| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Brian R. James |
Posted - 02 Oct 2008 : 22:46:03
We got great results on the WotC message boards, but now it's time to find out what the diehard Realms fans at Candlekeep.com think
The Forgotten Realms design team is seeking your feedback. We are currently evaluating which topics to cover in future Realmslore articles on D&D Insider, and would like to determine what longstanding fans of the Realms view as the 15 or 20 most pressing subjects to cover. In particular we are looking to fill any gaps in lore which were not covered adequately in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide.
For example:
- The fate of specific gods (or primordials) (e.g. Deneir, Eldath, Ubtao, Shaundakul)
- The existence of realms not mentioned in the FRCG (e.g. Hartsvale, Semphar, Icewind Dale, Border Kingdoms)
- Continents beyond Faerûn (e.g. Anchorome, Kara-Tur, Zakhara, Katashaka, Osse)
- Mechanical elements that folks want to see addressed (e.g. bladesingers, runecasters, firearms, spellfire, missing regional feats from the FRPG)
- Races missing from the FRPG (e.g. Avariel, Wild Dwarves, Fey, ‘Redeemed’ Dark Elves)
- The fate of major NPCs (e.g. The Chosen of Mystra, Alusair Nacacia, Piergon Paladinson, Gareth Dragonsbane, Liriel Baenre, Artus Cimber)
- Important events in the “missing century” (e.g. The 2nd Era of Skyfire, Grand History updates, What did the Chosen do to fight the Spellplague?)
- Organizations to explore in more detail (e.g. The Church of Selûne, The Knights of Myth Drannor, The Dwarves of Iltkazar)
- Other story elements that don’t seem plausible or haven’t been adequately explained
- Article format: Would you prefer to see more features like Backdrop Cormyr, Ecology of series, Planar articles, or something else entirely.
- What ratio of lore vs. mechanics do you prefer?
This thread should remain specific and constructive; its purpose to help us prioritize future Realmslore articles. This is not the proper place tell us the things you hate most about the 4E Realms. Of course, some solutions/revelations are already in the works. The fate of Mask, for instance, will be revealed in an upcoming Paul Kemp novel series.
So what say you? What mysteries would you like to see addressed?
[UPDATED 10-20-2008]
Thank you very much for all the great feedback. This thread will remain to collect general feedback forthe Realms team, but I would now like to draw your attention to a new post narrower in focus. I am now soliciting feedback for the top three regions you would like to see covered in a Dragon Backdrop article, much like the Backdrop: Cormyr article released previously.
Despite my unabashed love for Candlekeep, I'm going to ask you to please navigate over to the WotC boards http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1103516 to read more and cast your vote.
[UPDATED 10-31-2008]
Alright folks. The "pick your top 3 regions to see in Dragon" poll conducted on the WotC boards 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!
In the meantime, please continue to offer up your general suggestions in this thread. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ashe Ravenheart |
Posted - 03 Aug 2010 : 19:46:56
quote:
Originally posted by Matt James
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I'd like to see something about those who still venerate Mystra and are working to bring her back. In the whole wide realms is think there would have to be more than a few with that goal.
Nothing dealing with Mystra will be accepted-- unfortunately.
Unless you're Ed, of course:
quote:
Elminster Must Die!, Chapter 29
"So ye see, lass, that’s the dream I’m still living for: imparting hope, making this little thing better and then that one, for all, not just the rulers and the rich . . . and doing it all in the name of Mystra."
|
| Matt James |
Posted - 03 Aug 2010 : 18:47:32
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I'd like to see something about those who still venerate Mystra and are working to bring her back. In the whole wide realms is think there would have to be more than a few with that goal.
Nothing dealing with Mystra will be accepted-- unfortunately. |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 21 Jul 2010 : 00:26:45
I'd like to see something about those who still venerate Mystra and are working to bring her back. In the whole wide realms is think there would have to be more than a few with that goal. |
| sfdragon |
Posted - 20 Jul 2010 : 22:14:47
I'd like an article complete with color image of Fox at TWilight.........the fey jack must be pleased... |
| Markustay |
Posted - 19 Jul 2010 : 17:57:09
Definitely DDi, which means paid for.
Nothing in life is really free. 
As an aside, I don't think Erik has any say over how they use his articles once they purchase them. Many things 'sold' by Ed to them have yet to see the light of day. |
| Zireael |
Posted - 19 Jul 2010 : 10:35:50
Will those articles you're asking us about be free or Insider-only, Erik? |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 19 Jul 2010 : 04:04:56
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Razz, I don't have anything to do with the NDA situation, but I do think it isn't at all clear that nobody's going to do anything with anything covered under NDAs. I don't see why someone couldn't pitch a Lantan article, or something else covered by NDAs.
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I want to see what in the 4e , happened with Walker and his and Arya's child
Have you read my Realms of the Dead story? Because that contains a hint or two. 
Cheers
Of course I read it!
It just that I have slept a lot since then
Looks like a re-read is in order. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 19 Jul 2010 : 03:05:24
quote:
Originally posted by HawkinstheDM
quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
A series of spotlight articles on the Greater Gods of the Realms and their Churches and Exarchs and mini-pantheons.
This would be good. I always loved the complexity of the Realmsian pantheons, and the tiny bit provided for us in the FRCG was pitiful at best. Also, histories going into the "whys" of the splitting of various deities into their pre-4e aspects (i.e. Talos and Gruumsh) and the stories of the re-absorption of said aspects would be nice. Similar to the Faiths and Pantheons description as to how Tyche was split into Tymora and Beshaba.
Good stuff Hawkins. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 19 Jul 2010 : 03:01:45
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
I would love a series of articles on the Wards of Waterdeep. 10 pages for each one. A series of articles on the Dales. Again 10 pages each.
Oooh! 10 page articles for each of the Border Kingdoms. 
   |
| Hawkins |
Posted - 19 Jul 2010 : 01:47:27
quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
A series of spotlight articles on the Greater Gods of the Realms and their Churches and Exarchs and mini-pantheons.
This would be good. I always loved the complexity of the Realmsian pantheons, and the tiny bit provided for us in the FRCG was pitiful at best. Also, histories going into the "whys" of the splitting of various deities into their pre-4e aspects (i.e. Talos and Gruumsh) and the stories of the re-absorption of said aspects would be nice. Similar to the Faiths and Pantheons description as to how Tyche was split into Tymora and Beshaba. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 19 Jul 2010 : 01:34:02
quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
I would love a series of articles on the Wards of Waterdeep. 10 pages for each one. A series of articles on the Dales. Again 10 pages each.
Oooh! 10 page articles for each of the Border Kingdoms. |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 18 Jul 2010 : 22:08:59
Razz, I don't have anything to do with the NDA situation, but I do think it isn't at all clear that nobody's going to do anything with anything covered under NDAs. I don't see why someone couldn't pitch a Lantan article, or something else covered by NDAs.
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I want to see what in the 4e , happened with Walker and his and Arya's child
Have you read my Realms of the Dead story? Because that contains a hint or two.
Cheers |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 18 Jul 2010 : 02:48:25
I would love a series of articles on the Wards of Waterdeep. 10 pages for each one. A series of articles on the Dales. Again 10 pages each.
A series of spotlight articles on the Greater Gods of the Realms and their Churches and Exarchs and mini-pantheons. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 18 Jul 2010 : 01:53:30
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Was it Lantan or Nibral that was destroyed? 
Lantan was "mostly" destroyed by the great tsunamis that inundated the island, after the shifting of the continents. When the region emerged from the waters, the majority of its people and technology, as such, were gone. The island still exists, but 'tis greatly reduced in size.
Nimbral simply vanished as a result of the same tsunamis that destroyed Lantan. Some say it still exists, cloaked in illusion, while others insist that is lies deep beneath the waves. There are other theories, also, that suggest Nimbral was spirited away to some another plane or world. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 18 Jul 2010 : 00:45:37
quote:
Originally posted by Razz
Since you guys are never really going to do anything with Lantan, and it's completely destroyed and clearly not ever returning, why not lift the NDA on it so we can get all the info on that place? (I doubt they'll be DDI or used in novels, since the 4E Realms no longer concentrates so much on the past, there being very little crunch in it and all).
Actually, what we could use, is a lot of stuff that can have its NDA lifted off since it no longer has a place in the 4E Realms. That would be sweet and an awesome service to longtime FR fans abroad.
As has been mentioned before, leaving an NDA in place is free. Lifting it takes time and effort -- hence money. And WotC has moved away from the days of them spending money to give us something we're not spending money on. |
| Brace Cormaeril |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 23:30:49
quote:
Originally posted by Mr_Miscellany
Maybe a chance to tie together some loose lore strings?
An opportunity for the scribes of Candlekeep, me'thinks. |
| Mr_Miscellany |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 23:11:17
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
We have to remember that a certain percentage of any article on the DDi has to be crunch (I forget the exact % - I believe it is in their writer's guidelines).
It depends on which magazine (Dragon or Dungeon) the article appears in.
I've found articles (by Ed and others) in Dungeon with no crunch in them at all, whereas Dragon is highly player-centric and chock full of rules.
An article by Erik or whomever could easily focus on history through a simple summary or timeline, ending with adventure hooks keyed to the interests of various nations, city-states and factions vying for the "next big magical secret" sure to make their mages preeminent over all others.
I'd like to see new Realms-flavored magic items in such an article (or spells or rituals), along with the names of any mages who were key in rebuilding the New Art post-Spellplague.
Some discussion of past or older lore (like what secrets of old Netheril were key for the Shadovar to excel at magic post-Spellplague) would be nice to.
Maybe a chance to tie together some loose lore strings? |
| Markustay |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 21:01:52
Was it Lantan or Nibral that was destroyed?
so hard to keep track of everything that happened. |
| Razz |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 20:33:19
Since you guys are never really going to do anything with Lantan, and it's completely destroyed and clearly not ever returning, why not lift the NDA on it so we can get all the info on that place? (I doubt they'll be DDI or used in novels, since the 4E Realms no longer concentrates so much on the past, there being very little crunch in it and all).
Actually, what we could use, is a lot of stuff that can have its NDA lifted off since it no longer has a place in the 4E Realms. That would be sweet and an awesome service to longtime FR fans abroad. |
| arry |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 11:19:08
Double post. |
| arry |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 11:18:11
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by arry
I would like to see more information on Ostoria or the civilization that originally built the Citadel of the Raven. Or does it have to be in the contemporary 4e Realms?
It has to be modern 4e Realms, but it can be something *rooted* in history/older editions.
Some of these suggestions are quite apt and look very doable. Keep the ideas coming, or if you see one you love, second/third/fourth it!
Cheers
Thanks for the clarification. |
| Zireael |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 09:10:19
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
FR Channel Divinities that need to be written?
Lloth.
quote:
quote:
Explore City XXX articles you'd like?
Neverwinter or Myth Drannor after the Return
Seconded. I'd love Ched Nasad or Menzo though too.
All of the above if they come out free, not Insider-only. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 04:56:37
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Mr_Miscellany
Something on my “probably will never happen” wish list is a detailed account of the struggle to re-learn magic after the Spellplague.
Seconded. I've been somewhat curious about this myself. I've plotted a few points, based on the majority of arcane mechanisms I've written into my Realms, and in my own interpretation of the [eventual] Spellplague-scenario I'll probably run in one of my alternate Realms campaigns. But, I'd still like to see some further facts from an official standpoint.
We have to remember that a certain percentage of any article on the DDi has to be crunch (I forget the exact % - I believe it is in their writer's guidelines). What that means is that an article MUST lend itself to rules, and I'd be hard-pressed to figure-out how one could do that writing such an article as you suggest.
Still, I agree whole-heartedly that that was a very interesting era to simply ignore.
A historic article, on the other hand, could contain some interesting magical items, or 'ancient magical traditions' (4e's powers) that could have been re-discovered, so one about Netheril or Ostoria would work. One concentrating on stuff during a period of no-or-chaotic magic (such as immediately following the Spellplague) would be very hard to create solid crunch for, IMHO.
Then again, that would be a great period to focus on if they ever wanted a 'Wild Magic' Power-source. |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 03:17:33
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by arry
I would like to see more information on Ostoria or the civilization that originally built the Citadel of the Raven. Or does it have to be in the contemporary 4e Realms?
It has to be modern 4e Realms, but it can be something *rooted* in history/older editions.
Some of these suggestions are quite apt and look very doable. Keep the ideas coming, or if you see one you love, second/third/fourth it!
Cheers
I want to see what in the 4e , happened with Walker and his and Arya'd child |
| The Sage |
Posted - 17 Jul 2010 : 02:19:56
quote:
Originally posted by Mr_Miscellany
Something on my “probably will never happen” wish list is a detailed account of the struggle to re-learn magic after the Spellplague.
Seconded. I've been somewhat curious about this myself. I've plotted a few points, based on the majority of arcane mechanisms I've written into my Realms, and in my own interpretation of the [eventual] Spellplague-scenario I'll probably run in one of my alternate Realms campaigns. But, I'd still like to see some further facts from an official standpoint.
|
| Mr_Miscellany |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 17:34:23
Give me more Shade.
I'm certain several scribes would gag at the thought of more on the Shadovar, but I'm all about wanting to know how Netheril has changed and developed. It's a huge nation trying to renew itself to its former glory and ought to have a write up along the lines of the excellent Backdrop: Cormyr article done up in the E-version of Dragon Magazine, including timeline and a kick-ass map.
Something on my “probably will never happen” wish list is a detailed account of the struggle to re-learn magic after the Spellplague. I’m assuming (dangerous, I know) lots of covert conflict amongst the preeminent magical powers (Myth Drannor/Evereska vs. Netheril, with Cormyr desperately trying to keep up), each trying to be the first to re-master magic and be dominant in the New Art (my term) while war rages between Cormyr and Sembia.
Now that I think on it some more, I’m a bit more interested in the 100 years between the Spellplague and the current 4E FRCG start time, what with all the wars, strife and struggle between the Elves, the Shadovar and humans of Cormyr, Sembia and the Dales.
Thanks Erik for taking the time to ask us what we're interested in seeing. It's most appreciated.
|
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 16:44:49
quote:
Originally posted by arry
I would like to see more information on Ostoria or the civilization that originally built the Citadel of the Raven. Or does it have to be in the contemporary 4e Realms?
It has to be modern 4e Realms, but it can be something *rooted* in history/older editions.
Some of these suggestions are quite apt and look very doable. Keep the ideas coming, or if you see one you love, second/third/fourth it!
Cheers |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 16:40:01
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Hmmmmm... maybe you can give us a few examples of regions you would be allowed to explore? I understand quite a bit was 'left blank' for specific reasons (Evermeet, Nimbral, etc), so it would probably be easier for you to give us a short list of what you can do, or would like to do.
Aside from the risk of that being a little circular, no, I don't think that would be easier (since the Realms are so vastly panoramic) and, in fact, I have no clue what I "can" or can't do. I have a strong sense that I can't cover something that's already got a DDI article, for starters. (There's another thread here on the boards that lists them, or at least links to the WotC boards.)
What I'm looking for in this request is suggestions of things people are hungering for, because the entire purpose of game design for me is to please the gamers (i.e., you guys!).
Cheers |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 16:35:55
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
The Red Knight is wayyyyyyy overdue for some love!
On that note, I once had a PC in one of my games who *was* romantically involved with the Red Knight . . . from before she became a goddess. Her apotheosis made their relationship a bit . . . complicated.
Cheers |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 14:40:34
For me, to qualify as "Realmslore" you would have to have a couple of pargraphs at the minimum, or an "article" type full write up of something.
These are just teasers plani and simple. I like teaserts, who doesn't??
The problem is not the content, but the intent.
It obvious that wizards choice to label this Free Realmslore on it calander was to create a buzz. Congrats to them, they did that. Too bad its a 50/50 plus minus buzz at best, when it could have been all good. |
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