Waterdeep
Demographics
Waterdeep is a true melting pot, and almost every species of "civilized" creature can be found there. (Rumors persist that less civilized creatures call the city their home, including mind flayers and beholders, but little evidence of their presence has made its way to light.)
Despite the large population of Waterdeep, however, its demographics mirror much of Faerun. Humans are the most populous race in the city, followed closely by elves and halflings. Species which are traditionally isolationist or territorial, such as gnomes, dwarves, and dragonborn, are frequent sights in Waterdeep, frequently forming small communities in exile. Conversely, tieflings are present in the city in much higher numbers than the general population, but tend to be isolated due to the fear and prejudice their kind typically draws.
The exception to the above is species native to the Underdark. Deep gnomes are exceedingly rare outside of their underground cities, and Waterdeep is no exception. Drow and Duregar, meanwhile, are too warlike and conquest driven, and have consistently been kept away from Waterdeep by their inability to conquer Undermountain.
Waterdeep also attracts individuals of species not native to the plane of Torril. It is not entirely uncommon for Warforged or shifters from Eberron, or Genassi and Aracocra from the elemental plains to find themselves in Waterdeep, where the city's delights allow them a degree of anonymity.
Government
Waterdeep is overseen by the Lord's Alliance. The governing body of the Alliance consists of the Closed Council. The Closed Council consists of 46 members; 45 Masked Lords and 1 Open Lord. The Council is the absolute authority of Waterdeep, acting both as legislators and as judges in the highest profile cases. With the exception of the Open Lord, their identity is a closely guarded secret, and speculating as to the identity of the Masked Lords is a popular topic of tap rooms and bars throughout Waterdeep.
The Masked Lords comprise the majority of the Closed Council. Their 45 members are selected by the Open Lord, with 30 members coming from the Noble Houses of Waterdeep, and 15 coming from the common classes. Although the 15 commoner Lords are personally invited by the Open Lord, the Open Lord requests a noble house serve on the Council, and the house selects its own representative. There is considerable tension between many of the Noble Houses and the commoner Masked Lords, as many view the commoner Masked Lords as upstarts corrupting the Council (the practice of making up 1/3rd of the council with commoners was started only 300 years ago, and the Noble Houses have long memories).
The Masked Lords protect their identities jealously, as a check on corruption and as a reassurance of safety. Every lord enters the Open Lord's Palace via teleportation circle and must wear an enchanted Robe of Disguise and Mask of the Masked Lords at all times while conducting Closed Council business. These items magically obfuscate any identifiable details of the wearer, and cannot be removed without the wearer's consent, even in death. Those who see a Masked Lord will simply recall seeing an individual of indeterminate size, weight, height, species and gender-presentation wearing a heavy formal robe and clad in a white porcelain mask. The Mask also disguises the voice of the speaker; all who hear a Masked Lord recall them speaking in whatever voice and dialect is most comfortable to the viewer.
The Open Lord is the public face of the Closed Council, and possesses both the most and the least power of any Lord in Waterdeep. The Open Lord selects the Closed Council, and has a significant number of independent powers to govern. However, they are a non-voting member of the Closed Council, and must always act with the authority of the Council. This makes the selection of Lords for the Council a vitally important task for any Open Lord; a new Lord may replace each member of the existing Council once, but must have a 2/3rd majority vote to remove a lord they themselves appointed. Moreover, the Closed Council must vote monthly to extend all powers of the Open Lord, and can limit or expand the powers as needed. Most Open Lords are granted broad powers by the Closed Council, but some, such as the last Open Lord Dagult Neverember found themselves constrained by the other Lords due to their malfeasance.
Defences
Waterdeep is a walled city, patrolled by the City Watch. The City Watch is essentially a city-wide police force, organized into districts by Ward. The City Watch is considered an excellent career for a Waterdavian, and attracts a number of applicants. The best of the best rise to the level of Gryphon Cavalry, the City Watch's air division which patrols the skies of the city and is also the city's first responders.
In times of crisis, Waterdeep has two other military resources to call upon. Any spell caster who enters the city is required by law to register with The Watchful Order of Magisters and Protectors. This arcane guild provides support and resources to arcane masters in Waterdeep, including access to research and contacts. In exchange, members are expected to serve the city in times of need, and can be deputized into the City Watch by an order of the Closed Council.
More martial types may find themselves recruited by Force Grey. Also known as the Grey Hands, Force Grey is a company of adventurers and warriors based out of Blackstaff Tower and overseen by the current Blackstaff (the military advisor to the Open Lord). Force Grey is comprised primarily of recruits from the City Watch or long-standing Waterdavian adventurers, but invitations can be extended to newcomers who members believe would be advantageous to the Force. In crisis, Force Grey serve as Waterdeep's elite warriors, and are expected to be the front-line against invading forces or dangers.
Infrastructure
Waterdeep is the most advanced city on the Sword Coast. The Aelinthar farmlands that surround the city are full of windmills and aqueducts to feed the city, and the city itself is a modern marvel. A city-wide sewer system was installed under the reign of Open Lord Ordan, and his successor, Open Lord Hart, made a central pillar of his reign the creation of a water system to provide clean potable water in fountains and wells throughout the city. The Closed Council provides funds for public works, including upkeep of the city's seawall and port and road paving. Work on various projects is year-round and continual, and the city is constantly expanding.
Guilds and Factions
Waterdeep is home to innumerable guilds. If you can name a legitimate trade, there is a guild representative in Waterdeep, as well as more than a few guilds of ill-repute.
Important factions in Waterdeep include the Lord's Alliance and the Closed Council, The Harpers, Force Grey, The Zentarim and The Xanathar Guild.
Geography
The key geographic feature of Waterdeep is Mount Waterdeep, which lies to the north and east of the city. A massive and isolated mountain, its steep slopes are impassable to all but the most sturdy adventurers, and much of the mountain is still unexplored.
Waterdeep is bordered on the east and south by the Azure Sea, and the southern edge of the city borders the Great Harbor of Waterdeep. The harbor is massive, the largest harbor in Faerun, and is surrounded by a massive seawall.
Alternative Name(s)
The City of Splendors
Type
City
Inhabitant Demonym
Waterdavians
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
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