The Flying Citadel

[Original Publication by Scribe Tobrios Cesard]

Once a recognized power, and now fastened to the background

of world events and politics, little is known of the floating city. The following is an examination of the Citadel's most recent system of governance, what could be gleaned of it's history and other miscellanious facts.

Its flag, red with cross-crossing bands of white, lord over

a floating monstrosity. Old maps and testimonies from elder citizens of the Citadel reveal that it was build upon the blackened remains of the Wyvern's Tower. It's composition, perhaps starstone, is of intensely magical nature. Scrutiny of the surroundings reveal that it was built by the combined efforts of the Elves, Dwarves and a group of indiscernible hodded beings. Citadel Shards, crystalline objects located at the perimiter of the floating city allow the Citadel to float. It is kept immobile by a weblike series of chains connected to the floor below. Constant and serious upkeep is mantained to ensure the safety of the Citadel and the continuance of it's magical floatation.

The people of the Flying Citadel are primarily soldiers, who

spend the bulk of their time training zealously for some as of yet unknown conflict. It's pictures and maps allude to a war with Val Miran and Falen Dara to the West, though no further evidence of this struggle is found, and no solid evidence provided to affirm. Oddly, Val Miranian flags can be seen flying from it's bannisters, which may mean it's assault on the city was in defense, or to expel a hostile force. Again, however, this is conjecture.

Most of Aabahran's races inclined toward a high moral ground

can be found counted among their number; Avians, Dwarves, Elves and Humans seem most prevelant though there are certainly representatives from other nations.

When not training, citizens of the floating fortress enjoy

drinking and engaging in a dangerous game of darts. There is also a small library, though rarely used, and a quiet barracks within which drunken soldiers might sleep off their alcoholic stuppor. In it's elite section there is also a small park and a museum where the soldiers can meditate over the history of their struggle.

The Fortress itself is divided in to two sections; the first

is for normal infantry and warcriers, whilst the second section is reserved for the elite of their profession. The second section is also the site of the officer's rooms. While none of the officers were available for comment, the torture chambers and other such secret findings convinced me not to further seek their audience. The remaining areas are kept for royalty.

Judging from tapestries and sculptures, the Flying Citadel

seems to have some connection to the historic Palison and the Knights. Further images were that of Malignant the demon, Maleki and Sekhir. Using historic texts we can thus date the construction of the Flying Citadel at or around 220-260 P.C., which is when these famed individuals walked the lands. The current government of the Flying Citadel is a Monarchy, with King Edwin at it's head. His wife, Queen Polinane rules at his side with his son Prince Gjalein next in line to assume the throne.

King Edwin is a reclusive monarch, who choses to keep himself and his family safely locked in the royal chambers. Sculpted dragons protect them, the dragon being a strong and oft seen symbol within the fortress. Edwin himself seems a capable ruler. He has a fondness for chicken.

The Queen spends her time within her chamber, accompanied by

a great blue dragon as pet and protector. The dragon seems well trained and docile, dedicated to the safety of his charge.

The most interesting character is the Prince, whose symbol

is a white dragon bearing a ruler's sceptre. He is a shady and quiet individual. There is little doubt this somewhat masochistic Prince desires the throne. However, this is not what makes him interesting, rather what can be found hidden in his chambers.

Through some stealth and cunning this scribe was able to sneak in to these private halls, and therein witnessed the bodies of baby centaurs, apparently kept for experimentation, and further still an odd ritual room housing an elder centaur. The purpose for this ritual, the aborted corpses and the elder I was unable to discern.

In conclusion, there still lurks a great deal of mystery beneath the surface. Many unanswered questions surround this war vehicle.