Ed's New Setting. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Ed's New Setting. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Kuje31
09-16-03, 02:42 PM It seems Ed has a new setting coming out by Jim Wards Fast Foward Entertainment company.

From ENworld's front page:

The world of Castlemorn is a world of ancient ruins and long, undiscovered races and locals. Darkness pervades the cities and castles, and an evil walks the land. Arriving in January is the main campaign sourcebook detailing the land and its inhabitants; its culture and magics. Following in April will be the Castlemorn Player's Guide, giving the player character all the information they need for an ongoing campaign in the Castlemorn universe. The month of July sees the release of Dark Metropolis, a detailed location sourcebook of one of the most important locations in Ed's new world. Finally for the 2004 release year, October will feature the Castlemorn Ruins Sourcebook, a veritable encyclopedia of information on the ruins that dot the land.

Or from FFE's web site:

Fast Forward to publish Ed Greenwood's Castlemorn in d20
The infamous author of Forgotten Realms, Ed Greenwood, is collaborating with Fast Forward Entertainment to create a new fantasy d20 System world setting. Fast Forward will publish four new products starting in January 2004. As the creator of the world famous Forgotten Realms setting for TSR, Ed has brought his incredible talent to bear on a brand new world of adventure. The world of Castlemorn is a world of ancient ruins and long, undiscovered races and locals. Darkness pervades the cities and castles, and an evil walks the land. Arriving in January is the main campaign sourcebook detailing the land and its inhabitants; its culture and magics. Following in April will be the Castlemorn Player's Guide, giving the player character all the information they need for an ongoing campaign in the Castlemorn universe. The month of July sees the release of Dark Metropolis, a detailed location sourcebook of one of the most important locations in Ed's new world. Finally for the 2004 release year, October will feature the Castlemorn Ruins Sourcebook, a veritable encyclopedia of information on the ruins that dot the land. Fans of Ed Greenwood and fans of the Forgotten Realms will marvel at the richly developed new world that is - Castlemorn!
Amurayi
09-16-03, 02:54 PM Wonder if it is a High Fantasy setting as well.

So this is not a Wizards product?
Kuje31
09-16-03, 03:00 PM Originally posted by Amurayi
Wonder if it is a High Fantasy setting as well.

So this is not a Wizards product?

Dunno and nope, 3rd party since Jim Ward isn't with WOTC any more. :)
Gez
09-16-03, 06:42 PM Originally posted by Kuje31
The world of Castlemorn is a world of ancient ruins and long, undiscovered races and locals.

That sounds a lot like the Forgotten Realms.

Originally posted by Kuje31
Darkness pervades the cities and castles, and an evil walks the land.

Only one evil? Then it's different from the Realms after all. :P
Kuje31
09-16-03, 06:55 PM Originally posted by Gez
That sounds a lot like the Forgotten Realms.

Only one evil? Then it's different from the Realms after all. :P

Yeah. I guess I am interested in it, to see what I can um steal or borrow. :)
cwslyclgh
09-16-03, 07:17 PM I have never read them, but I have to wonder if this world has anything to do with that other line of fantasy novels that Ed writes... what are they "band of Four" or something?
Kuje31
09-16-03, 07:55 PM Originally posted by cwslyclgh
I have never read them, but I have to wonder if this world has anything to do with that other line of fantasy novels that Ed writes... what are they "band of Four" or something?

Nope, that's a different setting also. :)
Pandelume
09-16-03, 08:09 PM Lets just hope this world does not have Chosen in it. :D
Kuje31
09-16-03, 09:11 PM Originally posted by Pandelume
Lets just hope this world does not have Chosen in it. :D

Why? What's wrong with a Chosen of a deity?.... Sigh, never mind, lets not get into that discussion again.
Amurayi
09-17-03, 03:40 AM Yeah, let's see what we can transfer to the Realms.

Hope he provides 3.5 stats and a booklet "How to make Realms Characters out of my material".
:D
Purple Dragon Knight
09-17-03, 04:25 AM I hope Ed's new setting does well. I can't help but wonder why he went solo though (my old spider sense has been tingling, alerting me that some juicy pieces of gossip are eluding me at this point). If it was from a genuine desire to invent something new, then I will fully buy into his new line of products.

I really hope he keeps strong ties with the Realms though. I have invested much in the setting, and as long as the creator is alive, I would "feel better" if I knew that his guiding hand was still advising the FR team. I hope no one from WotC has alienated themselves from Ed, as I would hate to play in a FR devoid of Ed's influence.

Finally, I will echo some people's concerns over the "crunchy vs. fluffy" debate. If the trend continues towards a no fluff Realm, I have to admit that I WILL be losing interest pretty fast. In my opinion, UE was less than impressive, and its different sections interacted as well as oil over water. Silver Marches had it quite right in my opinion, but UE didn't meet my expectations (really stupid races and overspecialized PrCs, a la "fighter of the Yuirwood, lot C, third farm to the right, the one with a griffon on top"... sheesh :( ). The problem of a "crunch only" line of products become obvious when the rules system change every three years. I am already wondering what they will do to update the Silver Marches and F&P PrCs to the 3.5 rules. But this is probably a low priority customer service problem, so why change the Product Development Process in order to ensure that the product remain sustainable with future editions, right? Bottom line is that we already have a Core product that can take a PC up to 20 levels, so as a supplementary setting, there's just so many PrCs you can add before the thing gets irreversibly ugly and unplayable. Less is more: in FR's case, too many player's options could have the same effect as too many product lines (i.e. WotC is cannibalizing its other products, or competing against itself if you want, reducing its market share in other areas in favor of FR). A good approach at this point, IMO, would be to cater to the FR DM niche market. Yes, the volumes will be lower, but the additional product won't affect the sales of other WotC's books (even other FR books, because the DMs will purchase the product in any event). Don't get me wrong: I previously harped on the benefits of having a regional supplement for every FR region. I still want this, but I don't want them to turn in crunch fest that have absolutely no use for me, the DM. First thing that comes to my mind when I think of regional supplement: a tool to help DMs improve their games. If Hasbro wants to push crunch everyone's throat, at least the FR team could package it in themed books such as "Feats of Faerun" or "PrCs of Faerun"... not in regional products... :whatsthis
Harlamond
09-17-03, 04:44 AM I like “crunch” but then again not every ones cut out to be a DM or fiends the hot seat enjoyable. I would love to see a product line as what PDK has said "Feats of Faerun" and "PrCs of Faerun". I as a player would eat them up, but I would also buy every regional supplement I can, simply on the account that I have fallen in love with the Forgotten Realms.
Mr. VanderMeer
09-17-03, 08:04 AM It's like two threads in one:
a) Ed's new setting
b) Crunch versus Fluff

Okay as it was originally about Ed's setting I'll only comment on that:

It seems interesting, as I like dark settings. But really the information is too scarce for me to really form an opinion.
Kuje31
09-17-03, 12:59 PM Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight

Finally, I will echo some people's concerns over the "crunchy vs. fluffy" debate. If the trend continues towards a no fluff Realm, I have to admit that I WILL be losing interest pretty fast.

I've had these thoughts a lot myself. I think really the only 3e realms books I ever use now is the FRCS. I have way to many of the old sourcebooks and they are so much better. I guess I would rather have fluff then crunch, you can only have so many spells, feats, skills, and equipment (well I guess I like the equipment and magic items sections) before it just gets to be to much.

Now to get back on topic, Ed's new setting isn't going to be published until next year, that was just a press release. I am sure we'll hear more over the next coming months......
Azeem Hesaad
09-17-03, 01:44 PM Ed Greenwood is the definitive creator of the Forgotten Realms. And though it is as if the entirety of the realms is being outlined...we can clearly see that all the material being released is OPTIONAL and it truly is up to the DM what is, or what isn't in THEIR realms. Anyway, Ed has my vote and when his new setting does come out...I am proud to say I will own it. If Ed can create the realms I'm sure his new campaign setting will be wonderful, and being new, will have the "fluff" that so many of you desire! Since, it is the first edition, you cannot fully detail the world and leaving room will leave a WILD time for DMs new to the setting.

You just go ahead Ed :bow: your stuff is awesome!
Faraer
09-17-03, 02:22 PM If Castlemorn has a similar feel to the Realms -- Ed's original Realms, before their drift, defacing, and augmentation under TSR and WotC -- that will be wonderful. The material -- most obviously the ruins book -- will be very applicable to Realms campaigns.

If it has a different focus and assumptions, that will also be great.

Darsar, the setting of the Band of Four books (highly recommended to all who like Ed's novels), is somewhere between.

I can't help but wonder why he went solo thoughWell, he has many worlds in him, of which WotC is only interested in one, and only uses him low-to-moderately for sourcebooks (~3 books out of ~12) and treats the Realms differently to how he would.I really hope he keeps strong ties with the Realms though.Ed has novels contracted up to 2008, IIRC, and will keep his hand in the Realms as long as WotC will let him.Wonder if it is a High Fantasy setting as well.The Realms isn't high fantasy -- elevated, heightened language; world-saving quests -- it's swords and sorcery.
Grognard the Mighty
09-17-03, 02:55 PM I wonder if Ed will hire people to write tacky stories about dark elves to help ruin his new world like it did his old one?

Seriously, I hope his new project does well, and I will at least look into it. If it has the flavor of the old Forgotten Realms, then I will definately buy it.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
09-17-03, 11:01 PM Originally posted by Mr. VanderMeer

It seems interesting, as I like dark settings. But really the information is too scarce for me to really form an opinion.

I agree on all points. :) I also like the idea of a "dark" setting.
Joneleth Talshara
09-17-03, 11:04 PM Ravenloft.
Mr. VanderMeer
09-18-03, 07:38 AM Ravenloft.

You have very good associative skills. Ravenloft is indeed also a dark setting! Well done.
Joneleth Talshara
09-18-03, 08:18 AM You have very good associative skills. Ravenloft is indeed also a dark setting! Well done.

Fascinating. This sort of simple flamebait actually works here. Excellent.

You do realise that the Ravenloft comment wasn't serious, yes?
Mr. VanderMeer
09-18-03, 09:50 AM Fascinating. This sort of simple flamebait actually works here. Excellent.

You do realise that the Ravenloft comment wasn't serious, yes?

Hehe, I just couldn't resist. :D
Gez
09-18-03, 01:02 PM Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I also like the idea of a "dark" setting.

When you look at the Realms more closely, they also form a dark setting. Everyone concentrates on Elminster, Drizzt, Harpers, fuzzy bunies and scantily clad elven chicks dancing around campfire; but forgot the impressive number of powerful organizations that are solely devoted to the utter destruction or enslavement of the whole world, and even beyond.

Some are common to most D&D worlds, like illithids, drow, derro, beholders, neogi, etc. as well as the usual societ secreties, er, secret societies (Iron Throne, Zentharim...) and evil cults (Bane, Cyric, and their now-defunct predecessors, Malar, Talona, Shar, Mask...).

But most are unique to the Realms.
Phaerimm, malaugrym, cult of the dragon and dracolichs, shades, evil sun elves...

It's a world where for a long time, fiends held a citadel on the Prime. A world where people who don't give themselves to gods are used as bricks to build a wall. A world where people have been ruled by tyrant godkings so cruel they prefered the rule of another evil deity, Tiamat. A world whose most civilized places are just in the center of sweeping orc hord lands and troll-infested swamps. A world littered by the ruins of brillant civilizations that are now gone, rich of artifacts made with a knowledge now lost.

There is beauty in the Realms, but there is much horror also -- precisely, the "theme" of the Forgotten Realms is to have valiant heroes fighting the horrors to save the beauties. There's a stalemate between the forces of destruction and those of protection -- but that don't make the place any less dark.
Ameth
09-18-03, 01:21 PM There is beauty in the Realms, but there is much horror also -- precisely, the "theme" of the Forgotten Realms is to have valiant heroes fighting the horrors to save the beauties. There's a stalemate between the forces of destruction and those of protection -- but that don't make the place any less dark.

I couldn't Have said that any better
Ameth
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
09-18-03, 01:31 PM I never ever said I thought of the Realms as place of only happiness and "fuzzy bunnies". I feel rather insulted that my post was taken that way. All I said was that I liked the idea (in other words, I am looking forward to) an ostensibly dark setting, one that seems even "darker" than the FR.

No offense, Gez, but I know enough about the Realms by now not to need a lecture on the evils that also reside there. I've read enough FR novels and sourcebooks. Was I really so misunderstood?
ENHenry
09-18-03, 03:17 PM Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight
...I would "feel better" if I knew that his guiding hand was still advising the FR team. I hope no one from WotC has alienated themselves from Ed, as I would hate to play in a FR devoid of Ed's influence.

Welcome to the world of many, many Greyhawk fans. :)
Gez
09-18-03, 04:22 PM Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Was I really so misunderstood?

Honestly? Yes, a bit. I do see the Realms as a dark setting, not as broody as Ravenloft, harsh as Dark Sun, or grim as the Scarred Lands; but quite close anyway. Darker than Greyhawk, despite Iuz or the Pale, darker than Mystara, darker than Birthright, Spelljammer or Planescape...
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
09-18-03, 05:33 PM Gez, in retrospect I apologize if I came across as rather rude.

But I do hope I am understand now. :)
Faraer
09-21-03, 04:49 PM From one of Ed's recent posts to REALMS-L (which are an excellent reason to subscribe or at least keep an eye on the archives (http://oracle.wizards.com/archives/realms-l.html)):As for more to share, there's not really much else I can say about Castlemorn at this point, and if I'm going to make my deadlines, not much time I can spare to paint in more Realmslore details right now, either. However, I can do two things.

One is to point back at my last answer to the list about the multiverse of linked worlds (the "multiverse" name usually gets credited to Michael Moorcock, by the way, but the idea is much, much older than modern fantasy, and I even borrowed some of the proof of that: I had the Wood Between The Worlds [from the William Morris novel of the same name] in my multiverse, as a "common ground" shared by many of the gates), and draw the obvious inference that (as Damian suggested) you can of course use the one setting with the other. Once you see Castlemorn, you'll readily see why. I designed it to "easily fit" with many already-going medieval fantasy worlds, and if it doesn't quite stitch neatly onto yours, well -- that's why there are gates, right?(The second thing is answering a question about Flamsterd...)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Kuje31 09-16-03, 02:42 PM	It seems Ed has a new setting coming out by Jim Wards Fast Foward Entertainment company. From ENworld's front page: The world of Castlemorn is a world of ancient ruins and long, undiscovered races and locals. Darkness pervades the cities and castles, and an evil walks the land. Arriving in January is the main campaign sourcebook detailing the land and its inhabitants; its culture and magics. Following in April will be the Castlemorn Player's Guide, giving the player character all the information they need for an ongoing campaign in the Castlemorn universe. The month of July sees the release of Dark Metropolis, a detailed location sourcebook of one of the most important locations in Ed's new world. Finally for the 2004 release year, October will feature the Castlemorn Ruins Sourcebook, a veritable encyclopedia of information on the ruins that dot the land. Or from FFE's web site: Fast Forward to publish Ed Greenwood's Castlemorn in d20 The infamous author of Forgotten Realms, Ed Greenwood, is collaborating with Fast Forward Entertainment to create a new fantasy d20 System world setting. Fast Forward will publish four new products starting in January 2004. As the creator of the world famous Forgotten Realms setting for TSR, Ed has brought his incredible talent to bear on a brand new world of adventure. The world of Castlemorn is a world of ancient ruins and long, undiscovered races and locals. Darkness pervades the cities and castles, and an evil walks the land. Arriving in January is the main campaign sourcebook detailing the land and its inhabitants; its culture and magics. Following in April will be the Castlemorn Player's Guide, giving the player character all the information they need for an ongoing campaign in the Castlemorn universe. The month of July sees the release of Dark Metropolis, a detailed location sourcebook of one of the most important locations in Ed's new world. Finally for the 2004 release year, October will feature the Castlemorn Ruins Sourcebook, a veritable encyclopedia of information on the ruins that dot the land. Fans of Ed Greenwood and fans of the Forgotten Realms will marvel at the richly developed new world that is - Castlemorn!
Amurayi 09-16-03, 02:54 PM	Wonder if it is a High Fantasy setting as well. So this is not a Wizards product?
Kuje31 09-16-03, 03:00 PM	Originally posted by Amurayi Wonder if it is a High Fantasy setting as well. So this is not a Wizards product? Dunno and nope, 3rd party since Jim Ward isn't with WOTC any more. :)
Gez 09-16-03, 06:42 PM	Originally posted by Kuje31 The world of Castlemorn is a world of ancient ruins and long, undiscovered races and locals. That sounds a lot like the Forgotten Realms. Originally posted by Kuje31 Darkness pervades the cities and castles, and an evil walks the land. Only one evil? Then it's different from the Realms after all. :P
Kuje31 09-16-03, 06:55 PM	Originally posted by Gez That sounds a lot like the Forgotten Realms. Only one evil? Then it's different from the Realms after all. :P Yeah. I guess I am interested in it, to see what I can um steal or borrow. :)
cwslyclgh 09-16-03, 07:17 PM	I have never read them, but I have to wonder if this world has anything to do with that other line of fantasy novels that Ed writes... what are they "band of Four" or something?
Kuje31 09-16-03, 07:55 PM	Originally posted by cwslyclgh I have never read them, but I have to wonder if this world has anything to do with that other line of fantasy novels that Ed writes... what are they "band of Four" or something? Nope, that's a different setting also. :)
Pandelume 09-16-03, 08:09 PM	Lets just hope this world does not have Chosen in it. :D
Kuje31 09-16-03, 09:11 PM	Originally posted by Pandelume Lets just hope this world does not have Chosen in it. :D Why? What's wrong with a Chosen of a deity?.... Sigh, never mind, lets not get into that discussion again.
Amurayi 09-17-03, 03:40 AM	Yeah, let's see what we can transfer to the Realms. Hope he provides 3.5 stats and a booklet "How to make Realms Characters out of my material". :D
Purple Dragon Knight 09-17-03, 04:25 AM	I hope Ed's new setting does well. I can't help but wonder why he went solo though (my old spider sense has been tingling, alerting me that some juicy pieces of gossip are eluding me at this point). If it was from a genuine desire to invent something new, then I will fully buy into his new line of products. I really hope he keeps strong ties with the Realms though. I have invested much in the setting, and as long as the creator is alive, I would "feel better" if I knew that his guiding hand was still advising the FR team. I hope no one from WotC has alienated themselves from Ed, as I would hate to play in a FR devoid of Ed's influence. Finally, I will echo some people's concerns over the "crunchy vs. fluffy" debate. If the trend continues towards a no fluff Realm, I have to admit that I WILL be losing interest pretty fast. In my opinion, UE was less than impressive, and its different sections interacted as well as oil over water. Silver Marches had it quite right in my opinion, but UE didn't meet my expectations (really stupid races and overspecialized PrCs, a la "fighter of the Yuirwood, lot C, third farm to the right, the one with a griffon on top"... sheesh :( ). The problem of a "crunch only" line of products become obvious when the rules system change every three years. I am already wondering what they will do to update the Silver Marches and F&P PrCs to the 3.5 rules. But this is probably a low priority customer service problem, so why change the Product Development Process in order to ensure that the product remain sustainable with future editions, right? Bottom line is that we already have a Core product that can take a PC up to 20 levels, so as a supplementary setting, there's just so many PrCs you can add before the thing gets irreversibly ugly and unplayable. Less is more: in FR's case, too many player's options could have the same effect as too many product lines (i.e. WotC is cannibalizing its other products, or competing against itself if you want, reducing its market share in other areas in favor of FR). A good approach at this point, IMO, would be to cater to the FR DM niche market. Yes, the volumes will be lower, but the additional product won't affect the sales of other WotC's books (even other FR books, because the DMs will purchase the product in any event). Don't get me wrong: I previously harped on the benefits of having a regional supplement for every FR region. I still want this, but I don't want them to turn in crunch fest that have absolutely no use for me, the DM. First thing that comes to my mind when I think of regional supplement: a tool to help DMs improve their games. If Hasbro wants to push crunch everyone's throat, at least the FR team could package it in themed books such as "Feats of Faerun" or "PrCs of Faerun"... not in regional products... :whatsthis
Harlamond 09-17-03, 04:44 AM	I like “crunch” but then again not every ones cut out to be a DM or fiends the hot seat enjoyable. I would love to see a product line as what PDK has said "Feats of Faerun" and "PrCs of Faerun". I as a player would eat them up, but I would also buy every regional supplement I can, simply on the account that I have fallen in love with the Forgotten Realms.
Mr. VanderMeer 09-17-03, 08:04 AM	It's like two threads in one: a) Ed's new setting b) Crunch versus Fluff Okay as it was originally about Ed's setting I'll only comment on that: It seems interesting, as I like dark settings. But really the information is too scarce for me to really form an opinion.
Kuje31 09-17-03, 12:59 PM	Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight Finally, I will echo some people's concerns over the "crunchy vs. fluffy" debate. If the trend continues towards a no fluff Realm, I have to admit that I WILL be losing interest pretty fast. I've had these thoughts a lot myself. I think really the only 3e realms books I ever use now is the FRCS. I have way to many of the old sourcebooks and they are so much better. I guess I would rather have fluff then crunch, you can only have so many spells, feats, skills, and equipment (well I guess I like the equipment and magic items sections) before it just gets to be to much. Now to get back on topic, Ed's new setting isn't going to be published until next year, that was just a press release. I am sure we'll hear more over the next coming months......
Azeem Hesaad 09-17-03, 01:44 PM	Ed Greenwood is the definitive creator of the Forgotten Realms. And though it is as if the entirety of the realms is being outlined...we can clearly see that all the material being released is OPTIONAL and it truly is up to the DM what is, or what isn't in THEIR realms. Anyway, Ed has my vote and when his new setting does come out...I am proud to say I will own it. If Ed can create the realms I'm sure his new campaign setting will be wonderful, and being new, will have the "fluff" that so many of you desire! Since, it is the first edition, you cannot fully detail the world and leaving room will leave a WILD time for DMs new to the setting. You just go ahead Ed :bow: your stuff is awesome!
Faraer 09-17-03, 02:22 PM	If Castlemorn has a similar feel to the Realms -- Ed's original Realms, before their drift, defacing, and augmentation under TSR and WotC -- that will be wonderful. The material -- most obviously the ruins book -- will be very applicable to Realms campaigns. If it has a different focus and assumptions, that will also be great. Darsar, the setting of the Band of Four books (highly recommended to all who like Ed's novels), is somewhere between. I can't help but wonder why he went solo thoughWell, he has many worlds in him, of which WotC is only interested in one, and only uses him low-to-moderately for sourcebooks (~3 books out of ~12) and treats the Realms differently to how he would.I really hope he keeps strong ties with the Realms though.Ed has novels contracted up to 2008, IIRC, and will keep his hand in the Realms as long as WotC will let him.Wonder if it is a High Fantasy setting as well.The Realms isn't high fantasy -- elevated, heightened language; world-saving quests -- it's swords and sorcery.
Grognard the Mighty 09-17-03, 02:55 PM	I wonder if Ed will hire people to write tacky stories about dark elves to help ruin his new world like it did his old one? Seriously, I hope his new project does well, and I will at least look into it. If it has the flavor of the old Forgotten Realms, then I will definately buy it.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 09-17-03, 11:01 PM	Originally posted by Mr. VanderMeer It seems interesting, as I like dark settings. But really the information is too scarce for me to really form an opinion. I agree on all points. :) I also like the idea of a "dark" setting.
Joneleth Talshara 09-17-03, 11:04 PM	Ravenloft.
Mr. VanderMeer 09-18-03, 07:38 AM	Ravenloft. You have very good associative skills. Ravenloft is indeed also a dark setting! Well done.
Joneleth Talshara 09-18-03, 08:18 AM	You have very good associative skills. Ravenloft is indeed also a dark setting! Well done. Fascinating. This sort of simple flamebait actually works here. Excellent. You do realise that the Ravenloft comment wasn't serious, yes?
Mr. VanderMeer 09-18-03, 09:50 AM	Fascinating. This sort of simple flamebait actually works here. Excellent. You do realise that the Ravenloft comment wasn't serious, yes? Hehe, I just couldn't resist. :D
Gez 09-18-03, 01:02 PM	Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin I also like the idea of a "dark" setting. When you look at the Realms more closely, they also form a dark setting. Everyone concentrates on Elminster, Drizzt, Harpers, fuzzy bunies and scantily clad elven chicks dancing around campfire; but forgot the impressive number of powerful organizations that are solely devoted to the utter destruction or enslavement of the whole world, and even beyond. Some are common to most D&D worlds, like illithids, drow, derro, beholders, neogi, etc. as well as the usual societ secreties, er, secret societies (Iron Throne, Zentharim...) and evil cults (Bane, Cyric, and their now-defunct predecessors, Malar, Talona, Shar, Mask...). But most are unique to the Realms. Phaerimm, malaugrym, cult of the dragon and dracolichs, shades, evil sun elves... It's a world where for a long time, fiends held a citadel on the Prime. A world where people who don't give themselves to gods are used as bricks to build a wall. A world where people have been ruled by tyrant godkings so cruel they prefered the rule of another evil deity, Tiamat. A world whose most civilized places are just in the center of sweeping orc hord lands and troll-infested swamps. A world littered by the ruins of brillant civilizations that are now gone, rich of artifacts made with a knowledge now lost. There is beauty in the Realms, but there is much horror also -- precisely, the "theme" of the Forgotten Realms is to have valiant heroes fighting the horrors to save the beauties. There's a stalemate between the forces of destruction and those of protection -- but that don't make the place any less dark.
Ameth 09-18-03, 01:21 PM	There is beauty in the Realms, but there is much horror also -- precisely, the "theme" of the Forgotten Realms is to have valiant heroes fighting the horrors to save the beauties. There's a stalemate between the forces of destruction and those of protection -- but that don't make the place any less dark. I couldn't Have said that any better Ameth
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 09-18-03, 01:31 PM	I never ever said I thought of the Realms as place of only happiness and "fuzzy bunnies". I feel rather insulted that my post was taken that way. All I said was that I liked the idea (in other words, I am looking forward to) an ostensibly dark setting, one that seems even "darker" than the FR. No offense, Gez, but I know enough about the Realms by now not to need a lecture on the evils that also reside there. I've read enough FR novels and sourcebooks. Was I really so misunderstood?
ENHenry 09-18-03, 03:17 PM	Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight ...I would "feel better" if I knew that his guiding hand was still advising the FR team. I hope no one from WotC has alienated themselves from Ed, as I would hate to play in a FR devoid of Ed's influence. Welcome to the world of many, many Greyhawk fans. :)
Gez 09-18-03, 04:22 PM	Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin Was I really so misunderstood? Honestly? Yes, a bit. I do see the Realms as a dark setting, not as broody as Ravenloft, harsh as Dark Sun, or grim as the Scarred Lands; but quite close anyway. Darker than Greyhawk, despite Iuz or the Pale, darker than Mystara, darker than Birthright, Spelljammer or Planescape...
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 09-18-03, 05:33 PM	Gez, in retrospect I apologize if I came across as rather rude. But I do hope I am understand now. :)
Faraer 09-21-03, 04:49 PM	From one of Ed's recent posts to REALMS-L (which are an excellent reason to subscribe or at least keep an eye on the archives (http://oracle.wizards.com/archives/realms-l.html)):As for more to share, there's not really much else I can say about Castlemorn at this point, and if I'm going to make my deadlines, not much time I can spare to paint in more Realmslore details right now, either. However, I can do two things. One is to point back at my last answer to the list about the multiverse of linked worlds (the "multiverse" name usually gets credited to Michael Moorcock, by the way, but the idea is much, much older than modern fantasy, and I even borrowed some of the proof of that: I had the Wood Between The Worlds [from the William Morris novel of the same name] in my multiverse, as a "common ground" shared by many of the gates), and draw the obvious inference that (as Damian suggested) you can of course use the one setting with the other. Once you see Castlemorn, you'll readily see why. I designed it to "easily fit" with many already-going medieval fantasy worlds, and if it doesn't quite stitch neatly onto yours, well -- that's why there are gates, right?(The second thing is answering a question about Flamsterd...)