The year is 1374 DR. Sixteen years have passed since the Time of Troubles, when the gods were made humble, and forced to wander the Realms as mortals. With the ascension of the mad god Cyric, Prince of Lies, and the recent return of the tyrant god Bane, Lord of Darkness, the future of Faerûn seems increasingly uncertain. It falls to bold individuals who possess an abundance of cunning, might, and determination to shape the future... should they be up to the challenge.

Stretching across the untamed wilderness of the North, a fledgling confederation of human cities, elven settlements, and dwarven strongholds, known collectively as the Silver Marches, shines brightly throughout the region. Centered around the resplendent metropolis of Silverymoon, this diverse alliance looks forward to a future of prosperity under the affectionate oversight of Lady Alustriel Silverhand. Still, it is often said that the brightest light casts the longest shadows.

Like moths to a flame, malign forces surround the Silver Marches, eager to see this growing regional power undone. Orc warlords with dreams of conquest sharpen their blades and muster their armies in the mountains, eager to win glory and plunder through bloodshed. The dark elves plot and scheme in their holdings deep within the earth, patiently awaiting the instructions of their evil goddess. Even the roads are not safe - gnolls and werebeasts stalk the savage wilds, preying on unwitting travelers who lack the means to protect themselves.