Toril
Background
Toril (short for Abeir-Toril) is the central world of the Forgotten Realms setting, located in Realmspace within the Material Plane. It’s a diverse and vibrant planet teeming with civilizations, magic, and adventure.
Major Continents
Faerûn
Overview: The most well-known and extensively detailed continent. Faerûn is the setting for most Forgotten Realms campaigns.
Geography: Diverse terrains include mountains, deserts, swamps, forests, tundras, and bustling cities.
Regions:
Cultures: Varied, ranging from cosmopolitan cities to nomadic tribes.
Races: Humans, elves, dwarves, halflings, orcs, and countless other races populate Faerûn.
Kara-Tur
Overview: Located east of Faerûn, Kara-Tur is inspired by East Asian cultures.
Geography: A mix of sweeping plains, mountain ranges, lush jungles, and coastal cities.
Cultures: Influenced by ancient China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian traditions.
- Notable Regions:
- Shou Lung: A vast empire resembling Imperial China.
- Wa: An isolationist island nation similar to feudal Japan.
- Tabot: A land of monasteries and spiritual learning, akin to Tibet.
Unique Features: Martial arts traditions, powerful bureaucracies, and mystical philosophies shape Kara-Tur.
Maztica
Overview: A continent southwest of Faerûn, Maztica is inspired by Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs and Mayans.
Geography: Tropical jungles, vast mountain ranges, and sprawling plains.
Cultures: Dominated by empires with strong religious ties to gods, ritual practices, and warrior traditions.
Notable Features: The worship of gods like Qotal (feathered serpent) and Zaltec (god of war and sacrifice) play a central role.
Colonial Influence: Amn and other Faerûnian powers have explored and sought to exploit Maztica's resources.
Zakhara
Overview: South of Faerûn, Zakhara is the setting for the Al-Qadim campaign, inspired by Arabian Nights tales.
Geography: Vast deserts, lush river valleys, and coastal cities.
Cultures: Centered on honor, hospitality, and enlightenment, blending Arabian folklore with high fantasy.
- Notable Features:
- Cities of Golden Huzuz (City of Delights), Ajayib, and Kadar.
- Genies, magical carpets, and sand-swallowed ruins are iconic elements.
Anchorome
Overview: A largely unexplored landmass northwest of Maztica.
Geography: A mix of forests, plains, and uncharted wilderness.
Details: Little is known beyond rumors of native civilizations and natural wonders.
Osse
Overview: A mysterious, isolated continent far to the southeast.
Geography: Said to feature lush forests, deserts, and magical wildlife.
Cultural Influence: Inspired by Australian Aboriginal mythology, Osse is rarely visited by outsiders.
Laerakond (Returned Abeir)
Overview: A continent from the twin world Abeir, temporarily merged with Toril during the Spellplague.
Geography: Untamed wilderness, jagged mountains, and ancient dragon-ruled lands.
Unique Features: Dominated by dragon overlords and primal magic.
Other Landmasses and Regions
- The Shining South: A region of Faerûn featuring Halruaa, known for magic-rich societies and flying ships.
- The Great Glacier: A massive frozen wasteland north of Faerûn.
- Evermeet: A mythical elven island located in the far west, considered a sacred land for elves.
Interactive Research Library for The Chaos Bringer - a Baldur's Gate 3 Fan Fiction
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