Why should I? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Why should I? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Hlaalu
07-07-03, 07:15 PM I have a few questions for you guys and gals.

I am not a newbie Dungeon Master, but thought baout the FR, so my question is why should I spend $40 just to get the corebook, what is so good about the realms, etc.

-Thanks :angel:
Araciel
07-07-03, 09:31 PM the Forgotten Realms campaign setting is the best....not only is it a rich and detailed world with all kinds of history and diversity and is also a parallel to the actual world WE live in, many products, namely novels have been written to support the already HUGE campaign world. It is the classical fantasy setting, in mine and no doubt millions of people's opinions the world over.

also, at the risk of sounding like a power gamer, there are cool spells, items, prestige classes, npcs, monsters and gods to keep any player interested, it's just THE BEST setting.

and i'm from canada, all joking aside about our money being worthless, the canadian price is 55.95 or something like that, plus taxes...which comes out to about 62 dollars....it's more than worth it, i'd have paid twice that for the one book, for the hours upon hours of gaming...and just READING
Jack in the Green
07-08-03, 08:42 AM I started gaming in the Realms way back in the day before I really started to DM. I've tried other gaming worlds to run campaigns in but have always returned to the Realms simply because its the best out there. Sure these new "flavor of the month" setting like Midnight and what not are kewl but there is not the depth and beauty there that the Realms has. There's just nothing like it.

The Realms is NOT for powergamers contrary to popular opinion, sure it can be played that way but so can any setting. Those who hold that view just don't get it IMO. And I pity those who regurgitate this view without discovering for themselves just how great it is.

My suggestion, buy the book and read it twice. Then, make the Realms your own. Keep us posted!
FineasBoggs
07-08-03, 11:10 AM NO!!!!! you should never pay retail, shop around until you can get it for 22.00.
Herr Doktor
07-08-03, 12:05 PM I'd suggest getting a job as a Borders of Waldenbooks bookseller and then reaping the benefits of the 33% off all purchases. Or just make friends with someone who is an employee of either of those two places.

One of my players has worked at Waldenbooks for about three years and... I've saved a lot of money. I'll be getting the revised core rulebooks for only $60 instead of $90 something, which leaves me cash to get The Unapproachable East as well.

Good stuff... :sigh:
Savras
07-08-03, 12:14 PM Well, I first bought the FRCS for the feats and "crunch", to use with my homebrew.
I read it once, and my homebrew was ditched and Faerūn came in.

Is it worth your money?
Yes.
Definetly.
Savras
Herr Doktor
07-08-03, 12:16 PM More on topic:

The realms represent a treasury of background just waiting to be exploited for your own entertainment! The realms have been around long enough for a lot of the major players to have well-developed histories.

There are enough villains and ruins scattered across the face of Faerūn to keep any group of adventurers entertained!

Speaking of adventurers... you've got detailed peoples and cultures at your finger tips! A great resource for character background and story development.

There are other books accessories and supplements I would highly recommend to a DM as well which include:

Lords of Darkness
Faiths and Pantheons
The Silver Marches (Regional Supplement)
The Unapproachable East (Regional Supplement)

I'd also recommend Monsters of Faerūn if it wasn't so horrendously overpriced.
Savras
07-08-03, 12:27 PM Strike Regionals, Races of Faerūn should be added presto!

One of my best buys!

Savras
Cthulhu
07-08-03, 01:11 PM 1. Forgotten Realms is a good basic setting. Its flexible and has enough depth for just about any kind of campaign you want to run.

2. Support. Its got the most support of any campaign out there.

3. Easy to assimilate. Not because its easy to read, but because its known by just about everybody. Even newbies to the setting will pick things up just by listening to other players at the table who have been playing it for years.

Some bad points though.

1. FR suffers from highlevel-itis. It almost seems like every NPC has a dozen or more levels. It still makes no sense to me why a archmage would be running a tavern.

2. With all the high level NPCs running around players sometimes wonder why they are needed at all.

3. The iconic FR characters (Elminster, Simbul, and many others) get WAY too much press in FR products. They are perfect and undefeatable. And they seem to exist solely to pull a players bacon out of the fire and rub there noses in it. In other words these are crappy NPCs in a game where the PCs are supposed to be the stars. Note that this is more perception than reality. I certainly never used any of them in my game (well Elminster once...and the players never knew it), so I avoided the trap of using the kewl NPCs.

4. Cost. And with 3.5 coming out I think FR might be getting a new facelift as well. You might want to wait for awhile or get yourself a second hand copy for now.

Most of these bad points can be avoided by a DM who knows what hes doing.
RabidAngel
07-08-03, 02:35 PM Originally posted by Cthulhu
1. Forgotten Realms is a good basic setting. Its flexible and has enough depth for just about any kind of campaign you want to run.

I find very little about the FR that I would refer to as "basic". It is a setting rich in history and detail, unlike - in my humble opinion - any other available.

1. FR suffers from highlevel-itis. It almost seems like every NPC has a dozen or more levels. It still makes no sense to me why a archmage would be running a tavern.

2. With all the high level NPCs running around players sometimes wonder why they are needed at all.

[...]

Most of these bad points can be avoided by a DM who knows what hes doing.

I both agree and disagree here. Yes, these traps are easy to fall into. Especially those I highlighted. A DM should recognize that NPCs are not there to "save" the characters from doom, while controlling the potentially rampant degree of magic and items available. I always feel that the PCs have the chance to become one of those icons of the Realms, if they stay alive and work their way in/up.

In fact, after sufficient level has been attained, it is not unthinkable that the group would be called upon to save one of the NPCs you mention from one terrible fate or another!

There was a group of very colorful and developed characters from a past campaign of mine that settled into Waterdeep. Now, when new adventurers come along who have not yet fully discovered the Realms, I make mention of such notable (N)PC's, right alongside the likes of Blackstaff, etc.

Adding such historied characters is already the nature of the Realms and what makes it so great.
Cthulhu
07-08-03, 07:39 PM Originally posted by RabidAngel
I find very little about the FR that I would refer to as "basic". It is a setting rich in history and detail, unlike - in my humble opinion - any other available.

Really depends on how far you want to go I think. Buy the FRCS and you never need to buy another book again. Its got everything you need in a condensed format. The rest is just icing on the cake.

I both agree and disagree here. Yes, these traps are easy to fall into. Especially those I highlighted. A DM should recognize that NPCs are not there to "save" the characters from doom, while controlling the potentially rampant degree of magic and items available. I always feel that the PCs have the chance to become one of those icons of the Realms, if they stay alive and work their way in/up.

In fact, after sufficient level has been attained, it is not unthinkable that the group would be called upon to save one of the NPCs you mention from one terrible fate or another!

There was a group of very colorful and developed characters from a past campaign of mine that settled into Waterdeep. Now, when new adventurers come along who have not yet fully discovered the Realms, I make mention of such notable (N)PC's, right alongside the likes of Blackstaff, etc.

Adding such historied characters is already the nature of the Realms and what makes it so great.

Sounds to me you fit into the category "...a DM who knows what he's doing....":) I don't think we disagree on any points.
primemover003
07-08-03, 08:08 PM I'd have to agree with everyone. The FRCS is by far the best written book by WotC or d20 in general. Everytime I read the book I learn a little something new. I've played in FR a lot (more in planescape, but FR played heavily into it) so I'm loving the new look. Trust me it's the best buy you'll make in D&D. If you don't like the big nasty NPC's you can always move your players to the less developed places and campaign there. The Border Kingdoms, the Vilhon Reach, the Shaar, Chondath, The Vast... All great places to adventure.
thalious
07-08-03, 11:21 PM The FRCS has been a great buy in my opinion. I was running a homebrew, but I transferred it to the FR and already the gaming sessions are going better and more fun. The map is great, the amount of details about the towns, cities and landscape is just enough so I can still have my own plots and ideas while having an established history that is easily utilized.
Astanphaeus
07-09-03, 03:53 AM How to present this...

There's a whole lot I don't like about the Realms. I could put together a list as long as my arm, I'm sure.

But the reason why I'd have such a long list is because there's so much to it in general. That's it's first strength. It's an amazingly fleshed out setting... and one specifically designed for roleplaying... which means, no matter what you want to do, there's likely somewhere in the Realms where you can do it. No matter what kind of fantasy game you want to run, FR can accomodate it.

And it's second strength... it doesn't matter that there are so many things that I dislike about it... because the setting is very friendly to reinterpretation and customization. I don't think I've ever run a "stock" FR game... but I don't think I've ever had to do a complete revamp either. There's always been some way to take what I had in mind and just tweak the existing material to make it work, while still maintaining the essential integrity of the setting. I think this is again a result of its deliberately inclusive design. You can molest the Realms in ways that would be unspeakable with more thematically established and "concrete" settings, and get away with it. ;)

FR is quite DM friendly, and will save you a lot of time. It will also inspire you, because, again, due to its sheer amount of material, something in there is bound to flick your switch. ;)

-- A.
Hlaalu
07-09-03, 10:21 AM Another thing about it too, it will give me ideas to put into my homebrew. That is really why I want it, probably won't run many games in it. Although we will see. Thanks for the help though :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Hlaalu 07-07-03, 07:15 PM	I have a few questions for you guys and gals. I am not a newbie Dungeon Master, but thought baout the FR, so my question is why should I spend $40 just to get the corebook, what is so good about the realms, etc. -Thanks :angel:
Araciel 07-07-03, 09:31 PM	the Forgotten Realms campaign setting is the best....not only is it a rich and detailed world with all kinds of history and diversity and is also a parallel to the actual world WE live in, many products, namely novels have been written to support the already HUGE campaign world. It is the classical fantasy setting, in mine and no doubt millions of people's opinions the world over. also, at the risk of sounding like a power gamer, there are cool spells, items, prestige classes, npcs, monsters and gods to keep any player interested, it's just THE BEST setting. and i'm from canada, all joking aside about our money being worthless, the canadian price is 55.95 or something like that, plus taxes...which comes out to about 62 dollars....it's more than worth it, i'd have paid twice that for the one book, for the hours upon hours of gaming...and just READING
Jack in the Green 07-08-03, 08:42 AM	I started gaming in the Realms way back in the day before I really started to DM. I've tried other gaming worlds to run campaigns in but have always returned to the Realms simply because its the best out there. Sure these new "flavor of the month" setting like Midnight and what not are kewl but there is not the depth and beauty there that the Realms has. There's just nothing like it. The Realms is NOT for powergamers contrary to popular opinion, sure it can be played that way but so can any setting. Those who hold that view just don't get it IMO. And I pity those who regurgitate this view without discovering for themselves just how great it is. My suggestion, buy the book and read it twice. Then, make the Realms your own. Keep us posted!
FineasBoggs 07-08-03, 11:10 AM	NO!!!!! you should never pay retail, shop around until you can get it for 22.00.
Herr Doktor 07-08-03, 12:05 PM	I'd suggest getting a job as a Borders of Waldenbooks bookseller and then reaping the benefits of the 33% off all purchases. Or just make friends with someone who is an employee of either of those two places. One of my players has worked at Waldenbooks for about three years and... I've saved a lot of money. I'll be getting the revised core rulebooks for only $60 instead of $90 something, which leaves me cash to get The Unapproachable East as well. Good stuff... :sigh:
Savras 07-08-03, 12:14 PM	Well, I first bought the FRCS for the feats and "crunch", to use with my homebrew. I read it once, and my homebrew was ditched and Faerūn came in. Is it worth your money? Yes. Definetly. Savras
Herr Doktor 07-08-03, 12:16 PM	More on topic: The realms represent a treasury of background just waiting to be exploited for your own entertainment! The realms have been around long enough for a lot of the major players to have well-developed histories. There are enough villains and ruins scattered across the face of Faerūn to keep any group of adventurers entertained! Speaking of adventurers... you've got detailed peoples and cultures at your finger tips! A great resource for character background and story development. There are other books accessories and supplements I would highly recommend to a DM as well which include: Lords of Darkness Faiths and Pantheons The Silver Marches (Regional Supplement) The Unapproachable East (Regional Supplement) I'd also recommend Monsters of Faerūn if it wasn't so horrendously overpriced.
Savras 07-08-03, 12:27 PM	Strike Regionals, Races of Faerūn should be added presto! One of my best buys! Savras
Cthulhu 07-08-03, 01:11 PM	1. Forgotten Realms is a good basic setting. Its flexible and has enough depth for just about any kind of campaign you want to run. 2. Support. Its got the most support of any campaign out there. 3. Easy to assimilate. Not because its easy to read, but because its known by just about everybody. Even newbies to the setting will pick things up just by listening to other players at the table who have been playing it for years. Some bad points though. 1. FR suffers from highlevel-itis. It almost seems like every NPC has a dozen or more levels. It still makes no sense to me why a archmage would be running a tavern. 2. With all the high level NPCs running around players sometimes wonder why they are needed at all. 3. The iconic FR characters (Elminster, Simbul, and many others) get WAY too much press in FR products. They are perfect and undefeatable. And they seem to exist solely to pull a players bacon out of the fire and rub there noses in it. In other words these are crappy NPCs in a game where the PCs are supposed to be the stars. Note that this is more perception than reality. I certainly never used any of them in my game (well Elminster once...and the players never knew it), so I avoided the trap of using the kewl NPCs. 4. Cost. And with 3.5 coming out I think FR might be getting a new facelift as well. You might want to wait for awhile or get yourself a second hand copy for now. Most of these bad points can be avoided by a DM who knows what hes doing.
RabidAngel 07-08-03, 02:35 PM	Originally posted by Cthulhu 1. Forgotten Realms is a good basic setting. Its flexible and has enough depth for just about any kind of campaign you want to run. I find very little about the FR that I would refer to as "basic". It is a setting rich in history and detail, unlike - in my humble opinion - any other available. 1. FR suffers from highlevel-itis. It almost seems like every NPC has a dozen or more levels. It still makes no sense to me why a archmage would be running a tavern. 2. With all the high level NPCs running around players sometimes wonder why they are needed at all. [...] Most of these bad points can be avoided by a DM who knows what hes doing. I both agree and disagree here. Yes, these traps are easy to fall into. Especially those I highlighted. A DM should recognize that NPCs are not there to "save" the characters from doom, while controlling the potentially rampant degree of magic and items available. I always feel that the PCs have the chance to become one of those icons of the Realms, if they stay alive and work their way in/up. In fact, after sufficient level has been attained, it is not unthinkable that the group would be called upon to save one of the NPCs you mention from one terrible fate or another! There was a group of very colorful and developed characters from a past campaign of mine that settled into Waterdeep. Now, when new adventurers come along who have not yet fully discovered the Realms, I make mention of such notable (N)PC's, right alongside the likes of Blackstaff, etc. Adding such historied characters is already the nature of the Realms and what makes it so great.
Cthulhu 07-08-03, 07:39 PM	Originally posted by RabidAngel I find very little about the FR that I would refer to as "basic". It is a setting rich in history and detail, unlike - in my humble opinion - any other available. Really depends on how far you want to go I think. Buy the FRCS and you never need to buy another book again. Its got everything you need in a condensed format. The rest is just icing on the cake. I both agree and disagree here. Yes, these traps are easy to fall into. Especially those I highlighted. A DM should recognize that NPCs are not there to "save" the characters from doom, while controlling the potentially rampant degree of magic and items available. I always feel that the PCs have the chance to become one of those icons of the Realms, if they stay alive and work their way in/up. In fact, after sufficient level has been attained, it is not unthinkable that the group would be called upon to save one of the NPCs you mention from one terrible fate or another! There was a group of very colorful and developed characters from a past campaign of mine that settled into Waterdeep. Now, when new adventurers come along who have not yet fully discovered the Realms, I make mention of such notable (N)PC's, right alongside the likes of Blackstaff, etc. Adding such historied characters is already the nature of the Realms and what makes it so great. Sounds to me you fit into the category "...a DM who knows what he's doing....":) I don't think we disagree on any points.
primemover003 07-08-03, 08:08 PM	I'd have to agree with everyone. The FRCS is by far the best written book by WotC or d20 in general. Everytime I read the book I learn a little something new. I've played in FR a lot (more in planescape, but FR played heavily into it) so I'm loving the new look. Trust me it's the best buy you'll make in D&D. If you don't like the big nasty NPC's you can always move your players to the less developed places and campaign there. The Border Kingdoms, the Vilhon Reach, the Shaar, Chondath, The Vast... All great places to adventure.
thalious 07-08-03, 11:21 PM	The FRCS has been a great buy in my opinion. I was running a homebrew, but I transferred it to the FR and already the gaming sessions are going better and more fun. The map is great, the amount of details about the towns, cities and landscape is just enough so I can still have my own plots and ideas while having an established history that is easily utilized.
Astanphaeus 07-09-03, 03:53 AM	How to present this... There's a whole lot I don't like about the Realms. I could put together a list as long as my arm, I'm sure. But the reason why I'd have such a long list is because there's so much to it in general. That's it's first strength. It's an amazingly fleshed out setting... and one specifically designed for roleplaying... which means, no matter what you want to do, there's likely somewhere in the Realms where you can do it. No matter what kind of fantasy game you want to run, FR can accomodate it. And it's second strength... it doesn't matter that there are so many things that I dislike about it... because the setting is very friendly to reinterpretation and customization. I don't think I've ever run a "stock" FR game... but I don't think I've ever had to do a complete revamp either. There's always been some way to take what I had in mind and just tweak the existing material to make it work, while still maintaining the essential integrity of the setting. I think this is again a result of its deliberately inclusive design. You can molest the Realms in ways that would be unspeakable with more thematically established and "concrete" settings, and get away with it. ;) FR is quite DM friendly, and will save you a lot of time. It will also inspire you, because, again, due to its sheer amount of material, something in there is bound to flick your switch. ;) -- A.
Hlaalu 07-09-03, 10:21 AM	Another thing about it too, it will give me ideas to put into my homebrew. That is really why I want it, probably won't run many games in it. Although we will see. Thanks for the help though :)