Forgotten Realms – Elminster’s Ecologies

Elminster’s Ecologies is a 2nd Edition boxed set containing nine 32-page books detailing the ecology of the Forgotten Realms. It is written in-character as Elminster and other characters. In addition to the credited authors, Monte Cook is also credited as a designer.

The world is vast and varied, comprising towering mountains, dense jungles, and sprawling seas. There are regions so cold that their snow never melts, others so hot that their rain turns to steam as it touches the ground.

It is this variety of environments that accounts for the variety of life. In my travels I have noted 73 distinct types of pine trees… I estimate the number of fishes at well over five thousand. The number of insect species likely exceeds the number of grains of sand on the shores of Dragon Reach.

Every environment, no matter how hostile to humankind, is compatible with some form of life. The diversity and adaptability of organisms are staggering….

Within this box are nine booklets. Eight of them, each written by an expert in the area describe various ecological niches on the continent of Faerûn. Begin by reading the explorer’s manual which:

• introduces the reader to the organization of the eight area-specific booklets
• contains the whole of the above excerpt from Elminster’s work-in-progress about Realmsian biodiversity
• Provides color-coded encounter tables for the eight other booklets along with instructions for their use.

Would-be travelers are advised to read well the information presented by the Sage of Shadowdale and his eight compatriots, and to memorize the Rules of the Rabbit. There are only three: A rabbit isn’t always a rabbit. A rabbit doesn’t want to be rich. A rabbit doesn’t always stay put. An explanation? You’ll find it in the Explorer’s Manual. Read on, thou hearty adventurer!

the box is in perfect condition with hardly any warping. The booklets within are immaculate apart from a slight rusting on the staples!