Ampenfle

### Population

Since the end of the war, many Crimsonhead installations have been abandoned, including Ampenfle.

### Influence

Ampenfle's architecture mostly leans towards early Western-European styles, specifically those seen in the Dark Ages.

## Overview

Back in its prime, Rubidia had an army that was feared far and wide. The Crimsonhead Militia saw action all over Rubidia and abroad, taking victories for their venerated mad god. Their primary base of operations was the military fortress of **Ampenfle**; a massive walled settlement that divides the Alestios-Bogwood border. The Crimsonhead Militia stationed at Ampenfle served a dual purpose; from there they would direct their efforts outward in the name of their ruler, but also to protect Alestios' border from threats beyond.

While eventually becoming the military fortress known to house the Militia, Ampenfle was initially constructed as a physical barrier between Alestios and the neighboring Bogwood. The lawless marshlands were already known for its dangerous inhabitants, and Jasper felt wary of such things entering his domain. The Grand Wall of Eshe'din was constructed to ward off these dangers, with Ampenfle eventually being built as the only passage through the wall, sans naval travel.

In the post-war era, Ampenfle has been abandoned, much like the rest of any notable Crimsonhead bases. The wall still stands to this day, as a silent defender against foreign threats. Some claim to occasionally see hooded strangers passing through Ampenfle's main gates, but all rumors remain unfounded, at best.

## City Landmarks

### Grand Wall of Eshe'din

Construction on the Grand Wall of Eshe'din began construction in 2300 AD, finishing 12 years later. The Grand Wall stands exactly 115 feet high and 220 square miles in length. Only one entrance through exists, which passes through Ampenfle itself. The wall is made from a stone composite, reinforced with steel alloy at critical junctures. Intentionally made to last against the elements and time, the Grand Wall has lasted well into the 26th century with little maintenance required.

### Castle Crimson

Castle Crimson is the centerpiece of Ampenfle, acting as the main headquarters of the Crimsonhead Militia. Back in its prime, Crimsonhead soldiers could be seen daily in the castle's courtyard, undergoing strict training regimens. Any potential recruits to the Militia underwent even stricter training, subject to rituals that could only be described as brutal and borderline torture. The results more than spoke for themselves, as the Crimsonhead Militia was one of the most feared military presences in Avashesh for more than 500 years.

### The Verge

The Verge is a general phrase to describe the passage from Ampenfle into the Bogwood. The entryway that separated the fortress from the marshlands were permanently locked, blocked by two portcullis gates and several stationary turrets pointed towards it. The turrets have never been fired, and the gates have never been breached; only claw marks are seen on the outer walls, but never anything large enough to break through. When Ampenfle was still populated, it was a popular hazing ritual to new recruits that they had to sleep outside the Verge for a night or two before they were considered real Crimsonhead material.