Candlekeep Forum
Candlekeep Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Forgotten Realms Journals
 General Forgotten Realms Chat
 Why so strict with the realms?
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Previous Page | Next Page
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic
Page: of 5

Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 01 Dec 2004 :  22:44:24  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Lashan

What I hate is when source books don't include all the info, except what is current. The best example is the dead gods. They are included in the older Faiths and Avatars, but they aren't included in Faiths and Pantheons. Why? It's harder to fit FR the way you want after a few version changes and certain things get left out.



Well again I guess I don't have this problem but then I have almost every FR sourcebook and all FR novels to date. :) I tend to use my 2e material way more then my 3/3.5 material. But if those deities have been dead for awhile I can see why they don't include them and there is also space reasons. A lot of the material for FR is not as thick in page counts as it was in 2e...... But I do kinda agree with you on what you said here. WOTC could have updated those deities and Bhaal or was it Myrkul did get updated in Dragon a few months back.........

For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium

Edited by - Kuje on 01 Dec 2004 22:47:26
Go to Top of Page

Zorro
Seeker

Germany
82 Posts

Posted - 01 Dec 2004 :  22:55:40  Show Profile  Visit Zorro's Homepage Send Zorro a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by kuje31

And aye I agree TSR and WOTC have come up with many good ideas I might never have thought of even if I don't include them in my setting.

As well as many unremarkable ideas about the surprising return of someone presumed dead, the return of races few want or need, the introduction of the umpteenth Zhentarim spy, high-level harper or archmage living in a monster-infested forbidding keep... Many good ideas develop in play, ideas the DM wouldn't have had if it wasn't for his players, ideas that could have come up nowhere but at a certain gaming table of a certain group. Just because they aren't official doesn't automatically make them worse than those of the authors who get paid for having them. As long as we're not talking about groups who consider a hack-fest with a plot thinner than Kate Moss and an atmosphere of a third-rate CRPG a good adventure, I'd say the hit/miss ratio (regarding good ideas) of the average DM / gaming group could be comparable to the one of the average gaming accessory.

Zorro

I think that God in creating Man somewhat overestimated his ability. - Oscar Wilde
Go to Top of Page

the psychotic seaotter
Seeker

USA
78 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  00:45:40  Show Profile  Visit the psychotic seaotter's Homepage Send the psychotic seaotter a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I'll admit some of the canon and later novels are pretty good. However I really disagree with some of what they say is canon and try to ignore that.

As far as my game goes we're playing about 4 years after the ToT and I have changed some of the events and will change some as we go along. I guess the ease at wich I can do this comes from being in an area where all I had was the graybox and no other material was readily available. So I was used to making my own events up.

The funny thing was that when I got the 3e FRCS and began reading about the 'real' events I started getting more onterested in the old novels and other things I missed. But there was alot I didn't like and either I ignore it or change it.

I can seperate the novel world from my game world and can include events in my game only if I want to. I don't know how I can do this and keep my sanity but I guess its the viewpoint that everything in an RPG is optional.

Run run as fast as you can you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man...

The Arcane Brotherhood, Wizards of the Sword Coast.
Go to Top of Page

Lashan
Learned Scribe

USA
235 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  12:22:10  Show Profile  Visit Lashan's Homepage Send Lashan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Something else about the novels struck me this morning, too. They direct what game products are made. Sure, it's good marketing to have game products that follow the events in novels. A bunch of people who read the novels and play the game want that. I don't. Why? How many game products have to do with drow? The one and only super module for 3E is all about a drow plotline from a book. I just don't care.

Instead of picking an area that has never been done before, new game products have detailed events or NPCs from books that I don't read. The Seven Sisters book is one I can't stand. Personally, I don't like the "iconic" characters of the FR. I don't like the seven sisters. I don't want to hear about the one cleric Cadderly. I don't care what level or what feats Drizzt has. The only thing that I can admit is cool is the Manshoon clones. Still, though, I have never used them in my games. I don't use the uber NPCs at all. I don't want game products devoted to them.

Instead of some new information on lands north of the Moonsea, we might get a product that updates us with the state of Cormyr and the recent events of Death of the Dragon. Sure, more people will buy it, because they read the novels and want it. I, for one, don't. I know I am the minority on this. I know I will not change anything about it.
*end rant*

I really am not bitter and I really do like Elminster, though. heh.
Go to Top of Page

George Krashos
Master of Realmslore

Australia
6666 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  12:45:53  Show Profile Send George Krashos a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I don't see why a Moonsea product is needed more than a Cormyr product. A Cormyr product wouldn't be produced to fill people in on the novels, but to supply the depth and breadth of material necessary to make this place a fantastic starting point for a campaign. The major settlements of the Moonsea have received write-ups in FRA, as have the Cormyrean cities, again in FRA. Each received a pretty avergae 2E product also - with the Moonsea one being slightly superior to the Cormyr one. Where Cormyr is better off is that it has received a Volos' Guide all to itself, but I personally think Volo's Guides are campaign enhancers, not campaign bedrock. Both the Moonsea and Cormyr could do with some 3.5E FR bedrock, but aside from novels, I don't think either one has been favoured over the other.

-- George Krashos

"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus

Edited by - George Krashos on 02 Dec 2004 12:49:27
Go to Top of Page

Faraer
Great Reader

3308 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  15:14:00  Show Profile  Visit Faraer's Homepage Send Faraer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Yes, foregrounding the Seven Sisters was a mistake, but their sourcebook is so full of information on so many aspects of the Realms that I scarcely see how Lashan can't stand it.

None of the 3E sourcebooks has been overburdened with novel catch-up; a Cormyr book would be no different. Of course, a Dales book is needed at least as much, to bring the Realms' focus back to their heart.
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  16:18:33  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer

Yes, foregrounding the Seven Sisters was a mistake, but their sourcebook is so full of information on so many aspects of the Realms that I scarcely see how Lashan can't stand it.




I'll agree with that. There was a large amount of non-Seven-specific info in that sourcebook.

Of course, Lashan could have been speaking of the novel Silverfall... I wasn't overly fond of that one, myself.

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!
Go to Top of Page

Lashan
Learned Scribe

USA
235 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  16:54:14  Show Profile  Visit Lashan's Homepage Send Lashan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Perhaps I need to give the Seven Sisters supplement a closer look. I have only glanced at it through the years as I am annoyed by them. I am unaware of other FR info in it beyond the "chosen".

I will say that I am giving the 3E products a break. There hasn't been much about the new stuff that I don't like (except for no info about the dead gods). I think I am still frustrated with many of the 2E products and the direction they took. I just quit looking at them for a long while. There was too much drow, too much Seven Sisters, too much Harpers. I would be happy to see new 3E "bedrock" products for almost any area. I am very pleased that they have been detailing broad areas in the game products so far. I wanted more then just Thay and Aglarond in the UE book (and got it). I wanted more then just Halarau in SS (and got it). Perhaps when more of these source books are out, they can then do more Volo books?

Silverfall was the novel I mentioned. I didn't care for it.
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  17:23:11  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Lashan

I think I am still frustrated with many of the 2E products and the direction they took. I just quit looking at them for a long while. There was too much drow, too much Seven Sisters, too much Harpers.


Well, as far as the sourcebooks are concerned, each of these groups only got a single book. How is that too much?

quote:
Originally posted by Lashan

Perhaps when more of these source books are out, they can then do more Volo books?


You are not alone in wanting more Volo books! I loved those books, and I am among the many scribes here who'd love to see Volo return to print with some new stuff.

quote:
Originally posted by Lashan

Silverfall was the novel I mentioned. I didn't care for it.



I read it for the first time just a few months ago... I can't say I'm overly fond of much of Ed's Realms fiction, and Silverfall continued that trend.

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!
Go to Top of Page

SiriusBlack
Great Reader

USA
5517 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  17:52:52  Show Profile  Visit SiriusBlack's Homepage Send SiriusBlack a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Lashan

Silverfall was the novel I mentioned. I didn't care for it.



I read it for the first time just a few months ago... I can't say I'm overly fond of much of Ed's Realms fiction, and Silverfall continued that trend.



Well either here or on another board, I recall learning that this novel had a great deal edited out. If that's so, it explains why after the first quarter or so, things seemed confusing at times at least to this reader. Still, as an Elaith and Qilue fan, I loved the ending.

For anyone who hasn't enjoyed some of EG's fiction, I highly recommend checking out Elminster's Daughter especially if you're a fan of Cormyr. It was a fun romp and a good piece of writing.
Go to Top of Page

Lashan
Learned Scribe

USA
235 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  18:16:07  Show Profile  Visit Lashan's Homepage Send Lashan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
The drow had a boxed set, Drizzt Guide to the Underdark, the latest Underdark, and a lot of entries in places that one wouldn't expect. I dislike the drow in Cormanthhyr and leave that out.

One supplement is one too many for the Seven Sisters.

I can deal with one Harper book, but am not a fan.
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  19:09:10  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack

For anyone who hasn't enjoyed some of EG's fiction, I highly recommend checking out Elminster's Daughter especially if you're a fan of Cormyr. It was a fun romp and a good piece of writing.



Elminster's Daughter was one I truly enjoyed, much to my surprise.

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!
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  19:18:12  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Lashan

The drow had a boxed set, Drizzt Guide to the Underdark, the latest Underdark, and a lot of entries in places that one wouldn't expect. I dislike the drow in Cormanthhyr and leave that out.

One supplement is one too many for the Seven Sisters.

I can deal with one Harper book, but am not a fan.



Now see, I don't consider those things to be drow supplements, not as such. The Menzoberranzan set I consider to be a place source, not a race source. Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark was another good place supplement, and included a lot more than just drow. In fact, I don't recall it really focusing on the drow any more than necessary. The latest Underdark wasn't great, but it still wasn't a drow book.

As for drow in Cormanthor, they've been there for a while. I'll be the first to admit that the Realms has gotten a bit drow-heavy since the success of the RAS novels, but I can still accept some scattered drow on the surface -- maybe not the number the FRCS tells us is in Cormanthor, but certainly a good number.

The Seven Sisters book was enough for me. It had some interesting things about the Seven, and but what I really liked was all the new magic.

The Harper book didn't really do anything for me.

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!
Go to Top of Page

SiriusBlack
Great Reader

USA
5517 Posts

Posted - 02 Dec 2004 :  20:55:36  Show Profile  Visit SiriusBlack's Homepage Send SiriusBlack a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Elminster's Daughter was one I truly enjoyed, much to my surprise.



If the upcoming Waterdeep novel is like this work, I'll be a very satisfied consumer.

Plus, from what is known so far, it doesn't seem to include any major, if any at all, RSE. Just a fun romp is what I recall the authors describing the upcoming novel in Waterdeep.
Go to Top of Page

Sylvanas_Windrunner
Acolyte

5 Posts

Posted - 10 Dec 2004 :  18:10:42  Show Profile  Visit Sylvanas_Windrunner's Homepage Send Sylvanas_Windrunner a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Gellion

Well, I have noticed that a lot of realms fans are really strict with the realms. Meaning that they will not allow any outside influences, or change anything. It is strange because I have found that Dragonlance fans are generally more tolerant of weird stuff in Krynn. Now I am not insulting anybody, but does anybody know why a lot of relams fans do not seem to like to deviate from the core setting rules?



DragonLance fans more tolorant? Sorry for the necromancy, but that seems odd. Most DL fans see FR as a "everything goes" universe, and DL as a more isolated world (IE no spelljammer or such here). Mention Drow, Orcs, Halflings, large amount of dieties, multiple classes/uber high levels, and the DM will smack you into the next time zone for that. Well, it seems that way with the DL fans I play with. My FR buddies seem more forgiving of outside influences.

I went on a job interview the other day and they were like 'Ohhh, what's that smell?', and I'm like, 'Oh, sorry, it's me.' And then they figured I wouldn't be able to fit in with the other employees because they're living and I'm, y'know, dead, so I wouldn't be a team player. But then I said that I could work 24 hours and they were like 'Alright, you can work the graveyard shift!'"
Go to Top of Page

Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author

USA
1715 Posts

Posted - 10 Dec 2004 :  20:46:38  Show Profile  Visit Steven Schend's Homepage Send Steven Schend a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Sylvanas_Windrunner

quote:
Originally posted by Gellion

Well, I have noticed that a lot of realms fans are really strict with the realms. Meaning that they will not allow any outside influences, or change anything. It is strange because I have found that Dragonlance fans are generally more tolerant of weird stuff in Krynn. Now I am not insulting anybody, but does anybody know why a lot of relams fans do not seem to like to deviate from the core setting rules?



DragonLance fans more tolorant? Sorry for the necromancy, but that seems odd. Most DL fans see FR as a "everything goes" universe, and DL as a more isolated world (IE no spelljammer or such here). Mention Drow, Orcs, Halflings, large amount of dieties, multiple classes/uber high levels, and the DM will smack you into the next time zone for that. Well, it seems that way with the DL fans I play with. My FR buddies seem more forgiving of outside influences.



Very true.

One of the first things I learned from Jeff Grubb re: the Realms: "This is the world where anything you want to do in AD&D and/or fantasy can and does have a place."

Yup--the driving mantra of FR was "Yeah, we can do that, and here's where you find it." That's part of why we sneakily built Al-Qadim south of Faerun but didn't underscore the connections until AQ was cancelled.

Amazing, all things considered, that the patchworks atop the brilliant early worldbuilding of Ed's works so well. In 14 years, I've seen many other worlds/games try and duplicate this and fail. Guess there's something to be said about respecting a world, doing the hard work of world-building, and still leaving room for the demands of the market.

Steven
Who often described the Realms to new people as "a world where everything has a story, if you're inclined to listen (and by the way, that rock you just tripped over has something to tell you)"

For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 10 Dec 2004 :  23:21:48  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Sylvanas_Windrunner


DragonLance fans more tolorant? Sorry for the necromancy, but that seems odd. Most DL fans see FR as a "everything goes" universe, and DL as a more isolated world (IE no spelljammer or such here).


Actually, spelljamming vessels have been known to make port at both Palanthas and Kristophan... And the tinker gnomes are one of the more well-known spelljamming races.

quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend

Amazing, all things considered, that the patchworks atop the brilliant early worldbuilding of Ed's works so well. In 14 years, I've seen many other worlds/games try and duplicate this and fail. Guess there's something to be said about respecting a world, doing the hard work of world-building, and still leaving room for the demands of the market.

Steven
Who often described the Realms to new people as "a world where everything has a story, if you're inclined to listen (and by the way, that rock you just tripped over has something to tell you)"



As one of those who liked some of the numerous bolt-ons, I'll agree: y'all did a pretty good job keeping it all pretty straight. For the longest time, I didn't even know that all that stuff was bolted on -- I thought it was part of the original design.

Now excuse me, I've got to go listen to that rock.

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 11 Dec 2004 03:18:38
Go to Top of Page

the psychotic seaotter
Seeker

USA
78 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  02:05:45  Show Profile  Visit the psychotic seaotter's Homepage Send the psychotic seaotter a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I may be a minority but I just want to say that there are those of us who were upset at the additions of SpellJammer and even Planescape to the Realms.

I never cared for Spelljammer and although I loved Planescape I tended not to include known D&D worlds in it. Also I really didn't care for the way the 3e FRCS added a bunch of Half-Planar races as Character races and have shut them off for use by players.

Maybe I'm just funny or picky but I tend to like the realms exsisting in it's own universe without Al-Quadim, Maztica, or Realmspace. Sorry if that bothers you guys but I would reather decide what's on the rest of my Toril without making it a paralell of earth.

Run run as fast as you can you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man...

The Arcane Brotherhood, Wizards of the Sword Coast.
Go to Top of Page

Capn Charlie
Senior Scribe

USA
418 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  03:17:55  Show Profile  Visit Capn Charlie's Homepage Send Capn Charlie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by the psychotic seaotter

I would reather decide what's on the rest of my Toril without making it a paralell of earth.



The realms has never been a paralell of earth, but has instead intended to be existing in such a way as to be connected ot earth via portals, in such a manner as to imply it exists on/in the same plane/dimension.

Shadows of War: Tales of a Mercenary

My first stab at realms fiction, here at candlekeep. Stop on by and tell me what you think.
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  03:21:26  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by the psychotic seaotter

I may be a minority but I just want to say that there are those of us who were upset at the additions of SpellJammer and even Planescape to the Realms.

I never cared for Spelljammer and although I loved Planescape I tended not to include known D&D worlds in it. Also I really didn't care for the way the 3e FRCS added a bunch of Half-Planar races as Character races and have shut them off for use by players.

Maybe I'm just funny or picky but I tend to like the realms exsisting in it's own universe without Al-Quadim, Maztica, or Realmspace. Sorry if that bothers you guys but I would reather decide what's on the rest of my Toril without making it a paralell of earth.



I guess I'm the opposite... All the near-Earth cultures made it a lot more believable for me...

I didn't care for Planescape, but I thought Spelljammer was the shiznit. And it was barely present in the Realms -- save for a few references, it was hardly ever mentioned.

As for the plane-touched races, I think they're great. Not only do they fit quite well, considering the many planar connections Faerûn has, but they are an interesting alternative to the main PHB races. I see insane amounts of potential in the plane-touched.

I guess we're just going to agree to disagree.

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!
Go to Top of Page

Gellion
Learned Scribe

140 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  08:49:02  Show Profile  Visit Gellion's Homepage Send Gellion a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Sylvanas_Windrunner


DragonLance fans more tolorant? Sorry for the necromancy, but that seems odd. Most DL fans see FR as a "everything goes" universe, and DL as a more isolated world (IE no spelljammer or such here).


Actually, spelljamming vessels have been known to make port at both Palanthas and Kristophan... And the tinker gnomes are one of the more well-known spelljamming races.


Yup, even in one of the DL novels two of the main characters and a bunch of Gnomes travel to Lunitari, the red moon.

"Paladine, you see the evil that surrounds me! You have been witness to the calamities that have been the scourge of Krynn... You must see now that this doctrine of balance will not work! I can sweep evil from this land. Destroy the ogre races. Bring the wayward humans into line! Find new homelands far away for the dwarves and the kender and the gnomes, those races not of your creation... I demand that you give me, too, the power to drive away the shadows of evil that darken the land!"- THE REIGN OF ISTAR, Tales IV
Go to Top of Page

the psychotic seaotter
Seeker

USA
78 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  15:06:49  Show Profile  Visit the psychotic seaotter's Homepage Send the psychotic seaotter a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
The realms has never been a paralell of earth, but has instead intended to be existing in such a way as to be connected ot earth via portals, in such a manner as to imply it exists on/in the same plane/dimension.


While I do belive this is true enough I just want to add that when a Mongol Horde and the discoverey of a Continent that looks enough like North and South America are included FR looks less like a seperate world and more like a paralell earth.

Just my observation there.

Run run as fast as you can you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man...

The Arcane Brotherhood, Wizards of the Sword Coast.
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  15:43:55  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Gellion

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Sylvanas_Windrunner


DragonLance fans more tolorant? Sorry for the necromancy, but that seems odd. Most DL fans see FR as a "everything goes" universe, and DL as a more isolated world (IE no spelljammer or such here).


Actually, spelljamming vessels have been known to make port at both Palanthas and Kristophan... And the tinker gnomes are one of the more well-known spelljamming races.


Yup, even in one of the DL novels two of the main characters and a bunch of Gnomes travel to Lunitari, the red moon.



Gack, what a horrible book... It wasn't real spelljamming, since that setting hadn't yet been developed, but yeah, Sturm and Kitiara went to Lunitari. This was one of those horrible Preludes books, as I recall.

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!
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  15:48:54  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by the psychotic seaotter

quote:
The realms has never been a paralell of earth, but has instead intended to be existing in such a way as to be connected ot earth via portals, in such a manner as to imply it exists on/in the same plane/dimension.


While I do belive this is true enough I just want to add that when a Mongol Horde and the discoverey of a Continent that looks enough like North and South America are included FR looks less like a seperate world and more like a paralell earth.

Just my observation there.



But all that stuff was later bolt-ons to the core Realms, not part of the original. And though there are certain geographic parallels, and some cultural ones, as well, for the most part, the Realms is a separate world -- it's just one that's separate but has similarities.

I'll direct you back to what Steven Schend said, above. I'll also give you a previous statement, about what Ed did and didn't do:

quote:
Ed DIDN’T create Vaasa, Damara, Bloodstone Pass, the people or folk of the Moonshaes (though the name is his), the Uthgardt barbarians, Drizzt or the drow (though he did give the drow lots of Realms rules and two gods, Eilistraee and Vhaeraun), Kara-Tur, Al-Qadim (though he did contribute some spells to that setting), Shade, some features in Anauroch, the Hordelands, or Maztica. He isn’t responsible for the Egyptian pantheon of gods put into Old Empires, or most of the nonhuman deities (though he created a few gods for the dwarves). He didn’t create Danilo Thann or Arilyn, though he DID create Elaith. Most of the lead characters in novels not by him were created by others, though he did name and create a surprising number of them, from almost all of the Uskevrens in the Sembia series to Myrmeen Lhal in The Night Parade.
Everything else came originally from Ed, even to the name “Forgotten Realms.” The map of Faerun has been tinkered with a bit, but what you see today is, more or less, what Ed handed to TSR back in 1986.
Ed is very quick to credit others for expanding his creation and putting it into D&D form, from staffers like Jeff Grubb and Steven Schend to freelancers like Eric Boyd and many, many others. The Realms is a shared world, now, but as someone who saw it before TSR ever did, I can swear beyond any doubt that Ed Greenwood is THE Creator of the Realms. He even created Candlekeep (not this site, but the monastery it is named for . . . plus Alaundo, most of the Roll of Years, the Calendar of Harptos and Harptos himself, and so on and on and on).

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!
Go to Top of Page

Faraer
Great Reader

3308 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  16:30:56  Show Profile  Visit Faraer's Homepage Send Faraer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Earth analogs go right against the way Ed designed the Realms.
quote:
I DON'T model the Realms closely on our real world, ever (it smashes good roleplaying, because gamers are forever behaving on the basis of real-world things, or what they think they know of the real world because of what schooling or Hollywood told them of what is/was 'real'), but do echo 'feel and feature' when it seems right to do so.
Sean Reynolds:
quote:
One of the flaws of 2E FR was the directive from the president of TSR that "all things in core D&D are in FR," which meant that every kooky thing presented as an option for core D&D had to have a place somewhere in FR, which made FR very much a "let's cram it in here somewhere" mismash of a setting. Now, FR doesn't have that "you have to use this" directive, and the FR design manager can have a stronger hold on what makes it into FR and what is kept out.
Go to Top of Page

the psychotic seaotter
Seeker

USA
78 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  16:50:23  Show Profile  Visit the psychotic seaotter's Homepage Send the psychotic seaotter a Private Message  Reply with Quote
One of the things I am glad that WOTC did to FR (Did I just praise WOTC?) was lessening the stress on areas like Maztica and Zakahra (sp?).

I always stayed close to the Graybox in only using Faerun and Kara-tur which I know KT was an add on as well but it does make some sense being there.

You have to remember too that there are things with the original I never liked (Skyships and the Anarouch desert) and some earth-like things I do. the only real earthlike thing I use is the similarties of the uthgart and Illuskans to nordic cultures but I have always DMed some sort of norse-arctic style campaign anyway.

It all boils down to tatse but I do feel that FR both flourished and suffered from the default world syndrome that TSR was pushing.

Run run as fast as you can you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man...

The Arcane Brotherhood, Wizards of the Sword Coast.
Go to Top of Page

EvilKnight
Learned Scribe

USA
162 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  19:33:37  Show Profile  Visit EvilKnight's Homepage Send EvilKnight a Private Message  Reply with Quote
General question to all: Do your campaigns really get into the breath and depth that the realms has to offer?

Most of my campaigns tend to focus into a certain local (which can involve some travel into neighboring areas). Of course most of my campaigns only run low to mid level characters. I usually limit character creation choice to the 'flavor' of the area the campaign is based in. I like having alot of different areas so each campaign cycle can be different based on it's starting point.

EK
Go to Top of Page

Kentinal
Great Reader

4688 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  19:46:49  Show Profile Send Kentinal a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I allow as diverse as the players seek to make it, though going "off the map" sometimes slows things down some as adhoc decsions need to be made then lived with.

"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon
Go to Top of Page

the psychotic seaotter
Seeker

USA
78 Posts

Posted - 11 Dec 2004 :  19:56:25  Show Profile  Visit the psychotic seaotter's Homepage Send the psychotic seaotter a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by EvilKnight

General question to all: Do your campaigns really get into the breath and depth that the realms has to offer?


EK



I generally focus on the Northwest regions. I sometimes hourney into the Dales and have at times went into the eastern regions. Most normally though we tend to stay around the High Forest and SIlverymoon.

Like you My games are low to mid level and I have only had one go to high levels. Usually we retire our PC's around levels 14-17 and bring them back into play on occasion.

The reason I stay in mainly the Northwestern regions is something I have stated before. I prefer more Subartict to temperate areas and more Nordic styles over anything as well as loving the frontier feel of those areas.

Run run as fast as you can you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man...

The Arcane Brotherhood, Wizards of the Sword Coast.
Go to Top of Page

SiriusBlack
Great Reader

USA
5517 Posts

Posted - 12 Dec 2004 :  04:36:42  Show Profile  Visit SiriusBlack's Homepage Send SiriusBlack a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by EvilKnight

General question to all: Do your campaigns really get into the breath and depth that the realms has to offer?



Not entirely. The North, Waterdeep, The Western Heartlands, Cormanthyr, Cormyr are areas I've mainly concentrated on throughout my time as an FR player and DM. Some of the other areas are interesting and perhaps in time I'll explore them as a player or DM. But, many others I just have no interest in at this current time to expend any energy on in either capacity.
Go to Top of Page
Page: of 5 Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
Previous Page | Next Page
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Candlekeep Forum © 1999-2024 Candlekeep.com Go To Top Of Page
Snitz Forums 2000