Waterdeep

[Arnwyn]

I don't know how Eric earned such pessimism about how much new lore this book (the third of its name) will have -- when has he disappointed before?

I can't imagine why you would think that it would be Eric that earned any pessimism. I guess you haven't seen any other 3e FR books that have covered previously published area/material (cf. ratio of new material to old in Silver Marches, Thay and Rashemen sections of Unapproachable East, even Underdark... to say nothing about PGtF).

I look forward to having my pessimism wiped clean!

 

[Faraer]

I'd say the ratio of new material to old in Silver Marches is very good, certainly better than the other books you mention. The current editorial policies have some effect, notably in adding the roolz chapters, but in the main I think we're safe guessing by individual authors' past work, rather than the publisher. I'm confident Eric can do it, however unlikely it sounds to cover Waterdeep in 160 pages, with enough of the established backbone, new lore, and the obligatory crunchy bits and timeline updates as well. (Overflow from the sourcebook and Ed and Elaine's novel is being turned into web and magazine articles.)

 

[rounser]

The latest word from Rich Baker is that a Moonshae accessory may be on the schedule some time soon-ish.

This should be good...

I usually could care less about regional campaign setting sourcebooks, but the Moonshaes are like a miniature campaign setting unto themselves, and I dig the whole celtic/nordic vibe.

 

[The Grumpy Celt]

I wonder what kind of new and up-dated information on NPCs we will get. Such as about Paladinson, Mirt, the Serpent, Bill the errand boy, Halaster, Khelben…

Khelben is such an utter butt-head. I dislike many of the powerful and "good" characters in the Realms, Khelben in particular. They are there to give the DM a club to beat the PC with and the PC just have to take it. If any NPC but Khelben treats the PCs the way Khelben is described as always acting, then the PCs can (at least try to) kick the bejayzus out of them. And its utterly in character for Khelben to be as abusive to them as any villain. But Khelben is a good guy and so the PCs have to just take it. Khelben is there to give the DM a club to beat the PC with and the PC just have to take it.