I am REALLY behind on my FR books because all I have really read are the Legend of Drizzt books but I have to start over because of how long it has been. So I was curious what other books I should start on to prepare myself for NO.
As of now I just ordered Dissolution, book 1 of the 'War of the Spider Queen' series, and also The Alabaster Staff and last The Cleric Quintet Collector's Edition.
I had to reorder Homeland but when I get that book I will start over on the Legend of Drizzt.
Also I am not really looking for a list of books but more of a personal recommendation from all of you.
Would you recommend the earlier versions or stick with 3.5 or 4E?
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steppenkatMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Guardian UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited March 2013
Um these are not novels, but lore-wise I really enjoyed "Volo's Guide to the North", an AD&D supplement that talks a lot about the culture of the Swordcoast and many of the surrounding lands. Personally I've never took a liking to the FR novels, some appear to be half cooked for me. I've only finished the "War of the Spider Queen" and "Lady Penitent" sagas. Though I've been recommended several times to read the "Cleric's Quintet".
For Drizzt, I found more fun the recent FR comic series that Wizard has been launching, I never took a liking to those books.
Characters: - Titania Silverblade, the Iron Rose of Myth Drannor (Lvl 60 GWF, Destroyer) - Gwyneth, the Cowardly Cat Burglar Drowling (Lvl 60 TR, Saboteur) - Lady Rowanne Firehair, Heartwarder of Sune (Lvl 33 DC) - Satella, Sensate (LvL 44 CW, Renegade, Non-Active)
Would you recommend the earlier versions or stick with 3.5 or 4E?
Remember though that many things have changed, though not exactly culture-wise. Cormyr's culture is pretty much the same, both pre and post-Spellplague. It's also interesting to take a read into the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (4th ed) and compare some changes.
Characters: - Titania Silverblade, the Iron Rose of Myth Drannor (Lvl 60 GWF, Destroyer) - Gwyneth, the Cowardly Cat Burglar Drowling (Lvl 60 TR, Saboteur) - Lady Rowanne Firehair, Heartwarder of Sune (Lvl 33 DC) - Satella, Sensate (LvL 44 CW, Renegade, Non-Active)
I am really loving the War of the Spider Queen series, great choice. The most recently Salvatore books, the Neverwinter series are a great intro to the game as well.
I also agree that the sourcebooks are an excellent way to go. You can get the Campaign Guide or you can go for books specific to your interstests. I am a huge, huge fan of Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue.
Another excellent all around guide to the Realms is Elminster's Forgotten Realms. It's not a sourcebook in that it doesn't include rules, it's more of a roleplayers handbook to the Realms. I spent a whole afternoon pouring over it.
I am really loving the War of the Spider Queen series, great choice. The most recently Salvatore books, the Neverwinter series are a great intro to the game as well.
I also agree that the sourcebooks are an excellent way to go. You can get the Campaign Guide or you can go for books specific to your interstests. I am a huge, huge fan of Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue.
Another excellent all around guide to the Realms is Elminster's Forgotten Realms. It's not a sourcebook in that it doesn't include rules, it's more of a roleplayers handbook to the Realms. I spent a whole afternoon pouring over it.
The Menzoberranzan supplement for 4th edition has impressed me. It's not as complete as 3.5 Drow of the Underdark (a must-buy for any Drow lover), but it's really well designed and it provides an interesting system for an intrigue-based RP. I've also thanked the fact that it allows you to set the campaign in different times of Menzoberranzan's history. You want to play during Lolth's Silence? No problem, the sourcebook explains you how to do so.
Characters: - Titania Silverblade, the Iron Rose of Myth Drannor (Lvl 60 GWF, Destroyer) - Gwyneth, the Cowardly Cat Burglar Drowling (Lvl 60 TR, Saboteur) - Lady Rowanne Firehair, Heartwarder of Sune (Lvl 33 DC) - Satella, Sensate (LvL 44 CW, Renegade, Non-Active)
Fantastic suggestions, I love em!
I am looking more into the Drow because of a guild I am in is focusing more on the Drow and while the Legend of Drizzt does a nice jon in the prequel books and the books 7-10 also had more Drow lore in it so getting the War of the Spider Queen seemed like a nice addition. I will check the other books out later on however.
I really do appreciate you guys helping me out with these suggestions.
Count me in as part of the crew that recommends the actual RPG supplements over the novels. This is particularly true if you want to get a real feel for the environment, the lore, the factions and other plot hooks you might want to attach your character and your Foundry missions to.
For pure gaming, I'd never recommend 4e, the design is a mess. But for supplements to read to get a feel for Forgotten Realms, I think the 4e material is fine.
It's not the best written supplement and it could have used another pass at the editing desk, but overall it provides a superb summary of the game world you are about immerse yourself in. In fact, you'll immediately see references and images of things you encounter in the game. There's great synergy between the game and this book.
SHADOW - A secret cabal for those who thirst for wealth and power. Check out SHADOW on YouTube!
Would you recommend the earlier versions or stick with 3.5 or 4E?
As others have said, as the world has changed, and Neverwinter Online is based on the latest history, I would get the 4E books (as much as it pains me to say it). Just use the books for the lore though.
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dvscalesingerMember, Neverwinter Beta Users, Neverwinter Guardian UsersPosts: 0Arc User
edited March 2013
Just came home from the library with "An Abyssal Plague Novel- Sword of the Gods" by Bruce R. Cordell
Is this the right direction for me to start catching up on the world that is Faerun? I am replaying old NWN pc games but I'd like to start where I can getting a larger understanding of it so I can work on some role play by the time we are in open beta.
Comments
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/D-D-FORGOTTEN-REALMS-BOOKS-HB-D20-3-5E-3E-WOTC-MULTILISTING-DUNGEONS-DRAGONS-/380514824130?pt=UK_Toys_RolePlaying_RL&var=&hash=item5898736fc2
For Drizzt, I found more fun the recent FR comic series that Wizard has been launching, I never took a liking to those books.
- Titania Silverblade, the Iron Rose of Myth Drannor (Lvl 60 GWF, Destroyer)
- Gwyneth, the Cowardly Cat Burglar Drowling (Lvl 60 TR, Saboteur)
- Lady Rowanne Firehair, Heartwarder of Sune (Lvl 33 DC)
- Satella, Sensate (LvL 44 CW, Renegade, Non-Active)
Check Steppenkat's Foundry Quest Reviews!
http://forum.candlekeep.com/
Their stickies will help you.
Remember though that many things have changed, though not exactly culture-wise. Cormyr's culture is pretty much the same, both pre and post-Spellplague. It's also interesting to take a read into the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (4th ed) and compare some changes.
- Titania Silverblade, the Iron Rose of Myth Drannor (Lvl 60 GWF, Destroyer)
- Gwyneth, the Cowardly Cat Burglar Drowling (Lvl 60 TR, Saboteur)
- Lady Rowanne Firehair, Heartwarder of Sune (Lvl 33 DC)
- Satella, Sensate (LvL 44 CW, Renegade, Non-Active)
Check Steppenkat's Foundry Quest Reviews!
I also agree that the sourcebooks are an excellent way to go. You can get the Campaign Guide or you can go for books specific to your interstests. I am a huge, huge fan of Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue.
Another excellent all around guide to the Realms is Elminster's Forgotten Realms. It's not a sourcebook in that it doesn't include rules, it's more of a roleplayers handbook to the Realms. I spent a whole afternoon pouring over it.
If you're looking to catch on Drizzt without reading twenty years of books I'd also suggest A Reader's Guide to the Legend of Drizzt
Website ★ Recruitment ★ Video
The Menzoberranzan supplement for 4th edition has impressed me. It's not as complete as 3.5 Drow of the Underdark (a must-buy for any Drow lover), but it's really well designed and it provides an interesting system for an intrigue-based RP. I've also thanked the fact that it allows you to set the campaign in different times of Menzoberranzan's history. You want to play during Lolth's Silence? No problem, the sourcebook explains you how to do so.
- Titania Silverblade, the Iron Rose of Myth Drannor (Lvl 60 GWF, Destroyer)
- Gwyneth, the Cowardly Cat Burglar Drowling (Lvl 60 TR, Saboteur)
- Lady Rowanne Firehair, Heartwarder of Sune (Lvl 33 DC)
- Satella, Sensate (LvL 44 CW, Renegade, Non-Active)
Check Steppenkat's Foundry Quest Reviews!
I am looking more into the Drow because of a guild I am in is focusing more on the Drow and while the Legend of Drizzt does a nice jon in the prequel books and the books 7-10 also had more Drow lore in it so getting the War of the Spider Queen seemed like a nice addition. I will check the other books out later on however.
I really do appreciate you guys helping me out with these suggestions.
For pure gaming, I'd never recommend 4e, the design is a mess. But for supplements to read to get a feel for Forgotten Realms, I think the 4e material is fine.
In particular I recommend this:
http://www.amazon.com/Neverwinter-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Supplement/dp/0786958146
It's not the best written supplement and it could have used another pass at the editing desk, but overall it provides a superb summary of the game world you are about immerse yourself in. In fact, you'll immediately see references and images of things you encounter in the game. There's great synergy between the game and this book.
Check out SHADOW on YouTube!
As others have said, as the world has changed, and Neverwinter Online is based on the latest history, I would get the 4E books (as much as it pains me to say it). Just use the books for the lore though.
Is this the right direction for me to start catching up on the world that is Faerun? I am replaying old NWN pc games but I'd like to start where I can getting a larger understanding of it so I can work on some role play by the time we are in open beta.
FOR THE SEVEN!!!