Guardhouses
Guardhouses are small fortified buildings that serve as a barracks for a town or castle guard. Fictional guardhouses are often located near the entrance to a fictional fantasy town, within a castle, or within an outpost or fort. These fictional places may contain watchtowers, a small dungeon or prisoner cell, a hearth or small kitchens, and a place for the guards to sleep. There may be adjacent training grounds such as archery ranges. Guardhouses are home to captains-of-the-guard, retired soldiers, and captured bandits.

Synonyms: guards’ quarters, brigs, guardrooms |
Example Mythonyms: the castle guard |
Places |

Designing Fictional Guardhouses
Overview
Guardhouses are often placed where they can best survey potential threats. Think city walls, bridge checkpoints, or near gatehouses. A small frontier outpost might have a single room, while a sprawling city gate might necessitate a multi-story complex.
Guardhouses often feature sturdy walls of stone, brick, or even thick, seasoned timber. Arrow slits and loopholes allow defenders to fire back without exposing themselves. Consider fortifications like parapets, towers, or even moats to truly discourage attackers.
Guards need a place to rest – separate quarters for officers and enlisted personnel ensure a well-run operation. An armory is essential, a secure vault to store the weapons and armor that keep everyone safe. Communication is vital – a dedicated space for sending and receiving messages, be it through signal fires, clanging bells, or even magical means. And for those unfortunate souls who cause trouble, secure prison cells are a necessity.

