D&D 5E (2024) Here's The Covers of BOTH of November's Forgotten Realms Books

We've known for some time that in November, WotC will be releasing not one but two Forgotten Realms books--one aimed at players, the other at Dungeon Masters. Thanks to Game Informer, we now have a look at the covers of Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun and Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun. The article showcases more art, and is well worth checking out--and for those who want more, the print magazine has a full feature previewing the books.

 

[Scott Christian]

More people can probably recognize the image of Karlach and Minsc than the images of probably any other FR character besides Elminster and Drizzt. Because no other Realms characters have been immortalized visually to as wide an audience as what we see from the video games. How many of us could pick out what Storm Silverhand looks like right now unless we specifically had bought a FR campaign guide in the past and found and remembered her picture? That number is so much smaller than the number of people who have played any of the three Baldur's Gates games.

Ask me to pick out Manshoon out of a lineup and I'd fail miserably. But ask to me find Jan Jansen out of a morass of gnome pictures and I'd have very little problem.

I don't know, I guess that was my point before thinking it through. Do you need a "celebrity" endorsement for characters, or can you use an image that is specifically of the artist's design. One that truly encapsulates Faerun. (Which, I get, is very hard to do.) It seems to me that it would have been better for the artist, and imho, that leads to better art. Every time I study this cover, I feel like I am looking at a bunch of cosplayers having fun posing for a picture at a convention.

 

[GrandMasterofFlowers]

The art is okay, but when I look at it, I think everyone looks a little too happy. Where's the excitement and danger?

It's too triggering to the crowd they are marketing too.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I don't know, I guess that was my point before thinking it through. Do you need a "celebrity" endorsement for characters, or can you use an image that is specifically of the artist's design. One that truly encapsulates Faerun. (Which, I get, is very hard to do.) It seems to me that it would have been better for the artist, and imho, that leads to better art. Every time I study this cover, I feel like I am looking at a bunch of cosplayers having fun posing for a picture at a convention.

If only one person decides to buy the book because they enjoyed BG3 and recognised Karlach, that one more sale than you would have had if it had been a generic tiefling barbarian.

Speaking as someone who dabbles a bit in art, there is an issue with this art - it's too posed (ironically, also an issue with the Dragonlance art from way back when), but it has absolutely nothing to do with the characters featured. In fact it's easier to draw an extant character than make one up from scratch.

 

[Scott Christian]

If only one person decides to buy the book because they enjoyed BG3 and recognised Karlach, that one more sale than you would have had if it had been a generic tiefling barbarian.

Speaking as someone who dabbles a bit in art, there is an issue with this art - it's too posed (ironically, also an issue with the Dragonlance art from way back when), but it has absolutely nothing to do with the characters featured. In fact it's easier to draw an extant character than make one up from scratch.

You are correct. It is a business, and from a business position, this might work in their favor. Then again, it might not. Maybe taking a chance on the unknown would be better. But thinking about it more carefully, I tend to agree with your logic. As for drawing the art, I am a stick figure man, so whatever you say I am going to agree with.

 

[DEFCON 1]

As for drawing the art, I am a stick figure man, so whatever you say I am going to agree with.

I do wonder how a D&D book with cover art by Randall Munroe of xkcd would go over.

 

[Arnie_Wan_Kenobi]

1) Minsc AND Karlach?!

2) I haven't taken a close look at a lot of the recent books, but is that a pretty distinctive change to the trade dress?

And NOT Drizzt? I'm confused. /s

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Maybe taking a chance on the unknown would be better

An “unknown” is a no one. No one is going to by a product because they like Generic Extra 4.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

And NOT Drizzt? I'm confused. /s

Jarlaxle is a more interesting character, and the party is already heavy with front liners, they needed a rogue.

They need a cleric too. But maybe the cleric is painting the picture. Maybe they borrowed Sosiel from Pathfinder.

I would expect to see other characters, including Dizzt, in interior illustrations. Maybe Drizzt will feature in one of the DLC, like Astarion, who is also not on the cover.

 

[SkidAce]

Because it had no feeling to it. Old D&D art had the sense of mystery, danger and adventure. The character in the DM guide for the realms has a goofy grin as if to say”Wow, sucker,. You actually bought this?” Karlack next to Minsk next to Jarlaxle next to a wizard doesn’t fire up my imagination. It looks like a bunch of influencers posing for a photo while trying to convince you to buy the book. No background of any substance. I will buy it on Beyond for the subclasses but if I were a brand new player who knew nothing of the Realms I don’t see either of these books inspiring me to pick it up. It looks like art for minor children. Antiseptic, bland and uninspiring.

But its got a mind flayer, gelatinous cube, beholder, giant spiders, gnolls, kobolds, a RUST MONSTER, a flumpth, all assaulting a group of heroes prepared to slice them all up.

Very much in the spirit of a mash up between 1st E monster manual and player's handbook.

Actually I feel Karlach's grin is more directed at the monsters, "Bring it on suckers!"

IMHO.

EDIT: I am looking at the full picture from Game Informer.

 

[Arnie_Wan_Kenobi]

Valindra is a fun choice for the one cover. She honestly shows up a lot, and is an antagonist that can be basically endlessly reused in near any situation.

Edit: Spoilers (and apologies for not doing that to start)
She has

Spoiler: for recent appearance

a plot-relevant cameo in the Fallbacks novel (Edit: if you haven't read it)

, so there's some cross-marketing synergy there, too. Now I'm wondering if she pops up

Spoiler: for possible upcoming appearance

in the new novel that drops Tuesday.