Shadowdale

Shadowdale was a farming community the Dalelands, in North Faerûn, and was the home of the archmage Elminster Aumar and two of the Seven, Storm Silverhand and Syluné. Through its history, Shadowdale has battled both Zhentarim and drow invasions. Due to the number of ruins in Shadowdale, it was a popular place for adventuring companies to settle.

Origins
Originally Shadowdale (then known as the "Land Under Shadow") was controlled by the drow, who constructed the original Twisted Tower to protect their underground routes in the area. The drow maintained a population of humans and other races on the surface, used as slaves.

In the early 900s DR, the increasing human population in the area, made up of Dalesmen who had migrated from the other side of the Dragon Reach over several centuries, caused a conflict with the drow. In the face of a siege lasting around a year, Azmaer Dhuurniv, who was the drow marshall of the Twisted Tower at that time, oversaw a general retreat of the drow into the Underdark. Although the Tower was being supplied from beneath with food and water, a human slave poisoned the Tower's well, allowing the human attackers to easily overwhelm it. Azmaer is thought to have retreated into the Underdark.

Ashaba
The first human ruler of Shadowdale was the water wizard Ashaba, and the Twisted Tower bore his name thereafter, along with the River Ashaba. Despite being old at the time of coming to power, he ruled for forty years after the victory against the drow, and is said to have turned himself to water when he realised he was dying. Before leaving rule, he nominated one of his lieutenants as the new lord, and he was presented to Shadowdale's people. This formed the basis for the political system that continued to be used in Shadowdale.

Joadath
In 1273 DR, Joadath became the lord of Shadowdale. Joadath was agnostic and refused to accept the power of any deity. This culminated in the massacre of Tyrists on Watcher's Knoll in 1297 DR. When a beast from the nether planes was summoned to Shadowdale by an unknown individual in 1300 DR, it killed Joadath and rampaged through the town, before being stopped by Aumry and Syluné Silverhand.

Geography
Shadowdale spanned an area from Shadow Gap to Voonlar and its main town, which was also called Shadowdale, lay on the River Ashaba. The dale was covered with patches of light woods, and had a high number of ruins, making it popular with adventurers.

Notable locations

 * Druid's Grove
 * Elf Leap
 * Fox ridge
 * Hangman's Knoll
 * Harpers' Hill
 * Krag Pool
 * Shadow Ridge
 * Mistledale Mount
 * The Old Skull Tor
 * Toad Knoll
 * Watcher's Knoll

Locations in the village of Shadowdale

 * Elminster's Tower
 * The Old Skull Inn
 * The Twisted Tower

Temples and shrines

 * Morningdawn Hall
 * The House of Plenty
 * The House of the Lady

Politics
The ruler of Shadowdale was chosen by its inhabitants as someone who they hold in high regard, and was usually an outsider to the dale. This was in contrast to other dales where hereditary rule was common. The chosen ruler was usually someone regarded as a hero to the dale, having provided a service.

Defense
Elminster is usually responsible for the defense of Shadowdale, but when he is away on trips, he leaves this task with Storm Silverhand.