Rookery Tower

The top of Rookery Tower rises high above the roofs of Ravenmar only second to the spires of Thornspire Castle. The tower serves multiple purposes. watchtower is not only an essential part of the city's communication network but also a center of astronomical study and observation.

Observation

The tower, built from the same dark, somber stone as Thornspire Castle, stands out for its height and the distinct tapering towards the top. The exterior is fortified and strong, but still is quite ornate, and a typical form of Aepine Noire architecture. The small flat top of Rookery Tower has an observation deck which offers a panoramic view of Ravenmar and the surrounding landscape of Kosgren. This deck, as well as the upper levels are equipped with several looking glasses and telescopes. Most of these are used as a means to survey the city and the lands around it by the city guard, but some are used by scholars to study both the weather as well as the stars in the night sky.

Communication

The levels below the observatory are dedicated to the purpose to which the tower owes its name. Here, in the multitude of small, specially designed alcoves and rooms, reside the city's messenger birds, primarily pigeons and ravens. These birds are trained to carry messages to various destinations within the city itself, the Dukedom of Kosgren, the Kingdom of Wolfsbrunn and a small number of other locations beyond the borders of the kingdom. Another feature on these levels are the large horns, that are used as an alarm signal when the city is under attack. When blown these curled black horns produce a deep resonant tone which penetrates through the sounds of the city and carries over long distances, reaching far beyond the walls of the city itself to alarm all citizens of any sort of danger approaching.

Protection

The entire tower, but especially the lower levels serve as a barracks for the city's guard and are designed to accommodate their needs. Fortified and equipped to function as a fully operational barracks, this part of the tower provides the guard with living quarters and armories. The living quarters for the guards are compact yet comfortable, designed to maximize space while providing the necessary amenities for the guards stationed there. The armories are stocked with weapons and armor, ready for immediate use should the need arise. The guards stationed here are responsible for monitoring the city and its surroundings, keeping an eye out for any potential threats or unusual activities. Their vantage point from the tower gives them a comprehensive view of the city, making it easier to coordinate defense strategies and respond quickly to any incidents, and if necessary they can dispatch messenger birds swiftly to alert the kingdom or call for aid.

Domination

Control of Rookery Tower is of great importance to the city's safety and defense. Control over the tower is synonymous with a significant military advantage. An enemy force that manages to take control of Rookery Tower would not only gain a well-fortified base within the city but also gain control over most of its communication with the outside world. Perhaps because of this fact, Rookery Tower has historically often been attacked and has seen a fair share of infiltrators and invaders who wished to lay waste to Ravenmar or seize control over the city by first taking control of Rookery Tower.

Parent Location

Ravenmar

Ruling/Owning Rank

Duke of Ravenmar