Waterdeep

Waterdeep, often called the City of Splendors, is the largest and most influential metropolis on the Sword Coast, a bustling hub of commerce, intrigue, and adventure. Towering over the western coastline, the city is a place where merchants, nobles, thieves, and wizards rub shoulders, each seeking their own fortune or power. Waterdeep’s influence stretches far beyond its high stone walls, as its ports receive ships from every corner of Faerûn, and its markets overflow with exotic goods, enchanted wares, and whispered secrets. It is a city of layers—both in its politics and its very structure—built upon the ruins of older civilizations, with the sprawling Undermountain dungeon lurking beneath its foundations, an endless labyrinth of peril and lost treasures.
In 1491 DR, Waterdeep stands at a precarious moment in history. Though Lord Dagult Neverember was ousted from power years prior, the city remains a battleground of noble houses, guild factions, and masked rulers vying for control. The Lords of Waterdeep, hidden behind their enchanted masks, rule in secret, enforcing law and stability in a city where coin often carries more influence than any decree. Meanwhile, organizations like the Zhentarim, the Harpers, and the Xanathar Guild all maintain a presence, weaving their own plots into the city’s ever-turning wheels of intrigue. Yet, despite the political maneuvering and lurking dangers, Waterdeep thrives. From the bustling Dock Ward, where sailors and smugglers conduct their business, to the lavish Sea Ward, where opulent mansions rise above the chaos, the city pulses with life, opportunity, and danger. It is a place where anyone—be they noble, rogue, or sellsword—can carve their name into legend… or be swallowed whole by the city’s many shadows.
Waterdeep Travel Ledger: A Guide to the City of Splendors
• Castle Waterdeep – The towering seat of power in Waterdeep, this formidable fortress is home to the city’s rulers, the masked Lords of Waterdeep. Guarded by elite warriors and shrouded in political intrigue, its high walls and hidden passages whisper secrets of the city’s past and future.
• Mount Waterdeep & The Griffon Cavalry – Rising above the city’s western edge, Mount Waterdeep is home to the legendary Griffon Cavalry, whose skyborne patrols ensure the city’s safety. From its windswept heights, one can witness breathtaking views of the Sea of Swords—and the ever-watchful eyes of the city’s defenders.
• The Yawning Portal – A lively and dangerous tavern where adventurers wager their lives in the depths of Undermountain. Whether seeking legends, treasure, or just a strong drink, this famed establishment is where many find fame—or an early grave.
• The Great Bazaar – A chaotic sprawl of market stalls, exotic goods, and fast-talking merchants, Waterdeep’s Great Bazaar is a haven for traders, thieves, and those looking to buy the extraordinary—for the right price. From enchanted trinkets to forbidden texts, if it exists, you can find it here.
• The Field of Triumph – The grand coliseum of Waterdeep, where tournaments, duels, and gladiatorial contests thrill spectators from all walks of life. Whether noble or common, all gather here to witness combat at its finest—and bloodiest.
• Blackstaff Tower – An enigmatic, obsidian spire standing as the heart of Waterdeep’s magical authority, Blackstaff Tower is both a sanctuary and a warning. Only those deemed worthy may enter its shifting halls, where arcane secrets older than the city itself are kept under the watchful eye of the Blackstaff.
• The Sea Ward – A dazzling display of Waterdeep’s wealth and refinement, the Sea Ward boasts gilded villas, manicured gardens, and opulent temples. Home to nobles and powerful merchants, its cobbled streets are lined with whispers of political schemes and silent rivalries.
• Deepwater Harbor & The Walking Statues – The bustling heart of Waterdeep’s maritime trade, Deepwater Harbor is protected by the city’s mysterious Walking Statues—colossal guardians that stand dormant but ever ready to defend the city from invaders.
• The City of the Dead – A beautiful, sprawling cemetery by day, where statues and crypts mark the resting places of Waterdeep’s elite. By night, however, the air grows heavy with ghostly whispers, and few dare tread its paths under the pale glow of the moon.
• Skullport – A lawless undercity hidden beneath Waterdeep, where smugglers, slavers, and dark sorcerers operate beyond the reach of the Lords. Shrouded in mist and shadow, Skullport is where one goes to disappear—or to never be seen again.