Grimstone Keep

Population: 1,080

Overview: Gargoyle fortress

Key NPCs: Cairngorm (gargoyle)

In 870 YK, a force of Silver Flame templars discovered an ancient Dhakaani fortress that was almost perfectly preserved—completely shunned by the Gaa’aram orcs and other denizens of the region. It seemed the locals were afraid of the karaguls—the fearsome statues of fiendish creatures that studded the walls of the outpost and lined its halls. The templars dismissed these superstitions. They named the outpost Brightstone Keep and held it for over a century. The templars of Brightstone Keep sought to protect settlers from the east from the many threats of the region, and hunted those things they considered monsters. And so it continued until 986 YK, when Sora Katra came to Brightstone Keep and spoke to the statues on the walls… all of which were gargoyles. Most had remained dormant for thousands of years, choosing to ignore the templars in their roost. But Katra’s whispers drew them from their slumber and promised rewards for their loyalty. Roused from their sleep, the gargoyles drove out the templars and claimed the fortress as their own. As the conflict between Droaam and Breland escalated, the Daughters sent troops to garrison the fortress, under the authority of the gargoyle warlord Cairngorm.

Grimstone Keep is home to the largest population of gargoyles in Khorvaire, including both the original gargoyles of Brightstone Keep and others who were originally scattered across the region. The warlord Cairngorm is actively working to foster a sense of cultural identity among the gargoyles, and is encouraging the exploration of art and the celebration of storytelling, a favorite pastime among the stonefolk. Cairngorm has also been pushing the gargoyles to explore their own potential. There are rumors that the gargoyle warlord has been engaging in disturbing experiments with demonglass or fiendish possession—that Cairngorm is drawing on some power of Khyber in this pursuit of gargoyle perfection—but these are merely rumors.

Grimstone Keep is an active fortress, not unlike Orcbone. The core population of gargoyles is supplemented by a force of other humanoids. Goblins and kobolds work on maintenance and support. A mixed force of orcs, shifters, ogres, and other creatures stands ready for any general military operations, along with an elite force of Znir gnolls and a squad of war trolls tasked to protect Cairngorm. The gargoyles themselves provide aerial support and scouting, as well as carrying messages between major outposts. With this in mind, Grimstone Keep isn’t designed for the entertainment of travelers. The gargoyles socialize with one another, and everyone is welcome in their storytelling circles. Droaamites can get shelter and grist at Grimstone Keep, but traveling easterners will have to camp outside the fortress walls.

Interesting Things About Grimstone Keep

• Grimstone Keep is one of the best preserved Dhakaani outposts in the region, and could hold relics or secrets hidden since the fall of the empire.
• The keep was held by templars of the Silver Flame for over a century. There could be hidden caches of templar supplies, messages carved into the walls, hallowed cells, or other intriguing remnants of its time as a sacred fortress.
• The upper levels of Grimstone Keep are exclusively devoted to the gargoyle population. The stairs leading up have been destroyed, so that flight is the only way to reach the top floors. Here gargoyles engage in meditation, storytelling, and other exercises. It’s possible that Cairngorm is training a force of gargoyle warlocks or creating demonglass champions here… though surely, those are just ridiculous conspiracy theories.