The Emerald Tower
Watcher of the Bay of Gems
Small Military Outpost, Protecting River Inlets and Coastal Approaches
Settlement Summary
- Population: 600 (400 Imperial soldiers, 200 support staff and civilians)
- Government: Commanded by an Imperial Lieutenant reporting to Ravensport and the Imperial Council
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven
- Notable Locations: The Emerald Spire, The Watchyard, The Docking Pier, The Beacon Platform
Notable Features
- The Emerald Spire: A modest but sturdy tower constructed from local stone, the spire is the central structure of the outpost, housing command offices, barracks, and storage.
- The Watchyard: A training and mustering yard where soldiers practice drills and prepare for potential incursions.
- The Docking Pier: A small pier capable of accommodating patrol boats and supply vessels. It serves as the outpost’s primary connection to Ravensport and nearby settlements.
- The Beacon Platform: Located at the top of the spire, the beacon can be lit to signal Ravensport or nearby military installations in the event of an emergency.
Special Qualities
- Strategic Location: The Emerald Tower’s position at the confluence of the Black and Emerald Rivers provides control over the river inlets and oversight of the Bay of Gems.
- River Defense: The outpost is equipped to monitor and deter river-based incursions and unauthorized docking in the bay.
- Isolated Duty: With its remote location, life at the Emerald Tower is quiet but demanding, requiring vigilance and self-sufficiency.
Defenses
- Small Garrison: The 400 soldiers stationed at the Emerald Tower are trained to handle river and coastal threats, though they lack the resources for large-scale engagements.
- Basic Fortifications: The tower and surrounding area are modestly fortified with reinforced stone walls and watchtowers.
- River Patrols: Small boats conduct regular patrols along the Black and Emerald Rivers, ensuring no unauthorized vessels pass through the area.
Notable NPCs
- Lieutenant Darin Falcrest: A human officer who commands the Emerald Tower with a calm and steady hand. Darin is known for his dedication to the soldiers under his command.
- Quartermaster Lorrik Broadwave: A half-elf responsible for managing the outpost’s supplies and ensuring the smooth operation of the Docking Pier.
- Beacon Keeper Faryn Glowthorn: An elven mage who maintains the magical wards of the beacon and assists with communications to Ravensport.
- Sergeant Mera Ironstrand: A no-nonsense dwarf who oversees soldier training and ensures discipline within the ranks.
- Fisherman Dren Hollowtide: A human civilian who supplies the outpost with fresh fish from the Bay of Gems and provides valuable knowledge of the local waterways.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Limited Resources: The outpost’s remote location and modest size mean supplies and reinforcements take time to arrive, creating logistical challenges.
- River Smuggling: The Emerald Tower frequently deals with smugglers attempting to use the rivers and bay for illegal trade.
- Hostile Waters: Occasional pirate or bandit activity in the Bay of Gems and along the rivers keeps the garrison on alert.
- Weather Hazards: Storms in the bay can disrupt supply lines and make river patrols dangerous.
The Docking Pier
"Gateway to the Rivers"
Though relatively small, the pier is essential for the outpost’s operations, allowing supply boats and patrol vessels to come and go. While the tower is known for being almost the laughing stock of the Empire's outposts, it has prevented river smuggling and incursions on several notable occasions, and holds its secondary reputation of being an effective dispatcher of intruders.
River Patrols
"Guardians of the Waters"
The soldiers of the Emerald Tower conduct regular patrols along the Black and Emerald Rivers, watching for smugglers, pirates, and other threats. While the tower has a total garrison of 400, around 100 of them will be out on patrols at any given time.
The Bay of Gems
"A Glimmering Frontier"
The Bay of Gems is named for its sparkling waters and occasional finds of rare gemstones washed up on its shores, flowing down from both the Blackpeaks and the Emerald Mountains. Much of the activity prevented by the Emerald Tower are unauthorised divers looking for gems.
Life at the Emerald Tower
"Duty and Discipline"
Soldiers stationed at the Emerald Tower lead a simple but disciplined life, focused on maintaining readiness and patrolling the waters. The lifestyle lends itself to being a pre-retirement plan for many of the Empire's longest-serving soldiers, which means that while the numbers are low and the soldiers are older... the skill, wisdom, and strategy has consistently ensured successful skirmishes.