Best Faerun Cities to Start a D&D Campaign

Key Takeaways

Establish a campaign in cities like Elturel for its rich history and plot hooks.
The corrupt Athkatla has opportunities for shady dealings.
The library fortress Candlekeep is known for its rich knowledge.

As a long-time Dungeon Master with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that choosing the right starting city for your Forgotten Realms campaign is as important as crafting the perfect character backstory. Each of these cities offers its unique charm and challenges, but if you’re looking for a balanced blend of adventure, intrigue, and a dash of humor, let me guide you to one that has stood the test of time – Baldur’s Gate!

Kickstarting a Dungeons & Dragons campaign smoothly involves overcoming two key challenges: first, ensuring it starts at a time that works for all participants, and second, launching the characters into their adventuring lives, whether that’s through pre-made adventures or organically developing their group dynamics.

Setting the campaign and party within one of several iconic cities in Faerun is an effective method to stimulate role-playing and casually introduce a plot device that guides them towards the heart of the narrative. Each city presents a unique environment, theme, and ambiance, ensuring there’s a fit for every kind of game, catering to the DM’s specific style.

7. Elturel

Rich in History

Best Faerun Cities to Start a D&D Campaign

All cities within Faerun have unique cultures and histories, reflecting varying ideals that can range from virtuous to corrupt. Notably, Elturel is one such city with a rich history, playing a significant role in Descent into Avernus. Prior to the campaign, it was a pivotal location within Faerun, but in the year 1492 DR, the entire city was transported from the Material Plane to Avernus, the initial stop on the Nine Hells. However, even before this event, Elturel had experienced turmoil, with the release of undead in 1444 and a spellplague in 1385.

In Elturel’s rich history, there are numerous events that could form the basis for an exciting campaign. Naturally, such a story might begin right within the city itself. Imagine if the DM reimagines Avernus as the city being mysteriously transported to the Nine Hells. This unexpected occurrence leaves the responsibility of saving the city and returning it to the Material Plane in the hands of the adventurers.

6. Athkatla

A Far Cry from the More Civilized Settlements

In a league of its own when it comes to underhanded business practices, Athkatla is a hub of corruption, where every faction and individual relentlessly chase wealth, often resorting to actions that would be illegal in any other city. The streets of Athkatla are ruthless, with the law seemingly nonexistent as even heinous acts like slavery are commonplace. It’s advisable that only those who can protect themselves venture into this treacherous city.

Luckily, most thrill-seekers possess the ability to handle this situation. Often, role-playing games based on D&D find player characters in captivity in some form. So, maybe our adventurers are all enslaved within the city and must devise a plan for their escape, or they could even assume the role of the oppressors in a darker storyline. Ultimately, Athkatla is a city brimming with possibilities for the beginning of an extraordinary journey, depending on the preferences of both the DM and players.

5. Candlekeep

Countless Tomes of Knowledge are Held Within this Fortress

In most cities across Faerun, you’ll find residential areas, markets, taverns, inns, and religious sites that cater to both locals and travelers. However, Candlekeep stands out as it lacks taverns for weary adventurers to drink, but instead offers a vast library, the largest any of them have ever encountered.

Candlekeep is a fortress of knowledge, containing countless books and scrolls that could provide information for any mission or question the party has. As such, this bastion of knowledge could make the perfect starting point for an adventure. Are they the scholars who have worked and lived here for years, or are they outsiders granted the privilege of seeing within this fountain of information? Either way, there are many plot hooks that could be used here to tug them towards the heart of the story.

4. Luskan

A Wretched Hive of Scum and Villainy

Typically, civilized cities keep their criminal activities hidden and underground, away from the notice of guards. However, Luskan operates differently, as all underworld dealings are conducted openly. Given its ruler is a drow mercenary with dubious morals, this isn’t too surprising.

Luskan’s roughness, however, gives it an endearing and prosperous character. Business thrives, albeit often with undertones of corruption. This makes it an ideal setting for a budding adventuring party to find work, even if the jobs aren’t always noble or legal. Every group has to start somewhere, and Luskan might just be the place that offers them their initial assignment.

3. Neverwinter

Volo Himself Sings This City’s Praises

In the realm of the Forgotten Realms, Neverwinter stands out as a well-recognized city, showcased in various games such as the MMORPG titled “Neverwinter” and the RPG series “Neverwinter Nights.” This bustling metropolis is particularly renowned for its numerous skilled artisans who cater to its residents, and it maintains a strong alliance with the Noble Lords.

This thriving metropolis, brimming with rich culture, presents an excellent location for launching your campaign. The story could unfold within its city limits or you might be drawn to heed a call originating beyond its boundaries. Notably, this city was once referred to as the most civilized in all of Faerun by the esteemed Volo. Regardless of where your adventure begins, it is essential that your party makes a stop here during their travels.

2. Waterdeep

The City of Splendors Attracts People From All Walks Of Life

There would be few better places to start a brand new campaign than the glittering Crown of the North, the sprawling and successful metropolis that is Waterdeep. As one of the most culturally vibrant and powerful cities along the Sword Coast, the adventurers could either be residents of the city or hopeful new arrivals.

In both cases – whether Dungeon Masters (DMs) are guiding their groups through ‘Dragon Heist’ or creating their own storylines – this bustling metropolis offers a wealth of possibilities and potential for an exciting start. From intricate political machinations to encounters with the city’s underworld, there is no shortage of drama and adventure to be found here.

1. Baldur’s Gate

DM’s Can Draw Inspiration from the Games

Due to the renowned Baldur’s Gate game series, this location has become deeply ingrained as an iconic spot among enthusiasts, providing a gateway for newcomers into these legendary walls. Nicknamed the Halfway to Everywhere, adventurers often find it hard to discover a locale with more potential than Baldur’s Gate – a place where rookies would typically venture in search of partners and wealth.

For campaigns starting at any level, Baldur’s Gate remains an exceptional choice as a bustling city in the Forgotten Realms, where there’s never a lack of activity across its various districts. Moreover, Dungeon Masters struggling with inspiration can draw ideas from the renowned games named after this city, each featuring compelling hooks that can easily be adapted for tabletop role-playing games.

2024-12-10 08:06