Elturel

Elturel is a city-state lying on the River Chionthar in the Western Heartlands, and part of The Steadfast. It is a center for agriculture and trade in the region, and renowned for its elite mounted defenders, the Hellriders. Floating above Elturel is The Companion, a shining magical orb.
Geography The city is situated atop a bluff or tor with a cliff dominating the River Chionthar. This is both a good defensive position and a good crossing-point, as the river below is narrow, shallow, and easily traversed by poling barges. The city was founded here for this advantage. The river links it with Berdusk, Iriaebor, and Scornubel, and to Baldur's Gate on the Sword Coast.
The Skuldask Road runs through Elturel, linking it to Thundar's Ride in the Fields of the Dead in the northwest, and to Berdusk and Uldoon's Trail in the southwest. The lesser-used Dusk Road begins at Elturel and winds northeast to meet the Trade Way at Triel. It is a major stop on the trade routes through the Western Heartlands.
A shining orb known as the Companion or "Amaunator's Gift" hangs directly over the center of the city, never setting. This second sun produces no heat but its light illuminates the city day and night, as bright as the natural sun and burned undead of all kinds. Creatures of darkness could not even bear to look at the city. It can be seen from virtually anywhere within Elturgard, though it fades with distance.
Government Elturel is a secure and well-policed city, with interests in farming and trade. The Hellriders, an elite cavalry group, are based in Elturel and patrol the area. The city and the surrounding villages (known collectively as Elturgard) are ruled by the High Observer of Torm, a priest named Thavius Kreeg. Aided by a paladin knighthood, the High Observer makes certain that order is maintained in the city, with the aim of bringing righteous judgment to all the Realms and "setting Faerûn aright". The city and countryside are safe and well-policed, and trade and agriculture are run efficiently.
Relations Elturel is a member of the Lords' Alliance, and part of The Steadfast. Despite its small size, it is an influential member of the Alliance due to its importance as a trade hub and its outsized military might. Its chief rival is Baldur's Gate, which the people of Elturel view as lawless and corrupt.

Region Western Heartlands, The Steadfast, Western Faerun
Demonym Elturian
Major Exports Livestock & animal products (cheese, glue, leather, meat, wool)
Major Imports Stone, fabric