The Castle Ward was the central ward of the city of Waterdeep. It encompassed Mount Waterdeep, Castle Waterdeep, and much of the government of the city, which included the Palace of Waterdeep, occupied by Piergeiron the Paladinson in the mid-14th century DR, and the residences of many prosperous Waterdhavians. Among these citizens were celebrated retired adventurers such as Mirt the Moneylender.
Geography
The ward was delimited by Julthoon Street to the north, west of Shield Street, and by Trader's Way between Shield Street and the High Road, which delimited the ward's eastern border together with Snail Street. The southern border of the ward was delimited by Shesstra Street, Gut Alley, Belnimbra's Street, and Lackpurse Lane, until the ward met Deepwater Harbor.
Geographical Features
Much of the territory of the Castle Ward was taken up by Mount Waterdeep, which consisted mostly of unused land.
History
The Castle Ward was one of the original wards of Waterdeep, established by Ahghairon in the Year of Falling Stars, 1035 DR together with the Trades Ward, Temple Ward, and Dock Ward.
Notable Locations
Mount Waterdeep
The massive peak around which Waterdeep was built encompassed the southwest portion of the city. Atop its summit was the Peaktop Aerie, which housed the city's famed Griffon cavalry, and its sea-facing flank featured 11 triple-catapults armed with rock and flammable pots. Beneath these armaments were the sea caves, which allowed passage for ships to River Sargauth and the undercity of Skullport.
New Olamn
The bardic college was located on the rocky cliffside, in the western edge of the ward, overlooking the Sea of Swords. It was accessible by the cliffside path along Mount Waterdeep, or Mount Melody Walk, the subterranean passageway that was dug through the mountain's side.
Walking Statues of Waterdeep
No less than six of the statues resided in this Ward:
- The God Catcher: Settled just north of the Market.
- The Great Drunkard: Settled just south of the Market.
- The Griffon: Settled on Mount Waterdeep near the Peaktop Aerie.
- The Hawk Man
- The Lady Dreaming: Settled on the lower north slopes of Mount Waterdeep.
- The Sahuagin Humbled: Settled on the lower north slopes of Mount Waterdeep.
Castles, keeps and towers
Castle Waterdeep
The great fortress of Waterdeep loomed over the surrounding ward from the side of Mount Waterdeep. Its hanging banners and heraldry were so massive they signaled diplomatic arrivals and ceremonial announcements to those even in the southern wards of the city. It was used by the city guard and the watch for training, housed the stables for some 70 warhorses and held several levels of subterranean dungeons.
Palace of Waterdeep
The white marble palace of the city's Lords stood as a beacon of the incorruptibility of their rule over the city. The shining tower housed the Lords' court, embassies from other city-states and nations and the offices of city officials, including those from the City Guard and Watch.
- Ahghairon's Tower: This small, stone tower was the former residence of Waterdeep's first Lord Magister, Ahghairon. It had a modest appearance but was protected by spells like prismatic sphere and a forcecage. As of 1357 DR, no one was believed to have entered its walls since Ahghairon's death.
- Blackstaff Tower
- Syndra Wands' Tower
Religious Centers
- Font of Knowledge: Known too as the Great Library, this sprawling repository of knowledge was tended by the clergy of Oghma who worked with various groups like the Scriveners', Scribes', & Clerks' Guild and the bards college of New Olamn to provide wisdom and understanding to all the citizens of Waterdeep.
- Halls of Justice: Overseen by head priest Hykros Allumen, this famous temple of Tyr was the home of two of the Maimed God's most renowned groups of worship: the Holy Order of the Knights of Samular and the monastic Order of the Even-Handed.
- House of Two Hands
- Pantheon Temple of the Seldarine
- Spires of the Morning: This Waterdhavian temple of Lathander housed the local church's militaristic branch, the Order of the Aster.
Guildhalls
- Fellowship Hall: This building was home to the oldest guild in Waterdeep, the Fellowship of innkeepers. Once per tenday it was opened for use as an inn.
- Guildhall of the Order: Headquarters of the Solemn Order of Recognized Furriers and Woolmen.
- House of the Fine Carvers: Located on the western side of the High Road within the city, this guildhall was home to the hundred or so members of the Guild of fine carvers.
- House of Gems: The headquarters for the jeweller's guild,[9] led by Master Stromquil Halazar.
- Map House: This building served as the meeting place for members of the Surveyors', map and chart-makers guild within the city.
- Market Hall: Located on Trader's Way, this guildhall served as the meeting site for the wealthy farmers of the Council of farmer-grocers guild.
- Master Bakers' Hall: Home to the baker's guild of the city, whose members were known to employ runners to both deliver their freshly-baked goods to Waterdhavians and protect the bakers' incoming cash payments.
- Pewterers' and Casters’ Guildhall: The office of the Guild of trusted pewterers and casters, some 400-plus metal-casters who worked throughout the city.
- Tower of the Order: This tower was home to the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors, a group of wizards that sought to maintain the respect and dignity of their kind, by regulating the use of magic within the city to protect its less-powerful arcane spellcasters.