Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast

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 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.[1]

Several appendices provide further details of notable personalities likely to be encountered, various magical wards used in the area, and new magic items.[1]

Gamemasters can use locations and characters described in the book as a foundation on which to create proper Sword Coast scenarios.

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, with interior art by Jennell Jaquays[lower-alpha 1] and Valerie Valusek, cartography by Dave S. "Diesel" LaForce and cover art by John and Laura Lakey.[2]

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.[3]

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).[4]