Isqarioth's Bastion

Isqarioth's Bastion, also known as simply Bastion or Isqarioth, is a large city located in the south-east, a fortified site built over the former capital of the Republic of Tolrania, Vinica. As the Republic of Tolrania is no more after being left in ruins during the Second Demon War, the capital was able to survive most of the damage; it was then renamed to Isqarioth's Bastion, in honor of the great Tolranian hero and last military commander of the republic, Isqarioth. The city itself is under strict military rule, as its citizens continue their endless fight against the bestial horrors living within the Wildlands of Angmar, directly north of Bastion. Thankfully, they are not alone in this fight as the Empire of El Sherdan offers them aid in their struggles, with paladins of the Radiant Sun being a common sight around the city. Similarly, the Kingdom of Vonrim has been increasing their support as well; as a result, Bastion Defenders have been able to gain a solid foothold around the borders of the Wildlands of Angmar, possibly looking to move in further to eliminate the former servants of Malzarak once and for all.

Life after the fall of Tolrania has not been easy for the people of Isqarioth's Bastion and some say that their very existence is cursed by the demon lord Malzarak; unsatisfied with his failure to destroy Tolrania completely, his former minions are now a constant threat to those living within Isqarioth's Bastion. Fortunately, these minions are not very well organized and Bastion has been able to hold them off with their strong defenses. Isqarioth's Bastion does not have much time for politics outside their own walls, but they try their best to keep in contact with Antar, El Sherdan and Vonrim. El Sherdan seems to be the most eager to help, as they do not wish to be left as the lone human nation and are possibly hoping to revive the Republic of Tolrania under new rulership. Vonrim is also helping by actively trading with Isqarioth's Bastion and granting them supplies. Representatives from the Shieldbearers of Mithos can occasionally be around the city but most of their martial duties still lie within the borders of Vonrim.

As Isqarioth's Bastion is under constant attack from bestial threats, they are highly dependant on outside aid. Their outgoing trade is minimal and they are probably heavily indebted to both El Sherdan and Vonrim. Being close to the eastern coast makes them able to supply themselves with fish and the plentiful trees of Ferring Forest are also something they use to their advantage. With the help of El Sherdan and Vonrim, they have been able to expand their influence and the villages Saren and Tahlberl are under their rule. In addition to these villages, Fort Gryphon has been built as a fallback fortress for the Bastion Defenders which they jointly occupy with the forces of Vonrim. The Tower of Toll, Eagle Tower and Falcon Tower are their frontline fortifications that they use to keep the Wildlands of Angmar under check. The Bastion Defenders like to employ a large amount of armored and highly trained cavalry around these fortifications and use them against gnoll and eastern orcs tribes that dare come too close.

The most influential organization within the city of Isqarioth's Bastion is known as the Bastion Defenders. They have plenty of work both within and outside the city and their military might is used to rule Bastion. It is customary for experienced soldiers to leave their family names behind and take a more knightly name for themselves, dedicating their lives to defending the people of Isqarioth's Bastion. In addition to these honorable and sworn defenders, they have a more modest city guard. In general, those that patrol the border are better equipped and trained and those that keep order within the city work on a lower budget. Isqarioth's Bastion is known as a peaceful and orderly city so it makes sense for the Bastion Defenders to focus their main army elsewhere. Another order, the Exiled Brotherhood, is also well-known to the people of Isqarioth's Bastion; they are more spiritual than militaristic and practice the worship of Isqarioth. They believe that Isqarioth was more than a man, a divine warrior and that he is still alive somewhere, testing the remnants of Tolrania and returning when they are proven worthy. Many members of this order live outside the city and they do not like to congregate in large numbers. Brothers are frequently found wandering on a self-imposed exile within other parts of the world, searching for any signs of Isqarioth.