Imdrin

> *"The King of the Hill is no more, driven away by hungry wolves and ferocious ravens."*
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> *- excerpt from Tahika's book - 'Lion's Sorrow'*
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An ancient citadel that was constructed before the Chonobi arrived on the western continent. It is assumed by scholars and historians that the citadel was largely built by the Alaricus clan, as the site seems to resemble a lot of their style. Only after the Alaricus were driven away by the Hons, the site started to undergo some Chonobi influences.

## Description

There are many diverse descriptions of Imdrin. Some consider the citadel to be a mere relic of days of yore. They argue that Imdrin's strategic importance is exaggerated by the Framí. Others, however, see it as an important site. It is one of the mightiest citadels that need to be taken care off before one can even attempt to rule the region. The only visible passageway seems an easy target for a besieging force, but the many secret networks of tunnels and defences have proven their worth when the Hons sieged it for the first time.

Located on a large hill at the base of a few mountains, Imdrin is snuggled in difficult terrain. To approach the citadel, one has to first enter and travel through the small bastion that serves as the main gate of the citadel. This fortification already doesn't provide much space for an enemy force to extend and spread out the potential defenders. It is in front of this fortification where merchants that don't have a pass are allowed to trade with the denizens of the citadel.

Once past the first line of defence, the long passageway comes next. It isn't entirely clear why the Alaricus decided to build the gigantic passageway and many claims that it is an obvious weakness to the citadel. Often these people tend to know not of the secrets that Imdrin holds. Not to mention that the support of the passageway is thick and stout, requiring a diligent and strong force to undermine it. Risking those forces in a canyon from which they are susceptible to ambushes.

Once reaching the citadel over the passageway, one will come across the second gate. Heavily fortified, the entry to Imdrin is followed by various routes that a visitor can take. Though many of the routes tend to lead to the central courtyard, where often the denizens tend to gather to socialise as to barter with merchants - that are allowed to venture so far.

A common question that often goes through the mind of a visitor is where so many people are housed while the citadel lacks the housing. Where the Alaricus stopped, the Framí continued their work. Many of the denizens live in the large hill itself - their homes carved into the stubborn earth, where they are safe from cold and possible attacks.

The most impressive part of Imdrin remains the keep. Past the third ring of fortifications is the grand hall, where it is rumoured that the 'King of Lions' passed his decrees unto his subjects and the surrounding land. From the keep, the people of Imdrin have been able to spot any hostile army from afar. It is also where the renowned 'Hall of Knowledge' remains, a collection of spared Alaricus literature and many Chonobi works. Some say that the 'Hall of Knowledge' is large enough to rival many other centres of learning, attracting the desire for many intellects to be allowed to visit the remarkable place.

## History

It is unsure when Imdrin was constructed or finished. Some historians argue that Imdrin wasn't 'finished' when the Alaricus came under attack by the Hons. The scale of the project and the number of resources needed, point out that the Alaricus have likely been unable to mount the same defences that are in place today. There are a few historians who even wonder if it was the Alaricus who founded the citadel. Whether the Alaricus build or took Imdrin from another clan, such sources have been scarce.

But what is known is the first recorded siege of Imdrin. A contingent of Alaricus fled to the citadel when the Hon invaded their region. Surviving documents have allowed a good insight into what happened from the perspective of the defenders.

### The Refugees

> *"They came in large flocks. Desperate, defeated and fearful. Barely escaping the hungry demons."*
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The first event that occurred was the stream of refugees that went towards Imdrin. The exact numbers are vague but eventually, there were too many. Causing the necessary but heavy decision to close the gates to many families that pleaded to let them in. Some documents describe how men would promise to give their lives if their family were given sanctuary. Women promising obscene deeds, as long as they were not left outside. Many more and darker things happened, which made it clear how grim the situation was.

Without any supplies, many of the refugees would succumb to starvation or falling ill. A good portion decided to flee towards other directions, hoping to avoid the imminent horde of Hons.

### The First Defence

The arrival of the Hon forces sends a wave of panic. The defenders mustered to their positions but instead of being greeted by an assault of heathens, they were forced to watch their fellow Alaricus being butchered. Those fortunate enough to escape and get close to the fortification and closed gate were left alone for a while. But with their backs to the wall, they had no hope of escaping. A few truly desperate attempted to scale the wall but none would make it far. Other refugees tried to climb down the dangerous cliffs to the canyon below. Many would fall to their death or be unfortunate enough to be caught by Hon patrols.

The siege then began as the Hons would dig in and construct their siege camp. Days went passed without much happening other than the glares that both defenders as attackers gave each other. On the seventh day, the defenders were forced to rally. For the first assault commenced. While many defenders were terrified of facing the heathens up close, the Alaricus had prepared as best as they could. Even as the ferocious Hons started to try to claw their way through the defence, their assault was halted and pushed back. Blood would colour the battlements crimson and heaps of bodies would cover the road to the fortifications. This repeated several times without any hint of success for the Hon. Unable to slam a dent into the first line of defence, the Chonobi warriors would withdraw and likely brew on a new plot on how to get past the first line of defence.

On the fiftieth day of the siege, the Hons started a new assault. Large boulders were sent flying to the fortification that barred their way to the citadel's main defences. Unable to retaliate, the Alaricus withdrew a portion of their forces back to the citadel. A group of volunteers lingered behind as the defences started to crumble. When the evening fell, these volunteers bravely held their ground against the onslaught. By dawn, the first line of defence had cracked underneath the weight of the Hon invader.

### The Second Defence

With the way open for the main defence, the Hons soon realised that they weren't able to properly assault the citadel. The passageway was broad but not broad enough to support large enough numbers to challenge the Alaricus - who would be able to hold the chokepoint relatively easily, negating the fact of the Hon having the numerical advantage. With the long-distance, there were no siege weapons either that could sling any boulder with enough accuracy to make it worth the effort. Never the less, an attempt was made to ram the gate down. A fortified ram was constructed and a large assault was planned.

On the sixtieth day, the Hon marched towards the second gate. A large wooden ram was pushed forward, with the necessary framework to protect the crew from most projectiles. This was followed by a large force that readied themselves for the barrages of projectiles with a slow-moving but defensive shield wall.

Under a constant hail of projectiles, the ram managed to reach the gate. As the Hon slammed their ram against the gate, the Alaricus readied themselves. Diligent in their work, the Hon continued their work - even as a good number started to succumb underneath the hail of lethal arrows, stones and bolts. A legend has it that an unnamed Hon and Alaricus would battle it out with ninjutsu - lightning and fire clashing in the air. As the gate would be battered down, the Hon charged forward - meeting the readied Alaricus forces. Upon the dawn of the evening, many Hon would fall back to their camp - wounded and defeated.