Ankhapur

Ankhapur the White, Ankhapur the Bloody, the City of Griffons, the City of Knives—all these names and more have applied to the former colony of ancient Chondath over the centuries. Each king stamps his likeness on the coins of the city he (or she, as Ankhapur has had three ruling queens) rules.

The many-spired city and its environs lay in a bowl-shaped valley (that floods each spring) at the delta of the Thornwash.

Defences

The City of Griffons (or City of Knives) Watch numbers some 4,000 members in burgundy and yellow livery. The Watch patrols the city's streets (most of them, anyway) and the small valley of vineyards, farms, and orchards that surrounds the six hills upon which Ankhapur is built.

Industry & Trade

The city is primarily known for its pearl industry, which involves many of its citizens.
Trade (an increasing share of traffic bound for the Shining Sea and beyond is coming to Ankhapur by way of the Ankh Road, from Nagarr on the Nagawater), wagons, beasts of burden, some metalwork, mirrors (one of the city's traditional claims to fame.)

Assets

Adventurers' Quarters: As any port city that specializes in trade, Ankhapur's gypsum-white walls and tarnished brass gates are home to many inns, taverns, and festhalls.

• The Hoof and Shank is renowned for its steaks, chops, and other meat dishes as well as its strong brews to wash them down. Drinking and eating contests are common in this sawdust-floored inn and attract an even bigger crowd than does the food itself. Some rooms are also available. Quality/Price: Good/Moderate.
• The Beholder's Arse is even less sophisticated than the Hoof and Shank, a place where one goes to make dark deals or dream darker dreams over a cracked earthen mug of ale or grog. This tavern, near the docks, is quite popular with sailors and others who are looking to drink enough to forget whatever troubles them. Qualify/Price: Poor/Cheap.
• The Brass Griffon attracts the well-to-do and those desiring an exotic touch. Staffed exclusively by young attractive Calishites of both sexes, the Griffon offers authentic Calishite dishes, drinks, and entertainment. Rumors that the huge, red-skinned bouncer is actually a genie of some kind are supported by the staff, but not in front of the bouncer himself. Quality/Price: Good/Expensive.

Guilds and Factions

• The Temple of the Morninglord. 

This temple to Lathander is run by Lissa of the Morning. The temple is small but growing.

• The House of Strategy

Hierarch Justicale heads this temple to the Red Knight (referred to locally as the Red Lord or Lady).

Tourism

The tressym of the city disappear for three days and nights each year, with the time period centered on the Highsummer festival. No one knows why they leave or where they go. When people awaken, the winged cats are gone, even from cages. After three days, they are back, discovered when the city rises from slumber. Tavern talk about this revolves around "them nomads," the Lion tribes of the Shadi'ar. One of the nomadic tribes' gods, Nobanion the Lionheart, is rumored to have visited Ankhapur the White four years ago, the year before the tressym began disappearing.

Type

Metropolis

Population

33,000

Location under

The Arnaden

Included Locations

• The Gift of Shadows
• The Lady's House
• The Temple of Mysteries

Owner/Ruler

Manferic III

Characters in Location

• Olive Blackkettle
• Raeth Dundragon
• Sana
• Selynwen
• Stolig Nackelcloak
• Wilimac Leafhopper