31. Two Story Tower - Rufus and Burne
This structure is some 55 feet tall, a smaller tower rising inside the greater at about 35 feet above the ground. Its entrance is accessible only by going up a curving flight of stone stairs which terminate in a landing about 10 feet above the ground. The outer door of the tower lowers to form a bridge to the stone landing. There are numbers of arrow slits around the tower, and it has a splay around the base to about 6 feet in height. The lower and upper battlements are machicolated, the merlons being pierced for archery as well. Two men-at-arms watch from its roof. This large stone tower sits upon the eastern border of Hommlet proper. It is the home of the wizard Burne, the warrior Rufus, and their band of men-at-arms, sometimes called Burne's Badgers. The tower is surrounded by freshly dug ditches and the beginnings of field stone walls; it is obviously that a castle is being built around the site of the tower, though it is still in its earliest stages.Burne's Tower, located on the eastern border of Hommlet, is a prominent structure and home to the wizard Burne and the fighter Rufus. This 55-foot tall stone tower is surrounded by ongoing construction for a future castle, funded by generous royalty. The tower serves as both a residence and a defensive structure, guarded by Burne's Badgers, a group of loyal human mercenaries.
Description
Burne's Tower is a robust stone structure rising 55 feet high, with a smaller inner tower at about 35 feet above the ground. The entrance is accessible by a curving flight of stone stairs that terminate in a landing 10 feet above the ground. An outer door of the tower lowers to form a bridge to this landing. Numerous arrow slits adorn the tower, and it has a splay around the base up to 6 feet in height. Both the lower and upper battlements are machicolated, with the merlons pierced for archery. Two men-at-arms are always on watch from the roof.Exterior Features
- Height and Structure: 55-foot tall stone tower with a 35-foot inner tower.
- Entrance: Curving stone stairs leading to a landing 10 feet above the ground.
- Defensive Elements: Arrow slits, splay around the base, machicolated battlements, and pierced merlons.
Inside the Tower
Burne's Tower is not just a defensive structure but also a well-furnished residence with various functional areas. The keyed area's of the tower is located in 31. Burne's Tower Key.Main Hall
The main hall, roughly 40 feet in diameter, serves as a central gathering area. It features:- Decor: Tapestries, shields, arms, and hunting trophies.
- Amenities: Comfortable chairs, two fireplaces attended by cooks, and passages leading to other levels.
The main hall was roughly forty feet in diameter, with passages flanking the main door leading back to a pair of fireplaces attended by cooks. Several comfortable chairs were placed along the walls, and the walls themselves were hung with tapestries and decorated with shields, arms, and hunting trophies. Ramps curving upwards and downwards led to other levels.
Ground Level
The ground level is used for storage and features:- Supplies: Food, ale, beer, wine, oil, and other essentials.
- Design: No windows or slits for maximum security.
- Additional Levels: Ramps leading downwards to stables and a gaol.
Sublevel
The sublevel includes a stable and gaol:- Stable: Heaps of straw, hay, and oats for horses.
- Gaol: Four cells along the southeast wall, secured with oaken doors, bars, locks, and chains.
Lore and History
Burne's Tower has a rich history tied to the adventures of Burne and Rufus.Key Events
- Arrival in Hommlet: Burne and Rufus arrived three years ago and quickly made a name for themselves.
- Defeat of Bandits: They eliminated a significant bandit threat in Verbobonc.
- Slaying of the Green Dragon: Their most notable achievement was the defeat of a green dragon preying on gnome communities in the Kron Hills.
Background and Motivation
Burne and Rufus are known for their toughness and cautious nature. They are willing to assist adventurers for a price and maintain strong relationships with the important folk in the village.Relationships
- Villagers: Friends with key figures in Hommlet, providing support and protection.
- Adventurers: Offer aid to adventurers, reinforcing their reputation as reliable allies.
Current Events
The tower is currently surrounded by ongoing construction for an extensive castle project, indicating plans for further fortification and expansion.Construction Project
- Scope: Future castle construction around the tower.
- Activity: Ongoing excavation and foundation work, with workers using shovels and wheelbarrows.
Security and Defense
- Guard Duty: Two men-at-arms watch from the roof, ensuring constant vigilance.
- Coordination: Rufus works closely with the sheriff and militia to safeguard Hommlet.
Conclusion
Burne's Tower is a central feature of Hommlet, embodying both the strength and strategic importance of the village. With ongoing construction and a robust defense system, it stands as a testament to the resilience and foresight of its inhabitants.
Burne and Rufus Tower site
Burne's Tower by Copyright Wizards of the Coast Inc.
Keyed Levels and Rooms article
31. Burne's Tower KeyInhabitants
Burne and Rufus are the primary residents of the tower. They are experienced adventurers who have achieved significant success, including defeating bandits and slaying a green dragon.Key Figures
- Lord Burne: A powerful wizard known for his intelligence and caution.
- Lord Rufus: A skilled fighter who leads the men-at-arms and coordinates village defenses.
Burne's Badgers
- Composition: Sixteen loyal human mercenaries.
- Role: Provide security and assist the villagers when ordered by Burne or Rufus.
Lieutenant Markan of Narwell
A veteran mercenary Lieutenant under Burne's command. within Burne's Badgers. His experience and leadership are invaluable, and he commands respect from the other mercenaries.sergeant Ferkis
A demi-elven sergeant veteran mercenary sergeant, loyal to Burne and Rufus. He is known for his combat skills and tactical acumen. He is a trusted leader within the Badgers and plays a key role in training and organizing the unit.
Founding Date
569 cy
Type
Tower, Guard
Parent Location
Owner
Additional Rulers/Owners
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Tower of Doomwatch Castle map all levels by Scott Purdy Copyright RVN Creative Studios 2024
Tower of Doomwatch Castle map Ground Level by Scott Purdy Copyright RVN Creative Studios 2024
Tower of Doomwatch Castle map Lower Level by Scott Purdy Copyright RVN Creative Studios 2024
Tower of Doomwatch Castle map Basement by Scott Purdy Copyright RVN Creative Studios 2024
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