(http://orig03.deviantart.net/124c/f/2010/089/3/5/waterdeep_nights_by_deusuum.jpg)<br/><br/>Waterdeep, also known as the City of Splendors or the Crown of the North, was the most important and influential city in the North and perhaps in all Faerûn. For this reason it was considered part of the Western Heartlands of the Realms, even though it lay 150 miles north of Daggerford on the shores of the Sword Coast. The city sat "slightly above the 45 degree north latitude line on Toril."  The road to Waterdeep was well paved and well patrolled. The city was the hub of trading from the mineral-rich lands to the north, the merchant kingdoms of Amn and Calimshan to the south, the kingdoms of the Inner Sea to the east, and the sea kingdoms and traders to the west. Waterdeep's authority extended between thirty to forty miles from its walls. The surrounding region had a population density of over 200 people per square mile.<br/><br/>Advertisement for adventurers were placed in various places in the city.  They read:<br/>'Request to investigate and dismantle magical tower within the High Forest.  Warning: This is a dangerous quest and not for the faint of heart.  One party has already been sent but has not returned.  Will pay in gold upon completion.<br/>Where: Interested parties are requested at the Metal Inn in the Trade Ward.<br/>When: 17 of Kythorn in the evening.<br/>Duration of quest: Likely measured in months.'<br/><br/>Like its namesake, the Metal Inn was partially made of metal from the iron front door to the visibly unused backroom.  Even the walls were a mix of metal and wood in a manner that was more reminiscent of two buildings irrationally occupying the same space than a true building.  The building appeared to have been converted from its original purpose of a blacksmith with many residential rooms.  Its conversion was rather shoddy, as the inn did not have the feel of comfort of other taverns held.  The scent of iron mixed with the sweet smell of dried ale.  Fortunately, the walls still offered protection against the cooling wind as the spring warmth fled in the evening.<br/><br/>The tavern appeared rather empty with various unoccupied chairs and tables.  There were only three prior individuals within the tavern.  An elven woman was seated.  A heavyset man was wiping down the bar with a dirty rag.  The barmaid was sweeping the sticky floors.