Elemental Evil
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, 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.
