As Lyran said - in 5e all of the action has been in the sword coast or underdark pretty much. In 2e much of it was in the dales, Moonsea and Cormyr, in 4e it as centered in and around Anauroch and Shade. They have never really done much with eastern or southern Faerun but there is enough lore on the wiki to make a character come from pretty much anywhere you want if you take the outsider, far traveler, astral drifter or wild spacer backgrounds.
How do you choose a Starting Location in the Forgotten Realms?
Usually the GM just selects where the game will be set in and around, while players can make decisions based on their character's race and background.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
As Lyran said - in 5e all of the action has been in the sword coast or underdark pretty much. In 2e much of it was in the dales, Moonsea and Cormyr, in 4e it as centered in and around Anauroch and Shade. They have never really done much with eastern or southern Faerun but there is enough lore on the wiki to make a character come from pretty much anywhere you want if you take the outsider, far traveler, astral drifter or wild spacer backgrounds.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.