Doomwatch Keep Construction Timeline and Action Plan-576 CY

The Stronghold of Saint Cuthbert on the Edge of Chaos
Campaign Date: 576 CY | Location: Eastern Hommlet

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Introduction: Bastion of the Borderlands

Doomwatch Keep, rising stoically from the western Gnarley fringe near the Village of Hommlet, represents the spearpoint of civilization—and faith—thrust into the heart of elemental corruption. A monumental fortress sponsored by the Church of St Cuthbert and the Viscounty of Verbobonc, its strategic role is to secure the Long Road and guard against any resurgence from the Temple of Elemental Evil.

Burne's Badgers Badge by 3orcs

Though its vision is grand, the realities of construction in a contested frontier, with sparse labor, limited funding, and insufficient magical support, have slowed its rise. Doomwatch is two years behind schedule as of 576 CY, though its first defensive tower is complete and occupied by Lords Burne and Rufus.

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Historical Background

• Proposed: 571 CY following initial suppression of the Temple of Elemental Evil.
• Groundbreaking: 573 CY under the guidance of 29. Stonemason's House Laree the Mason.
• Patronage: Bishop Haufren of the Church of St. Cuthbert and Viscount Wilfrick Revepaix of Verbobonc.
• Strategic Mandate: To guard the Hommlet trade route, serve as a bulwark against bandit incursions, and monitor signs of renewed cultic activity.

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Construction Timeline

Burne’s Tower Parapet and Upper by Scott Agnew Copyright RVN Creative Studios 2024

Phase I: Burne’s Tower (573–575 CY)

• 31. Two Story Tower - Rufus and Burne completed using stone from the Kron Hills and timber from the Gnarley Forest.
• Magical assistance by Lord Burne (Fabricate, Wall of Stone, Mending, Unseen Servant).
• Now inhabited by Burne, Lord Rufus, and Burne's Badgers.

Phase II: Foundation & Outer Wallworks (576–578 CY)

• Focus on the gatehouse, western wall, and two flanking towers.
• Slowed by lack of skilled labor and magical craftsmen.
• Logistical disruptions due to growing unrest near Nulb and the Fens of Tor.

Phase III: Remaining Walls and Towers (579–581 CY)

• South and east walls with towers (579–580 CY).
• North wall with final towers (580–581 CY).

Phase IV: Central Keep Completion (576–582 CY)

• The central structure, begun in parallel, is expected to be completed by 582 CY.
• Built for permanence and sanctity, meant to house reliquaries of St. Cuthbert.

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Assessment of Resources

Resource	Status	Assessment
Stone supply	Excellent	Sourced from nearby Kron Hills.
Timber	Good	Harvested from Gnarley, tensions with elves rising.
Master Mason	Excellent	Laree of Hommlet is a genius artisan.
Skilled labor	Poor	Few trained masons; heavy reliance on conscripted militia and locals.
Funding	Strained	Church of St. Cuthbert contributes, but secular funds are delayed.
Magical Aid	Minimal	Burne’s magic speeds some tasks but lacks powerful construction spells like Wall of Stone, Fabricate, or Mending (as a cantrip).
Political Pressure	Increasing	Signs of cult activity returning; urgency growing but support limited.

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Key Figures

• Lord Burne – Architect of magical integration, resident spellcaster. Offers Fabricate and Wall of Stone, but lacks long-term construction-enhancing magic.
• Lord Rufus – Oversees logistical support, commands troops, and ensures the site's security.
• Canon Terjon – Church liaison; oversees sacred alignment and fund transfer.
• Laree the Mason – Lead engineer; delays due to lack of subordinates.
• Bishop Haufren – Primary ecclesiastical backer; his influence stretches across Verbobonc and Veluna, making him a spiritual and political heavyweight.
• Viscount Wilfrick Revepaix – Supports from Verbobonc’s capital, but torn between many border projects.

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Potential Magical Support Plot Hooks

Burne’s spellbook lacks the powerful magic needed to dramatically expedite construction. Adventurers could be commissioned to:

• Recover Lost Arcane Knowledge: Seek Wall of Stone, Fabricate, or Mending scrolls from ancient sites, ruins, or hidden sanctums.
• Recruit Arcane Allies: Locate wizards in Dyvers or Greyhawk who might be enticed to support the effort—for gold, favors, or political reasons.
• Divine Intervention: Seek relics or blessings from the Church of St. Cuthbert to speed construction or protect the site from sabotage.

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Projected Strategic Role by 582 CY

When completed, Doomwatch Keep will become:

• The strongest southern fortress in the Viscounty of Verbobonc.
• A holy bastion of St. Cuthbert’s faith, rivaling even Verbobonc City’s own temples.
• The headquarters of Burne’s Badgers and other elite local forces.
• A beacon of order in a wilderness writhing with cults, fae, and hostile humanoids.

Hommlet Bannor by 3orcs

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Key Timeline Summary (576–582 CY)

• 576–578 CY: Gatehouse + West Wall (Under construction)
• 579–580 CY: South & East Walls
• 580–581 CY: North Wall
• 576–582 CY: Central Keep rising steadily

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Burne and Rufus Tower site by Scott Agnew Copyright RVN Creative Studios 2024

Strategic Benefits and DM Notes

• Temple Connection: The keep stands as the first military line against any future uprising tied to the Temple of Elemental Evil
• Story Hook: The Temple spy "Joseph" can leak plans to the Earth Cult, creating infiltration or siege scenarios
• Village Support: NPCs like Elder Kenter Sr., Terjon, and Canon Calmert host public forums discussing the Keep's progress and moral implications