Isles of the Moonshaes
The Moonshae Isles are composed of hundreds of islands, but a vast majority of the population lives on the seven main islands that are far larger than the rest. Because the straits isolate the islands from each other, each of the islands has its own character, history, and threats.
Select an island to view more.
Flamsterd: The Wizard's Isle
Gwynneth: Reclaimed by the Fey
Korinn Archipelago: Reaverhome
Norheim: Fractured Island
Norland: Cutting Edge of Winter
Oman: Lost to the Giants
Ruathym: Cradle of Conquerors
Snowdown: Amnian Incursion
Flamsterd
Flamsterd is an island on the far southwestern edge of the Moonshae archipelago. It takes its name from a wizard who emigrated from Waterdeep centuries ago, seeking a locale where he could practice his arts in privacy. The apprentices that Flamsterd brought to the isles chafed under his leadership as they grew in might. They began to bicker among themselves and then with their teacher. Soon open conflict erupted between them.
In 1291 DR, Flamsterd’s tower exploded. The destruction destroyed the tower and incinerated the warring apprentices. Half the island sank into the sea as the waters rushed in to cover the scars. The great wizard has not been seen since, but some say he survives still, living in an underwater realm beneath the waves.
Korinn Archipelago
Stretching northward from the main islands of the Moonshaes is the Korinn Archipelago. The area consists of hundreds of smaller islands sprinkled throughout the Trackless Sea. Most of the islands of the Korinn Archipelago lack suitable land to support large-scale farming. Residents of the islands make their living through fishing, timber-cutting, and grazing animals on the meager grasses.
The islands are also a perfect refuge for the many pirate bands that prey on ship traffic within the Moonshaes and along the Sword Coast, especially trade vessels traveling between Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate. Pirates based in the Korinn Archipelago often target the ships traveling between Snowdown and Amn, finding a great deal of valuable materials being transported: raw materials heading toward Amn, and goods and wealth to pay mercenaries heading back to Snowdown.
Oman
The island of Oman was once a center of Northlander power and culture. The more peaceful clans worked together to turn Oman into a place where the residents could make a living through shipbuilding, farming, hunting, and fishing – eschewing the desire to raid and pillage nearby settlements. However, omorians from the Feywild realm of Vor Thomil joined with the firbolgs of the Grampalt Highlands. These forces, bolstered by lesser monsters, eventually wiped out all remnants of civilized settlements on the island.
Ruathym
The island of Ruathym is only nominally part of the Moonshae Isles, as it rests 200 miles north of the main islands of the Moonshaes. Most present-day Northlanders point to the island as the place from which their ancestors set sail hundreds of years ago to conquer and settle the lands of the Moonshaes.
Snowdown
Snowdown is the small isle in the southeastern corner of the Moonshaes, directly south of Alaron, and is now a possession of Amn. Its location affords Snowdown the luxury of being the warmest and the most fertile island, but also places it closest to the larger merchant kingdoms of the south, especially Amn. Recently, the Amnians usurped rule of Snowdown and annexed the isle as a colonial province.