Dalelands

The Dalelands is a region neighbored by the kingdom of Cormyr to the southwest, the nation of Sembia to the south, the forest of Cormanthor to the northeast and the Anauroch desert (over the Desertsmouth Mountains) to the northwest. It is most famous for being the home of the wizard Elminster.

Some say Dalelanders originally came from the Great Dale. Each Dale, of which there are currently eleven, is an independent territory with its own unique government, military, industry and culture.

Archendale
Archendale is an autocracy, as well as the strongest military power in the Dales.

Battledale
Throughout history, Battledale has been the scene of most of the grandest battles in the Dalelands (hence the name).

Daggerdale
For a long time, Daggerdale has been occupied by or at war with Zhentarim agents of Zhentil Keep. Its original name some centuries ago was Merrydale and it was famed for the hospitality of its inhabitants. After an outbreak of vampirism the dale lost its friendliness and eventually took the translation of the original dwarven name of the valley as its name.

Deepingdale
Deepingdale is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is named after the Deeping Princess, an elf-maiden who married a human and led many humans and half-elves to settle here, far from prejudices of gold elves.

Featherdale
As one of the smallest dales, Featherdale has never been involved in the big struggles of some of the other dales, as such it is a peaceful place.

Freedale
Little known and far from other towns, Freedale remains a busy place. Elves traveling west often stop in Freedale for supplies, as do other travelers from the east. Freedale is also a stop for those traveling up or down the River Ashaba, docking their boats or barges at the wharfs south of town.

Harrowdale
The oldest of the current dales. Formerly known as Velardale.

High Dale
The High Dale lies at a strategic pass over the Thunder Peaks.

Mistledale
With fertile lands and protected from dangers by surrounding dales, Mistledale is a pleasant place to live.

Moondale
This dale no longer exists. Its people joined Sembia as the city of Ordulin.

Scardale
Named after a canyon known as the Scar, the legendary site of the battle between elven god Corellon Larethian and orc god Gruumsh.

Sessrendale
This dale was destroyed by army of Archendale in 1232 DR who then salted the earth to prevent resettlement.

Shadowdale
Shadowdale is the most famous of the Dales, and is known as the home of the archmage Elminster. Through its history, Shadowdale has battled both drow and Zhentarim invasions. What Shadowdale lacks in numbers, it makes up by the strength of its inhabitants, including some retired adventurers.

Tarkhaldale
Also known as the Lost Vale, Tarkhaldale is home of the saurials.

Tasseldale
Tasseldale lies close to, and is heavily influenced by, Sembia.

Teshendale
The northernmost of all the dales, Teshendale lies near the Moonsea. It was invaded by orcs working for the Zhentarim in 1316 DR.