Fort Trevalay

Location overview

Fort Trevalay is a hidden Chernasardo Ranger fort located on a large stone island in a river gorge, completely surrounded by water 40–50 feet below. It is reached by two wooden bridges, one of which was knocked down by fleeing hobgoblins. The fort features well-maintained walls and a northern tower that rises four floors above the other buildings, containing a mist-filled chamber resembling a marshy cavern, with a pool fed by fresh water falling from a ceiling stone, a flooded staircase, and a vine-covered hole in the southern wall. The stone floor is concealed by mud, shallow pools, and swamp plants.
The fort has been identified as a priority for the rangers, with Gundugar Herdtender recognizing its name. Hobgoblins have occupied Fort Trevalay, using it as a base, and have ambushed Chernasardo Rangers, declaring their intent to “decorate” the fort. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the fort serves as a hobgoblin stronghold, featuring a dragon nesting atop its main tower. The northeastern tower has collapsed onto the northern wall, creating a breach. The courtyard consists of hard-packed earth, gravel, fallen stones, and a crushed northern building, with an intact southern stable and standing tower doors. Access to the fort is limited to one of three wooden bridges, which defenders can drop to restrict entry.
Inside, the party known as Fangwood Six encountered hobgoblins and trained large eagle-like creatures, engaging in combat and killing several before the survivors fled north. They discovered a wet, wedge-shaped building containing bent cages, dried blood, and bones, where a specter rose from a human corpse and was destroyed. The party also found a map of Nirmathas and an atlas page marked with calculations about dragon flight. They encountered Jang, a hobgoblin druid, and a dragon, ultimately killing both and rescuing Bruneg from the river. The party claimed the fort for themselves, informing the rescued rangers of the dragon and druid's demise.
The fort was partially destroyed by hobgoblin conquerors who killed its former occupants. The party fought goblins in the courtyard, where two escaped to seek reinforcements. They defeated a specter in the kennels and fought hobgoblins and trolls at the kennel doors. In the forge, they battled a basilisk and an invisible barghest. The barracks contained military-ordered bunk beds, a table, and crates, which the party did not search. They explored various rooms, including one arranged like a forest cave and another with maps of the southern Fangwood, where they encountered a troll, a defender, dire weasels, and a spellcaster.
Additionally, a torn atlas page contains calculations for dragon flight distances from Fort Trevalay over twelve, twenty-four, and thirty-six hours, with the central Fangwood region labeled “the Blight” circled and annotated with “Why here?” A militia representative reported that troops are moving into all three recovered forts, and space at Fort Trevalay has been reserved for the party’s headquarters and people, with additional rangers assigned to protect them. The fort remains occupied by the Ironfang Legion and the dragon, leading Fangwood Six to choose to inspect the western supply fort and surrounding forest first, leaving Fort Trevalay for later.
Control of the fort was taken after the dragon was killed, and refugees were to be moved there. Later, four dwarves fleeing hobgoblins asked for somewhere safe to stay. Wren mentioned the fort to the north, and Finnetharyn Fimbleshanks gave them directions. The dwarves preferred the fort to trying to start a mine alone, but agreed to visit the caverns first.