Faerun
Welcome to Faerûn
Faerûn is a vast, vibrant continent filled with rich histories, diverse cultures, and powerful magic. It is the most prominent landmass in the world of Toril and serves as the primary setting for many grand adventures. From the icy tundras of Icewind Dale to the bustling metropolis of Waterdeep, Faerûn is a land of endless opportunity—and danger.
Geography Faerûn's landscapes are as varied as its people. It is home to towering mountain ranges like the Spine of the World, dense forests like the High Forest, and sprawling plains such as the Shaar. The Sword Coast, located on the western edge of the continent, is one of the most famous regions, known for its trade cities, mercantile power, and adventurer activity. Further inland, great rivers and lakes nourish fertile lands, while deserts like Anauroch hide ancient secrets beneath shifting sands.
Magic and Mysticism Magic is deeply embedded in the fabric of Faerûn. From the grand arcane towers of the powerful Red Wizards of Thay to humble hedge wizards practicing in small villages, magic is a force of both wonder and peril. Mystra, the goddess of magic, maintains the Weave, a fundamental force that enables the use of magic across the land. Divine magic also plays a vital role, as priests and clerics of various gods wield divine power to protect, heal, and smite foes.
Peoples and Cultures Faerûn is populated by a wide variety of peoples and cultures. Humans are the most widespread, but elves, dwarves, halflings, and other races each have their own distinct realms and societies. In the northern forests, you might encounter noble wood elves or fierce orc tribes, while the Underdark below harbors the drow and duergar. Cities like Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate are melting pots, where diverse races coexist, and alliances or tensions between them shape the political landscape.
Factions and Power Struggles The political and social landscape of Faerûn is in constant flux. Kingdoms rise and fall, and various factions vie for power and influence. Groups like the Harpers, the Zhentarim, and the Lord's Alliance hold sway in various regions, each with their own goals, from preserving balance to pursuing control through any means necessary. Adventurers often find themselves entangled in these power struggles, whether through alliances, rivalries, or direct confrontation.
Deities and Religion The gods of Faerûn are many and varied, with each race and culture having its own pantheon. The gods play an active role in the world, granting divine power to their followers and influencing mortal affairs. Worship of deities such as Torm, god of justice, or Bane, god of tyranny, shapes the moral compass of entire regions. Religious orders and holy wars are common, and temples to the gods serve as centers of power, guidance, and refuge.
Adventurers and Heroes In a world as dangerous as Faerûn, adventurers are both feared and celebrated. Many come seeking fame, fortune, or knowledge. Some fight to protect the realms, while others seek only personal gain. Ancient ruins, forgotten temples, and the ever-present threat of monsters and dark magic provide a constant call to arms. Heroes are often drawn into world-shaping events, fighting off extraplanar invasions, thwarting the ambitions of evil liches, or discovering artifacts of unimaginable power.
Faerûn is a world brimming with stories waiting to be told. Whether you're navigating the treacherous streets of a city filled with intrigue, delving into ancient dungeons seeking lost treasure, or standing against otherworldly threats, the world of Faerûn offers limitless possibilities for adventure.
Geography Faerûn's landscapes are as varied as its people. It is home to towering mountain ranges like the Spine of the World, dense forests like the High Forest, and sprawling plains such as the Shaar. The Sword Coast, located on the western edge of the continent, is one of the most famous regions, known for its trade cities, mercantile power, and adventurer activity. Further inland, great rivers and lakes nourish fertile lands, while deserts like Anauroch hide ancient secrets beneath shifting sands.
Magic and Mysticism Magic is deeply embedded in the fabric of Faerûn. From the grand arcane towers of the powerful Red Wizards of Thay to humble hedge wizards practicing in small villages, magic is a force of both wonder and peril. Mystra, the goddess of magic, maintains the Weave, a fundamental force that enables the use of magic across the land. Divine magic also plays a vital role, as priests and clerics of various gods wield divine power to protect, heal, and smite foes.
Peoples and Cultures Faerûn is populated by a wide variety of peoples and cultures. Humans are the most widespread, but elves, dwarves, halflings, and other races each have their own distinct realms and societies. In the northern forests, you might encounter noble wood elves or fierce orc tribes, while the Underdark below harbors the drow and duergar. Cities like Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate are melting pots, where diverse races coexist, and alliances or tensions between them shape the political landscape.
Factions and Power Struggles The political and social landscape of Faerûn is in constant flux. Kingdoms rise and fall, and various factions vie for power and influence. Groups like the Harpers, the Zhentarim, and the Lord's Alliance hold sway in various regions, each with their own goals, from preserving balance to pursuing control through any means necessary. Adventurers often find themselves entangled in these power struggles, whether through alliances, rivalries, or direct confrontation.
Deities and Religion The gods of Faerûn are many and varied, with each race and culture having its own pantheon. The gods play an active role in the world, granting divine power to their followers and influencing mortal affairs. Worship of deities such as Torm, god of justice, or Bane, god of tyranny, shapes the moral compass of entire regions. Religious orders and holy wars are common, and temples to the gods serve as centers of power, guidance, and refuge.
Adventurers and Heroes In a world as dangerous as Faerûn, adventurers are both feared and celebrated. Many come seeking fame, fortune, or knowledge. Some fight to protect the realms, while others seek only personal gain. Ancient ruins, forgotten temples, and the ever-present threat of monsters and dark magic provide a constant call to arms. Heroes are often drawn into world-shaping events, fighting off extraplanar invasions, thwarting the ambitions of evil liches, or discovering artifacts of unimaginable power.
Faerûn is a world brimming with stories waiting to be told. Whether you're navigating the treacherous streets of a city filled with intrigue, delving into ancient dungeons seeking lost treasure, or standing against otherworldly threats, the world of Faerûn offers limitless possibilities for adventure.
