Castle

A is a fortification consisting of, at least, a stone keep and outer wall, each with s to facilitate defensive missile fire. A castle is distinguished from a shell keep, walled keep, or keep by the presence of fortified towers at the outer wall’s weak points (usually the corners). A castle will also usually possess a fortified gatehouse or barbican and may be surrounded by a moat, ditch, and/or earthworks. Additional concentric walls may also be present. Within the castle “bailey” will be various outbuildings necessary to the normal operation of the castle’s household.

Castles are usually constructed only in districts where unrest may be expected, such as on the frontier and in rebellious or newly conquered regions. Since the possession of a castle (or for that matter any good fortification) renders its owner immune from all but the most powerful assaults, monarchs tend to outlaw the proliferation of such structures; only those absolutely necessary to defend against invasion or unrest will be permitted. Another limiting factor on the construction of castles is the tremendous expense. Castles require several years and a great deal of expertise to build. Only the richest of fiefholders will be able to afford them. A crenalation license is required to build a castle.

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