Smoketower

To communicate messages across broad distances, the system of Smokewriting has been developed by the people of Isturoth. So that these are most visible, the fires that create the smoke visible for hundreds of miles are placed at the top of hills and mountain peaks. When this is not feasible or convenient, however, a "smoketower" is erected, a tall structure that conveys the beacon and spills its smoke higher into the sky for maximum visibility.

Purpose / Function

The smoketower will be constructed in or near a settlement, somewhere that is quick and easy to get to and operate. While many messages that can be conveyed are not urgent, the possibility for message of emergency is always possible.
To give the smoke the best chance of being seen from as far away as possible, these bonfires, along with the contraptions that fan and blanket the flames, are constructed high up on towers and pillars. These are operated by local authorities that have had the duty assigned to them, keep the flames alive 24-7 and operating the equipment in an emergency.

Architecture

Often, these towers are built into existing settlements, and so their design and architecture reflect those of their surroundings. The largest fires and towers have ladders or stairs coiling around the outside of the structure. Some are constructed into palaces or central municipal buildings, places that can be seen.
A common design for these towers is a square obelisk topped with a geometric metal device that enables the smoke to be released in puffs. Some designs allow for smoke to be controlled from the ground, while others require an individual to climb to the top of the tower to control the flow of smoke.

Type

Tower