Cormyr: The Tearing of the Weave (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Forgotten Realms Supplement)

Average customer rating:

Mediocre at best

A good product from wizards of the coast

Not a true Supplement

Play before you rip...

All it's cracked up to be!

Cormyr: The Tearing of the Weave (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Forgotten Realms Supplement)
Rich Baker , Bruce R. Cordell , and David Noonan
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786941197
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Customer Reviews:

Mediocre at best.......2007-09-05

I was very disappointed with this book. It has little to do with Cormyr. Even if you're focused on setting a game in Cormyr you can skip purchasing this book. You'll get nothing in the way of useful source material. The adventure has one or two interesting parts, but you can definitely do better by writing your own. This book also seems to focus on a new style that comes off as focusing more on the fights than the story. I found important information scattered about the book and it was often difficult to make it fit together.

A good product from wizards of the coast.......2007-07-13

Wizards of the Coast has been known to drown the public with crappy products just in the hopes of us buying it before we realize its crap, but this was far better then could have been expected. It is well layed out and easy to follow. The story actually makes sense and grabs the players. If you like Dungeons and Dragons and play in the forgotten Realms then I highly recommend this product. Even if you don't it provides some great ideas for any home run campaigns.

Not a true Supplement.......2007-07-13

I was dissapointed when I first read throught this book to find that it is mislabeled as a Supplement when it is in fact an Adventure Module. I am running a campaign in the Cormyr region so I was desperate to find the fine detailed facts that only a true supplement can provide. The adventure looks fun but I am a little afraid to run it because my players read it.

It does have some supplemental information about one city in Corymr. Just not enough of what I was looking for. I ended up turning to a Volo's guide.

Play before you rip..........2007-07-02

I have now played through this entire adventure as the DM. The reason I bought it in the first place is that I love the Forgotten Realms and am a college student, so no time to write my own. I have heard many people say that it is underwhelming or not enough new material. Let me say this...So what. It is beautifully written by 5 amazing authors who all contributed to the design of the story. If you constantly follow the Forgotten Realms story, this adventure and the 2 follow-ups will fit in nice between the events of certain novels. Also, the encounters are challenging, very customizable, and quite suitable for any play group.

As I said before, I have finished this adventure with 1 play group and am halfway with another. If you want new stuff, write it yourself or add any of the hundreds of items and classes other FR books add. I personally went and rewrote many of the major NPCs stat blocks using Champions of Ruin and Lost Empires.

Finally, remember that the story in the adventure is incomplete. To the players, they will feel like they have survived (or not survived...3 or 4 times in my party's case) something huge. My players absolutly clammored for more and the second book in the series releases later this month.

If you like the F.R. and need a precon adventure, look no further.

All it's cracked up to be!.......2007-05-30

Good product. As always with WotC, retail price is steep but this one is worth it - especially if you are a fan of Faerun.
Well done, deep plot, good illustrations - all in all, nice installment in this super campaign.

Beyond the High Road (Forgotten Realms: The Cormyr Saga, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

High Treason to the Crown!
A stultifying mess
History can hurt you
forgotten realms: beyond the high road
Beyond the next page

Beyond the High Road (Forgotten Realms: The Cormyr Saga, Book 2)
Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 078691436X
Release Date: 1999-12-01

Book Description

The seer Alaundo prophesied that seven scourges would sweep Cormyr way in ruin. For centuries the royal family has stood watch against that day and devoted their lives to the protection of the realm.

But in a time when their ancient guardians slumber and their most loyal servants disappear, when a terrible evil prepares to sweep down upon their home --

Who will protect the royal family?

Customer Reviews:

High Treason to the Crown! .......2007-02-11

This is not a bad novel, just below mediocre. I was cautious when I noticed that Troy Denning penned the novel singlehandedly. He is now the official "butcher" of the Forgotten Realms and I will never read anything by him again. Obviously Wizards of the Coast assumed him capable to take control of the beloved fantasy kingdom of Cormyr. Big mistake!!!

The novel starts off rather good, then slows to a sluggish dirge. The princesses, Tanalasta and Alusair are handled very poorly. The former a bratty whiner and Alusair, a masculine hothead who, in past novels was a little more sensitive. Even the Queen Filfaeril is treated like a victimized cardboard stand-in. True, the royal family has not been perfect in the past, but this is not the best solution for the present. Mr. Denning could be perceived as a male chauvinist in this context. Vangerdahast is utterly contrived, humorless and unlikeable. His other appearances were not like this. King Azoun the IV is supposed to be the star, ends up taking the backseat to his daughters. The ghazneths are not the best examples of fell beast to introduce so late in the story line. The reasoning is not fully explained as to what they even are...

I understand there was a proposed plot he was working, from a contracted model for this storyline, leading up to the sequel "Death of the Dragon". This doesn't not mean one has to sacrifice creativity here. Ed Greenwood created this world, it should not wander too far from his original vision. Fortunately he co-wrote the sequel, that I will read. He at least gives the Realms humor and life. What happens in these novels should not be mechanical or contingent upon a roll of the dice. This medium should be rewarded with a bestseller status, not advances up front from the publisher. Good fantasy comes from the heart and imagination, not from greedy authors who have niether! Troy Denning needs to go back to creative writing class or contracted to someone else's setting...beware Star Wars fans!

A stultifying mess.......2006-11-04

I usually enjoy Troy Denning's Forgotten Realms books, but this one is a mess. First, my copy of the book gives absolutely no indication that it is the second part of a trilogy. A few dozen pages in, I was very confused at the mention of crucial events that I only had vague memories of, having read part one several years ago.

This book starts out slow, then it gets slower. The entire first half of the book is a mind-numbingly boring exploration of Cormyrian politics between King Azoun, various noble families, his 30-something daughter and Vangerdahast, the walking cliche who acts as royal wizard. Nothing happens. Plot elements are introduced willy nilly - some kind of blight is affecting crops throughout the land; the king's other daughter hasn't returned from some kind of quest or mission or something; there's some kind of elaborate intrigue that involves the king and queen, Vangerdahast and trying to get the king's daughter and heir to the throne to marry a noble and produce a heir of her own, but it's so boring and confused that I have no idea who wants what; the daughter humiliates some noble she was supposed to be engaged to, possibly because she had some kind of religious vision and wants to open a temple, and doesn't want to be queen.

Finally, the action starts, but things don't get much better. Everything seems disconnected and confused. The main characters are suddenly off running around the wilderness chasing each other, running into the bad guys (orcs and some kind of demon creatures called Ghazneths). The Ghazneths are cool and are occasionally used to good effect, such as when one of them captures the queen and submits her to his lewd and lurid delusions, and the strange madness that affects anyone in their presence, but Denning fails to exploit them to full effect. Instead of creepy, disturbing creatures, he just uses them as invincible war machines, almost as boring as Cormyrian politics. I think the Ghazneths are all unique, each one with its own physical traits, but I'm not sure because Denning only describes two of them. The rest are just weapons hurling themselves around in pointless battle scenes.

More plot elements are tossed into the mix (meanwhile, many of the previous ones have never been mentioned again). There's some kind of mud fortress that appears in a swamp; Vangerdahast leads an assault on it, though I have no idea why; there's a lame romance subplot complete with a fairly graphic love scene that seemed inappropriate; there's something about ancient elven runes and Cormyrian ancestors turning into Ghazneths; and a foolish ongoing conflict between Vangerdahast and a priest.

I wish I hadn't wasted my time reading this.

History can hurt you.......2000-06-16

Cormyr, Faerûns forest kingdom, steeped in lore and pride. Long has it stood against the shadows of evil, a bastion of hope against the evils of the world. But, how is one to battle a shroud of evil from within, forged by the nation itself over its long and storied history? A year has passed since King Azoun IV lay awaiting death, incapacitated by an assassin's plot. Cormyr has survived the near loss of her king, but untold evils lie awaiting their opportunity to devour the lands unaware of the danger.

"Beyond the High Road" is the second in the, thus far, marvelous Cormyr Saga. The first title, "Cormyr: a Novel" by Greenwood and Grubb, functioned as a stand-alone title, this title does not. In no way does that diminish its value, or its success as a novel. That is not to say it requires you to read the precursor, but doing so will only serve to enhance the plot and the depth to the characters, whereas it will become vitally important to obtain and read the following title. In regards to the author, oft times Mr. Denning has been accused of "not doing his homework" when it came to realms consistency-the prime example being a Shou Embassy in Elversult-nevertheless, he's done his research for this title. His handling of the characters, and their personal voice and ambiance are seamless with previous works. His handling of such renowned characters as: King Azoun IV, both of his daughters, and especially Vangerdahast, is wonderful. This is without a doubt his finest realms work to date, and not to be missed.

Further, Tanalasta the much-maligned crown princess is handled extremely well. I cannot in good truth say I like her in the slightest, or that I wish her upon the Cormyte people; but she is handled with a consistency befitting her personality, and past representations. It is true, as another reviewer stated, I wouldn't mind her death, but she is the least of my worries as I look forward to the third act in this saga, this August's "Death of the Dragon" by Ed Greenwood and Troy Denning. The last chapters of this book leave me with many questions unanswered, but I do not feel jaded, as though the answers are not forthcoming. Moreover, if you have waited until now to read this book I envy you even more. If you are an avid reader of all things Faerûnian, or merely a fan of fantasy fiction, you will enjoy this title (along with the predecessor), I urge you to order them now, you will not regret it.

forgotten realms: beyond the high road.......2000-03-06

Great book the first 200 houndred pages but quickly got bogged down and way to predictabe just wish tanalasta character would eighter grow up and stop getting so many other people killed around her or she woould die (horrieable perfered)yea kill her off and her sister and you just might have something here hope to it happen in the nest book

Beyond the next page.......2000-02-29

If you need closure to a book, you might want to wait for the sequel and buy both at the same time. This is just an appetizer, the main course is to come. Tanalasta has improved since Cormyr the novel. She is driven and focused now. The creatures were vivid and chilling. I didn't put it down till the end and can't wait for the sequel!

Average customer rating:

Ed scores with another winner
Good solid fantasy (B-)
Excellent!
Almost a masterpiece
Why do they let Greenwood keep doing it?

Death of the Dragon (The Cormyr Saga)
Ed Greenwood , and Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786918632
Release Date: 2001-05-01

Book Description

Azoun IV, in the twilight of his years, is still a shining hero to most of his subjects, and to all but the eldest, the only king they've ever known. He's led them capably out of dark doom before.

Yet Cormyr has never faced so many mighty and mysterious foes at once. Demonic ghazneths, ancient curses, weird trees of foul magic, goblins and their kin on the rise in the northern wilderlands, a blight upon the land, rebellious mutterings, dying war wizards...and a dragon the likes of which no living eyes on Faerun have ever seen.

The Purple Throne doesn't seem so unassailable now. It could well shatter under the weight of a gigantic dragon--or the secrets and follies of the last of the Obarskyrs.

Customer Reviews:

Ed scores with another winner.......2007-01-09

My copy of this book is in Hardcover and with any of Ed Greenwood's work you cant put it down.

I hear rumors of Elminister will "die" sometime this year; however, depresssing that is it is also a relief. Ed then will be able to continue righting more fine books like this and maybe open up more knowledge of the 7 sisters.

Good solid fantasy (B-).......2005-07-21

This is a good book, the previous books in the series where better, but this one ends the series well. It probably would have been great if they would have kept Ed Greenwood away from the writting!

OVERALL SCORE: (B-)
READABILITY: (B-), PLOT: (C-), CHARATERS: (B), DIALOGUE: (C-), SETTING: (A+), ACTION/COMBAT: (B-), MONSTERS/ANTAGONISTS: (B), ROMANCE: (B-), SEX: (n/a),
AGE LEVEL: (PG)

Excellent!.......2003-06-30

The most realistic look at war and rulership that can be found in any Forgotten Realms book. If you're looking for lighthearted fare where all the good guys live, look elsewhere.

If you're looking for an excellent story with characters you can care about, look here.

I've read entire stories where an author has failed to do what Greenwood and Denning manage to do in only a few sentences: Make an individual character, even a short lived one, come alive. And that makes their ends all the more tragic. The soldiers dying in the field aren't generic redshirted security officers being beamed down to die like fodder. They're good hearted, often humorous lads, who you hate to see go.

So good. One of the best FR books I've read. A must read.

Almost a masterpiece.......2003-06-20

Though it's presumably the third book in the Cormyr Saga, Death of the Dragon is more the continuation of events that begin in Beyond the High Road. I didn't much like that story, but taken in whole the pair of novels is excellent. These two books should really be one, and probably would be if they weren't so long. A lot of things that didn't make much sense in High Road are cleared up, for example- what made the ghazneths and what exactly is their purpose other than wreaking wanton carnage and destruction. You also learn what exactly happened to Vangerdahast, which was a bit perplexing at the end of High Road. There's a lot of orc-killing in Death of the Dragon (hard to do Forgotten Realms without at least some of that!) and visceral battle. While the plot isn't precisely ingenious, it is exciting and generally fun to follow.

As a matter of fact, Death of the Dragon is great reading- I couldn't put it down... at least for the first 375 pages. I seriously urge readers to STOP there! It is odd, really, since I've found that usually fantasy novels either stay strong all the way through or start weak and end strong. In Death of the Dragon, it starts strong, stays strong, and concludes with a whimper- the ending is probably the lamest conclusion I have EVER read in a novel. It's a real pity, because the rest of it is so great. I'm baffled as to why Greenwood and Denning chose to drag it on for 12 more pages of what amounts to useless drivel that breaks the breakneck pace of the plot and is sopping with ridiculous sentimentality. For a second it looked as if they were trying to end on a happier note, but they didn't succeed in that- and I don't think this would be a good idea anyway.

If you've already read High Road, definitely read Death of the Dragon. It would be a shame to suffer through that novel and not get to this rewarding read. At this point, I see two ways the Cormyr Saga can be resolved- either another book with a well-written finale, or a truncation of the last 12 pages of this one. Since Death of the Dragon was so good for the better part, I would recommend the latter.

Why do they let Greenwood keep doing it?.......2003-03-06

I liked this book, and enjoyed reading it. Which is saying a lot considering Ed Greenwood came anywhere near it, and you can see his handywork all over it. Greenwood has a tendancy for trying to cram too many characters in one scene, and for writting extremely poor dialoge, his battles become repetitive after awhile. However I'm straying from my point here, this was a very good read and I enjoyed it. It was a good finale to Beyond the High Road and it makes me want to read more and more of the Forgotten Realms (I'm a Dragonlance reader who is branching out after reading anything and everything with Drizzt Do'Urden in it.)

Book Description

The Epic Historical Saga of the Most Powerful Nation in the Realms

Cormyr has been ruled by the Obarskyr family since its inception one and a half millennia ago. Now its king, Azoun IV, lies on his deathbed, and the vultures are circling, hoping to usurp the throne for their own. Against this crisis of state, the history of the Forest Kingdom unfolds, relating the previously untold story of a nation, its rulers, and its wizards.

Cormyr: A Novel is the epic historical saga of the most powerful nation in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world, as told by the world's co-creators.

Customer Reviews:

Long Live The King!.......2006-12-11

It took me a few years to get around to this treasure chest of Realmslore. It has been sitting in my collection since 1997. At first, I felt it was not a part of the Realms I could care about for nearly 500 pages. Was I wrong! This title hails form Greenwood and Grubb, The original creators of the realms since 1987. The cover was the legendary purple dragon. What a tribute and a rosing tale!

It started out rather dry and longwinded. Then, rather than turning into the typical fast paced excursion through the Realms, it unfolded into a classically planned, engrossing "old fashioned potboiler" I remember reading as a youth in the 1970's-80's. Hard to believe for this genre, indeed! Not great liturature, but totally enthralling and a book that will stay with me long after finishing it.

There are parts of the novel that could have been longer. In particular, the various historical episodes that seemed too short. It could have easily been extended 300 more pages with a little more time. Drat those publishing deadlines! Mr Greenwood colors it with many colorful and lusty characters without turning it into "racy" fiction he has put out in the past. Mr Grubb, on the otherhand provides strength and depth rarely seen in modern fantasy. Its too bad he doesnt write more Realms fiction. Giogi Wyvernspur is a great creation of his. The Realms were greatly enhanced with his touch.

EXCELLENT!!!.......2004-06-05

Definitely a great fantasy epic and one of my personal favorites, CORMYR sheds light on the history of the Kingdom of Cormyr set in the magical world of Toril! The book is so incredibly well written that the reader feels that they have been transported to another plane of existence and are actually present among the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, sensing what they sense. The experienced authors, Ed Greenwood and Jeff Grubb, have truly outdone themselves and have presented us with a masterpiece of literature the likes of which we have seen only in JRR Tolkien's work, RA Salvatore's The Dark Elf and Icewind Dale trilogies, and in authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles and Legends trilogies. Magic, Elves, Dragons and Heroes are all about. In conclusion, it's what Fantasy reading SHOULD be. A GREAT book indeed and a must read if you love Fantasy and especially if you love the Forgotten Realms! DON'T MISS IT!!!

Awsome book worth the long read.......2004-04-20

Well I have to say I had the book for atleast 2 years before I actually got onto reading it, I read the first couple of pages a couple times cause I stopped reading it for long periods of times cause I was afraid of reading such a big book.

The first fourth of the book I'd say was confusing and it took me a while to know what was happening till it hit me and I fell in love with it, I couldn't put it down! I loved it so much I decided to start over again and read it for my English grade in summer school I had two weeks 3 hours a day to read and in the last minit of the last day I finished the essay and got an A+ on it.

Awsome book don't say it's a bad till you read it all the way through, it's worth it. It may be big and take a long time to read but I never wanted it to end.

-VickyGeez

Great Fantasy.......2003-06-08

First off, let me assure you that "Cormyr: A Novel" really is just that- a novel. It really isn't the first installment of a trilogy, even though it's officially part of one, and so it doesn't hurt one bit to read it alone. That said, it's good enough that you'll probably want to read the sequels. I, for one, am going to.

The style of the novel is similar to that of Elaine Cunningham's "Evermeet: Isle of the Elves," in that it's both a history and a current-time adventure. Alternate chapters skip between parts of Cormyr's history, touching on varioius kings, their wizards, and important events. Some of it ties into the present day storyline, though it's largely just instructional in explaining how Cormyr's politics work. This isn't bad, however, since authors Ed Greenwood and Jeff Grubb make it all an exciting read.

The current day storyline is simply great. There's murder, intrigue, sex, and all the other good stuff that makes a believable fantasy world. The plot starts off with a bang and just doesn't let up, and although it isn't too hard to figure out what's really going on (I was onto one of the 'masked villains' from practically the start) it's still a great pleasure to read.

If I had any complaint about the story, it was what happened to Thauglor, the great Purple Dragon. I'll leave it to you to read and find this out, but suffice to say he deserved a bit more for the character development he gets early on, not to mention the fact that he graces the cover of the book.

Aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed Cormyr, and would recommend it without hesitation to any fan of the Forgotten Realms or fantasy lovers in general.

Informative But Dull.......2002-02-05

The story is tired and predictable. Read this book only if you really want to know the history of Cormyr.

Average customer rating:

Archie? Wolf? Dragons?
Poor Mystery, Terrible Fantasy, and A Great Let Down!
Who Commited the "Murder in Cormyr"
Aimed too high and missed
Murder of Cormyr

Murder in Cormyr
Chet Williamson
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786911735
Release Date: 1998-07-13

Customer Reviews:

Archie? Wolf? Dragons?.......2004-12-04

Murder in Cormyr remains one of my favorite Forgotten Realms novels. For those unfamiliar with the brand, the Forgotten Realms novels take place in a world familiar to D&D gamers the world over. The novels range in quality from enjoyably good to excruciatingly bad. MURDER IN CORMYR is one of the former.

MURDER IN CORMYR is told from the first person perspective. A young man tries to steal from a "retired" War Wizard. Once caught, the youth becomes the Wizard's Boy Friday. Wizard and assistant become embroiled in an investigation which weaves fantasy and detective elements together in a pleasant way.

The authors have clearly patterned Wizard and Assistant upon Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin, the Detective Odd Couple made famous in Rex Stout's novels. While the writing does not rise to the level of great literature, it is enjoyable. The novel was either nominated for or won an Edgar award. If you're looking for an enjoyable read, this is a fun book.

Poor Mystery, Terrible Fantasy, and A Great Let Down!.......2004-06-03

Unfortunately, both Murder in Cormyr as well as Murder in Halruaa are a major disappointment indeed! Badly written, by what seems to be inexperienced people who not only to have had no previous work or any serious contact with Fantasy (not even to mention the specifics of the Forgotten Realms Campaign World), but writing books-ANY books- in general! Myself, a mystery enthusiast of Arthur Conan Doyle's and Agatha Christie's work and a Fantasy/Dungeons and Dragons "Fanatic" have no alternative, but to write this negative review in an effort to warn the potential reader of what they are in for. Both these authors should at least have read a Forgotten Realms novel before attempting to write one, and what?s more if they did not want to or did not have the ability to write this type of book, they should not even have attempt it. However, since they did, how and why were these books allowed to hit the printing press and then the stores? They discredit themselves (the authors), they discredit TSR, but most importantly they discredit the readers/fans of the Forgotten Realms, especially those who thought that combining Fantasy and Mystery would be a great idea, like myself. From the weak plot, to the bad writing, to the ridiculous choice of names for the characters, to the jokes that fall flat, to the great lack of knowledge regarding Toril, the books fail miserably!
It is very unfortunate that the Murder Series came to an end before the writing of Murder in Ravens Bluff and WotC should reconsider their decision now that years have gone by and maybe resurrect the project, but considering the poor work included in these books I can at least understand why they did so back then. In conclusion, it is with great sadness that I only give two stars to these books since almost all the Forgotten Realms novels that have been written have been more than wonderful-what with RA Salvatore, Elaine Cunningham, Ed Greenwood etc. The books could have been fantastic if the right people or the necessary care had been given during the writing of the stories. A shame really! My advice, read them only after you're done reading all the other Forgotten Realms books and you are still in need of more Toril related material; at least you'll get a slight hint/taste of Faerun.

Who Commited the "Murder in Cormyr".......2003-09-25

This is a book that combines mystery and fantasy to form a tale that will keep you glued to the book until the very last page. Jasper, slop boy and main character, gets chased by evil spirits, meets hydras, and even the vengeful ghost of a legendary bandit. Jasper becomes indebted to a wizard, and helps him figure out who beheaded the blacksmith's assistant and the king's envoy. This isn't all the book has in store though, but I shall tell you no more on this topic. I gave this book 5 stars because it was a mystery, a personal favorite of mine. Also even after all is said and done, there's still an extra surprise. I recommend this book to anyone above age twelve because this book is a bit too challenging for younger kids. Can you figure out who did it when you read the Murder in Cormyr

Aimed too high and missed.......2002-09-02

Setting up a murder mystery in a fantasy setting is asking for trouble - it could be done, but it is very difficult and Chet Williamson just didn't make the grade in "Murder in Cormyr".

The main problem with a murder mystery in a magic rich world like the Forgotten Realms is that magic opens up too many possibilities. A temporary clone spell could create the perfect alibi for any criminal. Victims can be resurrected. Culprits can teleport from practically anywhere and to practically anywhere.

Of course, the presence of magic, or technology, does not on its own exclude a murder mystery. Isaac Asimov did it in his one of his Spacer novel "The Robots of Dawn". The Realms Anthologies have some good short stories which could be termed as murder mysteries.

As Agatha Christie's Poirot once commented, a study in crime is a study of characters. An entertaining murder mystery is not marred by technology or magic making the impossible possible, but by interaction of characters.

Chet Williamson appeared to be aware of this formula. However, he fumbled rather badly in his delivery.

The narrator was one Jasper of Ghars, a slop-boy of halfling-human ancestry, apprenticed to retired Cormyrean war-wizard Benelaius after a failed attempt to raid the latter's home.

The scene was Ghars, a hardly noticable village on the Cormyrean side of the border with Sembia, soon to host the annual meeting of Grand Council of Cormyr's Merchants' Guild.

Somewhere in the story was a legendary headless ghost of a brigand leader who was supposed to guard his hidden loot in inhospitable marshlands.

It began with the discovery of the murder of an impersonator of the ghost. Then Grodoveth, King Azoun's envoy-at-large within the kingdom, was found dead.

Chet Williamson painted a colourful picture of a normally idyllic village beset by misfortunes on the eve of trying to make a name for itself hosting a merchants' conference. The characters involved were diverse from money-grubbing barkeepers to lovely daughter of the local tycoon.

Jasper found himself assisting his portly master in the investigation. Theirs was a contrast of methods, Jasper trying to emulate a fictional detective who employed deductive reasoning and logic to solve his crimes, and Benelaius apparently just sitting back and unhurriedly gathering his information mostly through others. Mystery fans should recognise the caricature of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, or rather more aptly, Arthur Hastings and Hercule Poirot.

Unfortunately, though Chet Williamson gave a lot of attention on character interaction, he failed to negate the possibilities played by magic. There were clues around to be sure, but they were not significantly crucial enough, and were open to alternative explanations.

Fortunately for Chet, his endings did tied up these loose ends, though leaving mystery fans not quite satisfied.

Murder of Cormyr.......2000-08-29

Great for the pre-teen reader. A lot too predictable. Spoon feeding of clues and plot. Read it if you have nothing better to do.

Volo's Guide to Cormyr (AD&D/Forgotten Realms)

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Stellar view of a majestic kingdom

Volo's Guide to Cormyr (AD&D/Forgotten Realms)
Ed Greenwood , and John Lakey
Manufacturer: TSR Hobbies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786901519

Customer Reviews:

Stellar view of a majestic kingdom.......2000-06-09

This is a classic Ed Greenwood treatise on the ins, outs, and forbidden hideaways of Cormyr - taverns, guilds, palaces, dungeons, new magic, it's all here! Lots of it exclusive and hard to find. Details include - the passwords and secrets of Cormyr, the great cities of Suzail, Marsember and Arabel, the lands of the coast, the fascinating heartlands (including the festivals of Jester's Green), the Knightswood, Waymot, the people and cultures, the Sword Heralds, new magic, and more!

Four from Cormyr (Forgotten Realms: Adventure)

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A miniature campaign
Grand adventures!
A very good adventure compliation

Four from Cormyr (Forgotten Realms: Adventure)
John Terra
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786906464
Release Date: 1997-11-25

Customer Reviews:

A miniature campaign.......2007-02-05

Four from Cormyr is an AD&D (2nd edition) adventure module for characters of level nine to twelve. And, in fact, it's more of a miniature campaign. The module covers the characters entering Cormyr, and follows them through four separate adventures. Each of the adventures is interesting and challenging in a different way. There's a dungeon crawl, a murder mystery, an outdoor adventure, and a climactic struggle that involves outdoor adventuring and an indoor fight.

My players and I found this to be a great module - challenging, and with a very interesting storyline. Overall we really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.

Grand adventures!.......1999-12-31

Mid-level adventures abound in the forest kingdom. This compilation of modules set in the kingdom of Cormyr are wonderfully layed out. They have been so put together that one could play them in any orde, or leave out any one of their choosing and still feel as though everything was accomplished. They draw on all the skills needed to survive, deductive, martial and diplomatic. A wonderful product, I hope to see more of this quality.

A very good adventure compliation.......1999-06-22

The adventures described all tie in to form a bigger plot and all of them have a different feel to them. From mystery solving to standard hacking and slashing. The adventure name is a turn off but once you get past it it shows itself to be a good adventure. The one problem it has is that it seems overly generous with its magical items. Some descretion needed

Cormyr (AD&D Fantasy Roleplay, Forgotten Realms)

Average customer rating:

Outstanding look at the most majestic kingdom in the Realms
A complete but unrestricting over view of the realms central

Cormyr (AD&D Fantasy Roleplay, Forgotten Realms)
Eric W. Haddock
Manufacturer: TSR Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1560768185

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding look at the most majestic kingdom in the Realms.......2000-05-02

At last, the most difficult-to-find sourcebook module for the Realms - this compendium of lore tells you everything you ever wanted to know about the vaunted faerieland kingdom of Cormyr - it is a majestic land ruled by a wise and just king, which means, of course, that the forces of evil have focused upon its borders in their neverending hatred... details include geography, climate, cities and towns, history, philosophy, culture, entertainment, law, nobility, the peasantry, the knightly orders, the Purple Dragons, adventures, and of course, the legendary War Wizards themselves! A true classic of Realmslore, almost impossible to find; highest recommendation.

A complete but unrestricting over view of the realms central.......1998-12-13

This is a complete overview of Cormyr the country that stands as a central place for adventurers in the forgotten realms. In the same line of presentation as the dale lands and moonsea area this supplement includes a large full color map of the area. Much like the larges expansions as the North and Lands of Intrigue this is a very good supplement at less that half the price.

Cormyr: A Novel (Forgotten Realms Series)

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Cormyr: A Novel (Forgotten Realms Series)
Ed Greenwood , and Jeff Grubb
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0739423940

Product Description

forgotten realms fantasy adventure

Four From Cormyr - Forgotten Realms - Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 9531

Average customer rating:

Four From Cormyr - Forgotten Realms - Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 9531
John Terra
Manufacturer: Tsr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VC53AY

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