Mirabar
Mirabar is a mining city of great wealth located on the Sword Coast. As of 1368 DR it is the richest city north of Waterdeep. In 1370 DR, the city is occupied by 1600 shield dwarves who live underground near to their workshops, which produce metal goods for export in the region and beyond. The humans above cooperate with the dwarves to handle the mining, move the ore to market and defend the city against magical threats.
Government
The city of Mirabar is governed by the Council of Sparkling Stones. Members swear an oath of loyalty to Mirabar and its marchion (ruler of the city). The council meets each autumn to plan the year ahead and organize trade agreements.
The Council of Sparkling Stones is comprised of humans and dwarves, and the marchion, Elastul Raurym being the chief justice. Elections are held annually in the spring to determine the new members who would take their positions at the next meeting in the fall.
Defences
Mirabar is defended by the Axe of Mirabar, an army of around two thousand, including humans and five hundred dwarves. The Axe is mostly responsible for keeping the mines of Mirabar clear of monsters. The members of the Axe wear the crest of Mirabar (a deep-red double-bladed axe with a pointed haft and a flaring, flat base on a black field) on their shield and armor. 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 was important to Mirabar. As of 1370 DR, the Mirabar District in Luskan was an entire district used by Mirabarran trade companies, such as Anvilfist Banner, the Golden Hand, and Thalorin's Manymetals.
History
Mirabar was built upon the foundations of Gharraghaur's Iron Tower by Ereskas Torlath. Later, during the Goblin Wars, Mirabar was sacked by the goblin chieftain Nethaug.
Mirabar was responsible for bringing prosperity to both Illusk and Stornanter when the three cities began trading with one another. However, when Prince Galnorn of Illusk attempted to conquer Mirabar in the Year of the Pirates' Trove, 1023 DR the relationship was soured.
Mirabar was attacked in the Year of Beckoning Death, 1253 DR by a horde of orcs. They attacked the western wall but this was merely a decoy—the main attack was at the eastern wall. Torgar Hammerstriker was among the dwarves who held the eastern wall during the attack.
Geography
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.
Places of Interest
Hall of All FiresA large hall lined with furnaces with a capacity of more than two thousand.
Undercity Square
An open area between three buildings and containing the entrance to the Undercity.
The Undercity
The center of all mining in Mirabar. It is guarded by the Axe of Mirabar, and accessible via a staircase from Undercity Square, followed by a pulley-operated lift in a shaft hundreds of feet deep. The base of this shaft is another guarded room with several exits, all with either iron doors or portcullises. There is another entrance which is a sloping, winding tunnelThe subterranean level closest to the ground was called the First Below.
Type
City
Population
10 500
Inhabitant Demonym
Mirabarran
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Related Reports (Secondary)
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