Post by Kurts on Aug 19, 2015 19:34:27 GMT -5
The new year is marked by the completion of the fortress Krakenhal, rendering Tyrosh a proper seat for the Kingdom of the Iron Islands. It is a perfect marriage of Ironborn utilitarianism, Tyroshi aesthetics, and Valyrian magic. The outer walls, Bleeding Tower, and Old Palace with its circular curtain wall have remained since the time of Valyrians; imposing defenses constructed of fused black dragonstone, a testament to the fact Tyrosh began as a military outpost raised initially to control shipping passing through the Stepstones.
The new additions to the defenses are immediately noticeable, the grey granite blocks of the new fortifications standing in stark contrast to the jet black color of the old. Taking a page from the Braavosi, a formidable sea wall has been constructed around the harbor to house the Eastern Iron Fleet, massive oak gates allowing the ships to sail in and out. A stone star fort has also been constructed around the circular curtain wall of the Old Palace. Square or ring-shaped fortifications, as typical Westerosi castles utilised, had been found to have a "dead zone" in their defenses. An attacking force that could get close to the wall was able to conduct undermining operations in relative safety, as the defenders could not shoot at them from nearby walls. In contrast, the star fortress is a very flat structure composed of many triangular bastions, specifically designed to cover each other. The shape also gave the keep its name, the points of the star fort and circular central keep vaguely resembling a kraken with tentacles outstretched.
The new additions to the defenses are immediately noticeable, the grey granite blocks of the new fortifications standing in stark contrast to the jet black color of the old. Taking a page from the Braavosi, a formidable sea wall has been constructed around the harbor to house the Eastern Iron Fleet, massive oak gates allowing the ships to sail in and out. A stone star fort has also been constructed around the circular curtain wall of the Old Palace. Square or ring-shaped fortifications, as typical Westerosi castles utilised, had been found to have a "dead zone" in their defenses. An attacking force that could get close to the wall was able to conduct undermining operations in relative safety, as the defenders could not shoot at them from nearby walls. In contrast, the star fortress is a very flat structure composed of many triangular bastions, specifically designed to cover each other. The shape also gave the keep its name, the points of the star fort and circular central keep vaguely resembling a kraken with tentacles outstretched.