Eltabbar

{{City

|image= and Citadel Thay through the Arch of the Builders ]]

|Name=Eltabbar

|Type=Metropolis

|Location=Eltabbar, Thay

|Region=The Unapproachable East

|Population=101,850 registered citizens, swells by almost 100% in summer months

|Demographics=mixed (Rashemi humans 53%, Mulan humans 31%, humans (other) 10%, elves (all) 2%, dwarves (all) 2%, others 2%)

|Religions=Major: Kossuth. Minor: The Orthodox Church, Rashemi Animism, The Gods of the Sun, The Celestial Bureaucracy.

|GP Limit=100,000 gp

|Assets=2,850,000,000 gp

}}

Long has the name Eltabbar been associated with the wickedness of the Red Wizards of Thay. But in recent decades, the perception has shifted somewhat, largely due to the efforts of its once tharchioness, now Empress Zahl.

The "Jewel of the East" is fast becoming a cultural mecca, a celebration of the diversity and uniqueness of eastern culture, but with the refinement and grandeur of the west. The city hosts several renowned theaters, opera houses, museums, and art galleries. It is also perhaps the finest example of civic planning and architecture in the Realms, with builders coming from far and wide to study its canal systems, its unique road construction, and the modern wonder that is Imperial Square and Citadel Thay.

Eltabbar lies on the southern shore of Lake Thaylambar, in the fertile volcanic plains east of the Thaymount, which is prominently visible from the city streets. It is the heart of Thay, with all roads crossing between north, west, and south passing through it at some point. It is the governmental and academic center of Thay, and is home to almost one third of all of Thay's nobles and merchant princes.

History of Eltabbar

Main Article: History of Eltabbar

Eltabbar began as a base of operations for the Red Wizards during their eponymous rebellion from 922-1074 DR. Prior to this point, it was little more than a fishing village. The wizards displaced the natives and created the canals of the Great Seal, using the magic-infused waters of the Riven Kozan to form a massive demonic sigil to control Eltab. The demon lord was instrumental in their defeat of the god-kings of Mulhorand to win the independence of Thay.

After the completion of the Citadel of the Skull in 1250 DR, the Red Wizards sold the land and its burgeoning trade plex to Ven Daramos, Tharchion of Eltabbar, who began a lifelong quest to make the city the new capital of Thay. In 1271 DR, his dream became a reality, when his efforts saw Tharchion Rakul Nymar of Tyraturos deposed, and a puppet installed in his place, removing the last opposition to recentering the capital of Thay from Tyraturos to Eltabbar.

Eltabbar has grown very quickly in the last century, from under 10,000 in 1300 DR to over 100,000 in 1375. Its population spiked downward dramatically in 1366 DR, but with growth rates over 5% year-over-year, it has since caught up to its former height and is on track to become the largest city in Thay. It is estimated that, at its current growth rate, given Bezantur's stagnant population figures, Eltabbar will surpass that city's population by the turn of the century.

Who’s Who in Eltabbar

The most prominent figure in Eltabbar is, naturally, Empress Zahl Fe'rya, ruler of Thay. Her entire privy council and many lords of the realm live with her in Citadel Thay or in their various holds throughout the city and its environs.

Governmental Figures

Other Notable Individuals

Culture and Society

Eltabbar's culture is largely defined by a new movement, exclusive to the city, which stresses individual accomplishments over familial heritage, but retains the favor of good breeding, noble mannerisms, and a taste for the fine things in life. Eltabbar, being the richest city in the world per capita, has a very small underclass, and a well-off middle class, who toil ceaselessly under the constant social pressure to rise up, to build wealth, to do more than merely subsist.

Eltabarrans value upward mobility, demonstrable achievements, and constant progress. Resting on one's laurels is not considered a noble pursuit. Thus, capitalists and merchants tend to thrive more in Eltabbaran society than landed aristocrats, a trend that is spreading throughout Thay.

Eltabbar shares a trait with other cosmopolitan cities of the east, a rapidly evolving fashion industry, whose favored designs change with the season. This is largely attributed to the Empress, who is never seen in public with the same dress twice, whose innovations in hair and cosmetic fashion continue to stun Eltabbar's high society, who race to keep up. It is becoming impossible for everyday ladies-in-waiting and manservants to tend to the needs of their masters, and a new profession is emerging amongst the nouveau-riche: employing professional stylists.

Empress Zahl sets the bar very high for Eltabbar's elite, and rewards only those who truly impress her. As such, she has fostered a society of overachievers, many who drive themselves mad with the pressure, but some who rise to the challenge, constantly innovating in the fields of art, architecture, economics, magic, and science.

The city's night life is legendary, for those who work hard, must play hard, if they hope to retain their sanity. Most members of the rich and upper class dine out frequently, and enjoy festhalls until late at night. Musicians and artists find ample work in the city, for those of means wish to be surrounded by their works in their homes, their offices, and their places of worship. Courtesans are popular among men, who spend so little time in their homes that they invite companionship into their places of business.

Men still dominate Eltabarran society, but the example of the Empress has relaxed some of the traditional biases. Single women are not entirely rejected by society, nor are married women who employ themselves in serious professions. They are still very much a minority, and are never compensated as well for their work as men, despite royal decrees to the contrary.

Laws and Punishment

Festivals and Holy Days

Visiting Eltabbar

Roads and Trade Routes

Spells and Portals

Trade and Economy

Coins and Trade Bars

The Royal Mint issues the following coins:

Banking

City Defenses

The Great Seal

People of Eltabbar

Arcane Schools and Practitioners

Armed Forces

Churches and Religious Orders

Fences and Smugglers

Guilds and Merchants

Mercenaries and Guides

Nobility

Rogues and Ruffians

Sages and Loremasters

Secret Societies