It is commonly believed in the current day that the architect Hareth ir'Talan was mad and should never have been allowed to work on a project as important as the construction of a district of Sharn. As is always the way, however, gold and family connections gave him his chance. The result of this was the district that is now known as Hareth's Folly. Hareth sought to include buildings in the styles of all contemporary cultures in Galifar, so that travelers from any part of the kingdom would feel welcome. As construction went on, however, he began to add new designs, based on his visions of the architecture of Syrania, Thelanis, and other divine realms. As a result, all manner of different buildings can be found here, including some of the strangest structures in Khorvaire. Most believe that Hareth was mad, but a small few believe that he was driven by divine inspiration.
The buildings in Hareth's Folly are a bizarre amalgamation of architectural styles and materials. Narrow spires stand across from squat brick keeps and densewood halls. Not content to just use bridges to connect the great towers of the district, Hareth also constructed a maze of suspended rope, wood, and stone roads connecting the upper levels of the towers, creating the impression of a mad spider web.
Hareth’s Folly focuses on entertainment. Inexpensive inns, pubs, restaurants, and taverns fill the district. While there is less criminal activity here than in Callestan or the Bazaar, a great deal of gambling occurs in the back rooms of Hareth’s Folly. In particular, the district serves as a center for aerial sports, including windchasing and skyblade matches. Hareth’s Folly is not represented in the Race of Eight Winds; instead, it provides a neutral position from which the race begins and ends.