The Tower of Moss
Sentinel of the Epoch Marshlands
Military Outpost, Natural and Supernatural Enigma
Settlement Summary
- Population: 250 (200 military personnel, 50 support staff and workers)
- Government: Administered by a Captain of the Imperial Army under the oversight of Westrun’s monarchy
- Alignment: Neutral Good
- Languages: Common, Halfling, Elven
- Notable Locations: The Mossy Spire, The Watchyard, The Root Hollows, The Warden’s Lodge
Notable Features
- The Mossy Spire: The central structure of the Tower of Moss, this ancient, hollowed-out tree is believed to have naturally formed over centuries. Its internal chambers have been reinforced and converted into living quarters, observation decks, and command stations.
- The Watchyard: A series of wooden platforms and paths constructed around the base of the spire, used for training, storage, and launching patrols into the marshlands.
- The Root Hollows: Underground chambers within the tree’s massive roots, used for storing supplies and as a shelter during dangerous conditions.
- The Warden’s Lodge: A small, freestanding structure near the spire that serves as the residence for the outpost’s commanding officer.
Special Qualities
- Natural Wonder: The Tower of Moss is a marvel of natural formation, with its ancient, moss-covered structure inspiring awe and curiosity.
- Mystical Influence: The Epoch Marshlands are known for strange occurrences, including unexplained lights, sudden storms, and odd wildlife behavior, which the outpost monitors closely.
- Strategic Isolation: Though remote, the outpost plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of nearby settlements and the containment of marsh anomalies.
Defenses
- Trained Soldiers: The 200 military personnel stationed here are skilled in navigating the marshlands and responding to supernatural threats.
- Natural Barriers: The surrounding swampy terrain makes approaching the outpost difficult, providing a natural layer of defense.
- Observation Decks: Elevated platforms in the Mossy Spire allow soldiers to monitor the marshlands for unusual activity or potential intrusions.
Notable NPCs
- Captain Meryn Greenwillow: A halfling officer known for her resourcefulness and calm demeanor, Captain Greenwillow commands the outpost with steady authority.
- Lieutenant Arden Marshstalk: A human scout who leads expeditions into the marshlands to investigate anomalies and ensure the safety of nearby settlements.
- Naturalist Eryssa Dewthorn: An elven researcher studying the unique flora and fauna of the Epoch Marshlands, based at the Tower of Moss.
- Quartermaster Harvik Mudspur: A gruff dwarf responsible for managing the outpost’s supplies and maintaining its defenses.
- Caretaker Lysa Fenroot: A human worker who tends to the spire’s structural integrity and the paths through the surrounding marsh.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Marsh Anomalies: The Epoch Marshlands are a hotspot for strange phenomena, from glowing lights to unexplained disappearances, keeping the outpost on high alert.
- Supply Logistics: The remote location and difficult terrain make resupply missions challenging, requiring careful planning and coordination.
- Environmental Hazards: The marsh’s shifting terrain, sudden storms, and dangerous wildlife pose constant risks to those stationed at the outpost.
- Cultural Interest: Scholars and adventurers occasionally visit the Tower of Moss to study its structure and the surrounding marshlands, providing opportunities for collaboration but also distractions.
The Mossy Spire
"A Natural Marvel"
The Tower of Moss is a massive, hollowed-out tree thought to be thousands of years old. Its bark is covered in thick moss, lending it a soft green glow in the moonlight. While anomalies occur throughout the marsh, a benevolent aura surrounds the immediate vicinity of the tree, offering a form of protection.
Epoch Anomalies
"Mysteries of the Marsh"
The Epoch Marshlands are known for unexplained phenomena, from glowing orbs to haunting melodies carried on the wind. Creatures and people alike have been told to have gone mad or even transformed entirely, giving rise to never-before seen threats within the marsh.
The Root Hollows
"Hidden Beneath the Spire"
The massive roots of the Mossy Spire form natural caverns, reinforced to serve as storage and shelter for the outpost.
Marsh Patrols
"Eyes on the Swamp"
Regular patrols through the Epoch Marshlands ensure the safety of nearby settlements and investigate unusual activity. These patrols are high-risk, with the unknowable threats of the marsh leaving many platoons more unprepared than they could be.