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Forgotten Realms Map

Complete guide to the geography, cities, and regions of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.

Faerûn Overview

The Forgotten Realms is D&D's most popular campaign setting. The main continent is Faerûn, featuring diverse regions from frozen tundras to deserts to jungles.

Major regions include the Sword Coast (west), Heartlands (center), Unapproachable East, and Old Empires (south). Each region has distinct cultures, politics, and threats.

Major Cities & Locations

Waterdeep: City of Splendors, largest city on Sword Coast. Central hub for trade and adventure.

Baldur's Gate: Merchant city south of Waterdeep, famous for its Grand Dukes.

Neverwinter: City of Skilled Hands, rebuilt after volcanic eruption.

Luskan: Pirate city ruled by five High Captains.

Menzoberranzan: Drow city in the Underdark, ruled by Matron Mothers.

Candlekeep: Fortress library containing vast magical knowledge.

Key Regions

Icewind Dale: Frozen tundra in far north, home to Ten-Towns and barbarian tribes.

Underdark: Vast underground realm of drow, mind flayers, and aberrations.

Anauroch: Great desert wasteland once home to fallen empires.

High Forest: Ancient woodland with elven ruins and treant guardians.

Dalelands: Confederation of farming communities in eastern Faerûn.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Overwhelming players with too much lore—introduce locations as needed
Common Mistake
Treating the setting as rigid—make it your own

DM Tips

DM Tip
Start with Sword Coast region—it's well-documented and beginner-friendly
DM Tip
Use official modules like Dragon Heist or Descent into Avernus as frameworks