Scornubel
If ever you wanted to reach the Sword Coast with something to sell and lived inland you might go through Scornubel. If you hailed from the north and prefered a land route to sailing the Sea of Swords you would follow the Trade Way down to Scornubel. It isn't the largest place, but it is large and its selection of goods is as diverse as the people found there.
Scornubel has no walls or city plan; it’s most important features are the ferries and ship docks, and Scornubel Hall (which contains quarters for the local Council and visitors, the city’s deep wells and emergency granary, and meeting chambers which can be rented when then Council is not in session Scornubel is the Caravan City, a sprawling place of warehouses, paddocks, and stockyards. Businesses and the buildings that house them change from season to season or even more rapidly, and Scornubel has few permanent landmarks. It is a city of traveling merchants with a population that can increase eightfold in a good summer, sixfold during most traveling seasons. It has no walls and is a place of ready swords and watchful residents. There have been more than a few raids on it by bugbears, hobgoblins, and the like, particularly in harsh winter weather, when game is scarce. Thieves and dopplegangers are a constant problem. Whatever the present level of dangers and intrigue in the Caravan City, one thing is certain; it is never a dull place to visit.
Scornubel's vast diversity and accompanying cosmopolitan tendencies test the ability of The High Overseer to maintain his brand of order there. In fact, he will not go there at all and delegates everything to the elven duchess, Lady Rhessajan. Old, sharp-tongued Lady Rhessajan Ambermantle rules the city, assisted by three Lord High Advisors (retired merchants) in consultation with a council of merchants. Her tongue and world wise stratagems have earned her the title “the Old Vixen,” but she’s generally loved, or at least respected, among Scornubians. She can raise a mounted militia headed and equipped by the Red Shields mercenary company within a few days and has a watch of well-trained and well- equipped Hellriders at her disposal assisted by both priests and mages. The city has many shrines and visiting clergy., but only one temple, the Healing House of Lathander, which is much called upon to heal injured travelers of all faiths.
While Lady Rhessajan is the authority head in Scornubel, she does not necessarily wield the most power. Half-orc count Ivor Helder, the self-made mogul, and Bakluuk Che each operate lucrative enterprises in Elturgard and ignoring their opinions is to feel their political weight.
Traveling from Elturel to Scornubel, or vice versa, and expecting more of the same will surprise anyone. Where Elturel features gardens, river walks, charming houses, and generally high living standards; Scornubel has alleys, seedy taverns, warehouses, cheap boarding houses, and pickpockets. It can be dangerous and there are areas you would do well to avoid.
Inns/Taverns
The Dusty Hoof This middling establishment stands on the east side of Northstorm Street in the block above the six-way intersection of the Walk. It’s unexciting, but relatively safe and comfortable. As the name indicates, it caters to drovers and caravan wagonfolk. Far Anchor This large inn sits on the north side of Far Rider Street between Stumblepost Trail and Red Shields Road. It’s probably the best accommodation to be had year in and year out in Scornubel. Built by a retired sea captain only 12 or so seasons back, its name refers to its distance by river barge from the Sword Coast. The Jaded Unicorn This ramshackle complex of former warehouses occupies the center of the first block east of the one that has Scornubel Hall at its heart.but aside from position and size, the two places couldn’t be more different. This dump is proudly presided over by a life-sized purple unicorn sculpture that some wag on a dare or a bet, no doubt, and with the aid of a levitation spell.has painted the face of with rouge, lip scarlet, and eye shadow to make it look like a cheap courtesan. Somehow it looks fitting. The Raging Lion This large, but rather poorly run, establishment stands on the east side of the Trade Way on the north edge of the city. It has the advantage of a large, well-guarded compound to hold off orc and brigand raids and a location that allows timid guests to avoid entering the city proper.or to leave hastily, riding hard into the night, if need be. It offers the convenience of secure stables handy to the main building, but not much else.Government
Merchant Council duly elected and ignored by Lady Rhessajan
Defences
The Red Shield Militia
The Hellriders of Elturgard
Industry & Trade
All manner of trade and shipping
Architecture
Tents, domes, and warehouses dominate the landscape
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