Waterdeep, also known as the City of Splendors or the Crown of the North, is the most important and influential city in the North and perhaps in all Faerûn. The city sits on the shores of the Sword Coast, 150 miles north of Daggerford. Named for its outstanding natural deep-water harbor, it became the commercial crossroads of the northern Realms, with a population of over 100,000.
Government
Waterdeep is governed by a ruling council of noble lords, monitored by the High Supervisor, leader of the Order of the Golden Lion. By 1460 DR, the Margaster Family was almost entirely in charge of the city, using most other nobles as puppets. This was stopped in 1486 DR with their defeat by Seekers. The current High Supervisor is Aelfred.
Defences
Waterdeep maintains two armed forces: the City Guard (soldiers, gate guards, and road patrols) and the City Watch (local police). The city has strong walls on its landward sides and is protected by Mount Waterdeep on the seaward side, studded with watchtowers and patrolled by griffin-riding units.
Industry
Waterdeep is the start of several major trade routes: the Long Road (inland north), the High Road (coastal north), and the Trade Way (south). Stone is imported from Mirabar via Luskan for construction.
History
Waterdeep was established as a trading site from -1088 DR onward. The city was truly founded by 1032 DR, when Ahghairon became the first Lord of Waterdeep.
Notable Locations & NPCs
- Elminster’s Demiplane: The demiplane of the demigod wizard Elminster.
- Nabulee’s Bazaar: A small auction house owned by the eccentric Nabulee el Jasafir, who guards a large quantity of magical items in an extradimensional vault guarded by a steel golem named Mogabu.
- Margaster’s Mansion: The large mansion of the oppressive Margaster Family. After their defeat, it is currently property of the city.
- Order of the Golden Lion: The religious order essential to the city’s governance.
- The Shack of the Seer: An old blind seer who gave visions in exchange for food or money. When Seekers visited at the guidance of Brunyund Margaster, they discovered the seer was possessed by Pazuzu. Pazuzu let the seer die, and the party was later framed for the murder by the Margasters.
- Tavern — The Soaked Ship: A wealthy tavern funded by the Margasters and owned by a desperate human named Morvudd. Seekers stayed here for free at Brunyund’s behest, but the room had secret openings for intruders. The tavern was mostly destroyed in a Black Talon attack.
- Asterik’s Astounding Atrocities: The main magic shop, owned by the reclusive Asterik. His assistant Sylvia handles sales while he enchants items. In 1486 DR, Sylvia was kidnapped and replaced by a spy who gave sabotaged items to Seekers. She was later rescued alongside Sir Victorum.
Demographics
Population 132,661. Humans 64%, Dwarves 10%, Elves 10%, Halflings 5%, Half-elves 5%, Gnomes 3%, Half-orcs 2%, Others 1%.