Unlike other Canon Dungeons and Dragon...s worlds, the Forgotten Realms setting has made a habit of trying to provide an "in character" explanation for the changes from each edition. The Time of Troubles / Avatar Crisis storyline provided the transition from 1st edition to 2nd edition; and this edition likewise incorporates a return of a Lost Empire and the escalating rivalry between the goddesses Mystra and Shar to propel and explain the changes in the world like Demi-Human Paladins and the new (and improved) multi-classing features found in 3rd/3.5 edition D&D. This book, beautifully printed and illustrated, features interesting as well as informative writing throughout providing with Game Mechanics and Game Setting a resource valuable to a long time Realms player and a first time player. Additional special features are Regional Feats that anchor characters more in their background, Racial tweaks to bridge the gap between established Realms Canon and 3rd ed Core Book differences; unique spells -- Arcane and Divine as well as new clerical Domains; several "new" Player Character Races/Sub-Races and two complete adventures to help you get rolling. Frankly, I find this book and this setting a worthy inheritor of the Realms setting that respects the changes but also the past like 2nd ed settings of Kara Tur, Maztica and Zakhara (the land of Fate). The new 4th edition setting on the other hand I find... very disappointing and the changes feel shoe-horned and forced instead of seamless and natural as they do in the book. Your mileage may vary.
The Forgotten Realms is a setting for the Dungeons an...d Dragons game that has been a perrenial favorite for more than 20 years. Originally conceived back in the days of the 1st edition of the game, it has been modified and reissued for each succeeding edition, including the newest (4th Ed.). This book is for the most popular edition (3.5 Ed.). Actually, I believe that it came out in the early 3rd edition days, before 3.5, but it is fully compatible with both 3.0 and 3.5. One of the best things about the Forgotten Realms setting is the great detail that is available to personalize characters. For instance, details are given for half-elf characters to account for their parentage by different varieties of elves. This gives them a different range of hair, eye, and skin tone and so forth. For example, a half-elf who has pale skin with just a tinge of blue around her ears and chin is recognizable as being part Moon Elf. (Moon Elves are another variant race detailed in this book, along with Sun Elves, Rock Gnomes, Ghostwise Halflings, Aasimar, Genasi, and Tieflings, and many if not all of these have also been included in the Fourth Edition of the game.)
This sourcebook is an absolute must f...or any DM who wishes to use the Forgotten Realms setting. However, it's also useful to any DM or player who wishes to enhance their gaming experience. Pros: The book is absolutely beautiful in its execution. The art is outstanding, and the book itself is almost a work of art. It has tons of game information that would, as I said, enhance any gaming experience. Unlike many other sourcebooks, Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting is a true pleasure to read. Cons: The price is a little steep, so I suggest you at least thumb through the book once or twice before deciding to lay down the cash. Other thoughts: I would recommend that any player who has an interest in the Forgotten Realms setting give this book serious consideration. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
I am reading through it right now. This book is in perfect cond...ition, and is just absolutely lovely to look through. Invaluable for my research into the Forgotten Realms, and not a crease or stain on it as far as I’ve seen. The only thing I wish it had was the map, but I knew it didn’t when I was buying it, so no hard feelings :)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Best source material ever produced by D&D for gaming! It's f...ull of useful information and artwork! Never have a 5e sourcebook have been produced, which contained nearly as much gaming material (lots of edition free stuff) as this book! Go for it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned