The Moonsea North was the name given to the region of the Moonsea, along the northern coast of the sea after which it was named, and the wild, untamed lands further north.[1] During the early years of the Era of Upheaval, it famously became associated with the Zhents,[7] partially coming under their control from their seat of power in Zhentil Keep.[2]
Description[]
Much of the Moonsea North was considered to be a uncivilized and uncharted wilderness,[4][8] devoid of civilization but rife with natural resources ready for the seizing.[9]
Geography[]
The region of the Moonsea North was difficult to define with complete accuracy. Some used the term to describe the coastal lands directly north of the Moonsea proper,[10] while some sages such as Elminster used the term synonymously with the region of the Wide.[note 1][11] while some cartographers included the Tortured Land, and the lands around the Abbey Mountains north to the Great Glacier.[1][12]
Geographical Features[]
The Moonsea North circa 1480 DR (north oriented to the left)
The Moonsea North was marked by four massive mountain ranges, the Abbey Mountains in the north, the White Peaks the western arm of the Galenas across its center, and the Dragonspine Mountains towards the south.[1]
While there were many far-reaching rivers and lakes that formed in the Moonsea North, a few were particularly notable and worth mentioning. The Shattersoul River formed from the Great Glacier, joining with the west-flowing River Pelauvir. Telstang Brook and Razack's Tears flowed down from the Galena and Dragonspine peaks respectively, forming Lake Longreach in between the two mountain ranges.[1]
While a portion Border Forest marked the western border of the region, and the Frozen Forest well beyond to the north, the smaller Quivering Forest and Vercy Wood were entirely contained within the seldom-encountered verdant areas of the Moonsea North.[1]
The Twilight Marsh was situated on the northern shore of the Moonsea Lake, adjacent to the Quivering Forest.[1]
Government[]
While there was no central government in the Moonsea North, the city-state of Zhentil Keep held great power and influence over a portion of the region,[9][2] until its destruction in the 15th century DR.[13] Other powers included the cities situated on the northern shore of Moonsea lake,[1] lesser states like Phlan[14] and Melvaunt, that came under the influence of the returned empire of Netheril or restored city of Myth Drannor.[13]
Trade[]
The Moonsea North was known to be rich with veins of naturally-occurring metals, and was a source of wealth for the powers of Zhentil Keep.[9] Caravans passing through the Moonsea North were often granted extra protection from the hazards they may face.[8]
During the 14th century DR, Zhent forces famously sought to link their mercantile interests in the region with their holdings on the Sword Coast North, gaining dominance over two frontiers in with natural resources were plentiful.[7]
Society[]
Fitting to its natural landscape that attracted many explorers and pioneers, numerous shrines to Shaundakul have been built by his church throughout its lands over the course of many centuries.[4]
History[]
The history of the Moonsea North predated the recorded history of its human residents.[11]
For a time circa the 3rd century DR, the Moonsea North experienced years of peace it was watched over by the Three Peoples of elves, dwarves, and humans.[3]
In the late 13th century DR the explorer Tal Lancegrove famously made journeys into the Moonsea North and detailed his exploits in a diaries that were later published by his daughter Tarteera.[15]
Notable Locations[]
Settlements[]
- Melvaunt, a powerful mercantile city-state nestled on the northern coast of the Moonsea.[1][13]
- Phlan, the smallest of the three coastal Realms of the Moonsea North.[13]
- Zhentil Keep, an infamous city long-associated with the Zhentarim spanning the River Tesh,[2] that was brought to ruin twice in its history.[14]
Landmarks[]
Castle Vathar • Citadel Ankhalus • Citadel of the Raven • Monument of the Ancients • Myth Ondath
Inhabitants[]
Many dwarven communities built their fortified holds in the lands of the Moonsea North, often sharing their homes with their human neighbors.[16] Other races that famously dwelled in the region included the goblinoid races, orcs,[6] and the Ogres of Thar.[5]
Notable Inhabitants[]
- Ragflaconshen, the red wyrm once claimed a region of the Moonsea North as its domain from its lair in the Abbey Mountains.[12]
Appendix[]
See Also[]
Notes[]
- ↑ According to page 16 of Ruins of Zhentil Keep and page 154 of Mysteries of the Moonsea, the Moonsea North was home to an ancient human kingdom whose descendants made up the barbarian population of the Ride.
Appearances[]
- Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
- Tyranny of Dragons (Defiance in Phlan)
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Brian R. James and Matt James (September 2009). “Monument of the Ancients”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dungeon #170 (Wizards of the Coast) (170)., p. 56.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 120. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ed Greenwood (October 1990). Dwarves Deep. (TSR, Inc.), p. 63. ISBN 0-88038-880-3.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 143. ISBN 978-0786903849.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Kevin Melka, John Terra (March 1995). “Campaign Book”. In Julia Martin ed. Ruins of Zhentil Keep (TSR, Inc.), p. 17. ISBN 0-7869-0109-8.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Richard Baker, Ed Bonny, Travis Stout (February 2005). Lost Empires of Faerûn. Edited by Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 105. ISBN 0-7869-3654-1.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ed Greenwood (September 1993). The Code of the Harpers. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 34. ISBN 1-56076-644-1.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 144. ISBN 978-0786903849.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Kevin Melka, John Terra (March 1995). “Campaign Book”. In Julia Martin ed. Ruins of Zhentil Keep (TSR, Inc.), p. 7. ISBN 0-7869-0109-8.
- ↑ Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 130. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Kevin Melka, John Terra (March 1995). “Campaign Book”. In Julia Martin ed. Ruins of Zhentil Keep (TSR, Inc.), p. 16. ISBN 0-7869-0109-8.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Eric L. Boyd, Eytan Bernstein (August 2006). Dragons of Faerûn. Edited by Beth Griese, Cindi Rice, Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 154. ISBN 0-7869-3923-0.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 150. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 12. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 21. ISBN 0786960345.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 1990). Dwarves Deep. (TSR, Inc.), p. 61. ISBN 0-88038-880-3.