Northwatch

Northwatch, a mighty castle nestled in the rugged Northmarch Hills, stands as a symbol of authority and vigilance in the restless Northern Marches.
The castle’s towering ramparts and fortified towers dominate the landscape, casting long shadows over the winding roads that lead to the port town of Lemnand to the north. With its thick stone walls and high battlements, Northwatch is an imposing reminder of the power and reach of the Realm of Forbin, guarding the northern approaches against any who would threaten the stability of the realm.
The Northern Marches have long been a region of simmering unrest and quiet defiance. Generations ago, Lady Ellira Shride - ancestor of the current Lord Guardian - fell to the blade of a rebel assassin during one of the many uprisings that have plagued the region. The memory of Ellira’s assassination still haunts Northwatch, and the castle’s present ruler, Lady Halla Shride, remains acutely aware of the fragile peace that hangs over the land. Now seventy-two years old, Lady Halla is a seasoned leader and a staunch defender of the Realm, but the burden of maintaining control over a region rife with breakaway movements and whispered dissent weighs heavily on her shoulders.
The castle itself is a fortress of strength and resilience. The main keep rises high above the surrounding hills, its thick walls capable of withstanding prolonged siege. Watchtowers equipped with signal beacons stand ready to alert the region to any sign of rebellion or external incursion. The garrison at Northwatch is one of the most experienced and well-disciplined in the Northern Marches, with soldiers trained not only in warfare but also in quelling civil unrest and maintaining order.
Inside, Northwatch is a place of stark practicality. The halls are lined with tapestries depicting the region’s history: its victories, its defeats, and the ever-present threat of rebellion. The Great Hall, where Lady Halla holds court, is adorned with the crests of noble houses loyal to her, though the blank spaces where the crests of traitorous houses once hung are a grim reminder of the price of disloyalty. Lady Shride’s private chambers, perched atop the highest tower, offer a commanding view of the hills and valleys below. It is said that she spends many sleepless nights gazing out over her lands, wary of the shadow of rebellion that lingers even now.
The ever-present threat of rebellion has made Lady Shride cautious to the point of paranoia. Her spies are everywhere, listening for even the slightest hint of sedition, and her personal guard is fiercely loyal and unwavering in their duty to protect her. Yet, despite her precautions, the flames of discontent continue to smoulder in the hills.

Type

Fort