View source for Faerûn

{{Short description|Fictional continent in Forgotten Realms}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2022}}
'''Faerûn''' ({{IPAc-en|f|eɪ|ˈ|r|uː|n}} {{respell|fay|ROON}}) is a [[fictional]] [[continent]] and the primary setting of the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' world of ''[[Forgotten Realms]]''. It is described in detail in several editions of the ''[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting]]'' (first published in 1987 by [[TSR (company)|TSR, Inc.]]) with the most recent being the 5th edition from [[Wizards of the Coast]],<ref name="FRCS">{{cite book |last1=Greenwood |first1=Ed |last2=Heinsoo |first2=Rob |author2-link=Rob Heinsoo |last3=Reynolds |first3=Sean K. |author3-link=Sean K. Reynolds |last4=Williams |first4=Skip |author4-link=Skip Williams |editor-first=Michele |editor-last=Carter |editor-link=Michele Carter |editor2-first=Julia |editor2-last=Martin |editor2-link=Julia Martin |editor-first3=John D. |editor-last3=Rateliff |editor3-link=John D. Rateliff |title=[[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting]] |edition=3rd |date=June 1, 2001 |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=0-7869-1836-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Slavicsek |first1=Bill |author1-link=Bill Slavicsek |last2=Baker |first2=Richard |author2-link=Richard Baker (game designer) |last3=Mohan |first3=Kim |author3-link=Kim Mohan |year=2005 |title=Dungeons & Dragons For Dummies |publisher=For Dummies |isbn=0-7645-8459-6}}</ref> and various locales and aspects are described in more depth in separate [[campaign setting]] books.<ref name="schick">
{{cite book |first=Lawrence |last=Schick |year=1991 |title=Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games |publisher=Prometheus Books |location=Buffalo, New York |isbn=0-87975-653-5}}</ref> Around a hundred [[List of Forgotten Realms novels|novels]], several [[List of Forgotten Realms video games|computer and video games]] and a [[Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves|film]] use Faerûn as the setting.

== Fictional culture and technology ==
{{Redirect|Cult of the Dragon|for the 1998 supplement for ''Forgotten Realms''|Cult of the Dragon (sourcebook){{!}}''Cult of the Dragon'' (sourcebook)}}
Economically and technologically, Faerûn is comparable to [[Western Europe]] during the [[late Middle Ages]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=January 7, 2019|title=Upcoming 'Dungeons & Dragons' Publications Will Explore More Areas Influenced by Non-European Cultures|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-and-dragons-2020-settings-diversity/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Comicbook.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=AA>{{cite book |title=Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana: a visual history |last1=Witwer |first1=Michael |last2=Newman |first2=Kyle |last3=Peterson |first3=Jonathan |last4=Witwer |first4=Sam |last5=Manganiello |first5=Joe |date=October 2018 |isbn=9780399580949 |publisher=[[Ten Speed Press]] |oclc=1033548473}}</ref>{{rp|200-201}} giving most new players using this campaign setting an intuitive grasp of the way the society functions. Gunpowder, known here as the magical substance ''smoke powder'' and different in its composition from historical gunpowder, is starting to make an appearance, but much of the armament is still dominated by pre-gunpowder weaponry such as swords, spears, and bows. Most of the population of Faerûn consists of farmers, who are organized somewhat loosely in a semi-[[feudal system]]. There are also several notable cities and trade between nations is common, as in the [[Renaissance]] era. Likewise, there are regions where additional less developed tribes and customs persist.<ref name="FRCS"/> Home to many different cultures, "[i]t is an eclectic land, rich in history, that has witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, forever bearing the scars of centuries of war."<ref name=AA/>{{rp|200-201}}

A major difference between the setting and Earth is the presence of [[Magic of Dungeons & Dragons|magic]].<ref name=AA/>{{rp|200-201}} The system of magic is subdivided into divine and arcane categories, with the former empowered by a [[List of Forgotten Realms deities|Faerûnian deity]], and the latter by rituals or innate abilities which manipulate a mystical field called the [[Weave (Forgotten Realms)|Weave]], the source of magical energies on [[Abeir-Toril|Toril]]. Faerûn has a pantheon of deities that are worshipped by the followers of this region. These are comparable to mythological deities of the ancient Greek pantheon and cover a range of ethical beliefs and portfolios of interests.

Faerûn is home to many non-human creatures of varying degrees of civilization or barbarism. Among these are several different races of [[Dwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)|dwarves]], [[Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)|gnomes]], [[halfling]]s and [[Elf (Dungeons & Dragons)|elves]], as well as [[Goblin (Dungeons & Dragons)|goblins]], [[Orc (Dungeons & Dragons)|orcs]], [[lizardfolk|lizardmen]], [[Ogre (Dungeons & Dragons)|ogres]], various [[Giant (Dungeons & Dragons)|giants]], and even [[Dragon (Dungeons & Dragons)|dragons]].

There are several organized alliances in Faerûn, with each pursuing their particular agenda. A few are dedicated to decent and honest causes, such as the Harpers, who protect the good-natured races and seek a balance between civilization and nature. The Harpers are opposed by evil organizations, including the [[Red Wizards of Thay]] and the nihilistic [[Cult of the Dragon]]. In the northern lands, the Zhentarim is an evil network seeking to dominate the region. Their efforts are being resisted by the Lords' Alliance, a council of knights that pursues the interests of the northern cities. Other organizations of Faerûn include the magical Seven Sisters, a band of assassins called the Fire Knives, a group of ruthless thieves operating out the city of Waterdeep named Xanathar's Guild, and the mysterious Shades{{--}}the returning survivors of the long-fallen Netheril empire.<ref name="FRCS"/>

===Religion===
Faerûn is home to a large and diverse pantheon of deities, including:
*'''Greater deities''': Lord Ao,<ref name=Carbonell>{{cite book |last=Carbonell |first=Curtis D. |date=2019 |title=Dread Trident - Tabletop Role-playing Games and the Modern Fantastic |publisher=[[Liverpool University Press]] |pages=102–107 |chapter=Forgotten Realms |isbn=9781789620573}}</ref> Akadi, Asmodeus, Bane,<ref name=Carbonell/> Chauntea, Grumbar, Istishia, Kelemvor, Kossuth, Lathander, Lolth, Mystra,<ref name=Carbonell/> Oghma, Shar,<ref name=Carbonell/> Silvanus, Sune, Talos, Tempus, Torm, Tyr, Ubtao
*'''Intermediate deities''': Auril, Bahamut, Beshaba, Gond, Helm, Ilmater, Loviatar, Mask, Mielikki, Tiamat, Tymora, Umberlee, Waukeen
*'''Lesser deities''': Azuth, Deneir, Eldath, Lliira, Lurue, Malar, Milil, Shaundakul, Talona
*'''Demideities''': Drasek Riven, Finder Wyvernspur, Fzoul Chembryl, Garagos, Gargauth, Gwaeron Windstrom, Hoar, Jergal, Nobanion, The Red Knight, Savras, Sharess, Shiallia, Siamorphe, Ulutiu, Uthgar, Valkur, Velsharoon
*'''Quasi-deities''': Tchazzar
*'''Dwarven deities''': Abbathor, Berronar Truesilver, Clanggedin Silverbeard, Deep Duerra, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Dumathoin, Gorm Gulthyn, Haela Brightaxe, Laduguer, Marthammor Duin, Moradin, Sharindlar, Thard Harr, Vergadain
*'''Dead deities''': Amaunator, Auppenser, Bhaal,<ref name=Carbonell/> Earthmother, Eshowdow, Ibrandul, Jazirian, Kalzareinad, Karsus,<ref name=Carbonell/> Kiputytto, Kukul, Leira, Moander, Murdane, Myrkul,<ref name=Carbonell/> Mystryl,<ref name=Carbonell/> Othea, Ra

===Organizations===
Numerous organizations of different types operate throughout Faerûn, including the Companions of the Hall, Cowled Wizards, Cult of the Dragon, Drow houses (like Baenre and Do'Urden), Elk Tribe, Flaming Fist, The Four (Mirt the Moneylender, Durnan, Asper and Randal Morn), Harpers, Iron Throne, The Kraken, Moonstars, Red Wizards of Thay, Seven Sisters, Shadow Thieves, and Zhentarim.

Vartha Do'Urden was the previous matron mother of House Do'Urden whose unexpected death allowed her daughter Malice to take control of the house.

==Fictional geography==<!-- This section is linked from [[Forgotten Realms]] -->
[[File:Forgotten_Realms_map.jpg|thumb|Faerûn partial map]]
The sub-continent of Faerûn is set in the northern hemisphere of the planet [[Abeir-Toril|Toril]] (previously Abeir-Toril.) The continent has a "landmass of approximately nine and a half million square miles".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=The Land of Faerûn {{!}} The Forgotten Realms|url=https://dnd.wizards.com/dungeons-and-dragons/what-is-dd/forgotten-realms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802124748/http://dnd.wizards.com/dungeons-and-dragons/what-is-dd/forgotten-realms|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 2, 2014|access-date=2021-01-29|website=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> Faerûn is the western part of an unnamed supercontinent that is quite similar to real-world [[Afro-Eurasia]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite book|last=Mackay|first=Daniel|title=The Fantasy Role-Playing Game: A New Performing Art|publisher=McFarland & Co|year=2001|isbn=0-7864-0815-4|location=Jefferson, N.C.|oclc=45575501}}</ref>{{rp|6}} Within the setting, "sub-arctic extremes chill its northern reaches, where ice sheets like the Great Glacier dominate the landscape in blinding white. To the south are the equatorial jungles of Chult and the tropical coasts of Halruaa. It's bordered on the west by the Trackless Sea and on the east by the Endless Wastes and the Hordelands that separate it from Kara-Tur".<ref name=":1" /> Kara-Tur, which was the original setting of the D&D [[Oriental Adventures]] campaign setting,<ref name="HW">{{cite book|last=Schick|first=Lawrence|title=Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games|publisher=Prometheus Books|year=1991|isbn=0-87975-653-5}}</ref>{{rp|103}} and [[Zakhara]], home to the ''Arabian Nights'' setting [[Al-Qadim]], are also on this continent. [[Maztica]], home of a tribal, [[Aztec]]-like civilization is far to the west, across an Atlantic-like ocean called the Trackless Sea. The subterranean regions underneath Faerûn are called the [[Underdark]].<ref name="FRCS"/><ref name="APC">{{cite thesis|last=Canavan|first=Aidan-Paul|date=April 2011|title=Looting the Dungeon: The Quest for the Genre Fantasy Mega-Text|url=http://fantasyliterature.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/99772099/looting%20the%20dungeon%20-%20canavan.pdf}}</ref>{{rp|98,138}}

Faerûn includes terrain that is as varied as that of [[Europe]], western [[Asia]], and much of [[Africa]] is on our planet [[Earth]]. Role-playing [[Campaign (role-playing games)|campaigns]] in Faerûn can be set in a wide variety of locations, each with its own hazards and potential rewards for the participants. Likewise, the region that the [[Player character|player]]s explore can determine what types of monsters they will face, which famous [[Non-player character|individuals]] they will encounter, and what types of [[Quest (gaming)|missions]] they assume.

Besides the exterior coastline to the west and south, the most dominant feature on the continent is the Sea of Fallen Stars. This is an irregular inland sea that keeps the neighboring lands fertile and serves as a major trade route for the bordering nations. Next in significance is the Shaar, a broad region of grasslands in the south that, together with a large body of water called the Lake of Steam, separates the area around the inland sea from the coastal nations at the southern edge of the continent. To the east, Faerûn is bordered by a vast region of [[steppe]] that separates it from [[Kara-Tur]]. In the north are massive glaciers, named Pelvuria and Reghed, and a region of [[tundra]]. South of the continent, separated by the Great Sea, is a sub-tropical land called Zakhara.

{| class="wikitable" style="float: right;"
|+The&nbsp;largest&nbsp;cities&nbsp;in&nbsp;Faerûn<ref name="FRCS"/>
|+<span style="font-size: smaller;">as&nbsp;of&nbsp;3rd&nbsp;edition</span>
|-
! City || Region || Population<br/><span style="font-size: smaller;">(thousands)</span>
|-
| Waterdeep || Sword Coast
|style="text-align: center;"| 348
|-
| Skuld || Mulhorand
|style="text-align: center;"| 205
|-
| Calimport || Calimshan
|style="text-align: center;"| 193
|-
| Gheldaneth || Mulhorand
|style="text-align: center;"| 172
|-
| Unthalass || Unther
|style="text-align: center;"| 165
|-
| Suldolphor || Calimshan
|style="text-align: center;"| 144
|-
| Bezantur || Thay
|style="text-align: center;"| 137
|-
| Eltabbar || Thay
|style="text-align: center;"| 123
|-
| Athkatla || Amn
|style="text-align: center;"| 118
|-
| Zazesspur || Tethyr
|style="text-align: center;"| 116
|-
| Cimbar || Chessenta
|style="text-align: center;"| 111
|}

===Northern regions===
{{Redirect|Silver Marches|supplement to ''Dungeons & Dragons''|Silver Marches (accessory){{!}}''Silver Marches'' (accessory)}}
To the northwest, Faerûn is a region of wilderness, difficult winter weather, hordes of orcs, and barbarous human tribes. This region is generally referred to as "The North". It is a mostly-untamed region that lies between the large Anauroch desert in the east and the expansive Sea of Swords to the west with a mountain range at the far north called the Spine of the World.<ref name=Envoyer41>{{cite journal |author=Stylo |date=March 2000 |title=Der Norden |journal=Envoyer |issue=41 |pages=11–13 |publisher=FZ Werbung Hannover |issn=1433-2892}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Storm King's Thunder |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-7869-6600-4 |location=Renton, WA |pages=74 |oclc=951759698}}</ref> This area contains huge wooded regions such as the '''High Forest'''<ref name=":0" /> and the '''Lurkwood''',<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-06-01|title=D&D: Faerun - Home Of The Iconic Forgotten Realms|url=https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2019/06/dd-faerun-home-of-the-iconic-forgotten-realms.html|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Bell of Lost Souls|language=en-US}}</ref> the frozen '''Icewind Dale''' to the north,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2020-01-09|title=Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms Locations That Deserve to be Revisited|url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-forgotten-realms-locations/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Game Rant|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-13|title=Dungeons & Dragons Icewind Dale: Everything You Need To Know|url=https://www.thegamer.com/dungeons-dragons-icewind-dale-everything-explained-lore/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2020-08-24|title=Dungeons & Dragons: The Story Behind Icewind Dale|url=https://www.thegamer.com/dungeons-dragons-icewind-dale-story-explained/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref> and an untamed region called the Savage Frontier, which includes the Silver Marches (Luruar). The coastal region is called the Sword Coast, "a haven for adventurers". Here are found the "iconic locations" of the city-state of Neverwinter and the large port city of Waterdeep.<ref name=AA/>{{rp|200-201, 408-409}}<ref>{{cite book
 | first=Eric L. | last=Boyd | year=2005
 | title=[[City of Splendors: Waterdeep]]
 | publisher=Wizards of the Coast
 | isbn=0-7869-3693-2}}</ref> '''Undermountain''' is a vast [[dungeon crawl]] under the area of Waterdeep, rated among the "deadliest" and most iconic in the game.<ref name=AA/>{{rp|5, 208-209}} The Ten Towns are located within Icewind Dale<ref name=":2" /> with the '''Sea of Moving Ice''' at the northernmost place in known Faerûn. In the module ''[[Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden]]'', the titular Frostmaiden Auril makes her home on an island in this sea.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Puc |first=Samantha |date=2020-09-21 |title=Dungeons & Dragons: 8 Unique Locations Established in Rime of the Frostmaiden |url=https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-dragons-frostmaiden-unique-locations/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>

Deep inland are the ancient dwarven citadels of Mithral Hall, Citadel Felbarr and the largest of the three, Citadel Adbar,<ref>{{cite book
 | author=Slade | date=April 1996
 | title=[[The North: Guide to the Savage Frontier]]
 | publisher=Wizards of the Coast | isbn=0-7869-0391-0}}
</ref><ref>{{cite book
 | first=Ed | last=Greenwood | date=March 1, 1988
 | title=Waterdeep and the North
 | publisher=TSR, Inc. | isbn=0-88038-490-5}}</ref> which was featured in the ''[[Legacy of the Drow]]'' series of novels. This area is one of the most popular regions for role-playing campaigns set in Faerûn, and has been the setting for a number of popular [[role-playing video game]]s.<ref>{{cite book
 | first=Neal | last=Hallford
 |author2=Hallford, Jana | year=2001
 | title=Swords & Circuitry: A Designer's Guide to Computer Role-Playing Games
 | publisher=Thomson Course Technology
 | isbn=0-7615-3299-4}}</ref> Another city is Mirabar, the mining center for the Sword Coast.

North of the '''Sea of Fallen Stars''' is a region that stretches from the wide '''Anauroch''' desert in the west<ref name="anauroch">{{cite book
 | first1=Greg A. | last1=Vaughan|author-link1=Greg A. Vaughan
 |last2=Reid|first2=Thomas M.|author-link2=Thomas M. Reid |last3=Williams|first3=Skip|author-link3=Skip Williams
  | year=2006 | title=[[Anauroch: The Empire of Shade]]
 | publisher=Wizards of the Coast
 | isbn=0-7869-4362-9}}</ref> to the eastern edge of the inland '''Moonsea''', in the northern region of the continent. It is a region of contrasts, with the forested Dalelands, the desert wastes of Anauroch,<ref name=":0" /> the coastline of the Moonsea with the infamous Zhentil Keep,<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book
 | first1=Thomas | last1=Reid|author-link1=Thomas M. Reid
 |last2=Reynolds|first2=Sean |author-link2=Sean K. Reynolds| year=2006
 | title=[[Mysteries of the Moonsea]]
 | publisher=Wizards of the Coast
 | isbn=0-7869-3915-X}}</ref> and the bitterly cold steppes of The Ride. Along the east coast of the Dragon Reach (a northern branch of the Sea of Fallen Stars) is a temperate region called The Vast, consisting of farmlands, forests and the Earthsea mountains. This area includes the city of Ravens Bluff,<ref>{{cite book
 | first=Ed | last=Greenwood 
 | year=1998 | title=The City of Ravens Bluff
 | publisher=TSR Inc | isbn=0-7869-1195-6}}</ref> which for many years was home to the [[RPGA]]'s Living City role-playing campaign and the site of the Living City series of [[List of Dungeons & Dragons modules|game modules]].<ref>{{cite news
 |author      = Community
 |date        = 2003-05-29
 |title       = Development deal with Spellblade Studios for The Living City Of Ravens Bluff
 |publisher   = Gaming Report
 |url         = http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=8665
 |access-date  = 2008-06-27
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20041101024458/http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=8665
 |archive-date = 2004-11-01}}</ref> The '''Dragonspine Mountains''', which house the infamous Citadel of the Raven on their western slopes, is a mountain range northwest of the Moonsea.

Northeastern Faerûn is a remote area that begins in the cold, forbidding lands along the great ice sheets and continues south toward the northeastern shores of the Sea of Fallen Stars. It is bordered on the west by the mountain-hemmed land of Vaasa and stretches east to the vast steppes of the Hordelands, with its largest city of Winterkeep. This region also contains the lightly populated kingdom of Damara, the [[Druid (Dungeons & Dragons)|druidic]] forests of the Great Dale, the coastal kingdom of Impiltur, the fallen and once evil empire of Narfell, and the trading nation of Thesk. Mystical Rashemen is a land ruled from behind the scenes by spiritual witches,<ref name="unapproachable_east"/> and it is the location of the ''[[Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer]]'' computer game. The lands of Damara and Vaasa were described in a 1989 publication, ''FR9, [[The Bloodstone Lands]]''.<ref name="schick"/> This area formed the setting for the "[[List of Dungeons & Dragons modules|H Series]]" of modules that used the [[Battlesystem]] rules to resolve battles. Together with remains of Nafell and the nation of Sossal they form a region named the Cold Lands.

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 Coast. The village of Daggerford lies along the Shining River along the Sword Coast. The sunken city of Northkeep was the first city built around the Moonsea by humans.

Miyeritar and Ilythiir were ancient elven empires.

{| class="wikitable" style="float: right;"
|+The&nbsp;most&nbsp;populous<br/>nations&nbsp;in&nbsp;Faerûn<ref name="FRCS"/>
|-
! Nation || Population<br/><span style="font-size: smaller;">(millions)</span>
|-
| Calimshan ||style="text-align: center;"| 5.34
|-
| Mulhorand ||style="text-align: center;"| 5.34
|-
| Thay ||style="text-align: center;"| 4.92
|-
| Unther ||style="text-align: center;"| 4.26
|-
| Tethyr ||style="text-align: center;"| 3.77
|-
| Chessenta ||style="text-align: center;"| 3.39
|-
| Amn ||style="text-align: center;"| 2.96
|-
| Sembia ||style="text-align: center;"| 2.46
|-
| Chondath ||style="text-align: center;"| 1.98
|-
| Turmish ||style="text-align: center;"| 1.69
|-
| Halruaa ||style="text-align: center;"| 1.68
|-
| Cormyr ||style="text-align: center;"| 1.36
|-
| Damara ||style="text-align: center;"| 1.32
|-
| Great&nbsp;Rift ||style="text-align: center;"| 1.31
|-
| Aglarond ||style="text-align: center;"| 1.27
|-
| Impiltur ||style="text-align: center;"| 1.21
|}

===Middle lands===
The western part of Faerûn includes the nations south of Waterdeep and north of the ''Shining Sea'', that border along the Sea of Swords. The west includes the city of Baldur's Gate (named for the great seafaring hero Balduran) the library-fortress of Candlekeep,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-18|title=Dungeons & Dragons: What to Know Before Candlekeep Mysteries|url=https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-dragons-candlekeep/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref> both considered among "D&D's most iconic locations",<ref name=AA/>{{rp|200-201, 280}} the nations of Amn,<ref name=":0" /> Tethyr, Calimshan,  the region of Western Heartlands and the elven stronghold of Evereska. These regions were the setting for the ''[[Baldur's Gate (series)|Baldur's Gate]]'' series of computer games.<ref>{{cite book
 | last1=Muzyka | first1=Ray |author-link1=Ray Muzyka |author2=Hoenig, Michael
 | title=Baldur's Gate, Original Saga with Tales of the Sword Coast Expansion Pack
 |date=2001 | publisher=Black Isle Studios
 | id=ASIN B00005S8J2 |display-authors=etal}}</ref> To the west in the vast ocean called the Trackless Sea is a multitude of islands, collectively named the Nelanther Isles. Other island kingdoms include the gnomish realm of Lantan, the country of Nimbral and, further west, the Moonshae Isles.<ref>{{cite book
 | first=Scott | last=Haring |author-link=Scott Haring|date=1988
 | title=[[Empires of the Sands]] | publisher=TSR, Inc.
 | isbn=0-88038-539-1}}</ref>
[[File:Bloodstone lands book cover.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The Bloodstone Lands module from TSR.]]

With the exception of the Shining Plains, the interior lands of Faerûn lie along the irregular coastline of the western Sea of Fallen Stars. In the north the Dragonmere arm of the sea extends far to the west, ending close to the Western Heartlands. To the south, the Vilhon Reach forms a second arm leading to the southwest. The notable areas within this region include Chondath, Cormyr,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Baker |first1=Rich |author-link1=Richard Baker (game designer) |last2=Cordell |first2=Bruce R. |author-link2=Bruce R. Cordell |last3=Noonan |first3=David |author-link3=David Noonan (game designer) |date=2007 |title=[[Cormyr: The Tearing of the Weave]] |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=978-0-7869-4119-3}}</ref> the Dragon Coast,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Blando|first=Jared|title=Fantasy Mapmaker: How to Draw RPG Cities for Gamers and Fans|publisher=Penguin|year=2019|isbn=978-1-4403-5425-0|edition=First|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|pages=|oclc=1103519062}}</ref> Hlondeth, the Pirate Isles and Prespur,<ref>{{cite book |last=Scott |first=Curtis |author-link=Curtis M. Scott|date=1999 |title=[[Pirates of the Fallen Stars]] |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=1-56076-320-5}}</ref> Sembia (and its largest city of Selgaunt), Sespech, Turmish, and the Shining Plains.

Along the eastern expanses of the Sea of Fallen Stars, the water forms a long arm that travels to the east before turning south to become the Alamber Sea. The northern nations of this mysterious area are termed the "Unapproachable East" and the southern nations the "Old Empires" in campaign setting publications. This region includes the nations of Aglarond, Ashanath, Altumbel, Mulhorand, Murghôm, Thay and Unther. Chondalwood is a long, forested region to the south of Chondath and Chessenta.<ref name="unapproachable_east">{{cite book |last1=Baker |first1=Richard |author-link1=Richard Baker (game designer) |last2=Forbeck |first2=Matt |author-link2=Matt Forbeck |last3=Reynolds |first3=Sean K. |author-link3=Sean K. Reynolds |date=2003 |title=[[Unapproachable East (supplement)|Unapproachable East]] |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=0-7869-2881-6}}</ref> Thay is a magocracy ruled by the Red Wizards which was described in the 1988 publication ''FR6: [[Dreams of the Red Wizards]]''.<ref name="HW2">{{cite book |last=Schick |first=Lawrence |title=Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games |publisher=Prometheus Books |year=1991 |isbn=0-87975-653-5 |page=97}}</ref> The nation has made multiple attempts to invade neighboring countries and following a civil war, the lich [[Szass Tam]] became Thay's leader.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zambrano |first=J. R. |date=December 11, 2022 |title=D&D: An Adventurer's Guide to the Red Wizards of Thay |url=https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2022/12/dd-an-adventurers-guide-to-the-red-wizards-of-thay.html |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=Bell of Lost Souls |language=en}}</ref> Shannon Appelcline, author of ''Designers & Dragons'', highlighted that "Thay doesn't have an obvious real-world derivation like some of the Realms. The wizards rebelled from the Egyptian-based Mulhorand, while their occupied land is somewhat reminiscent of India. However the best parallel to Thay may actually be Stygia, an evil land from Robert E. Howard's Conan stories".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Appelcline |first=Shannon |title=FR6 Dreams of the Red Wizards (1e) {{!}} Product History |url=https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/16807/FR6-Dreams-of-the-Red-Wizards-1e |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=[[DriveThruRPG]] |language=en}}</ref>

Tharsult is an island of unscrupulous traders in the Shining Sea.

===Southern nations===
To the southwest lies along the great Chultan peninsula that juts out toward the west.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-09|title=Dungeons & Dragons: Exploring Chult, the Dinosaur-Filled Jungle|url=https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-dragons-chult-breakdown/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=D'Anastasio|first=Cecilia|date=October 18, 2017|title=Dungeons & Dragons Stumbles With Its Revision Of The Game's Major Black Culture|url=https://kotaku.com/dungeons-dragons-stumbles-with-its-revision-of-the-ga-1819657235|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Kotaku|language=en-us}}</ref> The waters to the north are named the Shining Sea, a body bounded by Calimsham to the north and joined to the Lake of Steam through the Straits of Storm. To the south of the land is the Great Sea. Located in this area are Chult, Lapaliiya, Samarach, Tashalar, and Thindol.

South of the Sea of Fallen Stars is a region somewhat isolated by the Lake of Steam in the west, and the vast length of the Shaar. It is bordered along the south by the Great Sea; to the west by the Chultan peninsula region, and in the east by Luiren. The south includes the Border Kingdoms, Dambrath, the Great Rift, Halruaa, the Lake of Steam, and The Shaar.<ref>{{cite book |last=Reid |first=Thomas M. |author-link=Thomas M. Reid|date=2004 |title=[[Shining South (2004 supplement)|Shining South]] |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=0-7869-3492-1}}</ref>

South and east of the grassy plains is an area known as the Shaar, along the shores of the Great Sea opposite the land of Zakhara. The region includes the lands of Durpar, Estagund and Var the Golden (collectively called the ''Shining Lands''), Luiren, the land of Halflings, Ulgarth, the easternmost extent of Faerûn, and Veldorn, the land of monsters, as well as The Great Rift, a large, powerful nation of dwarves, within a titanic canyon

===Underdark===
{{main|Underdark}}
The immense complex of caverns and passages that lie beneath many parts of the continent of Faerûn is known as the Underdark. It contains cities of the elf-related [[Drow (Dungeons & Dragons)|drow]] including the infamous [[Menzoberranzan]] and the ruins of Ched Nasad, as well as Maerdrimydra, Llurth Dreir and Sshamath; cities of [[Duergar (Dungeons & Dragons)|duergar]] such as Gracklstugh and Dunnspeirrin; and almost unpronounceable cities of creatures called the [[kuo-toa]], [[illithid]]s, and [[Beholder (Dungeons & Dragons)|beholders]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cordell |first1=Bruce R. |author-link1=Bruce R. Cordell |last2=Kestrel |first2=Gwendolyn F. M. |last3=Quick |first3=Jeff |date=October 1, 2002 |title=[[Underdark (supplement)|Underdark]] |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=0-7869-3053-5}}</ref>

==Changes in geography==
===Third Edition===
When the third edition of the ''Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting'' was released in 2001, the designers took the opportunity to redesign the continent of Faerûn. Its size was reduced slightly to remove 'empty space' from the map and the Chultan Peninsula was moved several hundred miles north, reducing the size of the empty grassplain known as the Shaar. Additionally, the designers slightly adjusted the projection of the map to better reflect the curvature of the planet. There was no in-universe explanation given for these changes as it was classified as a [[retcon]].

===Fourth Edition===
The fourth edition of the ''Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting'', released in 2008, saw major changes to the geography of Faerûn and the world of [[Abeir-Toril]]. Due to a magical cataclysm known as the Spellplague, the southern parts of Faerûn were devastated.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide Chronicles the World's Epic Changes|language=en-us|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/2008/12/forgotten-realm/|access-date=2021-01-29|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> Chult became an island detached from the mainland, the kingdom of Halruaa was utterly destroyed, and parts of the Sea of Fallen Stars drained into the Underdark. The northern Realms were less affected by the Spellplague, but during the 100-year gap between the third and fourth editions of the setting, it was revealed that the Netherese wizards of the city of Shade had eliminated the desert of Anauroch, returning the land to its pre-Fall state. The borders of some of the kingdoms were changed to reflect this. In addition to these changes, floating islands of earth known as 'earthmotes' appeared in the skies above Faerûn and the continent of Maztica across the western ocean vanished along with the Faerûnian colonies on its east coast.<ref name="FRCG">{{cite book |last1=Greenwood |first1=Ed |author-link1=Ed Greenwood |last2=Cordell |first2=Bruce R. |author-link2=Bruce R. Cordell |last3=Athans |first3=Philip |author-link3=Philip Athans |last4=Sims |first4=Chris |author-link4=Chris Sims (game designer) |title=Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide |edition=4th |date=August 19, 2008 |publisher=Wizards of the Coast |isbn=978-0-7869-4924-3}}</ref>

==In other media==
* In 2013, a mod for the video game ''[[Civilization V]]'' by [[Sid Meier]] was set in Faerûn.<ref name=Livingston>{{Cite web|last=Livingston|first=Christopher|date=2013-11-24|title=Mod of the Week: Faerun, for Civilization V|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mod-of-the-week-faerun-for-civilization-v/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=PC Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Colin|date=2013-11-25|title=Civ 5 mod creates D&D world of Faerun|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/11/25/5144218/civ-5-mod-creates-d-d-world-of-faerun|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> Reviewer Christopher Livingston praised the adaptation as "a really neat mod. The modder, framedarchitecture, clearly knows his Forgotten Realms lore and history". 25 civilizations based on Faerûn's creatures and nations, individual characters, locations, and [[Magic in Dungeons & Dragons#Schools of magic|''Dungeons & Dragons''<nowiki>'</nowiki> schools of magic]] were integrated, providing high recognition value.<ref name=Livingston/>
* The ''[[Baldur's Gate]]'' video game series take place in Faerûn.<ref>{{cite web|first=Kenneth|last=Shepard|title=Baldur's Gate 3: The Kotaku Review|url=https://kotaku.com/baldurs-gate-3-bg3-review-dungeons-dragons-rpg-larian-1850726491|website=Kotaku|language=en-US|access-date=2023-08-14}}</ref>
* The 2023 film ''[[Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves]]'' is set in Faerûn.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raymond |first=Charles Nicholas |date=2022-09-09 |title=Every Classic D&D Location Confirmed For The Dungeons & Dragons Movie |url=https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-movie-classic-locations-confirmed/ |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[The Adventure Zone]]: Balance'', including its [[The Adventure Zone#Graphic novel adaptations|graphic novel series]], are set in Faerûn.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nordling |first1=Em |title=A Collaboration Made in Faerun: The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins |url=https://reactormag.com/book-reviews-the-adventure-zone-here-there-be-gerblins/ |website=Reactor |date=18 July 2018}}</ref>
* ''[[Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern]]'' (2024), a stage production which combines [[actual play]], [[Improvisational theatre|improv]], and [[immersive theater]], is set in Faerûn.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=May 17, 2024 |title=Review: Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/dungeons-dragons-the-twenty-sided-tavern |access-date=September 7, 2024 |website=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out Theater]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Intreglia |first=Courtney Mifsud |date=September 18, 2024 |title=Live Performances of Dungeons & Dragons Are Filling Stadiums and Going Mainstream |url=https://time.com/7020897/dungeons-and-dragons-live-performances/ |access-date=May 11, 2025 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep]]'', a 2025 theme park attraction at [[Universal Studios Hollywood]], is set in Waterdeep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=May 6, 2025 |title=Inside Universal Fan Fest Nights DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: SECRETS OF WATERDEEP |url=https://nerdist.com/article/universal-fan-fest-nights-dungeons-dragons-secrets-of-waterdeep/ |access-date=May 11, 2025 |website=Nerdist |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Tessa |date=April 16, 2025 |title=Roll For Initiative!: How Universal Fan Fest Nights Experience Will Bring Dungeons & Dragons To Life |url=https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-universal-fan-fest-nights-dnd-first-look/ |access-date=May 11, 2025 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book
 | first1=Ed | last1=Greenwood |author-link1=Ed Greenwood |date=1993
 | title=[[The Forgotten Realms Atlas]]
 | publisher=TSR | isbn=1-56076-695-6 |display-authors=etal}}
* {{cite book
 | first=Karen Wynn | last=Fonstad | author-link=Karen Wynn Fonstad |date=1993
 | title=[[Player's Guide to the Forgotten Realms Campaign]]
 | publisher=TSR | isbn=0-88038-857-9}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070510050654/http://www.otherrealm.net/other_html/campaigns/ Timeline of Faerûn] from pre-history to 768 (dates in [[Dalereckoning]])

{{D&D topics}}
{{Baldur's Gate}}
{{Neverwinter Nights}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Faerun}}
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons locations]]
[[Category:Fictional continents]]
[[Category:Fictional elements introduced in 1987]]