Nations and Regions

The Kingdom of Cormyr

Likeness: Avalon/Andor/Rennaisance France

Cormyr is all about chivalry, blood and honor.

• The largest of only two true kingdoms in the Heartlands, sometimes called the Forest Kingdom. Few non-humans - the few that might be encountered are half-elves or, in the mountains, dwarves.
• The beloved King Azoun Obarskyr IV rules fairly and evenly, and there are many noble families. Purple is the color of royalty, and the Purple Dragon is the crest of the King.
• The standing army is known as the Purple Dragons, and the Purple Dragon is the king's banner.
• The King's advisor is Vangerdahast the Royal Magician, who leads the Council of Mages (aka the War Wizards) as an adjunct to the army and whom many believe to be the real power behind the throne
• Armed groups without a royal charter are illegal, and unregistered practitioners of magic are hunted down by the Council of Mages.
• Cats are seen as messengers from the gods, and trapping or harming one is blasphemy.
• Sembia is a rival nation, especially for trade
• Cormyr mints its own coins, which are used throughout the Heartlands.

National traits: We are the most - perhaps the only - civilized people in the world. Noblesse obligé. Gods save the King! Class archetypes: Bard Cleric - Crusader, Missionary, Monk, Pilgrim Fighter - Knight, Paladin Ranger Rogue Sorceror - War Wizard, Outlaw Wizard Wizard - War Wizard, Outlaw Wizard

Regional feats: Discipline Education - Without the education of the nobility, there would be no civilization. Foe Hunter - goblinoids Saddleback - Of course, Cormyr boasts the finest knights in the world. Available prestige classes for this background: Mage-Killer (War Wizard status only; MoF pg.32) Purple Dragon Knight (FRC pg.49) War Wizard (MoF pg.40)

            Cormyr is the only true kingdom in the Heartlands, walled in to the north and west by the Storm Horns, by the Thunder Peaks to the east, and by the waters of the Dragonmere to the south. Sometimes called the Forest Kingdom, the land is ruled by the Obarskyr royal family, currently King Azoun IV, son of the famous warrior-king Rhigaerd II. The King rules by the fealty of landed nobles, numerous rich "merchant lords," and the Lords appointed to each town; his banner is the Purple Dragon, and the standing army is known as the Purple Dragons. Magic is heavily regulated by the King's advisor, the Royal Magician Vangerdahast, and the army is supported by the widely feared Council of Mages (popularly known as the War Wizards) under his control. The capital is Suzail, which lies on the coast. The High Road that runs from the kingdom's second largest city, Arabel, to Iraebor and the Sword Coast is the only passage west that lies north of the Dragon Coast; the country is much like late medieval Romantic France, with hospitable peasants and flambuoyant nobles with a taste for good wines. Cormyreans speak Chondathan with a precise and rather melodious accent.
            Cormyr has suffered from a number of uprisings and raids, but has been officially at peace since King Rhigaerd overthrew the Border Raiders long ago; still, anyone who goes armed must tie their weapons to their sheaths with a peaceknot, and no armed warriors not in service to the King may gather in groups of more than five, except in public markets, inns and taverns. "Lawless freeswords" can't operate within the borders unless they are under contract to one authorized to hire them (nobility or chartered merchants) or they possess a royal charter, customarily granted only to wealthy adventuring companies. In addition, all mages must by law report their names, sigils and whereabouts to the Royal Magician in Suzail, and must give their names whenever challenged by the King's soldiers or officers of the Court, on pain of destruction by the Royal Magician or the Council of Mages. Adventurers are a curiosity - the idea that people would risk their lives needlessly for gold or glory strikes natives as odd, a throwback to a darker age.
            Cormyreans are generally happy with their lot and loyal to the throne. About two dozen major noble families can claim some blood relation to the throne, though it's rumored that the King's indiscretions (and his forefathers' before him) qualify a far larger group than that. Cormyreans are law-abiding, friendly and open, and see themselves as cultured, peaceful and refined, destined to bring order to the sprawling, disorganized world outside. They are often perceived by foreigners as elitist, out of touch with current events, and overbearingly bossy.
            Cormyr mints its own coins, which are used almost exclusively within the borders of the country, though outside their value drops quickly the farther one gets from the country. Carriages are much in use, and the finest, most modern in the world are Cormyrean, nobles being willing and able to pay for a smoother ride. Cormyr is also home to a number of lapdogs and fine hunting hounds, as well as the Fell pony, a docile, long-maned and -tailed beast.
            Cormyr is notable for its colorful royal family as well as a number of others: King Azoun IV, son of a famous hero and rumored to be a rover; Princess Alusair, who rides with the Purple Dragons to protect the realm and gets into plenty of trouble; The Royal Magician Vangerdahast, a fat man who most think is the real power behind the throne.
            Nonhumans are rare (there are no gnomes at all), but those few there are are mainly half-elves and halflings.

Cormyr is a civilized kingdom where independent adventurers are frowned upon. Cormyreans see them as eccentrics, throwbacks to more barbarous days - unless they fight to right wrongs and bring civilization to others. Others, of course, don't really appreciate the effort - the Moonsea in particular is not on friendly terms with Cormyr. Warrior: Many warriors join the Royal Army, known as the Purple Dragons; some turn to the holy orders to serve their Church (The Churches of Ilmater, Sune, Tempus, Torm and Tyr have paladins). Cormyrean warriors favor the best armor money can buy, usually splint or plate. Otherwise they wear well-made but functional cloaks and other finery. Often coats of arms are worn, either on a tabard or a shield. They're from a powerful, civilized nation, and conduct themselves with honor, pride, and style. They pride themselves on their etiquette, but also tend to patronize those they consider less refined or civilized, or whose motives are less noble than theirs. Often this arrogance is unintentional, and not meant as an insult. Rogue: Cormyr is home to the bard and the beloved outlaws who champion justice, or at least are quite charming while they rob you. They take no steps to hide themselves, wearing bright colors, plumed caps and exotic jewelry. They favor light, highly ornamented weapons and seldom wear armor. They are noted for their great exploits and daring, always finding humor in a tight situation. Mage: All spellcasters are required to register with the Council of Mages, colloquially known as the War Wizards. They think of themselves as the best of the best, and don't understand why anyone wouldn't want to be a member. Therefore they viewed the registered as inferior in talent, power and intelligence, and the renegades as dangerous criminals who must be hunted down for the good of society. Registered mages take pride in that they're so powerful that the government fears them and wants to know where they are at all times. They seem to be vying with each other to look the part of a wizard, with beards, robes, staves, familiars etc. War Wizards are considered government lackeys, and renegades shiftless upstarts. Renegade mages are in danger of execution for treason, so they dress as commoners. They consider the War Wizards the thugs of an oppressive government, and the registered mages as misguided fools who have put their lives in peril by allowing the government to watch them so closely. Priest: Virtue, nobility and honor are important in Cormyr, and the most popular gods reflect that. There are temples or shrines to Chauntea, Ilmater, Mystra, Oghma, Siamorphe, Sune, Tempus, Torm, Tymora and Tyr.

Local powers	Top religions	Local conflicts and dangers
King Azoun IV Queen Filfaeril Royal Magician and Advisor Vangerdahast Princesses Tanalasta and Alusair The appointed Lords The landed nobility The merchant lords	Torm Chauntea Tyr Oghma Tymora Sune Siamorph	The King's forces vs. traitors and rebels in and arounnd Arabel. The Zhentarim Orc, goblin and ogre raiders Wolves, sun bears, boars Peak griffons, trolls, wyverns Bickering nobles Semban expansion to the southeast
Local phrases	Local traits and facts
"Caught like a cat" - handled carefully/gently "angering the Dragons" - a reference to the Purple Dragons, meaning to provoke a force far superior to/outnumbering your own "Safe as the High Horn" - safe as Fort Knox	The King is said to roam the land in disguise to learn more about his people. Cormyreans are generally armed with woodsman's axes and knives if peasants; nobles wear an emblazoned shield and fine armor under an emblazoned tabard, and they carry lances or longswords, and a bow. Those who go armed must wear peacestrings about their swordhilts - colored and tasseled cords tied in ornate knots that prevent quick unsheathings. The small black-and-gold sun bears, the Cormyrean hunting hawk and peak griffons are native to the region. Commoners must bow their heads to royalty. Popular pastimes include beer, wine or liquer, dancing, street theater or other performances, card games and jacks. Burials are followed by wakes. Women interested in finding a mate wear purple scarves at hip and/or throat. It is unlucky and blasphemous to kill a cat, for they're the eyes and messengers of the gods. It's good to keep one (never in a cage), but a sin to clip its tails, ears or fur or neuter it.
History and important events
The Year of the Highmantle (1311 CR/1336 DR)             Prince Azoun Obarskyr IV is crowned King of Cormyr. The Year of the Snow Winds (1310 CR/1335 DR)             Princess Alusair Nacacia Obarskyr is born. King Rhigaerd Obarskyr dies in the waning days of this year. The Year of the Blazing Brand (1309 CR/1334 DR)             Prince Foril, infant son of Prince Azoun IV and Princess Filfaeril Selzair, dies. Princess Tanalesta is born. The Year of the Sword and Stars (1307 CR/1332 DR)             Prince Azoun IV and Princess Filfaeril Selzair (later dubbed "the Dragon Queen" of Cormyr) have a son, Prince Foril. The Year of the Lost Helm (1304 CR/1329 DR)             Prince Azoun Obarskyr IV and Princess Filfaeril Selzair are wed. The Year of the Shadowtop (1289 CR/1314 DR)             King Rhigaerd defeats the border raiders. The Year of the Mace (1282 CR/1307 DR)             Prince Azoun Obarskyr IV is born. The Year of Thunder (1281 CR/1306 DR)             The Royal Magician Vangerdahast founds the Council of Mages, popularly known as the War Wizards. The Year of the Moat (1250 CR/1275 DR)             Prince Rhigaerd Obarskyr II crowned King of Cormyr; his uncle Salember "The Rebel Prince" reigns as Regent in Cormyr until the Year of the Rock (1261 CR). The Year of the Moat (1244 CR/1269 DR)             Prince Rhigaerd Obarskyr II born.

• Settlements around the great elven forest of Cormanthor, where the Elven Court resides; the area was gifted to them by the elves with the raising of the Standing Stone. Nonhumans tend to be elves, half-elves, gnomes and hobbits.
• No central government, though there is the loose Dales Council to settle disputes. The individual Dales are protected by each Dale's militia.
• Distrust Sembians since they swallowed a Dale, and takes the brunt of the attacks of the Zhentarim from the north.

National traits: We don't have a king because we don't need a king. Magic and heroes are all well and good, but everyone needs to eat. There's no reason not to get along with folk who mind their own business. Class archetypes: Bard - Storyteller Cleric - Missionary Fighter - Constable, Militiaman, Retired Ranger Rogue Sorceror - Witch/Warlock Wizard - Apprentice, Retired, Witch/Warlock

Regional feats: Blooded - just because ye're country folk don't mean ye just fell from the turnip wagon. Forester - We know our way about the woods, not like some city folk; they can't walk from the house to the privy without gettin' lost! Luck of Heroes - We keep our wits about us, aye, and Lady Luck favors the bold. Militia - We're smallfolk, but even the small have teeth, and best the big remember it. Strong Soul - Sometimes the difference between living and dying is how much you want it. Available prestige classes for this background: Arcane Archer (elf only, DMG pg.176) Loremaster (DMG pg.191)

            The Dalelands are located in and around the ancient forest of Cormanthor, and are a collection of independent Dales with representatives on the Dales Council rather than a true nation. The Dales were founded after a pact was signed with the elves allowing humans access to the area around the forest, and the pact was sealed by the raising of the Standing Stone, from which Dalereckoning is counted. Now the Dales are rural lands without large cities, surrounding the retreating forest of the Elven Court. The major surviving Dales are Archendale, Battledale, Daggerdale, Deepingdale, Featherdale, Harrowdale, the High Dale, Mistledale, Scardale, Shadowdale and Tasseldale. Dalesfolk speak Chondathan with a drawl and many archaic words.
            The Dales are, in general, much like late medieval/early Rennaisance farming communities, with half-timbered houses in farming villages and towns. There are plenty of tiny, unremarked hamlets hidden in the rolling landscape for each larger and better-known one; cartroads lead to and from the major byways, shipping their rich harvests out to the rest of the Realms. The people are tough, down-to-earth, level-headed and independent (some would say stubborn), but have a mischevious sense of humor. They're proud of their status as independent Dales and have time and time again fought back armies trying to swallow them into other nations; the Dalesmen take the brunt of the attacks launched by Zhentil Keep to the north, and keep a wary eye on Cormyr and Sembia as well - they've lost Dales to the Zhents and the Sembans before. Like Northerners, Dalesfolk have a relatively relaxed attitude towards magic and mages, provided they aren't bothering anyone; however, criminals find them a lot more nosy than the mind-your-own-business Northerners. Still, many powerful people find the Dales a pleasant and peaceful place to retire, and the steady flow of people in and out of the region mean that Dalesfolk are a fairly mixed lot, though there's a general tendency towards brown hair and eyes. Elves get along better with Dalesfolk than almost anyone else, and the archers of the Dales are the finest in the Realms. Dalesfolk are primarily farmers and woodsmen, and considered rather backward by their more urbane neighbors.

Warrior: The Dales are surrounded by nations that want to swallow them, and are full of warriors to defend themselves. The finest trackers, archers and woodsmen in the Heartlands come from the Dales. Competent and unpretentious, they're ready for action at all times, but tend to react rather than initiate. Their clothes and armor are very utilitarian; they shy away from ostentatious displays of rank, family coats of arms, or ornamentation. Brave but not foolish, proud of their homeland's history of independence, for them the Dales' troubles always come first. They're slow to trust strangers, so they're reserved when they speak and reluctant to ask for help. If their first impression of someone is that they're mysterious or suspicious, they may never warm to them. Once they're won over, they're selfless and loyal. Rogue: There are no guilds in the Dales, as there's not a large enough population to support them, but there are plenty of bards to make up for it. Always ready to go elsewhere, the rogues bear light clothing and traveling supplies. Noted for their interest in adventures and travel, they have a bad case of wanderlust; the grass is always greener where your face is unknown by the constabulary and the treasures of the unsuspecting are practically lying around for the taking. Mage: As they tend to be adventurers and explorers, the wizards of these realms are noted for their casual manner and utilitarian dress. With few exceptions, a wizard in flowing robes, with a long beard and wearing a pointed hat, is likely to be looked upon as something of a dandy or a fool. One can expect the typical wizard of the Dalelands to be in comfortable clothes, often liberally sewn with pockets for spell components as well as a stout staff (that may or may not be enchanted) and ready access to a good assortment of traveling supplies. A wizard from the Dales should be willing to take chances and risk all for a good cause. Folk of the Dales are known to be steadfast companions and good allies. There are few of the Dales who would abandon a friend in need or give up on a quest that seemed impossible. Priest: There are plenty of shrines and the occasional temple scattered about the Dales. The most popular gods are Chauntea, Helm, Lathander, Malar, Mielikki, Milil, Selūne, Silvanus and Tymora.

• A lawless subtropical land teeming with traders, thieves, smugglers, mercenaries, assassins, politicians and pirates, with exotic people from every country and every walk of life gathered in a few city-states. There is no government beyond what force you can muster. Many diverse non-humans.

            The Dragon Coast is the primarily plains and grassland region below the Dragonmere and the westernmost arm of the Sea of Fallen Stars, technically including the tropical Pirate Isles (and Westgate, the largest and dominant city-state of the region, is an infamous pirate port). The climate is similar to that of Spain or France, and the region is made up of a collection of more or less independent city-states, chief among them Westgate, Teziir and Elversult. It's very much a trading region - as they say, "Everyone has a price - but the price is more reasonable on the Dragon Coast." Dragon Coasters speak Chondathan with a sharp accent.
            As in Sembia it's the merchants who rule, but there's no government beyond hireswords and an unwritten code of conduct upheld by whoever cares to do so, and this combined with the region's proximity to unsettled and foreign lands leaves the region full of unhuman races as well as humans, more common and varied than anywhere else. Dragon Coasters would scoff at being asked what the region's name was for, but in truth it's a name granted its people by other nations - the Dragon Coast is infamous for it's inhabitants' predatory, opportunistic and corrupt tendencies - but also their sharp wits, fearlessness and ruthless determination. Perhaps cynical and passionate describes them best. The law of the land is that anyone has the right to make a living, and people excel at minding their own business. Dragon Coasters tend to be smart-mouthed, quick-witted and unrepentant.
            People of the Dragon Coast are friendly but ever-wary, and inland holds and villages keep their farms and houses within adobe walls. Often they have a breed of dog peculiar to the region, the fierce, powerful barrel dog, which guard both homes and caravans. The cuisine of the region is eclectic and spicier than elsewhere in the Heartlands, with the strong influence of Turmish and other foreign lands; one of their specialties is the spicy grilled kebab and fried flatbread.
            Thanks to the many travellers, sailors and nonhumans, the Dragon Coast has a plethora of strange and foreign gods. Due to an incident in the past, worship of Bhaal is lesser here than might otherwise be expected, but Umberlee, Valkur, Loviatar, Talos and Myrkul are well-represented, as of course is Chauntea. Tempus is particularly popular - but Waukeen is the goddess of choice, as their moneychangers are uncorruptable... or so it's said.
            The Dragon Coast is notable as the home of the legendary pirate-king Immurk.

• A cool, eternally-overcast frontier of city-states governed with an iron hand, the rich land largely undeveloped due to constant monster depradations.
• Only the worship of the Dark Gods is allowed; the people are fanatics. The Church of Bane presides over all.
• The Moonsea is the main source of iron in the Heartlands, and famed for the quality of Melvaunt's weapons (scimitars, maces, flails and polearms).
• Moonfolk speak the gutteral Damaran tongue.

            'The Moonsea' refers to the area immediately surrounding the cold, clear lake the region is named for. Its deep, purplish waters are said to have no bottom. The lake is connected to the Sea of Fallen Stars to the south, and almost all trade in the region is by ship due to the dangers of the wilderness surrounding the settlements. The land is part heath, part forest and part swamp, with a smattering of hills and mountains, and lies under an eternal overcast, foggy and cold. To the north lie inhospitable barrens, home of every evil that plagues the coast; to the east, the only known land routes to the Vast. The region is full of tombs and fallen cities, constantly threatened by monsters that leave human habitation always on the brink of extinction. The Moonsea is a frontier, with a frontier mentality made harder and more cruel by the constant onslaught of monsters that regularly wipe whole cities off the map. The land is rich, but also cruel, and the people are shaped by it - and other forces.

How foreigners see it:
            To foreigners (or "outlanders," as the locals name them), the Moonsea is a miserable wilderness where the sun never shines, and the brutal, short-tempered locals would as soon stab you in the back as greet you. Hostile and untrustworthy, they live in dismal city-states ruled with an iron grip, and more than their mean natures make them dangerous. The faith of the Moonsea belongs to the Dark Gods, and the people are zealous in their worship. More than a few outlanders have been burned at the stake for the "heresy" of worshipping other gods. The strong prey on the weak, and the scheming Zhentarim of Zhentil Keep are a constant plague to the rest of the Heartlands. If it wasn't for the lumber, furs, gems, iron and not least the high-quality arms and armor shipped out, everyone would be happier if the Moonsea sank into the Moonsea.
            Of course, Moonseafolk have a different view of things.

Moonsea culture

Religion

            In the beginning the world, it was a cruel chaos, and mankind was no more than slaves and cattle to the great demons who ruled the world, and nothing at all to their Gods. But one God, He looked down on them, and saw something great within them, and turned against the demons, sending His chosen prophets among them to demand that they free the race of Man. The demons, they paid Him no heed, for who was He measured against the might of their own heathen gods?
            But among the people, word spread of this God who held fire in His heart for the plight of men. His word, they spread it among themselves, and they began to pray. His Chosen prophets, they went among the men and the women, promising them freedom - but it was a freedom they could only live if they had the strength to become an army - an army of the One God who fought for them. They must live by His word to learn strength and wisdom, and to remain free of their evil masters forever.
            But His way was hard, for the path to freedom was hard, and not everyone was unhappy with their lot in life under their demon lords; their masters demanded that they serve as they had always served, seducing them with promises of luxury and pleasure. Only those few who were not corrupted by the lies of their masters turned to the One God for deliverance.
            His Chosen walked among the demons with the message of His wrath, and His people, grown strong even in their slavery, they rose up against their masters and cast them down. Even their false Gods could not save them, for the One God hunted them down, driving them from the world, and thus became the Bane of Evil.
            A few Gods, they saw the Strength and the Power of Bane, and they came to join him, while others fled to hide, cowards and tyrants who wished only for a return to their rulership of the world through their demonic lackeys.
            The cost of victory was high, and so many were the fallen that the sea was filled with their blood, but Bane spoke to them. He said, "Do not let the living despair, for the souls of the fallen shall find their rest in My home, and Glory be theirs forever." And he appointed the God Myrkul the Lord of the Dead, to govern and protect their souls even in the afterlife, that they not fear the greedy Demon Gods would take them. And so the faithful did not fear death.
            To those who had fought and lived, but suffered, the One God said, "You must all endure pain, for such is a mortal life, but it shall make you stronger than your enemies, and they shall never rule you. But even the strongest mortal may fall to it, and this must not be." And He appointed the Goddess Loviatar to be the Lady of Mercy and of Pain, that she might both teach His flock strength and take what burden they could not bear on Herself. In thanks to the Maiden, the faithful became stoic of nature, to ease Her pain.
            So many were the dead that a great plague came upon the people, and they cried out to their Lord, the Bane of Evil, for surcease. And so He appointed the Goddess Talona to be the Good Mother, to keep them safe from the sicknesses that preyed on the unbelievers and grant them many children, and the faithful were made hale and fertile.
            So many had fallen that they were no match for the infidels, who were enraged and frightened by the loss of their masters. The cowardly Demon Gods saw their chance, and called out to the faithless, and promised them the world in exchange for their servitude. Thus did the heathens fall upon the Faithful of Bane, and drive them from the freed lands. The One God, weary from his battles, could only hold them back as His faithful fled, and so he appointed the God Bhaal the Lord of Death, that He might strike against their enemy when the opportunity arose, and teach the ways of the warrior to the faithful, that they might someday retake what was rightfully theirs.
            The Demon Gods gnashed their teeth and fumed, but were not yet thwarted. They sent their servants to infiltrate the Holy Land where their Bane had led His Faithful, and grew stronger in their own lands. So did Bane tell the Goddess Shar, "Be you the Mistress of the Night, and hide My people from the infidels; cast Thy cloak over the land to protect them from the eyes of the wicked." And Shar cast her dark cloak over the land, hiding the faithful forever from the eyes of the Demon Gods. "As they seek to creep close and wound us, do you do unto them the same - learn their secrets, weed out their spies, and let no evil done against the Chosen People go unseen and unavenged." Shar swore that vengeance would be the birthright of the faithful for all they had lost.
            And so the Ages passed, and the survivers remained hidden among the heathens, biding their time even as the power of the usurper Gods and their blasphemous servants grew. But Bane sought out a place for His people, and caused them to be sent north, where they did find a land of their own; a fierce but rich land that would temper them, and prepare them for the struggle ahead. Thus the Moonsea was given unto the Favored People, for them to grow strong, and come the Night of Judgement, conquer once more in His name. And to remind them for what they fought, the waters of the cold sea remained tainted as once the waters of the world had been dark with the blood of their ancestors.

            Blasphemers call them the Dark Gods, but this is only because of their fear and their jealousy of the power of Bane and His Hand, the Five Servants who comprise the Fist that is His symbol. This is how the folk of the Moonsea know the True Gods:

• Bane: The One God, Bane of Evil, the champion and shepherd of mankind. Bane has never been depicted; it's a sin to do so. Only His Chosen are shown, particularly Dvorish, Malenk, Uylren and Vorskj. Priests of Bane advise those destined to rule (ie. nobles).
• Bhaal: The Lord of Death, the protector and reaper of mankind. Bhaal is depicted as the Ravager. Priests of Bhaal are warrior masters, teaching those who are worthy to learn. An Atjets (priest) of Bhaal must be present at the funerals of those who died violently, handing the dead over to a priest of Myrkul.
• Loviatar: The Maiden of Mercy, the Maiden of Pain, the temperer of and martyr for mankind. Loviatar is depicted as a pale, beautiful woman in pleated white armor or spiked black leather, weilding a scourge. The Maiden will take unbearable suffering unto herself, and is usually depicted as kneeling, arms outstretched and face compassionate, as blood runs from many wounds. Manakja (priestesses) of Loviatar mortify their flesh to ease the suffering of their goddess, and teach that through the mastery of pain comes strength and insight. They are versed in the skills of tending the wounded. They are also particularly against the heathen devil-god Ilmater, who corrupts their teachings in order to weaken mankind in preparation for their re-enslavement.
• Myrkul: The Lord of the Dead, Lord of Bones, the guardian and judge of the dead. He is said to be present at every death. Myrkul is depicted as an ascetic, a cowled, bone-white, skeletally thin man with dark eyes in deep sockets. Atjets of Myrkul are must be present at every funeral, accepting the dead into Myrkul's realm. The priests must prepare the bodies for burial and bury them in a sanctified churchyard. If this doesn't occur, the soul of the dead one must wander beyond the protection of Bane's holy domain.
• Shar: Mistress of the Night, the Lady of Loss, the Seeker of Truth. Shar is depicted as a beautiful woman with long, dark hair and dark, swirling clothes, whose eyes pierce past all deceit. Atjets of Shar are the Questioners who seek out the unfaithful spies among the Faithful, and locate those able to control magic, bringing them into Bane's service, as well as being elite spymasters and assassins. They are also the keepers of lore, responsible for educating the nobles and merchants - unlike other places in the Realms, most peasants are illiterate.
• Talona: The Good Mother, Grandmother Apple, tender of the sick and injured. Talona is depicted as an old, motherly woman worn down from years of hardship, stern but gentle. Manakja of Talona are healers, taking in the diseased that no one else will touch as well as the sick (though injury is the province of Loviatar). They are versed in the skills of tending the ill. Many homilies are attributed to Talona, as in, "As Talona has said,..."

            While outlanders are tolerated for the trade they bring to the cities, anyone caught practicing any faith but that of the True Gods is rooted out and sold to slavers or burned at the stake. This makes the Moonfolk isolated, and mingling with outsiders for anything but trade is discouraged. Read more about the religion of the Moonsea here.
            For the Moonseafolk themselves, the True Gods are worshipped as a whole - with Bane premier, of course. Anyone may pray to whichever of the Gods that might be associated with their current need, but priests must try to conform to the ideals of the aspect of the Church that they follow (ie. follow the tenets of their specific deity), and to preach the same - though always acknowledging Bane as the head of the pantheon.

The Church
            Life in the Moonsea is dominated by the Church, which includes the interconnected churches of Bane and His Hand, all of which have become melded into a single organ of immense political and religious power.

            The Chosen are accorded great respect, as are most priests of the Church, but are not held higher in status than the nobility, with whom they compete for power over the Moonsea. They also compete with the Brotherhood of the Cloak for power, though they are better trusted among the people than the Cloaks are. Still, the Cloaks undeniably have power, and the people follow the most powerful.

            Church services, called malitva, are held every tenday, and attendance is mandatory (enforced primarily by society rather than the clergy). During these fiery revival sermons, the Brotherhood of the Cloak has been known to descend on and spirit away those with unnatural powers. In addition to the malitva, there are various religious festivals and holy days scattered throughout the year (see the Religion page).
            The Church of Bane: The most powerful component of the Church, the lower tiers of which are made up of the Slons (Bishops) of the other five. The upper tiers are for those who have gained special power for themselves (and through them, the Church). The Banites set the political agenda of the Moonsea; they are the advisors behind every power and interpreters of Bane's teachings. All mages must exist under their control as part of the Brotherhood or be destroyed for their black sorcery (see Magic). Come Judgement Day, they will be expected to lead the Army of the Faithful to victory.
            The Church of Bhaal: This branch of ascetic priests and monks are the weapons masters of the Moonsea; warriors who show great promise are sent to train with them. The priests speak with their actions, and needless talk is discouraged - some go so far as to take a vow of silence. They are forever learning new and deadlier techniques, researching weapons, experimenting with tactics, studying the lore of how best to destroy monsters. They are warriors first and foremost, an army of one, and their total lack of fear is legendary. Whether silent and unseen death in the dark or raging engines of destruction on the battlefield, the fearless monks of Bhaal wait for Judgement Day with the patience of the chopping block.
            The Church of Loviatar: Loviatar is a goddess of pain, and Church dogma is that she takes that which the Faithful cannot bear onto herself; her icon is that of a bleeding maiden with hands outstreched to her flock. Loviatans mortify their flesh to ease the burden from their Goddess, and are responsible for helping the laity understand what they are meant to learn from the trials in their life - to help them overcome them and become stronger for it. If they judge that some suffering cannot be overcome, or that the person will not survive their pain, they may bring merciful death - while Talontar tend the sick, it is most often Loviatans who tend the injured. They preside over marriages, support the grieving, and are midwives at births.
            The Church of Myrkul: Myrkulites separate the living from the dead; they must be present at every funeral to prepare the body and sanctify the grave, that the deceased not rise up again, lost and angry at being denied entry to the realm of the dead. Their churches are deep, tomblike labyrinths beneath the earth, where acolytes learn to wash, dress and prepare the dead for their final journey. They also learn the lore of death and all that pertains to the dead, and sometimes they are called on to solve murders. They are the line of defense between the unnaturally risen dead and those still living; only they may pray to Myrkul to release the spirits of the departed to return for some desperate need. Aside from the Sharrans, they are the ones nominally in charge of one branch of the Cloaks, namely the necromancers.
            The Church of Shar: Sharrans are the eyes and ears of the Moonsea; they are the ones to travel to other lands and learn the weaknesses of the faithless, the ones who know your darkest secrets and every heretical thought. Masters of disguise, consummate actors, they move unnoticed through the crowd, learning all that may be learned for the glory of Bane. They are the teachers of lore and the judges of justice, the enforcers of the Law of the Holy Church and the dreaded Inquisitors who ferret out heresy. Sharrans are sent to retrieve information, to silence traitors and to sentence the wicked. Some (especially in Zhentil Keep) call them naug-orls - devil-worms. They are nominally in charge of the Cloaks.
            The Church of Talona: Like the Good Mother, Talontar take care of the flock. They are herb-healers for the sick and poison-makers for the warriors, and most of the sayings in the Moonsea begin, "As Grandmother Apple has said..." Though they may tend the sick, and in a pinch the injured (who are usually seen to by Loviatans), they never ease the pain of their charges, for that is Loviatar's domain alone. While Sharrans dispense knowledge, Talontar dispense wisdom.

The Crusade
            In the Year of Lurking Death (two years ago), the Gods tested men to the limit; hundreds of tiny claims and thorps in the wilderness vanished without a trace, and blood was spilled atop the city walls day after desperate day. In the face of such adversity, the Church rallied goatherd and city-dweller alike, and in the end the monsters were driven back. Not content to merely defend from such affront to the Faithful and the Gods, the Church mounted a campaign to drive a spear into the heart of the darkness; thus was begun the Galena Crusade.
            No man may find a leshy or boginki hiding in the great Black Forest, but giants and beast-men poured down from the Galena Mountains to cavort in the ruins of Sulasspryn and old Hulberg. Such audacity could not be ignored. From every city of the Moonsea, men and women flocked to the standard of the Church to fight for Gods and glory.

Read more about religion on the Religion page.

Customs

The People
            The men and women of the Moonsea know that life is hard, and is meant to be hard - it will strengthen and prepare them for the inevitable Judgement Day, when they will take back the world that is rightfully theirs. The constant battle against marauding monsters is a reminder of this, and when they are driven back there is much celebration in the proof of their readiness for the Day. They have no time for idle foolishness and no pity for the weak - that is, for those who cannot contribute to the growth of Moonsea influence and power. Such are the weak link in the chain of humanity's succession that will lead to the rise of the faithful and the destruction of the blasphemers on the Day of Judgement; for endangering the souls of the faithful and going against the will of Bane, they deserve nothing but scorn. The Moonseafolk are stoic, hard-nosed and hard-working; if someone can't contribute to society in some way, they're left to themselves. There are no beggars in the Moonsea, as not only will no one give them what they cannot earn, but slavers have a strong presence, scouring the land for people to sell to the east - usually outlanders captured in the wilds, but also some Moonseafolk who have fallen to illness or some unfortunate behavior (usually for crimes ranging from theft to angering those above them in their hierarchy or doing something frowned on by the Church).
            Power is the measure of a Moonseaman's importance, and everyone lives according to a strict hierarchy dictated by the Church and largely invisible to foreigners, as they are considered heretics and merely tolerated at best.
            Seen as brutal zealots by foreigners, the Moonseafolk are actually much deeper than that. Their fanaticism is due to their honest belief in the teachings of Bane, the True God, which value hierarchy and power above all; while this is also part of the reason for their reputation for harsh behavior among foreigners, the main cause of their rough manner is biological - and the fact that they keep all such matters strictly away from the eyes of foreigners (see The Dragon).
            The west coast, closest to the 'outside world', is less restrictive of foreigners and nonhumans, and even allows nonhumans to serve in the government; it's also the most heavily populated. The north coast is the heartland of the Moonsea, but the south coast is where the orthodox Church is the most powerful. The south coast is populated with folk who, it's whispered, "aren't quite right." They're an eerie bunch, and thus where the practitioners of black magic are kept.

Hierarchy

            Hierarchy is all-important from birth to grave; no Moonfolk is unsure of their ranking among peers. If there is cause to be unsure, a challenge is inevitable - strangers are always testing themselves against each other for rank. Foreigners mistake this constant scuffling and slavish obedience to the more powerful as evidence of the Moonseafolk's brutal, cowardly nature, but in fact it allows them to draw together and operate with unbelievable efficiency during any crisis. In the untamed Moonsea, there is often some crisis.

Dress
            The ubiquitous woolen clothing is made in sober colors but excellent quality and cut, and both men and women wear woolen smallclothes and carry a weapon, usually a blade, tucked into their sash-belt. They tend to be blocky, heavyset and grey-faced, with a black sense of humor and literal minds.
            Men commonly wear furry pillbox hats called shapkas, thick scarves, knee boots and baggy trousers, and a knee-length tunic called a sorochka belted in with a sash. Over that they wear a thick overtunic/robe called a svita, often with a full-skirted, fur-lined longcoat called a shuba (cold weather outfits are the default clothes of the Moonsea). Few men are shaven, but the middle/upper classes trim their beards to be squared off.
            Women commonly wear a kerchief over their hair, a thick shawl or scarf, a loose blouse with a sash, and a layered woolen dress, along with a pocketed apron when working; the rich sometimes carry fur muffs.
            Generally, scars (in moderation) on both women and men are seen as attractive, proof that they've held up under the trials of life. Stoicism is the rule; admitting to weakness brings only mockery. "Please" is a word used only by the weak. The strong take what they want; it is the natural order.

Segregation
            Proper behavior is preached by the Church and strictly enforced by the elders; men and women are kept strictly apart until ready to marry unless absolutely necessary (see The Dragon), and then only if accompanied by a chaperon. Any unchaperoned, unmarried youth in the company of the opposite sex is considered to be disgraceful and likely of loose morals. This makes mixed foreign parties traveling together the object of much derision. However, work is not divided by sex, but by rank.
            Looking deeper into this custom, there proves to be a biological reason behind it. In the Moonsea alone, unmarried adults suffer a strange affliction - at prolonged exposure to the opposite sex, they go into heat. This is known as "the Dragon."

"The Dragon"
            The reason for the strict separation of men and women is biological: among the Moonseafolk, a woman who becomes enamoured of a man goes into heat at their first sexual contact. This, in turn, sends all nearby eligible men into heat, resulting in vicious fights as they vie for the woman's favor. While in heat, the woman is fully capable of throwing over her first choice of suitor in favor of one who proves more powerful, transferring her affections onto him. Because of this, couples are expected to wait with any sexual behavior until married. After the marriage ceremony, they are then left alone under the guard of married couples, who aren't subject to the call of 'the Dragon.'
            Being in heat is known as being 'ridden by the dragon,' and the dragon is not appeased (or 'tamed') until dominance or submission in the relationship has been established. This need not be violent, but often is, and many couples carry scars from their courtship. Defeating their mate's dragon with a display of dominance isn't a permanent solution; challenges to their authority will continue at any sign of weakness until the first child is conceived, at which point the couple settles down into their arranged roles.
            There is invariably a dominant and a submissive partner in the marriage (due to 'taming the dragon,' see above); the dominant one is expected to make all the important decisions for the family and defend them from outsiders, while the submissive one does as the dominant partner sees best to support the family. Naturally, all foreigners are privy to seeing are men brawling to the point of leaving bodies on the ground, or men and women fighting like cats and dogs when they aren't sequestered away, even as the older, married folk give the intruders the infamous Mooneye fish-eye and bristle, or the cold shoulder if they're of mixed sexes and unmarried - all without explanation. "Mind yourself" is a frequent utterance in the cities, where foreigners are tolerated only for the goods they bring.
            Only natives are affected by the Dragon, but outlanders who don't follow the custom considered shalavas and whoremongers). Dragon-fed brawls can lead to death.

Marriage
            Marriage is a Loviatan ceremony in which the first joint of the smallest finger of one hand is severed and consumed by one's partner, representing their union and commitment. The end is then capped, usually in metal, often iron among the peshka. Once married, a couple is fiercely committed, and are never unfaithful; they are trusted to chaperone and guard the unwed. Still, when one dies, the other remarries relatively quickly; fecundity is a tenet of their faith, and families usually have as many children as they can support; having many children is necessary due to the high mortality rate the dangers of the Moonsea present. Public displays of affection are severely restricted.
            Once married, it is considered safe to leave the couple alone with each other, as the other married folk guard them while the Dragon settles between them. Married couples are immune to the effects of the Dragon, even when their spouse is dead, though it is well seen to remarry quickly in order to provide the land with more children.

Travel
            Travel by land is very dangerous, and few are willing to risk it. All the same, there are roads in the wilderness, especially on the more tamed south shore; these are generally used by traders making their way out of the wilderness to Melvaunt, Hillsfar or Mulmaster, by adventurers and freesword companies, or by those traveling to the Galena Mountains (see The Crusade). Most travel is done only at grave need, and by sea if possible.

Politics

            Since survival of the fittest concerns the merchants and plotters along with the warlords (nobles) and warriors, the Moonsea is rife with intrigue and factions trying to gain an edge up.

Government
            The Moonsea is by no means a united nation. Rather, it is a loose collection of city-states whose only unity lies in their belief and, to a greater or lesser extent, in their allegiance to the Church. Clockwise:

• Teshwave is a military base for forces from Zhentil keep, currently ruled (nominally) by the Zhents; in reality there is no law.
• The Citadel of the Raven is a series of mountain fortresses ruled by a joint council of representatives of the Moonsea cities.
• Zhentil Keep is ruled by the Council of Lords and the Watchlord of the Council - but many say it is First Lord Manshoon of the Zhentarim who rules in truth.
• Phlan is ruled by the Council of Ten, all judges whose head is called Number One.
• Melvaunt is ruled by a Council of Lords, primarily chosen from three Great Families.
• Thentia is a city of inappropriate tolerance for outlanders, ruled by a Watchlord elected by the nobles.
• Hulburg is a ruin inhabited by fishermen, who are ruled by a local warlord.
• Sulasspryn is an abandoned ruin.
• Mulmaster is ruled by the High Blade and the Council of Blades.
• Elmwood is a corrupt village, full of heathens and even demons, but a domovoi watches over them.
• Elventree, while situated in the Moonsea region, is not considered a Moonsea city in the same sense as the rest. It is an enchanted city of forest demons ruled by none, and no Moonseafolk go there without their weapons ready.
• Hillsfar is a corrupt city, ruled by a council of men, forest demons and their misbegotten spawn.
• Yūlash is ruled by a council of noble families.

Trade
            Trade is mostly handled with barter, but the wealthy pay for what they want in coin; any country's coin will do so long as the metal weighs up right. Traders fall into two categories: those bringing raw materials/slaves to the cities, and those who sail their cargos from the northern ports to Hillsfar and Mulmaster on the south shore. The land trade is heavily curtailed due to the dangers of the wilds, and is generally confined to caravans of heavy-laden mules and well-armed traders, who move at a breakneck pace to get where they're going before trouble finds them. These tough frontiersmen/women usually strike out in the wilderness to find a lode of gems or iron ore and strike a claim, a nearly suicidal proposition in the eyes of most locals. Still, it can make the fortune of the one who finds a good lode, so despite the large number who vanish in the wilds, there are plenty who take up their picks and strike out again. The knowledge of a safe shortcut or the location of a lode is worth blood and gold to them. (In the case of slavers, they confine their prey to the refuse of society (beggars and criminals) and foreigners caught out in the wilderness (even worse).
            Naturally, the powerful in the cities have an interest in acquiring the source of so much wealth, and so there is a rough form of fiefdom in which an area that seems promising is granted to a local Lord, who in return for the relative safety of a nearby garrison taxes the miners in his domain; this also prevents claim-jumping, as the one to register their claim with the Lord has full rights to it, with the weight of soldiers behind them. Small villages often grow up around these wilderness keeps, and periodically they vanish under the onslaught of the wilderness dangers.
            The sea trade is where the real wealth lies, and those in power tax it enough to make the merchants complain, but not quite enough to keep them away. Ships carry cargos of iron, lumber, fur, gems, finished weapons (from Melvaunt) and slaves to the southern ports and return with food and processed goods such as cloth, wine and grain. Pirates prey on this heavy traffic, and ship captains are always looking for freeswords willing to hire on or pay with their passage with blood and steel.

            Crafts are are utilitarian above all, decoration taking second place. That said, though a frontier city, Melvaunt is also the origin of some of the finest weapons made by human hands, and they are coveted throughout the Heartlands. Other crafts reflect the somber spirit of the people, utilizing dark, heavy woods and thick, useful, durable items, beautiful in shape more than decoration. Decoration does exist, particularly in clothing, but tends to be understated.
            The Moonsea has no cattle, mainly farming bristly black hogs and red-eyed goats, the latter of which produces a famous, sharp cheese. Other than its fine weapons, the region is also known for its hard-hitting liquor (vodka). Vodka and strong dark beer are the drinks of choice. It's home to a horse breed originally kept by the Ride barbarians; the ill-tempered striker is huge, dark and heavy-footed, with a long muzzle and powerful legs, and they make excellent warhorses. The narrow-headed Zhentar dog is also native to the area, bred by the nobles of Zhentil Keep. The region is plagued by beasts natural and not.
            The region is notable both as the home of the Zhentarim, a power seeking to control and conquer other parts of the Realms, and for the city of Hillsfar, which is the most open city of the Moonsea and the meeting ground between elves and humans for trade and diplomatic dealings.

Organizations

• The Church
  The Church is a unification of the six churches of Bane, Bhaal, Loviatar, Myrkul, Shar and Talona, and there are many orders within it, including the Deathdealers and, nominally, the Brotherhood of the Cloak.

• The Zhentarim
              The Zhentarim, they are the ones who crusade against the infidels. What the Church teaches, they reach for - all of the world once again in the hands of the Faithful (though sometimes, unfortunately, they seem to think that the rest of the Moonsea belongs to the outlanders too!). The heretics call them the Black Network and fight them, of course, and they have a particular secret society to do so known as the Harpers.

• The Harpers
              Do you know vhy the Harpers are called so? No? There are terrible bird-women in the vilderness called harpies, and these harpies talk and talk until you suddenly realise you are being eaten when you thought the pain was just from all this intolerable harping! This is what the Harpers are like - there are swords in their vords. Do not speak with them, or you vill soon find yourself dead.

• The Brotherhood of the Cloak
              Based in Mulmaster, the Brotherhood is where all the mages that are found in the Moonsea are taken. Here they must submit to the Cloaks or die. The Brotherhood (impolitely called Naug-Adar) is supposedly under the control of the Church (specifically, the Sharrans and the Myrkulites), but their studies are so esoteric as to be incomprehensible to others, and they are said to have have much leeway. In truth, they are one third of the power structure (which also includes the nobles and the Church) in the Moonsea, and largely autonomous, despite what the Church claims. To become a Cloak is a good way for nonhumans to survive, though few rise to any great rank. (Read more about Moonsea magic here.)

Foreigners
            All foreigners are considered 'weak southerners' by default - promiscuous heathens and unclean heretics, not to be trusted unless they somehow prove themselves. This is bolstered by the existence of brothels in the Trade Wards that foreigners are confined to in the cities - they exist nowhere else due to a biological quirk among the natives (see The Dragon). Foreign women are thus all derogatively referred to as shalavas (whores), and foreign men as milksops ruled by their cowardice and animal instincts.
            Outlanders, as they're called, are considered untrustworthy and dangerous (being, after all, pawns of the enemies of mankind). As such, their presence is not looked upon favorably, and as much of the Moonsea customs and culture that Moonseafolk can hide is hidden from them. However, the Moonsea depends heavily on other nations, the Dalelands in particular, for food, so trading is not ill-seen.
            Nonhumans are perceived as boginki, evil spirits or devils, except for dwarves and gnomes, who are often taken for domovoi (unless they look or act different than such; see the Bestiary) and treated with great respect.

Magic
            Magic is a dark and mysterious thing, and only the Church can control magi - and must control them, for the good of the people. There is no mention of Mystra; magic is held to be an occult science, though there are those who murmur that sorcerors deal with demons to receive their powers (that could well be Mystra, for them). No one wishes to upset an order that (supposedly) serves the mighty, especially if doing so might get them turned inside out. Of course, such occult knowledge makes the bearer powerful, and no one questions the powerful.
            Anyone with such talents is required to report themselves for training. Recruiters tend to find recruits at the malitva; otherwise the law is largely unenforced unless a recruiter happens to run into one. This results in a number of lawless mages in the wilds. However, those who are recruited receive training in whatever field they excel at, resulting in a wider panoply of strong powers than otherwise seen in the Heartlands; invokers and necromancers (under the auspice of the Church of Myrkul), in particular, are numerous.
            Recruits belong to the Brotherhood of the Cloak, and are taken to Sorceror's Isle on the north coast for their studies. The Brotherhood itself is based in Mulmaster, and is considered by the average Moonseaman to be a branch of the Church and under the control of the Sharrans.

Moonsea settlements

Farming
            This harrying makes farming difficult, and the farms reflect it. Fields crowd the walls of the village or city, crops are primarily tubers, and animals are brought in during the night and let out to find what food they can during the day. Cattle are unknown; livestock consists of goats, chickens and bristle-furred swine. Crops run heavily toward tubers such as potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, beets and radishes, but also include rye, rhubarb and cabbage. This diet is supplemented by whatever can be snared or fished. Hunters are greatly respected, both for bringing in the occasional deer or boar and for daring the dangerous wilderness to do so. Much food (especially grain, which the Moonsea hardly produces at all with the exception of rye) is imported, making the region heavily dependent on the Dales and the Vast; this is intolerable to the locals, and fuels their infamous hostility towards Dalesmen.

            The Citadel of the Raven is an ancient line of linked fortresses that line the Dragonspine Mountains; to the east lies the Ride, to the west the Border Forest. The Citadel is manned by the armies of the allied Moonsea cities - often by the undesirables of the various cities. However, it has a reputation for hospitality that draws in adventuring bands in the region, and sometimes they're hired to aid the defenders of the Citadel.

            Elmwood is a lush, relatively peaceful farming hamlet unlike any other in the Moonsea - as the local drinking song goes, "Elmwood is a shelter from the harsh rigors of the Moonsea. It brings healing to the spirit and rest for the body. And the serving girls are pretty and friendly!"

            Elventree is more an elven forest hamlet than a town, a place of tranquility and beauty where all who come seeking beauty and health are welcomed. Its people are so peaceful and tolerant that it's hard to believe the town to be a part of the Moonsea. It's said the community is watched over by the Harpers.

            Hillsfar is a walled city ruled by a council of Moonseamen and representatives of the Elven Court. The city is widely known for the Arena, a site for races and gladiator games; many athletes travel here to win the title of the best competitor.

            Hulburg lies below the gray barrens of Thar, a once-beautiful city smashed into desolate ruin. Now all that remains are a handful of fishers and the lord of the keep that protects them.

            Melvaunt dwells under a gray-brown cloud due to the amount of iron smelted there, and the city is renowned for its fine weapons.

            Mulmaster is nicknamed "the City of Danger," and is one of the most powerful cities in the region. The air stinks of iron smelting (though not as much as Melvaunt) and fish, and being nestled into the East Galena mountains, it's freezing cold.

            Phlan is an old city, once as powerful as Zhentil Keep and Mulmaster, but so often smashed by invaders that it's always in a state of rebuilding. The city is divided into Civilized Phlan and Old Phlan.

            Sulasspryn was the easternmost of the Moonsea settlements, but in the Year of the Mace, the earth itself opened up and swallowed the city down. Now it's a desolate, abandoned ruin shrouded in mystery, avoided even by adventurers.

            Teshwave was once the largest town in Teshendale, but the Zhentilar invaded in the Year of the Gulagoar, and the town is now little more than a garrison for their forces with most buildings lying in ruins.

            Thentia is a fiercely independent trader's city, smaller and less foul than Melvaunt. Thentians are more tolerant and liberal than other Moonseamen, and rumors hold that the only reason the city has survived for so long is that it's protected by a cabal of magi.

            Voonlar is nearby Shadowdale's chief rival, an independent town six centuries old and left more or less alone by marauders - something few Moonsea cities can claim.

            Yūlash was ruled by Zhentil Keep for centuries, but granted its freedom in the Year of the Blade. In the Year of the Wandering Maiden, the lordship was abolished in favor of rule by council.

            Zhentil Keep is one of the most powerful cities in the Moonsea, and the oldest city still standing. The huge, dark, stone city is crowded with multi-storey buildings and ruled with an iron fist, and boasts some of the largest temples in all the Realms. This is the home of the armies of the Zhentilar, and rumored to be the home of darker things.

Speaking Damaran

WHEN WRITING:
• Most 'W' sounds (NOT letters - ie. no "tovers" or "svords") should be replaced by 'V': When = vhen, one = von (no E, as it would make the O hard), but who = who because the sound is 'H', not 'W'. If at all possible, retain the original spelling of the word (when should not be 'ven,' but 'vhen;' however, 'one' cannot be changed to 'vone' as that changes the pronunciation of the word, so it must be 'von'.)
• The subject of a sentence is often spoken first. "The city, it is in great danger." "The vater, it cannot last for long."
• Native Damaran-speakers never contract their words. I'm = I am, can't = cannot, etc. Foreigners are considered to be garbling their words when they contract them.
• Moonseafolk do not, under any circumstances, use the names of their gods rudely. However, they're not opposed to using them for emphasis. ("In the name of Bane! Vhat is that?" "Vhat in Shar's name are you up to?" "Bhaal take you!")
  WHEN READING:
• Apart from indicating one's self, there is no 'I' sound. Instead they use a long 'E'; thus Ivan = eeVON. Note that the emphasis in a word is not on the first syllable, but the second.
• The 'J' sound is replaced with 'Y', or at least softened to 'Zjh' (think "Zsa-Zsa Gabor"). Julie = Yulie (You-lee), Jacob= Yakob (Yah-kob, with a soft 'ah' sound rather a hard 'A' as pronounced in English), Jarrow = Zjha-roh, Tjesnitsérs = Chyes-neet-chairts.

Glossary:

EVENTS Daernuth A day-long festival held once every 12 days, it's the only ceremony open to heathens. Offerings are accepted to spare the person from injury, ill-health and disease. The Dusking offerings to Myrkul are accepted from those who wish to appease Him or ask their forebears for wisdom The Feast of the Moon The Day of the Dead On this day the dead are celebrated. The Rising of the Dark A traditional Sharran sermon/pep talk and blood sacrifice. malitva (ma-LEET-va) Prayer ceremony that everyone attends once a tenday. Banites may also declare a malitva at any time. tjornuk (tyOR-nook) a hunting party (well, it wasn't an item...) The Rite of Pain and Purity On all four seasonal festivals, the Loviatans mortify their flesh to ease the Maiden's burden, and accept offerings to ease the pain of the faithful. ITEMS dagger The ubiquitous weapon of all classes, usually curving down to a wide base in a fang-shape - serrated if the carrier is well-off saber a slim scimitar, the typical Moonsea longsword shapka a man's fur hat with square edges and flaps that go over the ears but can be tied back; common in the Moonsea shuba a full-skirted longcoat lined with fur on the inside sorochka knee-length tunic worn under a svita, often belted with a sash svita a thick, robe-like overtunic that goes over a sorochka; can be buttoned up the front

SLANG/INSULTS Naug-Adar "devil dog(s)"; mage in the service of Bane Naug-orl "devil worm(s)"; a spy or informer to the Zhentarim pizda cunt shalava slut (derogatory for foreign women) svoloch bastard (insult) Vanka village idiot (a name used in stories) TITLES Atjets (ah-TCHETS) priest - a term of great respect boyar minor lord, essentially a mayor bugor (the) boss Chosen Chosen of the Gods / Chosen of (specific god). One who has passed the Test, in which witnesses see the Chosen's prayers answered. Cloak a mage in the service of Bane; short for The Brotherhood of the Cloak Dvor Sir, the title of a Cossack (knight) Favored One who is hopeful of passing the Test to prove themselves Chosen by the Gods. mag/maga (capitalized when addressing one) magician, witch, warlock Manakja (mahn-AHK-ya) priestess - a term of great respect Holy Master of the High Discipline a high-ranking Church official whose duty it is to administer and witness the Test of the Favored. peshka peasant Saer the common Heartlands word of polite address, esp. when rank is unknown Slon (sLOne) Bishop

A Moonsea Bestiary

The Moonshae Isles

Likeness: Avalon/Ireland and Viking Scandinavia

The Moonshae Isles are all about ancient legends
and honor.

• Cool, misty islands at the westernmost edge of the world, populated by the kingdoms of the Ffolk, ruled by the High King, and the kingdoms of the Northland vikings.
• The islands are also home to surprisingly numerous nonhumans: Elves (known as the Llewyrr) and half-elves live deep in the forests of the Ffolk, and hobbits live peacefully in their own shires alonside men. The Northlander islands boasts some few dwarves, and have a greater population of gnomes than seen anywhere else in the world.
• Highly superstitious, magic and those who wield it are held in deep suspicion by both peoples. Nonetheless, the High King is served by a council of thirteen wizards, and the mysterious isle of Flamsterd is notorious as the home of the greatest number of mages in the Heartlands.
• Rather than the normal gods, the Ffolk worship the Earthmother, and it's whispered that the forest holds cults whose worship requires blood. On the other hand, the Northlander's warlike gods require blood and death as a matter of course. Missionaries from the mainland aren't well regarded by either sort of islander.
• Bards are held in the same regard as kings among the Ffolk, and there are three Greater Bards who weave the history of the people.
• The Ffolk speak Waelan; the Northlanders speak Illuskan.

National traits: Ffolk: I've th' right o' the matter, an' no word or weapon will budge me from it. It's not true that red hair means you have a temper, an' I'll knock the head o' anyone who says otherwise! The world is turned by passion, not logic, an' you see farther with the heart than with your eyes. We were doin' fine when the strangers came, and we'll be doin' even better when they go again! Northlanders: We have no fear of death, for when we die fighting, the valkyries vill take our souls to Valhalla to fight and feast forever. Warriors do not stoop to trade with soft silver or copper; for all we have, we pay the iron price. You keep your honor and I'll keep my shield; see who's still standing in the end. Class archetypes: Barbarian - Northlander Berserker Bard - Lesser Bard, Northlander Skald Cleric - none Fighter - Knight, Raider, Sellsword Ranger - Scout, Trapper, Woodcutter Rogue - Envoy, Pirate, Raider, Trader Sorceror - Councellor's apprentice, Witch/Warlock Wizard - Councellor's apprentice, Witch/Warlock

Regional feats: Bullheaded - The islanders are well known for their stubbornness. Strong soul - Both the Ffolk and Northlanders are known for their fierce will to live. Survivor - Northlanders live on water and ice, and the Ffolk on swamp and stone. Available prestige classes for this background: Archmage (DMG pg.178) Oracle (Ffolk only, FRC pg.42, Divine Disciple) Runecaster (Northlander only, FRC pg.51) Saint (FRC pg.42, Hierophant)

            The Moonshaes are a cold, mist-cloaked cluster of rocky islands off the Sword Coast, the westernmost reach of the Heartlands. They are divided into the kingdoms of the Ffolk in the south and the realm of the sea raiding Northlanders in the north. The Ffolk speak Waelan, and the Northlanders speak a heavily accented version of Illuski.
            The Moonshaes are comparable to the isles of the English, Irish and Scottish: forested, boggy, somewhat mountainous, wet and chilly. It's a land of mists and mystic shadows; of cloud-wraiths on the purple mountains; of weird silences in the lonely hills, and fitful skies of deepest gloom alternating with gorgeous sunset splendours.
            The Ffolk are stubborn, hard-working pragmatists with a reputation for their fiery tempers, but they also love their land with ferocious devotion. They're ruled by nobles who serve a king under oath to the High King; peasants are chiefly fisher and shepherds. Oddly enough, despite their pragmatic natures the people are heavily superstitious, particularly regarding the fey. This is a land where all forces are dealt with as the supernatural, and despite the attempts of the nobility to lead the people to a more enlightened view of the world through worship of the gods, most still worship nature in the old ways, and druids are said to come and go among the people, held in deep respect and awe. Outlanders are not welcome among the Ffolk, for often they're thieves or rivals to the petty kings.
            The Northlanders are chiefly raiders, and their culture reflects it; it's shameful for a warrior to wear decoration he hasn't taken from a fallen foe. This is known as "paying the iron price." Their skalds are also respected, for these poets are all most ever know of their history and of the gods. While they are superstitious, they treat the subject of their superstitions (which center around the gods and giants, mischievous gnomes and crafty trolls) with familiarity; unlike the Ffolk, they have many tales of men dealing with the supernatural and coming out on top through their cleverness. Northlanders dwell in half-buried houses and great longhalls when they aren't off raiding.
            The usual gods of the Realms aren't worshipped on the Moonshaes; the Ffolk hold to the Earthmother, though some also make offerings to Silvanus. The Northlanders have their own odd beliefs, but do worship Auril, Chauntea, Milil, Sune, Tempus, Talos, Tyr and Umberlee.

• A vast region covered with snowy forest and the occasional cold swamp, as well as hundreds of independent communities large and small. Far to the north lie the Sea of Moving Ice and the Spine of the World.
• The North is rapidly being populated by humans, but before them the land belonged to the gnomes, the elves of the High Forest, and the hordes of goblin-kind. The human population includes the Uthgardt barbarians and the on the Sword Coast North.
• Waterdeep, the City of Splendors, is the marvel of the Heartlands and their largest city.
• Auril and Lathander are important gods of the North.
• Northerners speak Illuski.

National traits: Been there, done that. Nothing new under the sun. (Waterdeep) Keep a keen eye and your mind on your work; the orcs are always with us, and we'll deal with them. (Savage Frontier) The future is bright! (Silver Marches) Class archetypes: Barbarian - Uthgardt (FRC pg.168) Bard Cleric Fighter - Sellsword, Knight, Bandit Ranger - Scout, Trapper, Woodcutter Rogue - Pirate, Trader, Thief Sorceror Wizard Available prestige classes for this background: Arcane Trickster (gnome only, DMG pg.177) Cultist (FRC pg.43, Divine Disciple) Divine Champion (FRC pg.42) Guild Thief (FRC pg.45, ) Runecaster (Northlander/dwarf only, FRC pg.51) Thaumaturgist (DMG pg.176)

Regional feats: The High Forest: Forester Treetopper The North: Foe Hunter Saddleback Survivor Silverymoon: Blooded Education Smooth talk Survivor Waterdeep: Artist Cosmopolitan Education Smooth talk Thug

            The North is a cold, snowy frontier mainly notable for the City of Splendors, Waterdeep - the biggest city in the Heartlands and a major port. The other four things the North is known for are the city of Silverymoon, a city of learning where all manner of races meet and live peaceably, the Uthgardt barbarians who inhabit the region, the accursed Hellgate Keep, and the fact that every now and then hordes of orcs pour down from there into the more settled lands. The North is composed of several regions: Waterdeep and the Sword Coast North, the savage frontier between the Coast and the Great Sand Sea, and Evereska. The language of the North is Illuski with a heavy influence of Chondathan.
            The North is like the goldrush Klondike: all rugged mountains and virgin forests, inhabited by rough-and-tumble frontiersmen and other opportunists who never go out unarmed. They're alert, serious and self-reliant, blunt-speaking pragmatists to the core; most owe no lord fealty and are fiercely proud of it. This independent nature both produces many heroes and appeals to those who wish to avoid persecution elsewhere, and the North has a relatively relaxed attitude towards magic and mages. The men grow bushy beards, the women carry thick braids, and both wear clothes with thick fur linings. Since it's difficult, if not impossible, to tend a normal farm in the high North, most farms are only large enough to keep their homesteaders alive (farther south farming isn't such a problem). Northerners supplement their meager harvests with hunting and imported wares, making both the ports and packdog caravans of vital importance. However, the North is rich with furs, gems, ore and timber, and settlements are slowly creeping in.
            Loads are not moved by mule or horse due to the frequent blizzards that choke the ground with snow, and sleds are used only by nobles or short trips on a decent road; most wares are carried by caravans of large, thick-coated Ar-hounds with huge paws and heavy packs, while unloaded dogs break the trail ahead of their snowshoe-shod handlers. The North is also home to another breed of dog: Helmies, widely agreed to be the finest watchdogs in the Realms.
            Due to the short growing season, worship of Chauntea is lesser here than anywhere else in the Heartlands, though she is still granted prayers by the homesteaders who grow their own food. Instead Lathander takes her place as the people pray for Auril to release them into spring's embrace. Conversely, worship of Shar is greater here than anywhere else, for many things roam in the long, dark winters. Malar has a large local following for the same reason.
            The North is notable for three people in particular: Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun, Alustriel of Silverymoon and Piergieron the Paladinson, the Unmasked Lord of Waterdeep, whose father was the famous Athar the Shining Knight, the Arm of Tyr. The Blackstaff is one of the most (in)famous mages of the Realms, and actually dwells in a tower within the city of Waterdeep. Piergieron, beyond being the son of a famed hero, is the only Open Lord of Waterdeep; the rest of the Lords are anonymous, though many suspect both the Blackstaff and Mirt the Moneylender of being among them. Alustriel is the beloved ruler of Silverymoon, and one of the ancient and legendary Seven Sisters whose deeds are sung in every land.

Sembia

Likeness: Cairhien/Renaissance Italy

Show me the money.

• The richest nation in the Heartlands, it used to be forested, but all the forest has been cut down for fields. Few non-humans - and no elves, apart from one last, defiant community in the Tangled Trees.
• The Overmaster is elected by a merchant's council, and there are many noble families. The Semban crest is the raven and a stack of silver coins, in honor of Rauthauvyr the Raven, who helped found the nation and carved Rauthavyr's Road through the elven forest of Cormanthor. The elves haven't forgiven them.
• Sembans - not Sembians, though that's the term to refer to items and traits, if not people - will sell anything to anyone, and the least of them is a master of negotiation. They like to display their wealth.
• Sembia has swallowed down Moondale and turned it into their capital, Ordulin. The streets are patrolled by helms (watchmen).
• Piracy means a death sentence, as does consorting with pirates.
• Religions aren't that important to Sembans (they get in the way of doing business), and their most important god is Waukeen.
• Cormyr is a rival nation, especially for trade.
• Sembia mints its own odd-sided coins, which are used throughout the Heartlands.

National traits: Pomp and ceremony is well and good, but religion gets in the way of business. Titles and religions don't matter at the bottom line of the ledger. Unlike foreigners, we know what we want and work hard until we get it. Class archetypes: Barbarian - none Bard - minstrel, jongleur, circus performer Cleric Fighter - sellsword Rogue - Guild thief, merchant

Regional feats: Blooded Education Mercantile Background Silver Palm Twin Sword Style Available prestige classes for this background: Alchemist (FRC pg.40, Arcane Devotee) Guild Thief (FRC pg.45) Duelist (DMG pg.185)

            Sembia was once entirely forested, but is now mostly plains and grasslands due to heavy logging - an action that has set them at odds with the elves; elves are not welcome in Sembia. The land is temperate and open, much like the plains of Spain or France, though with the many noble houses and merchant lords, the politics of the region are more Italian. Sembia has absorbed part of the Dales and changed the village of Moondale to Ordulin, capital of the nation. Sembans speak Chondathan rapidly.
            Sembans, like Cormyreans, are divided by class, but in Sembia anyone who can earn a fortune can become a merchant lord. The people are haughty, sharp bargainers and ruthless negotiators - and flambuoyant swashbucklers. Cityfolk dominate Sembian life, and they all look down on the folk of other cities. They like to show off their wealth at public events, and old money carries respect. The government is a plutocracy; the people are ruled by a council of merchants with an elected Overmaster. Officially, slavery is illegal, but in practice nobles determine the law on their own estates - except for the harshly enforced law that no one may deal with pirates on pain of forfeiting their life and fortune to the state. The land is covered with nobles' estates with orchards and vineyards.
            Waukeen's is hands down the most popular faith in Sembia, as they are the official moneychangers of the Realms, incorruptable and constant.

The West is all about freedom and opportunity.

• A vast, rugged frontier of rolling plains, moors, hills and the endless open expanse of sky. The land is inhabited by humans in a few city-states and a scattering of stockaded towns. There is an enclave of elves in the Greycloak Hills.
• The Westies are primarily traders and farmers, the latter keeping large herds of cattle under the eye of the rangers who watch over them. Most rangers use intelligent and tireless collies to aid them.
• While any coin is welcome, the chief coins in use are from Waterdeep or Amn.
• Westies speak Chondathan.

National traits: This is a land where ye might make a fortune - and keep it too, if ya ken it, taxman. I suppose ye'll be movin' on now. We may bicker and feud, but when we see trouble, we know what to do with it without asking any "Lord". One man's trouble is everyone's trouble out here. Welcome, stranger, and be at rest. We've food and drink enough, and the more the merrier. Class archetypes: Barbarian - Uthgardt Cleric - preacher, missionary Fighter - mercenary, sheriff Ranger - ranger, ie. cowboy Rogue - outlaw, rustler Wizard/sorceror - Medicine man

Regional feats: Bullheaded Saddleback Survivor Available prestige classes for this background: Alchemist (FRC pg.40, Arcane Devotee) Preacher (FRC pg.45, Divine Disciple) Duelist (DMG pg.185)

            The western Heartlands are a huge, wide-open region with the High Moor separating it from the North. The west begins where the Great Desert and the Storm Horns end, bordering the Dragon Coast. The empty plains have been described as "miles and miles of miles and miles;" perhaps the most interesting features of the west are the High Moor, the Battle of the Bones, the Sword Coast and the sea itself. The High Moor is a vast, troll-infested swamp; the Battle of the Bones is a blasted land rumored to be the desolate and haunted site of some epic ancient battle. The Sword Coast reaches from the merchant nation of Amn in the south all the way to the North, a sharp line of white cliffs with few safe harbors; the coast lies on the edge of the Trackless Sea, which is said to reach to the ends of the earth. The greatest city in the west is Baldur's Gate, and the west is also notable for the fortress of Candlekeep, a library-monastery that was once the home of the famous seer Alaundo. The west is a lonely, empty, dangerous frontier, and the language of the region is Chondathan.
            The west is much like the Great Plains of the Old West in that it's both empty and inhabited by hard-bitten frontiersmen and outlaws with nowhere else to go. Westerners are friendly, independent, stubborn and proud of their ability to thrive in the wilds. Adventurers are viewed favorably, and traveling merchants are almost as popular as bards. In the wide-open stretches horse breeders and cattle drovers proliferate, and Westies characteristically wear long dustcoats and wide-brimmed hats. They're honest folk who take your word seriously, and they don't put up with spellslingers; they're nothing but trouble.

            Long, covered-wagon caravans are the rule in the west, following the main roads of the Trade Way north and south along the Coast and various smaller roads east; it isn't uncommon for caravans to leave the roads entirely and try their luck in the plains, trying to avoid bandits. Many breeds of horses thrive in the west, but the dark-coated, light-maned Wester is known for its speed and endurance, the Fordskin is a tough hauling animal, and the Balserran is a fast, gentle breed with colorful and unique coat patterns. There's also the agile, intelligent and seemingly tireless collie dog, a pack of which often accompanies the range-riders.
            Chauntea is popular here as everywhere, and other widespread religions include those of Tymora, Waukeen, Gond and Ilmater - and, thanks to the violent storms that sometimes wreak havoc in the region, Talos.