Telflamm

Telflamm is usually considered to be the biggest and most important city in Thesk; however, Telflamm is actually an independent city-state--but wields so much power and influence over the country that it might as well be the capital. Telflamm was officially founded in 926 DR by Windyn Balindre, who moved his base of operations from Impiltur to this newly-built settlement and declared himself 'Merchant Prince', a hereditary title.

Situated as the start the incredibly profitable Golden Way trading route, Telflamm quickly became the biggest trading station in the region, with most trade concerning the produce of Kara-Tur which is widely in demand all over Faerûn.

Sometime in the early part of the fourteenth century DR, the most wealthy and influential merchants in the city set up a regulating body to check any excesses the prince may or may not make. This Merchant's Council is viewed as the real power in the city by most outsiders. This is not actually the case, however. Once the merchants began squabbling with Thesk and becoming too worried about their own profits, things started to go downhill. In 1360 DR, the Tuigan Horde weakened the city's security and four years later The Sharkjaw Pirates extorted massive amounts of gold from the council to not interfere with Telflamm's trade. The local thieves guild, the Shadowmasters of Telflamm slew the pirates two years later in a single night. By 1372 DR, the Shadowmasters were the absolute power in Telflamm, though few know how powerful they really are.

The last Balindre Prince died some time after the Spellplague, leaving the Merchants' Council in charge of the government, but the Shadowmasters remain the true power in the city.

Trade
Trade is the most important aspect of life in Telflamm. They do not have to produce much themselves as almost all the collected wares traveling along the Golden Way come through its gates. Eastern silk, spices, smokepowder, Long Jing and works of art go through Telflamm to reach the rest of Faerûn. The city is also home to the biggest Thayan Enclave ever built, making the city a hub for the purchase of magic items.

Castle Balindre
Built by Windyn Balindre, Telflamm's founder, this fortified building sits on the waterfront on top of a large hill. It played a key role in the city's fortunes over the years. Balindre declared himself the city's Merchant Prince, and descendants have lived in the castle ever since. The castle also houses the city's militia.

The Merchants' Fortress
Home to the Merchants' Council, the Merchants' Fortress is a sprawling stone complex whose polished, white stone walls can be seen throughout the city.

The Golden Way
Thesk is most famous for the Golden Way. This well-maintained road starts (or ends in) Telflamm and leads all the way to distant Kara-Tur. The Golden Way is a major overland trade artery. Its existence is the primary reason that Thesk isn't simply part of the Great Dale or Thay.

Shemszarr Square
The business of Telflamm is business, and this is its heart. Most commerce in the city flows through here at one point or another. It houses most of the city's merchants and the headquarters of some of its most powerful organizations. Gold from all corners of the world flow through this square.

The Red Wizard Enclave
The Thayan Enclave in Telflamm was one of the first enclaves established by the Red Wizards of Thay and grew into their largest. The shops of the enclave sell all manner of imported items, but discounted magic items are their most popular merchandise.

The House of the Master's Shadow
The hidden temple of Mask and headquarters of the Shadowmasters.

The Hall of the Avenging Hammer
A small temple to Tyr. Its members often try to oppose the rampant corruption that plagues the city.

Shou Town
A quarter of the city is decidedly more eastern in nature. The architecture is distinctly Kara-Turan, the businesses are mostly Kara-Turan restaurants and inns, and the people are mostly Shou. Few major merchants operate here and most residents are poor but honest. The only exception is the yakuza of the Nine Golden Swords.

Xiang Temple
Xiang Temple, home to an order of monks dedicated to mastering fighting with both weapons and their hands, also lies within Telflamm.

Specific prestige classes

 * Telfammar Shadowlord (image)