Keep on the Barrie Grange

I keep mentioning that Kysek is the Knight of the Barrie Grange but it occurs to me that I have never really mentioned where exactly that is. The fort was designed using the 3.5e Stronghold Builder's.

Kysek's keep is located in the Goralian Hills, just short of the Cimmerian border. The previous master, Sir Gasparas, performed as little maintenance as possible. After his treachery against the crown was uncovered, King Conan the Usurper granted the fallen knight's title and lands to Kysek Creepingshadow. The “castle” is little more than a frontier fort surrounded by rocky land unsuitable for significant farming, although the commoners in the area raise livestock (pigs, goats, sheep and chickens) here. Despite the lack of care put into its upkeep, the fort is well designed and defensible. Parts of the wooden palisade had rotted away and weeds had overtaken the bailey. Roofs of several buildings were in need of attention but the stables were in excellent condition. The obvious pride of the keep’s former owner, six fine-bred warhorses, awaits their new lord within.

Kysek's first month as master of the keep was spent making repairs to both the buildings and relationships with the fort’s staff. Gasparus had been a cruel lord, eager to mete out punishment for the smallest of infractions. The official head of the group is Sergeant Wulruff, a holdover from the days of Gasparus’ father but in reality, it is his wife, Hetti who makes most of the decisions. The surrounding settlements (little more than individual farmsteads) were also in bad shape. The commoners, long neglected by Gasparus lived in fear of the Cimmerian raiders that would cross the border to pillage and terrorize. Kysek and his companions quickly put an end to these incursions and built defensive fortifications (berms, stone walls, and the like). Kysek earns 1,935.5 SL/year in taxes from the peasants

Kysek has 10 men-at-arms (Sergeant Wulruff – Aquilonian male Fighter 2 and nine guards – Aquilonian male Warrior 1) at his disposal plus Hetti (a cook), one groom and one smith. The area farms and ranches produce enough food to feed 332 people/year.

Components of the Barrie Grange Fortress

1. Gatehouse/Barbican
2. Dining Hall/Kitchen
3. Storage building – convert to smithy or workshop
4. Storage building – convert to armory
5. Barracks
6. Stables
7. Servants Quarters
8. Tower (3 level – contains Master Bedroom Suite, Fancy Bath, storage, office, and basic library)

* Book lots: The first lot is general knowledge and provides a +1 bonus to all Knowledge checks; the second is more specific focusing on Aquilonian lore (legends, personalities, laws, customs, and traditions) and providing a +2 bonus to Knowledge – Local (Aquilonia) checks.