Waterdeep
City of Splendors
Waterdeep, also known as the City of Splendors or the Crown of the North, is the most important and influential city in the North and perhaps in all Faerûn. The road to Waterdeep is well paved and well patrolled. The city was the hub of trading from the mineral-rich lands to the north, the merchant kingdoms of Amn and Calimshan to the south, the kingdoms of the Inner Sea to the east, and the sea kingdoms and traders to the west. Waterdeep's authority extends between thirty to forty miles from its walls.
Waterdeep was named for its outstanding natural deep-water harbour, and the city that grew up at this site became the commercial crossroads of the northern realms. The city sprawled northward from the sea, spreading along the flanks of Mount Waterdeep, which used to be home to the Melairkyn, a mithral-mining dwarven clan, and the entire length and great depth of the mountain is riddled with passages and tunnels, most of which are occupied by deadly creatures whose presence in the mountain predate the founding of the city itself. The halls of Undermountain located beneath the city is a popular target for adventurers, who enjoy the close vicinity of the city's main taverns and temples where aid can be purchased through donations.
Demographics
Humans 64%
Dwarves 10%
Elves 10%
Halflings 5%
Half-elves 5%
Gnomes 3%
Half-orcs 2%
Others 1%
Government
As a way to prevent corruption, the rulers of the city, known as the Lords of Waterdeep, all have hidden identities. This it out knowing who to bribe or threaten, it's hard to get to them.
One of the Lords act overtly and is known as Open Lord of Waterdeep, a title currently held by Laeral Silverhand. She is responsible for actually running the city and acts as Head of State.
Industry & Trade
Imports: Grain, livestock, leather, ore, timber, and exotic goods from other lands
Exports: Ale, arms, cloth, fish, furnishings, leather goods, pottery, refined metals, and all other sorts of finished goods
Infrastructure
The city is divided into wards. These have some administration delegated to them but are otherwise simply part of the city. The do carry very distinct histories and values however, and to a waterdahvian, they matter in understanding the city.
- Field Ward is the newest and still a bit of a shanty town.
- Sea Ward is the fancies and home to many estates and temples.
- North Ward is for the wealthy upper class and mostly residential.
- Castle Ward is the oldest part of the city, as most of its administration and includes Mount Waterdeep.
- Trades Ward, true to its name, is the city's finacial centrum and home to most guilds.
- City of the Dead, also known as Death Ward, is the large graveyard and park of Waterdeep.
- Dock Ward is the most run down area and home to a lot of the hard labour in the city.
- South Ward houses most of the working class and lower status businesses.
- Waterdeep Harbour is the source of much of the city's wealth, but it also houses various secrets.
History
Waterdeep was used as a trading site for trade activities between northern tribesmen and southern merchants from −1088 DR onwards. By 52 DR, permanent farms had sprung up in the area. The name "Waterdeep" (not as a city, but as a town) was used by the ship captains docking to trade at the port, and it was slowly adopted into common use. The city was truly established by 1032 DR, the year Ahghairon became the first Lord of Waterdeep.
The city grew spectacularly, such that by 1248 DR both the City of the Dead and the guilds had been developed. The guild masters seized control soon afterwards, ushering in a period of unrest and bitter conflict known as the Guildwars. The Guildwars ended only when the two surviving guild masters brought in their own period of misrule. It was only in 1273 DR that the modern system of government was instituted. This was the year that the Magisters were established and the secret Lords of Waterdeep were firmly reestablished. Since that time, the city continued to grow and prosper.
Over the years, more successful merchants and adventurers set up guilds and themselves became nobility, supporting the secretive Lords of Waterdeep who policed the city fairly, yet with a light hand, by means of the superb City Guard (soldiers), City Watch (police) and over 20 black-robed magistrates. As a result, Waterdeep was a place tolerant of different races, religions, and lifestyles. This, in turn, encouraged commerce and Waterdeep grew into a huge, eclectic city.
Architecture
People from all over the world come to Waterdeep, and the architecture reflects that. And with the city housing everyone from the immensely rich to the dirt poor, all walks of life are represented.
Maps
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Waterdeep Wards
The current layout of the city of Waterdeep
Type
Capital
Population
1,000,000
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Related Tradition (Primary)
Comments