Tharbad
Tharbad is divided into quarters and districts by its
canals and major thoroughfares; directions given by the
inhabitants will name these districts first, before the
speaker names a street or building. Aside from the tolls
and guards at the north and south gates, it is relatively easy
to roam Tharbad unnoticed. The great dike, the Rammas
Nín, that protects the city from flooding, serves to
channel traffic into the major causeways and roads, but it
is not tall or well patrolled; any fugitive or smuggler who
doesn't mind wading the swamps can cross into or out of
the Tharbad at little risk. If trouble does arise, the city
authorities post guards along the Menatar Romen and put
roadblocks on the two main bridges over the Gwathló.
Snitches and people wishing to locate lost friends and
"business associates" would be advised to do the same.
CLIMATE Like most of Cardolan, the climate of Tharbad itself is moderate. Summers are seldom unbearably hot, but the humidity can be bothersome. The snowfalls of winter are never heavy and do not accumulate in the marshes and swamps, which rarely freeze over. North winds can be quite damaging, particularly to the relatively unprotected island portion of the city. The Gwathló has been known to rise considerably, especially during the spring rainy season. Recently, frequent flooding has contributed to the number of abandoned buildings and dilapidated docks along the river. These areas have proven likely haunts for the lowlife whose presence is only obscured by the dense fog that lifts and settles daily in Tharbad.
THE SOUTH BANK The South Bank was once considered the oldest portion of the city, and the Annon Ham (S. "South Gate") stands on the site where Prince Aldarion of Númenor first constructed a tower back in the Second Age. After serving as a Dunnish slum for most of the early Third Age, it was refurbished to provide space for the wool trade and the Gondorian merchants coming up the "Land Road" through Dunland. Later, Gondorian soldiers followed the same route to protect the trade routes as Cardolan fell into chaos. The Annon Harn, controls entry into the city along the Old South Road. It is open 24 hours a day, but the entry is manned by watchmen who turn away undesirables and exact tolls. The other gates are also manned, but do not remain open at all hours. They are typically favored by the locals, and their watchmen charge tolls only to strangers. The toll is 2 silver pieces, plus a surcharge for any significant merchandise that might look saleable. The South Bank is the bastion of the Weavers' and Dyers' Guilds. Most of the Gondorian garrison resides here, as do most government officials. Such prosperous neighbors have made the better homes here popular with the city's merchants. THE ISLAND The four districts on Tol Gelin in midstream of the Gwathló are collectively known to the people simply as "The Island." It is the commercial and mercantile center of the city. Expansion to the islet from the small trading town on the south bank began in the middle of the Second Age with the construction of the now-ruined fortifications on its northern end. The ruins are the undisputed domain of the thieves of Tharbad (known in the city officially as the "Traders Guild"), and the southern tip belongs to the Bargemen of the Gwathló. The central section is neutral ground, inhabited by merchants, factors, and ship owners west of the main road and the common folk who serve them on the east side. All factions in the city realize that business must continue. Traffic on the Gwathló is heavy, and river traders are assessed a tariff on specific goods which pass through the docks. At times, the taxes can be high, but may be avoided altogether by purchasing a license from Hallas the Harbormaster for 10 gold pieces; it is good for one year. THE NORTH BANK The North Bank is the newest section of Tharbad, having been built by first Prince and then expanded by King Thor-ondur in the ninth century of the Third Age. The east end of the North Bank is the stronghold of the lesser guilds. The Glassblowers, in particular, populate the downstream side of the North Bank, led by the Calimiri, immigrants from Fornost in the original days of the expansion. The Saluters control the riverbank, and the Laborers hold the scarcely rebuilt west end. The central area of the North Bank is probably the safest area for travelers. The Annon Forn, or North Gate, is open from dawn to dawn and charges tolls in the same manner as the South Gate
The King's Row is located along the great avenue of the Menetar. One of its most significant sites is the King's house on the Island. The walled gardens surrounding the turreted manor border both the boulevard and the Sir Swathló. In T.A. 1409, the King's House is occupied by Regent Numhir and Princess Nirnadel whenever they are present in Tharbad. The Council of the Sceptre meets in its Great Hall.
Tharbads original waste/storm sewer system, built by the Dúnedain, runs under what is now the Thieves' Quarter and adjacent areas. Other newer drains have been constructed, but they are not as complete of elaborate. The main tubes (running directly from riverside drains) are generally 7 feet in diameter, and possess a trough in the center to carry water during low runoff periods, yet leaving a flat walkway on either side. The side tunnels are 5 feet in diameter and perfectly round. Some connect with street grates and gutters by way of shafts 3 feet in diameter. with built-in iron-alloy ladders. Other shafts are smaller and not accessible to people. All shafts are usually 15-20 feet deep, permitting the sewers to run at least 15 feet below street level. All street grates are a remarkable alloy which has survived almost intact through the centuries since the city's construction The grates of the lower sewer sections cannot boast the same quality, and many are dangerous to tread upon. They weigh about 50 pounds. The large grates which cover the riverside drains are in even poorer repair; most have a section missing or are gone altogether.
CLIMATE Like most of Cardolan, the climate of Tharbad itself is moderate. Summers are seldom unbearably hot, but the humidity can be bothersome. The snowfalls of winter are never heavy and do not accumulate in the marshes and swamps, which rarely freeze over. North winds can be quite damaging, particularly to the relatively unprotected island portion of the city. The Gwathló has been known to rise considerably, especially during the spring rainy season. Recently, frequent flooding has contributed to the number of abandoned buildings and dilapidated docks along the river. These areas have proven likely haunts for the lowlife whose presence is only obscured by the dense fog that lifts and settles daily in Tharbad.
THE SOUTH BANK The South Bank was once considered the oldest portion of the city, and the Annon Ham (S. "South Gate") stands on the site where Prince Aldarion of Númenor first constructed a tower back in the Second Age. After serving as a Dunnish slum for most of the early Third Age, it was refurbished to provide space for the wool trade and the Gondorian merchants coming up the "Land Road" through Dunland. Later, Gondorian soldiers followed the same route to protect the trade routes as Cardolan fell into chaos. The Annon Harn, controls entry into the city along the Old South Road. It is open 24 hours a day, but the entry is manned by watchmen who turn away undesirables and exact tolls. The other gates are also manned, but do not remain open at all hours. They are typically favored by the locals, and their watchmen charge tolls only to strangers. The toll is 2 silver pieces, plus a surcharge for any significant merchandise that might look saleable. The South Bank is the bastion of the Weavers' and Dyers' Guilds. Most of the Gondorian garrison resides here, as do most government officials. Such prosperous neighbors have made the better homes here popular with the city's merchants. THE ISLAND The four districts on Tol Gelin in midstream of the Gwathló are collectively known to the people simply as "The Island." It is the commercial and mercantile center of the city. Expansion to the islet from the small trading town on the south bank began in the middle of the Second Age with the construction of the now-ruined fortifications on its northern end. The ruins are the undisputed domain of the thieves of Tharbad (known in the city officially as the "Traders Guild"), and the southern tip belongs to the Bargemen of the Gwathló. The central section is neutral ground, inhabited by merchants, factors, and ship owners west of the main road and the common folk who serve them on the east side. All factions in the city realize that business must continue. Traffic on the Gwathló is heavy, and river traders are assessed a tariff on specific goods which pass through the docks. At times, the taxes can be high, but may be avoided altogether by purchasing a license from Hallas the Harbormaster for 10 gold pieces; it is good for one year. THE NORTH BANK The North Bank is the newest section of Tharbad, having been built by first Prince and then expanded by King Thor-ondur in the ninth century of the Third Age. The east end of the North Bank is the stronghold of the lesser guilds. The Glassblowers, in particular, populate the downstream side of the North Bank, led by the Calimiri, immigrants from Fornost in the original days of the expansion. The Saluters control the riverbank, and the Laborers hold the scarcely rebuilt west end. The central area of the North Bank is probably the safest area for travelers. The Annon Forn, or North Gate, is open from dawn to dawn and charges tolls in the same manner as the South Gate
The King's Row is located along the great avenue of the Menetar. One of its most significant sites is the King's house on the Island. The walled gardens surrounding the turreted manor border both the boulevard and the Sir Swathló. In T.A. 1409, the King's House is occupied by Regent Numhir and Princess Nirnadel whenever they are present in Tharbad. The Council of the Sceptre meets in its Great Hall.
Tharbads original waste/storm sewer system, built by the Dúnedain, runs under what is now the Thieves' Quarter and adjacent areas. Other newer drains have been constructed, but they are not as complete of elaborate. The main tubes (running directly from riverside drains) are generally 7 feet in diameter, and possess a trough in the center to carry water during low runoff periods, yet leaving a flat walkway on either side. The side tunnels are 5 feet in diameter and perfectly round. Some connect with street grates and gutters by way of shafts 3 feet in diameter. with built-in iron-alloy ladders. Other shafts are smaller and not accessible to people. All shafts are usually 15-20 feet deep, permitting the sewers to run at least 15 feet below street level. All street grates are a remarkable alloy which has survived almost intact through the centuries since the city's construction The grates of the lower sewer sections cannot boast the same quality, and many are dangerous to tread upon. They weigh about 50 pounds. The large grates which cover the riverside drains are in even poorer repair; most have a section missing or are gone altogether.
Type
Large city
Characters in Location
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