High Horn

Overview

The largest and most well-defended keep in western Cormyr, High Horn is a mountain stronghold perched atop a 1,000-foot peak in the Stormhorns. It was originally constructed by dwarves emigrating from Anauria and is built with multiple towers, concentric walls, and a surrounding moat, making it one of the most fortified locations in the kingdom. Despite the lack of frequent assaults, High Horn remains a bastion of military discipline and readiness.

Structure and Defenses

High Horn's architecture reflects dwarven craftsmanship, with curving stone walls and layered defenses that make it nearly impervious to direct attack. The keep consists of:

Multiple defensive towers positioned for maximum field of fire.

A concentric ring of fortified walls ensuring layered security.

A surrounding moat, an unusual but effective feature given the mountain terrain.

Spartan guest facilities for travelers, though visitors are expected to stay out of the way and not burden the garrison.

Military Presence

High Horn houses a large portion of Cormyr’s standing military, making it a critical defensive outpost for the western borders.

Winter Months:The keep accommodates nearly half of the Cormyrean army, alongside a large contingent of War Wizards.

Rest of the Year: Patrols spread out across the frontier, leaving behind **400 Purple Dragons and a handful of War Wizards to maintain the fortress.

Discipline and Readiness: Life at High Horn is strict and regimented, reflecting its role as a frontline bastion.

Strategic Importance

High Horn is tasked with protecting Cormyr’s western frontier, particularly the vital High Road leading westward. The keep plays a key role in defending against border raiders, including:

Goblin and orc warbands from the Goblin Marches.

Gnoll tribes that lurk in the Stormhorn foothills.

Lizardfolk incursions from the Farsea Swamps.

Additionally, High Horn serves as a protective outpost for royal gem mines in the nearby mountains, ensuring that Cormyr’s valuable resources remain secure. High Horn's position as protector is undermined by the pass opened near Minroe in the south, meaning faster trade routes to Iraiebor now travel through there.

Role in Cormyr

While attacks on High Horn are rare, its presence deters threats from the west, and its garrison maintains constant patrols along the kingdom’s borders. As one of Cormyr’s most significant military strongholds, it stands as a symbol of Cormyrean resilience and preparedness, ensuring that the kingdom’s western lands remain safe from outside incursions.

Type

Military, Base