Daggerford
Daggerford is a small but consequential town located in the Delimbiyr Vale within the greater Sword Coast, part of the Steadfast. While it is primarily a farming community, and considered by some to be a stopover town, the town has great ambitions to grow and be seen as an alternative to their northern neighbor of Waterdeep.
Despite its modest size and somewhat inflated sense of importance, Daggerford is resilient. It is something of a relic from the old kingdom of Delimbiyr, too stubborn to fall even when a series of wars, crusades, and other conflicts threatened the entirety of the Sword Coast. Daggerford's coat-of-arms is a silver dagger, covered in blood atop a field of dark blue.
It is a walled settlement with a population that by and large live in the outlying hamlets, farms, and estates, rather than within the town proper. As such, the streets of Daggerford are not densely populated. The town was significantly refurbished during the 13th century when many of its 40-odd wooden structures were remade in stone by the dwarves of Clan Ironeater. Even after this improvement, Daggerford's roads were unpaved and several of its buildings were ramshackle in appearance even a century later.
Surrounding the town's walls is a modest moat, with three crossing points at each of the town's three gates — the Farmer's Gate in the north, the Caravan Gate in the west, and the River Gate in the south. For many years the moat was a dumping place for the town's refuse. Thankfully, this unfortunate and long-standing tradition was ceased in the late 15th century. Sitting atop a hill in the center of Daggerford is the grand Ducal Castle, which is technically older than the town itself. Geography Throughout its storied history, Daggerford's dukes claimed the lands from as far away as Floshin Estates to the north and Dragonspear Castle. In truth, the duchy comprises the town proper and the surrounding farmsteads that numbered around a score or more. Daggerford town is strategically placed along the Trade Way, within the idyllic countryside that encompasses the northern bank of the Delimbiyr River. It is the largest settlement located between the metropolises of Waterdeep to the north and Baldur's Gate to the south. There are a number of small but notable landmarks situated around Daggerford. The familial estate of Sir Elorfindar Floshin is about two days of travel away, and the home of his son Elorshin is approximately the same distance away to the east. Near Elorshin's home is the temple known as the Mosque of Tyr, which the younger elf maintains. On a small hill near the town is an entrance to a nearby song path, a network of portals that are connected to works of oratorical works of art, such as songs and epic poems. The song path near Daggerford is referred to as the Voices of the Lost, named for the song that is required for its opening. Gillian's Hill, Liam's Hold, and Black Helm Tower are each within a day's travel away from Daggerford. Government Since the founding of the Kingdom of Phalorm around the Year of Trials Arcane, 523 DR by Tyndal "Daggerford", the town was governed by Dukes through Tyndal's family line until at least the end of the Second Sundering. Around the Year of the Manticore, 1280 DR, a town charter was granted by Duke Conan, leading to the creation of the anonymous ruling body known as the Council of Guilds, modeled after the Masked Lords of Waterdeep. The town was too small to maintain such secrecy, however, and it was well known that the local guildmasters served at the seat of the council. Dukes of Daggerford The first Duke of Daggerford was Rugyar the Just. Circa 1270 DR, still young Edwin Daggerford was the Duke of Daggerford, until his death defending the city from Baatezu Gorgomorz. His young son Conan Daggerford inherited the title. As of the mid–14th century, the town was ruled by Duke Pryden Daggerford. Unfortunately, the duke lost his life in the First Dragonspear War. He was succeeded by his son, Pwyll "Greatshout" Daggerford, so named for his magically booming voice.[9] After Duke Pwyll's presumed death in 1372 DR, the city's leadership was taken over by a wealthy merchant member of the city council Matagar Bugo. That brief change of power was a part of the Zhentarim plot to take over Daggerford. Matagar's reign ended as he was incinerated by the invading Gorgomorz. After the Zhentarim plot was thwarted and the city defended itself, Duke Pwyll returned to the throne, revealed still alive, and held hostage by the enemies of the city. Duke Maldwyn Daggerford received his title before the Year of the Iron Dwarf's Vengeance, 1485 DR as the tradition of primogeniture decreed that the title passed to the eldest male child. It was the opinion of many in the town, however, that his elder sister Lady Morwen would be more suited to the role. After the practice of primogeniture was suspended in the following year, Lady Morwen assumed the title of Duchess of Daggerford. Trade Due to its key location, Daggerford is a vital mercantile hub for its region of the Sword Coast. It is the site where goods moving on ships traversing the Delimbiyr River could be transferred to caravans journeying along the Trade Way or vice versa. The waterways of the Delimbiyr at Daggerford are too shallow for ships to continue upriver into the rest of the Delimbiyr Vale. While people of Daggerford are largely self–sufficient, they do import lumber from Andalor's Mill in Bowshot. The town Daggerford emulates the grand, northern Metropolis of Waterdeep but its trade services are quite limited. While it attracts its fair share of travelers, prices for local wares are often significantly marked up. The Waterdhavian phrase "gone to Daggerford" refers to someone who is hiding out beyond Waterdeep's walls. Guilds After the establishment of guilds, each type of guild is maintained by a Guildmaster, even if it is only a single town representative, to ease trade between cities. They eventually formed into the Council of Guilds during the early 14th century, and many of them amalgamated into a fewer number of guilds by the 15th century. Defenses In addition to the Duke and his or her personal guard, Daggerford maintains a standing militia. It comprises the town's citizens who are healthy enough to serve, regardless of gender or race. Those who were not required to serve were those who were too young or too old, women who were pregnant, and women who were raising young children. As of the Year of the Banner, 1368 DR, the militia comprised only 50 individuals – though that was one-tenth of the town's citizens. Newly–recruited militiamen are granted some training and given very rudimentary arms. Service is required three days out of every month and typically consists of fairly light duties, unless the town is in immediate peril.
Surrounding the town's walls is a modest moat, with three crossing points at each of the town's three gates — the Farmer's Gate in the north, the Caravan Gate in the west, and the River Gate in the south. For many years the moat was a dumping place for the town's refuse. Thankfully, this unfortunate and long-standing tradition was ceased in the late 15th century. Sitting atop a hill in the center of Daggerford is the grand Ducal Castle, which is technically older than the town itself. Geography Throughout its storied history, Daggerford's dukes claimed the lands from as far away as Floshin Estates to the north and Dragonspear Castle. In truth, the duchy comprises the town proper and the surrounding farmsteads that numbered around a score or more. Daggerford town is strategically placed along the Trade Way, within the idyllic countryside that encompasses the northern bank of the Delimbiyr River. It is the largest settlement located between the metropolises of Waterdeep to the north and Baldur's Gate to the south. There are a number of small but notable landmarks situated around Daggerford. The familial estate of Sir Elorfindar Floshin is about two days of travel away, and the home of his son Elorshin is approximately the same distance away to the east. Near Elorshin's home is the temple known as the Mosque of Tyr, which the younger elf maintains. On a small hill near the town is an entrance to a nearby song path, a network of portals that are connected to works of oratorical works of art, such as songs and epic poems. The song path near Daggerford is referred to as the Voices of the Lost, named for the song that is required for its opening. Gillian's Hill, Liam's Hold, and Black Helm Tower are each within a day's travel away from Daggerford. Government Since the founding of the Kingdom of Phalorm around the Year of Trials Arcane, 523 DR by Tyndal "Daggerford", the town was governed by Dukes through Tyndal's family line until at least the end of the Second Sundering. Around the Year of the Manticore, 1280 DR, a town charter was granted by Duke Conan, leading to the creation of the anonymous ruling body known as the Council of Guilds, modeled after the Masked Lords of Waterdeep. The town was too small to maintain such secrecy, however, and it was well known that the local guildmasters served at the seat of the council. Dukes of Daggerford The first Duke of Daggerford was Rugyar the Just. Circa 1270 DR, still young Edwin Daggerford was the Duke of Daggerford, until his death defending the city from Baatezu Gorgomorz. His young son Conan Daggerford inherited the title. As of the mid–14th century, the town was ruled by Duke Pryden Daggerford. Unfortunately, the duke lost his life in the First Dragonspear War. He was succeeded by his son, Pwyll "Greatshout" Daggerford, so named for his magically booming voice.[9] After Duke Pwyll's presumed death in 1372 DR, the city's leadership was taken over by a wealthy merchant member of the city council Matagar Bugo. That brief change of power was a part of the Zhentarim plot to take over Daggerford. Matagar's reign ended as he was incinerated by the invading Gorgomorz. After the Zhentarim plot was thwarted and the city defended itself, Duke Pwyll returned to the throne, revealed still alive, and held hostage by the enemies of the city. Duke Maldwyn Daggerford received his title before the Year of the Iron Dwarf's Vengeance, 1485 DR as the tradition of primogeniture decreed that the title passed to the eldest male child. It was the opinion of many in the town, however, that his elder sister Lady Morwen would be more suited to the role. After the practice of primogeniture was suspended in the following year, Lady Morwen assumed the title of Duchess of Daggerford. Trade Due to its key location, Daggerford is a vital mercantile hub for its region of the Sword Coast. It is the site where goods moving on ships traversing the Delimbiyr River could be transferred to caravans journeying along the Trade Way or vice versa. The waterways of the Delimbiyr at Daggerford are too shallow for ships to continue upriver into the rest of the Delimbiyr Vale. While people of Daggerford are largely self–sufficient, they do import lumber from Andalor's Mill in Bowshot. The town Daggerford emulates the grand, northern Metropolis of Waterdeep but its trade services are quite limited. While it attracts its fair share of travelers, prices for local wares are often significantly marked up. The Waterdhavian phrase "gone to Daggerford" refers to someone who is hiding out beyond Waterdeep's walls. Guilds After the establishment of guilds, each type of guild is maintained by a Guildmaster, even if it is only a single town representative, to ease trade between cities. They eventually formed into the Council of Guilds during the early 14th century, and many of them amalgamated into a fewer number of guilds by the 15th century. Defenses In addition to the Duke and his or her personal guard, Daggerford maintains a standing militia. It comprises the town's citizens who are healthy enough to serve, regardless of gender or race. Those who were not required to serve were those who were too young or too old, women who were pregnant, and women who were raising young children. As of the Year of the Banner, 1368 DR, the militia comprised only 50 individuals – though that was one-tenth of the town's citizens. Newly–recruited militiamen are granted some training and given very rudimentary arms. Service is required three days out of every month and typically consists of fairly light duties, unless the town is in immediate peril.
Region
Northwest Faerun, The Steadfast, Delimbiyr Vale, Sword Coast
Size
Small town
Major Imports
Green wood
Major Exports
Furs, garments
Politics
Oligarchy
Ruler: Duke/Duchess
(head of state),
Council of Guilds
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments