Witherhelm Keep

Witherhelm Keep is a formidable citadel built atop a rocky promontory, overlooking a vast expanse of plains flanked on both sides by the Blackwood and Tusken Wilds forests. The citadel has stood for millenia, it's soldiers, the Grave Wardens, protect the realm against the constant threat of the undead, and its walls are scarred with the marks of countless battles. A small settlement grew up around the citadel, providing goods and services to the soldiers and residents within. The settlement has grown over time, with sturdy stone buildings and narrow, winding streets that twist and turn around the base of the citadel. Despite the danger posed by the undead, the people of Witherhelm Keep are a hardy and resilient folk, fiercely proud of their heritage and determined to protect their homes and families. A small lake is located next to the keep, the water rose a long time ago and flooded over half of the old city, even now it remains submerged.

Defences

The walls are made of thick stone, with few windows and narrow battlements to prevent large numbers of undead from scaling them. The main gate is reinforced with heavy iron bars and a portcullis that can be raised or lowered as needed, and is flanked by two towers that can be manned with archers or ballistae. A single narrow bridge is the only path that leads to the entrance of the keep, but it now lies in ruins.
The keep also has a series of traps and defenses that are designed to slow or halt the progress of an attacking force. These include hidden pits filled with spikes, scything blades, and other deadly devices.
The field to the north of Witherhelm Keep is filled with trenches, craters, debris and palisades of sharpened wooden stakes, which are regularly replaced to ensure they remain effective against the undead.

Guilds and Factions

The Order of the Aster has a chapter in Witherhelm Keep, their propensity for hunting down undead attracts many of their knights to this particular chapter. They help in organizing attacks and work in close conjunction with the Grave Wardens.

The Evokers train their Battlemages here, they practice their military tactics and put their evocation spells to devastating use on the battlefield, thus providing magical artillery support to the Grave Wardens.

The Church of Pharasma: Has an established and strong presence in the settlement, with a grand temple that stands next to the Keep. The temple is a place of refuge for the wounded and the sick, and the clerics of the New God: Pharasma, are often called upon to heal the Grave Wardens and Boneguards injured in battles against the undead.

The Pharasmin clerics also provide spiritual guidance and counsel to the The Smallfolk of Witherhelm Keep, helping them to cope with the constant threat of the undead and the losses they have suffered over the years. They are respected and valued members of the community, and their presence gives the people hope in a world plagued by darkness and death.

History

Witherhelm Keep was built about 2000 years ago during the time of heroes when all the great engineering marvels were being built. It was constructed above the level of the plains on a huge rocky outcrop and has served ever since as the first bastion against the encroaching death. The high walls of the keep and it's surroundings were ringed by the largest moat in all the realm, so large in fact it resembled a river that could be sailed upon, and often was. Once a thriving city surrounded the keep, with trade, churches, schools, markets and every kind of shops or vendors.
It was a bustling metropolis that could rival even Raven moor, until about 1000 years ago when a sizeable force of undead managed to breach the lowest wall in the city. The giant moat that surrounded the walls emptied itself into much of the settlement, submerging a large portion of it still to this day. Ever since that 1st defeat Witherhelm Keep has been on a steady decline but still remained operational and strong, until it's 2nd defeat 40 years ago at the hands of the Necromancer.

Architecture

The gothic architecture of Witherhelm Keep is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and tall spires. The keep's walls are made of gray stone that has been weathered by centuries of wind and rain, giving it a somewhat aged and somber appearance. The towers of the keep are tall and slender, with sharp angles that give them a menacing look. The main entrance is an ornate archway made of black stone, decorated with intricate carvings of gargoyles and other mythical creatures. The interior of the keep is equally grand, with soaring ceilings and intricate stonework on the walls and floors.

Geography

Witherhelm Keep is situated next to a small lake on a vast plain, flanked by dense forests to the east and west. The vast, open expanse of grasslands, stretching out as far as the eye can see is scattered with the bones of the undead, a testament to the many battles that have been fought there. To the east and west, dense forests rise up, their canopies casting deep shadows. The forest to the east is a dark, foreboding place, with twisted, gnarled trees and underbrush so thick that it's nearly impassable. The forest to the west is a bit more welcoming, with tall, slender trees and a variety of colorful wildflowers growing among the underbrush.

Alternative Name(s)

"The Boneyard, The Yard"

Type

Citadel

Owning Organization

The Grave Wardens

Characters in Location

• Horabash The Kinslayer
• Thedran son of Theros