Report: A 3-Part Comparative Analysis of Fort Mur and Sanctuary Defenses Compiled for: Sergeant Azuran, Sanctuary Watch Compiled by: Alex Windmere, Prospective Watch Member

Part 1 of 3: Description and Overview of Fort Mur's Defenses:

Approaches to Fort Mur Fort Mur can be approached from four directions: -North by way of the Dark Lake (naval assault) -South from the Badlands -East from the High Road -West (unknown territory)

Notes: -Each approach places the attackers on lower ground, requiring possibly several uphill climbs before reaching one of Mur's four gates. -The Southern and Northern approaches provide the most area to field an army. -The Eastern approach provides the fastest retreat, the Southern approach being the most difficult to retreat from. -The Eastern approach provides a high but narrow shelf of land from which catapult could easily be launched into the fort. -Although little sold knowledge is available concerning the Dark Lake, the Northern approach (naval) seems to provide the easiest trek, while the Eastern and Southern approaches require travel through dangerous territories. -Little is known about the Western approach. -Mur scouts were seen along the Southern and Northern approaches.

Fort Mur Gate Defenses Fort Mur's walls have four gates, one corresponding with each approach. -Each gate is flanked by two towers built into the walls, from which projectiles can be launched at attackers. -Each Gate Tower is equipped with a siege weapon, either a ballista or catapult, for a total of 4 ballistae and 4 catapults.

Notes: -It is likely that the siege weapons, in particular the catapults, from other Gate Towers could be fired across the fort, striking attackers even on an opposite side. -With a total of four gates, a split attack on different gates could be an effective tactic.

Personnel and Inner Defenses When scouted, approximately 9 Duergar manned the gates and inner defenses. -An unknown number of Duergar remained within the fort's main area. -Additionally, the Duergar keep a small number of kobold slaves that would likely be used as fodder in the event of an assault.

Notes on the Inner Defenses: -Once the gates are breached, the ground slopes downward to the entrance of the Underground Keep, which is affixed against the inner northern wall. -The keep offers no known strategic advantage, mainly serving as a bar and meeting area.

Final Comments While Formidable, Fort Mur's defenses hardly seem adequate protection against a powerful foe such as Traensyr. Once the gates are breached, a prepared force should have no trouble overrunning the fort. Thus, I believe the following factors have contributed to Fort Mur's continued survival: -Their stance of neutrality -A reputation for "toughness" -Traensyr's infighting and Chazbash and Ysinode's war