Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ORC_Paradox 01-21-07, 08:14 AM	As you may have noticed we've got a thread on "what bothers you about the Realms?" I think it's time for a "What's the best part about the Realms" thread, to show new players especially, what makes FR so great. I like the world's diversity. Different areas have different cultures. Not to mention the fact it's a high magic setting.
Stigger 01-21-07, 08:19 AM	Beguilers being available as familiars in Halruaa... Luiren in general, hard not to love a nation whose population migrates regularly... The Seven Sisters, probably not a popular choice given the antipathy towards the Chosen I've noticed lately, but I like them... and ever since LEoF made the whole Bhaalspawn thing canon, I don't have to feel really cheesy bringing in Minsc and Boo to confuse the hell out of the PC's.
Evergreen_Aldaron 01-21-07, 11:13 AM	I think my two favorite things about the FR are the depth of its' history and the diverse cultures within that history. This depth and diversity helps add texture to the campaign. You could conceiveably spend an entire adventuring career in one geographical area of the Realms. The areas have that much detail and history. In contrast, you can be a "continent hopper" and experience many different cultures during your career. The personalities, culture, history, races, and magic make this world the most rich and robust setting available in my opinion. Long live the Realms!! EA
Lemernis 01-21-07, 01:32 PM	For me it's the amazing level of detail. And the sheer scope, depth, and breadth of it. And it's diversity. It is a remarkably well articulated setting that nevertheless leaves plenty of room for DMs to fill in blanks, and to add their own creative touchs with original content.
MerrikCale 01-21-07, 03:05 PM	the best part is.....its not Eberron
MarkusTay63 01-21-07, 09:10 PM	As you may have noticed we've got a thread on "what bothers you about the Realms?" I think it's time for a "What's the best part about the Realms" thread, to show new players especially, what makes FR so great.I thought that was the "In defense of the Realms" thread. :confused: Then again, I think that went off topic already. :rolleyes: I would have to give the same answer I gave in that thread, it has DEPTH. I'm constantly finding new juicy tidbits stuck away in unexpected places. With the Realms, you scratch at the surface and theres loads more underneath. You scratch at other settings and all you see is your tablecloth. the best part is.....its not Eberron :rofl:
kelcimer 01-21-07, 09:36 PM	I thought that was the "In defense of the Realms" thread. :confused: Aye. It was. For easy referance, here it is the linky: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=766519 I think it's time for a "What's the best part about the Realms" thread, to show new players especially, what makes FR so great. The object is already achieved in each thread with the enthusiasim with which the subject is discussed. Even in the "bothers thread" positions for the Realms are made outlining the realms as something great. Doesn't seem to be a need for a thread speciffically for what the forum achieves as a whole.
ZolDarklock 01-21-07, 09:51 PM	The maps, the other worlds are not as well mapped out "the atlas, campaign map, and all the accessory and module maps combined" FR is definetly the best mapped out world, although I still consider it poorly mapped, but it is the best they have... The rest of the stuff from any of the worlds is just background info for the mapped areas, I can easily incorporate anything from any game worlds or any fantasy novel with ease, it's having the place mapped out that counts
Lord Karsus 01-22-07, 12:46 AM	The object is already achieved in each thread with the enthusiasim with which the subject is discussed. Even in the "bothers thread" positions for the Realms are made outlining the realms as something great. Doesn't seem to be a need for a thread speciffically for what the forum achieves as a whole. -Don't question the infinite wisdom of the WizO. :nonono: -Now, as for what I like about the Realms. I'll make it short, sweet, in no order whatsoever, and to the point: 1) The Detail 2) Elves 3) Me
bitter thorn 01-22-07, 01:17 AM	For me it's the amazing level of detail. And the sheer scope, depth, and breadth of it. And it's diversity. It is a remarkably well articulated setting that nevertheless leaves plenty of room for DMs to fill in blanks, and to add their own creative touchs with original content. I couldn't have said it better!
Evergreen_Aldaron 01-22-07, 09:47 AM	-Don't question the infinite wisdom of the WizO. :nonono: -Now, as for what I like about the Realms. I'll make it short, sweet, in no order whatsoever, and to the point: 1) The Detail 2) Elves 3) Me Let me address LK's points.... 1.) The Detail - YES! 2.) Elves - Heck, I am an elven ranger! YES! 3.) Oh humble Archmage.....did you forget that silly little avatar spell you cast...? :hides: EA :D
_SIN_ 01-22-07, 12:32 PM	As everyone else has said - The depth, detail & scale of FR. I don't know how many of you have seen the FR atlas (CD), but there's LOADS of unexplored lands hopefully yet to come! I must say the most memorable & enjoyable parts of the realms (I took a 10 year break from RPing in general!) have got to be the ruins of legend; Undermountain (revised version out in June/July '07) and the mega-ruin of Myth Drannor. Both works of genius by the FR team. In all campaign settings you have areas of interest - ruins, dungeons, towers etc, etc. But I don't believe anyone was ready for the scale of these 2. Enough adventure material for a life time - in fact, I think most of my FR characters eventually made excuses to travel to either of these!!
Renvale999 01-22-07, 01:06 PM	I know it's stupid, but I really like all the artifacts in the Realms i.e. the Nether scrolls, the Comanthor Blades. I like the history and the depth which is spent on the artifacts. Much better than any other setting.
GothicDan 01-22-07, 02:48 PM	Oddly enough, my answer is the same as it was for the other thread: let someone read as much material as they can, and then form an enlightened (not spiritually) opinion as they will. What is "great" to one person may not be the same to another. What I like? A) High magic, in the fact that it has magical cultures and traditions that are powerful and diverse enough to reflect tens of thousands of years of magical research and experimentation. Most other settings lack this. B) Interconnectedness. C) A lot of deities. D) Depth. E) History. F) Archetypal and not analogous. G) It's "messy." Just like the real world. To sum it up: I like FR because it's as logically (usually) complex, in that you never know what's REALLY going on until you've read everything on the subject (and even then, you're still lacking). It's the same reason why I like history and physics.
Jiggawha 01-22-07, 03:40 PM	coz it's got soul, other worlds are too artificial
Lord Karsus 01-22-07, 07:34 PM	coz it's got soul, other worlds are too artificial [Cue Barry White][Cue a funky, 70's Groove] -The Forgotten Realms: We're got soul... [/Barry White][/Groove] -That should be the new marketing slogan.
The ShapeLess One 01-23-07, 03:16 AM	1. The diversity that the realms offers. 2. The entire chultan peninsula. 3. Mask. 4. Manshoon. 5. To much more to list at this time.
The_Third_Karsus 01-23-07, 09:54 PM	Being a fan of history, of mostly Ancient Egypt to be exact, I must say tha Mulhorand Is my favorate part of the Realms. :D
Blackened_Blade 01-23-07, 10:12 PM	The three greatest things about the Forgotten Realms in my opinion are: 1) The Underdark; I mean come on, the weird ecology, the constant warfare, drow 2) The Zhentarim: Ultra extensive network of spies, merchants, wizards, and mercenary fighters. Great to play against because of the layers of intrigue and organization of the opponents. Great to play with because of the resources at its disposal, the layers of intrigue, and the “secret-society bent on world domination” feel. 3) The Moonsea: Home of the Zhents, battleground between Zhentil Keep and Hillsfar, purple water, Mulmaster….
Gemcaster 01-24-07, 07:17 AM	things that are forgotten and yet to be found... by me:evillaugh also just the diversity of good, neutral and evil in the realms.
Alediran 01-24-07, 08:03 AM	The elves, they are mysterious, but not THAT much to make the sight of one a life-shaking event, for that we have tolkien, I preffer my elves with heroic and adventuresome spirit that travel the land just as any other race would do. Not to mention the magic, my favourite thing along with elves.
The ShapeLess One 01-24-07, 04:34 PM	Another thing that I like is Netheril.
Mad Mage 01-24-07, 04:53 PM	In no particular order of priority... 1) Detailed history for humans, elves, and - especially in my case - dwarves. For once, Dwarves especially have a history that goes almost as far back as elves (if not more so). 2) Famed territories and kingdoms. From Calimport to Mulhorand to the Silver Marches, there's so much to read about and work with. 3) Astounding novels and sourcebooks. 4) Less than run-of-the-mill demihuman NPCs, particlularly for elves and dwarves. For once, dwarves are a little less stereotypical than usual! And, above all else... 5) Plenty of material to inspire some creativity of our own. If not for that, I wouldn't even be here! ;)
Karsus the Mad 01-24-07, 07:46 PM	As you may have noticed we've got a thread on "what bothers you about the Realms?" I think it's time for a "What's the best part about the Realms" thread, to show new players especially, what makes FR so great. I like the world's diversity. Different areas have different cultures. Not to mention the fact it's a high magic setting. That's rather not needed, given the very existence of these boards (and numerous others) and the continued consumer purchase of FR products shows precisely what makes FR so great. We all love it enough to keep it alive and thriving:cloud9: It's that it has actual history. That's my favorite aspect.
Bocklin 01-25-07, 02:45 AM	I like: - The variety of regions available and their respective "feel". One can have three different campaigns in three different regions and the tone, background and gimmicks (Feats, PrC, specialty spells, etc.) will be totally different. - The fact that you can dip in tons of novels or older material to get deeper insight on some of the regions, deities, topics, etc. If you want to go deep, real deep, you can. - The interconnectedness between the organisations and the whole dynamic of powers; the plotting, spying and tricking between these (e.g. Zentharim, Harpers, Iron Throne, Red Wizards, Hathran, etc.). Bocklin
ORC_Paradox 01-25-07, 04:15 AM	I thought that was the "In defense of the Realms" thread. :confused: Then again, I think that went off topic already. :rolleyes: Thus, my restating it. That thread's title also inlcuded "not what you think". So, I thought it was supposed to be what this thread is- thus if it's not what I think, it must be something else. A newbie wouldn't make the connection between "defending the realms" and "What do you like about the realms". They're going to see "dislike about the realms" and nothing with a similar titled thread. Also, I'm not going to change someone else's title on them. (Unless of course it violates the CoC.) The other thing is you will get repeat threads. "There are only so many ways you can discuss rangers" was a quote from one of my fellow WizOs. And it's true- If we were to close all repeat threads, the whole board would be shut down, as everything has been said at one point or another. -Don't question the infinite wisdom of the WizO. :nonono: Oh, I'm not that wise. Okay, I am, but thanks for the compliment. I figured I might as well make a go at posting rather than just lurk.
Red_Wizard 01-26-07, 11:34 AM	Oh, I'm not that wise. Okay, I am, but thanks for the compliment. I figured I might as well make a go at posting rather than just lurk. Bah, everyone likes to lurk. Most of the time I just wander from forum to forum when no ones on. Generally only when i'm bored, and have absolutly nothing to do that's better, but it still counts as lurking :P As for why I like the Realms. Because it is everything anyone could want. There are places people hate, and places they love, but no matter how much you lean one way or another you will always here at least "Well I really like this thing". Noone can hate the setting as a whole. Not after knowing at least a smidgen of the lore that exists. Being a fan of history, of mostly Ancient Egypt to be exact, I must say tha Mulhorand Is my favorate part of the Realms. :D Egypt being easily my favourite historical civilization, My favourite colour being Red, my favourite class being the mage, and the NPC that intrigued me the most being Edwin Odeseiron I don't think I really stood a chance at not loving Thay :P.
JaiaDrottsingr 01-26-07, 04:51 PM	My favorite parts of the Forgotten Realms... 1) Ability (Not common but it still exists) to play as a UNIQUE drow. 2) Compatibility with Stories. 3) LORE! 4) The Great Rift... Even though it's occupied (****it!). 5) Thorass. 6) Ghostwise.
Lord Karsus 01-26-07, 07:15 PM	Oh, I'm not that wise. Okay, I am, but thanks for the compliment. I figured I might as well make a go at posting rather than just lurk. -That's not the attitude to take. Someone questions you? You break, so that they never question you again. That's what I do, and look how it works wonders for me! :) Egypt being easily my favourite historical civilization, My favourite colour being Red, my favourite class being the mage, and the NPC that intrigued me the most being Edwin Odeseiron I don't think I really stood a chance at not loving Thay :P. -That really came out of left field! I would have never guessed, with a Username of 'Red Wizard' that you liked Thay!! :P
Red_Wizard 01-27-07, 12:55 AM	-That really came out of left field! I would have never guessed, with a Username of 'Red Wizard' that you liked Thay!! :P Shut up Mr. obvious name, no one asked for your input :P. Except maybe the creator of the thread...or the sole purpose of these boards...or the many people asking your opinion...Bah, shut up anyway :P
MaskedOne 01-27-07, 01:39 PM	The magic and many of those who wield it.
Rasputen_Bel_Kuhr 01-30-07, 03:21 AM	The baldur's gate computer series - it's what got me into d&d and the forgotten realms (if only the new computer games set in the forgotten realms equalled or surpassed it's non-linearity, brilliant barter and combined them with the graphics of today = gold maybe platinium) The detail the shadow-weave The magic (though it maybe should be toned down a bit) Thay + Netheril + Halruaa + Nimbral Also it's not eberron Ed Greenwood rules
The_Shaman 01-30-07, 07:58 PM	- the games made about it. I'm another fan of the Baldur's Gate saga, and I'm proud to say it. - the detail: every little locale has its own legends, powers, and schemes. - the diversity: every single region in the Realms is unique, and imo fun. It's a big, big world. - the Underdark - (some of the) deities: especially the part about them being worth a damn. Some of them, like Shar, Beshaba, Sharess, Ilmater, Mask and more than few others, are quite cool. Ok, I have some gripes, but that's where house-rules come in ;) - Some of the most iconic NPCs in fantasy and gaming. Having a word or two with someone whom you know is a living legend is something that can really enhance the game.
Tyshanis 01-30-07, 10:38 PM	My favorites: The High Forest. 300 miles of woods where noone knows whats going on. Insane detail. Elves. The Moonsea Isles (Torils own little Ireland :pint: )