Orthelstone Castle

Orthelstone
Orthelstone Castle is guarded by two ancient stone guardians who have taken on the form of two fountains. They are called Ilibolg and Bolgili, and you have very likely spoken to them already. They are only part of the ancient magic that surrounds the castle.

If things weren't strange enough in the castle itself, with its night mists and warm water, four years ago, the Queen inexplicably went mad overnight. The Saegar have naturally blamed the Cinn, and ever since the people have been growing more and more zealous to see the old cults wiped out.

Most of the Queen's duties have been taken up by her eldest daughter, Aliamine, who is aided by her father's Advisor, Mereavus.

You may have noticed that in almost every room of the castle, there is a twisted, seemingly dead, tree. These are the Crann. They are said to be sentient beings like humans, but their purpose has been lost in the process of exiling the Cinn. It is said that only they really know why the Crann inhabit the castle. Whatever the case, decades ago, it became evident that any attempt to remove them began a curse on those who tried, and the dynasty of Huelcann died out thanks to their efforts. It was then that the Robarthes came to power, and so the Crann are regarded with a sense of wary respect.

Life in Orthelstone
Life in the Castle is reported to be better than anywhere else in the country. Of course, this is purely speculation, and intended to make the residents feel better. The reality is quite different. Knoxwater is the hub of all southern culture in Singarth, and as a result the military presence has become increasingly sparse. This had led to a general feeling of apprehension amongst those in the castle, as the Generals have taken their armies to the North, escaping the frippery and foppishness of the South. Most of the nation's military power exists in the Fortress of Mormount in Merrowcrest, and the stone Keep and barracks in Glassmoor.

This unease has become palpable. The presence of General Alexston as Prince in Orthelstone seems to have led to a general feeling of security amongst the servants and those of a low-born hailing, but it has only increased how ill at ease the nobility feel. There is a gradually widening divide between the nobility and the people.

Questions have also been raised about the sheer volume of women in power who live in the Castle. It is thought to be an omen of bad luck, and there have already been several attempts to throw many of them down from power.

All in all, life is physically very comfortable in Orthelstone - but the constant presence of anxiety and instability make it emotionally difficult, even for the most hardened Southerner.