Description
Castle Blackwater is the home of the Blackwater Family, and has been for as long as they’ve existed.
Geography
Castle Blackwater is situated on the edge of the Neverwinter Woods, a few miles north of Mount Hotenow. It is comprised of only a small territory, instead gaining most of its resources from mines stretching underneath the castle and the surrounding area. Surrounding the small, yet lavish castle is an unassuming town of a few hundred loyal citizens, most of which work as miners, as the castle does not see many visitors. There is a basic infrastructure still, though it comprises only essentials such as a tavern, an inn, and a marketplace.
Ore
The castle’s main export has always been precious metals and gems. The volcanic ground in the area is rich in resources, especially below the castle. From iron to diamonds, almost everything can be found. On the other hand, since the ground is not consistently comprised of the same materials, the Blackwater Family specializes in export of these products, as reliably processing them proves challenging when one can’t predict what kind one will find.
There are rumours about a new kind of ore discovered below Castle Blackwater, supposedly called ‘Blackstone’. However, close to nothing is known about it as of yet, and since the Blackwater Family has seemingly vanished in recent years, it is more of a myth than anything else.
DM Note
The castle is built upon rich underground resources, but most importantly, it is directly above the Lich’s Underdark lair. Because of this and the nearby volcano’s eruption, Blackstones have spread into the ground below the castle. Castle Blackwater is the only place where Blackstones can be harvested, except for their source.
Inhabitants
For the family members, see Members
The inhabitants of the Blackwater domain are loyal and proud. They respect their leaders, and have had no reason to feel otherwise, at least in the past. Nowadays, traders and occasional visitors have report seeing tired, emotionless faces, if any at all. Most of them work in the local mines.
Current State
Sildar Hallwinter, chosen for his previous connection to Myelle Blackwater, heir to the Blackwater throne, arrived at the castle on Kythorn 30, and started acting as interim leader. He has taken on the arduous task of rebuilding the region’s once prosperous economy, and restoring the town’s original state, which has become dilapidated after years of neglect.