World of Heretics of Faerun

Westgate

Ruling over the plains of the southern Dragonmere shore and the Winterwoods, Westgate is a powerful trading hub for the Sword Coast to the Sea of Fallen Stars. From Cormyr, Thesk and the far reaches of Kara-tur, trade floods into the west. There’s quite a lot of trouble with Pirates working the area, giving them a massive navy and mercantile fleet. The city has had quite a few dramatic historical periods; a yellow dragon attack, a kython infestation, and a disasterous trade alliance with Uthgardt. Westgate has a very difficult crime problem caused by numerous criminal organisations and the influence of the Black Lotus. This is also the only major trade port that deals with Damaran Wool and Wolfblauss Wine.   Weather: A balmy 30 to 34 degrees outside, with a cool ocean breeze and nice heat all year round.   Accent: New Yorker accent.   Travel: 3 days to Cormyr, 15 days to Kara-Tur, 20 days to Thesk.  

Institutes of Power

Prince Richmond: The ‘prince’ and countessa rule over the city,and use that power sea trade to control the nearby duchies.   Church of Man: Originally an Uthgaridan belief, this religious group believes that arcane magic caused the Shutting, and that killing spellcasters or magically gifted will solve the problem. They have a wholehearted belief that magic is evil in itself.   Church of Judgement: A belief that it was the influence of shapeshifter and infe rnal bloodlines that caused the Gates to Shut has lead to a clandestine group that hunts and kills these lineages. The more excessive members of the group have also come to the conclusion that any mixed blood is also an affront to the Gods, and these members also attack half-elves, half-orcs, anyone of mixed bloodlines.   Duchy of Vastholme: A castle to the south ruled by the Strahd family, they’ve been making rival agents in the city and spying in their duchy to disappear.   Church of the Moon: Formed from Ex-Harper’s who still believe Mystra is an active but subtle force in the universe. They point to the singular fact that The Weave is still functioning. While they recruit heavily for those of celestial hertiage, they’re willing to play a long-game. Believing that Mystra is being subtle is a clue to them being so as well.   Westgate Arts Council: A collective of theatres, painting galleries and aristocratic venues throughout the city.   Harlequins: A half-bardic college and half-thieves' guild that protects the magical quarter of the city from the theological and other thieves.   Night Knives: A highly skilled criminal organisation that preys upon the gentry.   Moonrakers: A Pirate affiliate gang that terrorises the porters and dock workers.   Zhentarim: An ancient black arts political consortium devolved into a petty tough gang.