Nightwell Fortress

Since the First Blight in -395 Ancient, Orlais battled back hordes of Darkspawn alongside its fellow countries. After the long battle and defeat of the first Archdemon Dumat, the Grey Wardens were declared heroes. And the Empire of Orlais had been one of the quickest countries in Thedas to welcome the conquerors of the blight into their country. What once had been a military stronghold for the Emperor of Orlais, in the center of the city, had been transformed into the main Keep for the Grey Wardens. It went by a different name back then, one now lost to both Wardens and Orlais. Dwarves flocked to improve the stronghold with their legendary skills in hopes to win favor with the Wardens.

Throughout the years the massive fortress remained standing, any damage done to the central location of the Orlesian Grey Wardens had been quickly fixed by their dwarven allies. Ages passed and the fortress located in the heart of Montsimmard remained standing. Through rebellions, blights, and wars it stood the testament of time. Shortly after the Third Blight began, a large portion of the stronghold took a beating. Walls crumbled from the sheer force of the horde unleashed upon Tevinter and Orlais before spreading into all of Thedas.

After the defeat of the horde, the fortress was in ruins. In the course of several years it was rebuilt better and stronger than before. It needed a new name since the previous stronghold no longer stood except for the Eastern wall. The Commander of the Grey at the time gave it the name of Nightwell Fortress; any significance of the name has been lost to time.

With its new name, Nightwell Fortress fared better than its predecessor. It withstood two blights and countless shifting of Commanders throughout several Ages. It’s the seat of power for the Orlesian Commander of the Grey and will remain that way for as many Ages as the Grey Wardens stand vigilant.

While it is also the seat of power for the Grey Wardens of Orlais, it’s also a crown jewel in the city. Commoners and nobles alike brag about the beautiful Fortress and the army that is amassed within, giving them more protecting should an invasion come. Since Nightwell Fortress is perfectly nestled in the heart of Montsimmard, it often sees a great influx of important people. And even more often it is the safe place to speak between nobles about one’s business. Since the politics of Montsimmard effected the Wardens who lived there, making the reigning Commander present at each meeting.