Question Regarding the Forgotten Realms

[Thomas77]

I've never played "Pen 'n' Paper" D&D or read any books about the FR. The only thing I've done that relates to the FR is play BG1, BG2 and IWD1. Following the stories and reading the histories in these games have made me curious about the world that they are based in, so in my spare time I try to read up a little on the FR. In reading some of the posts already posted here, it seems as though Faerun is just one continent in a specific world. However, this brings up more questions
- Are there other worlds/continents?
- Which worlds/continents are the most popular and thus most campaigns tend to be set in?
- And where specifically are the most popular settings within that world/continent?
- For example: I've recently found a map of "Faerun" and am very curious as to which location is the most popular for campaigns; the Sword Coast? Thay? The Moonshai Isles? Halruaa? etc., etc., etc.,....

Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

[Galuf the Dwarf]

Originally Posted by Thomas77

- Are there other worlds/continents?
- Which worlds/continents are the most popular and thus most campaigns tend to be set in?
- And where specifically are the most popular settings within that world/continent?
- For example: I've recently found a map of "Faerun" and am very curious as to which location is the most popular for campaigns; the Sword Coast? Thay? The Moonshai Isles? Halruaa? etc., etc., etc.,....

Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

1) There are places outside of Faerun such as Maztica (compare to pre-colonized South/Central America), Kara-Tur (pretty much the Orient of Faerun) and others that people can expand upon. *anticipates Rudar Dimple's reply*

2) Yes, Faerun is a continent, but the entire planet is known as Abeir-Toril (or generally Toril for short; someone correct me if I'm wrong).

3) Places like the Moonshae Isles, Halruaa are character regions within Faerun that numerous races and sub-races come from. Even the Underdark is divided into different regions, such as the Northdark (which is where Orogs, Drow of Menzoberranzan and Duergar of Gracklstugh are from). Which of any regions are the most popular, I cannot say.

[Thomas77]

3) Places like the Moonshae Isles, Halruaa are character regions within Faerun that numerous races and sub-races come from. Even the Underdark is divided into different regions, such as the Northdark (which is where Orogs, Drow of Menzoberranzan and Duergar of Gracklstugh are from). Which of any regions are the most popular, I cannot say.

Thanks G! ---> (Galuf)

- So then campaigns and stories don't ever really take place in places like Halruaa and Moonshea??

[Galuf the Dwarf]

Originally Posted by Thomas77

Thanks G! ---> (Galuf)

- So then campaigns and stories don't ever really take place in places like Halruaa and Moonshea??

Yes they do, and often in locations within those regions (example: The Gulthmere Forest on the Dragon Coast). What campaigns and stories take place depend upon the sources and the Dungeon Master.

[CM]

They do. There have been a few books on the Moonshea and some very good campaigns as well.

[Rudar Dimble]

Originally Posted by Galuf the Dwarf

1) There are places outside of Faerun such as Maztica (compare to pre-colonized South/Central America), Kara-Tur (pretty much the Orient of Faerun) and others that people can expand upon. *anticipates Rudar Dimple's reply*.

What kind of reply are you expecting?

[Rob-hin]

Originally Posted by Rudar Dimble

What kind of reply are you expecting?

Perhaps that there also is Zakhara, and numerous of unknown lands... one of which shows many similatities to Australia.

[Thomas77]

Originally Posted by Galuf the Dwarf

Yes they do, and often in locations within those regions (example: The Gulthmere Forest on the Dragon Coast). What campaigns and stories take place depend upon the sources and the Dungeon Master.

So what would be the differences between the forest in SouthEast Narfell as opposed to the Cloakwood Forest? Or the Cloudpeak mountains as opposed to the Gray Peak Mountains? I guess what I'm really wondering is what would compell a DM to choose one area over another? Are there specific descriptions of each of the lands which would cause the DM to choose a specific location? Or even Anaurocch (The Great Desert) any reason why someone would choose to create an adventure in "The Great Sand Sea"?

[Rudar Dimble]

Originally Posted by Thomas77

Or even Anaurocch (The Great Desert) any reason why someone would choose to create an adventure in "The Great Sand Sea"?

There are many, many reasons to involve Anauroch in your quest. I'm not going to post any though, since Rob-hin is a player in my next D&D quest and that might involve some Anauroch related stuff (not much, but some).

[Math Mannaman]

Originally Posted by Thomas77

I guess what I'm really wondering is what would compell a DM to choose one area over another? Are there specific descriptions of each of the lands which would cause the DM to choose a specific location?

Each area in FR has its own background and history, sometimes very in-depth and complex. Which is why a DM has so much flexability in FR. There are way more campain ideas and histories in FR than you will ever be able to incoorporate into any one game. The Forgotten Realms Campain Setting describes regions, cities, politics, culture etc. This is the DM's tool for chooseing where his game is and why.

Also, FR has been around for well over 20 years. This means that there is a very rich history behind the realms, and tons of source books are available from 1stE to 2E to 3E.

[Thomas77]

It all sounds pretty cool. It definately breathes more life into BG as now I know what all those History Books I find throughout the Sword Coast are talking about. They now appear to be more living rather than talking about some some place or race of beings I've never heard of. It makes it alot more interesting.

[Erenor]

The Realms is a great place to roleplay, though it's HUGE, so narrowing down where you want to start can be hellish.

[stramoski]

The Great Sand Sea used to be where The Ancient Empire of Netheril was located... Think of magicians powerful enough to uproot an entire mountian, flip it over, levitate it, and then construct a city atop it... The largest (I think) was Karsus, and it was a great many miles across. Only one of those cities is known to have survived the Fall of Netheril, but a great many ruins would be ripe for the picking...

[Erenor]

Isn't Netheril supposed to be hidden in another plane now? I read that in one book, I think. Hidden by the Shadow Weave or something like that.

[CM]

Guys if a question is answered please don't bump up the thread with your own point of view as the issue is considered closed. Esp not 1 month later.

Thanks.