Dalelands
Encyclopedia
The Dalelands is a region in the fiction
al setting of the Forgotten Realms
, for the Dungeons & Dragons
fantasy
role-playing game
. In the setting, the Dalelands is set on the continent of Faerûn
, somewhat influenced by rural England, and most famous for hosting the famous wizard
and sage, Elminster. In the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting boxed set
, the region is recommended as the starting location for campaigns with players new to the game.
Some say Dalelanders originally came from the Great Dale
.
The Dales are neighbored by the kingdom of Cormyr
to the southwest, the nation of Sembia to the southeast, the forest of Cormanthor to the northeast and the Anauroch desert lies over the Desertsmouth Mountains to the west.
Each Dale (of which there are currently eleven) is an independent territory with its own unique government, military, industry and culture.
Archendale is the strongest military power in the Dalelands.
Battledale has through history been the scene of most of the big battles in the Dalelands, hence the name.
For a long time, Daggerdale has been occupied by or at war with Zhentarim
agents of Zhentil Keep. Its original name some centuries ago was Merrydale and it was famed for the hospitality of its inhabitants. After an outbreak of vampirism the town lost its friendliness and the residents took to being ever armed with daggers, hence the change of name. Daggerdale is also currently ruled by Randal Morn, a famous member of The Four.
Deepingdale is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is named after the Deeping Princess, an elf-maiden who married a human and led many humans and half-elves to settle here, far from prejudices of gold elves.
As one of the smallest dales, Featherdale has never been involved in the big struggles of some of the other dales, as such it is a peaceful place. The Featherdarrans' chief virtues are resilience, common sense, brawn, and a natural aptitude for farming.
The oldest of the current dales. Formerly known as Velardale.
The High Dale lies at a strategic pass over the Thunder Peaks.
With fertile lands and protected from dangers by surrounding dales, Mistledale is a pleasant place to live.
Mistledale's capital is the town of Ashabenford and is home of the fierce Riders of Mistledale. The town has had troubles of late with attacks from Zhentarim
and Drow.
Named after a canyon
, presumably a result of the battle between elven
god Corellon Larethian
and orc
god Gruumsh
.
Tasseldale lies close to, and is heavily influenced by, Sembia.
Fiction
Fiction is the form of any narrative or informative work that deals, in part or in whole, with information or events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary—that is, invented by the author. Although fiction describes a major branch of literary work, it may also refer to theatrical,...
al setting of the Forgotten Realms
Forgotten Realms
The Forgotten Realms is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Commonly referred to by players and game designers alike as "The Realms", it was created by game designer Ed Greenwood around 1967 as a setting for his childhood stories...
, for the Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
. In the setting, the Dalelands is set on the continent of Faerûn
Faerûn
Faerûn is a fictional subcontinent, the primary setting of the Dungeons & Dragons world of Forgotten Realms. It is described at a relatively high level in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting from Wizards of the Coast, and various locales and aspects are described in more detail by separate...
, somewhat influenced by rural England, and most famous for hosting the famous wizard
Wizard (Dungeons & Dragons)
The wizard is one of the standard character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. A wizard uses arcane magic, and is considered less effective in melee combat than other classes.-Creative origins:...
and sage, Elminster. In the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting boxed set
Boxed set
A box set is a compilation of various musical recordings, films, television programs, or other collection of related items that are contained in a box.-Music box sets:...
, the region is recommended as the starting location for campaigns with players new to the game.
Some say Dalelanders originally came from the Great Dale
Great Dale
The Great Dale is a fictional location in the fantasy setting of the Forgotten Realms.-Description:The Great Dale is governed by a druidic hierarchy, under rule of Nentyarch. It is a human land, of 200,000 inhabitants...
.
The Dales are neighbored by the kingdom of Cormyr
Cormyr
Cormyr is a fictional country in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting published first by TSR, Inc. and subsequently by Wizards of the Coast for the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy Role Playing Game...
to the southwest, the nation of Sembia to the southeast, the forest of Cormanthor to the northeast and the Anauroch desert lies over the Desertsmouth Mountains to the west.
Each Dale (of which there are currently eleven) is an independent territory with its own unique government, military, industry and culture.
Archendale
- Capital: Archenbridge
- Population: 92,300 (92% humans, 3% half-elves, 2% gnomes, 2% halflings)
- Government: Autocratic rule by the Swords
- Religions: Chauntea, Lathander, Tempus (Mielikki, Selûne, Silvanus)
- Imports: Exotic metalwork, silks, spices
- Exports: Produce, ores, timber
- Alignment: NG, LN, N
Archendale is the strongest military power in the Dalelands.
Battledale
- Capital: Essembra
- Population: 32,714 (87% humans, 5% half-elves, 4% halflings, 2% gnomes, 1% dwarves)
- Government: Lordship
- Religions: Gond, Tempus (Chauntea, Corellon Larethian, Silvanus)
- Imports: Clothing, fine metalwork, oil, rope, spices
- Exports: Ale, cheese, fruit, grain, meat, livestock, wool
- Alignment: CG, NG, N
Battledale has through history been the scene of most of the big battles in the Dalelands, hence the name.
Daggerdale
- Capital: Dagger Falls
- Population: 28,041 (88% humans, 5% dwarves, 3% half-orcs, 2% gnomes, 1% halflings)
- Government: Lordship
- Religions: Lathander (Mielikki, Silvanus, Tempus)
- Imports: Armor, books, glass, jewelry, metalwork, paper, texiles, weapons
- Exports: Furs, meats, ores
- Alignment: LG, NG, N
For a long time, Daggerdale has been occupied by or at war with Zhentarim
Zhentarim
The Zhentarim is a fictional organization in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Also known as the Black Network, it is an evil organization based on the continent of Faerûn. One of its goals is to dominate the lands from the Moonsea to the...
agents of Zhentil Keep. Its original name some centuries ago was Merrydale and it was famed for the hospitality of its inhabitants. After an outbreak of vampirism the town lost its friendliness and the residents took to being ever armed with daggers, hence the change of name. Daggerdale is also currently ruled by Randal Morn, a famous member of The Four.
Deepingdale
- Capital: Highmoon
- Population: 50,239 (70% humans, 20% half-elves, 9% elves)
- Government: Republic with elected lord
- Religions: Corellon Larethian, Oghma
- Imports: Cotton, fine manufactured items, silk, textiles, wood
- Exports: Fur, meat, timber
Deepingdale is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is named after the Deeping Princess, an elf-maiden who married a human and led many humans and half-elves to settle here, far from prejudices of gold elves.
Featherdale
- Capital: None
- Population: 14,020 (84% humans, 11% halflings, 2% half-elves, 2% gnomes)
- Government: Democracy
- Religions: Lathander (and Cyric)
- Imports: Armor, fine manufactured goods, weapons, oil
- Exports: Cheese, corn, grain, salted meat, vegetables
- Alignment: NG, N, CG
As one of the smallest dales, Featherdale has never been involved in the big struggles of some of the other dales, as such it is a peaceful place. The Featherdarrans' chief virtues are resilience, common sense, brawn, and a natural aptitude for farming.
Harrowdale
- Capital: Harrowdale Town
- Population: 42,061 (90% humans, 5% half-elves, 4% elves)
- Government: Republic (plutocracy)
- Religions: Chauntea, Mystra, Oghma, Tymora (Malar, Mielikki, Silvanus)
- Imports: Glassware, lace, ore, paper, silk, spices, tools, weapons
- Exports: Ale, beef, cheese, fruit, furs, lumber, mutton, wool
- Alignment: LG, LN, NG
The oldest of the current dales. Formerly known as Velardale.
High Dale
- Capital: Highcastle
- Population: 8,179 (86% humans, 10% gnomes, 3% half-elves)
- Government: Republic with elected High Constable
- Religions: Gods of the Dancing Place
- Imports: Armor, books, metalwork, paper, textiles, weapons
- Exports: Copper
- Alignment: LG, LN, NG
The High Dale lies at a strategic pass over the Thunder Peaks.
Mistledale
- Capital: Ashabenford
- Population: 27,807 (87% humans, 5% dwarves, 3% gnomes, 2% halflings, 2% half-elves)
- Government: Republic
- Religions: Chauntea, Moradin, Silvanus, Tyr
- Imports: Manufactured items, oil, ores, textiles
- Exports: Ale, beets, cheese, grain, hay, meat, potatoes, vegetables
- Alignment: LG, NG, CG
With fertile lands and protected from dangers by surrounding dales, Mistledale is a pleasant place to live.
Mistledale's capital is the town of Ashabenford and is home of the fierce Riders of Mistledale. The town has had troubles of late with attacks from Zhentarim
Zhentarim
The Zhentarim is a fictional organization in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Also known as the Black Network, it is an evil organization based on the continent of Faerûn. One of its goals is to dominate the lands from the Moonsea to the...
and Drow.
Scardale
- Capital: Chandlerscross
- Population: 125,015 (94% humans, 3% half-orcs, 2% halflings)
- Government: Republic (anarchy)
- Religions: Tempus, Tymora
- Imports: Illicit substances, manufactured goods, oil
- Exports: Ale, grain, vegetables
- Alignment: LN, N, CE
Named after a canyon
Canyon
A canyon or gorge is a deep ravine between cliffs often carved from the landscape by a river. Rivers have a natural tendency to reach a baseline elevation, which is the same elevation as the body of water it will eventually drain into. This forms a canyon. Most canyons were formed by a process of...
, presumably a result of the battle between elven
Elf (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, elves are a fictional humanoid race that is one of the primary races available for play as player characters. Elves are renowned for their grace and mastery of magic and weapons such as the sword and bow...
god Corellon Larethian
Corellon Larethian
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Corellon Larethian is the leader of the elven pantheon, and the god of Magic, Music, Arts, Crafts, Poetry, and Warfare. Corellon is also considered a member of the default D&D pantheon. He is the creator and preserver of the elven race, and governs those...
and orc
Orc (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, orcs are a primitive race of savage, bestial, barbaric humanoid.-Publication history:The orc was one of the earliest creatures introduced in the D&D game. The D&D orc is largely based upon the orcs appearing in the works of J.R.R...
god Gruumsh
Gruumsh
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Gruumsh, also known as Gruumsh One-Eye, is the patron deity of orcs, who regard him as the god of Conquest, Survival, Strength, and Territory. He is also considered a member of the default D&D pantheon of deities...
.
Sessrendale
This dale was destroyed by the army of Archendale. Its land was salted to prevent resettlement.Tasseldale
- Capital: Tegal's Mark
- Population: 14,020 (94% humans, 2% halflings, 2% gnomes, 1% half-elves)
- Government: Republic
- Religions: Tyr
- Imports: Gold, jewels, silver, tin
- Exports: Fine manufactured goods, pottery, textiles
- Alignment: LG, LN, N
Tasseldale lies close to, and is heavily influenced by, Sembia.
Official Material
- Volo's Guide to the Dalelands (zip)
- Dalelands Sneak Peek
- More Dalelands!
- Deepingdale
- Scardale
- Tarkhaldale
Portals
- The Portal of Plenty in Archendale
- Sword's Creek in Mistledale
- Shadowdale
Personalities
Novels and Modules
- Shadowdale
External links
- History of the Dales and the Elven Court book transcripts