Port of Ascot

The harbor town where adventurers begin their journeys.

Port of Ascot stands around a bay, sheltered from the open sea. Here, the River Ascot splits into channels before it reaches the sea. The coast runs from northwest to southeast. The town spreads northeast from the harbor, with high mountain cliffs close behind its houses.

The harbor follows the river channels. Small bridges connect the stone docks, buildings where fishers store their nets, and warehouses. Narrow stairs and winding lanes climb past homes built into the cliffs and small shrines. Gardens grow on flat steps cut into the slopes. Mule paths lead farther up to the mountain passes.

Riverboats bring wood, grain, and travelers from upstream, including Stillwater. Ships arrive from beyond the coast with goods, songs, and news from distant places. Dockworkers, merchants, religious travelers, and other visitors speak many languages. The harbor has no dominant local language. People use Common, regional languages, and gestures to understand each other.

The Rift keeps ordinary ships from reaching Ascot from Toril. The rare floating ships of the Baldur’s Gate North Sea Company provide the only connection to Toril. Local boats still sail along the coast and use the river.

Many elves live in the town and surrounding country. Visitors hear Elvish at market stalls, on the docks, and among travelers from the nearby forests.

The road to Pointebrune follows the coast northwest through the Ascot Lowlands. Joran Pell travels this route with his trading caravan.

A coastal swamp lies close southeast of town, just inland from the sea.

People have explored some country around Ascot, but deeper inland the land remains unexplored and unsafe. Floating rocks and islands hang above the land. Unusual gravity affects the inland country.

Visitors can see a floating island above the distant mountains.

Places in town

The Gilded Mooring - a tavern with food and rooms above the southern docks.
Market Square - a small market beside the docks.
The Wayfarer’s Measure - a shop selling supplies for travel in the wild.
The Brass Bell - a shop selling fish and boating supplies, with net repairs.
The Market Notice Board - a public board for messages and travel plans.
Temple of Selûne - a wooden temple of the moon goddess on the outskirts of town.
Elindra’s Hut - a witch’s home and herb garden on the eastern outskirts.