The Black Tower
Sentinel of the Peaks
High-Elevation Military Outpost and Advanced Surveillance Hub
Settlement Summary
- Population: 3,000 (2,500 military personnel, 500 engineers and support staff)
- Government: Commanded by a Deepguard Captain, under the direct authority of Blackpeak’s monarchy
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Languages: Common, Dwarven, Gnomish
- Notable Locations: The Tower’s Apex, The Gnomish Observatory, The Forge Quarters, The Stonewatch Barracks, The Signal Platform
Notable Features
- The Tower’s Apex: The highest point of the Black Tower, equipped with signal beacons and an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
- The Observatories: A group of chambers housing unique telescopes capable of seeing through stone and metal, designed by gnomish artificers to detect potential threats hidden within the mountains or Underdark.
- The Forge Quarters: A small smithy and workshop where weapons and equipment are maintained and occasionally enhanced with gnomish ingenuity.
- The Stonewatch Barracks: Living quarters for the stationed military personnel, built into the mountainside for insulation and protection.
- The Signal Platform: A platform for sending and receiving light and flag signals to other Blackpeak outposts and the City of Glass.
Special Qualities
- Strategic Location: Positioned on one of Blackpeak’s highest peaks, the Black Tower provides unparalleled surveillance of the region.
- Advanced Technology: The gnomish telescopes are a marvel of artifice, allowing unprecedented monitoring capabilities to ensure the safety of Blackpeak and the empire.
- Self-Sufficient: The outpost is designed to operate independently for extended periods, with resources stockpiled and water sourced from a nearby glacial spring.
Defenses
- Trained Deepguards: The 2,500 soldiers stationed here are among the best trained in mountain and subterranean combat.
- Reinforced Structure: The tower’s construction combines metal and stone, making it resistant to both physical and magical attacks.
- Natural Barriers: The surrounding peaks and cliffs deter potential attackers, while the high altitude provides a tactical advantage.
Notable NPCs
- Captain Brynn Ironveil: A dwarven officer known for her sharp tactical mind and deep commitment to Blackpeak’s security.
- Artificer Korrin Brightgear: A gnomish engineer who maintains the tower’s telescopes and other mechanical defenses.
- Sergeant Kaela Stormfist: A halfling scout leader who oversees patrols in the surrounding peaks, ensuring no threats go unnoticed.
- Quartermaster Daren Forgehammer: A dwarf responsible for managing supplies and ensuring the outpost remains self-sufficient.
- Mage Alryn Stoneseer: An elven mage specializing in detecting magical disturbances, assisting with surveillance and defense efforts.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Technological Maintenance: The gnomish telescopes require constant upkeep, and any malfunction could jeopardize the tower’s ability to detect threats.
- Environmental Hazards: The high-altitude location exposes the outpost to extreme weather conditions, requiring resilience and adaptability from its personnel.
- Subterranean Threats: The proximity to the Underdark makes the Black Tower a prime target for Abyssal incursions, necessitating constant vigilance.
- Resource Logistics: Despite its self-sufficiency, the remote location makes resupply missions challenging and infrequent.
The Observatories
"Eyes of the Peaks"
The observatory’s telescopes are capable of detecting threats hidden miles away, from subterranean movements to approaching storms. The telescopes are named so only by function, resembling nothing of the sort, but working more effectively than divination magic in allowing the entire garrison to use them.
Stonewatch Patrols
"Guardians of the Heights"
Regular patrols monitor the surrounding peaks and valleys, ensuring the security of the region and the detection of potential threats. The Deepguards stationed here receive unique training in addition to their subterranean combat skills, giving them intensive knowledge of fighting in the mountains.
The Forge Quarters
"Weapons of Ingenuity"
The small forge within the Black Tower ensures that its personnel are equipped with durable and innovative weapons and tools. Being self-sustaining means having a small force of smiths and engineers to keep the unique equipment of the Deepguards and the Stone Patrol functioning and effective.