The great city of Seregon stands as a fortress of unparalleled strength, fortified by centuries of magical knowledge, military might, and an intricate web of alliances. With layer upon layer of defenses, it has withstood the tests of time and remains a beacon of safety against the many threats that lurk in its world. From forgotten magical relics to disciplined armies, Seregon's protection is as formidable as the forces that seek to breach it.
The Outermost Layer: The Tikhurats
At the farthest reaches of Seregon's defenses are the 12 Tikhurats of Seregon, inverted ziggurats hidden beneath the earth, forming a perfect circle with a 10-mile radius around the ancient city of Chan-Kaanul. These massive stone platforms, overgrown with vines and moss, were once the key to the city's ultimate defense. When activated by the Jewels of Chan-Kaanul, the Tikhurats would create a nearly impenetrable magical barrier, capable of defending against mundane armies, supernatural forces, and even cataclysmic magic that could threaten the very fabric of reality. However, with the Jewels scattered and re-purposed over time, this layer remains dormant—its full potential untapped until the ancient relics are restored to their rightful place.
The Wilderness Defenders: The Telum Druids and Straphangers
Within the lands surrounding Seregon, The Telum Druids and the Straphangers form a crucial second line of defense. The Telum, masters of the natural world, keep a watchful eye over the wilderness, often working in tandem with the Nosgar tribe to ensure the safety of the outer regions. While they handle mundane threats such as bandits and minor undead incursions, their magic and knowledge of the land make them invaluable for detecting larger dangers.
Meanwhile, the Straphangers are known for actively hunting zombies, using the remains to create the life-saving Seregon Serum. Though these groups are well-equipped to handle smaller threats, they will retreat in the face of any large-scale assault, pulling back to the stronger layers of defense closer to the city.
The Iron Guard and the City Walls
Seregon's primary military force, the Iron Guard, stands ready at the city's massive walls. With 2,241 well-trained soldiers, the Iron Guard is more than capable of defending against conventional attacks. The wilderness around the city is regularly cleared, leaving a 100-yard zone devoid of cover, ensuring that enemies have no place to hide as they approach the fortifications. Ballistae, catapults, and heavy crossbows line the walls, ready to rain destruction on any advancing force.
In addition, a row of wooden spiked obstacles ensures that zombies and other creatures will be slowed and impaled as they rush toward the walls, giving the defenders ample time to eliminate them. The Iron Guard also maintains a presence throughout the city, with outposts in every ward, ensuring that any internal threat is swiftly dealt with.
The Airships Above
Above the city, a fleet of 20-30 merchant airships hovers, not built for battle but equipped with crystal-based energy weapons capable of defending against airborne threats. While these ships prefer to avoid direct combat, they can rally together in times of crisis, coordinating their firepower to protect the city from skyward assaults. Their presence adds a vital layer of defense against the rare but dangerous attacks from above.
The Citadel and Harbour Fort
Within the city, two strongholds serve as the heart of Seregon's defense. The Citadel, an imposing fortress located in the Upper District, acts as the command center for the Iron Guard and a last bastion in the event of an invasion. It is from here that the city’s defense is coordinated, and in times of dire need, it becomes the stronghold for Seregon’s leaders.
On the coast, the Harbour Fort serves as a vital defense against seafaring threats. The fort is equipped with the Phragmata, or Harbour Chain, a massive iron barrier that can be raised to block the harbor and prevent enemy ships from entering. The Harbourmaster's Tower controls the chain, ensuring that the city's waters remain secure from both military and smuggling threats.
Private Strongholds:
Several private factions bolster the city's defenses, each with their own strongholds.
Fortress Ithos, home to the Ithosian Talon mercenary company, serves as a rallying point in the Kerkhof Ferry District. With only 60 mercenaries on guard, it may seem small, but the Ithosian Talons are highly trained and feared throughout the land.
The Keep of the Immortals, located in the Westerpark District, houses the dragonborn contingent of the Immortals of Karsis. This enclave operates as a training camp and stronghold for the city’s dragonborn warriors, ensuring their strength is always ready to be deployed. The Keep also serves as a center of bureaucracy, enforcing the city’s strict dragonborn registration quotas.
The van Rijnders estate, home to Seregon’s General Willem van Rijnders, is a fortress in its own right. Surrounded by towering curtain walls, the estate is guarded by a private army of 100 elite soldiers, and its keep stands as a testament to the family’s wealth and power. The van Rijnders are not just commanders of Seregon’s military but are also key defenders of its political structure.
Auxiliary Forces:
In addition to the Iron Guard and private armies, smaller but no less formidable groups stand ready to defend Seregon. These include the Knights of the Ascendant Flame, the Knights of the Veil, the Order of the Dawn, the Thunderwardens (King's Guard), and The Arcane Watchers. Though these groups vary in size and function, each has its own specialty and will quickly organize in the event of an attack, whether it be against an invading army or magical threats.
Conclusion
The Defense of Seregon is a testament to the city’s resilience and preparedness. Though the Tikhurats remain dormant, awaiting the reassembly of the Jewels of Chan-Kaanul, the many layers of defense, from the Iron Guard to the private strongholds, make Seregon a formidable fortress. In the event of an invasion, the city will rally its forces—military, magical, and mercenary—proving that Seregon is more than just a city; it is a stronghold of unyielding resistance.