Harkmaer

Category	Strongholds
Continent	Brucrumus
Region	Miradelgûn
Alias	Castle of Death
Built	11 Witchrite 721 HE
Map	Celedhrel

Built by the Aslauthroa Monarchy (9 HE - 1891 HE), the city of Harkmaer initially functioned as a supply depot for the upcoming siege against Lambaril. Following the capture of Lambaril in 723 HE, Harkmaer became one of Aslauthroa's vassal states, serving as a base to maintain control over the native population, quell unrest, and suppress any resistance to Aslauthroa's rule.

During one of Aslauthroa's civil wars, Harkmaer fell to Fomorian rebels backed by the Âkhi. Though small in number, the conquerors sought to bolster their forces through the dark arts. This earned Harkmaer the notorious moniker, the Castle of Death. Aided by necromancers hailing from the lands of Saer Erkjorg (1592 LE - 1535 HE), they conjured powerful undead captains, death giants, liches, death tyrants, and even a pair of dracoliches. Ultimately, the entire garrison was either created or resurrected as an undead army.

Made by and for storm giants, Harkmaer is a formidable fortress with lofty balconies and aeries accommodating rocs and even dragons. Since falling under the dominion of the undead, Aslauthroa has launched six arduous attempts to seize the stronghold, reinforcing the undead garrison with their own forces.

Today, Harkmaer hosts undead factions governed by death giants, one or two dracoliches, an array of death tyrants, and swarms of lesser undead minions. Every so often, a formidable leader seizes control of the factions, unleashing an undead scourge upon the surrounding territories.