Power of Faerun: Any good? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Power of Faerun: Any good? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
cacheek
10-11-07, 02:05 PM I'm thinking about buying this book. My group plays in FR off and on and I thought it might shed some light on new ideas about what to do with high level characters. Is it worth it though?
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
10-11-07, 06:31 PM I'm thinking about buying this book. My group plays in FR off and on and I thought it might shed some light on new ideas about what to do with high level characters. Is it worth it though?

I think so. :) Peek through it a bit in the store, and see if it's what you're looking for. Personally, I like it.
Butterface
10-11-07, 06:44 PM Hmm, well it depends on what you like in a book.

Power of Faerun is about 1/3 fluff, 2/3 DM's workshop, zero mechanics. In fact, most of the book could apply to any roleplaying game in general. For instance, there is a section on achieving nobility, where the various ways one can become a noble are explained. Then, examples are given on how this might play out in the Realms.

For instance, here's a typical sort of passage in the book:

"In most realms or city-states, you gain a title (either taking a vacant one or more likely receiving an invented one) by pleasing or aiding the ruler in a big way."

Followed shortly by:

"In Amn, Tethyr, and any land imperiled by monsters or brigandry, one can often gain nobility by offering to police a border area."

I think that it's a great book, and probably could aid a lot of DM's. Personally, I find the workshop parts of it boring, but enjoy the smaller sections of Forgotten Realms examples. As a result, I haven't found much use to the book.
Butterface
10-11-07, 06:49 PM I should add that if you're looking for a Border Kingdoms supplement, there's an entire chapter dedicated to that region, which is cool.

I thought that this book was going to be a sourcebook about the various Power Groups in Faerun, like the Harpers, Red Wizards of Thay, Zhentarim, Cult of the Dragon, etc. It is not that, which I think led me to be disappointed and not give it much of a chance.
selunatic2397
10-11-07, 06:58 PM I enjoy my copy very much!
Gray Richardson
10-11-07, 07:00 PM I quite like it. It is a fun read, lots of lore inside, and it does indeed give a lot of ideas and information about both designing campaigns for high level characters and ideas for players of high level characters for setting goals, developing followings and such.

It is more oriented to roleplaying though, so if you are looking for epic feats or high level prestige classes, it is not that kind of book. Rather it has information about becoming a noble or community leader (passing laws, administering justice, creating strongholds, etc.), being a general or military commander and waging warfare, heraldry in the Realms, starting your own temple and growing your faith, becoming a powerful merchant and establishing trade, and so on. It has a lot of information about using the leadership feat to gain cohorts and followers and some cool things to do with them and think about. It has information on settling the frontier and trying to found your own kingdom.

I also like that it has some nice little lore about the Border Kingdoms, and fun stuff like currency in the Realms, military ranks and titles, and a few pages about high level threats and epic kinds of encounters.

I would especially recommend the book for DM's who have high level characters, or who are planning in advance for characters that are starting to get up around 10th level or above.
Xaean
10-11-07, 07:18 PM I think the book is quite good and useful for starting campaigns. I currently DM a campaign based on the Ascension of Amaunator campaign arc offered in Power of Faerun.

Be aware however that it's about politcal, economic, military and religious power struggle and not about powergaming. The name and the dragon rider on the cover may cause some misunderstanding on that matter. If you want to design a blazon for a noble character or build a stronghold or find a starting point for a campaign, this book is for you. However, if you're looking for epic level prestige classes and epic spells, you'll be dissappointed.

Mechanically it has two PrCs that are quite fine, the court herald and the merchant prince. They are best suited for social enviroments but rather weak in combat.
Asgetrion
10-11-07, 07:25 PM I think so. :) Peek through it a bit in the store, and see if it's what you're looking for. Personally, I like it.

Me too -- lots of useful fluff and ideas. :)
Asgetrion
10-11-07, 07:28 PM Hmm, well it depends on what you like in a book.

Power of Faerun is about 1/3 fluff, 2/3 DM's workshop, zero mechanics. In fact, most of the book could apply to any roleplaying game in general.

Another fine example of a "general" fantasy RPG accessory is Fantasy Hero. I could heartily recommend it to any DM who wishes to add some depth to his/her campaigns. :)
Keahi19
10-12-07, 11:20 AM I enjoy it immensly and in fact have it right next to me because I am reading it for pleasure in my own game. If you are a roller though, it's not the book for you. It's a pure Roleplaying experience game. Its also not for those who like to stay as individuals.

However, if you want to be a politically motivated, church motivated, or military motivated individual then it's perfect.

I had a charecter who became a Warmaster and that's why I purchased the book. Its also just a good cultural read.
msatran
10-12-07, 12:22 PM I love this book because regardless of the limited crunch in it, which I could have done without, it tells people how societies function and how to be a leader of men.

About eighty percent of the book is useful in ANY setting as a result, so it's EXTREMELY handy. Of all the books they came out with in 3.5, this was my favorite. It was a little more fluffy than crunchy, but the information about how to acquire followers and lead troops or form temples and churches is pretty much useful anywhere.
johnkretzer
10-13-07, 03:36 PM It is a great book. The only bad thing is pages taken up by stat blocks...but even that I can forgive.
MerrikCale
10-13-07, 09:32 PM Yes. It is very good. One of the better 3.5 supplements
18DELTA
10-13-07, 11:45 PM An outstanding book!:D One of my favorite books in 3.5. You should not be disappointed if you get it.:)
Keahi19
10-15-07, 02:57 PM Wow I never realized how popular this book was.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
cacheek 10-11-07, 02:05 PM	I'm thinking about buying this book. My group plays in FR off and on and I thought it might shed some light on new ideas about what to do with high level characters. Is it worth it though?
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 10-11-07, 06:31 PM	I'm thinking about buying this book. My group plays in FR off and on and I thought it might shed some light on new ideas about what to do with high level characters. Is it worth it though? I think so. :) Peek through it a bit in the store, and see if it's what you're looking for. Personally, I like it.
Butterface 10-11-07, 06:44 PM	Hmm, well it depends on what you like in a book. Power of Faerun is about 1/3 fluff, 2/3 DM's workshop, zero mechanics. In fact, most of the book could apply to any roleplaying game in general. For instance, there is a section on achieving nobility, where the various ways one can become a noble are explained. Then, examples are given on how this might play out in the Realms. For instance, here's a typical sort of passage in the book: "In most realms or city-states, you gain a title (either taking a vacant one or more likely receiving an invented one) by pleasing or aiding the ruler in a big way." Followed shortly by: "In Amn, Tethyr, and any land imperiled by monsters or brigandry, one can often gain nobility by offering to police a border area." I think that it's a great book, and probably could aid a lot of DM's. Personally, I find the workshop parts of it boring, but enjoy the smaller sections of Forgotten Realms examples. As a result, I haven't found much use to the book.
Butterface 10-11-07, 06:49 PM	I should add that if you're looking for a Border Kingdoms supplement, there's an entire chapter dedicated to that region, which is cool. I thought that this book was going to be a sourcebook about the various Power Groups in Faerun, like the Harpers, Red Wizards of Thay, Zhentarim, Cult of the Dragon, etc. It is not that, which I think led me to be disappointed and not give it much of a chance.
selunatic2397 10-11-07, 06:58 PM	I enjoy my copy very much!
Gray Richardson 10-11-07, 07:00 PM	I quite like it. It is a fun read, lots of lore inside, and it does indeed give a lot of ideas and information about both designing campaigns for high level characters and ideas for players of high level characters for setting goals, developing followings and such. It is more oriented to roleplaying though, so if you are looking for epic feats or high level prestige classes, it is not that kind of book. Rather it has information about becoming a noble or community leader (passing laws, administering justice, creating strongholds, etc.), being a general or military commander and waging warfare, heraldry in the Realms, starting your own temple and growing your faith, becoming a powerful merchant and establishing trade, and so on. It has a lot of information about using the leadership feat to gain cohorts and followers and some cool things to do with them and think about. It has information on settling the frontier and trying to found your own kingdom. I also like that it has some nice little lore about the Border Kingdoms, and fun stuff like currency in the Realms, military ranks and titles, and a few pages about high level threats and epic kinds of encounters. I would especially recommend the book for DM's who have high level characters, or who are planning in advance for characters that are starting to get up around 10th level or above.
Xaean 10-11-07, 07:18 PM	I think the book is quite good and useful for starting campaigns. I currently DM a campaign based on the Ascension of Amaunator campaign arc offered in Power of Faerun. Be aware however that it's about politcal, economic, military and religious power struggle and not about powergaming. The name and the dragon rider on the cover may cause some misunderstanding on that matter. If you want to design a blazon for a noble character or build a stronghold or find a starting point for a campaign, this book is for you. However, if you're looking for epic level prestige classes and epic spells, you'll be dissappointed. Mechanically it has two PrCs that are quite fine, the court herald and the merchant prince. They are best suited for social enviroments but rather weak in combat.
Asgetrion 10-11-07, 07:25 PM	I think so. :) Peek through it a bit in the store, and see if it's what you're looking for. Personally, I like it. Me too -- lots of useful fluff and ideas. :)
Asgetrion 10-11-07, 07:28 PM	Hmm, well it depends on what you like in a book. Power of Faerun is about 1/3 fluff, 2/3 DM's workshop, zero mechanics. In fact, most of the book could apply to any roleplaying game in general. Another fine example of a "general" fantasy RPG accessory is Fantasy Hero. I could heartily recommend it to any DM who wishes to add some depth to his/her campaigns. :)
Keahi19 10-12-07, 11:20 AM	I enjoy it immensly and in fact have it right next to me because I am reading it for pleasure in my own game. If you are a roller though, it's not the book for you. It's a pure Roleplaying experience game. Its also not for those who like to stay as individuals. However, if you want to be a politically motivated, church motivated, or military motivated individual then it's perfect. I had a charecter who became a Warmaster and that's why I purchased the book. Its also just a good cultural read.
msatran 10-12-07, 12:22 PM	I love this book because regardless of the limited crunch in it, which I could have done without, it tells people how societies function and how to be a leader of men. About eighty percent of the book is useful in ANY setting as a result, so it's EXTREMELY handy. Of all the books they came out with in 3.5, this was my favorite. It was a little more fluffy than crunchy, but the information about how to acquire followers and lead troops or form temples and churches is pretty much useful anywhere.
johnkretzer 10-13-07, 03:36 PM	It is a great book. The only bad thing is pages taken up by stat blocks...but even that I can forgive.
MerrikCale 10-13-07, 09:32 PM	Yes. It is very good. One of the better 3.5 supplements
18DELTA 10-13-07, 11:45 PM	An outstanding book!:D One of my favorite books in 3.5. You should not be disappointed if you get it.:)
Keahi19 10-15-07, 02:57 PM	Wow I never realized how popular this book was.