The Forgotten Realms: DnD 5e Setting Guide

At least Wizards of the Coast remembered them

Key events

The Time of Troubles

In 1358 DR, the gods were cast down to the mortal realm after stealing the Tablets of Fate. This period of divine upheaval caused widespread chaos, altered religious and political structures, and had lasting impacts on the world.

The Spellplague

Beginning in 1385 DR, the death of the goddess Mystra triggered a magical catastrophe known as the Spellplague. This event destabilized magic, caused widespread anomalies, and dramatically altered the landscape of Faerûn, affecting spellcasters and magic alike.

The Sundering

Starting in 1480 DR, the Sundering was a divine effort to restore order and correct the disruptions caused by the Spellplague. This period saw the re-establishment of the Weave, the return of lost lands, and significant changes to Faerûn’s geography and political landscape.

These events have left a lasting impact on the world, shaping its current state and offering rich backgrounds for adventures.

Key locations in the Forgotten Realms

Major Cities and Settlements

• Waterdeep: Often referred to as the “City of Splendors,” Waterdeep is one of the most influential and cosmopolitan cities in Faerûn. Located on the western coast, it is a major trading hub and a center of politics, intrigue, and adventure. Its sprawling metropolis is home to numerous guilds, factions, and powerful individuals, making it a vibrant setting for campaigns filled with urban intrigue and epic quests.
• Baldur’s Gate: Situated along the Sword Coast, Baldur’s Gate is renowned for its bustling markets and strategic importance. It acts as a crossroads of trade and a focal point for various political and criminal elements. The city is known for its diverse population and complex web of alliances and rivalries, providing a rich backdrop for stories of ambition and conflict.
• Myth Drannor: Once a beacon of elven civilization and magic, Myth Drannor is now a ruin filled with ancient secrets and dangers. This legendary city, located in the Forest of Cormanthor, was known for its grandeur and magical prowess before it fell to dark forces. Exploring its remnants offers a blend of historical intrigue and perilous adventures.
• Neverwinter: Known as the “Jewel of the North,” Neverwinter is a city that has recently recovered from the chaos of war and natural disasters. It is a symbol of resilience and renewal, with its majestic architecture and thriving economy. The city stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, drawing adventurers seeking to restore its former glory or uncover its hidden secrets.

Regions and Continents

• The Sword Coast: Stretching along the western edge of Faerûn, the Sword Coast is one of the most explored regions. It is characterised by its diverse landscapes, including coastal cities, rugged mountains, and mysterious forests. Key locations here include Waterdeep, Baldur’s Gate, and the nearby Cloakwood and Trollbark Forests.
• Icewind Dale: Located in the far north, Icewind Dale is a harsh, tundra known for its frigid temperatures and treacherous conditions. It is home to hardy inhabitants and dangerous creatures, as well as ancient ruins and hidden treasures. The Dale is a land of survival and adventure, where only the bravest dare to tread.
• The Underdark: This vast network of underground caverns and tunnels stretches beneath the surface of Faerûn. It is a realm of darkness and danger, populated by the Drow, Duergar, and other enigmatic and hostile locals. The Underdark is a place of ancient civilizations, lost artifacts, and hidden threats, offering a unique and challenging location for campaigns.
• Kara-Tur: Located to the east of Faerûn, Kara-Tur is a diverse and exotic land with rich cultural traditions and mystical elements. It is known for its various kingdoms, from the steppes of the Shou Lung to the desert lands of the Zakhara. Kara-Tur provides a setting steeped in oriental flavor and unique adventures.
• Maztica: A continent to the west of Faerûn, Maztica is a land of dense jungles, ancient ruins, and powerful deities. Its civilizations are deeply rooted in their connection to nature and the gods, and its exploration offers opportunities to engage with new cultures and untamed wilderness.

Hidden Places

• Candlekeep: Situated on the coast of the Sword Coast, Candlekeep is a fortress library renowned for its vast collection of ancient tomes and magical knowledge. It serves as a repository of lore and a haven for scholars and adventurers seeking to uncover lost secrets. Its location and the knowledge it holds make it a coveted and mysterious destination.
• Skullport: Hidden beneath the city of Waterdeep, Skullport is a dark and secretive undercity known for its illicit activities and dangerous inhabitants. Often referred to as the “Port of Shadows,” it is a haven for smugglers, thieves, and other nefarious characters. Exploring Skullport offers intrigue and peril beneath the city’s surface.

Factions and power struggles

Factions

The Forgotten Realms is a tapestry woven with the threads of numerous factions, each pursuing their own objectives and wielding significant influence over the world’s politics, commerce, and magical pursuits. Some of the most notable factions include:

• The Harpers: This clandestine organization is dedicated to preserving balance and fighting against tyranny and oppression. The Harpers operate in secret, using their network of spies, informants, and operatives to subtly influence events in favor of justice and freedom. They often work behind the scenes, using diplomacy, subterfuge, and direct intervention to ruin the plans of malevolent forces.
• The Zhentarim: Also known as the Black Network, the Zhentarim is a powerful and shadowy mercenary group with a reputation for ruthless ambition and corruption. Their primary goal is to expand their influence and control over trade routes, cities, and political entities. Their methods include espionage, assassination, and economic manipulation, making them a formidable and often dangerous player across the Realms.
• The Lord’s Alliance: A coalition of cities and political leaders dedicated to maintaining order and security across Faerûn. The Lord’s Alliance seeks to create a unified front against external threats and internal unrest. The alliance includes prominent cities like Waterdeep, Baldur’s Gate, and Neverwinter, and its members work together to support each other in times of crisis and to promote stability and prosperity.
• The Red Wizards of Thay: This influential group of mages hails from the nation of Thay, known for its dark and ambitious magic users. The Red Wizards are notorious for their pursuit of forbidden knowledge and their quest for personal power. They are often involved in arcane research, necromancy, and political plots, seeking to expand their influence both within Thay and beyond.
• The Shadow Thieves: A notorious criminal organisation operating primarily in Amn and beyond, the Shadow Thieves are experts in theft, assassination, and extortion. They control much of the underground economy in the Realms and are known for their ruthlessness and ability to infiltrate high levels of society. Their network extends across the Sword Coast, making them a major player in illicit activities throughout the region.
• The Cowled Wizards: A secretive and authoritarian group of mages who enforce strict control over the use of magic within Amn. The Cowled Wizards regulate and monitor arcane spellcasting in the region, often arresting and punishing unauthorised spellcasters. While they claim to maintain order and prevent magical chaos, they are often seen as oppressive, using their power to maintain control over both magic and politics.

Influence and Conflict

In the Forgotten Realms, the landscape is constantly shaped by ongoing conflicts and power struggles. These conflicts can be seen in various forms:

• Inter-Faction Rivalries: The Realms are a battleground for the rivalries between different factions. For example, the Harpers and the Zhentarim often find themselves in direct opposition due to their conflicting goals—one seeks to uphold good and balance, while the other aims for dominance and control.
• Political and Economic Struggles: Cities and nations often find themselves at odds over territory, trade routes, and political influence. These disputes can lead to wars, skirmishes, and complex political negotiations, with adventurers frequently being drawn into these larger conflicts either as mercenaries, diplomats, or heroes.
• Magical and Supernatural Conflicts: Magic plays a significant role in the conflicts of the Realms. The power struggles among mages, the influence of ancient and powerful artifacts, and the emergence of magical threats all contribute to a dynamic and ever-changing landscape of intrigue and danger. This ongoing battle between good and evil, order and chaos, creates a rich backdrop for adventures and heroic deeds.

Villains of the Realm

The Forgotten Realms is home to a collection of powerful and notorious villains whose ambitions and machinations pose significant threats to the stability of Faerûn. Some of these villains include:

• Szass Tam: The lich lord of Thay, Szass Tam is a master of necromancy and the leader of the Red Wizards of Thay. His ultimate goal is to conquer and dominate through dark magic and undead armies.
• Jon Irenicus: A former elven mage whose lust for power and revenge led him to commit unspeakable atrocities. Once known as Joneleth, Irenicus was exiled from the elven city of Suldanessellar after a failed attempt to steal the divine essence of the Seldarine. His ruthless quest for power made him a feared figure, manipulating events to achieve his goals, including torturing the protagonist of Baldur’s Gate II. Irenicus is known for his intellect, cruelty, and mastery of magic.
• Sarevok Anchev: A former Bhaalspawn and antagonist of Baldur’s Gate, Sarevok is a towering figure in the Realms’ history. Born to the god of murder, Bhaal, he sought to take his father’s place through mass slaughter and ascension to godhood. Sarevok is a brilliant strategist and warrior, known for his ambition and manipulation of others. Though once a villain, he later struggled with the consequences of his choices and found redemption through uncertain paths.
• Manshoon: A founder of the Zhentarim, Manshoon is a powerful and cunning wizard with an appetite for domination. He has survived assassination attempts, betrayals, and many battles, often thanks to his numerous clones that allow him to return from the dead. Manshoon is infamous for his involvement in dark magic, political manipulation, and his desire to control trade and information through the Black Network.
• Fzoul Chembryl: The high priest of Bane and one of the most influential figures among the Zhentarim. Fzoul is known for his ruthless devotion to the Lord of Tyranny, acting as both a religious leader and a political influence. His ambition to spread the influence of Bane has seen him clash with numerous other factions, and under his guidance, the Zhentarim became a powerful and organized force within the Realms.
• Larloch the Lich: A once-powerful Netherese archwizard, Larloch has transcended mortality to become one of the oldest and most feared liches in Faerûn. He controls vast knowledge of ancient magic and necromancy, residing in the ruins of his empire in Warlock’s Crypt. Larloch prefers to act in the shadows, manipulating others to advance his goals while rarely showing his true strength. His influence stretches across centuries, and he is said to possess knowledge of some of the most powerful magic in the world.
• Sammaster: The founder of the Cult of the Dragon and a brilliant yet mad necromancer who first prophesied the rise of dracoliches. Sammaster believed that undead dragons would rule the Realms, leading him to create a cult that worships these creatures. His teachings have lasted long after his death, and the Cult of the Dragon continues to be a major force in Faerûn, driven by Sammaster’s vision of the world.
• Xanathar: A beholder crime lord and one of the most infamous figures in Waterdeep’s underworld. Xanathar runs an extensive criminal empire from the shadows, dealing in smuggling, extortion, assassination, and more. Despite his monstrous nature, Xanathar is highly intelligent and paranoid, surrounding himself with loyal minions and magical protections to guard against being betrayed. His obsession with control and power, as well as his eccentric nature, make him a unique and dangerous adversary.
• Jarlaxle Baenre: The charismatic and cunning leader of the drow mercenary band, Bregan D’aerthe. Jarlaxle is an anomaly among drow, being more independent and pragmatic than most of his kin. He operates both in the Underdark and the surface world, often working as a mercenary, spy, or information broker. Jarlaxle’s resourcefulness, charm, and flair for the dramatic have made him a key player in many conflicts, though he rarely takes sides for long, preferring to play all angles for his benefit.

Magic and Mysticism

Magic

In the Forgotten Realms, magic is a fundamental and transformative force, deeply embedded in the fabric of everyday life and the grand narratives of the world. The Weave, a mystical network controlled by the goddess Mystra, serves as the source of all arcane magic. This magical matrix allows spellcasters—such as wizards, sorcerers, and warlocks—to harness and manipulate magical energies. The Weave influences everything from everyday enchantments to grandiose magical events, making it a crucial element in shaping the world’s destiny and the lives of its inhabitants. The interplay between magic and the mundane world creates a dynamic and immersive setting where reality is frequently bent and shaped by magical forces.

Notable Magic Users

• Elminster Aumar: Known as the Sage of Shadowdale, Elminster is one of the most renowned and influential wizards in the Forgotten Realms. His vast knowledge and experience, combined with his deep connection to Mystra, have made him a key figure in many historical and ongoing events. Elminster’s role in Faerûn is pivotal, often acting as a mentor, protector, and advisor in critical moments.
• The Seven Sisters: This group of powerful female spellcasters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities, serve as dedicated agents of Mystra. They are known for their magical prowess and their commitment to preserving the Weave and the balance of power in the Realms. The Seven Sisters include characters like Alustriel and Laeral Silverhand, each of whom has made significant contributions to the fate of Faerûn through their magical expertise and heroic deeds.

Enchanted Artifacts

• The Nether Scrolls: These ancient and mysterious texts are among the most potent magical artifacts ever discovered. The Nether Scrolls are believed to hold the secrets of arcane knowledge and spellcasting techniques that were lost to time. Possessing or studying these scrolls can grant tremendous power or profound insight into the nature of magic.
• The Deck of Many Things: This enigmatic and unpredictable artifact consists of a deck of cards, each with potentially game-changing effects. The outcomes of drawing cards from the deck can range from great fortune and powerful magical boons to catastrophic consequences and loss. Its unpredictable nature makes it a coveted yet dangerous item.

• The Blackstaff: A legendary magical staff, the Blackstaff is a symbol of immense arcane power and authority. It is closely associated with the city of Waterdeep and its arcane protectors. The staff’s history and powers are steeped in lore, making it a sought-after artifact for those who seek its vast magical capabilities.

Forgotten Realm’s through editions

• 2nd Edition: The setting was expanded with detailed regional lore, including introducing new locations like the Moonshae Isles and the detailed histories of nations such as Cormyr and the Dalelands. The Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting book offered a comprehensive look at Faerûn, establishing foundational elements that would be built upon in future editions.
• 3rd Edition: The release of the “War of the Spider Queen” series and the “Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting” updated the world with new events and characters. The Spellplague, a catastrophic event that altered magic and geography, was introduced, drastically reshaping the Realms by causing the collapse of the Weave and transforming regions like the Vast and the formerly magical lands of Netheril.
• 4th Edition: This edition introduced the “Points of Light” setting, which portrayed the Realms as a fragmented world with scattered bastions of civilisation amidst a vast wilderness and monstrous threats. It featured major changes to the geography and the introduction of new factions and threats, including the Rise of the Netherese Empire and the influence of new gods and planar entities.
• 5th Edition: The Sundering event was a major focus, aimed at restoring and integrating aspects of the pre-Spellplague lore. This edition reintroduced classic elements of the Realms while incorporating changes. It reestablished the Weave, reconnected the realms, and revitalised key locations and characters, seeking to balance old lore with new narratives