Introduction

Located at the westernmost tip of the Wyvernwater, Immersea is a town of approximately 600 residents. The town is situated at the head of Mistfisher Bay, a body of water known for its serene mists and the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that have, over the centuries, inspired many names for the bay. The most enduring name, however, is Immer Bay, so called due to the confluence of the Immer Stream and the Wyvernwater at this location.

Immersea serves as a key waystop along the well-traveled Calantar’s Way, providing a place where livestock and beasts of burden can be watered before continuing on their journey. Several key roads, including the Starwater Road, Immer Trail, and Blister Trail, connect at Immersea, making it a nexus of trade and travel. In addition to its importance as a waypoint, Immersea is a modest fishing village. The local fleet of mist fishers ventures daily onto the Wyvernwater, harvesting freshwater eels, silverfin, trout, crabs, greenbacks, and other aquatic species from the abundant waters of Cormyr’s largest lake.

Despite its peaceful appearance, Immersea is one of the few places in Cormyr where dissatisfaction with local governance is openly expressed. The townsfolk's discontent is not directed at the crown, for their loyalty to King Azoun IV remains intact. Rather, their grievances lie with the town’s local lord, Samtavan Sudacar, a Suzailan investor and landlord who is widely regarded as negligent. Samtavan, a man more inclined to leisure than leadership, spends his days in Redstone Castle, fishing and reading, leaving the duties of governance to his beleaguered herald, Geldroon. The townspeople frequently describe Geldroon as one of the most fatigued men they have encountered, overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibilities.

As a result of Samtavan’s inattentiveness, Immersea has developed into a more independent and somewhat lawless trade hub in recent years. Weapons are openly worn by some of the populace, and the Purple Dragons, the kingdom’s military, are seldom seen in uniform, though they patrol in plainclothes. Local noble families have assumed a significant role in maintaining order, financing street-cleaning efforts and contributing manpower where needed.

Immersea is of particular historical and political significance due to its status as the ancestral seat of three prominent noble families: the Wyvernspurs, the Cormaeril clan, and the Thunderswords. Each of these families holds substantial influence, and their presence is deeply felt in the town. Visitors are advised to show respect to those who appear richly dressed or carry themselves with the authority of nobility, as these individuals are likely connected to one of these three powerful houses.

The Wyvernspur family maintains Redstone Castle, a fortified manor house perched on a hill just south of town, overlooking the Wyvernwater. High Towers, the ancestral home of the Cormaeril family, stands on a lower hill to the east, while the Thundersword House lies southwest, in a more remote area. Each of these families holds sway in Immersea, and their influence extends beyond its borders.

To sum it up, Immersea is a town of historical import, shaped by its strategic location, its role in trade and fishing, and the influence of its noble families. While outwardly quiet, it is a place where power and authority subtly shape the lives of its citizens and where travelers may observe both the splendor and challenges of Cormyrean life.

Landmarks of Immersea

Immersea is shaped much like a fan, situated in the Immer Stream valley as it runs eastward to meet the Wyvernwater. Farms surround the town, with sheep, cattle, barley, and corn being the primary local products. The most developed area is centered around the waterfront, where the Starwater Road runs straight to the docks, forming the core of the town’s layout.

One of the most prominent features in Immersea is an impressive stone statue of King Azoun III. The statue depicts the king in full armor, mounted on a rearing charger, with sword drawn, trampling a heap of fallen brigands and foes beneath its hooves. Located in a wagon turning yard behind the docks, where the town’s major roads converge, Azoun Triumphant, as it is called, is both a marvel of fine sculpting and a well-known meeting place for townsfolk and visitors alike. However, it is not without its quirks, as the statue is often subject to the less-than-graceful attentions of the local fowl.

Another noteworthy meeting place in Immersea is Gaesthund’s Tomb, located at the junction of Starwater Road and Immer Street. Gaesthund, a giant of a man, once famously lifted a prideful king of Cormyr—horse and all—into the air and shook him in a display of immense strength. The tomb is marked by a massive boulder, scarred by the passage of poorly driven wagons. The boulder bears an inscription honoring the giant’s strength:

IMMERSEA EARTH LIE HEAVY ON GAESTHUND, FOR HE IN LIFE LAID A PASSING HEAVY LOAD ON THEE.

Immersea is a vital stop for travelers and traders, offering numerous rooming houses and provisioning shops. Among the most popular inns are the upscale Immer Inn and the more affordable but well-regarded Five Fine Fish. The latter is particularly famous for brewing a dark, smoky beer known as Elminster’s Choice, which is produced nearly every day. Its distinct aroma is said to guide even the most lost travelers to the inn’s doors.

Towering over the town, Redstone Castle, the ancestral home of the Wyvernspur family, stands on a high hill just south of Immersea. A fortified sandstone manor, the castle's elevated position and wooded surroundings give it a grander appearance than even the Cormaeril family’s High Towers, a many-towered mansion located on a lower hill to the east of town. The third prominent noble residence, Thundersword House, lies southwest of the Wyvernspur estate, secluded in its own small valley and surrounded by dense woodlands. Though newer and larger than either Redstone Castle or High Towers, it remains distant from the heart of Immersea.

An interesting observation often made by locals is that the sons of both the Cormaerils and the Thunderswords bear a striking resemblance to King Azoun IV. This resemblance has not gone unnoticed by veteran Purple Dragon officers, who approached these young men with offers of career sponsorship in the army. Most accepted the offer, and today, many serve in various corners of the realm. The frequency of these uncanny similarities has led to quiet speculation among the townsfolk, though the truth of the matter remains unresolved.

Immersea’s streets are lined with prosperous farms and closely packed townhouses, and the local culture places great value on agriculture. Flowering vines are common throughout the town, thriving in the lush environment created by the mists that often blanket the area. To the west of Redstone Castle lies Spring Hill, where the Immer Stream originates. The hill is graced with a series of cascades known as Selûne’s Stairs, and at its peak stands the House of the Lady, a temple dedicated to the goddess Selûne.

Just beyond Spring Hill is Graveyard Hill, topped by the Wyvernspur Crypt, a network of catacombs. In years past, these tombs were frequently targeted by adventurers and thieves seeking treasure. However, due to the repeated attempts to plunder the crypts, guardian spells and magical devices have since been installed. Visitors are now strongly advised to keep their distance from the crypt gates unless accompanied by a member of the Wyvernspur family.

Places of Interest in Immersea

Palaces

Redstone Castle

Redstone Castle, the ancestral seat of the Wyvernspur family, is a small but imposing diamond-shaped fortress. It consists of a gatehouse, two outlying end towers, and the main manor house. The gatehouse houses the stables, a carriage shed, and a barracks that was once home to a private army in the early days of Cormyr’s realm. Today, it houses the town’s watch under the command of Lord Samtavan Sudacar. The gatehouse also contains dungeon cells, an armory, and granaries.

The manor house itself is two stories high, with a full basement that serves as servants’ quarters. The house is crowned by a tower that rises an additional four stories. Within, the castle features a grand reception hall, supported by many pillars, large enough to host the entire population of Immersea with space for archery contests. Visitors seeking an audience with Lord Samtavan may find themselves waiting in this hall, passing the time by admiring the lord’s collection of fishing rods, a testament to his fondness for leisure.

Temples

The House of the Lady

The primary place of worship in Immersea is The House of the Lady, a temple dedicated to Selûne, the goddess of the moon. This open-air temple is located in a clearing within the duskwoods and shadowtops. It is encircled by a continuous, circular stone seat, which is inscribed with many prayers to Selûne. At the center of the temple stands a stepped pyramid, with every stone bearing a carved prayer, topped by a large statue of Selûne. The statue is unique, as it depicts the goddess in her dual forms—one side as a dusky-skinned, white-haired maiden, and the other as a matronly, middle-aged woman.

The temple is maintained by Mother Lledew, a middle-aged priestess of Selûne who is also a skilled stonecarver. The temple itself is her creation, and she resides in a small, cell-like room beneath one edge of the stone ring. A neighboring guest chamber is available for visitors, furnished with a hearth, chimney, and an adjoining spring that provides drinking water. Mother Lledew ensures the chamber is stocked with firewood, ready for any travelers who may seek shelter at the temple.

Shops

Immersea's bustling marketplace caters to a wide variety of travelers and locals, with its shops filled with the work of weavers, netmakers, cordwainers, coopers, and cratemakers. Merchants of all kinds will find these establishments practical, though often disordered with broken crates, handcarts, and remnants of daily trade. Along the northern edge of town, in the High Common fields, travelers’ livestock can graze, a convenience offered to those passing through.

Among the many shops in Immersea, several stand out for their unique offerings:

Alzael’s Cleaver (Slaughterhouse)

A well-known local slaughterhouse, Alzael’s Cleaver, is famed for its efficiency and the skill of its owner, Alzael, in processing livestock. With expert shearers and smokers on staff, Alzael can transform sheep and cattle into bailed wool and smoked meat for travelers or buy the animals outright. Alzael’s reputation grew significantly when he processed over 1,000 cattle in two days to supply the army of King Azoun IV during the Tuigan invasion. This feat earned him the title of “Thousandslayer,” and his fame spread beyond Cormyr to Sembia.

Alzael has since expanded his operations, acquiring a pig farm and specializing in smoked hams cured in cherry brandy. Travelers now come to Immersea specifically to purchase these highly sought-after hams, which are prized for their flavor and longevity.

Chalasse’s Fine Clothing

Chalasse, the proprietor of this clothing shop, is known not only for her exceptional garments but also for her striking appearance. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, Chalasse’s height once made her a shy outcast, but her beauty and skill have earned her a loyal clientele. She offers a selection of fine gowns, sashes, half-cloaks, and other fashionable attire favored by Cormyr’s wealthiest nobles.

Chalasse strives to keep up with the latest trends from Suzail and Sembia, attracting both local patrons and passing nobility. Her shop is also noted for its stock of secondhand finery, brought in by nobles passing through Immersea. Over the years, her success has been bolstered by the patronage of two adventuring companies, who have invested in her business and ensured its security through magical means.

Nelzol’s Notions (Hardware and Modes of Transport)

Nelzol’s Notions is a vast hardware store, originally a warehouse, that now stocks an extensive variety of goods. Visitors to this shop can find everything from wagons, closed coaches, and sleighs to boats ready for purchase. The store’s collection is impressive, even offering siege ladders in multiple sizes and preassembled barn structures for those in need of quick construction. It is not uncommon for travelers to buy an entire ship, fill it with building supplies, and sail across the Wyvernwater to construct a home.

Despite its somewhat high prices, Nelzol’s is widely regarded as the best place in Immersea for acquiring any tool or vehicle necessary for travel or trade. The store’s proprietress, Chalasse, maintains connections with local adventurers, ensuring swift retribution for any theft or threat to her property, making the shop a must-see for anyone in need of quality goods.

Taverns

The Horn and Spur

The Horn and Spur is one of Immersea’s more inviting establishments, a family-friendly tavern known for its welcoming atmosphere. Well-lit and kept clean, it offers patrons a quiet place to relax, with discreet booths at the back for private conversations—whether romantic or business in nature. The tavern gets its name from two notable decorations: a giant rack of peryton antlers hanging over the bar and the stuffed head of a famed local stallion, Spur, which gazes down upon diners with an air of calm dignity.

This tavern is an excellent place to witness the interactions of Immersea’s elite. Nobles from both the Cormaeril and Thundersword families are known to frequent the Horn and Spur, often arriving in their finest attire. After dining and drinking here, many make their way down to the Mist Runner for more rambunctious revelry.

The Mist Runner

Named for the old term used to describe smuggling ships that once prowled the Wyvernwater, the Mist Runner is a dockside tavern frequented by fisherfolk and those with rougher inclinations. Unlike the refined atmosphere of the Horn and Spur, the Mist Runner is sparsely furnished and well-worn, with tables nailed to the floor to prevent them from being hurled during the frequent brawls. The windows no longer have glass, only wooden shutters.

This establishment is only recommended for those who can defend themselves and are accustomed to the rough-and-tumble lifestyle of Immersea’s working class. It is not uncommon for fights to break out, and finely dressed visitors are typically directed to the Horn and Spur instead.

Rooming Houses

Immersea boasts a number of rooming houses, offering travelers affordable accommodations for varying lengths of stay, from three nights to a tenday, or even several months. These establishments are simple and unremarkable, with most being converted large houses. They provide basic but adequate lodging, and among the most well-known are:

• The House of Nets
• Maela’s Rooming House
• Nulahh’s Rooming House

While these places don’t stand out for any particular reason, they serve the needs of travelers well enough, offering a place to rest without any notable complaints.

Inns

Five Fine Fish

Once a true tavern, the Five Fine Fish has transformed into more of an inn, serving its own brewed beer exclusively with meals. The former taproom has been converted into a dining area, and rowdy patrons are now encouraged to take their business elsewhere. This shift in services has made the Five Fine Fish a favored stopover for families, merchants transporting delicate goods, and travelers looking for a quieter place to stay.

The inn has undergone significant improvements over the past two decades, including two expansions to accommodate growing demand. With a new wing and larger stables, the inn offers more rooms for guests. Breeze-making spells have been installed to keep the atmosphere pleasant, driving both smoke and the strong scent of hops out of the establishment. The food, while simple, is steadily improving, with a focus on fried fish and hearty roasts. The inn’s beer, Elminster’s Choice, remains an acquired taste, but many regular patrons swear by it.

Overall, the Five Fine Fish provides a reliable place to stay, with its affordable prices and growing reputation for good service.

Halaband’s Inn

Halaband’s Inn is less known but offers an alternative to the more popular Five Fine Fish. It is an old, drafty building filled with gray-haired servants and dark wood paneling. The dining room, however, features a wider selection of food than its competitor. Unfortunately, the inn suffers from age and disrepair, with everything showing signs of having been heavily used or mended. Visitors who arrive in warmer months or dress warmly in winter may still appreciate the rustic charm of the place.

The inn’s founder, a long-dead adventurer, originally built Halaband’s as a base of operations. It offers suites large enough to accommodate groups of travelers, and one unique feature is the array of halfling-sized laundry chutes leading from each floor to the basement. Additionally, a dumbwaiter runs from the kitchens to each floor, and bells are rung to announce the arrival of food (as well as to drive off the bats that sometimes ride the dumbwaiter). Halaband’s also provides a variety of in-room services, including massages, pedicures, and hairdressing.

While the inn provides a decent place to stay, there is significant room for improvement in its facilities.

The Immer Inn

The Immer Inn is by far the most expensive and ostentatious of Immersea’s inns, catering to travelers who expect luxury and are willing to pay for it. Formerly a manor house, the inn has been lavishly “improved” with gilded columns, brass pots brimming with ferns, and an abundance of decorative elements such as ki-rin wind charms and plaster sprites holding trumpets. Despite these attempts at grandeur, some find the decor excessive and overdone.

The inn is renowned for its wine cellar, which is considered exceptional, though the quality of its ales is less impressive. The kitchens specialize in elaborate dishes, particularly involving fish—such as trout stuffed with cheese, a dish that has raised more than a few eyebrows—and a variety of seasoned cheeses. Guests are assigned a personal server who tends to their needs for all three meals if desired, and each floor is staffed by chambermaids available for any additional assistance.

The Immer Inn offers no single rooms, only suites with bath chambers and receiving rooms, each equipped with a fireplace and window. The suites are soundproof, ensuring privacy for the guests, but such luxury comes at a steep price—typically 30 gold pieces or more per night. Despite the cost, the Immer Inn is unparalleled in terms of comfort and amenities, though its opulence may be too much for some.