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KanzenAU
Senior Scribe
Australia
763 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Oct 2016 : 01:45:52
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Hi all, in need of your assistance once more.
I'm gradually preparing for a campaign set in Waterdeep & the North, and I've been consuming Realmslore at a crazed rate. Having come to the game late however, I fear there's a great deal of relevant material out there I'm not even aware of. I want to be aware of it, and thus I need your help.
I feel like I'm on top of sourcebooks, but the novels far less so. I've so far read every post-Spellplague Ed novel, City of Splendors, Blackstaff Tower, and the latest Drizzt books (not Hero yet). I still plan to get to Blackstaff, the rest of the Ed Greenwood presents Waterdeep series, and Thornhold. I'm also particularly keen to get stuck into the rest of the Sundering series and the Farideh saga, but I keep putting them off for Waterdeep or Ed-lore. I also understand Elaine Cunningham's work is really good and relevant (I loved the City of Splendors novel), but I'm unsure of where to start.
I was wondering what other books out there people consider critical to understanding the City of Splendors (and/or the North)?
In an ideal world I'd be starting my campaign by December or January, so although I do plan to consume ALL the novels at some point, I'd like to cover the most relevant ground first. Any help, as always, is much appreciated.
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Regional maps for Waterdeep, Triboar, Ardeep Forest, and Cormyr on DM's Guild, plus a campaign sized map for the North |
Edited by - KanzenAU on 27 Oct 2016 01:47:01
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Delwa
Master of Realmslore
USA
1272 Posts |
Posted - 27 Oct 2016 : 02:15:09
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My own Waterdhavian Campaign kicks off Friday. I would advise Dream Spheres, by Elaine Cunningham. There are probably more novels set in the City of Splendors, but Blackstaff, City of Splendors, Thornhold, Blackstaff Tower, and Death Masks left me feeling pretty familiar with the City.
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- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!
"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 27 Oct 2016 : 03:15:46
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| If you can, I'd read Silverfall. When I think of Waterdeep, one of the things that sticks in my mind is the scene where Qilue and Laeral discuss the cultural life of Waterdeep. AND you'll get prooobably the best novel look at Alustriel and Silverymoon if you go that far. |
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Cards77
Senior Scribe
USA
751 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2016 : 14:38:51
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City of Splendors: Waterdeep is in my opinion the best way to get a feel for the "real" Waterdeep. I've read every novel and supplement related to waterdeep. Also don't forget the Waterdeep boxed set, and City System if you REALLY want to get down in the weeds. Both are fantastic. I'm not a huge fan of the "Adventurer Quarter" but you could probably figure out a better way to use it than I could.
All my players ignored the AQ (which is made for the party) and went straight to the party (Dock ward and The Yawning Portal). AQ is a really really weird feeling part of the city, almost like Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood in the middle of a huge fantastical city.
You'll also need Volo's guide to Waterdeep. It's indispensable. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36968 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2016 : 15:13:09
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| Volo's Guide to Waterdeep is the one I recommend most -- that's the one that made the city come alive for me, and it made me become the hardcore Realms fan I am now. |
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Cards77
Senior Scribe
USA
751 Posts |
Posted - 28 Oct 2016 : 16:19:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Volo's Guide to Waterdeep is the one I recommend most -- that's the one that made the city come alive for me, and it made me become the hardcore Realms fan I am now.
yeah i second that. I spend 90% of my time in Volo's Guide while my group is in Waterdeep. It's packed full of little trinkets that will help you bring every single establishment to life for your players.
City System is really optional unless you want full sewer maps and incredibly detailed neighborhoods.
Frankly unless you're in need of maps and more about the laws, and military, the Waterdeep boxed set is pretty optional too in my opinion.
It does have more detail for merchants, vendors, etc. |
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1632 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2016 : 12:57:56
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| For 5e Waterdeep I recommend Ed's lastest novel death masks. |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2016 : 13:39:48
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Arguable that the biggest event in Waterdeep was in the Avatar series, so if you want to read what there is on Waterdeep that should be there.
The Double Diamond books start and end in Waterdeep.
Also I personally cannot recommend enough all of the books with Elaith (including dream spheres and waterdeep mentioned above). He is my favorite waterdeep character.
For non-major characters I liked the Ed G Presents series a lot, especially the one about the caretakers of the graveyard. |
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Novels important to understanding Waterdeep
