Bluffside Refuge

A small, dark tower juts from the face of the nearby granite bluffs. This stronghold, carved from the natural rock, was built by a regional warlord centuries ago as their last line of defense. Arrow slits in the tower watch over a steel portcullis. Nearly impervious to a frontal assault, with beds for a small fighting force, storage for months of rations, and a well to supply fresh water, will the current inhabitants be your allies or enemies?

This was the first full map that I drew. I was playing around with the idea of a stone texture to set the edges and compliment the interior brick textures. I've since moved away from it, but looking back on it, it does make the edges pop. What do you think? I also kept props to a minimum. When you are planning a session, do you prefer more empty maps, which allow you to rearrange room layouts, or maps that are more detailed, but give you a little less freedom to adjust your story?

​What story does this map inspire you to tell? Tell me in the comments!