Outpost 3Outpost 3 is one of four outposts that Merchant House Inika permanently maintains. It sits near Last Port, a major trade location on the north side of the Estuary of the Forked Tongue, where silt skimmers arrive and depart with trade goods bound for Balic. The walls of the compound are amassed of rocks, stones and packed earth. These materials are stacked up, reaching an average height of eight feet, and are watched over by a single two-story watch-tower that sits in the middle of the outpost on top of one of the five store-houses. Each store-house holds the trade goods from passing caravans, and a corral in the front corner contains spare pack-beasts. A water-house provides cool, clear water for both weary traveler and parched guard. Tents are scattered about the open yard, providing the caravan’s entourage a somewhat comfortable place to sleep, while the permanent guards of Outpost 3 are billeted throughout the five store-houses.
1- Main gate - The Main gate of Outpost 3 is constructed of mekillot ribs; lashed together with braided giant hair and observed by the Watchtower.
2- Watchtower - This two-story building is the tallest structure at Outpost 3. The ground level stores surplus weapons and extra arrows. The upper level is shaded and allows 360' observation of the outpost, its walls and the surrounding area. There are always two guards in the watchtower.
3- Well-house - A mud-brick building built around the outpost’s well, the well-house provides cool, clear water and a cool place to rest. The walls of the well-house remain cool due to the evaporation, which is why the guards and caravan travelers have attached cloth shade canopies.
4- Storehouses - The five storehouses are also built of mud-bricks and have wooden doors. While it is uncommon for all of the storehouses to be full, it is common for at least one caravan to be occupying one or two of them. Each storehouse has room by its only door for the permanent guards to live and for the caravan masters to sleep.
5- Living tents - The permanent, cloth tents scattered around the outpost are used by caravan guards and patrons during their stop-over.
6- Corral - The caravan’s pack-beasts, typically kank, are contained and fed in this rock-enclosed corral. There is a small sun shade in the back corner and the beasts have a fresh supply of both water and brambleweed.
Observation Posts
Surrounding each Outpost is a series of observation posts. Typically placed on high ground or in areas that may present potential ambushes, each observation post keeps watch over a cardinal direction, and is in line-of-sight of the outpost; although the observation posts may not be in sight of each other. The standard signal of approaching danger is to set a small ceramic flask on fire and place it on the ledge closest to the Outpost.
An outpost is typically a single story building with a permanent observation post placed on its rooftop. The lower level provides comfortable quarters for a pair of guards, while another pair keeps watch. The are also small corrals alongside the observation posts’ walls, which keep the guards speedy crodlu ready at a moments notice.
