The City of Highmoon

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highmoon map Original map from Inkarnate, edited for setting.

Deepingdale’s only major community is Highmoon (Population 3,600+).

Located on a major trade road between Cormyr and Sembia, Highmoon guards the entrance to Thunder Pass. It has been growing steadily over the years, and may in time grow to be a major city. Highmoon is a prosperous, exciting town with a constant influx of adventurers, merchants, and wanderers. Caravans going east and west often hire mercenary guards here, and rumors abound of elven treasure to be found in the nearby forests. It is also an elf-friendly settlement, and in fact hosts archers from Semberholme as part of its defenses, and serves as a waypoint for the elven Knights of the Forgotten Flower.

Government

Highmoon is led by the Lord of Highmoon, who also serves as the ruler over all of Deepingdale. By 1372 DR, this position was held by Theremen Ulath.

History

The city was founded in the late 11th century DR, but grew quickly over its existence. The population rose to over 3000 by 1372 DR. Although early growth of the city was stymied by a lack of military support, conflicts with Vhaeraunian (particularly Auzkovyn) Drow of Cormanthor spurred its expansion and fortification. By the year of this posting in 1383 DR, the city wall’s construction has completed, and includes the northeastern annex wall that grew from the original walled perimeter.

Notable Locations

  • The High Market: The open market of Highmoon attracts many merchants from Sembia and Cormyr, looking to buy local harvest.
  • Lord’s Barracks: This military structure is home to the Watchmen of Highmoon. It also houses some of the Semberholme archers that defend Deepingdale and serves as their collective armory, storing their armaments of hundreds of weapons and sets of armor.
  • The Leaves of Learning: The Leaves of Learning is a temple dedicated to Oghma that contains one of best libraries in Faerûn.
  • The Eyes and Ears Adventurers’ Lodge: An outreach of the Society of Eyes and Ears, one of several lodges that house meeting and entertainment facilities and quartermaster for members of the Society, as well as a detainment facility for bounties brought in for processing.
  • Refugees Haven: Set up within the fortified walls in 1382 DR to take in and defend those many were displaced from outlying homes during the War of the Broken Crown, the refugee settlement has lingered and begun to erect permanent structures for those who have chosen to stay in Highmoon.
Shops
  • Darian Stables: Run by the horse master Alamus Darian, who hails from Impiltur.
  • Royal Provisioners of Highmoon: High-end provisions are sold here for traders and caravaneers passing through the dale.
Trading Costers
  • Andelmaus Logging: A timber supplier to the nation of Sembia.
  • Cups of Joy: A local tea house and bakery, selling retail to the public, that also imports and exports teas and sundries to and from other major settlements in Cormyr, Sembia and into the reaches of the Shou and Calimshan.
  • Hanseld’s Emporium: This company, run by the amiable Hanseld, imports rare and exotic items, finished goods and spices from Selgaunt and Marsember.
  • Silverhand House: This merchant coster exports rare woods, resin, amber, and furs to the cities of Arabel in Cormyr and Ordulin.
Inns & Taverns
  • Oak and Spear: A taproom known for their local homebrew.
  • The Rising Moon: This rowdy inn is regulated by its owner, the retired adventurer Gorstag.
  • The Silver Shield: A rather fancy inn, run by an elven family.
Towers
  • Rhauntides’s Tower: The tower was built by the Sage of Deepingdale, Rhauntides, in 1342 DR.
  • Tower of the Rising Moon: Home to the Lord of Highmoon, this horned tower serves as a symbol of the dale.