Waterdeep

The city of Waterdeep is vast. It is a port city that lies on the Sword Coast. The Sea of Swords laps against its docks. This region of the planet is sub-tropical. Long humid summers give way to brief winters that never get too cold. The docks bring trade by way of Calisham and the Elven isles. Great caravans come from all over bringing wonders for sale or trade. The city is ruled by a secret council of lords. Their laws are enforced by a large police force with access to considerable magics. Waterdeep is a city like no other in the realms. Sites that are oddities or beings that would cause riots and disaster in other cities are common or simply overlooked. There are two Liches, in example, who reside within the city walls. Drow walk the streets by night beside humans and dwarves. There are hundreds of bars and taverns, thousands of shops, and all manner of items for sale. Anything can be bought in Waterdeep if you know who to ask.
The city is separated into wards. There is the Sea Ward/Dock Ward encompassing the docks, warehouses and numerous business and pubs that cater to the seafarers. The North Ward is where the nobles and people of wealth live. The Castle Ward holds the castle of the honorary king of Waterdeep and the various royal families and courtiers. The Trades Ward is where you find the industry in Waterdeep. The Southern Ward contains the middle class and poor families plus many business, pubs, inns, and shops. The City of the Dead is the largest known graveyard in all of Oerth. Tremendously powerful magics have seen to it that this graveyard will never be full no matter how many graves are dug, how many mausoleums raised from the rock of the earth.
In the weeks since the cataclysmic relocation of the party the characters have gained several contacts in the city that they can rely on to provide them with lucrative contracts. First is Pontus Corrilius a wealthy merchant from the North Ward. He is an information seller and an acquirer of items for the rich and powerful. He has traded fairly, as far as you know, with you in the past but only a fool would trust one such as he. Second there is Aayan, One Eye. An enigmatic rogue that pops up on occasion with some bit of adventuring and reward. And then there is Fagan Andercraft master of a thief’s guild called Midnight Appropriations. He is rumored to be a vampyre and his appearance makes it seem obvious that that is the case. His guild is terribly powerful and your contact with him is invaluable due to his ties to organized crime. Lastly is The Magic Mouth Man arch-mage and identifier of items. His true name is not known to you nor is his personal appearance. All contact with him has been through magic mouths floating in the air.
Many of you have taken up residence in The Dead Thief Inn. An interesting establishment of gambling, fine foods and posh accomodations. You have scouted out some lower profile establishments that offer work to adventurers such as The Cracked Crown in North Ward and The Howling Banshee in South Ward.
There is alot of talk about a recent war and a portion of the city is being reconstructed after Waterdeep itself was sieged by the undead host of Naggashh. You have seen the devastation first hand near the outer wall and East Gate. Rumors range from elation over the defeat of Naggashh to possibilities of his inevitable return. Some things never change. Some powerful evil wizard or another is always trying to take over the world.