How did you discover the Forgotten Realms?
Filed under Love Your Geek on April 28, 2004
Tagged: campaign settings, Dungeons and Dragons, Forgotten Realms
The Forgotten Realms has been the most popular campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons since the early 80s. I’ve been a D&D player for over 20 years. Most of my adventures took place in the world of the Basic and Expert boxed sets, what later became known as Mystara in 2nd Edition AD&D. I didn’t even know about FR until the release of Pool of Radiance, a computer roleplaying game by SSI, in the mid-80s.
Through the “goldbox” games, I was introduced to Phlan and the Moonsea region. Later came the Dalelands in Curse of the Azure Bonds. I finally bought the 2nd Edition boxed campaign set and discovered an entire continent.
However, I never played a tabletop game set in FR during that time. I had heard the tales of how everything in FR was overpowered, that there was magic everywhere. Even the local baker could cast spells or wielded a holy avenger. My personal tastes in campaigns were low-magic. So, in ignorance, I shunned Faerun.
Then came Maiden of Pain. Forced to delve into the sourcebooks, I quickly discovered that FR was a world rich with history and depth. Now a seasoned DM and storyteller, I also realized that the beauty of D&D (and rpgs in general) was the ability to take what you wanted and leave the rest. I could shape Faerun into what I wanted it to be for the purposes of my game.
I’ve played in several FR games since, but still have yet to DM one. And everytime I consider the possibilities, Phlan and the Moonsea region beg to be used. To me, they will always be home in the Forgotten Realms.
I know there are other areas that have the same effect for fans of the Forgotten Realms. Early players probably think of Waterdeep or the Dalelands, readers of novels about Drizzt and the drow are drawn to the Spine of the World or the Underdark, and those whose first crpgs were the Baldur’s Gate games dream of the Sword Coast North.
How did you discover the Forgotten Realms?
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