City of Goldwatch

Goldwatch is the third-largest city in Jou’lunn and the kingdom’s primary military hub outside of the capital. Located strategically near the Stonewarden Heights, it serves as both a stronghold and a thriving urban center, supporting the kingdom’s aggressive military operations and acting as a major industrial powerhouse. The city’s name reflects its dual role as both a watchful sentinel over the kingdom’s western territories and as a place of immense wealth and strategic importance. Its fortified walls and barracks are home to the largest concentration of soldiers outside of the capital, making Goldwatch a focal point for both defense and the projection of power throughout the region.

Military Importance

As the heart of Jou’lunn’s military operations in the west, Goldwatch serves as the command center for the kingdom’s forces stationed along Slaver’s Pass and the Mournwater Gulf. The city’s military academy trains the next generation of officers and soldiers, preparing them to defend the kingdom’s borders and enforce the monarchy’s will. Its proximity to the Stormguard Tower and Siltmoor allows for rapid deployment of troops, whether to suppress uprisings, guard important trade routes, or pursue escaping slaves.
The city is also home to numerous armories, weapon forges, and shipyards, producing arms and equipment for the kingdom’s army and navy. The Blacksmith’s Quarter is famous for crafting the finest blades, armor, and siege weapons in the region, supplying not only Jou’lunn’s forces but also exporting arms to allied kingdoms.

Economic and Social Life

Despite its strong military presence, Goldwatch is also a bustling city, with a thriving marketplace and a diverse economy. Merchants from across the kingdom come to trade goods, particularly military supplies, weapons, and foodstuffs grown on the plains that surround the city. The city’s Golden Bazaar is renowned for its luxury items, many of which are made from materials brought in from the far reaches of the kingdom, or looted from rival territories.
However, the city is also marked by a stark social divide. The upper classes, including military officers and wealthy merchants, live in opulence within the High Quarter, while the lower classes—especially those working in the forges, mines, and shipyards—struggle in the Iron District. The slave population is significant, as much of the labor that sustains the city’s industries is performed by non-humans captured or born into servitude.

City Layout and Defenses

Goldwatch’s layout is highly militarized, with its streets designed to allow for the quick mobilization of troops. At the city’s core is the Iron Keep, a massive fortress that houses the city’s military leadership and serves as a last line of defense against any would-be invaders. The city is further protected by a series of watchtowers and barracks, ensuring that its defenses are always well-manned and ready.
A vast network of training grounds and parade squares spread across the city, where soldiers are drilled daily, and war games are frequently held to maintain battle readiness. Along the northern edge of the city, Goldenwatch Harbor serves as the city’s naval base, launching warships and patrolling the Mournwater Gulf to prevent incursions or escapes by sea.

Type

Large city