Standing as a bastion against the terrors of the long night, Astos, known as the Darkest Lance, is a shining star for those that make their home in the Gandarl Isk. Its “twin” far in the west, found not too distant from Borealis in the Jarlkirsk, is Polaris, or the Brightest Lance.
As with Polaris, this is an enormous fortress formed of three ascending levels towards its centre, with each supporting numerous lynghåuses in the standard star formation.
Demographics
Whilst not garrisoned by quite as many as Ahlsund all the way to the north east, this stronghold is located in a keen position to be able to respond to calls for aid from anywhere in the region.
Being close to the Krelnuul Anko, there are regular visits from contingents of all regiments of the Glacial Knights, but those who make more of a permanent stay here are in the main a part of the Second Southern Solstice Ballation, along with a relatively small group of labourers, artisans, and traders.
Defences
The defence of this territory and command of the SSR present is charged to Colonel Somerya Lask, the great-granddaughter of famed former General, Kelnar Lask. With accomplishments almost as numerous and monumental as his, there has never been reason to doubt her ability to defend those in need.
As is commonplace for all sorts of outposts found across Huldan, high stone palisades with large wooden spikes before them surround each of the three rising layers, and well-maintained trenches sit just behind them. All five points of Astos possess a grand guarded drawbridge and fortified gate to serve as both entrances and exits.
History
Astos was the first station of its kind deployed so close to the frontier over one thousand two hundred years ago, preceding even the Glacial Knights’ inception by a couple of centuries. Never once have the walls of this citadel been breached by the hordes outside, and over time the surrounding perimeter has even been extended to allow for a greater company of troops, and the safe residence of civilians or those seeking refuge.