Beyond the bustle of the Keep’s markets and workshops lies the Inner Bailey, a wide stone courtyard surrounded by barracks, armories, and the looming walls of the Keep’s central fortress.
Here the sounds of trade give way to the sharp rhythm of military discipline—steel striking steel, shouted commands, and the steady march of drilled formations. Guards practice sword forms in the open yard while archers loose arrows into distant straw targets.
The Inner Bailey serves several purposes within the Keep:
- Training ground for the garrison
- Event courtyard for ceremonies and public gatherings
- Defensive staging ground should the outer walls fall
If the Keep were ever breached, the Inner Bailey would become the last organized line of defense before attackers could reach the fortress itself.
Sergeant Shannik
The Inner Bailey is overseen by Sergeant Shannik, a seasoned officer responsible for maintaining discipline and readiness among the Keep’s guards.
Shannik is a broad-shouldered veteran whose armor bears the scars of many campaigns. His voice carries easily across the courtyard, and even the most distracted recruits snap to attention when he speaks.
Services
While the Inner Bailey is primarily a military space, Sergeant Shannik occasionally allows trustworthy adventurers to make use of the garrison’s training resources.
Combat Training
Adventurers may participate in sparring drills with members of the garrison.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sparring session | 5 sp |
| Archery practice | 5 sp |
| Structured combat drill | 1 gp |
These sessions often draw curious spectators among the guards, particularly when skilled adventurers demonstrate unusual fighting techniques.
Bounty Board
Near the barracks entrance stands a wooden board where the garrison posts notices requesting assistance.
Typical contracts include:
- Clearing monsters along trade roads
- Escorting merchant caravans
- Investigating suspicious activity near the Keep
- Tracking dangerous creatures reported by farmers
Rewards vary depending on the danger involved.
| Current Jobs | Rewards |
|---|---|
| N/A | 0 gp |
Shannik personally approves any adventurers who wish to take on these assignments.
Tactical Briefings
Because the garrison gathers reports from scouts and caravan guards, the Inner Bailey is one of the best places to learn about dangers beyond the Keep.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| General rumors from patrols | Free |
| Detailed guard reports | 1 gp donation to the garrison |
These briefings may include information about:
- Monster sightings
- Dangerous travel routes
- Ruined watchtowers or abandoned settlements
- Suspicious activity along trade roads
Ceremonies and Gatherings
Although primarily a military courtyard, the Inner Bailey occasionally hosts important events such as:
- Guard promotions
- Caravan departure ceremonies
- Seasonal festivals
- Public announcements from the Keep’s commander
During such occasions, the normally rigid atmosphere softens slightly as merchants, soldiers, and travelers gather together within the stone walls.