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Outpost XXIX Mission
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Per the Stronghold Builder's Guidebook these areas would be defined as follows:
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AREA A: Stables:Stables, FancyThis is the pride of outpost XXIX. The horse breeding that goes on here creates superior steeds of Bedouin stock. One team per year is trained to pull a war chariot and sent as tribute to pharaoh. There are enough steeds remaining that are not gravid with colt to maintain a small mounted force known as the Riders of Outpost XXIX. At present, Commander Gyambar has two fine steeds, and there is one steed assigned to each other occupant of the outpost (the mounted unit getting preferrence). There are six additional steeds for breeding and relief. There are two empty stalls. The stables area is in one of two natural caverns that is open at the top. A large, locked (good DC30) cast-iron grate covers the upper opening, and a heavy canvass tarp can be secured above to ward out inclement weather. Moreover, there is a circular, natural pool in the center of chamber's floor. The water level can be raised simply by turning a valve. The high-vaulted ceiling has ample room for a hay loft that runs above the stalls with a catwalk alongside. There is no fireplace, for warmth is rarely an issue. Private Irmutdan (Handle Animal+6) is the primary groom in charge of this facility. He is assisted by: Private Nudisik, Private Erada and others as needed. Adjoining bedrooms are quarters for Irmutdan as "chief groom and breeder", and Erada because she is female and as "low-groom" must attend to most daily maintenance. Bedrooms Adjoining Stables Private Irmutdan, LG Male Human Warrior(1) Riders Private Erada, LN Female Human Warrior(1) Riders Top |
AREA B: SmithySmithy, FancyOutpost XXIX has an excellent smithy. It occupies half of one of the two natural caverns that is open at the top. The kitchen occupies the other half. A large, locked (good DC30) cast-iron hatch (usually open) can cover this opening. It can be swung closed and dogged shut from the inside when the forge and kitchen stoves are not in use (otherwise, smoke fills the area). There is a circular, natural pool in the chamber's center. The water level can be raised simply by turning a valve. A second valve controls the level of artesian water in the oasis outside. The whole of the smithy/kitchen area is airtight. In the wet season, it can also be flooded right up to the top by using the valves and hatches properly. This is sometimes done for cleaning. Corporal Rilnim, as the chief weaponsmith+8, occupies an adjoining bedroom unit as does Sergeant Gavil (a blacksmith+5 and armorer+5). When the smithy is not engaged in making horseshoes or fixing various stronghold components, Rilnim generally spends some time making fine quality weapons for trade. He can barter for outbound ingots of byzantium or other metals and instead produce finely worked blades. He receives 10% of the price difference as part of his pay, and the excess is considered one of the 'profitable activities' of the outpost. Kitchen, Basic The other half of the cavern is established as a basic kitchen. When feasts in the dining hall need to surpass fifteen diners, part of the Smithy can be co-opted for the effort, but this *really* annoys Rilnim, and it is usually days before the smithy is functioning smoothly again. Cooking duty falls to Corporal Kamamala (Cook+2), and Private Sanur (Herbalist+5, Wilderness Lore+5, [K]Nature+5). Using the abundance of the gardens outside, some minor hunting while on patrol, and acquiring some exotic spices that come through with the trade caravans, these two can manage pretty well day-to-day. Sometimes when the outpost is playing host to an important diplomat or personage, better cooks are hired in Kelmeera. Meats are hung up in the rafters over the kitchen area and smoked. Storage Areas, Basic (Ingot Vault & Coal Sack) Two fissures leading off from this main cavern have been reworked and put to specialized use. The Ingot vault is a highly secure area which contains the metal ingots used by the smiths, some of which are very valuable. Anyone at the outpost can have other personal valuables secured here as well. It boasts a strong, airtight, iron door with an amazing lock (DC40). Only the commander and Rilnim have keys and may enter. Hesubuto has placed a glyph of warding within. The coal sack is a similar crude storage area that lacks any security measures. It is filled with the charcoal required to burn the forge at a useful, constant, high temperature. Sometimes spare parts and bits of projects currently being worked on find their way here as well. Occasionally, the coal sack is used to temporarily store other stronghold features such as tables from the multi-purpose dining hall. Bedrooms Adjoining Smithy Corporal Rilnim, LG Male Dwarf Expert(1)/Fighter(1) Watchmen Sergeant Gavil, LN Male Human Fighter(2) Riders Top |
AREA C: Up TopGuard Post (Watch Tower)Atop the stronghold is a 20' tower of sturdy, rough wooden timbers. A ladder grants access to a 10'x10' platform that commands a view of the terrain for miles around. A swivel-mounted spyglass is available for viewing at a distance, and except during a direct large attack upon the outpost, this post is never unmanned. A klaxon bell is mounted on a beam so a watcher can quickly sound the alert. There is also a large booming Alphorn that can be heard at a distance to call in the riders. Sergeant Solik is responsible for the watch rotation which usually consists of at least Private Ashkas, Private Ibala, and Private Bayn. Whenever possible, a second watcher is posted as well. Openings above stables and smithy are up here as well. The tarpaulin to cover the stables must be managed from up here. A knotted rope can be lowered from up top into the stable area, or in an emergency, one can dive into the pool 30 feet below, but access is typically from an outside stairwell hewn into the rock. Top |
AREA D: Entrance ChambersDining Hall, BasicUpon entering through the great double doors (2 inches thick, hardness 5, byzantium reinforced, 80 hp), one enters the dining hall. It can seat up to thirty (30) in rough comfort. It has a raised platform at the far end at the back of which are bronze double doors (2 inches thick, Hardness 8, 50 hp) leading to the main hallway area. Both sets of doors can be locked DC25 and barred from the inside. The Commander and the duty officer have keys. This is actually a multi-purpose room. Here are several common configurations: Mode 1: Standard. The fifteen residents of the outpost dine at rough, circular tables. The raised platform has the commanders long table, a "Table of Safe Meals" (detects poison automatically). The command staff, any guests, or soldiers being especially honored dine at the commander's table. Mode 2: Low Justice. Once each week, a large, high-backed, ornate chair stands on the raised platform. The outpost commander (or sometimes his appointee) sits and delivers low justice to petitioners from the village or the occasional foreigner. Watchmen bring in the plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, and other interested parties in small groups of no more than fifteen while others wait outside. Mode 3: Diplomatic. One or both of the fancy bedroom suites are opened up for use by high-ranking Omolaran visitors of foreign ambassadors and their bodyservants. The commander's table is placed in the lower area. Someone (often Sergeant Solik) is relieved of other duties to see to their needs. Guards are posted on the upper platform in front of the doors to the main hallway area. The men take meals elsewhere (in their quarters, the stables, or whereever) for the duration. Sometimes entertainers make use of the upper platform. Bedroom Suite, Fancy off Dining Hall (Guests) Bedroom Suite, Fancy off Dining Hall (Guests) Top |
Area E: Main HallwayArmoryOff the main hall, this area stores the weapons and armor for all soldiers in the barracks. Keys are possessed by all command staff, seargeants, and the appointed armsmaster. Barracks This room has five sets of bunk beds that can sleep 10 in slightly crowded condition. The duty schedule is posted on a bulletin board just outside the barracks. Present occupants: Sergeant Solik, LG Male Human Fighter(2) Watchman Private Gyavar, NG Male Human Warrior(1) Watchman Private Ashkas, LG Male Human Warrior(1) Watchman Private Ibala, LG Male Human Warrior(1) Watchman Private Bayn, NG Male Human Warrior(1) Watchman Corporal Kamamala, CG Male Human Rogue(1) Rider Private Nudisik, LG Male Human Warrior(1) Rider Private Sanur, CG Male Human Ranger(1) Rider Bedroom Suite off Main Hall The commander's suite is lead-lined to secure it from scrying. Commander Gyambar, LG Human Male Paladin(5) of Osirus Command Bedrooms off Main Hall Hesubuto, LN Female Human Monk(1)/Cleric(3) of Horus Command Lieutennant Amabiris, LN Male Human Fighter(4) Command Study/Office, Basic All three command bedrooms have access to a solar where all of the accounting and administration of the outpost are performed. It also acts as a small meeting room for the command staff. Like the commander's quarters, it is lead-lined. In here is a lever that rings a set of great chimes in the main hallway. A relief map of the outpost and surroundings is carved into a slab of stone in its center. Top |
Area F: The GroundsStatues of PharaohBefore the main entry doors to Outpost XXIX is a raised flat area roughly semicircular in shape. Standing at the edge of this are two enormous stone statues. The first is of Qorraz-ra who was pharaoh when this garrison was first commissioned. The second is Khananay-ra who was the pharaoh responsible for adding the stables. Chariot House Adobe Outbuilding As old as the outpost is a somewhat delapidated building out near one of the ponds. It was constructed of unfired brick to house the first workmen who hollowed out and built the stronghold. It is now used for several purposes. It is a changing room for those who wish to swim and are modest. It houses two chariots that are used to train some of the horses. In it are also kept blunt practice weapons and other equipment related to military training. Finally, it is sometimes cleared out and used to temporarily house guests and retainers of lowly estate who do not rate the guest quarters. 2 Basins/Ponds As you approach the entrance to the outpost, you cross a narrow strip of land resembling a bridge. To either side are large ponds of open water. The water level in these is controlled from within the smithy by running as much water as is desired out from the capped-off artesian spring. The ponds are actually connected by several tunnels that run underneath this 'bridge'. Some of the residents of Kelmeera Village nearby have been granted the right to come and fill a set number of barrels each week for their use in the dry season when the village well is not producing. Magnificent Gardens Surrounding the two great basins is an explosion of lush green vegitation. It is actually very well kept with paths, benches and some interesting statuary. Numerous living treasures from far off lands grace the outpost's gardens, and are carefully tended to insure their health and productivity. Private Sanur is presently tasked with insuring this. Grazing Plain Below the gardens on the south side nearest the village is an oval field of good grazing land. Benefited by the proximity to the artesian mound, the hardy desert grasses do quite well, forming a lush carpet of green about a half mile in diameter. Through its center, a roadway winds its way up to the outpost. Two stone obelisks stand as gateposts to either side of the roadway at the southern edge of the green. The whole is ringed by large oval white stones that shine dimly at night as though shedding their own moonlight. On the face of one of the obelisks, a Syrtican artisan recently carved the image of a lion. The Wadi The roadway leading up to the outpost is slightly depressed into the terrain, and is actually a dry riverbed. It runs when the rare desert storm scours the area, or when those at the outpost purposefully overflow the great basins. This is sometimes done to signify great occasions such as the marriage of pharaoh. The Wadi continues beyond the obelisks of the grazing plain and is used as a road to and from Kelmeera Village. Kelmeera lies about several miles further down the Wadi. Top |