Balmor House
Balmor House is the name given to the castle of the Count of Balmor, Mathis Boucher. Balmor House is a large castle built on a rocky island in the shallows of the south bank of the Arial River and is built with the intention that all river traffic can be interdicted, should the need arise.
There are four square towers in the castle that are capable of stationing trebuchets that can reach more than 500 yards both upriver and down, and a dozen ballistae capable of launching multiple types of missiles at passing ships with lethal accuracy. The castle has only one approach from dry land, and that is over a wall causeway spanning the more than 80 years from the south bank to the island proper.
Purpose / Function
The County seat and residence of the Count of Balmor.
Alterations
As Balmor House has always been an important military stronghold, its residence halls are small and not very comfortable. The Count does spend a significant amount of time here, but he has an estate on the south bank of the river that is the primary residence for his family and the place where he receives guests and holds any official functions.
Architecture
A dated design, but strongly built of native stone and slate roofs. Single approach by walled causeway from the shore.
Defenses
Four newly built trebuchets, 12 fully functional ballistae giving a 270 degree range of fire to a distance of more than 400 yards. Daily roster of men-at-arms is 40, but capable of housing and feeding 150 for two months in the event of seige.
History
Built when the County was first created 170 years ago, the castle takes up all the available space on the small, rocky island. As dated as the design might be to modern eyes, it is still a formidable fortress due to its isolated and easily defendable position on the river.
