Some of those things are under "Important Characters" and "Terminology" in the original post. And your questions will be answered. Altea is in a state where nobody questions the status quo (one of the main duties of the Inquisitors). And the lands beyond will be one of the major plot points, in a more grand scale. As for the fortress - it's location does matter, as it is intended for mages to sort of revive and rebuild the place. The surrounding area was a major hub of trade and culture before being abandoned for centuries. Besides, the upcoming events will rock everyone's world. And there will come a time where your fortresses will be used for defense.

I'm gonna be honest however. If all goes well, The Witch Hunt will be more or less an origin story for a far bigger one, spanning all the way up to modern times and beyond. 

As for my next post, I'll try to do a more... guided... post for mages.