Compass Castles

The building of remote castles in every direction from Altessa, known as The Compass Castles, was a project by the Farenian kings of Altessa. In order to expand their influence outside of Hellis, the royal family commissioned the construction of eight castles beyond the Hellis Mountain Ring, with most having an additional specific purpose. This project also included building massive stone highways, sometimes refer to as The Great Halls, in order to connect each of the eight castles back to Altessa.

Construction began sometime in the mid 4th century, not long after the end of the Dragon Age. The idea to extend Farenian reach in the world was in direct response to the war with Dragons, which brought the other races together for the first time. While the highways and some of the castles were completed, the project was disbanded with the fall of Altessa. Over time, the highways crumbled, cutting Altessa and Hellis off from the rest of the world except for the Hellis Gates near Xavier.

List of Compass Castles
The castles, including their compass direction, original name, current moniker (if any), and location:


 * North - Dragon Watch (Castle Belvedere, Northlands)
 * Northeast - The Acropolis (Greene Manor, Triant)
 * East - Waterdel (House of Ellis, Kingsport)
 * Southeast - Landsend (Andro's Keep, Nadorn)
 * South - Valley Fortress (Faren Royal Castle, Faren City)
 * Southwest - Burnstone Hold (Gloctown)
 * West - Sandspire (Sandspire)
 * Northwest - Riverseat (Fort Varn, Titicus)