# **Blackmere Lake** _Darkwater Heart of the [[Duskwatch]] Region_ --- ## **Overview** **Blackmere Lake** is a deep, still inland lake lying immediately east of the **[[Deadwood Glades]]**. Its waters are unnaturally calm, often mirroring the sky even in wind, and possess a faint, dark tint that locals insist comes from more than just depth. The **Broken Causeway** from [[Duskwatch]] runs to the lake’s western bank, marking the last point of solid ground before entering the Glade. [[Duskwatch]] itself is built along the lake’s eastern edge, relying on it for trade, transport, and fishing — though certain parts of its waters are avoided at all costs. --- ## **Geography & Features** - **Size & Shape** – Roughly oval, spanning several miles at its widest point. The eastern banks slope gently, while the western edge meets the shadowed trees of the [[Deadwood Glades]]. - **Depth** – Local fishermen claim no line has ever touched bottom at the lake’s center. - **The Stillwater** – Even during storms, the lake’s surface often remains oddly undisturbed, save for faint ripples that move against the wind. - **The Emberwind Source** – The Emberwind River flows from Blackmere’s eastern shore, winding through [[Duskwatch]] before running east across the plains. - **Blackstone Outcrops** – Jagged blackstone formations protrude along the northern bank, remnants of ancient geological upheavals. - **Mist Veil** – On certain nights, a thick mist rises from the water, spreading toward the Glade and swallowing the Broken Causeway in minutes. --- ## **History** - **Legends of a Drowned City** – Tales speak of a mortal settlement that once stood where the lake now lies, swallowed whole by the earth after a failed bargain with the fey. Some say the dark shapes beneath the water are its toppled spires. - **The [[Duskwatch]] Beacons** – In the early days of [[Duskwatch]], beacon fires were built along the lake’s eastern shore to signal danger from the Glade’s direction. The tradition continues, though now the signal horns are more commonly used. - **The Blackmere Disappearances** – Though rare, boats have vanished without trace, usually on calm, moonless nights. Survivors tell of pale lights beneath the water and the sensation of “being watched from below.” --- ## **Current Role in the Region** - **Fishing & Transport** – Provides much of [[Duskwatch]]’s food and serves as a water route for traders. However, most fishers avoid the waters nearest the [[Deadwood Glades]]. - **Natural Barrier** – Blackmere’s width prevents any direct overland assault from the Glade’s western side without first crossing the Broken Causeway or taking boats. - **Strategic Resource** – Control of the lake is crucial to [[Duskwatch]]’s defense and supply lines. --- ## **Rumors & Hooks** 1. **The Black Lantern** – A sunken beacon tower, toppled centuries ago, supposedly still burns with a cold green light on the lakebed. 2. **The Drowned Dead** – Recent sightings of pale, waterlogged figures walking the lake’s shallows have caused panic among fishermen. 3. **The Depths Call** – A low, resonant hum has been heard echoing from beneath the water, always just before someone goes missing. 4. **Leyline Reflection** – Mages claim Blackmere acts as a mirror for the corrupted ley lines running beneath the [[Deadwood Glades]]. Studying the lake’s surface during certain celestial alignments might reveal hidden truths — or draw something through. ---