Fort Roblack
At the hotter end of the island, Fort Roblack is a moderately sized fort town that is primary home to the nation's navy. The fort sits above extensive docks, and the town itself is rigidly structured, with designated districts and fairly limited options for ‘unofficial’ travellers in terms of accommodations.
It is hot and dry, with dry sandy soil covering the whole region, and is the last major settlement before entering the deep desert of the northwest, where you can wander for weeks (if not months) without seeing another living soul.
It is hot and dry, with dry sandy soil covering the whole region, and is the last major settlement before entering the deep desert of the northwest, where you can wander for weeks (if not months) without seeing another living soul.
Demographics
20% human, 20% half-elf, 20% dragonborn, 40% other
Government
The navy controls this city, and as such it falls under their command structure- even civilians living and working here are granted a nominal rank and expected to drill to defend the walls regularly.
Defences
Guard towers cover the Dock road, the only easy route up from the water.
The city itself is ringed with 60' high, 10' thick walls with walkways and battlements along the top, and regularly spaced guard towers with well stocked armouries. Guardhouses are located at each gate, whether large or small, and there is always at least 4 guards on duty at the gates at any given time.
All residents are trained at arms and expected to contribute to the defence of the city as needed.
In the centre of the city, there is another set of massive walls, these defending a large inner keep, where the core defenders can retreat if the outer walls are breached. Several tall towers give excellent views of the city and walls, and house ballistae that can pivot in any direction. This is also where the huge alarm bell is situated, along with a constant set of 4 watchers, one for each cardinal direction, who switch out each hour to maintain alertness.
The city itself is ringed with 60' high, 10' thick walls with walkways and battlements along the top, and regularly spaced guard towers with well stocked armouries. Guardhouses are located at each gate, whether large or small, and there is always at least 4 guards on duty at the gates at any given time.
All residents are trained at arms and expected to contribute to the defence of the city as needed.
In the centre of the city, there is another set of massive walls, these defending a large inner keep, where the core defenders can retreat if the outer walls are breached. Several tall towers give excellent views of the city and walls, and house ballistae that can pivot in any direction. This is also where the huge alarm bell is situated, along with a constant set of 4 watchers, one for each cardinal direction, who switch out each hour to maintain alertness.
Industry & Trade
Although the city is mainly kept running by crown funds as an integral point of the kingdom's defence, there is a thriving trade in shipbuilding and fishing, and several merchants and craftsmen of all sorts make their living here from the business of the fort and needs of the soldiers.
In addition, the trader's rest outside the southern gates always has a stream of traders, merchants and adventurers coming from the desert or surrounding towns to either buy or sell.
In addition, the trader's rest outside the southern gates always has a stream of traders, merchants and adventurers coming from the desert or surrounding towns to either buy or sell.
Infrastructure
Wide streets, well built walls and an excellent sewer system to keep effluent away from the water table are all features in this well-planned town.
Tourism
Tourists aren't typically welcome here- if you have business with the navy requiring a stay, you will be given permission to stay at the Weary Whale, and long-serving soldiers and seamen can request permission for family visits (which are accommodated at The Beating Heart).
All others are expected to camp at the Trader's Rest, although there is now an inn of sorts in which you can rent a two-room space- one for selling, one for sleeping.
It is not unheard of for those wishing to visit Fort Roblack to book a slip at the civilian dock for a week and sail in on a passenger ship equipped for comfort, thereby bypassing any need for accommodations in the city.
All others are expected to camp at the Trader's Rest, although there is now an inn of sorts in which you can rent a two-room space- one for selling, one for sleeping.
It is not unheard of for those wishing to visit Fort Roblack to book a slip at the civilian dock for a week and sail in on a passenger ship equipped for comfort, thereby bypassing any need for accommodations in the city.
Architecture
Most buildings are made of well-cut sandstone, with clay tile roofs, but the outer walls are made of massive blocks of granite shipped up the Liot and around the coast.
In many areas of the city, the ground underfoot has been paved with large sandstone flags, and small islands of greenery take advantage of puddles of cooler shadow or proximity to wells to bring a sense of life to the otherwise dry and dusty city.
There are several deep wells scattered throughout, as well as a few large fountains pumping clean drinking water from a large underground cistern- these tend to be in high traffic areas and well-used, as residents here are encouraged to drink well and often to avoid heatstroke and other complications.
In many areas of the city, the ground underfoot has been paved with large sandstone flags, and small islands of greenery take advantage of puddles of cooler shadow or proximity to wells to bring a sense of life to the otherwise dry and dusty city.
There are several deep wells scattered throughout, as well as a few large fountains pumping clean drinking water from a large underground cistern- these tend to be in high traffic areas and well-used, as residents here are encouraged to drink well and often to avoid heatstroke and other complications.
Natural Resources
Fish, sand. Sandstone.
Maps
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Fort Roblack
Founding Date
729
Type
City
Population
7000
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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