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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 08:37:59
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Hello All,
With WotC's recent announcement that they're releasing the back catalog of Realms products online (file type and format as yet to be determined), I'm curious to know a few things:
1. Of all the items in the catalog, what is the first thing you would look up?
2. What do you consider to be the most overlooked and under appreciated book in the back catalog?
3. What would you recommend as the best book in the back catalog for someone new to the Realms to look up first?
[EDIT] To anyone at WotC who reads this: it would be cool if you could set up the back catalog so that users can see which of the items in the catalog are most downloaded or get the most views (if download is not available), via a percentile system or actual number of downloads listed next to each item.
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Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 19 Aug 2012 16:45:52
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 08:45:53
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My answers:
1. My first thought was any of the Volo's Guides I don't already own in print or .PDF format, but I'm going to go with the 2E Sea of Fallen Stars book by Steven Schend. I've heard a whole bunch of good things about it but I've never owned it, so it's first on my list.
2. Not sure how to answer this one. I got a lot of mileage out of 3E's Magic of Faerun and this book isn't exactly heralded as the best the 3E Realms has to offer, so I'll go with that.
3. It's easy for me to say the 1E Old Grey Box books, because they're awesome books (and it's the safest answer  --it's hard to go wrong with a Realms game when you've got the OGB books to work from, no matter the D&D rules set you use). However the 3E Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting book is pretty damn good at introducing the Realms too. So it's a toss up between those two for me. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 19 Aug 2012 08:55:09 |
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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 09:01:27
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Nice post Jeremy. I am assuming everything will be in PDF and not paper printed.
1. Things I don't have that I wish I did would be Ed's RPGA Modules (any edition) and then all the other RPGA Modules especially the pre 3.X ones.
2. Halls of the High King, simply the best module and sourcebook out there. No only do you get a cracking good 36 page or so adventure, but you also get 8 appendices of another 28 pages or so of Ed lore. If you don't have this one you must buy this first don't buy anything else (except for the OGBS) before HotHK. For me this is the perfect model of what WoTC should be aiming for in any module release.
3. The Old Grey Box Set (OGBS). It is chock full of lore and info and adventure and people and places and hooks to run and is still a source of reference for my ongoing campaign 25 years old this year (and looking forward to the next 25 years once my child is old enough to play  ).
Cheers
Damian |
So saith Ed. I've never said he was sane, have I?
Gods, all this writing and he's running a constant fantasy version of Coronation Street in his head, too. .
shudder,
love to all,
THO
Candlekeep Forum 7 May 2005 |
Edited by - crazedventurers on 19 Aug 2012 09:18:21 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6689 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 10:49:00
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1. I have most everything, so don't really need anything. I guess I'm just lucky to be old and have got all the stuff from the get-go!
2. The old FR# and FOR# series were brilliant. Ed's FR4 The Magister is still a goldmine of realmslore, but the king is FOR4 The Code of the Harpers. Just an amazing collection of realmslore. My other, more narrow in focus, recommendation would be FR11 Dwarves Deep. Still my most thumbed through FR product. I love the short guys.
3. Moving away from the campaign boxes, the Forgotten Realms Adventures hardcover is a peach, and definitely one to grab. But I'd recommend the Volos's Guides (yes, In know they're not as single product, but can sort of count as one) as the best products to introduce the Realms to anyone. After all, every adventuring party starts in an inn/tavern!
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36982 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 14:18:30
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I made a point of buying the Undermountain boxed sets, the god books, all the flavors of the FRCS (including the OGB), Forgotten Realms Adventures, Sea of Fallen Stars, and the Volo's Guides, back when they were all legally available as pdfs. I have some other boxed sets and books here and there, most particularly both Magister books and anything relating to Waterdeep.
With the back catalog becoming available again, assuming it's all downloadable pdfs, then I'll get the rest of the FR and FOR series that I don't have (I have many, but not all, of the FOR books as pdf), then the rest of the boxed sets, and then start in on the regional stuff I don't have.
I have pretty much everything in print, but I still bought a bunch of the pdfs, back in the day, because of their utility. I'd like to eventually complete the pdf collection.
If they go further, and do more than just Realms stuff, I want On Hallowed Ground as a pdf. Even when pdfs were legally available, that one was not. |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2450 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 15:30:25
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Darn, George beat me to it.
I already own most of the FR catalogue, so I probably wouldn't need to track anything down, unless it's really obscure. But I would love to be able to point people in the direction of Dwarves Deep, Sea of Fallen Stars, Code of the Harpers, and as Wooly said, FR Adventures.
I also really enjoy the Cult of the Dragon book, and I'm not sure how well it's known. Lots of interesting history, and descriptions of the cult in a wide variety of places. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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MalariaMoon
Learned Scribe
324 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 15:33:08
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I recommend Cloak and Dagger.
Secrets of the Magister is great. Chockfull of Realmslore, fluff next to nothing, it's the kind of book that would never get made these days, more's the pity. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36982 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 16:06:12
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quote:
Originally posted by MalariaMoon
I recommend Cloak and Dagger.
That was among the first ones I got. I still maintain that it was one of the best -- if not the best -- supplements from the 2E era.  |
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Delwa
Master of Realmslore
USA
1272 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 16:09:39
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Of all the things out there, first thing I would look up is Cloak and Dagger. Of all the source books I've been able to peruse in one form or another, this one I can't find.
As far as under appreciated books, I'm with Jeremy. Magic of Faerūn has given me so many ideas and plot twists; even if I don't follow the info to the letter, something in there has probably sparked at least 60% of the brain storms that ended in an awesome adventure.
Best lookup would have to go to 3e's Campaign Setting. Not because I think that book is the best, but because I haven't gotten to sit down with a copy of the OGB and bathe in it's awesome. So going with merely personal experience, I'd vote the 3e Campaign Setting. |
- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!
"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 16:11:50
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
1. I have most everything, so don't really need anything. I guess I'm just lucky to be old and have got all the stuff from the get-go!
Pretty much the same for me as well. I purchased practically everything published officially for the Realms at the time of each release.
quote:
2. The old FR# and FOR# series were brilliant. Ed's FR4 The Magister is still a goldmine of realmslore, but the king is FOR4 The Code of the Harpers. Just an amazing collection of realmslore. My other, more narrow in focus, recommendation would be FR11 Dwarves Deep. Still my most thumbed through FR product. I love the short guys.
Codes of the Harpers is a definite on my list as well, along with Secrets of the Magister and The Seven Sisters. The Haunted Halls of Eveningstar also. And Steven Schend's Sea of Fallen Stars and Empires of the Shining Sea -- probably amongst my most "referenced" Realms sources.
quote:
3. Moving away from the campaign boxes, the Forgotten Realms Adventures hardcover is a peach, and definitely one to grab. But I'd recommend the Volos's Guides (yes, In know they're not as single product, but can sort of count as one) as the best products to introduce the Realms to anyone. After all, every adventuring party starts in an inn/tavern!
I'd also add Faiths & Avatars, Demihuman Deities, and Powers & Pantheons. |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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Tamsar
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
141 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 17:01:30
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I have pretty much everything in physical form, and everything in PDF format already.
1. Of all the items in the catalog, what is the first thing you would look up?
It's a toss up between the Volo's guides (Waterdeep being truly outstanding) or Eric's god books (Faiths & Avatars, Powers and Pantheons and Demi-human Deities)
2. What do you consider to be the most overlooked and under appreciated book in the back catalog?
Hmm thats a toughie. Not that it is under appreciated and overlooked but I would say Cloak and Dagger. There are enough adventure hooks in that book to last a lifetime.
3. What would you recommend as the best book in the back catalog for someone new to the Realms to look up first?
The OGB. No question. |
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light |
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 18:53:41
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| secrets of the magister is what I want.... |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
USA
1446 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2012 : 19:12:17
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I believe I have most the old 2E stuff. I wonder if they can put the old maps for the various products up for sale that they will ship to us. I know for one I lost my one if not both of my OGB ones. I hope they do director's cuts on more products than just the Haunted Halls. The Savage Frontier or The North boxed set would be pretty slick to see something like that. Dwarves Deep is another of my favorites I'd like to see done. Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark where all the cut material added in and possibly more would be slick. I think that would cover Sschindylryn for sure as that was cut if I recall. Maybe they could take the Demihuman Deities and the Faiths books and add in more detail about the various churches of the Realms like Ed or another designer originally (can't remember names) wanted to do. I think some folks have said such a product probably wouldn't stand on its own, but it'd be a really good addition to whats already out there in those various gods sourcebooks. I'm really hoping they run with this director's cut thing, we could see sooo much more lore coming in and it could make old out of print stuff new to us and fairly profitable for them.
Heck, if they really wanted to go out all out, they could take say all the old adventures that are classics. Like the old Fighters Challenge from 2E days has always been one of my favorites. What if they took things like that and polished them up and even added a few new bits and pieces to them? Most of the work is already done, they'd only have to go back in and do a bit of modifying and adding new content. Here's a prime candidate for such a thing: Hordes of Dragonspear. They could have made this into a really kick arse adventure, but I imagine ran into page constraints. Go back in, fix that baby up to something awesome and sell it. The Reclaiming Blingdenstone adventure in the Next playtest packet is done really well and is totally heading in the right direction for sandbox adventure design and if they modified some of these old ones with "director's cuts" or whatever we want to call them to follow that format, holy jeebus alot of those old adventures are gonna be even better.
I get too excited thinking about this stuff and then end up writing a novel on the boards about it. haha |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 10:20:47
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1. First I'd look for the new pdfs, cause a few old ones did not have the search function possible.
2. Sea of Fallen Stars, obviously cause underwater games are rare
3. City of Splendors box, they can start small and with enough details |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 15:15:52
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| 1 and 3 The Old Grey Box |
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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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1732 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 19:39:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Quale
1. First I'd look for the new pdfs, cause a few old ones did not have the search function possible.
2. Sea of Fallen Stars, obviously cause underwater games are rare
3. City of Splendors box, they can start small and with enough details
I'm blushing with pride that so many folks really want to read Cloak & Dagger and Sea of Fallen Stars, and I thank you kindly for that.
I had wondered why there weren't more folks interested in the 2E City of Splendors box as a source until Quale mentioned it. Was it just less rare or because it's had at least one or two major updates/sourcebooks? Just curious (as a writer and a collector) what makes it less desired by folks than other items....?
Like George, Sage, Wooly, and others, I admit that my shelves still bow beneath the weight of most/all of the 1E/2E material, so the need for the older stuff isn't there for me (though I'd like the easier reference ability, to be sure).
Even so, an item I'd recommend for folks who want a view of Waterdeep that's rare is Allen Varney's Knight of the Living Dead; it's a pick a path adventure heavily illustrated by George Barr (and something from it got a shout-out in my Blackstaff Tower novel a few years ago, just to remind folks of it). |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1632 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 20:01:29
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| My favourites are Faiths and Avatars, Powers and Pantheons, and Demihuman deities. You get an understanding of religion in realms, the mythology, great stories about the Gods and even Elder Evils. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36982 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 20:05:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
quote:
Originally posted by Quale
1. First I'd look for the new pdfs, cause a few old ones did not have the search function possible.
2. Sea of Fallen Stars, obviously cause underwater games are rare
3. City of Splendors box, they can start small and with enough details
I'm blushing with pride that so many folks really want to read Cloak & Dagger and Sea of Fallen Stars, and I thank you kindly for that.
I had wondered why there weren't more folks interested in the 2E City of Splendors box as a source until Quale mentioned it. Was it just less rare or because it's had at least one or two major updates/sourcebooks? Just curious (as a writer and a collector) what makes it less desired by folks than other items....?
Like George, Sage, Wooly, and others, I admit that my shelves still bow beneath the weight of most/all of the 1E/2E material, so the need for the older stuff isn't there for me (though I'd like the easier reference ability, to be sure).
Even so, an item I'd recommend for folks who want a view of Waterdeep that's rare is Allen Varney's Knight of the Living Dead; it's a pick a path adventure heavily illustrated by George Barr (and something from it got a shout-out in my Blackstaff Tower novel a few years ago, just to remind folks of it).
The CoS boxed set was mentioned, though not by name, in my post -- I have all of the Waterdeep source material in pdf and print (and multiple copies of the maps, even the big 10-part one from City System).
Haven't read Knight of the Living Dead, though... I know it was referenced a couple of times in Volo's Guide to Waterdeep, but I didn't know of other references. I've got two copies of that book, I've just never read it.
I've got 80 FR pdfs already -- all legal, and all official material. Mix in the unofficial material, like the Realms Bestiary, Volumes 1 & 2 by Eric L. Boyd and Thomas M. Costa or Brian R James's last edition of the Grand History before it went to print, and I've got over 90 pdfs.
Either way, too much to list at once, which is part of why I just said "everything Waterdeep". |
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 21 Aug 2012 20:10:41 |
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Tamsar
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
141 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 21:38:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
quote:
Originally posted by Quale
1. First I'd look for the new pdfs, cause a few old ones did not have the search function possible.
2. Sea of Fallen Stars, obviously cause underwater games are rare
3. City of Splendors box, they can start small and with enough details
I'm blushing with pride that so many folks really want to read Cloak & Dagger and Sea of Fallen Stars, and I thank you kindly for that.
I had wondered why there weren't more folks interested in the 2E City of Splendors box as a source until Quale mentioned it. Was it just less rare or because it's had at least one or two major updates/sourcebooks? Just curious (as a writer and a collector) what makes it less desired by folks than other items....?
Like George, Sage, Wooly, and others, I admit that my shelves still bow beneath the weight of most/all of the 1E/2E material, so the need for the older stuff isn't there for me (though I'd like the easier reference ability, to be sure).
Even so, an item I'd recommend for folks who want a view of Waterdeep that's rare is Allen Varney's Knight of the Living Dead; it's a pick a path adventure heavily illustrated by George Barr (and something from it got a shout-out in my Blackstaff Tower novel a few years ago, just to remind folks of it).
Steven,
Is there any chance of you being involved in 5E FR, you're definitely in mine and many others all star FR designers, not casting aspersions at the other designers by any means. Some of your realms products are amongst the best ever published. You "got" the realms from the get go. The realms could only benefit from your involvement IMHO. |
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 00:48:10
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I will second what Tamsar said. For me, what I'd look up first would be some of the Volo's Guides I missed the first time around in pdf, and also maybe Cloak and Dagger, as it's one of the few I've never read.
My vote for most over-looked would have to be any of the "... of Faerun" books. Those books still see more use for me than just about anything else in my library, both physical and e-format.
For BEST book, I'd recommend the Cormanthor or City of splendors books, as well as DDUGttU. Okay, I'm elf heavy here, but they were great books, and Cormanthor is still one of my favorites. |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
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My stories:
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http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 01:49:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
I had wondered why there weren't more folks interested in the 2E City of Splendors box as a source until Quale mentioned it. Was it just less rare or because it's had at least one or two major updates/sourcebooks? Just curious (as a writer and a collector) what makes it less desired by folks than other items....?
I hadn't considered that. As it is, the City of Splendors boxed set rarely leaves my gaming table. In fact, you could say that it has worn a permanent place on the table because it's being so well used in practically every game I run. It doesn't really matter if we're based in Waterdeep... there's nifty little nuggets inside that can almost be dropped anywhere in the Realms.
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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Xnella Moonblade-Thann
Learned Scribe
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 02:25:53
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| Hmmm...I'd have to say anything to do with Waterdeep, Tethyr, Western Heartlands, Sword Coast (the whole length of the region), Cormanthyr/Myth Drannor, Evermeet, anything fey-related...that's just for starters off the top of my head. |
"Sweet water and light laughter until next we meet." - traditional elven farewell
Please forgive any spelling and grammer errors, as my android touch-screen phone has no spellchecker. If I do make a grammer mistake, please let me know and I'll try to fix it.
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Edited by - Xnella Moonblade-Thann on 22 Aug 2012 02:28:31 |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1732 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 14:56:44
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Come to think of it, WotC might benefit from a singular release of all the DRAGON magazine FR articles compiled together.
Yes, a lot of the material is in other forms and has been updated, but in many ways, the Realms seems less distilled and polished in the earlier articles and folks who haven't seen those articles dating back to the early 80's before the OGBS might be surprised at how Ed built the Realms piece by piece.
I have two huge binders with all those articles due to Eric Boyd's diligence long ago and was looking at them this morning, thinking there's still lots of bits of lore within those articles that hasn't seen the light of day in decades.
And the devil's advocate rhetorically asks, "Wonder if WotC'd think this might be a worthy "new" item to offer fans?"
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For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 16:06:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Come to think of it, WotC might benefit from a singular release of all the DRAGON magazine FR articles compiled together.
Yes, a lot of the material is in other forms and has been updated, but in many ways, the Realms seems less distilled and polished in the earlier articles and folks who haven't seen those articles dating back to the early 80's before the OGBS might be surprised at how Ed built the Realms piece by piece.
I have two huge binders with all those articles due to Eric Boyd's diligence long ago and was looking at them this morning, thinking there's still lots of bits of lore within those articles that hasn't seen the light of day in decades.
And the devil's advocate rhetorically asks, "Wonder if WotC'd think this might be a worthy "new" item to offer fans?"
Excuse me, Mr. Wizard...of the Coast? This is something I would love to see, sooner rather than later! |
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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 16:17:53
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Come to think of it, WotC might benefit from a singular release of all the DRAGON magazine FR articles compiled together.
A complementary series of products compiling all the FR adventures from DUNGEON would also be of great benefit to those who can't otherwise access some of those classic modules.
At the same time, a lot of Realmslore featured as part of the POLYHEDRON periodical... so finding ways to re-issue that material would also be a plus for Realms fans. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36982 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 17:59:52
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Come to think of it, WotC might benefit from a singular release of all the DRAGON magazine FR articles compiled together.
A complementary series of products compiling all the FR adventures from DUNGEON would also be of great benefit to those who can't otherwise access some of those classic modules.
At the same time, a lot of Realmslore featured as part of the POLYHEDRON periodical... so finding ways to re-issue that material would also be a plus for Realms fans.
Oh ye dancing gods, these are wonderful ideas! Three compilations, one for each source -- oh, I'd pay for that in a heartbeat! I'd also pay for a fourth one, compiling all past and present web content, as well -- especially since WotC has shuffled around their site so many times that there are no links to some of the older articles.
I'll also note that there are some other oddly scattered about bits of Realms material, like the "Moon Over Myth Drannor" short story in the Eye of the Beholder III game manual (not sure how I got that short story as a Word doc, but I did). It'd be nice to have all those rounded up and in one place. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 22:39:40
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At the same time, I think some of the older material should be used to generate buzz - put into a free section of their site (with maybe a comic and some other 'kewl stuff').
I happen to think the old Polyhedron articles are perfect for this sort of treatment. If they just decide to re-sell every last little thing, the 'greedy empire' accusations will begin to fly again. A little bit of free stuff (which costs them NOTHING) would go a long way in appeasing those folks who are just looking for reasons to hate.
You want to catch a fish, you need to bait the hook. |
"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 22 Aug 2012 22:40:29 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36982 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 00:08:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
At the same time, I think some of the older material should be used to generate buzz - put into a free section of their site (with maybe a comic and some other 'kewl stuff').
I happen to think the old Polyhedron articles are perfect for this sort of treatment. If they just decide to re-sell every last little thing, the 'greedy empire' accusations will begin to fly again. A little bit of free stuff (which costs them NOTHING) would go a long way in appeasing those folks who are just looking for reasons to hate.
You want to catch a fish, you need to bait the hook.
While I would like to see free content again -- heck, some of my fave bits of Realmslore were free! -- I think there is value in compilations, and would pay without a complaint. I don't think people would play the "greedy corporation!" card too much if the only other way to get the material was to haunt eBay and other sites, and slowly build an entire run of magazines.
I've never heard a single complaint about corporate greed leveled at them for releasing the Dragon Magazine Archive CD-ROM, for example... |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 01:36:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I'll also note that there are some other oddly scattered about bits of Realms material, like the "Moon Over Myth Drannor" short story in the Eye of the Beholder III game manual (not sure how I got that short story as a Word doc, but I did). It'd be nice to have all those rounded up and in one place.
Or, at least, made available once again online as part of Wizards DDI service. Since it has offered some quality fiction in the past, this could yet be another opportunity to really restore a great deal of the short stories and other narrative tidbits that have been peppered across various other Realms products in the last 25+ years. |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
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Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 01:39:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I happen to think the old Polyhedron articles are perfect for this sort of treatment. If they just decide to re-sell every last little thing, the 'greedy empire' accusations will begin to fly again. A little bit of free stuff (which costs them NOTHING) would go a long way in appeasing those folks who are just looking for reasons to hate.
The POLYHEDRON articles offer something of a unique place in the Realms back-catalogue, since a great many of them are solely lore-filled pieces without mechanics or rules that would require updating for a new edition.
The "Border Kingdoms" articles, for example [and just some of my most cherished parts of my collection] offer nothing but extensive Ed-lore that brings such life to the region. It's all easily adaptable for any campaign in the Realms which a DM might wish to run. |
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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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
USA
1446 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 02:33:20
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| I was just thinking, but I'd like the option to buy the Forgotten Realms Interactive Atlas. You can't find them cheaply anywhere. I'm not sure what the costs are associated with making CD's of products, but maybe you could add in all the new maps from 3E on. I'd imagine the install software could be downloaded online too and wasn't this a hugely popular item with 800 plus maps or something crazy? Definitely, want to see the Atlas! :) |
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Back Catalog: best items to look up first?
