The Night's Watch
The Night's Watch is a houseless military order, sworn to watch the Wall and the north beyond. The men swear lifetime vows and remain celibate for the remainder of their years. Every recruit begins at the bottom and can work his way through the ranks regardless of class, house, or origin.
Ranks
Commonly called "crows" by Wildlings, the men of the Night's Watch are known for their black cloaks and heavy furs to protect them in the coldest place of Westeros. The ranks are divided into three orders:
- Rangers: main military force of the Watch. Adept at scouting and surviving in the harsh cold beyond the wall.
- Builders: engineers responsible for maintaining the Wall, the castles, and forging weapons.
- Stewards: main support system for the daily maintainance of the Watch. Keepers of message ravens, cooks, farmers, and traders.
The Vows
Those who join the ranks by volunteering may end their watch any time during their training. However, no man may leave after he has taken the black. Any deserters are executed by the Lord of Winterfell himself. After taking their vows, Brothers of the Watch cannot own land, marry, or father children. They are also persuaded to cut any ties left with their families, if they were lucky enough to have one. When each brother is ready to take the black, they say their vows either in a sept or before a heart tree.
The vows are as follows:
Varying Opinions
The role and importance of the Night's Watch is heavily debated between two major houses of Westeros.
