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.

 

[pukunui]

It's painful to me how much better the older cover is.

Yeah, I mean like even that cover's not "perfect". Tyler Jacobson is a little too fond of pastel colors for my taste, but I like his painterly style better than any kind of obviously digital art.

I know that the gang of heroes on the SCAG cover were originally intended as some kind of FR iconics group that got quietly dropped but I still like that they're basically a party of PCs making a stand against some orcs. I can see myself playing one of those characters. Whereas the new FR cover has a bunch of powerful NPCs on the cover ... I can't play as any of them, so why are they specifically on the cover of the player-facing book?

As for Valindra ... she's cool, but again I don't like that particular art style. I mean, for those complaining that she doesn't look undead enough - that's part of her schtick! She has the ability to make herself look like she's still alive. I do like her look from Tomb of Annihilation:

I would find it infinitely amusing if the people who have been over the last decade or so decrying the fact that WotC never updated the Forgotten Realms suddenly decided NOT to get these books because of how the covers looked.

I would presume that won't be the case... that their needs for Faerun's history to be updated would supercede how a piece of art looked to them. But you never can tell!

The cover art won't necessarily stop me from purchasing these books on DDB, but it may be enough to stop me from purchasing physical copies. Depends on what the alt covers look like.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

I recognize Karlach, Minsc, and Temu Jarlaxle, but who is the floating woman in the back of the group with the staff?

 

[pukunui]

I recognize Karlach, Minsc, and Temu Jarlaxle, but who is the floating woman in the back of the group with the staff?

Vajra Safahr, who has served as the Blackstaff in Waterdeep since the late 4e era. She's also on the new MM cover with Minsc.

EDIT: Apparently she made her debut in the 2008 novel, Blackstaff Tower, which also featured Renaer Neverember and Meloon Wardragon (Renaer is a major NPC in Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, while Meloon has a bit part. Vajra's 5e stats are also in that adventure.)

 

[Cergorach]

Non-rhetorical question for anyone who doesn't like these covers: What would you prefer to be on the cover of a Forgotten Realms product?

I'm genuinely curious.

I prefer the 2e/3e covers and even the 4e covers for FR over these.

I would find it infinitely amusing if the people who have been over the last decade or so decrying the fact that WotC never updated the Forgotten Realms suddenly decided NOT to get these books because of how the covers looked.

I would presume that won't be the case... that their needs for Faerun's history to be updated would supercede how a piece of art looked to them. But you never can tell!

Kinda depends, if there's a Foundry VTT version of them, I'll buy them, if not, then not.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

Vajra Safahr, who has served as the Blackstaff in Waterdeep since the late 4e era. She's also on the new MM cover with Minsc.

Thanks, she looks cool! My knowledge of the realms is about 2.5 editions out of date lol.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Where's the excitement and danger?

Shadowdark

I think these covers are great and I definitely agree that putting BG3 folks on the cover is very smart. If anything, I would have put someone from the game on the DM's book, too.

 

[pukunui]

Thanks, she looks cool! My knowledge of the realms is about 2.5 editions out of date lol.

She's noteworthy for being the youngest Blackstaff ever.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I am still holding out hope for an errata’d alt cover slipcase collection of the revised core books for Christmas.

That feels like it'd be pretty fast. Have they sold through the first print run yet?

 

[TravDoc42]

I honestly don't mind the covers that much! I do agree that SCAG had a nicer cover, but I have nothing against this style, with vibrant colours. And having Karlach on the cover will help sell the books!

 

[pukunui]

That feels like it'd be pretty fast. Have they sold through the first print run yet?

I don't know. Maybe I'll have to wait till next Christmas. That would certainly give them more time to fix the remaining issues they missed in the first round of errata.