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Lucius
Seeker
98 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Aug 2004 : 18:47:28
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Well met! Having read these boards for a couple of weeks now, I've finally joined. I'm a complete newbie to the Realms, and AD&D in general. I have roleplayed for several years, but have always thought (quite wrongly) that AD&D was a little too high fantasy. Until last week, when, looking for a new RPG to play, I stumbled upon the somewhat now dated Baldur's Gate.
Needless to say, I havn't looked back. Since discovering the Forgotten Realms, and especially the Sword Coast, I have decided to run an AD&D campaign soon. I've managed to borrow the 2nd edition Players Handbook, Dungeon Masters Guide, Monsterous Manual and 10 year old copies of Dragon Magazine from my brother, as well as buying the Forgotten Realms Campaign Pack (which arrived today)!
I have read very little of the rules or background as of yet, but I've been wondering what should be the next port of call? I'm somewhat interested in the novels, as well as more of the computer games, and eventually, after reading the rules and background I currently have, I plan on buying another module. Any advice on any of these, or advice in running a FR campaign for an AD&D newbie?
Also, I am planning on getting my hands on the background music of Baldur's Gate, simply for FR atmosphere in my up coming campaign. Does anyone have a clue where I can find them, either bought or downloaded?
Thank you immensly for any help given. It is all appreiciated, as I am somewhat overcome with the detail of this setting (in a good way)!
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Jerard Doonsay
Seeker
USA
65 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2004 : 19:01:55
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| Well met. It was BG1 that got me into D&D and the Realms also. I sudgest reading as many novels as you can get your hads on, there is much lore to cover. I personally play 3E, so as far as the AD&D stuff goes, I can't help you much. There is a BG Soundtrack that comes with some versions of Tales of the Sword Coast. I have a one, though I have no idea how I would go about getting you a copy. Alot of the tracks are mostly the same, with only a few variations, but I really like the intro music. Have a wonderful time in the Realms, you won't regret being here, unless those stupid hamsters attack. *mumble* stupid hamsters *mumble* *mumble* |
May history live forever in the writings and stories of those who wish to tell them.
Please come and enjoy my website http://ferien.aribytes.org |
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Crust
Learned Scribe
USA
273 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2004 : 20:10:00
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I agree that reading the novels is the best way to fully understand FR. I read 20 FR books before I started an FR campaign. I recommend starting out with the Icewind Dale Trilogy, Spellfire, Elfshadow, and perhaps one or two of the Realms Anthologies to get yourself acquainted with the atmosphere of the Realms.
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"That's right, hurl back views that force ye to think by name-calling - 'tis the grand old tradition, let it not down! Anything to keep from having to think, or - Mystra forfend - change thy own views!"
Narnra glowered at her father. "Just how am I to learn how to think? By being taught by you?"
"Some folk in the Realms would give their lives for the chance to learn at my feet," Elminster said mildly. "Several already have."
~from Elminster's Daughter, Ed Greenwood |
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Karesch
Learned Scribe
Canada
199 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2004 : 20:46:12
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Indeed, if you are just getting into pen and paper, I would suggest looking at the 3.0 or 3.5 edition, just because they are what are currently in production, thus you'll have more chance at up to date information. 2E is still a fairly popular edition to play amongst a number of people who have been playing quite awhile, however, the newer editions represent the "current years" that FR are in. As many have suggested, I would have to aggree, that the novels are a great way to get started in FR, and learn the lore before you play.
K |
Knowledge is power... power corrupts... knowledge corrupts? hmm...
Death is only frightening to those who haven't died yet... |
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Lashan
Learned Scribe
USA
235 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2004 : 12:07:02
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I thought about recommending looking at 3E, but if you have all the stuff for 2E, then you might as well go with it. Also, if you download all the free older products, they are 1E or 2E. You should try looking at:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/downloads
I would especially look for the Volo's Guide books. There might also be old modules there for download. I would recommend trying to get ahold of those old modules and use them as a basis until you get a grasp of playing the game.
As for reading the novels or not, I would not recommend them. Personally, I think the novels have a negative impact on the game. I know that there are many on these boards who highly disagree with me, but I know a good number of people in real life who agree with me. Not every villian is zhentarium, cult of dragon, red wizards, or one of the other main stock bad guys. Spellfire and Silverfire are not stuff that characters should have. Magic items don't really grow on trees. You don't have to involve the Harpers, Mystra, or the Seven Sisters in every plot you create. |
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Alexander Heppe
Seeker
Germany
62 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2004 : 12:52:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Lashan
You don't have to involve the Harpers, Mystra, or the Seven Sisters in every plot you create.
No, but if it´s fun for the DM and his Group to do so, I don´t see a problem. Besides, all the different power groups, the many religions, the landscapes and unique faerúnian fauna and flora is what makes gaming on Abeir-Toril so special. And considering novels, you can get quite a good ideas out of them, borrow this or that, tweak it a little, and, voilá, another gaming evening prepared within short time...
This is not to imply that every single opponent should be a major NPC or power group, but they should always operate in the background and appear as cameos once in a while. Makes the players feel more to be really "there", at least on my table...
P.S.: Just make sure you forbid drow rangers with figurines of wondrous powers as player characters... |
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Arion Elenim
Senior Scribe
933 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2004 : 15:54:42
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Lucius,
Thank Denier you found the right path!!!
I can promise you that you will find NO other place half as intriguing, imaginative and vast as the Realms for your boots to traipse!
Welcome! |
My latest Realms-based short story, about a bard, a paladin of Lathander and the letter of the law, Debts Repaid. It takes place before the "shattering" and gives the bard Arion a last gasp before he plunges into the present.http://candlekeep.com/campaign/logs/log-debts.htm |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2004 : 16:30:38
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Welcome to Candlekeep! 
Having said that, I'll back up what some of the others have said. For lore, turn to the novels and the Volo's Guides -- there's just nothing better for lore than those things. 
And feel free to ask questions! More than one of us owns a Realms product or several, and in general, we're a friendly and relatively harmless bunch. And we've got the authors here, too. |
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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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2004 : 16:40:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
And feel free to ask questions! More than one of us owns a Realms product or several, and in general, we're a friendly and relatively harmless bunch.
We are?! 
quote:
And we've got the authors here, too.
Yes, and we occasionally let them out to see the sun and get some fresh air before it's back to the dungeons where they are expected to write faster! |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2004 : 17:31:15
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quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
And feel free to ask questions! More than one of us owns a Realms product or several, and in general, we're a friendly and relatively harmless bunch.
We are?!
I was careful to specify "in general."  |
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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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2004 : 18:24:22
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Lucius, I envy you discovering the Realms for the first time, but I warn you there's a convoluted web of sources and continuity there. I would recommend getting a feel for the core Realms first, by reading the original Forgotten Realms Campaign Set and Spellfire, the novel Ed Greenwood wrote to introduce his world to new readers. If you want to read about the region Baldur's Gate is set, get Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast.
Here's one place you can read about the development of the Realms. |
Edited by - Faraer on 05 Aug 2004 18:27:37 |
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Lucius
Seeker
98 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2004 : 22:14:19
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Thank you all immensly for the imput. The D&D resources site is incredibly usefull. But does anyone know where I can download Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast? Why is Volo's Guide to the North free, but I have to pay for the first?
So far, I'm thinking of setting my campaign along the same time-frame as Baldur's Gate. The heroes will be following in the footsteps of the main characters of the game. Perhaps they will have to deal with a scouting party of kobolds sent into Nashkel mines to discover the fate of Mullahey, or defeat an Iron Throne spy, who gave Captain Brage a cursed sword...just a few ideas. Definatly looks like the Sword Coast will be my location of choice to begin with though.
Does anyone know where I can get my hands on the soundtrack to BG? I know you can purchase it in a pack with the game, but I don't really fancy re-buying it simply for the CD.
Thanks in Advance |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2004 : 23:01:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Lucius
Thank you all immensly for the imput. The D&D resources site is incredibly usefull. But does anyone know where I can download Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast? Why is Volo's Guide to the North free, but I have to pay for the first?
No idea on why some Volo's guides are free and others not. RPGNOW should have the tome you are looking for at a small price. |
Edited by - SiriusBlack on 07 Aug 2004 23:02:34 |
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Lucius
Seeker
98 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2004 : 15:36:01
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| Indeed, but they seem to sell downloads in dollars, whilst I'm stuck in the UK. Hence the need for a free one. Perhaps I'll get in touch with WotC. |
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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2004 : 16:11:31
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| Lucius, I included the direct links in my post. Credit cards are international: you can pay in any currency. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
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An introduction and a few questions
