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mastermustard
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Oct 2020 : 19:33:13
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I was just reading City of the Dead for the hundredth time in 13 years, and became curious about Waterdeep and what its real-life analogue might be. I know it's been said that Toril isn't meant to resemble Earth in terms of its ethnography however, clearly strong parallels can be drawn between Faerun and Medieval Europe, its cultures and Peoples.
In the novel, the carvers are described as having either black or dark brown, curly hair, and pale skin (this is an assumption of mine based on Sophrea taking notice of Gustin Bone's suntanned skin), which leads me to think that Waterdeep might be Italian or Spanish.
Is there anything official on this?
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11830 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2020 : 19:42:19
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I think of Waterdeep as more like New York (the mythical new york we see portrayed in movies and tv shows). Its a melting pot of people from all over. Many people want to go there because its got some of the greatest entertainers anywhere. Its got giant statues (wonder if it carries a torch  . Its got a huge mob problem. Its ruled by members from all walks of life (granted, its in secret). Its also got its own super heroes (force grey). |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 28 Oct 2020 19:43:41 |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11830 Posts |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2020 : 23:10:35
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Master Rupert,
quote:
I'm the real-life counterpart of Larissa Neathal. True story!
You're a red-headed, 10th level courtesan? lol
quote:
Larissa Neathal
Basic Information[1][2]
Home: Waterdeep, Sword Coast North
Sex: Female
Race: Human
Ethnicity: Chondathan
Occupation: Courtesan
Patron deity: Sune
3rd Edition Statistics[2]
Alignment: Neutral good
Class: Expert 10
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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mastermustard
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2020 : 12:17:36
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quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2
Great Reader sleyvas and Seeker MasterMustard,
I can certainly see why you would consider New York in being like Waterdeep. Though, you should check this out:
https://www.medievalists.net/2019/09/black-death-burials-reveal-the-diversity-of-londons-medieval-population/
See that similarity when you look at a Waterdeep map with the same rotation? :)
https://fdocuments.in/document/copy-of-dd-35-forgotten-realms-waterdeep-map.html
It's what seemed similar to me.
What do you both think? :)
Thank you for those links, they were interesting to read through. Off topic: I think the flaw in the research mentioned in your first link is that its purely observational, based on cranial morphology rather than DNA testing. Cities in medieval times were far less cosmopolitan than their rennaisance and post-enlightenment counterparts simply because feudalism hadn't given over to mercantilism and international trade was limited. Big trading hubs became much more "diverse" beginning in the 16th century as migration began over newly established trade routes with Africa and Asia.
Back on topic: The aerial map of London in your link does look shockingly similar to Waterdeep. Perhaps the same rough layout is common for medieval cities. |
Edited by - mastermustard on 19 Nov 2020 12:18:15 |
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cpthero2
Great Reader
USA
2286 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2020 : 18:21:56
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Seeker Mastermustard,
That is fantastic regarding the text element of the articles shared. haha I only meant the maps. My apologies for mixing that up. I should have been much clearer! ;)
Best regards,
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Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring |
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On the people of Waterdeep/their rl counterparts
