Spelljammer in the Realms

Spelljammer is a D&D campaign setting that mixes fantasy elements (elves, dwarves, ships, catapults, magic, and the like) in a space setting. Officially cancelled in 1993, it is rumored to be one of the new campaign settings in 4E.

Geography

 * Main article: Realmspace

The Forgotten Realms world of Abeir-Toril is but one of several other worlds in the Realmspace crystal sphere. To the natives of Faerun, the wildspace above their heads is known as the Sea of Night. The two closest worlds to the sun in the middle of Realmspace are known as the Dawn Heralds, and they are barely visible only at sunset or sunrise. Beyond Abeir-Toril further out in the crystal sphere are the Five Wanderers, five worlds which flow through star-rivers in an uneven course through wildspace. Some of these worlds are inhabited by humans, dwarves, and orcs, but also more sinister races such as illithids and beholders.

History
Exactly when the natives of Abeir-Toril began to traverse wildspace is unknown, though it dates back to at least the era of Cormanthyr. The elves have always been known to have a strong presence in wildspace.

Miirphys Irithyl (reign -1338 to -791 DR), an early coronal of the elven nation of Cormanthyr, was a supporter of the elven high mages desire to launch more spelljammer ships. The High Magic elaorman ritual was often used in the construction of the elven crystalline spelljammer ships, and was a requirement in the construction of the Monarch spelljammer ships.

The reason that the elven high mages were so keen on creating more spelljammer ships was in order to counter the Netherese expansion into wildspace. The Netherese had been dabbling and exploring Realmspace for a while. The elves suspect that the Netherese discovered the magic of spelljamming as early as -1114 DR, though in truth it was much earlier since the epic spell Proctiv’s breach crystal sphere was created in 1808 NY (-2051 DR). However, it wasn't until 2795 NY (-1064 DR) that the Netherese officially launched themselves into wildspace with serious intent. . They found it to be an abundant source of wealth.

However, the Netherese also found the expense of maintaining the docking stations and spelljammer ships too high, and the danger too great, and they stopped all spelljamming activity in 2895 NY. The Elven Imperial Navy (a conglomeration of elven interests in space, much bigger in scope than just Cormanthyr's spacefaring) is said to have constantly harried the Netherese as well.

Current Events
The elves of Evermeet are said to have a half-dozen spelljammer ships hidden in their Sumbrar fortress. The Starwing (Ruathimaer) ships that Evermeet employs are similar to the traditional eleven Man-o-War spelljammer vessels.

However, the real spelljammer powers on Toril are in Kara-Tur. Both the nation of Shou Lung and Wa are active in spelljamming, and is thus the area most visited by spelljamming traders. These nations are also known for creating very unique (and in some cases incredibly large and powerful) spelljamming ships.

Other Sources

 * Forgotten Realms Accessory: Gold & Glory mentions Code Helm, Emerald Brotherhood, The Enforcers and The Gauntlet. Four mercenary groups found in Realmspace.


 * Dungeon Crawl: Undermountain--Stardock is an adventure that starts in the tunnels below Waterdeep and then takes the players through a portal to one of the Tears of Selune called Stardock.