The highly anticipated new campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons, titled Forgotten Realms, is set to be released on November 11, 2023. The campaign consists of two books: Adventures in Faerûn and Heroes of Faerûn. While both books promise to enrich the gaming experience, they also reveal some notable design flaws that may impact players and Dungeon Masters alike.
For many fans, the Forgotten Realms are synonymous with Dungeons & Dragons. The series has a rich history, including the works of R. A. Salvatore and Ed Greenwood. The 3rd edition Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting has long been cherished, making the expectations for the new release particularly high. Both books are already accessible to Master Tier subscribers on D&D Beyond, creating eager anticipation among the community.
The books target different audiences, with Adventures in Faerûn primarily aimed at Dungeon Masters and Heroes of Faerûn catering to players. However, it becomes apparent that purchasing both is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the setting. The former provides detailed descriptions of five key regions: the Dalelands, Icewind Dale, Calimshan, the Moonshae Islands, and Baldur’s Gate. In contrast, the latter covers the remaining areas of the continent, albeit with less detail.
Exploring the Richness of Faerûn
The richness of the Forgotten Realms lies in its vast world filled with intricate details. Players can expect to encounter a myriad of locations, ancient ruins, and non-player characters (NPCs) with their own agendas. The ambition to encapsulate all of Faerûn in a single book is commendable, particularly given that Wizards of the Coast had over a decade to refine this vision.
One of the standout features of Adventures in Faerûn is its in-depth exploration of favorite regions. Each chapter provides insights into the area’s culture, environment, and potential campaign hooks. The maps included are drawn in the classic Forgotten Realms style, which should delight long-time fans. Notably, a detailed map of Myth Drannor allows players to explore one of the setting’s most iconic locations without needing previous editions.
Despite the overall quality, the regional chapters vary in depth and engagement. The chapter on Icewind Dale, for example, stands out as it builds on the events from the Rime of the Frostmaiden campaign, introducing new plots and characters. Conversely, the sections on Calimshan and the Moonshae Islands lack the same level of detail, reflecting a disparity in the quality of content.
Concerns Over Design Choices
While the books contain valuable information, they also reveal some design choices that may frustrate users. For instance, Heroes of Faerûn offers less comprehensive information about locations outside the five highlighted regions. Some areas that have not been adequately explored in decades, such as Cormyr and Amn, receive only cursory treatment, which may disappoint dedicated fans.
Additionally, the first chapter of Adventures in Faerûn introduces concepts like “Epic Destinies.” While these ideas aim to provide character arcs for players, they add little in terms of new rules. Critics argue that this section may inadvertently constrain storytelling, as it appears to steer campaigns in a predetermined direction rather than allowing organic development.
The inclusion of 32 pages of adventure templates also raises eyebrows. These one-page adventures follow a basic format but may lack the depth that players expect from a campaign setting. This can lead to disposable encounters that do not foster long-term engagement with the world.
Overall, the new Forgotten Realms campaign books reflect some of the ongoing design issues within Dungeons & Dragons products. While they offer a wealth of inspiration and information, there remains a desire for a more cohesive approach that presents the world in a single volume. For Dungeon Masters eager to explore Faerûn, these books will undoubtedly provide valuable resources, but the journey may require additional effort to fill in the gaps.
