From the beginning of the book:
Waterdeep is a city of intrigue and wonders; in its streets and buildings can be found almost every variety of beings and activities, goods, and interests.
This book describes the major features of life in Waterdeep, some important inhabitants, and the layout of the City wards, but leaves room for DMs to develop their own characters and local details. For those employing the FORGOTTEN REALMS campaign setting, a section on the City's surroundings is included, and for all AD&D game players, a number of possible adventures set in the City, or beginning within its walls, are described.
The North remains a land of riches, mineral wealth equalled nowhere else in the known Realms, and seemingly endless strands of timber of a size not often found elsewhere. Game is plentiful, and the landscape is beautiful. But danger is always lurking; for the most part, the law of the North is the law of the sword. Traveler, you have been warned.