Backdrop: Cormyr
By Brian R. James
Explore the nation of Cormyr, updated to reflect the post-Spellplague era of the Forgotten Realms.
I guess someone will be happy.
I like that artist(J. Williams)'s work a lot. And I disagree that its his style only fits ebberon. He did the best pic of Fflar ever and some stellar ones in the later FR 3.5 books.
Oh I did not imply that the style only fits Eberron. Just that it fits Eberron great.
Reasonable.
I guess someone will be happy.
http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/drtoc/365
I'm logged in, but can only see the "table of contents" list. When are the actual articles coming?
I'm logged in, but can only see the "table of contents" list. When are the actual articles coming?
Sometime this month!:D
I guess someone will be happy.
:bounce: 
:invasion: 
That cover art is very old-school Shadowrun-ish.
Gratz Brian. ;)
-One thing that would be nice, would be if each setting got a different artist with their own style to reflect the "flavor" of the setting. I was just mentioning this concerning Planescape.
I don't see that happening, given their 'unification mantra', but I could be wrong (and hope so).
I'm logged in, but can only see the "table of contents" list. When are the actual articles coming?
The day after they start charging for it. :P
I don't see that happening, given their 'unification mantra', but I could be wrong (and hope so).
-I know, I know...Someone linked an article to the guy who did the art for Planescape, and it reminded me of how unique his style was, and in turn, how that influenced Planescape, and made it very unique as well. Eberron has it's own "darker" style, and as such, darker art. It would do all campaign settings well to have their own art staff, to give all of the settings their own uniqueness in this age of uniformity.
-But, such is wishful thinking...
I'm logged in, but can only see the "table of contents" list. When are the actual articles coming?
as each article hits the site, the link to it goes up at the Table of Contents
The Artificer is already up. Just a playtest version, but pretty nice so far.
artificer? what are you a traitor?
That and I think it'd be cool for those who'd like to play a Lantanese Artificer.
artificer? what are you a traitor?
Yes. :P
That and I think it'd be cool for those who'd like to play a Lantanese Artificer.
-I...don't get it.
And Rauric hit the nail on the head
It very sad, and Lord Karsus can't help those few moments of weakness.
;) :P
artificer? what are you a traitor?
I'm sure Karsus will be horrified to hear this (considering his thoughts on the swordmage appearing non-FR games), but I'm planning on allowing Artificers in any Forgotten Realms games I run. I don't see anything exclusively Eberron-ish about a Wizard that specialises in magical items. In fact it sounds like the Lesser Magic path from Midkemia.
If I have to give 4e credit for anything, its the attempt to make everything work in every setting, and there's really no reason it shouldn't (and never was).
Stig - if you like the Artificer, you should check-out some of the classes from Iron Kingdoms. :D
As for Iron Kingdoms, that's a medieval steam-tech sort of setting, right? If so, pass... don't really care to mix those genres much. Much prefer it in a Victorian sort of setting ala the Sons of Ether.
And Gun-mages are just SO cool.
back on topic....the artificer playtest looks good and i'll try it out when we play 4e again. Can't wait to tell my friend, lol.
-What is 'Gestalt'? I often hear the term used...
German word, means essentially "complete form" or "total pattern". Some people use it interchangably with "whole", or "big picture", though those aren't exactly correct.
Gestalt defined.
Gestalt characters as described in the 3.5 DMG.
-Which is something I don't have. Geeze, it's like pulling teeth with you people! :P
But anyway... Go HERE for the rules on gestalt characters.
Being that you're DMing a campaign, I figured your owning a DMG was pretty much a given.
-I have the 3e DMG, not the 3.5e DMG.
Go HERE for the rules on gestalt characters.
-Geeze, thank you. :P
-So, it's basically multiclassing at the same time.
So, it's basically multiclassing at the same time.
In a broken, power-bloating, monty haulish sort of way, yes. ;)
And I'm pretty sure it's not in the DMG 3.5, but rather Unearthed Arcana 3.5.
i r teh uburs wif my gestalt sorcerer/drood! phear mehs! spells n dragnfiers on u! lolzrs pwnd!
-Where do you find those?
-Where do you find those?
http://www.planetsmilies.com/
-So, it's basically multiclassing at the same time.
Yes - it's power-gamer's Wetdream.
And I like my Harry Potter Smilies best -
Yes - it's power-gamer's Wetdream.
And I like my Harry Potter Smilies best -
OMG WANT.
I have a spellscar, and I fight off... dementors from...uhm... the Far Realm!
=Zoom Zooms!!!=
I wonder how much of the article will actually be pre-Sellplague. Or, in other words, useful.
*Of, at least, these boards
-That's how the majority* feels, concerning that.
*Of, at least, these boards
Don't bother, they're deaf to the horrific screams of the board. They don't care.
-That's how the majority* feels, concerning that. *Of, at least, these boards
Says you, and you only.
There's no good reason to believe that assumption, so please don't speak for anyone other than yourself.
Says you, and you only.
There's no good reason to believe that assumption, so please don't speak for anyone other than yourself.
-You do not seem to pay attention, then.
from the designer of the last WoTC product I'll purchase. That's kinda neat.Anyway, something on Cormyr in the era of the Steel Regent, about how she managed to keep the kingdom together in the face of so much upheaval would actually be quite useful. Shame WoTC didn't do anything about it for the last 8 years.
Who knows there may be a silent majority of lurkers you don't know about LK.
-"Lurkers" aren't part of this Forgotten Realms community. One becomes part of it once you participate.
Anyway, something on Cormyr in the era of the Steel Regent, about how she managed to keep the kingdom together in the face of so much upheaval would actually be quite useful. Shame WoTC didn't do anything about it for the last 8 years.
-Alusair really got the shaft, I think. Poor Alusair.
Ok. That was terrible. Even if she got the shaft in the Sellplague, or even after 1380 DR, I'd still like to know what she got up after Death of the Dragon, along with Calednei and everyone else. How one of the key nations in the Realms survived after such an event is of interest to me.
That she did. Often, and enthusiastically.
Ok. That was terrible. Even if she got the shaft in the Sellplague, or even after 1380 DR, I'd still like to know what she got up after Death of the Dragon, along with Calednei and everyone else. How one of the key nations in the Realms survived after such an event is of interest to me.
-Personally speaking, I don't see Alusair being content to fade into the background and become a bureaucrat. I see her "riding off into the sunset" and "going out with a bang", so to speak.
-You do not seem to pay attention, then.
Oh I do, I do. I just don't equate repetition from a few people as any kind of majority or consensus.
:P
I'd expect that her young brother would at the very least keep her as a general. She was highly respected among the purple dragons, and she would be far more willing to act as a general than she was to act as a regent.
-I'd think that Azoun would be a little "smarter" than that. Sure, Alusair is his sister and all, but she had the taste of power once. One never knows...Not that I think Alusair would seriously consider such a thing, but...Again, one never knows...
Says you, and you only.
There's no good reason to believe that assumption, so please don't speak for anyone other than yourself.
He speaks for me.
It seems fairly clear that the majority on this board is against the Spellplague
He speaks for me.
It seems fairly clear that the majority on this board is against the Spellplague
And not for me.
I'm going to embrace the Spellplague, FR4e, and the changes therein. And I for one am glad the changes are staying.
But all of the anti-pro 4e stuff has me remembering lyrics from a Billy Joel song-
" I once believed in causes too, had my pointless point of view and life went on no matter who was wrong or right."
Fact of the matter is, the changes are going to stay reguardless and though people's points of views are important (to them at least), it's not really going to change a thing.
Back on track, I'm really looking foward to how Cormyr has dealt with the Shades, Tilverton, and what areas are affected by changelands and earth motes
-I'd think that Azoun would be a little "smarter" than that. Sure, Alusair is his sister and all, but she had the taste of power once. One never knows...Not that I think Alusair would seriously consider such a thing, but...Again, one never knows...
Keep your friends close, and your relatives that may grab your thone closer. Read the Game of Thrones
Keep your friends close, and your relatives that may grab your thone closer. Read the Game of Thrones
-Never read it. But, I'd think it a better idea to send such people "away". But, hey, what do I know? This is exactly what Napoleon used to his advantage, when he first took control of France.
It is easier to spy on someone when he is close by.
-It's also easier to seize the throne when they're close by. King Tutankhamun found that out firsthand.
-Either way, it's a lose-lose situation.
-I'd think that Azoun would be a little "smarter" than that. Sure, Alusair is his sister and all, but she had the taste of power once. One never knows...Not that I think Alusair would seriously consider such a thing, but...Again, one never knows...
Azoun V is Alusair's nephew.
Azoun V is Alusair's nephew.
-You're right, you're right. :embarrass
-Beautiful and smart, folks.
-You're right, you're right. :embarrass
-Beautiful and smart, folks.
:embarrass
I was just pointing out an honest slip-up.
-Personally speaking, I don't see Alusair being content to fade into the background and become a bureaucrat. I see her "riding off into the sunset" and "going out with a bang", so to speak.
I think she did, after being an advisor for quite a while. Seems like there was a snippet on what happened to her (post Death of the Dragon) printed in AGHotR, right?
-You're right, you're right. :embarrass
-Beautiful and smart, folks.
are you talking about me again?
Please do not use this thread to debate where people should post.
WizO_Unicorn
I think she did, after being an advisor for quite a while. Seems like there was a snippet on what happened to her (post Death of the Dragon) printed in AGHotR, right?
-Which is why she'd I said she'd probably go riding into the sunset, following Neil Young's suggestion, "It's better to burn out, than to fade away...My, my, hey, hey..."
are you talking about me again?
-Shucks, how'd you know? :P
Seems like there was a snippet on what happened to her (post Death of the Dragon) printed in AGHotR, right?
After having finished Death of the Dragon and having caught the little about her in El's Daughter... is there anywhere that details more about Alusair apart from AGHotR? And yes, that is a pleading tone you can hear in my voice.
There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth in this camp when I realised that this may well be the last we see of her in the novels.
(grumblegrumblecentuaryjumpgrumblegrumble)
After having finished Death of the Dragon and having caught the little about her in El's Daughter... is there anywhere that details more about Alusair apart from AGHotR? And yes, that is a pleading tone you can hear in my voice.
-She has assorted roles in assorted novels. The "strongest" portrayal is probably in the Return of the Archwizards trilogy.
-She has assorted roles in assorted novels. The "strongest" portrayal is probably in the Return of the Archwizards trilogy.
Thanks, Lord Karsus. I haven't picked that one up yet but as of 30 seconds ago I have an order in for The Summoning. I am looking forward to it, not least because I enjoyed elements of Beyond the High Road, Waterdeep and Death of the Dragon.
Still, one good thing about having come to the novels and seeting relatively late... at least there is a backlog I can delight in before having to resign myself to the fact that most of my favourite characters have been "discontinued" (slaughtered).
Thanks, Lord Karsus. I haven't picked that one up yet but as of 30 seconds ago I have an order in for The Summoning.
-Heh...I don't believe that Cormyr was actually featured until the second book in the series. But, you can't read Book II before Book I, so...
They all are equally bad.
Ah, well in which case, Nymrohd, I would consider it a matter for great gratitude if you would be so kind as to direct me, a novel reader, to a text where I might enjoy the actions and antics of the character known as the Steel Regent that isn't "bad"?
Ah, well in which case, Nymrohd, I would consider it a matter for great gratitude if you would be so kind as to direct me, a novel reader, to a text where I might enjoy the actions and antics of the character known as the Steel Regent that isn't "bad"?
Personally, I really like the new series Ed Greenwood is writing (Knights of Myth Drannor series), and it has featured a very young Alusair getting involved in some side-plot adventures. It's very classic-style Greenwoodian writing, many different plots moving at the same time, so bear that in mind. But I liked it, and the parts with young Alusair were cute.
I also thought the Return of the Archwizards series was pretty good. A little too much Netherese for my tastes, but the elves made up for it.
Personally, I really like the new series Ed Greenwood is writing (Knights of Myth Drannor series), and it has featured a very young Alusair getting involved in some side-plot adventures. It's very classic-style Greenwoodian writing, many different plots moving at the same time, so bear that in mind. But I liked it, and the parts with young Alusair were cute.
I will indeed Therise, especially since I already own the first two books and am at the point of beating down Ed's door in person to secure the third ;) . Amazon says August 5th, I honestly can't wait.
I agree with you, the moments with the young Alusair were enjoyable. I liken it to the putting together of a jigsaw when you have no idea how big it will be, what the final design will look like... but at least the placement of each piece is an enjoyable experience. I was just mildly peeved to find it that the final thing might be smaller than I had hoped and have pieces missing... but then that is just me.
Thank you, however, for making a constructive comment on the subject.
I will indeed Therise, especially since I already own the first two books and am at the point of beating down Ed's door in person to secure the third ;) . Amazon says August 5th, I honestly can't wait.
I agree with you, the moments with the young Alusair were enjoyable. I liken it to the putting together of a jigsaw when you have no idea how big it will be, what the final design will look like... but at least the placement of each piece is an enjoyable experience. I was just mildly peeved to find it that the final thing might be smaller than I had hoped and have pieces missing... but then that is just me.
Thank you, however, for making a constructive comment on the subject.
No problem, I wish there were more things out there that featured Alusair.
No problem, I wish there were more things out there that featured Alusair.
As do I, but it would seem that wishing on a star only works in Disney movies.
...of course, now I am wading through CK to see if I can't track down a "Novel by character" guide. Taking a chance with a novel and discovering a few paragraphs, unlooked for, about a character I enjoy is a most delicious surprise though, so maybe I shouldn't. I am in two minds.
It would be a better idea to make a post there. They can point you to the right direction quite fast.
Thank you for your suggestion, Nymrohd. I registered last night during the forum "trouble". I will likely continue searching for a bit before wading in with a new query. Not least because I can think of few things less enjoyable, in these places, than to have a first post in any forum replied to with a scathing castigation along the lines of "Well obviously you haven't done your homework."
My crushing sense of newbie-ism sometimes assists my survival instincts. Not that you would have any reason to be interested in that at all, I am sure ;) .
-I'm trying to think...I don't really think there is anything else novel-wise, that features her.
In this one case, sir, I hope you will permit me to thank you for the effort you have put into your suggestions... and forgive me for hoping that you are wrong, in that I hope there are novels that have temporarily slipped your mind. Your wording suggests other material might be found that isn't in novels?
was she in Murder in Cormyr? I can't for the life of me remember anything about that book
Well, a few moment's checking has suggested to me that it is, at least, in the right time period (I think). So I will pick it up anyway and count her presence, if it occurs, as a bonus! Thanks for the suggestion MerrikCale. :D
Nah the Candlekeep people are friendly with people who like the Realms. Just don't mention anything about liking 4E FR or they will burn you at the stake.
Indeed, the posts I have read so far would seem to suggest so. However, there is a world of difference between acknowledging friendliness and taking advantage of it by not using the tools freely available to you. As it happens I haven't found the guide I am looking for, as yet, but I shall keep looking!
As for the latter point, well, that really isn't a problem. As a FR setting novel reader and not, as yet, a FR setting game player my feelings about the Realms in the 4th Edition... shall we say, tend more towards the saturnine than sanguine?
[EDIT: Grammar monkeys do vex me!]
... in that I hope there are novels that have temporarily slipped your mind. Your wording suggests other material might be found that isn't in novels?
There are some very brief snippets on what happens to Alusair in A Grand History of the Realms (which many of us abbreviate down to AGHotR), although that reference book is more of a timeline with bits-n-pieces lore put in here and there.
I think there was also something posted on the Countdown to the Realms (?) about Imperial Cormyr (the Cormyr of the future setting for 4E Realms), saying something about Alusair having some strife over politics with her nephew when he's a young man, and she effectively rides off into the sunset.
Edit: after looking through the campaign countdown to the realms things online, I think most of what I talked about above is in AGHotR.
In this one case, sir, I hope you will permit me to thank you for the effort you have put into your suggestions... and forgive me for hoping that you are wrong, in that I hope there are novels that have temporarily slipped your mind.
-It does happen, from time to time.
-A ha! A younger Alusair had a somewhat minor role in Crusade!
Your wording suggests other material might be found that isn't in novels?
-Well, sure. Sourcebooks.
Nah the Candlekeep people are friendly with people who like the Realms. Just don't mention anything about liking 4E FR or they will burn you at the stake.
They aren't that bad at all. If they were, they wouldn't play host to numerous Forgotten Realms authors and designers.
It'd be nice if we could get this Forum back up to Candlekeep's standards.
After having finished Death of the Dragon and having caught the little about her in El's Daughter... is there anywhere that details more about Alusair apart from AGHotR? And yes, that is a pleading tone you can hear in my voice.
If you search through Ed's Answers on Candlekeep.com, you can probably find a bit more about her besides what was published in the novels and sourcebooks.
As do I, but it would seem that wishing on a star only works in Disney movies.
Yeah, most of the time it's a pointless exercise.
Nah the Candlekeep people are friendly with people who like the Realms. Just don't mention anything about liking 4E FR or they will burn you at the stake.
Not true. Candlekeep is edition neutral, as per the website administrators.
Not true. Candlekeep is edition neutral, as per the website administrators.
True, but there is an overall negative vibe towards the 4-gotten realms. Though it doesn't get as argumentative there as it does here
Not true. Candlekeep is edition neutral, as per the website administrators.
-As is this Forgotten Realms section.
True, but there is an overall negative vibe towards the 4-gotten realms. Though it doesn't get as argumentative there as it does here
-The beauty of self-moderation. I was just discussing this with someone.
-So, Cormyr...
-The beauty of self-moderation. I was just discussing this with someone.
Yeah. ;)
I know it's off-topic, but I wanted to say something. I think it's certainly accurate to say most people on Candlekeep dislike the new changes to the Realms. However, we are also a friendly bunch on the whole, and we won't flame or ostracize people who like the 4E Realms and want to ask questions about it.
If you search through Ed's Answers on Candlekeep.com, you can probably find a bit more about her besides what was published in the novels and sourcebooks.
I have just found these. So much more material! Thankyou for pointing me in their direction. This should keep me more than amused until The Summoning and Murder in Cormyr arrive.
(*peers at letter box with interest*)
Yeah, most of the time it's a pointless exercise.
Ah, so I should drop brightly coloured letters on buildings until I get my way instead? Superb ;) ... and yes, wishing really gets you all of nowhere.
Ah, so I should drop brightly coloured letters on buildings until I get my way instead? Superb ;) ... and yes, wishing really gets you all of nowhere.
People forget that in addition to wishing and hoping, one requires choreography and back-up singers. And a fantastic dress. Then things work out fine. ;)
let me know what you think of Murder in Cormyr
-I've never read it, either.
I have just found these. So much more material! Thankyou for pointing me in their direction.
You're welcome.
-I've never read it, either.
My copy arrived this afternoon (blooming fast considering I only ordered it 48 hours ago from a second-hand dealer)...
I will report further when I have read more than the 10 pages or so before I ended up in hospital. No... nothing to do with the book ;) .
My copy arrived this afternoon (blooming fast considering I only ordered it 48 hours ago from a second-hand dealer)...
I will report further when I have read more than the 10 pages or so before I ended up in hospital. No... nothing to do with the book ;) .
good luck
For future reference, MerrikCale, Alusair is not in it. In fact, nobody I have ever heard of before is, to any noticeable degree. That may not entirely a bad thing. The book is a departure in many ways. Anyway, my thoughts (and I stress these are purely my own thoughts), my apologies for the overlong post:
1) It is narrated in the first person by a young man (well, 1/8th Halfling) in indentured service to an ex-War Wizard. Up until now I am fair sure I have only seen short stories told in this way, not novels. It grants it an immediacy to the action but for some reason it is hindered by the choice of language. It strikes me as be a little too “of its time”. I hadn’t realised before but, the manner of speech in the other books I have read is, to a significant degree, timeless. By this I mean to suggest that while reading novels as Spellfire, or El : The Making of a Mage or Elfshadow I get no feeling that they are dated. With MiC I do.
2) As previously mentioned the setting is unfamiliar, as are the people. I did check, after the fact, on what Volo’s Cormyr had to say on the subject. In the, less that 1 page, on ghars it details the local smith, the manner of milling… and a passage that is placed, almost verbatim, into the novel text (pg 183 para 3 in Volo to the last para on pg 27 in MiC). Having spent a fair amount of time reading about Cormyr, either in a recognisable place or with recognisable people, now doing so with neither presented a fresh perspective from the back end of agrarian Cormyr that was interesting if not illuminating. A query that arose in my mind had to do with a feeling of disconnection from the wider world, and thus, timing. Apart from mentioning Azoun and Vangerdahast this novel could take place anywhen. Although that may be intentional.
3) The writing style was not as discursive and humorous as Ed nor as incisive and moving as Elaine. It had good and bad points of its own. I believe it could be considered (possibly charitably) to hold its own amongst the other offerings from other authors.
4) The mystery. It felt to me that the mystery was a (not very well) hidden mechanic for the personal growth of the narrator (see next point). That isn’t to say that the mystery was badly constructed The flow was acceptable and the “clues” were sufficiently obscure to prevent me from knowing “who did it” five pages in. I did, however, guess the perpetrator before the end… although that might have come of having read and seen too much Agatha Christie and knowing generally how these things may be structured.
5) The characters. This would, of course, be my main and only major gripe. Admittedly the book is only 247 pages long (hardback) but it felt like it introduced a fair number of people only to have them fill specific roles and then evaporate. The only exception seemed to be the narrator. Case in point, the adventuress Kendra, who had enough of a spark to sound interesting but we never really got to know. I would have liked to have seen more of her but that task may well have been hindered by the first person narrative style.
In summary. Was it worth reading? Did it tell me anything about Cormyr I didn’t already know? Most importantly, did I enjoy it? Yes, yes and yes… to differing degrees.
I would recommend people read this. I might counsel that a copy be borrowed from a friend or local library before the choice to actually purchase it was made… to give you the chance to make up your own mind!
I hope all of this was of interest to... well... somebody. ;)
-Interesting.
Actually, I noticed after I posted it that it was more Book Review than Considered Thoughts. Entirely too lengthy and probably contains material that has been gone over a dozen times already.
1) It is narrated in the first person by a young man (well, 1/8th Halfling) in indentured service to an ex-War Wizard. Up until now I am fair sure I have only seen short stories told in this way, not novels.
The best novel I have found narrated in 1st person is Michael Stackpole's "I, Jedi". Not only in first person, but it actually modifies another earlier Star Wars novel, adding the main character into an existing story. Well written and lots of fun.
Is all of the Stonelands one big gloomy shadow-covered mess?
The Dungeon Magazine adventure "The Door From Everywhere" talks about Tilverton, but only inasmuch as it describes the Purple Dragon garrisons who watch over the ruins to keep interlopers and adventurers away and also to keep watch for terrible things that might come out of the ruins.
The adventure goes so far as to advise DMs that any character who makes it past the Purple Dragons and enters the shadowy void at the ruin's edge is lost forever. If my memory serves, it even says to have the player tear up their character sheet and start over.
Harsh!
Anywho, Ed has mentioned over at Candlekeep that the Crown is working hard to get people to resettle in the North Eastern part of Cormyr, but not so far as Tilverton (as I understand it).
Yeah, it does, page 154, column 1 under Greengrass mentions a new town a few miles away.
Unless I missed something in a novel, there are currently no efforts to rebuild around Tilverton.
-Tilverton was indeed rebuilt. In the future, of course.
-Tilverton was indeed rebuilt. In the future, of course.
I don't recall reading anything about it (yet).
{edit} Just read Stigger's post.
I don't recall reading anything about it (yet).
{edit} Just read Stigger's post.
I think it's also in the Realms of Shadow anthology, no? One of those compiled short stories books.
I think it's also in the Realms of Shadow anthology, no? One of those compiled short stories books.
-There's a story about a knight and a squire (I believe) exploring the ruins of Tilverton, but not about rebuilding Tilverton.