The LOST EMPIRES OF Faerûn (LEOF) is a history book as it really could not be better. First of all it must be mentioned positively that - contrary to other FR books of WotC with as many pages (including the LORDS OF DARKNESS) - a hardcover book and therefore wears less quickly. Its content deals with the remnants of civilizations past and refers to the present time ago. It is intended, in my view primarily for game masters, as much therein are displayed knowledge "secret" or for the "normal" character is not easily accessible. Chapter 1 (Ancient Secrets) represents approximately 30 pages before several new spells, 16 Feats Prestige Classes and 5, which can be learned, if one has dealt with the ancient cultures of Faerûn. Dominant are here spells and feats for Wizards / Sorcerer, other classes are partly "fobbed off" but even with a spell Like the COMPLETE ADVENTURER effect some spells at first glance quite hard for the specified level -. But that is probably due to the fact that they are not just open to everyone but Spellcaster either captured by accident or need to be explored meticulously (should). In this respect, it's okay! Chapter 2 (Dreams of the Past) with about 25 pages volume offers many ideas on how you can integrate as DM knowledge of the disasters, tragedies and ambitions of ancient cultures in the current campaign. Already on the first page of Chapter 20 proposals are made, how the characters can be made aware of (eg a landslide creates a hidden since time immemorial free the ruins waiting to be explored). Even old gods (as Bhaal) are briefly addressed and mentioned the possibility of playing a priest of them. Likewise Mythal is magic is addressed to just 5 sites, declared and made transparent by means of examples. In addition, (but only briefly) discussed Epic Magic and explains why this form of magic with Mystras prohibition of 10th level spells will not bite. Chapter 3 (The Crown Wars) describes the oldest of all the kingdoms of Faerûn, which was once ruled by elves. Chapter 4 (God Kings of the East) provides an insight into the first great empires of people like Mulhorand, Unther, Narfell and Raumathar. Chapter 5 (Realms of the High Forest) describes the rich Eaerlann, Siluvanede and Sharrven. Chapter 6 (Fallen Netheril) deals with perhaps the most famous defunct empire of Realms - the magician State Netheril - which now lies buried under the vast desert Anauroch. Chapter 7 (The Imperial South) informed about Coramshan un Jhaamdath. Chapter 8 (The Dream of Cormanthyr) is primarily concerned with the fall of Myth Drannor and the impact on the overall environment. Chapter 9 (The Old North) tells the story of the rich man of the northern Sword Coast with rich as Phalorm and the Kingdom of Man. Chapters 3 through 9 with its 100 pages the core of the book is. I have deliberately avoided a concrete list for each rich, because then the review would have been much much longer. Just this: Even if you have a book to each of the aforementioned areas can bring out (and much knowledge was at least known to me from the source books of the 2nd Edition), so these chapters are far more than just highly compressed knowledge. Enriched with some wonderful images, make all chapters a treasure trove of information is the very light can be installed in each campaign. I wish the history of my school would have been similarly well written and illustrated. It's also nice that present and future developments have also found place in the book, so you can get out of it several plots for their own campaigns or adventures. If you like copes historical adventure as DM or at least such influences incorporating into existing campaigns which comes to LEOF simply not around. Despite some of the only legal brief description of individual countries (in relation to the 2nd Edition works) is this - purely subjective for me - my favorite book regarding the Realms become.. Chapter 10 (Artifacts of the Past) and Chapter 11 (Monsters of the Ancient Lands) round out the book from. Although many of the monsters were listed in the last chapter to MONSTERS OF Faerûn, the images are at least better and brought the creatures to current 3.5er stand. Conclusion: An excellent history book about Faerûn that is easy to read and so much new information holds that you probably will never be even a permanent gamer able to incorporate all the in his adventures. Although I would have liked some chapters extensive, so, the book is a good summary that allows quite incorporate important and essential elements into play. From my side (for once) an unqualified recommendation. WotC: 5 points!
