Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Forgotten Realms.
What is the Forgotten Realms?
The Forgotten Realms is a fantasy campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons, centered on the continent of Faerûn within the world of Toril. It features a rich history of gods, magic, and diverse cultures that has inspired countless novels, video games, and tabletop adventures since its creation by Ed Greenwood.
Who are the main characters?
There is no single protagonist; instead, the setting revolves around iconic figures like the elf ranger Drizzt Do'Urden, the wizard Elminster of Shadowdale, and the goddess Mystra, who anchor the lore across various stories. Players typically create their own heroes to navigate this world, making personal characters the true focus of most adventures.
Where should a newcomer start?
Newcomers often begin with the 'Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide' for essential world-building details or dive into R.A. Salvatore's 'Dark Elf' trilogy to experience the setting through narrative. For tabletop players, starting a home game in the Sword Coast region provides a manageable scope while accessing abundant official modules and resources.
What is the difference between Toril and Faerûn?
Toril is the physical planet that contains the Forgotten Realms, often referred to as 'the World,' though the term usually denotes just the primary continent of Faerûn. The globe includes other landmasses like Kara-Tur and Zakhara, but most stories focus on Faerûn's geography, politics, and conflicts.
What was the Time of Troubles?
The Time of Troubles was a pivotal crisis in 1358 DR when the gods were stripped of their divine status and forced to walk Toril as mortals, reshaping the pantheon's hierarchy. This event permanently altered the relationship between deities and mortals, leading to the death of some gods and the ascension of others.
Who is Elminster?
Elminster of Shadowdale is a legendary archmage who serves as a guardian of the Sword Coast and a recurring mentor figure throughout Realms lore. Known for his eccentric personality and immense magical power, he often intervenes subtly to prevent catastrophic threats while maintaining the balance of magic.
What is the Sword Coast?
The Sword Coast is a rugged region along Faerûn's western shoreline, famous for its bustling trade cities like Waterdeep and Neverwinter, as well as dangerous wilderness areas. It serves as the primary adventure hub for many campaigns due to its dense concentration of plot hooks, factions, and iconic locations.
Are there video games set in the Forgotten Realms?
Yes, the setting has inspired numerous acclaimed titles, including the 'Baldur's Gate' series, 'Neverwinter Nights,' and 'Icewind Dale,' which utilize D&D rules to explore its rich lore. Recent releases like 'Baldur's Gate 3' have introduced millions of new players to iconic locations such as Baldur's Gate and the Underdark.
How does the dating system work?
The calendar uses 'DR' (Dragon Reach) to mark years, with specific eras defined by major historical events like the Spellplague or the Second Sundering. This dating system helps organize the timeline across thousands of novels and modules, allowing fans to track continuity and character ages accurately.
What was the Spellplague?
The Spellplague was a magical catastrophe that warped reality across Toril, causing wild magic surges and transforming landscapes while merging the Feywild with the material plane. It concluded with the Second Sundering, which restored stability to the world and returned many regions to their pre-crisis states for modern storytelling.