Artaan Keep
Built in 180 N.D., Artaan Keep stands as a tribute to magical engineering and a foreboding warning to any who dare attempt an invasion of the Kiman Empire. Its neighboring city, Anstead, was founded in 175 N.D., followed shortly by the establishment of the Chema Expanse. It quickly became evident that the inhabitants of the Udiran continent had their sights set on Kima as a valuable resource, and they would stop at nothing to get their grubby hands on its bounty.
Purpose / Function
Artaan Keep was originally built to withstand sieges. Its strategic placement on a small peninsula means that land-bound armies can only approach from the south. It is heavily outfitted with anti-ship ballistas and its own military port to withstand ocean warfare. Additionally, the city of Anstead is home to one of the largest ports in the nation of Kima. In the centuries since its construction, it has come to serve as a symbol of Kima's strength. When ships approach from the east, the keep is the first thing sailors set eyes upon when Kima comes into view. It towers above the surrounding city of Anstead, a sentinel against would-be invaders. It has also become the place of residence for whoever is in power at the time, be it a monarch, the High Commander, or, most recently, the Empress, as well as the meeting place for the Senate.
Alterations
Upon the discovery and mastery of the production of dragonglass, the Council of Magistry gifted some to Artaan Keep to serve as extra defenses. Massive chunks of dragonglass were installed along the outer walls of the keep, protected by metal bars, and can be used by mages to focus their magic and fire beams of destructive energy at incoming enemy ships. They can also be used to create a magical shield around the fortress, and as an early detection system for unexpected visitors.
When Ragna seized the throne, she ordered that the keep's walls and base be fortified with aleksium. Notably, this caused issues with the use of the dragonglass, considering that aleksium nullifies magic. Ragna begrudgingly downsized her project, requesting instead that only the throne room be infused with the metal. Any mage who steps foot inside loses access to their magical abilities, and for more powerful mages, can even become debilitated by its effects.
