EXHIBIT 2024-001: "THE SEA FORT"

Dear Esteemed Guests,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the opening of our first Exhibit. I am the Butler, and today I will be guiding you through the details of “THE SEA FORT”.

Before we begin our exploration of the fort proper, allow me to first draw your attention to the island itself. It is of rather small dimensions, approximately 70 x 110 ft, excluding the piers. It is situated a short distance form the harbour town it protected in bygone days – perhaps an hour’s steady rowing by small boat. As you can see, it was well-fortified against intruders, with the perimeter surrounded by piles of rocks which would damage the hull of any approaching ship.

Access to the fort, then, is only possible via the Pier at the southern side of the island. (For the benefit of any guests unfamiliar with the cardinal directions: “the bottom”.) This is not its only defence, however: as you can see, the main entrance is barred by a rusted portcullis. I am reliably informed this remains intact, and would likely be easily shattered by a strong blow or two.

Upon entering the fort, there are rumours of an over-grown garden, harbouring an ancient, possessed tree. Its screeching has reportedly been heard from outside the portcullis, and so far has deterred any would-be raiders. (Fortunately, the owner of the House has had the means to obtain an aerial view of the fort, and thus has been able to render this impression of the place.) I am told that if this tree could be persuaded to fall silent, there is much to be gained by harvesting the surrounding flora for the production of “potions”.

Being long abandoned, the roofs are missing from all but one of the rooms inside the fort. The southernmost room is a small armoury furnished with, sadly, mainly antiquated weaponry which has corroded beyond repair (although the owner believes to have caught a glimpse of, I quote, “an intriguingly shiny sword”). A tall ladder provides access to the upper ledge on the western (“left”) side of the fort’s walls – more on this shortly.

There are three further rooms nestled at the northern side of the fort. The easternmost of these, situated beside the staircase, is the sleeping quarters. These are poorly furnished with now-rotting hammocks, many of which lie draped over whatever remains of the former tenants’ personal belongings. (While we were drafting this guide, the owner remarked, “I bet there’s some valuable stuff in there – bottles of ancient wine, and the like.” Admirable optimism!)

The sleeping quarters lead on to the captain’s quarters, furnished with a sturdy bed, a wardrobe, and a desk covered in various weighted-down papers and parchments – most likely written instructions of some kind.

This leaves the only remaining room with its roof intact, which the owner has presumed to be the kitchen or mess room. While any foodstuffs will surely be rancid, the room may yet serve as useful shelter for an “adventuring party” (owner’s words).

Let us examine the eastern wall. As you can see, the staircase leads to a mid-level platform running along the side of the fort. This houses two cannon, with a third situated at the north-western side of the upper level. These would have provided an effective deterrent against pirates or other seaborne invaders trying to reach the town. The owner reports these are in remarkably good condition, and may yet prove functional were a suitable wit applied to the task (although one must, of course, have caution against the risk of deafness upon firing such things).

The mid-level also houses a large, rune-inscribed brazier, allegedly used in the summoning ritual of the town’s guardian phoenix. (More likely, it simply served as a source of warmth for the night’s watchmen; but far be it from me to curb the imagination of the owner or, indeed, your good selves.)

Another ladder connects the mid-tier to the upper ledge which follows most of the fort’s inner circumference. This would have provided ample stations for archers, perfectly placed to fire at approaching enemies between the ramparts.

And thus concludes my guide to the House’s first Exhibit! I do hope you have enjoyed it – there is a sign-up list below, should you wish to be notified when further Exhibits are made available.

For now, we shall retire to the tea room, where you may freely submit such commentary or questions you may have.

Thank you for your attention,

The Butler.