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Netheril: Empire of Magic

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Netheril: Empire of Magic is a 160-page sourcebook for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition released in October 1996.

Official synopsis[]

Journey back 5,000 years into Faerun's past and visit the archwizards of Netheril. View their fantastic floating cities, enclaves of magic that shook the ground far below. Travel to a time when magic was raw and powerful, when spellcasters stood supreme in the eyes of their nation. Meet Karsus, an archwizard so powerful he wielded magic that made him a god...

This new campaign expansion details everything a Dungeon Master needs to establish an exciting campaign in the magic-rich kingdom of Netheril. Inside you'll find:

  • The Winds of Netheril: This 128-page reference book contains the long-awaited most mysterious kingdoms. It provides new rules for spellcasters during the reign of Netheril and the rules for time-traveling within the Realms. An encompassing almanac details the floating cities and groundling cities of lost Netheril during the different ages of the nation.

In addtion, this book explores the floating city of Karsus, noting key landmarks in the most important enclave of Netheril. Many of Metheril's most prominent personages are likewise detailed. The book concludes with Monstrous Compendium entries for the phaerimm, sharn and tomb tapper.

  • Encyclopedia Arcana: This 32-page book describes many of the magical items and spells of Netheril. Also included are spells lists specialized for use within a Netheril campaign.
  • Two Poster Maps: Full-color poster maps show the lands of Netheril during the height of its power and at the time of its fall. The back of one of the mapsheets contains a detailed look at the enclave of Karsus.

Content[]

Development and release[]

Development[]

The book was written by Dale "Slade" Henson and Jim Butler. Art was provided by Ciruelo Cabral and Jesus Redondo.

Release[]

Netheril: Empire of Magic was released by TSR in October 1996 for $[missing data] US or $[missing data] Canadian.

On December 13, 2016, it was re-released in digital format. It is currently available on DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild for $9.99.

Reception and influence[]

Critical reception[]

As of 2023, Netheril: Empire of Magic reached the rank of Platinum seller on DriveThruRPG.

Influence on other works[]

External links[]

References[]


Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition
Core rules
Player's Handbook • Dungeon Master Guide
Monstrous Compendium Volume One • Monstrous Compendium Volume Two • Monstrous Manual
First Quest • Introduction to Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Game • The Complete Starter Set • Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Game
Optional core rules
Player's Option: Combat & Tactics • Player's Option: Skills & Powers • Player's Option: Spells & Magic
Dungeon Master Option: High-Level Campaigns • Campaign Option: Council of Wyrms
Supplement lines
Player's Handbook Rules Supplement • Dungeon Master's Guide Rules Supplement
Monstrous Compendium Appendix • Monstrous Compendium Annual
Encyclopedia Magica • Historical Reference • The Magic Encyclopedia • Monstrous Arcana • Priest's Spell Compendium • Wizard's Spell Compendium
Other supplements
Bastion of Faith • Book of Artifacts • Castle Sites • Chronomancer • City Sites • College of Wizardry • Country Sites • Den of Thieves • Dungeon Builder's Guidebook • Guide to Hell • Legends & Lore • Rogues' Gallery • Shaman • Tome of Magic • The Vortex of Madness and Other Planar Perils • Warriors of Heaven • World Builder's Guidebook
Adventures
The Apocalypse Stone • Axe of the Dwarvish Lords • Cleric's Challenge (II) • The Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga • Destiny of Kings • Die Vecna Die! • Dragon Mountain • Dungeons of Despair • Fighter's Challenge (II) • The Gates of Firestorm Peak • A Hero's Tale • Labyrinth of Madness • The Lost Shrine of Bundushatur • Moonlight Madness • The Murky Deep • Night Below: An Underdark Campaign • A Paladin in Hell • Return to the Tomb of Horrors • Reverse Dungeon • Road to Danger • The Rod of Seven Parts • The Shattered Circle • The Silver Key • Swamplight • Tale of the Comet • Tales of Enchantment • Temple, Tower, & Tomb • Thief's Challenge (II) • TSR Jam 1999 • Wizard's Challenge (II)
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