Thornhold

Original Purpose: Thornhold Den was built as a fortified outpost to secure the wildlands surrounding Stonekeep, protect trade routes, and act as a training and operational base for the Crimson Hounds.
Current Purpose: It remains a central hub for monster-hunting operations in the region, a training ground for recruits, and a safe haven for weary hunters.

Reinforced Walls (1225 AF): The outer walls were fortified with additional stone layers and embedded iron spikes to counter larger, more aggressive monsters.

Expanded Lorevault (1270 AF): A small but critical archive was added to preserve regional monster knowledge and document missions.

Additional Watchtower (1305 AF): A new tower was constructed on the eastern edge to improve visibility and early warning systems for threats approaching from the forest.

Thornhold Den employs pragmatic, fortress-style architecture designed for both function and resilience:

• Materials: Constructed from local dark granite with wooden beams sourced from the surrounding forest.
• Style: Utilitarian, with minimal adornment apart from the Crimson Hounds’ banners and sigils.
• Features: The building seamlessly integrates with the surrounding rocky terrain, using the natural bramble thickets as an additional layer of concealment and protection.

Thick Stone Walls: Reinforced to withstand both physical and magical attacks.

Iron Spike Barricades: Surrounding the perimeter to deter larger creatures.

Arrow Slits and Guard Towers: Strategically placed for defending against aerial and ground-based threats.

Alarm Bells: Located in key areas to alert the Den of imminent danger.

Thornhold Den was established during the Crimson Hounds’ effort to expand their influence and protect vital trade routes in the Skarnhold Region. Built in response to increasing monster activity, the Den quickly gained a reputation for producing elite hunters. Its proximity to Stonekeep allowed for strong collaboration with the city, fostering mutual benefits in trade, protection, and economic stability.

Key historical events include:

• The Bramble Siege (1190 AF): A pack of feral wyverns attacked the Den, leading to its reinforcement.
• The Great Purge (1235 AF): Thornhold hunters led a regional campaign to eradicate shadowstag infestations, solidifying the Den’s importance.

While not primarily a tourist destination, Thornhold Den draws interest from:

• Aspiring Hunters: Recruits seeking to prove themselves at one of the Crimson Hounds’ most respected Dens.
• Scholars: Researchers interested in the Lorevault’s regional records of monsters and hunting techniques.
• City Officials: From Stonekeep, they occasionally visit to discuss collaborative defense efforts.

Visitors usually stay in nearby Stonekeep, where inns and taverns cater to travelers. Some are granted temporary lodging in the Den under special circumstances, such as dignitaries or guild allies.