Barony of Ludenstadt

The Barony of Ludenstadt is a low-level noble title in the Valreach Imperium. It is located in the west of Valreach, neighbouring the Mayoralty of Port Haven. It is currently comprised of Fortress Ludenstadt and the Mayoralty of Raghrena. The current holder of this title is Baron Charles of House Astilor.

Pre-Astilor arrival
Before the arrival of Charles Astilor, his brother and their entourage; the area that would become the Barony was in a dire state. An old castle was falling to pieces atop the central hill of the territory. As for the city of Raghrena, it lacked any inhabitants, and was lacking complete defensive structures. It was vulnerable to raids, or potential future invasion. It is believed, from old Imperial records, that the city was founded originally by Prince Ludvik Moreau Aulian, however it has since fallen into disrepair; the Old Castle on the other hand, remains a mystery. Whatever the case may be, they operated many years ago and whether through great wars, or feuds between noble houses, this area was left to time.

Revival: Phase One
Friedrich Aulian, son of Yorg created the title Baron of Ludenstadt upon Charles, who at the time had no noble house. Charles was adopted into the Cadet Branch of the Imperial House Aulian and charged with the revival of Ludenstadt and the attached City. Moving with his brother, and an entourage of builders and administrators, Charles and his group made the trek from Valrum to the west in order to establish a base at their new home. They took the time to travel to Port Haven, to secure a supply ship and have it sent down river to Raghrena Port, and thus made the journey along the road through the jungle to the Barony. On their way, the group was attacked by a mighty Lion. It let loose an almighty roar, bellowing through the jungle and striking fear into the group. Charles and his brother drew swords and watched as the majestic beast pounced from out of the greenery and slashed at their enchanted armour. Within a few minutes the fight was over, the lion was dead. The effect on Charles was profound and made an impact on his outlook for how he would rule and what this Barony would slowly become over time.

The group arrived at the Old Castle shortly after and made camp in the Courtyard. Over the next week they surveyed the Castle, and the City establishing some critical reports on infrastructure and logistics for progression. This initial phase went very well, as Charles and his brother alongside their nephew.... Robert, diligently assessed all critical factors for the renovations and repairs ahead. Once the survey was done, a plan was made by Charles and his brother on how they would divide their time and proceed with their revitalisation plans. This plan consisted of a two fronted approach, with the brothers focussing on the total renovation of the Castle and Robert taking the reigns as Lord Mayor of Raghrena as vassal under Charles.

Revival: Phase Two
Charles and his brother began to demolish the ruins of the Old Castle, taking major inspiration from its design, especially its wonderful courtyard feature, which would become a staple feature of the next build. Charles' brother the main architect for the project set out an initial plan, which Charles expanded upon revealing his new outlook on their task, as a result of the lion attack. Charles talked at length in an almost trance like state about the majesty and power the lion displayed. There was regality in its movements, it projected authority whilst remaining a beautiful creature of nature. It was ferocious, but with soft fur, ferocious but composed. An oxymoronic wonder of nature, a King of the Jungle. Charles laid out his vision to expand their outlook, by designing and ruling in a way that impressed might, regality and boldness onto all who saw their builds or were ruled by the family. Charles would reflect the lion he saw, who's power could be felt before the claws ever even showed. As the Old Castle was destroyed, the initial plans for a new fortress were coming together. Instead of fixing the Old Castle, this new philosophy would see a dominating fortress stand atop the hill overlooking the surrounding area, a firm reminder of Astilor power in this contested area of Valreach nobility. Once the demolition was complete, intial foundations were constructed by the removal of layers of the hill to ensure a larger flat surface to begin construction on.

Revival: Phase Three
As supplies were pumped into the Raghrena Port, so did life re-enter the city. New visitors and residents came with the prospects of construction work. Plans on creating a secondary village took root as new builders arrived with ambitions of their own, a mindset Charles was keen to foster amongst his subjects. A manor was constructed at the foot of the hill along at the beginning of some plains where the new houses would go. In the city, old buildings began being renovated into a new Fort for the Legion, a testament to the loyalty of House Astilor to their Emperor and Empire.

Back on the hill, the Fortress was well into construction and over the proceeding months, mighty walls were constructed and an inner keep section built. From the city, one could see the clouds envelope the seemingly endless towers which pierced the heavens. The Fortress bolstered an outer defensive structure comprised of thick walls, large towers and a gateway section. The Inner Keep was built with multiple levels and connecting towers maximising space and defensive capability.

Revival:Phase Four
Steeped in history and mysticism, the Barony of Ludenstadt, set amid towering peaks and rugged terrain, has long been known for its martial traditions and unwavering bravery. Within its borders stands an imposing building known as the Ludenstadt Fortress, a towering citadel that has witnessed centuries of battles and intrigues. Here begins the most anticipated event of the decade - the Grand Gladiator Show.

The origin of the play
The Grand Gladiator Show is a long-standing tradition dating back to the founding of Ludenstadt. It was originally intended to celebrate the courage and fighting ability of the Ludenstadt warriors. Over the years, it has evolved into a major spectacle that attracts spectators and fighters from far and wide.

Tournament format
The upcoming show promises to be the biggest of them all. It has a diverse group of gladiators from different corners of the kingdom and beyond. The tournament is divided into several exciting categories:

1.  Duel of Champions: a one-on-one battle between Ludenstadt's greatest warriors, where the winner wins the title of Ludenstadt Champion.

2.Beastmaster's Challenge: a showcase of skilled beastmasters who  pit  trained creatures against each other, testing wisdom and control.

3. The Arena of Legends: a team-based competition where gladiators pair up to fight for supremacy. Each team represents a noble house or a foreign ally.

4. The Trial of Valor: an open competition where aspiring gladiators can prove their mettle. The winner gets a place among the elite warriors of Ludenstadt.

The meaning of the play
The Grand Gladiator Show is more than just a martial arts show. It reflects the Ludenstadt values ​​of honor, courage and unity. It is a meeting place for the entire barony, bringing together citizens, nobles and guests. The winners of the pageant are not only celebrated, but often become symbols of hope and inspiration.

Upcoming event
As the date of the next show approaches, excitement and anticipation  reach a fever pitch in Ludenstadt. Visitors from faraway lands flock to the fort, and the city below is decked out in banners and colorful decorations to celebrate the occasion. The fort itself is carefully crafted and the large arena glistens in the sunlight.

An unpredictable future
Although Ludenstadt's Grand Gladiator Spectacle promises to be a spectacle of epic proportions, its outcome is shrouded in uncertainty. As rivals prepare for upcoming battles, alliances are forged and rivalries ignite. Time will tell which gladiator will emerge victorious and write his name in the annals of Ludenstadt history.

Nowadays, the baron of Ludenstadt looks forward to the  clash of steel, the roar of the crowd and the birth of new legends in Ludenstadt Fortress, where the fate of champions is written in blood and fair.