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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1608 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 16:48:28
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Poll Question:
Do you want a FRCG?
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1608 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 16:49:35
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| Someones post in the other thread made me realize I didn't ask a basic question. |
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Irennan
Great Reader
Italy
3802 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 17:02:17
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| I guess that most people will answer yes on FR-dedicated sites like Candlekeep. You should ask that question on more general sites like ENWorld. The answer that you'll receive there will likely be much different. Sadly, I've seen a lot of hate--indifference at best--for the Realms there. |
Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things. |
Edited by - Irennan on 07 Dec 2016 17:02:32 |
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Bravesteel
Acolyte
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 18:03:15
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I voted "no" as I stated in the other thread. I just don't see a real need for one, except to say it's the 5th Edition FRCG. I never used any actual game mechanics from any of the FRCGs, so the wide breadth of FR material as it stands is open to me for use in my AD&D games.
If one were to appear I would probably pick it up, but it's not really in the must-have-right-now category for me. |
I loved to read and to write, but then something happened. As I made my way through school, I kept getting handed books to read that didn't excite me and didn't even remotely connect to the realities of my life.- R. A. Salvatore
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36758 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 18:25:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Bravesteel
I voted "no" as I stated in the other thread. I just don't see a real need for one, except to say it's the 5th Edition FRCG. I never used any actual game mechanics from any of the FRCGs, so the wide breadth of FR material as it stands is open to me for use in my AD&D games.
If one were to appear I would probably pick it up, but it's not really in the must-have-right-now category for me.
The campaign books aren't about the mechanics... Even though they contain mechanics, the point of the campaign books are to provide info about and update the setting. |
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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Cyrinishad
Learned Scribe
300 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 19:24:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Bravesteel
I voted "no" as I stated in the other thread. I just don't see a real need for one, except to say it's the 5th Edition FRCG. I never used any actual game mechanics from any of the FRCGs, so the wide breadth of FR material as it stands is open to me for use in my AD&D games.
If one were to appear I would probably pick it up, but it's not really in the must-have-right-now category for me.
The campaign books aren't about the mechanics... Even though they contain mechanics, the point of the campaign books are to provide info about and update the setting.
Wooly hit the nail on the head here... A 5e FRCG would nail down the current timeline, geography, notable NPCs & Organizations (possibly giving better info about the functionality of factions). I think those are the kinds of things that are driving people's desire for a new FRCG. |
To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge. -Socrates
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss |
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Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6339 Posts |
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Bravesteel
Acolyte
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 20:33:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The campaign books aren't about the mechanics... Even though they contain mechanics, the point of the campaign books are to provide info about and update the setting.
Well, I agree and disagree. I think 3E's FRCG had quite a bit of mechanical information contained within it. I would argue the same, but to a much lesser degree, with the 4E FRCG. I'm not saying they were full-on crunch books, far from it, but there was certainly a lot of mechanical content.
quote:
Originally posted by Cyrinishad
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The campaign books aren't about the mechanics... Even though they contain mechanics, the point of the campaign books are to provide info about and update the setting.
Wooly hit the nail on the head here... A 5e FRCG would nail down the current timeline, geography, notable NPCs & Organizations (possibly giving better info about the functionality of factions). I think those are the kinds of things that are driving people's desire for a new FRCG.
True! I'm not arguing about the reasons people would want a 5e FRCG, but maybe my initial post sounded that way. My only argument, I suppose, would be that (to a point) the whole Factions thing that has developed out of 5E Live Play garners limited interest from me, and seems very attached to 5E. That may very well just be my perception, of course. :) |
I loved to read and to write, but then something happened. As I made my way through school, I kept getting handed books to read that didn't excite me and didn't even remotely connect to the realities of my life.- R. A. Salvatore
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Cyrinishad
Learned Scribe
300 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 21:14:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Bravesteel
True! I'm not arguing about the reasons people would want a 5e FRCG, but maybe my initial post sounded that way. My only argument, I suppose, would be that (to a point) the whole Factions thing that has developed out of 5E Live Play garners limited interest from me, and seems very attached to 5E. That may very well just be my perception, of course. :)
Agreed. The way factions has played out in the Adventurers' League has underwhelmed me... And I haven't seen it utilized anywhere else, not once. So, the mechanism just seems like another missed opportunity from where I sit. |
To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge. -Socrates
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6609 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 21:21:59
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You know what? Having seen the 4E CG and noted this Adventurer's League nonsense in 5E, I'm not that keen to see a 5E CG. Unless it was wholly, and I mean wholly, written by Ed and had the page count and font size of the 3E version, it would be a letdown. My 2cp.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Hawkfeather
Seeker
Brazil
64 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 23:00:12
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| I wholeheartedly agree with George Krashos. |
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1608 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2016 : 23:55:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Bravesteel
I voted "no" as I stated in the other thread. I just don't see a real need for one, except to say it's the 5th Edition FRCG. I never used any actual game mechanics from any of the FRCGs, so the wide breadth of FR material as it stands is open to me for use in my AD&D games.
If one were to appear I would probably pick it up, but it's not really in the must-have-right-now category for me.
The campaign books aren't about the mechanics... Even though they contain mechanics, the point of the campaign books are to provide info about and update the setting.
Bingo |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36758 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 00:57:26
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
You know what? Having seen the 4E CG and noted this Adventurer's League nonsense in 5E, I'm not that keen to see a 5E CG. Unless it was wholly, and I mean wholly, written by Ed and had the page count and font size of the 3E version, it would be a letdown. My 2cp.
-- George Krashos
Even a letdown would be better than nothing at all, thinks I. |
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! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 08 Dec 2016 01:02:09 |
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deserk
Learned Scribe
Norway
237 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 01:02:45
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| I voted yes, but I have strong doubts they'll follow through. I wonder even why WotC even bothers to hold the FR license. They scarcely produce anything with it. They seem so incredibly indifferent and unenthusiastic towards it. I'm guessing now, more than ever, their real interest for FR really boils entirely down to all the money coming from the Drizzt novels. It's a real shame. Forgotten Realms deserves better |
Edited by - deserk on 08 Dec 2016 01:06:56 |
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Irennan
Great Reader
Italy
3802 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 01:55:24
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quote:
Originally posted by deserk
I'm guessing now, more than ever, their real interest for FR really boils entirely down to all the money coming from the Drizzt novels.
Idk, given that they seem to be done with the novels for the foreseeable future. |
Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things. |
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Adhriva
Learned Scribe
USA
147 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 02:13:30
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They like the brand recognition (Drizzt, Neverwinter, Sword Coast, Waterdeep, etc) but I get the impression they would be happier playing with Nerath/Nentir Vale and the rest of the Points of Light setting where they have more freedom to offer DMs. The (unofficial?) tagline is 'make the realms your own' is it not?
Any campaign guide would have to stress what makes these cities, people, places, etc. unique to the world. That is a tall order for anyone. |
Professional illustrator and comic book artist.
Portfolio |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11611 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 02:25:50
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| Quite possibly a better question would be "what do you want to see to help update the world". Personally, I would like to see an updated world map (not Faerun, but WORLD). |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3271 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 14:16:26
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| I voted no. LOL I have my "OGB" I don't need anything else from WotC. Maybe an adventure or three just for a possible plot hook or encounter. I don't need Wizbro to hold my hand while I play in the Realms. Its rather freeing not having to depend on Chris Perkins(Who MUST Be Stopped!!!!1!1!) and Co for anything Realms related. Kinda wish WotC was never sold to Hasbro now. Hey we got Paizo out of the deal... |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3271 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 14:17:21
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Quite possibly a better question would be "what do you want to see to help update the world". Personally, I would like to see an updated world map (not Faerun, but WORLD).
I agree... |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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EltonRobb
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 16:25:15
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| I voted yes. It's better to have an updated campaign guide or Campaign Setting than to have none at all. Even though I use the 1e version of the realms running Pathfinder with it. With a loose and fast conversion (that is, all the realms gods). |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 16:47:15
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I think I may have accidentally voted 'yes', even though I'm mostly a 'no'. I hit the 'see the results' button without voting, and now its not letting me vote (so I have no idea which way my vote may have went).
Anyhow, I would like to see 'something', but I don't think they should do a normal FRCG/CS. I don't think it would be something at least half the fanbase wants, and I don't think it would be all that useful to the folks running games in 5e (because their current line of AP's is adequate for that). And then we have the fact the FR fanbase is actually rather small, compared to the greater D&D/TT-RPG gamers. So we are talking about them doing a book for a subsection of a subsection of a niche hobby. Not much money in that... not enough for a large corporation, at any rate.
What I think would work is the Gazeteer-like approach, but using a digital format - $1 updates for different regions. In some cases countries (obviously Cormyr), but in others - like The Shaar - we might be able to do a 'regional' thing. Have EACH ONE done by someone who is an 'expert' on that area - like Ed (or Brian Cortijo) for Cormyr, Krash for Impiltur, Eric Boyd for The High Forest (and the Shining Vales), Steven Schend for the Lands of Intrigue (with each being done separately, of course -too much to cover, otherwise). That sort of approach could work, because the 'price tag' is negligible - people might not be willing to shell-out $50 for a FRCG, but most folks would spend $1 for individual, regional 'articles', and wind-up spending MORE in the long run. It would also keep all the relevant information (for a campaign) in one place. Perhaps a wee bit more for the 'thicker' articles (maybe two tiers - 30 & 60 pages, and maybe just have the 'crunchy bits' available as Web-Enhancements). Possibly even charge an additional $99 for a map... maybe.
And now I'm thinking... MAP. I want to see how many 'regions' would actually need to be done. I'll get right on that. 
EDIT:
P.S. - And I think we would windup with a MUCH larger 'book' when we are done - there would be NO 'cutting room floor'. There would be no need to trim them down. Quite the contrary, actually. And if someone wanted printed copies, that could be 'on-demand'. |
"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 08 Dec 2016 16:52:48 |
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EltonRobb
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 16:59:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
What I think would work is the Gazeteer-like approach, but using a digital format - $1 updates for different regions. In some cases countries (obviously Cormyr), but in others - like The Shaar - we might be able to do a 'regional' thing. Have EACH ONE done by someone who is an 'expert' on that area - like Ed (or Brian Cortijo) for Cormyr, Krash for Impiltur, Eric Boyd for The High Forest (and the Shining Vales), Steven Schend for the Lands of Intrigue (with each being done separately, of course -too much to cover, otherwise). That sort of approach could work, because the 'price tag' is negligible - people might not be willing to shell-out $50 for a FRCG, but most folks would spend $1 for individual, regional 'articles', and wind-up spending MORE in the long run. It would also keep all the relevant information (for a campaign) in one place. Perhaps a wee bit more for the 'thicker' articles (maybe two tiers - 30 & 60 pages, and maybe just have the 'crunchy bits' available as Web-Enhancements). Possibly even charge an additional $99 for a map... maybe.
I think this would actually work. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 21:24:05
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I had a similar idea for 4e, but with physical splat-books. We actually have far more freedom with a digital format, and can be more 'focused'. I've grouped stuff together more by what I thought would be actual content, rather than just 'geography', as has been done in the past. Some regions would be pretty sparse even with combining them, and others would be overly full (nothing really can done about Cormyr), but I think with the 'lighter' ones, I would prefer to see them get MORE treatment - more than we've had ever before. For example, I could have easily combined Murghôm & Semphar, but I'd rather see more detail, and more focus, and the two really are distinct cultures (although we've never truly seen why).
Others could be split-apart, like Chondath and Chessenta, but I'm just not seeing it - they have a shared history and culture. I wound-up with 53. but it would be fairly simple to tweak-it and get exactly 50 (or get even more, by further splitting stuff - Cormyr as one big book, or split into two smaller ones - 'Cormy proper', and the 'marches'). So basically, this is just a very rough idea, and as I said, more based-upon the amount of material I think each 'zone' would fill in a book. This is also based partially on an idea Eric Boyd and I had for moving forward with the High Forest/Shining Vale projects - we had laid-out several regions for 'future development': With the DM's guild thingie, this may actually see the light of day (and may be why TEGG has contacted me again... one can only hope). I'm picturing a 2 tier approach - 30 pages for smaller regions at 99¢, and a larger, 60+ pg. booklet for $1.99. I 'may' be WAY under-estimating the sizes here - they may {probably} need to double. I know Eric can fill a 30 pg. booklet on Evereska alone.
Gazaeteer-Style concept map.
Map Key:
1. The Frozenfar & Icewind Dale
2. The North
3. The Illuskan Lands
4. Neverwinter Region
5. Silver Marches
6. Waterdeep Environs
7. The High Forest
8. Loudwater Vale
9. The Shining Vale
10. The Moonshaes
11. The Sea of Swords
12. Sunset Vale & The Sword Coast
13. The High Moor (& Serpent Hills)
14. The Broken Lands (Fallen Lands, etc)
15. The Fell Lands (Stonelands, Goblin Marches, Tun Lands, HoLS & Battle of Bones)
16. Cormyr
17. The Dragon Coast (including Ulthmere)
18. Anauroch
19. Sembia (+ Prespur & Scardale)
20. The Dalelands & Cormanthor
21. The Moonsea North
22. The Bloodstone Lands (Vassa & Damara)
23. Impiltur & The Vast
24. The Wild Lands (The Great Dale, Thesk, and Narfell)
25. Rashemen & the Raumvari (would include history of Raumathar)
26. Aglarond (and Altumbel)
27. Thay (& The Priador)
28. Amn
29. Tethyr
30. The Nelanther & The Dragon's Head
31. Calimshan
32. Erlkazar & The Shining Planes
33. The Vilhon Reach (Turmish and Sespech)
34. The Blade Lands (Chondath, Chessenta, Akanul, and the Blade Kingdoms)
35. Unther (& Threskel)
36. Mulhorand (& The Great Salt Marsh)
37. Murghôm
38. The Raurin (would include complete history of Imaskar, including ruins)
39. Semphar
40. The Endless Wastes (& The Great Ice Sea, Yal Tengri)
41. Lantan (would include the Whale Flukes and 'Mother of Mists' islands)
42. Chult
43. The Savage Lands (Mhair Jungles, Samarach, Tashalar, & Lapaliiya)
44. Elsir Vale (includes Channath Vale, Shaareach, Tharsult & The Bandit Wastes.
45. The Lake of Steam (would include The Border Kingdoms)
46. Halruaa (would include the Great Swamp Rethild)
47. The (Eastern) Shaar (includes the Great Rift)
48. Dambrath (would include the forest of Amtar, the Swagdar, & The Gnollwatch Mts.)
49. Luiren (might want to merge The Five Shires here, just to fill-it-out a bit)
50. The Golden Waters (Estagund, Var the Golden, Durpur, Veldorn, & fallen Thommar)
51. The Utter East (includes Ulgarth, Edenvale, Doegan, Konigheim, etc)
52. The Great Glacier & Sossal
53. Nimbral (would include 'The Beacon rocks')
We could just write-up every single country separately, and they'd get more money that way. I already separated some that perhaps shouldn't have been (it would have been easy to do a 'Shining South' treatment of Dambrath & Luiren, for example). But I was considering a LOT of things, including 'interest'. Would someone buy separate books on Turmish or Sespech? I doubt it... but a 'Vilhon Reach' book sounds pretty good. Same goes for Chondath & Chessenta (although we also could have given Chesenta to the Unther book, and had Chondath in the Vilhon book, or fleshed-it-out further and give it its own book). So, like I said, I factored-in many things here, including keeping similar 'flavors' together (or separate, as I did with Luiren and Dambrath).
Larger booklets could even have a small adventure, or better yet, have a related Adventure Path also available for download around the same time. Gazeteer + AP + Map = $3... not too shabby, given the size of the potential customer-base. |
"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 08 Dec 2016 21:35:32 |
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Alexander Clark
Learned Scribe
106 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 21:31:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I'm picturing a 2 tier approach - 30 pages for smaller regions at 99¢
Wouldn't it be much cheaper than current pricing-by-page? |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 21:48:36
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I have no idea what that pricing (in the DM's Guild) is - I just know that if you want folks to buy all of this, you have to charge very little. We'd be much better-off with 'quantity' - make it so cheap people won't even think about it.
In other words, if people have to stop and think about a purchasing a book about Sespech, they're NOT going to buy a book about Sespech. Other areas, YES, but not the 'less known' regions - and we can use this as an opportunity TO garner interest in those areas. If you want to catcha fish, you have to use the right bait. But if you want to catch LOTS of fish, you have to 'chum the waters'.
Also, in some media, they should advertise it as 'The world of Drizzt'. YES, that probably sticks in most of our craws, but it is what it is - far more (non-geek) people have heard of 'Drizzt' than The Forgotten Realms. We also want to pull-in the 'casual readers' who may get hooked on the world itself. 
But maybe you're right - I'm not the 'business guy', I'm just an idea guy. Maybe keep the focus smaller, separate all the countries/regions into smaller pieces, and sell it that way. Maybe just keep a few of the better-known regions (Cormyr, Icewind Dales, Waterdeep, Baldur's gate, etc) as larger, more expensive volumes. Not too expensive - definitely not the same price as the OD&D Gazeteers (which had some physical goodness, like maps, and counters, etc). Maybe $4.99 for a 'better known' area? Then you sell the AP & map separate (you are also making money on the "à la carte" approach). |
"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 08 Dec 2016 21:49:53 |
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Alexander Clark
Learned Scribe
106 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 21:57:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I have no idea what that pricing (in the DM's Guild) is
I am sorry, I wasn't comparing to the DM's Guild stuff, I was comparing to the books published by WotC.
For example I just bought Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms for 20 dollars which would make the price about 8 pages-per-dollar if my math is correct. And that's an outdated book too. |
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Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6339 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 22:06:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I have no idea what that pricing (in the DM's Guild) is - I just know that if you want folks to buy all of this, you have to charge very little. We'd be much better-off with 'quantity' - make it so cheap people won't even think about it.
In other words, if people have to stop and think about a purchasing a book about Sespech, they're NOT going to buy a book about Sespech. Other areas, YES, but not the 'less known' regions - and we can use this as an opportunity TO garner interest in those areas. If you want to catcha fish, you have to use the right bait. But if you want to catch LOTS of fish, you have to 'chum the waters'.
Also, in some media, they should advertise it as 'The world of Drizzt'. YES, that probably sticks in most of our craws, but it is what it is - far more (non-geek) people have heard of 'Drizzt' than The Forgotten Realms. We also want to pull-in the 'casual readers' who may get hooked on the world itself.
But maybe you're right - I'm not the 'business guy', I'm just an idea guy. Maybe keep the focus smaller, separate all the countries/regions into smaller pieces, and sell it that way. Maybe just keep a few of the better-known regions (Cormyr, Icewind Dales, Waterdeep, Baldur's gate, etc) as larger, more expensive volumes. Not too expensive - definitely not the same price as the OD&D Gazeteers (which had some physical goodness, like maps, and counters, etc). Maybe $4.99 for a 'better known' area? Then you sell the AP & map separate (you are also making money on the "à la carte" approach).
Your idea is exactly what i want to do with the realms. Do a campaign guide that tells you general rules to play in the realms.
Then each country gets a book (that can be updated so its not a static document). Then you can release adventures that update small bits or larger bits of the country depending upon the scope of the adventure.
As im pre spell plague only im doing novels as adventures to update regions ( such as kazgoroth in the moonshae isles or the devil dragon war in cormyr).
It will keep me occupied for a few decades
And there is no reason why you couldnt have a whole book on sespech or chessenta. There are plenty of hooks and history out there for almost every region (except maybe sossal and semphar), it just needs organising amd expanding to the maximum. Not easy but possible |
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Edited by - Gary Dallison on 08 Dec 2016 22:12:06 |
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Bravesteel
Acolyte
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 22:27:46
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| This would be a pretty sweet community project , I'd toss my hat in to help start up something like this. |
I loved to read and to write, but then something happened. As I made my way through school, I kept getting handed books to read that didn't excite me and didn't even remotely connect to the realities of my life.- R. A. Salvatore
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3271 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 22:51:51
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I would love for Ed to do a "Bandit Kingdom" Gazetteer. One on each!
I actually like this idea Mark... |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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EltonRobb
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 23:00:08
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I could, but I'm stuck in some other, smaller project. I won't have time to do this even if I wanted to. However, if I could, I have more knowledge about Classical History, so I can probably dust off a book about Chessenta. There is a lot of story potential in the old Empires (Chessenta, Unther, and Mulhorand). But there is some reasons why I won't participate:
* If it's released through the DM's Guild, you all have to be representing Candlekeep. There is a big feeling of "Watch me, Senpai!" with the DM's Guild and the professionals are not at all involved with the DM's Guild. They use the 5th Edition OGL.
* It's going to take a Concerted Effort to do this sort of thing. If you are serious about developing this idea, then the project has to overcome the "Watch me, Senpai!" syndrome over the DM's Guild. I'll wait and watch.
You'll have to put it up on Kickstarter.
Some suggestions:
-- Start with Black and White art first. :)
-- Find someone to coordinate it business wise. This is a good idea for a community project, your going to need some editors, a line developer (a business guy), a lore keeper, and a project coordinator (a business guy again).
I really do think this is an awesome idea. But like I said, I'll wait and watch to see how this turns out and is received. You need to do this professionally. But I'd like to see how the community can get together and take things into their own hands. If the pros from Wizards of the Coast can't do it, the people at Candlekeep can fill the void. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2016 : 23:10:43
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quote:
Originally posted by dazzlerdal
And there is no reason why you couldnt have a whole book on sespech or chessenta. There are plenty of hooks and history out there for almost every region (except maybe sossal and semphar), it just needs organising and expanding to the maximum. Not easy but possible
Yes, you could do a 'whole book' on just about everywhere. You can even easily separate the High Moor from the Serpent Hills, but at some point, how 'small' do we really want to get? We start to enter the 'all that information is overwhelming' problem people cried about in 1e/2e/3e.
How about this - a 'quick tour' type of book that fits in with my original premise, - just gives you the basic rundown of a large area. Then we can later 'dip back in' for more focused books. Take my suggested 'Broken Lands' book. After an initilal 'whirlwind tour', folks can do individual Evereska, Fallen lands, Marsh of Chelimber, Lonely Moor, Greycloak Hills, Weathercoat Woods, etc, etc... books.
I just wanted a very basic, 'tour of the Realms' type of approach in lieu of a FRCG. We can actually fully detail each separate piece with AP's (because its still 'just a game' at its heart, and why detail something minutely unless you were going to attach some adventures to it?) It would just be a way of updating the material for each region so folks have a basic understanding of whats going on there in 5e.
For example, suppose Krash did a 4-5 page 'quick & dirty' tour of 4e Impiltur and the Vast. Just giving people a very basic idea of whats there circa 1480 or so. Then he can go back in later - using his initial work as an 'outline' - and do a separate 'Impiltur under a microscope' book. Thats the one that would have an attached AP (done the way Paizo does their Ap's, with LOTS of background material). And as I said, maps could be a separate download (because very handsome and amazingly brilliant cartographers need to eat too).
And all joking aside, the maps could also be done in a 'two stage' process. One as part of a larger, continent-wide map, and then we can do smaller (ie, Impiltur-only) maps which would show more, because of the attached AP's). The layered pdf project I am personally working on could easily be adapted for this broader project, since I was planning an index, which I would love to have help with. We've never really had a 'one-stop' source for a region before - FR lore is spread all over the place (I've even found a tiny bit in the Greyspace book - wrong setting on TWO COUNTS!) It would be glorious to have every single reference to something in just one place. |
"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 09 Dec 2016 03:20:03 |
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Do you want a 5e FRGC
