Citizenry and Government
Those wishing to become citizens much present themselves to a Tribune, stating their reason and desire for citizenship. If accepted, they receive the Shield-Mark (a mark of justice) upon the right palm in the shape of a Lastwall shield. This mark grants them the ability to own and keep both land and arms. Most do not carry arms except in times of alert.
Those aspiring to be Vigilant soldiers must then approach a Precentor Martial in the same way, and receive a second mark, the Sword-Mark, upon their left palm in the shape of Iomedae’s symbol. This mark grants the bearer the ability to go armed at all times, but they must also abide by the oath they swore to protect the citizens of Vigil at all cost, even at the cost of their lives if need be.
Precentors Martial
- Cavalry – Elandra Tilernos, favored daughter of the powerful Tilernos family, is a Knight of Ozem and highly regarded in her own right. Her style couples a deep affinity for the animals with a razor-honed understanding of cavalry tactics, qualities she seeks to teach her soldiers both by training and by example. She works all cavalry units hard, drilling them constantly and setting them tasks to test their mettle.
- Infantry – Axl Fordham is a Kellid man who rode into Lastwall fifteen years ago. He doesn’t talk much about his past, and he fought his way up in the Crusade, one downed orc after the next. Some men simply know war: Axl Fordham is such a man. An unparalleled soldier, his leadership style is subdued and humble, which makes him something of a hit with his men.
- Garrison and Siege – Marius Arilleus has served as Precentor Martial longer than anyone, and despite his advanced age he serves as his nephew’s most trusted advisor.
- Scouting – Keyron Saiville’s emphasis has always been on circumspect, cautious reconnaissance. He takes quality of information very seriously, and safety of his agents almost as seriously. In a land where the rule of law is almost absolute, Saiville provides a little shade for the less orthodox means by which the forces of good sometimes work.
- Magic – Veena Heliu is an ostentatious nonconformist, and the darling of many in the crusade for her aggressiveness in war and in her personal affairs. More than one fist fight has erupted when Veena’s lovestruck partisans have referred to her as “Our Lady,” a term traditionalists reserve for Iomedae herself.
Tribunes
- Trade – Deldon Wainwright, an upstart merchant who has proven instrumental in growing Lastwall’s commercial interest.
- Mines – Gregor de Timbre, a former knight who lost an eye in battle.
- Farms – Hedrik Traxxus is best known for being born to a noble family.
- Faith – Helena Trellis is an elderly woman who seldom leaves the estate.
- Magic – Imoria Sylver is a gifted young sorceress.
Places of Interest
Castle Overwatch – The central citadel is home to the Watcher-Lord, while the Crusader War College fills most of its outer bailey, developing strategy and tactics and mastering the arts of battle. Here horse and rider learn to fight as one, welded into a devastating fusion of sword and hoof, and crusaders learn to fight with weapon and shield as well as more exotic skills, from magic to siege warfare all integrated to maximize their effectiveness against their usually numerically superior enemies. Cavalry training at the war college is some of the finest in Avistan, ranking with the finest warrior academies.
Cathedral of Sancta Iomedaea – This massive cathedral carries the central dome’s weight to four great pillars and 39 mutually buttressing sub-domes, creating a vast airy chamber 60 paces high. A sword of golden light, a divine manifestation of the blade of Iomedae, appeared at the occasion of the cathedral’s dedication and hangs beneath the dome, illuminating intricate geometric mosaics and heavenly frescoes, ornate stonework and statuary, and inscribed scriptures from the Acts of Iomedae. Second Sword Knight Aylunna Varvatos has presided over worship for 10 years. The cathedral’s four towers hold paragons of the bellmaker’s craft, the deep-toned bells that toll by morning and evening to mark another day that the crusade endures. The cathedral’s fonts have anointed more paladins than almost anywhere else on Golarion, and many anointed elsewhere make pilgrimage to its hallowed halls to visit or to serve.
Places of Worship
- Church of Our Lady – Vigil’s most famous building lies at the foot of Watcher’s Tor: the magnificent Cathedral of Sancta Iomedaea. Contrary to later Iomedaean tradition, this first and greatest of her temples is Vigil’s only building that is not whitewashed. An architectural marvel of golden marble, stained glass, onyx and porphyry inlays, and intricate carvings, its 40 mutually buttressing domes rise in glorious succession, supporting a central dome 50 paces across, pierced with crystal veins that bathe the interior in shafts of beatific light. The cathedral’s great bells thunder the dawn watch and peal at sunset, with smaller chimes marking other ceremonies. More than any sights or smells, the soul of Vigil is told in ringing metal, from forge hammer, tinkling earring bell, jingling harness and shop-door, and over all a soaring chorus of bells from steepled shrines and the great cathedral itself.
- Church of the White Stag – This small, open air church dedicated to Erastil lies just inside the city’s inner wall near the entrance to the harbor. It is nearly overgrown with trees and shrubs, though the local worshippers maintain the plant life to prevent it from spreading into neighboring buildings.
- Shrine of the Eternal Rose – Less of a building and more an elaborately decorated alleyway, this shrine bears all the markings of Shelyn. Sometimes, the sounds of songbirds can be heard even from several blocks away.
- Chapel of the Strong Man – One of the few permanent structures dedicated to Kurgess, this small chapel was built near the water’s edge for easy access to Sophronia’s Steeple, home of the Steeplechase.
- Temple of Gorum – This armored structure is surrounded on all sides by spiked fencing, and guarded at all times by stoic knights dedicated to the defense of the temple and those within. They will defend the city in times of crisis but otherwise don’t get involved in day to day affairs. The temple is located on the southern side of Watcher’s Tor.
Guilds and Organizations
- Crusader War College – The War Academy inside Castle Overwatch contains several schools for training, each run by the presiding Precentors Martial.
- Battlemage Academy
- Cavalry Academy
- Garrison and Siege School
- Infantry School
- Scouting School
- Civilian Wizard’s Guild – The civilian Wizard’s Guild is run by the elderly Ren Dendarvi, a retired researcher from Taldor who wears his silver beard long in defiance of Taldor’s tradition for men of humble birth. The guild sell low-level potions and scrolls.
- Trade Guilds – Trade guilds in Vigil are small and closely watched by the Tribunes.
- Whispering Lodge – Magical goods, secrets, and lore are traded through the Pathfinder Lodge managed by Venture-Captain Evni Zongnoss, a renowned fortune-teller.
Local Entertainment
- The Legendary Playhouse – This historical theater was built by impresario Karl Ceztulk over a century ago. It fell on hard times and set shuttered for many years until a crusader immigrant named Sehaye Kinfu reopened it, producing exotic tales from his parents’ homeland in Nex. Sehaye died in 4708 AR and her daughter Sharina Legend-Singer, a dusky-skinned beauty of considerable talent, took over the theater. She reinvented classic tales of heroic crusaders and discovered new heroes and tales. She captivates her audience by her beauty, talent and thrilling stories.
- The Mourners of Arazni – In the years after the fall of Arazni the Warrior-Goddess, predecessor to Iomedae as the Herald of Aroden, some of Arazni’s followers could not quite part with their love for her. Struggling to deal with their desolation, they gathered and sought ways to comfort one another, and to comfort all who had suffered great loss. Calling themselves the Mourners of Arazni, they perform tragic plays and host near-silent balls to mournful accompaniment.
- The Steeplechase Events – Sophronia’s Steeple, a high wooden steeple which lies at the tip of the long strand that runs along the river’s edge is also a marker for the start and finish of Vigil’s famous Sophronia Steeplechase, held each year on Midsummer’s Day. Hundreds of contestants try their skill at archery, dueling, swimming, and running, before lining up for a grueling staggered-start equestrian race replete with fences, hedges, and water-filled ditches mimicking Sophronia’s mad dash around the city. Winners and their mounts are honored in a citywide celebration, but their medals are only a secondary reward compared to the privilege of carving their names into Sophronia’s Steeple. Smaller horse races are also held on a monthly basis.
Inns, Taverns and Shops
- Berdred’s Armory – Local armory run by the renowned Berdred Leredel, a former squire to a famous knight in the war against the orcs of Belkzen.
- Crow and Serpent – Tavern run by an elderly elf woman named Jalma Kon from the Mwangi Expanse known for serving exotic food from her homeland, such as the popular zinza bird.
- Dried Ink – A tattoo parlor run by an elderly half-orc named Gretch who also is known to care for the Shrine of the Eternal Rose.
- Drop of Honey – This beloved bakery, owned and operated by a Nirmathi half-elf named Bordana Hekrem, uses honey to sweeten the pastries. She maintains a colony of bees behind the store.
- Spirit Bottle – This two-story building looms above the marketplace where the proprietor, an impish red-haired gnome named Grimbald, takes advantage of the constant traffic to sell his wares at a questionable discount.
- The Caliphate – This gray and grimy store rests in a forgotten corner of the market. The people of Vigil view the store owner with a bit of contempt as they believe he is not a pious man and is merely taking advantage of the righteous. Duban claims to be a follower of Abadar, which does little to sway the minds of Vigilants.
- The Drakkar – This Ulfen-built and operated establishment is renowned for its honeyed mead, glazed roasts, potent spirits, and the occasional brawl. Thorin Nordland, the owner, keeps a watchful eye on the fights to make sure they don’t spill into the streets.
- The Foolish Weaver – Local tailor and former knight Baldus Tegula settled down after he lost his leg in battle against the orcs to open his own shop.
- The Lady’s Shield-Hand – The most popular tavern in the city thanks to good food, fine drinks and private dining rooms. Vigilants particularly enjoy the dark stout and bitter ale served here. The owner, a former Mendevian Paladin named Omarra Moory, keeps the place clean and doesn’t tolerate foul play.
- The Wonderful Lamp – A small shop recently opened just north of the market square which sells treasure maps, historical tomes and curiosities. This establishment is run by a Keleshite man named Rashid Al-Haroun. <Permanently Closed>
- Three Ladies and a Porter – This well-regarded inn is run by the Censis sisters, Auria, Caecia, and Faenia. Their younger brother, Fabrax, serves as the porter.
- Torag’s Hammer – The highly decorated Dwarf weapon smith Thalinor has run this establishment for nearly six decades, and is said to have slain orcs for even longer.
Bracelets of Stone (26,760 gp)
Rugged stone armbands that can slip on and off easily.
Infiltrator’s Mail (15,650 gp)
A dull black suit of scale male.
Shield of Covered Retreat (8,157 gp)
A wide wooden kite shield emblazoned with the image of a mighty tree.
Masterwork Chain Shirt (250 gp)
Engraved with the symbol of Iomedae.
Masterwork Champion Chainmail (1,300 gp)
A distinctive suit of chainmail engraved with runes of strength.
Masterwork Full Plate (1,650 gp)
A battered piece of armor that has been repaired and made anew.
Masterwork Cold Resistance Leather Armor (18,160 gp)
A finely crafted armor, trimmed with ermine fur.
Masterwork Light Wooden Shield (153 gp)
A battered shield, inlaid with electrum.
Mithral Masterwork Breastplate (4,200 gp)
An ornate armor, engraved with runes of invulnerability.
Elixir of Tumbling (250 gp)
A translucent tincture, contained in a cylindrical flask sealed with wax.
Nightdrops (250 gp)
A clear tincture, contained in a glass flask etched with geometric patterns.
Oil of Fire Trap (775 gp)
A cloudy draught, contained in a cylindrical flask.
Oil of Remove Curse (750 gp)
This watery draught causes shadows to appear darker when used.
Oil of Sanctify Corpse (50 gp)
This indigo serum smells tart.
Oil of Shillelagh (50 gp)
A bronze potion, contained in a porcelain phial.
Oil of Slipstream (300 gp)
This bubbling liquid causes a burning sensation when used.
Potion of Barkskin (300 gp)
This luminous draught causes the air to become warm and humid when used.
Potion of Shield of Faith (50 gp)
This smoky viridian ichor smells like mint.
Seer’s Tea (550 gp)
A golden elixir, contained in a spherical porcelain flask.
Silversheen (250 gp)
This viscous elixir smells like urine.
Everflowing Aspergillum (7,805 gp)
Foes slain by this weapon are consumed by flames.
Masterwork Orcbane Heavy Mace (2,312 gp)
A distinctive weapon designed to especially hurt Orcs.
Minor Ring of Spell Storing (18,000 gp)
This masterwork pewter ring once belonged to the illustrious hero Rewilh, who slew the Leviathan of the Sea of Eren.
Polymorphic Pouch (5,000 gp)
This distinctive item was created by the elves of the ancient empire of Inast.
Sash of Flowing Water (25,000 gp)
This ornate item once belonged to the half-elf Paladin Gauwyn Jamoor, a highly decorated knight in service of Lastwall.
Scroll of Burning Gaze (150 gp)
Staff of Many Rays (57,200 gp)
A hazel staff, wrapped in brass wire.
Wand of Mirror Image (4500 gp)
This heavy elm wand was taken from the Tunnels of Unearthly Worms.
Cape of the Mountebank (10,800 gp)
A bright red and gold cape.
Cloak of Elvenkind (2,500 gp)
A plain gray cloak.
Dead Man’s Shroud (6,000 gp)
A dirt-stained cloak that seems permanently enshrouded in shadow.
Lion Cloak (12,000 gp)
Made from a lion’s coat with a mane surrounding the hood.
Masterwork Padded Armor (155 gp)
Shroud of the Daywalker (18,000 gp)
This shroud appears to be made of the finest burgundy silk.
Stonemist Cloak (3,500 gp)
A stone-gray cloak embroidered with wispy-looking clouds.
Dagger of Doubling (8,302 gp)
Every strike by this weapon is accompanied by a feral snarl.
Frostbite Sling (4,840 gp)
A distinctive weapon, engraved with runes of justice.
Masterwork Silencing Battleaxe (8,310 gp)
Every strike by this weapon is accompanied by eerie silence.
Masterwork Thundering Battleaxe (2,310 gp)
A magnificent battleaxe decorated with thunder clouds.
Masterwork Flaming Falchion (2,375 gp)
An ornate weapon, engraved with the holy symbol of a Torag.
Masterwork Longbow of Endless Ammunition (8,375 gp)
An oaken shaft engraved with runes of death.
Masterwork Sling (300 gp)
Masterwork Glorious Scythe (8,018 gp)
This weapon glows with a dazzling light when held.
Masterwork Nullifying Scythe (18,018 gp)
This masterwork weapon is said to have been created to slay the Wyrm of the Rune Mountains.
Polarity Hammer (10,310 gp)
A hammer of ferrous metals with weighted spheres on either end of a sturdy dark chain.
Searing Arrow (1,500 gp)
A crimson red arrow engraved with flames.
Undercutting Axe (11,810 gp)
An unusually heavy axe engraved with the holy symbol of Torag.
Nearby Locations of Note
- Abandoned Salt Mines – Lying just to the north of Vigil are salt mines and granite quarries believed to have been abandoned at the start of the Whispering Tyrant’s reign. Rumors of undead and other monstrosities living within persist, but are thus far unsubstantiated.
- Castle Everstand – This large fortification is located just west of the northern reach of the Fangwood. It was created by Sergeant Strom Gauntwood as a point of defense to hold against the orc hordes from the Hold of Belkzen after Lastwall’s Hordeline crumbled in 4517 AR, and command has passed from Gauntwood to Gauntwood, with his descendant Captain Thaum Gauntwood now in charge.
- Castle Firrine – More of a fortified mustering station than a traditional town, Castle Firrine stands just south of Ghostlight Marsh at the edge of a war zone in the nation of Lastwall. It serves as a supply station and a place to regroup for knights battling the orcs to the west and undead to the north. There it controls the headland formed by the confluence of the Esk and Kestrel Rivers.
- Ghostlight Marsh – Lying to the northeast across the border between Lastwall and Belkzen lies Ghostlight Marsh, named after the strange glowing lights often seen in its murky depths.
- Hammer Rock – Located on the southern side of the Path River, this squat fortification was built on the foundation of an unfinished Dwarven structure, and now serves as a fort where soldiers from Vigil keep a watchful eye on the Hungry Mountains.
- Hallein Town – A small river located downstream from Vigil on the shores of Lake Hallensee where the Carabosse River feeds the Path River. This town is home to workers in the salt mines of Virlych, and provides vital trade goods to the rest of the nation.
- Holtgrieve Wood – Home to families of werewolves and river-men know as vodyanov, this forest is located on the northern banks of the Path River below the Hungry Mountains. Formidable guards and escorts are often required to make the journey safely when travelling by ship between Vigil and Vellumis.
- Vaishau Ruin – The grey, scorched remains of an old fortress located in the foothills of the Hungry Mountains of Lastwall, just a stone’s throw from the Ustalavic county of Virlych. The ruin stands on the banks of the Mesmos River, which has cut the main pass through the mountains, and connects Vigil with Gallowspire. Vigil sends regular patrols here to destroy undead who seem to constantly populate the location despite precautions.