Alright folks, firstly I wanted to thank all of you who submitted feedback in the previous thread. It has been very insightful, but now I would like to narrow the focus a bit.
I have just turned over the text for ‘Ecology of the Sharn’ (which you’ll see in the January/February timeframe) and am looking to submit an outline for my next project. Fan reaction on the Backdrop: Cormyr article has been very positive so I thought I’d look in that direction again.
This article will have roughly the same page count as Backdrop Cormyr and include a full color map of the region. With any luck the cartography would be penned by Mike Schley, whose Cormyr map is simply amazing to behold. Yes, this article will be set in the 4E timeframe.
So what I’d like to do is solicit from the Realms community a list of your top three choices for an upcoming Backdrop article set in the Forgotten Realms. In this iteration I’m looking for nations and/or regions and not cities. Yes, you may list regions that lie outside of or were missing from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide.
Please list your top three choices in any order. I’ll try to run this as democratically as possible but keep in mind that WotC has the final say on all article submissions. As with the other feedback thread, please keep your responses to the feedback itself and refrain from commenting on another poster’s suggestions.
[Updated 10-31-2008]
Alright folks. This poll is officially concluded. Thank you to all who participated!
Even if you're favorite choice didn't make the top of list, don't loose heart. I have a soft spot for remote and unpopular regions of the Realms and there will be plenty of opportunities to expand their lore in the coming months and years.
But for now it looks like I may be starting a Rashemen or Sembia article soon. Unlike previous assignments, however, I hope to involve the Realms community in the design process from the very beginning.
Stay tuned!
Through post #32 here is where we currently stand. These are the regions which have received at least three votes. Tentatively I plan on closing the polls on Friday, October 31st.
6 Sembia
6 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
5 Dalelands
5 Rashemen
4 Baldur's Gate
4 Evermeet
4 Luruar
4 Moonshae Isles
4 Waterdeep
3 Elturgard
3 Moonsea
3 Tethyr
[Updated 10-22-2008]
Results through post 52 stand as follows:
10 Sembia
7 Evermeet
7 Moonshae Isles
7 Rashemen
6 Baldur's Gate
6 Dalelands
6 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
6 Waterdeep
4 Luruar
4 Moonsea
4 Netheril
[Updated 10-23-2008]
Results through post 73 stand as follows:
12 Rashemen
12 Sembia
11 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
10 Waterdeep
9 Baldur's Gate
8 Dalelands
8 Moonshae Isles
7 Evermeet
7 Moonsea
6 High Imaskar
5 Luruar
[Updated 10-27-2008]
Top results through post #107
17 Rashemen
14 Sembia
13 Waterdeep
12 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
11 Baldur's Gate
10 Dalelands
9 Moonsea
7 Moonshae Isles
7 Evermeet
7 Luruar (Silver Marches)
[Updated 10-30-2008]
Here are the top results through post #117.
17 Rashemen
17 Sembia
15 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
13 Waterdeep
13 Baldur's Gate
12 Dalelands
9 Moonsea
8 Evermeet
8 Luruar
7 Moonshae Isles
Rashemen
Turmish
All are dynamic locations that could serve as great adventure sites. Each one has a different aspect and feel to them. How would human adventurers fare in the genasi/genie run Calimsham cities? How much of Sembia truly is under the Shades control? Are the fey, Formorians and Amn all in cahoots?
Sembia is fun for the Political dealings that can be had with merchants or dealings with rebels that ae looking to undermine Netheril activity.
Calimsham is fun because it is dealing with an oppressed culture plus there are tons of desert locations with dungeons and mummies and genies everywhere.
The Moonshaes are all about King Arthuresque adventuring. You have giants, wicked fey, elves, and invaders from another nation trying to take over. Good stuff.
These will be 4E articles set in the 1400s correct?
Thanks again Brian.
18DELTA
- Calimshan
- Evermeet
- Rashemen
--Luruar
--Evermeet
Myth Drannor
Baldur's Gate
Estagund
The Dragon Coast (or Nathlan if that's too broad)
Westgate.
Tethyr.
It's good to expand into areas you have already covered I think...gives good continuity and an ever expanding area around central lands. I think this was a good model followed in the Forgotten Realms when it first launched and could work good again.
Moonsea
Tethyr
Dalelands/Myth Drannor
Sembia.
You know what Era. (Yes, 1372 to 1375 DR)
Waterdeep (city and surrounds)
Luruar (nee Silverymoon)
Evermeet (The original one if only one is possible but both if you can)
Cormyr
Dalelands/Myth Drannor
Sembia.
You know what Era. (Yes, 1372 to 1375 DR)
That works for me too. :D
Design Team Feedback: Which Realm should be covered next?
Fan reaction on the Backdrop: Cormyr article has been very positive so I thought I’d look in that direction again.
The reason feedback was so positive is because we've been starved for lore on Cormyr. We've been ignored in asking for a Cormyr sourcebook for 3.x for eight years, and then when you do release something, it's for a change in the setting that has caused deep divides within the Realms fan base.
If DDi is going to focus on the post-Spellplague Realms, then I (and others like me) would like to see some of the old NDAs rescinded so that now-ancient lore can be released to the community. Catering to the "if it's published, we must use it, and we don't want to use all this stuff, so don't publish it" mindset that led to the 4E changes in the first place is only going to see the Realms fade into nothingness.
That's all. :surrender
Baldurs Gate (city and surrounds).
Moonsea isles.
Waterdeep would be really appreciated, it's a big iconic city with a lot of potential for adventures both in and outside the city. It would be a very useful resource.
Catering to the "if it's published, we must use it, and we don't want to use all this stuff, so don't publish it" mindset that led to the 4E changes in the first place is only going to see the Realms fade into nothingness.
That's all. :surrender
That very well may happen anyway
(Lady Rin killed my idea and took its stuff)
Oops, sorry.:P
Chult
Raurin
Though part of me doesn't want to ask more about Chult. I kind of like it mysterious and unknown so I can do exactly what I want with it without my canon OCD taking over
Luskan
Eltagurd
Shaareach
The Blade Kingdoms
Dambrath
Luiren
Thank you
Moonshae Isles
the Gray Vale
Dalelands
Bel
Evermeet
Tymanther
Vaasa
Narfell
High Imaskar
Kara-Tur
That's my order of preference. I know the last is unlikely, but...
Wooly Rupert (Candlekeep)
* Elturgard
* Waterdeep
* Luruar (Silverymoon)
Therise (other feedback thread)
* Rashemen
* Icewind Dale
* Narfell
And being a huge FR fan myself I'm going to vote too!
Iakhovas (me!)
* Sembia
* Vesperin (The Vast)
* Moonshae Isles
Kara-Tur
That's my order of preference. I know the last is unlikely, but...
-Now if Markus and BR.J was to do a combined KT backdrop that would be AWESOME!
18DELTA
Calimshan
Western Heartlands (baldur's gate, Berdusk, Iriaebor and Scornubel)
You may feel free to change your votes, but please tell me that you are doing so or I may miss your update. Tentatively I plan on closing the polls on Friday, October 31st.
6 Sembia
6 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
5 Dalelands
5 Rashemen
4 Baldur's Gate
4 Evermeet
4 Luruar
4 Moonshae Isles
4 Waterdeep
3 Elturgard
3 Moonsea
3 Tethyr
Areas receiving zero votes so far (and a surprise to me) include:
* Akanûl
* Damara
* Impiltur
* Many-Arrows
* Netheril
* Thay
* Vilhon Wilds
Impiltur
Damara
--Seems like a great area for a campaign with all the demon-oriented threats in the northlands.
menzoberranzan
thay
sembia
alternates also in order
zakhara
evermeet
waterdeep
Now,
-- Impiltur [I'm surprised this hasn't come up more often]
-- Erlkazar [Markus beat me to it!]
-- And, probably no surprises for Brian here, the Border Kingdoms. :P
Areas receiving zero votes so far (and a surprise to me) include:
Netheril and Thay just don't have the same potential for adventuring from level 1 to mid paragon like many other regions do. They're basically big, monster infested regions and I would rather more "player friendly" areas done first, then the areas which are less hospitable later on.
Netheril
Many-Arrows
Will the content be free? If not, why should I vote?
-No, content is no longer free, for future "issues" of online DRAGON/DUNGEON.
Evermeet
Myth Drannor
Areas receiving zero votes so far (and a surprise to me) include:
* Netheril
Probably cause everyone is tired of the Shar/shadow oriented focus.....I know I am.
Shar is way over used in 4E Realms.
My picks: Moonsea, Moonshaes, Impiltur
Of course I really would not mind seeing a detailed write up on the Border Forest, Damara, and Luskan.
Sembia
Moonshae Isles
Seems like I may pick up a month's worth of DDI early next year :D
* Thay
* Many-Arrows
* Netheril
1. The High Forest
2. The area north of Waterdeep (ie the Dessarin River Valley, the Sword Mountains, Kryptgarden Forest, etc.). Alot of this was in the middle section of Volo's Guide to the North (especially the settlements along the Long Road like Red Larch, Amphail, Triboar, etc.).
3. Cormanthor (not just the City of Myth Drannor, but the whole of the forested area).
Netheril
Menzoberranzan
Rasheman
Everaska
Cos I likes em ;)
10 Sembia
7 Evermeet
7 Moonshae Isles
7 Rashemen
6 Baldur's Gate
6 Dalelands
6 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
6 Waterdeep
4 Luruar
4 Moonsea
4 Netheril
Still no love for the following:
* Akanûl
* Chessenta
* Okoth
* Najara
* Murghôm
Shou
Rashemen - Rangers and hamsters everywhere shall rejoice!
Rashemen
Moonshaes
If the article will be due out around the same time as the PHII, I would definitely want Rashemen. If ever there's a place that makes heavy use of the Primal power source, it's Rashemen!
Velen
Baldurs Gate
Calimshan, Akanûl, Tymanther
What I also found lacking in the FRPG was the answer to the question "how much about Faerun do those on Returned Abeir actually know?" Details were given about Returned Abeir, but there wasn't much about how it (or Tymanther or Akanûl) have come to be integrated into the rest of the world. How did people from Abeir realise they were no longer on Abeir? How long did it take to realise? What was their reaction? What relationships were first established? What has happened since then?
I guess that given that Dragonborn and Genasi have lifespans similar to humans, none of them would have been alive during the Spellplague. But particular on Returned Abeir where dragons rule, what was the reaction to the Spellplague and how much do Faerun and Returned Abeir know about each other? How much do they trade with each other?
- The Dalelands
- Sembia
- Waterdeep
High Moor/City of Hope
Hordelands
Results through post 52 stand as follows:
10 Sembia
7 Evermeet
7 Moonshae Isles
7 Rashemen
6 Baldur's Gate
6 Dalelands
6 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
6 Waterdeep
4 Luruar
4 Moonsea
4 Netheril
Still no love for the following:
* Akanûl
* Chessenta
* Okoth
* Najara
* Murghôm
I'm quite honestly surprised at the top three vote getters. They don't seem to be very interesting areas for adventures. But then again what do I know?
2) Baldur’s Gate
3) Skyfire Emirates
In that order...
Calimshan/Sky Fire Emirates
Damara
Moonsea
- I'm not paying for the DDI
- I've little to no interest in the post-Spellplague Realms
Release it for free, or in a print book, and set it prior to the 4e changes, and I'd be most interested in Calimshan, Imaskar, and Damara. Otherwise, I've been pretty much ignoring FR in 4e, which is unfortunate, since it was previously one of my favorite settings.
I'd vote, except that
- I'm not paying for the DDI
- I've little to no interest in the post-Spellplague Realms
Release it for free, or in a print book, and set it prior to the 4e changes, and I'd be most interested in Calimshan, Imaskar, and Damara. Otherwise, I've been pretty much ignoring FR in 4e, which is unfortunate, since it was previously one of my favorite settings.
Thats why I am not voting. I miss the Realms too
2.Rashemen
3.Dalelands
Waterdeep
the Dragon Coast
2. The Moonsea
3. East Rift
I considered the Dalelands as well, but I am unsure. I'd rather see an article per Dale... :D
Btw, I volunteer for proofreading... ;)
Gomez
2. Akanul
3. Rashemen
Nobody has mentioned Thesk yet! It's totally ignored in the two books - travesty.
1. Skyfire Emirates
2. Baldur's Gate
3. Rashemen
12 Rashemen
12 Sembia
11 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
10 Waterdeep
9 Baldur's Gate
8 Dalelands
8 Moonshae Isles
7 Evermeet
7 Moonsea
6 High Imaskar
5 Luruar
I'd vote, except that
- I'm not paying for the DDI
- I've little to no interest in the post-Spellplague Realms
Release it for free, or in a print book, and set it prior to the 4e changes, and I'd be most interested in Calimshan, Imaskar, and Damara. Otherwise, I've been pretty much ignoring FR in 4e, which is unfortunate, since it was previously one of my favorite settings.
Thats why I am not voting. I miss the Realms too
-I am not subscribing either, but that didn't stop me from voting. While I might not be able to, initially view the data/document on whatever the realm/NPC/issue/whatever it is, that doesn't change the fact that information about the realm/NPC/issue/whatever is being created/elaborated upon. Regardless, this is a good thing. Should the online DRAGON articles be bound into an annual physical magazine, said articles will be there for me to look at.
Top results through post #73
12 Rashemen
12 Sembia
11 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
10 Waterdeep
9 Baldur's Gate
8 Dalelands
8 Moonshae Isles
7 Evermeet
7 Moonsea
6 High Imaskar
5 Luruar
Can I change my vote?
I want to change to
Rashemen
Waterdeep
Baldurs Gate
Slight change, but I think it's an important one
Can I change my vote?
Indeed. Your change has been noted.
Waterdeep
Baldur's gate
-I am not subscribing either, but that didn't stop me from voting. While I might not be able to, initially view the data/document on whatever the realm/NPC/issue/whatever it is, that doesn't change the fact that information about the realm/NPC/issue/whatever is being created/elaborated upon. Regardless, this is a good thing. Should the online DRAGON articles be bound into an annual physical magazine, said articles will be there for me to look at.
The problem is they will be 4e realms so I have zero interest at this point. I have abandoned hope that there will be anything worthwhile anymore on the setting
1. Moonsea
2. Rasheman
3. Thay
Backdrop articles on any of these areas would be equally great to me. If you do make more backdrop articles could I request that you put in a statistic for the total population of the region you are covering. I really missed not having that information in the campaign guide.
The problem is they will be 4e realms so I have zero interest at this point. I have abandoned hope that there will be anything worthwhile anymore on the setting
-Right. I agree, for the most part. That said, it is what it is. Future information can still, in part, further illuminate and elaborate on past information. For instance, an article on...Sembia would have to discuss, in part, the Shade occupation starting in the Twilight War novels. Such information would further elaborate and illuminate how things were in Sembia in 1375 DR, a Sembia that you're interested in.
Show
Just kidding!:P
-Right. I agree, for the most part. That said, it is what it is. Future information can still, in part, further illuminate and elaborate on past information. For instance, an article on...Sembia would have to discuss, in part, the Shade occupation starting in the Twilight War novels. Such information would further elaborate and illuminate how things were in Sembia in 1375 DR, a Sembia that you're interested in.
perhaps, but a few morsels does not make a subcription to DDi. The real problem is that I have lost interest in the Realms. period.
I've had to delete some content from this thread because it violates the Code of Conduct found here: http://forums.gleemax.com/community_coc.php
You are welcome to disagree with one another but please do so respectfully and constructively. Please don't tell people where they may or may not post, and do not call other posters trolls.
Thanks!
- Returned Abeir
- Skyfire / Calimshan
- Luruar
Cheers,
=Blue(23)
perhaps, but a few morsels does not make a subcription to DDi. The real problem is that I have lost interest in the Realms. period.
-Understood. But, like I said, I'd rather have the articles available, if I choose to want to read them, rather than not have them available.
-Understood. But, like I said, I'd rather have the articles available, if I choose to want to read them, rather than not have them available.
I agree with LK. In this case I have subscribed even though I am deeply unhappy about the way that the Realms have been taken. Why? Because would like the new lore available even if I don't agree with some of it. And as there is no other way of checking this out (I cannot for example wander into a book store and browse a printed copy of the magazine before buying it) I am left with only this option (a tactic I truly deplore).
I don't see this as patting WotC on the back though (although others will as WotC are getting my money) because I am likely to be vociferous about the things I either don't like or don't agree with :D ... and I can only do that if I know what they are.
I agree with LK. In this case I have subscribed even though I am deeply unhappy about the way that the Realms have been taken. Why? Because would like the new lore available even if I don't agree with some of it. And as there is no other way of checking this out (I cannot for example wander into a book store and browse a printed copy of the magazine before buying it) I am left with only this option (a tactic I truly deplore).
I don't see this as patting WotC on the back though (although others will as WotC are getting my money) because I am likely to be vociferous about the things I either don't like or don't agree with :D ... and I can only do that if I know what they are.
I actually prefer this model. $5 a month for extra content that you get to keep forever (or until the HDD it's on crashes) is pretty good.
I really wish more business (*glares at the movie industry*) would adopt this particular model.
When the content is reasonably small I find having it in digital format is easier, as opposed to the books which are easier as physical books.
Oh I don't mind it being in digital format. The thing that peeves me slightly is that I have to pay for it before I get the chance to see if any of it will interest me in the slightest.
you do have the synopses.
I know it's not the same, but still.
18DELTA
Looks like the votes are trickling down. If so I may just end the counting this weekend.
No. You can change your vote but only the last set posted will count.
-Drat! Well my post to day is my vote. Only changed Tymanther to Waterdeep. :D
18DELTA
Waterdeep
The City of Hope (The one Khelben died to help raise in the High Moore)
The Dalelands
Tymanther
Rashemen
Muranndin
Erlkazar
Baldur's Gate
Amn
-Understood. But, like I said, I'd rather have the articles available, if I choose to want to read them, rather than not have them available.
And I don't particularly care as I won't be reading them in all likelihood or anything else about the Realms for the forseeable future
-Then don't vote, then, whatever.
I didn't
Myth Drannor (Cormanthor)
Dambrath (still hoping to discover some surviving Crinti)
Moonsea
Vaasa
Baldur's Gate
Dalelands
18DELTA
17 Rashemen
14 Sembia
13 Waterdeep
12 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
11 Baldur's Gate
10 Dalelands
9 Moonsea
7 Moonshae Isles
7 Evermeet
7 Luruar (Silver Marches)
Evermeet
Calimshan
The world of Toril is incomplete. Faerun has had an influx of Shou, but we know so little of them. Give us the whole of the globe. Let us see the entire world. Eberron was better for this approach - Forgotten Realms could be too.
2. Netheril
3. The High Forest and what the Eladrin have done at Highstar Lake
4. Moonsea region + Cormanthyr post 1472
1. Sembia
2. Netheril
3. The High Forest and what the Eladrin have done at Highstar Lake
4. Moonsea region + Cormanthyr post 1472
Could those of who who are voting for Sembia please explain to me why it appeals to you? I am asking because me and my group of friends feel that Sembia is a pretty bland place, expecially to adventure in and we find it odd that Sembia is winning this poll.
Skyfire Emirates (Calimham);
Baldur´s Gate; and
Thay (I want to see how Szass Tam almost gained godhood... :D )
Could those of who who are voting for Sembia please explain to me why it appeals to you? I am asking because me and my group of friends feel that Sembia is a pretty bland place, expecially to adventure in and we find it odd that Sembia is winning this poll.
That may be for another thread, the OP asked not to talk about other peoples opinions. I would like to see this thread stay on track. Maybe another thread could be opened up and linked to this thread?
Could those of who who are voting for Sembia please explain to me why it appeals to you? I am asking because me and my group of friends feel that Sembia is a pretty bland place, expecially to adventure in and we find it odd that Sembia is winning this poll.
I find odd that Calimshan and Sembia are winning cause they're one of the most ruined places
also Waterdeep, 10 pages on Waterdeep aren't useful when you have thousands
Luruar
Baldur's Gate
Here are the top results through post #117.
17 Rashemen
17 Sembia
15 Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
13 Waterdeep
13 Baldur's Gate
12 Dalelands
9 Moonsea
8 Evermeet
8 Luruar
7 Moonshae Isles
Skyfire Emirates (Calimshan)
Baldur's Gate
Why am I suddenly tempted to create multiple alts to push Luiren to the top of the list... :evillaugh :D
-Sockpuppets? :embarrass
18DELTA :P
Baldur's Gate
High Imaskar
Why am I suddenly tempted to create multiple alts to push Luiren to the top of the list... :evillaugh :D
Just change your vote (if you voted), and list the same place three times.:P
Show
Obviously I'm joking.
Luruar
Evermeet
I am pretty confident that the chages i most want to see will come in novel form but they are in order
menzoberranzan
thay
sembia
alternates also in order
zakhara
evermeet
waterdeep
Given time and ample thought i have revised my vote to say
menzoberranzan
zakhara
evermeet
Balduer's Gate
Many Arrows
Three options is just not enough !
Turmish
Nethril.
In that order...;)
18DELTA
Even if you're favorite choice didn't make the top of list, don't loose heart. I have a soft spot for remote and unpopular regions of the Realms and there will be plenty of opportunities to expand their lore in the coming months and years.
But for now it looks like I may be starting a Rashemen or Sembia article soon. Unlike previous assignments, however, I hope to involve the Realms community in the design process from the very beginning.
Stay tuned!