Phlan
Encyclopedia
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. It also appeared in Curse of the Azure Bonds
, Pools of Darkness
, and Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor
.
, Phlan is located in the northern section of the Moonsea region at the mouth of the Stojanow River on the fictional continent of Faerûn
, which was detailed in the original Forgotten Realms Campaign Set, published in 1987 by TSR
. The Ruins of Adventure scenario and the basic outline of the city was created by TSR
designers Jim Ward
, David Cook
, Steve Winter
, and Mike Breault. The current campaign date of the Forgotten Realms (4ed) is 1479 DR
— as of the real-world year of 2009. The city is said to have been founded over 1,000 years ago, and throughout its history a series of destruction and rebuilding has led to the city being walled off into a destroyed, ruined Old Phlan and a rebuilt, shining Civilized Phlan. Phlan is noteworthy not only for its stubbornness but also as the location of the fabled Pool of Radiance
, source of power of the otherworldly Tyranthraxus, a major villain in the setting and one of the Seven Lost Gods described in 1998's Villains' Lorebook
. The town is described as currently rebuilding from the devastating dragon attack, known as the "Dragon Run", that is said to have happened in 1306 DR. In Ruins of Adventure, it is said the city is growing popular as a stop for caravans and ships due to recent troubles in the fictional city of Hillsfar, and adventuring is encouraged through the crumbling ruins of Old Phlan.
Local points of interest include the ruins of Valjevo Castle, once one of the largest castles in Faerûn
. Although the idea of rebuilding the castle has been floated, most citizens are wary of the expense. Instead, a group of druids is attempting to recultivate the courtyard. Sokal Keep, a small fortress in the Bay of Phlan, is being rebuilt as a lighthouse. Valhingen Graveyard, north of the city, is rumored to contain powerful undead, and most fear to go there at night. Finally, the only temple in the city is The Waiting, a temple of Tyr. One of the closet settlements to Phlan is Zhentil Keep which is the home of the Zhentarim
. Much of this is described in the 38-page Adventurer's Journal, which was included in the original Pool of Radiance
computer game and provides the game's background. The booklet features depictions of fliers, maps, and information the characters see in the game, most all of which details Phlan.
" computer role-playing game Pool of Radiance
, published in 1988 by Strategic Simulations, Inc.
(SSI). According to the editors of Dragon magazine, Pool of Radiance was based on Ruins of Adventure, and not vice versa. The plot loosely tracks that of the computer game. It is now out of print.
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (December 23, 1989) ISBN 0880387351 - ISBN 978-0880387354
have disappeared. Ren o' the Blade returns to Phlan to seek answers, while Shal and Tarl struggle to help keep the city from being overtaken by hordes of monsters.
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (February 1992) ISBN 1560763183 - ISBN 978-1560763185
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (November 1993) ISBN 1560765828 - ISBN 978-1560765820
took place totally in Phlan and the wilderness surrounding Phlan. This is the only game where the player characters visit all parts of the city of Phlan. Zhentil Keep makes an appearance as one of the missions in this game, but Zhentil Keep only plays a minor role in this game.
but it's minimal. The player characters can enter Phlan but the player only gets a menu which allows them to enter shops, go to a dungeon, et al.
but it is very short lived. The player characters begin the game in Phlan. This is the only game other than Pool of Radiance where Phlan is shown in 3D. The player can purchase equipment, go to taverns, talk to NPC's, et al. but as soon as the characters leave Phlan, Bane
removes Phlan and the other cities from the Moonsea region but leaves only the evil cities.
but Phlan only appears in the tutorial which shows people how to play the game.
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...
fantasy world
Fantasy world
A fantasy world is a fictional universe used in fantasy novels and games. Typical worlds involve magic or magical abilities and often, but not always, either a medieval or futuristic theme...
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 game roleplaying game 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...
. The city was first described in adventure module Ruins of Adventure
Ruins of Adventure
Ruins of Adventure is a Dungeons & Dragons module that served as the basis for the popular "Gold Box" computer role-playing game Pool of Radiance, published in 1988 by Strategic Simulations, Inc. . According to the editors of Dragon magazine, Pool of Radiance was based on Ruins of Adventure, and...
and the Pool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance is a computer role-playing game developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc in 1988. It was the first adaptation of TSR's Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game for home computers. It is the first in a four-part series of D&D computer adventure games...
computer game. It also appeared in Curse of the Azure Bonds
Curse of the Azure Bonds
Curse of the Azure Bonds is a computer role-playing game developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc in 1989. It is the second in a four-part series of Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons Gold Box adventure computer games, continuing the events after the first part, Pool of Radiance.An...
, Pools of Darkness
Pools of Darkness
Pools of Darkness is the fourth in a four-part series of Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons Gold Box adventure computer games, published by Strategic Simulations, Inc.. The game was released in 1991...
, and Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor
Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor
Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor is a Forgotten Realms Dungeons and Dragons role-playing video game released in 2001 by Ubisoft....
.
Description
In Ruins of AdventureRuins of Adventure
Ruins of Adventure is a Dungeons & Dragons module that served as the basis for the popular "Gold Box" computer role-playing game Pool of Radiance, published in 1988 by Strategic Simulations, Inc. . According to the editors of Dragon magazine, Pool of Radiance was based on Ruins of Adventure, and...
, Phlan is located in the northern section of the Moonsea region at the mouth of the Stojanow River on the fictional 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...
, which was detailed in the original Forgotten Realms Campaign Set, published in 1987 by TSR
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....
. The Ruins of Adventure scenario and the basic outline of the city was created by TSR
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....
designers Jim Ward
Jim Ward (game designer)
James M. Ward , is an American game designer and fantasy author. He is most famous for his game development and writing work for TSR, Inc., where he worked for more than 20 years. In 1989 he was inducted into the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design Hall of Fame...
, David Cook
David Cook (game designer)
David "Zeb" Cook is an American game designer best known for his work at TSR, Inc., where he was employed for over fifteen years.-Early life:...
, Steve Winter
Steve Winter
Steve Winter is a game designer who has worked on numerous products for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game from TSR and later Wizards of the Coast.-Early life:Steve Winter was born in Dubuque, Iowa on December 8, 1957...
, and Mike Breault. The current campaign date of the Forgotten Realms (4ed) is 1479 DR
Calendars in the Forgotten Realms
In the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, years are referred to by names, each name is not consistent across the Realms. This helps alleviate any confusion from multiple writers using different names for the same year...
— as of the real-world year of 2009. The city is said to have been founded over 1,000 years ago, and throughout its history a series of destruction and rebuilding has led to the city being walled off into a destroyed, ruined Old Phlan and a rebuilt, shining Civilized Phlan. Phlan is noteworthy not only for its stubbornness but also as the location of the fabled Pool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance is a computer role-playing game developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc in 1988. It was the first adaptation of TSR's Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game for home computers. It is the first in a four-part series of D&D computer adventure games...
, source of power of the otherworldly Tyranthraxus, a major villain in the setting and one of the Seven Lost Gods described in 1998's Villains' Lorebook
Villains' Lorebook
Villains' Lorebook is an accessory for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the second edition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
. The town is described as currently rebuilding from the devastating dragon attack, known as the "Dragon Run", that is said to have happened in 1306 DR. In Ruins of Adventure, it is said the city is growing popular as a stop for caravans and ships due to recent troubles in the fictional city of Hillsfar, and adventuring is encouraged through the crumbling ruins of Old Phlan.
Local points of interest include the ruins of Valjevo Castle, once one of the largest castles in 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...
. Although the idea of rebuilding the castle has been floated, most citizens are wary of the expense. Instead, a group of druids is attempting to recultivate the courtyard. Sokal Keep, a small fortress in the Bay of Phlan, is being rebuilt as a lighthouse. Valhingen Graveyard, north of the city, is rumored to contain powerful undead, and most fear to go there at night. Finally, the only temple in the city is The Waiting, a temple of Tyr. One of the closet settlements to Phlan is Zhentil Keep which is the home 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...
. Much of this is described in the 38-page Adventurer's Journal, which was included in the original Pool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance is a computer role-playing game developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc in 1988. It was the first adaptation of TSR's Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game for home computers. It is the first in a four-part series of D&D computer adventure games...
computer game and provides the game's background. The booklet features depictions of fliers, maps, and information the characters see in the game, most all of which details Phlan.
Use in print
Phlan has appeared in an adventure module and the novelization of the original Pool of Radiance game, as well as two sequels.Ruins of Adventure
Ruins of Adventure is a Dungeons & Dragons module that served as the basis for the popular "Gold BoxGold Box
Gold Box is the name for a series of computer role-playing games produced by SSI. The company won a license to produce games based on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game from TSR, Inc...
" computer role-playing game Pool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance is a computer role-playing game developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc in 1988. It was the first adaptation of TSR's Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game for home computers. It is the first in a four-part series of D&D computer adventure games...
, published in 1988 by Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Strategic Simulations, Inc. was a video game developer and publisher with over 100 titles to its credit since its founding in 1979. It was especially noted for its numerous wargames, its official computer game adaptations of Dungeons & Dragons, and for the groundbreaking Panzer General...
(SSI). According to the editors of Dragon magazine, Pool of Radiance was based on Ruins of Adventure, and not vice versa. The plot loosely tracks that of the computer game. It is now out of print.
Pool of Radiance
Shal Bal of Cormyr, Tarl Desanea, a cleric of Tyr, and Ren o' the Blade are brought together in Phlan by circumstance and encounter various threats in and around the city of Phlan, culminating in a faceoff with the Lord of the Ruins, Tyranthraxus.Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (December 23, 1989) ISBN 0880387351 - ISBN 978-0880387354
Pool of Darkness
Phlan, and several other cities across 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...
have disappeared. Ren o' the Blade returns to Phlan to seek answers, while Shal and Tarl struggle to help keep the city from being overtaken by hordes of monsters.
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (February 1992) ISBN 1560763183 - ISBN 978-1560763185
Pool of Twilight
The conclusion of the Pool series. Kern, son of Shal and Tarl, and Daile, daughter of Ren search for the missing Warhammer of Tyr.Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (November 1993) ISBN 1560765828 - ISBN 978-1560765820
Pool Of Radiance
Pool of RadiancePool of Radiance
Pool of Radiance is a computer role-playing game developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc in 1988. It was the first adaptation of TSR's Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game for home computers. It is the first in a four-part series of D&D computer adventure games...
took place totally in Phlan and the wilderness surrounding Phlan. This is the only game where the player characters visit all parts of the city of Phlan. Zhentil Keep makes an appearance as one of the missions in this game, but Zhentil Keep only plays a minor role in this game.
Curse Of The Azure Bonds
Phlan makes an appearance in Curse of the Azure BondsCurse of the Azure Bonds
Curse of the Azure Bonds is a computer role-playing game developed and published by Strategic Simulations, Inc in 1989. It is the second in a four-part series of Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons Gold Box adventure computer games, continuing the events after the first part, Pool of Radiance.An...
but it's minimal. The player characters can enter Phlan but the player only gets a menu which allows them to enter shops, go to a dungeon, et al.
Pools Of Darkness
Phlan makes an appearance in Pools of DarknessPools of Darkness
Pools of Darkness is the fourth in a four-part series of Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons Gold Box adventure computer games, published by Strategic Simulations, Inc.. The game was released in 1991...
but it is very short lived. The player characters begin the game in Phlan. This is the only game other than Pool of Radiance where Phlan is shown in 3D. The player can purchase equipment, go to taverns, talk to NPC's, et al. but as soon as the characters leave Phlan, Bane
Bane (god)
Bane , is the god of hatred, fear, and tyranny and one of the main evil gods in the fictional Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting, Forgotten Realms....
removes Phlan and the other cities from the Moonsea region but leaves only the evil cities.
Pool Of Radiance: Ruins Of Myth Drannor
Phlan makes an appearance in Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth DrannorPool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor
Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor is a Forgotten Realms Dungeons and Dragons role-playing video game released in 2001 by Ubisoft....
but Phlan only appears in the tutorial which shows people how to play the game.