Shield

The walled town of Shield is basically a large military fortress. Guards man the walls and gates constantly, and the gates are shut at dusk, not to open again until dawn. There is very little in the way of services or hospitality that does not serve a military function.

Defences

A thirty foot stone wall surrounds the town which is also encircled by a twenty foot deep dry moat. Watch towers are built every fifty feet along the wall. The towers and walls are constantly manned, and a patrol walks along the wall from tower to tower at regular intervals. each tower has a warning bell, and a signal fire to alert others of danger.  By tradition, the fires are only lit if the Fallen are approaching.

Industry & Trade

The town is just a large military fortification, so very few non-military services or goods are available.  There is one inn for visitors, but it is rarely used as not many can think of a good reason to visit.

Assets

Shield's greatest asset is the deep wells that provide plenty of fresh, sweet water, and it's huge defensive capability.

History

Shield now stands were a former dwarven trading post once stood. That trading post was destroyed during the Great Incursion of the Fallen, but since the location had excellent access to deep wells, it was the location decided upon to hold the camp that eventually grew into Shield.

Architecture

All buildings in Sheild are constructed partially under ground to provide a place to retreat to if their is a volcanic eruption nearby. The surface structures are entirely of stone, and the roofs are covered in slate to protect the supporting timbers.

Natural Resources

Due to the almost constant covering of falling ash, and smoke, agriculture is limited to a very few plants that can tolerant such conditions, which is mostly mosses and ferns, some of which have medicinal value, and others provide a limited amount of eating. Nearby are large amounts of volcanic rock, and there are some prospectors that try their hand at searching through it for gems or unique minerals, but mostly it is considered to dangerous to spend much time doing so, for the little return on investment that is gained.

Alternative Name(s)

The Shield against the Dark; Fort Shield

Owner/Ruler

Agtererla Zelis the White

Ruling/Owning Rank

Baroness

Owning Organization

Ignirath