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Locations are so vital to the success and failure of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. They can make a real difference in the enjoyment of an adventure for players, as the quality of those locations will influence the conflicts to be had, the NPCs to interact with and the worlds to explore. The Forgotten Realms are one of the most prominent backdrops for campaigns in the tabletop RPG and one that has been fleshed out via additional material.

Whether it's the guidebooks, graphic novels or even audio dramas, the Forgotten Realms have received plenty of expansions over the years. However, it's the official novels that have perhaps added the most to these lands. Some of the greatest authors that have worked in the fantasy genre have turned their attention to Dungeons & Dragons and contributed something to the ever-growing reputation of the Forgotten Realms.

Darkwalker on Moonshae Shaped The Early Years

There always has to be a first and, in the case of the Forgotten Realms, it was Darkwalker on the Moonshae that took those early steps. Written by Douglas Niles and released in 1987, the text was the first display of the Forgotten Realms in this format and serves as vital inspiration to players and Dungeon Masters the world over.

Set in the Moonshae Isles, an iconic locale known for its mythological influences, the Celtic-inspired backdrop plays host to a war between those who worship the Earthmother and the dark forces seeking to expel her. It's fantastic for its well-paced coming-of-age journey and its determination to bring complex lore into a relatively new setting.

Elminster: The Making of a Mage Kicked Off An Incredible Run

Elminster is arguably one of the most iconic characters in Dungeons & Dragons and thus, it's no surprise that the wizard had to have a fully-fleshed-out origin story. In fact, Elminster: The Making of a Mage kicks off a fantastic narrative run, with author Ed Greenwood, who is hugely responsible for shaping the Forgotten Realms, bringing his trademark depth to the piece.

The story follows Elminster on a multi-year journey as he further explores magic and embarks on his awakening. Again, there is a coming-of-age story here, but it is in the foundational lore of the 1994 text, coupled with its stoic lead and his unique opinions on magic itself that brings additional layers to both the Forgotten Realms and this critical character.

Shadowdale Introduced The Avatar Series

In 1989, it was Scott Ciencin who kicked off the Avatar series, a run of novels that saw the Gods moved into mortal forms, doomed to walk Faerûn after being thrown down from the heavens. It's a fascinating concept and one that adds such great context to the personalities of the deities themselves.

While the Avatar series would go on to great heights, one cannot overlook Shadowdale as an important entry into the wider Forgotten Realms sandbox. Not only did it inspire a great gameplay module, but it also shows what happens when spellcasting becomes chaotic and the lores of nature are flipping on their head.

Azure Bonds Is Considered A Classic

It is the 1998 Dungeons & Dragons novel, Azure Bonds, that was written by couple Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb, that particularly stands out among the rest. Partially because it also served as the starting point for the much-loved Finder's Stone trilogy and partially because of the longevity of the many ideas that it produced.

Following Alias, a character with a missing memory and a strange connection to five mysterious masters who force her to do their bidding, this is a story about contemplating the past and securing one's future. It makes the most of the Forgotten Realms and the kingdom of Cormyr in particular, while also delivering yet another fantastic lead character for future NPC interactions.

Homeland Is A Critical Origin Story

It is so often the case that the first book in a series is the best and many would suggest that Homeland offers much the same. Because the 1990 fantasy novel by R.A. Salvatore brings the Legend of Drizzt series to Dungeons & Dragons fans, with an origin story that has shaped Forgotten Realms history for the foreseeable future.

Drizzt takes center stage here, as the darker, crueler lands of the Forgotten Realms come into focus. Set in the Underdark, the history and people of these dangerous territories are truly terrifying in their portrayal, with even the Dark Elf feeling out of place among the treachery. The action sequences also have to get a special mention here.

Dissolution Is A Darker Text

One could read a text even darker than Homeland though, and that's where Dissolution comes into the conversation. Released in 2002 and forming part of the War of the Spider Queen chronicles, R.A. Salvatore once again digs deep into the land of Menzoberranzan, a sprawling city that is meek in its morality.

Once the Spider-Queen suddenly stops granting prayers, all chaos breaks loose as the ruling classes are brought down by those monstrous beings looking for any vulnerability. It is a complete collapse of society and one that must be rectified swiftly, as a group is sent out into the Forgotten Realms in the hope of finding answers.

Elfshadow Is A Masterclass In Storytelling

Elaine Cunningham's Elfshadow from 1991 not only serves as the second book in the Harper series but also debuts the Songs & Swords saga, that would bring the author such acclaim. The narrative is set in the westerly regions and heartlands of Faerûn, with Waterdeep taking a major role.

The story follows an assassin who is accused of a series of murders they did not commit. With a mystery forming and a name to clear, Arilyn sets out in a bit of an odd couple, to uncover the truth. Wracked with tension and introducing the villainous Elaith Craulnober, Elfshadow is a great example of solid storytelling in the Forgotten Realms.

Twilight Falling Is Too Underrated

Paul S. Kemp is responsible for the Erevis Cale trilogy and kicked things off in 2003 with Twilight Falling. The novel is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated Dungeons & Dragons texts that has been released, due in large part to the fact that its stakes and ambition aren't fully considered.

This is a story about a world potentially being plunged into darkness and Everis attempting to leave the darkness of his past to history. It is the nature of the hero that they must make a sacrifice even if it is all corrupting and that is the conflict at the heart of Everis' choices. The likes of Sembia and the Plane of Shadow bring clarity to the Forgotten Realms.

The Lost Library of Cormanthyr Is A Fun Adventure Text

There may be many darker novels for those that love the horror or tragedy side of Dungeons & Dragons, but the franchise is also about comedy and adventuring and that's where The Lost Library of Cormanthyr does its best work as a standalone story. Written by Mel Odom, it was originally released back in 1998.

With the lead, Baylee, looking for a famous library that is rich in magic and shrouded in secrecy, this is a classic questing text that takes its leads through the Cormanthor forest and into the Lost Library itself. The world-building is deep and the pacing is electric, gifting players with plenty of campaign inspiration.

Realms of Infamy Is A Beautiful Anthology

Realms of Infamy is one of those Dungeons & Dragons anthology novels that brings so much precision and depth to the Forgotten Realms, with new characters, heroes, villains and magic populating the expanse and, in turn, creating compelling arcs to dissect. This is really one for those looking for campaign prompts.

Released in 1994 and featuring authors like Ed Greenwood, R.A. Salvatore and Elaine Cunningham, this is a text that allows its creators to experiment in this field, while bringing their experience to the forefront. While its bite-sized lore is easy enough to digest, it is the unique character perspectives that add the most to the Forgotten Realms.