Seacrest

Off the coast of Bastique, near the city-state of Sylvahn, lies Seacrest, a heavily fortified sea fort that defends the coastline and, more importantly, Sylvahn and its port from those with less than innocent intentions.
The fort of Seacrest is home to the Sea Guard, the Sylvahni city guard, who defend its streets and its waters. Led by Captain Cyril Varant, they have been responsible for protecting merchants and commoners alike since the city was founded.
Seacrest itself appears more akin to a palace than a typical fort, following the architectural style of the rest of the Sylvahni region. Built onto one of the bigger offshore rocks that can be seen across the eastern coastline of Bastique, the high, white stone walls of the fort are tipped with crenellations. The white stone has been smoothed to a sheen to give it more of a marble-like appearance. Dotting the outer walls at regular intervals are the massive ballistae that have protected the city for many years and have been responsible for sinking many attacking ships in that time.
One can only enter the fort by boat, needing to tie up the vessel at the small dock built at a neighbouring rock. From there, steep steps lead up to the peak of the rock where a guard tower has been built. This guard tower houses a great pyre upon the roof so that it may double as a lighthouse at night and guide ships to safety. Within the guard tower, a large doorway leads to the bridge that connects the guard tower to Seacrest. The doorway is barred by two great oak doors that can be sealed on either side and a portcullis that is controlled at the fort by an intricate mechanism that spans the length of the bridge.
As one crosses the bridge, they will notice that the sides of the bridge are also crenellated so as to provide cover for the Sea Guards archers. Spanning 50ft in length, it is designed in such a way that, while it will provide archers cover from below, it is completely open to anyone positioned upon Seacrests outer wall. Similar to the guard tower, Seacrest's gatehouse at the other end of the bridge is protected by a great wooden door as well as a pair of portcullises. When passing through the gatehouse, between the two portcullises, looking up will reveal grates, from which the Sea Guard can fire arrows or pour boiling oil down on any attackers.
The courtyard outside the main fort is often filled with activity. The Guard hurriedly moving from one job to the next, commanders shouting orders to those under their command. In the centre of the paved courtyard is a mosaic, set into the ground. The mosaic displays the Sea Guard emblem, a golden ship, sails at half mast, set against a field of navy blue, with the Scarlet Star shining above the ship.
Through the doors of the fortress itself is the main hall, from which the Sea Guard eat at the large tables and benches. At the far end of the hall is the table at which the Captain and his commanders sit, along with any visiting nobles and dignitaries. While the Captain has an office and a bedroom at the very top of the fort, overlooking the whole of Seacrest, with Sylvahn to the west, with all of its fields and the great blue ocean to the east, Captain Varant prefers to sit, eat and work with his men in the hall. Here he will issue his orders, read and write his reports and even sleep. The furnishings of the main hall look as grand as everything in Sylvahn does, however they are designed to be much lighter than they appear so that they can be used as a makeshift barricade should the Seacrest ever come under attack.
Above the main hall is the armoury, where all of the weapons and amour used by the guard is stored. Due to a slightly limited budget, which is still considerable, the Sea Guard are not issued their own equipment and must instead share equipment with the rest of the Guard. Whenever they return to Seacrest and are no longer on duty, they must leave their equipment in the armoury on their way to the barracks on the floor above. This way, when a member of the Guard is sent out on duty they will always have access to any equipment that they might require.
The barracks above is simple. Many bunk beds are laid out throughout the room with a pair of small chests at the foot of each one. Like the equipment that the Sea Guard use, the bunk beds are shared with other members of the Guard who are on call. Those who are neither on duty or on call may return to their homes in the city or nearby villages.
Above the barracks is the Captain's office and private quarters. Like the barracks it is furnished rather simply, with a few more creature comforts such as softer pillows and warmer blankets. The office and quarters have been gathering dust and have not been disturbed throughout Cyril Varant's tenure as Captain of the Sea Guard.
In the basement of the fort are the dungeons. Here, the prisoners taken by the Sea Guard are kept until they have an opportunity to stand trial for their crimes. The cells are often overfilled, however, as the trial process is incredibly slow. This has led to the Captain offering those who have committed lesser crimes a chance to join the Sea Guard and serve their punishment amongst the ranks of the Guard.

Type

Fortress

Characters in Location

• Captain Cyril Varant