On your journey to Waterdeep you will have traveled through lands claimed and controlled by the Lords of Waterdeep long before you see its walls. If you’ve come from the south by the Trade Way, you’ll have met the City Guard at their post at Zundbridge. From the north by way of the Long Road, you’ll have passed under their watchful eyes at the town of Rassalantar. And if by sea, from the distant, civilized lands far to the west, you’ll have spotted the massive galleons and swift caravels Waterdeep navy patrolling the waters for pirates and smugglers. Whether by land or sea, you’ll likely also have been spotted by the Griffon Cavalry — even if you have not spotted them. Worry not. Waterdeep is a welcoming city, and you have nothing to fear from these guardians unless you lead a rampaging army of orcs, a horde of gnolls, or similar.From whichever direction you approach Waterdeep, your first sighting of the City of Splendors is truly awe inspiring. The largest bastion of civilization of the Sword Coast.
Built upon a large plateau, sprawling from the base of a mountain that rises 700 feet above, the City resembles a flat board raised at its north end, and slightly tilted downwards on the west so that it slopes down towards the Mountain, leveling off towards the harbor. The plateau itself climbs roughly 100 feet above the surrounding lands of farms and small, nameless villages. Traveling closer to the city you start to make out the massive walls that are built out from the main plateau, adding even more space to the sprawling metropolis. Making out more details, you can see the magnificent towers and mansions of the Sea Ward, and the extravagant villas of the North Ward. Just beyond that is Mount Waterdeep itself, with Castle Waterdeep, the Palace of Waterdeep and a large dark stone tower making up the Castle Ward. The bustle of the Trades Wards, South Ward, and Dock Ward are no less impressive. Past the city is Deepwater Harbor and the Sea of Swords, the light of the early morning sun glistening off the waves and revealing dozens of ships, large and small heading to lands distant and unknown.
That massive city before you would make any small town, country born adventurer pause. But it also pulls you with a sense of adventure. Approaching the city gates you see the Magisters, in their iconic black robes surrounded by their entourage of the City Guard force, demanding travelers to the city register before being admitted. You were warned at the last checkpoint before the city that “Discovery of your failure to register can result in a fine or forced labor. Be aware that magisters can pass a sentence without a trial. It behooves you to treat them with proper respect.” Once registered you’re given a copy of the ‘Code Legal’, and ushered through the gates. This is where your story begins…
On your journey to Waterdeep you will have traveled through lands claimed and controlled by the Lords of Waterdeep long before you see its walls. If you’ve come from the south by the Trade Way, you’ll have met the City Guard at their post at Zundbridge. From the north by way of the Long Road, you’ll have passed under their watchful eyes at the town of Rassalantar. And if by sea, from the distant, civilized lands far to the west, you’ll have spotted the massive galleons and swift caravels Waterdeep navy patrolling the waters for pirates and smugglers. Whether by land or sea, you’ll likely also have been spotted by the Griffon Cavalry — even if you have not spotted them. Worry not. Waterdeep is a welcoming city, and you have nothing to fear from these guardians unless you lead a rampaging army of orcs, a horde of gnolls, or similar.From whichever direction you approach Waterdeep, your first sighting of the City of Splendors is truly awe inspiring. The largest bastion of civilization of the Sword Coast.
Built upon a large plateau, sprawling from the base of a mountain that rises 700 feet above, the City resembles a flat board raised at its north end, and slightly tilted downwards on the west so that it slopes down towards the Mountain, leveling off towards the harbor. The plateau itself climbs roughly 100 feet above the surrounding lands of farms and small, nameless villages. Traveling closer to the city you start to make out the massive walls that are built out from the main plateau, adding even more space to the sprawling metropolis. Making out more details, you can see the magnificent towers and mansions of the Sea Ward, and the extravagant villas of the North Ward. Just beyond that is Mount Waterdeep itself, with Castle Waterdeep, the Palace of Waterdeep and a large dark stone tower making up the Castle Ward. The bustle of the Trades Wards, South Ward, and Dock Ward are no less impressive. Past the city is Deepwater Harbor and the Sea of Swords, the light of the early morning sun glistening off the waves and revealing dozens of ships, large and small heading to lands distant and unknown.
That massive city before you would make any small town, country born adventurer pause. But it also pulls you with a sense of adventure. Approaching the city gates you see the Magisters, in their iconic black robes surrounded by their entourage of the City Guard force, demanding travelers to the city register before being admitted. You were warned at the last checkpoint before the city that “Discovery of your failure to register can result in a fine or forced labor. Be aware that magisters can pass a sentence without a trial. It behooves you to treat them with proper respect.” Once registered you’re given a copy of the ‘Code Legal’, and ushered through the gates. This is where your story begins…