Sandtower
The Sentinel of the Southern Seas
Small Keep, Guarding the Southern Coast
Settlement Summary
- Population: 1,000 (primarily soldiers and support staff)
- Government: Overseen by an Imperial Captain under the direct authority of Southreach’s military command
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Languages: Common, Elven, and regional Southreach dialects
- Notable Locations: The Coastal Keep, The Tower Barracks, The Beacon of Vigilance, The Forgehouse
Notable Features
- The Coastal Keep: Sandtower’s central structure, this sturdy, human-built keep is smaller than Hillskeep but strategically placed to overlook both the southern ocean and Southreach’s plains.
- The Tower Barracks: Housing the 800 soldiers stationed at Sandtower, these barracks are functional and well-maintained, providing a base for the garrison.
- The Beacon of Vigilance: A massive signal fire at the top of the tower, used to warn of approaching threats from the sea or land. Its flames are visible for miles, even in poor weather.
- The Forgehouse: A small but efficient forge used to repair weapons and maintain the garrison’s equipment, operated by skilled blacksmiths.
Special Qualities
- Southern Sentinel: Sandtower’s location at the southernmost point of the continent makes it a key strategic outpost for monitoring oceanic activity and protecting the southern plains.
- Dual Vigilance: Positioned to oversee both the sea and land, the garrison is trained to respond to threats from either direction.
- Isolation: The keep’s remote location fosters a tight-knit community among its soldiers but presents logistical challenges for resupply and reinforcement.
Defenses
- Garrisoned Soldiers: Sandtower is home to 800 highly trained soldiers, ready to defend the keep and surrounding region.
- Coastal Artillery: Ballistae and catapults are positioned along the keep’s cliffs, capable of targeting approaching ships or ground forces.
- Reinforced Tower: While not as massive or magically enhanced as Hillskeep, the tower is well-built and fortified to withstand attacks.
Notable NPCs
- Captain Idris Faelan: A stern and experienced human commander, Captain Faelan has spent two decades ensuring Sandtower’s readiness against any threats.
- Lieutenant Selar Windsong: A half-elven officer known for her keen tactical mind and ability to inspire the soldiers under her command.
- Forge-Master Rhaldan Greystone: A gruff dwarf who runs the Forgehouse, ensuring that Sandtower’s weapons and armour are always in top condition.
- Scout Kiera Dawnbreak: A young human scout responsible for patrolling the southern plains and coastline, known for her sharp instincts and speed.
- Signal Keeper Elvaris Flamehand: An elderly elf who oversees the Beacon of Vigilance, ensuring it remains ready to light at a moment’s notice.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Isolation: Sandtower’s remote location makes resupply difficult, especially during harsh weather or prolonged conflicts.
- Coastal Threats: The southern ocean occasionally sees pirate activity or strange sightings of unknown ships, keeping the garrison on high alert.
- Plains Banditry: The southern plains, though sparsely populated, occasionally see bandits or rogue mercenaries taking advantage of the open terrain.
- Erosion and Maintenance: The coastal environment poses challenges for maintaining the keep, as salty air and strong winds accelerate wear on the structure.
The Beacon of Vigilance
"The Light in the Darkness"
The Beacon of Vigilance is a massive signal fire atop the tower, used to alert nearby settlements and military outposts of impending danger.
The Southern Seas
"Tales of the Unknown"
Sailors passing by Sandtower often share tales of mysterious lights and ghost ships in the southern ocean.
The Coastal Keep’s Legends
"Echoes of the Past"
Some say Sandtower was built atop the ruins of a much older structure, predating the empire itself. Soldiers occasionally report hearing whispers or seeing faint lights near the base of the tower.