In the center of the Capital District, on the eastern banks of the Ustradi, stands the magnificent Alkenstar Castle. Fortified behind an additional curtain wall, its primary stronghold is easily one of the most defensible locations in the city. The Grand Duchess Trietta Ricia resides in the Gunpowder Tower, while her servants, caretakers, and castellan reside in the castle ' s other towers. The High Parliament meets in Alkenstar Castle ' s grand hall to hold its periodic counsels. Some of the most impressive clockwork sentinels ever created guard the raised bailey on which Alkenstar Castle stands, including the austere and nigh-unfathomable Blackwork Ephemeron, created fo r the Grand Duchess by the famed Professor Radpol.