Embercrack Western Watch Tower

Its placement gives it strong influence over the eastbound flow of trade entering Redstone’s domain. All caravans, supply runners, mercenary bands, and nobles travelling must pass through it.   The tower’s current role includes: -Monitoring and taxing merchant caravans from the west -Acting as an early warning post against incursions or political rivals -Maintaining Bogclutch authority over the trade artery connecting the western frontier to Redstone lands

The Embercrack Western Watch Tower employs a layered defensive system typical of practical medieval frontier fortifications. Though modest in scale, the tower and its surrounding grounds are designed to control movement, delay attackers, and provide strong defensive positions for a small garrison.   Outer Perimeter: The complex is enclosed by a low stone curtain wall constructed of local rock. While not tall enough to repel a full military assault, it effectively deters raiders and funnels all approach toward the main gate. The wall’s angled corners create natural kill zones, allowing defenders to fire on intruders from multiple directions.   Camp and Muster Grounds: Inside the perimeter lie simple canvas tents arranged around worn footpaths. These serve as the living quarters for the watch personnel. Though basic, the open layout grants defenders clear lines of sight and space to quickly assemble for defence. The central well provides reliable water, enabling the outpost to endure short sieges or travel disruptions.   Main Tower: The tower itself is built of heavy stone and forms the stronghold’s core. Entry is restricted to narrow doorways that force attackers to gather in tight formations.     Second Floor Quarters: The upper room serves as both command chamber and sleeping quarters for the ranking officer. Its windows are small and outward-angled, enabling archers or crossbowmen to fire safely while remaining shielded from return shot. The reinforced timber door further increases the room’s value as a last defensive fallback.   Strategic Role: Although not a major fortress, the tower is positioned to delay incoming forces from the east and exert control over trade entering Clan Redstone lands. Its design prioritises visibility, controlled access, and defensible interior positions, making it an effective border watch post for a limited garrison.

The Embercrack Western Watch Tower was originally constructed and operated by Clan Embercrack, serving as their western sentinel over the Oak Trade Road. After the assassination of Ryth Redstone and the resulting collapse of central authority, the tower was abandoned during the feudal succession chaos. Bandits occupied it soon after, turning it into a predatory checkpoint over westbound trade.   The stronghold remained in lawless hands until The Master and Aliza Everguard, (The Cat), stormed the tower, purged its bandit occupants, and restored order. Rather than claim it directly, they gifted the tower to Clan Bogclutch, cementing Bogclutch’s legitimacy along the western frontier. In gratitude, the goblins named the Master Lord Protector.   Today, the tower stands as a Bogclutch border post, guarding and regulating trade entering Clan Redstone territory from the east.