Chrichheim Clan Castles

Clan castles are the contemporary name given to the many fortified residencies found within the borders of Chrichheim. They have existed in some shape or form for practically all of the county's history, but the ones still standing today were only built during the Empire of Man's golden age after the introduction of newer construction methods. Initially many of these were wooden structures but many clans eventually adopted stone as the primary construction material. Around the time of the Imperial Collapse new castles were built, some on a grand scale as a form of display, as the clans attempted to consolidate control over their land against rival clans. The invention of early gunpowder weapons led to further changes to clan castles - gun ports and bombardment-resistant walls being the main two.
During the Imperial Republic's decline there was a new phase of grand palace-castles, which restructured them from primarily defensive structures into more grand palace-like buildings. Some abandoned the castle concept completely and adapted their fortifications into estate houses. By the Restoration, many clans abandoned their castles completely, leading to the general decline of these buildings that we see today.
== Early Castles, Imperial Golden Age and Imperial Collapse ==
Castles as we understand them did not properly exist in Chrichheim until the introduction of new construction methods after the Empire's golden age. Prior to this, castles were simple constructions of wooden palisades and a small garrison, which made for less-than-ideal defence against a rampaging Orc Horde. Contemporary historians argue that the rapid construction of newer and more defensible castles in Chrichheim was less to do with conquest and more about establishing control over the lands they already had, against both outside attackers and rival clans.
Even still, many of these castles remained wooden constructions but now adopted the motte-and-bailey style. As time progressed, around the time of the Imperial Collapse, many counties replaced their wooden castles with those built from stone - and in new styles. Chrichheim was surprisingly late to this, however, not adopting stone castles until just before the beginning of the Emergence War.
The first true test of Chrichheim's castles would come after the Arachi swarmed out of from below the earth. In the first siege against one of the county's castles, overwhelming Arachi numbers were able to break down the weak stone walls after only three days. As the Arachi advanced, bringing with them horrifying creatures designed for siege warfare, Chrichheim's castles stood no chance and fell rapidly. However, it is noted that Dunedyn never feel despite a decade-long siege by the Arachi. As the insectoid swarms pushed deeper into Chrichheim, the ruling duke adopted a policy of slighting - which saw the destruction of many castles across the county rather than having them fall under Arachi control. After the Emergence War ended, new castles were built, often on a grander scale in some attempted form of display against rival clans.
The adoption of early gunpowder weapons during the Imperial Civil War led to Chrichheim's castles shifting their architecture to accommodate. Existing castles incorporated keyhole gun ports, platforms to mount larger guns, and thicker walls that could better resist bombardment.
== Tower Houses ==
The majority of the pre-Republic clan castles built in Chrichheim were of the tower house design. These smaller fortifications were designed to withstand attack from smaller raiding parties of opposing clans and not intended to be used against a major military assault. In contemporary scholarly circles, they are described as being "defensible rather than defensive." They were typically a tall, square, stone building with a smaller building or walled courtyard attached to the central structure. Many were constructed after the Emergence War in an attempt to restore local order in the aftermath of the conflict.
For poorer clans and landowners, the bastle house was the best option. These were often little-more than a fortified stone house.
== Republican Palaces ==
An extensive rebuilding of full-sized clan castles began during the Imperial Republic's rule but, fearing renewed instability similar to that after the Emergence War, saw increased acceleration during the Republic's decline. The intent was to establish order and influence over their lands in a way that would prevent any notable uprisings and instability. Much of this was done by expanding and improving existing fortifications. The most influential and wealthy clans sought the aid of outsider architects, both from other counties and other nations. The result was a big shift away from the traditional designs for clan castles and towards the more contemporary style of fortified estates.
In some ways, the architectural shift reflected political alliances, as allied clans would often emulate each others' styles and designs. The result was a jigsaw-like mishmash of differing techniques that drew clear lines as to whose side each clan was on.
Nevertheless, despite these shifts, most clans remained loyal to many of their traditions. For example, the use of stone and harl. Though different techniques were used many traditional principles were the same, resulting in many of these clan castles having noticeable similarities as well.
== The Restoration ==
By the time of the Restoration, Chrichheim had repopulated its lands with new earthworks, expansions of existing castles, and the construction of completely new bastions. These new castles were built with a new, gentrified style. Instead of defence, they were built for luxury and habitation. Though they were called castles, they were in every way estate houses, merely possessing the features of castles - like parapets.
The designs of this time show features of both traditional castles and noble houses. Classically, many of these buildings followed a "Z-plan" of a rectangular block with towers. Many of these castles have since been nicknamed Chrich baronials.
== Decline and Present ==
Within the last century or so, Chrichheim has seen a decline in both the number of castles and the general upkeep of them. A large factor in this shift is the departure of the clan nobility, many of whom have opted to abandon their ancestral homes in favour of the hustle and bustle of city life. Some of the military castles remain in active use, most notably Dunedyn Castle, but a majority of the smaller clan castles have since fallen into disrepair.
Overtime, these castles have become shells of their former selves. Those that haven't been decayed by the elements and rendered ruins are now occupied by beasts, monsters, and bandit gangs.