World History & Theology

The Age of Creation

Toril exists within the larger multiverse of D&D, largely shaped by the actions of powerful deities and cosmic forces. In the beginning, the multiverse was a chaotic void until the creation of the various realms. The Raw, elemental forces coalesced to form the first landscapes, and the gods emerged to shape the world and influence its development.

The Primordials are central to the creation mythology, elemental beings who fought against the gods for control over the cosmos. The War of the Dawn culminated in the defeat of the Primordials, leading to the establishment of the various planes of existence that make up the D&D multiverse. The gods took on roles as creators, protectors, and manipulators of various aspects of life on Toril.

The Formation of Landscapes: 

Faerûn is a vast and diverse continent, marked by its striking geographical features and rich cultural landscapes. The northern regions, characterized by the frigid tundra of Icewind Dale and the imposing Spine of the World mountains, present a rugged environment inhabited by resilient tribes and formidable creatures. In contrast, the Heartlands boast sprawling cities like Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate, surrounded by fertile plains that thrive on agriculture and trade. Along the scenic Sword Coast, adventurers find bustling ports and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Sea of Fallen Stars, which is dotted with mysterious islands. Beneath the surface, the treacherous Underdark presents a labyrinthine realm of caverns filled with dark elves and other horrors, offering untold dangers and treasures. Meanwhile, the lush jungles of Chult and the arid deserts of Thay showcase the continent's diverse climates, each teeming with unique wildlife and rich lore, making Faerûn a captivating setting for exploration and adventure.

The Creation of Water Bodies: 

As the land was formed, bodies of water began to take shape. Rivers carved their way through valleys, lakes formed in depressions, and oceans spread across vast expanses. These water bodies were not mere static features but were imbued with dynamic qualities, including powerful currents and diverse aquatic life. The distribution of these waters influenced climate patterns and contributed to the development of fertile regions.

The Emergence of Flora and Fauna: 

Life began to flourish with the establishment of land and water. Primitive plants and fungi were among the first to colonize the land, followed by more complex flora that spread across diverse environments. Early forms of animal life emerged, adapted to various ecological niches created by the changing landscapes. This proliferation of life laid the groundwork for intricate food chains and ecosystems.

The Rise of Magical Elements: 

Magic in Faerûn has a deep and storied history, intricately linked to the fabric of the world itself. According to the lore, the origins of magic trace back to the time of the gods and the creation of the Weave, a mystical force that is the source of all magical power. The Weave was established by the goddess Mystra, the deity of magic, who poured her essence into the world, allowing mortals to tap into its currents and wield magical energy. 

The Establishment of Natural Cycles: 

As the world settled into its new form, natural cycles began establishing themselves. Seasons became defined, with predictable patterns of weather and climate. The balance between these cycles created a stable environment that supported the growth of diverse life forms and allowed ecosystems to thrive.

This was a time of immense transformation, where the raw forces of nature combined to create a world rich in beauty and complexity. This epoch set the stage for the rise of civilizations by providing the diverse landscapes, resources, and magical elements necessary for the development of advanced societies. The legacy of this age continues to shape Faerun, influencing its history and the stories of those who inhabit it.

The Rise of Civilizations

As Faerun settled into its new form, the dawn of civilization began to emerge. The stabilization of the world’s landscapes and the establishment of natural cycles created a fertile environment for the growth of sophisticated societies. Among these burgeoning cultures, several great civilizations rose to prominence, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of Faerun's history.

Introducing Neverwinter

Neverwinter, often referred to as the "Jewel of the North," is a prominent city located on the Sword Coast of Faerûn, along the northern edge of the Sea of Swords. Its rich history is intertwined with the rise and fall of various factions, empires, and powerful individuals.

Founding and Early History

Neverwinter was founded over two millennia ago by the government of the earlier Northmen tribes. The city quickly grew due to its strategic location along the river Neverwinter and its proximity to the sea. Its natural beauty, characterized by mild winters and verdant landscapes, made it an attractive settlement. The city became known for its artisans and skilled craftsmen, particularly in stonework and magical items, earning it the nickname "Neverwinter," as it was famed for its temperate climate.

The Lord's Alliance and the Age of Kings

Neverwinter enjoyed a period of prosperity and stability under the rule of several noble houses, particularly House Ulmar, which ruled from their grand keep. The city became a key member of the Lord's Alliance, a coalition of city-states and organizations that sought to maintain peace and trade along the Sword Coast in the face of emerging threats, including marauding orc tribes and various monstrous incursions.

The Rise of the Shadow

The upward trajectory of Neverwinter was dramatically interrupted when Lord Nasher Alagondar, the city’s ruler, passed away without a clear heir. This vacuum of power led to political turmoil and a series of conflicts among noble factions. Amidst this chaos, a sinister force known as the "Shadows" emerged, which was later revealed to be a drow named Valindra Shadowmantle, who sought to plunge the city into darkness.

The Sword Coast

The Sword Coast has always been a land of opportunity and peril, attracting explorers, merchants, wizards, and warriors. Its history is marked by conflicts with pirates, the rise of guilds and merchant houses, and the presence of powerful magical beings. The region is rich in lore, with many ancient ruins from civilizations like the Netherese and ancient elven kingdoms scattered throughout, reflecting the weight of its storied past.

Adventurers and Threats

Over time, the Sword Coast has become a canvas for countless tales of heroism and villainy. Adventuring parties often seek to unravel the mysteries of forgotten places, engage in battles against marauding monsters, and negotiate with influential factions—all while navigating the region's complex politics and ever-shifting alliances.

The Great Schism

The era of relative tranquility in Faerun was violently disrupted by the cataclysmic event known as the Great Schism. This devastating upheaval was triggered by an ambitious magical experiment gone horribly wrong. Aimed at harnessing unparalleled arcane power, the experiment instead led to the catastrophic explosion of the Obelisk of Aeloria, a towering monument of immense significance.

The Obelisk’s Cataclysmic Fate: 

The Obelisk of Aeloria had long been a symbol of profound wisdom and a wellspring of magical energy. Its destruction shattered the once-magnificent structure into countless fragments, scattering its remnants across the land. This explosion unleashed a wave of raw, uncontrolled magic that altered the very fabric of reality, leaving scars that would reshape the world for centuries to come.

Impact on the Empire of Tethrys: 

The explosion had immediate and devastating consequences for the Empire of Tethrys. The once-thriving civilization, which had relied heavily on the Obelisk’s arcane power for its magical advancements and stability, was plunged into disarray. The Empire’s grand cities, which had stood as pinnacles of architectural and magical achievement, were left in ruins. The loss of the Obelisk’s energy source led to the collapse of magical systems that had been central to Tethrys’s way of life, hastening its downfall and fragmentation.

World-Wide Chaos: 

The effects of the Great Schism rippled far beyond the borders of Tethrys. The explosion caused widespread environmental upheavals, magical distortions, and the emergence of unstable arcane zones. These remnants of the Obelisk’s power created pockets of unpredictable magical phenomena, giving rise to new dangers and opportunities throughout Faerun. The world was thrown into a state of chaos, with various regions struggling to cope with the sudden influx of magical instability and the power vacuum left in the wake of Tethrys’s collapse.

Influence on Lives and Cultures: 

The aftermath of the Great Schism influenced the fate of countless lives and cultures across Faerun. The scattered fragments of the Obelisk became the focus of new quests and conflicts as different factions sought to reclaim and harness their power. The calamity also sparked a period of exploration and rediscovery, as civilizations endeavored to understand and adapt to the new magical realities. Societies rebuilt and redefined themselves, often drawing on the fragmented legacy of the Obelisk and the lessons learned from the Great Schism.

The Great Schism remains a pivotal event in Faerun's history, a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked ambition and the ever-present interplay between magic and chaos. Its impact reverberates through the ages, shaping the course of civilizations and the lives of those who navigate the world’s altered landscape.

The Age of Fragmentation

In the wake of the Great Schism, the Age of Fragmentation dawned with the collapse of a once-mighty empire, leaving behind the Shattered Obelisk as a poignant symbol of the era’s lost grandeur. The obelisk, a colossal structure of immense magical significance, was a testament to an age of unparalleled power and unity. Its fragmentation scattered the remnants of its once-formidable magic across the land, turning the shattered pieces into sources of both legend and danger. Each obelisk fragment retained a vestige of its former potency, causing both awe and chaos as adventurers and scholars sought to harness or study these potent relics. The obelisk’s remnants became focal points for magical phenomena, ancient secrets, and power struggles, defining much of the era’s character.

The Collapse of the Old Empire: A Fragmented World

The once-unified empire that had dominated the land fell into disarray, its once-mighty structures and institutions collapsing under internal strife, political intrigue, and overreliance on magic. The fall of this empire led to the emergence of smaller, independent states and city-states, each inheriting a fragment of the empire’s former glory. This fragmentation created a patchwork of rival factions and shifting alliances, as each new power sought to establish itself and control the scattered remnants of the old regime. The resulting geopolitical landscape was marked by frequent conflicts, territorial disputes, and a constant struggle for dominance, setting the stage for a period of upheaval and realignment.

The Rise of New Powers: Emerging from the Ruins

In the wake of the empire’s collapse, new powers began to rise from the ruins, each one grappling to establish its own influence and carve out its own domain. These emerging factions were deeply influenced by the legacy of the old empire, drawing on its magical and technological remnants to fuel their ambitions. This era saw a surge in exploration and discovery as adventurers and settlers ventured into the ruins of the past, seeking ancient artifacts, lost knowledge, and hidden treasures. The new powers ranged from burgeoning city-states and independent kingdoms to secretive orders and arcane guilds, each shaping the world in their own image while contending with the lingering legacy of the shattered age.

Magical and Technological Renaissance: Building on the Past

Despite the chaos and fragmentation, the Age of Fragmentation also ushered in a period of innovation and renewal. The broken pieces of ancient magic and technology provided a rich tapestry for new developments. Enchanted constructs, arcane machinery, and innovative urban planning emerged as hallmarks of the era, blending old magic with new ideas. This renaissance saw the rise of advanced technologies and cultural achievements, as civilizations rebuilt and redefined themselves. Art, literature, and music flourished, drawing inspiration from the remnants of the past while forging new paths forward. The legacy of the old empire, though fragmented, continued to inspire and influence the creative and intellectual endeavors of the age.

Legacy and Influence: Echoes of a Bygone Era

The fall of the old empire and the subsequent fragmentation left an indelible mark on the world, with the legacy of the Shattered Obelisk and the collapsed empire shaping the course of history. The echoes of the past persisted in the form of legends, mysteries, and ancient sites, influencing the aspirations and actions of those who came after. The remnants of the old empire’s magic and knowledge served as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration, guiding the new civilizations as they navigated their own paths. The Age of Fragmentation thus stands as a reminder of the cyclical nature of history, where the rise and fall of great powers shape the world and set the stage for new beginnings.

Current Era

Today, Faerun finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, shaped by the lingering echoes of its ancient past and the vibrant complexities of its present. The land, still bearing the scars of the Age of Fragmentation, is now defined by its diverse cultures and shifting alliances. At the heart of this dynamic era lies the Shattered Obelisk, a once-majestic artifact whose fragments have become central to the current age of exploration, ambition, and conflict.

The shards of the Shattered Obelisk, scattered across Faerun, have become powerful symbols of opportunity and contention. Each fragment, imbued with a portion of the obelisk’s lost magic, has attracted the attention of a variety of factions. From ambitious warlords and secretive mage guilds to ancient orders and emerging city-states, these groups vie fiercely for control over the remnants, driven by their own agendas and visions for the future. For some, the shards represent a means to attain personal power, while for others, they are keys to unlocking ancient knowledge, restoring lost glory, or forging a new destiny.

This intense competition has spurred a new wave of exploration and discovery. Adventurers, scholars, and treasure hunters brave perilous journeys into ancient ruins, hidden temples, and treacherous landscapes in search of the elusive shards. The quest to recover and understand these fragments is fraught with danger, as ancient wards, lingering curses, and rival claimants challenge those who seek them out. The land itself is a tapestry of old and new, where the remnants of past grandeur intermingle with contemporary ambitions, and each fragment of the obelisk carries the weight of history along with the promise of a new dawn.

The presence of the shards has also altered Faerun's geopolitical landscape. City-states that once were content to remain isolated now find themselves drawn into a web of alliances and rivalries as the allure of the obelisk’s magic compels them to take sides. Ambassadors and spies move in the shadows, forging pacts and sowing discord in a delicate dance for influence. Kingdoms previously allied may now be at odds, their relationships strained by the lure of power. Secretive mage guilds, driven by their hunger for arcane supremacy, work tirelessly to locate and secure the fragments. At the same time, ancient orders strive to safeguard them, fearing their potential to bring chaos.

As factions maneuver for supremacy and the balance of power remains in flux, the destiny of Faerun hangs in the balance. The Shattered Obelisk’s fragments hold the potential to reshape the world’s future—whether by restoring the lost glory of a bygone era, establishing a new order, or unleashing untold magical forces. In this age of discovery and discourse, the echoes of the past continue to shape the present as Faerun stands poised on the edge of transformation. The choices made by those who seek the shards—whether driven by hope, greed, fear, or duty—will determine whether the land is plunged into a new era of darkness or led into a brighter future.