Yartar

Yartar was a prosperous and increasingly crowded fortified city standing on the east bank of the River Dessarin. The population had grown to the point that older structures were torn down and new, taller, buildings needed to be erected. Some as high as four stories.

The city was connected by a fortified bridge wide enough to accommodate two wagons with room to spare to a citadel on the west bank. There, the Evermoor Way (linking Triboar and Silverymoon) crossed the Dessarin. Yartar was a crossroads trading town, so it was always bustling with caravans entering and leaving its walls. It was renown as a place for merchants, smugglers, mercenaries, and spies from all over the North to meet and conduct business.

Yartar was the historic rival of Triboar and animosity between the two communities was pervasive.

History
In 1361 DR, Baron Alahar Khaumfros attempted to further a plot to provoke the Lords' Alliance (particularly Waterdeep) to war against Ruathym on behalf of the Kraken Society and Luskan. He was foiled in his attempt when Liriel Baenre, Fyodor, and Caladorn Cassalanter discovered the plot.

In 1491 DR, Yartarans were abducted by the elemental cults for conversion or sacrifice. These were mostly people who would not be missed; the poor and drunkards. The victims were held in the Temple of Howling Hatred. Members of the Hand of Yartar acquired a devastation orb''. ''They attempted to auction it off to the highest bidder.

Government
The ruler of Yartar, the Waterbaron, was elected for life. The Waterbaron in 1366 DR was Belleethe Kheldorna. This position was previously held by Alahar Khaumfros, who had inherited the position from his father and who was later revealed to be the leader of the Kraken Society. Khaufros employed the doppelganger Semmonemily to do his dirty work and had an elderly steward was named Cladence.

The Waterbaron in 1491 DR was Nestra Ruthiol, a Tethyrian noblewoman woman in her fifties with a reputation for being shrewd and farseeing. Nestra believed that the Lords' Alliance was necessary for Yartar's survival and prosperity. She was aware of the Harper and Zhentarim presence in the city, but chose to intervene only when the wellbeing of her citizens is at risk.

Alliances
Yartar was a member of the Lords' Alliance. A trade agreement with Goldenfields brought grain and produce to the city.

The Hand of Yartar
The Hand of Yartar was a fractious thieves' guild made up entirely of women. Infighting was common in the organization. The Hand of Yartar cooperated with the Zhentarim when it was advantageous to do so.

Inns and Taverns

 * Inn of the Glowing Gem
 * Tired Traveller Tavern

Shops

 * The central market: An open area marketplace filled with many stalls selling all sorts of goods, including crystal perfume bottles from Calimshan, magical potions, and spellcasting components of great rarity and power. Known locally as the Fishyard, this mazelike market always has fish caught from the Three Rivers on sale and even in the depths of winter, ice fishermen bring their wares to the stalls.
 * Beldabar's Rest. Probably the most unusual human-built in the North. It's located underground, beneath Yartar's central market.
 * Dannath's Pickles, Nuts, & Foods: A high-priced but very well-stocked food shop.
 * Winter Winds: A expensive, but excellent quality, clothing store.

Temples

 * Happy Hall of Fortuitous Happenings: The local temple of Tymora.

Other Locations

 * Three Rivers Festhall
 * Shield Tower: The tower is home to the 150 mounted guards of Yartar.

Novels

 * Tangled Webs (minor)

Computer games

 * Gateway to the Savage Frontier