Mirabar
The richest city north of Waterdeep.
Mirabar stands on a knoll on the north banks of the River Mirar. On the surface, Mirabar is populated with squat stone buildings and a few stone towers. It is arranged in such a way as to provide great efficiency. Its walls are extremely thick and sloping, so as to allow water to be poured down them in the winter, which freezes to make them slippery. The area around the city is dotted with open mines and heaps of rock. Roads lead to its major mines in the Spine of the World mountains, which yield a wide range of metals and gemstones, so they are guarded against orc and monster raids by the Axe of Mirabar, a force that acts both as police and military.
The heart of the city is the Undercity - the part of Mirabar that exists underground and that houses the mines, forges, and jewelers that make the city so rich.
Demographics
47% humans
43% dwarves
5% gnomes
5% other, mostly elves
Government
The city is, in theory, ruled by its Marchion - an hereditary title. However, the true power lies mostly with an elected council known as the Council of Sparkling Stones. With the expansion of the over-ciy, this council now has even more humans than dwarves in it.
Defences
Mirabar is defended by the Axe of Mirabar, an army of around two thousand, including humans and five hundred dwarves. There is virtually no crime, and the city utilizes professional thief trackers, the 'Shadow District', to monitor any potential criminals.
Making maps of the city is illegal for security purposes, because the city is concerned about intelligence getting into the hands of Mirabar's enemies, especially Luskan. An attack on a councilor or a councilor-elect is punishable by execution. This is to prevent plots to foil a candidate's election campaign.
Industry & Trade
The stone and metals taken out of the mines are worked by craftsmen. After being expertly cut and hewn, the stone is transported magically at high cost to Luskan, to then be transported south. Some buildings in Amn, Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep use Mirabar stone, typically that which has been quarried from the areas to the west or south of the city.
Any worthless stone is crushed to improve the city's roads. This operation continues in almost all weather, even during the winter
Trade with Luskan is important to Mirabar. And the coastal city has an entire district dedicated to its trade with Mirabar.
History
Mirabar was founded some time in the 8th century DR and grew powerful through trade with surrounding cities - especally the city nation Illusk (modern day Luskan). It has withstood at least one large orc attack (in 1253 DR) and a lot of fighting among the nobel houses in the city. This latter problem was revealed by the Harpers to be plots by the Zhentarim, Luskanites, as well as some other evil forces. the revelation created stronger unity within Mirabar.
Architecture
A lot of the areas in the Undercity are extremely well decorated and show off the city's wealth. Seeing entire walls covered in gems, or simple objects covered in gold wouldn't be weird.
Type
Capital
Population
300,000
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Comments