Evilhalfling
Adventurer
This is a hugely one-side response.
I think if you want to run option 1, you start the world normally, and develop the threat as the game progresses. Its really the lack of player choice, and the thought of having to save the world right from first level that would suck.
It might work as a One-shot game, or short series with PCs starting at higher levels.
It looks like a staple of fantasy literature, but your coming in right in the middle of the series. Tolkien, Eddings, Jordan all relied on really powerful mentors protecting the hero, until they grew into the role. This would suck as a campaign model. There is a reason Elminster was hated.
I think if you want to run option 1, you start the world normally, and develop the threat as the game progresses. Its really the lack of player choice, and the thought of having to save the world right from first level that would suck.
It might work as a One-shot game, or short series with PCs starting at higher levels.
It looks like a staple of fantasy literature, but your coming in right in the middle of the series. Tolkien, Eddings, Jordan all relied on really powerful mentors protecting the hero, until they grew into the role. This would suck as a campaign model. There is a reason Elminster was hated.