Luskan

Luskan, also known as the City of Sails, was a port city at the mouth of the River Mirar on the Sword Coast North. Luskan, despite the presence of the Ten Towns, was considered by many to be civilization's farthest reach.

Government

Oligarchy

Points of interest

Hosttower of the Arcane  The Host Tower of the Arcane was the site of real power in the city until shortly before the Spellplague. In 1358 FE, Arklem Greeth presided over around 130 mages. While delegating laws to the High Captains, the arcanists within partook in their studies and bouts of infighting. The tower itself resembled a tree with four "limbs" (spires) and exuded a magical aura that many residents found so uncomfortable that they purposely avoid looking at it.
The Cutlass The Cutlass was one of the busiest taverns in the city, a haven for the crews of the pirate ships that docked in the harbor as well as the escorts whom they spend their share of the booty on. The famed barbarian Wulfgar spent some time working here as a bouncer.[28] It was located close to the lawless harbor, the Dragon Beach.[3]
The Royal Arms Inn The Royal Arms was an expensive and luxurious inn that served only the finest foods and drinks, often favored by rich traders and dignitaries.[29]
Seven Sails Inn The Seven Sails Inn was an establishment on Setting Sun Street where one could actually get some sleep. However, it was also a place closely watched by the Arcane Brotherhood.[citation needed]
Prisoners' Carnival The Prisoners' Carnival was Luskan's "court" of justice, although truly it was just a public spectacle of torture and execution. It was located in the most public part of town: the Market.[3]
Rat Alley Rat Alley was narrow alley crowded by trash, such as crates, and lined on both sides by low storehouses. It was the perfect place for thieves in hiding.[3] The Fried Rat restaurant—which literally served rat meat—was located here, although it had burned down by 1370 DR.[30]
The Winter Palace In the post-sundering era, the temple of Auril was a great complex adorned with soaring white spires. It had no roof but was an open court filled with white stone pillars and arches. Its rituals seemed overtly cruel to those not of Auril's faith.[34]

• One of the most well-known rituals was the wet parades. The parades involved the wearing of garments stuffed with ice. While wearing these garments, participants would race through the streets of Luskan to climb six white pillars, called the Kisses of Auril. They would climb the pillars to kiss the iron plates located at the top of each spire. During the winter, frostbite and physical injury are quite common during these climbs due to the ice stuffed clothes and slippery pillars. Those who complete this race are believed to have assuaged Auril's wrath, bringing an easy winter. The participants are given free food and drink all winter long by Luskan's inhabitants.

Founding Date

1242

Alternative Name(s)

The City of Sails

Type

City