Fort Hemwick
South of Haistone, in the south-western part of Erekiath lies Fort Hemwick, a wooden fort, built as a base of operation in The Wildlands by Lord Zachary Hemwick.
It has a wooden palisade surrounding it, and two wooden gatehouses, facing north and south respectively. A square wooden keep towers over the palisades in the north-western part of the courtyard housing Lord Hemwick himself. Additionally, there's a small watchtower in each of the three remaining corners. Since the construction of the fort, the borders of The Wildlands have been pushed further back, and Fort Hemwick now serves as an outpost from where expeditions are launched into the remainder of The Wildlands, as well as a garrison for soldiers patrolling the south-western part of Erekiath.
Zachary Hemwick has pointed out on several occasions that he pushed the borders of The Wildlands further back in a couple of years, than anyone had done in a decade.
Although Zachary Hemwick refused to listen to the criticism, and never commented on the riot in public, it seemed to have some effect. Shortly after the riot, a road between Haistone and Fort Hemwick was commissioned, reportedly as a joint effort between Fort Hemwick and the Erekian Trade Union.
Additionally, several wells were dug in the following months, but it wasn't enough to satisfy the demand for both people and animals.
It has a wooden palisade surrounding it, and two wooden gatehouses, facing north and south respectively. A square wooden keep towers over the palisades in the north-western part of the courtyard housing Lord Hemwick himself. Additionally, there's a small watchtower in each of the three remaining corners. Since the construction of the fort, the borders of The Wildlands have been pushed further back, and Fort Hemwick now serves as an outpost from where expeditions are launched into the remainder of The Wildlands, as well as a garrison for soldiers patrolling the south-western part of Erekiath.
A Bastion of Peace or a Symbol of Folly?
Some people see Fort Hemwick as a stalwart defense against the threat from the Wildlands, while others see it as a waste of resources, due to its poor strategic location.Zachary Hemwick has pointed out on several occasions that he pushed the borders of The Wildlands further back in a couple of years, than anyone had done in a decade.
Where it not for Fort Hemlock, we would still have daily monster sightings at the farms south of Haistone. My men and I have purged more of The Wildlands in two years, than the entire nation combined have done in a decade. The results speak for themselves!Although the results speak for themselves, as Zachary Hemwick claims, critics argue that the results could've been far better, with proper planning and proper strategies.
Concerned Citizens
The citizens of Erekiath rarely get involved in military matters, but eventually the criticism against Zachary Hemwick got so intense that it resulted in a somewhat peaceful riot, in the streets of Haistone.The nearest water source is several kilometers away. It's a logistical nightmare just to keep people from going thirsty! And what about the horses and lifestock?
There are hills, just a few kilometers to the north! I have a hard time seeing the reason for NOT building it there instead. It's more defensible and much closer to water.
What a waste of resources and potential. Fort Hemwick? Hah! How 'bout Hemwick's Folly! If he'd built it next to the ocean, this could turn in to a thriving city, and maybe even serve as a naval outpost.
How can you expect to keep 'Fort Folly' supplied, when you haven't even built a proper road yet?The riot was quelled with no casualties, within a day, by the Monarch's soldiers.
Although Zachary Hemwick refused to listen to the criticism, and never commented on the riot in public, it seemed to have some effect. Shortly after the riot, a road between Haistone and Fort Hemwick was commissioned, reportedly as a joint effort between Fort Hemwick and the Erekian Trade Union.
Additionally, several wells were dug in the following months, but it wasn't enough to satisfy the demand for both people and animals.
Defences
The fort is surrounded by a wooden palisade. There are no ramparts on the walls, but guards are posted on top of both the northern and southern gates inside the gatehouses.
The north-western corner is defended directly from the keep, while the three other corners are covered by watchtowers, manned by archers.
Lord Hemwick saw no need to focus on fortifying the fort more than necessary, as he deemed it highly unlikely that any organized army or raiding party would attack. Even his strongest critics seem to at least agree with this point.
The north-western corner is defended directly from the keep, while the three other corners are covered by watchtowers, manned by archers.
Lord Hemwick saw no need to focus on fortifying the fort more than necessary, as he deemed it highly unlikely that any organized army or raiding party would attack. Even his strongest critics seem to at least agree with this point.
Infrastructure
Upon entering the courtyard of Fort Hemlock, it immediately becomes apparent that it was meant to accommodate soldiers. Apart from the stables, blacksmith, and a small workshop for carpentry, most of the courtyard has been organized for training soldiers and includes a shooting range and training area for close combat.
Recently a road has been built towards Haistone, leading out of the northern gate of the fort.
Recently a road has been built towards Haistone, leading out of the northern gate of the fort.
Natural Resources
The land around Fort Hemwick has great potential as farmland. Although Fort Hemwick is very unlikely to turn into a thriving city, it could eventually become a trading post for the farmer's produce.
Alternative Name(s)
Hemwick's folly, Fort Folly
Type
Outpost / Base
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments