Thule Islands - [0203] Ealfa Castle

Ealfa Castle is the home of the Church of Lough Order of the Sisters of the White Shield. The castle is built up on a spur of limestone known as the white ridge, and is well positioned to defend the settled southern parts of Thule Island from the more rugged north. There are said to be five levels beneath the fortress itself but if this is true someone else will have to document them.

The temple and settlement around it is basically an armed camp. Templers patrol the coast road all the way to Alesford. They also make regular forays into the wilds looking for trouble. 

The templars have developed a working relationship with the Priestesses of Lustria at the nearby Gatefell baths, a relationship that has eased tensions between the Imperials and Keltoi on Eastern Thule. The Templars of the White Shield are known unofficially as the Defenders of Lustria.

White Peak

The top of the white ridge is known as the White Peak because of the two major buildings, the White Castle and the White Cathedral were built out of the brightest limestone that could be mined from the ridge. The White Peak is filled with worshipers on Saturday when the gates are opened to all who want to enter the White Temple, other days only the Sisters of the White Shield and employees are found.

[A1] The White Castle - The castle headquarters of the Order of the Sisters of the White Shield. The castle has a number of offices and a long dorm and houses 50-100 sisters at any time. There are also over a dozen support staff (cooks, cleaning staff, etc). The Sisters are well known for over-indulging in drink.

[A2] The White Temple - Temple of Lough built from the white limestone and can be seen from miles away. The top of the tower has a prayer room with no roof that is used for personal prayer to get closer to Lough. On Saturdays the Temple is filled with the Sisters of the White Shield who occasionally get so worked up they flagellate themselves.

White Castle and White Temple

The Ledge

Most visitors to the Ealfa settlement stay int eh Dorms or at Hakkon's house waiting for their chance to visit the White Temple on Saturday.

[B1] Pilgrim's Dorms - A set of Dormitories built to house Clergy of Lough visiting the White Temple. 

[B2] Hakkon's House - Hakkon was a rancher who has retired and converted his home to a semi-temple to handle Priestess of Lustria who have set up a temporary temple and bath house of Lustria. He also brews a reasonable ale and supplements the Dorm kitchen with vegetable dishes cooked up by the Priestesses of Lustria.

[B3] Lough's Overview - This open platform has an amazing view of the forests to the East.

The Area known as the ledge

Lower Ealfa

Lower Ealfa is filled with Keltoi craftsmen that do all the things a settlement of this size needs. The area is remarkably free of the criminal element that would normally prey upon pilgrims because the Sisters of the White Shield treat criminals very, very harshly.

[C1] Farmers Market - The market takes place in the white cobblestone street. The market is open every Saturday. 

[C2] Horse & Hound Inn - The inn has a stable in back and five rooms for visitors. It Haakan makes an amazing ale that he primarily sells to the Sisters of the White Shield. He makes enough to keep his common room filled with locals and travelers.

[C3] Public House, Godwins - A public house favored by pilgrims and locals.

Lower Ealfa