Northwatch

The Sentinel on the Coast

Perched on the western coastline, Northwatch stands as a quiet yet steadfast guardian of Cruentum. Originally established as a military outpost during the island’s formative wars, it remains an active installation—small but vital to maintaining the peace and vigilance of the realm. Northwatch is a place where the past and present meet, where magical innovation and time-honoured traditions work hand-in-hand to keep watch over Cruentum’s waters.

The Outpost on the Cliffs

Northwatch is a rugged settlement, built atop a natural cliff-side promontory that offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Glass Sea to the west. Its sturdy stone watchtower, constructed during the early wars, still dominates the skyline. Though expanded and reinforced over generations, its purpose remains unchanged: to monitor the horizon for ships, threats, or anything unusual on the vast and unpredictable waters.

The soldiers stationed at Northwatch are a rotating ensemble drawn from across Cruentum. They are well-trained, disciplined, and equipped with magical devices that aid in their duties. Among the most notable tools are the Far-Seer Lenses—artifacts that enhance vision, allowing sentries to spot ships or distant disturbances leagues away with crystal clarity. Complementing this are arcane communicators, devices that allow magical messages to be sent instantly to South Port, Arastmith, or other key locations across the island.

The Tradition of the Homing Birds

While magic ensures swift communication, tradition holds strong in Northwatch. Several families, descendants of the original soldiers who manned the outpost, still maintain homing birds—trained messengers that have been part of Northwatch’s history since its inception. These birds, primarily doves and hawks, are carefully bred and trained to carry messages to other parts of the island.

For some, the birds are a matter of pride and heritage, an unbroken tradition handed down through generations. For others, they are a practical safeguard—a reliable alternative for those wary of relying solely on magic. Visitors to Northwatch often see small wooden dovecotes and aviaries nestled near family homes, the sound of wings fluttering through the crisp sea air a comforting reminder of the outpost’s enduring legacy.

Life in Northwatch

Despite its role as a military outpost, Northwatch has a small civilian population composed primarily of the families who maintain the birds, supply the soldiers, and support the operations of the tower. These families, though few in number, form a close-knit and resilient community. Their homes, modest stone cottages, cluster at the base of the cliffs, protected from the worst of the sea winds.

Life here is simple but purposeful. The local tavern, known as The Last Look, provides hearty meals and warmth to soldiers off duty, its name a nod to the watchtower’s sentinel purpose. Fishermen take to the rocky shoreline at dawn, providing fresh catches to the community, while small farms dot the nearby hills, supplying vegetables, goats' milk, and wool to sustain the settlement.

A Place of Vigilance and Peace

Northwatch may be small, but its presence is vital. The watchtower remains ever-manned, the Far-Seer Lenses trained on the horizon, ensuring no threat goes unnoticed. In times of peace, Northwatch stands as a silent sentinel—a symbol of Cruentum’s resolve to protect itself from whatever may come. The magical communicators hum with readiness, while the homing birds rest in their dovecotes, waiting to carry news to those who prefer tradition over sorcery.

Though few travel to Northwatch without purpose, those who do find a community defined by duty, honour, and an enduring connection to the past. It is a place where the vigilance of the present meets the traditions of the old wars, ensuring that Cruentum’s waters remain secure and its people safe.

For the soldiers stationed here and the families who call it home, Northwatch is more than an outpost—it is a promise. A promise that while the world may change, there will always be eyes on the horizon and wings ready to carry word across the land.

Location under

Bloodshed Island

Owning Organization

The Nation of Cruentum