# **Duskwatch Prison-Fort (The Bastion of Thorns)** --- ## **Overview** The **Bastion of Thorns** is a grim stone fortress perched on the northern edge of Duskwatch, overlooking the roads and farmlands beyond. Built on the ruins of an older watchtower, the Bastion serves as **Duskwatch’s prison, military stockade, and political oubliette**. It looms as a constant reminder that law in Duskwatch is sharp-edged—tempered by suspicion of Coalveil and the corrupting influence of the Deadwood Glade. --- ## **History** - Originally erected during the **Coalveil Wars**, when the region’s grasslands were contested by barons and raiding clans. - Its foundations are older still—some claim it was once a **Fey crossing-keep** that guarded the northern marches of the Glade. - Reinforced and expanded by Duskwatch’s militia a century ago, it became both a prison and symbol of authority apart from Coalveil. --- ## **Appearance** - Thick, moss-crusted walls crowned with **iron spikes**, giving it the nickname _Bastion of Thorns_. - Four squat towers guard its corners, each flying Duskwatch’s green-and-black banner. - A single heavy gate of oak and iron leads to a **courtyard** where militia drill and prisoners labor. --- ## **Function** - **Prison:** Holds criminals, debtors, smugglers, and political rivals too dangerous to leave free. - **Military Post:** Stores arms and trains elite wardens separate from the town militia. - **Secret Wing:** Rumored subterranean cells keep _“Glade-touched”_ prisoners—those showing corruption from the Rift Scar or Deadwood Glade. --- ## **Key NPCs** - **Warden Halric Drenn** – Human veteran; ruthless but disciplined commander of the Bastion. Loyal to Duskwatch first, not Coalveil. - **Master Gaelor Sythra** – Half-elf gaoler; infamous for cruel but effective “questioning” of prisoners. - **Sister Althine** – A Laurelite priestess assigned to provide spiritual care; struggles against the Bastion’s brutality and sometimes sneaks prisoners aid. - **Captain Velra Korrin** – Cousin of [[Blacksmith Asha Korrin]], runs the wardens with iron discipline. --- ## **Rumors & Adventure Hooks** - **The Forgotten Cells:** Adventurers may discover that one wing has been sealed for decades; whispers say its cells hold prisoners who never aged. - **Political Pawn:** Coalveil emissaries claim the Bastion unlawfully detains _their_ citizens, creating political tension. - **The Glade’s Curse:** Strange shadowy figures sometimes appear in the prison’s halls during new moons—possibly souls of those tied to the Rift Scar. - **Secret Escape Tunnel:** Some locals insist the Bastion was built on ancient tunnels leading under the town and into the Deadwood Glade.