D&D 5E Forgotten Realms version?

[DongMaster]

Hi!

Old returning gamer who has been lured back by some of my fellow wargamers to play roleplaying games again (some 12 years have passed since I DMed last time, almost 25 years since I sist DMed in Faerun). I were never a big fan of the more modern games like Pathfinder, D&D 3.5-4.0, and so forth but when I was able to get a copy of the new D&D 5 starter set when it was released I knew I was hooked. I preferred to create my own adventures back then, still do, but will buy anything that is released (and read it) including adventures.

My semi-noob question for you, seeing there is no Forgotten Realms setting book for 5th (yet), which book version should I get so I have some knowledge of the current version? There are some info in the Hoard and Rise adventures but since they almost feel you should have some knowledge of the realms, I am almost dumb struck where to begin. Should I get some D&D Forgotten Realms books (the parchment ones) or 4th ed. versions? The latter scares me as the Gods I knew (through all the computer games and some old novels like Streams of Silver) are gone and the world is more alien to me than the new 5th ed. version (though I like these new products).

One of the players is an avid Helm lover for some reason I might add.

'Elp!

Thanks!

(Or maybe I should wait for a 5th ed. if there will be one released?)

 

[KirayaTiDrekan]

My opinion...

You and I seem to have creating our own adventures and such in common, so the setting seems like it ought to be more of a framework for your own creativity than a comprehensive guide.

Therefore, my recommendation would be the 3.0/3.5 era Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, which is generally regarded as one of the best versions of the setting and, perhaps, the Grand History of the Realms if you want all the juicy details up to just prior to 4E. Then check out online resources like Candlekeep for info on the changes brought on by 4E and 5E (the Return of Abeir and the Sundering).

Again, all my opinion as a casual Realms fan. Have fun!

 

[Coltarion]

One thing to mention is that more than one hundred years pass between the 3.5 and 4.0 FR Campaign Settings. A lot changes in those one hundred years, so if you are interested in crafting your world with the most up-to-date events, pick up the 4.0 FRCS.

 

[Remathilis]

One thing to mention is that more than one hundred years pass between the 3.5 and 4.0 FR Campaign Settings. A lot changes in those one hundred years, so if you are interested in crafting your world with the most up-to-date events, pick up the 4.0 FRCS.

Well, pre-Sundering at least. Lots changed in the Sundering (much of which hasn't been spelled out). You might actually be better off using the 3.0 book than the 4.0, considering how many "we're back" moments the Sundering is doing.

 

[Zansy]

I can't speak from experience or anything since I never got the forgotten realms game (but am a wannabe fan) I think one of the articles on the site mentioned FR for 5e is gradually in the works, but I agree with working with the lore you know and are familiar with, or at least it's closest match. Perhaps Later down the line, when the FR post-sundering is published, you might consider making 5e changes, or a "sequel" to your adventure with a time skip or something similar?

Whichever direction you take your setting, best of luck running the new game - Forgotten realms looks like a fantastic setting!

 

[gyor]

I'd start with 2e pdfs, lots of lore there, and just use stuff like forgotten realms wikis and stuff for more up to date info. Alternatively if your willing to focus on a specific region, you can get the Adventurer's Handbook and the adventurer Princes of the Apocoypse (sorry misspelled that). In fact I'd start with those two when they come out in March. Once you have those two you can go onto Candlekeep and ask lore questions you may have and product recommendations for more indepth lore.

 

[reelo]

...my recommendation would be the 3.0/3.5 era Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, which is generally regarded as one of the best versions of the setting ...

Again, all my opinion as a casual Realms fan. Have fun!

I'll second that recommendation. I have that book (as well as a paperback one specifically about the Silver Marches) still stashed away somewhere and I think it's time to retrieve them and blow off the dust. Great book indeed!

 

[Sailor Moon]

Any of the 3rd edition and before books are going to be your best bet.

 

[DongMaster]

Thanks for all the help guys!

Will buy the pdf 3.0 now.

Any rumours of a 5E sourcebook.

 

[ruleslawyer]

Keep in mind that a lot of the 3e lore has been negated by changes in 4e, and I'm not clear that the Sundering is going to simply reverse those changes. I would pick a starting locale, figure out what kind of political/cultural environment you want to have, and then go with the chronology that fits your preferred style. 4e realms with returned abeir and all is vastly different from the realms of 3e.