Toril and Earth - Coincidence?

[Kae'Yoss]

There's a map in the FRCS, but I know of no place where you can get the FR map (legally) on the net.

 

[Orius]

I recall reading, many years ago, an interview with Ed Greenwood in which he was asked what was the meaning behind the "Forgotten Realms" name. His answer was that the Forgotten Realms were named as such because, in his imaginings, there used to be numerous magical gates and portals that linked the Realms to the mystical locations of the ancient earth. The idea was that there used to be a fair bit of travel between the two worlds until the portals began to fail. Once the gates disapeared altogether the various civilizations of earth forgot about the mysterious locales that were once accessible through the portals. So, from the perspective of the civilizations of earth, the areas beyond the ancient gates became "the Forgotten Realms".

It's hardly cannon but I think it does shed some light on the original designer's intention.

I've read that was originally the idea behind it, but that TSR abandoned the idea, because they were afraid kids would go looking for those "gates" and get hurt, and the parents would sue.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

I've read that was originally the idea behind it, but that TSR abandoned the idea, because they were afraid kids would go looking for those "gates" and get hurt, and the parents would sue.

Yes, you can always count on the stupidity of people. No matter how stupid the idea sounds, someone will think it's a good one. Unfortunately, they can sue you if you haven't warned them.

 

[woodelf]

And I see nothing wrong with this. Using parallels to real-world history and geography can make it much easier for players and DMs alike to "get into" the setting. [snip]

It is much easier to just say: "This is sort of like medieval Europe with generic fantasy elements thrown in". Sure, things are more complicated than that - but it serves well as a starting point, and the other details can be explained in the course of the campaign...

As a GM, i agree wholeheartedly. But why should i pay for that? I want something either better-researched, or more-original, than "sort of like <insert real-world culture here>". You want to draw on real-world cultures? Do it at least to the depth of Ars Magica or HarnWorld. Otherwise, be original--give me Dragonmech or Jorune or something.

[And, btw, this isn't a slam on Urbis: it definitely qualifies in my mind as giving me something original.]

 

[WayneLigon]

I've read that was originally the idea behind it, but that TSR abandoned the idea, because they were afraid kids would go looking for those "gates" and get hurt, and the parents would sue.

I would love to know where you read this if you can find the source. Honestly, it sounds more like some poor internet myth.

As far as I know, the 'gate' idea was used and was well-known to anyone who read Greenwood's FR Dragon articles.

 

[kanithardm]

There's a map in the FRCS, but I know of no place where you can get the FR map (legally) on the net.

I tried that once and I found out that you can legally get more detailed maps of places like the Border Kingdoms but the only full Faerun map is so small I couldn't read it.

 

[ssampier]

Personally, I think there's a difference between inspired by and "ripped off" real world cultures/regions. Inspired is good, otherwise the world would be alien and would lack verisimilitude. "Ripped off" is what a hack would do, such as a region called Midd-eost, where the natives wears white hats called lurbans and speak a language called Garbic (of course the primary mode of transport are camels whom the locals call Joe).

Link to a map of faerun?

Here you go:

http://www.nwncityofarabel.com/faerunmap/pages/frMap_02.htm

I hope that's what your looking for.

 

[Orius]

I would love to know where you read this if you can find the source. Honestly, it sounds more like some poor internet myth.

IIRC, it was in the profile done on Greenwood in Dragon a few years back. I think Greenwood was quoted as saying T$R played down the idea of gates out of fear of lawsuits or something. I'll have to dig through my back issues and see if I can find it.

 

[Galethorn]

I'd like to take this moment to point out how Faerun's geology is truly baffling...

I mean, look at all those mountain 'ranges' scattered everywhere going in random directions...it's like somebody just made it all up!
[/sarcasm]

But...my point stands; Faerun's geology wouldn't have happened naturally on a planet with plate tectonics...but the gods made it, so it doesn't have to make sense, apparently.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Another dead giveaway that our world and the FR are supposed to be related:

All those deities from real-world religions that are in the Realms.
Beside the Mulhorandic Pantheon, which is practically the same as the Egyptian Gods of Old (at least up to the point where they entered the Realms), we have:
Tiamat (Babylonian/Hittite Goddess)
Oghma (Celtic deity)
Silvanus (Celtic deity)
Ilmater, Loviatar, Mielikki (Gods of the Kalevala / Finnish origin)
Tyche (one of the Olympians; though she doesn't exist any more)
Tyr (Norse deity)
Baal (Canaanite deity; though the Realmsian Bhaal is a former mortal, no interloper god)