Is Forgotten Realms the Default Campaign Setting for 5e?

[Ruin Explorer]

The lore in VGtM and MToF is not FR specific. Most notably, the gnoll and elf lore directly contradict FR lore that came before, and there are quite a few examples of less extreme contraditions/retcons in the other sections. Most of the lore in those books is setting-neutral, with examples/exceptions noted in the text. The only major FR-specific lore that infused an entire section (and isn't just an example) is the Ordning in the giant section.

I don't think contradicting or changing past FR lore without calling out FR lore as different can be said to suggestive that this isn't treating FR as the default. FR lore changes every edition, and retcons and apparent contradictions of previous lore are a constant.

 

[Demetrios1453]

I don't think contradicting or changing past FR lore without calling out FR lore as different can be said to suggestive that this isn't treating FR as the default. FR lore changes every edition, and retcons and apparent contradictions of previous lore are a constant.

I was just saying that calling the lore in VGtM and MToF FR-specfic is incorrect. The lore in those books is pretty setting-neutral, with a few exceptions (such as, as I noted, the Ordning in the giants secrion) here and there.

 

[Bravesteel25]

I think that it can be assumed that something that comes out for 5E is set in the Forgotten Realms unless otherwise stated. So I picked option 2.

 

[hawkeyefan]

It's the most prominent, but they make it clear that there are other settings and have even shared details about those settings in some books, or notes about adapting to those worlds in others.

If that means "default" or "official" or what, I'm not sure, but I don't think that the label really matters.

Those who hate FR and don't like its prominence will still be unhappy. Those who love FR will still be unhappy at the minimal setting details that've been provided.

The rest of us will keep using the material in a way that suits us.

 

[Weiley31]

For me, I'm so used to the Forgotten Realms as it was the campaign setting I was introduced to in ALOTTA DND books I would read. (no not the novels but alotta of the 3.0/3.5 rpg books that took place in it.*) Heck the Dark Alliance games took place in em too.

So in all my games, everything takes place in Faerune/Forgotten Realms. Other settings like Eberron and stuff take place on the OTHER SIDE or different continents of Toril.

 

[Laurefindel]

It's complicated...

 

[Oofta]

There should be another option "Committed to each other but in an open relationship."

Yes, FR is the default, but there's no reason to limit yourself to just one campaign every once in a while.

Also, just because 5E was originally developed with FR as a basis, doesn't mean it hasn't grown since it's inception. People grow apart and sometimes you just want to add a little spice to your game, right? Nothing wrong with that!

 

[Salthorae]

(consisting, no doubt, of Dragonborn)

and gnome paladins... don't forget them.

The rule system itself does not assume any default setting.

I mean... there are quite a few options in the books outside of PHB that assume the Realms or at least previous Realms Lore/publishings:

• Uthgardt tribes (background & lore)
• Bladesinger (wizard school)
• Battleragers (barbarian path)
• Waterdhavian Noble (background)
• Faction Agent (background)

I guess you could argue that those were in a Realm's Specific book, and that's true. But it was also the first supplement published I think.

• The Seldarine from Mordenkainen's is a FR specific concept/name for the elven gods.

shrug

There are more I can't think of right now I'm sure.

I dont' think it's official, but I do agree it's default.

 

[Fenris447]

It's definitely the default. But it's certainly not the exclusive or official one. Having started my whole D&D career in 5e, I can't say I've ever felt like I was missing out when not playing in the Forgotten Realms. Everything is transferable to whatever setting I need it to be.

 

[atanakar]

FR is the default (not official) setting much like Greyhawk was the default setting of AD&D 1e. D&D is a multi-verse. There are multiple reference to other settings in the core books and official adventures. FR info is given in the PHB mostly, I think, to help new DMs grasp what a campaign setting is and how to go about it. A frame of reference to build your own fantasy world. Because that is at the root of D&D as Arneson and Gygax saw it. And what I did ever since I DMed my first game of B/X D&D in 1981*.

*I'm not saying this is the only way to play D&D. For numerous reasons a GM might want to only run official settings and adventures. I'm known to have used parts of those more than a few times.