Mardenholde Keep

Mardenholde Keep is the main fortress within the province of Hearthglen. Presently held by the Argent Crusade, it serves as the primary residence of Highlord Fordring, and the base of operations for the Argent Crusade in Lordaeron. The Castle is home to Tirion's Honor Guard and a large number of Crusaders in addition to its staff.

Brief History
Before the Third War and the rise of the Scarlet Crusade, Mardenholde was the seat of Lord Paladin Tirion Fordring, then governor of Hearthglen. It was a center of commerce in the region, one of the few bastions of the Alliance of Lordaeron that never fell to the orcs during the Second War.

After Tirion Fordring was convicted of treason and exiled from Alliance lands, Mardenholde was to be the seat of Tirion's squire, Barthilas. Barthilas was slain by orcs in Stratholme during the rescue of Eitrigg and Mardenholde, along with the province of Hearthglen was ruled by a regent until Tirion's son, Taelan Fordring came of age.

While Taelan Fordring served as Lord Paladin of Hearthglen, he allowed the city to become one of the largest bastions of the Scarlet Crusade. Taelan was later slain by High Inquisitor Isillien after defecting from the Scarlet Crusade when he discovered it had been corrupted.

After the war against the Lich King, Hearthglen was reclaimed by Tirion Fordring and the Argent Crusade, who have rebuilt much of the city and continue to train aspiring crusaders.

Present Day
Mardenholde presently serves as the primary residence of Tirion Fordring. Like most Castles of its design, Mardenholde provides accomodations for soldiers and guest rooms for visiting dignitaries. It has a staff numbering in the hundreds and is perhaps the most heavily-guarded fortification in the region.