Riorson House (Fortress of Aretia)

Riorson House, often called the Fortress of Aretia, is the ancestral seat of House Riorson and the center of Tyrrish resistance. Built into the mountainside, it was designed as both a home and a fortress, with steel-reinforced doors, thick stone walls, and defensive structures that have withstood multiple sieges. Even dragonfire during the Tyrrish Rebellion failed to destroy it, leaving it one of the few surviving structures in Aretia.

The fortress has become more than a noble seat — it now symbolizes Tyrrish endurance, serving as both a sanctuary for revolutionaries and a reminder of the Riorson family’s defiance against Navarre.

Following the death of Fen Riorson, ownership passed to his son, Xaden Riorson. During the events of Iron Flame, the house becomes the operational base for the Revolution and the Assembly. It houses roughly 100 rider cadets, 200 dragons, and, after the fall of Cliffsbane Flight Academy, over 100 gryphon fliers, transforming it into a center of military and political coordination. Violet Sorrengail later makes it her residence alongside Xaden, further binding the fortress to the leadership of Tyrrendor.

Great Hall	The central gathering space, lined with trestle tables and connected to the main foyer. It serves as both dining and meeting area for cadets, fliers, and revolution leaders.
Assembly Chamber	A two-story hall where the Assembly meets. A long table spans the dais, with thirty seats for representatives. At its center stands Xaden’s throne, built of walnut and blackened wood, topped with the carving of a sleeping dragon.
Theater	Located in the northwest wing, this rebuilt auditorium accommodates cadets and fliers for battle briefings. A massive map of the Known World spans the stage, including the Isles, unlike the one at Basgiath.
Library	A two-story archive filled with parchment and ink, though only the first floor shelves are fully stocked. It offers a lighter atmosphere compared to Basgiath’s underground archives.
Sparring Gym	Smaller than Basgiath’s, the gym fits nine mats and accommodates training sessions for both riders and gryphon fliers.
Family Quarters	The Riorson living chambers occupy the second floor. Violet and Xaden’s shared room includes a large bed, bookshelves, a bathing chamber, and personal mementos like a blanket made by Xaden’s mother.
Barracks	The upper three floors house rider cadets and later gryphon fliers. Space is limited, forcing shared accommodations.
Roof and Defensive Turret	A spiral stairway leads to the roofline, ending at a turret that overlooks Aretia and provides defensive range.
Courtyard	Marble steps descend to a gravel courtyard, connecting the fortress to the town of Aretia below.