30. Doomwatch Keep Construction Site
Doomwatch Keep is an ambitious construction project situated on the eastern end of the village of Hommlet, along the Viscounty's Long Road. The site, featuring the completed Burne's Tower at its center, is being developed into a small castle with bastions, towers, a gate-house, and a keep. Funded by the Viscounty of Verbobonc and the Archcleric of Veluna, the keep will serve as a strategic stronghold for Lord Rufus and Lord Burne, providing security and monitoring for the region amidst rising bandit threats.
The strategic importance of Doomwatch Keep lies in its location along the Long Road, a vital trade route. The keep will serve as a deterrent to banditry and provide a base for monitoring and responding to threats in the region.
Location and Layout
The construction site of Doomwatch Keep is located at the eastern edge of Hommlet, adjacent to the Long Road, a crucial merchant route. The site encompasses a low mound where Burne's Tower stands completed, surrounded by the early stages of castle construction. Temporary shelters housing laborers and their families line the edge of a nearby copse of trees. Deep trench lines, marking the future foundations of the keep's walls, indicate the scale of the project.Construction Details
- Trenches: Ten feet wide and equally deep, reaching down to hard clay.
- Foundations: Mortared foundations for walls, with the outlines of bastions, towers, and a gate-house visible.
- Excavation: Considerable earthwork has been done, with the excavated earth used in constructing the walls.
- Stone Blocks: Some dressed stone blocks are visible, differing from local stone, suggesting imported materials.
Lore and History
The origins of Doomwatch Keep are rooted in the heroic deeds of Lord Rufus and Lord Burne, particularly their role in The Battle of Emridy Meadows and the defeat of the Temple of Elemental Evil. Their valor and service earned them the favor of Viscount Wilfrick Revepaix and the Archcleric of Veluna, leading to the authorization and funding for the keep's construction.Purpose
The primary purpose of Doomwatch Keep is to secure the eastern approaches to Hommlet and provide a bastion of safety in the region. With the withdrawal of the Mounted Borderers to Fort Emridy and the rise in bandit activity, the completion of the keep has become a matter of urgency.Motivation and Relationships
Strategic ImportanceThe strategic importance of Doomwatch Keep lies in its location along the Long Road, a vital trade route. The keep will serve as a deterrent to banditry and provide a base for monitoring and responding to threats in the region.
Political and Military Role
- Viscount Wilfrick Revepaix: Relies on Rufus and Burne to maintain order and report on developments in the area.
- Mounted Borderers: Their recent withdrawal has heightened the need for the keep's completion.
- Local Villagers: View the construction as a necessary step towards increased security and stability.
Current Events
Bandit Threats
The roads north to Cienega Valley and south to the gnome village of Sheernobb have seen a rise in bandit activity, making the construction of Doomwatch Keep even more critical. Merchants and travelers face increased dangers, with bandits disrupting trade and instilling fear.Construction Progress
Work on Doomwatch Keep is ongoing, with laborers diligently excavating, laying foundations, and preparing for the next phases of construction. The presence of 31. Two Story Tower - Rufus and Burne at the center provides a strong defensive position during this period.Community Impact
The construction site has brought temporary workers and their families to Hommlet, creating a small, bustling community at the edge of the village. These laborers contribute to the local economy while also sharing in the village's concerns over rising threats.Conclusion
Doomwatch Keep represents a significant investment in the security and stability of Hommlet and its surrounding areas. As the construction progresses, the keep will become a symbol of the village's resilience and determination to protect itself from external threats. With the backing of the Viscount and the Archcleric, and the leadership of Lords Rufus and Burne, Doomwatch Keep is set to become a formidable stronghold in the defense of the region.Secret: Temple Agent
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Among the laborers at the construction site is Joseph, an agent of the Temple of Elemental Evil. Posing as a peasant laborer, Joseph spies on the construction activities and secretly meets with traders in area 13 to report on the progress and any strategic developments. Once the tower is complete, Joseph is expected to work for the traders as a guard, his duplicity hidden under the guise of common laborer attire.
Key Details
- Alias: Joseph, posing as a peasant laborer.
- Role: Spy for the Temple of Elemental Evil.
- Activities: Regularly reports to traders in area 13.
- Future Plan: To work as a guard for the traders, maintaining his cover.
Burne and Rufus Tower site
Key Figures
Two retired adventurers, Burne the wizard and Rufus the fighter are co-castellans, a position their have received for previous favours performed. In return, the pair servethe Viscount’s local representative, Sheriff Hesta by holding the area safe and reporting on any untoward happenings.- Lord Rufus: A skilled fighter and one of the main overseers of the keep's construction.
- Lord Burne: A powerful wizard and co-owner of Doomwatch Keep, focusing on its strategic and defensive aspects.
Funding and Support
The construction of Doomwatch Keep is financed by:- The Verbobonc, Viscounty: Providing resources and political support.
- The Archcleric of Veluna: Contributing funds in recognition of past favors.
Type
Shelter
Parent Location
Owner
Additional Rulers/Owners
Owning Organization
Related Plots
Burne's Tower by Copyright Wizards of the Coast Inc.
Fort Construction site by 3orcs
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