1. Falls Keep
Falls Keep is a critical outpost of the Mounted Borderers, strategically positioned in the Gnarley Forest near the village of Twilight Falls. This motte-and-bailey fortification stands as a sentinel along the trade routes, ensuring the safety of merchants, settlers, and travelers from the growing threat of bandits, humanoid raiders, and incursions from the wild lands. Built in the aftermath of the Battle of Emridy Meadows, Falls Keep serves as both a military bastion and a stark reminder of the Viscount’s claim over these borderlands.
Description and Layout
Falls Keep is a sturdy fortification, simple in design but highly defensible. It comprises a large three-story square tower, built upon a stone foundation and surrounded by a twelve-foot-high wooden palisade. A gatehouse with two smaller towers protects the entrance, and a wooden walkway along the inside of the palisade allows archers to rain arrows upon attackers.
Key Features of Falls Keep:
- Central Keep: The main structure is accessed via a steep ramp to the second level, exposing invaders to defensive fire.
- Defensive Walkways: A crenellated wooden palisade provides protection and a clear field of fire.
- Interior Buildings: The bailey contains a smithy, stables, a shrine to St. Cuthbert, and a well.
- Garrison Quarters: The first and second floors house quarters for up to forty soldiers, though only twelve currently reside within.
- Supply Storage: A basement holds grain, water, salted fish, meats, and two small prison cells.
- Observation Post: The rooftop provides a commanding view of Twilight Falls and the surrounding forest.
History and Purpose
Following the Battle of Emridy Meadows (569 CY), Viscount Wilfrick sought to reinforce his control over the lawless frontier, establishing military outposts to curb threats. Falls Keep was built in the early 570s, serving as a strategic foothold along the trade routes from Dyvers, the Wild Coast, and Greenway Valley.
Key Historical Notes:
- Constructed in response to increased bandit activity and humanoid incursions.
- Established as part of the Mounted Borderers' efforts to secure Verbobonc’s borders.
- Designed to be a permanent presence, deterring would-be raiders and reinforcing Verbobonc’s claim over the region.
"They call it Falls Keep, but one day, it will be Falls Ruin."
Current Role and Operations
Falls Keep remains a vital outpost, though recent political shifts have strained its effectiveness. Viscount Wilfrick’s decision to pull Mounted Borderer patrols away from the Kron Hills has led to rising tensions with the Free Assembly of the gnomes, who accuse Verbobonc of abandoning them to humanoid raiders.
Primary Duties of the Falls Keep Garrison:
- Patrolling the Trade Routes: Protecting merchant caravans from Dyvers and the Greenway Valley.
- Defending Twilight Falls: A deterrent against orcs, goblins, and roaming giants.
- Enforcing the Viscount’s Law: Mediating disputes and collecting taxes from local settlements.
- Maintaining Watch on the Elves of the Gnarley: Monitoring tensions with the four major elven clans, who resent human encroachment.
Political and Military Challenges
Falls Keep faces political strain and military difficulties, balancing its role as protector and enforcer.
Key Political Issues:
- Tension with the Gnomes: The Free Assembly of the Kron Hills is angered by the Viscount’s decision to withdraw patrols.
- Strained Relations with the Elves: The Elven Clans of the Gnarley Forest view Falls Keep as an instrument of expansionism.
- Resentment Among the Villagers: Many in Twilight Falls see the Borderers as representatives of a distant and inattentive lord.
"If they let us do our jobs, the roads would be safe, the gnomes would have their trade, and the elves would know their place. But politics, politics ruins everything."
Ongoing Military Threats:
- Banditry on the Trade Roads: Brigands prey on merchants between Dyvers, Free Lands of, the Wild Coast, and Verbobonc.
- Orc and Goblin Raids: Humanoid warbands increasingly test the fort’s defenses.
- Giant Incursions: Sightings of ogres and hill giants have increased in the past year.
"The elves say we do not belong here. The gnomes say we do not do enough. The villagers say we tax them too harshly. And the orcs? The orcs say nothing, but their axes speak plenty."
Relationships with Regional Factions
Falls Keep exists in a delicate balance between numerous factions, each with their own agenda.
The Gnarley Rangers
- The Rangers respect the Borderers but prefer their own methods of justice.
- Occasional cooperation in dealing with bandits and forest threats.
- Tensions rise over differing views on law and punishment.
Druids of the Gnarley Forest
- Mostly neutral but dislike the fort’s role in policing the frontier.
- The presence of a shrine to St. Cuthbert is a point of contention, as many villagers still follow the Old Faith.
- Some druids aid the Borderers in tracking hostile forces when necessary.
Mounted Borderers of Verbobonc
- Falls Keep reports directly to the Viscount’s military leadership.
- Part of a network of three major outposts, alongside Fort Wilfrick (Swan) and 1. Fort Emridy (Nigb's Rest).
- Underfunded and undermanned due to shifts in military priorities.
Final Thoughts
Falls Keep remains an indispensable outpost, but its garrison is stretched thin. Jeska Rawl and her troops are caught in a political storm, forced to protect a populace that does not fully trust them. While still a symbol of Verbobonc’s rule, whether Falls Keep can withstand the rising tides of banditry, humanoid raids, and political turmoil remains to be seen.
"Saint Cuthbert’s shrine stands within these walls, but I wonder if even he has not abandoned us."
"A wooden wall and twelve swords stand between civilization and the wilds. It isn't much, but it's all we've got."
Leadership and Garrison
The fort is currently commanded by Jeska Rawl, a pragmatic and skilled veteran of the Mounted Borderers. She leads eleven other Borderers, a force spread too thin given the increasing threats.
Jeska Rawl
Commander of Falls Keep
- A seasoned warrior with years of experience in both battle and diplomacy.
- Fiercely loyal to the Viscount but critical of recent strategic decisions.
- Struggles to maintain order among the independent-minded woodsfolk and resists their resentment toward Verbobonc’s rule.
Jeska Rawl
(LG Female Human Ranger 4/Fighter 2, Mounted Borderers Captain)
AC 17 (Chain Shirt, Shield) | HP 48 (6d10+6) | Speed 30 ft.
STR 15 | DEX 14 | CON 12 | INT 10 | WIS 13 | CHA 11
Skills Perception +5, Survival +6, Animal Handling +5, Athletics +5
Saving Throws Str +5, Dex +5
Weapons Longsword +6 (1d8+3 slashing), Longbow +5 (1d8 piercing)
Abilities Favored Enemy (Humanoids: Orcs & Goblinoids), Natural Explorer (Forests), Extra Attack, Fighting Style (Dueling), Action Surge (1/Short Rest)
Tactics Leads charges, organizes ambushes, and defends Falls Keep with tactical precision.
Mounted Borderers (12)
(LG Human Fighter 3)
AC 16 (Chain Shirt, Shield) | HP 30 (3d10+6) | Speed 30 ft.
STR 14 | DEX 13 | CON 12 | INT 10 | WIS 11 | CHA 10
Weapons Spear +5 (1d6+2 piercing, versatile 1d8+2), Heavy Crossbow +4 (1d10 piercing)
Abilities Second Wind (1d10+3 HP, 1/Short Rest), Fighting Style (Defense), Action Surge (1/Short Rest)
Tactics Skilled horsemen, they patrol trade routes and defend Falls Keep from raiders.
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