There is no quick way to answer your many questions. If you have spare time go here ...
http://forum.candlekeep.com/ .
Concentrate on these areas;
1. Under the "FR Journals" section: the forum "General FR Chat".
2. Under the "Realmslore" section: the forum "Sages of Realmslore". You may also find the forum "Chamber of Sages" worthwhile, since it is the area where FR authors and game designers respond to member questions.
3. Under the "Tomes of Lore" section: You may wish to DL the Candlekeep Compendiums to read at your leisure.
This should get you started. AAMOF, it's a bit overwhelming at first ... but you'll find your answers.