The Sword Coast
ah, the sword coast. a beautiful country that stretches from the frozen fortress town of Coldhearth, all the way south to the sunny city of Baldurs gate and the twisting towers of candlekeep. the sword coast, thanks in large part to Roseport, is one of the most populous countries in the entirety of faerun. despite its vibrant cities, the sword coast is still a land of adventure, with massive tracts of wilderness interspacing the settlements of the region, and danger around every corner. despite the dangers, the sword coast is a rich and vibrant land filled with history, and if youre interested, thriving trade.
the sword coast, is, depending on who you ask, either ruled or organized by the valiant lords alliance. some have compared it to the throne hold accords and tribunal in the far west of ebberon, and while there is truth there, it is not wholly correct. while the lords alliance is in part a non aggression pact, unlike the throne hold treaties the lord alliance is an actual living, breathing organization, with agents and leaders and many, many secretaries and messengers. the lords alliance encourages not only not killing each other over petty land disputes, but also trade and mutual protection.
Structure
there is a certain irony in the sword coast, that one can feel growing stronger as you go further north. every town and city considers themselves to be a mystical "free city", where one is free to do as they please without some sort of king leering over their shoulders such as in cormyr or thay. this idea of course lives comfortably in their minds next to the fact that they swear fealty to the lords alliance. arisen
hierarchiesadventurers
Culture
the sword coasts culture is much like its people: vibrant, but tough. thanks to the large population and overall freedom of religion, nearly everyday is some sort of holiday or festival in the major cities. major trade ports allow for the flow of exotic foods and clothes being enjoyed throughout the sword coast. theater is plentiful, with tableaux's (historical scenes) and what locals call "good ole plays", a mix of political commentary and humor, being the most popular, although more common acts such as magicians, bards, and dancers are all still appreciated.
Foreign Relations
many outsiders view the sword coast as a great sleeping bear, something to appease and avoid the ire of. in reality, it might be better to think of the sword coast like an adventurer for hire (plus, better to save the bear comparison for Kislev). tough, but amicable, the sword coast maintains good relations with almost the entirety of faerun due to thriving trade routes and mutual protection in times of trouble. try to mess with the sword coasters though, and you'll find the forces of the lords alliance and roseports griffin cavalry crashing through your walls faster than a knife goes through your throat. gold and treaties in one hand, a sword in the other.
largelyassassinationassassination
unfortunatelycorsairsindependent
“Every realm has a frontier, no matter how crowded or civilized”
“As goes Roseport, so goes the North”
“the blade is faster than the Art”
-common phrases and adages in the sword coast
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Market economy
Major Exports
Ale, arms, cloth, fish, furnishings, leather goods, mercenaries, pottery, refined metals, and all other sorts of finished goods
Major Imports
Grain, livestock, leather, ore, and exotic goods from other lands
Notable Members
