''Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast'' is a supplement about part of the
Forgotten Realms published by
TSR in 1994 for the 2nd edition of the fantasy role-playing game ''
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons''.
Contents
''Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast'', one of a series of guidebooks written in the voice of inveterate traveller
Volothamp "Volo" Geddarm, is a detailed look at the various cities, communities and notable sights along the coast from
Daggerford
''Forgotten Realms'' is a campaign setting for the '' Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') fantasy role-playing game. Commonly referred to by players and game designers alike as "The Realms", it was created by game designer Ed Greenwood around 1967 as ...
in the north through to
Amn in the south, with a special focus on the various taverns that can be found.
Volo uses a rating system of 1 to 5 pipes for inns, 1 to 5 tankards for taverns, 1 to 5 coins for prices, and 1 to 5 daggers for dangerous places.
Several appendices provide further details of notable personalities likely to be encountered, various magical wards used in the area, and new magic items.
can use locations and characters described in the book as a foundation on which to create proper Sword Coast scenarios.
Publication history
TSR first published Forgotten Realms material for the first edition of ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' in 1987, and transitioned the Forgotten Realms campaign to the second edition of ''AD&D'' in 1989. The campaign was supported by many adventures, novels and supplements, including 1994's ''Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast'', a 248-page softcover pocket book designed by
Ed Greenwood
Ed Greenwood (born July 21, 1959) is a Canadian fantasy writer and the original creator of the ''Forgotten Realms'' game world. He began writing articles about the Forgotten Realms for ''Dragon'' magazine beginning in 1979, and subsequently sold ...
, with interior art by
Jennell Jaquays and
Valerie Valusek
Valerie A. Valusek is an artist whose work has appeared in role-playing games. She is the sister of Jay E. Valusek, author of Museum of Voices: An Autobiographical Miscellany, where she is mentioned briefly.
Works
Valerie Valusek has produced i ...
, cartography by
Dave S. "Diesel" LaForce and cover art by
John and Laura Lakey.
Reception
In a list of the Top 20 games and resources for November 1994, ''
White Wolf'' listed ''Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast'' at #13.
Other recognition
A copy of ''Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast'' is held in the collection of the
Strong National Museum of Play (object 116.607.5).
Notes
References
{{D&D topics
Forgotten Realms sourcebooks
Role-playing game supplements introduced in 1994