The Golden Wall
The Golden Wall stands as a monumental defense for Golden Cliff, built during the reign of King Aldric Ironhelm from 298 AGW to 310 AGW. It is a towering structure of granite and gold-plated iron, combining powerful military fortifications with symbols of wealth and prestige. Guarded by elite soldiers, the wall has successfully protected the city for almost a decade and serves as a reminder of King Aldric’s commitment to his people’s security. Its traps, watchtowers, and defensive architecture make it a near-impenetrable fortress, embodying the strength and vision of Golden Cliff.
Purpose / Function
The Golden Wall was erected to safeguard Golden Cliff from potential invasions, particularly from the Shrieking Sea and marauding forces along the coast. Its purpose is twofold: as a physical defense to repel invaders and as a monumental symbol of King Aldric's might and the city's impenetrable status. The wall also maintains strict control over the entrances to the city, reinforcing the prohibition on unauthorized magic within Golden Cliff, a cornerstone of King Aldric’s rule.
Design
Inside the wall, the stone corridors are vast, with ample space for troops to move efficiently. The sounds of heavy boots echo through the granite halls, while the scent of stone, oil, and metal fills the air. The inner walls are lined with storage rooms for food, weaponry, and supplies, ensuring that the city could withstand a siege for months if necessary. The flicker of torches illuminates the path at night, casting long shadows along the cold, stone corridors.
Contents & Furnishings
Aside from military provisions, the wall houses several hidden safe rooms used by the ruling council and King Aldric himself in times of emergency. Each room is furnished with minimal but luxurious accommodations, including golden candlesticks and velvet chairs, a stark contrast to the otherwise spartan military feel of the structure.
Valuables
While the wall itself is adorned with gold-plated accents, it holds no major treasure troves within its stone. However, its true value lies in the strategic secrets it holds—maps of the city’s defenses, escape routes, and the location of important chambers—known only to the highest-ranking officials.
Hazards & Traps
In the event of a breach, several areas of the wall are rigged with mechanical traps, including collapsing passages, spiked pits, and poison gas traps triggered by pressure plates. These traps are primarily designed to slow down invaders and give the city's defenders time to mount a counteroffensive.
Architecture
The Golden Wall stands nearly 100 feet tall, constructed from granite, reinforced with gold-plated iron in key areas, reflecting sunlight brilliantly during the day, giving the wall its famed golden sheen. The architectural design incorporates a blend of military fortification with intricate, gilded carvings that symbolize the city’s wealth and prestige. The battlements are wide enough to support heavy siege weaponry, including ballistae and catapults, and have numerous watchtowers spaced along its length, each equipped with signal fires.
Defenses
The Golden Wall is not just a physical barrier but also a military stronghold. It is equipped with a series of gates, each made of thick, reinforced steel, and controlled by a complex system of counterweights, making them nearly impossible to breach without significant force. The watchtowers are manned day and night by the elite Cliffguard, the personal military force of King Aldric. Additionally, large reservoirs of boiling oil are kept near the gates to repel any ground assault.
History
The construction of the wall was a response to growing external threats following the chaotic period after the Great War. Pirate raids from the Shrieking Sea, combined with increasing land-based threats, pushed King Aldric to begin the project in 298 AGW. Its completion in 310 AGW marked the beginning of a new era for Golden Cliff, as it became known as one of the most fortified cities in all of Paradysium.
Founding Date
Construction began in the 6th year of King Aldric Ironhelm’s reign (298 AGW) and was completed in 310 AGW. It took 12 years to complete and was one of the most ambitious fortification projects in Shatterbleak's history. King Aldric, understanding the stra
Type
Tower, Wall
Environmental Effects
Approaching the Golden Wall evokes a sense of awe. Its gleaming golden surfaces, especially at sunset, create a blinding spectacle visible from miles away, reinforcing the city’s reputation as the Golden Cliff. The imposing height of the wall, combined with the feeling of being watched by ever-present sentries, creates an atmosphere of impregnable security but also an unspoken warning to those who might consider challenging the city’s defenses.
