Dalelands

The Dalelands is a region in the fictional setting of the Forgotten Realms, for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. In the setting, the Dalelands is set on the continent of Faerûn, somewhat influenced by rural England, and most famous for hosting the famous wizard and sage, Elminster. In the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition boxed set, the region is recommended as the starting location for campaigns with players new to the game.
Some say Dalelanders originally came from the Great Dale.
The Dales are neighbored by the kingdom of Cormyr to the southwest, the nation of Sembia to the southeast, the forest of Cormanthor to the northeast and the Anauroch desert lies over the Desertsmouth Mountains to the west.
Each Dale (of which there are currently eleven) is an independent territory with its own unique government, military, industry and culture.
The Dales
There are more than a dozen dales, though this number has changed through the region's history.
Archendale is the strongest military power in the Dalelands.
Battledale has through history been the scene of most of the big battles in the Dalelands, hence the name.
For a long time, Daggerdale has been occupied by or at war with Zhentarim agents of Zhentil Keep. Its original name some centuries ago was Merrydale and it was famed for the hospitality of its inhabitants. After an outbreak of vampirism the town lost its friendliness and the residents took to being ever armed with daggers, hence the change of name. Daggerdale is also currently ruled by Randal Morn, a famous member of The Four.
Deepingdale is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is named after the Deeping Princess, an elf-maiden who married a human and led many humans and half-elves to settle here, far from prejudices of gold elves.
As one of the smallest dales, Featherdale has never been involved in the big struggles of some of the other dales, as such it is a peaceful place. The Featherdarrans' chief virtues are resilience, common sense, brawn, and a natural aptitude for farming.
Harrowdale, formerly known as Velardale, is the oldest of the current dales.
The High Dale lies at a strategic pass over the Thunder Peaks.
With fertile lands and protected from dangers by surrounding dales, Mistledale is a pleasant place to live. Mistledale's capital is the town of Ashabenford and is home of the fierce Riders of Mistledale. The town has had troubles of late with attacks from Zhentarim and Drow.
Moondale dale no longer exists. Its people joined Sembia as the city of Ordulin.
Scardale is named after a canyon, presumably a result of the battle between elven god Corellon Larethian and orc god Gruumsh.
Sessrendale was destroyed by the army of Archendale. Its land was salted to prevent resettlement.
Shadowdale is the most famous of the dales in The Dalelands, and is known as the home of the archmage Elminster. Through its history, Shadowdale has battled both Zhentarim and drow invasions. What Shadowdale lacks in numbers, it makes up by the strength of its inhabitants, including some retired adventurers. The original 1987 Forgotten Realms Campaign Set proposed Shadowdale as the setting for novice campaigner designers. The same set presents a list of NPCs as a census of village of Shadowdale, which according to Ken Rolston "offers a fine sense of the tone of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting".
Official material
* Volo's Guide to the Dalelands (zip)
* Dalelands Sneak Peek
* More Dalelands!
*Deepingdale
** The Leaves of Learning
*Scardale
** Scardale Sneek Peek
*Tarkhaldale
** Lords of the Lost Vale
** [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?xdnd/we/20040717a&pftrue Saurials: More Lizardkin]
Portals
* The Portal of Plenty in Archendale
* Sword's Creek in Mistledale
* Shadowdale
** Bane's Eye
Personalities
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?xdnd/rp/20031203a&pftrue Vishara "The Arm of Mielikki"]
* Nashyim of the Desolated Wood
* Yarno in Harrowdale
* Shadowdale
** [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?xdnd/rp/20040428a&pftrue Mourngrym Amcathra, "Lord of Shadowdale"]
Regional feats
* Luck of Heroes
* Blooded
* Forester
* Militia
* Strong Soul
Novels and Modules
*Shadowdale
** Shadowdale
**

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