Southwatch Keep
Southwatch Keep is one of the citadels established by the River Watch to protect the western border of the Sypi Confederacy. Established after the War of Reckoning, it was needed to help replace the castles destroyed by the Jakonian Empire during their invasion. This fortress is therefore one of the youngest in the Confederacy, taking the place of three different smaller castles abandoned by the River Watch prior to the Great War. It is currently one of the busiest fortifications belonging to the River Watch, guarding against both giant attacks from across the river and occasional raids by Sihka remnants throughout the southwestern Confederacy.
Purpose / Function
Southwatch Keep was originally constructed with defense against giants in mind. During the time of Jakonian occupation of the region, the giants were emboldened to strike deep into the southern Sypi Confederacy. They had become used to the idea that their crossings were safe, and the River Watch dedicated enormous resources to challenging this perception. Supported by the Shin Empire, the fortifications created were focused on defense both along the river, but also from land based attacked. Tall and powerful stone walls were constructed with multiple turrets containing powerful siege weaponry. The central keep was smaller than most, allowing for a large courtyard for drills and rapid deployment of soldiers to weakened defenses.
Alterations
After the Great War, growing tensions between the tribes of the Confederacy gave some in the River Watch pause. A wise commander of Southwatch Keep deemed it necessary to begin construction of more stockpiles and barracks within the walls of the castle. Nearly half of the large courtyard was converted into barracks and siege supplies. Barracks were implemented in several of the turrets, reducing the number of old siege weapons as they declined, rather than repairing them. These efforts proved their worth when the Sypi Civil War occurred. The fortress was able to withstand several raids and attacks by the Sihka Tribe and the Church of the One Sun after the River Watch declared their support for the Bienombes.
Founding Date
811 AF
Type
Castle
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments