Factus Fortress

A keep designed and funded by Factus Formis to safeguard the northern portion of the town of Starcrest, it was built almost entirely with defense in mind. Situated on top of a hill overlooking the town and surrounding countryside, it can be seen for quite a ways from a distance. Built with thick stone walls and multiple layers of defenses, including various killboxes and traps to make any invading force think twice about trying to breach the walls. It serves as a hub for the forces of Starcrest under Factus' control; the Outriders (mobile cavalry), Phalanx (heavily armored guard), and Vigilants (keen archers and watchmen).

A section of the keep was built within the old academy ruins, now under control by Savic Lofthaven. Mainly comprised of additional bunking and rooms for the garrison, they provide extra security to the research tower and teleportation circle as well.

## Staff

The Factus Fortress, while being under the direct control of its Commander, Factus Formis, has multiple officers and units within it.

#### Officers

* Captain Apollo: A Formis-Brother of Factus, his right-hand-man, as well as a Veteran of the Vel'Kari Dragon War. Apollo has proved his worth by successfully leading the Starcrest Outriders against operatives of The Family.
* Major Selinos: A grizzled Tiefling man, formerly of the Telbradian Military. He serves as commanding officer of the Starcrest Vigilants, the missile unit which often mans the walls of the Fortress.
* Major Titus Stillwater: An Orcish man of great stature and strength. He serves as commanding officer of the Starcrest Phalanx, the Fortress' Heavy-Infantry unit.
* Major Elentia Phillos: A Wood-Elf woman with a great deal of experience, her affinity for horse-riding made her a natural choice for the Starcrest Outriders, the Fortress' Cavalary Contingency, of which she is the commanding officer.
* Captain Millward: A human man, and part of the Starcrest Phalanx. He manages the day-to-day guarding of the Fortress itself, including screening of visitors.
* Sergeant Jezzarine: A human woman originally from Lofthaven, charged with guarding the lower levels of the Fortress, including the sections which intersect with Savic Lofthavens Magical Sanctum

## Floors

Basement FloorGround FloorGrand HallBattlements

The keep has multiple floors for various uses. A brief description of each is given below.

### Floor 0 (Basement)

The basement level houses various supplies and storage for the keep, as well as the dungeon and contraband room for any criminals that are captured. It can only be accessed by a spiral staircase from the 2nd floor of the keep as a defensive measure incase control of the ground level is lost in a siege.

### Floor 1 (Ground Level)

Entry is done by walking the long stone path that winds up the hill and passing the palisades and fortifications at the front courtyard. When entering, you are met by a luxurious bearskin rug over a white and purple tiled path and various trophies and paintings lining the walls. These are distractions for intruders or any who wish harm upon the denizens, as behind both sides of the walls are multiple hidden archers ready to fire on unsuspecting invaders. After passing this room, you are met by another antechamber before entering the main hall. Branching to the left is the dining area and kitchen, while to the right are multiple bunks for the soldiers who garrison the keep. Also on this floor is a bathing facility, bathroom, and of course the armory.

### Floor 2 (Main Hall)

Walking up the grand stone staircases at the main hall to the second floor, you will enter into a large hall tiled in traditional Vel'Kari colors and lit by chandeliers. This room can be used for balls, parties, dining, or other various activities to properly welcome and entertain any visiting dignitaries or government officials. On the left side of the hall in the left corner is the War Room where various maps and charts along with tactical drawings and notations of Duloris are held. At the far end on the right corner is Factus' seldom used personal room, with a miniature ballista aimed at the door behind a hole in the wall as a last ditch effort against intruders. On the right side of the second floor are special rooms for any visitors or high ranking members of the keep, along with the staircase to the basement level.

### Floor 3 (Battlements)

Housing another armory and shelter for guards, the third floor is entirely dedicated to defense and consists of multiple ballista set up on the battlements.

### Floor 4 (The Tower)

More of a tower than a floor, this central part of the keep rises up and houses a single large ballista for any larger invaders such as giants, dragons, or airships.

### The Mine

Good fortune meant that during construction of the keep, a vein of rich iron was found almost directly underneath the hill. An expert was called from Westbrooke, Belegar Longhammer, to oversee proper excavation and extraction of the minerals. While also providing a small profit, the mine has let the troops of the keep don a higher quality of equipment than would otherwise be afforded with the cities budget.