Darthon's Watch
Economy
The quite town of "Darthon's Watch" lays nestled deep in the Cormanthor Forest, within a natural Hallow, just two hours East of "The Standing Stone" and to the North of "The Moonsea Ride" Road. This serene farming vale, survives from its brisk trade with the many nearby Dales. "Darthon's Watch" boasts one of the finest smoking Tabacs to be had anywhere in the Daleland region. Which is the main source of income for this town. The town is also a major stopover for numerous Rangers, Forresters, and Woodsmen. They bring a continous supply of fresh game, furs and hides. Once a week the merchant wagons pull into Traders Square, in the early morning hours, to buy all manner of goods and Tabac from the open market. Wool, lumber, mushrooms, vegetables, herbs, fresh game, furs and many other trade goods comprise the rest of this towns income.
Population
The population of "Darthon's Watch" is roughly 300 people and families, not including the numerous outlying farms. The majority of the population consists of a strong mix of half elven and human races. All manner of races seem to be welcome here and surprisingly there is little to no racial tensions. Even Halflings, Dwarves and Gnomes are represented within the towns population. At anyone time there is anywhere from five to twenty Ranger, Needles of Mielikki, in the town. Taking a break or restocking on their patrols.
Darthon's Militia
Every adult member of the town is expected to serve in the town Militia at least four days a month. This ensures adequate drill and training for all Militia members. There is always at least twenty Militiamen on duty everyday to serve as Town Watch on the Guard Towers and provide two mounted patrols. One patrols the length of "Darthon's Crossing Road" to loop back onto the "Moonsea Ride" Road. The other patrols the nearby forest and outlying farms. Every Militia person is issued: one set of Studded Leather Armor; a short sword with scabberd; a backpack with basic necessities for being on the march; a uniform, breeches are black and the tunics are deep forest green; a open faced cap helm and a spear. They keep these items at home except when on duty or at drill. They are responsible for it's cleanliness, servicibility and replacement if damaged.
Once every few months or so, every able bodied member, of approximately 220 men and women, practice in an emergency drill. The great horns on top of the Guard Towers are sounded and within minutes the entire "Darthon's Militia" falls into formation in Traders Square. They form into two cohorts of irregulars with three
squads of archers. Once there, a fast mounted patrol is sent to "The Standing Stone" on "The Moonsea Ride" with carefully prewritten letters to simulate notification of danger to the nearby Dales and request for aid. The remaining Militia man the Guard Towers and move the numerous spiked barricades into position around the town. The local Rangers standby ready to enter the forest to report on enemy movements. Once al the barricades are in place and manned. The remainder of the afternoon is spent in drill and mock combat practice. Then the barricades are moved back to their hidden niches and everyone is dismissed.
Government
All important functions, issues and sanctions for criminal offenders is handled by the "Town Council". Which is headed by the Mayor, Corwin Sinibar, also the proprietor of the inn "Maiden's Folly". The Town Council consists of: the local mage, Narissa SpellSeer; the local Druid, Elm Wormwood; the Head Priest of Lathander's Temple, Raith Winober; the Captain of the Town Militia, Alanna Graymar; the blacksmith/Armorer, Derval Ironhand and the farmer's representative, Ferrin Bernhal.
Important Locations
2. "Mielikki's Shrine" & "Silvanus' Oak Leaf Fountain"
3. "Moon Dancer's Grove"-Druid Grove & Residence
This grove covers approximately 1,500 acres directly South and SouthWest of "Dathon's Watch". The grove is tended by, Elm Wormwood, a human Druid of Mielikki. There is a stone pebble path leading from "Darthon's Crossing Road" into the Grove to a flowery field which leads to Elm Wormwood's residence. His residence, is a cottage made from oak logs with two windows opening on the front porch and two out the sides. The back of the cottage is built up with a ramp of dirt and soil going up to the roof. A large herb garden grows up the ramp and all across the roof. The cottage is surrounded by varying types of flowers in all shades of color. Elm Wormwood accepts apprentices and can often be seen in the countryside giving training to Initiates, who traveled from other groves throughout Cormanthor and nearby woods for his valuable knowledge. Within the Grove is a small lake called "Maiden's Rest", which visitors may enjoy freely, and Elm Wormwood can often be seen wandering it's shores tending to the local wildlife or fishing. There is a sacred fountain and shrine to Eldath with a silver offering bowl at it's base further in the Grove. Also there are two public shrines, a shrine to Mielikki located in the northern part of the grove and a fountain shrine, with a large copper offering bowl shaped like an Oak Leaf, dedicated to Silvanus. The boundary of the grove is plainly marked by waist high standing stones, engraved with the symbols of Silvanus, Eldath and Mielikki. The Grove is patrolled and defended by wild boars, bears, wolves and the occassional large hunting cat.
4. "The Dawn Hall"-Temple to Lathander
This small Temple to Lathander serves, Darthon and the other local farmers in the area with services and healing. It is operated by MorningLord Raith Winober and his two under priest assistants Jorin Venaserin and Marisha Fantonvere. One of them is ussually always at the Temple tending the Temple gardens, performing services or other religious duties. The others can be found somewhere around town, with sleeves rolled up, helping the local citizens. Whether helping to thatch a roof, helping to birth lambs, helping to sweep a porch or helping to bring in crops they always find away to follow the word of Lathander by making a new beginning at something. The Temple serves as residence to all three besides being a place of worship.
5. "StormSpire Tower"-Mages Tower & Residence
Is the residence and workshop of the local mage, Narissa SpellSeer. She is a lifelong friend of Alanna Graymar, Captain of the Storm Riders. The Tower is four stories tall and the largest structure in Darthon. She lives here alone with her familiar, a Tressym (winged cat) named Tassy. She can often be seen at "The Maiden's Folly" or at the Barracks of The Storm Riders visiting Alanna. She often leaves to visit other mages throughout the Dale or to ride with the Storm Riders when they have a dangerous contract. She serves the local community with her useful spells and helps bolster the towns defenses when the need arises. She will willing accept an apprentice, if approached right, but will take on no more then three apprentices at any one time.
6. "Fantonvere Farm"-Wealthy Farm & Residence (Tabac/cattle/Butcher)
Brendon Fantonvere is quite possibly the richest farmer in Darthon's Watch. His farms main yields are Tabac and Mushrooms. But he gets his money from being the only cattleman in Darthon's Watch. Many Daleland cows can be seen penned up behind his wealthy log manor house and many more roam the nearby forest area grazing. luckily Narissa SpellSeer, the local Mage, has casted a spell to keep his cows from wandering to far. Brendon Fantonvere and his wife Else also serves the local community as town butcher.
7. "Trader's Square"-Town market/Tabac Cure Shed & Warehouse
Once a week, in the early morning hours, merchant caravans and traders from Battledale, Mistledale and other Dales pull into Traders Square to buy goods from the covered market here. The nearby warehouse holds goods brought here throughout the week from the local craftsmen and farmers. Half the warehouse is used as a community curing shed for Tabac. The warehouse and market is ran by Denin Fasser, an honest man who also lives here as well. He receives a small profit from all goods stored here and from all of the farmers for use of the curing shed. Denin Fasser was a local youth, who became lost one day to the south in the Vale of Lost Voices. He was gone for nearly a week and most presumed him to be dead. When one night he burst into the Maidens Folly screaming of the horrors he had seen. MorningLord Raith Winober spent many hours trying to cure him for his whits seemed gone. Most felt that with the way he was not much would be left for this young man to do. At least here he helps serve the town well and many of the local farmers wives can be seen bringing him steaming covered baskets of food throughout the week.
8. "Derval's Ironworks"-Smithy & Residence (Blacksmith/Armorer/Weaponsmith)
Is the residence and smithy of a mountain dwarf, Derval IronAxe. He lives here with his wife Nidora and their young son Kadber. Derval is an exceptional blacksmith, but even better at Armorsmithing and weaponsmithing. His work is so exceptional that the blades seem to be almost magical in their sharpness and strength. he is kept in business as a blacksmith and often has contracts for weapons and armor or repairs from Alanna's Storm Riders.
9. "Tam's Tannery"-Tannery & Residence (Furrier/Taxidermy)
Is the residence and workshop of Tamisson Shothar. The tannery is situated well on the outskirts of town to keep the smell from offending to many of the farmers. Many Rangers, Trappers and Forresters come to Tam's Tannery to sell hides and furs, which he gladly buys.
10. "Nigel's Trade Emporium"-General Store & Residence
Is owned and operated by Nigel ShortSleeves. A stout halfling, originaly from Baldur's Gate. He was a onetime adventurer in that region and has since moved here to settle down and run the General Store in Darthon's Watch with his small family. (Most equipment items offered in the Players handbook and other accessories are sold here at comparable prices.) What is not known by most is that, Nigel ShortSleeves, was an accomplished Rogue and fighter in his youth. He could be bribed to train youthful Rogues in their respective carreers and he sells many burglary tools to private clients.
11. "Darthon's Leap"-Pond
Is a small pond located in the center of Darthon's Watch. Many children can often be found swimming and fishing here. It is also a favored spot for loved ones and families to picnic.
12. "Maiden's Rest"-Lake
Is a small lake, located South and South West of Darthon's Watch inside the Druid's Grove. There is a dock with many small rowing and sail boats located here. A few families make their living netting freshwater fish and collecting freshwater mussles from small sailboats in this lake. A small Island lays in the center of the lake dominated by a giant Shadowtop Oak tree and beneath the tree is a small standing stone, the burial site of Darthon Graymar. From whom the town took it's name from. Not many come out here late at night, for it is rumored. A ghostly elf dressed in diaphonous gowns can be seen on the island singing and mourning a wordless lament at Darthon's burial site.
13. "Trueflight Fletching"-Fletcher, Bowyer & Residence
Is owned and operated by Laeris Trueflight. A old half elven Ranger of Mielikki. When he became to old to travel the forests with the Needles, he settled down in Darthon's Watch to open this shop. He sells Elven, short, long and composite bows of excellent quality. He also makes a few crossbows for sale as well, though not nearly as exceptional as his bows. Often times one can see a group of Rangers conversing with him outside his shop. It is no news to the townsfolk that he supplies the majority of Mielikki's Rangers equipment in the local area. He is also not afraid to let people know of his membership in the Harpers.
14. "Alviras Tailory"-Tailor Shop & Residence
Is the workshop and residence of Alvira Goodall. She is a unmarried middle aged lady of strong bearing and quite willfull. She makes a living making fine clothwear to order and from selling numerous clothing items and apparel at the marketplace to the Merchants.
15. "Wagon & Woodworks"-Woodwright, Wagon Maker & Residence (furniture)
Is the residence and workshop of Cauley Matheson. He makes all manner of wood items and has many various items of furniture on display inside his shop. He also makes many items to custom order. Outside his residence, one can find many diferent types of wood stacked neatly according to strength, size, type and shape. Also three diferent types of wagons are on display outside his residence for purchasers. He makes a good living keeping the merchants in transportation and making furniture for the locals.
16. "Felica's Pottery"-Pottery, Crockery & Residence
Is the residence and workshop of Felica Vasear. On display inside her shop are numerous pottery items for sale, plates, talltankards, bowls, jars, vases, urns and many others. Which she sells to the local townfolk and abroad with the merchants. If one eats or drinks at the Maiden's Folly then you have seen her exquisite work.
17. Guard Towers- South and NorthEast
Each Guard tower stands three stories in height. A Ballista with stacked ammunition are mounted atop each, along with cauldrons and safe burning areas for flaming oil. The first floor contains a Guard room, with an eating table and supplies. A large iron banded door is the only entrance to the towers and a heavy wood and iron draw door can be raised in front to secure any attempt at entrance to the tower. The outside walls of every tower has been treated and magiced to be extremely flame retardent. The second floor contains a sleeping area for up to ten men and gear. Also numerous barrels of flaming, pile, sheaf and message arrows are stored here. The towers are manned all the times from rotating members of the town militia and oftimes members of The Storm Riders.
18. "Ranger Cache"-Cache & hidden Campsite for Mielikki's Needles & Shadoweirs
19. "Bors Brewery"-Brewery & Residence
20. "Moondancer's Leap Hill"
21. Barracks-Militia Quarters & Captain/Sergeant Residence
"Darthon's Watch History"
History follows.
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