Candlekeep Forum
Candlekeep Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Forgotten Realms Journals
 General Forgotten Realms Chat
 On the people of Waterdeep/their rl counterparts
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  

mastermustard
Seeker

USA
78 Posts

Posted - 28 Oct 2020 :  19:33:13  Show Profile Send mastermustard a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
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?

sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11686 Posts

Posted - 28 Oct 2020 :  19:42:19  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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
Go to Top of Page

cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 28 Oct 2020 :  19:53:38  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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? :)



Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36779 Posts

Posted - 28 Oct 2020 :  20:27:18  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I'm the real-life counterpart of Larissa Neathal. True story!


Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
Go to Top of Page

sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11686 Posts

Posted - 28 Oct 2020 :  20:48:26  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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? :)




Other than color and rough shape of the map, I'm not seeing it. Waterdeep's got a small confined harbor area. London's whole side is exposed with harbors. Waterdeep's got a huge raised area. But that's just physical shape, and I don't think they're that concerned with something so literal.

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas
Go to Top of Page

cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 28 Oct 2020 :  23:10:35  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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,




Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
Go to Top of Page

mastermustard
Seeker

USA
78 Posts

Posted - 19 Nov 2020 :  12:17:36  Show Profile Send mastermustard a Private Message  Reply with Quote

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
Go to Top of Page

cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 19 Nov 2020 :  18:21:56  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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,





Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
Go to Top of Page
  Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Candlekeep Forum © 1999-2024 Candlekeep.com Go To Top Of Page
Snitz Forums 2000