Vanguard Tower

One of four towers initially erected as the border defenses when the Crossroads was the capital of a duchy of Nerath. It was long believed to be the only one still standing, and played host to various gangs of bandits and savage humanoids before being cleaned out and claimed by the Wardens of Restwell.

Buildings
Vanguard Tower was initially constructed as a five-story stone tower with a crennelated turret. Later, a three story stone building was constructed adjacent to the tower. The building contains a great hall on the first floor, used for dining and conducting business. The basement functions as a storeroom and kitchen. The second floor contains eight bedrooms and two privies, one of which is furnished with a bag of devouring. The top floor is a library and ritual space. Attached to the rear wall of the tower is a wooden stable and kennels. After the tower was claimed by the Wardens of Restwell, their men built a wooden barracks on the site. A stone wall mysteriously appeared on the site one morning, containing a small shrine to the gods, with Erathis in the place of honor. Also, there is a small tavern on site, The Seventh Giant, offering excellent drinks, a splendid patio, poor quality food and a cramped common room.

At least one tenant farmer has established a farm nearby, and there are several temporary encampments set up outside the walls.

Residents

 * The Wardens' Men - a company of 15 battle-hardened guards, once of Restwell, now fiercely loyal to the Wardens.
 * Stuart - the Wardens' bumbling, but well-meaning steward.
 * Cook - the Wardens' cook, master of many dishes, but useless at pies
 * Otto - the cook's boy and all-around gofer.
 * Willow - a resident of a nearby village, she tends the garden and brews potions and alchemical mixtures for the Wardens.
 * Sundgrim "Sunny" Orcspike - brewer and tavernkeeper, his specialties are Giant Brew, an ale he claims his father got the recipe for from a defeated giant, and Gnomish Gillywater, a pleasant liqueur with a deceptive kick.
 * Riggby - Once a travelling priest of Pelor, he now ministers to the travellers and residents. Pelor has granted him the power to cure disease, break enchantments and raise the dead.
 * Sherman Flame-Rust - A skinny dwarf geologist, rescued by the crew from some bandits he had fallen in with. He is an expert in gems and precious metals, and is even able to craft minor enchantments.