Waterdeep Honours

THO quoting Ed's 1978 notes, 10/3/10

Various Open Lords of the city have honored citizens with a variety of "decorations" down the years, but Piergeiron seems to have thus far settled on three:

The Bright Sleeve

literally a sleeve of cloth-of-gold, embroidered with the name of the person it is awarded to; fits long human arms from wrist to upflared shoulder "flame," having a pleated "accordion" section at the elbow allowing it to be shortened for wear by shorter arms. Awarded to outlanders, citizens, and employees of the city (Guard, Watch, courtiers, hirelings) for "acts of bravery above and beyond expected conduct or paid duties." Example: rescuing someone at the risk of one's own life.

The Shield of the City

a large golden shield-shaped chest badge (pin), backed by everbright battle- steel (so, can be an effective breast protection). Awarded for "outstanding acts of military service contributing to the protection of Waterdeep and its inhabitants," and so generally given to the Guard and Watch only (but sometimes given to nobles for jumping in to fight alongside city defenders). Examples of deeds that will win it: capturing a dangerous escaped fugitive or known murderer; spotting or helping to prevent someone poisoning food or water or drink in the city; or spotting an attack on the city in time for defenders to get ready to repel it.

The Valorstar

a "curve-sided diamond" badge (pin) of adamantine, set with a single large cabochon-cut (smooth ovoid) thumb-sized sapphire. Strikingly beautiful. Awarded for "long and meritorious service to the city" (such as many acts of tending the sick without pay, giving shelter or aid to the homeless or the destitute or visitors) or "outstanding civic service" (such as designing and contributing funds to the repair or expansion or erection of a needed building such as a "hospital" [[which means, as it meant in the real world in medieval times, homes for the poor, NOT a medical facility]]. Note that temples and religious building of any kind is never recognized by bestowal of this honour; it's expected that the faiths involved will confer their own marks of thanks and esteem.) The Valorstar has in the past been awarded for such "outstanding civic service" as tracking down serial murderers, uncovering plots against the city government and schemes to identify and murder Masked Lords, identifying those who vandalized and despoiled tombs, and settling feuds between nobles or among guilds.