Widow's Watch

Widow's Watch is a castle in northwest Eriabourne, near the town of Watermeet. It serves currently as the headquarters of the Bloodsworn mercenary company.
== History ==
Widow's Watch was built by an early lord of Watermeet as a fortress to which the people could withdraw should the remainder of Eriabourne's barbarians attack the town. However, as the dwarf-human alliance wiped out the barbaric tribes, the need for a stronghold became less and less important. About three hundred years ago, the castle was given to Lord Darvinian DeMaggio in exchange for his services in the civil war. DeMaggio did not spend a lot of time in the keep, instead travelling around the world, one day disappearing entirely. His wife was left in the castle, where she was said to stand atop the highest battlements and look out over the forests and hills near Watermeet. After many years, she too disappeared; some say she returned to her homeland of Ravain, others that she threw herself from the tower in grief.
A small group of guards were given governance of Widow's Watch (as it became known), but the garrison were all killed when a sinister cult of Nerull took residence in the castle. Their leader, Rhobar the Rotting, created undead monsters to keep the castle safe, and slowly descended into madness while his followers grew alienated from one another and from him. 
== In the Campaign ==
The party first heard of Widow's Watch from Lord Fenry of Watermeet, which he offered them should they return his incriminating letter. Azuk, Keldin, Vardis Vaden and Lia travelled to the castle, meeting Mallarus on the way (who promised to return after they had taken the castle). They battled their way past gibberlings, a clawbeast, an undead minotaur (which crushed Lia's head with his hoof), and numerous cultists. They also found the tracks of Murk in the cellars and found Spine in a trophy room upstairs. Atop the castle, they overpowered and killed Rhobar the Rotting and his ghastly minions.
Since then, Widow's Watch has become the base of the Bloodsworn company. Would-be mercenaries usually come before the council and are found worthy or unworthy, and contracts are generally accepted by the castle's steward, Tasryn Maro.
== Under the Bloodsworn ==
In the cellars of the castle, there is an empty treasury, two storage rooms, a lab occupied by the alchemist Bertrand, a training room and Keldin's forge.
The ground floor houses the castle's library (maintained by Daenavyr), feasting hall, kitchens,and steward's office (where Maro can usually be found).
The first floor has the large bedrooms, the trophy room, the council room and the group quarters.
The battlements are generally not manned, as Widow's Watch fears no attack.
Category:Strongholds