City Watch

The City Watch is the primary law enforcement agency of Waterdeep and serves as the city’s executive authority on matters of mundane security and civil order. Operating under a centralized command based in the Castle Ward, the Watch maintains a precinct in every official ward and responds to disturbances, crimes, and civic unrest throughout the city.
Uniformed and highly visible, the Watch is responsible for day-to-day policing, criminal investigations, crowd control, and the enforcement of Waterdeep’s laws. While they may coordinate with other branches—such as the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors or the Order of the Gauntlet—the Watch’s jurisdiction is rooted in the material, the immediate, and the enforceable.

Purpose and Function

The Watch is responsible for patrolling neighborhoods, breaking up disturbances, responding to civilian complaints, and conducting investigations. Each precinct maintains a visible local presence while coordinating with other wards when crimes extend beyond ward boundaries. The Watch does not deal directly with arcane, infernal, or necromantic matters, but may conduct joint investigations alongside the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors or other appropriate authorities.
Large-scale investigations that span multiple wards are elevated to the Castle Ward Headquarters. These cases are overseen by senior officers who coordinate intelligence sharing and tactical responses across precincts. The Special Crimes Unit operates out of headquarters and is tasked with addressing organized crime, politically sensitive matters, and high-profile threats to citywide stability.

Structure and Ranks

Commander of the Watch – The highest-ranking officer in the City Watch. The Commander oversees all precincts and citywide Watch operations. Based in Castle Ward Headquarters, the Commander answers directly to the Open Lord of Waterdeep and receives regular reports on high-priority cases and Watch readiness.
Senior Watch Leader – Veteran officers appointed to oversee major investigations, especially those involving multiple precincts. They may also conduct internal reviews or special oversight assignments. Senior Watch Leaders report directly to the Commander and work closely with Watch Captains and special units.
Watch Captain – Each ward precinct is led by a Watch Captain who manages all Watch personnel within their jurisdiction. Captains are responsible for local patrols, responding to ward-specific crimes, and reporting noteworthy events to headquarters. Captains also assign Liaison Officers to coordinate with other precincts during joint investigations.
Watch Lieutenant – Second-in-command at each precinct. Lieutenants manage shifts, review casework, and ensure patrol officers perform their duties effectively. A Lieutenant typically serves as administrator when the Captain is unavailable.
Watch Sergeant – Field supervisors responsible for leading patrol squads and training junior officers. Sergeants coordinate Watch presence in the streets, manage responses to active crimes, and ensure proper procedure during arrests or interviews.
Watch Constable – The bulk of the Watch. Constables are uniformed officers who patrol neighborhoods, respond to incidents, and conduct basic investigations. Most members begin their service at this rank.
Probationary Constable – New recruits. After training and a period of field supervision, they are either promoted to full Constable status or dismissed from service.

Known Members

Hyustus Staget – Watch Captain, Dock Ward
Darian Windriven – Watch Captain, North Ward (deceased)
Tarmon Kellusk – Senior Watch Leader, Castle Ward Headquarters

Notable Members

• Darian Windriven
• Hyustus Staget
• Tarmon Kellusk