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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 19:26:18
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I'm onboard. I trust Ed (who seems a bit uncomfortable with the responcability of steering the lore team to appease all fans) to do a tremendous job with his new position as the Lore Captain of the Realms. I can't imagine anyone better. The coming 24 months will test his mettle, and I just hope he knows when to say 'no' to desires of his design team AND certain fans alike. But all in all I think Ed can do this.
I definately look forward to the art and design teams filling in of the little details that make the Realms' cultures stand out. I think offering fans the underlying elements of each of the realms cultures in a visual way can revitalise the importance of the little details that make the Realms so great. For an example of this check out the starting and ending pages of the old Faiths and Avatars book. I loved the intricate design of all the typical clerical vestments shown, which helped complete the image of a cleric in the minds eye.
How does a commoner from Suzail differ from the the one in Amn? Ed knows this already but printed FR never got the time to offer such examples. Going back to things like this will help all DM's no matter the era they prefer, as with a little tweaking and elbowgrease a DM can steal such details and use them in describing his NPCs where or whenever they hail from. Also, I think Schindette artstyle is superb.
Make a big fat setting book filled to the brim with this kind of insight into the realms and I'll gleefully gobble it up.
Getting pumped! |
My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
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Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6448 Posts |
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Irennan
Great Reader
Italy
3823 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 19:59:22
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quote:
Originally posted by dazzlerdal
[...]
I really dont want a sourcebook with both pre and post spellplague versions of lore in it together, for one it will be confusing as hell and secondly it will mean less lore for both eras as the lore they do manage to fit in will be split.
Not to mention that we'd pay the whole price for a fraction of the product if they did so... |
Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 00:32:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
One question though: El's Forgotten Realms was, I thought, a one-off and something of a fluke. It's Ed's Realms from the single-chef days, and while useful for the TSR/WotC Realms (and something I desperately want), I don't really see how it has anything to do with 5e. Does it?
Yes and no.
As of right now, its a one-off. If it flies off the shelves and they can't keep up with demand, then we will see 'more of the same' (this right from the source, or multiple sources actually). We are literally 'voting with our wallets' right now, more then ever before. Expect to see several different styles of products over the next two years (lets call this period 4.5), as a test bed of what sells and what doesn't.
Like I said, the new direction is not the best case scenario (for me), but I really feel there was no way in hell they were going to please everyone with everything, so if you think you'll mostly like it, then thats a good thing. Buy what you like, ignore what you don't.
I am very interested in the new novels series, after listening to the authors (several times), and I know I will be reading at least five of them. I really have zero interest in Malik & Cyric, so thats all I am going to say about that.
One of my few complaints is that they need more 'big personality' people pushing their stuff. It was bit too laid-back. I met way too many "Paizo forever!" zealots at the con, and you are not going to win them over (or back) by passive resistance. Take note at the aggressive way Fantasy Flight was running their booth - they sold me a game before I even knew what I was doing.
I think WotC was counting too much on their VG interface to pull the folks in, and I don't think that was the best tactic at this particular convention. It would have nice to see some P&P gaming going on somewhere in their booth. If not for the 15' tall Lolth, I doubt they would have had much traffic at all. Highlighting a video interface rather then traditional RPG play was a bit of a miss, IMHO, especially right now. Bottom line - FR's future is looking pretty good, but D&D's seems to lack commitment.
Also got to meet James Lowder, which was a pleasant surprise for all. The man's charisma nearly matches Ed (the two of them took over the room). They should just hire him as their convention evangelist (Ed would be perfect, but he already wears too many hats). I was sad Steven Schend didn't make it, but I did get to speak with Eric Boyd several times, which was awesome. RAS couldn't make it either, although he was scheduled for several events. Oh well... win some, lose some.
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"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 20 Aug 2012 00:53:54 |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 00:48:59
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quote:
Originally posted by crazedventurers
quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
A DIRECTOR'S CUT OF THE HAUNTED HALLS?!?!?!?!
YES!!!!!!!!!
Just wondering if +1 posts are allowed?
(actually bah-hoo to the MODS on this one!  )
make mine a +1 to this!
Thanks
Damian
Wait... is this for real? After all these years of waiting, they're finally going to publish HH as a full-sized campaign adventure?
HELL YEAH! (make that +1 from me as well!) |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 01:01:28
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There was some stuff discussed at the con about designer-inspired products, rather then company-driven ones, and the best ways to market said products. A 'director's cut' Hauntd Halls was mentioned as part of this.
I know a bit more about this myself, but can't say more. My own take (which I suggested to them) was 'just put it out there, and let the fans decide if they want to see more of that'. You may see a surprising new option available soon to us; lore for lore sake, written by people who care, and available in s sort-of pay-as-you-go format (the details of which are still far from being sorted out, as is just about everything else at this point). Lots of ideas were being tossed around, but as of yet we have nothing concrete. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 20 Aug 2012 02:02:06 |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 01:16:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Also got to meet James Lowder, which was a pleasant surprise for all. The man's charisma nearly matches Ed (the two of them took over the room). They should just hire him as their convention evangelist (Ed would be perfect, but he already wears too many hats). I was sad Steven Schend didn't make it, but I did get to speak with Eric Boyd several times, which was awesome. RAS couldn't make it either, although he was scheduled for several events. Oh well... win some, lose some.
Oh yeah...how good was Jim Lowder.....off the charts! I would love to share a meal or beer with that guy and just soak up tales of the old days and thoughts one the future!
I guess RAS had a family emergency and missed the whole con. But that was mitigated for me when it was pretty much verified to me that he was indeed working only in the realms mows and were looking at two novels per year from him. So If Drizzt carries on forever, I'm guessing we see other characters out of Bob every other novel.
I remember wy back in the day, Bob wanted to write about Jedidiah Starym and move on from Drizzt.....pretty much was quashed from the get go. But he has wanted to branch out from D for a long time, and I am guess he has ideas he has been simmering for the better part of two decades. I'd love to read those! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 02:48:13
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I finally have a few minutes to get on here now that the con is over. The meet up was great. I can echo Markus' comments that there was a very positive energy to the whole thing. The stories from the inside were interesting. I can't add much to what has been said in terms of details of upcoming products/design intentions. As has been said, a lot of things are up in the air but the intent does seem to be there to right the ship and bring things back to a personal level. The general advice I took from everything was wait and see. I believe that even Ed commented on how the idea to return things to a personal level (aka: no more RSEs) was followed by something along the lines of "but we need to do one more to set the stage", so we'll see what happens.
Personally, I am optimistic. Then again I only read the books and am okay with the 4E books so maybe I am easy to please.
As usually seems to happen to me I didn't think of questions I would've liked to ask until well after the event. I did get the chance to ask Paul Kemp a few questions after the get together and Ed a question or two at the WotC booth while he was signing books. I also got to meet Kris the Grey face to face. I'm not sure what anyone else looks like but I was the guy with long red hair in a ponytail towards the back. Hopefully a similar get together can happen next year. |
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code
Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 02:50:31
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Yeah, as soon as Ed got there, he and Jim dominated (no save) the Candlekeep seminar with their sheer charisma. Both of them in the 20s on that stat.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 07:32:25
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| Curious, for those who were there: what were the freebies that were handed out at the Candlekeep meet up? Something imminently collectable? |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 08:01:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
Curious, for those who were there: what were the freebies that were handed out at the Candlekeep meet up? Something imminently collectable?
Indeed, it is.
I'm in the process of providing a nifty little image of the collectable, once I get home. [And this won't be SageTime-delayed... it's too awesome for that!]  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Old Man Harpell
Senior Scribe
USA
498 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 08:07:53
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Yeah, as soon as Ed got there, he and Jim dominated (no save) the Candlekeep seminar with their sheer charisma. Both of them in the 20s on that stat.
Cheers
I do not mind saying I am almost yellow with jealousy right now. The last time I turned an unhealthy hue like this, my son had to call 911.
Once upon a time, I would have turned my nose up at anything post-4th Edition, due to the massive uphill climb it would have had. It still has the climb, but its been given climbing claws, rope, and a hefty mountaineer's axe. I really wish I could have been there to see them issuing the gear. |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 10:29:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
Brimstone: Thanks for the synopsis. Yet another reason to do a bit of browsing in the Menzo book, I suppose. Is that the full extent of the Rise of the Drow plotline, or is there more supposedly on the way?
Thats pretty much the gist of it.
Some drow houses support it, then some don't. Equality with male mages!! Heresy!!
Add that Danifae is Lolth's Prophet in this has Quenthel's black spider silk lace panties in a wad...  |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 15:51:39
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
Curious, for those who were there: what were the freebies that were handed out at the Candlekeep meet up? Something imminently collectable?
Indeed, it is.
I'm in the process of providing a nifty little image of the collectable, once I get home. [And this won't be SageTime-delayed... it's too awesome for that!]
YOU were there, Sage? 
Damn, I was so busy basking in the glory of my idols I only got to meet Red Walker from here. And yeah, I forgot to mention Paul Kemp, who was also a helluva nice guy (and took the time to say Hi each time we ran into each other). Everyone was great - it was quite a treat.
As for the swag, I understand they did things differently this year, but since I have no prior experience with Gencon I don't know about that. I do know I expected something else to be a 'give away' at the CK meet, which didn't happen, so I was bit disappointed on that count, but when looking at the bigger picture its all good (that product isn't gone, its just being repurposed). The item Sage is talking about was pretty cool too. It was one of the few swag items that didn't have to be 'earned' (by playing demos - most of the vendors were doing just that). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 16:05:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
Curious, for those who were there: what were the freebies that were handed out at the Candlekeep meet up? Something imminently collectable?
Indeed, it is.
I'm in the process of providing a nifty little image of the collectable, once I get home. [And this won't be SageTime-delayed... it's too awesome for that!]
YOU were there, Sage?
No, no... The Red Walker was generous enough to provide me with an image of the Candlekeep Collectable earlier, so I thought I'd share it with those who wouldn't have also seen it.
Besides, if I'd been at Gen Con this year, you'd have known. You're one of many fellow scribes that I'd actively seek out had I the opportunity to attend the annual Convention.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 18:22:54
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| Wish I could've made it as well. Would've been my first time at GenCon , too. Alas, I had to attend my brother's wedding. And he only lives a little over an hour away from GenCon....damn! |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 19:32:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
Curious, for those who were there: what were the freebies that were handed out at the Candlekeep meet up? Something imminently collectable?
Only if you consider an item that is lovingly crafted, replicated only a few dozen times, handed out to a lucky few, and of such surpassing awesomeness that I heard a full grown man(not me by the way), when he thought no one was looking , take his out and giggle like a school girl all the while cradling it and then softly exclaiming "myyy precccccccciiiiioooouussssss.
So one again thanks to Brian and all who made it happen! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 20 Aug 2012 19:55:09 |
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
2089 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 19:38:29
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A random tidbit from the second Sundering panel (which was very different from the first, surprisingly so, much more artwork focused) ... the picture of Elminster on his planned Sundering cover is in front of Candlekeep!
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 19:54:32
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quote:
Originally posted by ericlboyd
A random tidbit from the second Sundering panel (which was very different from the first, surprisingly so, much more artwork focused) ... the picture of Elminster on his planned Sundering cover is in front of Candlekeep!
--Eric
Not that anyone here would be interested in seeing that....we need a smiley that conveys saying please,please someone who is able, share that here
Man I wish I could have made those panels!
Thanks for sharing Eric. |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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JamesLowder
Forgotten Realms Author & Game Designer
USA
310 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 21:33:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Yeah, as soon as Ed got there, he and Jim dominated (no save) the Candlekeep seminar with their sheer charisma. Both of them in the 20s on that stat.
Cheers
Well, I do love the setting; I spent better than five years of my life working in the world for a lot of hours every day as an editor or writer. And I am fortunate enough to call many of the people who have worked in the Realms "friend," including you, Erik. That goes for a lot of the readers, too. That community aspect is one of the best things about working in a shared world. |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 00:41:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
There was some stuff discussed at the con about designer-inspired products, rather then company-driven ones, and the best ways to market said products. A 'director's cut' Hauntd Halls was mentioned as part of this.
I know a bit more about this myself, but can't say more. My own take (which I suggested to them) was 'just put it out there, and let the fans decide if they want to see more of that'. You may see a surprising new option available soon to us; lore for lore sake, written by people who care, and available in s sort-of pay-as-you-go format (the details of which are still far from being sorted out, as is just about everything else at this point). Lots of ideas were being tossed around, but as of yet we have nothing concrete.
Alright, thanks, Markus! The last bit sounds mysterious, sort of like how DDI (or those kickstarter projects) works now. Anyway, I think Haunted Halls would not interest just FR fans; a well-written campaign adventure is valuable to any DM/GM. And Eveningstar is a great location in which to start your first FR campaigns.  |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6689 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 04:17:08
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I would love to see WotC grab a detailed (and yet not super-detailed) city like Silverymoon, Suzail or Baldur's Gate and give it a Ptolus-style treatment. I'd always thought that this would be rather nifty.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Dark Wizard
Senior Scribe
USA
830 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 04:22:38
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Baldur's Gate could be an ideal candidate for a Ptolus-style product given its size, location, and popularity across different media.
Edit: Punctuation. |
Edited by - Dark Wizard on 21 Aug 2012 04:33:32 |
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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
USA
1446 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 04:52:35
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
I would love to see WotC grab a detailed (and yet not super-detailed) city like Silverymoon, Suzail or Baldur's Gate and give it a Ptolus-style treatment. I'd always thought that this would be rather nifty.
-- George Krashos
I'd be squealing in joy like my 4 year old if this happened! Ptolus is a monster sized tome (about 800 pages), chalk full of stuff I liberally steal for my own home campaign. Truly a top notch product and one of my favorite non-Realms books.
I'd almost be tempted to say to use Waterdeep for this as you could probably fit every level of Undermountain within it too. Honestly, if I had to choose I'd want to see the Ptolus treatment done to the Great Rift as we haven't seen much from that area since the Dwarves Deep book. With that type of page count you really could detail out entire nations.
RPG drivethru has the Ptolus PDF up for 60 bucks. I'd gladly pay that for an 800 page Realms book, even if it's a digital product. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36982 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 05:00:34
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
I would love to see WotC grab a detailed (and yet not super-detailed) city like Silverymoon, Suzail or Baldur's Gate and give it a Ptolus-style treatment. I'd always thought that this would be rather nifty.
-- George Krashos
The gamer in me thinks this is a wonderful idea!
The part of me that pays the bills, however, isn't as enthusiastic about a gaming product with a Ptolus price tag... Heck, even the pdf is more expensive than most gaming material... 
I was lucky to get Ptolus when I did. It's worth the price, but that's still a massice tome and a massive price tag! |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
USA
1446 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 05:46:27
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The price tag does catch a person's eye, but remember it's like getting 4 or 5 two-hundred page sourcebooks in one shot. And buying each book separately at say normal prices of 30 bucks a pop would run 120 to 150 dollars. So even at that price a person is paying half of what they really should or would under normal circumstances. 50% savings. ;)
Not a bad deal when you consider a trip to the local pub or watering hole can easily run ya 60 dollars in one night. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36982 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 10:45:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Eilserus
The price tag does catch a person's eye, but remember it's like getting 4 or 5 two-hundred page sourcebooks in one shot. And buying each book separately at say normal prices of 30 bucks a pop would run 120 to 150 dollars. So even at that price a person is paying half of what they really should or would under normal circumstances. 50% savings. ;)
Not a bad deal when you consider a trip to the local pub or watering hole can easily run ya 60 dollars in one night.
While that is true, it is often easier to manage -- or at least justify -- multiple books at a lower price when the purchases are spread out. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Matt James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
918 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 12:38:30
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| Also of note is that WotC will be freeing up a new game content license. This doesn't mean we will ever be able to use protected copyright content, but I would love to see the Compendium return. |
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 15:15:18
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| I just want areas that either have had little to no coverage actually get real writte treatments. I also wish to see less of Faerun nd more of other continents. Let's not do Faerun for 100 years and see only half a year's worth of material on Zhakara, Kara-Tur, Maztica, etc combined. |
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Live! Updates from Gencon 2012
