Dragon & Invictus
Invictus
Ever thought about the best ways to fortify a keep against a siege? I have a few tricks I like to run through the night.
Dragon
Yeah, a good wall, a deep ditch, and a moat full of angry cats. Keep those gates iron‑clad, throw rocks from a tower, and never let the enemy get close enough to pull a trap. You got a secret trick? Let me see.
Invictus
The trick I keep hidden is the “silent stone” – a stone that’s placed just outside the gate, heavy enough to catch a thrown rock but light enough to break if the enemy attempts to move it. It creates a silent alarm, letting us know a siege is close without raising a shout. Keep the stones in plain sight and let the guard notice the tremor before the battering ram starts.
Dragon
That’s slick, but don’t forget the guards keep an eye on the gate at all times. If the stone moves, a shout from the guard should still stop a ram before it hits the wall. Keep the stones close enough to warn, but far enough that a careless throw won’t break it. Solid plan, just make sure you’re ready to swing a sword if the enemy tries to shove it.
Invictus
You’re right, no stone should be left unchecked. I’ll add a second layer – a low wall behind the gate that’s only a few feet high. If the enemy throws a rock and it shatters the “silent stone,” the wall will catch the debris, give the guard a clear sight line, and buy me time to swing my blade. It’s a small tweak, but it cuts down the risk of a surprise breach.
Dragon
Nice tweak, keeps the guards sharp. Just make sure the low wall’s still strong enough to catch the broken stone and keep the defenders from getting trampled. Stay ready to swing when the rocks fly.