The Falcon Tower

**The Falcon Tower**, standing at 420 feet tall, is a lighthouse/sea fort located on the Sentus Sea. This imposing structure was originally constructed by slaves under the command of Queen Livia in 412 AV, and was completed in 468 AV. The tower was designed to serve as a beacon for navigation, casting out beams of light for hundreds of miles across the sea, similar to its sister tower on the east coast.

## Design

The Falcon Tower is not just a lighthouse but also a formidable fortress and garrison capable of supporting up to six large ships and housing over 500 soldiers. The tower's design includes a large hexagonal base equipped with swivel guns and cannons, making it a defensive powerhouse. The tower contains several floors of barracks, quarters, armories, and gunner posts, making it notoriously difficult to siege.

## History

In 902 AV, during the Golden Age of Piracy, the tower was captured by Captain Kipfer Santigo and his Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS), a loose republic of pirates operating along the Venthalian west coast. The tower, then known as the Okcident Tower, fell to the CFS after a 44-day siege. The weakened defenders, starved and demoralized, were unable to hold off the pirates. The tower was renamed the Falcon Tower and became the Confederation's most powerful military stronghold. This strategic victory further cemented the Confederation's power and control in the region, demonstrating their ability to challenge the Kingdom's rule and seize even the most formidable strongholds.

Since its capture, the Falcon Tower has served as the most potent military holding for the Confederation. The Kingdom of Althea has made numerous attempts to recapture it, but all have failed. Captain Santigo devised a color-coded system to transform the tower into the primary method of mass communication for the Confederation. This system allows the Confederation to adequately coordinate and prepare for any attacks by the Royal Navy. The Captain's Table, the governing body of the CFS, maintains a consistent garrison at the tower of no less than 30 men at any time, with various crews serving watch shifts at the tower.

The Falcon Tower's strategic location and formidable defenses make it a valuable asset for the CFS. Its ability to support a large number of soldiers and ships allows the Confederation to maintain a strong presence in the region, providing a significant advantage in their ongoing conflict with the Kingdom of Althea. The tower's role as a beacon for navigation also serves a crucial function, guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters of the Sentus Sea. The Falcon Tower stands as a symbol of defiance and liberty, embodying the spirit of the Golden Age of Piracy. Its capture marked a significant shift in the power dynamics along the western coast of Venthalia, demonstrating the audacity and cunning of Captain Santigo and his fellow pirates. The tower's continued occupation by the CFS serves as a constant reminder of the Confederation's strength and resilience, inspiring pirates and freedom fighters across Venthalia in their pursuit of freedom and autonomy.

Despite the constant threat of attacks from the Kingdom of Althea and other adversaries, the Falcon Tower remains a formidable stronghold for the Confederation. Its strategic importance, coupled with its formidable defenses, ensures that it will continue to play a crucial role in the ongoing conflict between the CFS and the Kingdom of Althea. As long as the Falcon Tower stands, it will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and defiance for all those who value freedom and oppose tyranny.