Hulburg

Hulburg, is a small city on the northeastern shore of the Moonsea of Faerûn. Griffonwatch Keep, the ancestral home of the Hulmasters, sits on a rocky outcrop on the eastern edge of the city.

The current city only occupies a fraction of the area of historical Hulburg and there are many vacant lots in the city. New construction was built on top of the foundations and basements of ruined buildings. In many cases, the old cellars remain intact and form interconnected underground passages that can be used to travel underground through the city unnoticed.

Geography
Hulburg sits on the northeastern shore of the Moonsea and has a fine natural harbor. The city is situated between two rocky headlands, Keldon Head and Easthead. Spellplague changed land is common in the vicinity of Hulburg and unnatural green hills rise just to the east of the city. Additionally, a rock formation known as the Arches jutts into the Moonsea near Hulburg's harbor. The Winterspear river runs through the center of the city.

Religion
The people of Hulburg are pragmatic and seem to have little use for gods. There is a small sisterhood of Shaaran priestesses in the city and a temple of Cyric stood briefly during the reign of Maroth Marstel until it was destroyed by Geran Hulmaster and Sarth.

Climate
Hulburg has winters cold enough to freeze over the harbor several months of the year.

Government
Hulburg was ruled by the Hulmaster family for many generations until 1479 DR when the Merchant Council with the help of the Elven shadow mage Rhovann engineered a coup against the Hulmasters, forcing them into exile in neighboring Thentia. The Hulmasters retook their city in 1480 DR and Natali Hulmaster was made harmach, while Kara Hulmaster was made regent until her niece grows up.

Law and Order
For many years, the Shieldsworn kept order in the town, but that changed when Sergen Hulmaster became the Keeper of Duties for the harmach's council and began giving out trade concessions. The trading companies who came to town formed a merchant council and hired mercenaries to police the town in the form of the Council Watch, though they more often ignored those who worked for - or in the best interests of - the members of the council. Since then, the Shieldsworn were only allowed to deal with high crimes, such as murder.

Slaving has been outlawed for several generations, as is the opening of barrows on the lands within several miles of the town, due to the fear of awakening the undead and incurring the wrath of Aesperus, the King in Copper.

History
Hulburg was founded ca. 950 DR by the Hulmaster clan, formerly of Mulmaster. The city was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The city was first destroyed by an army of giants in 1150 DR and was rebuilt shortly thereafter. An army of orcs and ogres in alliance with Zhentil Keep destroyed Hulburg in 1347 DR. The city slowly repopulated and as of 1479 DR has several thousand inhabitants.