Phlan
Phlan, also known as the Jewel of the Moonsea, was a large frontier town on the Moonsea region of north Faerûn with a long and storied history. Founded nearly a millennium before the Era of Upheaval, endless cycles of the town's destruction and determined rebuilding saw it grow more resilient and formidable. This led to the Phlan being walled off into two sections for many years, comprising the vast ruined neighborhoods of Old Phlan and the resilient community of Civilized Phlan, before becoming a whole and peaceful city once again. Phlan enjoyed military and economic prosperity for many years, before deteriorating into a criminal state afflicted by the machinations of a dangerous cult.
In addition to being a monument to the stubbornness of the Moonsea people, the city was famous as the home of one of the fabled pools of radiance, the source of power for a legendary otherworldly spirit.
Defences
Phlan boasted great city walls that were considered by many to be its greatest defense against invaders, especially during the years when little military force could be mustered.
Districts
Old City
The Old City of Phlan included the neighborhoods that were built within its massive city walls. It encompassed the areas previously known as Old Phlan and Civilized Phlan, among them the Nobles' Quarter, as well as the Dock and Residential districts.
Inns & Taverns
- Bitter Blade, a dockside inn that mostly caters to sailors of the Moonsea.
- Laughing Goblin Inn, an exquisite and famous inn that garnered sterling reputation over many decades of success.
- Nat Wyler's Bell, a dive bar in the poorer part of the old city.
- Pool of Radiance, a tavern named after the castle's famous pool of radiance.
- Sunrise Inn, a quiet and comfortable waterfront inn.
- Troll Toss Tavern, a rowdy drinking establishment that employed ettins.
Landmarks
- Castle Atuke, a military fortress that boasted an aerie for its hippogriff aerial cavalry.
- Council Hall, the seat of power and meeting place of the Council of Ten.
- Valjevo Castle, the majestic castle of Phlan and home of the city's ruler.
- Scholar's Square, the central place of learning in the city; this area contained trade schools, wizard academies, sage houses, and most notably, the Mantor's Library, overseen by the Lord Sage of Phlan
- Stojanow Gate, the magnificent structure that protected the courtyard entrance to Valjevo Castle was rumored to be constructed by fire giants.
Shops
- Cockburn's Grocery, a local grocer's shop.
- Ernst's Livery, the city's stable that specialized in the care for exotic aerial steeds.
- Matteo's, a smithy run by the burly half-elf Matteo.
- Ohlo's Mystic Devices, a proprietor of magical miscellany.
- Old Guild Armory, an arms and armor shop.
- Slum Market, the labyrinthine marketplace that was plagued by local pickpockets.
- Smithy's Choice, a smithy and armor shop.
The Old City held three temples Tyr, Sune, and Tempus, with Tyr's being the biggest in he city and led by Bishop Braccio. The old temple of Ilmater was turned into the Temple of Bane following the Battle of Phlan, and eventually reclaimed with the aid of the Heroes of Phlan.
East Phlan
East Phlan was the region of the city that held the growing communities that built their homes beyond its easternmost walls.
Inns & Festhalls
- Velvet Doublet, a festhall that caters to the wealthy. Known to satisfy those with exotic tastes.
Shops & Businesses
- Alero's Smithy, the shop of the local weapon smith Alero.
- Grounds of House Jannarsk, the estate and mercantile compound of one of Phlan's noble families.
- Vang's Armory, an armor smithy operated by Brice Vang.
Guilds and Factions
A thieves' guild called the Welcomers operated openly within the city throughout its history, the members of which cut off their left ear as a sign of loyalty. As most residents of the town were aware of the guild, the guild earned its name by preying on visitors to the city.
Architecture
The entirety Phlan was a city built upon the ruins of its past, in the most literal meaning. Beneath Phlan was an aging sewer system with a spillway that opened up into the Stojanow River.
Comments