Aquor

Origin/History

Aquor is a town close to the Spine that used to house the decadent and rich of Sundren's elite when they were not in Sundren City. Famous for its art, music, and sculpture, Aquor boasted some of the most influential people in the entire valley making their homes within the beautiful town. The Second Sundering changed all of that, driving the majority of the nobility from the town. Only a handful remain, and these cower in the depleted numbers of the small town and pay service to Bane and the Thayan Enclave.

To the north of the town, the Az'Gema Lake was a well known fishing spot that some of the older retirees spend most of their day at. It was also placed right next to the Floating Flagon, where the barkeep loved to tell all kinds of stories, and houses frequent story tellers within his tavern. Sadly, the barkeep is silent now, refraining from even the most basic conversation besides transactional.

The road up north into the Spine also starts from Aquor, so it would be wise to bring some warmer clothing. Many caravans still pass through Aquor to the Spine and places such as Whurest and Icewind Dale. These caravans use the town as a final stopping point to resupply, despite the oppressive guardians of the area.

To the West lies the Thayan Enclave. This entire area, from the gates inward, is considered Thayan land. It has proven to be an attractive spot for some of the local nobles, but other more common folk tend to avoid it.

Aquor saw a great many changes with the Bloodmaim invasion, many of the Red Wizards decided with internal politics aflair combined with the very real threat of war on the horizon that their lives and studies were better made elsewhere, and they departed from the country. A handful remained, determined they could stay the tide and remain to profit in the aftermath of the war. Their knights worked in tandem with beasts and summons to hold back the horde, while the remaining red wizards utilized epic spells to bring down Cartel Mountain on the splinter of the main horde that were intent on burning Aquor to the ground. Since, Aquor has seen some significant changes, with no more Legion authority a stronger Thayan and Aurilite presence has since become noted in the town, with much of the Bloodmaim now holding the city in superstitious awe.

Located next to the Enclave was the Temple of Sune. This temple was constructed by a Sunite group new to Sundren, and its priests welcomed all who worship beauty into its hallowed halls. The wealthy inhabitants of Aquor helped fund the temple's construction, and frequent the church when they can. The Sunites were known for their generosity and beauty, and were well liked by the other inhabitants of the town. However, in recent times, the Sunites have been driven out by the Aurilite presence within the town. Now, the temple belongs to Bane, the Tyrant God.

Underworld elements are only whispered about in the town, but it is well known that the Cartel ran smuggling through the small city despite the efforts of the Legion. This ended once the Second Sundering took place. The Cartel's mountain hideout was destroyed in an effort to kill the Bloodmaim orcs attacking the small town, and they have been effectively wiped out from the area. The area around the former Cartel hideout has erupted into small lava pockets, allowing lava to crawl on top of Toril's crust.

Tailors and music shops were common in Aquor. One simply had to check their handy map in order to spot where they work, and the fine quality that they produce. These too, have been reduced extensively since the Second Sundering. The lack of nobility, and the lack of other customers have dried up the business to a large extent. The Enclave still sells magical items, but the majority of the Enclave has moved on, back to Thay.

Places of Interest

Temple of Bane, Floating Flagon, Thayan Enclave

Government

Thayan Enclave- Run by Alcazar Tel'Rune

Economy

Population Approximate: 700

Physical and Magical Environment

Terrain: Mountains, Hills
Appearance: Average
Hygiene: -2 (Healthy environment +1, but Recent Catastrophe -2)
High Magic (Rare Enchantment, due to Enclave's prices)

Culture and Economy

Language: Common
Literacy: Native
Wealth: Currently Poor (Due to the frequent battles that take place)
Status: -2 to 5 (Slave to Minor Nobility)

Political Environment

Government: Thaumatocracy
Ruling party: Thayan Enclave

Trade

Major Imports: Foodstuffs, Textiles, Luxury Items, Magical Components

Major Exports: Furs, Hides, Magical Items, Lumber, Slave Labor, Crafted Goods

Economic Analysis

According to most trade experts in Sundren, Aquor has gone through a period of destabilization that has near ruined its economy. As a result, the ruling part of the Thayan Enclave has had to inject a good deal of its own resources into the town in order to keep it more grounded, and practices a form of centralized governance that controls most of the goods that go through the town. Despite the eventual problems with such a strategy, it has proven effective in this brief period of time to settle the economy from falling further into depression. Craftsmen, workers, and other experts have been slowly trickling into the town, but it's hardly at the levels it was at its peak during the reign of the Arbiters. These past few years, the real economic growth had fallen drastically due to the Second Sundering. However, Aquors strengths include an abundant supply of raw materials, as well as access to the Spine and Icewind Dale. Trade routes have been rare as of late, but with a good deal of investment it would be possible to expand trading northwards into the Ten Towns.

Hunting and trapping are popular this far north since the trade lines have faltered. Forced to resort to means other than food shipments from the Gate or the Port, Aquor has been trading in small amounts in the southern areas of the valley. In particular, Sestra has been providing food sources to the Black Hand allied town.

Notes

Military Strength: Thayans have powerful knights, but not in any significant numbers beyond the basic guardianship of the town.

Range of Territory: Aquor is sectioned off from the main valley due to its insular rulers. However, were they to expand, they would have to expand patrols to combat Bloodmaim raiders.

Current Problems: Despite being a potentially powerful town with access to the Spine, the dwarven hold, and eventually Icewind Dale, it has had little chance to take advantage of such due to the constant strife the town has been centered in since the Second Sundering. Were it ever to have a stable ruler and trade, it's likely that bartering and business would bloom in the small town under a careful hand.

However, this comes with problems as well. Tribes from the north are always raiding caravans, and the town has been considered a lost asset by the Legion, making trade difficult down in the valley.

To understand how the Economic System works, click HERE.