Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Han Duo 02-14-05, 01:29 PM	I have just bought the core rules, the forgotten realms campaign setting, and the player's guide to faerun. I have never played a single session of D&D (though I am a seasoned roleplayer), but I am going to change that (otherwise I wouldn't be in this thread ofcourse ;) ). I like to start my players somewhere in a traditional (some would say cliche) setting: a good kingdom, neighbouring an evil kingdom. Would any of you have any suggestion where in Faerun would be a good place to start such a campaign? What countries/kingdoms/empires qualify?
Tempus665 02-14-05, 01:33 PM	Cormyr would be a really standard country, probably just what you're looking for, even though Sembia (their neighbours) is not evil per se. Aglarond would also be a good choice, especially since it's bordering Thay, one of the most evil neighbours one can have.
Nightsinger 02-14-05, 01:42 PM	I would suggest setting it in Waterdeep. It's one of the most cosmopolitan areas, so you could give them any number of plot hooks and things. That, or perhaps Aglorand (because of teh Thayan border, like Tempus said). Sing for me... Nightsinger
loki87 02-14-05, 02:38 PM	Aglarond is a great choice, as is Damara in the north. Damara is bordered by Vaasa, which used to be ruled by the Witch King Zhengi (sp?), a follower of the demon lord Orcus, and is still full of demon cults and other nasties. Also, starting the adventure in Hillsfar, on the Moonsea, puts them right next to Zhentish land. You can read about the Zhentarim in the FRCS. Another option is to kick off the campaign in Tethyr, close to the Amnian border and the occupying army of Cyric. You should have enough information on all of this with the books you have.
ikki 02-14-05, 09:33 PM	Or the dales. The usual place.. and now with cormanthyr being taken by drow... Not to forget Myth Drannor either, or all the fiends. Nor is it very far to either sembia or cormyr.. or even "new netheril". Heres an idea: Later, at levels 8 or so, they get a mission to treck across anauroch to the silvermarches to deliver a pact of mutual defence against the shades. Naturally the magic is too disturbed to teleport.. So you get to track across the endless sands, facing not just shadovar, but maybe even a phaerimm or 2?
Imruphel 02-14-05, 09:36 PM	I would suggest the Dalelands as there is a lot of information available both in the FRCS but also in Volo's Guide to the Dalelands which is available as a free download from the WotC site. Anyway, the Dalelands are essentially Good-aligned but Zhentil Keep is nearby and those Sembians can't be trusted, either.... The presence of the surface-dwelling drow is also a threat and exploring Myth Drannor is a temptation that few parties can resist (except one of the ones I DMed!).
Valnar, the fire angel 02-15-05, 04:25 PM	and why not put them in Unther and fight against Mulhorand's occupation? my PCs are currently Unther partisans trying to disturb the invaders from the inside of the conquered land
Taeldrin Laesrash 02-15-05, 08:17 PM	How about Dragon Coast? Most of its cities (Especially Westgate), have tons of secrets...Dangerous secrets. However, it still is peaceful outside of its cities.
Omote 02-18-05, 03:42 PM	Heres an idea: Later, at levels 8 or so, they get a mission to treck across anauroch to the silvermarches to deliver a pact of mutual defence against the shades. Naturally the magic is too disturbed to teleport. So you get to track across the endless sands, facing not just shadovar, but maybe even a phaerimm or 2? That sounds very, very close to a game that I just finished playing! You're not my DM are you?! ;) ........................................ Omote FPQ
ikki 02-18-05, 04:30 PM	That sounds very, very close to a game that I just finished playing! You're not my DM are you?! ;) Nopes.. or hmm, maybe i do have a teleporter? ;) Im glad to see i still have the gift for mini skeleton stories.
Spuritarrantius 02-18-05, 10:07 PM	As a well versed Realms DM I would suggest selecting your setting once you have at least a basic idea of your party's make-up. The Realms are remarkably easy to work with in any of its many regions. If you'd just like to pick one I would select something (really anything) off of the sword coast...it has proved very interesting as a launchpad for our many campaigns. Happy gaming.
Han Duo 02-19-05, 01:55 PM	Thanks for all the replies! Right now I am still checking all locations suggested in this thread, to see which of them fits best to the campaign idea that is in my head. I'll try to keep you guys posted if I ever make a decision :)
Blaze the monk 02-19-05, 02:04 PM	Neverwinter is a good place to start. They're always a-fussin and a-feuding with Luskan, etc.
Ishmayl 02-20-05, 09:46 AM	I don't know if Damara (in the Cold Lands) has been said yet, but I once ran an amazingly awesome 15-part campaign there (after that, the PCs went elsewhere). Damara (and its neighboring nations Vaasa and Narfell) make EXCELLENT adventure locales, plus, there is so little published work written about them that you can basically make up anything you want and it will fit there.
Moscone 02-21-05, 04:03 AM	I say be really different, and start your group off as escaped slaves in the Underdark, and have them begin way down in the absolute Lowerdark, and they need to reach the Lands Above for whatever reason. Present all kinds of Underdark hazards to build them up a few levels before putting them on the surface and have them roleplay the fish out of water characters. Have them reach the surface during the Year of Rogue Dragons, so they'll have to contend with rampaging dragons when they reach the surface...let them see why they needed a few levels before reaching the surface. :evillaugh . Oh, it'll be a challenging campaign!