Altered Lore

Cebir

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The Cebir (Western Commandery)

Overview

The Cebir is a Bravos citadel in Caer Oorun, erected in 327 AC as the first outpost in the Terra Incognita. Built with Ordis funding and architects, the fortress was intended as a forward base for re-exploring the world. It was abandoned twice — first due to Kraken attacks on supply ships and later after a disastrous expedition — before being reclaimed by the Expeditionary Corps in 392 AC.

Location

The Cebir is situated in the Elikadura Fjords region of Caer Oorun, approximately 174 miles west of Arkaster. Access requires sailing through increasingly cold waters filled with icebergs and dangerous ice floes, then navigating narrow fjords. The Bravos chose the site based on Abelen Sundström’s maps from her 271 AC voyage, selecting a frozen area where pack ice and icebergs could serve as natural defenses against the Kraken.

Structure

The citadel contains a common hall, inner courtyard, wooden balconies and walkways, multiple towers, and an icy bay for ship anchorage.

Timeline

327 AC - Construction

The Bravos and Ordis erected the Cebir as the first outpost in Terra Incognita, relying on Abelen Sundström’s maps. The Ordis invested significant funds and provided architects for the project.

327-329 AC - Early Operations and Chimera Research

Madelyn Moss, a scientist specializing in Chimera research, conducted studies at the Cebir during this period. Bai Shan-shu, an Ordis lieutenant, also served at the outpost and met Madelyn there. One of Madelyn’s research specimens was a swan Chimera that would later become known as Zephyr. The Korovinovich family, including the young Afanas Korovinovich, also settled at the fortress during this period.

329 AC - First Abandonment

Repeated Kraken attacks on the ships connecting the fortress to the Asgarthan Peninsula caused severe shortages and deprivation for the stationed contingents. The Bravos were forced to abandon the fortress after only two years. The abandonment was a painful setback for both the Bravos and the Ordis, which had invested heavily in the project. When forced to flee, Madelyn Moss was permitted to keep Zephyr as the only Chimera specimen she could bring.

329-352 AC - Perjurer Occupation

Following the abandonment, Sylas (the Chrysanthemum Cloaked Warlock) used the Cebir as an operations base for the Perjurers. The common hall was converted into an experimentation laboratory containing esoteric diagrams, caged creatures, and alchemical equipment. Saskia Averina (the Eugenist) visited Sylas at the Cebir during this period.

352 AC - Second Expedition Disaster

A Bravos Company called the Dagger of Esvander attempted to reconquer the fortress, with approval from captains at Haven. Basira al-Arshad, then nineteen years old, joined the expedition. The group discovered the laboratory and a hidden annex containing an imprisoned Chimera later identified as Kaizaimon. The expedition was attacked by Eidolons — Mantichora and Khimaira — that killed most of the group. Basira freed Kaizaimon, who bonded with her and kept her alive in freezing waters. She was the sole survivor, rescued by an Ordis airship after two days.

392 AC - Reclamation

The Expeditionary Corps reclaimed the Cebir in October 392 AC after 75 years of abandonment, as part of Admiral’s Temera’s directive to plan exploration of the western coastal region beyond the Turbulent Shores. All major factions participated in the operation. Afanas Korovinovich, who had lived at the Cebir as a child, returned and identified the laboratory as a magic workshop connected to a conspiracy against Asgartha.

392 AC - Yzmir Quarantine

Following an intervention by Wanjiru, the Yzmir locked down the Cebir citing a quarantine, seizing control of operations. This created tensions with the Bravos, who viewed the fortress as rightfully theirs. Waru Toowoom planned to send spies to uncover what the Yzmir were hiding at the site.

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