Dalios Hold

As a naval base, Dalios Hold is home to the Owenarian Navy, which is predominantly human. Other mortal races are uncommon, as the Kingdom's society and politics tend to favor humanity. Nevertheless, being non-human in the military has not created tension. The naval code mandates respect for every sailor, regardless of race or creed. A ship can remain steady only if no one rocks the boat. The code specifies a system of rank where the officers and non-officers live in separate districts. While such division can create disdain, the sailors uphold their duty of rank. Tales of the legendary 3rd-class Sailor Victoria Alban, who defeated a Fuxenarian Warship, give the non-officers a deep sense of inspiration that the officers share. The most dedicated to this belief is the 2nd Division, or the D'argent Lune Division, who have made the reputation of taking the boldest missions.

As an Owenarian naval base, it operates under the militaristic government established by the Kingdom of Owenar, as outlined in the kingdom's constitution known as the Silver Sun. The Maester Judge plays an essential role in maintaining law and order within each division based at Dalios Hold, which is part of the Kingdom's military justice system. The only other authority that overwrites that rank is the monarch of the Kingdom. Officers take on the role of prosecutors, while another officer assists the convicted individuals in forming their defense. As Dalios Hold functions as a naval training base, recruits are subject to the same judicial process as the soldiers and officers. The Maester Judge has the final authority over judgments regarding law and order for every division at Dalios Hold. Furthermore, all Navy personnel have the right to vote for a Judge, the rank second to Maester Judge, in their respective divisions, with officers holding the exclusive privilege to campaign for the position. Should a challenge to duel arise, a referendum can be initiated to call for a vote and potentially bring the challenge to a conclusion.

The most significant defense asset of the base is the twin towers. Each tower has multiple cannon and catapult positions. On the bridge, cannons and crossbow turrets are positioned along its length. The north tower supplies ammunition for defensive purposes, but the overall war storage in the rest of the district is minimal for practical reasons. The south tower contains equal ammunition, but its district boasts a significantly more extensive supply of weapons and ammunition. Over 9,500 sailors are stationed at the base, divided among nine divisions of the navy, and more than 100 ships are either stored or in use. Uniforms and military equipment are kept in the sailors' barracks. SSilversteel weaponry is stored only by high-ranking officers, as it is too valuable for minor threats. Additionally, the base features a steam-powered system that helps secure the buildings and restrict unwanted movement.

To ensure the trade route of Dalios Hold, one must go through an inspection at the Officer district. While the trading ship is stored and inspected, the crew is taken to be assessed for their intentions through the bureaucratic process. Documentations are much preferred. To ensure the security and efficiency of the trade route through Dalios Hold, it is mandatory for all trading ships to undergo a thorough inspection at the Officer District. The inspection process begins when the ship arrives; it is carefully stored and examined for any potential violations or contraband. During this time, the crew members are taken for an assessment aimed at understanding their intentions and ensuring compliance with local regulations.   This assessment consists of a series of interviews and reviews of the crew's trading history. It is crucial for the crew to present accurate and complete documentation, including trade permits, cargo manifests, and identification papers. Providing these documents in advance can significantly speed up the bureaucratic process, reducing delays and facilitating a smoother passage through Dalios Hold. Overall, the inspection is a vital step in maintaining the integrity of the trade route and fortifying the safety of the region's commerce. To secure the trade route of Dalios Hold, all trading ships must undergo an inspection in the Officer District. While the ship is being inspected and stored, the crew will go through an assessment to evaluate their intentions as part of a bureaucratic process. Having proper documentation is highly recommended to expedite this process. to hasten the process.

Its main structure is its massive bridge made of pale stone and steam-powered machinery. In the event of a lockdown, mechanical barriers are dropped into the gap between the bridge and the river. Its twin towers are designed to launch anti-siege projectiles quickly from both ends of the bridge. Behind the bridge are naval constructs of pale stone consisting of housing, storage, training, and a port by the riverside and the cliffs above the river. The sailors use a pulley system for personnel and heavy loads to climb up from the navy's port. This system stretches across the Dalios River for easier access. Hidden beneath both districts is a boiling furnace system that pumps steam all over the base. The steam-powered machinery operates the heating and security systems. Lighting is made using lanterns fueled with whale oil. Tunnels are dug to store the navy's ships at the ports for the northern side of the river. The port on the southern side of the river stores the navy's equipment and ammunition.

The base is divided into two districts. They are separated by the Dalios River and connected by its bridge. As per the separation policy of ranks, the district on the north side of the river is the Officer District, while the Sailor District is to the south side.   Officer District: This district houses the navy officers and contains halls for trials and government meetings. It also hosts the kingdom's navy school for tactical and law training. The port below the cliffs stores ships in tunnels for maintenance, inspections, and mission preparation.   Sailor District: This district houses the navy's sailors and recruits and contains halls for naval training in sailing, ship maintenance, weaponry, naval combat, and hand-to-hand combat. The port below the cliffs stores most of the base's weapons and ammunition in tunnels.

In 582 DA, King Altheos took decisive action establishing Dalios Hold at the critical river entrance, a strategic location to protect the region from potential sea-born threats. The fortification began as a wooden structure, offering basic defenses against minor incursions. However, comprehensive renovations transformed the fortress into a formidable stone stronghold by the end of the 2nd Dark Age, significantly enhancing its defensive capabilities.   By 89 ADA, the base faced an unexpected and aggressive siege launched by the Salted Steel Tribe. This formidable coalition of ocean raiders, notorious for their cunning tactics, surprised the defenders at Dalios Hold. Queen Lauren Owenar, a brilliant and courageous leader, spearheaded a counter-offensive. Under her command, the forces of Dalios launched a daring attack that resulted in the destruction of the enemy flagship, a vital blow to the Salted Steel Tribe’s naval power.   In 244 ADA, the situation escalated further when a warship from the Fuxenarian Empire approached, presenting an ominous threat to the naval base. This ship sought to annihilate Dalios Hold by targeting the Defiant, which at that time was the navy's most heavily armored vessel, critical to the defense of the waterway. Amidst the chaos, 3rd Class Sailor Victoria Alban undertook a daring and courageous maneuver. She skillfully piloted a patrol boat loaded with explosive powder directly toward the rogue warship. In a moment of sheer bravery, she crashed her vessel into the enemy ship, causing a massive explosion that effectively destroyed the threat. Victoria’s audacious act of heroism did not go unnoticed. Her fearless actions earned her a reputation among her peers, and tales of her bravery spread quickly, inspiring many recruits who aspired to follow in her footsteps and valiantly defend their homeland.   In 645 ADA, a formidable kraken launched a sudden and mysterious assault on a fleet anchored just offshore from the base. As the massive creature emerged from the depths, it wreaked havoc, causing chaos among the sailors. The fleet responded quickly, unleashing a barrage of cannon fire in an attempt to fend off the monster. The kraken, despite enduring heavy bombardment, fought fiercely, its tentacles thrashing against the ships. However, after sustaining serious injuries from the relentless cannon fire, the creature eventually retreated back into the abyss, leaving behind a trail of destruction and a lingering sense of dread. Remarkably, it was never seen again, raising questions and fueling legends about its existence.