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{{Location
  
{{Location
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| title =
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| image = CoatOfArmsEagle.jpg
  ⚫
| caption = The badge of the city of Zazesspur.<ref name="EFR-30">{{Cite book/Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms|30}}</ref>
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| image = CoatOfArmsEagle.jpg
  
  ⚫
| name = Zazesspur
⚫
| caption = The badge of the city of Zazesspur.<ref name="EFR-30">{{Cite book/Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms|30}}</ref>
  
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| name = Zazesspur
 +
| alt spelling =
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| aliases = "Zaz"<ref name=LoI1:T-p69>{{Cite book/Lands of Intrigue/Tethyr|69}}</ref>
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| aliases = "Zaz"<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72>{{Cite book/Lands of Intrigue/Tethyr|69-72}}</ref><br />The Carpet City<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 /><br />Zazesspur the Wicked<ref name="WiT-p80">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|80}}</ref><br />{{Former}} Fort Karlag
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| size = Metropolis
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| type = Settlement
  +
| region = [[Starspur|County Starspur]], [[Kamlann]], [[Tethyr]]
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| capital =
 
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| area = [[Starspur|Starspur County]], [[Kamlann|Kamlann Duchy]]
 +
| size = Metropolis
  ⚫
| elevation =
⚫
| ruler = Council of Lords<ref name="FRCG-p176">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|176}}</ref>
  
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| government = Council
 +
| depth =
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| population = 100,000 in [[1479 DR]]<ref name="FRCG-p179">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|179}}</ref>
 +
| georefs = <ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 /><ref name="EotS-p41">{{Cite book/Empires of the Sands|41}}</ref><ref name="FRCS3e-p158">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|158}}</ref>
  +
| demonym = Zazesspuran<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 /><br />Zazesspurian<ref name="WiT-p3">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|3}}</ref>
−
| races = {{percentage table|[[Humans]]|70|[[Halflings]]|12|[[Gnomes]]|6|[[Half-elves]]|4|Others|8}}
 +
| races = {{Percentage table|[[Humans]]|70|[[Halflings]]|12|[[Gnomes]]|6|[[Half-elves]]|4|Others|8}}
⚫
| religion =
 
−
| imports =
+
| languages =
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| exports =
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| religion = [[Sune]]
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| alignment =
+
| alignment =
  ⚫
| socrefs = <ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 /><ref name="EotS-p24">{{Cite book/Empires of the Sands|24}}</ref>
⚫
| founded = -1570
  
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| destroyed =
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| imports = Grain, livestock
  +
| exports = Rugs, carpets, woodworking
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| government =
 
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| rulertype =
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| currency =
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| comrefs = <ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 /><ref name="EotS-pp26,39">{{Cite book/Empires of the Sands|26,39}}</ref><ref name="EotS-p26">{{Cite book/Empires of the Sands|26}}</ref>
⚫
| ruler1 =
 
−
| ruleryear1 =
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| government = Council
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| ruler2 =
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| rulertype =
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| ruleryear2 =
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| ruler = Council of Lords
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| ruler3 =
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| head of state =
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| ruleryear3 =
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| leader1 =
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| ruler4 =
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| head of government =
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| ruleryear4 =
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| leader2 =
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| ruler5 =
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| executive =
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| ruleryear5 =
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| legislature =
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| rulertable =
+
| judiciary =
  ⚫
| allegiances =
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| govrefs = <ref name=EotSS-p17>{{Cite book/Empires of the Shining Sea|17}}</ref>
  
  +
| govrefs = <ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 /><ref name="FRCS3e-p158" /><ref name="FRCG-p176">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|176}}</ref>
⚫
| usethe =
 
  +
| established = {{Yearlink|-1570}}<ref name=EotSS-p17>{{Cite book/Empires of the Shining Sea|17}}</ref><ref name="FRCS3e-p268">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|268}}</ref>
⚫
| useon =
 
  +
| start event = Sacked by [[Tethyrian]] [[barbarian]]s
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| inhabitants = yes
  
−
| locations = yes
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| start date = {{Yearlink|-387}}
  +
| event1 = Conquered by Tethyr<br />Renamed Fort Karlag
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| organizations = yes
  
  +
| date1 = {{Yearlink|-315}}
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| settlements =
 
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| source = [[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|FRCS]]
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| event2 = Renamed Zazesspur
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| page = 157
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| date2 = {{Yearlink|-5}}
  ⚫
| event3 =
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| date3 =
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| event4 =
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| date4 =
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| disestablished =
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| end event =
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| end date =
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| predecessor =
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| successor =
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| population1 = 375,000<ref name="EotS-p41" />
  +
| popyear1 = 1357
  +
| population2 = 170,000<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 />
  +
| popyear2 = 1370
  +
| population3 = 116,485<ref name="FRCS3e-p158" />
  +
| popyear3 = 1372
  ⚫
| population4 = 100,000<ref name="FRCG-p179">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|179}}</ref>
  +
| popyear4 = 1479
  +
| population5 =
  +
| popyear5 =
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| poptable =
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| ruler1 =
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| ruleryear1 =
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| ruler2 =
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| ruleryear2 =
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| ruler3 =
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| ruleryear3 =
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| ruler4 =
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| ruleryear4 =
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| ruler5 =
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| ruleryear5 =
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| rulertable =
  +
| histrefs = <ref name=LoI1-T-p24 />
  ⚫
| usethe =
  ⚫
| useon =
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| inhabitants = yes
  +
| locations = yes
  ⚫
| organizations = yes
  ⚫
| settlements =
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| roads = yes
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| mountains =
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| bodies of water =
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| forests =
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| events =
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| food and drink =
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| items = yes
 
}}
  
}}
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The port city of '''Zazesspur''' was the former capital of [[Tethyr]], home of [[amethyst dragon]] [[Nyadnar]] and [[Zaranda Star]].{{fact}}
 +
The ancient port city of '''Zazesspur''' was the former capital of [[Tethyr]].<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 /><ref name="FRCS3e-p158" /> It was a city of legendary wealth and full of intrigue.<ref name="WiT-p7">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|7}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Description==
  +
Architecturally and culturally, Zazesspur was an odd mixture of Tethyrian and [[Calimshan|Calishite]] influences, with others blended in.<ref name="FRCS3e-p158" /> Its skyline contained many tall spires.<ref name="WiT-p75">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|75}}</ref> Most buildings were several stories tall and constructed of tight-fitting stone. They were decorated ornately around windows and doors and along the edges of the roofs.<ref name="WiT-p80" />
  +
  +
==Geography==
  +
The city was located on the [[Sword Coast]], south of the [[Starspire Peninsula]].<ref name="EotS-p41" /> The city's harbor was protected from storms by the mountainous peninsula.<ref name="WiT-p137">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|137}}</ref>
  +
  +
The coastal plains around Zazesspur were markedly more green than the lands further east and inland.<ref name="WiT-p78">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|78}}</ref> The city was bisected by the [[Sulduskoon River]] as it flowed into the sea.<ref name="FRCS3e-p158" />
  +
  +
==Layout==
  +
[[File:Zazesspur map.png|thumb|right|300px|''A map of the city, showing its districts and gates.'']]
  +
The river divided the city into a southern [[Zazesspur/Low City|Low City]] and a northern [[Zazesspur/High City|High City]]. The Low City was older, having been built over older ruins. The High City was larger and represented what most folks though of when hearing the word "Zazesspur".<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 />
  +
  +
The High City was divided into six districts, which included:<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 />
  +
* [[Zazesspur/High City/The Bindery|The Bindery]]
  +
* [[Zazesspur/High City/Wainwrights' District|Wainwrights' District]]
  +
* [[Zazesspur/High City/Garden District|Garden District]]
  +
* [[Zazesspur/High City/Market District|Market District]]
  +
* [[Zazesspur/High City/Carpets District|Carpets District]]
  +
* [[Zazesspur/High City/Ships' District|Ships' District]]
  +
  +
The Low City was not officially divided into districts; however, it still had two distinct regions or boroughs&mdash;the [[Zazesspur/Low City#The Fortress|The Fortress]] and [[Zazesspur/Low City#Karlaggar|Karlaggar]]. Karlaggar was a mercenaries' quarter. The Fortress was a sector full of smithies and warehouses.<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 />
  +
  +
==Defenses==
  +
The walls of the city stood {{SI|20|ft|long=yes}} high in some places.<ref name="WiT-p76">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|76}}</ref> They had many gaps in them after the fall of the royal family during the [[Ten Black Days of Eleint]]. <ref name="WiT-p70">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|70}}</ref>
  +
  +
Seven gates provided access into the city. Entering the High City were the [[Sea Gate (Zazesspur)|Sea Gate]] from the west, the [[Trade Gate]] from the north, the [[Dung Gate]] from northeast, and the [[South Gate (Zazesspur)|South Gate]] south. [[Karlag's Gate]] and the [[Hill Gate]] entered the Low City, while the remaining "gate" was the port entrance to the river. All gates were [[wikipedia:Barbican|barbican]] style with two [[wikipedia:Portcullis|portcullises]]. All gates were guarded by at least six guards, who could sound alarms to summon more. They were open only during daylight hours.<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 />
  +
  +
==Government==
  +
The city was ruled by a council of lords.<ref name="FRCS3e-p158" /> Each district or borough was represented by a single council member.<ref name=LoI1:T-pp69-72 /> [[Halfling]]s had a strong influence on the council during the [[Tethyrian Interregnum|Interregnum]], more so than in most other cities in Tethyr,<ref name="EotS-p21">{{Cite book/Empires of the Sands|21}}</ref> and these had close connections with the [[Purple Hills Council]].<ref name="EotS-p23">{{Cite book/Empires of the Sands|23}}</ref>
  +
  +
[[Slavery]] had been illegal in Zazesspur for generations. Prostitution was legal.<ref name="WiT-p81">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|81}}</ref>
  +
  +
During the Interregnum, the city guard of Zazesspur bore [[crossbow]]s and [[bronze]] [[halberd]]s. They were uniformed in [[morion]]s and bronze [[cuirass]]es with puffy blue shirts and [[pantaloons]].<ref name="WiT-p82">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|82}}</ref> The city guard served the city council and were a separate entity from the city police.<ref name="WiT-p132">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|132}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Trade==
  +
Zazesspur was famous for its wool [[carpet]]s, furniture, and cabinets.<ref name="WiT-p123">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|123}}</ref> In fact, some considered Zazesspur to export the finest woodcraft in all the [[Forgotten Realms|Realms]].<ref name="EotS-p26" /> The city imported grain and livestock from [[Darromar]].<ref name="EotS-pp26,39" /> Much of Zazesspur's food also came from the fertile [[Purple Hills]].<ref name="EotS-p41" />
  +
  +
Tethyr's two major roads, the [[Trade Way]] and [[Ithal Road]], both connected with the city.<ref name="EotS-p25">{{Cite book/Empires of the Sands|25}}</ref> Along with [[Myratma]] in the south, Zazesspur was one of Tethyr's two largest ports.<ref name="EotS-p26" />
  +
  +
In [[1357 DR]], the [[gold coin]] minted by Zazesspur, the ''[[gulder]]'', was the most valuable gold coin in Tethyr; 100 [[Amn]]ian ''[[danter]]s'' would exchange for 107 ''gulders''.<ref name="EotS-p25" />
  +
  +
Primarily because of its trade with a small tribe from the eastern [[Starspire Mountains]], Zazesspur was one of the few places in Tethyr where [[dwarves]] might actually be encountered in the mid-1300s [[DR]].<ref name="EotS-p21" /> These were dwarves from [[Clan Ghalmrin]], (the same clan as that of [[Shield Brother]] [[Vorn Ghalmrin]], who sat on the queen's Privy Council,) who visited three times per year to trade rare metals and dwarven weapons and armor in exchange for [[leather]] and textiles.<ref name="DDGttU-p121">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|121}}</ref>
  +
  +
===Guilds===
  +
Many guilds operated with the city, among them:
  +
; The Hostlers and Stablehands Guild : This guild represented those who worked in inns and stables. Their colors were green and blue.<ref name="WiT-p122">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|122}}</ref>
  +
; The Jesters, Fools, and Harlequins Guild : This guild represented those who worked in the comedic entertainment industry. They had a mix of many colors.<ref name="WiT-p156">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|156}}</ref>
  +
; The Taverners, Innkeepers, and Provisioners : This guild represented those who worked in inns, taverns, and provisioner's shops. Their colors were green and brown.<ref name="WiT-p122" />
  +
  +
==Religion==
  +
[[Sune]] was a favored deity within the city.<ref name="EotS-p24" />
  +
  +
==History==
  +
In ancient past, the area now occupied by Zazesspur was above major regions of [[Old Shanatar]].<ref name="FRCS3e-p158" /> Specifically, the catacombs of Zazesspur were once the subterranean city of [[Ultoksurllur]], which served as the capital of the [[Sondarr|Seastar Kingdom of Sondarr]], one of the eight subkingdoms of [[Deep Shanatar]]. Clan Ghalmrin then dwelled in Ultoksurllur.<ref name="DDGttU-p121" /> The dwarves built a surface city there as well; the name is forgotten, but evidence of dwarven stonework still remained in some of Zazesspur's roads and ramparts.<ref name=LoI1-T-p21>{{Cite book/Lands of Intrigue/Tethyr|21}}</ref>
  +
  +
The city was first settled by [[Calishite]] [[human]]s as a fishing village. In {{Yearlink|-1570}}, it became a fortified city and the seat of the Calishite [[Emir]] of Tethyr,<ref name=EotSS-p17 /><ref name="FRCS3e-p268" /><ref name=LoI1-T-p23>{{Cite book/Lands of Intrigue/Tethyr|23}}</ref> whose palace was placed in the city's center.<ref name=LoI1-T-p23 /> At this point, the entire city was located south of the Sulduskoon River, in what would later be considered the Low City. The [[Forest of Tethir]] then bordered the river, and so the [[elves]] controlled the northern shore.<ref name=LoI1-T-p23 /> In {{Yearlink|-1320}}, slaves built the Trade Way from Zazesspur to [[Memnon]]. 20 years later, a road was begun heading east. 200 years later, in {{Yearlink|-1130}}, it finally reached what would later become [[Ithal Pass]] at the fortress of [[Akkabbel]].<ref name=LoI1-T-p23 />
  +
  +
In the {{YearlinkName|-387}}, Zazesspur was conquered by [[Tethyrian]] [[barbarian]]s<ref name="FRCS3e-p268" /><ref name=LoI1-T-p24>{{Cite book/Lands of Intrigue/Tethyr|24}}</ref> from the [[Dragon's Neck Peninsula]] and the [[Purple Hills]].<ref name=LoI1-T-p24 /> Calimshan maintained troops there for a time, but in the {{YearlinkName|-315}}, after a short siege, it was conquered and taken over by the Tethyrian tribes and renamed '''Fort Karlag''', after [[Karlag|their warlord]].<ref name=LoI1-T-p24 />
  +
  +
Before the start of the [[Shoon Imperium]], in the {{YearlinkName|-5}} King [[Amahl Shoon I]] restored the city's name to Zazesspur and constructed a new palace and court there, making Zazesspur the capital of the kingdom.<ref name=LoI1-T-p24 />
  +
  +
After the [[Ten Black Days of Eleint]], the population of Zazesspur increased because of large numbers of refugees from the region around [[Castle Tethyr]].<ref name="EotS-p41" /> The population and prestige of Zazesspur then began to decline with the establishment of [[Darromar]] as the new capital of the kingdom under Queen [[Zaranda Star|Zaranda]] and King [[Haedrak Rhindaun III|Haedrak]]. The citizens were not fond of their change in societal status in the country.<ref name="FRCS3e-p158" />
  +
  ⚫
==Notable Locations==
  +
; [[Dung Gate]] : A breach in the outer wall of the city.<ref name="WiT-p76" />
  +
; [[Palace of Governance]] : A civic building constructed in the city's center during the Interregnum.<ref name="WiT-p83">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|83}}</ref>
  +
; [[Smiling Centaur]] : A tavern in the city.<ref name="WiT-p84">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|84}}</ref>
  +
; [[Street of the Seamstresses]] : A street known for its brothels.<ref name="WiT-p80">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|80}}</ref>
  +
; [[Thread-Biters' Lane]] : A street once known for its brothels.<ref name="WiT-p81" />
  +
  +
==Inhabitants==
  +
The city did not have as large a population of spellcasters as one might expect for a city of its size. [[Wizard]]s coming from [[Amn]] in the north usually continued on to [[Calimshan]] in the south, expecting higher sources of income and greater comforts in that country.<ref name="FRCS3e-p158" />
  +
===Notable Inhabitants===
  +
*[[Andred Kuroone]], a [[thael leaf]] merchant in the late 15{{th}} century DR.<ref name="theedverse">{{Cite web/theedverse/2024-1-6 - Andred Kuroone, Lurandural Veltree, Jhalanavress Tanthavur, and Orstrar Galannavruk}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Rumors & Legends==
  +
During the Interregnum, some of the locals believed that "black [[galley]]s", [[Zhentarim]] [[Slavery|slave]] ships, carried off children in the night from docks hidden within Zazesspur's catacombs.<ref name="WiT-pp92-93">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|92-93}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Trivia==
  +
Male and female prostitutes were known as "notch-tooths" within the city, because they used to work on Thread-Biters' Lane.<ref name="WiT-p81" /> The masters of the guilds were termed "syndics".<ref name="WiT-p103">{{Cite book/War in Tethyr|103}}</ref>
   
−
{{-}}
  
 
==Appendix==
  
==Appendix==
−
{{Stub-geo}}
 +
{{Incomplete}}
−
===Gallery===
 +
===Appearances===
  +
:;Adventures
⚫
<gallery widths="300">
  
  +
::[[Dungeon magazine 38#A Blight on the Land|''Dungeon'' #38, "A Blight on the Land"]]
⚫
File:Zazesspur.jpg|''Zazesspur in [[1479 DR]].''
  
  +
:;Novels
⚫
PurpleHills-LoI.png|''Map showing Zazesspur in [[1370 DR]].''
  
  +
::''[[War in Tethyr]]''
  +
  +
===Map Gallery===
  ⚫
<gallery widths="200">
  ⚫
PurpleHills-LoI.png|''Map showing the location of Zazesspur in [[1370 DR]].''
  ⚫
File:Zazesspur.jpg|''Map showing the location of Zazesspur in [[1479 DR]].''
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
−  
−
===Further Reading===
  
−
* {{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|157}}
  
−
* {{Cite book/Lands of Intrigue/Tethyr|69-72}}
  
   
 
===References===
  
===References===
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[[Category:Metropolises]]
  
[[Category:Metropolises]]
 
[[Category:Settlements]]
  
[[Category:Settlements]]
  +
[[Category:Ports]]
 
[[Category:Locations in Starspur]]
  
[[Category:Locations in Starspur]]
 
[[Category:Locations in Kamlann]]
  
[[Category:Locations in Kamlann]]
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[[Category:Locations in Faerûn]]
  
[[Category:Locations in Faerûn]]
 
[[Category:Locations on Toril]]
  
[[Category:Locations on Toril]]
⚫
[[Category:Locations]]
  
 
[[Category:Locations on the Sulduskoon River]]
  
[[Category:Locations on the Sulduskoon River]]
  +
[[Category:Locations on the Sword Coast]]
 
[[Category:Locations on the Trade Way]]
  
[[Category:Locations on the Trade Way]]
 
[[Category:Locations on the Ithal Road]]
  
[[Category:Locations on the Ithal Road]]
−
[[Category:Ports]]
 +
[[Category:Locations on Prince Piiclar's Road]]
  +
[[Category:Imports grain]]
  +
[[Category:Imports livestock]]

Latest revision as of 17:19, 6 January 2024

The ancient port city of Zazesspur was the former capital of Tethyr.[2][5] It was a city of legendary wealth and full of intrigue.[15]

Description[]

Architecturally and culturally, Zazesspur was an odd mixture of Tethyrian and Calishite influences, with others blended in.[5] Its skyline contained many tall spires.[16] Most buildings were several stories tall and constructed of tight-fitting stone. They were decorated ornately around windows and doors and along the edges of the roofs.[3]

Geography[]

The city was located on the Sword Coast, south of the Starspire Peninsula.[4] The city's harbor was protected from storms by the mountainous peninsula.[17]

The coastal plains around Zazesspur were markedly more green than the lands further east and inland.[18] The city was bisected by the Sulduskoon River as it flowed into the sea.[5]

Layout[]

Zazesspur map

A map of the city, showing its districts and gates.

The river divided the city into a southern Low City and a northern High City. The Low City was older, having been built over older ruins. The High City was larger and represented what most folks though of when hearing the word "Zazesspur".[2]

The High City was divided into six districts, which included:[2]

The Low City was not officially divided into districts; however, it still had two distinct regions or boroughs—the The Fortress and Karlaggar. Karlaggar was a mercenaries' quarter. The Fortress was a sector full of smithies and warehouses.[2]

Defenses[]

The walls of the city stood 20 feet (6.1 meters) high in some places.[19] They had many gaps in them after the fall of the royal family during the Ten Black Days of Eleint. [20]

Seven gates provided access into the city. Entering the High City were the Sea Gate from the west, the Trade Gate from the north, the Dung Gate from northeast, and the South Gate south. Karlag's Gate and the Hill Gate entered the Low City, while the remaining "gate" was the port entrance to the river. All gates were barbican style with two portcullises. All gates were guarded by at least six guards, who could sound alarms to summon more. They were open only during daylight hours.[2]

Government[]

The city was ruled by a council of lords.[5] Each district or borough was represented by a single council member.[2] Halflings had a strong influence on the council during the Interregnum, more so than in most other cities in Tethyr,[21] and these had close connections with the Purple Hills Council.[22]

Slavery had been illegal in Zazesspur for generations. Prostitution was legal.[23]

During the Interregnum, the city guard of Zazesspur bore crossbows and bronze halberds. They were uniformed in morions and bronze cuirasses with puffy blue shirts and pantaloons.[24] The city guard served the city council and were a separate entity from the city police.[25]

Trade[]

Zazesspur was famous for its wool carpets, furniture, and cabinets.[26] In fact, some considered Zazesspur to export the finest woodcraft in all the Realms.[9] The city imported grain and livestock from Darromar.[8] Much of Zazesspur's food also came from the fertile Purple Hills.[4]

Tethyr's two major roads, the Trade Way and Ithal Road, both connected with the city.[27] Along with Myratma in the south, Zazesspur was one of Tethyr's two largest ports.[9]

In 1357 DR, the gold coin minted by Zazesspur, the gulder, was the most valuable gold coin in Tethyr; 100 Amnian danters would exchange for 107 gulders.[27]

Primarily because of its trade with a small tribe from the eastern Starspire Mountains, Zazesspur was one of the few places in Tethyr where dwarves might actually be encountered in the mid-1300s DR.[21] These were dwarves from Clan Ghalmrin, (the same clan as that of Shield Brother Vorn Ghalmrin, who sat on the queen's Privy Council,) who visited three times per year to trade rare metals and dwarven weapons and armor in exchange for leather and textiles.[28]

Guilds[]

Many guilds operated with the city, among them:

The Hostlers and Stablehands Guild
This guild represented those who worked in inns and stables. Their colors were green and blue.[29]
The Jesters, Fools, and Harlequins Guild
This guild represented those who worked in the comedic entertainment industry. They had a mix of many colors.[30]
The Taverners, Innkeepers, and Provisioners
This guild represented those who worked in inns, taverns, and provisioner's shops. Their colors were green and brown.[29]

Religion[]

Sune was a favored deity within the city.[7]

History[]

In ancient past, the area now occupied by Zazesspur was above major regions of Old Shanatar.[5] Specifically, the catacombs of Zazesspur were once the subterranean city of Ultoksurllur, which served as the capital of the Seastar Kingdom of Sondarr, one of the eight subkingdoms of Deep Shanatar. Clan Ghalmrin then dwelled in Ultoksurllur.[28] The dwarves built a surface city there as well; the name is forgotten, but evidence of dwarven stonework still remained in some of Zazesspur's roads and ramparts.[31]

The city was first settled by Calishite humans as a fishing village. In −1570 DR, it became a fortified city and the seat of the Calishite Emir of Tethyr,[11][12][32] whose palace was placed in the city's center.[32] At this point, the entire city was located south of the Sulduskoon River, in what would later be considered the Low City. The Forest of Tethir then bordered the river, and so the elves controlled the northern shore.[32] In −1320 DR, slaves built the Trade Way from Zazesspur to Memnon. 20 years later, a road was begun heading east. 200 years later, in −1130 DR, it finally reached what would later become Ithal Pass at the fortress of Akkabbel.[32]

In the Year of Shattered Walls, −387 DR, Zazesspur was conquered by Tethyrian barbarians[12][14] from the Dragon's Neck Peninsula and the Purple Hills.[14] Calimshan maintained troops there for a time, but in the Year of Vengeance, −315 DR, after a short siege, it was conquered and taken over by the Tethyrian tribes and renamed Fort Karlag, after their warlord.[14]

Before the start of the Shoon Imperium, in the Year of Feuds, −5 DR King Amahl Shoon I restored the city's name to Zazesspur and constructed a new palace and court there, making Zazesspur the capital of the kingdom.[14]

After the Ten Black Days of Eleint, the population of Zazesspur increased because of large numbers of refugees from the region around Castle Tethyr.[4] The population and prestige of Zazesspur then began to decline with the establishment of Darromar as the new capital of the kingdom under Queen Zaranda and King Haedrak. The citizens were not fond of their change in societal status in the country.[5]

Notable Locations[]

Dung Gate
A breach in the outer wall of the city.[19]
Palace of Governance
A civic building constructed in the city's center during the Interregnum.[33]
Smiling Centaur
A tavern in the city.[34]
Street of the Seamstresses
A street known for its brothels.[3]
Thread-Biters' Lane
A street once known for its brothels.[23]

Inhabitants[]

The city did not have as large a population of spellcasters as one might expect for a city of its size. Wizards coming from Amn in the north usually continued on to Calimshan in the south, expecting higher sources of income and greater comforts in that country.[5]

Notable Inhabitants[]

Rumors & Legends[]

During the Interregnum, some of the locals believed that "black galleys", Zhentarim slave ships, carried off children in the night from docks hidden within Zazesspur's catacombs.[36]

Trivia[]

Male and female prostitutes were known as "notch-tooths" within the city, because they used to work on Thread-Biters' Lane.[23] The masters of the guilds were termed "syndics".[37]

Appendix[]

This article is incomplete. You can help the Forgotten Realms Wiki by providing more information.

Appearances[]

Adventures
Dungeon #38, "A Blight on the Land"
Novels
War in Tethyr

Map Gallery[]

References[]

  1. ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 30. ISBN 0786960345.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Steven E. Schend (August 1997). “Book One: Tethyr”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Lands of Intrigue (TSR, Inc.), pp. 69–72. ISBN 0-7869-0697-9.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 80. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Scott Haring (1988). Empires of the Sands. (TSR, Inc), p. 41. ISBN 0-8803-8539-1.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 158. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  6. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 3. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Scott Haring (1988). Empires of the Sands. (TSR, Inc), p. 24. ISBN 0-8803-8539-1.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Scott Haring (1988). Empires of the Sands. (TSR, Inc), pp. 26, 39. ISBN 0-8803-8539-1.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Scott Haring (1988). Empires of the Sands. (TSR, Inc), p. 26. ISBN 0-8803-8539-1.
  10. ↑ Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 176. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Steven E. Schend, Dale Donovan (September 1998). Empires of the Shining Sea. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), p. 17. ISBN 0-7869-1237-5.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 268. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  13. ↑ Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 179. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Steven E. Schend (August 1997). “Book One: Tethyr”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Lands of Intrigue (TSR, Inc.), p. 24. ISBN 0-7869-0697-9.
  15. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 7. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  16. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 75. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  17. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 137. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  18. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 78. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 76. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  20. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 70. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Scott Haring (1988). Empires of the Sands. (TSR, Inc), p. 21. ISBN 0-8803-8539-1.
  22. ↑ Scott Haring (1988). Empires of the Sands. (TSR, Inc), p. 23. ISBN 0-8803-8539-1.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 81. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  24. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 82. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  25. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 132. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  26. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 123. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Scott Haring (1988). Empires of the Sands. (TSR, Inc), p. 25. ISBN 0-8803-8539-1.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 121. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 122. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  30. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 156. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  31. ↑ Steven E. Schend (August 1997). “Book One: Tethyr”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Lands of Intrigue (TSR, Inc.), p. 21. ISBN 0-7869-0697-9.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 Steven E. Schend (August 1997). “Book One: Tethyr”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Lands of Intrigue (TSR, Inc.), p. 23. ISBN 0-7869-0697-9.
  33. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 83. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  34. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 84. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  35. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2024-01-06). Andred Kuroone, Lurandural Veltree, Jhalanavress Tanthavur, and Orstrar Galannavruk (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2024-01-06. Retrieved on 2024-01-06.
  36. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), pp. 92–93. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  37. ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 103. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
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