Hammerhold

Stationed on the west border of the Steadfoot Pass, Hammerhold acts as a forward operating base and port into the Mosstein Bay of Linrea. The base is named after the large sandstone statue depicting a raised fist wielding a hammer, dug from the earth and stationed outside of the largest fortification. On base of the statue, inscribed in common, are the words "In peace be fair and gentle as the water of the oasis, in war be unstoppable and fierce as a sandstorm." Many troops finding themselves here are only garrisoned temporarily to avoid the mental and physical side effects that the endless and unforgiving desert can have on someone long-term-- though the few that are permanent do eventually adapt to the new climate. Temporarily solutions to the heat problem have been debated and tried by the soldiers in Hammerhold, most being passed around from unit to unit and evolved within the walls. Shedding armor and removing padding, the relief from heat-related illness far outweighs the extra vulnerabilities, as most of a soldier's time in the base involves long stretches of guard duty with little to no action outside of the occasional tumbleweed.

Demographics

As soldiers recruited to Linrea's army are from all across the continent, troops rotating through Hammerhold are diverse and of many different skill levels. In the morning an Elven medical unit may leave right as a group of Dwarven archers arrive. The wide variety of permanent and temporary residents is divided into their respective units, with a Sergeant at the head of each that report to Lieutenants, who in turn report to the standing Captain stationed within the largest fortification.

Defences

Made up of four separate, walled-off sections, Hammerhold is built within a lowland point of the Steadfoot Pass to provide natural shade from the never-ending sun. The largest section is a hexagonal fortification with the tallest and thickest walls made of sandstone and mortar. Water collectors line the outsides of every wall, collecting morning dew and taking advantage of the humidity from the Mosstein Bay. The entrances to each sector of the base are large archways with a thick iron portcullis in the event of invasion. Atop the walls is ample space for sentries and scouts to walk and look out on, as well as a covered area at the vertex where two walls join. This small amount of shade provides protection from heat-related afflictions while on long watch shifts. Additionally, there are small blinds dug into the various sand dunes in the surrounding area to allow watchmen a cool and hidden place to stay for extended periods of time.

Industry & Trade

While Hammerhold technically has four sections, only three are complete. The fourth was abandoned when the construction materials and manpower was needed elsewhere in the kingdom. All that was built was a small portion of the wall protruding out of the other fortification on either side, with the intent of conjoining the two at the archway at the opposite end. The abandoned construction zone now acts as a yard for the troops-- who have taken much advantage of the flat, open area to the disdain of their superiors. Coin changes hands here more often than anywhere else, as soldiers have set up a rudimentary form of ring fighting they deem "Athal." Athal involves two or more troops entering a small hand-dug pit and bulking themselves in as much gear as possible before fighting until either collapses from heat exhaustion or surrenders, after which bets are paid and the next fight begins. The combatants often do it for reputation more than they do for money, but there is a system in place wherein the more encumbered one becomes, the more coin they will earn.

Infrastructure

Water wells inside the walls and dew catchers lining the outside provide just enough water to supply the stationed soldiers without much need to import. Excess water is stored in large metal tanks dug into the sand, connected via pumps directly to the barracks' main rooms. However, the dependence on dew means the dryer seasons of the desert require extreme water rationing. Water flow is closed off to everything except the mess hall and medical tents, where it is given and used only when absolutely necessary. Soldiers found violating the rationing order will be punished swiftly and, in most cases, demoted or outright discharged from service on-the-spot. A small forge has been established in the second fortification, giving troops an opportunity to repair and replace gear during their scheduled downtime.

Type

Military, Base

Population

Varies depending on the army's rotation

Location under

Steadfoot Pass