An IR is a What If scenario.
In this particular case, it assumes the printing press has been invented in Faerun (the Forgotten Realms Setting), has become very popular, and books are now commonplace.
In this What If setting, you have a chance to create a character who has something to say about Faerun, Toril, or anything he or she cares to write down, for publishers are plenty and to spare, and enough gold will publish any treatise.
In effect, the IR is - at the moment - an In Character Discussion Forum set in the Forgotten Realms (Imagine, just for a second, a Nutkinland or other Internet Message Board, set in the Forgotten Realms ... except this message board uses the old fashioned pamphlets, leaflets, and full blown books instead of electronic media.)
Of course, the written word is powerful.
In Real Life, the advent of the printing press caused the Reformation, which set into motion the Counter Reformation and many other events ... such as the Renaissance.
Toril is not different from Earth in this respect: the written word is powerful on Toril, just as it is in our Real World.
Now, in this IR, it is assumed your character is a big writer ... of pamplets, leaflets (which can actually be written on the Playing the Game board), and books (which can be described in general.)
Thus, your character has the ability to take Faerun in new and different directions. You have the chance to make Faerunian history.
Of course, many powers and dieties in Faerun oppose the printing press and all that it stands for, and nearly ANY published work is going to outrage someone (or something) on Toril.
But, that's how it goes, in the Forgotten Realms ...
Are you willing to post an opinion on the Realms?
This is a chance to do so, In Character.
This is a chance to Sound Off.
This is a chance, to totally alter the Forgotten Realms from what they are.
The written word is powerful.
Edena_of_Neith
