List of regions in Faerûn
Encyclopedia
This is a list of fictional regions, geographical features, and other locations on the continent of Faerûn
from the Forgotten Realms
setting. These locations have appeared in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting
for the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy
roleplaying game, the multiple series of novels set in the Forgotten Realms, or the numerous video and computer games set in the Forgotten Realms, or any combination thereof.
Also note that there are separate lists for cities and nations of the Forgotten Realms setting.
on the continent of Faerûn
.
The desert is a remnant of the once-powerful Netheril Empire. It is presently inhabited by the Bedines, magically transported there from Zakhara as well as the vicious asabi and the dreaded phaerimm
s and, since very recently, by the archwizards of Shade.
Elminster has said of Anauroch that "It is not a natural desert, and it is not all hot sands."
In fact it is three deserts. The hot, dry desert of sand dunes which most folk imagine all Anauroch to be like is known as "the Sword" and actually makes up only roughly the southern third of the region. North of that lies a region of wind-scoured bare rock, called "the Plain of Standing Stones" despite very little of it being flat plain. The most northerly region is a vast sheet of ice overlying bedrock and marked with many rifts named "the High Ice."
Hlaungadath is one of the three floating cities that Mystra
saved during the destruction of Netheril. It is a city that landed near the High Ice and was eventually abandoned. The drow in the War of the Spider Queen
series arrive here by means of a portal. They are forced to flee after they are set upon by lamias
(humanoid lions that work magic) and their legions of asabis.
Reghed, or High Ice, is a frozen wasteland located on a plateau in northern Anauroch.
with a tropical climate that lies at the tip of Southwest Faerûn on the continent of Faerûn
. It is positioned east of the island kingdoms of Nimbral and Lantan, and to the west of Halruaa.
and was at the dawn of time one of the most powerful empires, ruled by the sarrukh
. There are 440,000 people, of many different species, living in Chult. Mainly pseudo African humans, there are sizable numbers of goblins
and lizardfolk
, as well as wild dwarves
and pterafolk.
There are many tribes living throughout the jungle, while the human settlements is governed by a theocracy
from the capital of Mezro.
The Flaming Fist
mercenary company has, following an expedition for Anchorome in search of wealth, set up the small fort Belurian in Chult.
Samarach is a small country in the southern part of the Chultan peninsula, with the capital of Samargol.
Tashalar is a country to the east of the Chultan peninsula, linking the peninsula with the continent, more specifically the country of Halruaa. It is a merchant oligarchy
of 900,000 inhabitants, mainly humans, but with a small minority of lizardfolk and yuan-ti
as well. It is governed from the capital of Tashluta.
. Centered around the Great Glacier, a glacier
formerly inhabited by the empire of Pelvuria, the Cold Lands are now scarcely populated because of the harsh arctic
climate.
The countries of Vaasa and Damara are found here, as are Sossal and Narfell
.
al fantasy
setting of the Forgotten Realms
.
Cormanthor was long the place of the elven
empire of Cormanthyr, Cormanthor being both the name of the forest and of the capital. After the Elven Retreat only a small number of elves remain, with the main part of the population leaving for Evereska
or Evermeet
.
and Kevin Melka and published in 1998 by TSR, this AD&D Second Edition source book contains information on the physiology and mindset of elves; the history of the elves; Cormanthyr, Myth Drannor, Semberholme, the Tangled Vale, the Elven Court, and Windsong Tower; elven magic, including notable elves of the Art such as the Srinshee, mythal
s, and magical items; and more.
. It lies at the western extent of the Sea of Fallen Stars, on the southern shore of the Dragonmere, and to the north of the Shinning Plains. To the east it borders upon the nation of Turmish. Much of this land is occupied by the forest Gulthmere. It is separated from Turmish by the Orsraun Mountains.
Unlike nearby Cormyr
and Sembia, the Dragon Coast has never been able to unite, and the region has seen the rise and fall of numerous city-states.
Corruption is commonplace. The Red Wizards of Thay and the Cult of the Dragon
both make strategic use of the region.
al fantasy
setting of the Forgotten Realms
, modelled on the steppes of Mongolia
and Central Asia
. It was once the territory of the mighty empire of Raumathar.
The Hordelands is the Faerûn
ian name of the region, though it goes by a number of names in other countries; Al-Tirmaq (Durpar), Plain of Horses (Kara-Tur
), or Taan as its inhabitants call it. Now, the Hordelands is populated by the Mongol-like Tuigans. It is bordered on the north by Yal-Tengri, on the west by Narfell
, Rashemen and Thay, on the south by Murghôm, Semphar and the massive Himalaya-like Yehimal mountain range, and on the East by the empire of Shou Lung
.
Apart from the aforementioned major countries, one can also notice the mountain-dwelling nations of Khazari (capital Skardu), crossed by the Silk Road and the paranoid theocracy of Ra-Khati (apparently inspired by Nepal
).
There are three ways to go from Faerûn to Kara-Tur:
. They were detailed in FR2, Moonshae
, published in 1987 by TSR, Inc.
, focusing largely on the Moonshae Isles. Mainly located in the vast Trackless Sea
, the equivalent of the Atlantic Ocean
, the islands are small, but significant, as both the home and main place of worship of the elves
, Evermeet
, and of the gnomes
, Lantan.
Other notable locations of island kingdoms are the Shining Sea and the Lake of Steam
.
s from Halruaa, focusing heavily on the school of illusion, and are all accomplished illusionists. It seems their prolonged contact with magic changed their mage into something else than humans. Nimbral illusionists do not have any forbidden school of magic.
Prespur is an isle located in the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Tharsult
is an island of unscrupulous traders, located in the Shining Sea, with the capital of Urbeth.
al fantasy
setting of the Forgotten Realms
. Nearly all of the lands and cities on Abeir-Toril
are built on the ruins of lost empires, and throughout the Faerûn
ian countryside, terrible secrets of an age past lie in waiting.
Illefarn
, Imaskar
, and Netheril were also major Lost Empires.
kingdom founded before Cormanthyr and Netheril.
Athalantar, the Kingdom of the Stag (or the Stag Kingdom) is Elminster's birthplace. Its capital city, Hastarl, was located at the junction of the Unicorn Run and the River Delimbiyr, a site presently occupied by the village of Secomber
.
Coramshan is the ancestor of Calimshan.
Deep Shanatar was once High Shanatar, a mighty dwarven realm in the Underdark
. Of the original eight kingdoms that composed it, the sole survivor is the reclusive Iltkazar.
Eaerlann was an ancient elven empire located in the High Forest.
Eastern Shaar was once the kingdom of titans, but is now nothing more than an extension of the Shaar. It is bordered to the north by the country Unther, to the east by the Giant's Belt mountain range (which separates it from Raurin
), to the south by the Toadsquat Mountains, and to the west by the Great Rift
, which separates it from the Shaar. Its major feature is the Council Hills.
Guge is an ancient kingdom that existed in the Endless Wastes. It is apparently inspired by the real ancient kingdom of Guge
in Western Tibet
.
Ilythiir was the ancient elven empire of the dark-skinned, tropical elves who became the drow.
Jhaamdath was a militaristic psiocracy (government by psionicists), one of the few on Toril
. This ancestor of present Chondath was founded circa –5800 DR and destroyed in –255 DR by elven high mages of Nikerymath. Their tutelar divinity was Auppenser
.
Miyeritar was an ancient elven empire of Dark and Green Elves. At its height, it was the center of Elven art and High Magic, but was destroyed by the evil Empire of Gold and Moon Elves, Vyshaantar. Recently, a small portion of this realm was brought back by the wizard Khelben, in the novel Blackstaff, by Steven Schend.
Pelvuria, also known as The Great Glacier, is a great, magical glacier
created in -2550 DR that was once Ostoria, the kingdom of Giants (the city of Gharreil is a testimony of it). It is presently home to several kingdoms: Alpuk, Angalpuk, Nakvalicach and Novularond.
Raumathar was the great eastern empire that once included Rashemen and Thay. It is over two millennia old and almost a thousand years dead, perishing in battle with its foe Narfell
. Its people were known as powerful battle-wizards, and their art of fighting is still known by some.
An ancient empire of Giants located in the North, Ostoria was divided up into separate kingdoms for each of the giant races. A falling between the giants and giant-kin led to the destruction of the empire and the creation of the Great Glacier (Pelvuria).
Shantel Othreier was an ancient elven empire.
A country that had occupied the once fertile lands of the current Quoya desert, Tsharoon lies in the Endless wastes.
. The region is dominated by the large titular lake Moonsea, that is connected to the Sea of Fallen Stars to the south by the River Lis. The shoreline is a wild, frontier area that is home to several city states that are dominated by despots, and the region doesn't have a capital.
The most notable of the city-states is Zhentil Keep at the western end, the greatest base of operations of the once-secret society of the Zhentarim
; Mulmaster in the southeast; Phlan
; Melvaunt on the northern side; and Hillsfar in the southwest. The region is rich in ruins (notably the one of Northkeep), monsters, pirates, and harsh, cold terrains.
West of the Moonsea is the northernmost of the Dales
, Teshendale. North-west of the sea are the Dragonspine Mountains.
The sunken city of Northkeep
was the first human settlement on the shores of the Moonsea.
Voonlar is a place conquered by the Zhentarim
.
is a region of kingdoms. Located in the East Faerûn region, the Old Kingdoms lie on the coast of the Sea of Fallen Stars. They were once powerful nations, but over the centuries the region has succumbed to internal warring, which has weakened the countries.
The nations of Chessenta, Mulhorand, Murghôm, Semphar, and Unther are found in this region.
. It is situated west of the Silver Marches and east of the Sword Coast, where the cities of Neverwinter
and Luskan lie. This region was first detailed in FR5, The Savage Frontier
, published in 1988.
Contrary to its name, much of the area is really not a savage frontier and it is quite civilized. In some Dungeons & Dragons
modules, however, broader conflicts (such as those between Luskan and Waterdeep
, the cities and the Zhentarim
etc.) make the area a dangerous one.
The MMORPG
Neverwinter Nights
(AOL
, 1991–1997) and the computer games Neverwinter Nights
, Gateway to the Savage Frontier
and Treasures of the Savage Frontier
are all set in this region.
, the Sea of Fallen Stars is said to have been formed by a star sent by deities to punish titan's arrogance (some say it was actually the eggs of the first dragons
). Its major ramifications include the Dragonmere (a.k.a. Lake of Dragons) on the West, the Moonsea on the North, the Alamber Sea on the East and the Vilhon Reach on the South. They are just the most notable ones, others being the Lake of the Long Arm, the Deepwash, the Bay of Chessenta, the Akanamere, the Alaor or the Easting Reach.
Its surrounding lands include Cormyr
, the Dalelands
, Sembia, the Vast, Impiltur, The Great Dale
, Thesk, Aglarond, Altumbel, Thay, the Priador, Mulhorand, Unther, Chessenta, Chondath, Turmish, the Shining Plains and the Dragon Coast.
Some notable isles include the Pirate Isles
and the Isle of Prespur.
and Reghed, the Sea of Moving Ice is the northernmost place in known Faerûn
and is located west of the Endless Ice Sea. Almost completely uncharted, it is filled with icebergs and Faerûnians believe that beyond it lies the domain of their gods.
. The vast savannah-like landscape that forms Shaar is modeled after African savannah and veldt. It is populated by an endemic race of elephant-like humanoids known as loxos, as well as by the insectoid thri-kreen
s and the tauric wemic
s.
“Thousands of miles of grass, as far as the eye can see, sloping from east to west but with a cliff in the middle, the Landrise, where west drops down to east. The Eastern Shaar is more dry, but both bake by day and freeze by night. Fierce horse nomads herd rothé, wemics and centaurs, and there must be something worth trading for out there, hidden in all that open space. They give us slaves and trinkets and a little ivory, but would rather raid the Border Kingdoms and everywhere else they can reach. Magnificent horses, but they seem to sicken if taken away in trade.”
, stretching from South Faerûn to Southeast Faerûn, and consists of many city-states and kingdoms.
The nations of Durpar, Estagund, Halruaa, Luiren, and Var the Golden are found here, as well as the region called Shaar.
, gnomes
, halfling
s, and the country, called the Deep Realm, is ruled by a monarchy
from the capital of Underhome.
Rethild, also known as the Great Swamp, is a swamp cursed by an ancient wizard, and the home of the magic-draining monsters called larakens. It is separated from Halruaa by the East Wall Mountains (Muaraghal).
.
It is bordered by the Anauroch desert to the east, the High Forest to the south, the Savage Frontier to the west and the Spine of the World mountain range to the north and has an estimated population of 1,090,800.
The confederation of the Silver Marches consists of its capital city Silverymoon
(est. population 37,073) as well as Everlund, Sundabar, Mithril Hall (est. population 4,991), Citadel Adbar, Citadel Felbarr
and some minor towns and villages, including Quaervarr in the Moonwood, Deadsnows and Newfort. The current leader of the confederation is High Lady Alustriel Silverhand, one of the many chosen of Mystra
.
One of the more well known locations in the Silver Marches is Beorunna's Well (estimated population 2,139), which is featured in the computer game Neverwinter Nights
.
A large, dense forest dominated by evergreens, shadowtops, and duskwoods, the Moonwood is home to few natural predators and no orcs or goblinoids. Its southern fringes are peaceful enough home to small bands of moon elves and wood elves who roam its green depths and fair meadows, as well as the rustic homes of woodcutters and trappers. The northern depths are a different matter—there, the woods become darker, thcker, and more overgrown, and the People of the Black Blood hunt. The Moonwood is a little over a hundred miles from north to south, and approximately 60 miles wide in the Northern parts. It tapers down to the south west.
The Moonwood is home to a few characters in the Drizzt Do'Urden
series by R.A. Salvatore including Ellifain Tuuserail, Tarathiel, and Innovindil.
and the northern icecaps. It is said to be almost impossible to cross, teeming with ogres
, orcs
, and other foul creatures of the north. Bards say that if one does manage to cross it, one comes to an endless sea of mist and ice, in which white dragons
(the least intelligent of true dragons) wait to consume anything that comes their way. This is just a myth, however, as white dragons are quite rare.
The Spine of the World is also a novel by R. A. Salvatore.
, and stretches from the city-state
of Baldur's Gate
, in the south, along the coast of the Sea of Swords
, to city-state Waterdeep
, and from Waterdeep further north to Neverwinter
, Luskan, and Icewind Dale, the Arctic and northernmost region of the Sword Coast.
The metropolis
es of Waterdeep and Baldur's Gate are not counted as part of the Sword Coast, instead Baldur's Gate lies in the Western Heartlands, while Waterdeep is an independent city-state. Mirabar and Ten Towns
are found here.
Because of its quasi-lawless, "frontier" setting, being a place where all races can meet and interact, it has been the setting for many modules (especially those subtitled with the Savage Frontier name), as well as the MMORPG
Neverwinter Nights
(AOL
, 1991–1997) and the computer games Neverwinter Nights
(Bioware
, 2002), Baldur's Gate
, Gateway to the Savage Frontier
and Treasures of the Savage Frontier
.
Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast
is the title of an expansion disc for the game Baldur's Gate.
Icewind Dale is a sub-Arctic region, along the northernmost part of the Sword Coast. It is famous because many events involving the drow hero, Drizzt Do'Urden
, occurred here, chronicled in The Icewind Dale Trilogy
, a series of fantasy novels by R. A. Salvatore.
Icewind Dale is an icy tundra and the northernmost explored area of Faerûn
. Its only permanent settlements are known as the Ten Towns, a confederation of a number of minor settlements cooperating with each other. The region is mainly populated by fishermen, craftsmen, rangers, dwarves mining the deeps for minerals and precious stones, barbarians, and merchants who tolerate the hostile climate in the hope of trading in ivory and gems. The "capital" of the region is the town of Bryn Shander.
Another notable feature of Icewind Dale is Kelvin's Cairn, a mountain north of Ten Towns. It was in a cavern on the northern face of this mountain that Drizzt Do'Urden resided for some time as a sort of 'scout' for Ten Towns.
of Faerûn
. It is a border region between the Northeast Faerûn and East Faerûn. The region sports great adversity; from the scheming Red Wizards of Thay to the boisterous barbarians
of Rashemen, it is a place rife with conflict. The region is bordered to the south by the Old Kingdoms, and to the north by the Cold Lands. To the northeast are the Hordelands.
The nations of Aglarond, Impiltur, Rashemen, Thay, and Thesk are found in this region.
hierarchy, under rule of Nentyarch. It is a human land, of 200,000 inhabitants.
According to rumours, The Great Dale is the place from which Dalelanders
come.
. The most important places in The Vast are the cities of Ravens Bluff
and Sarbreenar.
al continent of Faerûn
in the role-playing game
setting of the Forgotten Realms
. The region is named after a body of water called the Vilhon Reach
, a part of the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Through its many port
cities, the Vilhon Reach is established as an essential trade center between the cities of the southern bodies of water, the Lake of Steam and the Shining Sea, and the many kingdom
s and city-state
s around the inner sea of the continent, the Sea of Fallen Stars.
The nations of Chondath and Turmish are found in this region.
The Shining Plains is a region located west of Turmish, the city of Ormath, established in 125 DR is a location of interest.
al region in the fantasy
setting of the Forgotten Realms
. Located in West Faerûn, the Western Heartlands stretches west from Cormyr
and the Dragon Coast to the east, and slowly blends into the coastal Sword Coast region at the Sea of Swords
. The Western Heartlands is in no way a state, but consists of numerous city-state
s and hamlets
, with the metropolis
of Waterdeep
its most dominant city.
Other locations found in the Western Heartlands include the city of Baldur's Gate
, Daggerford
, Castle Darkhold
, Dragonspear Castle
, Evereska
, the High Moor
, Scornubel, and Secomber
.
Ulcaster, but the school is now but ruins to the east of the town.
In 1373, Beregost was the site of a battle between two metallic dragons, the copper dragon Chalintash and the mercury dragon Trinculo. These events are contained in Murray J.D. Leeder's short story "The Strength of the Jester," in the anthology Realms of the Dragons II.
The fortress library of Candlekeep stands on a cliff, looking down upon the Sea of Swords
. The library contains every book and scroll of knowledge possible, and it was the home of the great seer Alaundo, who among other visions, foresaw the coming of the Bhaalspawn
. Candlekeep is currently ruled by the Keeper of the Tomes, Ulraunt, and his assistant, First Reader Tethtoril.
To gain entry to the halls of wisdom, a visitor must gift the library collection with a new tome of immense value.
The small community of monks and scholars residing in Candlekeep mainly favours Oghma, the god of knowledge, as well as the deities Deneir, Gond, and Milil
.
The Friendly Arm Inn is a stone keep
which houses the titular inn and is surrounded by an outer wall, which also protects the Temple of Wisdom (a shrine dedicated to Garl Glittergold
), a handful of houses, and stables. With its location on the trade way between Baldur's Gate
and the town of Beregost, the Friendly Arm is a safe haven for travellers.
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...
from 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...
setting. These locations have appeared in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting
Campaign setting
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A campaign is a series of individual adventures, and a campaign setting is the world in which such adventures and campaigns take place...
for the Dungeons and Dragons 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...
roleplaying game, the multiple series of novels set in the Forgotten Realms, or the numerous video and computer games set in the Forgotten Realms, or any combination thereof.
Also note that there are separate lists for cities and nations of the Forgotten Realms setting.
Anauroch
Anauroch, also called The Great Sand Sea, is a magical desertDesert
A desert is a landscape or region that receives an extremely low amount of precipitation, less than enough to support growth of most plants. Most deserts have an average annual precipitation of less than...
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...
.
The desert is a remnant of the once-powerful Netheril Empire. It is presently inhabited by the Bedines, magically transported there from Zakhara as well as the vicious asabi and the dreaded phaerimm
Phaerimm
The phaerimm are a fictional species of creatures in the Forgotten Realms setting, in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
s and, since very recently, by the archwizards of Shade.
Elminster has said of Anauroch that "It is not a natural desert, and it is not all hot sands."
In fact it is three deserts. The hot, dry desert of sand dunes which most folk imagine all Anauroch to be like is known as "the Sword" and actually makes up only roughly the southern third of the region. North of that lies a region of wind-scoured bare rock, called "the Plain of Standing Stones" despite very little of it being flat plain. The most northerly region is a vast sheet of ice overlying bedrock and marked with many rifts named "the High Ice."
Related places
The Empire of Shadows is nebulous country in southern Anauroch, mainly consisting of whatever territory the City of Shade controls at any given time. The Shadovar are currently striving to make the Empire of Shadows into a cohesive and permanent nation.Hlaungadath is one of the three floating cities that Mystra
Mystra (goddess)
Mystra is a fictional goddess in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.She is the Mistress of Magic and Mother of Mysteries who guides the Weave of magic that envelops the world. She tends to the weave constantly, making possible all the...
saved during the destruction of Netheril. It is a city that landed near the High Ice and was eventually abandoned. The drow in the War of the Spider Queen
War of the Spider Queen
War of the Spider Queen is a New York Times best-selling series of novels set in the Forgotten Realms universe published by Wizards of the Coast. The series contains six books focused on the drow and their principal deity Lolth. Each of the six novels in the series is written by a different author...
series arrive here by means of a portal. They are forced to flee after they are set upon by lamias
Lamia (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the lamia is a magical beast. The lamia was introduced in the first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game's original Monster Manual sourcebook...
(humanoid lions that work magic) and their legions of asabis.
Reghed, or High Ice, is a frozen wasteland located on a plateau in northern Anauroch.
Chultan Peninsula
The Chultan Peninsula is a peninsulaPeninsula
A peninsula is a piece of land that is bordered by water on three sides but connected to mainland. In many Germanic and Celtic languages and also in Baltic, Slavic and Hungarian, peninsulas are called "half-islands"....
with a tropical climate that lies at the tip of Southwest Faerûn 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...
. It is positioned east of the island kingdoms of Nimbral and Lantan, and to the west of Halruaa.
Related places
Entirely covered by jungle, Chult is the name of the jungle that entirely covers the Chultan Peninsula. It is inhabited by dinosaursDinosaur (Dungeons & Dragons)
In numerous campaign settings of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, dinosaurs, based upon the actual-life extinct reptiles of prehistoric ages, are present. Some of the dinosaurs used in D&D, such as Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Ankylosaurus, are real ones which used to exist...
and was at the dawn of time one of the most powerful empires, ruled by the sarrukh
Sarrukh
Within the Forgotten Realms setting of the game Dungeons & Dragons, the sarrukh are a race of reptilian humanoids. They are one of the five progenitor races, or Creator Races, of Faerûn. Eons prior to the current storyline of Dungeons & Dragons, they built and maintained empires across most of the...
. There are 440,000 people, of many different species, living in Chult. Mainly pseudo African humans, there are sizable numbers of goblins
Goblin (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, goblins are a very common and fairly weak race of evil humanoid monsters. Goblins and Kobolds are commonly non-human monsters that low-level player characters will face in combat. In D&D, goblins aren't smaller cousins of orcs, but are a part of...
and lizardfolk
Lizardfolk
Lizardfolk are a fictional humanoid species in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Publication history:...
, as well as wild dwarves
Dwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, dwarves are a humanoid race, one of the primary races available for play as player characters...
and pterafolk.
There are many tribes living throughout the jungle, while the human settlements is governed by a theocracy
Theocracy
Theocracy is a form of organization in which the official policy is to be governed by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided, or simply pursuant to the doctrine of a particular religious sect or religion....
from the capital of Mezro.
The Flaming Fist
Flaming Fist
The Flaming Fist is the largest and most powerful mercenary company of the fictional world known as the Forgotten Realms, in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.-Description:...
mercenary company has, following an expedition for Anchorome in search of wealth, set up the small fort Belurian in Chult.
Samarach is a small country in the southern part of the Chultan peninsula, with the capital of Samargol.
Tashalar is a country to the east of the Chultan peninsula, linking the peninsula with the continent, more specifically the country of Halruaa. It is a merchant oligarchy
Oligarchy
Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power effectively rests with an elite class distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, commercial, and/or military legitimacy...
of 900,000 inhabitants, mainly humans, but with a small minority of lizardfolk and yuan-ti
Yuan-ti
The yuan-ti are a fictional species of evil snakemen in the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The species comprises a number of castes. In some campaign settings, the yuan-ti are descended from evil human cultists who mixed their bloodlines with those of serpents...
as well. It is governed from the capital of Tashluta.
Cold Lands
The Cold Lands is a region of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
. Centered around the Great Glacier, a glacier
Glacier
A glacier is a large persistent body of ice that forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years, often centuries. At least 0.1 km² in area and 50 m thick, but often much larger, a glacier slowly deforms and flows due to stresses induced by its weight...
formerly inhabited by the empire of Pelvuria, the Cold Lands are now scarcely populated because of the harsh arctic
Arctic
The Arctic is a region located at the northern-most part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The Arctic region consists of a vast, ice-covered ocean, surrounded by treeless permafrost...
climate.
The countries of Vaasa and Damara are found here, as are Sossal and Narfell
Narfell
Narfell is a country in the eastern part of the fictional continent of Faerûn, in the Forgotten Realms setting. It lies in the Cold Lands region but was once the heart of a vast empire that stretched from the Giantspire Mountains to Lake Ashane and included the Great Dale, much of Thesk, part of...
.
Cormanthor
Cormanthor is an ancient forest realm in the fictionFiction
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 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...
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...
.
Cormanthor was long the place of the 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...
empire of Cormanthyr, Cormanthor being both the name of the forest and of the capital. After the Elven Retreat only a small number of elves remain, with the main part of the population leaving for Evereska
Evereska
In the fictional fantasy setting of the Forgotten Realms, Evereska is an elven stronghold in northern Faerûn.Evereska is known as the Lasthaven of the elves, as it is the only elven stronghold left in Faerûn...
or Evermeet
Evermeet
Evermeet is an island in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons game, located far west of the continent of Faerûn...
.
Publication
The realm of Cormanthor was the subject of Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves. Written by Steven E. SchendSteven Schend
Steven E. Schend is a game designer and editor who has worked on a number of products for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game from TSR throughout the 1990s.-Biography:Steven Schend was born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1967...
and Kevin Melka and published in 1998 by TSR, this AD&D Second Edition source book contains information on the physiology and mindset of elves; the history of the elves; Cormanthyr, Myth Drannor, Semberholme, the Tangled Vale, the Elven Court, and Windsong Tower; elven magic, including notable elves of the Art such as the Srinshee, mythal
Mythal
In the Forgotten Realms setting in the continent of Faerûn, a mythal is a powerful epic level magical effect.-Description:A mythal is created by a circle of elven High Mages to protect and ward a large area with numerous powerful enchantments...
s, and magical items; and more.
Dragon Coast
The Dragon Coast is a geographical region on the continent of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
. It lies at the western extent of the Sea of Fallen Stars, on the southern shore of the Dragonmere, and to the north of the Shinning Plains. To the east it borders upon the nation of Turmish. Much of this land is occupied by the forest Gulthmere. It is separated from Turmish by the Orsraun Mountains.
Unlike nearby 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...
and Sembia, the Dragon Coast has never been able to unite, and the region has seen the rise and fall of numerous city-states.
Corruption is commonplace. The Red Wizards of Thay and the Cult of the Dragon
Cult of the Dragon
The Cult of the Dragon is a fictional, semi-religious, evil organization in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The cult worships dragons, believing they will rule the world in the future and will keep them as monarchs next in line. Sammaster, a mage...
both make strategic use of the region.
Hordelands
The Hordelands (also known as the Endless Wastes) is a region in the fictionFiction
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 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...
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...
, modelled on the steppes of Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulan Bator, the capital and largest...
and Central Asia
Central Asia
Central Asia is a core region of the Asian continent from the Caspian Sea in the west, China in the east, Afghanistan in the south, and Russia in the north...
. It was once the territory of the mighty empire of Raumathar.
The Hordelands is the 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...
ian name of the region, though it goes by a number of names in other countries; Al-Tirmaq (Durpar), Plain of Horses (Kara-Tur
Kara-Tur
Kara-Tur is a fantasy world created by David Cook in the Oriental Adventures rulebook for the First Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game in 1986. Kara-Tur's cultures and peoples are fantasy analogues of medieval China, Korea, Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, Tibet, and other regions of...
), or Taan as its inhabitants call it. Now, the Hordelands is populated by the Mongol-like Tuigans. It is bordered on the north by Yal-Tengri, on the west by Narfell
Narfell
Narfell is a country in the eastern part of the fictional continent of Faerûn, in the Forgotten Realms setting. It lies in the Cold Lands region but was once the heart of a vast empire that stretched from the Giantspire Mountains to Lake Ashane and included the Great Dale, much of Thesk, part of...
, Rashemen and Thay, on the south by Murghôm, Semphar and the massive Himalaya-like Yehimal mountain range, and on the East by the empire of Shou Lung
Shou Lung
In the fictional campaign setting known as the Forgotten Realms, Shou Lung is a country in the continent of Kara-Tur, which is located to the east of Faerûn...
.
Notable features
- Winterkeep, one of the biggest (if not the biggest) city in the Hordelands.
- The second largest body of water is the warm, plesiosaurPlesiosaurPlesiosauroidea is an extinct clade of carnivorous plesiosaur marine reptiles. Plesiosauroids, are known from the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods...
s-infected Lake of Mist, with the ex-Raumatharan sprawling town of Almorel on its shores. - The Great Spire on the Ice Sea
- The Many-Windowed Tower, a Raumathari lighthouse inhabited by a spelljammingSpelljammerSpelljammer is a campaign setting for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, which features a fantastical outer space environment....
lich - The rocky Quoya desert, inspired by the Gobi desertGobi DesertThe Gobi is a large desert region in Asia. It covers parts of northern and northwestern China, and of southern Mongolia. The desert basins of the Gobi are bounded by the Altai Mountains and the grasslands and steppes of Mongolia on the north, by the Hexi Corridor and Tibetan Plateau to the...
- The Mountain of Iron, a mountain containing a tremendous concentration of lodestone (natural magnet).
- The living castle of Panjuis
- The Tuigan capital of Quaraband, in a dead-magic zone
- The Fortress of the Old Man, an Hashishin-like organisation (notice there is also such a fortress in Zakhara).
- The Tsaparang Fortress, apparently inspired by PetraPetraPetra is a historical and archaeological city in the Jordanian governorate of Ma'an that is famous for its rock cut architecture and water conduits system. Established sometime around the 6th century BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans, it is a symbol of Jordan as well as its most visited...
- The Shalhoond forest, a sub-equatorial jungle
Apart from the aforementioned major countries, one can also notice the mountain-dwelling nations of Khazari (capital Skardu), crossed by the Silk Road and the paranoid theocracy of Ra-Khati (apparently inspired by Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
).
There are three ways to go from Faerûn to Kara-Tur:
- Silk Road, cold, long and dangerous
- Spice Road, which crosses Khazari and hence requires a fee
- Old Iron Road, blocked by the Ra-Khati
Island Kingdoms of Faerûn
The Island Kingdoms of Faerûn are island realms, spread out across the continent of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
. They were detailed in FR2, Moonshae
Moonshae
Moonshae is an accessory for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms. It describes the Moonshae Isles of Faerûn.-Contents:...
, published in 1987 by TSR, Inc.
TSR, Inc.
Blume and Gygax, the remaining owners, incorporated a new company called TSR Hobbies, Inc., with Blume and his father, Melvin Blume, owning the larger share. The former assets of the partnership were transferred to TSR Hobbies, Inc....
, focusing largely on the Moonshae Isles. Mainly located in the vast Trackless Sea
Trackless Sea
-Description:The Trackless Sea is the name of the western ocean due west of the continent of Faerûn. The Trackless Sea runs from Faerûn in the west, to Maztica and Anchorome in the east, north to the Sea of Moving Ice and south to the peninsula of Chult....
, the equivalent of the Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
, the islands are small, but significant, as both the home and main place of worship of the elves
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...
, Evermeet
Evermeet
Evermeet is an island in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons game, located far west of the continent of Faerûn...
, and of the gnomes
Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, gnomes are one of the core races available for play as player characters. Some speculate that they are closely related to dwarves; however, gnomes are more tolerant of other races and of magic, and are skilled with illusions...
, Lantan.
Other notable locations of island kingdoms are the Shining Sea and the Lake of Steam
Lake of Steam
Lake of Steam is a region in the fictional continent of Faerûn in the setting Forgotten Realms. Despite its name, Lake of Steam is a quasi-inner sea connected to the Shining Sea in much the same way as the Black Sea is to the Mediterranean Sea is on Earth...
.
Related places
The distant island of Nimbral, is also known as the Sea Haven, is located to the southwest of Lantan, in the Trackless Sea. The deceptive inhabitants, called Nimbrali, are expatriateExpatriate
An expatriate is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing...
s from Halruaa, focusing heavily on the school of illusion, and are all accomplished illusionists. It seems their prolonged contact with magic changed their mage into something else than humans. Nimbral illusionists do not have any forbidden school of magic.
Prespur is an isle located in the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Tharsult
Tharsult
Tharsult is an island of unscrupulous traders in the Shining Sea, in the fictional fantasy setting of the Forgotten Realms. Its capital is Urbeth. The establishment of a Shou Town is on the way....
is an island of unscrupulous traders, located in the Shining Sea, with the capital of Urbeth.
Lost Empires of Faerûn
The Lost Empires of Faerûn are part of the fictionFiction
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 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...
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...
. Nearly all of the lands and cities on Abeir-Toril
Abeir-Toril
Abeir-Toril is the name of the fictional planet that makes up the Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting, as well as the Al-Qadim and Maztica campaign settings and the 1st edition version of the Oriental Adventures campaign setting.The name is archaic, meaning "cradle of life." It...
are built on the ruins of lost empires, and throughout the 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...
ian countryside, terrible secrets of an age past lie in waiting.
Illefarn
Illefarn
Illefarn is a location in the fictional Forgotten Realms setting of Dungeons and Dragons, on the continent of Faerûn.- General :What is now called the Fallen Kingdom used to be the grand elven kingdom of Illefarn , a forest stretching from the present-day Kryptgarden Forest to the Trollbark Forest,...
, Imaskar
Imaskar
In the fictional fantasy setting of the Forgotten Realms, on the continent of Faerûn, Imaskar was the first overpowering human empire, predating even Netheril. It was responsible for the creation of the oldest empires still in existence, the ancient empires of Mulhorand, Unther and Chessenta. They...
, and Netheril were also major Lost Empires.
The Lost Empires
Ammarindar is a dwarvenDwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, dwarves are a humanoid race, one of the primary races available for play as player characters...
kingdom founded before Cormanthyr and Netheril.
Athalantar, the Kingdom of the Stag (or the Stag Kingdom) is Elminster's birthplace. Its capital city, Hastarl, was located at the junction of the Unicorn Run and the River Delimbiyr, a site presently occupied by the village of Secomber
Secomber
Secomber is a location in the fictional Forgotten Realms setting of the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-General:Secomber is a small town of nearly 1,500 that acts as a de facto border town between the relatively peaceful Western Heartlands and the more savage North along the Sword...
.
Coramshan is the ancestor of Calimshan.
Deep Shanatar was once High Shanatar, a mighty dwarven realm in the Underdark
Underdark
The Underdark is a fictional setting which has appeared in Dungeons & Dragons role-playing campaigns and Dungeons & Dragons-based fiction books, including the Legend of Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore...
. Of the original eight kingdoms that composed it, the sole survivor is the reclusive Iltkazar.
Eaerlann was an ancient elven empire located in the High Forest.
Eastern Shaar was once the kingdom of titans, but is now nothing more than an extension of the Shaar. It is bordered to the north by the country Unther, to the east by the Giant's Belt mountain range (which separates it from Raurin
Raurin
Raurin is a location on Faerûn, a fictional continent, the primary setting of the Forgotten Realms, for Dungeons & Dragons.-Description:Raurin, known as the Dust Desert and the Desert of Desolation, was once the center of the ancient empire of Imaskar, but it was transformed into a wasteland in...
), to the south by the Toadsquat Mountains, and to the west by the Great Rift
Great Rift (Forgotten Realms)
The Great Rift is a location in the fictional setting of Faerûn, in the Forgotten Realms, for Dungeons & Dragons.-Description:The Great Rift is the traditional home of Faerûn's gold dwarves, though there is also a human city nearby, called Khôltar...
, which separates it from the Shaar. Its major feature is the Council Hills.
Guge is an ancient kingdom that existed in the Endless Wastes. It is apparently inspired by the real ancient kingdom of Guge
Guge
Guge was an ancient kingdom in Western Tibet. The kingdom was centered in present-day Zanda County, within Ngari Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, China. At various points in history after 10th century AD, the kingdom held sway over a vast area including south-eastern Zanskar, Upper Kinnaur,...
in Western Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
.
Ilythiir was the ancient elven empire of the dark-skinned, tropical elves who became the drow.
Jhaamdath was a militaristic psiocracy (government by psionicists), one of the few on Toril
Toril
Toril, meaning bullpen in Spanish, can refer to:* Toril - a District in Metro Davao in The Philippines* Toril - a Barangay in Island Garden City of Samal, Metro Davao, The Philippines* Toril y Masegoso, a town in the province of Teruel, Aragón, Spain...
. This ancestor of present Chondath was founded circa –5800 DR and destroyed in –255 DR by elven high mages of Nikerymath. Their tutelar divinity was Auppenser
Auppenser
In the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Auppenser is the deity of psionics...
.
Miyeritar was an ancient elven empire of Dark and Green Elves. At its height, it was the center of Elven art and High Magic, but was destroyed by the evil Empire of Gold and Moon Elves, Vyshaantar. Recently, a small portion of this realm was brought back by the wizard Khelben, in the novel Blackstaff, by Steven Schend.
Pelvuria, also known as The Great Glacier, is a great, magical glacier
Glacier
A glacier is a large persistent body of ice that forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years, often centuries. At least 0.1 km² in area and 50 m thick, but often much larger, a glacier slowly deforms and flows due to stresses induced by its weight...
created in -2550 DR that was once Ostoria, the kingdom of Giants (the city of Gharreil is a testimony of it). It is presently home to several kingdoms: Alpuk, Angalpuk, Nakvalicach and Novularond.
Raumathar was the great eastern empire that once included Rashemen and Thay. It is over two millennia old and almost a thousand years dead, perishing in battle with its foe Narfell
Narfell
Narfell is a country in the eastern part of the fictional continent of Faerûn, in the Forgotten Realms setting. It lies in the Cold Lands region but was once the heart of a vast empire that stretched from the Giantspire Mountains to Lake Ashane and included the Great Dale, much of Thesk, part of...
. Its people were known as powerful battle-wizards, and their art of fighting is still known by some.
An ancient empire of Giants located in the North, Ostoria was divided up into separate kingdoms for each of the giant races. A falling between the giants and giant-kin led to the destruction of the empire and the creation of the Great Glacier (Pelvuria).
Shantel Othreier was an ancient elven empire.
A country that had occupied the once fertile lands of the current Quoya desert, Tsharoon lies in the Endless wastes.
Moonsea
The Moonsea is a region in the North of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
. The region is dominated by the large titular lake Moonsea, that is connected to the Sea of Fallen Stars to the south by the River Lis. The shoreline is a wild, frontier area that is home to several city states that are dominated by despots, and the region doesn't have a capital.
The most notable of the city-states is Zhentil Keep at the western end, the greatest base of operations of the once-secret society of the 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...
; Mulmaster in the southeast; Phlan
Phlan
Phlan is a fictional city in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world campaign setting for the game roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons. The city was first described in adventure module Ruins of Adventure and the Pool of Radiance computer game...
; Melvaunt on the northern side; and Hillsfar in the southwest. The region is rich in ruins (notably the one of Northkeep), monsters, pirates, and harsh, cold terrains.
West of the Moonsea is the northernmost of the Dales
Dalelands
The Dalelands is a region in the fictional 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...
, Teshendale. North-west of the sea are the Dragonspine Mountains.
Related places
The Dragonspine Mountains is a mountain range northwest of the Moonsea, which houses the infamous Citadel of the Raven on their western slopes.The sunken city of Northkeep
Northkeep
In the fictional fantasy setting of the Forgotten Realms, the sunken city of Northkeep was the first city built around the Moonsea by humans.-History:...
was the first human settlement on the shores of the Moonsea.
Voonlar is a place conquered by the 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...
.
Old Kingdoms
The Old Kingdoms of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
is a region of kingdoms. Located in the East Faerûn region, the Old Kingdoms lie on the coast of the Sea of Fallen Stars. They were once powerful nations, but over the centuries the region has succumbed to internal warring, which has weakened the countries.
The nations of Chessenta, Mulhorand, Murghôm, Semphar, and Unther are found in this region.
Savage Frontier
The Savage Frontier is a region of the subcontinent of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
. It is situated west of the Silver Marches and east of the Sword Coast, where the cities of Neverwinter
Neverwinter
Neverwinter is a fictional city-state in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Neverwinter was founded by Lord Halueth Never...
and Luskan lie. This region was first detailed in FR5, The Savage Frontier
The Savage Frontier
Savage Frontier is an accessory for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms. It describes the Savage Frontier of Faerûn. The book was written by Paul Jaquays...
, published in 1988.
Contrary to its name, much of the area is really not a savage frontier and it is quite civilized. In some 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...
modules, however, broader conflicts (such as those between Luskan and Waterdeep
Waterdeep (city)
Waterdeep is a fictional city-state that forms part of a popular Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game campaign setting called the Forgotten Realms. It is a port city that is located along the western coast of the Faerûn sub-continent...
, the cities and the 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...
etc.) make the area a dangerous one.
The MMORPG
MMORPG
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a genre of role-playing video games in which a very large number of players interact with one another within a virtual game world....
Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights (AOL game)
Neverwinter Nights was the first multiplayer online role-playing game to display graphics, and ran from 1991 to 1997 on AOL.-Gameplay:Neverwinter Nights was developed to be played similarly to the Gold Box series of games...
(AOL
AOL
AOL Inc. is an American global Internet services and media company. AOL is headquartered at 770 Broadway in New York. Founded in 1983 as Control Video Corporation, it has franchised its services to companies in several nations around the world or set up international versions of its services...
, 1991–1997) and the computer games Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights , produced by BioWare and published by Infogrames , is a third-person perspective computer role-playing game that is based on third edition Dungeons & Dragons and Forgotten Realms rules. It was originally to be published by Interplay Entertainment, but the publisher's financial...
, Gateway to the Savage Frontier
Gateway to the Savage Frontier
Gateway to the Savage Frontier is a Gold Box Dungeons and Dragons computer game developed by Stormfront Studios and published by SSI for the Commodore 64, PC and Amiga personal computers...
and Treasures of the Savage Frontier
Treasures of the Savage Frontier
Treasures of the Savage Frontier is a Gold Box Dungeons and Dragons computer role-playing game. It was developed by Stormfront Studios and published by SSI for the Amiga and DOS.-Development:...
are all set in this region.
Sea of Fallen Stars
The largest inland body of water in the world of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
, the Sea of Fallen Stars is said to have been formed by a star sent by deities to punish titan's arrogance (some say it was actually the eggs of the first dragons
Dragon (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game , dragons are an iconic type of monstrous creature used as adversaries or, less commonly, allies of player characters...
). Its major ramifications include the Dragonmere (a.k.a. Lake of Dragons) on the West, the Moonsea on the North, the Alamber Sea on the East and the Vilhon Reach on the South. They are just the most notable ones, others being the Lake of the Long Arm, the Deepwash, the Bay of Chessenta, the Akanamere, the Alaor or the Easting Reach.
Its surrounding lands include 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...
, the Dalelands
Dalelands
The Dalelands is a region in the fictional 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...
, Sembia, the Vast, Impiltur, 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...
, Thesk, Aglarond, Altumbel, Thay, the Priador, Mulhorand, Unther, Chessenta, Chondath, Turmish, the Shining Plains and the Dragon Coast.
Some notable isles include the Pirate Isles
Pirate Isles
The Pirate Isles is a location on Faerûn, a fictional continent, the primary setting of the Forgotten Realms, for Dungeons & Dragons.-Description:...
and the Isle of Prespur.
Sea of Moving Ice
North of Icewind DaleIcewind Dale
Icewind Dale is a computer role-playing game developed for Windows by Black Isle Studios and published by Interplay Entertainment. Released on June 30, 2000, it takes place in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms campaign setting, and is based on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition...
and Reghed, the Sea of Moving Ice is the northernmost place in known 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...
and is located west of the Endless Ice Sea. Almost completely uncharted, it is filled with icebergs and Faerûnians believe that beyond it lies the domain of their gods.
Shaar
Shaar and the Eastern Shaar is a region on the continent of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
. The vast savannah-like landscape that forms Shaar is modeled after African savannah and veldt. It is populated by an endemic race of elephant-like humanoids known as loxos, as well as by the insectoid thri-kreen
Thri-kreen
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the thri-kreen, or "mantis warriors", are an insect-like monstrous humanoid race. Thri-kreen are one of the primary player character races of the Dark Sun campaign setting, and have also appeared in the Spelljammer and Forgotten Realms campaign...
s and the tauric wemic
Wemic
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, the wemic is a humanoid with the upper body of a leonine human and the lower body of a lion. Like centaurs, they are considered "tauric" creatures.-Publication history:David C...
s.
“Thousands of miles of grass, as far as the eye can see, sloping from east to west but with a cliff in the middle, the Landrise, where west drops down to east. The Eastern Shaar is more dry, but both bake by day and freeze by night. Fierce horse nomads herd rothé, wemics and centaurs, and there must be something worth trading for out there, hidden in all that open space. They give us slaves and trinkets and a little ivory, but would rather raid the Border Kingdoms and everywhere else they can reach. Magnificent horses, but they seem to sicken if taken away in trade.”
- Capital city: none, but Shaarmid is the most important agglomeration
Shining South
The Shining South is a region which lies on the southern coast of the continent, out to the Great SeaGreat Sea
Great Sea may refer to:* Belegaer, a fictional sea in Lord of the Rings* Great Sea, a fictional setting in The Legend of Zelda video game series* Mediterranean Sea, called Great Sea in the Bible...
, stretching from South Faerûn to Southeast Faerûn, and consists of many city-states and kingdoms.
The nations of Durpar, Estagund, Halruaa, Luiren, and Var the Golden are found here, as well as the region called Shaar.
Related places
The Great Rift is the land of the Gold Dwarves, though there is also a human city nearby, called Khôltar. The land is inhabited by 1,300,000 dwarvesDwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, dwarves are a humanoid race, one of the primary races available for play as player characters...
, gnomes
Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, gnomes are one of the core races available for play as player characters. Some speculate that they are closely related to dwarves; however, gnomes are more tolerant of other races and of magic, and are skilled with illusions...
, halfling
Halfling
Halfling is another name for J. R. R. Tolkien's Hobbit which can be a fictional race sometimes found in fantasy novels and games. In many settings, they are similar to humans except about half the size. Dungeons & Dragons began using the name halfling as an alternative to hobbit for legal reasons...
s, and the country, called the Deep Realm, is ruled by a monarchy
Monarchy
A monarchy is a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. In some cases, the monarch is elected...
from the capital of Underhome.
Rethild, also known as the Great Swamp, is a swamp cursed by an ancient wizard, and the home of the magic-draining monsters called larakens. It is separated from Halruaa by the East Wall Mountains (Muaraghal).
Silver Marches
Silver Marches (formerly known as Luruar) is a region and political entity on the continent of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
.
It is bordered by the Anauroch desert to the east, the High Forest to the south, the Savage Frontier to the west and the Spine of the World mountain range to the north and has an estimated population of 1,090,800.
The confederation of the Silver Marches consists of its capital city Silverymoon
Silverymoon
In the fictional world of the Forgotten Realms, Silverymoon is the prime signatory state of the Confederation of the Silver Marches...
(est. population 37,073) as well as Everlund, Sundabar, Mithril Hall (est. population 4,991), Citadel Adbar, Citadel Felbarr
Citadel Felbarr
- Citadel Felbarr :Citadel Felbarr is in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms Setting. It is located in the Silver Marches in Faerûn. This dwarven stronghold is currently headed by King Emerus Warcrown. Felbarr is connected to Mithral Hall through the Underdark, the subterrenian maze of tunnels...
and some minor towns and villages, including Quaervarr in the Moonwood, Deadsnows and Newfort. The current leader of the confederation is High Lady Alustriel Silverhand, one of the many chosen of Mystra
Mystra (goddess)
Mystra is a fictional goddess in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.She is the Mistress of Magic and Mother of Mysteries who guides the Weave of magic that envelops the world. She tends to the weave constantly, making possible all the...
.
One of the more well known locations in the Silver Marches is Beorunna's Well (estimated population 2,139), which is featured in the computer game Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights , produced by BioWare and published by Infogrames , is a third-person perspective computer role-playing game that is based on third edition Dungeons & Dragons and Forgotten Realms rules. It was originally to be published by Interplay Entertainment, but the publisher's financial...
.
Cities and towns
- SilverymoonSilverymoonIn the fictional world of the Forgotten Realms, Silverymoon is the prime signatory state of the Confederation of the Silver Marches...
(Capital) - Sundabar
- Rauvinwatch keep
- High Hold
- Rivermoot
- Khelb
- Jalanthar
- Winter Edge
- Quaervarr
- Everlund
- Nesme
- Lluvenhead
- Hilltop
Related places
A Dwarven Citadel to the east of Sundabar, Citadel Adbar is ruled by the venerabal King Harbromme, and protected by the famed Iron Guard.A large, dense forest dominated by evergreens, shadowtops, and duskwoods, the Moonwood is home to few natural predators and no orcs or goblinoids. Its southern fringes are peaceful enough home to small bands of moon elves and wood elves who roam its green depths and fair meadows, as well as the rustic homes of woodcutters and trappers. The northern depths are a different matter—there, the woods become darker, thcker, and more overgrown, and the People of the Black Blood hunt. The Moonwood is a little over a hundred miles from north to south, and approximately 60 miles wide in the Northern parts. It tapers down to the south west.
The Moonwood is home to a few characters in the Drizzt Do'Urden
Drizzt Do'Urden
Drizzt Do'Urden is a fictional character in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Drizzt was created by author R. A. Salvatore as a supporting character in the Icewind Dale Trilogy. Salvatore created him on a whim when his publisher needed to...
series by R.A. Salvatore including Ellifain Tuuserail, Tarathiel, and Innovindil.
Spine of the World
The Spine of the World is the range of mountains in Northern Faerûn that lies just south of Icewind DaleIcewind Dale
Icewind Dale is a computer role-playing game developed for Windows by Black Isle Studios and published by Interplay Entertainment. Released on June 30, 2000, it takes place in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms campaign setting, and is based on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition...
and the northern icecaps. It is said to be almost impossible to cross, teeming with ogres
Ogre (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, ogres are a lesser race of giants, rather being simply large brutes with clubs. An aquatic subrace of ogres is known as "merrow." D&D ogres are also closely related to the race of ogre magi, a smarter race with blue skin and great magical abilities...
, orcs
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...
, and other foul creatures of the north. Bards say that if one does manage to cross it, one comes to an endless sea of mist and ice, in which white dragons
Dragon (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game , dragons are an iconic type of monstrous creature used as adversaries or, less commonly, allies of player characters...
(the least intelligent of true dragons) wait to consume anything that comes their way. This is just a myth, however, as white dragons are quite rare.
The Spine of the World is also a novel by R. A. Salvatore.
Sword Coast
The Sword Coast is a portion of the northwestern coast of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
, and stretches from the city-state
City-state
A city-state is an independent or autonomous entity whose territory consists of a city which is not administered as a part of another local government.-Historical city-states:...
of Baldur's Gate
Baldur's Gate (city)
Baldur's Gate is a fictional city in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. It is a coastal city on the north bank of the river Chiontar, located in the Western Heartlands region of Faerûn...
, in the south, along the coast of the Sea of Swords
Sea of Swords (sea)
The Sea of Swords is a body of water in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world, located off the Sword Coast in the northwestern part of Faerûn. The Moonshae Isles forms the sea's western boundary while the Nelanther Isles and the Tethyr Peninsula defines its southern extent...
, to city-state Waterdeep
Waterdeep (city)
Waterdeep is a fictional city-state that forms part of a popular Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game campaign setting called the Forgotten Realms. It is a port city that is located along the western coast of the Faerûn sub-continent...
, and from Waterdeep further north to Neverwinter
Neverwinter
Neverwinter is a fictional city-state in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Neverwinter was founded by Lord Halueth Never...
, Luskan, and Icewind Dale, the Arctic and northernmost region of the Sword Coast.
The metropolis
Metropolis
A metropolis is a very large city or urban area which is a significant economic, political and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections and communications...
es of Waterdeep and Baldur's Gate are not counted as part of the Sword Coast, instead Baldur's Gate lies in the Western Heartlands, while Waterdeep is an independent city-state. Mirabar and Ten Towns
Ten Towns
The Ten Towns is a location on the fictional continent of Faerûn, the primary setting of the Forgotten Realms.-Description:The Ten Towns of Icewind Dale are a loose confederation of villages in the far North. Only one is really large enough to be called a town: Bryn Shander, the most central and...
are found here.
Because of its quasi-lawless, "frontier" setting, being a place where all races can meet and interact, it has been the setting for many modules (especially those subtitled with the Savage Frontier name), as well as the MMORPG
MMORPG
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a genre of role-playing video games in which a very large number of players interact with one another within a virtual game world....
Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights (AOL game)
Neverwinter Nights was the first multiplayer online role-playing game to display graphics, and ran from 1991 to 1997 on AOL.-Gameplay:Neverwinter Nights was developed to be played similarly to the Gold Box series of games...
(AOL
AOL
AOL Inc. is an American global Internet services and media company. AOL is headquartered at 770 Broadway in New York. Founded in 1983 as Control Video Corporation, it has franchised its services to companies in several nations around the world or set up international versions of its services...
, 1991–1997) and the computer games Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights , produced by BioWare and published by Infogrames , is a third-person perspective computer role-playing game that is based on third edition Dungeons & Dragons and Forgotten Realms rules. It was originally to be published by Interplay Entertainment, but the publisher's financial...
(Bioware
BioWare
BioWare is a Canadian video game developer founded in February 1995 by newly graduated medical doctors Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk, and Augustine Yip. BioWare is currently owned by American company Electronic Arts...
, 2002), Baldur's Gate
Baldur's Gate
Baldur's Gate is a computer role-playing game developed by BioWare and released in 1998 by Interplay Entertainment. The game takes place in the Forgotten Realms, a high fantasy campaign setting, using modified Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition rules...
, Gateway to the Savage Frontier
Gateway to the Savage Frontier
Gateway to the Savage Frontier is a Gold Box Dungeons and Dragons computer game developed by Stormfront Studios and published by SSI for the Commodore 64, PC and Amiga personal computers...
and Treasures of the Savage Frontier
Treasures of the Savage Frontier
Treasures of the Savage Frontier is a Gold Box Dungeons and Dragons computer role-playing game. It was developed by Stormfront Studios and published by SSI for the Amiga and DOS.-Development:...
.
Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast
Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast
Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast is a computer role-playing game in a high fantasy setting, developed by BioWare and published by Interplay in April 1999. Released as an expansion pack for Baldur's Gate from 1998, it adds about 20–30 hours of extra gameplay to the original game...
is the title of an expansion disc for the game Baldur's Gate.
Related places
- For the Icewind Dale computer role-playing games, see Icewind Dale seriesIcewind Dale seriesIcewind Dale is a computer role-playing game series developed by Black Isle Studios. It is set in the Forgotten Realms Icewind Dale region, but takes place decades before the events described in R. A. Salvatore's books which made the area a well-known part of Faerûn.The games utilize Bioware's...
Icewind Dale is a sub-Arctic region, along the northernmost part of the Sword Coast. It is famous because many events involving the drow hero, Drizzt Do'Urden
Drizzt Do'Urden
Drizzt Do'Urden is a fictional character in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Drizzt was created by author R. A. Salvatore as a supporting character in the Icewind Dale Trilogy. Salvatore created him on a whim when his publisher needed to...
, occurred here, chronicled in The Icewind Dale Trilogy
The Icewind Dale Trilogy
The Icewind Dale Trilogy is a trilogy of novels written by R.A. Salvatore, a SciFi and fantasy author. The events depicted in the trilogy follow the events of The Dark Elf Trilogy, although the former was written beforehand. It then continues from the Halfling's Gem onto the next series, Legacy of...
, a series of fantasy novels by R. A. Salvatore.
Icewind Dale is an icy tundra and the northernmost explored area 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...
. Its only permanent settlements are known as the Ten Towns, a confederation of a number of minor settlements cooperating with each other. The region is mainly populated by fishermen, craftsmen, rangers, dwarves mining the deeps for minerals and precious stones, barbarians, and merchants who tolerate the hostile climate in the hope of trading in ivory and gems. The "capital" of the region is the town of Bryn Shander.
Another notable feature of Icewind Dale is Kelvin's Cairn, a mountain north of Ten Towns. It was in a cavern on the northern face of this mountain that Drizzt Do'Urden resided for some time as a sort of 'scout' for Ten Towns.
Unapproachable East
The Unapproachable East is a region on the subcontinentSubcontinent
A subcontinent is a large, relatively self-contained landmass forming a subdivision of a continent. By dictionary entries, the term subcontinent signifies "having a certain geographical or political independence" from the rest of the continent, or "a vast and more or less self-contained subdivision...
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...
. It is a border region between the Northeast Faerûn and East Faerûn. The region sports great adversity; from the scheming Red Wizards of Thay to the boisterous barbarians
Barbarian (Dungeons & Dragons)
The barbarian is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Creative origins:The barbarian is based on Robert E...
of Rashemen, it is a place rife with conflict. The region is bordered to the south by the Old Kingdoms, and to the north by the Cold Lands. To the northeast are the Hordelands.
The nations of Aglarond, Impiltur, Rashemen, Thay, and Thesk are found in this region.
Related places
The Great Dale is governed by a DruidicDruid (Dungeons & Dragons)
The druid is a playable character class in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Druids wield nature-themed magic. Prior to 4th edition, they gain divine magic from being at one with nature, or from one of several patron gods of the wild, while in 4th edition, they gain primal magic...
hierarchy, under rule of Nentyarch. It is a human land, of 200,000 inhabitants.
According to rumours, The Great Dale is the place from which Dalelanders
Dalelands
The Dalelands is a region in the fictional 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...
come.
The Vast
The Vast is a region on the continent of FaerûnFaerûn
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...
. The most important places in The Vast are the cities of Ravens Bluff
Ravens Bluff
Raven's Bluff is a fictional location in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Publication history:...
and Sarbreenar.
Vilhon Reach
The Vilhon Reach is a region on the fictionFiction
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 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...
in the 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...
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...
. The region is named after a body of water called the Vilhon Reach
Reach (geography)
A reach in geography can mean several things. Most generally, a reach is any length of a stream between any two points. The points may be selected for any reason, such as gauging stations, river miles, natural features, and topography. They may be arbitrary or vague.A reach may also be an expanse,...
, a part of the Sea of Fallen Stars.
Through its many port
Port
A port is a location on a coast or shore containing one or more harbors where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land....
cities, the Vilhon Reach is established as an essential trade center between the cities of the southern bodies of water, the Lake of Steam and the Shining Sea, and the many kingdom
Monarchy
A monarchy is a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. In some cases, the monarch is elected...
s and city-state
City-state
A city-state is an independent or autonomous entity whose territory consists of a city which is not administered as a part of another local government.-Historical city-states:...
s around the inner sea of the continent, the Sea of Fallen Stars.
The nations of Chondath and Turmish are found in this region.
Related places
Hlondeth is an independent city-state at the end of the Vilhon Reach which controls a region of mountainous territory to the southwest of Turmish. The city has long had an association with serpents, and is ruled by the Extaminos family, with mixed blood that is not quite human.The Shining Plains is a region located west of Turmish, the city of Ormath, established in 125 DR is a location of interest.
Western Heartlands
The Western Heartlands are a fictionFiction
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 region in the 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...
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...
. Located in West Faerûn, the Western Heartlands stretches west from 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...
and the Dragon Coast to the east, and slowly blends into the coastal Sword Coast region at the Sea of Swords
Sea of Swords (sea)
The Sea of Swords is a body of water in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world, located off the Sword Coast in the northwestern part of Faerûn. The Moonshae Isles forms the sea's western boundary while the Nelanther Isles and the Tethyr Peninsula defines its southern extent...
. The Western Heartlands is in no way a state, but consists of numerous city-state
City-state
A city-state is an independent or autonomous entity whose territory consists of a city which is not administered as a part of another local government.-Historical city-states:...
s and hamlets
Hamlet (place)
A hamlet is usually a rural settlement which is too small to be considered a village, though sometimes the word is used for a different sort of community. Historically, when a hamlet became large enough to justify building a church, it was then classified as a village...
, with the metropolis
Metropolis
A metropolis is a very large city or urban area which is a significant economic, political and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections and communications...
of Waterdeep
Waterdeep (city)
Waterdeep is a fictional city-state that forms part of a popular Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game campaign setting called the Forgotten Realms. It is a port city that is located along the western coast of the Faerûn sub-continent...
its most dominant city.
Other locations found in the Western Heartlands include the city of Baldur's Gate
Baldur's Gate (city)
Baldur's Gate is a fictional city in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. It is a coastal city on the north bank of the river Chiontar, located in the Western Heartlands region of Faerûn...
, Daggerford
Daggerford
Daggerford is a location in the fictional Forgotten Realms setting of Dungeons and Dragons.-General:The village of Daggerford lies along the Shining River along the Sword Coast in Western Faerûn. It is a walled town with a population of approximately 900, with a number of outlying hamlets, farms...
, Castle Darkhold
Castle Darkhold
Castle Darkhold is a location in the fictional Forgotten Realms setting of Dungeons and Dragons.-General:Castle Darkhold, western stronghold of the Zhentarim, is located south of the Sunset Mountains in Western Faerûn....
, Dragonspear Castle
Dragonspear Castle
Dragonspear Castle is a location in the fictional Forgotten Realms setting of Dungeons and Dragons.-General:Dragonspear Castle is a ruined castle on the edge of the High Moor in Western Faerûn...
, Evereska
Evereska
In the fictional fantasy setting of the Forgotten Realms, Evereska is an elven stronghold in northern Faerûn.Evereska is known as the Lasthaven of the elves, as it is the only elven stronghold left in Faerûn...
, the High Moor
High Moor
The High Moor is a location in the fictional Forgotten Realms setting of Dungeons and Dragons.A large, monster-infested, open moorland in western Faerûn, the High Moor is bordered on the east by the Serpent Hills and on the west by the Misty Forest...
, Scornubel, and Secomber
Secomber
Secomber is a location in the fictional Forgotten Realms setting of the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-General:Secomber is a small town of nearly 1,500 that acts as a de facto border town between the relatively peaceful Western Heartlands and the more savage North along the Sword...
.
Related places
Halfway on the Coast Way between Baldur's Gate and Amn, the large town of Beregost receives many visiting merchant caravans, and town has a wide array of inns and taverns. The town is run by Kelddath Ormlyr, the high priest of the local temple to Lathander. Beregost was founded around a school of magic run by the wizardWizard (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:...
Ulcaster, but the school is now but ruins to the east of the town.
In 1373, Beregost was the site of a battle between two metallic dragons, the copper dragon Chalintash and the mercury dragon Trinculo. These events are contained in Murray J.D. Leeder's short story "The Strength of the Jester," in the anthology Realms of the Dragons II.
The fortress library of Candlekeep stands on a cliff, looking down upon the Sea of Swords
Sea of Swords (sea)
The Sea of Swords is a body of water in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world, located off the Sword Coast in the northwestern part of Faerûn. The Moonshae Isles forms the sea's western boundary while the Nelanther Isles and the Tethyr Peninsula defines its southern extent...
. The library contains every book and scroll of knowledge possible, and it was the home of the great seer Alaundo, who among other visions, foresaw the coming of the Bhaalspawn
Bhaalspawn
In the fictional universe of Forgotten Realms, Bhaalspawn is a name given to all children of the fictitious Bhaal, Lord of Murder, who foresaw his own death during the Time of Troubles and fathered children who could one day be sacrificed for his return....
. Candlekeep is currently ruled by the Keeper of the Tomes, Ulraunt, and his assistant, First Reader Tethtoril.
To gain entry to the halls of wisdom, a visitor must gift the library collection with a new tome of immense value.
The small community of monks and scholars residing in Candlekeep mainly favours Oghma, the god of knowledge, as well as the deities Deneir, Gond, and Milil
Milil
Milil is the fictional god of song and poetry in the Forgotten Realms setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.-Publication history:...
.
The Friendly Arm Inn is a stone keep
Keep
A keep is a type of fortified tower built within castles during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars have debated the scope of the word keep, but usually consider it to refer to large towers in castles that were fortified residences, used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the...
which houses the titular inn and is surrounded by an outer wall, which also protects the Temple of Wisdom (a shrine dedicated to Garl Glittergold
Garl Glittergold
Garl Glittergold is the patron deity of gnomes in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, and a member of the game's default pantheon of deities. His symbol is a gold nugget.-Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition :...
), a handful of houses, and stables. With its location on the trade way between Baldur's Gate
Baldur's Gate (city)
Baldur's Gate is a fictional city in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. It is a coastal city on the north bank of the river Chiontar, located in the Western Heartlands region of Faerûn...
and the town of Beregost, the Friendly Arm is a safe haven for travellers.