Decisions, decisions . . . [Archive] - Wizards Community

Decisions, decisions . . . [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Eldarion Elenath
09-17-03, 09:22 PM Say you are a mildly experienced, highly democratic group of seven gamers who have decided to start a campaign using the Forgotten Realms. You've narrowed your choices of starting location to Shadowdale or Waterdeep. Which do you choose, and why? Discuss.

(I'm leaning heavilly towards Shadowdale as it seems more "typical fantasy" with small town heroes. Also, Waterdeep materials seem to focus exclusively on the city itself, where as in Shadowdale there are actually things to be done outside of town.)
Kuje31
09-17-03, 09:32 PM Originally posted by Eldarion Elenath
Say you are a mildly experienced, highly democratic group of seven gamers who have decided to start a campaign using the Forgotten Realms. You've narrowed your choices of starting location to Shadowdale or Waterdeep. Which do you choose, and why? Discuss.

(I'm leaning heavilly towards Shadowdale as it seems more "typical fantasy" with small town heroes. Also, Waterdeep materials seem to focus exclusively on the city itself, where as in Shadowdale there are actually things to be done outside of town.)

I guess it would depend on the classes and the races of the PC's also. :) But Shadowdale does have a lot to offer, but then so does Waterdeep.
BITING-GNOME
09-17-03, 09:32 PM Personally i would start at waterdeep. From there you can go to other places in The North. Though thats me. I usually like my campaigns on the sword coast. And if you want to find out more on surrounding areas, look up The North. Water Deep is located here. It wasn't a choice you gave but I'd also look at Thay. They, in my opinion, make good enemies.
Ryltar Swordsong
09-17-03, 09:34 PM Waterdeep. Why? Undermountain.
Herr Doktor
09-17-03, 09:46 PM Both of the above-mentioned locations have great potential for fantastic adventure.

Shadowdale and the Waterdeep are both loaded with intrigue, warfare, et cetera. Both locations are relatively close to a large number of dungeons and ruins, so either would suit the typical adventuring party.

The question now then is... does the party wish to be involved in a place apt for wilderness or urban adventures?

Waterdeep has near bottomless resources, PCs can get their hands on a lot of useful tidbits if they've the gold to hire or purchase the necessary ingredients. Undermountain, the lair of the Mad Wizard is within close proximity. Not to mention the other Northern dungeons and lairs.

The Dalelands are more rustic, but then, both Sembia and the Moonsea border the Dalelands, not to mention Cormyr. What fun the PCs might have exploring the Ruins of Galath's Roost, or the Ruins of Tilvertion... battling a Cult of the Dragon cell in Battledale in one of the old Ghostholds. Exploring the ruined Tower of Dracandros on Haptooth Hill.

Both are great campaign starting locales.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Eldarion Elenath 09-17-03, 09:22 PM	Say you are a mildly experienced, highly democratic group of seven gamers who have decided to start a campaign using the Forgotten Realms. You've narrowed your choices of starting location to Shadowdale or Waterdeep. Which do you choose, and why? Discuss. (I'm leaning heavilly towards Shadowdale as it seems more "typical fantasy" with small town heroes. Also, Waterdeep materials seem to focus exclusively on the city itself, where as in Shadowdale there are actually things to be done outside of town.)
Kuje31 09-17-03, 09:32 PM	Originally posted by Eldarion Elenath Say you are a mildly experienced, highly democratic group of seven gamers who have decided to start a campaign using the Forgotten Realms. You've narrowed your choices of starting location to Shadowdale or Waterdeep. Which do you choose, and why? Discuss. (I'm leaning heavilly towards Shadowdale as it seems more "typical fantasy" with small town heroes. Also, Waterdeep materials seem to focus exclusively on the city itself, where as in Shadowdale there are actually things to be done outside of town.) I guess it would depend on the classes and the races of the PC's also. :) But Shadowdale does have a lot to offer, but then so does Waterdeep.
BITING-GNOME 09-17-03, 09:32 PM	Personally i would start at waterdeep. From there you can go to other places in The North. Though thats me. I usually like my campaigns on the sword coast. And if you want to find out more on surrounding areas, look up The North. Water Deep is located here. It wasn't a choice you gave but I'd also look at Thay. They, in my opinion, make good enemies.
Ryltar Swordsong 09-17-03, 09:34 PM	Waterdeep. Why? Undermountain.
Herr Doktor 09-17-03, 09:46 PM	Both of the above-mentioned locations have great potential for fantastic adventure. Shadowdale and the Waterdeep are both loaded with intrigue, warfare, et cetera. Both locations are relatively close to a large number of dungeons and ruins, so either would suit the typical adventuring party. The question now then is... does the party wish to be involved in a place apt for wilderness or urban adventures? Waterdeep has near bottomless resources, PCs can get their hands on a lot of useful tidbits if they've the gold to hire or purchase the necessary ingredients. Undermountain, the lair of the Mad Wizard is within close proximity. Not to mention the other Northern dungeons and lairs. The Dalelands are more rustic, but then, both Sembia and the Moonsea border the Dalelands, not to mention Cormyr. What fun the PCs might have exploring the Ruins of Galath's Roost, or the Ruins of Tilvertion... battling a Cult of the Dragon cell in Battledale in one of the old Ghostholds. Exploring the ruined Tower of Dracandros on Haptooth Hill. Both are great campaign starting locales.