Belendar - Palace Courtyard

Type: Castle Courtyard
Region: Belendar, Palace District
Status: Active Combat Zone
Tags: #location/castle #location/under-threat #location/active-quest

Description

Interior courtyard of the royal palace, located behind the main rampart defenses. During Session 25, this area became an active battlefield as Falcon Faction forces breached the palace perimeter. Fighting between royal guards and orange/blue mercenaries spread throughout the courtyard, with flames visible from multiple directions as the palace siege intensified.

Geography

Open courtyard space within palace walls, positioned between outer ramparts and main palace building. Multiple access points connect to palace corridors, throne room approaches, and defensive positions. Surrounded by palace architecture with windows overlooking courtyard. Stone paving throughout.

Key Features

Multiple Access Routes - Connects ramparts, corridors, throne room, and exterior defenses
Open Combat Space - Allows for larger-scale melee engagements
Palace Windows - Upper floors overlook courtyard (flames visible Session 25)
Defensive Chokepoints - Various doorways and passages for tactical positioning

Population

During Siege (Session 25):

Royal palace guards (defending)
Orange/blue mercenaries (Falcon Faction attackers)
Various soldiers from both sides
No civilians present (evacuated)

Leadership

Overall Authority: Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade
Military Command: General Thailander Oakwood (coordinating overall defense)

History

Traditional royal palace courtyard, normally used for ceremonies, guard formations, and palace staff movement. Repurposed as battlefield during civil war siege.

Current Situation

Session 25 Status:

Active combat between royal guards and Falcon Faction mercenaries
Palace breached - enemies fighting throughout interior
Flames visible from multiple palace windows
Party passed through en route to throne room
Fighting ongoing as reinforcements engage

Tactical Status:

Palace perimeter breached
Interior defense falling back toward throne room
Multiple entry points compromised
Enemy forces establishing positions inside palace

Connections

Nearby Locations:

Belendar - Palace Ramparts - Outer defenses
Belendar - Palace Corridors - Interior passages
Belendar - Palace Throne Room - Central objective
Belendar - Palace Entrance - Main doorway (separate combat zone)

Part of:

Belendar Palace Complex

Inhabitants

Factions Present (Session 25):

Royal Palace Guards (defending)
Falcon Faction mercenaries (attacking)
Riders of the Storm (passed through)

Appearances

Session 25 - 14 June 2025 - Active combat zone, party observed fighting whilst traveling to throne room, flames visible from palace windows

Notes

Breach of courtyard represents significant tactical failure for palace defense
Multiple fires suggest sabotage or destructive combat
Party prioritized throne room over courtyard defense
Ongoing combat as session ended