The Rampart
Overview
The Rampart is a magical wall erected to protect Asgartha from any external threats, including The Tumult and the Kraken. It marks an important historical border and serves as the primary defensive installation against incursions from beyond.
Construction History
Initial Construction (120 AC)
The Rampart was originally crafted in 120 AC as a defensive barrier. Its architects leveraged the rugged topography of Vagheria to serve as the foundation for this magical wall.
Extension (313 AC)
Following the tumultuous tsunami of 305 AC, the Rampart was extended for hundreds of kilometers in 313 AC to provide greater protection to the peninsula.
Structure
Dual Wall Design
The Rampart consists along its entire length of two parallel walls. Between the two walls, magical turbines blow and push the Tumult currents outward, preventing their mutagenic effects from striking the Peninsula.
Strongholds
There are sixteen strongholds along the wall. Each stronghold is topped with a floating tower housing Kelon cores. These cores are the power source for the turbines that repel Tumult currents.
Key Locations
Of the sixteen strongholds, two are notably important:
Solstice Gate: The sole terrestrial entry and exit point of the Peninsula, which was sealed centuries ago.
Bysanthe: A citadel located north of the Vagheria peninsula. This fortress oversees the open waterway between the Muir Concordia and the Elikadura Fjords. This passage, nestled between high majestic walls, was used by the Bravos and the Ordis to transport materials for the construction of Cebir, as well as to launch ventures off the Caer Oorun coasts.
Military Installation
The Rampart functions as a fortified military base operated by the Ordis faction. It houses brigades of soldiers stationed on the heights, with barracks, dormitories, and command offices. The fortress is designed to defend against incursions from the Tumult and guard the borders leading to Caer Oorun.
Command Structure
The fortress is commanded by colonels who oversee the brigades stationed there. Temera Singh of The Aegis coordinates defensive operations and commands the phalanxes during Tumult attacks.
Fortifications
The Rampart features:
- Fortified walls and ramparts for defensive positions
- Heavy doors requiring multiple soldiers to open
- Steps and passages connecting different defensive levels
- Heights providing tactical advantage
Defense Against the Tumult
The Rampart experiences periodic attacks from Tumult creatures. When threats are detected, bells ring and alarms sound throughout the fortress, summoning all available personnel to defensive positions.
Notable Defensive Actions
During one Tumult wave, soldiers grappled with creatures on the low section of the wall while Admiral Singh shouted orders to the Aegis phalanxes. Sigismar Synd, though being escorted from the fortress at the time, drew his sword and rushed to the fortifications, invoked his Heka and traced a protective barrier.
Gulrang Oduro was posted to the Rampart guarding the borders to Caer Oorun when a Tumult surge occurred. A stone Golem Chimera saved her from a falling stone block during the attack.
Role in Military Careers
The Rampart serves as a posting for Ordis military personnel. Soldiers stationed there receive training in combat against Tumult creatures and develop skills in defensive operations. The posting is considered demanding but provides valuable military experience.
Relationships
- Vagheria: Peninsula providing the Rampart’s foundation
- Asgartha: Nation protected by the Rampart
- The Tumult: Primary threat the Rampart defends against
- Kraken: Leviathan the Rampart was built to contain
- Caer Oorun: Lost province beyond the Rampart
- Solstice Gate: Sole terrestrial entry point (sealed)
- Bysanthe: Northern citadel overseeing waterway
- Kelon: Power source for the defensive turbines
- Ordis: Faction operating the military installation
- The Aegis: Sentinels defending the Rampart
- Bravos: Fighters stationed at strongholds
- Yzmir: Mages stationed at strongholds