D&D SETTINGS
Guide to Waterdeep in D&D
MAY 29, 2025
Introducing the City of Waterdeep
Welcome to Waterdeep, a city sometimes referred to as the "City of Splendors" or the "Crown of the North." Waterdeep is a significant part of the rich tapestry that makes up the world of Faerûn, thanks to its vast size, diverse districts, and complex political and criminal organizations. Whether crafting your own adventures or taking on the Dragon Heist or Dungeon of the Mad Mage campaigns, the bustling metropolis of Waterdeep is teeming with encounters of mystery, adventure, and danger.
Nestled along the Sword Coast, Waterdeep is a complex setting full of various districts and territories for players to explore. From the vast Undermountain dungeons of the Mad Mage to the ever-restless City of the Dead Cemetery of Dragon Heist, the "City of Splendor" offers a robust and unique experience unlike any other for both GMs and players.
History of Waterdeep
Waterdeep was, at first, nothing more than a fortified settlement meant to hold out against impending troll attacks. Over time, as the settlement grew, several prominent figures began to shape the settlement into a city. With this development came the advent of the Lords of Waterdeep, a secretive council that has ruled over the citizens of Waterdeep for centuries.
Not long after the death of the Lords of Waterdeep's founder, the great mage Ahghairon, Waterdeep fell into chaos as the death created an opening for a power struggle between the many merchant guilds of the city. This conflict is known as the Guild Wars, which led to decades of great turmoil and political conflict in Waterdeep. From the ashes of the Guildwars, the Lords of Waterdeep re-emerged as the de facto rulers of the city once more, ushering its people into the new era.
Waterdeep has long been a thriving metropolis full of diverse cultures and communities. As a human-founded settlement, Waterdeep is home to a considerable human population, but this doesn't mean the city is without its fair share of Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, and more. The people of Waterdeep are known to be a worldly sort, seeking to welcome and understand new cultures in hopes of exchanging for the benefit of both. Waterdhavians (as citizens of Waterdeep are often called), while money-minded and somewhat enchanted by the pursuit of fame and notoriety, do not waver on their commitment to the well-being of their city. Staunchly anti-imperialist and unenthused by the idea of military occupation, Waterdhavians would much sooner throw in with the neglected members of society's underbelly than those who form the chains that bind them.
Notable Figures of Waterdeep
- Laeral Silverhand
For all intents and purposes, Laeral Silverhand is the de facto "ruler" of Waterdeep. In reality, rulership in Waterdeep is morecomplicated than just naming someone King or Queen and calling it a day. Laeral Silverhand is specifically the Open Lord of Waterdeep, a title given in consideration to the many Masked Lords of Waterdeep, enigmatic councilors of unspoken names who keep their identities secret, even from each other. While Laeral Silverhand is a respected ruler among Waterdhavians (thanks in large part to her cunning leadership through the catastrophe that affected Waterdeep during the Rise of Tiamat campaign), the citizens of Waterdeep suffer no illusion about the inner workings of rulership in Waterdeep. As the Open Lord, Laeral is afforded some powers reserved exclusively for her, namely, the ability to vet, select, and name the Open Lords.
- The Masked Lords
Draped in black formless robes and rarely speaking a word, the "Masked Lords" are perhaps the most enigmatic faction of Waterdeep. To discourage coercion, the Masked Lords of Waterdeep have their identities carefully hidden from the public and even from each other, allowing them to move freely throughout the city as regular citizens while unmasked. The Masked Lords are never to be unmasked by anyone other than the Open Lord, who can demand the private unmasking of any person suspected of impersonating a Masked Lord.
- Mirt the Moneylender ("The Old Wolf")
Waterdeep is home to countless figures of fame and legend. Perhaps one of the most notable, Mirt the Moneylender (Also known as Mirt the Merciless or the Old Wolf), rose to considerable wealth as a young adventurer in the Undermountain, the infamous dungeon system underneath Waterdeep. Mirt's legend only continued to grow after his stint as an adventurer, eventually becoming an influential trader and, not long after, a Masked Lord himself.
- Gale Dekarious
Fans of Baldur's Gate 3 might recognize Gale Dekarios from Larian's hit game of 2023. Gale, a wizard companion encountered in the game's first act, sometimes goes by Gale of Waterdeep (a fitting title considering that Gale grew up in the City of Splendors). Gale studied at the Blackstaff Academy, a prestigious university based out of the Blackstaff Tower in Waterdeep, where Gale would go on to meet Elminster Aumar and later the goddess Mystra.
Waterdeep Adventures
Waterdeep is a pivotal centerpiece in the broader narrative of the Forgotten Realms. With its wealth of modules and supplementary materials, its many adventures act as the perfect companion to guide your players through the city's complex history. Starting with The Rise of Tiamat, available now on the Roll20 Marketplace.
Rise of Tiamat (part of Tyranny of Dragons bundle)
Year: 1489 DR
The Rise of Tiamat introduces The Cult of the Dragon, a semi-religious organization that venerates undead dragons, dracoliches, and other evil draconic entities. This time, the cult plans to summon Tiamat, the lawful evil goddess of chromatic dragons, to unleash chaos upon the Forgotten Realms. Waterdeep serves as the staging ground for the defense against the Cult of the Dragon, with the campaign taking players through the city's many factions. The Rise of Tiamat serves as a strong introduction to the power dynamics of Waterdeep, with its prominent inclusion of the Council of Waterdeep, even allowing the players to attend and shape Council meetings to their will.
The Rise of Tiamat is a companion to the adventure module Hoard of The Dragon Queen, available in the Tyranny of Dragons bundle.
Year: 1492 DR
With the stage set after the epic events of The Rise of Tiamat, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist offers a refreshing change of pace with a thrilling urban adventure throughout the City of Splendors. Set off on a mad race for a rumored hoard of gold; players will encounter several of Waterdeep's more influential and infamous figureheads, including Xanathar the Beholder, and even get to run their own tavern. Dragon Heist is a straightforward adventure perfect for throwing your players into the cutthroat world of Waterdeep.
Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Year: 1492 DR+
Picking up directly after the events of Dragon Heist, this adventure module plunges players further into the hidden machinations of Waterdeep, with the introduction of the Undermountain. Home to Halaster Blackcloak, a mad wizard who has laid claim to the dungeon system underneath the city and expanded his domain to further his influence, Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage is a raucous subterranean adventure sure to be adored by lovers of the dungeon crawl. Fair warning - GMs should be wary about sending low-level players into the Undermountain, as the Dungeon of the Mad Mage is the first official 5e title for high-level play (suggested: levels 17-20). Make sure your player characters can hold their own before you send them to The Yawning Portal, where this campaign begins.
Year: 1492 DR*
Speaking of the Yawning Portal, Tales from the Yawning Portal acts as a spectacular jumping-off point for players hoping to learn more about Waterdeep. Tales from the Yawning Portal is an anthology collection that contains several of Waterdeep's best adventures and dungeon crawls into one epic module. Tales from the Yawning Portal introduces an exciting framing device as players gather in the tavern and recount "tales" of adventures in various locations across the D&D multiverse and Waterdeep. With each story, The Yawning Portal's proprietor, Durnan, narrates an introduction to immerse the players in his many tales of adventure before the adventurers are whisked off to experience these adventures on their own.
Explore Waterdeep Today
Embark on your journey today, and let Waterdeep become the centerpiece of your next D&D adventure. Discover the magic and mystery that awaits in this iconic setting. Visit the marketplace now to browse and purchase your very own campaign books for the Waterdeep setting, ensuring you and your friends experience all the action-packed adventures D&D has to offer!