The Emperor’s Wall
Hardy travellers may be interested in making the journey to the Emperor’s Wall. The traveller leaves Arcaster at North Gate and passes through the extensive North Gate Cemetery. The farms of the North Fields are sparse and the land is increasingly rocky. The Roman road leads very directly, within a day’s ride, to the Emperor’s Wall.
The Wall was constructed during the time of the Roman Treaties, in order to keep the peace between the people of Albion and the Gaels tribes to the North. When the Romans returned to their own land, the guardians of the Wall remained, loyal to their peace-keeping duties. The men who currently protect the Wall are, in the main, the distant descendants of those Roman soldiers from centuries ago.
Albion and the Gael-Lands are now at peace and it is thanks to the men of the Wall that this peace remains. The Wall prevents aggressive northern chieftains from raiding the sheep of the North Fields farmers. The Wall also discourages overly ambitious Dukes of Arcaster from raising armies and claiming territory in the jewel and ore-rich mountains of the north. In addition, dangerous creatures and felons are discouraged by the Wall and its regular patrols. The Wall is financed by a combination of tributes from the Kings of Albion and the Gael lands and the fees levied from those who travel through any of the Wall’s gates.
Those wishing to cross the Wall and journey further north must apply to the Duke of Arcaster for the requisite documentation. They would also be advised to seek both guides and guards for the journey. This book concerns itself with Albion and does not explore the territory to the north of the Wall.
