History of the Forgotten Realms

[Zeric]

Bought the above mentoned book today. Looking forward to reading it. The "blurb" on the back page says:

"EXPLORE THE PAST, GLIMPSE THE FUTURE

From the dawn of recorded history through the ancient days of Netheril and the Fallen Kingdoms, to the Time of Troubles and the upheavals of the present day, this powerful tome presents the definitive history of the FORGOTTEN REALMS world.

Accompanied by anecdotes, diary entries, letters and historical texts created by famous Faerun personalities, an extensive and comprehensive timeline leads you through the eras of the world- including a sneak-peek into upcoming events."

The book itself has a VERY nice painting on the cover:



It runs in at 159 pages, is hardbacked and the binding looks to be of good quality.

I'll let you know how it pans out if I can be bothered...

[Dungeon Master]

Looks good, but again stick Drizzt on the cover and anyone will buy it

Saw this earlier on the WOTC website and I have to say it did interest me, though I wouldnt mind some of the proper sourcebooks. Serpent Kingdoms being number one on the list

[Cathmhaol]

Would you be offended if I said that anything with 'Forgotten Realms' on the cover doesn't exactly make me want to pick it up and read it? It just doesn't inspire me!

[Dungeon Master]

Not at all, juts means I havent done it great justice more than likely....

There is a discussion on the WOTC boards suggesting that for 4th edition they'll be jumping the whole world ahead by 100years, to get rid of some of the convoluted history.

The only reason I like it, is that it is a fairly standard high magic world. Thats it. I know it so I can use it the way I want to. However, there are a number of really annoying factors that can put off most gamers. I wont go into these, but suffice to say I am aware of them. So I avoid using them.

[Dungeon Master]

Here is what Ive managed to glean from another site, so Tom if your reading it. Dont bother to read on!

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Tyr kills Helm over Tymora. Tyr & Tymora were engaged to marry in an arranged marriage by Sune (some god of passion eh?). Ilmater leaves the Triad with Helms death.

The Drow Pantheon is reduced to Lolth and Eilistraee, the rest are killed or deposed.

And the coup de grace, Cyric and Shar kill Mystra in Dweomerheart & in the process kill Savras and depose Azuth and Velsharoon to the Astral plane. Magic goes scitzo everywhere through the "Spellplague" and, by admission, thousands of wizards are utterly destroyed or go insane. Cyric is imprisoned in his Supreme Throne by Lathander, Sune & Tyr. All the lesser and intermediate deities planes are immediately destroyed.

And the kicker? Khelben dead, Halaster blew himself up, & Elminster's Tower is destroyed and flung into another plane along with Elminster by the Shadovar.

Thats it! seems to be a huge change. Which I doubt we'll investigate here.

[Dungeon Master]

Well getting rid of Mystra, actually gets rid of the some of the reasons I dislike the Realms, The Chosen, so in essence it could be a good thing.

For Phils reference
forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Chosen

Though I have to say that I never use Powerful Iconic NPC's like that, it seems rather tasteless. If you want your players to defeat powerful Icons, design a decent BBEG (big bad evil guy) and let your players defeat him. He can be tailor made for your players, play to their strengths or weaknesses, etc etc etc.

Of course defeating a Lizard King that's been dead for a couple of hundred years and has the backing of some powerful allies may seem a little daunting at 3rd level.

Bwahahahaha!

Personally, there is nothing wrong with having iconic NPC's. I just view them as other peoples creations so I wont kill them off. However, as long as there is space for the players to grow, eg protect their own village or town or run their own mercenary corps. I dont see a problem with having higher level NPC's who can come around and put the frighteners on them when they step out of line somewhat.