General

Region: Delimbiyr Vale, Sword Coast
Type: Town
Deity of Note: Lathander, Chauntea, and Tymora
Primary Exports: Grain, livestock, leather goods, river trade goods, and crafted arms from local smiths
Threats: Bandits along the Trade Way, lizardfolk and trolls from the Lizard Marsh, raiders from the High Moor, and political tension between nearby city-states

Nestled along the Trade Way between Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate, the Duchy of Daggerford is a small but storied settlement on the Sword Coast. Built around the ruins of a long-fallen castle, Daggerford stands as both a frontier outpost and a vital stop for merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers travelling the coast. Though modest in size, its position on the River Delimbiyr grants it wealth and strategic importance far greater than its population suggests.

Once part of the elven realm of Illefarn, the area now thrives under the rule of Duke Morwen Daggerford, whose pragmatic leadership and alliance with Waterdeep help keep the duchy secure. Daggerford’s people are proud, hardworking, and accustomed to danger — from trolls in the moors to bandits on the roads.

Geography

Daggerford lies in the temperate, mist-laden lowlands of the Delimbiyr Vale, bordered by forests, moors, and rivers. The duchy is surrounded by farmland and scattered hamlets that rely on the city’s protection. The Lizard Marsh to the west and the High Moor to the east mark its wild borders, both teeming with ancient ruins and monsters.

The settlement itself sits on a small rise overlooking a ford in the River Delimbiyr — once a strategic crossing that gave the town its name. A sturdy wall, the old castle keep, and a few stone towers provide modest but reliable defences.

Notable Regions

• The Town of Daggerford – The duchy’s heart: a walled town with cobbled streets, bustling markets, and the ducal castle.
• Delimbiyr Vale – Fertile plains dotted with hamlets and farmland.
• The Lizard Marsh – A dangerous swamp west of the town, home to lizardfolk, bullywugs, and hidden ruins.
• The High Moor – A vast, desolate expanse of hills and bogs, rich in ancient secrets but perilous to cross.
• Ardeep Forest – A remnant of old elven lands, still patrolled by sylvan guardians and fey creatures.

Geographical Features

• River Delimbiyr – Known as the “Shining River,” it flows westward toward the Sea of Swords and serves as a major trade route.
• Shining Hills – Rolling countryside southeast of town, rich in wildflowers and small mines.
• Way Inn – A fortified rest stop halfway between Daggerford and Waterdeep, frequented by merchants and travelers.
• The Trade Way – The main coastal road linking the duchy with major cities north and south.

Major Cities and Settlements

Though called a “duchy,” Daggerford rules over only a handful of small settlements and manors scattered across the vale.

• Daggerford (Town) — The duchy’s seat of power and main settlement.
• Gillian’s Hill — A fortified farming village to the east.
• Bowshot — A small outpost known for its fletchers and hunters.
• Secomber — Technically beyond Daggerford’s borders, this nearby river town trades frequently with the duchy.
• Lizard Marsh Settlements — Hidden lizardfolk villages deep within the swamp, occasionally trading peaceably with Daggerford’s people.

Common Races of Daggerford

Culture and Politics

Though small, Daggerford is a proud and independent realm with a strong sense of civic identity. Its people value hard work, honesty, and community. Festivals, open markets, and public feasts are common, reflecting both its agricultural roots and its strategic role on the Trade Way.

The duchy is governed from Daggerford Castle by Duke Morwen Daggerford, advised by a small council of elders, priests, and guild leaders. While loyal to Waterdeep and the Lords’ Alliance, Daggerford maintains its own guard, laws, and militia. Adventurers are welcomed — sometimes even deputized — to aid against trolls, bandits, and the occasional dragon sighting.

Major Powers

• House Daggerford – The ruling noble line, tracing its heritage back to the founding of the town.
• The Lords’ Alliance – Daggerford is a junior member, often receiving aid and trade protection from Waterdeep.
• The Church of Chauntea – The most prominent faith in the duchy, blessing the harvest and guiding local farmers.
• The Order of the Silver Gauntlet – A small group of knights sworn to defend the duchy and the Delimbiyr Vale.
• The Harpers – Maintain quiet watch over the region, opposing corruption and tyranny.

History

Founding and Early Days

Daggerford stands atop the ruins of an ancient castle built by the fallen elves of Illefarn and later occupied by human settlers. Its strategic ford across the Delimbiyr made it a frequent target for raiders and trolls, leading to the construction of its modern fortifications.

The Daggerford family rose to prominence when Duke Conan Daggerford united the local hamlets under one banner, establishing the duchy that still bears his name.

Age of Strife

Throughout the centuries, Daggerford endured invasions from orcs, cultists, and even dragons from the High Moor. Yet the duchy survived, thanks to alliances with Waterdeep and the steadfast courage of its people.

The Trollwars of the 14th century DR devastated the surrounding lands, but Daggerford’s defenses held firm — a victory still celebrated during the “Troll Run” festival each year.

Recent Events

• The Spellplague (1385 DR) – Trade and river navigation suffered as magic faltered, but Daggerford endured through grit and faith.
• The Sundering (1480s DR) – The duchy regained lost farmlands and saw renewed trade along the Trade Way.
• The Dragon Crisis (1489 DR) – The Cult of the Dragon threatened nearby towns; heroes from Daggerford played a part in its defeat.
• The Storm Giant Uprising (1490s DR) – Trade was disrupted by giant attacks along the coast, straining Daggerford’s resources.

Today, in 1508 DR, Daggerford stands as a bastion of civilization between the great cities of the coast — a quiet duchy with a proud history, always one alarm away from adventure.

Travel

8 hrs per day
Exhaustion Level: 0

Quests

NPCs