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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 03:45:47
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I've got mine!
I thought I'd start this thread to allow people to give their comments, questions and reviews of this product.
I won't provide a review as I was reasonably involved in creating the product but it looks even better in print than it did as a bunch of computer files. Flicking through, I'm just delighted to see that most everything got included: information on Larloch, the story behind Ioulaum and the Terraseer, mythals, lore, history, dates - pretty stupendous and a credit to the designers.
This product will form the backbone of most every FR campaign that seeks to scratch the surface in years to come.
I'd be very interested to hear what you all think - when you get a copy of course.  
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 04:24:41
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George... I don't even know what to say other than I'm incredibly envious of the fact that you now have a copy  . I'm also a little irritated, considering you're in the state right next door...
I do have a question regarding the timelines we seen previewed on WotC. Is there one complete timeline of events, or is it broken up to better reflect each ancient portion of Faerun that is detailed?
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 05:17:59
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I'm jealous, too... This is one book I've really been waiting for... And more info on Larloch? Ooohhh... 
It makes me think of a question, though... Halaster has been kicking for an awfully long time... Does this book have any info on him? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 05:52:54
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The timelines are broken up for the various chapters although there is some overlapping (such as with the High Forest and Old North).
As for Halaster, he doesn't rate a mention in the sweeping vista of history presented in LE. However, I'm pretty sure that Eric has some fun with him in City of Splendors ...
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 06:52:29
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
As for Halaster, he doesn't rate a mention in the sweeping vista of history presented in LE. However, I'm pretty sure that Eric has some fun with him in City of Splendors ...
-- George Krashos
Well, they've already said that the new book won't have much to do with Undermountain... I know that ol' Hallie hasn't had a big impact on Realms history, but still, I was hoping that some more info on his activities before creating Undermountain would be provided. Even a mention or two on the timeline, (something like, "in year XYZ, Halaster studied with Bob the Mage") would have been great. Ah, well. I guess I'll just hope to see more of the Mad Mage in some future product. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 11:28:34
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How about the work Hilather did for Qysar Shoon III and Qysar Amahl Shoon IV in the 100s DR. My wouldn't that be interesting reading ...
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 11:40:57
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| Mine should be here by Wednesday (And if Australia post loose my LEOF they will find that "going postal" is not a condition limited to Postal workers!) |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 14:42:36
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Dargoth, how did you arrange to receive your copy on Wednesday? If that's true, then I should be receiving my pre-order of LEoF on Wednesday as well. And yet, I have heard nothing to that effect.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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Brother Ezra
Learned Scribe
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 17:17:49
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AAARRGH! This makes me want to hop on a plane to Oz just to read someone's copy! 
Does anyone have an idea of the release date in the U.S.? |
"Suffering is the touchstone of all spiritual growth."
-St. Sollars the Twice-Martyred |
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Ty
Learned Scribe
USA
168 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 19:17:07
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Release date in the US that seems to be floating around is February 18th. I've "heard" that it might be available this Friday in the U.S. from some questionable sources so that may be just a rumor.  |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 22:27:44
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Dargoth, how did you arrange to receive your copy on Wednesday? If that's true, then I should be receiving my pre-order of LEoF on Wednesday as well. And yet, I have heard nothing to that effect.
They had it in stock on Saturday they put it in the post on Monday, Interstate shipping is 2 buisness days, I therefore expect it to arrive on either Wednesday or Thursday
I didnt Preorder
SacredOne over on the WOTC told me he had it and was kind enough to tell me where he got it |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 23:29:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Ty
Release date in the US that seems to be floating around is February 18th. I've "heard" that it might be available this Friday in the U.S. from some questionable sources so that may be just a rumor.
Well, I'll certainly be looking for it on Friday... I get paid that day, so I'll be out and about anyway... And it's easy to swing by my FLGS on the way home from work. |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2005 : 23:29:40
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| *grins wickedly* Am I permitted to make a few choice comments based on what I've read from the wizards.com excerpts? |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 00:11:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
*grins wickedly* Am I permitted to make a few choice comments based on what I've read from the wizards.com excerpts?
As we've all had the chance to read those excerpts, go ahead. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 02:52:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
*grins wickedly* Am I permitted to make a few choice comments based on what I've read from the wizards.com excerpts?
As we've all had the chance to read those excerpts, go ahead.
Thanks for the go-ahead.
--As I've said before, I will always think of the Shrinshee as a gold elf, period...even if she occasionally likes to look like a moon elf via magic. Yes, the picture of her is gorgeous. However, from what I've read on these forums, the Shrinshee being made a moon elf was largely a mistake, and I don't see the point in retconning a character just because of a mistake. Realize that I am taking about the text, here, not just the picture. The text even mentions unrest amongst the gold elves after the Shrinshee drew the sword ('cause they don't want to be ruled by moon elves!)...even though as far as I'm concerned, the Shrinshee WAS a gold elf. As I said elsewhere, I'm not biased towards gold elves, I'm just biased towards the Shrinshee's original concept.
--Now we know who killed Aravae. ...Why? I liked it better as a mystery. The description of the death scene in The Fall of Myth Drannor was a lot creepier and more effective than the matter-of-fact blurb in Lost Empires. And what could be more predictable than to make the bad guy come from that family of gold elves everyone loves to hate: the Starym. Gods, what a SURPRISE! A Starym? Really--I could never have guessed it. I'm sure coming up with that design decision was incredibly tough...a job that required a great deal of creative thought (not).
--Apparently, in order to draw the Ruler's Blade, the candidate must be Lawful Good. So...every Coronal of Myth Drannor (not that there were that many) was LG? In a city built by creatures who have always been described as Chaotic Good, who worship a pantheon of gods in which every deity is either Chaotic Good or Chaotic Neutral? That seems strange to me. I don't see why a good ruler of such a city couldn't be NG or even CG--in fact Myth Drannor is a city that has always been described as inclusive of other traditions (at least that was the ideal), an idea that has often been described in D&D sources as "chaotic". |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 08 Feb 2005 02:53:40 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 04:22:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
--As I've said before, I will always think of the Srinshee as a gold elf, period...even if she occasionally likes to look like a moon elf via magic. Yes, the picture of her is gorgeous. However, from what I've read on these forums, the Srinshee being made a moon elf was largely a mistake, and I don't see the point in retconning a character just because of a mistake. Realize that I am taking about the text, here, not just the picture. The text even mentions unrest amongst the gold elves after the Shrinshee drew the sword ('cause they don't want to be ruled by moon elves!)...even though as far as I'm concerned, the Shrinshee WAS a gold elf. As I said elsewhere, I'm not biased towards gold elves, I'm just biased towards the Srinshee's original concept.
I wasn't aware that the Srinshee's status as a gold elf was so integral to her 'original concept', whatever that may be. Ed Greenwood wrote a whole novel and didn't refer to her elven sub-race once, so somehow I think that the fact that "Cormanthyr" notes that she is a gold elf neither adds nor subtracts from how she is portrayed, used and placed in the Realms. This is a storm in a goblet of elverquisst and reminds me of how Bane's popularity skyrocketed only after he had been slain in tha Avatar Crisis. Why? Because it comes down to creative differences in the end. The 3E designers decided to go along with the Srinshee as a moon elf. If you don't like that, then fair enough, but that doesn't make the change invalid. If it's not that, then its the sometimes peculiar penchant of FR fans (and yes, I've been guilty of this before in the past also)to latch onto errors and shout from the rooftops about it. Not a very constructive attitude, to be sure. Simply put, it's not 'wrong' that the Srinshee is a moon elf given that she was described as such in the "Fall of Myth Drannor" accessory, and if you want to make her or keep her as a gold elf, good luck to you. It just seems from the tenor of your post that you are screwing up your face and stamping your foot as you do so.
quote:
--Now we know who killed Aravae. ...Why? I liked it better as a mystery. The description of the death scene in The Fall of Myth Drannor was a lot creepier and more effective than the matter-of-fact blurb in Lost Empires. And what could be more predictable than to make the bad guy come from that family of gold elves everyone loves to hate: the Starym. Gods, what a SURPRISE! A Starym? Really--I could never have guessed it. I'm sure coming up with that design decision was incredibly tough...a job that required a great deal of creative thought (not).
Again, you have a creative difference with the designers. Their view is as valid as yours and vice versa. Similarly, I'm sure there are many people who are glad that this FR mystery has been dealt with in print, 'canon' form. IIRC, there were queries on this topic to Steven Schend only a few months back - basically, people wanting to know who or what killed Aravae. Well, they've got their answer now.
quote:
--Apparently, in order to draw the Ruler's Blade, the candidate must be Lawful Good. So...every Coronal of Myth Drannor (not that there were that many) was LG? In a city built by creatures who have always been described as Chaotic Good, who worship a pantheon of gods in which every deity is either Chaotic Good or Chaotic Neutral? That seems strange to me. I don't see why a good ruler of such a city couldn't be NG or even CG--in fact Myth Drannor is a city that has always been described as inclusive of other traditions (at least that was the ideal), an idea that has often been described in D&D sources as "chaotic".
It is a tad myopic to think that all elves must follow a certain alignment based on what their racial norm is. I'm sure Elaith Craulnobur would have a hearty laugh if he read your above posting. Similarly, there happens to be an elven family, the Irithyls, who happen to be LG. They also happen to be the elven family that has been chosen by bladeright to be the rulers of Cormanthyr. They were chosen because one can infer that they were the best people for the job. As such, it would appear that the LG alignment was also the best alignment for that particular role and station. Given the job Eltargrim had, to reconcile the disparate desires and demands of first the elves, and then all races in ruling Myth Drannor, it would appear that he established order from a potentially chaotic situation. I see no difficulty in the Ruler's Blade requiring a LG wielder, and again, if you don't like it for your Realms, it's as easy as changing an "L" to a "C". Something that's not going to be world-shattering or canon-busting by any stretch of the imagination.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 05:06:56
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
I wasn't aware that the Srinshee's status as a gold elf was so integral to her 'original concept', whatever that may be. Ed Greenwood wrote a whole novel and didn't refer to her elven sub-race once, so somehow I think that the fact that "Cormanthyr" notes that she is a gold elf neither adds nor subtracts from how she is portrayed, used and placed in the Realms. This is a storm in a goblet of elverquisst and reminds me of how Bane's popularity skyrocketed only after he had been slain in tha Avatar Crisis. Why? Because it comes down to creative differences in the end. The 3E designers decided to go along with the Srinshee as a moon elf. If you don't like that, then fair enough, but that doesn't make the change invalid. If it's not that, then its the sometimes peculiar penchant of FR fans (and yes, I've been guilty of this before in the past also)to latch onto errors and shout from the rooftops about it. Not a very constructive attitude, to be sure. Simply put, it's not 'wrong' that the Srinshee is a moon elf given that she was described as such in the "Fall of Myth Drannor" accessory, and if you want to make her or keep her as a gold elf, good luck to you. It just seems from the tenor of your post that you are screwing up your face and stamping your foot as you do so.
And on that, you'd be wrong. I'm not organizing a neighborhood protest about this, I never said anyone's concept was "invalid", I'm just writing about my personal feelings. What's wrong with that, George? Your own topic is "Comments and Reviews", not "Positive Comments Only". So, I'm nitpicking about a few things. So what? Isn't the point of this thread to hear many different opinions?
quote:
Again, you have a creative difference with the designers. Their view is as valid as yours and vice versa. Similarly, I'm sure there are many people who are glad that this FR mystery has been dealt with in print, 'canon' form. IIRC, there were queries on this topic to Steven Schend only a few months back - basically, people wanting to know who or what killed Aravae. Well, they've got their answer now.
*shrug* I know, but I tend to get sacastic when it comes to the Starym (and gold elves in general) because of the way they've always been portrayed in Realms literature. I've seen you be a bit sacastic about certain topics, why can't I be?
quote:
It is a tad myopic to think that all elves must follow a certain alignment based on what their racial norm is.
Again...where did I say "all elves must be a certain alignment?" The gist of my post (which you seem to have missed) was that I don't see why every Coronal of Myth Drannor needs to have been one particular alignment.
So I'm not as enthralled with the book (from what I've seen from a few excerpts) as you are...what's the big deal here? I don't see why that makes me myopic or someone who stamps her feet at little discrepencies. I'm a person just like you are, and I have biases just has you do. Really...I'm not a vitrolic person in real life, but I'm passionate about things, especially when it comes to the Realms. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 06:06:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
So I'm not as enthralled with the book (from what I've seen from a few excerpts) as you are...what's the big deal here? I don't see why that makes me myopic or someone who stamps her feet at little discrepencies. I'm a person just like you are, and I have biases just has you do. Really...I'm not a vitrolic person in real life, but I'm passionate about things, especially when it comes to the Realms.
Passion is a wonderful thing - especially when it comes to the Realms. I've tried long and hard however to try and channel that passion into positive areas. I'm not always successful - ask Paul Kemp about some of my off the cuff musings on the Novel threads. But the thing is that I was ticked off with your post because sarcasm and petulance (if I can go that far) are a waste of time and energy that can be properly channeled into more positive areas. If your post had been one of disappointment, sans the , it would have been better received by me. Disappointment, when viewed through the harsh looking glass of the FR creative continuum, is an everpresent bogey man - but one that is easier to understand and respond to.
And no, this thread isn't just for positive comments. I agree with you wholeheartedly there. I'm disappointed that Raumathar got misspelled on the map. I'm also disappointed that "Crownblade" was adopted for the "Ruler's Blade". There are a few typos here and there that confuse a few things (which I'll clarify in due course) and there are synergy problems (due to multiple versions of my North Timeline) betwen this product and some aspects of Serpent Kingdoms.
But all in all, it really is a fine piece of work. When you read it in entirety, I hope you'll feel the same way I do.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Cyandor
Acolyte
9 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 17:43:53
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A quick comment on the Ruler's blade.
While I was thrilled that the elfblades were updated, I was a little disappointed in the way the Ruler's blade was handled. In 2ed ed. the power of the selu'kiira in the sword gave the wielder the powers of a high mage (and the ability to cast rituals which required 3 high mages).
Based on Mr. Baker's handling of the Nightstar in Forsaken House, I was under the impression that selu'kiira in 3.5 would continue to have the ability to transform worthy wielders into high mages. Now, with the Ruler's blade the selu'kiira appear to do little more than an add bonues to knowledge skills and spellcraft - certainly a far cry from making someone into a high mage.
I just don't think that the conversion of the Ruler's blade did it justice. |
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The Simbul
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 20:30:17
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My only complaint thus far with the book is one of shipping and sales logistics, primarily that at least some people in Europe and Australasia have copies, whereas I have yet to find any U.S. retailers who expect to have the book before March 2nd.
The only thing I disliked from the excerpt is that it seems that much of the crunch elements are more geared towards Wizards than Sorcerers (Sorcerers cant even have Arcane manipulation, which seems silly IMO given that they are naturally more versatile in their use of spell slots.) But I am not really buying the book for the Crunch elements anyways.
I was worried that Mystra's Ban and Epic Magic would be horribly over-complex, and fly in the face of the more simple explanation for how Mystra's Ban affected True Dweomers in the Forbidden Spells section of Secrets of the Magister (in that her "Ban" was effectively only a myth, and that True Dweomers [epic spells in 3e] were still possible with some limitations). From what Ive heard it ended up as Elven High Magic was always Epic Spellcasting, but the Netherese used actual 10th+ level spells, which are no longer available and presumably now use Epic Spells (via the Netherese Arcanist prc in the pgtf). Thus if that is the case then I can live with it, although unless there is something else in that text explaining how Mystra's Ban can apply to the Shadow Weave (and alot of text in other FR sources arbitrarily goes out of their way to state that despite holding the Magic portfolio Mystra's decrees dont affect the Shadow Weave) then it kind of opens the doorway for Shade-fanboys to make the case that they can still cast those spells without using Epic Magic (which actually makes you pay for your power). Although I suppose I will have to wait to read the full text for myself.
On a side note I was very happy that the included Epic Spell was NOT Karsus Avatar. Also if anyone wants to drop a few teasers about Mythals, other than they are Epic Spells and apparently have their own seed, I would be more than greatful, since I have been starving for details about this for a long time. |
Edited by - The Simbul on 08 Feb 2005 20:37:22 |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 20:43:07
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Three complaints.
From the Player's Top 10 Reasons. "The fantastic feats in Lost Empires of Faerűn just go on and on."
[::cringe::]
I have the reputation as being an advocate of game and rules as a supporter for roleplay. I rather like feats, or at least good ones -- I've come across so many in making my collection of feats that just don't work well. And a nice bunch of feats lets me expand said list.
But that statement still just makes me cringe. At the very least, with WotC's reputation . . . couldn't they think of some other way to say it? And if it really goes "on and on" how much room is there for the flavorful stuff?
Second, from the same document: "You know your party's home base really needs one of these [mythals] for defense. This book tells you exactly what goes into a mythal and how to make one."
[::cringe::]
And I don't think I have to explain that reaction . . . .
And finally, despite my complaints, I'm looking forward to getting my copy. Which brings me to that third complaint. Amazon won't ship it until March!   |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 23:04:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Second, from the same document: "You know your party's home base really needs one of these [mythals] for defense. This book tells you exactly what goes into a mythal and how to make one."
[::cringe::]
And I don't think I have to explain that reaction . . . .
I cringed as well in another thread. But, for all I know perhaps there are a large number of players that have characters needing mythal defenses for their home bases.
quote:
And finally, despite my complaints, I'm looking forward to getting my copy. Which brings me to that third complaint. Amazon won't ship it until March!
Tymora smile and let Amazon be wrong again, like they are so often, with that shipment date and it be earlier. |
Edited by - SiriusBlack on 08 Feb 2005 23:11:05 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 23:08:59
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In response to a couple of points:
I too, on reflection, would have preferred the Ruler's Blade to have a High Magic aspect as it did in "Cormanthyr". I'm not a rules guy as most people on these boards would know, but 'my' version of the Rulers Blade would give you the feats enabling you to cast epic spells as bonus feats. I don't have the Epic Handbook (it's on my buy list) but I think it's two feats that allow you to do this: epic spellcasting and another that lets you create spell slots above 9. Given the nature of the sword, I don't think that this would have been unbalanced or met with dismay by the fans.
As for teasers re mythals, there is a total breakdown of how Silverymoon's mythal was created (as in a breakdown of powers and costs) and a timeframe for when it was done (when Alustriel was in the guise of Elue Dualen in the 800s DR). I'm actually personally happy with what has been done with mythals for 3E by this book. Effectively, these spell wards are all totally individual - each mythal is its own seperately researched epic spell. The text seems to imply that the term 'mythal' is an elven one and has been lazily and sloppily adopted to describe all wards created by epic spells using the mythal seed. I would postulate that the mythal seed was created/discovered by the elves and adopted by humans and other spellcasting races.
From a crunch point of view, the mythal section also gives some unique modifiers to the spell DC such as death of the caster, using an anchor (i.e. the stone in Myth Glaurach), allowing it to deteriorate over time and one other which escapes me at this moment. It also splits up mythal effects into various categories: arointed (barred) spells, prevalent spells and vanguard spells. You'll understand this better when you get your copy!
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2005 : 23:16:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Second, from the same document: "You know your party's home base really needs one of these [mythals] for defense. This book tells you exactly what goes into a mythal and how to make one."
[::cringe::]
And I don't think I have to explain that reaction . . . .
That one bugged me, too. Mythals have always been rare and wondrous, and I hope these rules make mythals remain thus. It'd seriously draw vacuum if they were so easy that every third archmage could make one. |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2005 : 00:28:39
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| The web excerpt lists the date for The Sundering as -17600 DR. Is there any more detail on The Sundering in Lost Empires, or an explanation for placing the event at -17600 DR (which clearly contradicts the novel Evermeet)? The timeline event cryptically explains that "The spell reaches both back and forward in the mists of time." What the heck does that mean? |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2005 : 05:11:52
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| I HAVE IT! |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2005 : 05:50:24
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Preliminary review
Note: I have not started reading LEOF yet the following was gleamed from skimming the book
The Good
THe Art in in LEOF is awesome!
Highlights include
The fight between Gilgream and Tiamat on page 42
Adventurers dare the streets on Myth Drannor on page 133
Ioulaum destroys an Orc horde on page 96
The Bad
No stats have been given for what a Cleric of one of "Ancient Deities" gets if they cast the weapon of the Deity spell
There are a number of unnessary tables in the Artifacts of the past chapter (Tables 10-2 to 6)
LEOF Introduced the Craft Sceptre feat but unfortunatley here are only 2 Sceptres detailed in LEOF (I would have expected more in a book where they where introducing the items.)
THE VERY BAD!
No maps other than the 2 page "nation level" map I dont know why WOTC are such a bunch of Tight ass with maps likely but its becoming a real pain, the nook desperately needs a map for each chapter detailing a region (ie like Shinning South and Unappraochable east)
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“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2005 : 06:29:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
I HAVE IT!
Current scores:
GERMANY: 1
USA: Nil
AUSTRALIA:2
USA: Nil
I guess this is pay-back for the 4 months I had to wait to get "Elminster's Daughter".
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2005 : 06:38:52
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Theres at least 3 in Australia
You
me
and Sacredone over at WOTC |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2005 : 08:18:28
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Have read chapters 3 and 4
The Crown Wars
This chapter is good and has a couple of interesting extra planar characters, Malkizid in particular looks interesting (looks like hes got a whole Lucifier thing going on)
The one thing The Crown wars chapter did need was a map showing the Elven Kingdoms before the first Crown war
God-Kings of the East
This chapter really falls down in the geography area. The the Imaskar empire in particular desperately needs a map even more than the other empires. Why? because the Imaskar Empire doesnt even fit on the contiental map that came with the FRC. The author makes references to the following land marks that dont exist on the FRC map
Semphar, Jorhat mountains, Raurinshield mountains.
The author also makes reference to the Sword Mountains which Im assuming should be the Dragonsword Mountains.
Also you will want to have Unapproachable east handy when read this chapter so you can reference the UE maps for Narfell |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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Reefy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
892 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2005 : 11:00:01
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| No maps? After the complete lack of them in SK, I thought they'd sorted it out with SS. Do they not realise how exceedingly useful maps are? |
Life is either daring adventure or nothing. |
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Lost Empires - Comments & Reviews
