Yartar
Yartar is a prosperous and increasingly crowded fortified city standing on the east bank of the River Surbrin. It is known for its barge-building operation. The population has grown to the point that older structures are being torn down and new, taller, buildings need to be erected, some as high as four stories.
Yartar is a member of The Lord's Alliance . A trade agreement with Goldenfields brings grain and produce to the city too. Yartar is the historic rival of Triboar and animosity between the two communities is pervasive.
The city is connected by a fortified bridge wide enough to accommodate two wagons with room to spare to a citadel on the west bank. There, the Evermoor Way (linking Triboar and Silverymoon) crosses the Surbrin. Yartar is a crossroads trading town, so it's always bustling with caravans entering and leaving its walls. Yartar is renowned as a place for merchants, smugglers, mercenaries, and spies from all over the North to meet and conduct business.
As of the late 15th century DR, the population had grown to the point that older structures were torn down and new, taller, buildings needed to be erected, some as high as four stories.
Government
The ruler of Yartar, the Waterbaron, is elected for life. The Waterbaron in 1366 DR was Belleethe Kheldorna. This position was previously held by Alahar Khaumfros, who had inherited the position from his father and who was later revealed to be the leader of the Kraken Society.
The Waterbaron currently is Nestra Ruthiol, a Tethyrian noblewoman woman in her fifties with a reputation for being shrewd and farseeing. Nestra believes that the Lords' Alliance was necessary for Yartar's survival and prosperity. She is aware of the Harper and Zhentarim presence in the city, but chooses to intervene only when the wellbeing of her citizens is at risk.
Defences
The city is protected by a mounted fighting force called the Shields of Yartar that are headquartered in the Shield Tower
Industry & Trade
Due to its unique location, on a major road near the crossing of two rivers, Yartar enjoyes a thriving fishing community. An abundance of locally-caught crab, eel and other types of seafood, helps the industry thrive.
Yartar is an important way stop for caravans and traders traveling between its allied city of Silverymoon , and the great metropolis of Waterdeep . As such, many of its business caters to caravaneers, merchants and other Faerûnians that regularly travel the roads of the North.
History
In the Year of Maidens, 1361 DR, Baron Alahar Khaumfros attempted to further a plot to provoke the Lords' Alliance (particularly Waterdeep) to war against Ruathym on behalf of the Kraken Society and Luskan. He was foiled in his attempt when Liriel Baenre, Fyodor, and Caladorn Cassalanter discovered the plot.
Around five years later, four illithids murdered Alahar in the Waterbaron's Hall for his fraudulent dealings of the Kraken Society's funds.
Tourism
In the three years between Shieldmeet years, Yartar would host the Hiring Fair on a field north of the city. This event usually draws thousands of outcasts, wanderers, barbarians, criminals, and adventurers from the surrounding area to sell their labor to farmers, merchants, nobles, and anyone else that may need workers or bodyguards. It is common for adventuring bands to form at the fair.
During Shieldmeet, the city is treated to a grand festival sponsored by the local Tymoran church. This grand event features much drinking, revelry, and contests of chance and skill, such as wrestling and various forms of gambling.
Geography
Yartar is situated on the Evermoor Way, on the eastern bank of the River Surbrin, overlooking the nearby River Dessarin.
The Surbrin Trail runs north from the city through the hills on the other side of the Dessarin Valley toward the ruins of Nesmé. The trail hugs the eastern bank of the River Surbrin rather than enter the Evermoors. Yartaran soldiers patrol the road.
Type
City
Population
6,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Yartaran
Characters in Location
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
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