Forgotten Realms Annual [Archive] - Wizards Community

Forgotten Realms Annual [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
meigin
10-05-06, 10:23 PM Hi All, I have noticed there is always a lot of talk about new sourcebooks and what lore / updates might be contained therein.

As an idea what do you think if the powers that be considered an Annual softcover detailing events of the year just passed in a 12 chapter (month) format?

It could also have a section of lore on a random (planned) area topic / tidbit?

Anyway this is something I have always thought would be the most prodcutive purchase for many of us, granted it's only available at the end of the year!

any comments?
Lord Karsus
10-06-06, 12:03 AM -Yes, similar to the Grayhawk Gazetter. Many of us have wanted something similar. Nothing of the sort is planned, and if nothing of the sort has been planned for the Realms up to this point, I doubt something will be published now. And anyway, we have these boards to keep up with current information.
Ateth_Istarlin
10-06-06, 05:40 AM This is the sort of thing I have wanted ever since I started adventuring in the Realms. It could be a cross between Volo's guides, regional sourcebooks, & gazeteers like Poor Wizards Almanac.:cool: :cloud9:
meigin
10-07-06, 06:19 PM Yeah exactly an easy one stop reference for the years gossip in the realms. I know we can access all soughts of info through the net via boards, Candlekeep and the D&D site - but think of the ecomony involved in picking up ONE reference source for that tidbit you were after!!!

It may be unplanned at this point but if enough voices express their desire who knows what will be under the tree for next year?

Anyway I have enjoyed the Realms for many many years and would love a one stop source for the annual events and gossip from the year passed. :D
MerrikCale
10-07-06, 09:31 PM And anyway, we have these boards to keep up with current information.

There is that.
BrianCritchley
10-08-06, 01:37 AM one thing to keep in mind if WOTC published a FR gazetter that might cut into their novel sales. WOTC wouldn't want that
meigin
10-08-06, 03:49 PM one thing to keep in mind if WOTC published a FR gazetter that might cut into their novel sales. WOTC wouldn't want that

Actually I don't see how it would being that as an Annual it would be issued at the end of season as a summary device of occurences and news.

With the novels you have the juice of the events encapulated in full so really the people buying the Annual for theis purpose most likely are those who wouldn't / don't want ot buy the novels anyway.

On this track you could reason that sales may increase in a new field albeit seasonally.
Ateth_Istarlin
10-09-06, 05:18 AM Yes, I think your right about that.
On the subject of what it could be like - I recently re-read a similar idea for the Star Wars D6 RPG published b y West End Games. It was called the "Star Wars Journal" & featured a mix of in-game news, RP articles, & short stories. A cross between this & the BECMI D7D "Poor Wizards Almanac" sounds about right!:)
msatran
10-12-06, 12:53 AM Well, I would rather pay for those gazetteers even if they were a hundred bucks apiece than buy a group of pulp novels.

Yeah, that's right. For 64 pages of really useful Realmslore, I would pay a hundred dollars. For MOST (Not all) of these novels, all I do is sit here and twitch and say "What if my PC's interfere in this situation?"
meigin
10-15-06, 11:22 PM Well, I would rather pay for those gazetteers even if they were a hundred bucks apiece than buy a group of pulp novels.

Yeah, that's right. For 64 pages of really useful Realmslore, I would pay a hundred dollars. For MOST (Not all) of these novels, all I do is sit here and twitch and say "What if my PC's interfere in this situation?"

you know secretly I think anyone here would - even the novel fans would.

I still say what is better than the one stop shop / gazette for FR. If you want the juice of it sure the novel IS the way to go thats why they come in hand 300pg multi volume series!

But think a source book for the years events 100 - 150pg soft cover - FANTASTIC!!!

Clearly I love the idea and am championing the 'cause'! It may not be next year (2007) - but how hard is it to get a run for the end of the (FR) year.

Come on guys - come on WotC have a look run a poll - you know the result will be good.

Alright I'll shut up now.
MerrikCale
10-16-06, 09:03 PM you know secretly I think anyone here would - even the novel fans would.

I still say what is better than the one stop shop / gazette for FR. If you want the juice of it sure the novel IS the way to go thats why they come in hand 300pg multi volume series!

But think a source book for the years events 100 - 150pg soft cover - FANTASTIC!!!

Clearly I love the idea and am championing the 'cause'! It may not be next year (2007) - but how hard is it to get a run for the end of the (FR) year.

Come on guys - come on WotC have a look run a poll - you know the result will be good.

Alright I'll shut up now.

Everybody here would love it. But the question is "is it cost effective?". Probably not.
Ateth_Istarlin
10-17-06, 07:47 AM Everybody here would love it. But the question is "is it cost effective?". Probably not.
If not, they could always do it as a download!:)
Lord Karsus
10-17-06, 09:09 AM If not, they could always do it as a download!:)

-That is very true. Cost effective for them, affordable for us. Everyone is happy!
Xavier_of_Cormyr
10-20-06, 01:53 AM I've been saying this for years... I hate buying a sourcebook, only to have all the novels jump ahead several years from the info in the book....

PASS ALONG THE INFO...

ERIC, KRASH... ANYONE... LET THEM KNOW THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! :invasion:
bitter thorn
10-23-06, 04:32 AM I've been saying this for years... I hate buying a sourcebook, only to have all the novels jump ahead several years from the info in the book....

PASS ALONG THE INFO...

ERIC, KRASH... ANYONE... LET THEM KNOW THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! :invasion:
:invasion: :invasion:
I'd like to add my votes too!
:invasion: :invasion:
Sakurafire
10-23-06, 10:34 PM It would be an awesome idea and I do miss the days of the old Gazetteers... HOWEVER, the new face of tabletop RPGs would turn away at something like this. I've been gaming for over 15 years in the Forgotten Realms and I'd pick this up in a heartbeat. No offense but I don't think some of the newer 3rd Edition players would jump at this chance, especially ones who don't read the books. It'd be great to hear about FR news, but I guess we'll have to rely on reading the novels, and Mr. Greenwood's few updates every month on the net.

All in all, not very cost effective but an excellent idea. I'll give my vote for one, whatever it's worth. ^_^;;
bitter thorn
10-23-06, 11:18 PM It would be an awesome idea and I do miss the days of the old Gazetteers... HOWEVER, the new face of tabletop RPGs would turn away at something like this. I've been gaming for over 15 years in the Forgotten Realms and I'd pick this up in a heartbeat. No offense but I don't think some of the newer 3rd Edition players would jump at this chance, especially ones who don't read the books. It'd be great to hear about FR news, but I guess we'll have to rely on reading the novels, and Mr. Greenwood's few updates every month on the net.

All in all, not very cost effective but an excellent idea. I'll give my vote for one, whatever it's worth. ^_^;;

Ironicly I have friends who don't have the time or inclination to read the novels and would love to have a synopsis.
meigin
10-24-06, 09:16 PM :invasion: :invasion:
I'd like to add my votes too!
:invasion: :invasion:

the people have spoken

:invasion: :invasion: :invasion: :invasion: :invasion:

and introducing our sponsor :mrt:
gratzu
10-25-06, 02:49 PM Ironicly I have friends who don't have the time or inclination to read the novels and would love to have a synopsis.

I certainly don't have the time to read every novel that comes out. There are also some authors I simply don't like. Getting info on the boards is possible but can be haphazard and incomplete. Plus I might not know what to ask and miss something really important that I can use just because it didn't happen to come up in discussion. Summaries would be greatly appreciated!
roll8dn
10-25-06, 08:09 PM I :inlove: this idea!

While I am relatively new to the Realms :hides:, I think that a yearly update would be wonderful.

However, as it states in the FRCS, the Realms are only going to be advanced (roughly) one year for every two and a half in real-time (according to pg. 260), it might be somewhat difficult to release a yearly gazeteer every year of real-time. It would be possible to cover about five months of Realms-time every year (4.8 to be exact), but I don't think that this has quite the same ring to it. Meh.

Still, I think that it's a wonderful idea, and I'm willing to :fight!:, uh, I mean "vote" :invasion: for it.

Just my opinion.
MasterGrazzt
10-29-06, 04:41 PM one thing to keep in mind if WOTC published a FR gazetter that might cut into their novel sales. WOTC wouldn't want that

I don't think it would and even if it somehow managed to do so, Wizards wouldn't care as long as product was being moved and money was being made. If you sell a few less novels but sell another book, does it matter?

As for this idea, it would probably have to have some crunchy bits in it as well. New spells, monsters, etc. But the difference is that they would not be the focus.
dragonheart
10-29-06, 07:32 PM realistically there is not all that much that actually happens in teh realms in one year of our time. think about it - yes there are several novels and a few source books that come out. there are Ed's articles on line that sort of keep things moving as well but how much of that is actually going to make it into a synopsis? I can see the entire dragonrage series of books/stories condesed into 1-2 pages, same for the return of the Fey'ri. THe return of the archwizards and all that resulted could probably be synosized in under 5 pages. COTSQ less than a page (since its an adventure they really can't say much except that "someone " did all this - you fill in the details. Other news from Waterdeep, SIlverymoon, Thay, the Dales - maybe a page or two each, toss in 2 pages each for the novels I didn't mention and yoru still talking about less than 80 pages to cover the last 5 years. WHile I love the idea I have serious doubts abouts it practicality. I suspect waht everyone is really wanting is something along the lines of PGtF every year with all sorts of new fluff and maybe a some new crunch. Remember that it took several years to put that book together and would take several for each new equivalent.
Could an online summary be created? yes but who has the time at WotC? its probably something we here should do and ask the Wizo's to sticky in the appropriate place(s) start this january with the past year and maybe even work back throught the last 3-5 years and then update each year during January.
Snotlord
10-30-06, 03:28 PM I'd buy it, but have doubts about its profitability in itself and for the line in general. I don't think the continous "need" for updates is one of FR's selling points towards new buyers.

A yearly Dragon article or a reasonably priced download is probably better business for Wotc.
MasterGrazzt
10-30-06, 07:43 PM Dragon article is the solution, end of story.
Lord Karsus
10-30-06, 08:04 PM -Why stop there? How 'bout an entire issue dedicated to the Realms? ;)
meigin
10-31-06, 06:27 PM -Why stop there? How 'bout an entire issue dedicated to the Realms? ;)

You know even that would do - I think fundamentally its the format we all love and would be eager to get our hands on!

WotC are you listening?
BiteSizedDragonSnack
11-01-06, 06:56 AM Gonna jump onto the bandwagon. :invasion:

I'd be all over an annual, be it a book, download, magazine article, vellum scroll, whatever. Just publish one!!!
Lord Karsus
11-01-06, 10:36 AM WotC are you listening?

-Well, WotC does not publish Dragon. Paizo does. Asides for having the license to officially published D&D stuff, I don't think there is any other kind of connection between the two.
meigin
11-01-06, 06:27 PM -Well, WotC does not publish Dragon. Paizo does. Asides for having the license to officially published D&D stuff, I don't think there is any other kind of connection between the two.

fair enough - though there must be some considerable artistic collusion prior to any release being authorised.
Lord Karsus
11-01-06, 06:32 PM -No doubt.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
meigin 10-05-06, 10:23 PM	Hi All, I have noticed there is always a lot of talk about new sourcebooks and what lore / updates might be contained therein. As an idea what do you think if the powers that be considered an Annual softcover detailing events of the year just passed in a 12 chapter (month) format? It could also have a section of lore on a random (planned) area topic / tidbit? Anyway this is something I have always thought would be the most prodcutive purchase for many of us, granted it's only available at the end of the year! any comments?
Lord Karsus 10-06-06, 12:03 AM	-Yes, similar to the Grayhawk Gazetter. Many of us have wanted something similar. Nothing of the sort is planned, and if nothing of the sort has been planned for the Realms up to this point, I doubt something will be published now. And anyway, we have these boards to keep up with current information.
Ateth_Istarlin 10-06-06, 05:40 AM	This is the sort of thing I have wanted ever since I started adventuring in the Realms. It could be a cross between Volo's guides, regional sourcebooks, & gazeteers like Poor Wizards Almanac.:cool: :cloud9:
meigin 10-07-06, 06:19 PM	Yeah exactly an easy one stop reference for the years gossip in the realms. I know we can access all soughts of info through the net via boards, Candlekeep and the D&D site - but think of the ecomony involved in picking up ONE reference source for that tidbit you were after!!! It may be unplanned at this point but if enough voices express their desire who knows what will be under the tree for next year? Anyway I have enjoyed the Realms for many many years and would love a one stop source for the annual events and gossip from the year passed. :D
MerrikCale 10-07-06, 09:31 PM	And anyway, we have these boards to keep up with current information. There is that.
BrianCritchley 10-08-06, 01:37 AM	one thing to keep in mind if WOTC published a FR gazetter that might cut into their novel sales. WOTC wouldn't want that
meigin 10-08-06, 03:49 PM	one thing to keep in mind if WOTC published a FR gazetter that might cut into their novel sales. WOTC wouldn't want that Actually I don't see how it would being that as an Annual it would be issued at the end of season as a summary device of occurences and news. With the novels you have the juice of the events encapulated in full so really the people buying the Annual for theis purpose most likely are those who wouldn't / don't want ot buy the novels anyway. On this track you could reason that sales may increase in a new field albeit seasonally.
Ateth_Istarlin 10-09-06, 05:18 AM	Yes, I think your right about that. On the subject of what it could be like - I recently re-read a similar idea for the Star Wars D6 RPG published b y West End Games. It was called the "Star Wars Journal" & featured a mix of in-game news, RP articles, & short stories. A cross between this & the BECMI D7D "Poor Wizards Almanac" sounds about right!:)
msatran 10-12-06, 12:53 AM	Well, I would rather pay for those gazetteers even if they were a hundred bucks apiece than buy a group of pulp novels. Yeah, that's right. For 64 pages of really useful Realmslore, I would pay a hundred dollars. For MOST (Not all) of these novels, all I do is sit here and twitch and say "What if my PC's interfere in this situation?"
meigin 10-15-06, 11:22 PM	Well, I would rather pay for those gazetteers even if they were a hundred bucks apiece than buy a group of pulp novels. Yeah, that's right. For 64 pages of really useful Realmslore, I would pay a hundred dollars. For MOST (Not all) of these novels, all I do is sit here and twitch and say "What if my PC's interfere in this situation?" you know secretly I think anyone here would - even the novel fans would. I still say what is better than the one stop shop / gazette for FR. If you want the juice of it sure the novel IS the way to go thats why they come in hand 300pg multi volume series! But think a source book for the years events 100 - 150pg soft cover - FANTASTIC!!! Clearly I love the idea and am championing the 'cause'! It may not be next year (2007) - but how hard is it to get a run for the end of the (FR) year. Come on guys - come on WotC have a look run a poll - you know the result will be good. Alright I'll shut up now.
MerrikCale 10-16-06, 09:03 PM	you know secretly I think anyone here would - even the novel fans would. I still say what is better than the one stop shop / gazette for FR. If you want the juice of it sure the novel IS the way to go thats why they come in hand 300pg multi volume series! But think a source book for the years events 100 - 150pg soft cover - FANTASTIC!!! Clearly I love the idea and am championing the 'cause'! It may not be next year (2007) - but how hard is it to get a run for the end of the (FR) year. Come on guys - come on WotC have a look run a poll - you know the result will be good. Alright I'll shut up now. Everybody here would love it. But the question is "is it cost effective?". Probably not.
Ateth_Istarlin 10-17-06, 07:47 AM	Everybody here would love it. But the question is "is it cost effective?". Probably not. If not, they could always do it as a download!:)
Lord Karsus 10-17-06, 09:09 AM	If not, they could always do it as a download!:) -That is very true. Cost effective for them, affordable for us. Everyone is happy!
Xavier_of_Cormyr 10-20-06, 01:53 AM	I've been saying this for years... I hate buying a sourcebook, only to have all the novels jump ahead several years from the info in the book.... PASS ALONG THE INFO... ERIC, KRASH... ANYONE... LET THEM KNOW THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! :invasion:
bitter thorn 10-23-06, 04:32 AM	I've been saying this for years... I hate buying a sourcebook, only to have all the novels jump ahead several years from the info in the book.... PASS ALONG THE INFO... ERIC, KRASH... ANYONE... LET THEM KNOW THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! :invasion: :invasion: :invasion: I'd like to add my votes too! :invasion: :invasion:
Sakurafire 10-23-06, 10:34 PM	It would be an awesome idea and I do miss the days of the old Gazetteers... HOWEVER, the new face of tabletop RPGs would turn away at something like this. I've been gaming for over 15 years in the Forgotten Realms and I'd pick this up in a heartbeat. No offense but I don't think some of the newer 3rd Edition players would jump at this chance, especially ones who don't read the books. It'd be great to hear about FR news, but I guess we'll have to rely on reading the novels, and Mr. Greenwood's few updates every month on the net. All in all, not very cost effective but an excellent idea. I'll give my vote for one, whatever it's worth. ^_^;;
bitter thorn 10-23-06, 11:18 PM	It would be an awesome idea and I do miss the days of the old Gazetteers... HOWEVER, the new face of tabletop RPGs would turn away at something like this. I've been gaming for over 15 years in the Forgotten Realms and I'd pick this up in a heartbeat. No offense but I don't think some of the newer 3rd Edition players would jump at this chance, especially ones who don't read the books. It'd be great to hear about FR news, but I guess we'll have to rely on reading the novels, and Mr. Greenwood's few updates every month on the net. All in all, not very cost effective but an excellent idea. I'll give my vote for one, whatever it's worth. ^_^;; Ironicly I have friends who don't have the time or inclination to read the novels and would love to have a synopsis.
meigin 10-24-06, 09:16 PM	:invasion: :invasion: I'd like to add my votes too! :invasion: :invasion: the people have spoken :invasion: :invasion: :invasion: :invasion: :invasion: and introducing our sponsor :mrt:
gratzu 10-25-06, 02:49 PM	Ironicly I have friends who don't have the time or inclination to read the novels and would love to have a synopsis. I certainly don't have the time to read every novel that comes out. There are also some authors I simply don't like. Getting info on the boards is possible but can be haphazard and incomplete. Plus I might not know what to ask and miss something really important that I can use just because it didn't happen to come up in discussion. Summaries would be greatly appreciated!
roll8dn 10-25-06, 08:09 PM	I :inlove: this idea! While I am relatively new to the Realms :hides:, I think that a yearly update would be wonderful. However, as it states in the FRCS, the Realms are only going to be advanced (roughly) one year for every two and a half in real-time (according to pg. 260), it might be somewhat difficult to release a yearly gazeteer every year of real-time. It would be possible to cover about five months of Realms-time every year (4.8 to be exact), but I don't think that this has quite the same ring to it. Meh. Still, I think that it's a wonderful idea, and I'm willing to :fight!:, uh, I mean "vote" :invasion: for it. Just my opinion.
MasterGrazzt 10-29-06, 04:41 PM	one thing to keep in mind if WOTC published a FR gazetter that might cut into their novel sales. WOTC wouldn't want that I don't think it would and even if it somehow managed to do so, Wizards wouldn't care as long as product was being moved and money was being made. If you sell a few less novels but sell another book, does it matter? As for this idea, it would probably have to have some crunchy bits in it as well. New spells, monsters, etc. But the difference is that they would not be the focus.
dragonheart 10-29-06, 07:32 PM	realistically there is not all that much that actually happens in teh realms in one year of our time. think about it - yes there are several novels and a few source books that come out. there are Ed's articles on line that sort of keep things moving as well but how much of that is actually going to make it into a synopsis? I can see the entire dragonrage series of books/stories condesed into 1-2 pages, same for the return of the Fey'ri. THe return of the archwizards and all that resulted could probably be synosized in under 5 pages. COTSQ less than a page (since its an adventure they really can't say much except that "someone " did all this - you fill in the details. Other news from Waterdeep, SIlverymoon, Thay, the Dales - maybe a page or two each, toss in 2 pages each for the novels I didn't mention and yoru still talking about less than 80 pages to cover the last 5 years. WHile I love the idea I have serious doubts abouts it practicality. I suspect waht everyone is really wanting is something along the lines of PGtF every year with all sorts of new fluff and maybe a some new crunch. Remember that it took several years to put that book together and would take several for each new equivalent. Could an online summary be created? yes but who has the time at WotC? its probably something we here should do and ask the Wizo's to sticky in the appropriate place(s) start this january with the past year and maybe even work back throught the last 3-5 years and then update each year during January.
Snotlord 10-30-06, 03:28 PM	I'd buy it, but have doubts about its profitability in itself and for the line in general. I don't think the continous "need" for updates is one of FR's selling points towards new buyers. A yearly Dragon article or a reasonably priced download is probably better business for Wotc.
MasterGrazzt 10-30-06, 07:43 PM	Dragon article is the solution, end of story.
Lord Karsus 10-30-06, 08:04 PM	-Why stop there? How 'bout an entire issue dedicated to the Realms? ;)
meigin 10-31-06, 06:27 PM	-Why stop there? How 'bout an entire issue dedicated to the Realms? ;) You know even that would do - I think fundamentally its the format we all love and would be eager to get our hands on! WotC are you listening?
BiteSizedDragonSnack 11-01-06, 06:56 AM	Gonna jump onto the bandwagon. :invasion: I'd be all over an annual, be it a book, download, magazine article, vellum scroll, whatever. Just publish one!!!
Lord Karsus 11-01-06, 10:36 AM	WotC are you listening? -Well, WotC does not publish Dragon. Paizo does. Asides for having the license to officially published D&D stuff, I don't think there is any other kind of connection between the two.
meigin 11-01-06, 06:27 PM	-Well, WotC does not publish Dragon. Paizo does. Asides for having the license to officially published D&D stuff, I don't think there is any other kind of connection between the two. fair enough - though there must be some considerable artistic collusion prior to any release being authorised.
Lord Karsus 11-01-06, 06:32 PM	-No doubt.