Dock Ward
The Dock Ward of Waterdeep was situated on the Great Harbor of Waterdeep. It contained the docks, shipbuilding yards, and warehouses for the sea trade. Compared to the rest of the city it was exceptionally dirty, smelly, and particularly dangerous. In the words of Elminster himself, the Dock Ward was a "riotous, nigh-perpetual brawl that covers entire acres, interrupted only by small buildings, intermittent trade businesses, an errant dog or two, and a few brave watchguards, who manage to keep the chaos from spreading beyond the docks; the whole lot wallowing in the stench of rotting fish."
Guilds and Factions
- Coopers' Rest, located in front of Shipper's Hall between Ship Street and Pressbow Lane, was the guildhall of the Coopers' Guild.
- Full Sails, located along Dock Street, was the guildhall of the Most Diligent League of Sail-Makers and Cordwainers and it also doubled as a tavern.
- Jesters' Clubhouse, located at the corner of Shrimp Alley and Pressbow Lane, was the guildhall of the Jesters' Guild.
- League Hall, located along Tower Trail, was the guildhall of the League of Skinners & Tanners.
- Metal House of Wonders, located along Belnimbra's Street and Gut Alley, was the guildhall of the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, and Finesmiths.
- Muleskull Tavern, located along Ship Street, was the guildhall of the Dungsweepers' Guild and it also doubled as a tavern.
- Seaswealth Hall, located on the waterfront and overlooking the city's fish markets, was the guildhall of the Fishmonger's Fellowship.
- Shippers' Hall, located along Oar Alley, was the guildhall of the Fellowship of Salters, Packers, and Joiners.
- Shipwrights' House, located along Dock Street, was the guildhall of the The Order of Master Shipwrights.
History
In the late 14th century DR, over the course of a tenday and more, streets across the Trades Ward experienced a number of ghostly sightings that left many citizens, scribes, and members of the City Watch confused. Some speculated if a Wizard experimenting with illusions may have been the cause. Others speculated it was a wizard seeking to harm local businesses, drive down local property values, or simply spread fear—though all who put forward these theories admitted to having nothing to backup their claims.
Some interpreted the apparitions as being a message — Sambral the Soothsayer would claim the dead were warning Waterdhavians of impending battles from underground invaders, Sheireera of the Prophecies would claim that it was the dead crying out against immorality and lawlessness in Waterdeep, and priest Thalomaun of the Church of Lathander would make a proclamation on Virgin's Square that it was a sign from the dead for the living of the affected neighborhoods to do away with old businesses and make way for new ones.
Points of interest
Shops & Businesses
- Felhaur's Fine Fish: A fishmongery on Spices Street.
- Gelfuril the Trader: sells or trades just about anything
- Helmstar Warehouse: On Dock Street; run by Chuldan Helmstar, a known fence.
- The House of Pride: perfume shop; run by Arleeth and Ilitel Harmeth
- Nestaur's Ropes
- Old Xoblob Shop: trinkets and curios.
- Red Sails Warehouse: economic storage in the form of "coffin-sized lockboxes"; located near Cod Lane.
- Serpentil Books & Folios: On Book Street; Run by Jannaxil Serpentil; Maps, charts, and books.
- Shipwright: large building located on Dock Street used for shipbuilding. Owned by Arnagus the Shipwright.
- Torpus's Tannery
Inns, Taverns & Festhalls
- The Blackstar Inn: High-priced (for the Dock Ward) Inn run by Asiyra Boldwinter.
- The Blue Mermaid: Clean tavern; run by Mother Jalyth Hlommorath.
- The Copper Cup: Off the Southyard; inn, tavern, & festhall owned by its dancers.
- The Friendly Flounder: Small tavern; run by Eaengul Skullcrown.
- The Hanging Lantern: A festhall and escort service.
- The Laughing Lass: A brothel on Ship Street, run by Alanthra Ghellowsar.
- The Mermaid's Arms: A rowdy tavern and festhall run by Calathia Frost and favored by the crew of the Sea Sprite; located on Dock Street.
- The Purple Palace: A festhall and boudoir.
- The Ship's Prow: An inn at the intersection of Fish Street and Ship Street, run by Jhambrote Harkharedest.
- Shipmaster's Hall: Private inn and dining club for ship captain, owners, first mates and their guests.
- The Skewered Dragon: A dilapidated tavern that faced an alley between Net Street and Fillet Lane with a ship's anchor lodged in the roof.
- The Sleeping Snake: Rowdy tavern for dockhands and dancers, owner by Alard Belaerl
- The Sleeping Wench: Somewhat quiet tavern, owned by Peldan Thrael
- The Splintered Stair: Three-story inn run by Shalanna Duthmere.
- The Thirsty Sailor: A dive bar at the intersection of Fish and Ship Street, run by Kaeroven Yuluth.
Geography
The ward was bounded in the south by the Southern Ward, in the west by Castle Ward, in the north by North Ward and the City of the Dead and in the east by the Trollwall.
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