| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 14 Nov 2009 : 10:45:30
Greetings one and all!
I know it's a volatile topic, but I'd be interested to know how many fans of the new Realms are out there, and/or what bits of it you've taken a shine to.
Note: being a fan of one setting edition does not exclude being a fan of any other.
I, for example, am generally quite happy with the darker, almost post-apocalyptic Realms. I like alot of the physical changes, especially the 'big holes' that I can insert all sorts of loonacy into, the earthmotes and plaguelands are also going to come in all sorts of handy for keeping my players on their toes, and so forth.
Same with the political changes; The new orcish empire in the North is, IMHO, awesome (although I don't run it as anywhere near as friendly and economically sound as suggested in the book), as is the resurrection of the Netherese and Imaskari, and the introduction of the genasi and dragonborn nations. I love how Cormyr has been forced to become an agressive imperialist state in response to Sembia being thrown over a barrel by the shades, etc, etc, I could bang on for quite a while...
My fandom may stem in large part to having read few FR novels, so my attachment to the realms is to it as a game setting rather than a wealth of characters and stories. Also, as a DM, I have no qualms about drastically working around or simply ignoring material I don't like and shoehorning in my favourite (ans the players') bits of lore from previous editions.
So, who's with me?! |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 27 Nov 2009 : 15:51:19
If I may indulge in some light thread-necromancy...
I've heard tell that the 2e FR map had a fair bit more blank-ish space on it than the 3e map, which apparently compressed some areas (Erlkazar among others, I believe). With 4e, it seems the bank (well, primed) canvases are back; half the western heartlands and lands of intrigue, for example, are completely vacant, leaving plenty of space for your own madness. One of the reasons I love the silver marches is because it's sparcely populated (three major cities in a narea the size of France) despite being pretty lore rich (also a plus) and can accomodate anything I can think of, within reason. |
| skychrome |
Posted - 19 Nov 2009 : 20:58:40
quote:
Originally posted by Quale
It was unintentional, in no way more important than any other mentioned changes, lol.
Winter's Hall is Auril's domain (Dragon 367 http://www.wizards.com/dnd/TOC.aspx?x=dnd/4new/drtoc/367).
Wow! Thanks for the link! Excellent! |
| Quale |
Posted - 19 Nov 2009 : 18:18:48
It was unintentional, in no way more important than any other mentioned changes, lol.
Winter's Hall is Auril's domain (Dragon 367 http://www.wizards.com/dnd/TOC.aspx?x=dnd/4new/drtoc/367).
|
| Sandro |
Posted - 18 Nov 2009 : 21:38:36
quote:
Originally posted by Quale
these aspects of FR seem somewhat better than before:
* Vaasa, warlock knights are decent villains comparing to the earhunting
* Calimshan, only the increased genasi population
* Shou expansion, brings more cultural diversity, you don't have to travel far to get it
* the size of Anauroch being reduced
* the Tormite heresy
* adding slums to Baldur's Gate
* Airspur, a better alternative to the half-orcs, nothing spectacular though
* Winter's Hall
* sharn origins
* Zhentarim no longer being controlled by Bane
* rebellious Thayvian enclaves, tough they got to far after that
* Myth Nantar being elevated
* Simbarchs of Aglarond
* geographical changes in eastern Shaar (except the hole), Azulduth
* fey being more important, some gods becoming archfey
* reducing Anauroch in size
not sure about
* Elfharrow, the Misty Vale should have stayed, there was plenty of room around (e.g. the Bandit Wastes)
* Elturgard
Either you really like this, or you accidentally listed it twice.  |
| skychrome |
Posted - 18 Nov 2009 : 20:14:53
quote:
Originally posted by Quale
* Winter's Hall
Winter's Hall.... what is that again? Not related to Winter's Keep, is it? |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 18 Nov 2009 : 18:05:45
Dugeon 171 the Eye of Justice. |
| Tyranthraxus |
Posted - 18 Nov 2009 : 17:53:26
quote:
Originally posted by Cleric Generic
Tormite Heresy? What's that? (a brief peek at the FRCG reveals nothing).
I think it's an article in a Dungeon a few months ago. |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 18 Nov 2009 : 17:12:32
Tormite Heresy? What's that? (a brief peek at the FRCG reveals nothing). |
| Quale |
Posted - 18 Nov 2009 : 15:39:58
these aspects of FR seem somewhat better than before:
* Vaasa, warlock knights are decent villains comparing to the earhunting
* Calimshan, only the increased genasi population
* Shou expansion, brings more cultural diversity, you don't have to travel far to get it
* the size of Anauroch being reduced
* the Tormite heresy
* adding slums to Baldur's Gate
* Airspur, a better alternative to the half-orcs, nothing spectacular though
* Winter's Hall
* sharn origins
* Zhentarim no longer being controlled by Bane
* rebellious Thayvian enclaves, tough they got to far after that
* Myth Nantar being elevated
* Simbarchs of Aglarond
* geographical changes in eastern Shaar (except the hole), Azulduth
* fey being more important, some gods becoming archfey
* reducing Anauroch in size
not sure about
* Elfharrow, the Misty Vale should have stayed, there was plenty of room around (e.g. the Bandit Wastes)
* Elturgard
|
| Sandro |
Posted - 18 Nov 2009 : 02:38:29
quote:
yes, I'm an evil DM
A bit redundant, no? |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 17 Nov 2009 : 18:54:38
I've not given the revitalised Myth Drannor much thought yet, but if it ever comes into play the PCs will get to play with the nice, shiny new elven empire for a bit... then get to play with it's newly ruined and demon infested ashes after it's used to introduce the BBEG.
The ruins may have a greater impact on the players if they knew it in its former, if brief, glory (yes, I'm an evil DM). |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 17 Nov 2009 : 09:59:12
I am keeping Talos around. Gruumsh tried to "eat" him, but Talos gave him indigestion.
Now their followers are at war with one another. Talos is seeking to gather more Orcs to him to weaken Gruumsh.
One of those take what you need and leave the rest deals.
Myth Drannor is still a ruin in my 1479 Realms, Evereska is the Bastion of Elven might on the mainland. |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 17 Nov 2009 : 07:39:22
Alot of the dead gods should be easy enough to retcon back into existence as exarchs, if nothing else. This is the stance I've taken with the racial pantheons (bit of a fan of Elistraee and Kiaransalee), or be revealed as aspects of others (such as talos and gruumsh). Even if they are splattered all over the cosmos, they wouldn't be the first Realms gods to find their way back from oblivion by whatever modes you deem appropriate.
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| Jakk |
Posted - 17 Nov 2009 : 04:35:01
In keeping with the current train of thought in this scroll, and trying to focus on the good bits, the only good aspect of the divine restructuring for me was the demise of the Mulhorandi pantheon (the Untheric pantheon was already more or less deceased). More gods = better, imo, but my RW deity preferences lean more toward the European pantheons, particularly Norse and Finnish. I'll be keeping Silvanus, Loviatar, Mielikki, and even Kiputytto around in my Realms, and the only Old Empires deities who are sticking around are Sharess (formerly Bast, now renamed again to emphasize her freedom from Shar's influence) and Hoar (formerly Assuran). The rest of the Norse and Finnish pantheons will also be returning to Toril in the aftermath of the Spellplague. (I say "returning" because in my multiverse, they are native to Toril and interlopers to Earth.)
Edit: To MrHedgehog: I'm interested in seeing what you come up with as replacements for the interloper deities, but let's try to keep this scroll a bit more positive. Everyone here knows I'm not the biggest fan of the 4E Realms, but I've managed to find a lot of "good bits" in it all the same. I'd be a lot happier with the Spellplague if it had affected Shade as profoundly as it affected Halruaa and caused the disappearance of all pre-Spellplague NDAs, but that's another matter...  |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 21:39:56
quote:
Originally posted by MrHedgehog
I find it unrealistic that Asmodeus is a greater deity though, unless the means by which people are elevated in godly power has changed.
DEATH TO DRAGONBORN. I have a hard time stomaching even the existence of half-dragons, which less a race of dragonborn. BARF.
Silvanus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvanus_(mythology)
Mielikki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mielikki
Oghma: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogma
Loviatar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loviatar
They were put into the realms by Ed Greenwood for Dragon magazine articles, I believe is the story, to demonstrate how one could use real world deities in a D&D setting.
PURGE THEM ALL!!!! I think i'm going to restructure the Faerunian pantheon and post it in my "post your own stuff" thread. Except I don't think I can bring myself to purge Hathor (motherhood seems like an important portfolio that is lacking... or Loviatar. It was already suggested in Faiths and Pantheons that Leira had prepared the means by which to destroy her foe Oghma somehow.
I appreciate and value your opinion....but the author of this scroll was looking for "the good Bits" of 4e. Your post is a bit offensive to the spirit of this particular scroll. |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 20:07:26
quote:
Originally posted by MrHedgehog
I find it unrealistic that Asmodeus is a greater deity though, unless the means by which people are elevated in godly power has changed.
DEATH TO DRAGONBORN. I have a hard time stomaching even the existence of half-dragons, which less a race of dragonborn. BARF.
Silvanus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvanus_(mythology)
Mielikki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mielikki
Oghma: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogma
Loviatar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loviatar
They were put into the realms by Ed Greenwood for Dragon magazine articles, I believe is the story, to demonstrate how one could use real world deities in a D&D setting.
PURGE THEM ALL!!!! I think i'm going to restructure the Faerunian pantheon and post it in my "post your own stuff" thread. Except I don't think I can bring myself to purge Hathor (motherhood seems like an important portfolio that is lacking... or Loviatar. It was already suggested in Faiths and Pantheons that Leira had prepared the means by which to destroy her foe Oghma somehow.
I quite like the "real world" deities. It emphasizes the idea that the Realms are tied to other worlds and universes through magic and gates.
If you were to reconstruct the Realms pantheon, would you create new deities or incorporate the removed deities portfolios into already established deities? |
| MrHedgehog |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 18:11:38
I find it unrealistic that Asmodeus is a greater deity though, unless the means by which people are elevated in godly power has changed.
DEATH TO DRAGONBORN. I have a hard time stomaching even the existence of half-dragons, which less a race of dragonborn. BARF.
Silvanus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvanus_(mythology)
Mielikki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mielikki
Oghma: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogma
Loviatar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loviatar
They were put into the realms by Ed Greenwood for Dragon magazine articles, I believe is the story, to demonstrate how one could use real world deities in a D&D setting.
PURGE THEM ALL!!!! I think i'm going to restructure the Faerunian pantheon and post it in my "post your own stuff" thread. Except I don't think I can bring myself to purge Hathor (motherhood seems like an important portfolio that is lacking... or Loviatar. It was already suggested in Faiths and Pantheons that Leira had prepared the means by which to destroy her foe Oghma somehow. |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 16:45:15
Oh yeah, historical campaigns!
I've often wondered about running a game set in the Crown Wars era, with a grand war story type plot. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 14:32:34
I am going to set my 4E Realms in the 225 DR time frame.
Very interesting Realms back then, Halaster calling Hunts in the Future Undermountain... |
| Matt James |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 12:01:31
A side thought: I really like the story behind Baldur's Gate and how it has been inundated with refugees; making it the largest city in the Realms (albeit mostly a shanty-town). |
| Alisttair |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 11:45:24
The additional sections of Waterdeep is something I like. A metropolis like that has to expand the way it has in 100 years so its nice to have new neighborhoods to explore. |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 11:27:32
I thought the Dragonborn were a bit rubbish as well, initially, but they've grown on me somehow, especially after that painting of the dragonborn with the banner in AV2.
Also, I never knew Silvanus, etc, were real world inspired! I knew Tyr was Norse or some such, and the Mulhurandi crew were Egyptian, but where did the others come from?
Speaking of gods, this whole thing with Talos being retconned into an aspect of Gruumsh is another plus in my book. Big G has gone from being the orcy god of orciness (nothing wrong with that, of course) to being a broader, more mysterious god of destruction and mayhem, which I reckon has plenty of potential. Similarly controversial is Asmodeus' elevation to godhood, which gives us three big, bad, slightly wonky dark powers; a sociopathic human that forced his way to godhood (Bane), an archdevil that ate a god (Asmodeus) and some alien interloper god of destruction and carnage (Gruumsh)... Sparks will fly!
EDIT: Obviously there are loads more, but those are just three that have caught my eye in the new edition that are liable to rub each other the wrong way in my campaign(s). |
| MrHedgehog |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 06:38:45
I liked Halruua being destroyed. I don't like there being a nation of wizards.
I would have like the removal of all gods inspired by the real world (Silvanus, Mielikki, Oghma...except Loviatar...so maybe not really)not just the Mulhorandi pantheon. (not digging dragon people...that is the stupidest thing i've ever heard)
I like the idea of having Calimshan have larger numbers of genasi...but not 50% or whatever :o |
| Sandro |
Posted - 16 Nov 2009 : 04:31:35
Of all the changes made, I'd say Netheril being re-established is probably the one that excites me the most, along with the countless possibilities for Laerakond. |
| scererar |
Posted - 15 Nov 2009 : 23:56:31
I am digging most of 4E realms. I agree with Erik about Waterdeep. It is still the city of Splendors and adventure waits around every corner
other areas that I am liking are Airspur, Durpar, and the returned Myth Drannor. All are great areas to adventure in. |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 15 Nov 2009 : 18:36:02
I like quite a bit (not all, but quite a bit). Favorite spots . . .
I ran an adventure yesterday set in Westgate using my "Eye of Justice" article (released last month, ties into my novel, Downshadow), and it was totally and completely a *Realms* game.
I also really like Waterdeep.
I like the concept of the orc kingdom, and my current Savage North campaign is going to explore it quite a bit more.
Also, I like the 4e FR genasi quite a bit, actually.
On my side of the screen, the Spellplague is an excellent, excellent story device for my campaigns.
There's plenty more, but those are my favorite bits off the top of my head.
Cheers |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 15 Nov 2009 : 16:16:10
Alright, we've had more than enough bashing of the 4E Realms in other threads... Let's try to have at least one thread where such bashing is absent, okay? |
| Uzzy |
Posted - 15 Nov 2009 : 15:44:19
quote:
Originally posted by Sandro
The general consensus (I daren't speak for everyone, but this is what it seems to me) is that the 4e Realms are a great campaign setting, full of awesome ideas and great potential -- but they just ain't the Forgotten Realms.
Speak for yourself. (On the 'great campaign setting' bit, not on how it's not the Realms)
I suppose the best bit is that there aren't many books for it. |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 15 Nov 2009 : 13:22:24
True. There's an aditional material plane out there somewhere from which Laerakond did a swandive into Faerun. You could easily have gates, etc., from one world to the other, get there thorugh the Shadowfell (or whatever you want to call it). You could even have it floating above the elementat chaos as a world in ruin ruled by Primordials, and so forth...
Speaking of which, anybody digging the Primordials? I have a vision about some gigantic bastard marching across the sea from Laerakond to Faerun surrounded by a flight of dragons. |
| Matt James |
Posted - 15 Nov 2009 : 02:56:47
A little insight into my own Realms; I kept the "destroyed" continents and just had them transposed onto Abeir. Makes for an interesting plot :) |
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