Realms (2e)
Realms is a huge and rich fantasy setting to adventure across¸ with rules for character generation¸ magic¸ combat¸ the environment¸ innovative experience rules that really reward role playing¸ and a good range of monsters and challenges to allow the gamemaster to fine-tune adventures.
And now in its second edition Realms is even better¸ more in depth and rounded. The game mechanics have been completely overhauled and everything has gotten even more detailed and interesting. So if you're a mage who needs to make rent on your wizard's tower¸ or a minstrel who needs some new material to keep the crowds happy¸ it's time once more for some adventuring.
Realms also includes detailed information on buildings¸ culture and customs¸ cities¸ governments and what goes on in the underworld. There are some interesting new challenges¸ some beasts to challenge the most powerful characters¸ and some lower level creatures to be chopped down in the most gratifying way. There are also details of the motivations of the realms¸ princes and fairy queens¸ including how they interact with each other¸ what they think of each other¸ and some history to show how some powers have risen at the expense of others. It all makes a rich backdrop for court intrigue¸ to delight players who require some thinking along with their action.
Realms has a realistic approach to sword combat and armor¸ and lots of other weapons too¸ without getting bogged down in too much detail. This leaves more space for fun stuff like magic¸ monsters and adventure¸ but if you choose the wrong equipment¸ or you just can't afford it¸ things can get tough.
There are lots of examples of magic items¸ fearsome monsters¸ the effects of the environment¸ realistic city life¸ and the likelihood of finding shelter in the wilderness. And at the center of the system is the character. Everything is built around them¸ to make the character¸ and the gaming experience as in depth¸ character centered and fun as possible.
It's time to see what's been going on in the Realms...