D&D (2024) Sword Coast population data from 2024 D&D Pocket Expert

[Parmandur]

I agree about starting local and expanding from there.

For example, I like the global perspective. Yet it is helpful to pick say three to five locales around the planet, and do deep dives there. Places in the distance can remain thumbnail sketches.

The intention of the world map is for the DM to pick a specific locale somewhere on the planet and make it their own, then flesh it out according to how the table develops it.

I notice the 2024 Forgotten Realms guide will pick five local settings, and seems to be doing deep dives. Probably this will be more helpful.

An other advantage of focusing on local settings, it is easy to plug them into other world settings.

Still, it helps to have a planet in mind.

I think that is why my first introduction to the Forgotten Realms, the early 5E APs, drew me in. Focused slices set up for campaigning.

 

[Laurefindel]

... I notice the 2024 Forgotten Realms guide will pick five local settings...

Interesting, do we know which ones?

 

[Yaarel]

Interesting, do we know which ones?

Yes.

• Baldurs Gate
• Calimshan
• Dalelands
• Moonshae Isles
• Icewind Dale

 

[Laurefindel]

Interesting, I wonder if Waterdeep is part of the Baldur's Gate microcosm and if not, why they are avoiding a city ten times it's size. Moonshea is a nice surprise; i didn't see that coming. Dalelands takes some distance from the Sword Coast, and Calmishan visits the said coast further south. Nice

 

[Yaarel]

In terms of cultural representation, it corresponds some Europe and some European neighbors.

Baldurs Gate (Anglo Saxon Britain)
Calimshan (Islamic Spain and Morocco)
Dalelands (Rural Germany-France?)
Moonshae Isles (Celtic Britain)
Icewind Dale (Circumpolar Cultures, such as Siberia and Inuit, and maybe Sámi)

 

[Parmandur]

Interesting, do we know which ones?

What @Yaarel said, in the Advebture Guide, but also the Player's Guide has a more general Gazateer covering all of Faerûn.

 

[Parmandur]

Interesting, I wonder if Waterdeep is part of the Baldur's Gate microcosm and if not, why they are avoiding a city ten times it's size. Moonshea is a nice surprise; i didn't see that coming. Dalelands takes some distance from the Sword Coast, and Calmishan visits the said coast further south. Nice

Because they are still selling Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

 

[Ancalagon]

You don't need to control "territory". You just need to control trade.

It's a consequence. In any sort of mutual defence agreement, e.g. Lord's Alliance, NATO, whoever has the most money controls the rest. It's an Empire, even if it doesn't have an Emperor.

But why do they dominate trade? As many others have pointed out, its location is not that advantageous.

 

[Parmandur]

In terms of cultural representation, it corresponds some Europe and some European neighbors.

Baldurs Gate (Anglo Saxon Britain)
Calimshan (Islamic Spain and Morocco)
Dalelands (Rural Germany-France?)
Moonshae Isles (Celtic Britain)
Icewind Dale (Circumpolar Cultures, such as Siberia and Inuit, and maybe Sámi)

Only the Moonshae really fits there (it was originally a seperate Settomg being developed by TSR UK as a "Celtic British Dragonlance").

 

[Parmandur]

But why do they dominate trade? As many others have pointed out, its location is not that advantageous.

But, it is? All the trade for an area the size of Argentina or Kazakhstan passes right through Waterdeep, either overland or by sea.