Runners' Haven Outpost

Drawing of Runners' Haven by tumblr user @thewatchau

Location of Runners' Haven in Duilintinn by tumblr user @thewatchau

Runners' Haven Outpost is a Watch Outpost located in central House Jackie, Duilintinn.

## Name Origin

Runners' Haven was named for its role as a resting place for the messengers of The Watch traveling throughout Duilntinn.

Like other Watch Outposts, it is often referred to by the second word of its name, i.e. "The Haven" or just "Haven."

## History

Runners' Haven was built specifically for the use of The Watch after its founding in 1599, centered on a major intersection of roads passing through House Jackie, solely occupied by an ancient tavern until the outpost's construction.

The central placement of this outpost (abnormal compared to the other seven) was an attempt by The Watch to ameliorate the tensions between the Guard Coalition and The Watch, promising that an outpost within their lands would allow them to better communicate with authorities in House Jackie about their respective jurisdictions. While many of those angry with The Watch viewed this decision as a further encroachment upon their home and duty, tensions have not risen dramatically since this outpost was constructed and it continues to be a central hub for messengers within The Watch to this day.

## Layout

Runners’ Haven is arguably the most “normal” looking of the outposts. It’s basically just a mid-sized, walled settlement where at least 30% of the buildings are stables.

One of the only notable buildings in the outpost is an old tavern that the settlement was built around; it continues to thrive off of the patronage of thirsty Watchers and passing travelers.

The rest of the buildings are just living quarters, places to coordinate message delivery to every other outpost and garrison of The Watch, and the standard structures that every outpost needs to function, all of which will be open no matter how late for any who need them. Like all outposts and garrisons, it contains workshops, kitchens, living quarters, bathhouses, a communal place of worship, training grounds, meeting rooms, stables, a rookery, a library, and storage buildings.

The watchtowers along the outer wall are used by lookouts to give the outpost advance notice of new arrivals and their potential needs. A simple 10-foot stone wall (more of a large fence than a wall) surrounds these buildings, with large gates that a mounted rider could pass through with ease on all sides. The surrounding area is mostly full of pastures.

## Unique Functions

In addition to performing the standard tasks of every Watch Outpost, Runners' Haven:

* Functions as a rest stop for messengers running between Fort Stiofán, Fort Conchúr, and other outposts
* Provides fresh horses and cares for the exhausted steeds left behind
* Breeds and trains horses for messengers of The Watch
* Makes additional (and sorely needed) income for The Watch through the tavern's thriving business and the buying and selling of horses to the rest of the kingdom
* Boards the horses of Watchers who can’t care for them
* Maintains patrols along the major roads between the two garrisons
* Acts as the primary contact between the government and citizens of House Jackie and The Watch