Backdrop:

Suzail
By Eric Menge
Illustration by Kieran Yanner
Cartography by Jared Blando

“The brightest jewel of Cormyr’s crown.”

—Olaurae, sage of Myth Drannor (855 DR)

Behold Suzail, seat of royal power! The armies of

the Purple Dragon have turned back hordes, slain
dragons, and faced the might of empire. Even now,
fourteen centuries after its founding, Cormyr stands
as powerful as ever.
Behold Suzail, city of prosperity! The wealth of a
nation flows through its streets. Coins pour through
the hands of merchants. Fortunes are made here as
the nobles spend their treasure freely.
Behold Suzail, cultural heart of Cormyr! It is here
that the nobles gather in the Royal Court. Their fash-
ions, galas, and entertainments set the standard for
the nation. The arts of Suzail are the vanguard of cul-
ture in Cormyr.
Behold Suzail, bastion of arcane might! The War
Wizards of Cormyr are renowned throughout the
Realms for their loyal service to the Crown. The
names Vangerdahast and Caladnei are still synony-
mous with power and loyalty to Cormyr.
Behold Suzail, and see its greatness!

The capital city of Cormyr is a bustling, prosperous

place. It’s always afire with new ideas, new ventures,
new goods, and new ways to do things. The presence
of the Royal Court, the War Wizards, and the noble
TM & © 2012 Wizards of the Coast LLC. All rights reserved.

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 Backdrop: Suzail

houses of Cormyr make Suzail an exciting destina- The current Lord Magister is Edwin Morahan, a Vainrence. Through their command of the War Wiz-
tion. Adventurers can be swept up in the intrigues paladin. He is a middle-aged human and a veteran of ards, they wield enormous political power in the city.
of the nobles, participate in the many festivals and the Purple Dragons. He acquitted himself well during These two wizards are covered in the article “Cormyr
tournaments, or just enjoy the vast spectrum of enter- the conflict with Sembia and in the years that fol- Royale: The Royal Court of the Forest Kingdom.”
tainment available in a royal city. lowed. When he retired from the Dragons, the Crown
rewarded him with this post. His loyalty to the throne M ilitary
Census is beyond reproach, but his military bearing and his
desire for efficiency and decisive action chafes the As the capital of Cormyr, Suzail is well fortified and
According to the official city rosters, 55,000 residents members of the Royal Court. Morahan’s primary goal heavily garrisoned. An 80-foot-high curtain wall pro-
make Suzail their home, but the day-to-day popula- as Lord Magister is to institutionalize the changes to tects the city on all landward fronts. The strategically
tion is certainly higher. The city is overwhelmingly the government of the city that were set forth in the placed Royal Palace has a commanding view of the
human (approximately 85 percent of the popula- Suzail Writ. Although he considers this merely an act entire city, and the extensive Citadel of the Purple
tion), with halflings and half-elves (about 10 percent of upholding royal decree, his perceived favoritism for Dragons anchors the southeastern corner of Suzail. In
together) making up the next largest populations. commoners has earned him many political enemies addition, the Horngate, the Field Gates, and the East-
Dwarves, elves, eladrin, and gnomes make up the among the nobility who are attempting to force him gate are minor citadels in their own right and guard
remainder. Races with evil legacies, such as drow, from his position. His friendship with Vainrence, the entrances to the city. Spies and criminals rarely
tieflings, and half-orcs, are not attacked on sight but second in command of the War Wizards, and the sneak into Suzail over the walls. Instead, they rely on
are watched carefully by the Purple Dragons (royal constant work of Eleanor Thond, his herald, help keep disguises to bluff their way through the gates. Each
soldiers) and War Wizards who enforce the law. Morahan’s position secure for the immediate future. gatehouse keeps a thick logbook of known spies and
Many times, the authorities use out-of-uniform agents Lady Eleanor Thond, a female human bard, is other persons who are banned from entering the city.
or adventurers to tail members of these races and a beautiful and intelligent courtier with an eye for Suzail boasts a garrison of about two thousand
ensure their good behavior. detail. She comes from a merchant family outside Purple Dragons housed in the citadel that bears their
Since the Spellplague, many unusual races have Arabel and is intensely ambitious. Through diplo- name and in auxiliary barracks around the city walls.
appeared in the Realms. In particular, dragonborn matic skill, unrelenting drive, and more than a little Approximately one hundred War Wizards supple-
are seen as an honorable race and are welcomed luck (she is a devout follower of Tymora), Thond rose ment these soldiers and provide arcane support. The
into Suzail. through the ranks of the courtiers and was named Purple Dragons and the War Wizards constantly
Morahan’s herald, which gave her a noble’s rank. She drill in the courtyard of the citadel, keeping them-
G overnment has the subtle touch that Lord Morahan lacks, and selves and their tactics in top fighting shape. In recent
years, the Purple Dragons have begun hiring char-
she often follows in his wake, smoothing over matters.
Suzail is the seat of power for His Royal Majesty Foril Unmarried, she has a soft spot for dashing young men tered adventuring parties to test the skills of their
Obarskyr, who rules from the ancestral throne in the and loves the ideals of courtly romance. Thond hopes patrols, since adventurers are notoriously resourceful
Royal Palace. King Foril delegates day-to-day admin- to marry into one of the great noble houses in Cormyr and unpredictable. Killing blows are not permitted in
istration to the Lord Magister, who maintains the one day. She would consider undermining Morahan’s these tests, but nearly everything else is allowed. If any
peace, collects the taxes, administers the city services, hold on his position as Lord Magister in return for adventurers succeed in besting a patrol, the city offers
and commands the garrison of Purple Dragons. The joining a noble house. However, she genuinely likes the victors a small reward (and the patrol gets latrine
Lord Magister is assisted by a herald who maintains Morahan, and she would not desert him unless the duty, so its members are highly motivated to win).
all the paperwork for Suzail, including tax records, offer was too good to refuse. Since the Spellplague, the Imperial Navy has relo-
licenses, and property deeds. Together, they handle Also of great importance in the governance of the cated the bulk of its fleet from Marsember to Suzail.
their governing duties at the Royal Court, and the city is Ganrahast, the Royal Magician and chairman More than a score of ships and their crews (known as
military aspects of the magister’s duties are centered of the College of War Wizards. His top lieutenant is Blue Dragons) now call the Royal Docks their home
at the Citadel of the Purple Dragons and the Lockup. port. Since the lowering of the sea level, the navy has

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shifted to smaller ships with a shallower draft. These Dragon, Cormyr’s largest warship and the fourth to a significant threat, two Purple Dragons approach
vessels are ideal for fighting the many pirates that have this name, is well equipped with ballistae and while the third retrieves reinforcements. In times
roam the Dragonmere. The Blue Dragons offer boun- firepot hurlers. of trouble, patrol sizes are doubled or tripled and
ties for information on pirates and sometimes hire supplemented with War Wizards. Furthermore, the
chartered adventurers for extra muscle when hunting
a particularly dangerous ship.
L aw and Justice Purple Dragons enforce a late-night curfew. Anyone
on the street after midnight can expect an interroga-
The navy takes great pride in its two most famous Due to the vigilance of the Purple Dragons, Suzail tion. Licenses that allow individuals to break curfew
vessels. Crown of Cormyr is a veritable floating palace, is one of the safest cities in the Realms. Three hun- are available, but such licensees get an escort of at
used by the royal family to relax away from the dred royal soldiers patrol the streets at any given least one Purple Dragon patrol.
eyes of the court or to entertain guests in secret. time, operating in groups of three. When confronting In Suzail, organized crime is not as much of a
threat as it is in other large cities. Like his predeces-
sors, King Foril vigorously puts down attempts to
Key to Map Locations form thieves’ guilds and smuggling cabals. Of course,
these efforts do not deter all would-be criminals.
A high-resolution version of the map on page 3 is available for download from the D&D website. Suzail is a rich city, and the lack of competition from
1. Royal Palace 26. House of Lord Magister 47. Six Coffers Trading other unsavory organizations beckons to those with
2. Royal Court Edwin Morahan Coster yards larcenous hearts.
3. Tower of the Royal Magician 27. House of Lady Eleanor Thond 48. Shrine to Milil Historically, the War Wizards have magically
4. Lake Azoun 28. Monument to the 49. Shrine to Lliira monitored the thoughts and intentions of Cormyr’s
5. The Silent Room Purple Dragon 50. The Market Hall
(Temple to Oghma) 29. Skatterhawk family house 51. Taverant’s Tellings citizenry to ensure that laws were upheld and to
6. Shrine to Tempus 30. Delcastle Manor 52. The Lockup counter threats to the kingdom. However, the Spell-
7. Eastgate 31. Horngate 53. Citadel of the Purple Dragons plague, royal sentiment, and the Suzail Writ have
8. Shrine to Malar 32. Wailing Wheel (inn) 54. Royal Docks conspired to greatly limit their ability to do so. After
9. Rowanmantle Castle 33. Six Candles (inn) 55. Harbor Tower several attempts at mind-reaming resulted in the
10. Greatgaunt Estate 34. Dragonriders’ Club (club) 56. The Market Yard messy deaths of nobles and the drooling feeblemind-
11. Cormaeril Compound 35. Witch-Duke’s Bride (tavern) 57. Laughing Lass (tavern) edness of the wizards involved, the Crown banned
12. Dracohorn Mansion 36. The Myrmidon (inn) 58. The Osculatory (club)
13. Huntcrown Estate 37. Promenade 59. Ring of Coins (shop) the use of the practice on any citizen of Cormyr. The
14. College of War Wizards 38. Dragon’s Jaws (inn) 60. Skatterhawk warehouse and War Wizards still try to spy on everyone, but their
15. Emmarsk Mansion 39. Bindle’s (club) dock methods are less invasive—and less effective. This
16. Huntsilver House (empty) 40. The Royal Smithy 61. Shipyards development has not pleased a few War Wizards
17. Alsevir Estate 41. Society of Stalwart 62. The Basin who are researching new rituals to read minds. Since
18. Hawklin House Adventurers (club) 63. The Market failure could result in death or madness, the wizards
19. Goldfeather Estate 42. Temple of Good Fortune 64. Field-Gates seek third parties to test the ritual on undesirables
20. Dauntinghorn House 43. The Nightgate Inn (inn) 65. Fields of the Dead(cemetery;
21. Illance House 44. Dragoneye Dealing Coster off map to the west) who won’t be missed.
22. Royal Gardens yards 66. The Golden Goblin (tavern) Near the end of his reign, Azoun V signed the
23. Truesilver Castle 45. Thousandheads Trading 67. The Leaning Post (inn) Suzail Writ, which gave all free citizens of Cormyr
24. Marliir Mansion Coster yards 68. Trueshield Trading Priakos inviolable rights, most notably the right to a trial by a
25. Crownsilver Castle 46. Seven Suns Trading yards jury of peers. In Cormyr, the law requires the accused
Coster yards to respond to the charges and the accuser to substan-
tiate them, leaving guilt or innocence in question
until the trial is concluded. The local lord acts as the

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 Backdrop: Suzail

judge, and a Purple Dragon stands as the accuser of Nobles can demand to be tried either by the king or maintains a residence in Suzail. This custom dates
someone arrested for criminal activities. Due to the by a jury of their noble peers. back to an age-old practice by the monarchy of taking
sheer volume of trials in Suzail, an officer of the Royal political hostages to keep the nobility in line, but
Court represents Lord Magister Morahan. Under the
Suzail Writ, the judge manages the trial through a
Nobility today, the noble presence in Suzail is based on tradi-
tion and cultural pressure rather than edict.
series of interrogatories, and the jury delivers the ver- The noble families of Cormyr are a large, influen- About two dozen major noble families are repre-
dict. A losing party can appeal to the Crown, which tial, and constant presence in Suzail. Their wealth, sented in Suzail, along with a fluctuating number
might reject the plea, designate a minister to hear the fashions, intrigues, and entertainments set the tone of minor houses. Many houses were severely hurt
appeal, or have the king hear the appeal personally. of the city. At least one member of each noble family during the Spellplague and the subsequent chaos
and conflict with Netheril; others were wiped out
entirely. In the Year of Deep Water Drifting (1480
DR), the four great houses prominent in Suzail are
The Clack on Suzail Crownsilver, Illance, Rowanmantle, and Truesilver.
The second tier of noble houses in the city consists
Characters who make a successful skill check know the following information about Suzail. of Alsevir, Cormaeril, Dauntinghorn, Dracohorn,
History DC 10: Suzail is the capital city of Cormyr and the seat of royal power. The king rules from the Royal Emmarask, Greatgaunt, Goldfeather, Hawklin, Hunt-
Palace, and the nobles and courtiers operate from the Royal Court. The court is renowned as a hotbed of intrigue crown, Marliir, and Wintersun.
and gossip. Alsevir: This old-blood house was ennobled
History DC 15: Lord Magister Edwin Morahan, a paladin and a veteran Purple Dragon, handles the day-to-day centuries ago in the Goblin Wars (circa 200 DR). It
governance of the city. His herald is Lady Eleanor Thond, a beautiful and well-connected courtier. was thought to have died out, but distant relatives
History DC 20: King Foril is very advanced in years. The succession of his son Prince Irvel seems to be guar- of the family rejoined Cormyrean society around
anteed, but a change in monarch is always a dangerous time in Cormyr. The Obarskyrs have many offshoots, the Year of the Dark Goddess (1420 DR). They have
and Cormyr’s history is littered with succession struggles. assumed ownership of the Bleth estate, which had
Religion DC 10: The largest temple in Suzail is the Towers of Good Fortune, which is dedicated to Tymora. been empty since that family’s exile in the Year of the
The priests of Lady Luck are always willing to help adventurers with spells and rituals. Serpent (1359 DR). House Bleth had ties to the Fire
Religion DC 15: The Silent Room was dedicated to Deneir but is now sanctified to Oghma. The Silent Room Knives, an assassin organization that swore eternal
is renowned for its library, which contains many rare texts. Although the collection is not as robust as that of vengeance on House Obarskyr. The Alsevirs are still
Candlekeep, it is not as remote, and visitors can use the library for a small fee. finding hidden passages and rooms laced with traps,
Religion DC 20: The Silent Room has become the center of the Oghmanyte Church in Exile. This splinter cell requiring the family to hire experts to clear out their
seeks to appoint a new grand patriarch of the faith and reform the way in which knowledge is distributed. own mansion.
Streetwise DC 10: King Foril vigorously puts down all attempts to form thieves’ guilds and smuggling groups Before returning to nobility, the Alsevirs were
in Suzail. The streets are heavily patrolled by Purple Dragons, making the city one of the safest in the Heartlands. merchants and travelers, building up many contacts
A curfew keeps the streets clear late at night. and trade routes through the Heartlands and the
Streetwise DC 15: The War Wizards use magic to spy on anyone of questionable character in the city. They Sword Coast. They have used their fiscal acumen to
used to mind-ream suspects but stopped that practice after the Spellplague caused gruesome results. buy their way up the social ladder in Suzail, but their
Streetwise DC 20: A criminal underworld does exist in Suzail. It is well hidden behind the doors of private rapid ascent has ruffled feathers among the other
clubs and in upstairs rooms of inns and festhalls. Due to the vigilance of the Purple Dragons, anyone looking houses. The Crownsilvers, in particular, find the Alse-
for criminal contacts must be very careful.. virs’ blatant purchasing of social standing to be crass
and unfitting for nobility.
Cormaeril: This family was once the largest land-
owner in Cormyr after the Crown. However, when

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the Fire Knives were driven from the kingdom in Cormyr’s nautical power. The shifting of the Impe- Some members find her an upstart commoner who
the Year of the Gate (1341 DR), the War Wizards rial Navy from Marsember to Suzail has increased is usurping their traditional role in the kingdom and
discovered that several Cormaerils were part of that the family’s influence and reputation in the city. The want her removed. Others point out her effectiveness
treasonous organization. The family fortunes took Dauntinghorns are strong allies with the Truesilvers and suggest marrying her into the family.
another blow when a few members were implicated and support that house’s efforts to have a greater pres- Greatgaunt: Ennobled two centuries back for
in the Abraxus Affair of 1369 DR (in which a magi- ence on the Lake of Dragons. The Dauntinghorns outstanding military service, the Greatgaunts began
cal, bull-like creature tried to assassinate King Azoun zealously pursue pirates, and unlike the Blue Drag- as horse breeders and parlayed their earnings into
IV). The king exiled the entire family and seized all ons, they seek to eliminate piracy throughout the Sea modest but ever more valuable properties in central
its lands. of Fallen Stars. The family regularly posts bounties Suzail and western Marsember. The Greatgaunts
Azoun V restored the Cormaerils to nobility late for the capture of pirate ships. Many times these ves- maintain a low profile as dignified supporters of the
in his reign, but he did not restore their lands, which sels are found to be based out of Westgate, a fact that royal family. Sticklers for tradition and etiquette,
have remained with the Crown. Fortunately for has aggravated tensions between Cormyr and that they are almost always voices of moderation in noble
the Cormaerils, they are a widespread family with port city. These strained relations do not concern gatherings. Family members are shrewd but patient
influences in many lands outside Cormyr, includ- the Dauntinghorns, who consider Westgate a nest investors, and they are also philanthropists who
ing Daggerdale. They are determined to rebuild of vermin. make friends high and low in social standing. Like
their influence and reputation in Suzail through Dracohorn: This small house has a terrible repu- the Crownsilvers, they find the grasping of the Alse-
loyal service to King Foril, shows of generosity to the tation among the other nobles in Suzail. The Crown virs, the Goldfeathers, and the Marliirs unseemly.
commoners, and patronage of the arts. The younger ennobled its founder for slaying a blue dragon near Recently, a recurring plague of strangles struck the
Cormaeril scions have a friendly competition with Suzail, but detractors whisper that the dragon was family’s herds, damaging the season’s crop of foals
the younger Hawklins for capturing bounties and already dead and the founder’s deed was fraudulent. and sullying the Greatgaunts’ reputation in the city.
claiming rewards. The Cormaerils have a longtime During the Abraxus Affair, the Dracohorns publicly Some family members suspect foul play and believe
rivalry with the Huntcrowns, who whisper insinua- suggested transferring power from the monarchy that their horses are being purposely infected with
tions against the former landowners. To counteract to a council of nobles. The family narrowly avoided the highly contagious disease.
these rumors, the Cormaerils are trying to build rela- exile but was harshly reprimanded by the Crown. Goldfeather: The Goldfeathers have a long,
tions with the Crownsilvers. Although they have not repeated this proposal since, scandal-ridden history. Twice stripped of their noble
Crownsilver: One of the two remaining royal the Dracohorns still desire to shift power away title, they most recently regained it under Azoun V in
houses, the Crownsilver family is growing tired of from the monarchy. The family has been making the Year of Darkenbeasts Risen (1442 DR). Six years
the games of the Royal Court and the positioning strong alliances with House Illance and House later, the family’s fortunes took a strong turn for the
that plays out as Foril’s reign draws to a close. The Winter­sun, and it sees opportunity in the upcoming better when Prince Irvel, Azoun’s grandson, married
Crownsilvers are not completely reliant on the king’s royal succession. Ospra, the daughter of the current Lord Goldfeather.
patronage; their vast fortune is more than enough Emmarask: This family is composed of career The marriage caused quite a furor among the other
to support them in regal style. They dislike how bla- politicians and governors who have a long tradition of nobles, especially the Crownsilvers, who did every-
tantly dependent on trade some of the younger houses quiet service without abuse of power. The king draws thing in their power to prevent the union. The
have become, feeling that this trend makes Cormyr many local lords and their heralds from its ranks, Goldfeathers have not forgiven the Crownsilvers for
more like Sembia. The family finds the Alsevirs, giving the family tremendous influence throughout this slight and look for any opportunity to embarrass
Goldfeathers, and Marliirs particularly egregious Cormyr. Wise nobles respect the Emmarasks for their that royal house. Despite their vacillating wealth and
in this regard. The Crownsilvers sponsor events service even if they consider the family conservative the opposition of many other noble houses, the Gold-
throughout the year that emphasize chivalry and and staid. Foolish nobles find that the family’s subtle feathers are, for once, steadfastly loyal to the Crown.
honor, such as tournaments and hunts. influence can devastate a promising career. House Perhaps aware of the tenuous position her family
Dauntinghorn: The Dauntinghorns’ wealth is Emmarask has conflicting opinions on the rapid rise holds in the city, Ospra refuses to advocate for her
based on shipping, and they are keen to expand of Eleanor Thond to the position of herald of Suzail.

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father, which greatly limits the family’s influence on insinuations on the wagging tongues of Huntcrown and opposing the efforts of House Truesilver and
the Crown’s decisions. and put little stock in the tales. Notorious womaniz- House Dauntinghorn to focus the kingdom’s might
Hawklin: Before being ennobled two centuries ers, the Illances are frequent patrons of mask-dancer southward, across the Dragonmere. The Rowanman-
ago, the Hawklins supported Cormyr for generations clubs. The family is vocal in its opposition to the tles watch House Cormaeril’s ascension of power in
beforehand through service in the Purple Dragons. Suzail Writ and finds a friendly ear in House Draco­ Daggerdale carefully. By taking an active role in the
They continue their military service and are one of horn. It remains to be seen if Illance will join with dales, the Cormaerils are treading on the Rowanman-
the few families that tolerates its younger members Dracohorn’s plan to create a ruling council of nobles. tles’ self-proclaimed sphere of influence. However,
becoming adventurers. It is not unheard of for a scion Marliir: Traditionally, the Marliirs had their House Rowanmantle could use more allies in the
of House Hawklin to visit taverns in Suzail, seeking power base in and around Arabel and were outsid- court, and if Cormaeril is sincere about helping the
chartered adventuring parties for a dangerous quest. ers at the Royal Court. That situation changed when dales, the two houses would have a common cause.
The house compensates for its lack of lands and busi- Azoun V married Nalara Marliir in the Year of the Truesilver: This house has a long military tradi-
nesses by surviving off rewards and looting from Secret (1396 DR), which elevated the family’s status tion, and its nobles have commanded the Purple
successful adventures. The Hawklins believe that war and influence in the court. Its fortunes have waned Dragons several times. It has maintained its status by
with Netheril is inevitable, and they advocate for a in the century since this coup, especially under the having skilled and well-placed members of the family
strong stance against Sembia, a dramatic increase in relentless social assault of the Huntcrowns and the in the military, particularly the burgeoning navy. The
military spending, and training by the War Wizards disdain of the Greatgaunts and the Crownsilvers. Truesilvers have formed a strong alliance with the
to counter the power of the Shades. The animosity between the Marliirs and the Hunt- Daunting­horns, who share their focus on the Dragon-
Huntcrown: The Huntcrowns are a diverse family crowns is particularly virulent and threatens to erupt mere and the Inner Sea. This relationship puts them
with interests all over Cormyr. They are active partici- into an open feud. Already, fisticuffs between their in opposition to the Rowanmantles and the Hawklins
pants in the functions and intrigues of the Royal Court, younger scions are becoming common, and court- in court. The Truesilvers are too gracious to consider
where they are known gossips and have a reputation iers have observed more than a dozen duels in the another family as an enemy, but they strongly dis-
for the most scandals of any noble family. The Cormae- Royal Gardens. agree with the Rowanmantles on the priorities of the
rils were their historical rivals, but since that family’s Rowanmantle: The Rowanmantles are a small nation. The weight of the royal house has carried the
exile, the Huntcrowns’ competitive ire is split between family with ancestral possessions near Tilverton. day so far, and the kingdom places increasing empha-
Emmarask, Illance, and Marliir. The resulting lack of Their status has steadily climbed in the last century sis on expanding its naval power and stretching its
focus has weakened the family’s effectiveness in the because they expanded to rule most of the lands influence on the Dragonmere. The Truesilvers share
Royal Court, especially with respect to the Emmarasks near the Tilverton Scar and married into the “nobil- the concerns of the Crownsilvers over the perceived
and the Illances, but the Huntcrowns have had great ity” of Shadowdale. The family steadfastly supports obsession with trade shown by some of the lesser
success in humbling the Marliirs—so much so that the the Obarskyrs and became advisors to the Crown noble houses. Although they are not as shrill about it
present rumor-mongering campaign is in danger of during the rule of the Steel Regent and Azoun V. as the other house, the Truesilvers participate in the
becoming an open feud. The Huntcrowns have taken The Rowanmantles’ connections with the Dalelands chivalric events sponsored by the Crownsilvers.
the precaution of hiring bodyguards for protection were instrumental in creating the alliance between Wintersun: The Wintersuns are upcountry
when they leave their estate. Cormyr, the Dalelands, and Cormanthor against nobles who until recently had almost no presence in
Illance: The Illance family’s star is rising again Sembia. This alliance forced Sembia to come to Suzail. They own extensive country estates and have
after generations of the house’s slowly losing influ- terms, which greatly enhanced the Rowanmantles’ made a great deal of money leasing fields, hiring
ence because of poor management of its fortunes. Its reputation in Cormyr as one of the top noble families. tenant farmers, and selling off the surplus crops.
financial woes were solved through a series of clever The family continues to maintain close ties with the During the Abraxus Affair, they learned that nobles
deals with the Seven Suns Trading Company and Dalelands and Cormanthor, supporting those lands without holdings in Suzail are considered backwater
by taking advantage of reopened trade with Sembia. against the many threats that surround them. hicks, so they started investing heavily in the capital.
This reversal of fortune has caused some to question The Rowanmantles are strong allies of the Hawklin The family has quietly and steadily bought proper-
the family’s loyalty to Cormyr, but most blame the family, sharing concerns about the intent of Netheril ties in Suzail and is now the largest landlord in the

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city. Over the years, many accusations have dogged nobility. However, the Wintersuns do not want to risk The city exports copper bars from Espar, grain from
the Wintersuns, claiming that they engage in high- their property in the city becoming subject to royal all over Cormyr, and bone carvings from the uplands.
pressure techniques and intimidation to get owners to seizure and have refused to support the Dracohorns’ Suzail imports wine from the Sword Coast, spices
sell. The gossips of House Huntcrown say that House treasonous idea for a council of nobles. and silks from the east, and citrus from the southern
Wintersun acts as much like a criminal organization Inner Sea. Artisans in the city craft musical instru-
as one can without engaging in anything criminal.
The family has found common cause with the Draco-
T rade ments, cloth, finished garments, sword blades, and
armor. Suzail is especially known for its durable,
horns and the Illances. House Wintersun also detests As one of the two major ports in the nation, a wide everyday woolens that are often trimmed with
the Suzail Writ as an affront to the privileges of variety of goods enters and passes through Suzail. leather. Most of the sail making and shipbuilding had
moved to Marsember as land became more valuable
in Suzail, but with the return of the Imperial Navy,
these industries are increasing once again.
Rumors About Town The guilds of Suzail pride themselves on their
quality and take substandard goods very seriously.
Rumors abound in the noble-laden halls of the Royal Court and the streets of Suzail. Below are some of the latest They often hire third-party inspectors to peruse the
stories to circulate through the city. markets and shops to ensure quality. Miscreant shop-
Sembia is about to invade. That country is already buying up Suzail building by building and trading company keepers are chained to a stone chair in the Market
by trading company. They will make their move any day now, probably working through swindlers in Westgate. Hall for a day with defective wares hung around their
The priests of Oghma have become very secretive since the Church in Exile took over the Silent Room. Per- necks or burned at their feet. Bad produce, wine, ale,
haps they have knowledge that was thought to have drowned with Lantan and want to keep it for themselves. or scent is poured or smeared over them. Visiting
King Foril plans to make commoners the equals of nobles. He pursues this goal slowly and by trickery to avoid merchants are punished the same way, after which
civil war, but he is going to do it—that is, if the nobles don’t have him assassinated first. And they’re trying, twice their goods are confiscated and they are exiled from
or thrice every tenday. the city for a season.
One of the younger Truesilvers has run away, and no one knows why. It was probably to avoid being enlisted Small artisans provide the bulk of the manufac-
in the military, but some say it was to elope with a commoner. A commoner! Can you imagine it? turing in Suzail, and merchant houses and trading
An argument erupted last night between a Marliir and a Huntcrown at the Witch-Duke’s Bride. Blows were families dominate shipping and caravan transport.
avoided at the tavern, but a challenge of a duel has been made and accepted. They’re sorting out where and The most powerful merchant houses include the
when it will take place. There could be noble blood spilled soon. Seven Suns Trading Coster, the Trueshield Trading
Exiled House Bleth has found a bastard descendant of Azoun IV. It is supporting the scion’s claim to the throne Priakos, and the trading families of Glanend and
of Cormyr in return for being restored to nobility. When the Bleths are back in power, they will take their revenge Skatterhawk. The Seven Suns’ caravans have the
on all who wronged them. leanest guards and the worst wagons, but the coster
A Sembian merchant was caught importing fake saffron from Turmish. The merchant has been chained to a undercuts its competitors on most routes. It con-
stone chair and doused with water stained by his fake goods. Sembia will respond; it’s just a question of when tinually offers employment for guards, because the
and how. coster’s low pay ensures a constant turnover. More
The Wintersuns have their fingers in everything. They even own the deed to the Cormaerils’ manor in the than one adventuring party has gotten its start by
city. They hold it over the family’s head and make them support the Wintersun agenda in the Royal Court. escorting the coster’s rickety wagons. In contrast, the
The Rowanmantles are pushing King Foril to establish a permanent embassy with Cormanthyr in Myth Dran- Trueshield Trading Priakos builds its own wagons
nor. Although this seems to be in Cormyr’s interest, how will Sembia respond? More important, how will Netheril and equips and trains its own guards. Few bandits
respond? tangle with its caravans, and even orcs leave them
alone on most trips. Trueshield’s rates are expensive,
but the company almost always delivers.

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 Backdrop: Suzail

The Glanend family focuses on land trade inside that he was slain by a jealous rival. Davanac does not fee per volume, anyone can peruse the books. The
Cormyr, such as bringing grain to the markets in speak of her past, but she has never married. church maintains auditoriums to discuss and test the-
Suzail. The Purple Dragons suspect some of the Nobles and merchants constantly seek the blessing ories before releasing them to the public. The priests
Glanend agents of smuggling goods in the sacks of of Tymora, and no significant venture is undertaken take significant steps to ensure privacy of the discus-
grain that rumble through the gates daily. The wealth in the city without the prayers of the Luckbringers. sions to keep dangerous and untested knowledge
of the Skatterhawk family centers on shipping, and Although the priests do not charge directly for their from spreading.
it owns many ships large and small. Its greatest con- attentions, most people provide offerings in the hopes
cern is the pirates who operate out of Westgate across
the Dragonmere and who seem to have a disturbing
that it will tip the odds in their favor; thus, the temple
is extremely wealthy. Luckmaster Davanac is willing
Culture
knack for finding vulnerable Skatterhawk ships. The to cast rituals for adventurers in return for donations Suzail functions as two cities. The Royal Palace, the
family suspects that the pirates use magical divina- to the temple. Royal Court, and the noble estates surrounding them
tions or receive information from a spy. The second major temple in Suzail is the Silent form a sphere of wealth and power that is not acces-
Room, once dedicated to Denier but now sanctified sible to the common Suzailian. The rest of the city is
R eligion to Oghma. When Oghma’s Chosen, Grand Patriarch
Cullen Kordamant, disappeared more than 120 years
given over to crafts and trade, which are beneath the
notice of most nobles. However, these two cities rely
Suzail boasts major temples to Tymora and Oghma ago, his faith split into two major factions. The Ortho- upon each other heavily. The commoners provide
and lesser shrines to Lliira, Malar, Tempus, and Milil. dox Church of Oghma based in Procampur refused goods and services needed by the nobles. In turn, the
The most prominent temple in Suzail is the Towers to appoint a new grand patriarch until Cullen was commoners derive their livings from the nobles and
of Good Fortune, dedicated to Tymora. During proven to be dead or until Oghma named a replace- emulate the nobility in their entertainments.
the Time of Troubles, Tymora herself appeared in ment. The Oghmanyte Church in Sembia did appoint
Arabel, prompting a resurgence of her faith through-
out Cormyr that continues to this day. Although the
a new grand patriarch, which the Orthodox Church
refused to accept. The Sembian faction also disagreed
Fairs and Festivals
goddess stayed at her temple in Arabel, the temple The city celebrates the usual festivals of Midwinter,
with the Orthodox Church on the dissemination of
in Suzail is larger and more impressive. An elabo- Greengrass, Midsummer, Highharvestide, and the
knowledge, teaching that knowledge must be tested
rate wishing well has recently been constructed in Feast of the Moon. Suzail adds three festivals of its own
and proven worthy before being released to the
its sanctuary. The well is more of a fountain—water devising—the hiring fairs, the Festival of the Sword,
public. The Oghmanyte Church recently relocated
cascades down a series of steps beneath a statue of and Chasing the King. With the exception of the hiring
from Sembia to the Silent Room in Suzail.
Tymora as she appeared in Arabel many years ago. fairs, most shops close down for all these celebrations,
High Namer Wyndel Sedranis leads the Silent
Those who cast a gold piece into the well while saying and many noble families host grand soirees. Many
Room, holding sway over a half-dozen other priests
a prayer to the goddess are said to gain her blessing shops are closed the day after a festival to recover.
and nearly one hundred lay followers. Sedranis is
on their next venture. Hiring Fairs: Workers skilled in a trade gather
related to the Emmarask family, which supported
Luckmaster Olane Davanac oversees the temple at hiring fairs held in the spring, summer, and fall so
his accession to the head of the temple. His primary
and is assisted by more than a dozen priests (called that prospective employers can select new employees.
focus is the schism with the Orthodox Church. He
Luckbringers) and several hundred lay worshipers. The choices offered by a large selection of skilled craft-
constantly writes to the other temples to convince
Davanac is an older human woman who began her folk please the employers, and the public nature of the
them of the need to recognize a new grand patriarch.
service to Lady Luck in Arabel. She traveled widely fairs prevents unscrupulous merchants from hiring
If his messages are not persuasive, Sedranis plans to
in her youth, serving in multiple temples throughout desperate workers at exploitative wages to undersell
seek diplomatic emissaries to represent the Oghman-
the Heartlands. Rumors persist that on her travels she their rivals. Lately, chartered adventuring parties have
yte Church to the other temples in an attempt to heal
met and fell in love with a talented minstrel from Ber- used hiring fairs as a way to find patrons. It might not
the schism.
dusk. At this point, the accounts diverge. Some claim be glamorous, but the adventurers say it is more likely
The Silent Room houses a large library of histories
that the minstrel broke her heart, while others say to produce work than waiting in a tavern.
and fiction of the Dragonreach lands. For a small

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 Backdrop: Suzail

Festival of the Sword: Held on the fourth day

of Kythorn, this festival represents the importance
The current trend for men is loose white cotton
shirts with belled sleeves and a laced collar and cuffs
Nightlife
Full of nobles, wealthy merchants, and foreign dig-
of the arms trade to Suzail. The celebration consists matched with knee-length breeches and bucket-top
nitaries, Suzail has a thriving night life. There is
of a mounted parade of armorsmiths dressed in the boots. For formal occasions, men wear patterned dou-
no lack of entertainment or dining experiences in
best armor their shops make. They gallop through blets over their shirts. Short cloaks, usually hip-length
the city that has been called the brightest jewel in
the streets, waving blades, bellowing war cries, and and often with sleeves, are slung over the shoulder.
Cormyr’s crown.
sounding horns. When the bells toll at the Citadel The lining of the cloak matches the doublet. Two belts
Suzail is a city of clubs, and almost everyone of
of the Purple Dragons, the riders race to the gates of are worn—one to hold up the breeches and a second
importance belongs to at least one. Entrance to the
the Royal Court, where an assembly of nobles and for pouches. Baldrics have replaced sword belts in
clubs is restricted to members, who are commonly
courtiers toasts them with fine drink. Afterward, recent years, but older fashions hung the scabbard
allowed to bring in one guest each. The tradition of
the crowd watches champions fight monsters in a from the second belt. The hat of choice is a Capitano
clubs began several hundred years ago as exclusive
prepared ring on the court’s grounds. Long ago, the with a wide brim and a crown that is low rounded or
gathering places for nobles who wanted to drink,
combats were playacting, but for the last hundred flat. The hat is often decorated with exotic feathers,
gamble, and be entertained without wading through
years, the monsters have been real and the battles in and one of the brims can be pinned up if desired.
a sea of commoners. After a few prominent nobles
earnest. Adventurers vie for the opportunity to fill the Women’s fashions are a smock or a bodice worn
joined the nascent clubs, everyone wanted to be part
role of champion, which carries a fat purse. The Lord over a white cotton chemise, which might have long
of one. Most clubs are drinking establishments, but
Magister also hires adventurers to capture monsters sleeves, short sleeves, or no sleeves. The bodice is
many specialize in gambling or in providing services
for use in the festival. matched with a skirt that is split to reveal the petticoat
to adventurers. The most recent trend in club enter-
Chasing the King: The other uniquely Suzailian underneath, which is patterned to match the bodice.
tainment is the mask-dancer clubs, which feature
holiday is Chasing the King. This macabre festival is When dressing formally, women wear gowns with low,
beautiful dancers who wear masks of fearsome crea-
celebrated on the sixth day of Marpenoth in dubious rounded necklines and vests over the top for warmth.
tures and little else.
honor of Boldovar Obarskyr. Mad Boldovar would fly Women’s headgear varies widely, ranging from a
Eating out is a citywide tradition, and Suzail has
into berserk killing rages and set off across the city, simple linen coif to a feminine version of the Capitano.
many restaurants to accommodate the demand. A
hacking and slashing at everything and everyone Shopkeepers of both genders add various styles
great deal of business in the city is settled during
in his way. For this festival, a criminal condemned of aprons or coveralls over their other clothing and
the course of a meal. Refined patrons who wish to
to death volunteers to play the role of the king. He whatever headgear they prefer (or their guild and
discuss employment with chartered adventurers
is given armor and a blunt sword and allowed to profession customarily uses). Scholars, mages, and
usually do so over dinner. Restaurants range from
roam the streets till sundown. Anyone can attack the scribes wear robes with breeches and an overcloak.
shuttered dockside windows to haughty establish-
“king,” but he is allowed to defend himself. If the king Ornamental canes are a trend of the past two
ments that cater to the wealthiest nobles, and many
can stay alive till dusk, he wins his freedom. seasons. Favored by younger nobles and noble sons
of them come and go with the seasons. They typically
(who have no use for a real cane), they are the latest
shut down in the winter and reappear in the warm
Fashion example of conspicuous consumption. The canes are
slim rods of fine, polished wood, shod at both ends
months under new names and in new places to take
As the home of the Royal Court, Suzail sets fashion advantage of the tax breaks the lord chamberlain
with ornately crafted precious metals. The handle
trends for the rest of Cormyr. Nobles and wealthy gives to all new businesses.
caps are ringed with the owner’s crown of rank, and
noble aspirants follow new fashions eagerly, and the The city is well furnished with watering holes,
the end has the armorial bearing, in relief, of the
city’s designers are only too happy to provide. Suzail since most Suzailians prefer a quick drink after work
owner’s family.
is a busy trading port, and visitors from across the before stumbling home to bed. Taverns tend to be
world add variety to the trends. Adventurers seeking small, quiet establishments that cater to locals, but
noble patrons are advised to keep up with the fash- several notable exceptions exist. Every tavern in the
ions in the city to make the right impression. town has a “snoring room” where customers can

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 Backdrop: Suzail

sleep off their drinks. In compensation for the room’s a distant cousin who lives near Scornubel, but the arrange shady deals is with the help of one of the
use, the tavernmaster is entitled to take the cost of cousin has not arrived to take possession. The dwarf lovely professional escorts in a room upstairs.
one drink of the most expensive sort that the sleeper bartender Milo Dudley continues to run the day- Leaning Post: This quiet inn owned by the
drank that evening. to-day operation of the Dragon’s Jaws, as he always Hawklin family reflects its desire for no-nonsense
Suzail has many inns to accommodate visiting has, even though he is getting on in years. Milo is quality. It uses the inn to house retainers it does not
travelers. Innkeepers are notoriously discriminatory concerned that something might have happened to want to keep in its mansion or for meetings away
about the sort of lodgers they take, and adventurers Gnorm’s cousin and would be pleased if anyone pass- from the eyes of other nobles. A few of the other fami-
are steered to the handful of inns that cater to their ing through Scornubel would check on him. lies, including the Huntcrowns, are aware of these
needs. (The inns described in “Important Sites” below Dragonriders’ Club: This private club is the meetings and spy on the inn to see what the Hawk-
accept adventurers.) Most inns rent rooms by the favorite nighttime destination of many nobles and lins are up to.
month over the winter when traffic is slowest. wealthy merchants. Its primary attraction is its beau- The Lockup: An imposing and dour building that
tiful mask-dancers. Nobles often invite people they resembles a giant square of stone, the Lockup is the
I mportant Sites are attempting to impress to the club for a dance by
their favorite performer. The club’s owner, a woman
prison of Suzail. Suspects awaiting trial are kept here,
as are criminals serving their time. Rumor has it that
Suzail is built on a deepwater harbor on the north named Tress, is very protective of her dancers, even the statues of Purple Dragons built into the edifice
shore of the Dragonmere. The city barely felt the in the face of drunken nobles. During the daytime animate at the warden’s command to put down riots.
physical effects of the Spellplague. The deep harbor hours, the club offers meals and services such as The Myrmidon: Once called Thelmar’s Inn, this
meant that the lowering of the water level in the Lake haircuts and baths to its members. It was recently place changed names when new owners took over
of Dragons had a minimal effect on the city. damaged in a brawl between nobles, but it has since and rebuilt the entire structure. The proprietors are
Unlike many larger cities, Suzail does not have been repaired and is open for business. a pair of brothers who served in the Purple Dragons.
sewers because the tides of the Lake of Dragons back- Golden Goblin: Angry men come to this tavern They rescued a member of the Cormaeril family from
washed the waste into the city, causing significant looking for fights—and often find them. The regulars a gang of dark ones from the Shadowfell. The reward
sanitation problems. The sewers that had been dug like picking fights with newcomers, so those who from the grateful Cormaerils was enough to let the
were filled in. Instead, dung wagons patrol the streets wish to avoid a barroom brawl should drink else- brothers purchase the inn. Dark ones are notoriously
and cart unwanted waste to the midden fields outside where. The tavern is a smoky place with a low ceiling vengeful, and the brothers encourage adventurers to
the city walls. and oft-mended furniture. A huge statue of a goblin stay at the inn to discourage retribution.
Locations likely to be of importance to adventurers leers from a perch. It glows with a golden hue and Nightgate Inn: The Nightgate Inn is the only
are described below. lights the tavern. inn outside the walls of the city. It looks like a fort
Bindle’s: This club was once the place to be seen The Jaws: This culvert siphons the stream from and has stone walls as thick as those of the Citadel
among the nobility but has since lost its allure. It is Lake Azoun under the streets of Suzail to the Basin. of the Purple Dragons. The inn is damp and gloomy
now a drinking club for merchants to discuss busi- Since it allows travel through the city unseen, it is year-round and the prices are outlandish, but visitors
ness, and many deals are sealed in the wood-paneled attractive to those who are up to no good. The Purple do not have to contend with the city gate, so it has
rooms. Visitors should be aware that intrigue among Dragons are aware of the culvert and have it under a constant supply of guests. The Nightgate Inn also
the merchants can be just as vicious as that among strict surveillance. provides an excellent venue for clandestine meetings
the nobility. Laughing Lass: The Laughing Lass is a tavern that with those who are barred from entering Suzail.
Dragon’s Jaws: This inn faces onto the Prom- transforms into a festhall on warm summer evenings. The Osculatory: “The Osco” is a private club
enade and is renowned for a number of exciting and Adventurers gather here, where Purple Dragons and that caters to young nobles and citizens of quality
dangerous encounters in its taproom, including the War Wizards are not welcome, to drink and make who wish to meet others of similar social status for
death of a mind flayer and the revelation of a gold deals. Lassendri owns the tavern and knows much romantic encounters. Sometimes called a kissing
dragon. A gnome called Gnorm owned the inn, but about the Suzailian underworld. The best way to club, the Osco gets pretty wild late at night, and being
he passed away several years ago. He left the inn to fence stolen goods, make contacts with outlaws, or seen leaving the club in the morning can damage a

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 Backdrop: Suzail

member’s reputation or make it, depending upon the Sixer also has extensive cellars, making it easy to hide Tavernant’s Tellings: This shop was the origi-
kind of reputation sought. goods or conduct secret meetings. Some say that the nal innovator that began offering printing services
Promenade: The most popular location in Suzail cellars open into the abandoned sewers of Suzail, to the general public. Tavernant’s prints advertis-
is the Promenade, a long, semicircular street that which were not quite as filled in as the Purple Drag- ing broadsheets, notices, and menus and is the best
divides the royal area from the rest of the city. The ons think. way to spread information to a lot of people very
Promenade is illuminated with magical flames of Society of Stalwart Adventurers: This exclusive quickly. Posters sometimes glue broadsheets to stone
bright amber tones, making it safe and well lit at club is housed in an old, luxurious mansion boasting walls around town, forcing property owners to burn
night. These radiances also light major cross streets many fireplaces and the stuffed heads of monsters. the sheets off. This situation gave rise to the Suzail-
throughout the city at each intersection. Older members meet here to talk about their adven- ian expression “the latest scorched,” which refers to
Ring of Coins: This pawn shop is renowned tures and reminisce about expeditions. The club recent news.
throughout the city for its wide variety of wares. The has an extensive library of old adventurers’ journals, Wailing Wheel: This is the quietest of Suzail’s
selection ranges from outdated furniture to wild cos- which detail lairs, ruins, and dungeons scattered large inns. The prices are low, but the inn is cold
tumes and outrageous accessories. The Ring of Coins across Cormyr and beyond. The staff includes several and dirty, the dining room fare is meager, and the
deals with dubious items as well, such as thieves’ shifters, who are given to pranks such as displaying service is nonexistent. Rumors say the Wailing
tools, and some of the items might be stolen. The shop fangs, claws, or horns.
purchases intriguing items from adventurers that
they cannot sell elsewhere.
Royal Court: The Royal Court is a sprawling
labyrinth of interconnected buildings, erected and
expanded over the centuries. The court stretches Quests in Suzail
almost a quarter mile along the Promenade. Its With all the nobles and other powerful individuals in Suzail, adventuring parties have a virtually limitless number
several hundred chambers house the legal and of potential patrons. Suzail is highly politicized, and choosing one patron could alienate others. Below are four
administrative bureaucracy of Cormyr, including the patrons who make excellent sources for adventures.
Lord Magister and his herald. The nobles of the coun- Lady Eleanor Thond is a valuable resource for a chartered adventuring party in Suzail. She is well connected
try gather here to meet, discuss, and plot. politically and has access to information and people unavailable to most characters. Although she is part of the
Royal Palace: The Palace of the Purple Dragon establishment, she is willing to bend the rules and hire adventurers to take care of matters quietly, outside of
rises out of the wooded Royal Gardens like a fairy- official channels. Thond’s concerns are mostly inside the city, so her missions and adventures would take place
tale castle, all slender spires, balconies, and pennants. in Suzail.
The palace is the private residence of the royal family. Gyles Hawklin, the senior member of House Hawklin in Suzail, is extremely concerned about Netheril’s plan
The royal houses of Crownsilver and Truesilver have for Cormyr. He seeks adventurers to scout the activities of the Shades of Netheril and report on their plots.
apartments here, but their family members usu- Hawklin missions would send the characters into Sembia, the Dalelands, the Moonsea, and Netheril.
ally stay at their individual estates. Most matters of High Namer Wyndel Sedranis of the Silent Room is facing polite resistance from some of his noble sponsors
government are handled at the Royal Court, and in Suzail who want the internal conflict in the Church of Oghma ended as quickly as possible. The easiest way
an invitation inside the walls of the Royal Palace is to heal the rift is to prove that Grand Patriarch Cullen is dead. Sedranis seeks adventurers to follow leads and
extraordinarily rare. discover the final fate of the grand patriarch.
Six Candles: “The Sixer” is an old inn that has a House Dauntinghorn regularly posts bounties for pirates who plague shipping on the Lake of Dragons. Inter-
reputation as a den of smugglers and other nefarious ested adventurers are directed to Lavertes Dauntinghorn, who pays the bounties. Lavertes knows a great deal
patrons. The inn has a crowd of suspicious-looking about activities on the high seas and is a source of many nautical adventures..
regulars who always seem to be present, nursing
their drinks and having mumbled conversations. The

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 Backdrop: Suzail

Wheel stays in business only because it is owned by with one of the characters. Does she honestly like the loyalty to the Crown. In addition to the usual bandits
Sembian agents. character, or is she just using the adventurer for pro- and monsters that harry the roads, at some point
Witch-Duke’s Bride: A relatively new tavern, tection? If her advances are reciprocated, she asks the during the trip, agents of Sembia or Netheril try to
the Witch-Duke’s Bride is the current favorite among character to deliver a letter to her brother in Daerlun. kidnap the messenger to extract information. Are the
Suzail’s high society. The owner, Mastaal Gerahgen, Meanwhile, the Illance noble approaches the party characters just unlucky, or did the Rowanmantles
is a retired ship captain, and he stocks the largest and informs them that the dancer is actually a spy for use them as a decoy for the real messenger? If the
variety of liquor in the city, using his many contacts Sembia. He wants to hire the party to find out what party’s messenger is the real one, what information
around the Sea of Fallen Stars. Many younger nobles Dedania has learned about his family’s business and is being carried to the Dalelands? What if the “mes-
come to taste exotic liquors and hear tales from trav- to whom she is reporting. Is the Illance noble telling sage” is actually the party, because the Rowanmantles
elers from across the sea. A perceptive patron can the truth, or is he using the adventurers to learn more have promised to send adventurers to help the
learn much about the shipping in and out of Suzail by about the dancer? The letter to Dedania’s brother beleaguered dales?
listening to the nobles talk after a few potent drinks. seems innocuous enough, but is it in code? And what
awaits the party in Daerlun—the dancer’s brother or a About the Author
A dventure Hooks Sembian spy ring?
Staying out of Print: Penelope Nilain is a courte-
Eric Menge is an author, editor, and intermittent attorney.
He has designed nearly twenty adventures for the RPGA,
Service to the Crown, the schemes of the nobles, written website articles for Wizards of the Coast, and acted
san renowned throughout the city for her wit, beauty,
as a campaign administrator for the Living Greyhawk cam-
and travelers from many foreign lands make the city and physical talent. She has escorted many nobles paign. He is currently creating an online graphic novel,
a location brimming with adventure possibilities. over the years, and her companionship is always in Snow by Night, and dreams of muskets, alchemy, and snow in
Below are several ideas for adventures set in Suzail. demand. Nilain recently decided to retire from the the moonlight. Eric would like to thank Brian Cortijo, Brian
A Dread Pirate in Need: During the Chasing business. To support herself in retirement, she is R. James, and Ed Greenwood for their invaluable assistance
the King festival, the prisoner “king” runs down the writing her autobiography, which is sure to contain during the writing of this article.
street, through the inn, or wherever the characters salacious details on a large number of nobles. She is
are staying. She spies them and begs them to help Editor
offering her former clients the opportunity to buy
Ray Vallese
her escape from Suzail. If they agree, she promises to their way out of being mentioned in her book. She
split a sizable hidden treasure that will make them hires the party to protect her from any accidents that Managing Editor
very rich. If the characters don’t help her, a horde of might befall her during the writing process. On the Kim Mohan
bloodthirsty citizens chases her off. If they do help, other hand, parts of her autobiography must be juicy
Producers
the prisoner is true to her word and leads them to the indeed if nobles are willing to spend significant gold Greg Bilsland, Christopher Perkins, Stan!
buried treasure once they are away from Suzail. The to prevent themselves from being included. Those
treasure is something she hid before her arrest. She pages would be extremely valuable in the right hands. Art Directors
was captured and condemned to death for piracy, but Anyone who steals her manuscript can name his own Kate Irwin, Jon Schindehette
she is not just any pirate—she is the notorious Kharee price—or he might become the new target.
Illustrator
Beltran, captain of the Revelation Mead. Now free, she Travails of a Messenger: The Rowanmantles are Kieran Yanner
intends to resume her old ways, but she needs a crew vigorously reinforcing the alliance between Cormyr
of formidable adventurers to help her. and the Dalelands. The family hires the party to Cartographer
A Masked Dance: A mask-dancer club hires the escort a messenger traveling overland from Suzail Jared Blando
party for extra protection. A minor noble of House to Ashabenford. Before the characters leave Suzail, Graphic Production Specialist
Illance has taken a fancy to one of the girls and is they must contend with agents from the Huntcrowns, Angie Lokotz
practically stalking her. While the party guards the who use tricks and intrigue to learn about their mis-
club, the dancer, Dedania, becomes very friendly sion, and the Truesilvers, who evoke patriotism and

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