The Western Heartlands cover a vast area between the Storm Horns of Cormyr and the Sword Coast south of Waterdeep, from the Lizard Marsh in the northwest to the Lonely Moor on the fringes of Anauroch in the northeast, down to Beregost and Green Fields in the southwest and Easting on the border of the Dragon Coast in the southeast.

To the caravan drivers of Amn and Sembia, the Western Heartlands are known as "miles and miles of miles and miles"--windswept, grassy flats skirting impassable bogs, badlands, rolling hills, high moors, and lonely forests, all of which are filled with monsters.  The farmers, frontier folk, walled-city dwellers, and other hardy souls who live here are strong and independent enough to carve successful lives  out on the frontier where skill and intelligence count for more than one's bloodline.  The Western Heartlands are home to dozens of separated walled cities, racial enclaves, farm towns, monasteries, fortified strongholds, and armed domains.

The Western Heartlands welcome ambitious adventurers.  A dozen crumbled empires have sought to conquer or dominate the region leaving behind fortifications built upon by waves of subsequent would be monarchs.  Others left behind treasure troves, high and perilous magic, or both.  Unlike the densely packed regions in the Heartlands and the North, the Western Heartlands require long stretches of overland travel between destinations--but at least no one freezes en route.