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.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

She has a plot-relevant cameo in the Fallbacks novel, so there's some cross-marketing synergy there, too. Now I'm wondering if she pops up in the new novel that drops Tuesday.

Maybe the Blackstaff woman as well. She is a bit underexposed, compared to the others.

 

[Arnie_Wan_Kenobi]

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.

I've never been a huge FR player; aside from Shadowheart (who took me way too long to remember), does FR have "iconic" clerics? (Yes, as I type that I remembered there's an entire series called "The Cleric Quintet.")

Oh. Indeed! I'm sure we'll see Drizzt. We always see Drizzt.

 

[SkidAce]

Oh, and I know its appeal to authority, but art was a secondary in college....

Neither of those covers are "bad" art.

I personally think some of the poses are forced, but thats kinda just a dislike.

Perspective, use of color, fading into backdrop for distance, etc etc, all fine.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I've never been a huge FR player; aside from Shadowheart (who took me way too long to remember), does FR have "iconic" clerics? (Yes, as I type that I remembered there's an entire series called "The Cleric Quintet.)

Oh. Indeed! I'm sure we'll see Drizzt. We always see Drizzt.

Cadderly, Shadowheart come to mind.

 

[Juomari Veren]

Oh, and I know its appeal to authority, but art was a secondary in college....

Neither of those covers are "bad" art.

I personally think some of the poses are forced, but thats kinda just a dislike.

Perspective, use of color, fading into backdrop for distance, etc etc, all fine.

Yeah, everyone commenting on the art as art here are a little wild. These covers are better than some covers we've had in the past (frankly, I like these covers more than the normal cover to Dragon Delves, but I admit that's personal preference above all else). I'm glad that they reached across the game's history to make the party on the Adventurer's Guide (Jarlaxle for the old school, Minsc for 2nd ed, Vajra is from late 3.5 and early 4e, and of course Karlach is a fresh face from this decade).

Also, for anyone asking where all of the Valindra fans are hiding; It's me. And I definitely rigged the system to get her on the cover. Anything for my lich queen.

 

[Amphytrion]

At least they didn't try to squeeze out any more mileage from Drizzt...

I'd have put Drizzt on the cover if I were WotC. What harm could it do? Those books have their fanbase, and they can buy this too.

I think it'd make more sense than Jarlaxle, at least from a DM's perspective, since Jarlaxle is

Spoiler

possibly the surprise villain behind Waterdeep: Dragon Heist.

 

[Dire Bare]

I'd have put Drizzt on the cover if I were WotC. What harm could it do? Those books have their fanbase, and they can buy this too.

I think it'd make more sense than Jarlaxle, at least from a DM's perspective, since Jarlaxle is

Spoiler

possibly the surprise villain behind Waterdeep: Dragon Heist.

Jarlaxle is a comic book character in the sense that he shifts from hero to villain to antihero and back again. In the novels, he's still pretty self-interested, but has shifted into a more heroic figure willing to sacrifice his own well-being for those he cares about.

He's Han Solo, but with a criminal organization behind him. I'm cool with him being on the cover of a player's book.

 

[Amphytrion]

I've never been a huge FR player; aside from Shadowheart (who took me way too long to remember), does FR have "iconic" clerics?

On the evil side, Fzoul Chembryl is an iconic evil cleric. I'd like to see him if only out of curiosity for how they'd modernize his glorious hanging moustaches.

Less so on the good side; or at least not many come to mind. There's a plethora of characters that probably are at the same level as Vajra Safahr (as in they have few appearances and feature in a supporting role in one 5e adventure) that could probably be raised to bigger status should WotC decide to.

 

[Amphytrion]

Jarlaxle is a comic book character in the sense that he shifts from hero to villain to antihero and back again. In the novels, he's still pretty self-interested, but has shifted into a more heroic figure willing to sacrifice his own well-being for those he cares about.

He's Han Solo, but with a criminal organization behind him. I'm cool with him being on the cover of a player's book.

I understand this, but as a DM,

Spoiler: Spoilers

I'd rather not have the surprise villain of my adventure on a player's book cover. Nothing to do with his role in the books.

Of course, this ship has already sailed with other WDH villains, most notably Xanathar.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I think it'd make more sense than Jarlaxle, at least from a DM's perspective, since Jarlaxle is

Jarlaxle has revolving door morality.

Which makes him a good fit for the BG3 gang.

And you really wouldn't want two melee rangers in a party.