Ed Greenwood's RealmsBound: A New Era for Forgotten Realms

Ed Greenwood, the visionary behind the revered Forgotten Realms, is embarking on an expansive new endeavor known as "RealmsBound." This project seeks to unveil the entirety of the Forgotten Realms, moving beyond the familiar landscapes often highlighted in D&D publications. Scheduled to commence in 2026, "RealmsBound" promises a rich collection of books, beginning with an in-depth exploration of the Dalelands. This initiative aims to deepen player immersion and engagement with the meticulously crafted world that Greenwood first imagined, providing detailed insights into its diverse regions and untold stories.

Greenwood's "RealmsBound" is set to redefine how fans interact with the Forgotten Realms, offering a comprehensive and collaborative experience. With an initial focus on the Dalelands, the project will systematically cover various areas through annual releases, each comprising a Regional Guide, a book on social encounters, a Dungeon Delves book, and an Adventures book. This structured approach, combined with the expertise of a dedicated team of creatives, ensures a rich and consistent flow of content. Greenwood's ultimate goal is to foster a shared, enjoyable experience for both his collaborators and the gaming community, allowing them to fully inhabit and explore the vibrant world of the Realms.

Unveiling the Expansive Forgotten Realms

Ed Greenwood, the original architect of the Forgotten Realms, is spearheading an ambitious new venture called "RealmsBound." This project is designed to offer an unprecedented, in-depth look at the diverse and sprawling world of the Forgotten Realms, extending far beyond the commonly featured Sword Coast. After noticing a perceived narrow focus in recent D&D releases, Greenwood aims to fulfill his long-standing ambition of comprehensively detailing the entire globe of Toril. Starting in 2026, "RealmsBound" will introduce a series of books that delve into previously underexplored regions, beginning with the Dalelands. This initiative promises to enrich the player experience by integrating diverse cultures and geographical elements more holistically into the world's fabric, addressing previous critiques about superficial cultural transplantation.

The "RealmsBound" project, led by Ed Greenwood, is a direct response to fans' desires for a broader exploration of the Forgotten Realms, a setting he first conceived in the 1970s. Having previously contributed significantly to the second edition of Advanced D&D and numerous articles in Dragon magazine, Greenwood is now dedicating himself to his original vision: mapping out the entire world of Toril. The project will roll out a quartet of books annually, each focusing on a different region. The inaugural series will illuminate the Dalelands, one of the oldest core regions Greenwood created, offering intimate details through Regional Guides, Inn Sites for social encounters, Dungeon Delves, and comprehensive Adventures books. This meticulous approach seeks to build a deeply immersive experience, allowing players to genuinely "stand on a hill in the Dales" and explore the world through the eyes of its inhabitants, capturing the spirit of collaborative world-building that has always defined the Forgotten Realms.

A Collaborative Vision: Bringing the Realms to Life

The "RealmsBound" initiative is founded on the principle of collaboration, a core tenet that Ed Greenwood believes has always been central to the enduring success of the Forgotten Realms. No longer directly affiliated with Wizards of the Coast, Greenwood has assembled a talented team, including creative director Eric Menge and senior designer Savannah Houston-McIntyre, alongside numerous other experienced designers. This collective effort is dedicated to meticulously exploring and visualizing new facets of the Realms, evident in their detailed isometric maps and evocative art. The project aims to make the rich lore and geography accessible to all players, providing both digital formats for virtual tabletops and print-on-demand options for those who cherish physical books, ensuring that the magic of the Realms continues to inspire adventure and creativity across generations of gamers.

Ed Greenwood views "RealmsBound" as a continuation of the collaborative spirit that has animated the Forgotten Realms since its inception. He emphasizes that the setting's lasting appeal stems from its detailed lore and its ability to serve as a "cradle" for gamers' imaginations, allowing them to immerse themselves in a world of crumbling castles, enchanted forests, and heroic figures. Unlike Greyhawk, which suffered from its creator's limited time, Greenwood ensured the Realms were developed with an unparalleled level of detail, a tradition he continues daily. The project's team is actively creating immersive content, such as isometric maps that simulate a drone's-eye view of settlements, inspiring adventure ideas and fostering a deep sense of presence. By making the "RealmsBound" books available via DMs Guild, Roll20, and D&D Nexus, Greenwood ensures broad accessibility, catering to both digital and physical preferences, thereby inviting a new generation of players to engage with the richly detailed world he so passionately continues to cultivate.