the Shadow Horde, the Blademaidens realized the need to expand Fool's March further. Under the leadership of Delaryn Semimur, Fool’s March saw the creation of underground chambers, including vast storehouses and secret escape tunnels. The Fool's Market was also established, turning the stronghold into a thriving economic hub.
A faction within the Blademaidens, unhappy with the leadership, attempted a coup. The stronghold witnessed battles in its very corridors. Ultimately, the rebels, termed 'Eclipses' due to their surprise attack during a lunar eclipse, were defeated. However, this event led to reforms in the Blademaidens' internal hierarchy and governance.
Despite its storied history and seemingly impregnable defenses, Fool's March was taken during the catastrophic event known as the ‘Blood Banquet’ by the Queen in Scarlet. This marked the end of an era, and the once-great stronghold of the Blademaidens lay in ruins.
Purpose / Function
Strategic Stronghold: Located on a high plateau, it offers a significant vantage point over the surrounding areas, making it a formidable defensive position. Given its history, it was crucial in repelling invasions and ensuring the security of the Blademaidens and those under their protection.
Training Ground: As the primary base for the Blademaidens, it's the heart of their training operations. Here, young aspirants are molded into formidable warriors, carrying forward the legacy established by Arisha Semimur.
Economic Hub: The establishment of the Fool's Market turned the stronghold into an economic powerhouse, attracting traders, artisans, and merchants from distant lands. This commerce ensured a self-sustaining ecosystem and reinforced its significance in the broader region.
Architecture
Original Structure:
Rugged Architecture: Orc forts had been built with strength and durability in mind. Thick, towering walls made of heavy stones were evident, each block having been rough-hewn and massive. Foreboding Entrances: The main gates had been reinforced with metal, designed to instill fear and showcase power. Overhead, menacing gargoyles or totems representing orc deities or warlords might have loomed. Broad Battlements: Orcs, being larger creatures, had required wider battlements. These areas had been designed for combat, with space for siege weapons and large war parties. Sparse Interiors: Inside, the original orc layout was minimalist, focusing on function over form. There were large barracks, mess halls, and weapon storages.Elven and Human Additions:
Elven Enchantment: Elves, known for their artistry and harmony with nature, softened the rugged exterior with their touch. Vines and flowering plants began to grow along the stone walls, occasionally glowing faintly with magical energy. Arched windows with intricate designs replaced the previously narrow slits, allowing more light into the interior. Human Ingenuity: Humans integrated more pragmatic and architectural enhancements. Battlements were fortified with reinforced steel and featured drawbridges or portcullises. Watchtowers had been heightened and given pointed spires or domes, reminiscent of human castles. Unified Interiors: The once-sparse orc barracks were subdivided into rooms suitable for families or individual Blademaidens. While orcs preferred vast communal spaces, humans and elves favored personal quarters. Wooden beams, carved with intricate patterns inspired by both elven and human cultures, supported the ceilings, and tapestries depicting the history of the Blademaidens adorned the walls. Central Courtyard: The heart of the fort transformed into a serene oasis. Elves, with their affinity for nature, cultivated gardens with luminescent plants, flowing water features, and ancient trees. Humans added training grounds, statues of notable figures, and communal gathering areas. The Great Archive: What had once been an orcish treasure room or shrine was repurposed. Elves, with their long memories and appreciation for knowledge, alongside human historians, established the Great Archive here. This became a library and repository of knowledge, with shelves of books, scrolls, and magical artifacts. Market Area: Recognizing the importance of commerce, humans established a market within the fort's confines. It became a blend of open-air stalls and more permanent stone structures, selling everything from elven crafted artifacts to mundane everyday goods. Over the years, while the ruggedness of the original orc fort remained evident, the infusion of elven aesthetics and human innovations transformed Fool's March into a unique blend of cultures, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Blademaidens.Defenses
Fool's March, initially an orcish bastion, boasted imposing stone walls, thick enough to withstand sieges and assaults. Over time, human and elven innovations enhanced its defenses. Battlements, fortified with reinforced steel, were interwoven with protective elven enchantments that deterred dark magic and unauthorized entry. The heightened watchtowers, equipped with advanced reconnaissance and signaling mechanisms, allowed for early detection of threats. Drawbridges, portcullises, and hidden trap mechanisms provided multiple layers of security. Moreover, the convergence of elven, human, and remnants of orcish design ensured a labyrinthine layout inside, confusing potential invaders and giving the defenders a home-field advantage.
Founding Date
2015 (circa -2085 Fayeth Era)
Contested By
Characters in Location
Comments