@TheEdVerse What books or source material would you suggest for someone wanting to know more about Netheril and the lost magics of that Kingdom? Their cultures, traditions, architecture, history in general?
— Guy Hoedemakers (@GuyHoedemakers) October 7, 2019
1)
The 2nd Edition boxed set NETHERIL: EMPIRE OF MAGIC (1996) and the 3e sourcebook LOST EMPIRES OF FAERUN (2005) are the best sources, the latter superseding the former.
THE GRAND HISTORY OF THE REALMS (2007) is also useful, 2)
…and there are mentions in LORDS OF DARKNESS (2001), CORMANTHYR: EMPIRE OF THE ELVES (1998), the PLAYERS’ GUIDE TO FAERUN (2004), and a handful of other Realms products.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) October 8, 2019
There are many differences even contradictions between Netheril Trilogy (especially”Dangerous Games”) and NETHERIL:EoM. Which one is more accurate in describing Netheril’s history?
Personally, I tend to the former. Because the novels record the character’s “real” experience. Agreed, for the very reason you cite.— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) October 8, 2019
Is it too much of a stretch to think there might even be a link to even older and deeper tunnels that could maybe be traced to ancient Ilefarn?
— I am a Hotdog (@dhodgs) October 8, 2019
Sure! These days, those who happen upon Old Owl Well, whether they’ve heard of its history or not, usually know that it was named for owlbears in the area, and that orcs recently laired there but have disappeared.2)
They know of it as a now-crumbling stone watchtower over a well that’s still reliable (and vital to travelers) as a source of cold, clear drinking water. Almost no one (for centuries) has thought about the subterranean…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) October 8, 2019
…granary chambers under the tower, hollowed out at various levels along the deep, deep well. They’ve long been lost and forgotten, the ways down into them thoroughly filled with earth and stone by collapsing ground nigh the 4)
…tower. However, it’s high time for further collapse to reveal a way down in. Adventurers will discover not only cached treasures and supplies, but the monsters of the Underdark who’ve ascended to lair in the chambers.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) October 8, 2019