Nathlek

Demographics

Drow: 40% Human (Shou): 30% High Elves: 15% Half-Orcs: 5% Orcs: 5% Misc: 5%

Defences

Large stone walls and towers surround the city.

Industry & Trade

Most in the city rely on the refined trades of jewelry and other furnished goods. The second largest trade fort in the Empire.

Infrastructure

Basic aqueducts and graveled roads. A large shipyard was created by the emperor Djedfre.

Guilds and Factions

• School of Artisans
• Royal Guard of the Black Dragons
• Home of the Black Spiders

History

Forcibly conquered by a group of Drow from the Darklands led by a mage Djedfre in the year 1481 DR as the last stronghold of Nathlan forcibly exterminating the former Cat Lords who ruled. The city of the dead would be destroyed in the war and the lost names forgotten in history. 
Nathlek became the capital of the Coalition of the Tor in the year 1498 DR as the group looked to push out the Shou humans who had joined the Republic of Turmish. After the transition to the new Empress, in the year 1531 DR, it became the home of the School of Artisans in the Turlagh Empire.

Tourism

Sky District

Resting hundred of feet above the rest of the city, this district is ornately decorated. Connected by the Dragon Bridge. The Weave Reservoir is a sight most mages marvel at.

Palace of the Purple Web

Designed with a large drow influence, this large Palace was built by the Emperor Djedfre in memorial of the success of the Turlagh Empire. Large Towers float connected by a Weblike system ground under the sky district extending to various corners of the risen land.

Ring of the Weave

Perhaps the most magnificent of sights, the view from the sky district is unmatched. Turned in a spot of splendor and awe, this district hundreds of feet higher now holds the greatest and most magnificent site in the empire. A beacon of energy created by the high mages of the schools of magic. This large globe harnesses a magical energy source making a visible representation of the weave. Many wizards and those interested in the arcane have come to witness the magnificence. During the night this globe glows in the night with visitors often viewing from the Dragon Bridge or from the docks.

Foreign Quarter

The name was kept historically from the time of the Cat Lords.

The Bear Pit

The Bear Pit was a rebuilt, restyled animal fighting pit, that was converted to an open gladiatorial arena. This can be a way in which people can try their hand against various creatures throughout the empire. However, imperial events are often held at this location. Decorated in the style of the drow significantly different than the rest of the city which has a very Shou influence.

The Silver Hammer Forge

This forge still has notable aspects of the Ironhand's forge which was its predecessor. Now run by a half orc Sushi and her son, Hortir. They are noteworthy for being especially skilled in the crafting of silver weapons and armor.

High Spirit Wine and Dine

This more exotic restaurant is known for its entertainment more than its food and the spirits that are said to perform. Owned by a retired necromancer in hiding. Malek Darn, a high-elf now going by Aghobar Lansil often will donate to the temples and is avoided by the few guards in the Foreign district as to have coin. Has 2 hired high elf bouncers named Vakejo Senesnam and Taima Aod.

Inn of the Forgotten

A quiet and small in on the outskirts of Nathlek, run by the human Baevard Rumplered it is viewed as best place for traveler's to get a nice rest. Built in very traditional Shou style. It is one of the few places you can also get a nice cup of tea.

House of the Sea

This inn while a little more expensive is in a very traditional Sword Coast manner with a nice view of the Lake of the Long Arm. Bought and obtained by drow adventurer named Olorisstra along with her former party member, a green dragonborn named Vaalathan Kil. This traditional bar and inn is a great place for traveling bards looking to make a name for themselves, often holding small competitions every now and then. However, underneath is a secret Silverstar hideout.

The Rampaging Raptor

Owned by a former lizardfolk warrior named Katr Ard. Growing fond of the emperess royal guard of trained raptors he renamed the fletcher recently to match the quickness of the creatures.

Boar Fang Cooking Pot

This plain white two story building is the place to find all your alchemical needs. Run by a pair of recent orc graduates from the school of Shamantics in Westgate, Bulfrim and Yotul. It appears disorganized at first with various older furniture in general places. However, they are known to pay for rare ingredients often. However, be wary for a rude awakening and stay away at night. Three trained wolfs are a constant and will make anyone with ill intentions.

The Gilded Web

Run by a drow man named Urldan Ssaeir. Mostly styled in very traditional drow interior along with an influx of drow weapons. People often think Urldan is a little stuck up but he has nearly anything you will ever need.

City of the Dead

The graveyard district was mostly destroyed when Djedfre took over from the Cat Lords. However, ruins remain and are often to believe to be haunted. Some of the less wealthy residents still live on the far side of the city of the dead while some shop owners have also started to make their way their as it gets rebuilt.

The Coin Hoarder

A well known by untouched gambling establishment run by the Zhentarim who keep themselves hidden. People occasionally will see masked figures wearing plague doctor masks but for the most part it has become a local legend that only those with gambling problems see them and that its a sign of bad luck to come.

The Coven Cove

A unique two story building built in a circular fashion with an open courtyard in the middle. Run by two air Genasi sisters named Djinni and Mercavyn. This open concept has a very bright interior in a relatively dark district. The wind around the area is often quite rough keeping the rabble of the city out while many believe the green courtyard in the center surrounding a large stone is a portal to another plane. The two sisters are naturally magically skilled graduates of the school of witchcraft. Given a recommendation from the Witchqueen Qilue herself, they were granted this part of the city. Having the ability to telepathically communicate between each other, they often enjoy toying with their quests by reading their minds and having items fly from nearly anywhere. They are skilled enchanters and will often sell magical items as well as general goods.

The Temple District

The temple district was a recent addition requested by the new inhabitants of Nathlek and created by the Emperor Djedfre. It has many distinct deities based on various races in the empire.

Temple of Gruumsh

The temple of the orc-god. Looking more like a fort than anything, chanting can often be heard from within. Shrines to Luthic, and Bahgtru are also found nearby.

Temple of Araushnee (Lolth)

This dark drow temple has an entrance entering the ground into a large cavernlike room with a statue of the Spider Queen herself. The clerics of here are never talked to and none may enter the main room itself needing to stay on the edge only to look upon. It has been said those who have betrayed their cause are occasionally taken and become drider here before being driven to the underdark through a secret passage.
A shrine to Vhaeraun is found nearby the entrance to the temple.

Temple of Essylliss

This traditional lizardfolk temple granted and built by Alara from a base of various bones of creatures they have hunted and bright vibrant foliage. However, it is a point of contention in the city. Allord and those from Starmantle are unhappy as they believe Semuanya should be the sole deity of the lizardfolk. However, it was requested and is run by some of the few remaining lizardfolk who follow the old God of the lizardfolk. This is thought to be the only temple to the god but is an accepting place willing to shelter those who need it.

Shrine to Stronmaus

This shrine was dedicated to the storm giants who joined the empire. Rather large, it is kept by a community of Giants who live in the district specially built for them. Merchants will often travel here as well in an attempt to make the giant community feel more welcome.

Circle of the Golden

A specially built marble columned circle temple decorated with gold markings highlighting details of the story of the elven gods. Golden shrines to all of the Seldarine are found in this location. Not granted until Alara came into power. Often a point of discontent among the drow citizens.

House of Resolve

Built partly from the remains of the House of Flowers to Kelemvor with certain parts of the building being shown off in cases. It is a sign of endurance for many humans who live in the city. Various blessings are done daily at dawn.

School of Artisans

The largest building in this district by far. Run by High Artisan Sistrigrett Mamgacoat, this building was designed with the Giants and all creatures in mind. Very tall with large 10 feet ornate doors. Entrance to the main way is welcome, although not large now, a list of various new spells can be shown and taught by students or graduates. Inside, magic items are abundant that have been used for study of their magical effects. Large walled courtyards are present for each school of magic separately along with large towers and meditation spaces. Behind is residence for any of the shamans to be as well as a towers for the High Artisans of the Empire.

Santuary of the Moon

The most unique of all the houses of the Twilight scholars. It isn't the largest but well funded featuring a large library open to the public as well.

Dock District

Near the sea, this is a built up district that can be quite rowdy at times. Built mostly out of lumber and made of large warehouses. Brews and taverns are quite common. Also a place to get more exotic goods.

The Salty Seaman

Run by a human named Ardvil Hermiah. Right on the docks is considered the best place to rest up and enjoy his/her times back on land. Songs and sea shanties and drinking songs are a common occurrence here. Also, if you need rumors, this is the place to be.

The Horned Frigate

Run by a group of half-orcs who retired from sailing, it is by far the most rowdy place but has an extravagant selection of hats that can also be bought.

One for the Road

A walk up bar run by a drow named Raegan Jundgar, it only opens once the sun goes down.

The Den of Minstrels

A place for bards and theorists of war. It is known to have dragon chess boards on all the tables as well as a found of three dragon ante throughout. Music from many cultures are welcome and gambling is encouraged. It should be noted going into debt usually leads to more than a monetary debt. Often requiring binding favors or their lives.

The Shadow House

A grey house that stands on the docks and is always locked. Standing out like a sore thumb, people often say they hear voices coming from inside but the door is always locked and no one has ever been seen coming in and out. Most locals say to stay away from it. This is a home for the Sisters of Nathlek, a secret all female group of spies under the direct supervisor of Alara. There is a secret passage way that spans the city that allows them to view and watch the city unseen.

The Green Galleon Trading House

An establishment run by the steward of Nathlek, a high elf male named Irindi Parvan. This large wooden and stone 4 story building is an open concept with easy access to the docks. Requiring a tax to be payed to the city, this is a place for traveling merchants to sell their goods to the locals and travelers alike.

Architecture

Shou styled with traditionally white walls and colored doors.

Geography

On the Lake of the Long Arm with access to the Sea of Fallen Stars

Natural Resources

Lumber Fish

Founding Date

Sometime around 1370 DR

Alternative Name(s)

"City of Cats"

Type

Large city

Population

Close to 80,000

Location under

Dragon Coast

Owning Organization

Turlagh Empire

Characters in Location

• Empress Alara Moreal