I don't just want setting information (although I do want that), I also want the rules to go with it. I want a sha'ir that doesn't require so much book-keeping. I want spells divided into elemental provinces. I want rules for haggling. I want kahins and mystics. I want ghul lords. I want stats for all types of genies and for yakfolk.
I want lots of material to make any Arabian setting I want, with Al-Qadim as the featured campaign (much like the 3.0 OA did for Oriental settings and with Rokugan).
All we can do is ask, for we have no Fate but the Fate that is given to us.
If a 4e AQ book was part of the FR line, however, I wouldn't be bothered by it. I just don't think there's any need to change things.
As I think about it, I want to add something. If publishing Al-Qadim as part of the Forgotten Realms (with the FR logo rather than the AQ logo) means that it sells better, then that's what I'd want to see.
I'm not a big fan of FR, but I agree.
As you went along in the history of the products, many, but not all started to have the FR title added.
Um, I have all Al-Qadim products, and none of them have the FR logo.
I think, crucially, from what I've heard about 4e, it may actually be possible to customise the offical classes more easily to fit in with other flavours. There might still be room for an additional core class or two, but different racial options and regional variations could do a lot for that.
Still, I think that the setting itself is very promising and could do with a real injection of work. If you look at the flavour elements of e.g. Sandstorm, it just never created as coherently different of a feel as the material in the old Al-Qadim stuff. That said, I think there's plenty of space to introduce new elements or expand/refine stuff already in existance. After all: They're doing it with FR, so why not here?
My suggestions are brief and can be summarised to the inclusion of ancestoral deities that protect the emirates and make of each amir a minor avatar in power. Each ancestoral deity might also be a servant (intermediate or lesser power) of an existing deity within al Qadim? Anyway. The inclusion of Sumerian and Egyptian deities could only increase the feel of western dreaminess over the "oriental mysteries" which can be a positive thing in my humble opinion qualified only by cultural belonging both to the east and west. Don't knock it til you try it, right?
Oh and as to the Lawbringer... um... perhaps as an avatar of Horus she would be best suited. While I've seen somewhat strange websites that promote her as the equivalent to certain modern religious figures, I hope that it's made obvious that she is a fantasy character -- and more inimical to a caricature of a le droit humain scholar albeit in a middle eastern style fantasy world. Who is to say she might not be a planetouched half-orc? Whatever the designers think is best though!
My suggestions are brief and can be summarised to the inclusion of ancestoral deities that protect the emirates and make of each amir a minor avatar in power. Each ancestoral deity might also be a servant (intermediate or lesser power) of an existing deity within al Qadim? Anyway. The inclusion of Sumerian and Egyptian deities could only increase the feel of western dreaminess over the "oriental mysteries" which can be a positive thing in my humble opinion qualified only by cultural belonging both to the east and west. Don't knock it til you try it, right?
Oh and as to the Lawbringer... um... perhaps as an avatar of Horus she would be best suited. While I've seen somewhat strange websites that promote her as the equivalent to certain modern religious figures, I hope that it's made obvious that she is a fantasy character -- and more inimical to a caricature of a le droit humain scholar albeit in a middle eastern style fantasy world. Who is to say she might not be a planetouched half-orc? Whatever the designers think is best though!
That would totally change the flavor of the setting.
The introduction of Sumerian and Egyptian deities would not totally change the theme of al Qadim. Nor would bringing in "protective deities" of emir families.
Perhaps, but only if they're kept as local deities.
And besides, Al-Qadim already has its pantheon.
But making the Lawgiver an avatar of Horus? The whole point was that she was a very wise mortal touched by Fate.
The Al-Qadim setting is technically part of the forgotten realms. There is a small amount of info in the FRCS for 3E. I also would like to see more of Zakhara in 4E, but specifically part of Abeir-Toril where it is already located.
Since when? That was definitely a mistake. The Forgotten Realms is supposed to be things like Elminster and Drow, etc. Not Arabic like Al Qadim is.
The introduction of Sumerian and Egyptian deities would not totally change the theme of al Qadim. Nor would bringing in "protective deities" of emir families.
Yes it would. An Arabian Nights flavored setting is something else than a Mesopotamian flavored setting. While I like both of them, I wouldn't want the eclecticism of mixing them. The Arabian Nights theme is largely based on a mythological and legendary reading of the Abbasid Caliphate during Harun ar-Rashid, who ruled in the 8th and 9th century AD. In addition, there are some older Persian, Indian and Chinese myths and legendes incorporated.
There is a historical-cultural gap of more than thousand years between this type of setting and Sumeria/Babylonia/ancient Egypt. There is no resemblance in architecture, mythology, judiciary system, cultural mores, religion, etc.
I recently did an interview with Wolfgang Baur and, if I recall, he showed some interest in this type of setting coming back.
I recently did an interview with Wolfgang Baur and, if I recall, he showed some interest in this type of setting coming back.
Yeah, I believe he's discussed that on the boards not long ago. I'd love to see more of his work on this setting.
Since when? That was definitely a mistake. The Forgotten Realms is supposed to be things like Elminster and Drow, etc. Not Arabic like Al Qadim is.
Technically, the most correct way of saying is that the settings of Forgotten Realms, Al-Qadim, Kara-tur (the original setting of OA) and Maztica (which was in fact branded as FR since the beginning) are all situated on the world called Toril.
Since when? That was definitely a mistake. The Forgotten Realms is supposed to be things like Elminster and Drow, etc. Not Arabic like Al Qadim is.
Except that FR's most well-known hero, Drizzt Do'Urden, has an enemy that was based in Calimshan.
An Arabic setting.
FR is more a High Fantasy Eurasia than it is Eurocentric Fantasy.
Except that FR's most well-known hero, Drizzt Do'Urden, has an enemy that was based in Calimshan.
An Arabic setting.
FR is more a High Fantasy Eurasia than it is Eurocentric Fantasy.
But, despite being on the same planet, FR and AQ campaigns rarely overlap.
Since they are both part of the same planet then they are both part of the Forgotten Realms setting. Not Faerun, but Forgotten Realms as a whole or Abeir-Toril. I would just like to see it where is belongs and that is part of the greater world it was created for, that's all.
That's like saying the Forgotten Realms and Greyhawk are "really" part of the Planescape setting, and so should all be published together.
Zakhara was not created for Toril. It was created for the purposes of a playing Arabian-themed campaigns, and happened to be placed on Toril.
Im only bummed that I sold all my boxed sets some years back when I was saving up for 3rd edition.
I would definately shell out for an Al-Qadim hardcover or several.
I don't just want setting information (although I do want that), I also want the rules to go with it. I want a sha'ir that doesn't require so much book-keeping. I want spells divided into elemental provinces. I want rules for haggling. I want kahins and mystics. I want ghul lords. I want stats for all types of genies and for yakfolk.
holla!
Al-Qadim Campaign Setting (of course)
Denizens of the Land of Fate (the cultures, Al-Badia, Al-Hadhar, genies, yakfolk - that last one is for you, Yakman!)
various region books, each covering a broad area, but with more detail than the AQCS
Magic of Zakhara
Secret Societies (detailing the assassins, mamluks, the Brotherhood of True Flame, etc.)
a mini campaign (advance the timeline, maybe have the Grand Caliph die without leaving a male heir (there was that curse after all), the PCs get involved in the struggles to determine a new Caliph, political intrigue, perhaps they need to retrieve an item allowing for a dungeoncrawl, etc)
I'm sure I can think of others later.
One can wish.
- FORGOTTEN REALMS: Zakhara, Calimshan, Semphar, the Bedines of Anauroch.
- GREYHAWK: Baklunish lands.
- MYSTARA: Ylaraum, Hule, South Gnollistan.
- RAVENLOFT: Al-Kathos, Pharazia.
- BIRTHRIGHT: Khinasi.
- DESERT OF DESOLATION: Though this setting was later placed in Faerun (and Mystara) it was originally a stand-alone mini-setting.
Travis
Ahem. Lawgiver or not, I think al-Qadim isn't specifically caliphate but rather a menagerie of Middle Eastern themes. Hence Osirus and Allat could be friendly faces there.
Wait a sec. Someone is telling me that Egyptian and Mesopotamian deities would ruin a Middle Eastern feel when the Temple of Ten Thousand Gods is rather pre-Islamic -- and pre-Islamic deities included Egyptian and Mesopotamian deities?
Ahem. Lawgiver or not, I think al-Qadim isn't specifically caliphate but rather a menagerie of Middle Eastern themes. Hence Osirus and Allat could be friendly faces there.
Yes, Al-Qadim combines many Middle Eastern themes. But it does so coherently, it doesn't just throw in a bunch of various real-world pantheons together.
While Zakhara is not monotheistic, it differentiates between enlightened gods and savage gods. While Zakharan culture is not the same as Islamic culture, there are more similarities between them then either bears to ancient Egyptian or Mesopotamian culture. Pantheons reflect culture, so I don't think they would quite fit.
The Temple of Ten Thousand Gods is one of the enlightened faiths. Its followers worship all gods as one, but the faith and its practices are still similar to Zakhara's other enlightened faiths.
If you want to add such deities to your own campaign, that's perfectly fine. But I see no reason to include it in any official material. First, we can tailor a pantheon for a campaign setting, rather than going straight from real-world myth. Second, these pantheons add nothing to the setting, there's no hole that it fills. If you want pre-Lawgiver gods/cultures, you already have the various types of savage gods, and the ruins of Nog and Kadar.
Again, I don't mean to say that the flavor is necessarily a bad one. If it works for your campaign, go for it. I myself don't feel too beholden to canon. But I don't see any reason to include this in any official Al-Qadim material.
In any case, to claim that Egyptian deities got off at the turnpike in Ravenloft and never made it to al-Qadim is silly. There is no reason not to include them, not just from personal aesthetic.
The Middle Eastern-ish world of al-Qadim is full of splendours and mystery. Because there are Savage Gods and Aspect Deities does not mean there cannot be New Gods (such as Jack Kirby) and even Forgotten Gods (such as Osiris, Set, Horus, Ra, etc.).
Of course due to the Temple of the Thousand Gods in al-Qadim, we can be sure other deities are forthcoming.
The "Ten Thousand" doesn't mean there are exactly, or even close to, 10,000 deities that they worship. It's a large number used only to express that the one divinity they believe in takes many forms.
In any case, to claim that Egyptian deities got off at the turnpike in Ravenloft and never made it to al-Qadim is silly.
Yeah, that would be very silly... but since no one mentioned this, why bring it up?The Middle Eastern-ish world of al-Qadim is full of splendours and mystery. Because there are Savage Gods and Aspect Deities does not mean there cannot be New Gods (such as Jack Kirby) and even Forgotten Gods (such as Osiris, Set, Horus, Ra, etc.).
I never said that there couldn't be such deities. I said that there's no reason for them, there is nothing the setting lacks that these deities could add.
The result will be it is not what you and I decide, not what the fans decide, but what the company designs and publishes. And *then* it is for us to decide.
However we might make suggestions. I make the suggestion to them that Egyptian and Sumerian deities be included, you find this to be repugnant. I have no qualms about your repugnance at present.
Ahem. In Al-Qadim, the Temple is actually to all deities that have been and *will* be, hence there is room for more in the game setting. You know this. Stop pretending to be less than cognitional about this.
What you said was, "we can be sure other deities are forthcoming," (my emphasis). That's what I was contesting, so don't change the issue.
I suppose I could repeat yet again that I don't think it's a bad idea, just that it's a rather unnecessary one. But if you want to insist that I find it repugnant, that's fine.
So if WotC does publish some Al-Qadim material, what sort of books would you like to see? Here's my list.
Al-Qadim Campaign Setting (of course)
Denizens of the Land of Fate (the cultures, Al-Badia, Al-Hadhar, genies, yakfolk - that last one is for you, Yakman!)
various region books, each covering a broad area, but with more detail than the AQCS
Magic of Zakhara
Secret Societies (detailing the assassins, mamluks, the Brotherhood of True Flame, etc.)
a mini campaign (advance the timeline, maybe have the Grand Caliph die without leaving a male heir (there was that curse after all), the PCs get involved in the struggles to determine a new Caliph, political intrigue, perhaps they need to retrieve an item allowing for a dungeoncrawl, etc)
I'm sure I can think of others later.
One can wish.
I'd like to come back to this broader issue. If we got some AQ books, what sort would you like to see?
If we got some AQ books, what sort would you like to see?
Even though I have all of the original Al-Qadim products, I would just like to see one, fat, clean, 4th edition Al-Qadim campaign setting book.
In my 20 years of playing this odd, yet wonderful game, I have come to the opinion that too many products released for a campaign setting dilute it, or maybe even pollute it.
To this day I still think that Al-Qadim is the most elegant campaign setting to date.
Oh, but I wouldn't mind a book dedicated to genies…
Even though I have all of the original Al-Qadim products, I would just like to see one, fat, clean, 4th edition Al-Qadim campaign setting book.
In my 20 years of playing this odd, yet wonderful game, I have come to the opinion that too many products released for a campaign setting dilute it, or maybe even pollute it.
To this day I still think that Al-Qadim is the most elegant campaign setting to date.
You may be right; perhaps it's so good precisely because the line had such a limited number of products. I'd still be happy with just one AQ campaign book, so long as it contained all of the information that I said I wanted. While I did say that I would like to see the timeline advanced and have a mini campaign adventure, my general preference is to just present the setting and have DMs/players do what they want with it. So while I wouldn't mind seeing the timeline advanced a bit since 2e, I would not want it to continue advancing after any books are published.
A question for you, Dan: Do you think the sourceboxes for AQ diluted the setting, or were you referring to other settings?
I think that the talk of Al-Qadim as a separate setting are now moot. In the recent History Of The Realms previews it makes specific references to Zakhara and The Land Of Fate. I doubt they would be writing in tie-ins for the history of the realms if they would ever do Al-Qadim as a separate setting.
Well, I've now browsed through this book. Other than a passing reference to Zakhara at the very beginning (that it's was once part of one big continent along with Faerun et al), there is no discussion of its history. There are, however, entries on Kara-Tur and Maztica. So Zakhara doesn't seem to be part of this grand history.
Unless someone can direct my attention to some entries. After all, I haven't read the whole thing yet.
A question for you, Dan: Do you think the sourceboxes for AQ diluted the setting, or were you referring to other settings?
Definitely other settings.
As for Al-Qadim, the mini-boxed sets were a bit hit and miss for me, some great (Golden Voyages, Assassin Mountain, and my all time favourite Secrets of the Lamp), and some a bit dull (the Caravan and Corsair one). I'm glad that the Al-Qadim line was a bit tighter than the others.
Like you, I feel they could pretty much stuff everything we need into one decent sized hard cover, but I don't want too big of a meta-plot and I want the timeline to be frozen so the DM can do what he wishes with the campaign setting.
Even though in my last Al-Qadim campaign the characters travelled all the way from Cormyr to Qudra via Anauroch, Skullport and Lantan, I still think it could be a standalone campaign setting with no specific ties to FR.
Even though I have all of the original Al-Qadim products, I would just like to see one, fat, clean, 4th edition Al-Qadim campaign setting book.
I'll second that proposal. Something that would give enough information for anyone to enjoy the Al-Qadim goodness, and which also would make it easier for folks who have the old products to get some more use out of them.
I have a fancy for digging out my Al-Qadim stuff and running a campaign when 4th ed comes along.
1.) I'll second that proposal. Something that would give enough information for anyone to enjoy the Al-Qadim goodness, and which also would make it easier for folks who have the old products to get some more use out of them.
2.) I have a fancy for digging out my Al-Qadim stuff and running a campaign when 4th ed comes along.
1.) I also feel a campaign setting can become watered down and less robust when they release too much product for it.
2.) Well let me know if you do (PM me), because I might just motivate to make a trip from London for that bad-boy!
Al-Qadim should not be a setting book, but a universal campaign book about Persian/Arabian Adventure genre. It can use Zakhara as an example setting.
I agree. I'd love to see an Arabian Adventures book come out alongside an Oriental Adventures book.
I nominate Arabian Adventures for the title.
I nominate Arabian Adventures for the title.
Seconded.
All in favour?
D&D worlds haven´t any link with our real world. Or would do you want making the D&D version of Quo Vadis, Ben-Hur, Barabbas (1962 film with Anthony Quinn), The Robe (1953 film), The Silver Chalice (1952 film, with Paul Newman), The Last Days of Pompeii, Demetrius and the Gladiators, Fabiola.....
I would rather the name "1001 nights" because Arabian is a etnic comunity from the real world. In the book "deities and demigods" the pantheon could having been name Roman, Egiptian and Viking, but they are the Olimpic, the Pharaonic and the Asgardian pantheon. Do you undestand the reason?
Meh. Many members of the Asian community didn't take kindly to the word "Oriental" in the Oriental Adventures title. Many prefer to call it Asian Adventures.
"1001 Nights" will evoke more of a questionable response (
) from your average customers than to easily recognize it is about Persian genre.D&D worlds haven´t any link with our real world.
Then why does Elminster keep coming into our world and harass Ed Greenwood?
There is a term in Star Trek that explains why some of the planets they visited have cultural resemblance to part our own world. Perhaps there can be parallel cultural development in a game world too, that we can recognize and sometimes relate (if you're a history or anthropology buff).
Do you undestand the reason?
Because there are some people in this world who are hypersensitive about colourful labels. The less we cater to them, the better. Let the Greeks remain Greek, the East remain Oriental, and the Nights remain Arabian...
Arabian nights
Like Arabian days
More often than not
Are hotter than hot
In a lot of good ways
Arabian nights
'Neath Arabian moons
A fool off his guard
Can fall and fall hard
Out there on the dunes...
Because there are some people in this world who are hypersensitive about colourful labels. The less we cater to them, the better. Let the Greeks remain Greek, the East remain Oriental, and the Nights remain Arabian...
I thought the nights belong to the undead ... in D&D term.
Meh. Many members of the Asian community didn't take kindly to the word "Oriental" in the Oriental Adventures title. Many prefer to call it Asian Adventures.
Besides which, "Oriental" has been applied to whatever is eastern from one's home reference point. I'm reading Ivanhoe right now and Europeans refer to Jewish dress and customs as Oriental. The Eastern Independent Churches (neither Catholic nor Orthodox) are often referred to as Oriental by the Western Church.
Besides which, "Oriental" has been applied to whatever is eastern from one's home reference point. I'm reading Ivanhoe right now and Europeans refer to Jewish dress and customs as Oriental. The Eastern Independent Churches (neither Catholic nor Orthodox) are often referred to as Oriental by the Western Church.
I hope I'm not offending anybody, but I heard that people are Asian, but objects can be Oriental?
I hope I'm not offending anybody, but I heard that people are Asian, but objects can be Oriental?
That's a compromise that is often made. But it's nonsense, really. It'd be like people from the United States objecting to the term "American." Such a term could mean anyone from North, Central, or South America. And it is often used in a derogatory fashion.
It'd be like people from the United States objecting to the term "American." Such a term could mean anyone from North, Central, or South America.
Yes, but I've noticed that only North Americans refer to themselves as "American", everyone else I've met from the other Americas will specifically delineate "Central" or "South".
That actually tells me something…
Yes, but I've noticed that only North Americans refer to themselves as "American"...
Not the Canadians but they'll politely correct you.
I also still think that Al-Qadim would be a nice addition to 4E, but that it should stay as part of the Forgotten Realms Setting.
I AM CANADIAN!
I also still think that Al-Qadim would be a nice addition to 4E, but that it should stay as part of the Forgotten Realms Setting.
Al-Qadim is not necessarily Forgotten Realms as 1e Oriental Adventures. They just happen to have an example setting much like 3e D&D (i.e., Greyhawk).
Zakhara: The Land of Fate is as much as FR as Kara-Tur: The Eastern Realms and both use/require their respective themebooks (Al Qadim: Arabian Adventures and Oriental Adventures).
Whether we call it Al Qadim or Arabian Adventures or Al Qadim: Arabian Adventures, it should be a generic themebook for use in any campaign settings.
The issue with Al-Qadim is that it is not as combat-focused as standard D&D. That makes it work better as it sown separate setting.
Primarily, Planescape isn't combat-focused either, and it's a "integrated" setting. I don't mind if Al-Qadim comes under Forgotten Realms, I still like it very much and would buy all books
I loved the Sha`ir (both 2nd and 3rd editions). :D
I would buy the HC if they did it right*.
As far as the name/direction goes, I think basing it on Al-Quadim and Zakhara as the "base campaign" is the right direction. You don't offend anyone (American or otherwise) with "Arabian" or "Persian" (not that I care about their feelings, but I do care about the ability of offended people to damage product lines via lawsuits).
Besides, calling it "Arabian Adventures" and simply "suggesting" the Land of Fate as a possible setting would be like writing a book called "European Adventures" and saying you could apply it to some place like Forgotten Realms of Greyhawk.
*Make a worldbook a worldbook, and let homebrews extrapolate what they want for their own culture-themed world/setting!
One possible advantage I can see to carrying the FR label is that book could simply be labeled Zakhara, eliminating the need to attach a descriptive ("Arabian," "Oriental," "Etc." Adventures) title.
-Nate
One possible advantage I can see to carrying the FR label is that book could simply be labeled Zakhara, eliminating the need to attach a descriptive ("Arabian," "Oriental," "Etc." Adventures) title.
One possible advantage I can see to carrying the FR label is that book could simply be labeled Zakhara, eliminating the need to attach a descriptive ("Arabian," "Oriental," "Etc." Adventures) title.
But then that sourcebook -- not setting book -- is FR-specific, and that's what I do not want.
But then that sourcebook -- not setting book -- is FR-specific, and that's what I do not want.
Then you don't want Al-Quadim, because it IS in FR, just like the middle east is on planet earth. Likewise, if you want a sourcebook, then you don't want Al-Quadim.
I don't understand: what's wrong with a setting book from which you can extrapolate what you want? If you got a generic "Arabian Adventures" book, you would still have to extrapolate what you want anyway to make it "your own" arabian world.
Adding some world-specific flavor to a "sourcebook" makes fanboys happy (including me), and you still get all the arabian-style rules, classes, sites, monsters, & stuff that you could possibly want. Win-win, right?
As far as being on the same planet ... who cares? The original was on the same planet, but they don't exactly shove the fact down your throat in the book. (In fact, I had even quite forgotten they coexisted!) As long as they do the same thing in the new edition (maybe in a quick blurb in the intro saying "Far to the south of Thay ..." (or something like that ... my FR geography = fail)). If you don't want the road leading to Shadowdale (or something), then make that road lead to someplace in your own homebrew.
Then you don't want Al-Quadim, because it IS in FR, just like the middle east is on planet earth. Likewise, if you want a sourcebook, then you don't want Al-Quadim.
Al-Qadim has a primer on Zakhara, but it didn't go further into detail. For more on Zakhara, you'll need The Land of Fate boxed set.
Al-Qadim has a primer on Zakhara, but it didn't go further into detail. For more on Zakhara, you'll need The Land of Fate boxed set.
Indeed! I had the boxed set ... I didn't realize there were other Al-Quadim books! Although, now that I think about it ... wasn't there a "white" book (like the "Complete Fighter's Handbook" was "red") that was Al-Quadim based? Will do quick intarnetz search!
...
Ah yes! I had this one:
AND
Forgot all about these! Wow ...
Forgot all about these! Wow ...
The Secrets of the Lamp mini-boxed set is not only one of the best Al-Qadim products, but one of the best D&D products ever, IMO.
Anyone care to comment on new the 4e races and express some opinions on their integration into the Al-Qadim setting?
The issue here would be with tieflings and dragonborn. If they were to be integrated into the setting, I think it would work best if the timeline were advanced a while (perhaps 100 years?) to give them time to get settled in the land. Perhaps tielfings are the descendants of those who turned away from the enlightened gods and were punished by Fate. That keeps the same basic flavor while incorporating it to the setting. Not sure about the dragonborn off the top of my head, but I'm sure it could be done.
On the other hand, I'd be fine not including them in the setting. I'd be fine with it either way, actually.
To this day I still think that Al-Qadim is the most elegant campaign setting to date.
In complete agreement with you on this fact. Elegant, sublime, captivating, and overall wonderful.
-Joni
As specifically regards Maztica, I think that it was a sub-setting that seriously tied the hands of most DMs. The vast majority of FR DMs looked at that continent on the map and said, "But I don't WANT to run a Mesoamerican-themed game," so that piece of landscape was simply unusable. What's there now is much closer to the high fantasy tone and content of the rest of the Realms. It's a little darker and wilder than Faerun, but I think it's still part of the same genre.
-While that's only about Maztica...Well, it's not that hard to replace one proper noun with another...It could just as easily be:
"As specifically regards Zakhara, I think that it was a sub-setting that seriously tied the hands of most DMs. The vast majority of FR DMs looked at that continent on the map and said, "But I don't WANT to run a Arabian-themed game," so that piece of landscape was simply unusable. What's there now is much closer to the high fantasy tone and content of the rest of the Realms. It's a little darker and wilder than Faerun, but I think it's still part of the same genre."