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The Moonshae Isles (pronounced: /ˈmnʃMOON-shay[9]) were a collection of islands located west of the Sword Coast where the waters of the Sea of Swords gave way to the Trackless Sea.[10][11][12] They were sometimes called "the jewels on the hilts of the Sea of Swords".[13] The Moonshaes had strong connections to the Feywild.[14]

My journeys to the Moonshaes linger as some of the more fascinating voyages that I have experienced, in a life not entirely devoid of fascination. These isles, so placid and pastoral on the surface, proved to be nests of tension and conflict. I must confess to some surprise as I began to perceive the true capabilities of the peoples of the Moonshaes.
— Elminster Aumar, Travels Along the Sword Coast.[15]

Geography[]

Adventurers survey the beauty of the Moonshae landscape.

Adventurers survey the beauty of the Moonshae landscape.

By the standards of most realms in Faerûn, even the civilized parts of the Moonshae Isles felt untamed and wild. The land was famed for its dark forests, towering mountains, and ancient standing stones. The seas, straights, and channels separating the major and minor islands were treacherous, and served to keep the islands isolated.[16][17][18] There were said to be dozens if not hundreds of islands in the archipelago, even the smallest of which often boasted one or two small villages.[18][19]

Along the coasts, long flat beaches were found. Most lacked sand, and instead comprised pebbles and rocks. Tides were significant among the islands. At low tide, the beaches could be exposed as much as a quarter mile (400 meters) from the waterline. At high tide, the water line could rise up to 10 feet (3 meters). During storms, the beaches were battered by waves. The coastlines of the islands were dotted with bays and coves, where ships could find a safe harbor from the harsh northern seas.[20] The remaining coastlines were jagged rocks cloaked in mist. Tall cliffs of granite towered over the water, some up to 500 feet (150 meters) in height, capped by forests. These cliffs were worn smooth from exposure to the wind, and in the winter were covered with sheer ice.[20][21]

Further inland, stagnant saltwater marshes were usually found. These gray and desolate marches lacked trees and an odor of sulfur hung constantly in the air. Traveling in these marshes was hazardous, with about 10% of the terrain being quicksand.[20] Some of the fens and swamps in the Moonshaes rivaled those found in the jungles of Chult. These putrid and decaying swamps were filled with stagnant water. The Fens of the Fallon, on the island of Gwynneth, was likely the most dangerous area in all the Moonshaes.[22]

Freshwater streams were common on the islands. Most were shallow, reaching a maximum depth of 3 feet (91 centimeters). Most streams were not safe for boats because of rapids. The islands were home to a handful of rivers, which were deeper and calmer, and safe for boats. Ferries and bridges allowed for safe crossing.[22]

Much of the Moonshaes terrain was moorland. This rolling grassland was dotted with lakes, ponds, and swamps, but most of it was well-drained and dry. The terrain was safe and pleasant and was used as pasture for cattle and sheep.[20]

Mountains and highlands made up another sizable portion of the Moonshaes terrain. These rugged and twisted mountains were jagged and cracked from centuries of erosion. The steep mountains reached 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) in height. From autumn to early spring, heavy snow covered the highlands, only melting away completely by summer.[23]

Climate[]

Scenic shoreside cliffs of the Moonshaes.

Scenic shoreside cliffs of the Moonshaes.

The climate of the Moonshaes was considered subarctic.[24] The weather was severe and generally unpleasant, with long winters and frequent rainfall.[11][24] The southeast of the archipelago was more temperate and mild,[25] thanks in part to the northwestern isles taking much of the brunt of the mighty storms that blew in from the Trackless Sea.[26]

During the winter, biting freezing wind roared across the moorlands, as the lack of cover caused the wind to sweep uninterrupted across the exposed terrain.[20] The winter also brought storms to the islands. These storms originated in the Trackless Sea, usually striking the islands from the northwest. Storm season began in late Eleint and ended in Ches. Huge swells reaching 40 feet (12 meters) in height made the sea unnavigable during storm season.[22] However, the oceanic currents created by the meeting of the Sea of Swords and the Trackless Sea served to prevent the temperature from dropping below freezing too often.[11]

Summers tended to be quite cool, wet, and misty. The same oceanic currents that blunted the worst of winter brought a near-constant chance of rain as well as heavy fog that could blanket the whole of the isles in the mornings and evenings.[11]

Climate for the Moonshae Isles[24]
Average Temperatures
32 ℉
0 ℃

23 ℉
−5 ℃

Hammer

28 ℉
−2 ℃

Alturiak

33 ℉
1 ℃

Ches

40 ℉
4 ℃

Tarsakh

60 ℉
16 ℃

Mirtul

70 ℉
21 ℃

Kythorn

76 ℉
24 ℃

Flamerule

75 ℉
24 ℃

Eleasis

69 ℉
21 ℃

Eleint

57 ℉
14 ℃

Marpenoth

48 ℉
9 ℃

Uktar

34 ℉
1 ℃

Nightal

Average Rainfall

0.2 in
5 mm

Hammer

0.4 in
10 mm

Alturiak

3.5 in
89 mm

Ches

13.7 in
348 mm

Tarsakh

12.8 in
325 mm

Mirtul

9.4 in
239 mm

Kythorn

7.5 in
191 mm

Flamerule

20.4 in
518 mm

Eleasis

11.7 in
297 mm

Eleint

4.1 in
104 mm

Marpenoth

2.5 in
64 mm

Uktar

1.2 in
30 mm

Nightal

Average Snowfall

67 in
170 cm

Hammer

53 in
135 cm

Alturiak

39 in
99 cm

Ches

12 in
31 cm

Tarsakh

0 in
0 cm

Mirtul

0 in
0 cm

Kythorn

0 in
0 cm

Flamerule

0 in
0 cm

Eleasis

0 in
0 cm

Eleint

13 in
33 cm

Marpenoth

47 in
119 cm

Uktar

92 in
234 cm

Nightal

  • Annual rainfall: 87.4 in/2220 mm

Flora & Fauna[]

The islands were covered with thick deciduous forests of aspen, birch, hickory, maple, oak, and yew. The thick undergrowth made travel difficult unless a game trail or path was found. The plant growth was thick enough at the height of summer to block the wind, holding in the hot and humid air. During the winter, the trees dropped their leaves and the undergrowth died, making travel much easier.[10][27]

The islands were also home to forests of coniferous trees. Forests of pine, cedar, and spruce had little undergrowth and the forest ground was covered in a thick layer of needles. These forests were usually located in the higher parts of the Moonshaes. During the summer, cool wind swept through the trees, and in the winter the trees acted as a wind block.[27] Klauthgrass was a rare plant that grew in the Moonshae isles, that could be gathered only in full moon nights, and that could be mixed to drinks to obtain a potion that would force people to tell the truth.[28]

A boar surprises adventurers in the Moonshaes.

A boar surprises adventurers in the Moonshaes.

The forests of the Moonshaes were home to many animals. In the deciduous forests, smaller animals such as hares, foxes, and ground hogs made their homes. During the summer the forests were filled with insects. The coniferous forests on the other hand were home to large animals such as bears, boars, deer, and wolves with little to no insects.[27]

The saltwater marshes, fens, and swamps were home to swarms of insects. They spawned in the stagnant pools and were generally unpleasant, biting and stinging anyone who traveled the marshes. Dangerous creatures were known to inhabit the dark waters.[20][22] The freshwater lakes, rivers and streams were home to healthy populations of perch, salmon, and trout.[22]

In the highlands, marmots, mice, and foxes lived in the barren terrain.[23] Cranes, eagles, falcons, and hawks made nests in the cliffs.[23][29] Some copses of coniferous trees were found here, but usually the only plant life was hardy lichen and mosses. In some areas, vibrant wildflowers appeared for a brief period during the summer.[23]

The most monstrous of the isles' fauna were found in the remotest areas, and included dire wolves, displacer beasts, drakes, giant insects (notably giant centipedes and giant leeches), giant snapping turtles, giant weasels, griffons, harpies, hippogriffs, owlbears, perytons, poisonous toads, ropers, shambling mounds, trolls (including scrags), water weirds, and wyverns.[20][30][31][32] It was said that the largest rocs in all of Faerûn dwelt on Norland and Moray[30]

Underdark[]

The Underdark beneath the Moonshaes, which was sometimes referred to as "Deepearth", comprised a vast network of natural tunnels, shafts, and caverns. Some tunnels were filled by fast-moving saltwater rivers (as the ocean poured in) while others were dry and sometimes lit by glowing green fungi.[33][34][35] This subterranean realm spanned under the surrounding seas, connecting to Maztica in the far west[36] as well as to Faerûn in the east via remote tunnels.[34] The Underdark was most readily accessed via sea caves in the Norheim Isles[33] and through the Tunnels of Dwarvenhome.[34]

Government[]

Alicia Kendrick, High Queen of the Moonshae Isles.

Alicia Kendrick, High Queen of the Moonshae Isles.

Despite its wild and untamed reputation, the Moonshae Isles were and had long been rife with political intrigue and infighting between the various kingdoms and islands.[16][34] The land was historically divided among more than a dozen squabbling kingdoms,[37] not to mention the unaligned strongholds of dwarves and giants throughout the mountains. It was said that a claim had already been made on every corner of the vast wilderness of the islands, although this included the island's druids who served as protectors of its woodlands and had to be consulted before felling any tree.[19]

In 1371 DR, the majority of the Moonshae Isles came together to form the United Moonshae Isles under High Queen Alicia Kendrick, who ruled from the capital city of Caer Callidyrr on Alaron.[19][38] The warlords who ruled the Northlanders (who had long styled themselves as "kings") adopted a new title of "jarl" to denote their vassal status.[34][37]

By the late 15th century DR, House Kendrick remained the nominal rulers of the Moonshaes but had lost much of their control over the isles, and by 1479 DR, their kingdom only encompassed much (but not all) of the isle of Alaron. By this time, the Isle of Snowdown was controlled by the vampire Lady Erliza Daressin, who was loyal to Amn.[16][38][18] The Isle of Gwynneth was controlled by the Kingdom of Sarifal, which was ruled by High Lady Ordalf. Oman's Isle had come under the control of a tribe of fomorians who had crossed from the Feywild into the Moonshaes, and was ruled by Queen Connomae. The Isle of Moray was under the de facto control of the Black Blood tribe, a group of Malarite lycanthropes.[39]

Trade[]

Trade routes between the Moonshae Isles and toward the Sword Coast, Calimshan, and Mintarn as of the mid–14th century DR.

Trade routes between the Moonshae Isles and toward the Sword Coast, Calimshan, and Mintarn as of the mid–14th century DR.

Each kingdom of the Moonshaes, while somewhat self-sufficient, had some amount of trade with one another. Most goods traveled on ships from port to port, although some overland trade occurred between realms that shared an island. Nearly all sea trade occurred during summer, with traffic falling by half during the spring and autumn and brought to a halt by the fierce winters.[2] Even as enemies, the Ffolk and Northlanders were known to engage in commerce with each other, albeit warily.[40]

The major external trading partners of the Ffolk were Amn, Calimshan, Mintarn, Tethyr, and Waterdeep.[2] Pirates threatened the waters around the Moonshaes,[41] but the Isles benefitted from providing a relatively safer route up and down the Sword Coast as compared to sailing through the Nelanther Isles, thus making Ffolk ports a common stopover between the North and Calimshan.[42] Caer Callidyrr, with its sprawling and accessible port, was the main commerce and trading hub of the Moonshaes. Merchants from all over Toril could be encountered here. Exported goods bound for Waterdeep or Calimshan were shipped from the city, and imports from outside were brought in.[2] The Moonshaes were one of the few lands where ships from Evermeet were known to call.[43]

Waterdhavian merchants sought to trade cloth, oil, or spice for high-quality steel crafted by the Ffolk. Some Waterdhavians also stopped in the ports of the Northlanders, who mostly otherwise traded with Ruathym. The Northmen traded slaves and Ffolk weapons for alcohol, cloth, gold, and oil. Calishite merchants brought horses, parchment, silks, and spices to the Isles in their galleons. These southern merchants sought fur, metals, weapons, and timber, which was in especially high demand from the islands as it was the only easily accessible location for the large trees required to build Caleshite galleons. Some Calishite merchants also sailed the extra week to trade in the ports on Corwell or Moray. Tarnian shipbuilders from Mintarn, an island that had exhausted its supply of timber, were a frequent sight in Caer Callidyrr, where they would arrive by ship to sail home with enough raw materials to build another ship.[2] Amnian merchants aspired to dominate the isles and exploit their natural resources,[44] and the inhabitants of the Moonshaes were wary of cold-hearted merchants who sought only to pillage their islands for financial gain.[16]

Moonshavian merchants brought ale and livestock from Corwell, and coral and iron ore from Moray, to Caer Callidyrr to be traded for high-quality weapons.[2] By the late 14th century DR, the Moonshae had an established gold mining and minting. The Moonshae gold had a unique telltale tint – rose, the shade found nowhere else in the Realms. Occasionally, the Moonshae gold was used to create enchanted jewelry that could be found as far as the mage nation of Halruaa. However, Moonshae gold was considered to be of lesser quality than gold jewelry of Halruaa.[7]

Coinage[]

Gold coins were minted at Caer Callidyrr, stamped with an image of a castle on one side and of the High King's silhouette on the other.[45] As of the late 15th century DR, Amnian businesses and immigrants had gained increasing influence across the Isles,[18] and Amnian gold pieces (referred to as thalers) had become common in circulation.[46] At the same time, the fey of Gwynneth had begun minting gold pieces that were acceptable for doing business beyond their borders, although Moonshae merchants expressed suspicion when handed such coins.[47]

Inhabitants[]

The Moonshae Isles were populated mainly by humans, who far outnumbered the various other races.[1][48] These humans were split between the Ffolk and the Northlanders, two societies which had been rivals and enemies for centuries. During the 15th century DR, these two groups intermarried and became more culturally unified.[16] They came to see themselves as complementary stewards of their home, with the Ffolk venerating the land and the Northlanders revering the sea. The bulk of the human population resided on the eastern island of Alaron.[18]

The islands' inhabitants were known to be both physically and spiritually stubborn.[49] Large settlements were rare, and most Moonshavians lived in isolated villages separated by large stretches of harsh landscapes,[18][19] which often instilled a strong sense of self-reliance and independence in the people. This in turn made them readily suited to life as adventurers should the need arise,[18] with many such Moonshavians favoring the professions of barbarian, bard, druid, or rogue.[50] Both the Ffolk and the Northlanders were skeptical of arcane magic and suspicious of its practitioners, making wizards fairly rare across the isles.[51]

Ffolk[]

Main article: Ffolk

The lands of the Ffolk were traditionally those of the southern islands.[21] They were skilled at farming, fishing, and hunting. They were also adept traders. While they were more peaceful than the Northlanders, they were still a strong and hardy folk capable of defending themselves.[52]

A Ffolk and a Northlander.

A Ffolk and a Northlander.

Northlanders[]

Main article: Northlander

The Northlanders traditionally claimed the northern isles,[21] and were a warrior society ruled by warlord kings. Adventure and combat were an essential part of life for them. Pillaging each other and Ffolk settlements was a regular occurrence. Both the Ffolk and Northlanders were skilled mariners.[52]

Elves[]

The original elves of the isles were the Llewyrr, who lived in isolation in their valley of Synnoria on the island of Gwynneth.[53][54] The same isle also came to be home to avariel, green elves, and wood elves,[31][54] as well as drow in the Underdark.[55] Elven and half-elven sailors were known to ply the northern seas,[48] and a number of elves from the mainland resided on the isles of Highport and Ventris in the Korinn Archipelago.[56][57]

Fey[]

Fey creatures ranging from playful to sinister called the Moonshaes home,[11] especially in the 15th century DR when the barrier between the isles and the Feywild weakened severely. This led to an influx of fey, notably including centaurs, dryads, eldarin, hags, hamadryads, leprechauns, nixies, nymphs, pixies, pseudodragons, satyrs, sprites, and sylphs.[20][16][54][23][58] These fey were most commonly found in the realm of Sarifal on Gwynneth and in the Dernall Forest of Alaron. Outside these realms, such fey were known to casually engage with the civilized parts of the Moonshaes.[16]

Gnomes were often regarded as fey within the Moonshae Isles.[46] Many hailed from the Llyrath Forest on Gwynneth[32] or resided on the isle of Chadwick in the Korinn Archipelago.[57] The few gnomes found living among the humans were generally crafters.[48] The most mischievous or adventure-seeking gnomes were sometimes dubbed "fastpaws".[59]

As the power of the Feywild continued to encroach on the Moonshaes, fey-touched creatures also became more common,[16] as well as so-called "fey-cursed" individuals: non-fey Moonshavians who suffered strange visions, bouts of amnesia, and sometimes otherworldly physical changes, all of which often led them to lives of isolation as their friends and family were driven away.[60]

Dwarves[]

Like the Llewyrr, dwarves had inhabited the Isles since before the arrival of humans,[61][62] but were far outnumbered by the 14th century DR.[1][48] The shield dwarves of the isles were known for their crafting[48] and their warlike culture. They lived mostly in isolated holdings scattered around the isles,[62] the most notable of which was Highhome on Gwynneth[63] and subsequently the Fairheight Range of Alaron.[64] Aside from shield dwarves, Gwynneth was also home to savage tribes of "Greenbeards"[59] and the South Jotunhammer Mountains of Norland were home to duergar.[65] A number of dwarves from the mainland dwelt in Gnarhelm[66] and on the isle of Ventris in the Korinn Archipelago.[57]

Halflings[]

Halflings also predated humans in the Moonshaes[61] and legends claimed they had shared roots with the original fey inhabitants.[67] They were famed as merchants, and could generally be found living and doing business nearby to anywhere that the Ffolk had settled.[48][62] Among the Northlanders, they had notable communities in the Korinn Archipelago on the isles of Caftenor and Ventris.[56][57]

Lycanthropes[]

The Moonshaes had long been a breeding ground for lycanthropes.[68] Werecreatures and shifters could be found in wild regions of Alaron, Gwynneth, and Moray,[39][69][70][71] most notably swanmays near freshwater streams and lakes, wererats in the marshes, and werewolvess in the moors and highlands.[20][23] Following the events of the Spellplague, the island of Moray came under the sway of the Black Blood tribe, who worshiped the Beastlord Malar and consisted of native Faerûnian were-creatures as well as some that had crossed over from Brokenstone Vale in the Feywild. They were the most destructive force on the island, frequently attacking its settlements[39] and occasionally launching raids on other islands as well.[71]

Giants[]

The giants of the Moonshaes found thrill in battle and nursed generations-old grudges.[16] The most notable were the firbolgs, who lived across many of the isles and were ancient enemies of most other groups. They lived in remote areas but would occasionally muster raiding parties to threaten nearby settlements.[72] Owing to a long history of lost wars, lack of leadership, and cruel enslavement by fomorians, the firbolgs of the Moonshaes were more brutish than those of other realms across the sea.[34] Ettins competed for hunting grounds with the firbolgs.[32]

While somewhat few in number, fire, frost, and hill giants made their homes across the isles (especially on Oman), and claimed thousands of years of heritage within the mountains. They rarely interacted directly with humanoids, preferring instead to use firbolgs or goliaths as intermediaries, who often served the greater giants out of fear.[58] Frost giant tribes in the mountains on Norland were respected and revered by the local Northlanders.[73]

Fomorians of Vor Thomil loyal to Queen Connomae conquered the island of Oman just prior to the Spellplague. The formorians came to be loosely allied with the Black Blood tribe.[39] Other groups of fomorians came to occupy the Underdark beneath Gwynneth.[59][74]

Orcs[]

Orcs could most commonly be found in the mountainous parts of the Moonshaes, mostly among the northern isles[30] and on Oman and Moray.[65][75] Notably, they had been largely wiped out around settled areas by the Northlanders on Norland[73] and by the Ffolk on Snowdown.[76] Half-orcs could be found in towns all throughout the isles,[77] with a notable community on Dennik,[57] and could be found on crews sailing the northern seas.[48]

Dragons[]

Blue and white dragons made their homes in the mountains of Norland[73][78] and several young dragons were known to lair on the isle of Dragonhome.[79] Song dragons, also known as weredragons, were common in the Moonshaes, and their prevalence caused some researchers to theorize that they originated there.[80] The Cult of the Dragon had cells within the Moonshaes, and several dragons as well as dracoliches of the Cult were known to be active in the Isles.[81]

Notable dragons included the legendary white dragon Arveiaturace, who claimed many of the northern isles as part of her territory and inspired terror and a desire to be rid of her among the populace;[82] the blue dracolich Canthraxis, who laired on Snowdown;[83] the bronze dragon Ilimalaaros the "Errant";[84] the green dracolich Ividilandyr the "Ivy Deadthdealer";[85] the bronze dragon Nymmurh, the "Wyrm Who Watches", who dwelt in the most inaccessible peaks of Alaron;[86] the green dragon Velora "The Poisonous";[87] and the green dragon Ylithargathril the "Talon Greenstrike".[88]

Other[]

Beholders were known to make their lairs in remote parts of the isles;[30] bestial centaurs could be encountered across the moors and forests, especially in the Myrloch Vale;[23][89] goblins could be found throughout the northern islands,[30] notably on Tetris;[57] lizardfolk inhabited the darkest swamps, particularly the Breasal Marsh on Moray;[30][75] and sahuagin occasionally terrorized coastal settlements, and resided in the underwater city of Kressilacc.[30][90]

Religion[]

The three mortal servants of the : the , the , and .

The three mortal servants of the Earthmother: the Leviathan, the Unicorn, and The Pack.

The Earthmother was worshiped exclusively by the Ffolk of the Moonshae Isles. Rather than clerics, she was venerated by druids at sacred pools known as moonwells. She was widely believed to be an aspect of the deity Chauntea, however this view was not shared by many of the Ffolk.[40][91][92] The isles were one of the greatest centers of druidic power in all of Faerûn,[93] although the druids of the Moonshaes considered themselves largely distinct from the druids of the mainland.[94] The only other god known to be acknowledged by the druids of the Moonshaes was Silvanus.[95] Other gods who gained footholds among the Ffolk included Helm, Selene, and Talos.[96]

In the 14th century DR, Northlanders primarily worshiped a storm-themed aspect of Tempus who drove them to raid and plunder their neighbors.[94] They also worshiped the Auril and Umberlee, and some were also known to venerate Valkur. The worship of these gods was often little more than cursory for the Northlanders and dependent upon whether or not they were residing in the god's sphere of influence.[40][97] The Northlander faith expanded in the 15th century, introducing the deity Talos to their pantheon and giving Valkur much more prominence. The latter became viewed as the most important among the gods, embodying the qualities the Northlanders valued most in life.[98]

Starting around 1256 DR, clerics from various faiths began visiting the Isles, with the goal of converting the islanders to their faith and establishing churches. The reactions of the islanders were mixed, with the Northlanders killing the clerics while the Ffolk generally considered the clerics harmless and a source of entertainment. The foreign clerics successfully converted a handful of Ffolk, but the vast majority of the Ffolk remained faithful to their traditional religion.[40]

In 1358 DR, during the Time of Troubles, Bhaal was banished from the Moonshaes.[99] In 1359 DR, priests of the Risen Cult of Bane led by the cleric Gauntather began establishing themselves on the Moonshae Isles. Their goal was to transform the islands into kingdom led by the Cult.[100]

Worship of Yondalla, who was known locally as Perissa, was common among the halflings who inhabited the Moonshaes.[101]

Grond Peaksmasher, patron demigod of the firbolgs of the Moonshae Isles.

Grond Peaksmasher, patron demigod of the firbolgs of the Moonshae Isles.

The firbolgs of the Moonshaes worshiped the demigod Grond Peaksmasher, thought by religious scholars to be the son of Hiatea.[102] While in truth the firbolgs were descendants of Othea and Ulutiu,[103] the firbolgs of the Moonshaes believed that Grond carved them from stone and that the dwarves were the result of the "leftovers" of this process.[102] Before Grond was reawakened, many of the firbolgs of the Isles were ruled by Kazgaroth, an aspect of Malar,[104] while others venerated the Earthmother.[105]

Worship of Malar was popular among the lycanthropes of the isles in the late 15th century DR.[44] The druids of the Earthmother and Silvanus clashed viscously with the faithful of Malar.[95]

History[]

Ancient History[]

Map of the Moonshae Isles circa .

Map of the Moonshae Isles circa −11,000 DR.

Circa −17600 DR, the supercontinent Merrouroboros was fractured by the First Sundering. The Moonshaes were formed after a continental plate shifted to the west. During this time, the Moonshaes were little more than a collection of hundreds of islands formed by volcanic peaks. By −10500 DR, the Moonshaes began forming into their modern shape.[34]

Giants from Ostoria were the first to settle the Isles, but this colony had fallen before the next wave of arrivals.[106] Circa −15000 DR, fey began settling the Moonshaes. After about 5,000 years, the LeShay founded the kingdom of Sarifal, constructing the city of Karador on an island in the center of the lake within Myrloch Vale. Then, around −9800 DR, Llewyrr refugees began arriving on the islands. They were welcomed by the LeShay, and settled in the mountains and formed the kingdom of Synnoria. In parallel with these migrations, the Children of the Earthmother also arrived in the Isles.[34]

Circa −6000 DR, Grond Peaksmasher arrived in the Moonshaes, accompanied by a tribe of giants who settled on Norland in the Jotunhammer Mountains. After conflict erupted between the dwarves and firbolgs, Grond Peaksmasher was imprisoned. Without his guidance, the firbolgs of the Moonshaes became uncivilized.[34]

Malar unleashed Kazgaroth to wreak havoc on the Moonshaes for the first time circa −2000 DR. The Children of the Earthmother united with the Llewyrr and dwarves to battle the Beast, while it brought fomorians from the Feywild to be its allies. The conflict dragged on for decades until the minions of Kazgaroth were driven to isolated corners of the Moonshaes. The fomorians conquered the firbolgs, forcing them into slavery. In the aftermath of this conflict, Sarifal fell into decline. Circa −500 DR, most of the fey, including the fomorians, abandoned their domains in the Moonshaes and retreated back into the Feywild. The kingdom of Sarifal was abandoned and the city of Karador sank into the Myrloch.[34]

Early History[]

Since the days of Sarifal, the humans of the Trackless Sea had long avoided settling the Moonshaes, believing them to be cursed and fearing the fey tricksters who had resided there. Thus, humans did not arrive in the Moonshaes until the Year of the Executioner, 140 DR, when refugees fleeing from the persecution of the Shadowking crossed the Sea of Swords and settled on the island of Gwynneth, beginning the race of the Ffolk. They were led by the First Dynasty of the Moonshaes, and soon came into conflict with Synnoria.[34]

In the Year of the Dwarf, 149 DR, the human settlements of Gwynneth united to form the kingdom of Corwell, which soon fell into civil war until the Year of the Troublesome Vixen, 177 DR, when it was reunited under King Callidyrr Hugh. In the Year of the Student, 201 DR, Bhaal took control of Kazgaroth, sending it to destroy the Ffolk. Callidyrr's son, Cymrych Hugh, defeated Kazgaroth and was crowned High King of the Ffolk, founding the Cymrych Dynasty. Moonshae Reckoning (MR) marks this year as year one on the Moonshavian calendar.[34]

In the Year of the Storm Crown, 250 DR, High King Cymrych Hugh died and was entombed within a barrow mound near Blackstone. His heirs lacked a strong claim to the throne, and as a result the kingdoms of the Moonshaes splintered.[34] The situation worsened in the Year of the Thousand Snows, 256 DR, when Illuskan sailors from Tuern and Gundarlun arrived in the Moonshaes, beginning centuries of Northmen raiding and tribute collecting from the divided Ffolk realms.[34][107]

Prince  brings  and  of Corwell before High King Gwylloch of the Moonshae Isles for his judgment ().

Prince Ketheryll brings Durnhal and Morgan of Corwell before High King Gwylloch of the Moonshae Isles for his judgment (295 DR).

In the Year of the Waking Dreams, 289 DR, High King Gwylloch waged success wars against both the Northmen and his rebellious subjects.[34][108] He constructed the Castle of Skulls from the skulls of his enemies, where he held court and brought his enemies to die in the Circus Bizarre. He and his son eventually went mad.[34]

In the Year of Four Winds, 467 DR, a large group of immigrants from Tethyr arrived on the islands and settled among the Ffolk. The newly arrived Tethyrians brought their religious beliefs with them, but most Ffolk maintained their faith in the Earthmother. Architects and engineers among the immigrants shared their knowledge with the Ffolk, allowing the Ffolk to construct improved defensive fortifications. As a result, raids from Northlanders dropped over the next few centuries.[34]

In the Year of the False Smile, 852 DR, an Illuskan fleet of longships invaded the Moonshaes. High King Dolan Cymrych was killed when his small fleet of coracles was destroyed in Whitefish Bay. By 944 DR, the Ffolk had surrendered the northern islands to the Illuskan invaders. This marked the end of the Cymrych Dynasty of High Kings and the start of the Carrathal Dynasty, who were High Kings in name only.[34]

Modern History[]

Darkwalker War
Main article: Darkwalker War
Control of the Moonshae Isles between the Northmen and the Ffolk kingdoms as of the start of the Darkwalker War.

Control of the Moonshae Isles between the Northmen and the Ffolk kingdoms as of the start of the Darkwalker War.

The Northmen were a violent, war-like society with little interest in or tolerance of the Ffolk's monarchical ways. Historically, this created a continuous tension between the two human peoples, with Northmen raids on Ffolk farmsteads a common occurrence.[109] In the mid–14th century DR, this conflict escalated into what was termed the Darkwalker War. In the Year of the Saddle, 1345 DR,[110], Grunnarch the Red brought his host of longships to Thelgaar Ironhand's Iron Keep on Oman's Isle to prepare an attack on the southern Moonshaes. In the first council of northern Kings and Captains, Thelgaar announced his intention of making long-lasting peace with the Ffolk and starting a prosperous trading relationship. But most of the warriors present disagreed and decided to go along with the plan to raid and pillage the cities of Caer Corwell and Caer Callidyrr and the rest of the Ffolk lands. That same night, Thelgar was slain by Kazgoroth, who took the identity of the king and supported the attack on Caer Corwell.[109]

En route to Caer Corwell, Kazgaroth, in Thelgar's shape, challenged and killed the Leviathan, one of the children of the goddess Earthmother. Around the town and fortress of Caer Corwell, the Northmen were halted by the combined forces of Prince Tristan Kendrick and his companions at the Battle of Caer Corwell. Tristan would go on to slay Kazgoroth.[109][34]

Death of the Earthmother

Kazgoroth was a minion of the dark god Bhaal, who set in motion a series of schemes to punish the Moonshaes for Kazgoroth's defeat and ultimately to become their new god.[111] He directed his cleric, Hobarth to aid the schemes of the wizard Cyndre to usurp the power of the High King and to kill all of the druids on Alaron. Then, in the Year of the Bloodbird, 1346 DR, he sent Hobarth to conquer Myrloch Vale and to corrupt the moonwell at the Sacred Grove of the Earthmother, through which Bhaal could begin to directly manifest his power.[34][112]

At the same time, Tristan had come to be regarded as a hero of the Ffolk and was thus judged to be a threat to Cyndre's plans. In the ensuing clash, Tristan would emerge victorious and as the new High King of the Ffolk.[34] He then forged an unprecedented alliance with Grunnarch the Red against Bhaal and his allies, namely the sahuagin of Kressilacc.[113]

Bhaal would ultimately slay the Earthmother,[114] but the intervention of Chauntea allowed Tristan and his companions to banish the dark god from the Moonshaes. In the Year of the Bright Blade, 1347 DR, Tristan forged a peace agreement with many of the Northlander kingdoms, known as the Treaty of Oman.[34]

Around this time, the Moonshae's struggles against evil attracted the concern of the Harpers, who expanded their presence in the Isles.[115]

With the absence of the Earthmother, worship of the Faerûnian pantheon began to make inroads in the Moonshaes, especially worship of Chauntea. Although she was seen as something of a replacement for the Earthmother, Chauntea's emphasis on agriculture rather than on nature meant that the Ffolk began cultivating more and more of the wilderness that had once been left untouched.[116][117]

Beginning in the Year of the Turret, 1360 DR, a constant stream of storms began to batter the isles for years, both blizzards in the winter and thunderstorms in the summer. These caused alternating periods of flooding and drought, and the result was great hardship on the Moonshaes, including a shortage of food.[34][117] The violent storms began to cause unease in the Ffolk, who began to believe that the Earthmother was punishing them for abandoning her worship.[118] In the Year of the Sword, 1365 DR, Robyn Kendrick sensed the imminent return of the Earthmother to the Moonshaes.[34]

Talos

In truth, the storms had been sent by the god Talos after his attention was drawn to the Isles my the machinations of a traitorous Ffolk lord, Earl Angus Blackstone.[119] Aiming to cement his worship in the Isles, Talos attempted to throw the islands into chaos in 1365 DR by turning the Ffolk and Northlanders against each other again. To achieve this goal, Talos recruited an army of pirates, sahuagin from Kressilacc, and even a dracolich named Gotha.[34] He eventually found another ally in the god Helm, who also wished to secure worship of the Faerûnian gods on the isles.[120] Princess Deirdre Kendrick was corrupted by Talos and aided in the release of the avatar of Grond Peaksmasher. She was later killed by her sister, Alicia Kendrick.[34]

Alicia Kendrick was crowned High Queen after High King Tristan Kendrick abdicated his claim to the throne to be with his wife, Queen Robyn. She had left the capital to live in Myrloch Vale in order to commune with the Earthmother.[34]

United Moonshae Isles
Main article: United Moonshae Isles

The conflict between the Northlanders and the Ffolk had waned with the hard work of High King Tristan Kendrick and later through his daughter, High Queen Alicia Kendrick. In the Year of the Unstrung Harp, 1371 DR, Northlander kings swore fealty to Alicia, creating the United Moonshae Isles. This marked the first time that Ffolk and Northlanders were truly united, and intermarriage between the Ffolk and the Northlanders began to erode some cultural differences between them.[19][38] The Northlander kings adopted the title of "Jarl" and continued to rule their kingdoms as vassals if the High Queen.[34] While not all Northlanders ceased their raids on the Ffolk, and while some petty lords continued to feud between themselves, the biggest threat to peace at this time was pirate attacks out of the nearby Nelanther Isles.[19] This risk was overshadowed by the Dracorage of the Year of Rogue Dragons, 1373 DR, when the red dragon Hoondarrh torched the Moonshae capital of Caer Callidyrr, setting ablaze the Palace of the High King and killing Alicia's husband, High King Keane.[34][121]

High Queen Alicia also worked to reduce the Isles' longtime isolation from the mainland,[34] and foreign adventurers could find work in her kingdom as sellswords and guards.[19]

Invasions from the Feywild
The leShay High Lady Ordalf announces the rebirth of Sarifal.

The leShay High Lady Ordalf announces the rebirth of Sarifal.

Beginning in the Year of the Banner, 1368 DR, the wardens of the druid groves in Myrloch Vale had started to vanish after receiving summons to enter the moonwells. In the Year of the Gauntlet, 1369 DR, Robyn and Tristan Kendrick entered the Great Moonwell in Myrloch Vale to investigate the vanishing druids, and had ended up in the Feywild. By 1370 DR, fey had begun to arrive in the Moonshaes, traveling through the moonwells. They settled primarily in Myrloch Vale and Winterglen Forest. In the Year of Wild Magic, 1372 DR, with violent encounters increasing between the Ffolk and fey, human settlements around Myrloch Vale were abandoned.[34] Then in the Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR, fomorians under the leadership of Queen Connomae invaded Oman's Isle from the Feywild, driving out the Northlanders within the year.[34][39]

In the Year of Risen Elfkin, 1375 DR, the fey city of Karador rose again from the waters of the Myrloch on the island of Gwynneth. The leShay High Lady Ordalf proclaimed herself queen of the island, giving it the name of Sarifal.[38] This precipitated a slow but inexorable expansion of the fey into the lands of Corwell despite the best efforts of House Kendrick.[122] At the same time, the planar barrier with the Feywild continued to grow weaker over the following decade leading up to the Spellplague.[38]

Post-Spellplague

The power of the Kendrick dynasty fell further into decline following an invasion of Snowdown by Amnian forces in the Year of the Sceptered One, 1404 DR, which they proved powerless to prevent.[note 1] This was followed by High Queen Alicia's death (and presumed assassination) in the Year of the Halls Unhaunted, 1407 DR, precipitating an insurgency led on behalf of a rival claimant to the throne, Lionel Carrathal.[123][note 2] Amnian mercenaries then put Corwell to the torch, allowing High Lady Ordalf to expel the remaining humans from Gwynneth in the Year of the Dauntless Dwarves, 1412 DR.[124][note 3] In the subsequent years leading up to 1479 DR, events conspired to strip House Kendrick of many of their lands. As of that year, High King Derid Kendrick aspired to reclaim his family's former glory regardless of the risks of armed conflict.[16]

By the late 15th century DR, relations between the Northmen and Ffolk had transformed from direct confrontation into an awkward form of tolerance as the two learned to share the islands. However, this was in part due to the problems both cultures had on their respective home islands.[98] Eventually, Norland would secede from Kendrick rule by 1479 DR under pressure from the "Storm Maiden", who rallied the Northlanders to embrace their heritage as raiders.[125] Meanwhile, the isle of Gwynneth had become ever more deeply connected to the Feywild. In the northern forests of the island, Prince Araithe, son of Ordalf, fought against dark fey who sought to take the land for themselves. Meanwhile, High King Derid Kendrick sought to establish an embassy at Caer Corwell, but couldn't find a way to secure Lady Ordalf's permission.[98][122] In an effort to address both of their realms' challenges, it was proposed that Prince Araithe and Princess Tarilyn Kendrick could marry.[64][122]

Around this time, the eight-year-old Prince Owaren Kendrick was kidnapped by Erliza Daressin, the vampiric Amnian viceroy of Snowdown, as leverage over High King Derid.[126] In the early 1480s DR, the young prince was killed during an escape attempt, and this tragic event prompted an alliance between High King Derid and High Lady Ordalf to drive Amn out of the Moonshaes. A united army led by Princess Tarilyn and Prince Araithe successfully forced Amn to withdraw and slew Erliza Daressin, however Erliza cursed the Moonshaes with her dying breath to cause the magical contagion known as the Rusting to manifest on Snowdown.[127][note 4] In the wake of their victory and the marriage of Tarilyn and Araithe, as well as a contraction of Sarifal after the city of Karador was lost to enemy fey, humans were once again able to return to Gwynneth and repopulate Corwell.[58][128]

Post-Second Sundering

After the Second Sundering, the fey of the Moonshaes were said to be disappearing, with rumors and tall tales claiming everything from a retreat into the Feywild to large numbers of abductions.[129] Around this time, the fomorians of Oman's Isle attempted to invade Gwynneth, and they and their allies threatened both the fey and human inhabitants.[130][131] The Moonshaes also had to contend with terrible attacks by foreign red dragons, including Hoondarrh's attack on Norland[132] and Karrnsyrrl's attacks on Alaron and Gwynneth.[130]

Before the end of the 15th century DR, Northlanders and Ffolk settlers regained a foothold on Oman's Isle only to be driven off again when a new invasion of giants arrived from Maelstrom.[58][133][note 5] High King Derid would ultimately seek a formal peace treaty with these giants.[134]

By the turn of the 16th century DR, Norland had once again sworn loyalty to House Kendrick,[135] and it was believed that the daughter of Tarilyn Kendrick and Araithe, Caitlyn Kendrick, would grow up to become monarch of both the humans and the fey of the Moonshaes.[136] However, by this time the Rusting had continued to spread across the Isles, threatening not only the people but the Earthmother herself.[137]

Notable Islands[]

Moonrise in the Moonshaes.

Moonrise in the Moonshaes.

The Moonshaes were dominated by six major islands and dozens if not hundreds of minor ones, even the smallest of which often boasted one or two small villages.[18][19]

Alaron
One of the largest of the Moonshaes, much of the island's north was ruled by the Northlander kingdom of Gnarhelm while the south was under the control of the Kingdom of Callidyrr, ruled by High King Derid in the late 15th century DR.[16][17] The south was threatened by dark fey who had entered from a portal to the Feywild into Dernall Forest.[64]
Flamsterd
A desolate and largely destroyed island where monsters occasionally attacked the few settlers that remained.[138] Meanwhile, the flooded southern half comprised the Underwater Realm of the Wizard, the domain of the wizard Flamsterd and other mages who came to study under him.[17][51]
Gwynneth
Once home to the first Ffolk kingdom, Corwell, as of the late 15th century DR, most of the isle was controlled by fey loyal to High Lady Ordalf and was known as Sarifal.[122][34]
Korinn Archipelago
Hundreds of small islands stretched northward from the main archipelago into the Trackless Sea. The isles were favored by pirate bands who preyed on shipping.[122]
Moray
Once the site of a Ffolk kingdom of the same name, by the late 15th century DR, this island was the most war-torn of the Moonshaes. The interior was controlled by the Black Blood Tribe of lycanthropes while the Orcskull Mountains were controlled by humanoid tribes. Only a few humans lived in villages on the coast.[75]
Norheim
A series of small islands in the Northern Moonshaes that also formed the Northlander kingdom of Norheim.[17]
Norland
Inhabited by the Northlander realm of Norland in the north and the giant realm of Grondsgrunn in the south.[17][125]
Oman
Once the center of the mighty realm of Oman and a bastion of Northlander culture, the island was overrun by fomorian giants shortly before the Spellplague.[39][34]
Snowdown
This small isle in the southeastern Moonshaes was once a Ffolk kingdom before it was annexed by Amn and governed by Erliza Daressin, a vampire.[139]
Sunset
The tiny, westernmost of the Moonshaes.[140]

In addition to the core Moonshae archipelago, the ancestral home island of the Northlanders, Ruathym, was sometimes regarded as an honorary Moonshae despite being located about 200 miles (320 kilometers) to the north.[65][19] Likewise, Mintarn and its surrounding islands were sometimes regarded as part of the broader Moonshaes.[141]

Appendix[]

Notes[]

  1. Canon sources do not provide a specific year for the invasion of the Moonshae Isles by Amn, stating only that it was "the early 1400s" (Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, p. 153) and "at the dawn of the century" (Dragon #405: "Character Themes: Heroes of the Moonshaes", p. 5). However, Brian R. James (one of the authors of the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide as well as Dragon #376: "Realmslore: Sarifal") clarified in a Tweet that the event occurred in 1404 DR.
  2. Canon sources do not explicitly identify the insurgents during this event, but Brian R. James clarified in a Tweet that they were "Carrathal loyalists".
  3. Canon sources do not identify a date for the conflict that expelled the Ffolk from Gwynneth, however Brian R. James clarified in a Tweet that the year was 1412 DR.
  4. Canon sources do not provide specific years for the connected sequential events of the death of Owaren Kendrick, the expulsion of Amn from Snowdown, the death of Erliza Daressin, the start of the Rusting, and the birth of Caitlyn Kendrick. These events are discussed in Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn (set 1501 DR), but this sourcebook gives conflicting timeline information: it implies at different points that these events occurred "a century ago" (p. 178), "decades" ago (p. 178), and "two decades" ago (p. 172). Given the ambiguity, this wiki elects to use the version of the timeline that is most consistent with prior editions ("two decades"). Owaren Kendrick therefore must have died between 1479 DR (his last prior mention in a canon source, Dungeon #196: "Backdrop: Moonshae Isles") and 1486 DR (the latest possible year for which Caitlyn Kendrick's quote on p. 179 of Adventures in Faerûn can be true: "[Owaren] died before I was born, and I'm already older than he ever got to be": Owaren would be 15 if he died in 1486 DR, while Caitlyn would be 15 in 1501 DR if she was born later that same year). Thus, this wiki will use "early 1480s DR" to refer to the dates of the above events. Note that this contradicts the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide (assumed to be set 1489 DR), which states that Erliza Daressin and Amn still occupy Snowdown. This discrepancy could be attributed to an unreliable narrator for that section of the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide: the information is attributed to an in-universe book, Fifty Years at Sea, Volume the Third, by Gardorra Burr. Regardless, the timeline derived from the more recent Adventures in Faerûn (published 2025) takes precedent over the older Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide (2015) per this wiki's Canon Policy.
  5. Canon sources do not provide a year for the invasion of Oman's Isle by giants from Maelstrom. These events are discussed in Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn (set 1501 DR), which also does not mention Vor Thomil's century-long occupation of Oman's Isle but instead introduces this new invasion. The book gives conflicting timeline information for this event, saying that it occurred "years ago" (p. 177) but clarifying this as both "decades" ago (p. 177) and "recently" (p. 163). Given the ambiguity, this wiki elects to use the version of the timeline that is most consistent with prior sources ("recently") rather than to assume that this is a full retcon of Oman's Isle's history. The Maestrom invasion must therefore have occurred either after 1479 DR (the last explicit mention of Vor Thomil's reign in a canon source, Dungeon #196: "Backdrop: Moonshae Isles") or after 1489 DR (the most recent canon mention of giants controlling Oman's Isle prior to Adventures in Faerûn, found in the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide: note that while this source highlights fomorians on Oman's Isle, it is not inconsistent with other giants having come to rule there as well). It must have occurred before the end of the 1490s DR (in order to allow for it to be true that "years" have passed prior to 1501 DR).

Gallery[]

Appearances[]

Adventures

Novels & Short Stories

Film & Television

Video Games

Card Games

Organized Play & Licensed Adventures

Referenced only
A Very Serious Matter • Dragon's Deep • Dragon's Honor • Sense of Wonder • The Woolmen's Restless Tomb • Mystery of Deepwater Harbor • Lost in the Fog • Stir Not the World's Doom • Gilding a Noble • Ark of the Mountains • Vile Bounty

Further Reading[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 148. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 12. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  3. Cover map of the Moonshae Isles. included in Ed Greenwood (1991). Halls of the High King. (TSR, Inc).
  4. Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 68. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
  5. Richard Baker, James Wyatt (March 2004). Player's Guide to Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 13. ISBN 0-7869-3134-5.
  6. Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 112. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Elaine Cunningham (April 2000). The Magehound. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 13, p. 196. ISBN 978-0-7869-1561-3.
  8. Ed Greenwood, et al (1989). Hall of Heroes. (TSR, Inc), p. 40. ISBN 0-88038-711-4.
  9. Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 64. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 64. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Shawn Merwin (November 2011). “Backdrop: Moonshae Isles”. In Steve Winter ed. Dungeon #196 (Wizards of the Coast) (196)., p. 1. Archived from the original on 2015-11-03.
  12. Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 74. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
  13. Ed Greenwood (1991). Halls of the High King. (TSR, Inc), p. 4.
  14. 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. 68. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  15. Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 31. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  16. 16.00 16.01 16.02 16.03 16.04 16.05 16.06 16.07 16.08 16.09 16.10 Shawn Merwin (November 2011). “Backdrop: Moonshae Isles”. In Steve Winter ed. Dungeon #196 (Wizards of the Coast) (196)., p. 2. Archived from the original on 2015-11-03.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 Shawn Merwin (November 2011). “Backdrop: Moonshae Isles”. In Steve Winter ed. Dungeon #196 (Wizards of the Coast) (196)., pp. 5–6. Archived from the original on 2015-11-03.
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 Rob Heinsoo, Logan Bonner, Robert J. Schwalb (September 2008). Forgotten Realms Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 112. ISBN 978-0-7869-4929-8.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 19.7 19.8 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 149. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7 20.8 Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 16. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 67. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 18. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5 23.6 Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 17–18. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 12–15. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  25. Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 42–42. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  26. Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 44. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 17. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  28. Larian Studios (October 2020). Designed by Swen Vincke, et al. Baldur's Gate III. Larian Studios.
  29. Paulina Claiborne (May 2012). The Rose of Sarifal (Kindle ed.). (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 0. ASIN B006NPFFHY.
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 30.6 Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 11. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  31. 31.0 31.1 Brian R. James (June 2009). “Realmslore: Sarifal”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dragon #376 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 64.
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 Brian R. James (June 2009). “Realmslore: Sarifal”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dragon #376 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 65.
  33. 33.0 33.1 Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 47, 48. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  34. 34.00 34.01 34.02 34.03 34.04 34.05 34.06 34.07 34.08 34.09 34.10 34.11 34.12 34.13 34.14 34.15 34.16 34.17 34.18 34.19 34.20 34.21 34.22 34.23 34.24 34.25 34.26 34.27 34.28 34.29 34.30 34.31 34.32 34.33 Brian R. James (December 2007). “Grand History of the Realms: The Moonshaes”. Dragon #362 (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 23–31. Archived from the original on 2009-06-01.
  35. Douglas Niles (May 2011). Black Wizards. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 12. ISBN 978-0-7869-5970-9.
  36. Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 113, 114. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.
  37. 37.0 37.1 Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), A Grand Tour of the Realms. (TSR, Inc), p. 109. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  38. 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 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. 152. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  39. 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 Shawn Merwin (November 2011). “Backdrop: Moonshae Isles”. In Steve Winter ed. Dungeon #196 (Wizards of the Coast) (196)., p. 3. Archived from the original on 2015-11-03.
  40. 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 65. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
  41. Douglas Niles (November 1987). Moonshae. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 60. ISBN 0-88038-494-8.
  42. Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), A Grand Tour of the Realms. (TSR, Inc), p. 111. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  43. Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), A Grand Tour of the Realms. (TSR, Inc), p. 108. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  44. 44.0 44.1 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. 153. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
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Connections[]

The Moonshae Isles

Major Islands and Island Chains
AlaronGwynnethKorinn ArchipelagoMorayNorheim IslesNorlandOman's IsleSnowdown
Minor Islands
AmaruneDragonshomeFlamsterdGotha's IslandGrayrockSunset
Major Kingdoms
CallidyrrCorwellGnarhelmGrondsgrunnKressilaccMorayNorheimNorlandOmanSarifalSnowdownSynnoriaUnited Moonshae IslesVor Thomil
Major Settlements
Caer CallidyrrCaer CorwellCaer MorayCaer WestphalChrysalisGnarhelmHammerstaadIron KeepKaradorRogarsheimWesthaven