The Watch of the Scroll

Charged with safeguarding both lives and lore, the Watch of the Scroll patrols Evenshade’s streets and patrol‐routes. More than mere peacekeepers, they escort precious tomes, investigate arcane disturbances, and enforce a code that prizes dialogue over domination.

History

• Evenshade Founded (1040 DR): The village of Evenshade sprang up around the original Temple‑Library of Oghma, established by House Evenshade as a center of learning and faith.
• Watch Established ( 1126 DR): In response to rising thefts and unruly bandits on the approach from Berdusk, Baron Orin Evenshade chartered a dedicated guard—thus forming the Watch of the Scroll. The first guardhouse was built at the main‑road entrance to Evenshade.
• Harbor Road Guardhouse (1171 DR): As river traffic increased, a second post was raised along the tree‑lined path between the village and the Harbor, ensuring safe passage for merchants and scholars alike.
• Commerce Building Guardhouse (1358 DR): To protect burgeoning trade in the village core, a third outpost opened beside the Commerce Building—keeping a watchful eye on caravans and coins.
• Constabulary Headquarters & Prison (1235 DR): A central stone-and-timber building was erected to house the Chief’s office and armory. Beneath it lies the village prison: twenty‑two cells designed for two occupants each, reserved for those who defy the law.

Organization & Structure

• Commander Va'ren Nidzos: Chief of the Watch, appointed by the Baron.
• Sergeants:
• Kyllan Morrowdrop (Gate Watch)
• Brenna Faylock (Harbor Road patrol & trade disputes)
• Constables: Foot patrols, each assigned a village sector.
• Archivist-Consultants: Junior scribes borrowed from the Temple-Library to advise on magical or historical inquiries.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Law Enforcement:
• Maintain peace—particularly at Rusted Crown Tavern, where debates can grow heated.
• Arrest and detain wrongdoers in the prison, when necessary.
• Protection of Knowledge:
• Escort rare volumes to and from the Temple-Library.
• Secure the Temple-Library and its holdings.
• Inspect the Ancient Wizard Tower on a weekly patrol.
• Patrol Routes:
• Main Road (to Berdusk ): Gate duties and traveler checks.
• Harbor Road: Oversee river traffic and merchant escorts.
• Ceremonial: Lead the annual Vigil of Ink—honoring fallen Watchers and renewing their vow.

Equipment & Training

• Uniform: Practical, all-weather kit for the library’s halls as well as for outdoor patrols. Charcoal-grey tunics beneath sleeveless midnight-blue tabards (Evenshade sigil motif (owl in flight) in silver thread). Dark leather jerkins and rugged woolen cloaks for colder weather.
• Arms:
• Short swords worn at the hip in plain leather scabbards; more a deterrent than a battlefield weapon.
• Bucklers: 18″ round shields of seasoned wood, rims reinforced with iron. Each bears the Evenshade sigil hand-painted in weather-resistant pigments to endure wind, rain, and hard sun.
• Magical Aids: Scrolls granted by the Temple-Library that provide protective wards, as well as minor summoning and the capability to "hold person".
• Training Regimen:
• Six months martial drill (including sword-and-buckler fencing, non-lethal restraint, and shield-only melee).
• Six months under Temple-Library scribes, learning arcane literacy, de-escalation protocols, and proper handling of sensitive tomes.