Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Central Axandorf

“Royal Home Area”


Axar-Rex is the home of the royal family. It is located on the rugged hilly land that divides the kingdom into east and west, in the shadow of Hayax Mountain ( a dormant  volcano ). The royal castle complex is surrounded by a constructed lake and elaborate defense system of walls and moats. On three sides of the castle itself are islands which house the servants, guests and utility buildings. Scattered around outside the lake are farms to provide some of the basic needs of the castle. Along the road, both east and west, are small estates (non hereditary) given to the knights who the king favors.

The lake is connected to two canals; Fenabenflow a short canal in the east joining the Axar River, a long distance up stream from the town of Danwick, and Abellflow a much longer canal in the west joining the Garnar River, almost right outside the town of Narodor.  Both canals are built for small river craft, able to carry about 5 tons of cargo.

There has often been talk about extending the Fenabenflow canal to bypass most of the upper Axar River, because of the way it floods in spring. Although it would be expensive a canal improvement would make travel between the royal castle and Axandorf city faster and safer. Boats are seldom destroyed on the upper Axar River, but they often get stuck.

There are three large forts near Axar-Rex; Fort Albar on the Abellflow, Fort Fendar on the Fenabenflow and Fort Wingden high up on the Mountain. Each has a minimum force of 100 men and is made to accommodate 500 troops. Both Albar and Fendar are located on small hills with constructed water defenses, connected to the canals. Fort Wingden, as its nick name “Mile High Castle” implies, is built to take full advantage of the rugged mountain side, it is nearly impossible to reach with out flying in. Which is very fitting because it is the kingdom’s air force head quarters and it’s main den for dragons.

West of Axar-Rex is Narodor, a town that takes pride in its military and magical aspects. The best weapon and armor smiths are found here as are the best mages. It is one of the few places with a freelance magic shop. Everything about the barony is aimed to support the royal army; this includes the education of the nobles. There is a monastic school of Marzur-god of war. The people are proud to recall the number of famous heroes their area has produced. In fact the quality of the local levee is always the best, because even the farmers train seriously for war.

East of Axar-Rex is Danwick, a town known for its craftsmen and merchants. High quality items of the finest local and foreign make are to be found here. It is the shopping center of the aristocracy. A lovely place with a lively artistic community, many nobles own homes just outside the town and come to spend part of the summer there. There is a large monastery dedicated to Allegra-goddess of pleasure and Alaphra-goddess of artists.