History
In time immemorial, Arthach was a summer palace residence for Toussaint's elven kings. Later, during an experiment to control the flow of water in the Sansretour Marsh carried out by then- duke of Toussaint, Adam of Nazair, Arthach was flooded and severely damaged, and thus a permanent swamp was created around it.
In or shortly prior to 1275, the ruins were overrun by a group of bandits being led by Antoine Straggen. The bandits raided and robbed people and settlements throughout northern Toussaint, while the palace ruins served as their base of operations. On one of the still-standing stone platforms in the ruins, the hanse installed a large bonfire that would serve as a signal for reinforcements if the ruins were ever attacked.
If Geralt clears out the hanse: The ruins are then placed under the control of the Toussaint Ducal Guard, while a blacksmith also moves into the ruins to trade with the newly-arrived soldiers.