Legendary Heroes: The Forgotten Realms' Greatest Adventurers

Tags Forgotten Realms author-mike-bernier

Across the wind-swept hills of the Dalelands, through the bustling streets of Waterdeep, and echoing in the shadowed halls of ancient dwarven strongholds, tales spread of heroes who've shaped the fate of Faerûn. These heroes have battled dragons, delved into dungeons, and defied evil gods—and with the help of the Forgotten Realms Ultimate Bundle, you too can craft a hero worthy of a name in the hallowed halls of Faerûn's legends.

In this article, we'll explore some of the most iconic heroes of the Realms, who you may hear tales of—or come face-to-face with—in your own adventures!

Irina NordsolAlustriel Silverhand

Alustriel Silverhand

Alustriel Silverhand is a shining paragon of arcane power, graceful benevolence, and diplomatic might. As one of Mystra's Chosen and a daughter of the goddess herself, Alustriel is deeply devoted to safeguarding the Weave—the living essence of magic woven through Toril. She believes the Weave responds to acts of mercy and compassion, empowers those who strive to protect others, and strengthens those who rise to challenge injustice and fight evil.

Alustriel was once the ruler of Silverymoon and led the League of the Silver Marches—an alliance of northern cities forged against those who would endanger the balance of civilization and nature in the area. She now traverses the multiverse to defeat evil wherever it rears up, like when Vecna tried to reshape the multiverse in Vecna: Eve of Ruin.
Lius LasahidoBruenor Battlehammer

Bruenor Battlehammer

Bruenor Battlehammer is a battle-worn dwarf king whose tough grit gives way to a full heart. Stubborn, stout, and bold beyond measure, Bruenor reclaimed his home of Mithral Hall from the shadow dragon Shimmergloom, reigned as its king across three separate eras, and wielded his notched axe in defense of dwarvenkind time and time again.

He was also a founding member of the Companions of the Hall, the adoptive father of Catti-brie and Wulfgar, fast friends with Regis, and bonded for decades with Drizzt Do'Urden.

During the events of Out of the Abyss, King Bruenor Battlehammer reigns over Gauntlgrym as danger stirs in the Underdark. Though older and scarred by war, he remains the same gruff, golden-hearted dwarf who once vanquished dragons and rallied his people against their foes.
Chris RallisDrizzt Do'Urden

Drizzt Do'Urden

Drizzt Do'Urden is a drow who turned his back on Lolth and chose honor over heritage. Forsaking the cruelty of Menzoberranzan, he wandered the Underdark for years before emerging onto the surface and becoming a legendary hero of the North. Accompanied by his mystical panther Guenhwyvar and driven by a fierce moral compass, Drizzt defends the Realms with twin scimitars—Twinkle and Icingdeath—and has worked with the Companions of the Hall to defeat many a villain across Faerûn.

Over the decades, Drizzt has helped reclaim Mithral Hall, faced the horrors of the Spellplague, and battled evil throughout the Realms. He has crossed blades with assassins, dragons, and demons alike, and may still be encountered when traversing the frigid North of Faerûn.
Borja PindadoElminster

Elminster

The Sage of Shadowdale. The Old Mage. Elminster is the Realms' most cantankerous and cunning archmage. A Chosen of Mystra, Elminster's fingerprints are all over the Realms' most significant events—from the toppling of tyrants to the tutoring of great heroes.

He's survived centuries of adventuring, walked through the Nine Hells, guided kings and archmages, helped rebuild the Weave after Mystra's fall, and even outwitted gods and goddesses. Never underestimate the man in the pointy hat!

Thoroughly mysterious, it's never clear when or where Elminster will appear to help the forces of good. It was rumored he recently appeared to a group of heroes who were investigating an Elder Brain's plot to overthrow the city of Baldur's Gate.
CHRIS RALLISLaeral Silverhand

Laeral Silverhand

Sister to Alustriel, Laeral Silverhand once wandered the world as a mighty Wizard. At the time of the events in Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, she resides as the Open Lord of Waterdeep, making her the governor of one of the Realms' most powerful cities. A Chosen of Mystra and a former adventurer of no small renown, Laeral balances diplomacy and arcana with steadfast authority.

Though her power has waned over the years, she is still an incredibly powerful spellcaster, and her partnership with the Blackstaff—Vajra Safahr—and occasional tension with Waterdeep's mask-wearing Lords, makes her a key player in one of Faerûn's most cosmopolitan cities.
Katerina LadonMinsc and Boo

Minsc and Boo

The beloved Rashemi ranger Minsc once wandered the Sword Coast as part of a motley band of adventurers—and now stands as one of the most recognizable heroes in all of Faerûn. Known for his towering strength, eccentric catchphrases, and constant companionship with Boo, a miniature giant space hamster, Minsc is as fearless as he is chaotic.

Though often dismissed as comic relief, Minsc has faced Mind Flayers, Liches, and demon lords head-on, guided by a heart full of justice and a fist full of fury.

Though Minsc and Boo were Petrified while exploring Baldur's Gate and were believed to be a commemorative statue, they have since been rescued from their stone form to continue their chaotic campaign. You'll find him charging into battle shouting “Go for the eyes, Boo!” or holding court with Boo on matters of good and evil, reminding the Realms that even its wildest champions can be its truest heroes.
Denman RookeVajra Safahr

Vajra Safahr

The seventh Blackstaff of Waterdeep, Vajra Safahr rose to the title of Waterdeep's chief mage after the assassination of her mentor, Samark Dhanzscul. Vajra survived a kidnapping perpetrated by her former mentor's killers and passed the Tower's tests to become the youngest Blackstaff in the city's storied history.

Though she once wrestled with self-doubt, Vajra has grown into her mantle with quiet intensity. She commands Force Grey, mentors the city's brightest spellcasters, can animate the city's walking statues, and carries within her the memories and might of all who bore the Blackstaff before her.
Volo

Volo

You've heard his name. You've seen his books (whether or not you trust them). Volothamp Geddarm is Faerûn's most infamously unreliable author, traveler, and name-dropper. He's penned guides to monsters, dungeons, cities—and likely annoyed every archmage and archfiend from here to Sigil in the process.

Endlessly curious and obliviously brave, Volo's misadventures are often more dangerous to him than to his readers. Still, if he says he's dined with a dragon or dated a dryad? It might even be true.

When exploring goblin encampments or cities infected with illithid tadpoles, it's best to check the dungeons to see if he needs to be rescued.

Your Turn to Become a Legend

The Forgotten Realms calls to all those who yearn for adventure. The tales of Drizzt, Laeral, and Minsc are invitations to take to the wilds in search of danger, riches, and glory.

Every dungeon cracked open, every city defended, every friendship forged around a campfire—these are the legacies that shape Faerûn. And yours could be next.

The Forgotten Realms Ultimate Bundle has everything you need to begin your own saga. Pre-order today and prepare for the Realms to know your name!

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Mike Bernier is the founder of Arcane Eye, a site focused on providing useful tips and tricks to all those involved in the world of D&D. Outside of writing for Arcane Eye, Mike spends most of his time playing games, hiking with his girlfriend, and tending the veritable jungle of houseplants that have invaded his house.

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