Old Crossing Keep

Old Crossing Keep was one of the strongest fortifications ever erected by the River Watch of the Sypi Confederacy. For hundreds of years, the location of Old Crossing was best known as the easiest place to cross the Sypi River. Thousands of refugees fleeing the giants crossed here, seeking out the safety of the lands east of the Sypi. Similarly, the giants would use this crossing to launch raids into the Confederacy. Therefore Old Crossing Keep was the first fortress established by the River Watch and remains one of the largest and best staffed fortifications in Emicara to this day. It gained modern temporary fame for the discovery of the legendary Pillars of the Future in long buried catacombs under the citadel in 1020 AF.

Purpose / Function

Old Crossing Keep was originally constructed as a small garrison to house the River Watch as they responded in person to the assaults on the Sypi River by the giants of the west. It consisted of a simple keep surrounded by a wooden palisade designed to keep away smaller animals and raiders from the resting members of the Watch. The walls were badly damaged in a giant attack in 302, and it became rapidly clear that more permanent fortifications would be required. A stone wall was added before construction was declared complete, allowing for safety against giant attacks in addition to other creatures and humanoids.

Alterations

The proximity of the garrison to the river led to numerous attacks directly upon the River Watch, rather than simply acting as a place of response. New walls and fortifications were added over the centuries, causing Old Crossing Keep to become one of the most heavily upgraded and modified citadels that the Watch had in place. Massive siege weapons of all experimental and practical designs were added to the walls, some coming from as far away as Jakonia to protect the line of the River Watch. Today, the citadel has three defensive lines and walls, a central keep, and a half dozen redoubts acting as barriers against assault from all directions.

Founding Date

305 AF

Type

Castle

Parent Location

Cotaw Plains

Owner

Tyee Cotaw

Owning Organization

River Watch

Characters in Location

• Jon Smit
• Tyee Cotaw