The Nexus Port
The City of Echoes
Mythharbor, the Legacy of Splendour. Few cities have transformed as dramatically as Mythharbor — the town once known as Waterdeep. Perched on the newly named Riven Sea coast in the Province of Renatus, Mythharbor's past is as rich as its promising future, shaped by the monumental Nexus Event that fused Faerûn with the world of Nexia.
The city's strategic location, which once boasted the deep natural harbour on the Sword Coast, now overlooks the expansive and mysterious Riven Sea. To the northeast, Mount Elysium stands sentinel. The southeast reveals rocky hills beyond which stretches a vast, arid desert. North of Mythharbor, the coast gives way to the sprawling Phantom Moors — once the Mere of Dead Men — its fog-laden waters a silent testament to the mysteries it holds. Between the city and Mount Elysium, expansive grasslands and prairies soften the landscape.
Mythharbor is encircled by formidable stone walls, with its layout intentionally designed to facilitate both defence and commerce. Wide, bustling streets are lined with stately buildings crafted from local stone and timber. Each district serves a distinct purpose — commerce, governance, residential, and military — making the city a beacon of civilisation and order. The city enjoys a temperate climate with extended springs and summers that support a vibrant, year-round market scene.
1357 DR
Waterdeep stood as a beacon of prosperity and opportunity on the Sword Coast, where magic and the mundane intertwined seamlessly. Adventurers, aristocrats, and artisans from across the realms were drawn to its promise, seeking fortune and glory among its storied streets and vibrant markets.
Year 3
A cataclysmic cosmic upheaval redefined the fabric of reality itself, shifting the geographical and dimensional anchors of Waterdeep from the familiar landscapes of the Sword Coast to the mysterious realm of Nexia. This was not merely a change of scenery — it was a fusion of dimensions, merging the old world with new, alien terrains and possibilities.
Present
Reborn as Mythharbor, the city embraced its rebirth with resilience and adaptability, integrating the ancient heritage of Waterdeep with the untapped potential of Nexia. It flourished as a melting pot of old-world charm and new-world mystique, becoming a nexus of arcane and scholarly pursuits as well as economic prosperity.
Mythharbor is governed by the Veiled Assembly — an evolution of the secretive Lords of Waterdeep. This fifteen-seat council retains the tradition of anonymity, with each member wearing a magical Mask of Mandate that not only conceals their identity but is imbued with powers that aid in the governance and magical protection of the city. Public sessions are held where these veiled rulers address the city's issues, yet their true identities remain a closely guarded secret that fuels both noble gossip and popular speculation.
The city's order is maintained by the Harbor Watch, successor to Waterdeep's City Watch. This force upholds the law, resolves minor disputes, provides directions, and facilitates access to medical and spiritual assistance — embodying the ethos that Mythharbor is a welcoming haven for all who respect its laws and traditions.
Mythharbor thrives as a bustling centre of commerce, benefiting from its strategic location along the Riven Sea. The city's port facilities are state-of-the-art, designed to accommodate a large volume of sea traffic from merchant ships across the known world. The Harbor Authority oversees all maritime and trade activities, ensuring that economic practices adhere to the city's legal and ethical standards.
Essential imports include grain and livestock for food, leather and ore for manufacturing, and timber for construction, alongside exotic goods from distant lands. The city is renowned for its exports — high-quality ale, expertly crafted arms and armour, finely made cloth and furnishings, leather goods, pottery, and refined metals. Major trade partners include Irdivine and cities across Nexia. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of Mythharbor's markets fosters an environment of innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
Emerging from its cosmopolitan predecessor Waterdeep, Mythharbor retains a vibrant mix of cultural influences and a diverse population. Mythharborites are known for their social, stalwart, and outspoken nature, holding a broad perspective on the various cultures of their new world. They pride themselves on a rich — though tumultuous — history and are open to the customs and traditions of other lands.
Culinary competitions have become a celebrated tradition, often held during feasts and festivals. These events highlight local culinary talents and promote local produce vendors, with savoury pies and sausages being particularly popular. Winners are highly sought after by nobility and prestigious establishments, reflecting the city's deep appreciation for the culinary arts.
In Mythharbor, fashion serves as a nuanced display of status and identity. Guild members reserve their official livery for significant events and official duties. Nobility prefers subtlety in displaying their crests — often through signet rings and understated jewellery — whereas their servants' attire boldly features house heraldry. Women in Mythharbor embrace high fashion, with seasonal wardrobes that include elegant silk gowns, luxurious furs, and sparkling jewellery, showcasing the city's blend of tradition and cosmopolitan flair.
The religious life of Mythharbor underwent a profound transformation following the Nexus Event, seamlessly integrating the worship of Nexian gods into the city's culture. This divine shift replaced all former deities with those of Nexia — and to the citizens of Mythharbor, it is as if these gods have always been the ones they worshipped, with no memory of the previous pantheon.
Major TemplesTemple of Azar — Dedicated to the goddess of phoenixes, fire, beauty, and hedonism. A vibrant centre of worship where beauty and the pursuit of pleasure are held in the highest regard.
Temple of Kova — Goddess of the moon, master of beasts and the wilds, and protector of all creatures. Her followers find solace and strength in her connection to nature and the lunar cycle.
Temple of Nemesis Cain — God of justice, love, and freedom. His temples serve as sanctuaries for those seeking fairness and liberation, as well as for lovers seeking blessings for their relationships.
Temple of Korvin — God of war. His followers include warriors and strategists who honour the martial disciplines and the honour found in combat.
Temple of Keazi — Moon goddess of dance, freedom, moonlight, and swordwork. Her followers include dancers, swordfighters, and those who cherish the freedoms of the moonlit night.
Minor ShrinesNumerous smaller shrines dedicated to lesser-known Nexian deities dot the cityscape, providing intimate places for personal devotion and community rituals. Secretive cults and underground faith groups continue to practice in hidden spaces, adding a layer of mystique and diversity to the city's religious life.
Temple of Mastermind — A temple for those who revel in cunning, trickery, illusions, and deceit. Strategies and plots are as revered here as prayers.
Mythharbor maintains a comprehensive, multi-layered defence system combining traditional military strength with magical protections.
Armed ForcesThe Harbor Guard — The city's military, responsible for staffing garrisons, patrolling roads, and guarding city gates. They also serve as bodyguards for key officials and dignitaries.
The City Watch — The local police force, maintaining order within the city limits and handling day-to-day law enforcement and public safety.
The Azure Legion — An elite force of skilled spellcasters and seasoned warriors, successor to Waterdeep's Force Grey, deployed for complex and high-risk missions.
Fortifications & Special ForcesDefensive Walls — Formidable stone walls encircle the city, regularly patrolled and maintained, designed to withstand sieges and repel invaders.
The Shield of Mythharbor — A series of powerful magical wards, updated from the legacy of Waterdeep's enchanted defences, activatable during severe threats.
The Celestial Squadron — Guards who patrol the skies on winged mounts, a modern incarnation of the Griffon Cavalry of old Waterdeep.
The Sentinels of Nexia — Colossal animated constructs inspired by Waterdeep's Walking Statues, each imbued with unique abilities and strategically deployed to counter specific threats.
Adventurers & Mercenaries — Mythharbor benefits from a vibrant community of adventurers and mercenaries ready to defend their home in times of crisis, including the Sword of the Coast and the secretive Moonlight Sentinels.