| Author |
 Topic  |
|
RodOdom
Senior Scribe
USA
509 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 16:25:40
|
|
but I can't find anything that interests me as much as pre-4E FR. Thanks a lot, Wotzy.
|
|
|
Varl
Learned Scribe
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 16:27:30
|
| Mystara. |
I'm on a permanent vacation to the soul. -Tash Sultana |
 |
|
|
Icelander
Master of Realmslore
1864 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 16:29:29
|
What's wrong with just keeping your game in the Realms, ignoring all 4e nonsense that comes along?
There's enough lore available for 1e, 2e and 3.Xe to last almost a lifetime of gaming and if the resources of Candlekeep.com are counted with it, you can surely add a few more years of gaming to that. |
Za uspiekh nashevo beznadiozhnovo diela!
Forgotten Realms fans, please sign a petition to re-release the FR Interactive Atlas
|
|
|
|
RodOdom
Senior Scribe
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 16:37:53
|
| I'm more of a novel reader than gamer. |
|
|
|
Icelander
Master of Realmslore
1864 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 16:59:28
|
quote:
Originally posted by RodOdom
I'm more of a novel reader than gamer.
Then by all means, don't read novels set in game settings! 
I read those, but only for gaming value. As art, eh... they leave a lot to be desired.
Read good books and may game fiction lines be damned. |
Za uspiekh nashevo beznadiozhnovo diela!
Forgotten Realms fans, please sign a petition to re-release the FR Interactive Atlas
|
|
|
|
Shottglazz
Acolyte
Canada
49 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 17:03:02
|
For good fantasy-related novels, I'd highly recommend the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin:
A Game of Thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords
A Feast for Crows
A Dance of Dragons (to be released Sept 08) |
Shottglazz
"Take my love, Take my land, Take me where I cannot stand;
I don't care, I'm still free. You can't take the sky from me." |
|
|
|
Matt James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
918 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 17:38:33
|
quote:
Originally posted by Varl
Mystara.
Funny, I was just mentioning Mystara while at GenCon. Not too many people actively talk about that setting. |
|
|
|
Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 18:01:40
|
| I would suggest Terry Goodkind (Sword of Truth), Terry Brooks (Shannara), David Eddings (Belgariad) or RAS's other works. |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back. --Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass
"Mmm, not the darkness," Myrin murmured. "Don't cast it there." --Erik Scott de Bie, Shadowbane
* My character sheets (PFRPG, 3.5, and AE versions; not viewable in Internet Explorer)
* Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Reference Document (PFRPG OGL Rules)
* The Hypertext d20 SRD (3.5 OGL Rules)
* 3.5 D&D Archives
My game design work:
* Heroes of the Jade Oath (PFRPG, conversion; Rite Publishing)
* Compendium Arcanum Volume 1: Cantrips & Orisons (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Compendium Arcanum Volume 2: 1st-Level Spells (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Martial Arts Guidebook (forthcoming) (PFRPG, designer; Rite Publishing)
|
|
|
|
sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 19:17:02
|
If you can find them, Kristen Britian's Green Rider series is pretty good.
Espeically the part in the second book where the main char goes horse back riding in nothing but her skin........... |
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 |
|
|
|
Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 20:45:23
|
| Just stay with pre-4E FR if that is what interests you. |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
|
|
|
The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3563 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 21:00:37
|
quote:
Originally posted by Shottglazz
For good fantasy-related novels, I'd highly recommend the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin:
A Game of Thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords
A Feast for Crows
A Dance of Dragons (to be released Sept 08)
Second that recommendation, heartily!!
But be prepared.....the good guys don't always win. |
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
|
|
|
|
Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 21:23:29
|
| Do like I do: use Pathfinder adventure/products in pre-Spellplague Realms. That way, you vote with your wallet, but also get something good in return... |
|
|
|
BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe
Greece
581 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2008 : 23:18:40
|
| Try Robert Howard and Conan series ... |
BARDOBARBAROS DOES NOT KILL.
HE DECAPITATES!!!
"The city changes, but the fools within it remain always the same" (Edwin Odesseiron- Baldur's gate 2) |
|
|
|
Caolin
Senior Scribe
768 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2008 : 04:42:48
|
quote:
Originally posted by RodOdom
I'm more of a novel reader than gamer.
I'm sorry but what does 4E have to do with the novels beyond the fact that the background setting is changed. It's still the same writers and I for one think that there are some great writers in the bunch. I agree that 4E has a lot to be desired as a game system and I don't like the direction that they took the setting. But I am a novel reader as well and I honestly am not concerned with the changes setting affecting the novels that much. |
|
|
|
RodOdom
Senior Scribe
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2008 : 05:28:15
|
quote:
Originally posted by Caolin
quote:
Originally posted by RodOdom
I'm more of a novel reader than gamer.
I'm sorry but what does 4E have to do with the novels beyond the fact that the background setting is chang
LOL. Everything, my friend. Everything. |
Edited by - RodOdom on 20 Aug 2008 05:29:30 |
|
|
|
RodOdom
Senior Scribe
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2008 : 05:31:30
|
quote:
Originally posted by Icelander
quote:
Originally posted by RodOdom
I'm more of a novel reader than gamer.
Then by all means, don't read novels set in game settings!
I read those, but only for gaming value. As art, eh... they leave a lot to be desired.
Read good books and may game fiction lines be damned.
That's same way I feel about 4EFR right now. |
|
|
|
RodOdom
Senior Scribe
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2008 : 06:03:48
|
| Question about Pathfinder : is there a source book out for the setting yet? I can't seem to find one on their website. |
|
|
|
Ayunken-vanzan
Senior Scribe
Germany
657 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2008 : 06:25:50
|
| Yes, it is. Look here. |
"What mattered our lives now? When our world had been torn from us? Folk wept, or drank, or stood staring out over the land, wondering what new horror each dawn would bring."
Elender Stormfall of Suzail
"Anyone can kill deities, cause plagues, or destroy organizations. It takes real skill to make them live on."
Varl
FR/D&D-Links • 2ed Downloads |
|
|
|
RodOdom
Senior Scribe
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2008 : 10:26:09
|
| Thanks ! |
|
|
|
Baldwin Stonewood
Acolyte
34 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2008 : 22:56:24
|
| Personally all of my new material purchased is through Paizo and their Pathfinder series. Although, I have enough FR material to last me many many years. |
|
|
|
Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
|
|
Kiaransalyn
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
762 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2008 : 11:00:15
|
quote:
Originally posted by RodOdom
but I can't find anything that interests me as much as pre-4E FR. Thanks a lot, Wotzy.
Have you read the Trudi Cannavan novels? I enjoyed both her Black Magician books and the Voice of the Gods books. |
Death is Life
Love is Hate
Revenge is Forgiveness
Ken: You from the States?
Jimmy: Yeah. But don't hold it against me.
Ken: I'll try not to... Just try not to say anything too loud or crass. |
|
|
|
RodOdom
Senior Scribe
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2008 : 13:59:26
|
| I'll look out for those books. Thanks. |
|
|
|
Kiaransalyn
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
762 Posts |
|
|
Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2008 : 14:42:38
|
Well, I started my Night Below campaign some month back in the 1200 D.R. Realms. No Spellplague, no Times of Troubles and lots of filled as well as empty spaces about.
You see, it is a bit like reading historic novels about ... say the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Native Americans or the Irish. You can enjoy them a lot despite knowing that each and every figure in there would be long gone by now, their world changed forever and all that. Once you come to the conclusion that you do not need to play in the Realms of "today and right now", you get over it. The best thing I can imagine to help you is to dig up a few of the good old ones, like the Cyclopedia of the Realms (Old Grey Box), The Bloodstone Lands, Menzoberranzan box or the like and read the plots and rumours section. Rest assured, in no-time two dozen great ideas will spring to mind and you hand will etch ever closer to pen and dice.
As for the new Realms ... no rules set has prevented me from using a setting or ideas I like. |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
Edited by - Zanan on 22 Aug 2008 14:44:32 |
|
|
|
Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2008 : 15:31:54
|
quote:
Originally posted by RodOdom
but I can't find anything that interests me as much as pre-4E FR. Thanks a lot, Wotzy.
That's sweet, my friend, but it just means you aren't looking hard enough! There are some really, really excellent writers out there. 
I second/third/fourth(!) the Martin recommendations.
I will add that the recently-passed David Gemmell is an excellent source of some harrowing fantasy. Of all the fantasy writers out there, I feel that his work reminds me the most of the Realms--the good aspects, not the bad.
I would also gladly throw in names like Dave Duncan, Scott Lynch (a relative newcomer and an excellent writer), and Neil Gaiman (who's just a classic).
quote:
Originally posted by Icelander
Then by all means, don't read novels set in game settings!
I read those, but only for gaming value. As art, eh... they leave a lot to be desired.
Well, we can agree to disagree on this stereotype. I won't otherwise address it, as that would lead us farther afield.
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" |
|
|
|
MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2008 : 20:17:39
|
quote:
Originally posted by Varl
Mystara.
decent choice. The old Gazateers were great but now quite hard to find.
Golarion is decent |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
|
|
|
Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2008 : 20:22:44
|
| Mystara/Known World is great. The products might be harder to find now, but one can always buy pdf's of the Gazetteers if needed. I know, its not the same thing, but printed and bound in some form they at least become readable. |
|
|
|
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 25 Aug 2008 : 17:58:42
|
quote:
Originally posted by Icelander
What's wrong with just keeping your game in the Realms...?
That's pretty much my opinion on the matter. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
|
|
|
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 25 Aug 2008 : 17:59:42
|
quote:
Originally posted by Icelander
Read good books and may game fiction lines be damned.
Well, many FR novels have given me some fun times and good memories. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
|
|
|
Icelander
Master of Realmslore
1864 Posts |
Posted - 25 Aug 2008 : 23:46:19
|
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Well, many FR novels have given me some fun times and good memories.
Oh, sure, and it's entirely possible to enjoy things even though they may not have any artistic merit.
For example, I'm entirely aware that my campaign is probably all kinds of wrong in a literary sense, but that doesn't mean that I don't like it. I just accept it for what it is, i.e. friendly entertainment and not art.
But I can't compare The Rage, The Rite or The Ruin (to name a recent RSE novel trilogy) with War and Peace, A Farewell to Arms or even classic science-fiction like A Mote in God's Eye. Nor can one compare it with Tolkien, with C.S. Lewis, with Bulkakov, Kafka or even modern writers like Terry Pratchett, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Murakami or Neil Gaiman. Even comparisons with an overrated author like Paulo Coelho are unfair.
In the absence of gaming utility for the books, there are much better novels available even for casual reading. Historical novelists like Colleen McCullough, C. S. Forester, Bernard Cornwell, Ellis Peters and Robert Graves stand far above the writers working in the Realms in quality. So do popular fantasy/horror writers like Dean Koontz and Stephen King. Even questionable quality thriller writers in the class of Tom Clancy, Grisham or Crichton are arguably superior.
Even when it comes to pulp entertainment, the real pulp writers have already done it and better. Everyone from Lovecraft, Leiber, Heinlein to Robert E. Howard, H. Rider Haggard and Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote for the pulps; with poets and novelists such as Kipling, Mark Twain and Upton Sinclair competing with yarnspinners like Conan Doyle, Jack Vance, Jack London, Joseph Conrad, Phillip K. Dick, Zane Gray, Dashiell Hammet and Raymond Chandler.
There are dozens I'm forgetting, but I think you get the picture. That's not saying that Realms-fiction is bad. Just that the world is so full of great fiction that if it wasn't for the gaming value of game world novels, I'd never have any time or inclination to read it. |
Za uspiekh nashevo beznadiozhnovo diela!
Forgotten Realms fans, please sign a petition to re-release the FR Interactive Atlas
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Looking for an alternative to the Realms, BUT
Topic Locked
