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eldritchknight
Acolyte
USA
27 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 19:03:41
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I have been reading the 2E supplement the Vilhon Reach and have been amazed by the amount of fluff vs. crunch in the tome, and was wondering if this is standard in 2E tomes?
What are your favorite 2E FR tomes? And are there anymore tomes that deal with the Reach beyond this tome?
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 19:07:53
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quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
I have been reading the 2E supplement the Vilhon Reach and have been amazed by the amount of fluff vs. crunch in the tome, and was wondering if this is standard in 2E tomes?
In my opinion it is.
quote:
What are your favorite 2E FR tomes?
I'll take any I can get my hands on.
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"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Akeri Rualuavain
Seeker
Canada
99 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 19:22:41
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quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
I have been reading the 2E supplement the Vilhon Reach and have been amazed by the amount of fluff vs. crunch in the tome, and was wondering if this is standard in 2E tomes?
What are your favorite 2E FR tomes? And are there anymore tomes that deal with the Reach beyond this tome?
What meens fluff and crunch?
By tome you meen story? |
Sorry for my bad English, I'm french born
The courage to follow our dreams is the first step to achieve our destiny
The tale of Eric and the Dread Gazebo
http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/98/Jul/gazebo.html |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36793 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 19:29:58
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quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
I have been reading the 2E supplement the Vilhon Reach and have been amazed by the amount of fluff vs. crunch in the tome, and was wondering if this is standard in 2E tomes?
Oh yes indeedy! The amount of lore we were given in 1E and 2E tomes was far in excess of what 3.x has given us. The game designers of 2E didn't feel obligated to waste page count on things like feats, Prestige Classes or full-page stat listings. So that was more room for lore.
quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
What are your favorite 2E FR tomes?
The three deity books, Faiths & Avatars, Powers & Pantheons, and Demihuman Deities were all wonderful. Cloak & Dagger had great info and a lot of campaign potential that has unfortunately been ignored in 3E. Volo's Guide to Waterdeep is the single best area sourcebook we've been given, and Volo's Guide to All Things Magical (formerly a suppressed work  ) gave a wonderful feel for anything magical in the Realms.
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36793 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 19:33:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Akeri Rualuavain
quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
I have been reading the 2E supplement the Vilhon Reach and have been amazed by the amount of fluff vs. crunch in the tome, and was wondering if this is standard in 2E tomes?
What are your favorite 2E FR tomes? And are there anymore tomes that deal with the Reach beyond this tome?
What meens fluff and crunch?
By tome you meen story?
Tome is another word for book. It's a bit archaic, but far more common than words like libram or folio.
Fluff is a term that refers to any game information that isn't rules or stats. We generally prefer the word lore, though.
Crunch is all the rules and stats. Fluff/lore is what makes the setting come alive, all the rich detail that draws us in. Crunch is what we need for actual gameplay. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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eldritchknight
Acolyte
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 20:28:10
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Thanks for the quick replies, all!
I have been really enjoying my reading of the Vilhon Reach, and am looking forward to reading more on the area. The only novels that are set in the reach are the House of Serpents and the Scions of Arrabar, right?
Those will probably be the next novels I pick up. |
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Akeri Rualuavain
Seeker
Canada
99 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 20:30:05
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| Thanks a lot Wooly, now I undestand better the question and the answers ! |
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Dalmar Amad
Seeker
Germany
56 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 22:47:05
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quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
What are your favorite 2E FR tomes? And are there anymore tomes that deal with the Reach beyond this tome?
Like Wooly already mentioned the three god books are great. I would add the The Forgotten Realms Adventures Book, Sea of Fallen Stars and Pirates of the Fallen Stars. The last two also include info on the Vilhon Reach concerning these regions' harbours and their attitude towards piracy.
Their also was an adventure module set in this region, IIRC. I forgot the name, though. |
Edited by - Dalmar Amad on 20 Nov 2007 22:47:47 |
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Dalmar Amad
Seeker
Germany
56 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 23:02:10
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quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
The only novels that are set in the reach are the House of Serpents and the Scions of Arrabar, right?
I really liked both series because one of my campaigns is heading there.
The first series shows us a bit of the fear Chondath's neighbours have concerning its resurgence, especially book two.
The second series shows us how the Shining Lord keeps chondathan nobles occupied.
If you're interested in this region, these novels are helpful.
I don't know of any other novels set in this region. |
Edited by - Dalmar Amad on 20 Nov 2007 23:03:41 |
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nb_nmare
Acolyte
United Kingdom
32 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2007 : 23:17:13
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| Even those 2E books specifically designed to introduce new rules-related stuff were lore-heavy. On the surface books such as Wizards and Rogues of the Realms, Warriors and Priests of the Realms, and Demihumans of the Realms simply provide a bunch of new kits and a couple of new classes, but the descriptions of said kits and classes provide a wealth of lore. |
Edited by - nb_nmare on 20 Nov 2007 23:18:26 |
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eldritchknight
Acolyte
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2007 : 03:45:31
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| Thanks, Dalmar Amad. |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2007 : 04:23:56
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| yes and my favorites were the forgotten realms atlas and elminster's ecologies |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2007 : 07:13:47
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quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
I have been reading the 2E supplement the Vilhon Reach and have been amazed by the amount of fluff vs. crunch in the tome, and was wondering if this is standard in 2E tomes?
What are your favorite 2E FR tomes? And are there anymore tomes that deal with the Reach beyond this tome?
Just checking, you do know about the free downloads of several 2ed. Realms books from Wizards page (oh where art thy, Hamster of many links?). This will give you an idea of how the Realms products used to be. Volo guides, parts of Elminsters Ecologies and further. |
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Penknight
Senior Scribe
USA
538 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2007 : 07:14:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
[quote]What are your favorite 2E FR tomes?
I'll take any I can get my hands on.
Same here. I love my 1st and 2nd Edition tomes and think of that as the 'Golden Era' of the Realms. |
Telethian Phoenix
Pathfinder Reference Document |
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Chosen of Moradin
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1120 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2007 : 12:44:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The three deity books, Faiths & Avatars, Powers & Pantheons, and Demihuman Deities were all wonderful. Cloak & Dagger had great info and a lot of campaign potential that has unfortunately been ignored in 3E. Volo's Guide to Waterdeep is the single best area sourcebook we've been given, and Volo's Guide to All Things Magical (formerly a suppressed work ) gave a wonderful feel for anything magical in the Realms.
To the Hamster list, I add Elminster Ecologies, Seven Sisters, and Cult of the Dragon. |
Dwarf, DM, husband, and proud of this! :P
twitter: @yuripeixoto
Facebook: yuri.peixoto |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36793 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2007 : 15:20:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens
quote:
Originally posted by eldritchknight
I have been reading the 2E supplement the Vilhon Reach and have been amazed by the amount of fluff vs. crunch in the tome, and was wondering if this is standard in 2E tomes?
What are your favorite 2E FR tomes? And are there anymore tomes that deal with the Reach beyond this tome?
Just checking, you do know about the free downloads of several 2ed. Realms books from Wizards page (oh where art thy, Hamster of many links?). This will give you an idea of how the Realms products used to be. Volo guides, parts of Elminsters Ecologies and further.
Have no fear, the Hamster is here!
The spoken of link: the Wizards downloads page. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe
Greece
581 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2007 : 17:16:40
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yes that's the standards of 2edition !!! 2edition FOREVER!!!
MY best is THE NORTH box set!!
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BARDOBARBAROS DOES NOT KILL.
HE DECAPITATES!!!
"The city changes, but the fools within it remain always the same" (Edwin Odesseiron- Baldur's gate 2) |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2007 : 03:41:45
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| How were those books Prayers of the Faithful, Secrets of the Magi, Demihumans of the Realms |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2007 : 06:28:55
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quote:
Originally posted by MerrikCale
How were those books Prayers of the Faithful, Secrets of the Magi, Demihumans of the Realms
Well, Prayers of the Faithfull and the 2nd. Secrets of the Magister are both among the Realms book I never got around to buying, but Demihumans of the Realms is a collection of kits for the Realms. Some OK, some not so. It is not a book I can say I have gotten much use out of. |
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Chosen of Moradin
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1120 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2007 : 12:57:26
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Prayers of the Faithfull is a very good tome, about sacred books of the great faerunian faiths. The book explain the tomes history, contents, whereabouts, and powers. It´s a great book!
Secrets of the Magister is a very focused tome: all about the Magister of Mystra. So, if you will not use him in a campaign (or give this role to a player!!!), the book lost his value... but it´s a good read, indeed. Ed Greenwood, Dale Donovan and Kim Mohan make a good job in it.
Demihumans of the Realms is an absolute, if you are a DM, or if you like to play with demihumans. Wooly can speak better about this one... |
Dwarf, DM, husband, and proud of this! :P
twitter: @yuripeixoto
Facebook: yuri.peixoto |
Edited by - Chosen of Moradin on 23 Nov 2007 12:59:14 |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2007 : 14:06:04
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| what about those books Warriors & Priests of the Realms and Wizards&Rogues of the Realms, any good fluff? |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2007 : 14:47:10
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quote:
Originally posted by MerrikCale
what about those books Warriors & Priests of the Realms and Wizards&Rogues of the Realms, any good fluff?
Well, they are OK, but not much lore you cant find around in other realms products. They are interesting for 2ed. players, but I am unsure of the use for others. All thought they might give players and DM's some ideas about regional differences.
The priest part is in my opinion the most interesting. These are cleric kits for the different deities of the Realms, many of which are made to serve special functions within the clergy. Neutral kits for Umberlee and Shar are examples. |
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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2007 : 16:46:53
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| Prayers from the Faithful and Secrets of the Magister are awesome; like The Seven Sisters, they really show you how the Realms works in the higher echelons of priesthood, adventuring and wizardry, and give far more incidental information than their overt subjects. I think Demihumans of the Realms, Warriors & Priests and Wizards & Rogues are disposable. |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2007 : 08:31:04
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| Being a creature of legendarily bad memory I seem to have mixed Pages from the Mages with the Secrets of the Magister. I would therefore like to add a recommendation concerning that book. A huge source of Realmslore, one of those containing almost to much for a person to take in. Hate the illustrations intensely though. |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2007 : 19:21:34
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| without getting too specific what is Secrets of the Magister about? |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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Chosen of Moradin
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1120 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2007 : 19:58:19
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It´s a 130 pages tome, with all concerning the Magister:
- Tasks of the Magister;
- Becoming the Magister;
- Powers of the Magister;
- Leaving Office;
- Mystra´s Choice;
- Magisters remembered;
- The Magister Now;
- Magisterial Magic (with spell mantles, combination of spells, and selected magisterial spells);
- Artifacts and magical items;
- Magisterial Campaign;
- Mystra´s Other Servants;
These are the topics that explain themselves by their titles; there are others, but they are more specific. |
Dwarf, DM, husband, and proud of this! :P
twitter: @yuripeixoto
Facebook: yuri.peixoto |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2007 : 21:09:48
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| There are also quite a bit of information concerning the ideas of Mystra and her followers hidden around in the book. Examples of such are families with special powers that earlier Magisters have shown interest in. |
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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2007 : 22:18:52
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| The book also says a lot about how mages think and act, what apprenticeship is like, a lot of incidental local and historical flavour and secrets and thus adventure hooks, about combination magic, and shadowstaves and tarsardar are a valuable model for other religions' odd servants beyond clerics and 'chosen'. |
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Varl
Learned Scribe
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2007 : 17:35:04
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| Elminster Ecologies and the Everwinking Eye articles in Dragon will always be some of my favorites, as well as the incredible boost in flavor the triad of deity books gave priests, paladins, and anyone religious. |
I'm on a permanent vacation to the soul. -Tash Sultana |
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2E Fluff
