Dearth of information (Believe it or not)
-
Ok, I'm new to this server, haven't gotten a character yet, still stuck on the creation process, and I am searching for information without any success. I have read all the 'How to Create a Character' posts, which are great and certainly different and more intriguing than even the best RP based servers I have been on before. But I am stuck on some important items, especially background. I am completely unfamiliar with Faerun, not having read any books or played any games with it (in the last 20 years at least). Where can I find information on the lands, cities, political climate, etc? I have a good idea what I want my character to start out as, but have no clue where to base him from.
-
You can generally find any information you can think of on here.
-
Something to keep in mind however is we do vary a bit from canon. Most of the cultural stuff will still be fine, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to make your first character a Joe-farmer and learn that way.
Also, welcome! Let us know how we can help you get settled.
-
I started here last june or july, never having read a single forgotten realms novel or even a module for pnp dnd. So NWN the game was m intro. everyhting you need to kmnow can be learned IG and mcuch fun that way :-)
Welcome
-
@MortuiMansit:
You can generally find any information you can think of on here.
Not altogether a wonderful link sadly. These days the information on that website focuses upon the lore of 4th Edition D&D, whereas our server runs off of 3rd Edition (with 20 years of Server history added on)
4th Ed went through some pretty major changes so much of the information will be misleading or just plain wrong. But Some of it will still be relevant, basic info such as the personality and lifestyles of the people in various regions and such is likely to be mostly accurate.
Just be wary of anything listed as recent changes/history.But for the best information, your best bet is to come on the CoA IRC channel. There is almost always someone around who can help you out.
-
There is also this resource viewforum.php?f=214
Which is an imcomplete and possible out of date 'history' of CoA, made by a combination of players and DMs. As I say, it is incomplete :) but it might have some stuff in it that could be useful. There is also quite a bit of lore hanging around in game. The library also has books written by characters (as well as NPCs) that might have some useful information, (the official library is best for that) as well as some posts by more current characters where they are trying to research things.
As said, it's a good idea to play a standard mercenary or something, and learn some things in game as well.
Have fun! and don't be afraid to ask questions!
-
Yea, we follow 3 or 3.5 edition when it comes to faerun as a whole. No spell plague, or anything that comes after 3.5.
I'd recommend buying a few FR books or download them for a small price. I've had fun reading some of it at least. Like the Gods and the regions. Even classes of whole the forgotten realms setting.
But keep in mind it's not a must and a lot don't have that much info about lore. Even DMs. But it does add a lot to your character. Most ppl got info from the forgotten realms wiki. Problem with it though is a lot of it is too brief or informs too much or all info from 4th edition.
-
Thanks all! I guess I'll start with a basic character who is new to town and learn things IG. More fun that way than wading through wikis and searching old threads.
-
Best way to go about it, yeah. You can have no comprehension of how magic works or the role of deities or where in the world Arabel even is, and still have a good time.
Just don't walk into town asking where the nearest laser rifle merchant is.
-
It also helps to visit our IRC channel for quick answers to questions and to catch a DM for anything. We're always helpful for the most part. Just don't feed the Zool after midnight!
-
http://www.candlekeep.com/library/library.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Campaig ... 0786918365
(i can assure you there is a torrent pdf of this, but it is a beautiful hardcover book if you feel so inclined)i had some pretty cool second edition forgotten realms players and dm's guide softcovers i bought at a gaming convention used at one point, but i think i sold those when i went into exile, thinking i would likely not have space for all my precious books.
the 'volo's' guides to the realms series are pretty useful as well, but will vary with the edition as well... i'm not even sure if 4e is still cannon, or if 5e has usurped it... i'm a bit out of the loop but was involved in the wednesday playtest events that wotc was doing... hmm yeah i will link you some official links as well...
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? ... nd+dragons
(probably torrents for all of these, too note they are probably 2nd ed forgotten realms lore)just because it may be useful for you:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/
(you can buy the old pdfs from here too, probably)'living forgotten realms' campaign world and setting, which is probably set in 4e or 5e timeline right now...
the candlekeep stuff is probably closer to the timeline you want...
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Event.aspx?x ... /event/lfr -
sites like this sell the old pdf's cheap too, if you want to give the devil his due:
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/search like rpg ebook or pdf buy online you will probably find a few sites...