Waterdeep, also known as the City of Splendors or the Crown of the North, was the most important and influential city in the North and perhaps in all Faerûn. For this reason it was considered part of the Western Heartlands of the Realms, even though it lay 150 miles north of Daggerford on the shores of the Sword Coast. The city sat "slightly above the 45 degree north latitude line on Toril." The road to Waterdeep was well paved and well patrolled. The city was the hub of trading from the mineral-rich lands to the north, the merchant kingdoms of Amn and Calimshan to the south, the kingdoms of the Inner Sea to the east, and the sea kingdoms and traders to the west. Waterdeep's authority extended between thirty to forty miles from its walls. The surrounding region had a population density of over 200 people per square mile.
Waterdeep was named for its outstanding natural deep-water harbor, and the city that grew up at this site became the commercial crossroads of the northern Realms. More than 100,000 people made their home in Waterdeep. The city sprawled northward from the sea, spreading along the flanks of Mount Waterdeep, which used to be home to the Melairkyn, a mithral-mining dwarven clan, and the entire length and great depth of the mountain was riddled with passages and tunnels, most of which were occupied by deadly creatures whose presence in the mountain predated the founding of the city itself. The halls of Undermountain located beneath the city were a popular target for adventurers,who enjoyed the close vicinity of the city's main taverns and temples where aid could be purchased through donations.
City Life
Government - The city is governed by the Masked Lords, an anonymous group of representatives who are in turn led by the Open Lord of Waterdeep.
Economy - Economic activity in Waterdeep has been dominated by the city’s dozens of guilds for more than three centuries, and virtually all commerce flows through them.
Law - The City Watch enforces the day-today law in the city, while the Magisters act as judge and jury. Both are swift to mete out justice as needed and are guided by the Code Legal.
Military - The City Guard (and its famed griffon-riders) defends the city from outside threats, along with the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors.
Notable Places / Landmarks
Yawning Portal Inn - Waterdeep’s most famous inn, named for the large “well” within its walls that down into the dungeon of Undermountain. A common destination for would-be heroes.
Walking Statues - These 100-ft tall statues were built as a defense mechanism of the city, but once wreaked havoc due to a magical disaster years ago. They’ve since laid dormant.
Wards of Waterdeep - The city is divided roughly into 8 wards, each of which serves its own purpose. The Castle Ward is the seat of government, the Trade Ward the center of commerce, and so on.
Important People
Unknown- The current Open Lord of Waterdeep.
Durnan - Runs the Yawning Portal Inn. Former adventurer, well beyond the typical human age.
Unknown- A legendary traveler and storyteller, most famous for his guidebooks.
Factions
Emerald Enclave- Opposes threats to the natural world, but recognizes the need for balance between civilization and nature. Many of its members are druids, rangers, or those who worship nature.
Force Grey (or Gray Hands) - Elite adventurers who work for the government of Waterdeep.
Harpers - A semi-secret organization dedicated to promoting good, preserving history and maintaining a balance between civilization and nature. Has spies placed in cities across the realm.
Lords' Alliance - A coalition of rulers from cities across Faerûn, who collectively agree that some solidarity is needed to keep evil at bay. Includes Neverwinter, Waterdeep, Baldur's Gate, and others.
Order of the Gauntlet – Formed to destroy evil in the world at large. Many members are paladins, clerics, or monks.
Zhentarim - An affiliation of merchants and mercenaries known for their cutthroat tactics. Rumors have emerged of a schism among their members in Waterdeep.
Broadsheets
They were common in Waterdeep. The Vigilant Citizen, The Blue Unicorn, Daily Luck and North Wind were popular Waterdavian broadsheets.