Haven't played D&D since 2nd Edition and back then I was a big fan of FR. Now I'm starting my first new campaign in heaven knows how long and will be starting with Shadowfell and continuing the trilogy. I downloaded the Forgotten Realms translation and read through it, looks pretty sharp and I'm considering dropping the campaign into that world. Problem is I know nothing about the current gods, races or classes and that could be an issue.
Is there any reference to what gods/races/classes are going to be used in the new FR setting? Would you folks recommend I just stick with a generic world for now and possibly port things over once the campaign book is out, or would it be relatively easy to start there? Are races like Dragonborn and Tieflings now in the realms?
Any help is appreciated.
However, regarding the gods, we don't know yet. The 4E FR sourcebooks will be out this August.
As RF said, just about everything except deities should be core. I'd say play through KotS with the conversion guide, then let everyone Realmsify their characters in August/September.
Would you folks recommend I just stick with a generic world for now and possibly port things over once the campaign book is out, or would it be relatively easy to start there?
I think you can quite easily get started in the 4E Forgotten Realms.
Just use The Keep on the Shadowefell adventure and download the FR conversion .pdf file (for free) so you can keep a Realms flavor going.
If your players want to ask more about the Realms, just explain you're using what you have and more will come to light when the 4E FR Campaign Guide is released in August (and FR Player's Guide in September[??]).
If you have any specific questions feel free to post 'em here. We're glad to help you out.
BTW I just started doing in my campaign what I suggest doing in yours, so I'm happy to help.
Is there any reference to what gods/races/classes are going to be used in the new FR setting?
When it comes to races and classes, pretty much every race and class is available. Definitely everything that you'll find in the PHB is available, as are many of the monsters which're written up as PC's in the back of the Monster Manual.
Are races like Dragonborn and Tieflings now in the realms?
Yes to both, and in the case of Tieflings, they've been a regular part of the Realms for the past eight years at least.
Ignore the abomination they're trying to pass off as 4th edition Realms. Mostly because it isn't the Realms.
Very enthusiastic there, guys. ;)
-Hey, it's a very vague and general question. It could theoretically be answered with a simple 'Yes' or 'No', if someone wanted to answer like that. :P
-Hey, it's a very vague and general question. It could theoretically be answered with a simple 'Yes' or 'No', if someone wanted to answer like that. :P
Right. if it has to be 4E Realms you are better off with the core
Either way thanks for the answers.Mr Miscellany: What are you doing about gods? I've got a Paladin in the party so I'll need something. At this point I suppose I could use the gods in the PHB and alter them when the FR Campaign Guide comes out, is that how you're handling it?
At this point I suppose I could use the gods in the PHB and alter them when the FR Campaign Guide comes out, is that how you're handling it?
-If you are planning things to be set in the existing Forgotten Realms (you didn't specify), Faiths and Pantheons exists. If you are planning things to be set in the 4e Forgotten Realms (you didn't specify), we will not have any concrete information on what deities survive and survive as deities until the FRCG.
-If you are planning things to be set in the existing Forgotten Realms (you didn't specify), Faiths and Pantheons exists. If you are planning things to be set in the 4e Forgotten Realms (you didn't specify), we will not have any concrete information on what deities survive and survive as deities until the FRCG.
Correct. But as a guess, gods that existed in both 3ed FR and 4ed Core are probably a safe bet. Moradin, Corellon, Bahamut, Bane, Gruumsh, Lolth, and Tiamet will probably be in.
Very enthusiastic there, guys. ;)
I must admit I'm confused by this comment. Was I supposed to come off as "enthusiatic"?
The vast majority of my posts are written in a normal, neutral speaking tone. The same goes for most other posters.I must admit I'm confused by this comment. Was I supposed to come off as "enthusiatic"?
You should have said "yes! yes! whoo hooooo!!!"
ya know, like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally
Unlike most here, I've already started using 4E in the 4E Realms based on what we know of it from the ample information provided online and via Grand History.
:::::::::::::
OK, we know Shar is still around. We can be reasonably certain Bane is still around (he's a core deity now).
You should have said "yes! yes! whoo hooooo!!!"
ya know, like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally
Dirty minded, little man.
Yes, you should use 1st edition, 2nd edition, or 3rd edition Realms.
Ignore the abomination they're trying to pass off as 4th edition Realms. Mostly because it isn't the Realms.
I find that laugh-able considering 2nd or 2.5 (AD&D) has convoluted, hodge-podge mechanics. Why bother to post anything when it's so negative?
I wouldn't quite call it vague, but general perhaps
Mr Miscellany: What are you doing about gods? I've got a Paladin in the party so I'll need something. At this point I suppose I could use the gods in the PHB and alter them when the FR Campaign Guide comes out, is that how you're handling it?
For a paladin, I'd suggest Torm, Amaunator (Lathander's evolved form), Sune, or Selune. Bahamut is okay too, I guess, but those other deities have a more authentic Realms feel to them.
Tyr and Helm are out in 4e Realms.
If you have a cleric in the party, I'd suggest making all Channel Divinity feats available despite any deity choices. You can then reflavor them to suit the patron deity. This avoids the lack-of-suitable-feat-for-my-deity problem.
Correct. But as a guess, gods that existed in both 3ed FR and 4ed Core are probably a safe bet. Moradin, Corellon, Bahamut, Bane, Gruumsh, Lolth, and Tiamet will probably be in.
-I'd be silly if there weren't in the Forgotten Realms anymore. I'm hoping they haven;t been change/rewritten very much beyond what we know they have always been. I don't want Gruumsh being a, uh...you know, Orcish Philosopher deity now, or something.
You should have said "yes! yes! whoo hooooo!!!"
ya know, like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally
Mr Miscellany: What are you doing about gods? I've got a Paladin in the party so I'll need something. At this point I suppose I could use the gods in the PHB and alter them when the FR Campaign Guide comes out, is that how you're handling it?
OMG believe it or not I totally missed this question.
Sorry HailToTheThief. :embarrass :embarrass :embarrass
Right now I have no clerics and only one Paladin in my 4E game (half-drow with aasimar blood --the daughter of two of the PCs in my 3.5 game). She venerates Aumanator, who I understand is in 4E.
The paladin advice already posted in the thread by others seems good advice to me. Torm is an excellent choice (as Mula suggested).
Aside from players choices RE: the gods and character classes, I intend to stick with Torm, Bane, Shar, Selune, Chauntea and Ellistraee (canon would advise against this last, but I'm cool with it for now because the issue hasn't been "settled" in my concurent 3.5 game).
I want to keep things focused on the H series of adventures and basically dodge smart player questions on the deities until WotC gives us preview information about the setting of the FR Campaign Guide comes out.
I hope this helps.
:D
To the OP: You could always try just using the core setting. It looks nicely done.
why?
why?
LOL, can't explain it all right now, too tired.
But I like what's there, and there's plenty of room to fill in what details you want.LOL, can't explain it all right now, too tired.
oh. come on. You know I'm interested so get un-tired
As for the core setting, it has numerous things that're appealing about it. For instance, the pantheon is very nice. Bahamut, Tiamat, Asmodeus, the Raven Queen, Vecna, Ioun, etc. Then there's the general background of the campaign. It's somewhat post-apocalyptic. You had these great empires, Bael-Turath and Arkhosia, and they destroyed each other in a massive war. The only other great nation, Nerath, was destroyed by barbarian hordes. So the land is covered in the ruins of fallen empires, and civilization is near non-existent. It gives the whole setting an air of danger. You gotta stick to the roads, because who knows what horrors lie beyond the well-trod paths. And of course, there're other things, like the Temple of Elemental Evil being located there. Eladrin cities from the Feywild which appear in the world at some points, and then disappear back into the Feywild, and so on. I like the sound of everything I've read for it.
"Too tired". An all-too common excuse. Apparently it's hardwired into the DNA of every woman in existance. :P
nearly as popular as the headache excuse
"Too tired". An all-too common excuse. Apparently it's hardwired into the DNA of every woman in existance. :P
Hey!!
You know, I'd argue with you about that except...
I'm too tired.
"Too tired". An all-too common excuse. Apparently it's hardwired into the DNA of every woman in existance. :P
Bah!:P
As for the core setting, it has numerous things that're appealing about it. For instance, the pantheon is very nice. Bahamut, Tiamat, Asmodeus, the Raven Queen, Vecna, Ioun, etc. Then there's the general background of the campaign. It's somewhat post-apocalyptic. You had these great empires, Bael-Turath and Arkhosia, and they destroyed each other in a massive war. The only other great nation, Nerath, was destroyed by barbarian hordes. So the land is covered in the ruins of fallen empires, and civilization is near non-existent. It gives the whole setting an air of danger. You gotta stick to the roads, because who knows what horrors lie beyond the well-trod paths. And of course, there're other things, like the Temple of Elemental Evil being located there. Eladrin cities from the Feywild which appear in the world at some points, and then disappear back into the Feywild, and so on. I like the sound of everything I've read for it.
Could I steal this explanation?:P
Anyway, yeah, the eladrin cities are particularly appealing to me.
And I already have a few character concepts floating around in my head that I'd love to use. Such as a female elven warlock with the fey pact.And I already have a few character concepts floating around in my head that I'd love to use. Such as a female elven warlock with the fey pact.
I loved that pic in Races & Classes of the female elven warlock. It is a cool concept I agree. Perhaps even a whole organization of them hidden with elven society
I loved that pic in Races & Classes of the female elven warlock. It is a cool concept I agree. Perhaps even a whole organization of them hidden with elven society
That pic was an inspiration of mine, yes.;)
There could be an organization of such warlocks, although I see my particular character as being more solitary.
That pic was an inspiration of mine, yes.;)
I'm with you. It was nice art. Besides I like redheads
I'm with you. It was nice art. Besides I like redheads
Heehee, yes, I liked her red hair.
Heehee, yes, I liked her red hair.
she looked cool
Drop 4E and use a game system actually worth the paper its written on. HERO or GURPS. Tunnels and Trolls or Hackmaster would even be better. Stick with your Second edition books if youre cheap.
Um....how isn't this Trolling?
Anyways, as people probably have mentioned, at least sit down at the store and go through the 4E FRCG in August. If you enjoy the book and like some if not all of the changes, I'd say go for it. If you don't like the direction FR has gone, you can still use all the 3E lore with 4th mechanics. That being said, only you can decide and I wouldn't let people who loathe or love the new stuff sway you greatly.
If you don't like the direction FR has gone, you can still use all the 3E lore with 4th mechanics.
Yep. At the very least, it'll be worthwhile to get some 3E Prestige Classes and the like converted to Paragon Paths. And of course, there're also write ups for Genasi and Drow player characters, as well as the Swordmage class, which I'm REALLY looking forward to!
Yep. At the very least, it'll be worthwhile to get some 3E Prestige Classes and the like converted to Paragon Paths. And of course, there're also write ups for Genasi and Drow player characters, as well as the Swordmage class, which I'm REALLY looking forward to!
I honestly didn't even think about the prestige-turned-paragon paths. I'm guessing Purple Dragon Knight...but for the Fighter or Paladin? And then there's the Bladesinger which could be a paragon of the Swordmage. Soooo many options i'm almost giddy, lol.
Yep. At the very least I'm hoping we'll see Purple Dragon Knight, Bladesinger, Harper, Hathran, and Spellfire Channeler.
well. Thats true. Battlerager is another
Can we even have a spellfire channeler without the Weave? Or will they be spellplague channelers?
-Sure. Raw Magic (which Spellfire is a manifestation of) is independent of the Weave.
I honestly didn't even think about the prestige-turned-paragon paths. I'm guessing Purple Dragon Knight...but for the Fighter or Paladin? And then there's the Bladesinger which could be a paragon of the Swordmage. Soooo many options i'm almost giddy, lol.
I didn't think about that either, that's the sort of thing that would be useful even if you don't go with the canon timeline. Now I'm in a dilemma.
I plan to pick up the 4e rules, but they won't include things like that which will be in the FRCG.Maybe I'll have to do something illegal. I really don't want to give a tick to the new 4e Realms by buying the FRCG.
-As for 4e Realms, don't have too much hope that it will be anything like the Old Realms. Not saying it will totally blow, but it woudn't be what you remember (unless you adventure in the Sword Coast, which is mostly unchanged due to the fact that they need it intact for video games).
I plan to pick up the 4e rules, but they won't include things like that which will be in the FRCG.
Maybe I'll have to do something illegal. I really don't want to give a tick to the new 4e Realms by buying the FRCG.
Buy the books second-hand. Simple solution, and legal.
-I personally would just recommend going with the core setting, which as numerous posters have already stated, is very nice and has lots of potential, especially since it is open and uncanonized, which means you can feel free to add your own details. Add whatever Realms elements you please.
Amen to that!
Amen to that!
rubbing it in again?
Now that all dieties are able to have Paladins (*rubs hands for Bane worshiping Paladins*), has the question of which dieties are good for Paladins been invalidated? I remember something in an earlier edition (3.5?) about specialty priests in the Realms...would they have been replaced by the new Paladins? Dunno, but it sounds like an idea worth exploring.
Not really sure what the question is. But reguarding the clerics, there are Divinity Feats which pertain to different deities like the ones found in the PH. I'm assuming they're going to have FR specific feats reguarding their deities. Paladins,on the other hand, are more like the "Right Hand" of their patron deity than specialty priests.
Back to the OP though, I don't see why you would have any trouble (other than some extra paperwork to convert) using an earlier edition of the Realms (1-3.5). Granted to make the transition easier for new players you might want to include all of the material in the Core books (Dragonborn and Tieflings (which come off as cut rate Fey ri IMO)) and/or use the 4e version. For those who don't wish to move on to the new FRCS (4e) I fail to see a compelling reason to do so.
The Realms (for all their background and glory) are what you make of them. If Mystra makes you happy, use Mystra. I never really had much use for changing of the pantheon beyond their 1st edition paragraph descriptions but that might just be me.
(Gruumsh however, will forever be the father of the Orcish pantheon in all of his One Eyed crankyness...YMMV)
Now that all dieties are able to have Paladins (*rubs hands for Bane worshiping Paladins*), has the question of which dieties are good for Paladins been invalidated?
-Yeah, more or less.
I remember something in an earlier edition (3.5?) about specialty priests in the Realms...would they have been replaced by the new Paladins? Dunno, but it sounds like an idea worth exploring.
-Perhaps this is the route they will take. I don't think so, though. Specialty Priests were from 2e, and basically gave a priest of whoever a little extra "individuality". These aren't exact examples, but a priest of Valkur, for example, would be able to cast a spell to breathe water at a certain level. A priestess of Leira would be able to see through illusions. at a certain level. Things like that. The idea wasn't present in 3e until the 'Initiate of...' feats, and even then, they weren't as powerful.
I'm assuming they're going to have FR specific feats reguarding their deities.
The odds of that are pretty good. Remember the pregen characters from DDXP? They were written with LFR in mind, and the Cleric of Amaunator had a Channel Divinity Feat called 'Power of Amaunator'. That's something we'll probably see in the FRPG, and it's likely it won't be the only such Feat.
rubbing it in again?
Yeah.:P
--Perhaps this is the route they will take. I don't think so, though. Specialty Priests were from 2e, and basically gave a priest of whoever a little extra "individuality". These aren't exact examples, but a priest of Valkur, for example, would be able to cast a spell to breathe water at a certain level. A priestess of Leira would be able to see through illusions. at a certain level. Things like that. The idea wasn't present in 3e until the 'Initiate of...' feats, and even then, they weren't as powerful.
I do miss specialty priests. I have not gotten my books yet, so I am not sure how much of that they could do, but if the new rules create the ability for a wide range of character builds.
I do wonder though if we will eventually get a feat that allows us to change the energy type of cleric/paladin spells. The DMG does suggest using necrotic for evil NPCs and I could see clerics of Zehir or in the realms of Sseth, Set or Talona using poison, Auril using Cold, Talos lightning etc. . .
But even among the good deities some simply should not be using radiant.
Well I consider Divinity feats a certain and paragon paths could interpret specialty priests as well if not better than prestige classes.
perhaps. I would like to see some FR deity specific paragon paths myself
I am pretty sure Rich said that we are getting some paragon paths for FR deities (some might get one, some more, some none if I remember correctly).
-If not, they're going to be using those special feats/abilities dependent on the deity, so...Close enough. The 3e "Initiate of..." feats didn't cut it, and hopefully 4e will make those more worthwhile.
-If not, they're going to be using those special feats/abilities dependent on the deity, so...Close enough. The 3e "Initiate of..." feats didn't cut it, and hopefully 4e will make those more worthwhile.
Most of the Initiate Feats were hit or miss with their powers and granted bonus spells not to mention the stupid requirements for some but not others. Initiate of Lathander (required cleric level 1st).......Initiate of Tyr (required cleric level 7th)??? Just didn't make sense. A more universal approach should've been done and requirements should've been 'Able to cast 1st level divine spells and required patron deity'.
-I took Initiate of Lathander for a character of mine, but that was only because (If I recall correctly), it was a prerequisite for the Morninglord PrC.
I don't see you as the morninglord type
I don't see you as the morninglord type
-My favorite character. I am very much the Morninglord-type. Remember, I am nothing in real life like I am on the boards. It's mostly a charade to boost my fragile and low self-esteem.
-My favorite character. I am very much the Morninglord-type. Remember, I am nothing in real life like I am on the boards. It's mostly a charade to boost my fragile and low self-esteem.
Really? I am exactly the same
Really? I am exactly the same
-Awesome!
I have to hold back here to avoid being accused of flaming or trolling.
-A flaming troll. What a paradoxical life.
-A flaming troll. What a paradoxical life.
I thought there was one of those in a book somewhere, acid was the only thing that would kill it... Of course Acid just makes me worse...
(oh wait you wanna be a cop... I didn't just say that)
I thought there was one of those in a book somewhere, acid was the only thing that would kill it...
-I don't know. There were plenty of variations, though, so I wouldn't be surprised.
-Awesome!
not particularly no