| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Skeptic |
Posted - 19 Jul 2007 : 04:15:22
Spoted on ENWorld. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Purple Dragon Knight |
Posted - 06 Aug 2007 : 00:19:20
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
That having been said, if WOTC wanted to do a 3.5 Revised FRCS with updated information from all of the recent novels and sourcebooks, I'd not have a problem with that.
Neither would I. As I said before though, the moment 4E comes out, I'll stop buying D&D Core products. I may buy Realms stuff still at that point, provided they're fluffy (as I'll have no need for 4E crunch at that point) |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 05 Aug 2007 : 16:38:48
I doubt its saving them for 4th edition that is keeping WOTC from doing regional sourcebooks. They have given numerous indications that they want to move away from them over the last few years. They may change their mind, but I doubt its because they are saving regional sourcebooks for a new edition.
I've given up trying to figure out potential new edition news one way or the other. Its just a frustrating practice that I don't think produces anything good. We know that WOTC officials have said there will be no 4th edition products through 2008, and we know that Rich has said that we shouldn't read too much into this glimpse at the schedule.
I'd rather speculate about what might be coming up from a Realms perspective than go around in circles about WOTC grand plans.
That having been said, if WOTC wanted to do a 3.5 Revised FRCS with updated information from all of the recent novels and sourcebooks, I'd not have a problem with that. |
| Athenon |
Posted - 05 Aug 2007 : 16:31:31
I read EN World too - great site. http://www.enworld.org/archive/index.php/t-171305.html Reading the 1st and 4th posts, you'll see that it was Kevin Wilson talking to attendees on the dealer room floor. This was posted on the front page of EN World last summer. It's still probably valid or at least was.
I don't try to understand WotC's logic. What makes sense to them has never made sense to me. What I can say though, is that if they're going to avoid obvious Realms products like a Cormyr or Sembia setting book in 3.5 and if 4E heralds a renewed interest in source books, then bring on 4E.
I just feel that the things that we've seen on the slate for the next 8 months seem really weak. It seems like there should be a plausible reason for that. |
| Kuje |
Posted - 05 Aug 2007 : 00:10:08
Actually they did because I saw the press release on ENworld. :) No, I can't find it now. However, many WOTC people have also said they have at least 3.5e sourcebooks far into 2008. So, to announce it at Gencon of this year makes no sense. |
| Athenon |
Posted - 04 Aug 2007 : 22:40:27
Kuje,
They actually didn't put out a press release. One of the designers mentioned that off-handedly at the D&D seminar at Gen Con last year. My point is, I don't think this is necessarily Holy Writ. Though, I have to say: If you wanted to turn D&D XP into a big convention, announcing in advance that 4E would be released there first would definitely bring in more that the usual 1-2000 people.
For the record, I still think 4E will be alluded to at Gen Con this year. |
| Kuje |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 15:44:18
Dunno, maybe that just how the schedule for FR products turned out, as Rich said. He said even don't read to much into it about 4e. It's just how things turned out.
And aye, Winter Fantasy (I refuse to call it the D&D Experience) is around Jan or Feb but WOTC put out a press release saying they no longer feel that Gencons are good places to announce D&D announcements. So, I have serious doubt's we'll be getting such a announce in about a month. |
| Gray Richardson |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 07:40:19
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
I doubt it'll be announced at Gencon because WOTC has said, recently, that all major D&D announcements will now be at The D&D Experience, formerly known as Winter Fantasy, instead of at Gencons.
Possible, but isn't that in February? Assuming they want to give people a years notice, or minimum 9 months, that puts 4e arriving Feb 09, or maybe as early as thanksgiving 08, which would be just in time for Christmas, so maybe. But the timing seems off. It doesn't explain the paucity of Realms products through the end of this year and at least the first 4 months of next year. If there are to be a bunch of nice Realms products in-line for release next year, why would they put them all out in the last few months before 4e is released, when they would still be 3.5 and thus have a very limited shelf-life.
I could totally be wrong about this. But I just have this gut feeling that the scarcity of Realms products, and the kinds of Realms products they have been releasing of late, is intimately tied with the imminent release of 4e.
It's all a moot point, I guess. They either will or won't announce it at Gen Con, and we should know either way in a couple of weeks. And if they don't announce it then, as you surmise, then they will probably announce at D&D Experience in February. Whatever the state of 4e, I am dying to know what wonderful Realms products that they will divulge at Gen Gon. I wish I was going. I am relying on you guys to tell us all the interesting news.  |
| Skeptic |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 03:52:13
Hopefully Rich Baker said "don't read too much into it".
|
| Kuje |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 03:50:12
I doubt it'll be announced at Gencon because WOTC has said, recently, that all major D&D announcements will now be at The D&D Experience, formerly known as Winter Fantasy, instead of at Gencons. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 03:17:45
quote:
Originally posted by Gray Richardson
My theory is that they are holding off on releasing Realms products until 4th edition is released sometime in the middle of next year. Once 4e is released, then we might see quite a few FR books in-line to follow that are all updated to 4e rules.
My guess is that they will make the announcement at GenCon this month that 4e will debut sometime in the 2nd trimester of 2008, possibly as early as May. Hopefully then the dams will burst and all the pent up FR products will come spilling out.
Well, if they do that, I can hold off on replacing all the non-setting specific 3E stuff I just lost, I guess... Though I really don't think we're ready for 4E. |
| Gray Richardson |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 02:03:58
My theory is that they are holding off on releasing Realms products until 4th edition is released sometime in the middle of next year. Once 4e is released, then we might see quite a few FR books in-line to follow that are all updated to 4e rules.
My guess is that they will make the announcement at GenCon this month that 4e will debut sometime in the 2nd trimester of 2008, possibly as early as May. Hopefully then the dams will burst and all the pent up FR products will come spilling out. |
| Purple Dragon Knight |
Posted - 29 Jul 2007 : 16:29:25
I want to support the setting as a whole, despite differences between marketing/publishing/accounting departments and various authors that have made the Realms so alive to this day! 
I have purchased all FR products available since the release of 3rd edition, and *most* products back in 2nd edition. I have not been able to keep up with the WotC novel department though, so I probably have only half of the novels since 2000 (spider queen stuff, and anything from Ed, Elaine, Rich, Paul, Rich Lee, Phil, Steven, Lisa and RS... plus all the "Best of"... so... most of the novels anyhow!  ) |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 29 Jul 2007 : 13:14:46
quote:
Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight
In a perfect world, regional sourcebooks would have kept coming steadily, and we would have seen the entire continent of Faerun detailed to our satisfaction.
For some reason, the powers that be decided to switch format. Maybe the reason was economical (not enough sales with the regional books?) or maybe it was operational (the staff at WotC *have* to do *something*, and I'm suspecting that their talents lie in art, game design, publishing, etc. rather than Realmslore, which is almost always produced by Eric Boyd and Ed Greenwood -- and we all know there is just so much two men can do!)
So whatever the reason is, things have changed. I personally have neutral feelings on the matter. I don't *hate* the adventure book format, but I don't see myself *using* these books anytime soon either (I just play once a week, the group I DM has an APL of 17, which is much higher than the levels these adventures target; plus, my group wants to carry on doing epic deeds in the levels 21+); and while I *absolutely love* the regional books, in all honesty, my life schedule has prevented my to read them in detail (I own all of them, but only read the relevant sections as my campaign demands, i.e. if the adventurers go to Velprintalar, I read the sections of UE that are relevant... I simply haven't got the time to read more, especially since most of my "free reading time" is taken by Realms novels; one day, when I retire, I'll have a heck of a fun time reading all these books in detail though! )
So, my way to support the Realms is to buy anything with the Realms logo on it. At least it shows support for the Realms. That's my way, which I think is the best way, to support the Realms. You can talk all you want, but in reality, you got to put your money where your mouth is.
Well, it depends on if one wants to support the setting as a whole or the products that push in the direction one wants. It is an individual preference. I myself have not bought a Realms product since Power of Faerun, although I cant wait to get my hands on The Grand History of the Realms. Still, it is always a bit disappointing to see that there are no more products of interest in the nearest future. |
| Kuje |
Posted - 29 Jul 2007 : 01:18:07
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I know... I was very disappointed to hear that particular update from Rich. Faiths of Eberron was an incredible product, especially when it came to detailing specific deity-related rituals and clerical ceremonies for the Sovereign Host and the Dark Six. A Realms-version is indeed, something I've longed to see for quite some time. 
At least we can still 'pester' Ed, and ask questions about particular deity-related rituals that he may be able to share with us. 
Aye,
which is why I asked for it at last years Gencon. :(
And aye, guess we'll just have to annoy Ed some more. Grin. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 29 Jul 2007 : 00:49:55
I know... I was very disappointed to hear that particular update from Rich. Faiths of Eberron was an incredible product, especially when it came to detailing specific deity-related rituals and clerical ceremonies for the Sovereign Host and the Dark Six. A Realms-version is indeed, something I've longed to see for quite some time.
At least we can still 'pester' Ed, and ask questions about particular deity-related rituals that he may be able to share with us.
|
| Kuje |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 19:01:52
Rich Baker also said, "No immediate plans on a "Faiths of Faerun," but the old Faiths & Avatars series was so thorough on that it's hard to see how we could top it."
In relation to Asgetrion's, "1) I know that Faiths and Pantheons (and before that, Faiths and Avatars) detailed (albeit shortly) many FR deities and their churches, but many FR fans have been asking for more religious lore and details, so are there any plans to release anything like Faiths of Eberron (“Faiths of Faerûn”?) which would concentrate on religious "fluff" and details - rituals, blessings/curses, terminology/vocabulary for each faith (i.e. fallen paladins or priests are known as 'Dark Watchers' within Helm's faith), daily chores, temple/shrine descriptions, cults/heresies ('Heretic of the Faith'-feat is a marvelous DM tool and all that. No prestige classes, monsters or NPC statistics. Sort of using the lore presented in Faiths and Avatars and Faiths and Pantheons but taking it a bit further."
So, sigh, that means, most likely, those deity rituals are NOT going to see the light of day. SIGH. |
| Purple Dragon Knight |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 18:29:28
In a perfect world, regional sourcebooks would have kept coming steadily, and we would have seen the entire continent of Faerun detailed to our satisfaction.
For some reason, the powers that be decided to switch format. Maybe the reason was economical (not enough sales with the regional books?) or maybe it was operational (the staff at WotC *have* to do *something*, and I'm suspecting that their talents lie in art, game design, publishing, etc. rather than Realmslore, which is almost always produced by Eric Boyd and Ed Greenwood -- and we all know there is just so much two men can do!)
So whatever the reason is, things have changed. I personally have neutral feelings on the matter. I don't *hate* the adventure book format, but I don't see myself *using* these books anytime soon either (I just play once a week, the group I DM has an APL of 17, which is much higher than the levels these adventures target; plus, my group wants to carry on doing epic deeds in the levels 21+); and while I *absolutely love* the regional books, in all honesty, my life schedule has prevented my to read them in detail (I own all of them, but only read the relevant sections as my campaign demands, i.e. if the adventurers go to Velprintalar, I read the sections of UE that are relevant... I simply haven't got the time to read more, especially since most of my "free reading time" is taken by Realms novels; one day, when I retire, I'll have a heck of a fun time reading all these books in detail though! )
So, my way to support the Realms is to buy anything with the Realms logo on it. At least it shows support for the Realms. That's my way, which I think is the best way, to support the Realms. You can talk all you want, but in reality, you got to put your money where your mouth is. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 17:31:06
Hey, I'm just glad to hear that there are Realms products later in the year. Given that we seemed to have moved into a "3 a year mode," with the exception of a certain much anticipated historical product . . . ahem . . . I guess one quarter would have to miss out. |
| Brian R. James |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 15:46:18
That's shocking and disappointing |
| Dargoth |
Posted - 28 Jul 2007 : 12:27:29
well its official no realms source books for the first 4 months of 2008
From Richard Bakers thread over at WOTC
"Yes, the catalog's essentially complete. Sometimes we do add products that "sneak in" under the catalog but that's not what we currently have in mind here. There are no Realms products in the first trimester due to the particular quirks of our scheduling process--you will see several Realms products in 2008, just a little later in the year. (Wish it weren't that way, but sometimes the schedule is funny.) Don't read too much into it. We'll have plenty of great Realms stuff to talk about at the GenCon Realms seminar." |
| Uzzy |
Posted - 22 Jul 2007 : 16:27:54
That's hardly fair, Dargoth. I'm still getting loads of use out of Dragons of Faerún, Power of Faerún, City of Splendours: Waterdeep, Champions of Valour, Lost Empires of Faerún and Champions of Ruin, all pure sourcebooks released since 2005. I quite like the fact they are putting out more adventures for the setting, as I believe you can get more of the feel for a setting in seeing the NPC's in action.
Besides, that list is incomplete. It's missing Realms of War, Reclamation and Undead, all slated for early 2008 release. I'm very hopeful that more titles will be announced soon. (Besides, only going to look into SWD20 when they release a Knights of the Old Republic sourcebook!) |
| Dargoth |
Posted - 22 Jul 2007 : 10:48:24
As for the 2008 D&D/FR poduct line its begining to look like my Waterdeep campaign will be the last FR campaign I run (Campaign 3 will likley be SWD20, that setting is getting alot of attention with some really good source books and products)
Im really fed up with the flood of modules the settings drowning in
BRING BACK REGIONAL SOURCE BOOKS! |
| Dargoth |
Posted - 22 Jul 2007 : 10:31:54
quote:
Originally posted by Dhomal
Hello-
I agree - some things we are expecting are not listed. I may not be particularly interested - but isnt the Orcus Icon mini (!?) due out somewhere in there?
also...
--------------------------------------------------------------
D&D Miniatures Game Starter Set contains 5 non-random pre-painted figures, cards, 2 battle grids, and rules. Figures come from Dungeons of Dread series. $19.99 April 8, 2008
D&D Dungeons of Dread Booster Pack contains 8 random prepainted figs. $14.99 April 8, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Anyone notice that the Strater sets will have 5 NON-random minis? Perhaps they will make those some of the more common ones that people will want a Ton of - Or - it may be that those 5 will not be available in the boosters... thus requiring you to putchase more than one starter if you wanted multiples...
And as an aside - the last set came out in March - so I wonder if they are shifting the production schedule - or if it just a timing issue...
Dhomal
Id say there going the same way the SW minis line has ie the starter will contain minis that cant be pulled from the regular boosters from the same set |
| Dhomal |
Posted - 20 Jul 2007 : 16:42:09
Hello-
I agree - some things we are expecting are not listed. I may not be particularly interested - but isnt the Orcus Icon mini (!?) due out somewhere in there?
also...
--------------------------------------------------------------
D&D Miniatures Game Starter Set contains 5 non-random pre-painted figures, cards, 2 battle grids, and rules. Figures come from Dungeons of Dread series. $19.99 April 8, 2008
D&D Dungeons of Dread Booster Pack contains 8 random prepainted figs. $14.99 April 8, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Anyone notice that the Strater sets will have 5 NON-random minis? Perhaps they will make those some of the more common ones that people will want a Ton of - Or - it may be that those 5 will not be available in the boosters... thus requiring you to putchase more than one starter if you wanted multiples...
And as an aside - the last set came out in March - so I wonder if they are shifting the production schedule - or if it just a timing issue...
Dhomal |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 20 Jul 2007 : 14:45:19
I was trying to remember if we knew of any books that were coming out during that timeframe that were not on the list, but I hadn't had a chance to look it up yet. |
| Uzzy |
Posted - 20 Jul 2007 : 13:45:19
Do you mean this list, Skeptic?
quote:
Originally Posted by thalmin
We just received the Wizards of the Coast 2008 Spring Catalog. Most of the titles have already been covered here, but I will give you what I can.
Fiction
The Legend of Drizzt Collector's Edition, Book I Hardcover repackaging of Homeland, Exile and Sojourn. $27.95 Feb 5, 2008
The Legend of Drizzt Collectors Edition, Book II Hardcover repackaging of Streams of Silver, The Crystal Shard and Halflings Gem. $27.95 March 4, 2008
Sea of Swords The Legend of Drizzt, Book XIII Hardcover recover. $25.95 March 8, 2008
Black Crusade A new Ravenloft trade paperback novel by Ari Marmell. $12.95 March 4, 2008
Firefly Rain is a modern day supernatural mystery hardcover by Richard Dansky. $21.95 Jan 8, 2008
Last Dragon is a fantasy trade paperback by J.M. McDermott. $14.95 Feb 5, 2008
The Man on the Ceiling is a horror (?) trade paperback by Mellanie Tem and Steve Rasnic Tem. $14.95 March 4, 2008
Devil's Cape is described as "Heroes with a Southern Gothic edge. Trade paperback by Rob Rogers. $14.95 April 1, 2008
Roleplaying Games
D&D Wizards Presents: Worlds and Monsters A D&D accessory (?) that gives a behind-the-curtain glimpse into the making of D&D. 96 page softcover, $19.95 Jan 15, 2008
D&D City of Stormreach is an Eberron supplement describing the city, with adventure hooks, maps, and adversaries. 160 page hardcover, $29.95 Feb 19, 2008
Star Wars Gamemaster Screen and Character Sheets contains a 4-panel screen and 32 double-sided character sheets. $14.95 Feb 19, 2008
D&D Mysterious Lairs Dungeon Tiles terrain tiles of dungeons, temples, and monster lairs. 6 double-sided heavy cardstock sheets, $9.95 March 18, 2008
D&D Eberron Survival Guide "A lavishly illustrated 64-page visual guide to the world of Eberron" and it "is an excellent addition to your library or coffee table." 64 page hardcover, $19.95 March 18, 2008
Star Wars The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide is a Star Wars rpg supplement inspired by the video game of the same name. It is a campaign stting during the period between Episode III and Episode IV. 224 page hardcover, $34.95 March 18, 2008
D&D Keep on the Shadowfell adventure for levels 1-3 includes 1 or 3 double-sided poster maps. 96 page softcover, $29.95 April 15, 2008
Star Wars Imperial Outposts: Galaxy Tiles 6 double-sided die-cut heavy cardstock sheets of terrain tiles. $12.95 April 15, 2008
Miniatures
Axis & Allies 1939-1945 Starter a 2-player starter set contains 10 minis, rules and maps. $16.99 Jan 8, 2008
Axis & Allies 1939-1945 Booster Pack contains 5 figures from a set of 60. $10.99 Jan 8, 2008
Axis & Allies War at Sea Starter a 2-player starter set contains 9 prepainted ship, rules and maps. $24.99 Jan 8, 2008
Axis & Allies War at Sea Booster Pack contains 5 ships from a set of 64. $14.99 Jan 8, 2008
Star Wars Legacy of the Force Booster Pack contains 7 figures from a set featuring characters from the Legacy comic book series. $14.99 March 7, 2008
D&D Miniatures Game Starter Set contains 5 non-random pre-painted figures, cards, 2 battle grids, and rules. Figures come from Dungeons of Dread series. $19.99 April 8, 2008
D&D Dungeons of Dread Booster Pack contains 8 random prepainted figs. $14.99 April 8, 2008
To be frank, I think it's a pretty ridiculous list. There is too much not on that list that we know to be coming out Early 2008, particularly in the fiction section. Reclamation isn't mentioned, which comes out March 2008. Just too much not mentioned for me to think that the list is all we are getting in Early 2008. |
| EytanBernstein |
Posted - 20 Jul 2007 : 06:14:43
I'd be really surprised if we didn't see more products in the catalog in upcoming months. It's still really early and some product names and even formats are still being changed. I can't give any more detail for a few different reasons, but I wouldn't give up hope. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 20 Jul 2007 : 04:14:37
I'm inclined to agree with Kuje's earlier point.
Even if there are actually products that haven't been announced yet, it seems unlikely that they wouldn't have been included in the WotC catalogue that is sent out. If nothing else, these unmentioned products may still exist as nothing more than ideas at the moment, in the minds of the designers responsible for writing them. Once WotC have settled on whatever they may be planning regarding the FR site, and updates for future Realmslore online, we may start seeing new titles mentioned in catalogues beyond Apr '08. |
| Uzzy |
Posted - 20 Jul 2007 : 03:47:56
If this was December, and they still had no FR items announced for Jan-Apr 2008, then it might be a good time to be worried. But heck, we still have five months before then! Optimism, people!  |
| The Sage |
Posted - 20 Jul 2007 : 02:49:52
I seem to recall both Ed and Eric [here at Candlekeep and over at WotC] saying something about how they're still working on [non-novel] products for the Realms. And we're sometimes being told by THO that Ed's working on all-things-Realms-related, some which may or may not always involve novels either.
I am a little weary about what WotC have planned for future FR content on their website. I'm thinking the specific lack of details concerning future FR RPG products is in someway tied to WotC's plans for subscription-only sections of FR content on their website. And that when this new system does indeed become active, we're going to see an entirely new relationship coming into effect between printed material, being future FR RPG sourcebooks, and online FR content.
This could be why we've yet to learn any hard facts about about new sourcebooks for early-2008. It may be that WotC is cooking up something, and it will involve practically every way we either purchase or receive the normal amount of Realmslore for each yearly sales period.
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