"Traveling from the Dalelands to the Moonsea is a bit like walking from a temperate,
lush forest into a raging snowstorm: It's unexpected, uncomfortable, and if you
aren't prepared for it, it could kill you."
—Elminster of Shadowdale
The Moonsea, also known as the "Sea of Dragons", lies nestled between
Thar to the north and the Dalelands and Sembia to the south. These
natural barriers prevent casual contact between the two opposing
regions. The Moonsea is a cold, clear, deep lake the color of dark
amethyst, with frequent
storms and turbulent weather that mirrors its turbulent past and
present. It is a place where unwary adventurers can either make a name
for themselves or be buried under the dark, hungry waves.
The Moonsea's shores harbor a list of cities whose fame (or notoriety)
is well known throughout the Realms: Zhentil Keep, Hillsfar, New Phlan,
Melvaunt, and Mulmaster. Each city along the Moonsea's shores brings
with it its own unique contributions, helping to shape the overall
character of the area.
If that is truly the case, then the cities have little good to offer.
Since the Moonsea is a harsh place, the people themselves have become
harsh in order to survive. Suspicion, greed, brutality, and political
treachery have become the meat and drink of the region's inhabitants.
But for every one city that still exists on the Moonsea's coast there
are three that were not so fortunate. The Moonsea is dotted with the
ruins of cities and the tombs of the unfortunate men and women who built
them and sought to dwell in them.
In addition to the dead cities, there are the ruined castles and towers
of petty would-be rulers and mages who sought solitude in order to
better work on their spells of power and conquest.
If things are thus, then why go to the Moonsea at all? The answer is
simple: It is where legends and reputations are created and undone. If
one wishes to make a name for oneself, one must take chances and face
hardships. The Moonsea has risks and hardships to spare.
