Sword Coast

The Coast Way stretches onward, a vital artery linking Baldur’s Gate to the distant reaches of the south. The road meanders through rolling grasslands dotted with hardy shrubs and the occasional weathered tree, their branches bent by the persistent coastal winds. To the west, the Sea of Swords glitters under the sunlight, its waves crashing rhythmically against jagged cliffs, the sound carrying faintly on the breeze. As you draw closer to the Cloud Peaks, the air grows cooler and the terrain more rugged. Rocky outcrops rise like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the path in the late afternoon light. Travelers pass by—merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers—each with stories etched into their faces. The atmosphere hums with both opportunity and risk, the road promising trade and connection, but also hinting at the dangers lurking just beyond its well-worn edges. It’s a route of both commerce and caution, where the journey itself holds its own rewards and perils.

The lands are beset by bandits, wolves, other wildlife and by bugbear, kobold, orc, and even troll raiders. Caravan guards are considered a necessity and are in constant demand. The area around the Friendly Arm, a fortified waystop, is considered somewhat safe.