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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
214 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Sep 2025 : 17:34:39
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I have never run a long term FR campaign, only random one shots and shorter campaigns without regard to time period. My group haven't looked at the Realms in many years, but it has recently come up that we might want to set our game here for the foreseeable future (assuming we continue to enjoy it).
I own most of the major products from the 1e through 3e periods. Our group plays 3.5, but rules aren't relevant.
I was thinking it would be nice to use the beautiful 3e library of Realms sourcebooks as the core of this game, but I also want to be able to pull from 1e and 2e for adventure ideas, maps, adventure modules and so forth. Part of the attraction of running this world to me is the endless lore to pull from, but so much of it can be contradictory of course.
I was looking at Eric Boyds Under Illefarn Anew as a potential good starting place for a campaign. A classic module redone and expanded. However, while reading through it I started thinking about all that I would need to consider between the assumed time period of this module and the 1372 time period of the 3e supplements.
I know the common answer is "take what you want and leave the rest". But in a scenario in which I want to pick a period between 1e and 3e to base the bulk of the game off of while still being able to use material from other editions (especially for adventures), what do you see as the path of least resitance? If there is one.
- 1e as the base and incorporating future lore as desired?
- 2e as the base and working backwards and forwards? From what I can tell 2e transitioned pretty smoothly into 3e, no?
- Use 3e as the base and use older stuff where it won't conflate too much.
4e and 5e are out for the most part. I don't own any of it and don't buy new gaming stuff, though I'll use stuff from free online sources if it fits what I am doing.
A tricky and very subjective question I know. I suppose subjective answers are what I am looking for.
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1427 Posts |
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
214 Posts |
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1427 Posts |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4245 Posts |
Posted - 19 Sep 2025 : 00:12:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
1356 Dale Reckoning, if you dislike The Time of Troubles (or the mere thought of so widespread an event).
1367 Dale Reckoning, if you do not mind or if you enjoy The Time of Troubles.
Starting with 3e, the map of Faerun shrinks and its population explodes. Of course, only add that which you find appealing/logical.
What major issues, if any, would one run into using the 2e map with 3e books?
I think you could use either the 1e or 2e map and use 3.x rules all you wanted. The mechanics and/or map you use really don't pose any clashes. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
214 Posts |
Posted - 19 Sep 2025 : 00:14:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
1356 Dale Reckoning, if you dislike The Time of Troubles (or the mere thought of so widespread an event).
1367 Dale Reckoning, if you do not mind or if you enjoy The Time of Troubles.
Starting with 3e, the map of Faerun shrinks and its population explodes. Of course, only add that which you find appealing/logical.
What major issues, if any, would one run into using the 2e map with 3e books?
I think you could use either the 1e or 2e map and use 3.x rules all you wanted. The mechanics and/or map you use really don't pose any clashes.
For sure. I mean if you were using 3.5 sourcebooks with the 2e map will you run into issues when it comes to distances mentioned in the 3e books, how long it should take to get from a to b, so on and so forth.
I rather like the idea of lots of open space to make my own, but am unsure how that clashes with the way the world is presented in the 3e books. |
Edited by - Ozreth on 19 Sep 2025 00:15:08 |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4245 Posts |
Posted - 19 Sep 2025 : 00:23:54
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Maps are guestimations made by map makers. I don't view them like we view maps today. There are no "sure" measurements for such instruments in a quasi-medieval setting...even with magic a wizard or whatever might have made a map with magic that is close to what the scale should be...but most maps surely are more in the line of maps for estimated directions.
"Follow this road until you come to the bridge in the village of Barrof; then take the east road to the right after the bridge. Entire trip may run you a couple of days...depending on your dwarf friend here and how fast his little legs will carry him..." |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Azar
Master of Realmslore
1427 Posts |
Posted - 19 Sep 2025 : 00:40:32
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| It is easier to subtract that it is to add; if a particular instance of those generous pre-3e distances becomes a hindrance, introduce interposing impassable and/or hostile terrain. |
Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.
Earth names in the Realms are more common than you may think. |
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When is the most "practical" period to set a game?
