Rathford Hall

Originally constructed as the central citadel and administrative seat of House Healfor, Rathford Hall was designed to coordinate agricultural oversight and regional governance. Its primary functions were to provide strategic oversight of farming collectives, store surplus grain, and serve as a gathering place for Riding Lords.   Over time, it evolved into a fully functioning palace-citadel. Today, Rathford Hall houses the King and royal court, hosts legislative assemblies of Riding Lords, and remains the outward symbol of Helforian stewardship, unity, and service to the land.

Third Century (post-foundation): Expansion of storage wings to serve as Windfarm Granary and Sky Silo Annex, increasing food security and enabling vertical harvest processing.   Post Avalon Reconnection: Construction of the Northern MAV Dock, integrating the Hall into the realm's M.A.V. transport network.   Sapphiric Era (King Rowlan's Reign): Additional expansion of the Council Wing, housing the Riding Lords' chambers and public audience courts; upgrades to living quarters for the Fourth Family and visiting dignitaries.

Style: A hybrid of traditional Plains Keep design and high-ceilinged Hallerian Great Halls. Combines functional austerity with ceremonial space—towering central hall flanked by lower residential wings.   Materials: Constructed primarily from local russet stone, sourced from nearby bluffs, and reinforced with dark hardwood beams. Upper facades and trims feature weather-finished greenstone.

Curtain Wall: 10-meter russet-stone perimeter with crenellations and an inner wallwalk.   Arrow Slits & Guard Towers: Four corner towers provide elevated vantage and firing lines across the plains.   Portcullis Gatehouse: Reinforced with wrought iron gridwork and level-triggered bolts.   M.A.V. Platform Alert System: Radar-linked signal horns coordinate with MAV patrols and Riding Lord scouts.   Land Gate Barracks: A small garrison of the Windguard Patrols is seated inside the wall, capable of rapid response.

Founding (circa Age of Dragon Edicts): Constructed by Halric Healfor, Rathford Hall was built to centralize food storage and coordinate newly established trade and road routes after the Dragon Concord. Its foundation coincided with the birth of Helfor as a stabilized kingdom within Alagor.   Festival of Storms (Year 134 BAE): The Hall endured a massive windstorm that damaged the upper parapets and outer courtyard. Following this, structural reinforcements were added, including deep-rooted wind-buttresses and a reengineered garret to deflect future atmospheric pressure waves.   Emerald Court Auxiliary Summit (21 BFE): Rathford Hall served as a regional venue under directive from the Emerald Court, hosting inter-kingdom envoys for agrarian coordination and logistical planning for the next season.   Early MAV Integration (13 BFE): With aerial logistics expanding across Alagor, Rathford Hall established one of the earliest fixed MAV platforms on the continent. This enhanced its logistical capacity and connected it directly to harvest nodes and satellite farming towns throughout the plains.

Attractions:   Guided tours of the Sky Silo Annex—visitors can observe seasonal planting and harvesting machinery in action.   Historical hall access featuring the Crosswinds Archives, private sessions for scholars and dignitaries.   Equestrian Grounds and Blade Shearing Monument—where annual riding games conclude with a live shearing performance.   Visitors:   Agricultural scholars touring the granary systems.   Hegemonic tourists drawn to rural traditions and riding games.   Retired Riding Lords and former military watchers interested in Plains governance.   Accommodations:   Guest Suites within the Council Wing—reserved for dignitaries and seasonal guests.   Lodges at the Windfarm Fields, small inns operated by local families near the front gates.   M.A.V. Hostel, a transit-friendly stop for travelers arriving via aerial convoy.