Vesperwall marks the southern boundary of Vanadis. Built at the narrowest point, the wall stretches for over three miles, from the hills of the Glimmerteeth to the sea. Navy banners stream from the battlements, proclaiming the Pilgrims' supremacy over the land. Keeping the wall manned is a big drain on the Pilgrim Knights' resources, but it is the only viable land route into Vanadis, and the Pilgrims are confident that no foe will breach the wall while they defend it. In total, around a thousand members of the Pilgrims are stationed here, making it the second largest Pilgrim facility after the Grand Refuge in Solstice.
From its parapet, scouts observe everything that approaches the Pilgrim realms. The road south is treacherous country infested with many monsters, including yuan-ti slavers. There is hardly any civilization until you reach Sacellea, around 120 miles away as the crow flies. Rarely, heavily armed trade caravans make the trek between Vanadis and the Heartlands, usually carrying spices, gems, essences, and other expensive goods to trade for horses, or as payment for Pilgrim contracts.
The closest settlement to the wall is the town of Vidalla, about a days ride away. Many of those stationed here spend their off-duty time carousing there, and it is a hub for the southern trade. Some of the more ascetic brothers and sisters dislike the perceived debauchery that go on there, but the leadership has decided that the tradeoff is worth it for morale.
History
The Pilgrim Knights were granted Vanadis by the Imperial Decree of 1051 AUC. Construction of the wall began in 1064 AUC after the Haylands were decimated by yuan-ti slavers from the Arid Frontier. In that raid, thousands of civilians were killed or abducted.
Determined to not give an inch to this new enemy, the Triumvirate gave Isaiah Evensong, one of the most capable Spear commanders, a blank slate on how to best defend the southern approaches from further raids. Isaiah got to work, and construction of the Vesperwall was soon started. The wall itself took fifteen years to build, during which time the Spears had to stave off many raids from the yuan-ti.
When the wall was finished, the raids from the yuan-ti abated. Some probing attacks have continued to this day, which has forced the Pilgrims to stay alert. Recently, these attacks have become more frequent and their tactics have improved, but so far no there have been no major breaches.
Isaiah Evensong
(human, LG, 1031-1088): Architect and first commander of Vesperwall. The wall was constructed on his initiative in order to secure the southern passes when the Pilgrims were granted the realm of Vanadis in 1051 AUC. He is now buried in his eponymous citadel, ever guarding the wall.
Fortifications
The central fortification of Vesperwall is the Evensong Citadel, with a massive fortified gatehouse over the southern road. To the west, the rocky shore is defended by Seaglass Keep, while Ymnishold covers the the eastern flank and the foothills of the Glimmerteeth mountains. Each of the three strongpoints is commanded by castellans from different branches of the Pilgrims, although members of all branches are represented all along the wall.
Between the three strongholds the wall is about thirty feet high, with crenellated battlements on both sides. Three soldiers can walk side-by-side along the top. Smaller watchtowers dot the wall every few hundred yards, giving shelter to the defenders and access to the northern side through winding stairs. Each watchtower is also equipped with emplaced anti-air scorpios that fire heavy iron bolts. On the southern side of the wall, the land is kept clear of trees and other cover for several hundred feet.
The Spears patrol the top of the wall and send ranging patrols into the southern wilderness. Guard duty at Vesperwall is considered a prestigious post, one of few in Vanadis proper that sees regular action.
Evensong Citadel
Evensong Citadel guards the southern road, which passes through its center courtyard. The courtyard of Evensong Citadel is shaped like a cross, with the arm that runs along the wall raised about fifteen feet above the other, which provides an overlook position. Any attackers who wish to breach the Citadel through a frontal assault would run a terrible gauntlet.
The road that passes through the courtyard is guarded on each end by metal-bound oak doors, each wide enough for eight soldiers to march through shoulder to shoulder. Portcullises can be lowered behind the doors, adding further reinforcement. The citadel extends several hundred feet in front of the door, enabling defenders to fire into the back of attackers at the gate from protected positions.
The Citadel's courtyard regularly hosts services in Freya's honor, where Charitor priestesses deliver rousing sermons for the assembled troops.
Evensong Citadel also houses vast underground storehouses, storing enough rations and arms to hold out for a very long time, even if the wall would get cut off from receiving supplies over land or by sea.
Templar Nina nan Vanadis
(half-elf, LN, 68): Castellan of Evensong Citadel, and overall commander of Vesperwall. She is one of the Pilgrims' most experienced battle commanders. She has a chiseled face and greying blonde hair.
The Hole in the Wall
Comfortable inn
"The last drink for a hundred miles", is written below the sign of the Hole in the Wall. The Hole provides shelter and one final night of entertainment to all who pass southward, as well as serving as the primary source of libations for the Pilgrims stationed here.
Andrew Baxter
(human rogue, CG, 32): Proprietor of the Hole. Ex-adventurer who struck riches fighting a giant in the Lighthills. He has a large scar running down his cheek, the source of which seems to change every time he is asked.
Seaglass Keep
The Seaglass Keep extends far out onto the shallow tidal shoals. At spring tide, the wall itself acts more like a causeway that connects to a fortified island. Seaglass Keep has a small protected harbor accessible at high tide where ships deliver supplies and recruits from Solstice and beyond.
In the main building of a keep the Charitors run an infirmary, which serves the Pilgrims stationed here.
Healer Toki-toki
(middin monk, NG, 48): Castellan of Seaglass Keep. Toki-toki is the highest ranking middin in the entire Pilgrim Knights. He is a master sailor, who was appointed to lead the closest thing to a maritime fortress that the Pilgrims control.
Ymnishold
Nestled on a rocky outcrop, Ymnishold guards the eastern end of Vesperwall. It is only accessible from the wall itself. Beyond its steep walls, the terrain is impassable, atleast for anyone on foot.
Ymnishold is home to a Seeker library, and access here is tightly controlled. The library holds a Teleportation Circle which is used by high-ranking Pilgrims to travel between Vesperwall and Solstice.
Adjunct Nomilla Manion
(human, TN, 37): Castellan of Ymnishold. Originally a merchant from Sacellea, she was recruited into the ranks of the Seekers to carry secret messages to the Heartlands and beyond. After joining, she quickly climbed the ranks, and she is now one of the youngest Adjuncts. Sometimes, she misses her home and wishes she could join one of the caravans south.
Blacktarn
From the battlements of Ymnishold, one can see a waterfall only a few hundred feet to the south. The waterfall gathers into an icy mountain lake, with no discernible drain. The
Beyond Vesperwall
South of the wall the terrain quickly grows hostile, except for the old road, a vestige of the Empire days. Travellers would do well to keep to the road - the best encounter they could hope for in the narrow wilderness would be a Pilgrim patrol.
Isaiah's Watch
Located half a mile south of the wall on a slight hillock, the southern outpost marks the exact border of the Pilgrim realm. If enemies approach, the scouts stationed here would light a beacon atop the tower before jumping on their horses and heading back to the wall.