| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| lordhobie |
Posted - 17 Dec 2007 : 15:36:55
Fellow GMs,
I wonder if anyone could provide helpful suggestions for running a Realms campaign, centered around the Dalelands, that is set in the 1340s. What differences leap out? Any Realmslore I should in mind particularly?
Thanks for any assistance,
Lord Hobie |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Halidan |
Posted - 19 Dec 2007 : 18:59:23
quote:
Originally posted by lordhobie
Faraer, I want to run a 'low-level locals gradually grow in power and influence' campaign, with a lot of role-playing and Realmslore opportunities. The theme of 'local boy makes good' would definitely apply. My players and I tend to enjoy the Realms most on a 'ground-level' basis.
Probably the biggest "issue" from the mid 1340's would be the beginning of the Elven Retreat in DR 1344. That leaves a huge power vacum around the Dales, and it might make an interesting campaign.
First, there would be a growing awareness that something isn't right in the Elven Court and other elven settlements. Elven traders no longer comming to town, mysterious shadowy lines of elves walking during the middle of the night, monsters moving unhindered through formerly eleven-patroled lands, etc.
Next, I suspect the various dales would try and make contact with the remaining elves. Imagine a band of young adventurers sent by the elders of Harrowdale Town to an elven border watchpost, only to find it empty - not deserted, but shut down.
Then, the dales would have to adapt. Perhaps by expanding their own patrols, or by having groups like the Knights of Myth Drannor accept guardianship of various elven sites. I see huge potential for local adventures with this one.
Just my thoughts on the idea. |
| lordhobie |
Posted - 17 Dec 2007 : 22:30:19
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
Hard to answer the 'differences' question without knowing what you're used to. What kind of campaign is it going to be?
First, thanks to all who replied! I'm getting some nice ideas.
Faraer, I want to run a 'low-level locals gradually grow in power and influence' campaign, with a lot of role-playing and Realmslore opportunities. The theme of 'local boy makes good' would definitely apply. My players and I tend to enjoy the Realms most on a 'ground-level' basis. :)
Lord Hobie |
| Faraer |
Posted - 17 Dec 2007 : 21:20:05
The early to mid-14th century DR is perhaps the best time to set a Realms campaign, because you have the depth and detail that's amassed since 1987 without the official-novel-timeline gobbledigook, at the cost of only a little back-writing here and there. The Old Grey Box and Volo's Guide to the Dalelands are of course musts, and Spellfire, Shadows of Doom and All Shadows Fled are recommended to understand the Dales.
You'll be living through the events that set up the current Inner Sea lands of the published Realms: the rise of Azoun IV, Manshoon, the Zhents in Daggerdale (note that 1336 is when their occupation is consolidated), and the Knights of Myth Drannor. A few more things you might work in, to add to the Grand History:
c.1338: A fire leaves Halvan’s Keep (in Harrowdale) in ruins.
c.1342: Dammasae dies before she can reach Syluné in Shadowdale. Gorstag retires in Deepingdale to raise Shandril, the daughter of Dammasae and Garthond Shessair, and run the Rising Moon inn.
1344: Lashan Aumersair of Scardale secretly plunders Aumry’s tomb and steals his staff of the night.
1346: Naval Battle of Lisen Sands.
1349: Theremen Ulath is awarded the lordship of Highmoon. (And Ilmeth doesn't inherit Essembra's lordship till 1351. If you asked Ed on his thread about their predecessors, I would prick my ears.)
Hard to answer the 'differences' question without knowing what you're used to. What kind of campaign is it going to be? |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 17 Dec 2007 : 20:07:46
My advice would be to get the Grey Box for 1ed. if you can, that details the early 50's. |
| Ergdusch |
Posted - 17 Dec 2007 : 16:45:16
You should check out the Grand history of the Realms!!! Great book, you see....
Or, if you don't happen to own it yet, go visit the FR- Library: Dalereckoning 1300-1349
You might find it useful in your search.
Other than that I guess I can't be much help to you. Ergdusch |
| Matthus |
Posted - 17 Dec 2007 : 16:05:43
Maybe you are willing to use these official threads
One of the highlights of the Year of the Lion:
• Battle of the River Rising in Featherdale between Sembian and Cult of the Dragon forces; death of the wizard Mhzentul.
– I specially would give my players something with the cult – you would have potential from the beginning up to battle one dragon lich 
The year before (Year of the Weeping Moon):
• Aumry slain; Jyordhan becomes Lord of Shadowdale.
Another idea would be an investigator story about the complot against Aumry
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