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Gelcur
Senior Scribe
523 Posts |
 Posted - 14 Jan 2008 : 06:00:57
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So my players might make it to Waterdeep some day soon and was thinking it would be interesting if some of Volo's work was available to them. So I set out to compile a list of Guides that I know of and here it is I'm sure I'm missing tons, never had a subscription to Dragon.
All penned by our favorite Volothamp Geddarm:
Volo's Guide to All Things Magical c. 1356 (Original text, suppressed by Elminster)
Volo's Guide to the Moonsea 1357-1358 unreleased and suppressed by Zhentarim agents
Volo's Guide to the Vast 1358-1360 unreleased (held by someone in Ravens Bluff)
Volo's Guide to the Bloodstone Lands 1360-1362 unreleased (held by peoples unknown)
Volo's Guide to Westgate & the Dragon Coast 1362-1363 commission work held by a noble of Yhaunn
Volo's Guide to Waterdeep 1363-1365
Volo's Guide to Calimport 1364-1365 notes & old draft; all final drafts destroyed by pashas and Rundeen agents
Volo's Guide to the North 1365-1366
Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast 1366-1367
Volo's Guide to Cormyr 1367-1368
Volo's Guide to the Dalelands 1368-1369
Volo’s Guide to the Lands of Intrigue 1369-1370 (excerpts and partial draft of which released by Elminster
to chroniclers as "Volo’s Guide to Baldur’s Gate II")
* Volo's Guide to All Things Magical 1370 (Rewrite with aid of Elminster)
I ordered them by date here since its their order is important to me, unfortunately in the year my campaign is set in none of his released ones have been penned yet.
I figured this might help others, also if people have more that I am missing please add them and try to date them. I can't take credit for the above I got them from here.
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The party come to a town befallen by hysteria
Rogue: So what's in the general store?
DM: What are you looking for?
Rogue: Whatevers in the store.
DM: Like what?
Rogue: Everything.
DM: There is a lot of stuff.
Rogue: Is there a cart outside?
DM: (rolls) Yes.
Rogue: We'll take it all, we may need it for the greater good. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2008 : 11:21:18
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| All the ones in red were either proposed but never written, or they were extrapolated titles -- areas that it's reasonable to expect Volo would have eventually gotten to. I believe it was Steven Schend who said that. |
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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Brunswick
Acolyte
Ireland
21 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2008 : 11:27:06
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WR,
Wasnt "Volos Guide to All things Magical" released at some point (in an A4 sized book, unlike the other Volos guides, in their "novel" format). Pretty sure I have that at home.
The Volos guide series were my favourite Realms books - I only wish they made more of them...
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 12:35:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Brunswick
WR,
Wasnt "Volos Guide to All things Magical" released at some point (in an A4 sized book, unlike the other Volos guides, in their "novel" format). Pretty sure I have that at home.
The Volos guide series were my favourite Realms books - I only wish they made more of them...
That was the "revised" edition, the original edition got banned... check the introduction to the book. |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 13:45:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Brunswick
WR,
Wasnt "Volos Guide to All things Magical" released at some point (in an A4 sized book, unlike the other Volos guides, in their "novel" format). Pretty sure I have that at home.
The Volos guide series were my favourite Realms books - I only wish they made more of them...
I must have missed this post due to the gremlins that Sage had let loose...
Volo's Guide to All Things Magical (formerly a suppressed work  ) was indeed eventually released. You may note on the original list that it appears twice -- once in red, the original text, and once in black, the re-written text. The re-written one was the one that was released. It's also available as a download from 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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Brunswick
Acolyte
Ireland
21 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 15:49:08
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Ah excellent, thanks. Forgot it was the "revised" version...  |
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BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe
Greece
581 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 15:54:36
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| Yes... the titles in red were never published.... |
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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Gelcur
Senior Scribe
523 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2008 : 02:17:53
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| Does anyone know other Volo's guides that were published in Dragon or else where? I never had a subscription so no clue how many I may have missed. If someone could get me a list I would gladly incorporate it into the first post. |
The party come to a town befallen by hysteria
Rogue: So what's in the general store?
DM: What are you looking for?
Rogue: Whatevers in the store.
DM: Like what?
Rogue: Everything.
DM: There is a lot of stuff.
Rogue: Is there a cart outside?
DM: (rolls) Yes.
Rogue: We'll take it all, we may need it for the greater good. |
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Eli the Tanner
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
149 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2013 : 16:21:21
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Hmm I was wondering how official these dates are, as in my copy of Volo's Guide to the Dalelands he specifically mentions events both late in 1369 and even early 1370.
For example: "Scardale has found disaster again in the
Year of the Tankard (1370 DR)!" is a direct quote from page 196
Sadly the links in this scroll are all dead so I can't check Gelcur's source.
I've been trying to figure out the dates of the Dalelands and other guides but can't tell whether it is the guides that are in error or the 'official' list. |
Moderator of /r/Forgotten_Realms |
Edited by - Eli the Tanner on 15 Jan 2013 16:22:08 |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2013 : 16:44:28
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Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate 2, released as a supplement to Baldur's Gate 2, should really be titled in-world as "Volo's Guide to Amn". Released by Bioware but written by Ed and published by Wizbro, I would consider it canon.
The OP reference link seems broken, but here's a Book List (by George Krashos) for Tomes in Candlekeep which includes the Volo books and writing dates. A few of the dates are different, and unless the tomes date themselves or are referenced by other dated sources I would be inclined to prefer Krashos's version as most accurate.
Volo's always on the move and probably has a number of nebulous (and reckless) writing projects going on at any given time, I imagine he doesn't travel the entire land just to research one book then travel it all over again to research another. His tomes are probably all "work in progress" writings in various states of disorganized incompleteness for years at a time ... I suspect he only actually commits one to a publisher when he desperately needs gold to buy off angry debtors. What this means - in world - is that Volo's Guides might appear in whole or in part and in different versions at different times in cities scattered throughout the land as he sells his "latest" book at every stop on the way while on the run. It may very well be that each printed distribution of a Volo title is a substantially different book; perhaps the "official" version we know of was actually edited by Candlekeep scribes who meticulously gather and reconstruct such piecemeal books over months or years. (Which might explain their obsession with collecting every variant of every edition of every book they learn about.)
Ed commented, long ago, that he's really not fond of writing Volo but was compelled to keep doing so by popular demand. Maybe popular demand can flush some descendant or inheritor (or the genuine Volo) out of hiding long enough to publish more Guides, especially in this new D&D era which attempts to embrace old D&D eras. |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 15 Jan 2013 17:23:44 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2013 : 16:59:25
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What I want to see is a Volo's Guide to the Vilhon Reach.
In my Kara-tur musings (on the WotC site), I had envisioned a grandaughter of Volo's carrying on his 'great work' named Volara (in the 4e era), and her main area of concern was 'Beyond Faerûn'. She did the Volara's guide to the Wastes (Hordelands) first, and moved east from there. (all homebrew, of course) |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 15 Jan 2013 17:00:15 |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2013 : 17:35:23
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quote:
Markustay
What I want to see is a Volo's Guide to the Vilhon Reach.
While he's getting there he can write Volo's Guide to the Dragon Coast, although my first request would actually be Volo's Guide to the Moonsea. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 00:09:32
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| Why won't WotC let Ed start writing the rest of the Volo's Guides? |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 00:31:08
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A few more Guides are listed at the FR Wiki, although they don't all cite sources and their canon value seems dubious. Volo's "canon" work is dubious too, so take that as you will.quote:
Razz
Why won't WotC let Ed start writing the rest of the Volo's Guides?
Partly because Ed apparently doesn't really want to write them.
Partly because the 4E Realms is officially set in 1480DR (or whatever), so Volo would be dead of old age (for one century, more or less) unless his life has been magically extended. And that's assuming the reckless fool actually survived to old age. |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 16 Jan 2013 00:34:57 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 00:54:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Razz
Why won't WotC let Ed start writing the rest of the Volo's Guides?
Because they are doody-heads?
But seriously, thats one thing I never understood. They never 'finished' the setting in any edition. They get less then halfway through, do a new edition, and then start all over again with the same old splats (which was anywhere from 50-70% reprinted material). Its like they say, "Hey we're coming to the end of the already-done stuff... quick! New edition time!"  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 16 Jan 2013 03:31:13 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 01:08:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
quote:
Markustay
What I want to see is a Volo's Guide to the Vilhon Reach.
While he's getting there he can write Volo's Guide to the Dragon Coast, although my first request would actually be Volo's Guide to the Moonsea.
I'll happily take copies of both! 
Ideally, I've always toyed with the notion of a proper Volo's Guide to the Unapproachable East. I'd love to see Volo running loose in Thay. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 03:14:46
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Hi, all.
"Partly because Ed apparently doesn't really want to write them."
Where did you hear this, Ayrik?
Ed would LOVE to write Volo's Guides, 2 or 3 a year, from now until the end of time. (or, you know, longer . . .  )
love,
THO |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 03:29:50
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You know, I thought that was an odd statement, but I chose not to challenge it. It did strike me odd Ed wouldn't want to don his 'Volo skin' a few more times (because I think 'storyteller mode' is precisely what suits Ed best). I think there's a lot more Ed in Volo then there is in Elminster (first off, Ed's not nearly so crotchity ).
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Ideally, I've always toyed with the notion of a proper Volo's Guide to the Unapproachable East. I'd love to see Volo running loose in Thay.
Volo up against Manshoon and Volo up against Szass Tam... I don't think even Volo is that... ummmm... lack-witted?
"So whats that we're feeding the gnolls tonight?"
"Dunno... the boss says its something called 'Volo', whatever that is." |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 16 Jan 2013 04:01:04 |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 04:00:00
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Lady THO:
I can't find the original (internet) source again, although I recall Ed specifically saying he doesn't really want to do more Volo, was getting a bit tired of doing Volo, would really rather write anything other than Volo (and game rules). Said half-humourously, yet also half-seriously. It may have been somewhere in REALMS-L, I will search again later from my faster computers.quote:
Grognardia Interview: Ed Greenwood (Part III)
On the other hand, I’ve had Realms writing assignments I liked less than writing about Elminster - - like writing about Volo!
(I know that's weak, but I distinctly recall a definitive anti-Volo declaration by Ed, long ago. On the other hand, of course, we are sometimes given hints that Ed still has some plans for Volo.)
Sage:
I thought you yearned for Volo's Guide to the Border Kingdoms?
Gelcur:
I've seen a reference to Dragon #355, containing Volo's Guide to Demon Cults of the Realms. |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 16 Jan 2013 05:09:03 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 04:04:26
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I want to see the (censored) Volo's Guide to Festhalls, Coin-lasses, and Pleasure Queens of the Realms.
I believe Elminster stole the only known copy. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 18:12:57
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| I really would love for them to let him publish Guide to the Bloodstone Lands, then Dragoncoast, then the Vast in that order. The rest can be whenever. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 20:04:59
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| Volo's Guide to Golden Huzuz. |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
Edited by - Artemas Entreri on 16 Jan 2013 20:05:34 |
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daarkknight
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2013 : 23:56:55
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| If I had a top 3, in order they would be the Vilhon Reach, the Vast, and Rashemen. |
"That's it!"
Quote attributed to Talor Stormhammer, paladin of Helm, when fighting a frost giant. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2013 : 01:11:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
Sage:
I thought you yearned for Volo's Guide to the Border Kingdoms?
As an extension/expansion of the original POLYHEDRON articles? Yes please!
quote:
Gelcur:
I've seen a reference to Dragon #355, containing Volo's Guide to Demon Cults of the Realms.
They're among some of the finest articles to grace the pages of the final few issues of the printed DRAGON Magazine. Well worth tracking down the individual issues just for those articles, I'd say. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2013 : 01:24:41
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| That is one of the issues I'm missing, so I can't confirm. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1288 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2013 : 02:04:14
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Hi, all.
"Partly because Ed apparently doesn't really want to write them."
Where did you hear this, Ayrik?
Ed would LOVE to write Volo's Guides, 2 or 3 a year, from now until the end of time. (or, you know, longer . . . )
love,
THO
I would SO love a Volo's Guide to Sembia or the Moonsea. I can't even tell you how happy that would make me. It would be amazing. Who do we have to beg to make that a reality??
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2013 : 18:27:02
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Everyone here at Candlekeep to send in dozens of letters to WotC requesting it. LOL Heck even beyond those here at Candlekeep.
Has that been attempted before actually? |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2013 : 18:59:54
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| We could always launch a Kickstarter campaign with the goal of raising funds for a juicy fat bribe to offer the Wizbro executives. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1288 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2013 : 00:33:35
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| Ed should TOTALLY do a kickstarter anything...but he doesn't own the rights so I guess he couldn't do a Volo's guide on there sadly. |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2013 : 01:00:02
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| Contracts with NDA restrictions often include CNC/NCC conditions. Besides: Ed signed on with Wizbro and has never jumped off their boat like many other authors/designers, perhaps he is compelled by personal or professional ethics, perhaps he's just happy where he is ... either way, he probably has a lot to lose and little to gain from going freelance. He is probably also kept chained to a desk, far too overworked to ever have time for such dangerous plots. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Faediira
Acolyte
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - 26 Dec 2014 : 21:16:58
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| I'm actually interested in the volo's guide to the dragon coast and westgate is it available to read anywhere... |
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Volo's Guides
