Book: Guide to Arabel
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_Please do not reply on to this thread as I will be making many more additions to this over time and for everyone's benifit I'd like to keep things more easily read by other people.
These are the collected works of Shadow and his "Guide to Arabel", please note that information gathered was done so in-game and may be inaccurate, sometimes intentional, sometimes accidentally. Any responses should be sent via PM. Apart from that, I hope you enjoy.
NB: A single copy of each of the entries can be located in the library of the Mage's Guild, near the lecture hall, not for removal or copy._
Guide to Arabel - Written by Shadow, Assistant Instructor to the School of Magecraft
Written on the behalf of the School of Magecraft, this work intends to educate and teach new comers and old citizens to the wonders and delights of Arabel, allowing people to learn more about their cities history, out of the way locations, and explore the city from the comfort of their own home.
INDEX
Chapter 1 - About Arabel
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Brief introduction to Arabel
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Map of Arabel
Chapter 2 - East Arabel - Still under heavy editing
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Map of East Arabel
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East Gate
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Visitors Center
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Jarnek's Carpentry
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Shrine to Tymora
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Road to North East Arabel
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Temple of Chauntea
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Temon's Emporium
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Thousandheads Trading Coster
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Tired Traveller
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Marketplace - North
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Marketplace - South
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Dancing Dragon
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Healers
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Fezznick Estate
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Other notiable locations
Chapter 3 - Central Arabel - Not started
Chapter 4 - South Arabel - Not started -
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Arabel is a fair-sized city of almost a thousand main buildings, situated where the East Way meets Calantar's Way in eastern Cormyr. It is a fortified city, though it has many posts for trading houses outside its walls.
Arabel is first and foremost a merchant city, famed for its jewelry, principally that of the merchant house of Thond. A number of trading companies have major outposts here, and there is always a floating pool of mercenary talent to be hired at any time, the largest unit being the Red Ravens. The city is also the main shipping area for coal in Cormyr, gathering coal from mines in the Gnoll Pass area.
The major trading companies in Arabel include a number of multicity costers and priakos - Dragoneye Dealing, Six Coffers, Thousandheads, Trueshield, and the dubious Iron Throne (not to be confused with the Iron House of the dwarves). Local merchant houses include Baerlear, Bhela, Gelzunduth, Hiloar, Kraliqh, Misrim, Nyaril, and Thond.
Arabel has one major temple, the Lady's House, devoted to the worship of Tymora. It was here that the avatar of the Luck Maiden appeared to the populace and protected the city during its dark time. As a result, the church has grown further in power under the wise (and some say high-handed) leadership of Daramos Lauthyr. The Lady's House is the major healing force in Arabel, with 24 priests answering to Lauthyr's call.
Arabel is also noted for a number of fine inns and taverns, the most notable being the Dancing Dragon and the Wild Goose (better known by its other name, the World Serpent). The best inn in the city is the Pride of Arabel, for those who can afford it.
Arabel is currently ruled by Myrmeen Lhal. Myrmeen's lordship tends to turn on the fact that she permits the traders and merchants to engage in whatever tactics they see fit, as long as no one is hurt and the crown is not endangered. Arabel's military forces are overseen by the Warden of the Eastern Marches, Dauneth Marliir.
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The City of Arabel by unknown cartographer - Shadow((Edit by Agrafes: for those who have another edition of this map: North is marked as being to the right of this map. Thus, canon Arabel has East-, West- and Southgates, and the palace is to the north. I suppose that when Rocc created CoA, he had only a map without the North marker. Changing the module to match the canon resources would be too much effort, thus we left it the slightly rotated way))
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a crude drawing of East Arabel drawn by Shadow
This will do for now until I can get a proper artist or buy a new map - Shadow -
The East Gate - When first arriving the in city
Many travellers pass through the gates of Arabel each and every day seeking fame and fortune, or a new home inside these prosperous walls. Often travellers will arrive at the city passing through the East Gate after journying on one of the many caravan's that pass through the city each and every day.
The East Gate - ShadowThe first sight that will fall upon new travellers to the city is a wonder checkerboard design, this landmark is easily distinguishable and is the only one of its kind on the public streets of the city. Should a traveller become lost simply seek out the checkerboard design to the East of the city and you should find yourself by the East Gate.
New arrivals should take note of the many notice boards and bullitin boards around the city, these serve as a way of communication between citizens as well as the city officals being able to inform its citizens of important information that every one should know. Be sure to check these notice boards upon your arrival and keep regular checkups on the bullitin boards.
Public notice boards - ShadowTwo fountains resting by large pillars closest to the East Gate provide a free water source for the citizens of Arabel should they find themselves thirsty. Adventurers are often seen gathering by these fountains before long journies along the East Road.
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Visitors Center
North of the East Gate you come across the first and best place for weary travellers new to the city, the Visitors Center. Here you can buy refreshing drinks from the Barmaid, chat to locals and meet other people new to the city and make friends that can last you a lifetime.
The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is somewhat lacking though as most people simply pass through these doors and do not stay for long. There is a podium for bards to sing and entertain the guests though it rarely sees much use.
One drawback of the Visitors Center is the lack of accomidation for weary travellers to rest in, the closest Inns are the Tired Traveller and Dancing Dragon. The Visitors Center however does have several places for travellers to sit and rest their feet, as you enter the Visitors center a suitable arrangements of tables can be found to your right as well as a quiet corner in the back left half of the building.
Work can often be picked up here, in particular a studious man by the name of Celas is often in need of errand boys to collect books for his research. It is adviseable that new comers to the city take some time out to study the laws of the city before venturing out, fortunately the founders of the visitors center sought fit to provide a book case with relevant information. This leaves little excuse for new comers to claim ignorance to the laws and traditions of Arabel.
There are plenty of regulars who frequent the Visitors Center, many of these people are friendly and worth talking to if you have a few free moments.
Examples of typical patrons - ShadowAt the back of the Visitors Center there is a small practice area, target dummies that people can test their mettle against and archery targets that can prove decidely hard to hit. There is a small lever just off to one side that when pulled can replace any lost or damaged dummies. A word of caution though, unless you are skilled in the use of unarmed combat don't hit them with your fists, there is a fair chance that you'll hurt your hands.
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Jarnek's Carpentry
Opposite the Visitors Center you will find Jarnek's Carpentary. Jarnek's ample workshop manufactures everything from furniture, to wagons, to houses.
Such an production requires an large amounts of wood which he procures from the local loggers camp on a regular basis. As the chief importer of wood into the city often local crafters will turn to Jarnek for their immediate needs rather than dealing with the loggers directly.
Quite often his own supplies become depleted, should another project arise he calls open willing assistants to travel to the loggers camp and return with more supplies for him.
The man himself in his workshop, not the tidiest of people - Shadow -
Shrine of Tymora
Darmos felt that some people might be too intimidated to enter the Lady's House with all its glory and thus arranged for this humble outpost to be established.
Parner was asked to act as the guardian and caretaker for the shrine. Those who are in need, sick or hurt can go to Parner and for a few coins recieve the blessing of Tymora.
By a pillar near to parner is an offering bowl for the temple - ShadowThe main chamber is designed to be an area where people can sit in service and worship Tymora together, through door at the far wall opposite the entrance is a private chamber for those who would like to meditate and pray in peace.
Adjoining to the main chamber is a the meeting hall between the main priests bedroom, further down the corridor is the store room and the passage way to the crypts. It should be noted that like most people, Parner is very touchy should people start snooping around the temple where they don't belong, and especially thieves.
A crypt is a good way to dispose of thieves - Shadow -
Road to North East Arabel
Travelling west from the Shrine of Tymora you will come across a wide road leading north, situated behind the Temple of Chauntea, following this path will take you to North East Arabel. North East Arabel contains places such as the Lady's House, Rali's a rather excellent weaponsmith, and the seamstress for all your tailored goods.
Nearby the Shrine of Tymora is a tower, it's purpose remains a mystery but there it stands between the Shrine and the Temple dedicated to Chauntea. No-one has ever been seen going in and out of the tower. Who knows what mysteries await inside.
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Temple of Chauntea
The temple is surrounded by a small water course, to avoid getting your feet wet it is advisable to use one of the many bridges. Both the east and west sides of the temple have doors that can be used to enter and exit along with the main large doors to the south of the temple.
The caretaker of the temple is a man by the name of Gustan Hold, he stands before an alter dedicated to Chauntea before a set of seats allowing him to hold services when required. Many adventurers speak to Gustan see the temples wares that they have for sale, to seek blessing to remove illness or cure injuries, even to raise the dead of the dearly departed.
Those who are in need can find aid in the charity box near the strange glowing structure near the south exit to the temple, for those wishing to donate it is best to place your coins in the offering bowls. There are those who are brought to the temple who no longer live, those seeking a final home can be placed into large coffins near the back of the temple where they will be given a proper burial when time permits.
The temple has plenty of places worthy of note, travellers new to Arabel wishing to experience a little of the outdoors from the saftey of the city should visit here.
One of the most beautiful places I have seen outside the glade - Shadow
Most intriguing, an indoor pool - Shadow
A most unusal structure - ShadowAll manner of friendly creatures can be found in the temple, deer, wolves, badgers, even giant spiders! Those interest in animals or nature should stop by to see the sights in a safe and controlled enviroment. Especially good for those who don't like the thought of travelling outside the city, or can't.
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Temon's Emporium
Tucked away from the hussle and bustle of the marketplace, the Emporium is run by a halfling trader by the name of Temon. Clearly identified by his bright green clothes, he is can often seen in the marketplace or his store buying and selling many wares that pass through adventurers hands.
When his store is opened but Temon is not present customers can pull a chain that hangs from the ceiling which rings a bell. No matter where Temon is he will be able to hear it thanks to certain magical enchantments.
Temon's store offers seating for customers that choose to sit and wait until his return or should the likely event occur that a queue begins to form. Whilst not the most comfortable of places to wait, for those people who have been on their feet all day it comes as a welcome break.
Adjoining the main store are two doors. Behind the desk (for a merchant Temon is surprisingly cheap using empty crates - Shadow) lays the storage room. This room is probably the grandest of all the rooms, obviously Temon takes great pride in what he buys and sells.
Two large couches rest upon a fine hand woven rug that easily covers the spacious floos. Right at the back of the storage room are two very large and very strong chests that Temon keeps his wares in safe from intrudors and to save the poor halfling from carrying suits of armour larger than himself! Having had a chance to personally see the contents of the chests, thieves should be weary about trying to steal from the good merchant. Many intricate and deadly traps protect the contents of the chests. ( How Temon managed so long without his store is beyond me - Shadow)
Temons private room, his bedroom, is a large spacious affair easily taking up half the shop with a gracious and luxurious double bed and all the amenities that he will need except a kitchen. Temon himself professes he is not that good a cook so doesn't mind the lack of even the most basic of cooking facilities.
A collection of things Temon has in his room - Shadow -
ThousandHeads Trading Coster
Located opposite Temon's Emporium, the ThousandHeads Trading Coster is a place where many adventurers and mercanaries can sign up to work as a guard on caravans headed out to their next stop out of the Caravan City. An excellent way to get some money coming in for prepared adventurers.
The Thousandheads is owned by William Thond, arriving in Arabel, he began to build the largest and most successful of all the trading companies in the city. Through his wealth, his contacts, and his current business associates, the Thond family is now the most influential merchant house in all of Arabel.
The bulletin board has a listing of times caravans set out - ShadowAnyone wishing to sign up for guard duty should report one hour before the actual caravan is set to leave to the gnome who stands behind the desk inside. Following is a list of daily trade routes and the minimum amount of guards required:
9.00 - Hillsfar, 4 guards
14.00 - Thunderstone, 4 guards
19.00 - Bospir, 3 guards
23.00 - Immersea, 4 guardsThese routes can be treacherous, they can be calm and serene. One can never tell. In addition to the standard caravans the gnome sometimes here veteran adventurers for special caravans.
Typical scenes in the coster - Shadow -
Tired Traveller
Probably the most often visited Inn for the adventuring class of Arabel. Reasonable rates on rooms to sleep in and a good mix of drinks and food. Bards can sometimes be found performing in the open area and some say there is some special entertainment in the basement, if you can get down there.
The cities militia takes great pride in keeping all its citizens safe, within the doors of the Traveller two guards stand on duty at all times keeping a watchful eye on the patrons ready to act at a moments notice. With the except of the Pride, this remains the only Inn with such a presence. One must ask the question, is there something more going on in this establishment the militia is trying to keep an eye out for?
The patrons of the Traveller are a pleasent enough sort, the rooms at a meare nine lyons a night attract crowds though not rich, they are not too poor to slum it in less healthy enviroments such as the Three Bars or the Red Sword.
Possessing a good half dozen tables and ample chairs, the Inn has enough room and space to accomidate several large gatherings at once. Given the size of the Inn it is not surprising that no more than a handful of people choose to spend their money and time in the place as the place can be quiet noisy with the regular influx of new comers to the city. Those who choose to come here only do so to find a room for the night and leaving quickly the next morning.
One must wonder what is in the basement if the Innkeeper will only talk of it in whispers - ShadowA quick word with the Innkeeper Hanan Bendt and you can get yourself a more permenant lodgings at the Traveller, or sample their range of food and drinks.
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Ale - 2 lyons
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Stout - 3 lyons
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Arabellan Dry - 5 lyons
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Tanagar's Pale Ale - 6 lyons
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Tanagar's Stout Ale - 6 lyons
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Renegade's Rum - 12 lyons
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Berduskian Dark Wine - 12 lyons
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Apples - 1 lyon
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Trail Rations - 3 lyons
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Ham - 3 lyons
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Garlic - 6 lyons
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Cooked Food - 8 lyons
The rooms themselves are of a reasonable size for their money, kept clean and tidy with fresh linen each day. Each room caters to a slightly different customer, one has a double bed, another a couch, some have cupboards and armoire's. The candelabra provide enough light during the dark hours for most visitors needs.
At the back of the Inn is a sizable kitchen where all the food is prepared and drinks kept.
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Marketplace - North
The marketplace is a popular resting and social point for travellers and locals alike. Found in the heart of Eastern Arabel the diversity of nearby traders, close proximity to many local inns and taverns, as well the East Gate where so many new arrivals come meant it has become somewhat of a social nexus whereby adventurers and travellers can congregate and meet new and old friends.
Found in the northern part of the marketplace, the two dwarven brothers stand proud come wind, rain or snow selling their wares to travellers and adventurers. Though they work together each brother sells a slightly different collection of wares. Those who are not able to find a craftsman to make weapons or armour suited to their particular needs, or people who need to lay their hands on some solid protection quickly, should consider these fine upstanding members of the community as their first choice when wanting to spend their coin.
When the weather is fine, and the sun shines, many people like to take advantage of the ample seating provided in the the heart of the marketplace. Numerous seats allow people to rest their weary legs and soak up the husstle and bustle of the marketplace, those who seek a more intimate chat often retired to more private location.
When the weather turns bad, or for those who prefer a more shady locale during those hot summer days can find solace under the shelters that can be found nearby. A guard always stand on duty as the marketplace has been known to be a hotspot of trouble at times when tempers fray.
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Marketplace - South
Near the main marketplace several other merchants and stalls can be found. Closest to the marketplace is a friendly trader by the name of Jarto. He sells a variety of common items, jewellry, potions and minor magical artifacts that he comes across from passing travellers and adventurers. Though not quite as extensive as the general store found in South Arabel, for those who need to aquire the basics swiftly this man should be consulted first.
A little south of Jarto you will find the bookseller, he sells a wide collection of history books, novels, and informational books that scholars and writers are often in need of. This little fellow is more than happy to buy old and used books and occassionally gets shipments in of rare and antique books that he will auction off. Those people wishing to start their own private collections should begin here.
With so many live chickens its a wonder none have escaped yet - ShadowSanders is a man with a taste for chicken, the smell of his freshly cooked chicken portions can be smelt wafting in the wind around the marketplace. At fifteen lyons a portion this can be a little too expensive for some people's tastes but fresh warm food can be a welcoming sight for weary travellers returning from a long journey outside the cities protective walls. Near Sanders a guard stands watch over a bulletin board, ready to assist should any trouble break out in the marketplace.
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Just south of the marketplace, the Dancing Dragon is an ideal home for those who wish to remain in walking distance off all the main amenitites the city has to offer. Over time this place has become a popular haunt for those travellers who have lived amongst the city for some time, tiring of the hussle and bussle of the Tired Traveller, but yet yearn to be in the heart of the lively city. Owned by the husband and wife duo, Tris and Kelino, the pair have managed to make a pleasent and comfortable home for wayward travellers at reasonable prices.
The downstairs and upstairs of the Dancing Dragon respectivelyEncouraged by Tris, the Dragon has become somewhat of a focal point for gatherings by the more social side of the city. Private discussions often take place in the upper portion of the Inn, taken in by the comfort of fine seats by a crackling fire. Bards play their tunes or tell tales to the bemusement and wonder of the gathering crowds, and academics and commoners gather to discuss topics of the day or strange new discoveries that have begun to unfurl. The patrons are pleasent and welcoming, because of these factors many adventurers make their homes here.
A better view of the quiet resting places found in the upper floorThe lower floor of the Dancing Dragon houses four bedrooms, the kitchen and a decent sized sitting area to rest, eat or simply enjoy the company of other. The upper floor houses two bedrooms and boasts a large and expansive rest area with comfortable seating spaced apart from each other so that no-one can overhear the quiet conversations without making it obvious they are imposing.
Tris and a few hired hands help take care of the day to day running of the business whilst Kelino stands quietly, ever watchful ensuring that peace remains a constant center piece of this establishment. The rooms are well funished and comfortable for the price of 10 lyons a night, offering probably the best value for money inside and out of the city.
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Mead - 1 lyons
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Milk - 4 lyons
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Lemonade - 4 lyons
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Arabellan Dry - 5 lyons
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Wine - 5 lyons
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Tanagar's Light Ale - 6 lyons
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Spirits - 8 lyons
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Apples - 2 lyons
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Trail rations - 4 lyons
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Eggs - 4 lyons
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Cooked food - 9 lyons
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Sasuage - 18 lyons
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