The Forgotten Realms: Faerūn

Ah, one of my favorite topics. I read FR novels like some women read smut novels (no offense meant; it's just a stereotypical simile). So much depth has been added to this world created by Ed Greenwood. And his prime character, Elminster, is the epitome of the nearly omniscient sage that so often exists in fantasy worlds. Elaine Cunningham, Jeff Grubb, and others have contributed volumes of great reading material based in this setting. Which brings me to my favorite author, R.A. Salvatore, creator of my favorite characters in Faerūn, Drizzt Do'Urden and Guenhwyvar, Bruenor Battlehammer, Wulfgar, and Catti-Brie. Salvatore's characters are the most believable, most truly lifelike characters I've ever had the joy of reading.

Role Playing

History

Not so long ago, a group of four friends used to get together almost whenever possible to play AD&D. These sessions almost always ended up with us walking around outside in the early morning on a summer weekend night. Wendy, Davidt, Dave and I would be up until all hours rolling dice, scratching our heads, complaining, laughing, and just generally having fun. We don't do that anymore, unfortunately. I found Wendy, and we've had a few nice E-mails. Hopefully a reunion isn't out of the question.

To be continued...

Falling into Faerūn

Dave, Davidt and I started a game in the world of Greyhawk. After successfully preventing the advancement of a horde of goblins by defeating its leader, the group reveled in their victory at the manor of the local ruler. While in the ruler's office, the mage of the group, Magnusson Blackstaff, noticed an archaic looking framework covered by a dark cloth behind the dwarf's desk. He explained the mirror had been in that location since long before the dwarves ever arrived to claim the once barren city the party had defended. Upon removing the cloth, a tall, ovular mirror was revealed to them. As he examined it more closely, Blackstaff discovered a single elven word inscribed on the back. Reading it aloud, he inadvertently activated the mirror, which until then had radiated no magic whatsoever. With adventure and curiosity in mind, the party shouldered their packs, bid their leave to the dwarf, and entered, not knowing what to expect when they reached the other side. The gate through which they exited was not in a place they would have preferred. No, they did not want to exit over the ruins of what once was a tower in the forests of Myth Drannor! To be continued...

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