Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 00:21:07
Message:

Whoa-ho! Another e-mail just arrived from Ed, and accordingly, here's all the rest of the Raventree lore; to whit, the Raventrees themselves.
I've split it into two posts, just in case there's still a post size limit. Enjoy, BlackAce and Emma!
So here we go . . .



In the year 1368 DR, House Raventree of Waterdeep consists of Lord Nandos Thornyn Mralabrar Raventree, head of the family, his wife Lady Perryn Klathra Alandra Raventree (née Nesher; don’t be misled by the catch-all word “consort” used in the CoS box; she is indeed the formally-wed wife of Nandos), and their two children: Lord Surakh Valandros Thornyn Raventree (the eldest and heir) and Galinda Nimune Alandra Raventree.
There is also a cousin, Dorophin Raventree (CG male Tethyrian human aristocrat7/expert4/fighter2), the only son of Galaskor Raventree, the deceased younger (and only) brother of Lord Nandos. Dorophin grew up in Athkatla, visiting Waterdeep rarely with his parents, and since both of them perished (his Athkatlan-born mother Lalrune in 1356 DR, of winterchill, and his father in 1360 DR, of a massive infection following beast-bites suffered during a forest hunt) he hasn’t been seen in Waterdeep, nor had any contact with his Waterdhavian kin. (Dorophin has never been “close” to the Raventrees of Waterdeep, but there is no hatred - - nor any friction or break, ever - - between him and them, nor was there between Galaskor and the Waterdhavian Raventrees. Galaskor simply chose Athkatla and his wife’s family over Waterdeep and his kin, and they drifted out of each other’s lives.)

Lord Nandos (LG male Tethyrian human aristocrat14/expert8) is a grave, firm, dignified nobleman, energetic in business and willing to do his civic duty but of the belief that Waterdeep’s nobles should neither run the city nor suffer guilds, priesthoods, or “commoners banded together to feign importance they have not earned” to do so; rather, the nobility should support Piergeiron and his officials to resist change and uphold order and authority - - for the “daily seawind” (status quo) is good, and should be maintained for the city to continue to flourish - - and to be an example to commoners of what they can achieve in time, by financial success, “nobility of action and purpose,” and long service to their city (by which is meant: act noble but not haughty, keep your nose clean, and perhaps, eight or nine generations from now, you may be ennobled, if the city needs more nobles).
Lord Nandos inherited the family shipbuilding business from his flamboyant and strikingly successful father Ehrendarr and his stern and austere grandfather Thaland, and although both are long dead and gone, he secretly believes they still watch over his life and performance. He conducts himself and the family business concerns so as to please and impress them (that is, he does what he believes they would have approved of), and otherwise does what he thinks is “proper” for a “proper noble” to do - - that is, a dignified, socially responsible noble, not a loudly flamboyant “misbehaving” noble. If the “proper” thing is to attend this revel or that gathering or ceremony, that’s what he does; if at a social gathering things get out of hand (nobles misbehave), Lord Nandos fades into the background or withdraws into another room to keep company with other “proper” nobles, or if need be departs altogether. As he puts it, “A lord is never discomfited, nor betrays his station - - because a lord never indulges in behaviour that betrays, nor that he feels embarrassed about.”
Lord Nandos does not see success or striving in business as improper for a noble. He considers idle nobles “wastrels” (if young) and “deadwood and dross” (if old enough to know better). As he says, “To deserve your golden charger and the food you eat off it daily, you must seek diligently to advance both the lives of commoners and your own achievements and worth. If Waterdeep is no better as a result of your life, when you die, than you do not deserve to have lived at all, let alone enjoyed the privileges of nobility.”
It should be noted that Lord Nandos is not the sort of autocrat or prig given to making such observations publicly or often; he does so only in response to questions or the stated opinions of others, and believes in a style of briefly-murmured guidance (of look and private comment) when dealing with family, servants, and business employees.

Lady Perryn (NG female Tethyrian human aristocrat 12/expert6) is one of the quieter and more dignified, “proper” sort of noblewomen, not given to flamboyant behaviour, public rudeness, nor loud or firm speech. She is darkly beautiful, with long, blue-black hair, a slender and rangy figure, graceful movement, large dark blue eyes, and high cheekbones; the passing years have scarcely aged her visibly at all, and she still draws the gaze of many a man upon entering a room, or at first glimpse.
The uninformed often conclude that she is a doormat, her husband’s meek servant, but in truth she “rules him with a glance” when she feels the need - -which isn’t often. Lady Perryn is very tolerant, slow to anger, and firmly believes that being noble is to have much personal freedom, and she must and should respect the freedom of others to speak, act, and pursue follies as they please - - until they go too far.
She feels she has the final word (or veto) over family decisions, whereas her husband has the freedom to make all the smaller, daily decisions, and conduct himself as if he has absolute freedom, until she reminds him of a boundary or gives him a flat “no.”
Lady Perryn also believes her children must and should be free to make their own mistakes, so they can grow freely and “become themselves” (rather than their parents’ puppets, or worse yet, two-faced, wearing behavioural masks when under their parents’ eyes and acting as quite different people when on their own).
However, when they were younger, she reared them strictly and took a large hand in their tutelage rather than leaving much of it to nurses or tutors (as many other Waterdhavian nobles do). She still chides or even gives them orders in public without hesitation when she thinks they’ve been discourteous, and holds a curious double standard: she’s less liable to judge their actions, as she is the style in which they carry those actions out (“bed three at once in front of us all if you must, dear, but there’s no need to be impertinent while doing so”). She is also capable of working harder than the burliest servant, day and night for several days and nights on end, when the need arises (every year as the annual costume ball nears, and preparations start to go awry, for instance), and behind her quiet courtesy is a steely resolve. Where Lord Nandos might shrug and abandon some slight or swindle against the Raventrees as “the knocks of business,” Lady Perryn will neither forgive nor forget, and will set herself with unfailing patience to get even.

Lord Surakh (LG male Tethyrian human aristocrat6/fighter3) spent his rebellious youth being a haughty prig, the sort of stiff, sneering noble that commoners loathe, loudly claiming his precedence and privileges, and challenging his peers to “confrontations of honor” (unarmed duels that are usually loud public debates that tend to slide swiftly into tradings of florid insults; many older nobles describe them as “the younglings parading their immaturity before all”).
He has mellowed somewhat since, and has largely set aside his public airs and rudenesses, but still has a short temper with fools and the dishonest, and will speak sharply to anyone he considers wrong, acting improperly, or “being a fool” (which unfortunately often just means they hold an opinion contrary to his own). Yet he is ashamed of his former self, and working hard on his patience and curbing his tongue - - so he’s both slower to explode and more liable to bite back words better left unsaid.
Trained to the sword, armored combat, and “riding to the lance,” Surakh is a hopeless archer and dislikes hawking (both thanks to his unadmitted poor long-distance eyesight).
The building and outfitting of ships has always bored him, but he no longer flings his boredom in his father’s face. He is increasingly interested in merchant shipping (what one can do with ships, rather than the making of them); expanding the family trading in rare foods (into spirits); and new ways of combining and packaging foods to snare the interest of Waterdhavians and so increase sales, and his father has seen this and stopped trying to force Surakh into being his daily understudy, and started encouraging him, in small ways (i.e. with limited funds), to try his hand at ship cargoes and trading in new food and drink wares.
Surakh also seems to be gaining a sense of humour, and discovering a gift for mocking mimicry, as much to his own surprise as the astonishment of others.

Lady Galinda (CG female Tethyrian human aristocrat5/expert2) is at this time a leading, desirable socialite (her marriage to Regnet Amcathra is still some years off; my notes have the wedding on 11th Marpenoth, 1371 DR, and of course your campaign need not follow published Realmslore, which tells us that by the time of the City of Splendors: Waterdeep sourcebook, she has borne Regnet two sons).
She is bold, flirtatious, and at the forefront of fashion and local social “style,” hosting Waterdeep’s annual costume ball, indulging in much gossip and rumormongering, and waging an ongoing social war with her despised rival Myrna Cassalanter.
Galinda is husky-voiced, apt to be dressed in the latest expensive fashions, and is proud of her body, hesitating not at all to display it to best advantage. She has her mother’s slender build, grace, large eyes and high cheekbones, though her figure is slightly more lush than Lady Perryn’s.
Like almost all Waterdhavian nobles of her generation and circle at this time, romance and sex are casual everyday pursuits to Galinda; in matters of the heart (or loins) she knows little loyalty nor stable relationships (this casual approach means bitter breakups are few; the same circle of young nobles hook up, swap partners, drift apart, come together for a brief fling again, and so on, with no shunning and few hard feelings). This doesn’t mean individual nobles don’t pine for other individual nobles; in 1368 DR, Alroy Adarbrent (heir of House Adarbrent) is smitten with Galinda, though Lord Royus Adarbrent (head of that house) disapproves of the Raventrees and doesn’t want his son to ever wed Galinda (because, in the elder Lord Adarbrent’s view, the Raventrees are a “junior” noble family, who are “jumped up, once-wealthy commoners, not true nobility,” and because they don’t behave like “proper” nobles right now - - meaning that the Raventrees are active in business, rather than being so rich that they can live in idleness, their factors and servants administering the rents from their vst holdings, and avoiding handling and concerning themselves with “low, common coin and the dealings done to grasp ever more of it;” to Adarbrent, “proper” nobles don’t concern themselves with money, and don’t have to because they’re so wealthy - - whereas the Raventrees are clearly, albeit successfully, still directly involved in their longtime business concerns of shipbuilding and purveying rare foods [“exotic foodstuffs” is the Waterdhavian mercantile term]). Regnet Amcathra and Bedelder Margaster are also seriously interested in Galinda, and dozens of their fellow “young bucks” [or more politely, “young blades”] among the nobility are more than casually interested in her; she’s considered a prize, the best - - or, if your tastes vary, among the best three or four - - of the young and unattached female nobles).
Like her older brother, Galinda has “settled down” somewhat from her wildest younger days, shifting from CN to CG and mellowing from headstrong, dawn-to-dusk catty fighting with rival young female nobles and seducing every young male noble who came within reach to more self-confident, drawling, at ease conquests and social trouncings. Thanks to human nature, this has made her more desirable to other nobles, not less (and she’s now catching the eyes of older male nobles, who hitherto dismissed her as “yet another emptyheaded, burstingly-full-of-herself young brat”).


. . . so saith Ed, and I'll post the second bit straightaway (the relationships between them). This ought to be enough for a campaign . . .
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 00:22:24
Message:

And here, as promised, is Ed again . . .


So as the Year of the Banner (1368 DR) begins, the relationships within the Raventree family are as follows:

Nandos is growing more affectionate toward, and in love with, his wife, rather than less, and wants to spend more time with her. He even hopes to have more children with her - - or at least spend a lot of pleasant time trying. He believes she is one of the wisest women in Waterdeep or anywhere, and thinks that for years he didn’t fully appreciate the depths of her wisdom, not to mention her deft manipulation of him and other nobles they have dealings with.
Nandos is increasingly pleased with both of his children (Surakh more than Galinda, because he views Surakh has “achieved more in this wise” and Surakh will enrich the family coffers more by doing so, whereas Galinda seems to be perfecting spending more from them) because they are both, in his eyes, improving so much from their wilder, younger selves. “Maturing, but not matured.”
They both, of course, have a long way to go - - and the sooner Galinda stops soiling herself by sleeping with half the city, or acting as if she is, the better. For the Raventree name as well as for herself. Still, all younglings have to go through their wild days, and if their parents clamp down too hard or in the wrong ways, things will get worse, not better. Surakh at least can be spoken to man-to-man, with plenty of “this is what worked for me” and “when you’re in charge of this, son, you’ll need to know” - - but Nandos is at something of a loss as to how to even speak to his daughter. It all too easily slides into the sort of banter, as she teases him, that will sound like flirtation to any eavesdropper! And, damn, she’s a lovely girl, though still an emptyheaded little chit not worth a ninth of her mother. Why do women have to be so silly, so different? He himself has never dreamed of measuring his own worth by the number of people he can bed, or verbally trounce in public; why do such things matter to the womenfolk?

Perryn loves her husband deeply, and is grateful that he seems to be warming to her increasingly in recent months, not concentrating wholly on business and the pride and wealth of the Raventrees whilst taking his wife for granted, as part of the furniture. She has always admired his intellect, his morals, his successes, and his private tenderness, and is thrilled that he now seems to see her worth.
There has been some stiff awkwardness between Perryn and her son in recent years, particularly when she tried to discipline or influence him when she considered (by the gods, all Waterdeep considered) he was being the worst sort of conceited, rude prig, and he still exasperates her all too often with his “I’m a man and the heir, so all should bow before me, because soon I’ll be head of the house, and in the meantime I’m a younger, better version of my father, so bow down accordingly” act - - but he’s finally growing up and learning some sense and at least heading in the right direction. There’s hope for him yet, and at last she can dare to gently jest with him and show him love and tenderness, where before he seemingly had no sense of humour, and loudly dismissed all tendernesses as “womens’ foolishness” and “manipulative embraces and tears and honeyed false words.” She’ll work hard at forging a warmer relationship between them, and still try to gently steer him into being the truly noble man he can be.
Perryn’s daughter has always exasperated her, too, but their relationship has been far more complicated than her dealings with her son, because although Perryn despairs of Galinda’s more wanton ways and “overconfident rudenesses and frivolities,” they have always been close, have giggled together and shared confidences on the rare occasions when they have both dared to let down their guards and masks sufficiently - - and because Perryn has always secretly admired her daughter for openly and publicly doing all the wild things Perryn had wanted to, but that she “just couldn’t” because a “proper noble doesn’t do such things.” Perryn genuinely admires the hard work that Galinda puts in hosting the costume ball, and even more, admires the name and importance her daughter has built for herself among noble circles (and, through the echoes of that, in the wider city). Folk high and low respect Galinda’s fashion sense and style, gossip about her latest put-down or amorous frolic, and pay attention to her. Whereas her mother is left in shadow, ignored or taken for granted. Now, perhaps Galinda will someday start to put that influence to use in truly making Waterdeep a better place, and fulfill her bright promise. In the meantime, Perryn wants to get closer to her daughter - - to vicariously enjoy all the sheer fun of Galinda’s social whirl, to keep and cherish someone who is becoming a real friend at last, and to deepen whatever influence she has over her daughter, so as to be able to steer her through the inevitable shoals ahead (of rising too high and getting entangled in serious feuds or in politics far over her head, and of dealing with the wooing that is daily coming her way, some of it calculated and uncaring for her personally, but only for the family wealth and reputation).

Surakh used to consider his father a stodgy, overbearing, humourless fool, and his mother a doormat who lost her temper behind closed doors and tyrannized his father when she did, but otherwise cared what other nobles thought above all else, and so played the “perfect dutiful noble wife” role to the hilt.
In other words, his father deserved any bad treatment he got, but his mother was a “weak woman” incapable of holding her own in public. He now realizes he was very wrong about both of them, and admires his father’s drive (and forbearance with both of his children) and his mother’s iron determination and yet manner of hiding it, manipulating rather than using her tongue like a lash and her deeds like a brutal gauntlet.
Surakh formerly despised his sister as a wanton fool who disgraced the family name and was overly familiar with “just anyone, no matter how lowly.” She was family and so he was duty bound to rescue her from her worst scrapes and follies, but she was by no means an ornament of the Raventrees or even competent to do much of anything, let alone represent the family or handle any of its affairs. She was less emptyheaded and frivolous than some of their circle of nobles, but that wasn’t saying much.
Now, Surakh is grudgingly acknowledging to himself (never explicitly to Galinda, though his manner towards her has become far more polite, easygoing, and supportive, and she can obviously tell his attitude has changed) that his sister does very well for herself socially, sways the opinions and fashions of other nobles, and even treats some matriarchs and patriarchs as equals—and gets treated by them as an equal. In other words, these others see her as formidable and mature, but her older brother Surakh as immature and foolish. Something he’s determined to change by watching his sister and learning from her, and at the same time getting closer to her and showing that to others.

Galinda likes to hide the fact that she’s a shrewd judge of people from the world (and especially her family), but she knows full well - - and with complete accuracy - - what her parents and her brother think of her, and how they’re trying to deal with her.
For her part, she thinks her father is inevitably as hidebound and self-limited as all nobles of his generation, but is the finest man she knows. His obvious fears that she’ll settle on someone truly unsuitable are unfounded, because there is no way before all the Watching Gods that she will settle for anyone not as fine as her father - - and although she enjoys friendships and more with both sexes, she needs men, and wants a husband. Someday. On her terms. She admires Nandos as a businessman, as the head of a noble house, and as a person. He works harder than any two guild members, and probably harder than any random group of five or six. She can’t resist teasing him, though, and themore this mkes him uncomfortable, the more it goads her to do more of it.
Her mother is the woman she can never be - - the perfect “old school” noble wife (quiet, dutiful, forever proper and “doing the right thing”). Yet her mother is no monster, because Galinda can see she achieves this by being almost the perfect actress, not because it’s who her mother really is. Perryn is a master manipulator of her family and the servants because she understands people so well, and can say and do what will move them in the direction she wants them moved, and make them ever more loyal to the Raventrees and to her own aims. Galinda despairs of ever being that effective, that good a noble - - because she herself just doesn’t have the patience for the whole act, and doesn’t want to be the quiet dutiful overlooked consort, when she can be the center of attention and have people eager to be with her, and fall in with her plans. Deep down, she knows her mother sees right through her - - and yet, Perryn loves her and is still working hard to steer her without trying to boss her . . . and Galinda loves and cherishes her for that. Someday soon, her mother just might unwind enough, or consider that Galinda has grown up enough, that the two of them can fall into the warm, close, easy friendship Perryn so obviously yearns for. Then they can at last be bosom friends, enjoying the unfolding world together. Ah, it will be good when her mother finally puts away her disapproval!
Surakh, now, isn’t as detestable and constantly exasperating as he used to be. He’s actually starting to have a little self-confidence and humour, and is trying to mend fences with his little sister and cultivate a real friendship. He now wants to be seen in her company, supports her views and deeds, and is generally trying to be a decent brother. Which makes him tolerable, at least, though he left it very, very late to start trying to become a human being rather than the thespians’ caricature of a rude and overbearingly highnosed noble. Yet much of “the new Surakh” is still an act, not the true man himself. He still thinks boys are superior to girls, the heir and eldest can and should lord it over younger siblings (lifelong), and that others should leap to defer to nobles or expect “rightfully scornful” treatment. He’s not loudly saying such things the way he used to, but hasn’t privately let go of the beliefs yet, and until he does, she’ll be as friendly as she can (so as to try to change him), but dare not trust him.



And there you have it; so saith Ed. More than enough of a foundation for Downton Abbey-style play, I’d say. Ed hopes this is useful, and wants you to by all means ask followups, and we both want to hear hints of how play unfolds . . .
love,
THO

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Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 00:39:30
Message:

Two questions I have for Ed is can we look forward to another "Elminster's Forgotten Realms" book in the near future? I feel the teases at the end of that book might be driving up false hope for me and everyone else (secret doppleganger kingdoms?!) since we fear we may not come to see such work come to the light of day with, well...the way WotC manages things concerning everything D&D, especially the Realms.

My 2nd question is will we see more "Volo's Guides"? Several mentioned in an FR product had me hopeful he will return with "Guide to the Bloodstone Lands" and "Guide to the Savage Coast" and other locales hardly touched upon.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 01:02:19
Message:

Hi again, everyone.
Razz, Ed doesn't have the power to make products happen; he can only plead (like the rest of us ) and hope - - and if a future product does get approved, he almost always can't tell us about it beforehand.
I can tell you that Ed would be VERY eager to both of those possible books you described in your post. We'll just have to see (Ed's a very busy guy, and I happen to know he's got three novels on the go right now).

NineCoronas, my PM inbox is full, and the server software won't let me reply to you until I empty it, so this is just to let you know: message received, thank you, revisions sent on!

And apropos of the comment I just made about Ed being busy, the man is indefatigable, it seems. Here's ANOTHER lore reply from his keyboard (and a double one, at that):

xaeyruudh recently asked: “What are the names of the Ice Lakes shown on a few maps north of Luskan and west of the Black Raven river? Curiosity struck, and I (and more notably Markus) don't see them named anywhere. Many thanks!”

Ed replies:
The Fonstad Atlas of the Realms is the best source I have access to (I can’t look at the later e-Atlas at the moment), and reproduces my original maps pretty well. None of the maps, including my “overall” map, show the tiniest, pond-sized lakes, only the five largest ones, so feel free to add as many of these smaller sort as you need in play. All of them will of course have frigid waters and beautiful “blue” hues.
All of the Ice Lakes have both local names (used by the barbarians and goblinkin, and of great antiquity - - and so, linguistic origins lost to us) and “outlander” names bestowed by prospectors from warmer, more southerly lands.
The westernmost of the two smallest and most northerly of the five lakes is Derthym, and its outland name is Longknife Lake (after Longknife, a long-ago human trapper who dwelt on its shores).
The easternmost of the small northerly pair is Belardym, known to outlanders as Tynkur’s Fist (after a halfing adventurer who won a fistfight here over battle-spoils centuries back, but who was later slain for that same loot; his spirit is said to haunt the shores of the lake).
Below this pair of lakes is the largest of the Ice Lakes. Locally, it is Rarghraum, and is called Ondran’s Grave by outlanders, after the warrior-adventurer Ondran, who died in a heroic last stand fighting orcs here centuries ago, drowning (and taking an orc with him, in a death-grip) after being wounded repeatedly by the warband of orcs he almost singlehandedly wiped out.
To the west of the largest Ice Lake is a round-ish lake (with a small tongue or arm of water jutting south from the western end of its southern shore) . It has several islands, BTW, and is known as Loroloth locally, and Daern’s Copper Camp to outlanders (Daern was a long-ago miner, who found copper on the surface west of the lake; the fortunate can still find it today, but are called “the fortunate” if they survive the many monsters that lair and prowl in the area).
Southeast of Loroloth and southwest of Rarghraum is the most southerly of the Ice Lakes. It is known locally as Antaerth, and its outland name is Saeriphahra’s Mirror (after a beautiful half-elf pirate who buried her treasure within sight of it, and was known to use it as her looking-glass).

Oh, and while I’m at it, Jeremy Grenemyer asked where Dardolphin Isle is located. Your guess, xaeyruudh, is correct: it’s one of the smaller, hitherto-unnamed-in-published-lore islands of the Nelanther (in the southeastern most cluster of islets). Will someone please post this in the right thread, so Jeremy sees it?

So saith Ed, and I'll take care of that reposting right now. Ah, it's a good day for lore of the Realms we love . . .
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 01:28:46
Message:

It is a good day for lore, many thanks! And an extra thank you, Ed, for the note that the Atlas matches up well with your original maps. I had assumed as much, but it's good to know for sure. The cover of my atlas just fell off a few days ago, despite being taped several years ago to stave off that event. It's a much-used and well-loved reference.

and Markus:

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Reply author: BlackAce
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 09:36:16
Message:

And once again Emma asks me to pass on her thanks and gratitude to Ed and Lady Hooded One for taking time to answer her questions so thoroughly.

She's got a big happy grin on her face this morning. (Not of my doing, damn it!)

I believe they're using Obsidian Portal or maybe a private Facebook group, but I'll be sure to post updates here on what they're up to.

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Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 10:18:27
Message:

Hi Ed and THO !

I've a question about how a Waterdeep-based group of adventurers could gain information about Skullport ?

Here's my situation : PCs have found a scroll where the word "Skullport" is written in a mini-dungeon and have assumed it's a location, and are going to investigate the city to found exactly "what is Skullport" (and probably going there).

To investigate, the bard will go to the New Olamn's librairy.
An other PC to the Oghma's librairy where he knows a clerc.
Others are going to ask commoners, merchants, nobles...

But "who knows what" about a location like Skullport ? I assumed a majority of nobles knows but won't tell. Am I right ?


(By the way thanks both of you for the GREAT lore about the Raventrees).

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 14:17:12
Message:

Thank you so much for all the new lore, Ed & THO. I had decided to take a hiatus from FR mapping, but this has drawn me back in... your a wiley one, Mr.Greenwood.

And since I need to ask a question, here is a map of Mintarn taken from the FRIA (it matches up very well to the Fonstad map, and I just wanted you to see what has already been named). When you get the chance (no rush), if you could provide names for those as well.

Are the two islands to the south part of Mintarn? They don't seem to be a part of the Moonshaes. Also, whats with the Citadel of the Seven Seas? I don't see that on any other map (something tells me I should be asking Eric about that). Take your time with these - I am amazed you have the time to answer anything ATM.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 16:08:56
Message:

Hi again, all.
From my notes, Markustay, I can name those two southernmost islands on your map, and tell you a LITTLE about them. As it happens, I'm quoting Ed directly here:

The larger and more northerly island is called Ammargal, and is "part of" Mintarn in that they garrison it and graze a large herd of sheep (to provide wool and meat for the folk of Mintarn) there, slaughtering any predators (short of dragons) that show up to try to dine on them. Ammargal has a very narrow inlet and dock on its southeastern shore, dangerous to use at the best of times, and a good anchorage and beach on its northern shore. Perhaps twenty people dwell on Ammargal, but save during storms and the icy depths of winter, ships from Mintarn visit it almost daily (trawling for fish on both legs of the out-and-back voyage). Ammargal is like a bowl tilted so its northern lip is submerged in the sea, but the rest of the rim thrusts up in continuous rocky ridges, guarding verdant meadows (and even a small forest, running along the inside of the southern run of the ridge) within their ring.

The smaller and more southerly island is a great plug of rock rising out of the sea (it looks like just what it is: the pointed top of a submerged mountain), and is known as Rorn Rock. It shelters Ammargal from the worst - - but rare - - local winds that blow north (as opposed to the prevailing winds that blow out of the northwest). Rorn Rock is pierced by several sea-caves, hollowed out by the waves over centuries (probably breaking through to inner caverns left empty when lava either ebbed back down into the depths, or erupted out of them), and of course there are the usual legends of both morkoth lairing here and pirates stealing into the caves in small skiffs to conceal treasures within. Rorn Rock is uninhabited, with two exceptions: millions of seabirds have their rookeries atop it, and from time to time kidnapped royalty and other "political prisoners" (individuals certain people want off the scene, but don't want to slay outright because they might come in useful later, so mainly royalty and noble heirs) get marooned there, to live on seabirds and their eggs, eking out a hard existence on the cold and windswept rock.
Rorn Rock is named for Thalaumarorn, better known to humans as "Old Rorn," a gigantic dragon of long ago (some say red, some say black), who terrorized the Sword Coast and the seas in this vicinity, fearlessly attacking anything (the tales say he fought and slaughtered dragon turtles, and regularly plunged beneath the waves like a fish-hunting seabird to snatch aquatic prey). Rorn Rock was his lair, and Rorn Rock was where he perished, blown apart by the spells of a fell human wizard who came hunting his treasure, when Rorn was old and enfeebled. That treasure, the tales insist, was never found - - and the wizard died that day when Rorn's riven body fell out of the skies and crushed the wizard to red pulp and gore on the rocks.
Rorn's skull was long ago recovered by the folk of Mintarn; it's the one that hangs above the high seat in the great hall there, and alchemists and treasure-hunters have down the years borne away most of the dragon's other bones.
Among the clergy of Umberlee, there is a belief that Rorn Rock hides a great and holy secret - - but just what that secret is, none can say; of it, the Wet Goddess will not speak, coldly rebuking all who dare ask.


So saith Ed, Creator of the Sandbox.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Jan 2013 18:23:33
Message:

Hi again, all.
Markustay, I just came across one of my own notes, and the small northernmost island on that FRIA detail map you linked to is called "Windstorm Isle."
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 22 Jan 2013 01:24:32
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

And there you have it; so saith Ed. More than enough of a foundation for Downton Abbey-style play, I’d say. Ed hopes this is useful, and wants you to by all means ask followups, and we both want to hear hints of how play unfolds . . .
love,
THO

---

The Lady K is quickly nudging for me to immediately put something like this together for our next Realms campaign.

As we're both fans of the show, it shouldn't be too difficult to add a little Realms-seasoning.

...

Do you have any further suggestions for a Downton Abbey-esque series in the FORGOTTEN REALMS, Ed?

---

Reply author: rodrigoalcanza
Replied on: 22 Jan 2013 03:45:34
Message:

Hello!
I would like the help of Ed, or The Hooded One, about these two questions:

1-How did the mages (wizards, sorcerers, bard ...) and priests (clerics, druids, rangers ...) understand the spell levels. For example, in the game mechanics, the sleep spell is 1st level and a fireball is 3rd level. But I know it's in the rules of the game. What does this mean in the Realms? As its inhabitants understand the differences in the complexity of magic?

2-In general terms how are the laws of possession of weapons and armor in towns, villages and other habitations in Faerûn? Basically, I just found this reply in the kingdom of Cormyr. But how that works possession of weapons and armor in Dalelands, for example? And in other parts of Faerûn? I think about how these laws could be, because adventurers tend to go with many types of weapons, some quite large with a greataxe. I imagine that the authorities of these places should have some concern about that.

Excuse my English!

Thanks!

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 22 Jan 2013 03:49:53
Message:

Hi again, all.
Sage, I got a swift reply from Ed on this one! Here ypu go:


Heh. Well, it depends. :}
In this case, it depends on the constraints/atmosphere you'd like to establish. If you use the Raventrees or any Waterdhavian noble family IN WATERDEEP (or a Suzail-based Cormyrean noble family in Suzail) you've got the bustle of the city, can drag in all manner of commoners and their doings and scores of other nobles, and so on - - but it's a different dynamic than the essentially country house-based action of Downton Abbey.
So you MIGHT want to have the Raventrees at their country estate (which is entirely undetailed in published lore, so feel free to swipe any map/plan/description of any English castle or stately home, extant or vanished, to use), having retreated there because disease is sweeping the city, or they've gone into seclusion to deal with a family crisis (a claim on the family property from Dorophin Raventree, say, which MUST be false because Dorophin has contacted them in different handwriting, from a different address, to say he's coming to visit - - but when "Dorophin" arrives, is it really him? Or an impostor? Or for quite another crisis: Lord Nandos accused of fathering the children of another noble, and challenged to a duel - - but also, assassination attempts on him begin, so to escape them he hustles the family out of the Deep [[or do both, if you're feeling especially cruel/lively]]). The crisis situation has two major drawbacks: it forces change on family realtionships, if not family members, and it works against the great fun we see in so many English Country House murder mysteries: the romances, bickerings, jewel (or snuffbox, ahem) robberies, and all of that associated with having a country estate full of an odd assortment of guests (most or all of them also noble) as well as the family.
The house itself can have secrets that lead to a treasure hunt or even a dungeon underneath it - - elements a little harder to pull off in Waterdeep, with its established sewer system and infamous vast dungeon under it. You can also have eccentric "rustics," the country servants, poachers, and villager/neighboring farmers, who can be almost anyone (from the inevitable doppelgangers in disguise and former pirates, adventurers, and outlaws living under assumed names, to undercover agents for various sinister organizations such as the Zhents, Red Wizards, and so on).
Or you can stay in the city and play up the revels, social whirl, and sword-duels in taverns and private clubs . . .
Just don't forget the possibilities of a Lady Bracknell. ;}


So saith Ed, referencing Wilde's play The Importance Of Being Ernest at the end, there.
Ed and I both hope these comments are of some help!
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Xar Zarath
Replied on: 22 Jan 2013 04:24:15
Message:

Hi Ed and THO, I dont know if i have asked this question before, if so i humbly apologize, if not then here goes,
After the events in the 3rd book of the Knights of Myth Drannor trilogy, I know that Old Ghost is now in Amaukran the Sword that Never Sleeps, what happened to him? Is he still around after the Spellplague?
And on another note, reading bits and pieces about Hasperdan has got me spooked, like his reference to being patient but somehow not a "man" and of course now i read that he is dead, is he though? And what was Hasperdan anyway?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 22 Jan 2013 18:38:52
Message:

Hi again, all.
Xar Zarath, I happen to know that both the full fates of Old Ghost and Hesperdan, and their true natures, are things Ed intends to reveal in future Realms fiction . . . not here and now. Sorry.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 22 Jan 2013 19:30:25
Message:

Once again, thank you for taking such wonderful notes THO - great stuff.

Your second-to-last response got me thinking - is being "a Zhent" actually illegal in Cormyr?

I mean, suppose a merchant/traveling trader from Zhentil Keep came to town, and for all intents and purposes just seemed a normal guy doing business, and then moving on (as merchants are wont to do)... is that perfectly okay? Do people of 'Zhentish (or Moonsea) persuasion' get 'picked-on' in anyway? Do they have to jump through more hoops just to conduct normal business?

Here's my problem with this - at its core Zhentil Keep is a mercantile empire (YES, with lots and lots of layers of 'other stuff'). It seems to me that it is actually counter-productive to be from Zhentil Keep if you wanted to conduct 'honest' business elsewhere in the Realms. If you had the city's stamp on your goods, that would be asking for them all to get torn open and ripped apart. Plus, most folks wouldn't want to deal with you at all.

Or do I have the wrong impression here?

---

Reply author: Ayrik
Replied on: 22 Jan 2013 19:47:49
Message:

I don't personally imagine any serious discrimination against Zhents from people who openly welcome Red Wizards. Those fools.

---

Reply author: Lord Karsus
Replied on: 22 Jan 2013 22:18:29
Message:

-The back story of a priest of Torm of mine involves him being orphaned as a youth, and shortly being 'adopted' by a Tormish paladin and initiated into the faith. I've envisioned, in the interim between becoming a full blown priest and the character joining the party, that he did a lot of missionary work in the Moonsea/Sembia/Dales/Cormyr regions involving fellow orphans and orphanages. Fellow priests/priestess' of the Triad were also involved, as were priests/priestess' of Lathander. I gave the 2e Faiths and Avatars book a quick scanning, but really couldn't think of any other deities that would be involved in those kinds of things. So, asides from the chuches of Torm, Tyr, Ilmater and Lathander, what other deities and churches (if any) would be involved in orphanage work and the like in that region?

-And, as a corollary, are there any other temples of Torm that are noteworthy in that area, asides for the Church of Torm's Coming (Tantras)?

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 23 Jan 2013 01:14:38
Message:

Some commentary: In the Golarion/Pathfinder setting, the Church of Asmodeus runs orphanages.

They make such excellent disciples when trained young.

I know it isn't FR-specific (even though Asmodeus is canon to the Realms in 4e), but I just thought it was an interesting take, and something to think about (and apply to other settings).

And now I have this idea for Talona orphans, called 'plaguerunts'.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 23 Jan 2013 01:29:10
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Sage, I got a swift reply from Ed on this one! Here ypu go:


Heh. Well, it depends. :}
In this case, it depends on the constraints/atmosphere you'd like to establish. If you use the Raventrees or any Waterdhavian noble family IN WATERDEEP (or a Suzail-based Cormyrean noble family in Suzail) you've got the bustle of the city, can drag in all manner of commoners and their doings and scores of other nobles, and so on - - but it's a different dynamic than the essentially country house-based action of Downton Abbey.
So you MIGHT want to have the Raventrees at their country estate (which is entirely undetailed in published lore, so feel free to swipe any map/plan/description of any English castle or stately home, extant or vanished, to use), having retreated there because disease is sweeping the city, or they've gone into seclusion to deal with a family crisis (a claim on the family property from Dorophin Raventree, say, which MUST be false because Dorophin has contacted them in different handwriting, from a different address, to say he's coming to visit - - but when "Dorophin" arrives, is it really him? Or an impostor? Or for quite another crisis: Lord Nandos accused of fathering the children of another noble, and challenged to a duel - - but also, assassination attempts on him begin, so to escape them he hustles the family out of the Deep [[or do both, if you're feeling especially cruel/lively]]). The crisis situation has two major drawbacks: it forces change on family realtionships, if not family members, and it works against the great fun we see in so many English Country House murder mysteries: the romances, bickerings, jewel (or snuffbox, ahem) robberies, and all of that associated with having a country estate full of an odd assortment of guests (most or all of them also noble) as well as the family.
The house itself can have secrets that lead to a treasure hunt or even a dungeon underneath it - - elements a little harder to pull off in Waterdeep, with its established sewer system and infamous vast dungeon under it. You can also have eccentric "rustics," the country servants, poachers, and villager/neighboring farmers, who can be almost anyone (from the inevitable doppelgangers in disguise and former pirates, adventurers, and outlaws living under assumed names, to undercover agents for various sinister organizations such as the Zhents, Red Wizards, and so on).
Or you can stay in the city and play up the revels, social whirl, and sword-duels in taverns and private clubs . . .
Just don't forget the possibilities of a Lady Bracknell. ;}


So saith Ed, referencing Wilde's play The Importance Of Being Ernest at the end, there.
Ed and I both hope these comments are of some help!
love,
THO

---

This is awesome stuff, Ed. Thank you.

Oh, and I'm thinking there might be a special place reserved for the devilishly delicious antics of a certain Lady Hooded One in my version of Raventree Abbey!

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Jan 2013 04:08:38
Message:

Hi again, all.
Why, Sage, dear, whatever CAN you mean? I DO declare! I mean, a girl needs a good spanking every three hours or so, when she's as bad as me.
More seriously: Ed says you're very welcome.

Lord Karsus, Markustay has the right of it: most temples in the Realms, of most faiths, take in orphans and foundlings (babies left on their doorstep, or brought to them because a single-parent mother has died in childbirth but the babe has survived); it's their chief source of new priests, because they can be "reared in the faith" from birth or childhood. So even if they don't run formal orphanages, they will take in orphans as novices, usually into monasteries or temple-farms or abbeys (rather than city temples, just because there's usually more room at countryside holy sites). This comes from Ed's notes, BTW; I'm merely paraphrasing so as to directly answer your question.

And Markustay, it's fine to be from Zhentil Keep when trading normally in various places (though bear in mind merchants from the Keep don't go around wearing uniforms or signs that proclaim where they're from). There's no stigma. Some folk view all folk from the Keep with suspicion, because they don't know if a given individual is a spy for the Zhentarim - - but it's the Zhentarim they hate and fear: armed, armored, and uniformed Zhentilar troops or wizards or priests flying on foulwings or armed caravans in the wild (remember: Zhent caravans won't be moving through populated Cormyr, because the entire early goal of the Zhentarim was to establish their own exclusive short caravan route from the mines of the Moonsea to the Sword Coast that DIDN'T go through Cormyr or the Heartlands "run" of Berdusk, Iriaebor, Scornubel, and so on, but rather cut through conquered Teshendale and Daggerdale, across Anauroch or the Stonelands, and through (conquered) Llorkh or Loudwater . . . so such caravans won't be encountered in a town in Cormyr. The only Cormyreans to see such caravans would be adventurers or Purple Dragons or Highknights on forays up into the "wild" Stonelands.
A trader from Zhentil Keep is just . . . a trader from Zhentil Keep. Unless he peers too closely or asks too many questions or wanders where he'd have no reason to. Then, he might be a spy.
So saith me, drawing on the way Ed has shown us the Realms, in play.
And so to bed . . .
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 23 Jan 2013 13:23:26
Message:

Ah, okay. So most folks accept that not everyone from Zhentil Keep (or the rest of the Moonsea for that matter) is 'a jerk'.

Beyond, of course, the usual fact that most merchants are trying to squeeze every last copper out of their customers (which isn't evil... I think... at least not in the D&D sense.)

Thanks for clarifying that.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Jan 2013 21:22:30
Message:

Hi again, all.

NineCoronas, Ed justsent me this, re. your query about "Depraved Elves" (surface elves) worshipping Lolth:


Hi. Yes, it's certainly possible; all inhabitants of the Realms "believe in" all of the gods, and though elves of the surface venerating Lolth will be rare, Lolth would indeed enjoy corrupting elves of all sorts and welcoming them to her service. She'll have most success in subverting elves who are consumed with rage or grief because of events in their lives - - and those aching for power.


So saith Ed, and there you have it. Corrupt away!
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Jan 2013 21:33:11
Message:

...and I'm back again, with an Ed reply for Marco Volo, re. this: "But "who knows what" about a location like Skullport? I assumed a majority of nobles knows but won't tell. Am I right?"
Here's Ed:


You're very welcome, Marco Volo.
As for Skullport, EVERYONE in Waterdeep "knows" about it. But what they know, for most individuals, is a wild mix of speculation and fanciful stories about some dark subterranean hellhole where beholders float above drow and mind flayers who are busy flogging human slaves plucked from Waterdeep in the dead of night - - and in many cases flaying the skin right off those slaves so they can be eaten alive. While dragons hatch and liches collect skulls to craft winegoblets from (and collect blood to make wine from). And so on.
A few traders, adventurers, Masked Lords, Palace officials, and nobles know more - - and more than a few City Guard and City Watch members know more.
The trick will be finding someone who knows a direct way down into Skullport without running afoul of those in Waterdeep who get VERY interested (in a bad way) in anyone asking about Skullport...


So saith Ed. Creator of Waterdeep, Skullport, and lots more.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Khonger
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 01:16:35
Message:

Hail, Ed and THO,
I'm curious about the Gulthmere Forest. I have only third edition's FR Campaign Setting handy, and that tome only includes a few paragraphs about the area. I find that I would love to know more.

What is there to tell about the tribes of Gulthmere, other than their veneration of Nobanion? How many tribes are there? What are there names and practices? What's their culture like?
I've seen somewhere (although I can't recall where) that the city of Cedarspoke holds some kind of religious significance. What is that significance?
Are there any other settlements in the area?

Something about this little section on the map is speaking to me. I think I might set a campaign there. What are the power groups in the region? What sorts of trouble might a band of adventurers get themselves into? Who/what should they be wary of?

Thank you for taking time to answer questions on this forum. I love checking the site every day or so to get my realmslore fix.

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 04:37:47
Message:

Hello THO and Ed,

I'm a bit spun around by the contents of page 99 in Swords of Eveningstar. On that page the characters Blaunel and Lathlan refer to each other as "Royal Scribe," yet further down the page Blaunel is described as, "Undermaster of the Rolls and Scribe Royal."

The two characters seem to know each other well, so I'm curious if they were just being glib with each other or if there is in fact a difference between a Royal Scribe and a Scribe Royal?

A few other questions:

What exactly is an Undermaster of the Rolls?

Like Blaunel does (or did) Lathlan hold any other court-related positions besides Royal Scribe?

Did either of these two men ever ascend to the post of Royal High Scribe of the Realm?

If a Royal Scribe lives long enough to retire, is there a demand for them anywhere else in Cormyr? Something they might retire into? I'm starting to wonder if nobles don't try to hire away or poach past-their-prime courtiers...

Thank you both, as always, for answering our questions and for keeping our imaginations very busy.

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 06:56:24
Message:

Thank you Ed and THO !
I dare asking for one quick "yes or no" answer about Skullport to Ed :

I assumed the libraries of Waterdeep are cleaned of books about Skullport ?
(the author will be slain in a tenday, isn't it ? Except if he sent adventurers get some information in place of him, right ? ;) )

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 15:40:50
Message:

Since I should ask a question (because of my post below), and because Jeremy's post got me thinking: How does retirement work from Cormyrian offices? I would think that anyone who has any secretive knowledge of the 'inner workings' of Cormyr would be at the very least watched and kept tabs on (if they were even allowed to truly retire at all).

quote:

---

Originally posted by Khonger

Hail, Ed and THO,
I'm curious about the Gulthmere Forest. I have only third edition's FR Campaign Setting handy, and that tome only includes a few paragraphs about the area. I find that I would love to know more.

What is there to tell about the tribes of Gulthmere, other than their veneration of Nobanion? How many tribes are there? What are there names and practices? What's their culture like?
I've seen somewhere (although I can't recall where) that the city of Cedarspoke holds some kind of religious significance. What is that significance?
Are there any other settlements in the area?

Something about this little section on the map is speaking to me. I think I might set a campaign there. What are the power groups in the region? What sorts of trouble might a band of adventurers get themselves into? Who/what should they be wary of?

Thank you for taking time to answer questions on this forum. I love checking the site every day or so to get my realmslore fix.

---

There is more info in the 2e product Vilhon Reach. Beyond that, not much - just a few scraps spread all over the place.

You may (or may not) be interested in This Conversion I did, placing the Five Shires (a non-Realms product also written by Ed Greenwood) into the Gulthmere region. Aside from the Five Shires material, the rest of the map is drawn completely from canon sources. THIS is the thread where we discuss it all.

---

Reply author: Khonger
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 16:14:10
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

Since I should ask a question (because of my post below), and because Jeremy's post got me thinking: How does retirement work from Cormyrian offices? I would think that anyone who has any secretive knowledge of the 'inner workings' of Cormyr would be at the very least watched and kept tabs on (if they were even allowed to truly retire at all).

quote:

---

Originally posted by Khonger

Hail, Ed and THO,
I'm curious about the Gulthmere Forest. I have only third edition's FR Campaign Setting handy, and that tome only includes a few paragraphs about the area. I find that I would love to know more.

What is there to tell about the tribes of Gulthmere, other than their veneration of Nobanion? How many tribes are there? What are there names and practices? What's their culture like?
I've seen somewhere (although I can't recall where) that the city of Cedarspoke holds some kind of religious significance. What is that significance?
Are there any other settlements in the area?

Something about this little section on the map is speaking to me. I think I might set a campaign there. What are the power groups in the region? What sorts of trouble might a band of adventurers get themselves into? Who/what should they be wary of?

Thank you for taking time to answer questions on this forum. I love checking the site every day or so to get my realmslore fix.

---

There is more info in the 2e product Vilhon Reach. Beyond that, not much - just a few scraps spread all over the place.

You may (or may not) be interested in This Conversion I did, placing the Five Shires (a non-Realms product also written by Ed Greenwood) into the Gulthmere region. Aside from the Five Shires material, the rest of the map is drawn completely from canon sources. THIS is the thread where we discuss it all.

---

Thank you, sir. I'll look into those things.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 16:51:16
Message:

Hi again, all. I bring you new lore from Ed, this time in response to Jeremy Grenemyer, who posted: “Hello THO and Ed, I'm a bit spun around by the contents of page 99 in Swords of Eveningstar. On that page the characters Blaunel and Lathlan refer to each other as "Royal Scribe," yet further down the page Blaunel is described as, "Undermaster of the Rolls and Scribe Royal."
The two characters seem to know each other well, so I'm curious if they were just being glib with each other or if there is in fact a difference between a Royal Scribe and a Scribe Royal?

A few other questions:

What exactly is an Undermaster of the Rolls?

Like Blaunel does (or did) Lathlan hold any other court-related positions besides Royal Scribe?

Did either of these two men ever ascend to the post of Royal High Scribe of the Realm?

If a Royal Scribe lives long enough to retire, is there a demand for them anywhere else in Cormyr? Something they might retire into? I'm starting to wonder if nobles don't try to hire away or poach past-their-prime courtiers...

Thank you both, as always, for answering our questions and for keeping our imaginations very busy.”
Ed replies:

Hi, Jeremy. You’re very welcome!
Both Blaunel and Lathlan are indeed scribes employed at the Royal Palace in Suzail. Further, they are “royal” scribes, in that they have signed a pledge to work lifelong for the Crown (so Markustay is right: because of the secrets they are privy to, they can never really “retire” and take employment elsewhere in Cormyr, though they can of course covertly depart the realm and start new lives elsewhere - - please note that if a scribe does this, Highknights will seek him or her, spy on them, and relieve them of any records they took with them; they may even kill them if they start to work with traitors to the Crown against Cormyr, for example aiding for pay an exiled noble family in treasonous activities). This is a two-way street: the “not retiring” means they have good food, good clothes, and comfortable shelter all their days, being relocated to what is in truth a nursing home (though it’s actually called Thornthar, on the north/east bank of the Starwater, due south of Gray Oaks; a sprawling, many-winged mansion owned by the Crown) when they can no longer perform their paid duties; they stop getting paid, but become full wards of the Crown (and can keep or spend any wealth they already have ).
In the service of the Crown, in Cormyr, there are underscribes, employed temporarily or on probation and not given sensitive work to do, and above them are the “lifers,” the pledged “Royal Scribes.”
When Blaunel and Lathlan called each other “Royal Scribe,” they were being jokingly formal, about the equivalent in tone of a real world citizen respectfully saying, “Mister Policeman, Sir” to a policeman. It’s the formal way of verbally addressing a full royal scribe, and would be used by a citizen, visitor, or envoy of another realm when dealing with a scribe at the Palace. However, both Blaunel and Lathlan have formal titles: their current position, and an honorific denoting their rank, which is “Scribe Royal.” If a herald was announcing them or a document mentions them, they will be described as “Scribe Royal.” They would sign documents with their signature, underneath it their name, underneath that their position, and underneath THAT, “Scribe Royal.”
Blaunel’s current position is “Undermaster of the Rolls.” This means he works on maintaining the “rolls” (official lists) of either citizens (their locations/addresses, properties they own, jobs they have and affiliations (such as guild memberships or pledges to the Crown, including notations of past or current military service or Crown employment), plus notes on which other citizens they’re related to, and how - - or the tax payments of citizens. Blaunel is the former; the OTHER (tax) “Undermaster of the Rolls” at this time is a woman hight Amaundra Duthwood, a fat, homely, sharp-tongued (to capture her manner, think of the attorney Caroline Julian [played by Patricia Belcher] on the TV series BONES) and VERY capable administrator who always remembers when and where she’s seen a name or face before, and who’s usually colloquially called “Undercoin” around the Palace to avoid confusing her with Blaunel (because she’s “Undermaster of the (Coin) Rolls,” the inertia of etiquette leaving her title “Undermaster” regardless of the gender of whoever’s currently filling the position).
An “undermaster” is simply the second-in-command in charge of maintaining the rolls in question, under a “Master of the Rolls” (both Blaunel and Amaundra have direct bosses, whom they understudy for two reasons: the Palace works around the clock, so when the Master is at home and asleep, the Undermaster is on duty; and if anything happens to the Master, the Undermaster takes over as the acting Master, usually until confirmed in the position formally as the new Master).
Lathlan’s current position is “Privy Amaneunsis To The Queen.” This means he is the personal letter-writer, decree- and document-preparer, and correspondence facilitator/archivist to Queen Filfaeril. Some of his predecessors in such roles have been the close confidants, message-runners, panderers, and even lovers of the royals they serve, but Queen Fee has ladies-in-waiting and a royal husband (and, secretly, particular Harpers) who are her confidants; she’s friendly with Lathlan and he gets to know a LOT more about her than, say, a Palace guard - - but they’re not intimate in any sense.
Neither Blaunel nor Lathlan ever ascended to Royal Overscribe (“Royal High Scribe” would be a verbal equivalent, like “Royal Scribe,” above). For much of their careers, that was held by Dlara Highshield, rumored (correctly) to be a bastard child of Rhigaerd II (the father of Azoun IV), a quiet, polite, self-controlled and exactingly correct and diligent woman devoted to the Obarskyrs.
And yes, nobles constantly try to entice away all sorts of capable Court officials to their own service. For years, the “big dodge” has been to install such individuals in rich apartments in Sembia (formerly in Westgate, too, but the popularity of that city has declined steadily as life there became more perilous, and Cormyr’s attitude to it has hardened), within reach but outside the Forest Kingdom - - but over the years, the truly capable have become harder and harder to entice, because nobles are notoriously fickle in their attitudes, whereas a good Palace job is seen as a sinecure.
And I seem to have answered Markustay’s latest question here, as well. :} Ah, my dread work here is (temporarily) done.


So saith Ed. Creator of Blaunel, Lathlan, the Royal Palace, Queen Filfaeril, and oh, yes, Cormyr.
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 16:58:13
Message:

And hello again, everyone.
I bring a shorter note from Ed, in answer to Marco Volo’s followup query: “I assumed the libraries of Waterdeep are cleaned of books about Skullport ?
(the author will be slain in a tenday, isn't it ? Except if he sent adventurers get some information in place of him, right ? ;) )”
Ed replies:

Hi, Marco Volo! There are very few formal books about Skullport, but there are all manner of cheap, swiftly-produced, lurid, sold-on-the-streets chapbooks about Skullport, usually colorful accounts of this or that adventuring band’s exploits. A few purport to impart partial maps, warnings about traps, and so on, and these swiftly disappear - - but the Yawning Portal and at least two “adventurers’ clubs” in the city have collections of them that can be perused for a fee.
The PUBLIC libraries of Waterdeep (deposit collections endowed by the Palace and by wealthy benefactors, usually nobles who like to place books that show nobility in a good light) contain nothing useful on Skullport, because any tomes with anything more than a passing referene get stolen. Fast.

So saith Ed, creator of Waterdeep, Skullport, and so on.
Love,
THO

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 17:03:03
Message:

Thanks both of you for the answers about Skullport and Cormyr

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 17:24:01
Message:

A pleasure, sir! May you enjoy the Realms forever! (As I intend to. Though I don't, of course, know how long I'll manage to make "forever" last, in my personal case.)

Marco Volo and all, here's a relevant tidbit of gratuitous Realmslore from my notes (made during play in Ed's "home" Realms campaign):

Mapseller in Suzail, small cluttered belowstairs (down from street level) shop just south of the Promenade: Lareskar Anamonder. Amiable old guy with huge muttonchop side-whiskers, monocle on ribbon, cluttered shop with maps hanging from clips like tapestries, big table piled with flat maps heaped one atop the other. Has some sort of guardian that we couldn't see, but that slithered. Palace scribes know him and deal with him.
Saw a partial map of the riverbank part of Skullport, but Anamonder warned it was "very old and out of date."

There. A snippet of Edlore, filtered through me.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 18:00:28
Message:

I have two campaigns going on, one "travel" placed in Cormyr and one "urban" located in Waterdeep, so what you add is great help !

I've not finished to offer my french players always more of gaming sessions in the Realms.

And sorry about my english if I don't always make myself clear.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 19:54:26
Message:

No apologies necessary! Your meanings have always come through clearly.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 19:57:11
Message:

Wow that's a lot of information! Thank you very much Ed and THO for passing that along.

Looks like I have some work to do then, and happily.

EDIT: a quick question: the December 2011 Eye on the Realms article in Dragon 406 mentions a "Aldegrand Tallfyre, Royal High Scribe of the Realm"

If I understand it correctly, Aldegrand is (in his day) the Royal Overscribe? And he would sign documents as "Royal Overscribe" and not "Overscribe Royal"?

Oh man, I'm confused again. Sorry. Could you help me get untangled here?

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 21:01:08
Message:

Thank you both - that is some very good information. My mind is already considering the (adventuring) possibilities revolving around a 'retirement home' for old officials (which I would imagine would include an ex-spy or three).

@THO - you've known Ed a long time - does everything he say come out sounding like an adventure hook?

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

<snip> ...whereas a good Palace job is seen as a sinecure.

---

A good 'palace job' {snicker}... you sure that isn't something you get from a Pleasure Queen?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 22:46:25
Message:

Heh. No, that's a Sleeve Job.
(Robert Nye MERLIN literary reference.)
Re. everything Ed says coming out as an adventure hook: Pretty much.

And yes, the retirement home is a very interesting place. Here are Ed's notes re.why:

Some of the inhabitants are wandering in their wits and can be quite talkative but not all they say can be trusted, others know Secrets that could shake the realm, more than a few pay younger relatives very well to keep them supplied with news and to handle investments for them (all over the realm, and beyond), and the cellars of the house, which store large amounts of food (including pickled preserves) and medicines, are rumored to also store something else (the tales vary, but the truth is: a large armoury, ever since the war with the dragon in which Azoun IV perished).


So saith Ed. Priming the pump of adventure everywhere...
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 23:00:23
Message:

And hello again! I just got a surprise e-mail from Ed, for Jeremy, re. these: "the December 2011 Eye on the Realms article in Dragon 406 mentions a "Aldegrand Tallfyre, Royal High Scribe of the Realm"
If I understand it correctly, Aldegrand is (in his day) the Royal Overscribe? And he would sign documents as "Royal Overscribe" and not "Overscribe Royal"?"
Ed replies:

The Eye article is about the (century-some later) Realms of "today," when Blaunel, Lathlan, and Dlara are all long dead.
By Aldegrand's time [he's the third successor of Dlara, who BTW had children, one more example of all the illegitimate royal-blood folk running around Cormyr that recorded history tends to overlook), the title of the office has changed from "Royal Overscribe" to "Royal High Scribe."
Aldegrand would sign formal documents "Aldegrand Tallfyre/Royal High Scribe of Cormyr" and informal Palace "dailyscrip" (memos) simply as "Tallfyre."
Except as passing references in my novels (and some of my past articles on the Wizards website), published Realmslore seldom delves into the endless nuances and complications of how the Royal Palace operates daily, and the constant intrigues woven through that life. I have run mini-campaigns for middle-aged women (and a few of their young daughters), who wanted nothing at all to do with killing monsters, stealing, seizing treasure, running afoul of traps, or open brawling of any sort, that were set in the Royal Palace and centered on the veiled threats, inferences, accusations, and deceptions of the endless jockeying for power among the courtiers. They loved it, because they'd seen so many television historical dramas about Henry VIII and his court and succession of wives that they felt at home - - and because that sort of warfare can be just as gripping as the sword and the spell, if done right.


So saith Ed. The "tall Tyrion" of the Realms, when he feels like it.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 24 Jan 2013 23:04:52
Message:

Aha! Thank you for that, THO (and Ed).

For what it's worth, those nuances are starting to get their hooks in me. Now to set all this down in a way that makes it clearer than mud.

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 25 Jan 2013 07:17:29
Message:

Yet another question arises from a review of your responses, Ed: would it be correct to say that Dlara's job description differed little from Aldegrand's, in that she's responsible for coordinating all documents, save for Privy and Dark documents?

Or was there anything else she was (or wasn't) responsible for that would be worth noting?

Thank you both.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 26 Jan 2013 17:02:54
Message:

Hi again, all.
Jeremy, here's a reply from Ed:

Hi. Aldegrand and Dlara have ALMOST the same job. The only difference was that by Dlara's time, a new role, Keeper of the Royal Purse, has been created to take care of paying Crown officials and the military, and the Keeper signed the "Crown writs" (employment contracts) for each individual on the payroll - - whereas in Aldegrand's time, he had to sign them all.

So saith Ed. Another tidbit of useful Realmslore for us all.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 26 Jan 2013 19:05:28
Message:

Am really enjoying all the Scribe Lore - thanks Ed for sharing and Jeremy for asking

Cormyr thread updated

Kind regards

Damian

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 27 Jan 2013 01:24:49
Message:

That was pretty cool THO and Ed. Thank you.

The existence of the Keeper of the Royal Purse leads me to wonder if Amarune Whitewave has ever been called upon to duplicate that courtier's particular signature (knowingly or not)?

Turning in a different direction: are there any words in Loross, Chondathan or even Thorass that means "quick to burn" or "flammable" or, conversely, "good clean air" or "healthy air" that either of you can share with us?

I got an idea for an oxygen absorbing moss that grows along the edge of Lake Thalmiir after reading the entry for Plungepool on page 126 of Volo's Guide to Cormyr. The moss, when burned, can really jumpstart a fire or, when submerged in boiling water, produce an effect similar to a humidifier, but I want to give the moss a fancier name than "Brightburn Moss" or "Fastflame".

Thank you both again. It's been a fun day of creating Realms stuff here at home.

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 27 Jan 2013 07:46:48
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

I’m catching up on collecting Realmslore from the last four months’ Eye on the Realms articles and have some questions inspired by those articles.


RE: The Awakener of Golems

The widely read daily in Athkatla called Andrelm’s—is it printed in the Common tongue?

The other daily that was quoted as saying the golem debacle touched off “settling-scores skirmishes”—is it printed in the Common tongue? What is its name?


RE: The Sword of Spells

The article implies that Matriarch Maerele Oromanche of Mosstone has no siblings beyond her three much younger brothers. Did (or does) she have any sisters? Barring that, any female cousins she’s close to?

Can you tell us anything about what the Oromanche and Alkaether families trade in primarily that’s allowed them to rise in prominence? Perhaps something unique to their locations (Mosstone and Velen, respectively) that they’ve monopolized or capitalized on?

Without actually naming anyone, can you tell us if there are Wizards of War who’ve survived an attack by the Sword of Spells? If yes, do they still serve the War Wizards?

Are their any war wizards who’ve been slain by the Sword of Spells (perhaps trying to catch it on Ganrahast’s or Vainerence’ orders)? If yes, could you tell us their names?


RE: The High Priest of Beholders

I just have to ask: has Ulchaice ever approached members of the Xraunrarr for recruitment? Or are the Xraunrans so good at hiding that not even the Daethan know of their existence?

Do beholders in the Realms give names to their languages? If yes, can you give any hints to the name of the language used to create “Daeth Haeromm”?

Would a Xraunran be likely to know the etymology of words like Daeth, Haera and Haeromm?

Does the beholder word “sarruin” come from a modern beholder language?


RE: Clan Harhund and Dead Dwarf Mine

The beholder cult known as the Faithful of Xarlhoun seem like they’re right in the Daeth Haeromm’s back yard. Are you at liberty to confirm whether this cult is fronted by a Daethan beholder?

If it isn’t, does Ulchaice have any plans to visit this group or its leader in the future (assuming he’s aware of the cult)?

Thank you in advance for answering this latest battery of questions.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 28 Jan 2013 18:09:09
Message:

Hi again, all. Ed is hard at work on something Realmsian he can’t say more about yet, but will soon have a reply for Chosen of Asmodeus. He was able to answer Jeremy Grenemyer’s recent queries without looking into his voluminous back lore, so here are those Ed replies, interspersed with Jeremy’s questions for clarity:

JG: The existence of the Keeper of the Royal Purse leads me to wonder if Amarune Whitewave has ever been called upon to duplicate that courtier's particular signature (knowingly or not)?
Ed: Not that I know of. Yet. :} Though I can certainly see it happening, under the right circumstances. So, as a DM, by all means feel free . . .

JG: Turning in a different direction: are there any words in Loross, Chondathan or even Thorass that means "quick to burn" or "flammable" or, conversely, "good clean air" or "healthy air" that either of you can share with us?
Ed: My language files are VERY fragmentary, but here’s what I have that’s relevant:
Loross: rehleld (=easily ignited or ready to burn fuel); eldarra (=danger of fire, overcooking, or scorching); summluth (=breathable, not stinking, pleasant aroma or welcome breeze)
Chondathan: tahorst (=tinder-dry); behruin (= swift-burning/good fuel); haelhar (=welcome wind or breeze or needed air); glorlukh (=foul); naeglorlukh (=not-foul, nor harmful, not unpleasant)

JG: The widely read daily in Athkatla called Andrelm’s—is it printed in the Common tongue?
Ed: Yes.

JG: The other daily that was quoted as saying the golem debacle touched off “settling-scores skirmishes”—is it printed in the Common tongue? What is its name?
Ed: Yes it is, and it’s called “Coincradle Life” (referencing an internal city nickname for Athkatla, “the Coincradle”).

JG: The article implies that Matriarch Maerele Oromanche of Mosstone has no siblings beyond her three much younger brothers. Did (or does) she have any sisters? Barring that, any female cousins she’s close to?
Ed: In descending order of age, Maerele’s sisters are Olora, Emruelle, and Haladeira. She has two female cousins: Jhassala and Nurimbrue.

JG: Can you tell us anything about what the Oromanche and Alkaether families trade in primarily that’s allowed them to rise in prominence? Perhaps something unique to their locations (Mosstone and Velen, respectively) that they’ve monopolized or capitalized on?
Ed: Nothing unique. Both families have prospered by importing a wide array of quality wares from Baldur’s Gate and Waterdeep that were hitherto available only in their locales rarely, and at ruinous prices. In other words, they’ve become discerning couriers of “the good life from afar” where their neighbors previously only had access to a handful of overpriced goods brought by peddlers and a few caravan merchants (the latter are usually in haste to get past or through Mosstone or Velen, on their way to make fairer coin in larger markets). The Oromanches have made their biggest profits and most steady trade on good wines and liqueurs, good cheese, and scents, whereas the Alkaethers have done best importing superior tools and architectural adornments (from door locks and handles to fancy windows) long common in Waterdhavian building, but unknown in the Velen peninsula.

JG: Without actually naming anyone, can you tell us if there are Wizards of War who’ve survived an attack by the Sword of Spells? If yes, do they still serve the War Wizards?
Ed: See below.

Are their any war wizards who’ve been slain by the Sword of Spells (perhaps trying to catch it on Ganrahast’s or Vainrence’s orders)? If yes, could you tell us their names?
Ed: So far as I know, the Sword of Spells hasn’t attacked any War Wizards. Yet.

JG: I just have to ask: has Ulchaice ever approached members of the Xraunrarr for recruitment? Or are the Xraunrans so good at hiding that not even the Daethan know of their existence?
Ed: No, Ulchaice hasn’t, not having been able to discover how to contact them. The Daethan have heard of the Xraunrarr, and have been (cautiously) searching for them and trying to learn more about them, but have achieved little, thus far.

JG: Do beholders in the Realms give names to their languages? If yes, can you give any hints to the name of the language used to create “Daeth Haeromm”?
Ed: Yes. The beholders of Faerûn formally call that older language Uibilaqthraxx, “the True Tongue.” Their swifter and simpler language of today is Quevquel, or “Speech” (distinguishing it from mental communication).“Daeth Haeromm” is in a name in Uibilaqthraxx.

JG: Would a Xraunran be likely to know the etymology of words like Daeth, Haera and Haeromm?
Ed: Yes.

JG: Does the beholder word “sarruin” come from a modern beholder language?
Ed: Yes, it’s a word in Quevquel, but like many words in Quevquel, is descended or borrowed from a similar word in Uibilaqthraxx: “lurl’uk’lok’lahassarruin.”

JG: The beholder cult known as the Faithful of Xarlhoun seem like they’re right in the Daeth Haeromm’s back yard. Are you at liberty to confirm whether this cult is fronted by a Daethan beholder?
Ed: Yes, I am - - and yes it is. :}

JG: If it isn’t, does Ulchaice have any plans to visit this group or its leader in the future (assuming he’s aware of the cult)?
Ed: See above. (Yes, Ulchaice is aware of it.)


So there you have it; more lore from Ed. Thanks, Jeremy; good questions.
Love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 28 Jan 2013 21:26:29
Message:

I'm going through old stuff, as I'm wont to do, and I have a few queries regarding the High Council of Tantras. I'm thinking mainly of 1357 to about 1365 DR, but earlier/later lore is cool too. As always, my apologies if any of these have already been answered.

FR Adventures says there are 17 members: the high priest of Torm and the heads of sixteen noble merchant families. However, only 12 families are listed as part of alliances. Lucky number 13 is Ormitar, the family whose head is in charge of the city guard.

Who are the other three families?

Did anything drastic happen to any of these families during/after the Godswar?

In checking Faiths & Avatars for any mention of Barriltar Bhandraddon, I instead found that the high priest as the TOT began was named Tenwealth. Barriltar was Tenwealth's successor, then?

Just how old are these old merchant noble families? Have any/all of them been around since Tantras became a city?

We know about Lassalar, but who are the other 15 heads of these families?

What's the local terminology for a head of family? (Lord/Lady, Patriarch/Matriarch, Grand Poobah, ...)

What's the title for a member of the High Council? Is the High Priest addressed differently than the heads of family, in his role as a member of the High Council?

More bluntly, regardless of title, does the High Priest have a different amount of authority or receive a different amount of respect than the other members of the High Council? Is he ever included in the alliances between the heads of family?

How overt are those alliances? Do they last generations, or mix and match depending on the relations between current heads of family, or (even more freely) depending entirely on the issues on the High Council's agenda for a given day?

Are there other (presumably less influential?) "noble merchant families" in the city, in addition to the 16?

Are there other prominent longstanding families of Tantras which are either noble or merchant, without being both?

How about nearly noble? Or is nobility in Tantras defined purely in terms of um... merchant-ness? (mercantility? extortionossity?)

Can you share anything with us regarding the goals/philanthropy of any of these families? Which ones are likely to regard adventurers with positive versus negative interest?

That seems like more than enough questions for one post. I hope you're thoroughly enjoying whatever you're working on. Thank you again for sharing your coffee breaks with us!

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 28 Jan 2013 22:17:34
Message:

Hi, again, all.
xaeyruudh, I’ve sent your questions off to Ed, but from my notes I can tell you the names (nothing else, I’m afraid) of those three “missing” families: they are the houses of Blackdolphyn, Dlarembur, and Klaethyn.
And so far as I know, none of the major families of Tantras was exterminated during the Godswar, or since. Oh, and yes, there are other major merchant families who aren’t noble - - increasing numbers of them as the 1400s unfold, but with the same tensions Waterdeep has: the existing noble families don’t want anyone new recognized as “noble,” regardless of wealth and real mercantile and local social power.
More from Ed, when he can . . .
love,
THO

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 28 Jan 2013 22:50:23
Message:

Thank you THO! Perhaps you can answer my addendum as well... on the map of Tantras that came with the FRE2 adventure, location #14 says "Villas and mansions of the rich and noble" ...on the map, I see two 14s... one north of the harbor and one south.

The northern 14 is in the northwestern most part of the city. The southern 14 is just south and east of the Sea Tower.

Are all sixteen families of the High Council clustered along the coast of the Reach? This is logical, since it's the area furthest from the packed and noisy Market.

How tight is the southern cluster of villas? Am I correct in including all the loosely spaced buildings west of Thirlpost Lane and south of Whistleturn Way? Or perhaps including the block north of Whistleturn, minus the long narrow building immediately next to the Sea Tower which is surely one of the Barracks indicated by label 20?


On a barely-related note, though this has undoubtedly been asked many times before... how do clergy/followers of Torm react to Torm (of the Knights?) Does he ever order them around? ("Because I'm Torm, and I said so" seems like something he could say, while seducing an adventurous young acolyte)

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 29 Jan 2013 00:17:18
Message:

Ed and THO I know you can't see this but I'm jumping up and down in my seat right now. Those answers were so awesome! Thank you both very, very much.

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 29 Jan 2013 01:30:53
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer

I'm jumping up and down in my seat right now. Those answers were so awesome! Thank you both very, very much.

---

I know that feeling. I feel like a kid at Disneyland every time THO posts.

Many thanks to both of you, and to everyone else who's been part of building this whole crazycool theme park.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 29 Jan 2013 14:12:07
Message:

LOL - I think many of us share that feeling (especially when Ed goes on and on about something we only expected a single-word answer to).

At Xaeyruudh - I am not Ed (and am looking forward to his answer... although I'm pretty sure he has covered this topic before), buuuut...

IMO, it would like me meeting someone in the RW named 'Jesus' (*pronounced Hey-suess when I have encountered this). I didn't feel compelled in the least to listen to them (any more so then anyone else).

Just saying....

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 29 Jan 2013 18:33:39
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,
I was curious if there are any other small villages or towns in the Daggerdale area aside from what we've seen on published maps? Being monster country and long suffering under the Zhents I'm guessing lots of town ruins, but just wanted to see if you had some input. Thanks. :)

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 29 Jan 2013 22:29:39
Message:

Tis a good point, Markus, but when did Ed or THO last have a normal/predictable/expected response to any situation? How could their other friends/players possibly let such a golden opportunity pass by?

Did I just say that?

Storm's gonna pop into my living room and kick my butt again.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Jan 2013 15:25:44
Message:

Don't you WISH.
Actually, Storm's in here with me. Girls gotta keep warm at this time of year, up here in the Great White North.
Seriously, regarding Torm: there are LOTS of people in the Realms named for various gods. TSR just cut back on them in published Realmslore from the beginning, to Dispel Confusion. Ed has often related the tale of the demon AStharoth and the devil Ashtaroth, taking turns shoqing up when the mortal summoning them or calling on them wanted "the other one," and so didn't prepare for properly controlling who actually appeared (heh heh).
But yes, Torm being Torm, he tried that a time or two. And promptly disovered, as many have before him, that when you make jokes about people's faith, they often don't tend to find that humour as particularly funny.
Ah, well. Get yer butt ready; Storm's on her way . . .
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 30 Jan 2013 15:58:44
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Don't you WISH.
Actually, Storm's in here with me. Girls gotta keep warm at this time of year, up here in the Great White North.
Seriously, regarding Torm: there are LOTS of people in the Realms named for various gods. TSR just cut back on them in published Realmslore from the beginning, to Dispel Confusion. Ed has often related the tale of the demon AStharoth and the devil Ashtaroth, taking turns shoqing up when the mortal summoning them or calling on them wanted "the other one," and so didn't prepare for properly controlling who actually appeared (heh heh).
But yes, Torm being Torm, he tried that a time or two. And promptly disovered, as many have before him, that when you make jokes about people's faith, they often don't tend to find that humour as particularly funny.
Ah, well. Get yer butt ready; Storm's on her way . . .
love,
THO

---

Actually, my lady, down here in Florida, it's considerably warmer than it is in the Great White North. Perhaps you and Storm should come down here, so I can help both of you stay warm.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 30 Jan 2013 16:05:17
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Don't you WISH.
Actually, Storm's in here with me. Girls gotta keep warm at this time of year, up here in the Great White North.

---

You are, of course, more than welcome to join myself and the Lady K here in this Great Hot Southern Land, my lovely lady.

---

Reply author: Karth
Replied on: 30 Jan 2013 16:06:44
Message:

Hooded Lady,

Quick one for you or Ed or both: I need the elven words for 'raven' and 'leaning'. If those two lead to an unexpected deluge of elven lore: so be it. We shall all bask in the windfall... ;)

Cheers,

Karth

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 30 Jan 2013 17:51:11
Message:

Thankya. The Astharoth/Ashtaroth thing is pretty funny. There's another case in the lore somewhere about Asmodeus renaming a devil who annoyed him, so that he would have the same name as a much more famous demon lord...

Two of them actually... Dagon and Azazel. (my turn to check notes)

And Ed wrote the article, in Dragon 91. He likes confusion, doesn't he.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Jan 2013 18:23:03
Message:

Hi again, all.
Karth, if by "raven" you mean the bird, it's "thimril" in elder days, and "thimron" nowadays in the Realms, according to Ed. "Raven" as despoil, ravage, and plunder is "urlril."
For "leaning" do you mean tilting or at an angle, or tending towards/drifting towards/inclining towards?
love,
THO
Who appreciates the kind offers of Wolly Rupert and The Sage. One of these days...

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 30 Jan 2013 19:48:35
Message:

And now I am reminded of the episode of Big Bang Theory wherein Sheldon had a female Physicist friend 'get frisky' with the other three ner.. err.. men. One of my favorites.

Quick Question: Which of the two Seven Sisters almost killed each other? I have some memory of the event (I don't believe they knew who each other were then), but I can't recall the specifics.

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Reply author: NineCoronas
Replied on: 30 Jan 2013 20:14:14
Message:

I'm looking for an Elven (dialect, Everaskan, if there is one) translation for "Beautiful Butcher".

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Reply author: Karth
Replied on: 31 Jan 2013 00:58:27
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Karth, if by "raven" you mean the bird, it's "thimril" in elder days, and "thimron" nowadays in the Realms, according to Ed. "Raven" as despoil, ravage, and plunder is "urlril."
For "leaning" do you mean tilting or at an angle, or tending towards/drifting towards/inclining towards?
love,
THO
Who appreciates the kind offers of Wolly Rupert and The Sage. One of these days...

---

Ack... Apologies, I guess that wasn't clear enough. Raven as in the bird, yes. Thank you. Leaning as in tilting or at an angle. As in a leaning tree or leaning tower...

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Reply author: Seravin
Replied on: 31 Jan 2013 02:30:35
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

And now I am reminded of the episode of Big Bang Theory wherein Sheldon had a female Physicist friend 'get frisky' with the other three ner.. err.. men. One of my favorites.

Quick Question: Which of the two Seven Sisters almost killed each other? I have some memory of the event (I don't believe they knew who each other were then), but I can't recall the specifics.

---

From the Seven Sisters sourcebook, it was Laeral and Sylune who nearly killed eachother in battle near Luskan. Mystra intervened and asked them to be Chosen.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 31 Jan 2013 03:18:18
Message:

Ah, okay.

Thanks Seravin.

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 31 Jan 2013 17:05:32
Message:

Hello All

Ed are there any rules on naming of a newborn into the Obarskyr family? Any precedents that need to be followed, any names not allowed etc?

And feel free to extend this to the Silver houses and other prominent nobles families as well, (am wondering if more 'common-folk' names ever make it into a noble house?)

Cheers

Damian

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Jan 2013 18:03:11
Message:

Hi, all.
Damian, this is by no means a proper answer, but I can tell you from play that commoner names do make it into noble families (and that some noble mothers love to create new names by mashing together other names they've heard, that catch their fancy), but that most Cormyrean noble babies are loaded down with lots of family names evoking revered or dear recently departed ancestors.

Ed just provided me with an example to share with you until he can craft a longer reply:

Fendarl and Daerthra Illance (Fendarl is a cousin of the current heir, and his wife Daerthra a Huntinglance by birth) recently had a son, usually known formally as Darvyn, and within the family as "Dar."
His full, formal name is Andemarl Daryn Trevilar Hothon Baerilym Dathmur Illance.
Andemarl is his paternal grandfather's name, Daryn was a "new" name for the family when it was borne by Dar's paternal great-great-great grandfather, Trevilar is the name of Dar's maternal father, Hothon an old and oft-used Huntinglance name, Baerilym the name of a long-ago "war hero" Illance remembered for his distinguished battlefield service, and Dathmur is a common name in Cormyr (and so, much used by lower and middle class citizens) that's new to the Illances, so far as their written records go back.

I would say the lorryload of given names Dar received is fairly typical of noble-born sons or daughters. Who of course never habitually use more than two of them: the one they prefer, and the one the family uses for them. Disapproving elder aunts, El told me years back, often find out what name a person most hates and use it when "talking down" to the kin they wish to cow, embarrass, lecture, or denounce.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: NineCoronas
Replied on: 31 Jan 2013 23:07:22
Message:

Also, second follow up question I'm sure has been asked before... are evil races evil because they are born straight evil, or is it their culture that makes them evil? Is it wrong for a Paladin to slaughter a bunch of Kobold children babies because someday they MAY be evil?

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Reply author: Ayrik
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 00:12:34
Message:

There are many Realmslore examples of non-Evil individuals born to Evil races. Drizzt (CG drow ranger) is of course the most famous example. What if Drizzt was murdered as an infant, or murdered during his evil youth?

Putting the questions of individual potential and redemption aside ... I would say slaughtering infants is never a good act, even if it's done with good intentions. Philosophers have studied these problems for ages. Paladins must reconcile their own ethics (deontological vs utilitarian) while finding a path which remains true to their morals. Troubled paladins can always seek guidance through prayer and faith.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 00:35:41
Message:

@NineCoronas - you just inspired some very odd and evil thoughts for my next campaign - thanks.

(a paladin-run 'orphanage' that kills the children when they come of age)

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 00:37:48
Message:

Hokay, another query about trees. 'cuz trees are awesome.

This is prompted by a pictorial sort of trivia chart thing: https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/76116_543054235715592_1494354890_n.jpg

The "wildest trunk", oldest single-clonal and non-clonal, "biggest" (in terms of estimated mass), and tallest trees in the world. ...I don't even know what single/non-clonal means.

So, query: what species of trees in the Realms would answer these and other "min/max" sorts of trivia questions? Excluding unique intelligent entities, I think.

Does the Realms have a type of tree that can theoretically stand for 10,000 years, or approach 40 feet in diameter or 400 feet in height?

Of course the trees referenced in this pic are unique and not all members of the species will be so exceptional. Just curious about which ones are most likely to reach extreme dimensions or hardiness or whatever.

Highest elevation would also be a neat factoid.



Also... odd thought just occurred to me. Since there are a few places where cities/realms have been sunk for various reasons... are there any cases where forests have continued to thrive underwater due to... anything? Maybe a mythal, or a long-lasting wild magic flare, or an aquatic druid... something like a duskwood stand, underwater for 200 years and still not rotting?

Perhaps I should file that cool mental image under "just too odd."

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Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 02:43:20
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One
but that most Cormyrean noble babies are loaded down with lots of family names evoking revered or dear recently departed ancestors.

love,
THO

---

excellent post THO, many many thanks to Ed for the answer

Cheers

Damian
who is off to work on some more long and convoluted family naming traditions for nobles in Cormyr

---

Reply author: MaskedOne
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 03:39:09
Message:

NineCoronas:

Won't speak to the born evil question but...
the Paladin would be butchering those who are incapable of even attempting to defend themselves. I'd think that a Paladin's mandate to oppose evil has to start within the Paladin himself and the cold-blooded slaughter of infants should in most cases have the Paladin's god asking whether his servant has become the evil that he was commissioned to oppose.

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Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 09:21:19
Message:

Re Paladin's:

I am sure we don't want to derail Ed's thread with what is good/bad and how alignment works - perhaps worth taking this to another scroll?

Ed has said many times before that the Realms world view is not as we view it as a 'modern 21st century western european' world view regarding evil/violence/sex/monsters.

When playing in the Realms you need to think Realms

Cheers

Damian

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 16:10:01
Message:

Well said, Damian! That last sentence should be a touchstone for us all.
It's of course fine to run your own version of the Realms any way you want, and meet your players' sensibilities and views and preferences so everyone enjoys the gaming as much as possible - - but for discussing the shared or canon Realms, "think Realms" first and foremost, and much of the hard feelings and misunderstandings can be avoided.
As Ed's Dad used to say: "One man's Mede is another man's poisson" (Ah, I love triple puns...)
love,
THO
P.S. Was discussing Cormyrean nobility with Ed last night, and he reminded me that we Knights have stumbled on a mystery regarding House Haelrood. That I'll tell you more about once we dig into it more and have some results to share...

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 17:30:36
Message:

Hello Ed and THO.

Ed, there are many Realms stories I'd like to see in print (and I'm sure you would too).

Can we please add a request to see a short story featuring Lord Crakehall and his daily doings to the top of that mountainous list?

That dude is awesome.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 18:15:32
Message:

Hi again, all.
I bring you the latest words of Ed:

Jeremy, I would LOVE to do a Lord Crakehall story. My copious free time isn't, these days, and the good folks at Wizards and I would have to hit upon where and how to publish it (perhaps as a website freebie, but of course I have to do the Spin A Yarn tale first) - - however, rest assured that I do indeed have a huge heap of Stuff I Really Wanna Do, and it's been added to that. :}
Perhaps I can get permission to do a GenCon hand-photocopied giveaway chapbook, as per the good old days, then present it on the Wizards website . . .
I will Talk To The Right People, and We Shall See.

Heh. So saith Ed. Who is very happy for a Realms author who has some great news to share, soon...
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 01 Feb 2013 19:11:33
Message:

....And Ed tells me he can now reveal that the great news is that Jaleigh Johnson has a new middle grade (as in: for younger readers than some of us) fantasy novel (non-Realms; this setting and tale are all her own) coming out, entitled THE MARK OF THE DRAGONFLY. It may well be part of a series.
Ed and I are both "greedy readers" who want more, more, more to add to our already groaning bookshelves, so this is indeed great news.
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: Ayrik
Replied on: 02 Feb 2013 04:27:04
Message:

What is middle grade fantasy? Stuff like Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia?

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Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 02 Feb 2013 08:34:44
Message:

There seem to be an awful lot of age-categories in publishing these days - I seem to recall that once it was just Picture books, Kid books (in the case of one Swedish publisher, who I will save from mentioning the name of here, colour-coded so that you would know if the book was for boys or for girls [all the girls I've talked to about it says they read the boys books, cause the stuff for girls was boring, harmless crap, whereas the boys got adventures and pranks and standing up to adults]), and Grown-Up literature which you started reading once you'd grown out of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl*.

*Though, personally, I pity anyone who's grown out of Roald Dahl's kid books.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 02 Feb 2013 16:36:39
Message:

Hi, all. Kajehase, I agree, but it's human nature to categorize, rank, and pigeon-hole, and it is the nature of marketing execs at publishers to invent new terminology and genre classifications in attempts to "focus" on "target readers" - - and so on. I'm with you, as is Ed. We both re-read picture books regularly with delight, not just "grownups' books."
Not that I've ever been in any danger of growing up, you understand.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 02 Feb 2013 17:29:05
Message:

Harry Potter was aimed at 'young adults'. Thank goodness everyone ignored that.

A LOT of marketing is based on the premise that customers are too stupid to make their own decisions, so companies have to help them with 'suggestions'. We wouldn't need all this 'demographics' BS if they'd just realize people can think for themselves (most, anyway).

And so I don't get into trouble (and because I just thought of this this morning while watching a News broadcast about today being Groundhog Day), here's a not-so-serious question: If a Shade sees his Shadow, can we expect another six weeks of winter?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 02 Feb 2013 18:46:02
Message:

Heh. Depends on whether or not it's his/her Shadow Weave said Shade sees (and say THAT three times fast, for extra points). When they say darkly in Westeros that "winter is coming," they've never seen a WEAVEwinter. Bwoohahahahah, and so forth.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 03 Feb 2013 16:49:20
Message:

Wouldn't the Wailing Years be considered a WEAVEwinter?

(and what started out as a bit of a joke turned into an interesting train of thought for me.)

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Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 03 Feb 2013 17:22:10
Message:

I'd Love to hear more about The Arcanauh. That's such tough-guy name it makes me wonder about him.

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 05 Feb 2013 01:12:27
Message:

I don't know if you've ever done this before, but I'd love to see full spell descriptions of the Simbul's "Blood Ring" and an expansion of the "Vauntagar" magic from your Everwinking Eye article. In a more general sense, I'd love to see spell descriptions for any and all of the great magics your characters hurl in your stories.

Thanx

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 05 Feb 2013 08:12:30
Message:

Hi again, all.
The Masked Mage, Ed sent me a reply to your latest:

I would love to do full spell and magic item descriptions, but right now, with D&D Next in flux/being developed, we're going "edition free."
Which inevitably means crunch-lite.
For instance, all of the poisons I wrote for El's Guide To The Realms had hard game stats, but they got edited out to keep the book "edition-free." (I put them in for the same reason lots of math teachers insist that students "show their work" [i.e. write down the steps to solving a problem, not just the answer]: to show that I'd worked out precise effects for them.)
So, someday, in my * cough * free time * cough cough * I will stat things out...better chase me and remind me, after the D&D Next rules are in full release, okay?


So saith Ed. Who is hard at work on something else secret at the moment.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Ayrik
Replied on: 05 Feb 2013 08:42:33
Message:

THO, can you say if much attention will given toward linking Toril (and Abeir!) to Spelljammer and Planescape lore? These aspects have traditionally been glossed over in a superficial way, I'm hoping they receive a little bit of consideration and even just a single page of astronomical and planar data, to sort of locate the Realms (and Realmspace) on the "cosmic map".

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 06 Feb 2013 06:28:44
Message:

Hi again, all. Ayrik, I have no idea, and neither does Ed. Neither one of us are Wizards employees or have ever been, and if we were, we probably wouldn't be talking publicly about details of what may or may not be published in the future. Sorry, but that's just the way things are. I would LOVE to know, don't get me wrong (and of course, as the father of the Realms, so would Ed), but right now, my guess is as good as yours.
Ed will hint or tell us outright what he can, when he can - - but that may not be before we can all read about it in published future Realms products.
Sigh.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Khonger
Replied on: 06 Feb 2013 15:00:01
Message:

Dear Ed and THO,
I am embarking on a new adventure this weekend, gaming with my children. I am very excited, and so are the youngsters. I've worked up a system that, I hope, has the right amount of complexity to engage that part of their brains, and I have a story germ tailored toward their interests. 

I plan on setting the game in the Forgotten Realms in the Kingdom of Cormyr. Inspired by the opening chapters of Swords of Eveningstar, they will begin as young folk, who have long dreamed of adventure and hope to win a Royal Charter.

I'm hoping to glean some wisdom, and I have a few questions:
1. Have you ever ran a game for school-aged children (7-10) set in the Realms?
2. If so, what were your experiences in these games?
3. What sorts of stories have you/would you try to tell?

Any advice or input you, or anyone else in this wonderful community, can offer is greatly appreciated.

Thank you :)

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Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 06 Feb 2013 20:44:27
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Khonger
I'm hoping to glean some wisdom, and I have a few questions:
1. Have you ever ran a game for school-aged children (7-10) set in the Realms?
2. If so, what were your experiences in these games?
3. What sorts of stories have you/would you try to tell?


Thank you :)

---

Kids D&D rules here:

http://cubeofquazar.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/homebrew-d-for-kids.html

I would change the dwarf ability from always finds secret doors, to always makes their save (how many secret doors can you put in a game?)


Other parent/kid game reports here

http://jovialpriest.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/rescue-princess.html

http://jovialpriest.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/kids-d-rescue-king.html

http://jovialpriest.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/kids-d-rescue-queen.html

http://jovialpriest.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/kids-d-rescue-queen-part-2.html


The Rainbow Lodge module was written by Barratia games specifically for kids, it used to be on a free download on LULU, but the company are no longer publishing? If a web search doesn't find it PM me and I will email it to you

A great thread here on incorportaing fairy tales into D&D
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=3945 with new classes and traditional fairytale tropes to use

Most of the original 'B' modules are good to go (is B1 still free on dndclassics.com?)



I am sure Ed will pipe up but a few thoughts from me:

Make sure the kids have FUN, FUN and even more FUN.
Make the NPC's fun, with the voices and mannerisms etc.
Let the kids clever/silly/wacky/brilliant ideas work when facing a challenge (so you 'reward' their interaction with the game and then they want to do more) and if they do get stuck then offer them three options i.e they need to get past a giant guard to get into the cave where the princess is, they get stuck so say, "Kids you can do one of the following....."
1: sneak past the sleepy giant very quietly
2: throw your bag of pepper in his face and make him sneeze so much you can run past him
3: wake the giant up, speak to him and offer him gold to let you into the cave

Hope this helps and good luck

Cheers

Damian
ps more here

http://odd74.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=delvingdeeper&action=display&thread=8191

here
http://www.pfoorumi.net/beernbarbarians/fishin.pdf


here
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=53494

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 07 Feb 2013 05:09:03
Message:

Hi again, all.
I bring the latest words of Ed, this time to Khonger:

Hi, Khonger. Yes, I've run D&D for young gamers quite a few times. Everything Damian (crazedventurers) said in his post is spot-on correct.
Susan Morris, who for years was the editor of my Realms novels, is a master of this, and on the Wednesday "Trade Day" before every GenCon gives presentations to teachers, librarians, and parents on running D&D for children.
I find that children love a little mystery, and a little suspense, but vary widely in their taste for violence, andget frustrated by mysteries they won't be able to solve for a long time to come (they need be able to get to solutions quickly, until you subtly "train" them to have more patience and longer attention spans.
Vivid acting and voices works a LOT better than game mechanics or even adhering to the rules at all, and so do lots of little and frequent rewards rather than long slogs through puzzle after trap after monster (or worse, a series of puzzles, or a series of traps). Lots of character interaction is good; monsters who talk to you are inherently more interesting than monsters who don't.
And a good DM with players of any age is listening and watching intently, all the time, to his or her players, to see what engages THEM. It simply doesn't matter how brilliantly an adventure is written or what the rules are, if the results bore them or just don't appeal to their interests.
And intrigue and chances to spy and to talk ALWAYS beat endless hacking at things.
Above all, have fun. If you aren't enjoying it, your players can tell - - fast - - and your lack of enjoyment will prove contagious.
Hope this helps as an accompaniment to Damian's excellent advice.


So saith Ed, who has been a Realms DM to players older than 90, and younger than 6.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 07 Feb 2013 06:35:34
Message:

Thanx THO, and thanx to Ed.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 08 Feb 2013 06:30:56
Message:

You're very welcome. (And your request about The Arcanauh has been passed on to Ed.)
Ed has been busy co-creating Realms ideas and future lore "by the bucketload," as he out it, these last few days, but hopes to very soon return to full and colourful lore replies here.
love,
THO

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 08 Feb 2013 06:36:21
Message:

Mmmm buckets of lore.
More, more, more!
um... my rhyming hits a door.
And from here on I can only bore.

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 08 Feb 2013 17:19:47
Message:

Buckets of lore sounds like pure win for Realms fans to me. :)

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 09 Feb 2013 00:52:24
Message:

Sorry if this has been addressed before, but my search-fu is weak and I am intimidated by the quantity of pages to search through for every mention of the word "camel" on Candlekeep.

What are two-humped camels called, in the Realms? I'm content to have everyone refer to any camel as a camel, regardless of how many humps it has, but it seems that someone somewhere must have a name for them. In this world we call them Bactrian, but the very fact that Bactria is a name associated with a place on Earth makes it (in my mind) necessary that there be a Realmsian name for two-humped camels which does not include the word Bactrian.

If there's another name for dromedaries, that would be cool too! Also, names for what we distinguish as "African" vs "Asiatic" elephants?

I'm sure you've all encountered worse, but I apologize for my oddness.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 09 Feb 2013 15:35:58
Message:

Sitting here with 32" of snow outside my door... I'm sure Ed knows what thats like (and for once I can't tell him to stop sending it this way - this one came from the south).

So it makes me think - what do the folks of the Realms do when things get this bad? Does a nation like Cormyr have War Wizards clearing snow from 'essential services'? Would a city like Silverymoon (being far North) have permanent things in place to keep snow from accumulating?

I'm just trying to kill time myself - not looking forward to going outside for the dig-out.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 09 Feb 2013 20:23:43
Message:

Hello again, all.
Ed is snowed in, too, and sends me this response to Markustay:

Snowbound folk in the Realms mostly just sit such severe weather out, in as secure shelter as they can find (remember, packs of wolves and other predators will get hungry in such conditions, and venture out as soon as they can). That's what all the drying, preserving, cutting firewood, et al is for. Folk in Cormyr and other heavy-snow regions have snowshoes (mainly of the "bearpaw" style that lack long "tails" that can get caught in rocks and treetrunks) and sledges (for towing loads atop/"over" snow).
Silverymoon has wards that keep the temperature comfortably high (avoiding ice but creating fog), and that can be "set" to repel falling snow like a giant dome - - so most of it will end up in/on the river, and be carried away. Usually a light snowfall is "allowed in" to wash down the streets, water plants, etc., but once more than an inch or two has fallen, the warming (and wind-slowing) wards are "tightened" by one of the mages serving the city to shed anything more falling from the sky.
Suzail has no such protections, but the War Wizards do use spells to clear major streets by literally blowing deep-piled snow out into the harbor, and frequently temporarily raise temperature to melt treacherous ice underfoot (though used rushes, "out" cinders, and the like are used as traction aids). Note that many cities, Suzail included, are ports that enjoy the moderating effects of the large bodies of water they are adjacent to. One of the reasons that Waterdeep developed into such a populous city is the seaward protection of Mount Waterdeep, that shields much of the oldest part of the city from gales blowing onshore. "Ice rime" forms on seaward faces of many Waterdhavian buildings in the winter, but the Watchful Order magists magically melt dangerous roofloads (that might plummet down on the heads of pedestrians below).
However, most Faerunians just hunker down and wait.
Please bear in mind that most inhabited areas of the Realms where snow is a prevalent problem retain far more trees and bushes than most heavily-populated real-world areas; they trap and steer drifts and falling snow, and enable locals who know the terrain to move about in limited ways. Severe weather doesn't hamper your commute - - it usually prohibits EVERYONE'S commute, is expected to, and so has no negative social/employment implications.


So saith Ed. Who tries to "be there" for the Realms and those who love it, regardless of the weather.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 09 Feb 2013 22:08:49
Message:

Inspired by the finding of Richard III's grave (and me probably parking on it a few times!) I was wondering if there are any 'lost' Obarskyr graves in and around Cormyr or legends of such?(i.e legends say that prince longnose lies buried under the shattered oak north of Wheloon etc). Or have the Crown/Mage Royals/War Wizards et al always ensured that an Obarskyr body is recovered no matter what the cost?

Also do the/did the Obarskyrs and the Silver families have/had any favourite places to dispose of 'enemies of the Crown'? Am wondering how full the Vast Swamp is of tyrant lords, mad marchionesses and noble rebels against the dragon throne?

Cheers

Damian

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 09 Feb 2013 22:44:28
Message:

Hello THO and Ed,

I’ve just finished collecting names (204 of them!) and bits of lore from my paperback copy of Elminster Must Die and I have a boatload of question to ask.

I’ll start with a small handful:

A shield is briefly mentioned on page 320 that winks and glows when nobles bring things they shouldn’t have to places they like to congregate. By page 323 Elminster appears to know a certain elder Lady Illance’s guards are in the palace, with poisoned blades.

Q. Does that shield detect poison? Does it respond to command words or prompts to provide more details (perhaps forgotten by the Year of the Ageless One)? Is its range more or less the length and breadth of the Royal Palace? Was it enspelled by a wizard or a cleric?

Elminster clunks around in a suit of King Duar’s armor (on page 324) that sports an enchanted codpiece.

Q. What is the nature of the enchantment(s) on that piece of armor?

On page 343, Mirt confuses The Nine with the Naughty Nine.

Q. Can you tell us a little more about the dancers comprising the Naughty Nine? Did they all hail from Waterdeep or were they Sword Coast travelers? Were they all human? Did they cater to any social group in particular (nobles, moneylenders or not so secret Lords of Waterdeep)?

Page 360 describes a war wizard’s desiccated corpse that’s found by Elminster in a secret passage of the Royal Palace.

Q. Was this war wizard from before or after Vangerdahast’s time? Is there anything you can tell us about the wizard (beyond the magical pendant he or she wore)? Was the wizard up to no good when he or she fell prey to the spike trap?

Thank you both very much.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 10 Feb 2013 01:01:24
Message:

Hi again, all.
Damian, you're on to something.
These questions happen to be about things Ed and I have discussed in the past, so although I can't give anything like a definitive or comprehensive answer, I can say the Wizards of War, from Vangerdahast's rise to power onwards, are formally charged with recovering (every last bit of) every royal corpse (and known royal bastards) - - and that Vangey's predecessors made sure that royal remains were brought to the royal crypt whenever possible, so although there are indeed both lost Obarskyr graves and legends of such (the legends outstripping the reality), they are few - - and none of those remaining will be easily found.
And yes, the Vast Swamp received many remains, although the combined efforts of its denizens usually devour the dead utterly (yes, including bones), so it isn't a large stew of nascent undead and candidates for resurrection.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 10 Feb 2013 01:05:04
Message:

Hi again, all. Jeremy, I need Ed to answer your superb questions, and can only go this far: he did once tell me that dessicated wizard was from before Vangey's time.
And I THINK (but my recollections are hazy, so could be wrong) that the shield you refer to was partly enchanted by Elminster, and involves locally influencing the Weave.
For the rest, we'll have to wait until Ed responds.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 10 Feb 2013 16:26:04
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer

Hello THO and Ed,

I’ve just finished collecting names (204 of them!) and bits of lore from my paperback copy of Elminster Must Die and I have a boatload of question to ask.

I’ll start with a small handful:

A shield is briefly mentioned on page 320 that winks and glows when nobles bring things they shouldn’t have to places they like to congregate. By page 323 Elminster appears to know a certain elder Lady Illance’s guards are in the palace, with poisoned blades.

Q. Does that shield detect poison? Does it respond to command words or prompts to provide more details (perhaps forgotten by the Year of the Ageless One)? Is its range more or less the length and breadth of the Royal Palace? Was it enspelled by a wizard or a cleric?

Elminster clunks around in a suit of King Duar’s armor (on page 324) that sports an enchanted codpiece.

Q. What is the nature of the enchantment(s) on that piece of armor?

On page 343, Mirt confuses The Nine with the Naughty Nine.

Q. Can you tell us a little more about the dancers comprising the Naughty Nine? Did they all hail from Waterdeep or were they Sword Coast travelers? Were they all human? Did they cater to any social group in particular (nobles, moneylenders or not so secret Lords of Waterdeep)?

Page 360 describes a war wizard’s desiccated corpse that’s found by Elminster in a secret passage of the Royal Palace.

Q. Was this war wizard from before or after Vangerdahast’s time? Is there anything you can tell us about the wizard (beyond the magical pendant he or she wore)? Was the wizard up to no good when he or she fell prey to the spike trap?

Thank you both very much.

---

I'm sure many scribes, including myself would love to see your posted notes if they are shareable. :)

---

Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 10 Feb 2013 17:53:22
Message:

Hello, I have some questions for the Fourth going into Fifth edition of the Realms, assuming there is not a huge time skip.

Could you describe the Wyvernspur Noble family of Cormyr in this time frame? Perhaps with some sample members (wondering if I could use them as a character or a personal connection to a character).

Has any nation, like Cormyr, ever thought of creating a stable air force to gain air dominance?

Sorry... lost my train of thought in a mountain, if it comes out the tunnel I will add more.

Additional: Train came out...

Even if you didn't create them...

Are Alias and her sisters immortal or alive in this time period. If not, are their descendants are, and could you describe them and any effects of being blood to an Alias vessel might be?

Please and Thank you. If you answer you get this fat free calorie free imaginary cookie.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 10 Feb 2013 19:56:06
Message:

@Damian - Great Question!

Thanks for all the wonderful answers THO and Ed (and not just to my own queries above).

Spent all day yesterday digging out my (very long) driveway, and the town/county never showed up to plow. Its still not plowed - in 4WD I made it five house away before I had to turn around (and got stuck doing so). I used to love snow... now, not so much.

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 10 Feb 2013 20:19:53
Message:

<jumps in really quick>

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eilserus

I'm sure many scribes, including myself would love to see your posted notes if they are shareable. :)

---

I don't plan to make the notes available in their raw form.

However, I've posted all the names I've found to a wiki page on the WotC website HERE.

The remainder of the notes I'm slowly organizing into chunks of lore and posting them in the Realmslore sub-forum at Loremaster.org.

</jumps back out>

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 11 Feb 2013 03:50:32
Message:

Hi again, all.
Sorry, Foxhelm, but by longstanding agreement between Ed and Jeff Grubb, details of the Wyvernspur family are left to Jeff to divulge, if he wishes (and largely, he hasn't done so, thus far). The Wyvernspur clan is an Ed creation, but the development and detailing of the Wyvernspurs in the published Realms are entirely the work of Jeff Grubb and his wife Kate.
However, all of your queries have been sent on to Ed, to see what he will answer . . .
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 11 Feb 2013 04:09:46
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Sorry, Foxhelm, but by longstanding agreement between Ed and Jeff Grubb, details of the Wyvernspur family are left to Jeff to divulge, if he wishes (and largely, he hasn't done so, thus far). The Wyvernspur clan is an Ed creation, but the development and detailing of the Wyvernspurs in the published Realms are entirely the work of Jeff Grubb and his wife Kate.
However, all of your queries have been sent on to Ed, to see what he will answer . . .
love,
THO

---

So either I have to be lucky in that Jeff Grubb answers or lets Ed answer, make it up myself... or develop telepathic powers and dig into the mind of Mr. Grubb.

Any tips on gaining telepathic powers?

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 11 Feb 2013 13:52:14
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

Sitting here with 32" of snow outside my door... I'm sure Ed knows what thats like (and for once I can't tell him to stop sending it this way - this one came from the south).

So it makes me think - what do the folks of the Realms do when things get this bad? Does a nation like Cormyr have War Wizards clearing snow from 'essential services'? Would a city like Silverymoon (being far North) have permanent things in place to keep snow from accumulating?

I'm just trying to kill time myself - not looking forward to going outside for the dig-out.

---

I'll just say, many human children are born nine months later

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 11 Feb 2013 16:49:29
Message:

I've noted a couple of 'Zhentil Keep outposts' on various maps. Do the Zhents name these, or simply number them? I assume there has to be some method of identifying them individually.

If they have names, would you be so kind as to provide a few 'Zhent-sounding' names for them? Many Thanks.

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 12 Feb 2013 06:08:52
Message:

Hello again THO and Ed!

Curiosity is gnawing away at me, so I have to ask: what language are the words of awakening used to activate blueflame items (as found in Elminster Must Die, pages 207-208), if any?

Is it Loross? Or a combination of old languages?

Or are the words just "magic words" and not really of any language?




Thank you both!

---

Reply author: Laeknir
Replied on: 12 Feb 2013 19:18:01
Message:

I have an unusual question - been percolating in the back of my mind for a while.

From a sales / real world perspective I understand why this wouldn't have happened. But from an in-world perspective, particularly Elminster's, I'm curious why he never went this route:

After Mystra's murder, which led to the spellplague and so forth, why did Elminster never use one of the known time-gates to go back in time and stop it from happening? Elminster had to know of these gates, and with Mystra dead (or functionally so) there was no god or goddess to enforce the "policy" on time travel. Or is this a kind of catch-22 thing, where even if El had gone back in time, the Mystra or Mystryl alive in that past would have been deaf or unresponsive to the future Elminster's warnings? As goddess of time, I'd find it hard to believe she'd plug her ears to such a warning.

Or did Elminster try it - and it failed for some reason? If so, what might that be?

Perhaps more importantly, is there some reason or temporal magic issue that might prevent a group of post-Spellplague adventurers from utilizing a time gate and attempting to create an alternate timeline? Do Mystryl's chronomancy travel rules apply whether a god or goddess of magic exists?

---

Reply author: Arcanus
Replied on: 12 Feb 2013 21:21:08
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laeknir

I have an unusual question - been percolating in the back of my mind for a while.

From a sales / real world perspective I understand why this wouldn't have happened. But from an in-world perspective, particularly Elminster's, I'm curious why he never went this route:

After Mystra's murder, which led to the spellplague and so forth, why did Elminster never use one of the known time-gates to go back in time and stop it from happening? Elminster had to know of these gates, and with Mystra dead (or functionally so) there was no god or goddess to enforce the "policy" on time travel. Or is this a kind of catch-22 thing, where even if El had gone back in time, the Mystra or Mystryl alive in that past would have been deaf or unresponsive to the future Elminster's warnings? As goddess of time, I'd find it hard to believe she'd plug her ears to such a warning.

Or did Elminster try it - and it failed for some reason? If so, what might that be?

Perhaps more importantly, is there some reason or temporal magic issue that might prevent a group of post-Spellplague adventurers from utilizing a time gate and attempting to create an alternate timeline? Do Mystryl's chronomancy travel rules apply whether a god or goddess of magic exists?

---

Maybe Mystra wanted it to happen?

---

Reply author: Laeknir
Replied on: 13 Feb 2013 01:40:55
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Arcanus

Maybe Mystra wanted it to happen?

---

I suppose that's possible, but usually gods don't like to lose their power and control over their portfolios. In the latest Elminster book, Mystra did not seem to possess much of her knowledge and essence - well, at least until the Simbul and El did their thing at the end. So it's a curious thing.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 13 Feb 2013 18:43:58
Message:

I think its either a self-correcting thing (which the D&D supplement Chronomancer alludes to), where no matter what you did you can't stop it (and may even be RESPONSIBLE for it happening in the first place), or you create an alternate reality that the 'you' is from, and the reality you fix isn't yours (at least not anymore).

Or it could just be that post-plague the time portals all 'went on the fritz'.

New Question: I once asked about famous Earth personages (who have mysteriously disappeared) that may have wound-up on Toril. That was never answered, so now I have an add-on (or entirely new question if you prefer) - have any RW groups made their way over to Toril? I'm not talking about 'cultures' - we know about a few of those. I'm talking about the Knights Templar, Free Masons, the Illuminati, the Amish, etc - anything at all like that. Maybe even a bunch of Nazis in a cheesy 50's B-movie fashion?

---

Reply author: Laeknir
Replied on: 13 Feb 2013 20:15:24
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

I think its either a self-correcting thing (which the D&D supplement Chronomancer alludes to), where no matter what you did you can't stop it (and may even be RESPONSIBLE for it happening in the first place), or you create an alternate reality that the 'you' is from, and the reality you fix isn't yours (at least not anymore).

Or it could just be that post-plague the time portals all 'went on the fritz'.

---

Well, possibly. Still, I'm hoping for some detailed answers to my Q's from Ed & THO, which is why I asked here rather than in General.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 14 Feb 2013 02:21:21
Message:

Fellow scribes, please, I ask that you remember that this scroll and those of other designers, are exclusively set aside for questions to and answers from the designers themselves.

It's making my task of compiling these scrolls for inclusion on the mainsite somewhat more difficult when I have to navigate through side-chatter from other scribes.

Thus, I would again request that we all try to keep the side-chatter to a minimum. If a point of interest in a question or answer to/from Ed sparks further discussion, I would prefer that it be taken to another shelf.

Thank you.

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 15 Feb 2013 01:22:01
Message:

It's too quiet in here. So... moar questions! Maybe something with room for a touch of spice, for THO.

When illustrations are made for races, classes, prestige classes, etc, where the caption only identifies the race/class/whatever, does anyone officially decide who these individuals are (and generally just neglect to inform us; how rude)? If the author doesn't decide on an identity, essentially just introducing a face with no story, do you create an identity for them and introduce them to your players?

Example: the woman identified only as "Durthan" on page 23 of Unapproachable East. Who is she? What's her story? In a no-magic wrestling match between her and Laeral, who would pin whom and how many spectators would faint?

PS: there are many other examples, as you probably know, so you should expect --if you're inclined toward spontaneously inventing an identity for her just to address this query-- dozens more NPCs will appear in similar questions in the near future, from myself or similarly sadistic scribes. I unabashedly put a floodgate in front of you.

PPS: even if the answer is no, you don't invent stories for unidentified NPCs in pictures (you're not fooling me, by the way) I'd still like to hear about the wrestling match.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 15 Feb 2013 04:19:38
Message:

Hi again, all.
xaeyruudh, Ed DOES invent names and stories for Realmslore illustrations, but only for our home campaign (back in the old TSR days, such names were shared back and forth with staff designers, because Ed had far more of a "spokesman for the Realms" role back then, and didn't want to inadvertently contradict lore someone else was about to reveal or had cooked up for a future product).
However, Ed has told me that he's not going to "go public" with his labelings of illustrations, due to these same consistency concerns. As for the wrestling match you posit, he doubts any spectators would faint (if they were queazy, they wouldn't remain as spectators), and his money would be on Laeral.
Who's "a bit of a spitfire," according to Ed, who added mysteriously: "As you'll see."
(!)
love,
THO

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 15 Feb 2013 06:37:51
Message:

Queazy wouldn't my first guess for anyone's reaction, but I suppose there are folks who just don't like good clean (or preferably dirty) fun. The issue of consistency/flexibility is understandable. Bit of a downer, but a very reasonable one. And I was already thinking Laeral had some fire (other than Mystra's) but I'm looking forward to seeing more evidence of it!

So I guess the answer to the unasked portion of my earlier question is that these illustrations are not always/generally identified by authors; some/many of them remain open for individual DMs to assign names and personalities to... At least until/unless a designer or author says "hey I'm thinking this character I wrote about looks like Whozatguy on page X of The Whatchamacallit of Plumzarguud."

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 15 Feb 2013 20:08:22
Message:

Hi again, all.
I bring you the latest words from Ed of the Greenwood, this time in response to this, from Laeknir: "I have an unusual question - been percolating in the back of my mind for a while. From a sales / real world perspective I understand why this wouldn't have happened. But from an in-world perspective, particularly Elminster's, I'm curious why he never went this route:
After Mystra's murder, which led to the spellplague and so forth, why did Elminster never use one of the known time-gates to go back in time and stop it from happening? Elminster had to know of these gates, and with Mystra dead (or functionally so) there was no god or goddess to enforce the "policy" on time travel. Or is this a kind of catch-22 thing, where even if El had gone back in time, the Mystra or Mystryl alive in that past would have been deaf or unresponsive to the future Elminster's warnings? As goddess of time, I'd find it hard to believe she'd plug her ears to such a warning.
Or did Elminster try it - and it failed for some reason? If so, what might that be?
Perhaps more importantly, is there some reason or temporal magic issue that might prevent a group of post-Spellplague adventurers from utilizing a time gate and attempting to create an alternate timeline? Do Mystryl's chronomancy travel rules apply whether a god or goddess of magic exists?"
Ed replies:


Ah, a good question indeed.
First, I'd like to say to Markustay (re. "Or it could just be that post-plague the time portals all 'went on the fritz'.") that although many gates/portals "went wild" or only functioned intermittently or even faded away or blew up as the Spellplague raged, they didn't all go awry. All "time portals" DID stop functioning, and attempts to use them by spell resulted in deadly "wild" magic rebounding on the casters, so people stopped trying, and therefore it's unknown if they are all still "gone." (I would suspect that they are.)
Second, the short answer to your second-last question, Laeknir, is that if a group of post-Spellplague adventurers can find a functioning time gate and use it without destroying themselves, an alternate timeline is all they could create, no matter what they do (in other words, they can't affect the "prime Realms" they departed from, regardless of what they do). (In other words, Markustay was right, in what he said in his post.)
Third, to answer your last question, Mystryl's rules of chronomancy apply so long as a Weave (in any form: decaying, Shadow Weave [as it's not independent, but depends on the Weave to "hold it up/together," no matter what condition the Weave itself is in]) exists. As we've seen in the Spellplague, the Weave persisted (badly damaged) with Mystra gone. Chronomancy (as a profession/skill) itself is only possible within Realmspace with the Weave to anchor it; without a Weave time travel is truly random and no "returns" are possible; it's a one-way trip to an unknown destination date. So you can't have time travel in the Realms without a Weave, and the "rules" are of the Weave, just expressed formally by Mystryl (she didn't make them, she merely described them for mortals) - - but you don't actually need a god/goddess of magic (or chronomancy) for the rules to pertain. Or perhaps it would be better to say the rules are of Ao and the (essential nature of the) Realms, not at the level of mere divinity.
Elminster didn't attempt what you suggest because he knew it wouldn't work, and because all Chosen are expressly forbidden to engage in attempts at chronomancy - - because all such attempts strain/stress/endanger the Weave. Keeping the Weave stable and flourishing is one of the primary tasks of the Chosen; El would never try to harm the Weave. The prohibition may be "policy" but the reasons for it are something anyone attuned to the Weave (as all Chosen are) know, FEEL (harming the nearby Weave causes actual pain and nausea to a Chosen), and would never offend against.
Neither the Time of Troubles nor the events that led to the Spellplague would have happened (or been necessary) if deities or anyone else could just go back in time and arrange things to their liking/advantage. Nor would the leapfrogging of rival deities to get back in time before or after other deities who've already done so to meddle (so the rivals could out-meddle them) ever cease. Ao knows this, and so the Weave itself prevents chronomancy that affects the Weave. (Certain mortals may think differently or honestly believe differently due to their own experiences, but that usually means they've been deceived, gone insane, or created their own new timeline without realizing it.)
Mind-numbing and circular, yes, but . . . you asked. :} Many priests in the Realms have pondered such things, and ended up with headaches.


So saith Ed. Explaining some of the limits of chronomancy clearly for us all, for the first time. Let the enlightenment spread.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 15 Feb 2013 21:20:22
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
I bring you the latest words from Ed of the Greenwood, this time in response to this, from Laeknir: "I have an unusual question - been percolating in the back of my mind for a while. From a sales / real world perspective I understand why this wouldn't have happened. But from an in-world perspective, particularly Elminster's, I'm curious why he never went this route:
After Mystra's murder, which led to the spellplague and so forth, why did Elminster never use one of the known time-gates to go back in time and stop it from happening? Elminster had to know of these gates, and with Mystra dead (or functionally so) there was no god or goddess to enforce the "policy" on time travel. Or is this a kind of catch-22 thing, where even if El had gone back in time, the Mystra or Mystryl alive in that past would have been deaf or unresponsive to the future Elminster's warnings? As goddess of time, I'd find it hard to believe she'd plug her ears to such a warning.
Or did Elminster try it - and it failed for some reason? If so, what might that be?
Perhaps more importantly, is there some reason or temporal magic issue that might prevent a group of post-Spellplague adventurers from utilizing a time gate and attempting to create an alternate timeline? Do Mystryl's chronomancy travel rules apply whether a god or goddess of magic exists?"
Ed replies:


Ah, a good question indeed.
First, I'd like to say to Markustay (re. "Or it could just be that post-plague the time portals all 'went on the fritz'.") that although many gates/portals "went wild" or only functioned intermittently or even faded away or blew up as the Spellplague raged, they didn't all go awry. All "time portals" DID stop functioning, and attempts to use them by spell resulted in deadly "wild" magic rebounding on the casters, so people stopped trying, and therefore it's unknown if they are all still "gone." (I would suspect that they are.)
Second, the short answer to your second-last question, Laeknir, is that if a group of post-Spellplague adventurers can find a functioning time gate and use it without destroying themselves, an alternate timeline is all they could create, no matter what they do (in other words, they can't affect the "prime Realms" they departed from, regardless of what they do). (In other words, Markustay was right, in what he said in his post.)
Third, to answer your last question, Mystryl's rules of chronomancy apply so long as a Weave (in any form: decaying, Shadow Weave [as it's not independent, but depends on the Weave to "hold it up/together," no matter what condition the Weave itself is in]) exists. As we've seen in the Spellplague, the Weave persisted (badly damaged) with Mystra gone. Chronomancy (as a profession/skill) itself is only possible within Realmspace with the Weave to anchor it; without a Weave time travel is truly random and no "returns" are possible; it's a one-way trip to an unknown destination date. So you can't have time travel in the Realms without a Weave, and the "rules" are of the Weave, just expressed formally by Mystryl (she didn't make them, she merely described them for mortals) - - but you don't actually need a god/goddess of magic (or chronomancy) for the rules to pertain. Or perhaps it would be better to say the rules are of Ao and the (essential nature of the) Realms, not at the level of mere divinity.
Elminster didn't attempt what you suggest because he knew it wouldn't work, and because all Chosen are expressly forbidden to engage in attempts at chronomancy - - because all such attempts strain/stress/endanger the Weave. Keeping the Weave stable and flourishing is one of the primary tasks of the Chosen; El would never try to harm the Weave. The prohibition may be "policy" but the reasons for it are something anyone attuned to the Weave (as all Chosen are) know, FEEL (harming the nearby Weave causes actual pain and nausea to a Chosen), and would never offend against.
Neither the Time of Troubles nor the events that led to the Spellplague would have happened (or been necessary) if deities or anyone else could just go back in time and arrange things to their liking/advantage. Nor would the leapfrogging of rival deities to get back in time before or after other deities who've already done so to meddle (so the rivals could out-meddle them) ever cease. Ao knows this, and so the Weave itself prevents chronomancy that affects the Weave. (Certain mortals may think differently or honestly believe differently due to their own experiences, but that usually means they've been deceived, gone insane, or created their own new timeline without realizing it.)
Mind-numbing and circular, yes, but . . . you asked. :} Many priests in the Realms have pondered such things, and ended up with headaches.


So saith Ed. Explaining some of the limits of chronomancy clearly for us all, for the first time. Let the enlightenment spread.
love,
THO

---

If you can create new timelines... is it possible to travel sideways in time from one timeline to another? And has this happened in the realms before? Anything we might know about?

---

Reply author: Laeknir
Replied on: 16 Feb 2013 03:48:08
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

So saith Ed. Explaining some of the limits of chronomancy clearly for us all, for the first time. Let the enlightenment spread.
love,
THO

---

Wow, very very interesting! This gives me a number of really interesting ideas for some upcoming games. Thanks very much!

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 16 Feb 2013 16:45:48
Message:

Very interesting indeed; although I suspected/knew much of that already, I find further confirmation about other theories I have regarding The Weave (that 'The Weave' is the set of rules/physics governing the Crystal Sphere, and that ALL spheres have this, to some extent or another). In other words, Mystra IS the Weave, but in much the same way that 'we' are our bodies - we reside within our bodies, and are its caretakers, buuuut... I'd like to think we are just a little bit more then just our physical forms (thus, the 'spirit' of Mystra resides within the 'body' of The Weave).

So when the spirit flees, the 'body' is still there, left behind. Just inanimate material waiting for something to happen to it. Am I on the right track here?

quote:

---

Originally posted by Foxhelm

If you can create new timelines... is it possible to travel sideways in time from one timeline to another? And has this happened in the realms before? Anything we might know about?

---

According to the very first issue of Dragon Magazine, and Gary Gygax (writing under a pseudonym, IIRC), EVERY world in the D&D universe is a 'reflection' of every other. Some may be very similar to The Realms - perhaps frighteningly so - while others can be quite a bit different (like Athas). New worlds are 'born' all the time, perhaps from those divergent strands of reality being created by tampering with Temporal Prime. Occasionally, these 'different paths' remerge... we just had that happen, didn't we?

At least, thats how I look at it. As always, I am looking forward to Ed's own answers on this.

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 16 Feb 2013 20:02:23
Message:

Ahhh good to see the heralds are still at work and keeping coat of arms legal.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-21475707

As an aside, Ed can you spill the beans on any rogue heralds in Cormyr's recent history that didn't keep things legal (circa 1200 - 1400DR) and what if anything might have happened to them?

Cheers

Damian

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 16 Feb 2013 20:19:42
Message:

Hey Guys (and Gals): any chance we can avoid quoting entire walls of text as part of our responses?

I get my hopes up when I see there's some movement on this thread (the smaller the scroll bar on my browser, the more new posts are loading on the page since I last visited), but then I see someone's quoted an entire post, just to give a three sentence response.

Pretty please?

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 16 Feb 2013 21:43:24
Message:

Is there any further information available on Lyra, half-elven ranger and narrator in Elminster's Ecologies?

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 17 Feb 2013 04:40:32
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer

Hey Guys (and Gals): any chance we can avoid quoting entire walls of text as part of our responses?

I get my hopes up when I see there's some movement on this thread (the smaller the scroll bar on my browser, the more new posts are loading on the page since I last visited), but then I see someone's quoted an entire post, just to give a three sentence response.

Pretty please?

---

I'm inclined to agree.

Folks, I know we're all often eager to reply when the Lady Hooded One posts Ed's latest message, but we don't usually need to quote the entire lengthy message unless specifically referring to portions of that message. For further clarification or elaboration, it's fine. There just isn't any particular need to quote a message from Ed just to say "Thank you" or some such.

If we're intent on asking something further which pertains to a portion of the greater message from Ed, then I would ask that we all try instead to quote only the portion itself and not the whole message.

Thank you.

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 17 Feb 2013 08:40:43
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

Ed, I just read your latest Eye article, Alana Nruneree, Unraveler of Secrets (the name appears to be wrong; she’s called Alara in the text), and had a few questions.

Of the seven lords of Zirta, were any of them collectors of plays, chapbooks, rare books, spellbooks, scrolls or other forms of writing? If yes, could you tell us something about their collections and their dispersal or presumed loss in the strife that led to their owners’ demise? (The lords personal names aren’t necessary, in case you want to save that lore for later use.)

Would you be willing to elaborate on the general nature of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th measure of a four-stage contract, as written in the Sword Coast or Heartlands? Also, in the Realms as regards contract writing, is the word “measure” borrowed from written music scores and the like?

As a supplement to my question on 09 Feb 2013 : 22:44:28 regarding the Naughty Nine: the word “daerrem” applies to them, yes? It seems like it should, I’m just not sure if that word is more then a century old or not. Speaking of: is “daerrem” of the Common tongue? And is it by any chance borrowed from another language?

Lots of good stuff in that article to use.

Thank you both very much!

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 17 Feb 2013 21:13:20
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

In a previous reply to one of my question (back to January, the 24th), Ed had mentioned the presence of “adventurers’ clubs” in Waterdeep. It would be interesting for me to hear more about them, their operating and whereabouts in the city.

If he has time, maybe Elminster (who probably has an house somewhere hidden in Waterdeep) can say a little more about these clubs in the city of splendors ? Or about adventurers club in general ?

Marco
PS : maybe "adventurers' clubs" is just an Ed of the Greenwood term for "group of adventurers", and I've over-interpreted this expression ? It could be that, and if so, I hate my comprehension of english language...

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 Feb 2013 02:47:20
Message:

Hi again, all.
Marco Volo, I can assure you that Ed did NOT mean a band of adventurers when he said "adventurers' clubs," he meant actual clubs (like the clubs of Victorian and Edwardian London [[and P.G. Wodehouse novels]], some of which survive to this day). In other words, buildings housing organizations that adventurers can belong to, dine in, in some cases sleep in/live in [like a boarding house], and meet at.
And yes, Ed WILL detail some of these clubs in Waterdeep for you (and all of us), he promises. He just has to write a novel in a month, first. Or perhaps, during...
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Xar Zarath
Replied on: 18 Feb 2013 05:09:46
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, many fiends of the lower planes and angelic beings of the upper planes have access to powerful magic, including their own spellcasting powers, some of them are even epic magic. Whats to stop these beings from using gate spell or plane shifts(they could scry an area) into the Realms?

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 18 Feb 2013 07:22:26
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One
Marco Volo, I can assure you that Ed did NOT mean a band of adventurers when he said "adventurers' clubs," he meant actual clubs (like the clubs of Victorian and Edwardian London [[and P.G. Wodehouse novels]] (...)
And yes, Ed WILL detail some of these clubs in Waterdeep for you (and all of us), he promises. He just has to write a novel in a month, first. Or perhaps, during...

---

Thanks THO and (in advance) Ed ! I can wait, there's no hurry at all

---

Reply author: Eli the Tanner
Replied on: 18 Feb 2013 11:52:54
Message:

Hello Ed, and his illustrious scribe THO,

My university recently underwent a rather tumultuous merger to become part of a larger multi-college university, which resulted in all sorts of drama, cut backs, strikes, course changes etc. Although the change brought a lot of investment to the uni with new shiny buildings and cafeteria, a lot of us students had fight to keep our favourite lecturers and staged sit-ins to keep departments running….all in all it changed the feel of the university quite dramatically from a close-knit community to a much more professionally run but distinctly distant experience.

Now I‘m sure you’re thinking this is a rather odd place to bring this up but it made me wonder about the formation of the University of Silverymoon in 1369(ish). Having experienced a similar change myself, I’m curious how the various colleges were affected by joining the larger University. Was a curriculum introduced to bring some of the ‘wilder’ colleges up to standard? Did many haves courses or tutors cut? Who judged which colleges were fit to join or was it open to all? Did any students stage protests about the change? Did they fight for any notable lecturers or courses to be kept?

I’m aware Lady Alustriel subsidises the University and along with the ‘substantial fees’ to join the Lady’s College…what sort of improvements(if any) were made to the various colleges. What would you say is the biggest change post-merger, is there a different feel or culture in the uni compared to before? What is the pervading opinion of tutors since the change? Do they grumble about more paperwork or that ‘just any still-wet-inked scholar can wander in now!’? Any noted lecturer’s to take a public stance on the issue? Are there any great/famed pieces of research to emerge from the university since its formation?

A lot of queries for a rather complicated topic, I’m sure. I guess I have a personal interest in the idea but I think it could make quite a dynamic campaign backdrop too, with all sorts of politics and dealings going on to secure jobs or make a pretty coin. Perhaps adventurers being paid by one college to delegitimise the claim of another or to make sure a certain lecturer’s experiments lose their funding….all sorts of dirty secrets are upturned when such reshuffling occurs.

-Eli the Tanner

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 18 Feb 2013 22:28:14
Message:

Mass

So here I sit drawing (as usual) and a funny notion struck me as I was tweaking the Marsh of Chelimber. It occurred to me that at least two of Toril's massive swamps were created artificially, by outside forces 'adding' water to the planet. Over time, I'm sure this has happened a lot, and not just with water. In fact, we can even lump humans (ands other creatures) into this 'Mass Effect'. I can't imagine how much mass an Orc Horde is, but I'm sure its significant.

So we multiply all of the known events by 35K+ years, and also figure we probably know of only the 'big stuff' (I'm aware of 'imports' from other crystal spheres and planes as well). What that means is that Toril's Mass is constantly getting added to, and even if these things aren't very significant individually, they will add-up over time. Now, I'm not sure if you are aware of the problems centering around the Three Gorges Damn in China, but even in the RW just shifting large amounts of mass around can change the rotation of a planet. So if technology can cause such problems, I would imagine that magic - over the long run - could theoretically cause much more severe changes.

So, here my question - is there any sort of counter-balancing effect? Does Toril somehow 'bleed mass' so everything stays a constant?

---

Reply author: Mapolq
Replied on: 18 Feb 2013 23:55:18
Message:

Sorry to intrude on Ed's thread, I'll just make this comment in regards to Markustay's question.

I can't remember any event happening currently (late 1300s) which could alter the rotation of the planet significantly. The Marsh of Chelimber and the Akhlaur Swamp are wetlands, not lakes, and as such they don't hold a huge amount of water in them. The melting of the Great Glacier and the High Ice could actually have the opposite effect, as water runs from the icy highlands into lower seas and lakes. The mass of all interloper races combined would hardly make a dent on the calculations, however (unless you have a few billion titans hiding somewhere). In ancient times, the Netherese would actually be able to control this somewhat. Considering their flying enclaves were made out of mountains, if you take a 3-kilometre high enclave with a 50 square kilometre flat area, this will amount to 50 cubic kilometres of earth and stone (which is denser than water). Factor in about 50 enclaves, and you have 2500 cubic kilometres. Now, I suppose they could easily rise the center of gravity of the enclaves by, say, 7000 metres, or 40 times the height shift done by the Three Gorges Dam (they might need some breathing-assisting methods and heating to go that high, but, hey, they've got mythallars). So that's 2500 times the effect produced by the Chinese dam, which would slow Abeir-Toril's rotation by 0,00015 seconds a day, if my (and their) calculations are correct. So... not so much of a big deal after all.

---

Reply author: Euranna
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 01:46:22
Message:

My husband and I were talking this morning about different settings, and we started to talk to talk about Ravenloft and how the Mists take "people" from various worlds, including the Realms.
Which leads to my questions, does anyone in Realms know about the Mists (specifically El)? Maybe not a lot of information, but is it known that it exists and does on occasion claim people in various worlds?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 03:28:38
Message:

Hi again, all.
Euranna, the answer to your question is: Oh, yes.
When Ravenloft was being created,Jeff Grubb asked Ed to prepare a list of notable Realms individuals who could have "disappeared" from the Realms (and wound up in Ravenloft). The one that was used in published lore was Gondegal, the "Lost King" who fought to end up on the throne of Cormyr, but Ed prepared quite a few, with the background stories of "who knew what" (or what gossip said, more often) about their disappearances.
I read what Ed wrote (all of we Knights discussed it, yes with TSR's approval), and not just El and his fellow Chosen knew about the mists (and Ravenloft at the other end of them), quite a few wizards and high-ranking priests across the Realms did.
That was TSR's official position at the time, though I don't think it was ever outlined explicitly in print.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Euranna
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 03:40:42
Message:

Thank you THO. I actually thought perhaps the Chosen would know about it. Much like when a paladin shows up in on of the domain lords' domains, they know. That is a heavy magic to move through with no one noticing.

I think I now have a fun idea for an adventure.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 04:14:17
Message:

To expand on that, a bit... How much did they know about the Mists? Did they just know the Mists popped up and took people elsewhere, or did they know where those folks went? Was there any way of telling the difference between the Mists and regular mist/fog? And did they have any way of knowing when or where the Mists would appear?

Even further, were there any legends about the Mists? "You don't want to go into that valley, son, not tonight. I remember one night, many winters ago, when I was no older'n you. Mists like that gathered down in the valley, and the locals knew not to go in there. But that highnose Sir Gadariel, he wasn't going to let a tale or two scare him none, and he rode down in there. We looked for 'im the next day, a course. Old Tarl, he found the hoofprints. It wasn't but a few minutes later he found where the hoofprints got lighter and then disappeared altogether. And then we added Sir Gadariel to the Book of the Lost that Father Melcam keeps in his shrine."

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 08:13:37
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

To expand on that, a bit... How much did they know about the Mists? Did they just know the Mists popped up and took people elsewhere, or did they know where those folks went? Was there any way of telling the difference between the Mists and regular mist/fog? And did they have any way of knowing when or where the Mists would appear?

---

From the perspective of RAVENLOFT, this was covered in the Realms of Dread boxed set. Most Realmsfolk had little to no existent knowledge of what happened to the people and/or regions stolen by the Mists from Toril.

I don't recall it ever being exclusively dealt with in the Realmslore, so I'm kind of keen to hear what Ed has to say on this as well.

...

Additionally, Ed, I'll add my own query to this Mist-centric series, and ask whether the Mists [providing Realmsfolk know of them] might have been successfully prevented from taking anything from the Realms in its history?

---

Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 10:56:12
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One
(...)
and not just El and his fellow Chosen knew about the mists (and Ravenloft at the other end of them), quite a few wizards and high-ranking priests across the Realms did.
(...)
love,
THO

---

How could they know about Ravenloft? I mean, theoretically people don't come back to tell about it. Did they know someone who managed this incredible feat? If so, how spread would be this knowledge? I mean, maybe one of the Chosen knew someone that came back and told the others, but how much would a priest or mage know about it, especially if he or she is not close to any of the Chosen? Or the few wizards and priests who know about it are all allies of the Chosen? Have any chosen, or one of those wizards or priests, been there personally, or somehow scried Ravenloft? And finally, do they know about Athas, another supposedly isolated world/setting?

---

Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 16:17:10
Message:

"another supposedly isolated world/setting"?
Hang on, now. Athas from the outset was explicitly presented as an isolated setting. Ravenloft was presented as a demiplane that impinged upon and interacted with ALL settings (so, hardly "isolated").
No surprise to reveal that I, too, am interested in hearing more from Ed on this.
BB

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 16:26:56
Message:

The crossover module(s) regarding Spulzeer covers some of this - the Mists have stolen places from FR before.

My last FR campaign - about seven years ago now - I had Elminster stuck in Ravenloft during the game. I can't recall the precise back-story I came up with, but I do recall the other Chosen were looking for him and trying to bring him home. (I basically didn't want the PCs to "go looking for Elminster"). Its funny looking back now, because that game happened to be set in 1385 DR (and my one before that was setting in the late 1400's of Toril, over in Anchorome... those pesky designers need to stop peaking through my windows!)

There's also a Red Wizard of Thay that made it over to Ravenloft - one can assume at least some Red Wizards know of the Mists.

@Mapolq - my question wasn't about any specific occurrence, but rather the cumulative effect over thousands upon thousands of years - we have evidence of entire SJ hives/civilizations making their homes on Toril as well. The question can even be broadened to D&D in general - every planet gets mass added to it, even incrementally, every time someone summons something or conjures matter from the elemental planes. I was just wondering if Ed has thought about this, or if he has any ideas about what sort of counter-balancing measures are in-place (either put there on-purpose by 'the powers that be', or just something that occurs naturally).

When I look at his approach to world-design, I realize everything has a sort-of 'weight' to it (good, evil, law, chaos, magic, etc), and he has thought about these types of balancing factors in other regards.

---

Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 16:35:18
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Blueblade

"another supposedly isolated world/setting"?
Hang on, now. Athas from the outset was explicitly presented as an isolated setting. Ravenloft was presented as a demiplane that impinged upon and interacted with ALL settings (so, hardly "isolated").
(...)

---

Well, I said that because even if Ravenloft touched every other setting, it should be a dimension without return, so almost everyone would never know about it (it's isolated in one-way, let's say). And there is also a reference of a Dark Sun primer character in a Planescape book, so it's not completely isolated.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 17:07:47
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barastir

quote:

---

Originally posted by Blueblade

"another supposedly isolated world/setting"?
Hang on, now. Athas from the outset was explicitly presented as an isolated setting. Ravenloft was presented as a demiplane that impinged upon and interacted with ALL settings (so, hardly "isolated").
(...)

---

Well, I said that because even if Ravenloft touched every other setting, it should be a dimension without return, so almost everyone would never know about it (it's isolated in one-way, let's say). And there is also a reference of a Dark Sun primer character in a Planescape book, so it's not completely isolated.

---

It is possible to escape from Ravenloft; it's just very difficult. Divination and deities could also be further sources of information. Even if deities are unwilling to speak on the nature of the Dark Powers, they could still know about the demiplane -- especially those deities with followers there.

So it would be possible for information about Ravenloft to exist in the lands beyond the Mists.

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 19:52:28
Message:

Ed,

I've been more interested in Soorenar the past little bit. Its where one of my main NPC's (Sleyvas) fled after being labeled a renegade red wizard (and after arranging his innocent wife's fake demise and relocation through Elminster in return for future favors). Being a warrior-wizard, he fit in with the culture, plus he found himself turning to the church of the red knight. He also found himself involved with the church of Velsharoon, which had setup a temple in the lands surrounding the mortal Velsharoon's Tower Terrible. However, in 4th edition, it seems that Soorenar is drowned. I'm wondering.... HOW was it drowned? Did it have to do with Akanul falling upon it? Was it some other event? When did it happen? Did the Tower Terrible survive the event?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 20:43:00
Message:

Hi again, everyone.
Jeremy, "Alara" rather than "Alana" is indeed correct.
All interested scribes, re. Ravenloft: Wooly is right, one CAN return from Ravenloft, and in fact there have been quite a few "returns" to the Realms, including of adventuring bands deliberately sent in to bring someone back.
So it's not surprising that high-ranking priests and certain wizards (who have means of finding out more about the Mists than the legends and wild tavern tales most folk in the Realms have) know a little about Ravenloft. Just as they know a little (however wrong, distorted, or incomplete) about various other planes.
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: Euranna
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 21:10:16
Message:

I am so very glad that my question sparked so much interest. It has stirred more discussion in my house. Especially Wooly's additional questions. I would be curious to know how those that know of the Mists and Ravenloft think of it? Is it a necessity/good thing? Something to be stopped/prevented?

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 22:34:00
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, everyone.
Jeremy, "Alara" rather than "Alana" is indeed correct.
All interested scribes, re. Ravenloft: Wooly is right, one CAN return from Ravenloft, and in fact there have been quite a few "returns" to the Realms, including of adventuring bands deliberately sent in to bring someone back.
So it's not surprising that high-ranking priests and certain wizards (who have means of finding out more about the Mists than the legends and wild tavern tales most folk in the Realms have) know a little about Ravenloft. Just as they know a little (however wrong, distorted, or incomplete) about various other planes.
love to all,
THO

---

Anything you can add about any of these groups, who they rescued, or their adventures?

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 20 Feb 2013 01:25:09
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

There's also a Red Wizard of Thay that made it over to Ravenloft - one can assume at least some Red Wizards know of the Mists.

---

There are religious aspects that have found grounding in the Realm of Dread as well -- like Lathander and Bane.

So it's not only people and places, but ideas and faiths as well.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 20 Feb 2013 01:29:34
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barastir

quote:

---

Originally posted by Blueblade

"another supposedly isolated world/setting"?
Hang on, now. Athas from the outset was explicitly presented as an isolated setting. Ravenloft was presented as a demiplane that impinged upon and interacted with ALL settings (so, hardly "isolated").
(...)

---

Well, I said that because even if Ravenloft touched every other setting, it should be a dimension without return, so almost everyone would never know about it (it's isolated in one-way, let's say). And there is also a reference of a Dark Sun primer character in a Planescape book, so it's not completely isolated.

---

It is possible to escape from Ravenloft; it's just very difficult.

---

By it's supposed nature, only the Dark Powers can release a trapped person or land from RAVENLOFT. But there are alternate cases, and those characters affected by "higher powers" -- like TSR/WotC. The case of Lord Soth, for example.

quote:

---

Divination and deities could also be further sources of information. Even if deities are unwilling to speak on the nature of the Dark Powers, they could still know about the demiplane -- especially those deities with followers there.

---

The 3e books suggested that the Mists and the Dark Powers actually could create "voids" in the minds of all non-RAVENLOFT inhabitants who could potentially come to know of the demiplane. Knowledge of RAVENLOFT would be stricken from their minds -- existing specifically as a blank memory. It wasn't ever made clear as to whether deities where affected as well.

And, really, I think this had more to do with the 3e version of RAVENLOFT divorcing itself from the inter-campaign setting connections that were so prominent in the 2e setting.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 20 Feb 2013 01:31:25
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, everyone.
Jeremy, "Alara" rather than "Alana" is indeed correct.
All interested scribes, re. Ravenloft: Wooly is right, one CAN return from Ravenloft, and in fact there have been quite a few "returns" to the Realms, including of adventuring bands deliberately sent in to bring someone back.
So it's not surprising that high-ranking priests and certain wizards (who have means of finding out more about the Mists than the legends and wild tavern tales most folk in the Realms have) know a little about Ravenloft. Just as they know a little (however wrong, distorted, or incomplete) about various other planes.
love to all,
THO

---

Further query, my lovely lady...

Have these high-ranking priests and wizards ever deliberately sought more knowledge about the Mists and/or the Realm of Dread from their gods? What has occurred as a result of their investigations?

---

Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 20 Feb 2013 10:54:03
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Sage

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

There's also a Red Wizard of Thay that made it over to Ravenloft - one can assume at least some Red Wizards know of the Mists.

---

There are religious aspects that have found grounding in the Realm of Dread as well -- like Lathander and Bane.

So it's not only people and places, but ideas and faiths as well.

---

I've always thought that returning was so hard and difficult that knowlegde would be minimal... And about FR people living and even founding religious service in RL was expected, I just didn't know that people back in Toril would know about them.

Bbout THO's response, my question is: average folk in taverns DO know about the mists? What kind of legends the average Faerûnian knows about the Realms of Dread?

---

Reply author: Eldacar
Replied on: 20 Feb 2013 13:03:32
Message:

I have a question (my first of the new year, I think, and very, VERY belated Happy New Year and so on to Ed, late though it may be...) based on one of the few D&D 3rd edition sourcebooks I didn't have lying around until recently (which I now have, but here, there, neither, etc.), specifically "Magic of Incarnum" and the possibilities of using it in existing campaign settings.

I'm not sure how familiar Ed is with the Incarnum system and setting information that it introduces or relies on, but Incarnum is basically soul energy, blue in colour, an "amorphous magical substance made up of the soul energies of all sentient creatures - living, dead, and perhaps those not even yet born". There are also soulmelds (semipermanent magical effects crafted from raw incarnum) and essentia (a personal store of incarnum that each individual carries around - everybody supposedly has it, but only some can learn to manipulate it). It also introduces Dusklings (supposedly native to Arvandor or the House of Nature in the Realms cosmology), little fae with a penchant for manipulating incarnum.

There were two online articles I can find that talked about it in FR-specific contexts:

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070808
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070904

Specifically from the first article: "The lore presented above can be used instead of or in addition to that which is presented in the rest of the entry. Incarnum can be accessed in the Realms via the descendants of heavy magic, the manipulation of the wisps of energy cast off from major magical disturbances, or by other, heretofore unforeseen sources."

I am wondering if Ed has any thoughts on the system and its suitability for the Realms. Or if it could/should be placed in FR at all, in his opinion as forger of the Realms (there are other elements of D&D that don't quite fit, after all - as I recall, one of my previous questions involving Time Dragons had the notation that they aren't very common at all). Incarnum seems very... different to most magic systems in 3rd edition, and I'm not personally sure if it really fits. While the Realms is home to many different things in varying quantities, some will obviously fit into it better than others.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 20 Feb 2013 18:33:40
Message:

Hi again, all. I bring you a swift reply from Ed to Eldacar, re. incarnum:

Hi, Eldacar, and may your 2013 be happy, prosperous, and eventually fond in memory!
Yes, incarnum is certainly suitable for the Realms. I have always envisaged the Realms as having many, many systems of magic (including "wild talents" that eventually made it into the game as the sorcerer class, so-called wild magic, table magic, circle magic and spellsinging [both of which have also entered the rules, albeit in altered form from my originals], mantles, mythals, and so on; I created literally DOZENS of magic systems for the Realms). Just as I posited countless variant versions of the "known" spells.
The root idea is to keep things on a roleplaying level, so players won't be able to use their metagame knowledge to unerringly discern things about every magical foe because they've memorized the PHB and the DMG; they will be confronted with magic as something they have to observe on the spot, make guesses about, and act accordingly.
Yes, it's confusing, and yes, all gamers will need to tinker with rules to make sure things aren't unbalanced (or that they've considered what will happen when magical effect X runs full-tilt into magical effect Y), but the more the merrier, I say. Keeps things lively, spurs constant new plot ideas, and restores some of the mystery and therefore respect to magic (rather than the "See that fireball? He CAN'T be more than xth level, so his max hit points have to be Z or less, so HIT HIM, everybody!" thinking that so often replaces the "Try not to attract his notice; he's a WIZARD!" thinking that should prevail, more often).
So, yes, go right ahead and use incarnum. I have.


So saith Ed, creator of mythals, mantles, spellsinging, and so on.
And not a bad fencer, before his knees gave out.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: dravenloft
Replied on: 20 Feb 2013 22:35:54
Message:

Milady THO, question for Ed or yourself about the day-to-day eating habits of Cormyrians and Waterhavians.

For nobles and commoners what's "normal food"? Is there much overlap? I can think of a few examples from Ed's books, and a few of Elaine's, but Stormlight's feast scene has foods in it even some of the nobility at the table wasn't entirely sure the nature of, which leads me to believe the Summerstars were putting on a show for the vaious visitors and pulling out all the stops.

Same sorts of things can be said in Cormyr. City of Splendors and the Arylin and Danilo stories seem to indicate an incredible number of seafood stews for the common folk, but is there anything else, or any common thread to the recipes?

I've been watching the various food questions and well, loads of answers about parties and so on, but not what a Suzailian noble's daughter might just get a hankerin' for.

Thanks.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Feb 2013 02:21:51
Message:

Hi again, all.
dravenloft, Ed has answered many, many food questions down the years (even to giving recipes), and the short answer to your question is: nobles have the money to eat meat and exotic (that is, from afar) food more often than commoners, but all in all, everyone eats everything. Yes, nobles put on a show when they have guests, but otherwise eat their favorite foods if they can get them (and they usually can, being the owners of lands that may have tenant farmers or are suitable for hunting.
Here's Ed from 1987, on the difference between what's on a Cormyrean nobleman's platter on a typical no-guests/no-big-feast night, versus what his own servants are eating:

The lord will have three sorts of wines with the various "removes" (courses) of his meal, and will begin with soup (turtle or chicken broth with dumplings) and savoury tarts, probably fish or chicken livers cooked with wine and spices, then move on to game birds or roast boar or venison (marinaded overnight, and then stuffed with a strong savoury stuffing of mushrooms, herbs, spices, and a contrasting-in-flavour meat [goose, perhaps]), and then end with a fantastic fruits-cooked-in-sugar-syrup open-topped pie, or small pastries making heavy use of cherries and citrus peel.
His servants will have the same soup, augmented with more dumplings and leftover gravies and table vegetables from the night before, to make a thicker stew, then a "brandinage" (= loose mess on the plate) of all the ingredients that went into the stuffed roast or game birds, and then biscuits. Dessert, if any, will be biscuits drenched in honey or smeared with the "bowl leftovers" of the fruits and peels mix of the pie.

Of course, commoners working in city streets, shops, and workshops will have more "hand pies," pastries, and sausages (portable foods), and undoubtedly Waterdhavian nobles and commoners will have more seafood (eel pies for commoners and buttered snails for nobles are common Waterdhavian dishes, I know), but I'll have to nudge Ed for the Waterdhavian equivalent of the "typical wuiet night at home" noble meal vs. the meal for the servants, for you.
Mmmm, I've just eaten and I'm getting hungry all over again . . .
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Feb 2013 02:38:33
Message:

Aaaand I'm back, or rather Ed is, with a response to this, from Damian: "As an aside, Ed can you spill the beans on any rogue heralds in Cormyr's recent history that didn't keep things legal (circa 1200 - 1400DR) and what if anything might have happened to them?"
Ed replies:


Heralds who make too many mistakes, or who engage in "dishonesty of office" (such as twisting blazons or who can use them in return for covert payments) get dismissed and imprisoned for a year or two or even three (so they can't sew discord or confusion while their replacement settles into the office they formerly held). The High Heralds see to this, in cooperation with various rulers (and no, there is VERY rarely dishonesty among the High Heralds, though there are respectful disputes). Local heralds (and especially the ruler-appointed "court heralds") are the sources of such backsliding. Local heralds dismissed in disgrace during the time period you mention were almost all in Sembia, and took bribes to style various wealthy Sembian non-nobles as full nobility WITH FAKED CONNECTIONS TO real, established nobility from elsewhere in the Realms. The heralds holding the offices of Bronzetree, Gelgorget, Hardragonet, and Elmaer were all removed and replaced.
In Cormyr, Lord Helstallion was exiled and lost his title (though the rest of his family were unaffected) because he imprisoned a local herald for a short period so he could forge grants of arms and letters purporting to be from that herald, so assassins he'd hired could be passed off as visiting nobility from the Shining South, and so gain access to a rival noble he wanted slain (the scheme was seen through by War Wizards before any killing could be attempted; Helstallion's punishment was purely for impersonating a herald).


So saith Ed. Who once contemplated trying to become a herald in real life.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 21 Feb 2013 05:41:11
Message:

Is "brandinage" a real-world term or a Realms term? I tried looking it up in my home dictionary and online, but couldn't find mention of it beyond misspellings of "brand image".

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 21 Feb 2013 09:12:28
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One
The heralds holding the offices of Bronzetree, Gelgorget, Hardragonet, and Elmaer were all removed and replaced.

In Cormyr, Lord Helstallion was exiled and lost his title (though the rest of his family were unaffected)

---

Many many thanks for the additional Herald lore, were the Herald titles named above 'retired' because of the scandal's they were involved with or are they reused by the new incumbent?


ooooo nice to see another 'unknown' Noble family make an appearance. I don't suppose there is any more on the Helstallion's is there? (do we have a 'fingers crossed' smiley?)

Kind regards

Damian

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 21 Feb 2013 14:08:40
Message:

While we are on the topic....

How FAR does the Herald's purview extend? I assume it runs north to south from the far north of Faerûn down to the Utter East, but what about east and west? Does it stop at The Moonshaes, or at Thay? Does it extend further south then I think, down into Zakhara, or further east into Kara-Tur? For instance, do The Heralds recognize any coat-of-arms for Kourmira (the new capital of the Tuigan nation)?

What about what happens in Maztica? We know that there is/was colonies there, and nobles were granted tracks of land - have the Heralds extended their sway to that continent as well, now?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Feb 2013 16:38:43
Message:

Hi again, all. Talked to Ed this morning, and . . .
Jeremy, "brandinage" is a Realms term (i.e. Ed invented it). He tried to signal that by putting quotation marks around it.
Damian, the heraldic offices weren't retired; when Ed said "replaced," he meant that new individuals from the ranks of the pursuivants (novice heralds, in training) were elevated into those posts, so the same names of those heraldic offices persist.
(And yes, there'll be more on the Helstallions, somewhere and sometime. Soon, if Ed can manage it, but no promises.)
Markustay, officially the Heralds "have dominion over" the entire world. In daily practice, they are respected and consulted to JUST east of Thay and to Ulgarth (so, not in Kara-Tur or Zakhara - - but for folk of the Sword Coast and Heartlands and Shining South and Inner Sea lands, who travel elsewhere (e.g. Maztica, or Returned Abeir when sailing there is possible), the "writ" of the High Heralds accompanies and governs them; i.e. just because you leave mainland Faerûn doesn't mean you can now ignore the rules and decrees of the Heralds.
There we are, a few grace notes of Realmslore, nailed down for all. Ed promises some commentary on the Mists of Ravenloft, when he can.
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: HunterOfStorms
Replied on: 22 Feb 2013 00:24:41
Message:

Hi THO and Ed,
It's been a long time since I raised a question, but while the subject of heralds is being explored, I'd like to know how the Heralds and heralds of the Realms interact with non-human symbology:

Will non-human eg. dwarven, elven etc heraldry be recognised by human heralds?
Vice versa?
Would they (heralds) consider it legal to incorporate dwarven/elven/etc arms into a human crest and arms (because the requester thinks its 'cool' for example) or would there be some regulation over this?

How about an ancient coat of arms (bloodline presumed extinct)- 1)from existing nation or 2)extinct nation - being resurrected by someone:
Because it looks good?
Or because they believe themselves to be a remote descendant?
Or they are trying to create a claim of legitamacy to an area?
Is it considered legal to adopt such symbology if Heralds find no other current genuine claimant?
Or would such heraldry be considered forever retired?

Alright, that's several questions. I should stop now before I get too carried away :)

Hunter

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 22 Feb 2013 09:15:55
Message:

Hello Ed and THO!

Ed, I just read your Forging the Realms article Melve's Way and I delighted in the potential for gnomish-wreaked havoc should any number of them decide to fight.

Thus I was wondering if the Crown of Cormyr or certain nobles have ever taken to utilizing gnomes as spies, creators of "accidents" or even as slayers?

I realize gnomes will not wish to damage their positive (racial) reputation, yet I can't help but think someone would want to utilize them or that there are gnomes eager to do more than be an ever cheery helper and repairer of things.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 22 Feb 2013 14:55:56
Message:

Thanks for the speedy response, Ed & THO.

Just a couple of more related questions - if a group of Kara-Turrans came to FR (which they did, starting at the end of 2e, and it escalated), and they did have their own heraldry (devices, symbols, etc), would the heralds incorporate that? What about troops from Zakhara, who (usually) would have different devices for each city (each city having its own independent army) - some of them hire out as mercenaries, and it s likely at least a few companies have made it into the southern Realms. Also, Nimbral is at about the same latitude as Zakhara - do the Heralds also keep track f things in Nimbral? Lastly, since I know they keep track of all related fields (like Orcish banners), how about things like Pirate Flags?

Basically, I guess what I am asking is, do they keep track of EVERYTHING they encounter/become aware of, even if its from outside their normal purview (a bit of heraldry on a Spelljamming vessel, for instance, or a fiendish symbol on a company of Bloodwar fiends)?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 00:51:22
Message:

Hi again, all. Herewith, Ed responds to HunterOfStorms:

“Will non-human eg. dwarven, elven etc heraldry be recognised by human heralds?”
Ed: Yes.

“Vice versa?”
Ed: Yes, the High Heralds are recognized by all “civilized” races (this includes hobgoblins and orcs) as “THE” keepers of blazons and grants of arms. Where non-human races differ from human is the extent to which they’ll strictly and precisely obey the heralds - - or to put it another way, a human brigand or most orcs and hobgoblins would use the blazons of a rival tribe or clan (or coster or other organization they don’t belong to) for battlefield trickery, whereas a human noble or royalty or shopkeeping or guilded commoner wouldn’t dare.

“Would they (heralds) consider it legal to incorporate dwarven/elven/etc arms into a human crest and arms (because the requester thinks its 'cool' for example) or would there be some regulation over this?”
Ed: There are regulations (which aren’t published; they boil down to the High Heralds’ judgment, which tends to be strict and narrow in this regard). ELEMENTS (i.e. a “charge”) of elven or dwarven symbols can be incorporated into human arms to signify battle victories over a race (or far more often, specific clan or city or house or family), or more often to signify intermarriages, or even more often to signify alliances or trade joint-ventures.

“How about an ancient coat of arms (bloodline presumed extinct)- 1)from existing nation or 2)extinct nation - being resurrected by someone:
Because it looks good?”
Ed: No. Again, individual charges can be used, but in ways sufficiently different from former usages as to deny confusion (in the heralds’ judgment).

“Or because they believe themselves to be a remote descendant?”
Ed: They would have to prove the descent to the heralds (who are obligated to help them in research, not hinder or casually dismiss them). Mere belief (and even a name or names shared with the possible ancestors) isn’t sufficient. Failure to satisfy the heralds means denial of use of the arms.

“Or they are trying to create a claim of legitimacy to an area?”
Ed: Again, they would have to prove legitimiate descent or inheritance (the heralds guard against this very tendency to claim rights to an area loudly enough and long enough that eventually it becomes unquestioned). If someone with the rights to grant land, such as a ruler, grants such land to someone who has a title or who is given a title by the ruler, the heralds step in to craft a blazon, badge, motto, colors, and so on for the land/title recipient.

“Is it considered legal to adopt such symbology if Heralds find no other current genuine claimant? Or would such heraldry be considered forever retired?”
Ed: Vacant titles and lands don’t come with arms, in the same way as in our real world, having the same surname as someone who was once granted arms doesn’t entitle you to use those arms, if you aren’t related to the armigerous individual(s). So, no, a person in the Realms who knows or assumes a title is vacant can’t just adopt it and the blazon used by the last known holder (or an earlier one). The heralds grant arms to individuals, and confirm descendants in the use of blazons that are inherited (some blazons go with offices, some descend through the generations of titled noble houses, some die with their original holders).
The heraldry of a particular title, office, or family that MAY have died out is held in abeyance by the Heralds in case a “long lost” heir surfaces, so for practical purposes it is retired. If no such heir ever appears, that retirement in effect becomes permanent.
“Permanent retirements” become official when rulers officially dissolve or transfer titles or offices from one bloodline to another.
Things get complicated (and decided on a case-by-case basis) when it comes to rulers trying to strip armigerous noble families of their status, but in general the heralds prevent/deny individual monarchs from stripping noble houses of their heraldry. If a king hates a particular noble, that noble can be exiled and stripped of their lands and titles in a kingdom, but in exile can still style themselves as noble and use their blazons (in fact, should they invade the kingdom and try to overthrow the king, the heralds would expect them to openly use their rightful blazons, not try trickery such as using the blazons of others).


So saith Ed, who loves heraldry (the heraldry of the Realms by and large follows the practices of real-world British heraldry, though some regions in the Realms allow “metals on metals” and “colors on colors” and non-gender-specific shields (rather than lozenges) that the real-life College of Arms would deny.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 00:59:50
Message:

Aaaand Ed's right back, with a brief note to sleyvas:

Sorry. Fate of Soorenar NDA right now. Will answer this one when I can.

And another to Markustay:

Yes, the High Heralds try to keep track of ALL heraldry that comes to their attention, however crude (i.e. only simple badges, or simple colors) and however much it contradicts established human-Heartlands-heraldry as administered by the High Heralds for centuries. They do this in their travels, and from reports made to them by local and court heralds (and explorers and far-faring costers and individual merchant traders) everywhere.

And to Jeremy Grenemyer:

The short answer is yes. Both the Crown of Cormyr and many nobles have made use of gnomes, more as "passive eyes" (spies) and smugglers of small, vital items to particular endangered individuals (such as other agents) than as assassins or James-Bond-like violent field agents. Naturally, such usages are kept as secret as possible. A future Forging column will have more to say about the useful-to-adventurers behaviour of particular gnomes.


So saith Ed. Who is humming along through familiar seas of Realmslore, if I'm not manglign metaphors TOO horribly (if I am, you know the appropriate punishments, scribes [wink wink]).
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 06:09:19
Message:

On of the most interesting topics in any realms product came in Volo's Guide to Cormyr: The Sword Heralds. I love the verses that give clues and the wide variety of extradimensional spaces they created. Despite all the great lore about them "The aims, identities, and ultimate fates of the Sword Heralds remain shrouded in mystery." I'm wondering if THO or Ed could shed more light on any of the 15+ unnamed Sword Heralds, any other extra-dimensional vaults you may have detailed for your home campaign, more verses, etc.

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Reply author: sfdragon
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 07:35:18
Message:

I am so going to get the end effect of Elminster's hammer of nda on this but.....

Tyr the former god of justice, by all rumors of 5e stating that all gods that were around at the time of 3.x were coming back.

Is Tyr going to take up justice again or is he going to become a deity of something else, say the god of penance and leave Torm with law and such......

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 15:31:56
Message:

Hi again, all.
Sorry, sfdragon, but the Tyr lore is indeed NDA (as is just about anything specific about how things will be in the "New Realms"). Ed can tell you this much: that what you ask has been decided.
Similarly, Ed conveys his regrets to The Masked Mage: The Sword Heralds are NDA for a different reason. Hopefully to be swept away one day, when many secrets are dramatically revealed.
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 17:32:12
Message:

Thanks for the responses, yet again. I would imagine they get quite a bit of info from the Harpers in that regard (since Harpers travel EVERYWHERE), which explains their past connections. Is Candlekeep in any way affiliated with them as well? I am thinking that all 'centers of Knowledge & Learning' (groups that keep large libraries and excellent records) would have some sort of understanding with each other, or is it more of a competitive thing?

@THO - {In best Beavis & Butthead voice} heh heh... heh heh...

She said 'humming' and ask for punishment in the same sentence.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 18:30:35
Message:

I did, didn't I?
How . . . unaccidental.
(And yes, the Harpers have always been a source of information for the High Heralds, and continue to be, though for the last century-and-a-bit it's been "unofficial" rather than formal, as it once was.)
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 19:58:17
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Sorry, sfdragon, but the Tyr lore is indeed NDA (as is just about anything specific about how things will be in the "New Realms"). Ed can tell you this much: that what you ask has been decided.
Similarly, Ed conveys his regrets to The Masked Mage: The Sword Heralds are NDA for a different reason. Hopefully to be swept away one day, when many secrets are dramatically revealed.
love to all,
THO

---

OH NO - the dreaded NDA stamp of doom!

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 21:08:46
Message:

Hello Ed and Tho (and SES if he is reading this)

There is a lot of Manshoon discussion at the mo going on in other threads and I have just one question please.

On the cover of Cloak and Dagger we see what looks like three of the Manshoon clones being viewed in crystal balls with an older looking wizard scrying them.

Is the older wizard the real Manshoon in his extra-dimensional hidey-hole watching the unfurling chaos of the clone wars?

Thanks

Damian

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 23 Feb 2013 22:18:54
Message:

Once again, apologies if this has been answered before, but a quick search yields no results having these two words in the same post.

Is it a coincidence that Uloushinn and Ulutiun are so close in likely pronunciation... and the cultures they apply to seem to have absolutely no links to one another?

What am I missing? Is there a backstage explanation?

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 24 Feb 2013 00:30:52
Message:

QUESTION: I just noticed that on the original 1e/OGB maps the Greypeaks are called the Nether Mountains. Was this an error, your original naming conventions, or something else entirely?

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Masked Mage

OH NO - the dreaded NDA stamp of doom!

---

I believe the N'Da are a hitherto unclassified form of fiend, related to such emotion-draining creatures as fear lords (amongst others).

Once you encounter one of these, you are filled with a pervasive sense of dread, as if you forgot something and you can't quite seem to recall what it was you forgot. Continued exposure to a N'Da will eventually result in insanity, as the "thing that slipped your mind" causes severe paranoia and depression, and eventually death.

It is widely believed that the N'da were first summoned to the Prime Material by the Wizards that dwell upon the Coast (a fearsome bunch indeed), but records from much earlier civilization - like the Tszars of Deandy - indicate that these creatures predate the Prime Material Plane itself, and have been plaguing mortals since the signing of the first infernal contract.

Occasionally they can be found in the company of lesser fiends known as 'Gag Auders' (a demon capable of making a person literally vomit information from their minds). Those beings create the exact environment - a state of perpetual forgetfulness - that the N'Da thrive in.

---

Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 24 Feb 2013 22:59:54
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by crazedventurers

Hello Ed and Tho (and SES if he is reading this)

Is the older wizard the real Manshoon in his extra-dimensional hidey-hole watching the unfurling chaos of the clone wars?

---

I am neither of the worthies you asked for help on this one, but I can tell you that the "older wizard" is Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun.

The original cover mock-up, which I link to below, makes that clearer:

http://book-covers.lucywho.com/forgotten-realms-nobles-book-covers-t2578487.html

-- George Krashos

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 07:15:51
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by George Krashos
I am neither of the worthies you asked for help on this one, but I can tell you that the "older wizard" is Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun.

---

Thanks George for the update and the other cover, something I have never seen before

Cheers

Damian

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 07:33:43
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

If a king hates a particular noble, that noble can be exiled and stripped of their lands and titles in a kingdom, but in exile can still style themselves as noble and use their blazons (in fact, should they invade the kingdom and try to overthrow the king, the heralds would expect them to openly use their rightful blazons, not try trickery such as using the blazons of others).

---

So if I’m reading this right, should the Bleths and Merendils formerly of Cormyr ever get around to raising an army and sailing out of parts south on the Dragonmere to lay siege to Suzail, the Heralds would expect to see the arms of those two houses prominently displayed and at the fore, as opposed to members of these families hiding behind the logos or arms or whatever of all the mercenary companies employed in the siege?

And should an individual who has proven to the Heralds satisfaction that they’re of the (extinct, if I recall correctly) Sarlival noble family, he or she could join in this invasion with the Sarlival arms showing?

Ha! All this Herald stuff has become interesting to me, now that I can see the potential for stylish mayhem and vengeance.

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 08:10:38
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

If a king hates a particular noble, that noble can be exiled and stripped of their lands and titles in a kingdom, but in exile can still style themselves as noble and use their blazons (in fact, should they invade the kingdom and try to overthrow the king, the heralds would expect them to openly use their rightful blazons, not try trickery such as using the blazons of others).

---

So if I’m reading this right, should the Bleths and Merendils formerly of Cormyr ever get around to raising an army and sailing out of parts south on the Dragonmere to lay siege to Suzail, the Heralds would expect to see the arms of those two houses prominently displayed and at the fore, as opposed to members of these families hiding behind the logos or arms or whatever of all the mercenary companies employed in the siege?

And should an individual who has proven to the Heralds satisfaction that they’re of the (extinct, if I recall correctly) Sarlival noble family, he or she could join in this invasion with the Sarlival arms showing?

Ha! All this Herald stuff has become interesting to me, now that I can see the potential for stylish mayhem and vengeance.

---

It might be me, but I'd think once they get to the point of invading a kingdom to take over, the authority of the Heralds would be of little concern.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 14:04:17
Message:

"I'm sorry Szass Tam, but that Hobgoblin legion is wearing slightly incorrect unit patches - the Griffon is clearly Rampant, when its attitude should be Rampant Guardant. Please go back and make all the proper corrections to the insignia".

"Darn it... and I so wanted to be sipping tea out of the Simbul's skull by nightfall. Bummer."




Question: Another thread inspired me to think about Mythals - were there any Spellfire users involved in raising Myth Drannor's Mythal? How about other Mythals?

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Reply author: Darian
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 19:36:46
Message:

This is my first post and my first question for Ed. I hope the question was not already asked :)
It's about paladins, my favourite class.

Question: Are there any special rituals after the novice has been accepted? Maybe something like a knighting ceremony. And what are - for example - the differences between a Torm ceremony and a Helm ceremony.

And please: We need more "Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms" - Books ;-)

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 21:26:43
Message:

Not sure if I've asked this one, or not... And this is one I'm thinking our lovely Lady Hooded One would be able to answer:

What is five o'clock shadow called, in the Realms?

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Reply author: HunterOfStorms
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 01:19:20
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all. Herewith, Ed responds to HunterOfStorms:

... snipped for space ...

So saith Ed, who loves heraldry (the heraldry of the Realms by and large follows the practices of real-world British heraldry, though some regions in the Realms allow “metals on metals” and “colors on colors” and non-gender-specific shields (rather than lozenges) that the real-life College of Arms would deny.
love,
THO

---

Thanks THO and Ed for such a swift reply. These details clarify things nicely and mesh well with how we've generally been dealing with personal and official arms/badges/banners and what have you. I find I'm rather rusty on my limited knowledge of heraldry.

Although I do now have to wonder how much trouble I can rustle up for interplanar/alternate reality travelling characters <heh heh> who may unwittingly bear duplicate blazons.

Hunter
... off to scribble more notes

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 02:18:03
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

Question: Another thread inspired me to think about Mythals - were there any Spellfire users involved in raising Myth Drannor's Mythal? How about other Mythals?

---

Not surprisingly, a query from Markus has raised one of my own:-

Thusly, Ed, have there been any documented accounts of what interactive effect spellfire may have had with a mythal?

---

Reply author: Xar Zarath
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 04:22:13
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, I earlier read a scroll on the Nether Scrolls.
1. Can the Scrolls be read in such a way that they would not cause the mage to "overload" and go bonkers without any divine aid?
2. Can there be a third set made out of copper and hidden somewhere across the planes or possibly on Toril?
3. If one set(50 scrolls) made out of gold the other half platinum, are both sets the same, with the only difference is the metal? Are both needed or one set can suffice?

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Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 08:05:13
Message:

I've come up with another question for you, this one is in regard to elven mantle stones, or "thaelkiira" as they were named by George Krashos. This is the thread I've got going on the topic:

http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17590

In your article 'The Magic Of Myth Drannor' you state: "many mantles could call on the powers of magical items borne by their wearer, or spells memorized by them. The Coronal's mantle could even tap into the power of his thrones (the Living Seat on the Isle of Estel and the Throne of the Coronal in the Chamber of the Court) and certain other sources of ancient power in the realm, such as the Vault of Ages, if these were nearby."

Here is my question on this topic for you: How does this work? Could you go into further details about this process?

---

Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 13:54:40
Message:

This is a question I know has been asked somewhere, but I will ask it again considering the major changes coming to the Realms and the news that Ed Greenwood has a lot more say in what goes on with the Realms for now.

Will we ever learn of the lands beyond Faerun? Other than the rather extremely outdated 2nd Edition material on those places. My years are not getting any younger and I feel as if the day will never come when we would finally begin receiving an occasional streaming of happenings, places, people, creatures, sites and other things in realms such as Kara-Tur, Zhakara, etc.

If these are areas never to be discussed other than in passings, why should they even continue to exist? If these are places that have no real influence in Faerun, as is seemingly the case (excluding the somewhat let's-humor-the-fans passings of Kara-Tur's influence on the Unapproachable East, particularly Thesk) then why bother keeping them in the world of Toril? In other words, I feel as if the "world" of Toril is really just the "World of Faerun" at this point. If the Sundering were to rid us of these places and just leave Faerun as the be-all of Toril, I say all the better. Terrible to lose fantasy settings like the Orient, Arabian/Persian, and Aztec/Mayan/Native American cultures but better than the nigh-complete neglect it has been receiving. Otherwise, what is truly preventing more lore from these places? Is there NDA concerning these areas?

In the real world, events, people, politics, etc. have been affected not just domestically but internationally. Even in much older times and eras before our modern-day era. I don't get the same feeling at all when it comes to Faerun and the other continents, save for a tiny bit concerning Kara-Tur.

A suggestion would be to have a somewhat separate accounting of the lands beyond every now and then, pooled together in, say, a Dragon article or maybe even its own book at some point. Novels set in those areas would also be a huge benefit.

I am aware that there is still almost infinitely much more to learn and discover in Faerun, but I do not believe it should come at the entire expense of the rest of the world of Toril.

Is there any hope of receiving more attention to these other lands sometime in the near future? (a lot of questions in one message, I do apologize, it just happened one question had led to another follow-up as I was typing away).

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 18:33:37
Message:

Hi again, all.
Wooly, five o'clock shadow is known by several words and terms around the Realms, but in the Heartlands, "bluechin" is the most popular one. "Sarth" (which actually means "stubble," and also applies to fields of crops in a post-harvest but pre-ploughed condition) is the most common older and politer term.
(This comes straight from notes I made from play with Ed.)
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 18:36:56
Message:

Razz, you make very good points, but it would be wrong to assume Ed has any great say in what areas get covered in forthcoming Realms products. Ed has wanted to cover more of the geogrpahy of the Realms in detailed sourcebooks for DECADES (and still does).

Darian, there are indeed special "anointing" ceremonies, which Ed will say more about when he can.
He has asked for the opportunity to write more sourcebooks like "Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Guide To The Realms," but nothing has been planned thus far, so far as I know. (As you might guess, Ed could easily fill dozens of books that size with play-useful lore.)

love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 20:07:12
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Wooly, five o'clock shadow is known by several words and terms around the Realms, but in the Heartlands, "bluechin" is the most popular one. "Sarth" (which actually means "stubble," and also applies to fields of crops in a post-harvest but pre-ploughed condition) is the most common older and politer term.
(This comes straight from notes I made from play with Ed.)
love,
THO

---

Thank you for the quick response, my Lady.

---

Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 26 Feb 2013 21:18:22
Message:

Has anyone used magic to make a dimensionally transcendent/Bigger on the Inside/Smaller on the Outside moving vehicle (ie. A cart, a ship, a skyship), like the TARDIS from Doctor Who, in the realms?

If so, how common would the practice/idea be in the realms or certain areas of the realms?

---

Reply author: Tyrant
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 02:39:22
Message:

Foxhelm, I thought I had read about something or the other related to the Imaskari that is like what you are looking for but I can't recall exactly what it was or where I came across it. I could be mistaken though.

Sidetracking aside, I do have a question for Ed and/or THO. A while ago I played the third expansion for Neverwinter Nights 2. It involved Zehir arising as a god for the Yuan Ti and in the final conflict your character has to fight a Yuan Ti that has been crossbred with a Marilith (giving it extra arms). It's been a while but I got the impression that this thing was bred as some type of enforcer/zealot for Zehir.

So my questions are this, is this a unique or near unique situation among the gods? Or have other gods done something like this in the past (or still do it)? If others have done something like this, can you tell us anything about it?

I mainly read the novels and haven't seen anything to indicate this is the case and this creature didn't come across as some type of chosen. This is a "helping better understand the Realms question" and not so much an RPG question.

---

Reply author: Xar Zarath
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 02:41:14
Message:

IIRC, that creature in the final boss battle was a sort of avatar of Zehir.

---

Reply author: Tyrant
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 02:46:00
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Xar Zarath

IIRC, that creature in the final boss battle was a sort of avatar of Zehir.

---

That could be but I didn't get that impression. Right after you defeat it you talk to Zehir. And if it was, then I have another question. Do the gods breed potential avatars?

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 03:18:45
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Foxhelm

Has anyone used magic to make a dimensionally transcendent/Bigger on the Inside/Smaller on the Outside moving vehicle (ie. A cart, a ship, a skyship), like the TARDIS from Doctor Who, in the realms?

If so, how common would the practice/idea be in the realms or certain areas of the realms?

---

Just a note... I've a very similarly-themed query already in the queue for Ed. 'Twas based on my alternative thinking about how Elminster's Hideout might actually relate to the concept of transcendental dimensions.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 04:13:53
Message:

Hi again, all.
Foxhelm and Sage, I just got this reply from Ed:

It's been tried many times, in many different ways, but aside from SMALL dimensional warpings (think: Bag of Holding, or the space at the top of a Rope Trick spell), the problem with tesseracts and other "bigger inside than out" magics is that they tend to be unstable in the presence of the Weave.
That is, they don't last long, or even collapse (spilling anyone and anything inside them into random dimensional destinations), unless bolstered by wards or mythal-like webs of multiple wards (which have to be adjusted and augmented fairly often).
So it can be done, but longterm successes are always going to be limited to wielders of magic who have power, skill, and time to spare for the upkeep of such creations.

So saith Ed. Who is busy doing multiple things at once right now. As usual.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Darian
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 08:33:51
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One
Darian, there are indeed special "anointing" ceremonies, which Ed will say more about when he can.
He has asked for the opportunity to write more sourcebooks like "Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Guide To The Realms," but nothing has been planned thus far, so far as I know. (As you might guess, Ed could easily fill dozens of books that size with play-useful lore.)

love to all,
THO

---

Thank you! I would be glad to hear more about the "anointing" ceremonies :-]

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 13:15:28
Message:

Tulrun's Tent.

Pg.60, The North: Guide to the Savage Frontier
Pg. 9, Silver Marches

There is probably an entry for it in The Savage North and Volo's Guide to The North as well.

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 19:47:40
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

Tulrun's Tent

---

As he has been mentioned, any chance we could have some lore on Tulrun - what is favourite drink is? what spell did he enjoy creating the most? what spell he enjoyed casting the most? was he involed in any mythal making? you know the simple stuff

Cheers

Damian

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 27 Feb 2013 20:57:23
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by crazedventurers

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

Tulrun's Tent

---

As he has been mentioned, any chance we could have some lore on Tulrun - what is favourite drink is? what spell did he enjoy creating the most? what spell he enjoyed casting the most? was he involed in any mythal making? you know the simple stuff

Cheers

Damian

---

IDK if its what you want, but Tulrun had his own article in Polyhedron 126

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 28 Feb 2013 16:57:52
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Masked Mage
IDK if its what you want, but Tulrun had his own article in Polyhedron 126

---

Thanks MM, always hopeful of some more lore on a famous magic user of the Realms

Cheers

Damian
ps for those who aren't aware, Polyhedron magazine is available on the internet way back machine

http://archive.org/search.php?query=polyhedron

as well as Dragon magasine

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 28 Feb 2013 18:19:57
Message:

[/quote]
Thanks MM, always hopeful of some more lore on a famous magic user of the Realms
[/quote]

No problem. By the way, I forgot to mention Tulrun was a student of mine back in our glory days in Myth Drannor. That's cannon.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 01:30:14
Message:

Greetings Ed, I've another query to add to my ever-growing queue...

I've been recently thinking about reflecting the resignation of the Pope and the changes ruffling through the Catholic Church as a result, in the real world, in my Realms.

But I need a suitable Realms-equivalent to work with. So, my query is thus:- In your Realms, has there ever been a similar scenario played out through any of the many nation/Realms-wide [goodly-aligned, I suppose] religious institutions whereupon the "accepted" head of a church has stood down, rather than seen his/her time as revered leader of a faith, to term -- say, to when his/her god calls him/her to the god's side?

---

Reply author: Bladewind
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 02:31:46
Message:

O O

WHOA! Awesome question, Sage! I'm personally very interrested in seeing how religious organisations in the realms view their own changes in hierarchy, and how often they occur among the goodly organsations (; partly because I expect evil clergies are likely to be prone to sudden shifts in power).

Are the highest ranking priests still active in 'earthly' affairs at all? They can willingly visit their deities realm after all...

---

Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 05 Mar 2013 03:10:16
Message:

Dear Ed,
Hopefully a question that can be answered to the greatest detail allowed. Considering the locale, I am sure this might or might not be NDA, and it seems most questions concerning Baldur's Gate is.

What can be told about the Shrine to Oghma known as the Unrolling Scroll? One would figure being so close to Candlekeep to the south, that this place would be much more than a "shrine".

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 05 Mar 2013 20:10:25
Message:

Hi, all. I bring a reply to Markustay, re. these: "Another thread inspired me to think about Mythals - were there any Spellfire users involved in raising Myth Drannor's Mythal? How about other Mythals?"
Ed replies:

Yes. And yes.
Oh, you want specifics? Well, Elminster is one spellfire user who was involved in the raising of several Mythals, including Myth Drannor's. Let me check to see how much more I can reveal... (might take a while)...

So saith Ed. Who is a busy busy boy right now...
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 07 Mar 2013 19:27:04
Message:

Thanks for that - is the fact that Eliminster has Spellfire widely known (or is this a secret you only just revealed?)

I can't recall if I was aware of this before. In your own mind, do you think Sorcery is related to Spellfire in some way? (the innate ability to 'do magic' without having to study spells).

---

Reply author: Ayrik
Replied on: 07 Mar 2013 19:37:34
Message:

Elminster's spellfire was widely known (to D&D readers anyhow) and referenced in more sourcebooks than I'd care to quote, circa AD&D2E at least. Although this was before any canonical definitions for silverfire were properly published, so I would allow for some confusion or contradiction in the earliest 2E examples.

---

Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 07 Mar 2013 21:01:47
Message:

Oh sage of the Realms, excuse my poor handling or your language for, alas, I was born and raised speaking one derived from Latin... I have played Eberron mostly, and must admit that it is currently my favorite setting, but when I started playing D&D I DMed in the Realms and have fond memories of it, so much so that I plan to start playing in them again. Yet, it is difficult for me to forget some of the things I like about Eberron, and I was wondering about their possible presence in the Realms. Therefore, I would like to ask if there is currently tension between nations to the point of their being on the verge of war, and if they engage in espionage (I played a long time ago, but if I recall correctly perhaps Tethyr and Calimshan or Amn are in such a situation... is that so?). Additionally, concerning alignment nuances and difficult moral choices, is it true that the Harpers, despite their claims, have actually engaged in questionable operations and even committed wrongs? On the other hand, are there peace treaties in the Realms? Lastly, is there some sort of transnational law enforcement? I was thinking of priests of Tyr in previous editions, perhaps.
Lastly, if I may... I read that you once wrote that you were also a fan of other settings, so I'd like to ask you what you think about Eberron. Thanks a lot!

---

Reply author: The Red Walker
Replied on: 08 Mar 2013 04:29:49
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

Thanks for that - is the fact that Eliminster has Spellfire widely known (or is this a secret you only just revealed?)

I can't recall if I was aware of this before. In your own mind, do you think Sorcery is related to Spellfire in some way? (the innate ability to 'do magic' without having to study spells).

---

]

i think its mentioned in the Shandril books.......i believe elminster evens tells her.....as well as several other sources , many named in this scroll: http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9619

---

Reply author: Xar Zarath
Replied on: 09 Mar 2013 07:24:35
Message:

Dear Ed and THO these are some questions for your consideration, if you could answer them swiftly that would be most appreciated, Thanks!

1.It has been stated that Aumvor the Undying is one of the foremost mages on necromancy, when other Netherese were busy looking up and beyond, he was gazing into the powers of death, however my question is did he know how to create a mythallar to make his own enclave?(All official lore states that he resided in a keep only)

2.Prior to Asmodeus's ascension, did he know the total amount of exiled archdevils, their names, powers etc? Are they many or just a few?

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 09 Mar 2013 10:33:18
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Xar Zarath


1.It has been stated that Aumvor the Undying is one of the foremost mages on necromancy, when other Netherese were busy looking up and beyond, he was gazing into the powers of death, however my question is did he know how to create a mythallar to make his own enclave?(All official lore states that he resided in a keep only)

---

I'd think the official answer for this would be yes. Mythallars had more than one use and did not have to be used to keep an enclave aloft. How the Mighty Are Fallen has an example of this with the lichlord. If it were not for the physical descriptions I would have assumed the lichlord to be either Aumvor or Larloch. Maybe he was and we just don't know it or maybe he was just another powerful lich.

It should also be noted that the Return of the Archwizards books have created the possibility that The Fall did not destroy all they mythallars. I figure at least three or four other than the Sakkors mythallar survived, including one in Warlock's Crypt and one in what is now called Moonrise Craig in southern Semberholme (this one is a special modified Mythallar)

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 09 Mar 2013 16:04:12
Message:

Hi, all.
Xar Zarath, ask and ye shall receive. Heeeere's Ed:

1. Yes, Aumvor knew how to make a mythallar. And did. :}
2. "Prior to Asmodeus's ascension"? Mortals in the Realms don't know of a time before Asmodeus was the ruler of the Nine Hells. It's he who's done the exiling, so yes, he knows their names and (vaguely; archdevils grow and develop over time, just as humans do) powers. In terms of relative numbers, outcast devils are very few - - but if you had to face them all as an army, you'd be facing seventy-odd formidable foes. Most of them are in hiding, and will avoid confrontation except on their terms (i.e. they would never form an army). Six or seven of them are "persistent troublemakers" in the eyes of Asmodeus.

. . . And in response to The Masked Mage, Ed adds:

That lichlord is indeed another lich, not Aumvor nor Larloch.
And more than a dozen mythallars have survived that I know of, though some of them are very small and low-power (size of a small room/closet).


So saith Ed! Who will be attending the launch today (3pm EST) of Julie Czerneda's brilliant fantasy novel TURN OF LIGHT at BakkaPhoenix bookstore on Harbord Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada (N side of Harbord, just W of Spadina). Ed gushed about this book when he read the MS, and has gushed every chance he's had since, so...worth picking up!
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 09 Mar 2013 16:15:27
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi, all.
Xar Zarath, ask and ye shall receive. Heeeere's Ed:

1. Yes, Aumvor knew how to make a mythallar. And did. :}
2. "Prior to Asmodeus's ascension"? Mortals in the Realms don't know of a time before Asmodeus was the ruler of the Nine Hells. It's he who's done the exiling, so yes, he knows their names and (vaguely; archdevils grow and develop over time, just as humans do) powers. In terms of relative numbers, outcast devils are very few - - but if you had to face them all as an army, you'd be facing seventy-odd formidable foes. Most of them are in hiding, and will avoid confrontation except on their terms (i.e. they would never form an army). Six or seven of them are "persistent troublemakers" in the eyes of Asmodeus.

. . . And in response to The Masked Mage, Ed adds:

That lichlord is indeed another lich, not Aumvor nor Larloch.
And more than a dozen mythallars have survived that I know of, though some of them are very small and low-power (size of a small room/closet).


So saith Ed! Who will be attending the launch today (3pm EST) of Julie Czerneda's brilliant fantasy novel TURN OF LIGHT at BakkaPhoenix bookstore on Harbord Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada (N side of Harbord, just W of Spadina). Ed gushed about this book when he read the MS, and has gushed every chance he's had since, so...worth picking up!
love to all,
THO

---

Thanks THO & Ed!

---

Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 11 Mar 2013 02:33:17
Message:

Got to see Ed at the launch for Julie Czerneda's first fantasy book (big thick tome, have started it, good so far), and he was his usual affable self.
Told me he was hard at work on The Herald, the wrap-up Sundering novel, and has been writing lots of Forging the Realms columns. His Pathfinder novel has been handed in and was "a lot of fun" to write, and next up after The Herald is his Emerald Spire level "and some quick stuff," then his steampunk novel for Tor Books. Then, he told me, it will be time to turn to his next Realms novel after the Sundering.
He and Gabrielle Harbowy have "pretty much" finalized the roster for When The Hero Comes Home 2, and the stories are "superb to awesome." He, Gabrielle, and a lot of the authors who made it into Hero 2 will be at Ad Astra this year (Canada's annual big fantasy/sf convention, this year April 5th to 7th at the same hotel as last year, on Woodbine Avenue in the northern exurbs of Toronto), for "a good time" and to talk more business.
I have been one of Ed's fans for years and years, but whenever I meet him I'm impressed anew at how friendly he is and how much he boosts other writers (including beginning, unpublished ones), not to mention utterly awed by the pace the man keeps up. (He helps out lots of writers behind the scenes with unpaid "story doctoring" and encouragement and connecting them with publishers and so on, not to mention spots of ghost writing here and there, not just the stuff we know about with his name on it.)
Bravo, Ed! May you keep it up for years!!
BB

---

Reply author: createvmind
Replied on: 12 Mar 2013 00:06:10
Message:

Hello Ed,

In your realms and homebrew who would be the Lao Tzu and Sun Tzu or Musahshi's in terms of books of warfare and strategy and who would be the greatest Monk class generals or advisers in terms of war stratagems?

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 12 Mar 2013 04:45:54
Message:

Hello THO and Ed,

Ed, could you tell us a little about dentistry in Cormyr, as it was practiced from about 1369 to 1479 DR?

Is working on people’s teeth a specific practice all unto itself? Or is it shared amongst other professions and trades?

Also, during that same time period, was dentistry all that different in Waterdeep than in Cormyr?

Lastly, were there any fads amongst the nobility of either Cormyr or Waterdeep during those years involving teeth?

As you might have guessed, I went to the dentist today.

Thank you both!

---

Reply author: Marc
Replied on: 12 Mar 2013 11:15:54
Message:

Greetings, no questions, just want to say that the new Dragon article about Abyssal traders was one of the most interesting in the 4th edition

---

Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 15 Mar 2013 03:44:53
Message:

Only thing in the article that made me wince was the "dhergodemon" mention but I am sure that was more of a plug by some 4E Editor than it was Ed.

---

Reply author: Dalor Darden
Replied on: 15 Mar 2013 04:05:16
Message:

Ed, on another scroll, a scribe was wondering what it would take to make something similar to Evermead.

Have any suggestions?

---

Reply author: Marc
Replied on: 15 Mar 2013 11:11:07
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Razz

Only thing in the article that made me wince was the "dhergodemon" mention but I am sure that was more of a plug by some 4E Editor than it was Ed.

---

I sort of accepted that change - they are from chaos-tainted yugoloths banished in the Heart of Darkness purge. Their inherent elemental nature is still doubtful tough.

---

Reply author: Bladewind
Replied on: 15 Mar 2013 23:20:55
Message:

For an upcoming session I want to start in a small elven village, but I was wondering if such elven settlements have any smithies in them at all? If so, Ed, what forges are used by Torilian elven mastercraftsmen to craft their famous steel/mithril blades, armor and arrowheads? I cant imagine all elven craftsmen travelling to nearby dwarven or human forges for making their weapons.

I imagine they don't use traditional firewood consuming forges because they tend to eat up a lot of fuel (albeit wood, charcoal or bitumen) and pose fire threats to the forest if the nearby trees are not specially warded against extreme heat. Did elves come up with a 'cold forging method' thats relatively safe to use in their preferred forest envorins or do they require magic wards for every metalsmith in their communities? Are elven smiths perhaps forced to work outside of the forest (in specially chosen areas well isolated to the trees)?

Thanks in advance!

---

Reply author: Cbad285
Replied on: 16 Mar 2013 03:35:35
Message:

I've posted this topic in the general chat, but was processed here.

Here is my question for Ed.

I work at Dragonmead Microbrewery in Warren MI and I'm working on brewing a real life version of Evermead, but I do not know exactly what the mead would consist of. So the question has two parts.

What are the ingredients to Evermead

and two,

Where can I find sources that describe the taste and texture of the mead?
Any help would be much appreciated!

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 16 Mar 2013 16:56:37
Message:

Hi, Cbad285, I'll try to get hold of Ed and squeeze a reply out of him for you, but from my notes, I find this much (which isn't much):

"Evermead is a rhodomel (honey with attar [[distillate of rose petals]])"

Hoping Ed can supply much more...
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 16 Mar 2013 17:05:55
Message:

And one of Ed's longtime fencing partners saw the above post and e-mailed me with more:

Ed once told me evermead is a sweet (but not cloyingly sweet) mead "spiced up" with cherry juice, vanilla beans, and rose petals - - actual rose petals. This was after I stopped making batches of mead, when diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Boy, mead gave me WHAMMO hangovers.

And there you have it: a little more. I'm not sure Ed has an actual recipe to share, mind you...
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 17 Mar 2013 02:02:47
Message:

Are there such thing as Think Tanks (Groups of collective thinking on any topic/topics) or their equalivant in the Realms? What are they called? Could you give Examples?

Please and thank you?

---

Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 17 Mar 2013 20:05:42
Message:

Did my Unrolling Scroll question get seen? Apologies if it has, I am not yet used to this thread's workings yet.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 17 Mar 2013 21:24:33
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Razz

Did my Unrolling Scroll question get seen? Apologies if it has, I am not yet used to this thread's workings yet.

---

No question in Ed's thread goes unseen by him; his Lovely Hooded Emissary passes on everything to him, sometimes including discussions on other threads.

Here's the thing: Ed is one insanely busy guy. He has a creative output to rival that of the hypothetical Shakespearean monkeys, on top of a day job and other commitments. On top of that, he doesn't always have the answer to any given question readily available -- there is much Realmslore to be found piled in boxes and such in his legendary basement. And on top of that, he treads an ever-shifting minefield of NDAs and projects he has to avoid speaking on. Sometimes he can't even mention an NDA without giving something away.

So, long story short -- your question has been forwarded to Ed. He may answer within hours, you may be waiting for a few years... I've got unanswered questions going back at least 3 or 4 years, myself. I've gotten almost immediate answers, and I've gotten answers so much later that I'd forgotten I'd asked the question.

Heck, even being able to email him directly doesn't guarantee a swift answer to a lore question...

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 18 Mar 2013 01:27:20
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Foxhelm

Are there such thing as Think Tanks (Groups of collective thinking on any topic/topics) or their equalivant in the Realms? What are they called? Could you give Examples?

Please and thank you?

---

Oooo! Cool question.

As an addendum to this, Ed, I'd also be curious to hear whether any of the Realms' more prominent personages, have ever been a part of these "think tanks?"

---

Reply author: createvmind
Replied on: 18 Mar 2013 07:41:06
Message:

Ed, who is the most resurrected being in your campaign to date?

Who is the most infamous band of "Robin Hood" style villains, robbing merchants, caravans, other adventurers and such yet never killing anyone at least not purposely, even attempting to heal those they hurt severely? How long did they last?

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 18 Mar 2013 13:14:01
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by createvmind

Ed, who is the most resurrected being in your campaign to date?

---

We know Nain Keenwhistler has the record in Waterdeep, for the most resurrections...

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 18 Mar 2013 15:09:09
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by createvmind

Ed, who is the most resurrected being in your campaign to date?

---

We know Nain Keenwhistler has the record in Waterdeep, for the most resurrections...

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Which does remind me... I really need to reference every single one of those. Including the various ways in which Nain died each time.

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Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 18 Mar 2013 22:54:46
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

So, long story short -- your question has been forwarded to Ed. He may answer within hours, you may be waiting for a few years... I've got unanswered questions going back at least 3 or 4 years, myself. I've gotten almost immediate answers, and I've gotten answers so much later that I'd forgotten I'd asked the question.

Heck, even being able to email him directly doesn't guarantee a swift answer to a lore question...

---

Ah ok, thanks for clearing it up. I forget he has to root through both NDA and cross reference with what he has or what another designer has in mind before saying anything.

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 19 Mar 2013 04:54:06
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Razz

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

So, long story short -- your question has been forwarded to Ed. He may answer within hours, you may be waiting for a few years... I've got unanswered questions going back at least 3 or 4 years, myself. I've gotten almost immediate answers, and I've gotten answers so much later that I'd forgotten I'd asked the question.

Heck, even being able to email him directly doesn't guarantee a swift answer to a lore question...

---

Ah ok, thanks for clearing it up. I forget he has to root through both NDA and cross reference with what he has or what another designer has in mind before saying anything.

---

Not a problem. We all want our Edlore!

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 19 Mar 2013 06:08:30
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Razz

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

So, long story short -- your question has been forwarded to Ed. He may answer within hours, you may be waiting for a few years... I've got unanswered questions going back at least 3 or 4 years, myself. I've gotten almost immediate answers, and I've gotten answers so much later that I'd forgotten I'd asked the question.

Heck, even being able to email him directly doesn't guarantee a swift answer to a lore question...

---

Ah ok, thanks for clearing it up. I forget he has to root through both NDA and cross reference with what he has or what another designer has in mind before saying anything.

---

And I know the archives themselves are still being updated, Razz, but if either you or any other scribes are concerned that you may have missed important replies to your queries, in future, simply PM me, and I'll search through the compiled files -- including those that have yet to be updated on the main site.

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Reply author: wozniak1995
Replied on: 19 Mar 2013 14:30:34
Message:

Who is currently the best or most powerfull spellcaster in the realms?

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Reply author: The Red Walker
Replied on: 19 Mar 2013 15:09:45
Message:

Was reading about the possible discovery of a Viking "sunstone" in the Englilsh channel. Got me wondering how the average realms ship without a wizard or magic items managed to navigate in foul weather. Especially extended periods without sunlight and stars.

http://21stcenturywire.com/2013/03/09/fabled-viking-sunstone-crystal-believed-to-be-found-at-bottom-of-english-channel/


edit: i meant to ask about ships without a wizard or magic items navigating in weather with no visible sun and/or stars.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 19 Mar 2013 15:46:38
Message:

I was wondering whether there are 'international crimes' in the Realms, that is to say wrongful acts considered as unlawful regardless of where they are committed and even if they are not considered as such under the law of one city-State or State. If so, would priests of Tyr and now Torm be the most likely official enforcers of such international norms given the justice portfolio of those deities? In such a case, do they have authorization to persecute and perhaps prosecute (logically someone different from those orders to avoid their being enforcers and juges) offenders?
Thanks to both Ed and THO!

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Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 19 Mar 2013 15:53:52
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Red Walker

Was reading about the possible discovery of a Viking "sunstone" in the Englilsh channel. Got me wondering how the average realms ship with a wizard or magic items managed to navigate in foul weather. Especially extended periods without sunlight and stars.

http://21stcenturywire.com/2013/03/09/fabled-viking-sunstone-crystal-believed-to-be-found-at-bottom-of-english-channel/

---

Historically, there were several methods of navigation, referring to the stars the most famous. The sun and moon were the other points to follow for celestial navigation. Beyond that, experienced sailors can refer to landmarks (sail within sight of land or from point to point), follow known wind patterns, and follow known ocean/sea currents.

Magic would make these things unnecessary of course. A simple find the path can tell you where to go. Dragon Mag had a some spells about sailing including some for navigating.

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Reply author: Tyrant
Replied on: 20 Mar 2013 00:20:28
Message:

I have a few follow ups to Eldacar's question on pg. 12 for Ed as I recently acquired the Magic of Incarnum book. Are there any known/high profile Incarnum practitioners/users in the Realms? Would they be more likely to be found in any one particular area?

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Reply author: Xar Zarath
Replied on: 20 Mar 2013 02:14:11
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, with the coming of 4e, one of my pet peeves was that the succubus was changed to being a devil. My question, is Malcanthet Queen of the Succubi now an archdevil in the heart of the Abyss or does she remain a demon lord with dominion over demonic succubi? or are all succbi devils?

As a side note, are all the erinyes just beastly and ugly, or do they retain some semblace of celestial beauty?

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Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 20 Mar 2013 02:29:51
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Xar Zarath

Dear Ed and THO, with the coming of 4e, one of my pet peeves was that the succubus was changed to being a devil. My question, is Malcanthet Queen of the Succubi now an archdevil in the heart of the Abyss or does she remain a demon lord with dominion over demonic succubi? or are all succbi devils?

As a side note, are all the erinyes just beastly and ugly, or do they retain some semblace of celestial beauty?

---

I might be able to answer it, at least the first question. The "Wandering Monster" article on Wizards of the Coast has what the development team is doing with monsters. With 5th edition... The Succubus is a Demon Again, but one which seems to be working both sides of the fence.

From the article:

quote:

---

Succubus-Tempting Demon. A succubus in its natural form appears as a beautiful human woman with horns and huge, batlike wings. Physically the weakest of the demons (except the pathetic manes), succubi use their magical abilities to secure servants and allies for their own protection, ruling through wit and threat rather than a raw show of power. They are not very discriminating in their choice of servitors, selecting from among other demons, devils, yugoloths, and even mortals as the opportunity arises. This might account for the mistaken impression among some mortal sages that succubi are actually devils, rather than demons. Their magical abilities reinforce this role: they can charm, suggest, dominate, and otherwise control weaker-willed creatures, as well as change shape and read thoughts well enough to maintain complex disguises. Succubi have high Intelligence and Charisma scores, but low Strength scores. They are resistant to weapon damage unless the weapon is magic or made of cold-forged iron.

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The Article is:

http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4wand/20121120

They had a poll too on the succubus on should she be a demon, devil both or neither?

This article from the next week show the vote:

http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4wand/20121127

I hope no one minds me answering this in my own way. Now back to Mr. Greenwood.

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Reply author: Kno
Replied on: 20 Mar 2013 13:10:06
Message:

What happened to Elminster's space station. Did it suffer the Spellplauge?

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Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 20 Mar 2013 22:01:52
Message:

I don't understand why they couldn't leave the core D&D monster mythology alone?

Sorry. Need a new thread for that topic, I know.

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Reply author: Arcanus
Replied on: 21 Mar 2013 20:27:57
Message:

Was looking at some youtube vids of ed. He seems to have lost a lot of weight in the last few years. Can we put this down to the stress of 4e?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Mar 2013 20:45:05
Message:

Heh. No.
Ed's lost weight for four reasons: heart surgery, onset of diabetes (both factors in changing his diet), and taking over the cooking from his increasingly frail wife - - which means he's preparing his own meals and (by and large) eating in a more healthy manner. The last reason: Ed and his wife both retired from their Toronto library jobs, which meant 120-mile commutes into work in the morning, and a 120-mile commute home, 6 and sometimes 7 days a week (yes, folks, Ed wrote all the Realms novels and columns and game products he did ON TOP of that - - so if you ever think he's taking too long to answer your questions, think about the pace he keeps).
Ed now works at a library that's only 30-some miles away. Which means he's sitting on his behind, driving, a max of 2 hours a day (shopping included), instead of 6 hours a day - - which in turn means more exertion/better health.
Add to that nursing his wife (carrying her around, bathing her, and the like) and taking over the gardening on a former farm, too, and you have a skinnier Ed.
With worse knees, he hastens to inform me. No more hockey or fencing (the sword kind, not the mending farm fences kind; he's still stuck with that) for Ed.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Arcanus
Replied on: 22 Mar 2013 00:21:50
Message:

It can't be healthy to be as busy as that. I'm glad he has slowed down (a very little lol). My best to Ed and his wife.

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Reply author: Seravin
Replied on: 23 Mar 2013 13:48:45
Message:

Hi Ed/THO,

I've always been drawn to Saerloon in Sembia. I have a question about it, and wondering if you can give an answer or if it may be NDA. There are major temples to both Azuth and Mystra there, the temple to Azuth is even bigger/more important than the one in Halruaa according to Faiths & Avatars. Why is there such a connection to Mystra/Azuth in the city, which is otherwise just a major trading port? Was there a Mystra/Azuth event in the city or on the site of the city that causes it to be such a holy place for the Gods of magic? Do the Chosen of Mystra visit the churches there often?

Thanks!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Mar 2013 14:05:55
Message:

Hi again, all.
Here's Ed, answering Seravin's question, immediately above:

For years, Saerloon was the "forgotten" large, wealthy, and bustling Sembian port, overshadowed by its neighbor and rival, Selgaunt. Naturally, the "static" traders (shopkeepers, as opposed to great mercantile houses that have investments everywhere, fleets and caravan companies, and so on) of Saerloon wanted local attractions to build up Saerloon's brisk trade to outstrip Selgaunt's even brisker daily business (in the face of the built-in handicap of Selgaunt's location and better harbor - - and after the fall of Ordulin, the movement of much governance and administration to Selgaunt).
So those in power in Saerloon set about differentiating themselves from Selgaunt. Any growing, wealthy trading and social powerhouse will have shrines to all deities and minor temples to most gods, not always mentioned in canon products (because we never had enough wordcount to include everything), and Selgaunt and Saerloon are no exception - - but Saerloon decided to court several faiths that had a light presence locally, by providing free land, tax breaks, and limited exemptions to some local laws (i.e. within the walls of the temple, "holy law" governs, rather than secular, allowing priests to shelter taxable goods, provide refuge to fugitives [often in return for "donations"] and so on).
Two of these faiths were those of Mystra and Azuth, because Sembia also wanted to attract more resident wizards, to counter the perceived growing threats of the Zhentarim, the Red Wizards, and others (both unscrupulous mages of Westgate, and what turned out to be Shadovar agents), who often "marauded" in Sembian cities, unhampered by feeble local mages, to get at the wealth there (i.e. ruthless local Sembians would hire them to counter foes or smite trade rivals, and the hired wizards would do so but also do their own "on the side" activities to gain even more wealth, almost always indefiance of local laws).
So the city elders of Saerloon, sponsored by the wealthiest self-styled "noble" families, invited in clerics of Mystra and Azuth, to be both a cover for their own wizard-hiring and to "police" marauding mages.
(And no, none of the Chosen visit the Sembian temples or shrines of either Mystra or Azuth all that often. They don't neglect them, but they don't have cause to frequent them.)


So saith Ed, creator of Mystra, Azuth, Sembia, Saerloon, Selgaunt, and so on . . .
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Mar 2013 14:50:08
Message:

Hi again, all. I bring Ed's reply to Dalor and to Cbad285, re. Evermead. Here's Ed:


There is no "official" recipe for Evermead, and I will bow to anything Lady Elaine Cunningham, the reigning expert on this, can provide.
However, here's the closest equivalent I have devised (a rhodomel):
Needed:
1.5 gal blackberry honey
1 pkg montrachet yeast
1/2 gal rose petals
8 oz rosewater
3 gal water (avoid chlorinated and fluorinated tap water)
1 gal cherry juice (can be from concentrate, but avoid sugar-augmented "cherry cocktail")
1 vanilla bean
2 cloves

Bring 2 gallons of water to the boil, then remove from heat and stir in honey, keeping stirring until it dissolves.
Pour remaining water into main fermenting vessel, stirring in cherry juice.
Add hot must to main fermenting vessel, and stir. Check temp, and stir in yeast when temp gets below 80 degrees (F).
Do the usual fermenting thing. :}
Shake/swirl to oxygenate, then rack onto mesh bag containing rose petal, cloves, and vanilla bean (slice bean open down length, first).
Makes 5.5 gal
As with all meads, tinker with this until you like the result.


So saith Ed. Who emphasizes that he hasn't made mead often, although he HAS had success. The sugar content tends to make him violently ill after imbibing, though (diabetic). However, Cbad's workplace, fropm its website, seems like an establishment he has to visit. Someday, somehow...

love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Mar 2013 15:19:49
Message:

And here I am again, this time with a reply from Ed to Bladewind, re. this: "For an upcoming session I want to start in a small elven village, but I was wondering if such elven settlements have any smithies in them at all? If so, Ed, what forges are used by Torilian elven mastercraftsmen to craft their famous steel/mithril blades, armor and arrowheads? I can't imagine all elven craftsmen travelling to nearby dwarven or human forges for making their weapons.
I imagine they don't use traditional firewood consuming forges because they tend to eat up a lot of fuel (albeit wood, charcoal or bitumen) and pose fire threats to the forest if the nearby trees are not specially warded against extreme heat. Did elves come up with a 'cold forging method' that's relatively safe to use in their preferred forest environs or do they require magic wards for every metalsmith in their communities? Are elven smiths perhaps forced to work outside of the forest (in specially chosen areas well isolated to the trees)? Thanks in advance!"
Ed responds:


Hi, Bladewine. The elves are by no means monolithic in their approaches to forging, and over the years have tried various methods of forging (including travel to mountain or Underdark caverns to do their work). However, over the years, most elves have refined two things used far more by elves (and half-elves) than by dwarves, gnomes, humans, and other smiths: surrounding the forge, anvil, and quenching-baths in sphere-of-force-like spells that contain (and therefore concentrate, so smaller heat sources can be used) flame, sparks, and heat (to protect flammable surroundings, of course), and enspelled quenching oils that contribute to tempering and therefore cut down on repeated heatings, hammerings, and quenchings to strengthen and layer blades.
So most elves use traditional forges, fueled by charcoal and/or specific culled creepers and thorn-vines, and augmented by fire retention spells, encircled by the shielding spells that protect forest greenery and the flammable forest loam "ground" (and so allow them to locate smithies in the depths of sylvan homelands).
Hope this is of help.

So saith Ed, detailer of elves for the Realms, Castlemourn, and Golarion...thus far.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Mar 2013 15:27:58
Message:

And here's Ed yet again (on a roll this morning!) with an answer for Foxhelm (and The Sage):


Yes, there are "think tanks" in the Realms, but there's no overall term for them, because they tend to get called different things depending on who assembled them and why (temples host local and interfaith "councils" or "conclaves" to discuss local controversies, border disputes, rules for developing industries, guild clashes, and so on; rulers call the same things "alliances" or "councils;" and smaller private meetings are often just called "cabals" or "moots" or "meets").
I would tend to say a "think tank" has to be more than a single meeting - - or a big moot for discussion followed by a vote/sign things/settle things followup. It should mean a group, however amorphous in membership, that meets or communicates via magic or written messages over a number of years to discuss some continuing themes as well as "problems of the moment."
These sort of groups form and dissolve (often silently "fading away" rather than acrimoniously breaking up) all the time. Here are four long-lived ones:

The Dalethnar (named for Daleth, the very successful and wealthy caravan company owner of eastern Amn and Tethyr), a merchants' group that meets, usually twice a year, in various strategic Heartlands trading centers to discuss matters of shipping (such as tariffs, inspections by the authorities of various governments, remounts and provisioning, and collective response to brigandry, weights/measures and standardized containers, attempted bans/trade controls by rulers or priesthoods, and so on). Formerly dominated by Amnians, but the Sembians are muscling in.

The Ravens (this is what everyone calls the Conclave of Ravens except its members), a gathering every two years, at a different independent and usually isolated (but with multiple routes in and out, and not a lot of nearby cover) settlement in Faerun, of mercenaries. The Ravens discuss rules of conduct, which patrons (often rulers) will "go under the ban" or be limited in how many members they can hire or what conditions will be imposed on their hirings, by member "swords," thanks to their treatment of members in the recent past (for example, scapegoating and executing mercenaries after said hireswords were put in militarily impossible situations, or framed for things they did not do). Mirt of Waterdeep was briefly a member, back in his days as Mirt the Merciless, mercenary swordcaptain.

The Starflame, a "court of conduct" for independent mages that meets in Scornubel at least once a year (but more often if crises arise) to debate laws and treatment of independent arcane spellcasters by various rulers (and priesthoods, and costers, and guilds). This cabal (as most non-members refer to it) has fallen silent, or retired into secrecy, several times over four centuries or so, but risen to public prominence time and again. Famous/infamous members have briefly included the Blackstaff (Khelben Arunsun), Sememmon of the Zhentarim, and Lauraud, one of the Sceptanars (city rulers in Chessenta).

Athaenul's Seat, a gathering of livestock breeders large and small (dominated by "large") that usually assembles somewhere along the Heartlands "Throat" trade routes (linking the Sword Coast with The Sea of Fallen Stars, through Berdusk, Iriaebor, Priapurl, and other nearby settlements) to discuss prices, breeding, diseases, laws enacted by various rulers, feed crops - - and, detractors of this group insist, ways of arranging shortages so as to keep prices higher than they should be. Many noble houses of Cormyr have taken to quietly attending the Seat, not to mention Waterdhavian noble houses such as the Roaringhorns.


So saith Ed. Who promises Razz he hasn't missed or forgotten the Scroll query! The problem is that most Baldur's Gate lore IS completely NDA'd at the moment, thanks to a forthcoming adventure written in part by Ed, but mainly by Matt Sernett.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 24 Mar 2013 17:02:20
Message:

Thank you Master Greenwood, and another question series.

We know the realms has flying ships of various makes and models.

As a fan of the Stargate series and Sci-Fi in general...

Has their been any mystical/technological development of ships, vessels or vehicles which have a teleporting transportation system? A ship which can teleport for long or short distances? Or one which can slip through another dimension/plane to shorten arrival times?

Yes, I know of the Shadowfell short cuts of the Shades/Sembia. But are there others as well? Elven trade companies which use short cuts through the Feywild? A church which uses a shortcut through the planes of their gods? Or even just as I said a teleporting ship which jumps from one point in Toril to another?

Can you talk about this or is it NDA? Or can we see this in a future article on Wizards of the Coast?

Please and Thank you.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 24 Mar 2013 20:01:04
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Foxhelm

Thank you Master Greenwood, and another question series.

We know the realms has flying ships of various makes and models.

As a fan of the Stargate series and Sci-Fi in general...

Has their been any mystical/technological development of ships, vessels or vehicles which have a teleporting transportation system? A ship which can teleport for long or short distances? Or one which can slip through another dimension/plane to shorten arrival times?

Yes, I know of the Shadowfell short cuts of the Shades/Sembia. But are there others as well? Elven trade companies which use short cuts through the Feywild? A church which uses a shortcut through the planes of their gods? Or even just as I said a teleporting ship which jumps from one point in Toril to another?

Can you talk about this or is it NDA? Or can we see this in a future article on Wizards of the Coast?

Please and Thank you.

---

The Realms Master, from the Forgotten Realms comic book done by DC and TSR, was capable of teleportation. It had an artifact, the Astrolabe of Nimbral, that allowed it to teleport around the Realms.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 24 Mar 2013 20:18:06
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

Ed, I have a question about socks.

If I'm a member of the Purple Dragons in 1479 DR or thereabouts, do I put my bare feet in boots before I go about my daily business, or do I put socks (or some equivalent) on before I put on my boots?

Does the onset of wintertime or a posting in the colder reaches of Cormyr have any effect on this?

Thank you both very much.

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 25 Mar 2013 01:15:43
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

The Starflame, a "court of conduct" for independent mages that meets in Scornubel at least once a year (but more often if crises arise) to debate laws and treatment of independent arcane spellcasters by various rulers (and priesthoods, and costers, and guilds). This cabal (as most non-members refer to it) has fallen silent, or retired into secrecy, several times over four centuries or so, but risen to public prominence time and again. Famous/infamous members have briefly included the Blackstaff (Khelben Arunsun), Sememmon of the Zhentarim, and Lauraud, one of the Sceptanars (city rulers in Chessenta).

---

Interesting.

What is the exact mandate of the Starflame? Does it have the collective authority to punish deliberately abusive mages who shirk the laws of various rulers and such? How does the Church of Mystra respond to the Starflame cabal? Do any cities/rulers actively support the Starflame within their areas of influence?

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 26 Mar 2013 02:33:55
Message:

Ed/My lady Hooded One, I'm just redirecting an earlier query I raised elsewhere to this scroll:-

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Sage

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Heh. Interestingly enough, ley lines were in Ed's original Realms. Everywhere. Remembered by few, but the witches of Rashemen and the northern barbarians (now the Uthgardt) were among the rememberers.
love to all,
THO

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Very interesting.

Can you elaborate some more on these ley lines in Ed's original Realms, my lady? Especially within the context of the Uthgardt and the Rashemar?

---

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Reply author: Arcanus
Replied on: 26 Mar 2013 14:33:58
Message:

Lady THO, it has probably been asked before but why when Mystra died was there no replacement god of magic? Some say Shar blocked this somehow, yet we are given to believe Ao is the only one who can do this. At the risk of answering my own question-is it because Mystra never truly died and was only greatly diminished? I hope this finds you well.

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 26 Mar 2013 19:28:48
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,
I was hoping you could tell us a bit more about that drow citadel in Elminster Enraged where the drow were trying to harness the silver fire. Does the citadel have a name or any history you could share? If I understood it right, the drow did fail at capturing the silver fire? I got the impression this was a near surface research outpost, due to their work and the trove of human spellbooks. Was this an outpost of Sschindylryn? Any info about the drow arraugra (ballistae) and the drowic glass armor that was referenced would be great too as I've never heard of those either.

Thank you both! :)

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Reply author: Ze
Replied on: 28 Mar 2013 09:48:18
Message:

Dear Hooded Lady and Dear Ed,

this is my first post on these boards, but as a long time lurker, allow me to thank both of you for your great availability. Incidentally, forgive my English, it's not my first language.

I am setting up a Waterdeep campaign in 1370DR, around the Ruldegost Family.
Searching through the available lore, the members I found are the following:

Lady Kara, matriarch
Lord Bly, regent
Detan, infant heir

There is also a single mention of one Lord Dethnar as prominent member of the family (in Waterdeep and the North, I think), however he is not mentioned in later books, where Lady Kara appears to be the Matriarch.

Do you happen to have some more information that you may share?
Whatever happened to Dethnar? Is Bly his brother? Do you have any details on other Ruldegosts, the number of family members appearing to be 19 according to the sourcebooks?

Thanks a lot,
Ze

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 28 Mar 2013 19:07:58
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ze

Dear Hooded Lady and Dear Ed,

this is my first post on these boards, but as a long time lurker, allow me to thank both of you for your great availability. Incidentally, forgive my English, it's not my first language.

I am setting up a Waterdeep campaign in 1370DR, around the Ruldegost Family.
Searching through the available lore, the members I found are the following:

Lady Kara, matriarch
Lord Bly, regent
Detan, infant heir

There is also a single mention of one Lord Dethnar as prominent member of the family (in Waterdeep and the North, I think), however he is not mentioned in later books, where Lady Kara appears to be the Matriarch.

Do you happen to have some more information that you may share?
Whatever happened to Dethnar? Is Bly his brother? Do you have any details on other Ruldegosts, the number of family members appearing to be 19 according to the sourcebooks?

Thanks a lot,
Ze

---

Hey, I know I'm not Ed, but I did a little research that you might find useful. In the old 2nd edition Cloak & Dagger under the Knights of the shield section it goes into Bly Ruldegost a little bit. It says he's becoming romantically involved with Lady Ninvara Krimmevol of Daromar, a Tethyrian noblewoman who was banished from her country by royal edict. He's also trying to work with her family to achieve some ends in Tethyr.

---

Reply author: Ze
Replied on: 28 Mar 2013 19:21:48
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by sleyvas
In the old 2nd edition Cloak & Dagger under the Knights of the shield section it goes into Bly Ruldegost a little bit. It says he's becoming romantically involved with Lady Ninvara Krimmevol of Daromar, a Tethyrian noblewoman who was banished from her country by royal edict. He's also trying to work with her family to achieve some ends in Tethyr.

---

Thanks sleyvas!
I'll look into this, although I would like not to focus too much on Bly - he already has his part of plot hooks, with his indirect involvement with the dealings of the Unseen, as detailed in the 3.5 CoS.
That's why I'd like to throw in hooks with other Ruldegost family members too, to present the players with multiple choices all the time.

But again, thanks a lot for your reply.
Ze

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 29 Mar 2013 04:13:24
Message:

Hi again, all.
Ze, Ed’s been busy rush-creating some needed Realmslore all day, but sent me this much for you:

Lord Dethnar died early on in the time period covered by published Realmslore, and Lord Bly is indeed his younger (and only) brother, and stepped in to serve as Regent to Dethnar’s son (and the heir of the house), Detan.
Dethnar’s wife, Essemra, predeceased him by half a year (she died of an “internal illness” that real-world doctors would probably have deemed cancer, and the grieving and embittered Dethnar set about settling scores with old foes, and died in a sword duel in a dark alley, one night, in Dock Ward).
The widowed (Lord Alaerik Ruldegost died in 1353 DR, poisoned by an unknown intruder probably hired by a noble or guild trade rival) Lady Kara Ruldegost is Dethnar’s mother, and is in her late nineties as of 1370 DR. She never leaves her upper room, and is withered and shrunken and largely confined to a massive highbacked chair, but has sharp wits and a tongue like a razor, and rules the household.
Lord Bly is increasingly absent from the Ruldegost manor in Waterdeep, and from family matters, his interests lying elsewhere (sleyvas has pointed the way to most of that “elsewhere”).
Leaving the heir’s upbringing in the hands of devoted longtime family servants overseen from a distance by Lady Kara.
The sixteen other living Ruldegosts are the sons and daughters of Lady Kara’s now-dead younger brother, Alauvin. Who went through three wives, all much younger than he was, in swift succession (the last two within a decade). So Alauvin and his three wives are all dead by the mid-1360s DR, but all of their offspring are still alive in 1370 DR.
The first wife, Parlarla Imbrivviyn of Athkatla, bore Alauvin two daughters, Nauvneene and Orlaethra (both tall, saturnine, and withdrawn sorceresses who prefer the company of women to that of men, and study and devouring fiction to dealing with the real world outside the Ruldegost walls; Nauvneene thinks like Lady Kara and could replace her in a trice if Kara died).
The second wife, Imra Dragonbellow of Lyrabar, bore Alauvin three sets of twin boys and two daughters: Geldor and Parbrym; Naint and Corvor; Telneth and Burdeth; Hammalarra; and Shelaenne.
Alauvin’s third wife, the wild and wanton Lorlethra Tarmahael of Saerloon, gave him a son, the dashing young rake Ramphaer, followed by five daughters: Lethlill (she and Ramphaer share a love that’s a little deeper than mere fond sibling bonds), the triplets Zorsra, Ambedaelia, and “Dethur” Dethurra (once described by Mirt as “three brainless little dolls”); and last, the impish and beautiful Trethma (whose looks and manner attract much attention at revels and other public functions in Waterdeep).
Of old, the Ruldegosts were a clan of red-faced, burly, hard-living swordsmen who married a motley array of long-suffering wives who mostly outlived them, or stayed single and rakish, and became another of the infamous “randy old Ruldegost uncles,” but by the time Alaerik became head of the house upon the death of his father Norond, all of these uncles had died out.
These older Ruldegosts were the epitome of what some guildmasters and wealthy Waterdhavian merchants derided as “idiot nobles, unfit to lead any society, governed as they are by hot tempers, selfishness, debauchery, and a life of destructive-to-others idleness.” What saved the Ruldegosts for years was their loyalty to their servants, who in turn were very loyal to them, and very competently ran family affairs.
I hope this is of help.


So saith Ed, and there you have it!
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 29 Mar 2013 04:24:55
Message:

Oh, and I quite forgot to give Jeremy Grenemyer a quick reply, drawing on my notes and from seeing Ed's sketches, while we both wait for a proper one from Ed:

Yes, Cormyreans do have socks. And hose, for men as well as ladies, that consist of either full-foot leggings that run up to a garter belt, or ditto that lack a full foot, and just end at the ankle but have an "instep strap" that goes under the foot to keep the legging from riding up, but leaving the heel and toes bare. In winter, sometimes worn together (socks over hose), and yes, both socks and hose may be worn inside boots.

Ed will give more and better lore when he can . . .
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Ze
Replied on: 29 Mar 2013 06:00:22
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Ze, Ed’s been busy rush-creating some needed Realmslore all day, but sent me this much for you:

---

Whoa, that was really quick!
Thank you both so much! It's unvaluable information there, since most of the PCs will likely be related to the House servants.
Ze

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 29 Mar 2013 16:52:47
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Yes, Cormyreans do have socks.

---

Right on. That's awesome.

Thank you very much THO.

---

Reply author: Erik Scott de Bie
Replied on: 29 Mar 2013 18:33:18
Message:

Hail my lovely Lady THO,

Over in another scroll here on the boards, we are discussing marriage in the Realms, everything from marriage ceremonies, regional rituals/traditions, to acceptance of non-baseline (one man one woman) marriages in the Realms, in honor of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments on the subject of marriage equality this week. Marriage isn't much addressed in the sourcebook record, we're finding. Would you or the masterful Lord Greenwood care to weigh in on the subject?

http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17685

Cheers

---

Reply author: Xar Zarath
Replied on: 30 Mar 2013 04:27:01
Message:

Hi Ed and THO, recently i started a thread on the Weave today, and how the Rise of The Underdark went and so on...

The thing is with that whole Realms (well worlds event) event over, could you throw some tidbits on the Demon Weave that Lolth spun and how it worked, came into being and so on?

It would be very appreciated, thanks!

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Reply author: Bladewind
Replied on: 30 Mar 2013 16:41:18
Message:

Thanks for the reply, (and sorry for my late responce), dear Ed and our lady Hooded One. Awesome details regarding an elven smithy set-up.

I've got a follow up question though. Is there a widely famous example of a such an elven smithy? One known (amongst the elves at least) for its master smiths or exceptional size/quality of its forge wards? Or are elven metalcrafts that closely a guarded secret that elves are instructed to be hush about such things?

Especially in second edition FR, I got the impression elven made weapons where endproducts of an ancient arms race and thus a closely guarded secret. Am I correct in that most races are loath to share their secrets of weapon making, and that theft of such knowledge can and have started wars? How much secrecy and control is involved in the creation of their arms, and how much of that knowledge are they willing to share with allies? The lengthy history of demihuman alliances did allow for complete transparancy at some points in time. How common is the mindset of Myth Drannor in current ages of Toril?

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 30 Mar 2013 20:29:35
Message:

Xar Zarath, I'm thinking that it's NOT over. And will lead right into The Sundering. Leaving Ed unable to reply thanks to NDAs.
Don't take this the wrong way. I would LOVE to be wrong about this, and have Ed correct me by weighing in with a long, detailed post. But I don't think I am...right?
BB

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Mar 2013 20:31:26
Message:

Heh. No, I "don't think you am," either.
However, Ed is in receipt of all the recent posts to this thread, and we'll see.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Mar 2013 20:43:37
Message:

Sage, re. these from you about the Starflame: "Does it have the collective authority to punish deliberately abusive mages who shirk the laws of various rulers and such? Do any cities/rulers actively support the Starflame within their areas of influence?"

I just talked to Ed, and he mentioned:

Punishment only consists of expelling individuals from Starflame deliberations and banning them from joining or rejoining (until specific redresses made), and warning Starflame members of bad conduct so they know to be wary of certain individuals. Rulers who have cited Starflame information and decisions publicly include those of Telflamm, Westgate, and Memnon, but the public doesn't know if "support" in any of these places extends any farther than that.

That's all he imparted right now. He stresses he'll have a proper reply later, when he isn't "so blamed busy."
Which reminds me: Toronto, Canada-area Realms fans, it'll be Ad Astra time again soon (April 5th, 6th, and 7th), and Ed will be there. As will Gabrielle Harbowy, his co-editor on the Hero and Villain anthologies, and a goodly array of top-notch fantasy, sf, and horror writers, Canadian and otherwise. Jim Butcher and Ben bova are GoHs this year, among others (see adastra.org).
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: Seravin
Replied on: 01 Apr 2013 19:22:36
Message:

Thanks for the info on Saerloon Ed and THO! I might have known it was all to do with the merchants, who really rule those nation! (up until the ridiculous Shade crap that came with all the RSE of 3rd edition onwards)

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 02 Apr 2013 09:19:25
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

Were there ever any precursors to wharfjets in Waterdeep? I can imagine many different sorts of contraptions falling into ships and splashing into the water.

Are wharfjets unique to Waterdeep? That is, was their design and make fully thought up in Waterdeep--perhaps through trial and error--or did someone (maybe from the Watermen's Guild) borrow from a design they say in another coastal city?

Has anyone tried running them up into the city for purposes of helping with the construction of buildings?

Thank you both for your time and attention.

---

Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 05 Apr 2013 18:06:24
Message:

Quick questions, please and thank you Ed.

Are there Arch-Dracoliches (or is it Dragon/Draco-Archliches?) in the Realms at any point of time?

If so, could you hint at some which would not be covered by NDA (if such exist)?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 07 Apr 2013 13:17:49
Message:

Hi again, all. Ed is still at Ad Astra (having a whale of a time!), but found the business centre at the hotel and snuck online in the wee, wee hours last night/this morning, and sends me this answer to Foxhelm:

Yes, there are indeed archdracoliches (usually called "elder dracoliches" by undiscerning humans, and therefore in general parlance) in the Realms. No, none of them are unencumbered by NDAs right now. Sorry.

So saith Ed.
Creator of dracoliches in the first place, like so many now-iconic D&D monsters...
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 07 Apr 2013 14:03:49
Message:

I would like to ask Ed how he handles faeries in his Realms campaigns: is there something like the feywild in his campaigns, and does he portray the fae as dangerous or whimsical as in some Irish tales? Thanks so much!
On the other hand, which deities and churches would resemble Cristianity the most: a combination of Ilmater and Torm?

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 08 Apr 2013 07:22:07
Message:

Hello once again to THO and Ed,

Some Realmslore questions follow. I hope you find them interesting.

In “Swords of Dragonfire”, the header quote for Chapter 7 comes from the book “The Realm of the Dragon: Cormyr in the Time of Vangerdahast” (Volume I), and is written by Sebryn Korthyn, Sage of Elturel.

Was Sebryn ever in a position to reveal (deliberately or unwittingly) secrets of the realm? If yes, was he careful not to reveal any secrets? Or in the interest of completeness did his works expose information like a Volo’s Guide might?

Did he participate in any illicit dealings in order to gather information for his research? By what method(s) did he gather information for this set of books?

How many volumes comprised the full set for that title?

Was there a large first printing (or copying) of the set? Has it ever been reprinted or copied?

Can you tell us something about the make and look of the books in the set?

Was the set ever bought out purposely by anyone, for the sake of hiding information, driving up demand or to obscure or minimize the relevance of Cormyeans that Sebryn might have taken a favorable view of? Or by a rival seeking to thwart Sebryn?

Who was Sebryn’s chief rival or rivals (if any)?

Thank you both!

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 09 Apr 2013 20:03:30
Message:

Hi again, all. Ed is busy busy busy now with taxes, but from my own notes and recollections I can tell you this much, Jeremy:

Sebryn Korthyn is a stay-at-home, academic sort of sage, who studies as many primary sources as he can get, combines their data, writes careful and conservative (= bland) accounts from those combinations, and then does just as you have done here: poses lists of questions to those he thinks will know, and from what answers he gets, rewrite his accounts before he publishes (with notes and warnings where he thinks his lore is "quite" incomplete). So he's reliable, boring, "safe," and tends to say less (and less interesting stuff) than other writers. But tries to be neutral/objective (whereas some other sages can be very slanted in their coverage, but might not admit to that).
So far as I know, he's never been to Cormyr.
Ed will, of course, supply more.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 09 Apr 2013 21:42:36
Message:

Hi all,

Knowing that Ed is 'busy busy busy', let's ask THO a question : did the Knights have any experience of the Rat Hills near Waterdeep that you could share with us ?

I love this place very much.

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 10 Apr 2013 17:30:06
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

The sixteen other living Ruldegosts are the sons and daughters of Lady Kara’s now-dead younger brother, Alauvin.

---

Contrary to popular belief, it's never my intent to stir up controversy.

That being said... my impression from sketching out the genealogy outlined here is that one of the following must be true.

1. Alauvin became part of the family when his sister married Alaerik. In this case:
A. it sounds as though Alauvin and Kara have no other siblings... correct?
B. what was their family name prior to joining the Ruldegost orgy flophouse family?
C. did Alauvin adopt the Ruldegost name?

2. Alaerik and Kara were both Ruldegosts before marrying. No judgment or sensationalizing from me; it takes more than this to offend my sensibilities. Just drawing lines on a page; that's all I'm doin.

And in keeping with the genealogy theme, are birth years recorded for all those children? I do enjoy expanding my arsenal of "powerful NPCs who look innocent/naive/unimportant" and age is a piece of the description.

Edit: as an addendum: Eric Boyd's CSW (p74) establishes that Bly is an Illuskan human. Is Kara's family, or side of the family, also Illuskan?

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 10 Apr 2013 17:41:02
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

...from my own notes and recollections I can tell you this much, Jeremy:

Sebryn Korthyn is a stay-at-home, academic sort of sage, :snip:

---

Thanks very much THO for sharing from your play notes.

Speaking of: I'm a little jealous that you actually got to encounter/learn about this NPC in play.

Thanks again.

---

Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 10 Apr 2013 20:18:47
Message:

So far I have been unlucky with my questions to Ed (which makes me sad, although I still hope to have answers soon), but there is a question that really bothers me and I would like Ed to answer it or THO. It concerns Torm, and the fact that I just read that his dogma in Faiths and Pantheons says the following to the faithful "Bring painful, quick death to traitors." This really bothers me and I find it inconsistent with the ethos of a Lawful Good deity (or character). Shouldn't the faithful of Torm be encouraged to try to convert those who carry out evil deeds? and to not promote murder or the death penalty (the dogma would even be inimical to due process)? On top of that, the mention of making others feel pain seems totally abhorrent, since it encourages torture and disregard of the dignity of beings, be them criminal or not. That is far from 'good'. The question to Ed (and others) is if he disagrees with that description and thinks that the text in question is wrong from the point of view of his interpretation of the deity? Thanks!

---

Reply author: Ze
Replied on: 10 Apr 2013 21:49:23
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by xaeyruudh
one of the following must be true.

1. Alauvin became part of the family when his sister married Alaerik.

<snip>

2. Alaerik and Kara were both Ruldegosts before marrying.

---

Why are you ruling out the possibility that Kara was a Ruldegost and Alaerik, of unnoble origins, took the noble House surname when they married?

Re the birth dates, I have been working on them, putting to good use Ed's gifts to my campaign - I'd be happy to share them with you (PM?) if you wish.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 10 Apr 2013 21:58:43
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

So far I have been unlucky with my questions to Ed (which makes me sad, although I still hope to have answers soon), but there is a question that really bothers me and I would like Ed to answer it or THO. It concerns Torm, and the fact that I just read that his dogma in Faiths and Pantheons says the following to the faithful "Bring painful, quick death to traitors." This really bothers me and I find it inconsistent with the ethos of a Lawful Good deity (or character). Shouldn't the faithful of Torm be encouraged to try to convert those who carry out evil deeds? and to not promote murder or the death penalty (the dogma would even be inimical to due process)? On top of that, the mention of making others feel pain seems totally abhorrent, since it encourages torture and disregard of the dignity of beings, be them criminal or not. That is far from 'good'. The question to Ed (and others) is if he disagrees with that description and thinks that the text in question is wrong from the point of view of his interpretation of the deity? Thanks!

---

Keep in mind that Torm is all about duty. To be a traitor, you must have a duty and not just set it aside, but actively work in opposition to that duty. For a god of duty, there can be no greater transgression -- so he wants it punished.

It's not a call for torture, though, or at least not sustained torture -- because he demands the death be quick.

So he's not calling for burning at the stake, or spending time being slowly tortured. He's also not wanting something painless, like a poisoned glass of wine, or slit wrists in a warm bath.

He's instead calling for something like being run through with a sword, or to be hung, or something similar. He wants the transgressor to feel the pain of his actions, and to quickly carry that pain with him into the afterlife.

I'll not really go into the morality of all that, but Torm is basically saying that if someone works against their duty, they deserve to die for it, and they deserve to know death is coming and feel it.

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 10 Apr 2013 22:47:54
Message:

quote:

---

Re the birth dates, I have been working on them, putting to good use Ed's gifts to my campaign - I'd be happy to share them with you (PM?) if you wish.

---

Why PM ? Share this with everybody in a special topic (or at least, give me a copy of this PM ).

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 03:18:07
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marco Volo

Hi all,

Knowing that Ed is 'busy busy busy', let's ask THO a question : did the Knights have any experience of the Rat Hills near Waterdeep that you could share with us ?

I love this place very much.

---

While awaiting the Bearded One's reply...

I think Ed might have briefly touched on this back on '05. I seem to recall something about "first encounters" in the Rat Hills that Ed mentioned. It might have been the Knights... or the Company of the Crazed Venturers. I can't check my archives at the moment.

---

Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 09:48:17
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

So far I have been unlucky with my questions to Ed (which makes me sad, although I still hope to have answers soon), but there is a question that really bothers me and I would like Ed to answer it or THO. It concerns Torm, and the fact that I just read that his dogma in Faiths and Pantheons says the following to the faithful "Bring painful, quick death to traitors." This really bothers me and I find it inconsistent with the ethos of a Lawful Good deity (or character). Shouldn't the faithful of Torm be encouraged to try to convert those who carry out evil deeds? and to not promote murder or the death penalty (the dogma would even be inimical to due process)? On top of that, the mention of making others feel pain seems totally abhorrent, since it encourages torture and disregard of the dignity of beings, be them criminal or not. That is far from 'good'. The question to Ed (and others) is if he disagrees with that description and thinks that the text in question is wrong from the point of view of his interpretation of the deity? Thanks!

---

Keep in mind that Torm is all about duty. To be a traitor, you must have a duty and not just set it aside, but actively work in opposition to that duty. For a god of duty, there can be no greater transgression -- so he wants it punished.

It's not a call for torture, though, or at least not sustained torture -- because he demands the death be quick.

So he's not calling for burning at the stake, or spending time being slowly tortured. He's also not wanting something painless, like a poisoned glass of wine, or slit wrists in a warm bath.

He's instead calling for something like being run through with a sword, or to be hung, or something similar. He wants the transgressor to feel the pain of his actions, and to quickly carry that pain with him into the afterlife.

I'll not really go into the morality of all that, but Torm is basically saying that if someone works against their duty, they deserve to die for it, and they deserve to know death is coming and feel it.

---

First of all, thanks for answering my inquiry and sharing your thoughts! I have been thinking on the subject, and think that despite being a god of duty, a systematic interpretation that takes into account all of Torm's ethos further challenges the inclusion of his demanding painful and swift death of traitors. This is because his dogma states that "unjust laws" must be "questioned" and modified. This implies that he does not sponsor a notion of blind obedience, but one that is tempered by notions of what is just. In our world, this is akin to theories in philosophy of law that hold that natural law or principles (as Fuller says) must be taken into account so as to not implement law that is unfair, contrary to positivist theories that stress that all law, for the mere fact of being such, is binding, regardless of their ethical considerations.
Thus, is the obedience Torm requires is not a blind one (something the International Criminal Court does today when punishing superior obedience of the commission of crimes, even by military subordinates), it is because his ethics see obedience and laws not as goals in themselves but as instrumental, and being a good deity, just as he tempers obedience with a substantive analysis of laws and orders, he cannot be harsh and demand a cruel treatment or a harsh punishment of wrongdoers, especially if that creates suffering and ignores their possibility of redemption. Furthermore, I understand that some faithful of Torm may believe in the dogma as stated in previous sources, but consider that others would oppose it and even condemn it (as historian Paul Johnson has explained, both within Catholicism and Protestantism there were sides that opposed punishments and sanctions against alleged heretics).
Sorry for the long post, but I really enjoy these philosophical debates in order to analyze the way in which the faiths of the Realms would work in a consistent way.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 17:41:46
Message:

Hi again, all.
Well said, Wooly. I think you've stated matters re. the updated published Torm spot-on.
paladinnicolas, I respect your questions and the logic you've set forth in this latest post, but (heh; you knew there was going to be a "but" there, didn't you?), I must respond with two things:
1. Ed's conception of his gods isn't always shared by other writers/designers, many of whom seem unable to think very far outside of their own real-world religious upbringing, or "think Realms" rather than applying real-world thinking/mores to the Realms (your latest post does just that, for example). I'm not saying real-world philosophy, logic, and religious terms/definitions aren't useful in discussing the Realms (for some of us, it's all we have), I'm just warning to be careful when applying them. All too often, here and elsewhere, bitter disputes arise because those debating are thinking of elements being discussed in very different ways, assuming things that have never been stated because of how they think of the elements.
2. You write: "the way in which the faiths of the Realms would work in a consistent way."
Heh. The point is that they quite often DON'T work in a consistent way, just as most real-world faiths don't. Adherents continuously alter dogma (or enforcement of dogma) in light of their own experience, sometimes disagreeing with other adherents of the same faith to the extent of physical violence, "splitting off from the faith," and so on. Even mortals in the Realms who consider themselves humble, and devout, and diligent in their worship, interpret divine teachings/messages/deeds in very different ways from each other - - and this results in lots of conflict, vying for supremacy of views, and so on.
We know from what we can read in published Realmslore, and from what Ed's said (also canon, by the original Realms publication agreement) that more than few Faerunian deities encourage disputes among their followers, and varying beliefs/strivings, and we usually can't even be certain why (Cyric and to some extent Lolth may just be insane, but mortals can't reliably know what goes on inside most deities' heads; some deities have been known to deceive even their own high-ranking clergy).
It's pretty obvious from canon Realmslore that some clergy of Torm disagree with the conclusions you have reached in your "thinking on the subject." Some of this is no doubt due to fuzziness over what a "traitor" is (someone who betrays the letter of a law, rule, or obedience to a higher-up, versus someone who betrays the spirit of ditto), but more of it probably lies in differing world-views; i.e. many folk in the Realms see things differently than many real-world folk (including you) AND each other, even within Torm's clergy. I know this to be the case because often when Ed is DMing and clergy of Torm are onstage, they debate among themselves what course of action will be "proper duty."
Ed can engage in endless theosophical debate (I know; I've heard him), but usually chooses not to do so, because he thinks it usually upsets those involved for no good reason/result. Which brings us to the nature of roleplaying games: you can alter, expand, or omit canon Realms material to your heart's content for your own play, but to some extent, canon is canon and is the basis of shared, common lore of the Realms all gamers "know," and you just have to accept what's printed as "so."
Ed wrote the root lore from which the original "deity books" were written. FAITHS & PANTHEONS is a later edition revamp, and for space reasons a lot of dogma had to be left out, so what we were all left with was slanted towards game-useful "this is what clergy are likely to DO in this or that situation," with far less of "and this is their thinking behind why they would do it."
If we debate tenets of religious practice, we're just doing what the clergy and lay worshippers (which is darned near everyone, because everyone "believes in" all the gods, remember?) in the Realms do.
If, in such debates, we ever take the step of saying "what's written here doesn't square with my views," we must be aware that we're on very shaky ground. In this case, you've stated that Punishment X doesn't seem consistent with the ethos of Torm or the definition of Lawful Good. Fair enough, but I suspect most clergy of Torm would flatly disagree with you.
The classic exemplar of LG is a paladin, classically depicted as an armed and armored warrior knight who does violence to defend good and "smite evil." If willful betrayal/treason is among the ultimate evils to Tormites, why would they not smite ultimate evil? Unintentional traitors, or those who did not believe they were betraying, are exempted from certain death, their fates within the mercy/discretion of the Tormite clergy, so it's the unrepentant or those whose repentance may not be seen as genuine who are to be swiftly and painfully slain, as a example/deterrent to others and as the enactment of Torm's justice and commanded manner of dispensing that justice. "Pain is the tithe," as the Tormite saying has it. Pain is not torture, if it is not prolonged or indulged in for its own sake or to benefit the torturer (with, for example, extracted information). Wooly mentioned one of the traditional Tormite slaying methods: running a traitor through with one's sword (not a tied-down or helpless traitor, it should be noted). Painful but not prolonged. As the sage Alaundo put it: "Torm is not a god of mercy. Torm is a god of vigilant duty. To be careless is to open a chink in armor."
Ed is very busy right now with his taxes and with Realms fiction writing, so it may take him some time to weigh in on this one, but I sent him this post before posting it here, and got back:

A good beginning. This is, of course, an endless debate, but I think your response is fine for starters. I built inconsistencies into a lot of the churches of the Realms, purely because doing so builds in maximum play/story opportunities.

So saith Ed.
Right. paladinnicolas, your serve. No hard feelings.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Ze
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 18:25:44
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marco Volo

Why PM ? Share this with everybody in a special topic (or at least, give me a copy of this PM ).

---

Sounds fair. Here you go:
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17721

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 19:09:23
Message:

I've got bit of a followup... Bolding mine.

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Wooly mentioned one of the traditional Tormite slaying methods: running a traitor through with one's sword (not a tied-down or helpless traitor, it should be noted). Painful but not prolonged. As the sage Alaundo put it: "Torm is not a god of mercy. Torm is a god of vigilant duty. To be careless is to open a chink in armor."

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So is the condemned traitor restrained at all? If not, how does the running-thru take place?

I'm also curious to know if there is some sort of trial, or if Torm just sends a sign that the guilty person is to be executed.

And is there any preference to the sword used or the person wielding it? Like, would a betrayed commander run the miscreant thru with the miscreant's own blade, or would the ranking priest grab the first blade handy, or what? (Or is that the usual situational thing, with preferences but few absolutes?)

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 19:28:17
Message:

As I recall, Torm sends a definite sign: above-altar-vision/speech, perceivable by all, not just ranking clergy. So ultimate guilt is the judgment of the god, not of human clergy. But my memory of this is hazy, because it dates from 1979 (the last onstage-in-play instance of the Knights being present when Torm passed judgment), and a LOT has happened since then, so I'll have to check with Ed.
love,
THO

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 20:22:22
Message:

Dear THO, so it's my turn now :) There can certainly be no hard feelings. I actually enjoy discussing these ideas, and paraphrasing John Stuart Mill, the exchange of ideas lets us improve. English is not my first language, so I apologize if I make any mistakes. Concerning the disparity and even contradiction among followers of the same deity, I think that it is an aspect that certainly fosters many interesting role playing opportunities, and certainly think that it is interesting that some followers of Torm do believe in the swift and painful death of wrongdoers. Yet, precisely because of this, I don't like the idea that in canon it is stated as a universal dogma of all followers to believe in such a tenet, which is certainly controversial for the reasons I explained above. Furthermore, as a member of the Triad and thus at least an ally or more likely even a friend of Ilmater, it would be contradictory for the latter to get along with Torm if he truly does promote suffering, especially because it is also stated in canon that "[h]e is angered by cruelty and those who inflict suffering, particularly upon children and young creatures in general." For Torm to command the intentional infliction of suffering would be an act frowned upon by Ilmater, even angering him. If it is considered that Ilmater tended to advise Tyr to moderate justice by taking into account mercy, and if Ilmater has mostly (until 4e) had a superior rank than Torm, it is reasonable to expect that Torm would not adopt the approach mentioned. Thus, I accept that some Tormites may adopt the view I dislike a lawful good deity having, but do not think that it should have been included as a universal dogma (having done the opposite and mentioning as the belief of some, perhaps extremist, followers would be actually more interesting in my humble point of view).
Lastly, it is actually inevitable to see things at least partially from our prism, as studies in anthropology show (especially concerning a fictional land), but the opposite is also true, that sometimes those extraneous viewpoints clarify or identify things that those who live in the examined context do not consider.
Alas, this is another lengthy answer, but as I said, I love talking about this (perhaps my lawyer and researcher backgrounds have to do with it). Thanks again!

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 21:46:41
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Ze

Why are you ruling out the possibility that Kara was a Ruldegost and Alaerik, of unnoble origins, took the noble House surname when they married?

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Because this:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

by the time Alaerik became head of the house upon the death of his father Norond

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...means that Alaerik was the heir of the family and Kara married into her current role.

I too would be interested in seeing others' suggestions for birth dates, of these NPCs and any others. Certainly in another thread, so that others can weigh in without cluttering up the Q&A thread.

I also have another addendum to my earlier questions, this one regarding the agents of Alaerik's demise.

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

The widowed (Lord Alaerik Ruldegost died in 1353 DR, poisoned by an unknown intruder probably hired by a noble or guild trade rival)

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On page 19 of my much-loved and well-worn copy of the Cyclopedia of the Realms, under the mercenary adventuring band called The Four, it mentions that they were recently expelled from Waterdeep by Khelben for indulging in a string of paid assassinations-of-nobles. Was Alaerik one of their victims? The timing fits. Of course, it's entirely possible/likely that others were performing similar work at the same time, and Alaerik might have been the sole target of some jealous/angry individual. But now I'm wondering if Ed has written out a specific hit list for this group, or if it never became necessary because the Knights' interests lay elsewhere. If there is a list, is it possible to share it here?

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 21:57:34
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by paladinnicolas

So far I have been unlucky with my questions to Ed

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Just my two cents about this bit in particular, partly because I think you're not alone in this situation.

The questions that get answered quickly are the easy ones. And they're great because they swiftly increase the body of lore that's available to all of us.

The questions that take the longest to answer are more difficult. Not because of NDAs, because "NDA, sorry" is a quick response too. They take longer because they require either Ed, THO, or both, to dig through dustier notebooks (whether made of paper or memory) and these are insightful and excellent questions. They may take longer, but they're (in my opinion) the most important... because the stuff that WotC is asking Ed to write about is the stuff that he has immediately at hand (and is most likely to be NDA, but either way it's a quick answer). If he has to go looking for it, or generate new lore on the spot, then it probably won't see print if nobody asks a question about it.

tl;dr: feel good about your questions in any case, but feel best about the ones that take longer to answer.

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 11 Apr 2013 22:37:40
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

Dear THO, so it's my turn now :) There can certainly be no hard feelings. I actually enjoy discussing these ideas, and paraphrasing John Stuart Mill, the exchange of ideas lets us improve. English is not my first language, so I apologize if I make any mistakes. Concerning the disparity and even contradiction among followers of the same deity, I think that it is an aspect that certainly fosters many interesting role playing opportunities, and certainly think that it is interesting that some followers of Torm do believe in the swift and painful death of wrongdoers. Yet, precisely because of this, I don't like the idea that in canon it is stated as a universal dogma of all followers to believe in such a tenet, which is certainly controversial for the reasons I explained above. Furthermore, as a member of the Triad and thus at least an ally or more likely even a friend of Ilmater, it would be contradictory for the latter to get along with Torm if he truly does promote suffering, especially because it is also stated in canon that "[h]e is angered by cruelty and those who inflict suffering, particularly upon children and young creatures in general." For Torm to command the intentional infliction of suffering would be an act frowned upon by Ilmater, even angering him. If it is considered that Ilmater tended to advise Tyr to moderate justice by taking into account mercy, and if Ilmater has mostly (until 4e) had a superior rank than Torm, it is reasonable to expect that Torm would not adopt the approach mentioned. Thus, I accept that some Tormites may adopt the view I dislike a lawful good deity having, but do not think that it should have been included as a universal dogma (having done the opposite and mentioning as the belief of some, perhaps extremist, followers would be actually more interesting in my humble point of view).
Lastly, it is actually inevitable to see things at least partially from our prism, as studies in anthropology show (especially concerning a fictional land), but the opposite is also true, that sometimes those extraneous viewpoints clarify or identify things that those who live in the examined context do not consider.
Alas, this is another lengthy answer, but as I said, I love talking about this (perhaps my lawyer and researcher backgrounds have to do with it). Thanks again!

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Ah, but Torm doesn't order excessive pain or torture, and he does order a quick death. So any suffering is over in short order.

And Ilmater is more about those who are oppressed, who are unjust recipients of suffering. He is also LG, and is not cool with certain things -- he can actually be motivated to violence, per Faiths & Avatars.

So Ilmy would likely consider the execution of a traitor to be a regrettable necessity -- and maybe not even that, if the betrayal caused widespread pain and suffering.

Torm, Tyr, and Ilmater are like three best friends. They may not fully agree with each other's viewpoints, but they respect those views, see some validity to them, and won't step on each other's toes without very good reason.

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 12 Apr 2013 03:22:38
Message:

I missed this earlier. My thanks, as always, to Ed and the Lady Hooded One.

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Sage, re. these from you about the Starflame: "Does it have the collective authority to punish deliberately abusive mages who shirk the laws of various rulers and such? Do any cities/rulers actively support the Starflame within their areas of influence?"

I just talked to Ed, and he mentioned:

Punishment only consists of expelling individuals from Starflame deliberations and banning them from joining or rejoining (until specific redresses made), and warning Starflame members of bad conduct so they know to be wary of certain individuals. Rulers who have cited Starflame information and decisions publicly include those of Telflamm, Westgate, and Memnon, but the public doesn't know if "support" in any of these places extends any farther than that.

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A slight further query... What about the support the public DOESN'T know about?

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 12 Apr 2013 03:24:41
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

As I recall, Torm sends a definite sign: above-altar-vision/speech, perceivable by all, not just ranking clergy. So ultimate guilt is the judgment of the god, not of human clergy. But my memory of this is hazy, because it dates from 1979 (the last onstage-in-play instance of the Knights being present when Torm passed judgment), and a LOT has happened since then, so I'll have to check with Ed.
love,
THO

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Have the Knights had any direct dealings with Torm since that time, or has it just been through his clergy?

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Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 12 Apr 2013 18:13:46
Message:

Tantam All

Ed the players in my ongoing campaign are looking for someone to do some pargeting on their up country Cormyte mansions and towers (in and around Thunderstone).

Is pargeting a traditional craft in Cormyr and are there any well known firms/individual that undertake such work?

I am assuming that there are rules and regulations on exactly what can be portrayed on the buildings as well? (the usual heraldry rules?)

Many thanks

Damian

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 12 Apr 2013 18:22:28
Message:

Hello All,

Ed, following up on you Noble Investments article from Forging the Realms, I'm curious to know what are the organized means, if any, in modern day Cormyr that nobles utilize to "get the word out" that they're hiring adventurers?

I noted in your article the point about adventurers visiting places nobles go to, but is this the only way?

Just curious if there aren't broadsheets mentioning "employment opportunities" or perhaps a smart noble or merchant has contacts within the Royal Court that allow them to learn who's on the rolls of chartered adventurers--information which they sell to nobles in need of adventurers.

Thank you very much. That was a great article.

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Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 13 Apr 2013 15:13:35
Message:

Dear Ed Greenwood,

I am curious about human eye colors in the Realms. While the 3rd Edition book "Races of Faerun" highlights the eye colors in some of the ethnicities of the human races presented, they always note the "normal" human range of eye color (blue, green, brown, and all shades of them).

However, according to the 3rd Edition "Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting" book, on page 10, there is a passage written by "Olram Faravaerr, Merchant of Mintarn" that point out a much broader range of human eye colors. Heartlanders, with Southern blood, are said to actually have yellow or orange eye colors. (So, I assume this means some Calishites, Chondathans, and Tethyrians correct?) And inhabitants of the Old Empires (so I assume the Mulan and maybe inhabitants of the Murghom and maybe some Shaarans) are known to have some people who have red eye colors.

I like the more varied eye color aspect than the normal "Earth" kind. Now on to my question; is it possible to have a bit more detail concerning the eye colors of the human inhabitants of Faerun (and possibly beyond, like those from the Hordelands, Kara-Tur, etc.)?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 13 Apr 2013 16:16:13
Message:

Good question, Razz. I suspect, from what Ed's said to me in the past, that he'll be telling you that all eye hues can be encountered just about anywhere (after all, the Princes of Shade have eyes of many gem and metal hues, and are just Netherese who "went away" for many, many years while their fellow Netherese scattered all over the Realms and interbred with others...so the genes for those eye hues might well be encountered just about anywhere). However, we'll await Ed's reply, when he has time to make it. Busy, busy boy right now, as usual...
love,
THO

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Reply author: Bladewind
Replied on: 13 Apr 2013 18:27:13
Message:

Just wanted to say that this scrolls questions keep getting better and better. I love you all for all of it.

My humble thanks to all scribes and Ed and THO in particular. So many hours of cool stuff can be found herein. Its much appreciated.

*hugs*

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 13 Apr 2013 19:13:49
Message:

Hugs right back, Bladewind.
You're very, very welcome.
I sometimes feel guilty for having roped Ed into this non-paying gig, when he has so many demands on his time.
But he genuinely enjoys explaining Realmslore, creating new Realmslore, and being helpful, so I hope he continues it for years upon years to come.
He's one of the nicest, kindest, most generous people I know, and I just hope scribes will be patient with him - - because he's also one of the busiest and most overworked people I know. Juggling a day job, family demands, the usual "life" stuff we all deal with, volunteer/civic work, and a writing/game designing workload about triple what most writers manage.
And he's FAR from finished with the Realms. It's his life work, so as long as he's alive...
love,
THO

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Reply author: Jakuta Khan
Replied on: 13 Apr 2013 22:47:18
Message:

Hi Tho hi Ed,

the latest thoughts of myself have been around the role of the females in hobgpblin tribes in fserun in general.

I was asuming that females are traditionally seen as homekeepers and caretakers for the tribe, while the males do tasks which include personal risks and fighting etc. what is leaving me to the question as follows:

are hobgoblin females accepted in the ranks of the warriors if they proove to have the necessary skills or are they kept away from the fighting so as not to emdanger the future of the tribe as a whole?

edit:
sorry for the terrible spelling, but three hobgoblin beers left me a bit tired ;) , yes there is actually a hobgoblin beer brand.

already looking forward to the reply.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 14 Apr 2013 00:51:42
Message:

Heh. Ed and I are both familiar with Hobgoblin beer. And Red Witch and several other brews from the same source.
Jakuta Khan, in many hobgoblin societies, females are the matriarchs (heads of families and yes, homekeepers and financial and nursing carekeepers), while males hunt, patrol, and fight, but these are stereotypes that often break down in individual cases.
Let me quote Ed here:

Many hobgoblin females are veteran scouts and battlefield leaders (the equivalent of real-world NCOs and higher officers), and serve in these roles AND as they get older become the trainers of younger male and female hobgoblins to succeed them in these same roles.
Matriarchs (and patriarchs) are constantly making decisions as to which males and females of the tribe shall be withdrawn from risk (sent elsewhere, left as garrison or escorts of younglings away from danger) so as to make the survival of the tribe most likely. Overcoming the urge to fight in favor of skulking away to fight another day is one of the chief skills wiser and older hobgoblins master (i.e. "overcoming urges").

So saith Ed. (Who has also given similar answers in these threads here at the Keep before, if my memory doesn't fail me.)
love,
THO

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Reply author: Xar Zarath
Replied on: 14 Apr 2013 08:26:12
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, does Malcanthet the Queen of Succubi and demon lord now serves Asmodeus? I mean being a succubus does that make her a devil? or she plays both sides?(demons and devils) Last i know she was current a lord of a layer in the Abyss...

(Hope you can answer without running into the dreaded N'DA demon, and Thanks!)

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Reply author: Sightless
Replied on: 14 Apr 2013 20:58:53
Message:

I was listening to a particularly old tape of notes of mine, searching for some element I recorded on Mageling rank structure and manners in the east and came across a question that I came up with when reading the Temptation of Elmenster, which I was reading at the time. To place the question in context, I first give this brief exert:

“Elenshaer had followed a common elf mages' practice. He'd set down the crowning part of the casting on another paper, kept elsewhere. His abode would have held thousands of such papers, with Elenshaer's memory as the only link of what paper went with which. There'd even been a rogue mage in the City of Song, Twillist, who'd sought power by pilfering such "ends" of spells, trading them to young apprentices and others eager for more knowledge and power in exchange for lesser, but whole, magics.
The missing ending was almost obvious to a mage who'd had a hand in crafting mythals and studied with Cormanthan elves. A summation or linking bridge, probably "Tanaethaert shurruna rae," a shaping gesture...thus...mirrored immediately and incorporated into the incantation with the utterance of "Rahrada," then the declaration that would make the hook recede into the ward-weave and give its caster control of the spell effects it brought with it: "Dannaras ouuhilim rabreivra, tonneth ootaha la, tabras torren ouliirym torrin, dalarabban yultah." A concluding gesture... thus...and it would be done.
He'd spoken those words aloud, though near-soundlessly, and was startled when something spun into being in the air before him, a little more than the length of his hand above Elenshaer's incomplete spell.”

At the time, and even more so now, this seems to be a full Imperative conjunction, or a logical system (I.E. a string of declarations, particularly commands, are conjuned by an if and only if section. The joining system serving both as the main controller for the string, and for the full argument in which it is either inserted, or is constructed around); to put this another way, does Elven magic follow logical systems?

This goes beyond the simple question, does magic follow the concept that any complex system must be by it’s nature a follower of some sort of patern, the more complex the system, the greater the probability that the system is influenced by said pattern. This then leads to my next question, which I am afraid is perhaps something that shouldn’t be answered, and I might be a bit crude in phrasing it in such simple terms, but, which has greater influence on the two systems, Mystra onto the Weave, or the Weave onto Mystra?

Each is of course a series of complex systems in their own right: Mystra, being a mortal Midnight, and the weave, being essentially the force that makes magic possible. I appreciate your time, respectfully, Sightless.

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Reply author: Jakuta Khan
Replied on: 14 Apr 2013 23:25:07
Message:

Dear Tho, dear Ed,

funny you know these beers, actually not very surprising, though.

I am officially importing the beer range into the territory of Germany ;) that is my job >( among other beers and spirits ).

To your reply:
As always very enlightening, thanks a lot for this!!
And you are right, I have asked a similar question as the recent one, but on a different approach, and also not after the influence of the Hobgoblins of the Wychwood!!

Best
Jakuta Khan

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 14 Apr 2013 23:37:45
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

If there was a dwarf hold in the Storm Horns, northwest of Eveningstar and they wished to trade weapons and other goods, would they barge down the Starwater to Eveningstar and offload their goods and head to Arabel? Would they simply set up shop in Eveningstar? Could they ride barges all the way down from the Eveningstar area to Marsember? If this is possible, how long do you think barge traffic would take? I was curious as to how you think this type of trade would operate.

Thank you both. :)

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 14 Apr 2013 23:51:41
Message:

Heh. I believe there IS a small and well-hidden dwarf hold in the Stormhorns, and as they want to remain hidden, they travel underground to emerge on the surface near the Bridge of Fallen Men, and journey openly overland on the trade-roads from there, so as to pose as dwarves who've come from elsewhere via surface routes.
As for barging...Ed will of course furnish a proper answer, but as a longtime player in a campaign with Ed as the DM, yes, barges do travel upriver as far north as the east-west traderoad bridge across the river in Eveningstar...but they have to be very SMALL barges because the channel is both shallow and narrow/sharp-bending in places (moved more with poles than with oars, the King's Forest making towing with draft beasts nigh-impossible until much farther south). Ed described such barges in play.
We'll have to await his reply for more...
love,
THO

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 15 Apr 2013 01:13:34
Message:

Thanks for the quick answer THO. :)

As a quick follow-up, aside from Mithril Hall and Thunderholme, what kind of ways do dwarves hide the entrances to their strongholds or mines? Without surface facing towers or defense points, does this make defending them more difficult?

Thanks again. :)

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 15 Apr 2013 09:36:57
Message:

To continue with the discussion about Torm, Ilmater and the former's dogma of killing traitors and wrongdoers swiftly but with pain, I just found a source in canon that does point out that such a command would be contrary to the good alignment; and suggests that Torm, if he truly did hold to that tenet instead of it being something that the faithful wrongly ascribed to him, should have changed by now after the Spellplague at the very least, because of the need of balancing justice with mercy and Ilmater's advice (as I suggested). It is found in page 14 of the FR book Champions of Valor, where it is said that;
"[M]ercy and forgiveness [are] key elements of a truly good character. Extending mercy to a defeated opponent is something an evil character would never do, nor would an evil opponent truly forgive someone who wronged him, and as such those two acts define what is good behavior (the willingness to do something no evil creature would consider the right response). Again, looking at the deities, Ilmater is a powerful deity who embodies perseverance and suffering; he more than any other knows what horrors evil can perform, but he endures by holding onto the hope that eventually evil hearts will turn to good, or, if need be, destroyed outright. While he is allied with Torm, a martial god of paladins, Ilmater’s superior is Tyr, god of justice, and part of true justice is knowing when a punishment is appropriate or excessive and when clemency is merited. In a world where truly evil gods walk the earth, the leader of the Harpers makes a peace agreement with the Zhentarim, and one of the land’s most famous heroes is a good-aligned dark elf, the desire to slay an enemy for revenge must always be questioned."

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 15 Apr 2013 10:47:36
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by paladinnicolas

To continue with the discussion about Torm, Ilmater and the former's dogma of killing traitors and wrongdoers swiftly but with pain, I just found a source in canon that does point out that such a command would be contrary to the good alignment; and suggests that Torm, if he truly did hold to that tenet instead of it being something that the faithful wrongly ascribed to him, should have changed by now after the Spellplague at the very least, because of the need of balancing justice with mercy and Ilmater's advice (as I suggested). It is found in page 14 of the FR book Champions of Valor, where it is said that;
"[M]ercy and forgiveness [are] key elements of a truly good character. Extending mercy to a defeated opponent is something an evil character would never do, nor would an evil opponent truly forgive someone who wronged him, and as such those two acts define what is good behavior (the willingness to do something no evil creature would consider the right response). Again, looking at the deities, Ilmater is a powerful deity who embodies perseverance and suffering; he more than any other knows what horrors evil can perform, but he endures by holding onto the hope that eventually evil hearts will turn to good, or, if need be, destroyed outright. While he is allied with Torm, a martial god of paladins, Ilmater’s superior is Tyr, god of justice, and part of true justice is knowing when a punishment is appropriate or excessive and when clemency is merited. In a world where truly evil gods walk the earth, the leader of the Harpers makes a peace agreement with the Zhentarim, and one of the land’s most famous heroes is a good-aligned dark elf, the desire to slay an enemy for revenge must always be questioned."

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I fail to see the issue. It says slaying for revenge is bad, but executing a traitor is seen by Torm as justice. This passage does not contradict that; it in fact does include a provision for the outright destruction of evil, which in Torm's view would include a betrayer.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 15 Apr 2013 11:14:12
Message:

Yet, in my opinion, the passage does mention how mercy and compassion are important to good characters, and how simply executing (murdering, actually) someone who has behaved badly, especially if he can change or does not pose a threat if captured, may actually be an evil conduct. Moreover, it illustrates how the values of the Triad are to be understood in context and in light of the others, and so that duty is not blind (something Torm's dogma itself shows when allowing the change of wrong laws) and that punishment must take into account mercy and repentance (as shown by Ilmater's suggestions to Tyr). After all, I understand that there may be disagreements on the issue, which is fine (in fact, disparate interpretations by the faithful, as I said, are interesting in the game), but that a universal creed that puts forth the tenet of inflicting pain and killing all traitors seems actually evil. I would expect this perhaps from a lawful neutral deity as Helm, but Torm? Something that Eberron has is the idea of noble and merciful deities that combat evil with compassion towards the enemies (the Silver Flame), and the Triad ones could fill that role in the Realms (which many players, myself included, like)
As always, this is just my opinion, and I may well be wrong about Realms interpretation, so thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts!

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 15 Apr 2013 14:05:17
Message:

Folks, I'm inclined to ask that we keep the side-chatter to a minimum. Or, at the very least, take it to another scroll. It's becoming cluttered again, here, and I'm having a hard time picking out proper replies from Ed/THO.

Thanks.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 15 Apr 2013 15:12:51
Message:

You are completly right Sage, I apologize... I tend to get carried away with these discussions, which I enjoy. Sorry everyone

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Reply author: Eldacar
Replied on: 16 Apr 2013 13:43:46
Message:

A brief question to add to my (probably still meagre) pile of questions for Ed.:

In the 3rd edition Lords of Darkness supplement, a Cyricist ritual called "Ritual of the Dark Flame" is described, with a result that the subject receives the ability to summon and use "black fire" in battle, powered by negative energy.

1) Is this an effectively unique ritual devised by Cyric and/or his priesthood?
2) Do other priesthoods have (or are they developing) similar rituals? I could see Selune and Lathander (and possibly Mystra) all possibly using ones based around positive energy instead of negative, for example.
3) Have other individuals outright copied the innovation to begin using it themselves?
4) What was the original purpose in developing the ability? Did it have anything at all to do with the silver fire and/or Cyric trying to copy it, even if it would only be a flawed and imperfect replication?
5) What other abilities/powers of comparable level have other priesthoods created? If this is too broad a question, then information on just Mystra, Kelemvor, Selune, Sune and Tyr would be fine (in that order if Ed would need to narrow it down further). Basically, the good aligned ones, or at least neutral aligned ones.

It seems like a very interesting ability/ritual, and I'd like to know more about it if possible.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 16 Apr 2013 19:52:52
Message:

Hmmm. Dark flame in the Realms predates Cyric's ascension to godhood, so the answer to #1 must be no, and the answer to #2 must be yes.
Everything else must wait for Ed. Who is deep in the throes of taxes (due end of April in Canada, not mid-April) and in Realms fiction work.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 17 Apr 2013 11:49:36
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Eldacar
In the 3rd edition Lords of Darkness supplement, a Cyricist ritual called "Ritual of the Dark Flame" is described, with a result that the subject receives the ability to summon and use "black fire" in battle, powered by negative energy.

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In the 2e sourcebook Drow of the Underdark, IIRC, there is a spell of Lolth which creates black flames, which burn (cause damage) but don't produce any light. My question to add to Eldacar's: is this spell related to this form of energy the Cyricists employ?

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Reply author: Crimson_King_of_the_Tower
Replied on: 17 Apr 2013 18:18:46
Message:

My question to Ed or THO is as follows. Ive been reading over The North boxed set and i came across the entry on the Moondark mountains. I really liked it and want to send my PCs there and was wondering if what was written was all there was meant to be or did you ever elaborate or mean to elaborate on it? Thank you

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 17 Apr 2013 23:31:27
Message:

I can imagine Ed's taxes being about as much fun as a dinner date with Umberlee. Good luck to him!

A question for you THO, which may have been asked before (my bad if so). How often does Ed make environmental factors (like weather, seismic activity, floods) a focus point of the game rather than just an incidental thing? Put another way, does he use these things "merely" as descriptive elements for immersion, or are they occasionally/often a starting point for an evening's adventure with more-typical plot elements added afterwards?

On a tangent, how often does Ed employ random generation tables of any sort?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 Apr 2013 03:18:10
Message:

Heh. To your tangent, I can reply: with his veteran players, Ed doesn't use random tables at all. I doubt he uses them when playing with anyone else, either.
I know he designed quite a few, when writing for TSR in the early days, and for a few DRAGON articles, but those were assignments.
Ed does keep track of weather "fronts" and systems moving through regions in which play is taking place, so rainstorms, snowstorms, and overall temperature feature regularly in play. Ed seldom hits us with severe weather or other natural events without warning (I think he doesn't consider it quite "fair"), but does forewarn us when such things occur, so it can become part of our tactical planning. Country folk in the Realms live "closer to nature" than in our modern real world, and pay a lot of attention to local signs of upcoming weather. Adventurers travel more than a lot of people, and get "caught in the open" often because of their activities, but...that's just part of the life. Yes, severe winter weather often causes wolf pack and goblinkin raids and the like...
love,
THO

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 18 Apr 2013 21:27:48
Message:

Nice, thank you!

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 21 Apr 2013 07:48:54
Message:

Ed,

I enjoyed reading your latest Forging the Realms article: Imroad Gaskulyn, Gnome Locketmaker. In particular the words in Gnome and the names of new Realms herbs.

One of the things I like about your articles is they more often than not send me off on a Google search to look up a word I'm not familiar with. For this latest article it was 'tisane'.

Thanks again and looking forward to the next article.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 24 Apr 2013 14:32:26
Message:

Not exactly sure how to frame this question without either A) annoying folks who are not fans of certain lore, and B) not stepping on any NDA's, including possibly some new ones regarding The Sundering. This particular line of thought was given life by a set of simultaneous (coincidental?) circumstances. including my current reading of a certain sub-genre I am not normally fond of, and also another (brilliant) thread by Gray Richardson (amongst other things).

So here goes... How much of the 'changes' that the 4e lore brought about weren't really changes at all, but rather, "new knowledge brought to light" that were really part of your 'deeper secrets'?

In other words, when I look back at some of the earliest lore regarding 'the Creator Races', it has a certain... antideluvian... aspect to it. From what I understand, a lot of that was based on the material you sent to TSR, which then got filtered through the hands of many other authors/designers since. How much of what was 'revealed' was part of your original design, and also, how much of it was supposed to remain part of those 'deeply buried secrets' (which I presume is all part of that 'reset button' you had built into the Realms, which was never supposed to really be pushed).

Also, Wooly quoted something in Gray's thread regarding Larloch, and I recall some of your (cryptic) responses to my own inquires down that line - is there any connection between what Larloch is doing now (as of late 1300's, anyway) - trying to get control of as much of the Path of Light & Darkness as possible - and what he is either trying to prevent, keep secret, or keep contained (I am thinking all three, to some degree)? Is this connected to what is going on by the resurgence of 'the past' (if you get my meaning), and possibly The Sundering?

I am going to assume that last question falls under some heavy NDA's, but I was hoping you could shed some light on that first one, even if it were along the lines of just setting people's fears at rest (that even when you weren't steering this ship, it was still - roughly - following the course you had set it on).


*Grammatical Corrections

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 24 Apr 2013 20:48:24
Message:

Another geography question, this time regarding the islands at the mouth of the Bay of Dancing Dolphins.

In Karen Fonstad's atlas, these islands are partly hidden in the binding but it's clear that there are at least one larger and one smaller island.

In the electronic atlas, there are two larger and one smaller island, but the smaller island is in the wrong place (assuming that Karen's atlas was drawn from your maps).

FR16, which theoretically offers a better view/description of the area, indicates no islands there at all.

Can anything be clarified/shared regarding these islands? The names would be great of course, and how many of them should appear on these maps, and how many more there might be which are too small to be remembered by non-natives. Also, given the position of these islands it's almost a given that Dambraii ships sail past them all the time... are there useful harbors on any of them? FR16 says the Bay of Dolphins hasn't had a destructive storm in 500 years... are there any settlements on these islands? Just wondering and rambling.

Many thanks! Hope your current projects are going well!

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Reply author: Jakuta Khan
Replied on: 25 Apr 2013 17:28:00
Message:

Hi THO Hi Ed,

today I would like to know if you could give any information about the current golbinoid tribes living in the area of the Gorge of the fallen Idol as the time being between 1340 and 1375 DR.

Thank you very much - as always, for any shared information ;)

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Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 27 Apr 2013 03:08:38
Message:

A bizarre line of thought...

What is the thinking in the realms of Faerun about what we would call the theory of Parallel Dimensions? That every minor flux or choice which occurs in the universe, creates a new universe (Like the Discworld's idea of the Trousers of Time).

Which sages have done thought experiments with this? Which races or civilizations have played with this ideology?

Also have any magic users (Arcane, Divine, Psionic, or whatever) experiment with transportation to these worlds? Or creating a new universe with their own changes in it?

Bizarre, I know, but so was Barrier Peak (I believe) and it was a success.

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 27 Apr 2013 07:27:06
Message:

In the grey box, it says that Mane's Band had some trouble with a bunch of beasts and a Red Wizard in the Yuirwood.

FR6 names Gombdalla and gives her a bunch of beasts and puts her in the Yuirwood.

Coincidence?

Also, who was the deserter, and who were the two slain; have we seen them elsewhere? And what was the enticing adventure hook that sent a group based in Shadowdale all the way to the Yuirwood?

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 27 Apr 2013 08:01:15
Message:

Hi THO and Ed!

Ed, is there a catchall Realms word for the real world form of arthritis we know as gout?

How about a Heartlands-specific term for it?

If there exist in the Realms any diseases or side effects related to monster exposure (bites or injuries received from) that cause gout or gout-like symptoms, could you give an example or two?

Thanks to you both for addressing this particular bit of Realmslore.

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Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 27 Apr 2013 17:47:37
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by xaeyruudh

In the grey box, it says that Mane's Band had some trouble with a bunch of beasts and a Red Wizard in the Yuirwood.
FR6 names Gombdalla and gives her a bunch of beasts and puts her in the Yuirwood.

Coincidence?
Also, who was the deserter, and who were the two slain; have we seen them elsewhere? And what was the enticing adventure hook that sent a group based in Shadowdale all the way to the Yuirwood?

---

Oooh like this question a lot, would love to hear more lore on Manes Band from the home Realms campaign.

Cheers

Damian

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Reply author: TheHermit
Replied on: 29 Apr 2013 02:48:17
Message:

Ed,

If I might, who are considered as the top experts on golems in the Realms?


Thanks,
Joe

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 29 Apr 2013 11:58:39
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheHermit

Ed,

If I might, who are considered as the top experts on golems in the Realms?


Thanks,
Joe

---

I'm not Ed, but I'm pretty sure Amelior Amanitas is one of them, at least in the 1360's. There are also golem makers among the clergy of Azuth, IIRC. But let's Ed answer properly and broaden this response.

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Reply author: Eldacar
Replied on: 29 Apr 2013 15:33:14
Message:

I'm not sure if I've asked this question before, so if I have, then apologies:

How does lycanthropy interact with silver fire? Have there been Chosen of Mystra (or silver fire wielders who weren't Chosen, as I recall Ed mentioning once or twice) in the past who were also lycanthropes?

Presumably they would need to be natural lycanthropes in most cases, since one of the benefits of becoming a Chosen is that you're immune to disease, but it'd be interesting to know if the silver fire "burns lycanthropy out" of the individual, or whatever it does if not that.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 29 Apr 2013 15:57:19
Message:

I have a question for Ed, but I am not sure if it is interesting of not. Given how I like legal thrillers (perhaps because I am a lawyer), I wonder if the lives of some Realms barristers are exciting and with adventure. Since some of the latest articles on the WoTC site from Ed deal with professions in the Realms, I'd like Ed to please expand upon famous lawyers and their connections with adventurers and ask Ed and THO if they have played legal thriller-style games in the Realms. Thanks!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Apr 2013 04:02:06
Message:

Hello again, all. I apologize for the few days of silence; I was on assignment (work-related), and Ed was deep in taxes, Realms writing, and mandatory workplace first aid recertification training at a Internet access-free remote rural location.
I have cheerfully buried Ed under your most recent posts and queries, and he sent me an e-mail with a cheerful chuckle and this lone reply (as yet):


Eldacar, silver fire does indeed 'burn lycanthropy out of' anyone who becomes a Chosen, or who is a Chosen and gets into circumstances wherein they would become a lycanthrope if they didn't have silver fire. A Chosen can choose to use their silver fire to 'burn lycanthropy out of' a non-Chosen they can reach with their silver fire, and doing so is almost instinctual/obvious (it doesn't need specialized training or knowledge) - - but they must discern that the non-Chosen being is a lycanthrope, and want to change that status; it won't happen automatically or unwittingly.


So saith Ed. Creator of silver fire, the Realms, the concept of Chosen, and so on.
love to all, and more replies coming when Ed can (he still has a LOT on his plate),
THO

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Reply author: Eldacar
Replied on: 30 Apr 2013 05:30:40
Message:

Many thanks for the answer, milady. And for the reason for the silence. I was getting worried that something terrible might have happened...

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 30 Apr 2013 07:27:09
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Internet access-free remote rural location.

---

So a deep layer of the Abyss?

Welcome back.

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Reply author: arry
Replied on: 30 Apr 2013 16:22:11
Message:

Oh no! The Abyss has internet access; it's just very, very sloooooooooooooooooooooooooow

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 30 Apr 2013 16:56:45
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by arry

Oh no! The Abyss has internet access; it's just very, very sloooooooooooooooooooooooooow

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And it's dialup AOL, and you keep having to use those free CDs they used to send to everyone in the world, twice a week.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 01 May 2013 00:14:30
Message:

You have CDs? I still have floppys.

I use to grab as many as I could wherever I went - most folks didn't realize you could flip the 'read only' tab on them and you got free floppies!

And dial-up AOL wasn't so bad. I remember trying to connect to other folks with the 300 baud Modem on my old TRS80.

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 01 May 2013 02:15:14
Message:

Before I direct us all back to topic...

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

You have CDs? I still have floppys.

---

I'll note that I still store stuff on an old storage Commodore Datasette... 1530, I think...

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 04 May 2013 07:24:44
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

OK, suppose a rich Sembian hires adventurers to visit The Rose and Dragon, the Servant Exalted and the Hrelto's in Suzail (all places where the servants of nobles like to gather, as mentioned on p.331 of Elminster Must Die), because the Sembian wants to question none too gently a particular Clerk of the Estate about a side deal that nearly got the Sembian killed.

If that Sembian has been to all three locations, but was pressed for time and could only give a quick, somewhat concise description (street location, what each place sits next to, something noteworthy about each place, what to watch out for in terms of danger, etc.), how might he or she describe each of those locations?

Thank you very much. Also, thank you for giving these and other locations a quick mention in your recent Elminster Novels. It's awesome to learn little bits and pieces about Suzail as it exists in 1479 DR.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 06 May 2013 21:26:56
Message:

Ed, in another thread we have gone off-track (as usual) from the OP about 'female characters in the Realms' to human sub-races.

I made the point that given the far more cosmopolitan nature of The Realms (as opposed to our own RW medieval period), just about any human 'sub-type' can be fond almost anywhere, although some will of course be more common in certain areas then others. This means that not only do some 'black people' live in Cormyr, but I am sure there are black Purple Dragons as well.

If this line of reasoning is correct, then is it possible that there are some 'dark skinned' noble houses in Cormyr? I assume elsewhere as well (I would think that in The South - like Calimshan - this would be a given).

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 06 May 2013 21:47:38
Message:

Hi Ed,

I was wondering, are there any were-deer, were-elk, or were-moose in the realms? If so, where? What about were-cows?

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Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 07 May 2013 00:03:39
Message:

Were-creatures are almost always carnivores or omnivores. I don't think there are any herbivore werecreatures at all, though I would not be surprised at exceptions. I am interested in whether or not there are weredogs, considering that werecats are common in the Realms.

I do have a legitimate Ed Question, well two in fact:
-----------------------------------------------
1) History in the Realms is obviously highly sought after as we all know. But I wonder exactly how it is that there are issue of there being gaps in history, considering how easily one can go to the many long-lived races or magically life-extended beings that are out there. If one was curious on events during Myth Drannor's siege, for example, how difficult is it to simply find an elf that is over 700 years of age or even a dragon, or some mage that has magically extended their life? (Such as Elminster himself, but we all know how much of a tease he is, I doubt every long-lived being is like him though)

2) It is also clear there are many, many shapechangers in the Realms and that fact has been around for ages. By now, would there not be all sorts of magical fields placed to show the true forms of those stepping in and magic items that allow rulers or their subjugates to discern any shapechangers hiding in the courts and halls of the palace? Or is that shapechangers have easy access to counter such magic? (But then, would there not be a counter-counter magic?) How exactly do shapechangers get by in the Realms and get away with concealing themselves so easily in a world that is aware of such shapechangers and would be foolish to not enact measures to unveil them?

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Reply author: LetumLux
Replied on: 07 May 2013 10:02:06
Message:

Hello again!

I'm pulling up a question from 2004 that was originally posted by Baalster. I looked through subsequent years' scrolls and didn't find the answer. I went through the rest of 2004 and a good chunk of 2005, and did some searching for keywords, but it didn't yield anything, so I thought I would dig it up!

quote:

---

5. Any information forthcoming about the barbarian tribes of The Ride ? I have found preciously little.

Anything that you can reveal on Whitehorn and White Peaks would be greatly appreciated. With what a sizeable stack of TSR/WotC books and magazines can't tell me, I find it comfortable to see that you answer questions about your creation so easily, even after so many years. For that you have my thanks once again.

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Thanks in advance!

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 07 May 2013 11:53:52
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Razz

Were-creatures are almost always carnivores or omnivores. I don't think there are any herbivore werecreatures at all, though I would not be surprised at exceptions. I am interested in whether or not there are weredogs, considering that werecats are common in the Realms.

---

Razz and sleyvas,

Once again, I'm not Ed, but I can answer a bit of these questions for you. In the 1e sourcebook Hall of Heroes, in Kelemvor's entry, there is a nice list of werecreatures that includes one herbivore species, the werebison. It also includes the weredog, a LG lycanthrope, weredolphins, werespiders and even weredragons (different from the song dragons). In this list there are no were-elks or deers, though. There are rules for creating new lycanthropes (for 1e, of course), and it is said that some animals merged with humans during the Time of Troubles (this would justify the existence of any kind of werecreature). anyway, I'm sure Ed can provide further lore on the subject.

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 07 May 2013 14:16:13
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barastir

quote:

---

Originally posted by Razz

Were-creatures are almost always carnivores or omnivores. I don't think there are any herbivore werecreatures at all, though I would not be surprised at exceptions. I am interested in whether or not there are weredogs, considering that werecats are common in the Realms.

---

Razz and sleyvas,

Once again, I'm not Ed, but I can answer a bit of these questions for you. In the 1e sourcebook Hall of Heroes, in Kelemvor's entry, there is a nice list of werecreatures that includes one herbivore species, the werebison. It also includes the weredog, a LG lycanthrope, weredolphins, werespiders and even weredragons (different from the song dragons). In this list there are no were-elks or deers, though. There are rules for creating new lycanthropes (for 1e, of course), and it is said that some animals merged with humans during the Time of Troubles (this would justify the existence of any kind of werecreature). anyway, I'm sure Ed can provide further lore on the subject.

---

So, there is essentially were-cows of a sort. Thank you. Hmm, I wonder, if they mated with cows and/or rothe if it would spread (I think you can mate bison and cows, right?)? Doesn't say anything in hall of heroes. Man have the guys at the slaughterhouse got a wicked surprise in for them.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 07 May 2013 14:46:58
Message:

And now you guys got me thinking about a type Tauric creature - a centuar Goblin/Rothe (since Rothe are supposed to be much smaller then cows, and descended from "the small forest Rothe"). Not sure why such things would exists - sounds like something some bored drow experimented with.

quote:

---

Originally posted by sleyvas

Hi Ed,

I was wondering, are there any were-deer, were-elk, or were-moose in the realms? If so, where? What about were-cows?

---

And now I am picturing a male dwarf and human female from Sossal who are hunting for a were-Moose and Were-Squirrel (in their hybrid forms)...

Boris: "Natasha, we must find Moose and Squirrel!"

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Reply author: Sunderstone
Replied on: 08 May 2013 11:07:15
Message:

Dear Ed,

I was always intrigued by the Paladins of Waterdeep; Piergeron, Madeiron, and Texter. I had always hoped their would be a story about Piergeron and his path leading to Open Lord, his father and their relationship. Also about Madeiron, his adventures and how he came to be Piergeron's bodyguard. I also found Texter to be a very interesting character.

Any chance we will able to learn more about them or hear any of this.

Thanks.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 08 May 2013 15:45:34
Message:

Hi again, all. Sunderstone, I too would love it if Ed got the chance to tell more tales about Piergeiron, Madeiron, and Texter. The first two appear very briefly in CITY OF SPLENDORS, the novel Ed and Elaine Cunningham collaborated on, and Texter is in one of Elaine's novels (DREAM SPHERES, I think, though I'm on assignment and away from my books right now, and can't check to see if I've remembered rightly).
gomez, I can't clean out my overflowing inbox right now, and the system won't let me answer you directly until I do, but the answers are: yes, I don't mind, and let me look for something suitable.
;}
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: gomez
Replied on: 08 May 2013 20:16:22
Message:

Thanks, THO! And Ed of course.

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 09 May 2013 02:42:40
Message:

sleyvas, werestags were around in the Realms from the beginning, I think, both as monsters and as the badge of one of Ed's library mini-campaign PC adventuring groups (the Company of the Werestag; a friend of mine played one of the members of that band in one of Ed's Brookbanks Library 13-episode programs). This would have been in the late 1980s, about the time the first FR print products were coming out.
BB
P.S. So were weredragons and wereboars, but I was responding to the herbivore part of your question.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 09 May 2013 20:06:56
Message:

Dear Ed and THO,
Someone told me that the City of Splendors product in 2E said that Piergeiron forbid lawyers, based on the idea that no one should get between justice and an individual. Discussions on how truly convenient that would be for parties to claims (being perhaps free legal assistance preferrable given the need to handle some legal knowledge to properly defend some claims), I would like to ask Ed if all paladins of Tyr and cities hold a similar policy, and if it has not changed in Waterdeep itself. Thanks!

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Reply author: rjfras
Replied on: 10 May 2013 01:25:54
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barastir

quote:

---

Originally posted by Razz

Were-creatures are almost always carnivores or omnivores. I don't think there are any herbivore werecreatures at all, though I would not be surprised at exceptions. I am interested in whether or not there are weredogs, considering that werecats are common in the Realms.

---

Razz and sleyvas,

Once again, I'm not Ed, but I can answer a bit of these questions for you. In the 1e sourcebook Hall of Heroes, in Kelemvor's entry, there is a nice list of werecreatures that includes one herbivore species, the werebison. It also includes the weredog, a LG lycanthrope, weredolphins, werespiders and even weredragons (different from the song dragons). In this list there are no were-elks or deers, though. There are rules for creating new lycanthropes (for 1e, of course), and it is said that some animals merged with humans during the Time of Troubles (this would justify the existence of any kind of werecreature). anyway, I'm sure Ed can provide further lore on the subject.

---

Most of those creatures were updated to 3rd edition by Eric Boyd and Thomas Costa in the "Bestiary of the Realms: Volume 1". They included the seawolf, werebadger, werebison, wereblack-lion, werecat, weredog, weredolphin, werefox, werehyena, werejaguar, wereleopard, werelion, weremole (yes, the fearsome were dire mole), wereowl, werepanther, wereseal and werespider.

---

Reply author: gomez
Replied on: 10 May 2013 10:57:10
Message:

An update for THO and ED (technically not a question, I know, sorry Sage), but of interest to anyone following this thread:
I have added the first Ed-themed card, #96: Spin A Yarn, to:

https://www.facebook.com/CountdownToGenCon

Further updates, and any feedback/comments - THO excepted - in the following thread:

http://www.forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17795

Hope you all enjoy.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 12 May 2013 14:38:45
Message:

Another for the pile...

Playing a video game last night, some NPC was "sent to the work in the [insert fantasy term/name here] mines!" Thinking on this, many times I have read (or heard) similar lines used - a dreaded place where criminals and/or traitors are sent.

Are there any such places in the Realms? Obviously they would be region-specific; I doubt any of the groups in Faerûn would bother with the expense of establishing a continent-wide prison-place. How about Cormyr? Is there a 'dreaded place' where folks can be sentenced to? (aside from being Vangerdehast's footstool).

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Reply author: Aryalómë
Replied on: 12 May 2013 17:10:33
Message:

Would Spirit folk be common at all in the Moonshaes? Seeing as that region of Faerun is extremely naturally tied, I'd assume that there'd be quite an abundance of Spirit folk there.

Another question: can interloper deities have any affect on Faerun? I'm making a character and want him to be a priest of Frey (Freyr), but I'm not sure if he can really have any affect in Faerun if interloper deities can interact with them. What about the extended Seldarine too? Do they have a place in the Realms?

Yet another: Are there some cults or people who still worship Mystryl? Honestly, I kind of prefer her over Mystra a little because she represents the chaotic energies of magic rather than a just a lawful aspect of it and I'd like to have a character that worshiped her in that way. If so, would they still be able to receive (especially priest classes) blessings and other power from her? Would they still be able to become Chosen of her?

Last question: If a character worships more than one deity (which I'm assuming most people in Faerun do), where would their souls go if they didn't really have a certain patron deity? Say, if a character worshiped Shar, Silvanus and Kossuth together, where would their soul go? Is there some sort of neutral ground where they go or some cultural afterlife like most real world cosmologies have?

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Reply author: TheHermit
Replied on: 13 May 2013 05:11:42
Message:

Ed,

Have there ever been any large scale plans to reclaim Sessrendale for actual resettlement? If so, have they been thwarted by active opposition or general inertia?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 13 May 2013 15:56:41
Message:

Hi, all. Ed is snowed-under-busy right now, but I can answer Markustay's latest:

In Cormyr, the equivalent of "off to the salt mines!" is: "sent to do roadwork in the Stonelands."
That's the common saying and belief, that is, but it isn't true. What actually happens is chain-gang roadwork in the West Reach (that is, along the road west of High Horn, that eventually finds its way down to the bridge at Fallen Men). There are constant small rockslides and erosion damage, and an ongoing tree planting and grass planting program, to try to anchor tje thin soils and build them up. There's also a slow effort to make timber trestles and bridges smaller, by making more use of rock fill and culverts, so arsonists from an invading force can't so easily "cut" the road in so many places.
There are also some slate quarries along this road, that prisoners and debtors are occasionally put to work in.

This lore comes from Ed, of course, through play and my pesky questions to him, down the years.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 13 May 2013 20:29:29
Message:

Thank you for the quick response, THO.

The info about the western Stormhorns infrastructure was way more then I could have hoped for.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 16 May 2013 15:22:09
Message:

This may be an easy question, but due to my having read mostly Eberron products I would like to know its answer. Does Ed intend the Forgotten Realms Tyr to be the same Earth Norse deity? Planescape materials suggest so, but I have seen mistakes concerning campaign settings in materials from other lines.

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Reply author: Sightless
Replied on: 16 May 2013 15:54:03
Message:

I do apologize for this, if this question has been asked before, but what happened to Lady Noumea after she left candlekeep? I know in Elmenster's daughter she's a miner character, but her life interested me.

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Reply author: TBeholder
Replied on: 17 May 2013 12:58:02
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Razz

1) History in the Realms is obviously highly sought after as we all know. But I wonder exactly how it is that there are issue of there being gaps in history, considering how easily one can go to the many long-lived races or magically life-extended beings that are out there. If one was curious on events during Myth Drannor's siege, for example, how difficult is it to simply find an elf that is over 700 years of age or even a dragon, or some mage that has magically extended their life?

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I'm not Ed, obviously, but the answer is rather transparent. It's at best the first step, because - okay, you asked them... now what?
Did you read "Evermeet: Island of Elves"? Remember how the compilation was put on hold, with Khelben hinting that Danilo would need to join the ranks of those who "magically extended their life" to see it again? After his elven sources managed to completely omit all and any traces of an insignificant trifle colloquially known as the Descent of the Drow and of Dracorage, except one indirect mention the true horrid meaning of which his source couldn't know? (I love Elaine Cunningham's books for having fun with handling "in-Universe" view like this).
Got the picture now?

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Reply author: Sunderstone
Replied on: 17 May 2013 14:26:01
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all. Sunderstone, I too would love it if Ed got the chance to tell more tales about Piergeiron, Madeiron, and Texter. The first two appear very briefly in CITY OF SPLENDORS, the novel Ed and Elaine Cunningham collaborated on, and Texter is in one of Elaine's novels (DREAM SPHERES, I think, though I'm on assignment and away from my books right now, and can't check to see if I've remembered rightly).
gomez, I can't clean out my overflowing inbox right now, and the system won't let me answer you directly until I do, but the answers are: yes, I don't mind, and let me look for something suitable.
;}
love to all,
THO

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THO,

Just finished City of Splendours! It was a great story, thanks for the recommend! It definitely left me wanting more of Piergeron, Texter and Madeiron. The little of Piergeron and Texter were great and with the little bit we saw, it was a nice contrast of how they serve in their roles as Paladins of Tyr. It left me certainly wanting more. Of course the few glimpses of Madeiron were great too and there definitely has to be a unique story to an eight foot guy with his interesting personality traits becoming a paladin and champion to Piergeron.

Hoping Ed finds an opportunity in his busy life to entertain with a tale with these three center stage.

Thanks!

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Reply author: gomez
Replied on: 17 May 2013 15:40:14
Message:

Since this is where the Ed goodness is, one small update on the Countdown to Gen Con cardd

Card #89: VIGs: Storytellers: Ed Greenwood

Direct link:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=499273996807327&set=a.494721083929285.1073741829.493542794047114

I hope Ed likes the photo I selected.
It is bright and colorful and sunny, and we can all do with more brightness, color, and sun.

Gomez

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 17 May 2013 17:31:29
Message:

I'm blanking at the moment on where Ed is in relation to Ottawa but I hope the groundshaking hasn't caused him any trouble?

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 17 May 2013 17:42:54
Message:

Just saw the report... hope everything is good on his end.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 17 May 2013 23:48:12
Message:

Hi, all.
Everything is fine. Ed felt the quake when making tea, as a brief, loud, but gentle rumble.

As for Ed (usually) is . . .
If you drew a diagonal ENE line from Toronto to Ottawa, went halfway along it, and drew an arc at that halfway point (okay, draw a circle, using Toronto as the axis), Ed would be where that arc, following it to the right or "down," hit the north shore of Lake Ontario, a little above "Toronto-as-horizontal." If you drew a line due south from where Ed lives, across Lake Ontario, you'd pretty much hit Rochester, New York.
Enough geometry.
Eilserus, still away from proper Net access, so can't clear out my inbox, and so can't send PMs. Got your message and will check with Ed as to what can be said, okay?

love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 17 May 2013 23:53:21
Message:

Hi, Ed and THO.
Just saw that Ed has contributed to Hillfolk. So that goes along with The Awakened, The Emerald Spire, The Secret Fire expansion book, The Shadowlands, Red Aegis . . . anything ELSE Ed can tell us about?
I know there's more, but I already know about the Tor steampunk novel and When The Villain Comes Home 2 (oh, and the Baldur's Gate adventure and that Ed has SOMETHING to do with something at GenCon, plus presumably this year's Spin A Yarn story must be written by now). I'm wondering if there's anything in the works in addition to those that Ed can tell us about right now.
Or is the rest of it under wraps?
Wheedle, wheedle, plead . . .
BB

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 18 May 2013 14:28:16
Message:

A question for Ed: Curious about Sumbral, the never-seen NPC wizard from "The Whistling Skeleton" in Dragon 200. My players just ran through TWS and are itching to face him, because the spectral face following them drives them nuts, as do loose ends. Is there any more info you could share on him?

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 18 May 2013 15:06:31
Message:

Thats the problem with this (Earth) setting... too many damn CSE's*.


*Canada-Shaking Events

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 May 2013 15:52:32
Message:

Heh. Well put.
Markustay, re. your query about black nobility, here's Ed's reply:

RACES OF FAERUN is the master guide to such matters, but there are many black nobles in Calimshan and in the lands near the Utter East. BTW, "dusky-skinned" means just that: light brown (not "black") - - and there are nobles of this "coffee-with-cream/manila envelope" skin hue aplenty in Turmish, the Tashalar, and the Vilhon.
In Cormyr, black nobility are few, and all of them are descended from individuals ennobled for service to the Crown (usually battlefield bravery as Purple Dragons defending various Obarskyrs, down the years). Nobles marry other nobles and wealthy folk (in the case of Cormyrean nobles, these wealthy sorts are most often Sembians), not along color lines, so over time everything gets racially mixed. By the mid-1300s, the visibly black noble houses of Cormyr (all of them minor) are the houses of Domrith, Hartel, Hethemer, Kallowsar, Lornsar, Sundever, and Torith. The Master Chirurgeon of the Realm (senior Court surgeon; one Andor Velantur; styled "Lord" but a life peer rather than a title that will outlive him) is black. BTW, the polite Inner Sea term for black is "nightskin." (Many of the rude terms allude to crossbreeding with drow.)
Hope this helps.


So saith Ed. Creator of Cormyr and most of its nobles. Who is hard at work on the Realms right now.
love,
THO

Edit: fixed my bad grammar.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 May 2013 16:37:48
Message:

...And here's another from Ed, hot out of my e-mail inbox:

Back in February (p 13 of this thread), The Masked Mage asked: "I've come up with another question for you, this one is in regard to elven mantle stones, or "thaelkiira" as they were named by George Krashos. This is the thread I've got going on the topic:

http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17590

In your article 'The Magic Of Myth Drannor' you state: "many mantles could call on the powers of magical items borne by their wearer, or spells memorized by them. The Coronal's mantle could even tap into the power of his thrones (the Living Seat on the Isle of Estel and the Throne of the Coronal in the Chamber of the Court) and certain other sources of ancient power in the realm, such as the Vault of Ages, if these were nearby."

Here is my question on this topic for you: How does this work? Could you go into further details about this process?"

Ed responds:
There are NDAs here, so I can't go into proper detail, but here are the basics: the Coronal's mantle is attuned to those two thrones by means of complex additional enchantments [in theory, any mantle could be altered in this manner, but there's no way it could be done without the elves knowing and permitting it, because the crafting of those enchantments is such a long and painstaking process, requiring access to a throne and the mantle while it's going on].
This attunement means that while the Coronal is close to a particular throne (more or less within sight of it, though it can be hidden by walls or barriers but just as close, and the attunement still "works"), his mantle can call on the thrones as a power source (giant battery), AND channel some of their specifical magical powers and properties and "cast" or express these out of the mantle. For example, both thrones have the ability to prevent rain (or any liquid or mist/vapor) from falling on or reaching someone sitting on the throne, and for a small area all around/above/below the throne - - from simple rain or fog right up to a dragon's acid breath weapon. The Coronal's mantle automatically acquires the same property (always functioning, unless the Coronal wills it otherwise) while the Coronal is sufficiently close to one of his thrones.
Other throne abilities, particularly evocations and other attacks (such as flame strikes), must be deliberately willed by the Coronal to manifest out of his mantle.
I hope this helps. I'm being brief and vague here because I have to be.


So saith Ed. Creator of mythals, mantles, the Coronal, and those two thrones.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 18 May 2013 16:46:38
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi, all.
Everything is fine. Ed felt the quake when making tea, as a brief, loud, but gentle rumble.

As for Ed (usually) is . . .
If you drew a diagonal ENE line from Toronto to Ottawa, went halfway along it, and drew an arc at that halfway point (okay, draw a circle, using Toronto as the axis), Ed would be where that arc, following it to the right or "down," hit the north shore of Lake Ontario, a little above "Toronto-as-horizontal." If you drew a line due south from where Ed lives, across Lake Ontario, you'd pretty much hit Rochester, New York.
Enough geometry.
Eilserus, still away from proper Net access, so can't clear out my inbox, and so can't send PMs. Got your message and will check with Ed as to what can be said, okay?

love to all,
THO

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Thank you Lady THO. :)

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 May 2013 17:36:28
Message:

A pleasure, Eilserus.
I bring you now ANOTHER Ed reply, this one to Foxhelm re. his March 24th query: ". . . We know the realms has flying ships of various makes and models. As a fan of the Stargate series and Sci-Fi in general...
Has there been any mystical/technological development of ships, vessels or vehicles which have a teleporting transportation system? A ship which can teleport for long or short distances? Or one which can slip through another dimension/plane to shorten arrival times?
Yes, I know of the Shadowfell short cuts of the Shades/Sembia. But are there others as well? Elven trade companies which use short cuts through the Feywild? A church which uses a shortcut through the planes of their gods? Or even just as I said a teleporting ship which jumps from one point in Toril to another?
Can you talk about this or is it NDA? Or can we see this in a future article on Wizards of the Coast? Please and Thank you."
Ed replies:

Heh. It's almost entirely NDA. Yes, Wooly quite rightly pointed out that such ships do exist. However, they're rare, and ANY teleportation of large conglomerations of disparate elements (a ship with all its fittings, its hold full of cargo in various containers, the crew and all of their belongings and weapons, even the rats stowing away) is fraught with danger and difficulty, the least of which is the various individual elements ending up in different end spots. So it's definitely NOT a reliable, worthwhile method of bulk trade shipping.
Long, long ago (1979), I ran a Realms adventure in which a flying ship tried to teleport - - and reached its destination as a cloud of tumbling, flown-apart elements. That should be the result for any vessel not constructed for teleportation and magically prepared for teleportation (with lots of ward-spells or a mantle/mythal to contain and dimensionally anchor small portable elements to the main hull). A magically-warded container should keep its contents safely inside, but imagine a toolroom full of loose nails, pegs, tools, and so on as being a big collection of things that will fly in all directions at all velocities, upon arrival at a teleport "destination" (so, yes, potentially a lethal cloud of shrapnel).

So saith Ed. Who worked all of this stuff out even before he worked on SPELLJAMMER (one of the brilliant Jeff Grubb's zany fun brainchilds).
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 May 2013 17:43:58
Message:

Hi again, all.
Joebing, your Sumbral question MAY still be NDA. Ed will check...
love,
THO

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 18 May 2013 19:20:38
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

In Cormyr, black nobility are few, and all of them are descended from...

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A hugely awesome reply.

Thank you Ed/THO for this information and Markustay for posing the question.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 May 2013 20:06:08
Message:

And the Realmslore font and factory that is Ed just keeps pounding out replies today!
Here's Ed's response to this, from Eilserus (April 15th of this year): "As a quick follow-up, aside from Mithril Hall and Thunderholme, what kind of ways do dwarves hide the entrances to their strongholds or mines? Without surface facing towers or defense points, does this make defending them more difficult? Thanks again. :)"
Ed replies:

Dwarves often hide the entrances to their strongholds and mines in natural fissures or caves: side-clefts closed by apparently-natural stones, often where water trickles or gushes down a rock-face to hide the "bright scratches" created by stone grating on stone. Dwarves are very good at shaping stones to move easily in greased grooves or with the aid of counterweights, or both, so a lone dwarf can readily shift a large rock. There are always stone pegs or "chocks" to hold moving rocks closed (akin to the way a bar keeps a door fastened) available.
The most common "safeguard" inside such an entrance is a secondary "drop-door" or "falling block" that can be released to crash down like a portcullis and either crush intruders trapped in a well-like area they must move through, or block the way entirely, so explosive spells or days of hard pick-work will be required to remove the obstacle (because the means of raising it again are "hidden" from the intruders above/behind its bulk).
It's the norm for defensible entrances, no matter how large and grand, to be tunneled with tight dogleg turns or bends, and ramps going up as one goes in, because both features allow relatively small numbers of defenders to inflict heavy losses on attacking intruders. For instance, a heavy cart full of rocks and flammables can be fastened at the head of a ramp, then released to crash down the ramp to crush intruders against the "back wall" of the abrupt turn at the bottom of the ramp, where the cart is wedged in place. Drop-logs attached to the cart's rear wheels are then released (usually by chopping through cords with an axe) to fall against the wheels and act as brakes, to prevent them turning (so intruders can't easily shove the cart back up the ramp). Finally, fuses are lighted to ignite the flammables on the downside end of the cart, that have been selected and arranged to create a very smoky fire. The defenders retreat from the entry passage, usually closing yet another inner door, to get away from the smoke - - which has nowhere else to go except down the passage, suffocating or forcing out the intruders.
Finally, dwarves are VERY good at contructing arrow slits, spyholes, and doors so that they aren't easily visible, or even have overlapping "plugs" of stone that cover them on the outside face (plugs that can be shoved sufficiently far out of the way on long batons of stone or wooden spars, so the dwarves can see around the plugs).

So saith Ed. The guy who wrote DWARVES DEEP and created Dethek and generally brought dwarves to life in the Realms.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 18 May 2013 21:30:44
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Joebing, your Sumbral question MAY still be NDA. Ed will check...
love,
THO

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Thanks for passing it on THO. Hoping there is something, otherwise I have a long week ahead.

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 19 May 2013 19:34:07
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

And the Realmslore font and factory that is Ed just keeps pounding out replies today!
Here's Ed's response to this, from Eilserus (April 15th of this year): "As a quick follow-up, aside from Mithril Hall and Thunderholme, what kind of ways do dwarves hide the entrances to their strongholds or mines? Without surface facing towers or defense points, does this make defending them more difficult? Thanks again. :)"
Ed replies:

Dwarves often hide the entrances to their strongholds and mines in natural fissures or caves: side-clefts closed by apparently-natural stones, often where water trickles or gushes down a rock-face to hide the "bright scratches" created by stone grating on stone. Dwarves are very good at shaping stones to move easily in greased grooves or with the aid of counterweights, or both, so a lone dwarf can readily shift a large rock. There are always stone pegs or "chocks" to hold moving rocks closed (akin to the way a bar keeps a door fastened) available.
The most common "safeguard" inside such an entrance is a secondary "drop-door" or "falling block" that can be released to crash down like a portcullis and either crush intruders trapped in a well-like area they must move through, or block the way entirely, so explosive spells or days of hard pick-work will be required to remove the obstacle (because the means of raising it again are "hidden" from the intruders above/behind its bulk).
It's the norm for defensible entrances, no matter how large and grand, to be tunneled with tight dogleg turns or bends, and ramps going up as one goes in, because both features allow relatively small numbers of defenders to inflict heavy losses on attacking intruders. For instance, a heavy cart full of rocks and flammables can be fastened at the head of a ramp, then released to crash down the ramp to crush intruders against the "back wall" of the abrupt turn at the bottom of the ramp, where the cart is wedged in place. Drop-logs attached to the cart's rear wheels are then released (usually by chopping through cords with an axe) to fall against the wheels and act as brakes, to prevent them turning (so intruders can't easily shove the cart back up the ramp). Finally, fuses are lighted to ignite the flammables on the downside end of the cart, that have been selected and arranged to create a very smoky fire. The defenders retreat from the entry passage, usually closing yet another inner door, to get away from the smoke - - which has nowhere else to go except down the passage, suffocating or forcing out the intruders.
Finally, dwarves are VERY good at contructing arrow slits, spyholes, and doors so that they aren't easily visible, or even have overlapping "plugs" of stone that cover them on the outside face (plugs that can be shoved sufficiently far out of the way on long batons of stone or wooden spars, so the dwarves can see around the plugs).

So saith Ed. The guy who wrote DWARVES DEEP and created Dethek and generally brought dwarves to life in the Realms.
love,
THO

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Very cool. Thank you again Ed and THO. :)

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Reply author: sfdragon
Replied on: 19 May 2013 20:41:47
Message:

I don't if it was asked, so pm me the answer or tell me which page and post number. but at the end of elminster enrage..... which Mystra is it, a combined of the goddess that were the lady of mysteries, the 1srt Mystra, Midnight, or mystrl, or the dread nda the destroyer of all?

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Reply author: Sightless
Replied on: 19 May 2013 22:08:35
Message:

To the Hooded one, this question might unfortunately open a can of wirms, and I apologize for it, but it does concern a character of mine. What are the odds of a half-orc being linched in Cormyr? I know, touchy subject, but given the problems with orcs in the Stonelands, etc, etc. It’s something that is plossible, and while it’s not something most people like to talk about, it’s something that’s come up around my gaming circle before. Thanks in advance, and for all the information you two have already dished out.

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 20 May 2013 01:21:13
Message:

Glad all is well up there. I've surfed a few earthquakes in California, and I say they're the gentlest of nature's reminders that we are but tiny little bugs... but they definitely make one suddenly very aware of one's surroundings.

Illar Zund, a member of The Hunt (grey box page 20), is actually Illara... is she Illara Zund, or is her surname modified or adopted? Can anything more be shared of her history? The Hunt is led by a woman, so I'm guessing her reason for pretending to be a man has something to do with hiding from the authorities of somewhere (rather than trying to gain acceptance in a male-dominated group)? Did she steal something from Pasha Pook?

Lady THO, do your notes (how I want to read them all!) have anything else that can be shared regarding this group in play? Did they run afoul of the Knights (or something dark) in the home game?

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 20 May 2013 03:47:33
Message:

Adding onto my earlier query into Mane's Band: in 1357 they're believed to be "in the wilderlands east of the Moonsea" ...does this mean Vaasa? Damara doesn't really strike me as wilderlands, unless we're talking about north of the Giantspires. Or are they in the Galenas/Earthspurs?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 20 May 2013 05:51:50
Message:

Hi, all.
xaeyruudh, Mane's Band were in the Earthspurs (both aboveground and in subterranean caverns therein). I'll have to check with Ed re. what more I can say of them.
I'll also have to check with Ed about Illara, but I know you're right that she was hiding her identity so as to escape the notice of authorities, rather than pretending to be a man for purposes of belonging to the Hunt/being accepted within the Hunt/craving a greater status within the Hunt. Ed will share more, if he can.

Oh, and sfdragon...I think what you're asking re. Mystra is NDA until the end of The Sundering (i.e. the publication of Ed's next novel, THE HERALD, in 2014), but I'll check with Ed to see if I'm right about that.

Sightless: shot by arrows from hiding, perhaps, reported to the local authorities just on suspicion, very likely, but lynched, highly unlikely. Cormyreans seldom run to lynchings, whatever's afoot. Again, I'll check with Ed.

love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Sightless
Replied on: 20 May 2013 06:25:14
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi, all.
xaeyruudh, Mane's Band were in the Earthspurs (both aboveground and in subterranean caverns therein). I'll have to check with Ed re. what more I can say of them.
I'll also have to check with Ed about Illara, but I know you're right that she was hiding her identity so as to escape the notice of authorities, rather than pretending to be a man for purposes of belonging to the Hunt/being accepted within the Hunt/craving a greater status within the Hunt. Ed will share more, if he can.

Oh, and sfdragon...I think what you're asking re. Mystra is NDA until the end of The Sundering (i.e. the publication of Ed's next novel, THE HERALD, in 2014), but I'll check with Ed to see if I'm right about that.

Sightless: shot by arrows from hiding, perhaps, reported to the local authorities just on suspicion, very likely, but lynched, highly unlikely. Cormyreans seldom run to lynchings, whatever's afoot. Again, I'll check with Ed.

love to all,
THO

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Thanks for all those answers, especially mine, and having heard it, I can see the Elvan influence in the Kingdom all the better now; or perhaps that's just how my DM likes to use elves. Always firing from cover.

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 20 May 2013 06:34:30
Message:

Many thanks!

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 20 May 2013 13:03:03
Message:

Thank you THO & Ed for that awesome reply about racial diversity (specifically in Cormyr).

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 20 May 2013 16:21:11
Message:

A pleasure!
Sightless, Ed and I were chatting late last night, and he mentioned to me a scene at the beginning of THE BLACK ARROW by Robert Louis Stevenson that vividly illustrates what he outlined about locals using arrows to settle scores.
In the scene, the old archer Appleyard is shot down from cover.
Later, verses from "John Amend-All" are found, warning of the black arrows he intends to shoot in vengeance. They read in part:
"One is gone
One well sped
Old Appleyard is dead"
(I've cleaned up the spelling; in the original, Stevenson makes it clear the person writing the note is an unlettered commoner by making the spelling wonky.)
love,
THO

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Reply author: Sightless
Replied on: 20 May 2013 17:08:22
Message:

That seen had indeed past through my mind, along with "Burning the Five banners, " by Shu'Lin. The joke was Thanks again, that seen did indeed occur to me, as the Black Arrow is one of my favorites, along with "Five Banners are Burning." The last was more of a personal joke. I appreciate it being a source of discussion, may you have a good day.

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 21 May 2013 17:17:49
Message:

I have a question for Ed. Well more-so a curiosity, but I am unsure of how to ask without wording things foolishly...So I will just go for it.

This is sort of two separate questions: Have you ever humored the notion of another spellfire-wielder, a character besides Shandril? and if so, or if not; Now that (I'm presuming)that Mystra is now restored, or will be restored (Knowing that it is NDA, i'm not asking for a clarification on that) But would it be possible in the future that the post-spell plague generations will ever experience Spellfire again? Or is it just something to be a legend in the Realms that will never be or can not ever be witnessed again in the current times, or the times which will be?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 May 2013 19:41:41
Message:

Hi again, all. lordsknight185, I bring a swift reply to you from Ed:

Hi. There are other spellfire wielders in the Realms right now (meaning: at any time from 1340 to 14XXwhenever DR). They're just keeping VERY quiet about it, and using their abilities as little as possible and as privately as possible - - because they've seen or more often heard what happened to Shandril.)


So saith Ed, creator of spellfire, Shandril, the Realms, and so on...
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 May 2013 21:18:59
Message:

Hi again, all.
In answer to Blueblade:
as a Kickstarter, this project is a little older, but Ed did do multiple monsters for it:
The Bestiary of the Curiously Odd by RKDN Studios
. . . and I KNOW Ed is involved with at least one more he can't talk about yet.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 22 May 2013 01:28:21
Message:

Is it correct to assume that the adventure I previously asked about from Dragon 200, "The Whistling Skeleton", takes place approx 1367-68 DR, in the early years of 2nd Edition?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 22 May 2013 03:06:09
Message:

Hi, Joebing. I'd say the early years of 2nd Edition are a decade earlier, myself (1357 DR and onwards), but yes, although Ed carefully left the adventure undated, he says 1367-68 should be about right.
Sumbral lore coming, in about a week . . .
love,
THO

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 22 May 2013 04:23:11
Message:

Excellent answer. Thank you THO and Ed. :)

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 22 May 2013 11:55:29
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi, Joebing. I'd say the early years of 2nd Edition are a decade earlier, myself (1357 DR and onwards), but yes, although Ed carefully left the adventure undated, he says 1367-68 should be about right.
Sumbral lore coming, in about a week . . .
love,
THO

---

THO & Ed,
Thank you, I am indebtted. I did go ahead and start working on a generic NPC version using the 3.5 ruleset, but Ed's lore will give better insight to an actual fleshed-out Sumbral. BTW, to clarify, I mistyped, and meant early years in our world (1993). I noticed Ed had left things carefully undated from certain time periods, but through my research of the Realms (while converting it all to the 3.5 ruleset), I started noticing a rough equivalent of 2 years in the Realms to one year in our world.
Much love,
Joebing

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 23 May 2013 15:31:13
Message:

Commentary, if I may...

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all. lordsknight185, I bring a swift reply to you from Ed:

Hi. There are other spellfire wielders in the Realms right now (meaning: at any time from 1340 to 14XXwhenever DR). They're just keeping VERY quiet about it, and using their abilities as little as possible and as privately as possible - - because they've seen or more often heard what happened to Shandril.) <snip>

---

I had assumed as much. Not only just now (whatever 'now' you happen to believe in, LOL), but that this was generally always the case.

Shandril was famous simply because of where her story occurred, the details surrounding it (and personages), and what she did with it (many times in a BIG way... which was foolish in the end). In other words, it was more along the lines of series of (unfortunate) events that lead to her fame, and the fact that the 'wrong' people became aware of her before the 'right ones'.

And, as far as the Spellplague affecting Spellfire and the frequency of occurrences... one would imagine it was closely related to the (2e) concept of 'wild magic' (which is another form of spontaneous magic), so I would think the possibility is there for even MORE cases to have appeared post-plague, but most of those cases were ending quickly and badly (something along the lines of 'spontaneous human combustion').

Imagine finding a huge bag of fireworks... while you were in the middle of forest fire.

---

Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 23 May 2013 20:16:53
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,
I would like to know if there is a prison where the most dangerous criminals from all of Faerun are sent; and also if there are peaceful means to solve controversies between nations: e.g. if there is a territorial dispute between Cormyr and Sembia, can they resort to some arbitration tribunal or mediator?
Thanks!

---

Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 23 May 2013 21:36:28
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

Hi Ed and THO,
I would like to know if there is a prison where the most dangerous criminals from all of Faerun are sent; and also if there are peaceful means to solve controversies between nations: e.g. if there is a territorial dispute between Cormyr and Sembia, can they resort to some arbitration tribunal or mediator?
Thanks!

---

I believe IIRC that Wheloon became a prison city post-Spellplague, but prior to the Spellplague (which is where most campaigns occur still I assume), I would also like to know this one. I know of one in the Underdark called Manzessine Prison, found in Dungeon 94 (labelled 92 on the spine) in the adventure "Spiral of Manzessine", which can be run around the time of City of the Spider Queen easily, but I haven't seen references to surface prisons.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 May 2013 00:38:52
Message:

Hello again, all.
paladinnicolas, there's no one prison in the Realms where the "most dangerous criminals" are sent, because every realm has its own justice, lawkeepers, and sentencings (including incarceration). Prisoners are sometimes handed over or swapped after delicate diplomatic negotiations (often kept from the public), but most rulers of every stripe don't trust anyone else (especially not rival rulers)to imprison individuals they deem undesirable.
There are many attempts at peaceful trade, border, and other negotiations between realms, and these succeed surprisingly often (as in: there are far fewer wars than one might expect, although the game and published Realms products focus on the conflicts and it may well seem otherwise). These are almost always on a diplomatic level between rulers (via envoys), and not through some sort of "above the ruling level" standing organization - - though the history of the Realms has a lot of such organizations at a regional level (e.g. the Lords' Alliance in the northwest, the Dales Council in the Dales, the various moots that cobbled together the Silver Marches in the North). The priesthoods of many deities are constantly busy, diplomatically, all across the Realms, as a parallel diplomacy to courtiers and the decisions of border-patrolling defenders.
And finally, remember the Calendar of Harptos and those summer "holidays" (and, specifically, what happens at Shieldmeets).
However, if you're looking for something Realmsian akin to the real-world United Nations or the International Court at The Hague - - no, there are no "official standing bodies" in particular buildings that anyone can go to at any time. Everything's more ad hoc.
There are prisons (dungeons) everywhere in the Realms, but they tend to be small-scale and local, because feeding and watering prisoners is expensive (and it makes more sense, if you don't want to prisoners to be idle and therefore ripe for mischief or violence, to keep them busy growing their own food, and therefore existing in smaller groups, at a subsistence level, or even incarcerated as individuals, scattered through the dungeons of many castles and fortresses across a land, where they can easily be fed by the kitchens of those fortresses as just "one more mouth," and where they are scattered and "who is where" is more secret, so rescues and pirson-breaks are kept to a minimum). Many Realmsian rulers prefer work-gangs, so their prisoners continually improve local roads, bridges, public lighting and signalling systems (beacons and flags) and irrigation.

All of the above comes from many discussions with Ed, over the years.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 24 May 2013 04:01:26
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

I was recently rereading Hand of Fire the other night and I was curious if there was any more info you could provide regarding the Tombgate that's part way up Eveningstar Gorge? What does the Eveningstar end look like and how does it open? I'm definitely curious as to Tessaril's sword that opened the Scornubel end. Is her sword magically keyed to open that specific gate or capable of opening all sorts of gates in a sort of general purpose gate key?

Thank you both very much. :)

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 24 May 2013 05:54:51
Message:

Well again THO and Ed,

Ed, you mentioned in a previous reply that your language notes are very fragmentary. Understanding this, I have a few word questions (and one about pashas) for which I hope the answers come to mind without your having to search through your notes. If not, no worries.

Is there a word in Alzhedo for ventriloquism or gastromancy?

Or a name for someone that can throw their voice like a ventriloquist?

Or words that translate roughly into Common for “throat speaker” or “speaks with no tongue” or “tongueless speaker” or “speaks as a (fire or air) elemental”?

Were there ever any Calishite pashas who were fond of servants that had this talent/skill?

If yes, could you give a name or two?

I ask because I have an idea for a magic curtain that steals voices, but that can only be activated by non-magical words formed in the throat of someone whose tongue is all or partially missing.

Thank you in advance for any answers you provide.

---

Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 24 May 2013 09:25:43
Message:

Dear THO, thank you for your answer, as always you are very helpful. One last question. You mentioned that "The priesthoods of many deities are constantly busy, diplomatically, all across the Realms, as a parallel diplomacy to courtiers and the decisions of border-patrolling defenders."
Which faiths and churches are more likely to engage in such endeavors? I guess that Eldath's is among them, and perhaps also Tyr's or churches devoted to the issues that are the object of the diplomatic disputes or negotiations. Is that so?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 May 2013 15:45:10
Message:

Hi again, all.

Jeremy, I've sent your questions off to Ed, but "tongueless" I can answer, because cutting off the tongues of those who blasphemed or said bad things about pashas was oncea common punishment:
nuth-zimalu (literally, "without-tongue")
We'll see what "tongueless speaker" turns out to be.

paladinnicolas, ALL priesthoods do diplomacy. They do it with different aims (advancement of the church always among them), so clergy of Shar want to sew discord, clergy of Tyr want to see justice and the continual making and redefining of laws, and so on - - but they all do it. (Divine portfolios matter more here than alignment.)

love,
THO

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 24 May 2013 17:01:04
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

nuth-zimalu (literally, "without-tongue")
We'll see what "tongueless speaker" turns out to be.

---

Wow. That's awesome.

That cutting off tongues was once a common punishment helps me out too.

Thank you very much.

---

Reply author: Sunderstone
Replied on: 25 May 2013 15:15:34
Message:

THO,

I loved City of Splendors and think it is the best of the Forgotten Realms novels. I did enjoy some of the bit we saw of Piergeron, Madeiron, and Texter. Although they were brief it did raise a couple of questions for me.

When Piergeron is injured in the Docks Ward, in the aftermath Mirt mentions that his healing took longer because of longevity magics used. Has Piergeron extensively had his life extended in this fashion? Why does this alter the healing process? Also, when was his father Athar active in the North? The game lore mentions his most famous exploit was slaying a Red Dragon, is there anything else that can be shared of his explpoits? Was he ever a player in the rule of Waterdeep?

The brief bit of Texter in the book took place in Luskan. I got the feeling that he roams the North quite a bit in his role and patronage of Tyr as a Paladin. How does he balance this with his role as a Masked Lord? How much time demand in a typical month do the Masked Lords have placed on them in their role as stewards of Waterdeep?

In most of the game material I have Maderion is mentioned as an awe-inspiring sight and fearless but not very intelligent. I didn't get that impression though when Piergeron was attacked at the Purple silks. The scene was brief but I did notice when Mirt was trying to convince Piergeron not to enter the fray because the attackers wanted to capture him, Madeiron immediately picked up Mirt's words as ruse because the obvious evidence was they meant to kill him but quickly reaffirmed Mirt's words to keep Piegeron safe. It struck me as someone use to making quick decisions which would make sense in his role as champion and bodyguard. What is meant by him not being especially bright? What is the age difference between Madeiron and Piergeron? Is there relationship a deep friendship or father figure/son or less personal? How does Maderion interact with the other Lords of Waterdeep? Gaming material mentions Maderion as being very amicable. Does he have many friends outside of his professional responsibilities? Does his role as Champion and Bodygyard keep him firmly rooted around Piergeron and the Palace or is he ever sent independently on missions? His size would make him a novelty in any locale. Is he a novlely that is talked about in Waterdeep society or beyond Waterdeep?

I know there a lot of questions in here and would be happy with any you and Ed can answer. I don't think there is city or it's environs in any fiction I enjoy as much as Waterdeep. Paladins hold special appeal and I love the one in Waterdeep.

Thank you.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 25 May 2013 15:51:55
Message:

Hi, all.
Sunderstone, I'm on the road right now and can't check my notes, and most of these queries Ed should answer rather than me, but here's what I can say:

"Has Piergeron extensively had his life extended in this fashion?" A: Yes.

"In most of the game material I have Maderion is mentioned as an awe-inspiring and fearless but not very intelligent. What is meant by him not being especially bright?"

A: Madeiron is slow in speech, and prefers to say little. And he's physically big. This has led to a general impression that he's dim-witted, but he's not. He just uses few words, and as little as possible; a classic "strong, silent type." He's very bright, and a shrewd judge of folk - - and effective in this, because people who dismiss him as "dumb as the nearest post" don't hide their true feelings and opinions as much around him as they would about someone else.

"Is their relationship a deep friendship or father figure/son or less personal?"
A: Deep friendship. Best friends, absolute trust.

More when I can get home or talk to Ed.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Arcanus
Replied on: 25 May 2013 20:39:08
Message:

Would Ed prefer to have total control of the published Realms? Does he feel that the Realms is a better place for having many people create the lore and stories within his creation or does he feel that he could have made a better job of it himself?

---

Reply author: Cbad285
Replied on: 26 May 2013 12:14:16
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all. I bring Ed's reply to Dalor and to Cbad285, re. Evermead. Here's Ed:


There is no "official" recipe for Evermead, and I will bow to anything Lady Elaine Cunningham, the reigning expert on this, can provide.
However, here's the closest equivalent I have devised (a rhodomel):
Needed:
1.5 gal blackberry honey
1 pkg montrachet yeast
1/2 gal rose petals
8 oz rosewater
3 gal water (avoid chlorinated and fluorinated tap water)
1 gal cherry juice (can be from concentrate, but avoid sugar-augmented "cherry cocktail")
1 vanilla bean
2 cloves

Bring 2 gallons of water to the boil, then remove from heat and stir in honey, keeping stirring until it dissolves.
Pour remaining water into main fermenting vessel, stirring in cherry juice.
Add hot must to main fermenting vessel, and stir. Check temp, and stir in yeast when temp gets below 80 degrees (F).
Do the usual fermenting thing. :}
Shake/swirl to oxygenate, then rack onto mesh bag containing rose petal, cloves, and vanilla bean (slice bean open down length, first).
Makes 5.5 gal
As with all meads, tinker with this until you like the result.


So saith Ed. Who emphasizes that he hasn't made mead often, although he HAS had success. The sugar content tends to make him violently ill after imbibing, though (diabetic). However, Cbad's workplace, fropm its website, seems like an establishment he has to visit. Someday, somehow...

love,
THO

---

To the quoted reply. Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to saying thank you for answering my question! Jerry our wine and mead leader and I are hard at work and loving what we are coming up with. For now I'm waiting until his roses come in so I can harvest the hips rather than petals, as my research tells me they're a better source of flavor. As to visiting Dragonmead - If you ever find yourself in Michigan expect a royal welcome at the mead! since the design of the pub was taken from the owner's long time love affair with D&D.

---

Reply author: Eli the Tanner
Replied on: 26 May 2013 12:21:22
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

I was wondering if Ed could tell us any more about the tribe of Fire giants that built the Flaming Tower near the Border Forest (the one the Knights once stormed) and what sort of agreement with the Zhents they have that means they are working alongside them later on (1374 DR)?

EDIT: Clarifying date

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 29 May 2013 08:27:40
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

In Waterdeep, I was wandering : apparently some merchants have a direct access to Skullport via their shop's cellar. If so :

1/ How do they keep it safe and in what do such a way consist ?

2/ How do they reach the Port of Shadows ? (Skullport is deep below and a network of caverns must extend on a lot of miles, no)

Sincerely yours

Marco

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 May 2013 03:31:53
Message:

Hi again, all.
Markustay, just wanted to let you know I got your PM (still away from decent Net access and so can't clean out my inbox yet, and so can't PM you back yet). Full agreement from me and Ed. All he can say as yet is: agreed. There's much not yet told re. her story, that will be told (hopefully in fiction appearing after The Sundering saga is done).
love,
THO

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 30 May 2013 04:06:27
Message:

I read through old material, and I find questions, and I come here to search for the answer because I assume that it's been asked before, and I find nothing. So, apologies if this has been answered before, but...

Who is the ogre mage who killed and replaced Gondal of Baldur's Gate? What was the year, and what were the circumstances? I'm intrigued by the idea of an ogre mage living disguised among humans, keeping the ruse going... was that the intent or did he (or she; there are females right?) vanish from the city after collecting whatever could be collected of Gondal's stash/library/materials?

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 30 May 2013 10:08:15
Message:

Hello again THO and Ed,

The other day while I was looking through a book of baby names I was surprised to see so many names with roots in other languages. It then occurred to me that some of the names of Realms NPCs might have their roots in words drawn from Realms languages other than Common.

Noting again that Ed’s language files are fragmentary, do either of you recall any NPC names from published sources or during your Realmsplay sessions (esp. in Cormyr) that were based on other Realms languages?

Thank you both very much. I like how “thinking Realms” creeps into mundane, non-gaming activities.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 30 May 2013 14:12:21
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Markustay, just wanted to let you know I got your PM (still away from decent Net access and so can't clean out my inbox yet, and so can't PM you back yet). Full agreement from me and Ed. All he can say as yet is: agreed. There's much not yet told re. her story, that will be told (hopefully in fiction appearing after The Sundering saga is done).

---

{Chesire-Cat Grin}

Thanks for the response.

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 30 May 2013 22:47:26
Message:

Hey! No fair leaving us to guess what you're whisperin about. Nah, it just makes me think about hundreds of us all having discrete PM conversations with THO and only cryptic meta-messages appearing in this thread. And apparently I'm not the first one to have that thought.


Pressing on my mind today are the identities of the individuals pictured in the Cyclopedia of the Realms; were they just drawings, or was a particular NPC held in mind or assigned to them afterwards?

"Dwarf" on page 40 (for some reason, the caption reads "Ghellin" in my mind, but I do want the King-in-Exile to be more regal and less defeated.)
"Elf" on page 43 (this picture came to mind when I first read about Kymil Nimesin.)
"Gnome" on page 46 (not sure here... Carthax of the Buckleswashers?)
"Goblinoids" on page 48 (maybe not a great adventuring band because it looks like they'd be light on heals, but perhaps they're representatives of a tribe or two which have names and histories and struggles that someone was waiting for this opportunit to expound upon?)
"Half-Elf" on page 49 (I'd be happy to consider guesses here, but I wouldn't want to risk her wrath if I were mistaken.)
"Halflings" on page 50 (High Roll and Gormogord of Halfling Inc?)

Who is on the covers of the Cyclopedia and the DM's Sourcebook? And speaking of the DM's Sourcebook, is it Hawkstone & Lharaie on page 23, or Florin & Dove, or someone else?

So given these guesses winging about in my head, I'm curious about just how far off I am. They're great drawings even without identities, but it's even better if I can open the first Realms books, point triumphantly, and say "you're talking to this guy!" (Or, in the half-elf's case, feel like a dirty and unworthy human, gulp, tap the page, and try not to sweat.)

Hope all is going well on your projects!

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 May 2013 23:52:58
Message:

Purrrrrr . . . that's why I answer PMs properly - privately, that is - only when wearing nothing but a smile, and licking chocolates.
It gets so WARM in here, sometimes.
LOVE,
THO

---

Reply author: Sightless
Replied on: 31 May 2013 00:28:45
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Purrrrrr . . . that's why I answer PMs properly - privately, that is - only when wearing nothing but a smile, and licking chocolates.
It gets so WARM in here, sometimes.
LOVE,
THO

---

It's post like these that make me glad I wear headphones most of the time. Trying to explain this to my room mate would be a bit tricky.

*grin*

Don't let me alter your posting habbits though, I'll cross that hurtle when I come to it.

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 31 May 2013 00:32:57
Message:

Hm, it just got warmer here, when I re-opened this thread. What a coinkydink.

---

Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 31 May 2013 01:17:55
Message:

Hey THO and Ed, do you consider the NPC's from the early 90s trading cards by TSR to be canon? They are fairly fleshed out (sex, race, class, level), with a small background.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 31 May 2013 14:59:49
Message:

@xaeyruudh - I almost NEVER contact THO privately - I am sure she will vouch for that - for the very reasons you suggest. I feel all Realmslore should be shared. The very few times I have it was a private matter, or something covered by an implied NDA (there are times when I Privately discuss stuff with other official designers, and we all go to Ed for 'final says' on stuff). Believe you me, I have to really bite my lip sometimes, but you don't gain people's trust when you blab everything you are privy to... although hints are fun (and generate some buzz). And I am also not 'in the loop' in the slightest - I am occasionally (rarely) approached when something comes within a specific area of my expertise (as I am sure many others here are). These things eventually 'see the light of day', so the secrets - if there are any - are temporary.

This particular case was none of that. It was my own... infamy.. that may have gotten in the way of something. In other words, if I ask about something, and suddenly it appears somewhere, it will look like I am being catered to, which certain folks will take exception to. I don't want to completely nuke a cool piece of lore just because of the stigma that it became 'attached to me' somehow. I don't know anything the rest of you don't, I was just worried about a favorite character of mine, and felt it had a better chance of resurfacing if I didn't make my inquires public (simply because 'haters hate').

Like every single other person here - fans, designers, and authors alike - I want The Forgotten Realms to succeed again. No... strike that... I want it to become a household name and take a place in the mass-market spotlight like it has never done so before. That should be everyone's fondest hope, and something I think all of us here - in whatever small way - are constantly working towards.

It takes a village.

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 31 May 2013 15:22:00
Message:

No worries as far as I'm concerned. And I agree as usual.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 May 2013 16:45:09
Message:

Hi again, all.
Markustay, that was BEAUTIFULLY put. Thank you.
What you said is I'm striving for, too (in my tiny way), exactly. Bravo!
(And I can confirm to all what Markustay says about contacting me and Ed privately.)
My own current problem is being away from a computer where I can save PMs before I remove them, so my inbox is more than full, meaning new messages can come in and I can read them, but I can't reply by sending PMs.
I'll clear that up soon, I hope.
In the meantime, I have another cryptic reply, this time for gomez: I like. Please go right ahead! Looks beautiful, and made me feel honoured.
love to all!
THO

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 31 May 2013 19:45:20
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Purrrrrr . . . that's why I answer PMs properly - privately, that is - only when wearing nothing but a smile, and licking chocolates.
It gets so WARM in here, sometimes.
LOVE,
THO

---

Hmmm, you know, that brings up a question.... does the realms have chocolate in canon anywhere?

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 31 May 2013 20:12:43
Message:

ok, so that made me just go eat a piece of chocolate cake.... and now I'm looking at the laffy taffy. Does the realm have anything like Taffy?

---

Reply author: Seravin
Replied on: 31 May 2013 20:27:54
Message:

I'm sure I read about chocolate being a delicacy in Amn brought in from Maztica. Possibly in Elminster's Forgotten Realms? Sorry not home now to quote directly but I will be later.

---

Reply author: Entromancer
Replied on: 31 May 2013 20:57:23
Message:

Are there any fantasy tales that are, in Ed's opinion, underappreciated or deserve more exposure? If so, which series/standalones?

---

Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 01 Jun 2013 22:00:58
Message:

*Poke* Here again dear Ed, and Herald THO.

A very random question(A loaded question perhaps?), but one that has perked my curiosity for many many a years.

I love dwarves. Dwarves deep was the very first Realms book I bought (I bought it used over the net, but I was 16 and I absorbed every word of it) Now I have always been fascinated that you listed so many dwarf clans (Both Shield and Gold) and that they each have their own special symbol used when carving Runestones.

My main question is, Is there any facts or tidbits about what might make these clans different, I am especially curious about more intimate details (Any table scrap would make be happy) about the Blackhammer clan (Which all characters I make are typically from it, because I was young and I thought it sounded badass yet I know 0 about what you envision of them) and perhaps the current status in post-spellplague realms if you have ever given this ANY thought.

Lastly (So I have a second question)I recently reread Crown of Fire, which introduced Mirt the Moneylender and upon meeting Delg he did "A quick complex sign with one hand" to show that he was a friend of the dwarves, could you somehow describe this trustworthy hand gesture?

As always, thank you for quenching my thirst for realmsy knowledge, the best you can. :)

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 02 Jun 2013 17:19:44
Message:

Hi again, all.
lordsknight185, I can answer your last question, by quoting directly from long-ago notes Ed gave me:

The gesture is made by holding up one hand (which one doesn't matter/has no hidden meaning, because it is so often made by someone whose other hand is busy holding or carrying something, or opening a door) vertically, and moving fingers and thumb as if to grasp the upright cylindrical handle of something, then immediately shifting the fingers and thumb to form a fist, knuckles horizontal.
This denotes holding the handle of . . . a hammer, meaning the working tool (and weapon) most favored by dwarves (yes, despite axes and pickhammers). So the hammer signifies the dwarves, and the making of the gesture signifies friendship and/or common cause with the dwarves.

So saith Ed. There, swift potted Realmslore. Your queries have, of course, gone off to Ed. I doubt he'll share all his dwarf clan notes, being as some are almost certainly encumbered by NDAs, but let's see what he can reveal to us all of Clan Blackhammer.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 02 Jun 2013 23:28:20
Message:

Soooo... this one is kinda all over the place.

An adult male human is a man, and a female is a woman (this sounds like kindergarten).

Surely, other races have other names for persons of particular genders. What do elves call a male elf? What's a female dwarf called, among her own people?

And to poke a little deeper, this is dependent on age or relative place in life, right? Adolescents have different names than adults: boy/girl, in english. Are there additional levels for some Realms races too? For example babies could have a set of identifiers, children below the age of 13, minors, young people just past the age of majority, married adults (distinct from the equivalents for husband and wife), and maybe even different words for the elderly.

Do the elves have distinct words for each subrace? Obviously there would be different words in different languages/dialects, but I mean is there a word for "adolescent male sun elf" and a different word for "adolescent male moon elf?" Or are the words specialized to particular cultures (all adult female elves of Eaerlann, for instance, described with the same word regardless of subrace)? On a tangent to this, what about the star elves, avariels, lythari, drow, and perhaps aquatic elves, whose cultures are (or have been) separated from the more-readily-associating gold/silver/wild/wood elves... do these more secluded races have more variance in their terminology, or are their languages (except drow) basically unmodified from ancient times when perhaps they all lived together and spoke a common tongue? My ancient elvish lore is rusty, but the question also applies to all the subraces of dwarves and halflings, and gnomes too because I don't forget them.

Does caste introduce a new level of terminology? Certainly some humans and some elves have the idea that some families are simply better than others. Does this elitism darken dwarves, gnomes, and halflings too, and have any of them successfully added new terms for themselves and their children to reinforce perceived differences in nature or value?

Forges warm!

---

Reply author: LetumLux
Replied on: 03 Jun 2013 07:11:32
Message:

I have another language/vocabulary question!

Are there any terms for the equivalent of the 'dojo' or 'monastery' or a similar a place of training and enlightenment, in any of the Realmsian languages? If so, what are they and what language?

Thanks in advance!

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 03 Jun 2013 15:58:17
Message:

Hi again, all. LetumLux, the terms temple, shrine, abbey, monastery, hermitage, and temple-farm are all used in the Realms. So are scriptorium (where holy books are copied), refectory, and various other real-world terms.
Ed has, however, devised some terms in various of the racial languages. Let me quote from some of his unpublished notes:

To the elves (and half-elves), "estarra" means "small holy place," meaning not a divine site where a deity is known to have done something (that's a "haelarra") or a formal temple or worship site, but rather a personal place where an individual, or a family, or an individual plus those s/he are mentoring or have as friends, and have guided there, go to pray or meditate or just think - - and hope to receive divine guidance. It can simply be a spot under a tree in a forest, with absolutely nothing to hint to anyone else what it is/has been used for.
(It's an insult among elves to say that someone's "estarra reeks of uld" (meaning, "uld" being excrement, that the someone only sits and 'thinks' when relieving themselves, or that their thoughts can never leave basic earthly matters.)

So saith Ed. I know he has similar for halflings (from doing THE FIVE SHIRES) and for dwarves (from doing DWARVES DEEP), but I don't have his notes "to hand." I'll have to see what he provides, when I send your post to him (which I have just done).
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 03 Jun 2013 16:02:05
Message:

And hi again, all. Just popping in to tell xaeyruudh:
Yes, those are Hawkstone and Lharaie on page 23. We used to tease the player of Florin about that illustration - - and HE always used to insist it was Finder Wyvernspur with "a friend."
Full identifications forthcoming from Ed, I hope.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 03 Jun 2013 16:47:57
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by xaeyruudh
(...)
Who is on the covers of the Cyclopedia and the DM's Sourcebook?
(...)

---

Well xaeyruudh, about the guy in the cover of the DM's sourcebook, the same picture is in the cover of the Old Grey Box, discussed inthis thread. For what we discovered, his name is Thunderstorm, and more information was published in a trading card. Let's wait and see if Ed's lore brings new light over this issue.

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 03 Jun 2013 18:10:15
Message:

Good stuff! "Your estarra reeks of uld" is awesome. And I would not have picked Finder "out of the blue" to match to that picture.

Barastir: I remembered seeing that thread, after I posted. Thanks for the link! I used to have those cards... at least two of the sets... no idea at all where they are now.

---

Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 03 Jun 2013 19:03:36
Message:

A question, Lady THO, as you have peaked a curiosity. So You Mentioned Ed working on "The Five Shires" (Which I just looked up what that is) but it is not marked as a realms product (Infact it is marked as a "Gezetter") So does the information therein pertain to Hin of faerun at all? If it does I may have to work a bit of a scavanger hunt for that one.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 03 Jun 2013 19:51:20
Message:

Hi, all.
lordsknight185, THE FIVE SHIRES was a regional sourcebook for the Known World D&D setting, later renamed "Mystara." In it, Ed detailed that halfling land, and in the process described a little of the culture of the "hin" (a word he coined for that product, because "halfling" was so long a word that it squeezed a lot of text out of the templates TSR was then using, so Ed decided to come up with something shorter so he could pack more in). It's not a Realms product, and although it's the best D&D game coverage to date on the race (when I say that, I'm not counting Paizo and other third-party publications), I wouldn't want you to spend a lot of money tracking it down, only to be disappointed. If you ever attend GenCon, visit the auction open viewing, and you can often get an idea of what's in a product before you plonk down money. Ed's hin in Mystara and the Realms are nigh-identical, in his mind, so you can, yes, use one in the other.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 03 Jun 2013 19:56:25
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

A question, Lady THO, as you have peaked a curiosity. So You Mentioned Ed working on "The Five Shires" (Which I just looked up what that is) but it is not marked as a realms product (Infact it is marked as a "Gezetter") So does the information therein pertain to Hin of faerun at all? If it does I may have to work a bit of a scavanger hunt for that one.

---

It was written as a Known World supplement. However, when I commented to Ed about how readily it could be ported to the Realms, his response was:

quote:

---

Sure. Superimpose the Luiren cities and government structure, shift places "just a little" to make room for them, and, yes, it works admirably for that. Almost as if someone designed it that way. ;}

---

I'll also note that it's not easy to find it for a reasonable price -- I've see it go for $50. Ed also told me that some copies have duplicated pages due to a printing issue.

Edit: Ah, the lovely Lady Hooded One came in whilst I was typing. Perhaps she'd care to linger a bit, in my company?

---

Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 04 Jun 2013 00:45:11
Message:

Well I said "scavenge hunt" less-so as "Ima find the old physical copy" and more so "Hmm I hope they release it eventually as a pdf ultra cheap one day" >.>;

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 04 Jun 2013 01:16:20
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

Well I said "scavenge hunt" less-so as "Ima find the old physical copy" and more so "Hmm I hope they release it eventually as a pdf ultra cheap one day" >.>;

---

You may be waiting a while, for that. There is quite the library to go thru, to make things into pdf. I'm not sure if that was one of the ones previously available as a pdf or not...

I was patient and got a copy in really good shape for something like $20 or $25, from eBay.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 04 Jun 2013 03:00:37
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

So are scriptorium (where holy books are copied), refectory, and various other real-world terms.

---

I'd like to see more of these detailed, actually, in the Realmslore.

Pending that, however, could Ed provide some snippets on a few scriptorium and refectories that perhaps haven't made it into the setting material?

Many thanks milady.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 04 Jun 2013 03:02:02
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

Well I said "scavenge hunt" less-so as "Ima find the old physical copy" and more so "Hmm I hope they release it eventually as a pdf ultra cheap one day" >.>;

---

You may be waiting a while, for that. There is quite the library to go thru, to make things into pdf. I'm not sure if that was one of the ones previously available as a pdf or not...

I was patient and got a copy in really good shape for something like $20 or $25, from eBay.

---

Or keep an eye on nobleknight.com, as I've seen copies [in various states of preservation] available for reasonable prices pop up from time to time.

---

Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 05 Jun 2013 01:04:39
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

Well I said "scavenge hunt" less-so as "Ima find the old physical copy" and more so "Hmm I hope they release it eventually as a pdf ultra cheap one day" >.>;

---

I have this as a pdf if you need a copy. PM me. There isn't much I don't have in pdf format from the old TSR days.

---

Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 05 Jun 2013 01:11:48
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Joebing

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

Well I said "scavenge hunt" less-so as "Ima find the old physical copy" and more so "Hmm I hope they release it eventually as a pdf ultra cheap one day" >.>;

---

I have this as a pdf if you need a copy. PM me. There isn't much I don't have in pdf format from the old TSR days.

---

That's a lovely offer, but copyright infringement I think? Just warning as I wouldn't want to see anyone getting banned from Candlekeep for a simple mistake.

---

Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 05 Jun 2013 01:31:41
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

quote:

---

Originally posted by Joebing

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

Well I said "scavenge hunt" less-so as "Ima find the old physical copy" and more so "Hmm I hope they release it eventually as a pdf ultra cheap one day" >.>;

---

I have this as a pdf if you need a copy. PM me. There isn't much I don't have in pdf format from the old TSR days.

---

That's a lovely offer, but copyright infringement I think? Just warning as I wouldn't want to see anyone getting banned from Candlekeep for a simple mistake.

---

You make a good point, though Wizbro cannot really do anything over OOP books (I am not selling them), I am sure there may be some frowning upon Candlekeep over it by them. Sorry people.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 05 Jun 2013 04:38:53
Message:

Indeed. Let's try to keep any mention of official PDF sharing of copyrighted material to a minimum here at Candlekeep.

Thank you.

---

Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 05 Jun 2013 19:14:22
Message:

THO, has ED gotten a chance to find out if Sumbral is still non-discolsure yet? Got my PCs running circles right now, trying to distract them.

---

Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 05 Jun 2013 21:36:41
Message:

The first part of Ed's newest Pathfinder novella, A Matter of Knives can now be read over at the Paizo blog.

---

Reply author: gomez
Replied on: 06 Jun 2013 13:16:32
Message:

I figured most of the people here would like to see card #69 on the Countdown to Gen Con, that being:

The Hooded One : https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=508316445903082

---

Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 06 Jun 2013 13:34:43
Message:

I believe a strong "giggity" is in order for certain decisions on that one, aye?

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 06 Jun 2013 13:51:20
Message:

NICE

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 06 Jun 2013 14:12:07
Message:

That's awesome stuff! And a great promotion for Candlekeep as well.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 06 Jun 2013 14:18:47
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

A question, Lady THO, as you have peaked a curiosity. So You Mentioned Ed working on "The Five Shires" (Which I just looked up what that is) but it is not marked as a realms product (Infact it is marked as a "Gezetter") So does the information therein pertain to Hin of faerun at all? If it does I may have to work a bit of a scavanger hunt for that one.

---

It was written as a Known World supplement. However, when I commented to Ed about how readily it could be ported to the Realms, his response was:

quote:

---

Sure. Superimpose the Luiren cities and government structure, shift places "just a little" to make room for them, and, yes, it works admirably for that. Almost as if someone designed it that way. ;}

---

I'll also note that it's not easy to find it for a reasonable price -- I've see it go for $50. Ed also told me that some copies have duplicated pages due to a printing issue.

---

I've actually overlapped the two, and its a damn good fit.

I'm on my way out the door, but hopefully I'll find time later (over the next few days) to post an image of that. I was inspired by Dalor Darden and This Thread. In that conversion I flipped it upside down and placed in the Gulthmere. In my newer one, I moved all of Luiren North, and overlapped it with The Five Shires. I really wanted to flesh-out Luiren, and that product was an excellent way to do so (I even asked Ed a question about Black Fire awhile back, and he said he play-tested those mechanics in his home FR game).

Its one of the very few things I have left from the fire, and I cherish it. All of those Mystara Gazeteers were excellent (even if the Orc one was a bit silly), and worth acquiring, IMO.

---

Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 07 Jun 2013 01:16:26
Message:

HAHAHAHA! THO's initials wouldn't happen to be J.C., would they?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=180418555454188&set=a.132950103534367.29837.132928466869864&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf

---

Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 07 Jun 2013 12:00:23
Message:

Dear THO, could you please ask Ed the following? To please, please include a nation or plots that permit to play political intrigue games in the dndnext version of the Forgotten Realms, something like old Tethyr during the civil war. Could you please ask him to only answer with a yes or no if he has already planned to include this sort of possibility? Thanks!

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 07 Jun 2013 12:57:19
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

Dear THO, could you please ask Ed the following? To please, please include a nation or plots that permit to play political intrigue games in the dndnext version of the Forgotten Realms, something like old Tethyr during the civil war. Could you please ask him to only answer with a yes or no if he has already planned to include this sort of possibility? Thanks!

---

Such a decision would not be up to Ed, since he does not control what happens to the setting. He has to work within whatever parameters WotC dictates.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 07 Jun 2013 13:22:23
Message:

From what was said at Gencon, I think he has somewhat more 'power' then that, this time out. He is like the 'captain of the ship', but the ship itself is owned by a large trading coster. From what I understand, that means he has a job to do, but he has a lot of leeway in deciding 'the best course'.

Of course, that still means they have the power to veto anything he would want to do.

He created a setting that was an unparalleled success, and then for three editions they chipped away at it, until they were "unhappy with the numbers". So who would YOU listen to? The people that slowly lead it down its current (underwhelming) path, or the guy who created the very thing that blew us all away 25 years ago?

Everything they said last year was about 'making things right', and saying Ed was 'steering the ship' was of the foremost importance to them. Now, I am going merely by what was said, but it seemed pretty clear to me that they were 'owning up' to what 4e was... in not-so-many-words. This is why I still hold out hope for FR (and 5th edition).

What they are striving for is that sense of wonder we got when we opened the OGB - a tall order, and only Ed himself could pull that off.

---

Reply author: BadCatMan
Replied on: 07 Jun 2013 15:40:20
Message:

Hello. I've come across something of a puzzling contradiction in the lore that I hoped could be cleared up, or perhaps further confused. :) I've used the following tale in my game to entertain a gold half-dragon PC, vaguely hinted to descend from Tlanchass. Now I'm compiling lore of the Vast and got a bit stuck on this point.

In The City of Ravens Bluff, page 99–100, we get the lovely tale of "The Tears of The Dragon". In Ravens Bluff in the Vast, around 1290 DR, Muaralygrym the Mage (or the Dark) sent his murderous gargoyles out to steal the Tears of the gold dragon Tlanchass Hailstorm. The then-Magister, Inhil "Hurler-of-Stars" Lauthdryn was summoned to deal with Muaralygrym, and he pursued the evil mage into the lands outside the city. After a spell-battle, Lauthdryn's broken staff rained down on the city. A few days later, the next magister, Aralagath Tarsil, arrived to report Inhil and Muaralygrym's mutual demise.

Or, we have another tale. In Secrets of the Magister, page 69, we hear of the rogue archmage Glaragama Dunrohiyr of Calaunt, also in the Vast, who slew twenty archmages and named and vowed to kill four more. In 1294 DR, Inhil Lauthdryn took it upon himself to defeat her or bring her to justice, and ventured into the wilderness of the Vast after her. Later, Inhil's broken staff was discovered atop a blasted, burned knoll. Apparently, Glaragama summoned dragons against him, but not before Inhil was able to make her suffer the same fate.

So which story is true?

I've wondered if "The Tears of The Dragon" is a bard's tale, embellished or conflated with the fate of Inhil "Hurler-of-Stars" Lauthdryn, or just a little wrong. Equally possible, Glaragama Dunrohiyr is known to have disguised herself and posed as a man, so she could well be Muaralygrym the Dark. Or maybe Lauthdryn was working on both missions, and survived one only to fall to the other? If both are true, then the location of Lauthdryn's staff is a sticking point.

Thank you very much for any help you can give.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 07 Jun 2013 16:39:19
Message:

Momentary aside, but...

quote:

---

Originally posted by BadCatMan

Or, we have another tale. In Secrets of the Magister, page 69, we hear of the rogue archmage Glaragama Dunrohiyr of Calaunt, also in the Vast, who slew twenty archmages and named and vowed to kill four more.

---

... that's always been a pretty evocative set-up [for a one-shot campaign] that's been stuck in my mind since I first read Secrets of the Magister. I'm just not sure how I want to run it...

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 08 Jun 2013 17:29:41
Message:

One odd way of reconciling the two (if one wanted to use both): the term 'magister' has more then one meaning in The Realms (so a local reference to 'the Magister' might not mean 'THE Magister').

quote:

---

Originally posted by BadCatMan

I've wondered if "The Tears of The Dragon" is a bard's tale, embellished or conflated with the fate of Inhil "Hurler-of-Stars" Lauthdryn, or just a little wrong.

---

This is how I sort-of 'fixed it' in my mind, especially considering how close Muaralygrym is to Malaugrym - it appears several tales may have gotten jumbled together just for their entertainment value.

But I eagerly await Ed's answer as well.

---

Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 08 Jun 2013 18:55:55
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by BadCatMan


So which story is true?

I've wondered if "The Tears of The Dragon" is a bard's tale, embellished or conflated with the fate of Inhil "Hurler-of-Stars" Lauthdryn, or just a little wrong.

---

I have corrected this in my home campaign as bardic error. Bards tell stories, like myths and legends. Even in our world, bards (the lowest rank in the druid religion) did the same. Dates had inaccuracies, varying from bard to bard. Either could be true, or just embellishment on the truth. I checked The Grand History of the Realms , but it did not provide any help. Guess this is definitely one for Ed and THO.

---

Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 09 Jun 2013 14:59:30
Message:

Hi Ed and THO

After taking another loving run through "Elminster's Forgotten Realms", I was hoping you could provide us with some lore on any or all of the wizards whose mage sigils are featured on p.181. I'm especially interested to find out anything about Mhaerokh of Telflamm and Miiriskin "the Silent One" of Calimport. Thanks in advance.

-- George Krashos

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 09 Jun 2013 23:39:01
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by BadCatMan

Hello. I've come across something of a puzzling contradiction in the lore that I hoped could be cleared up, or perhaps further confused. :) I've used the following tale in my game to entertain a gold half-dragon PC, vaguely hinted to descend from Tlanchass. Now I'm compiling lore of the Vast and got a bit stuck on this point.

---

Interesting quandary indeed!

Being old and all I would use the original lore from Polyhedron 72 (published June 1992) as the basis for the 'truth' and it fits best with your first point taken from the Ravens Bluff accessory (published November 1998). Though in Poly 72 it is Lauthdryn 'Hurler of Stars' with no mention of Inhil as a first name.

In poly 72 it states that 'some 70 years ago' Tlanchass cried etc - the FR realms date would be post Time of Troubles at publication date so circa 1360Dr or so and fits nicely with the Ravens Bluff date of 1290DR.


I suspect that the 1294 entry from SotM is either:

1) out by a few years due to bardic/scribe error

or

2)that another wizard claiming to be the Hurler of Stars fought and died that day

or

3) that the Hurler of Stars had managed a clever cloning trick to come back to life after losing in 1290 (though how Azuth/Mystra would allow this I am unsure about as they died in service?)

I too would like to hear Ed's take on this quandary and obviously more lore on Tlanchass and Archveult's lives and long years of love is most welcome

Kindest regards

Damian
ps Ed can you share more on the Cinnamon dragon mentioned in relation to Archveult's death as well as the other snippets of Cinnamon dragon lore that featured in other Polyhedron issues - is there really a
cinnamon dragon or a mad wizard/archpriest/godling or another powerful beasty shape-changed into the dragon to cause mischief and misdirection?(curious minds etc )

---

Reply author: rjfras
Replied on: 10 Jun 2013 01:00:03
Message:

Ed, could you tell us anymore about the "sphere of summer" from The North.

This enchantment is a series of complicated spells that creates a sphere of translucent force where plants can be grown in warmth and
controlled moisture throughout the winter. Such spheres also allow the farming of tropical fruits and flowers in northern climes.

How big was it? How long did it last?

How does it compare to a regular greenhouse? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Thank you!

---

Reply author: BadCatMan
Replied on: 10 Jun 2013 02:32:10
Message:

Sorry if it's not clear. "Hurler-of-Stars" Lauthdryn is clearly the Magister (of magic) in both versions. The City of Ravens Bluff dates Lauthdryn's death to "Some seventy winters ago" from 1370 DR, which matches the 1294 DR date in Secrets of the Magister (I meant to say "around the 1290s DR" earlier).

From what I've seen, it seems The City of Ravens Bluff reprints a lot of the old Polyhedron articles. I assume "The Tears of the Dragon" was too.

It's clearly the same Magister Lauthdryn "Hurler-of-Stars", in the same year in the lands of the Vast, on a similar mission to bring down a rogue archmage, to the death of both. But the identity of the villain, their actions, and the detail of the staff are different.

I'd go with Secrets of the Magister as it's the later source and somewhat more authoritative (though it notes that the deeds of some Magisters may have been confused with those of others).

Genuine mistake or deliberate mystery?

---

Reply author: Caladan Brood
Replied on: 10 Jun 2013 08:28:57
Message:

Since I'm still relatively new to this forum I am somewhat floored by the fact that THO is an actual Knight of Myth Drannor, (and I'm sure there are more luminaries here abouts), wow, it's like I'm walking among legends. I'm almost afraid to ask but I suppose the Internet can be my shield, but is there a place online where I can read some of your memories from these games? I have seen snippets here and there (especially here, in this thread), but is there a campaign log of sorts somewhere? I would so love to read about your experiences, memories, favorite moments etc. if possible.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 10 Jun 2013 15:01:22
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by BadCatMan

Sorry if it's not clear. "Hurler-of-Stars" Lauthdryn is clearly the Magister (of magic) in both versions. The City of Ravens Bluff dates Lauthdryn's death to "Some seventy winters ago" from 1370 DR, which matches the 1294 DR date in Secrets of the Magister (I meant to say "around the 1290s DR" earlier).

---

Ah, sorry, didn't realize it was the same Magister... my fault for speed-reading through the posts.
In my defense, I have come out of 'retirement' and am now working 12 hour days, seven days a week (talk about a complete turn-around!), so I can't really dedicate as much time to the internet as I used to (which was ALL of it... lol).

Still, it could be that there were different villains with differing elements, but that the two stories WERE part of an on-going series of events in the region (in other words, when the Magister defeated 'the villain', he found there was an even greater villain steering events... which sounds about right for The Realms).

And before I get in trouble... Have the clergy of Mystra ever used the expression, "Oh my Stars and Garters!"

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 10 Jun 2013 20:10:23
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by BadCatMan
It's clearly the same Magister Lauthdryn "Hurler-of-Stars", in the same year in the lands of the Vast, on a similar mission to bring down a rogue archmage, to the death of both. But the identity of the villain, their actions, and the detail of the staff are different.
Genuine mistake or deliberate mystery?

---

How about this - Lauthdryn goes to Ravensgate (ahem) to get Muaralygrym the Mage and he disappears into the wilds (as per Poly and the Ravens Bluff sourcebook) to hunt him/her/it down. Finds Muaralygrym who it turns out to be is actually Glaragama Dunrohiyr of Calaunt who has been in disguise as Muaralygrym and so both versions of events can be correct.

Re the staff: part of Lauthdryn's staff ends up in Ravens Bluff and another part is found atop the grassy knoll? It is noted in poly 72 "that naked power was crackling and crawling over the staff he meant to use to bring justice" and that "pieces of his shattered staff fell from thin air into the city streets".

So perhaps we can assume that the other pieces are on the grassy knoll in the wilds of the Vast or perhaps the crackling crawling magic was a powerful enchantment that caused his staff to duplicate at command when he battled Muaralygrym/Glaragama and so that explains why there are two staves found/mentioned?

Of course my favourite thought is that perhaps he actually did battle both at the same time, maybe they had set the trap against him, or perhaps Glara just took advantage of a weakened Magister and/or another archmage and wanted to slay them both perhaps? And who is to say that the summoned dragons weren't actually Tlanchass (and allies mayhap?) who followed The Hurler of Stars and visited draconic vengence on the person who killed her life love?

Cheers

Damian

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 10 Jun 2013 22:51:51
Message:

Hi again, all.
Here we go...
Damian, the Cinammon Dragon is still NDA.
Markustay, the clergy of Mystra (and her Chosen) have indeed used the expression "Oh, my Stars and Garters!" from time to time. Ever since the Srinshee used it publicly, on a dramatic occasion Ed will tell you all about some other time. (Ed sneaks it into play from time to time.)
BadCatMan, deliberate mystery, about which Ed tells me: "Quite a bit more of interest still to be revealed, but to reassure scribes for the nonce, it is the same Lauthdryn fighting in both, there was a trap, others as yet unrevealed were involved, and there were TWO staves to provide burnt remnants in two places - - because Lauthdryn's ace-up-his-sleeve was bending the Weave to provide him with the equivalent of a Bag of Holding that "couldn't go wrong" that was accessible everywhere [it was actually a closet stuffed full of dry changes of clothes and boots, food and drink, and various useful everyday items (kettle, cauldron, hook, rope and pulley, chamberpot, kindling, etc.) AND various spellbooks and magic items, including two staves, several rods, etc.]. It's still "out there," somewhere, but beware the peg that holds the door-hasp shut: it's a wand of wonder triggered to go off in not handled by someone who says the right word of (de-) activation..."

So saith Ed. Tantalizing with snippets of Realmslore almost daily...
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 10 Jun 2013 22:53:57
Message:

Caladan Brood, I haven't shared all that many memories of our games publicly, but the best place is here in this thread. Particularly early in 2004 (the first year of the thread). I've tried to avoid falling into the "well, in MY campaign..." pit, but I can occasionally be persuaded to tell old war stories...

love,
THO

---

Reply author: BadCatMan
Replied on: 11 Jun 2013 02:55:13
Message:

Thank you very much! Further confusion, maybe, but it's nice to see both confirmed (and here I was hoping I'd caught the master out), with a bonus treasure tale of the Vast to boot.

For everyone else, I was mainly only interested in the official version for the wiki (and yes, we've confirmed we do in fact accept Ed Greenwood's comments, and are now clarifying our policy, thanks THO).

---

Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 11 Jun 2013 06:18:36
Message:

So. Everything dwarf related is NDA then? *pouts*

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Reply author: Caladan Brood
Replied on: 11 Jun 2013 13:27:09
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Caladan Brood, I haven't shared all that many memories of our games publicly, but the best place is here in this thread. Particularly early in 2004 (the first year of the thread). I've tried to avoid falling into the "well, in MY campaign..." pit, but I can occasionally be persuaded to tell old war stories...

love,
THO

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Thanks, I will find my shovel and dig through it :) I love hearing war stories, it's a small fix for my roleplaying abstinence.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 11 Jun 2013 13:41:22
Message:

One of my favorite things to do is go through 15-20 pages of the old 'Ed threads' here at the keep, from the time before I was a regular. Its not a chore at all - its fascinating.

quote:

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Originally posted by lordsknight185

So. Everything dwarf related is NDA then? *pouts*

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You know... considering we are talking about dwarves, that actually makes some sense (I think if anyone would have invented NDAs, it would have been THEM).

But as a long-time RPGer who very first character (and about half since) was a dwarf, I would absolutely LOVE some dwarf lore come 5e. Its been 4 editions (now) since they saw any love.

EDIT: Thanks for the response to my rather tongue-in-cheek question - I really did not expect that answer.

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 11 Jun 2013 14:47:18
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

quote:

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Originally posted by lordsknight185

So. Everything dwarf related is NDA then? *pouts*

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You know... considering we are talking about dwarves, that actually makes some sense (I think if anyone would have invented NDAs, it would have been THEM).

But as a long-time RPGer who very first character (and about half since) was a dwarf, I would absolutely LOVE some dwarf lore come 5e. Its been 4 editions (now) since they saw any love.

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hehe I suppose you have a point there. But we actually got some descent dwarf lore in 3e (With the Thunder blessing and everything...I though Thunder twins was a nice concept) and fleshed out alot of the subraces, but I agree that 4e had next to nothing new about dwarves in the realms.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 12 Jun 2013 10:21:36
Message:

I just found out about the fiend wars of Impiltur and the crusade of the followers of the Triad. This makes me wonder if the clergy and paladins of the Triad have exorcists in the Realms. Could Ed or THO please say if they do? Thanks!

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 12 Jun 2013 14:22:17
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by paladinnicolas

I just found out about the fiend wars of Impiltur and the crusade of the followers of the Triad. This makes me wonder if the clergy and paladins of the Triad have exorcists in the Realms. Could Ed or THO please say if they do? Thanks!

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If you can ever get a hold of the 3.5 suppliment "Champions of Valor" look up the PRC "Triadic Knight" it has a lot of information and history/lore you may appreciate.

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 12 Jun 2013 16:33:41
Message:

Ed,

Is there ever going to be a chance that we might see "pantheon maps" of the realms at certain snapshots of realms history. By this, I mean a map that shows an outline of Faerun (or Faerun, Zakhara and Kara-tur) and then rough shapes showing a given pantheon and its rough extent at that time in history (some of this could be overlapping areas obviously as pantheons came into contention). I think this would be something people might pay for (I know I would). For example, the Rus Pantheon, the Raumathari Pantheon, the Mulhorandi pantheon, the Mulan Pantheon, the Netherese Pantheon, the Jaamdathi pantheon, the Calishite pantheon, the Shaaran pantheon (if there was such), etc... Similiarly, the racial pantheons (because it may have been that the Seldarine or dwarven pantheons are the result of joining multiple elven or dwarven pantheons) and or things like the areas that worships things like primal powers/Archfey, etc...

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 12 Jun 2013 19:29:38
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by sleyvas

Ed,

Is there ever going to be a chance that we might see "pantheon maps" of the realms

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I would be interested in this too, but I think in a lot of cases it would be more helpful to have a map for each deity. My bad if this is exactly what you meant. It sounded like you meant just one map for the whole pantheon.

I'm thinking of a large-scale (meaning small dimensions; maybe 1/4 of a 8x11 page at most) map showing just the general outline of the continent, with a shaded area for where that particular power is officially recognized. These maps would appear in a future deities book like Faiths & Pantheons or whatever... it would take up too much extra space to be in a book that merely has a Chapter dedicated to deities.

The reason for this is that many of the FR powers are specifically described as only being venerated in certain areas... Valkur, Shiallia, Gwaeron, etc.

Anyway, I like this idea and I think it could be a great addition to the deities material. I suspect that Ed might not be in charge of greenlighting it, but I would love to be wrong.

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 12 Jun 2013 19:36:23
Message:

I would love to be wrong, too, but I don't think Ed is "in charge of" anything, and can't greenlight anything at all. I think he's a consultant, and has about the same influence he has always had: he comes up with cool ideas and points out where skeletons are languishing in closets and warns of impending troubles - - and the wise staffers listen and heed, while others don't.
So the success of the next iteration of the Realms comes down to how many wise staffers there are at Wizards, not to any decisions Ed can't make.
BB

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Reply author: Caladan Brood
Replied on: 12 Jun 2013 20:23:53
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

One of my favorite things to do is go through 15-20 pages of the old 'Ed threads' here at the keep, from the time before I was a regular. Its not a chore at all - its fascinating.

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Dude, I've been practically lost from the world the last day, I began at the first page of 2004. Fascinating, and so much lore! And war stories from THO

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Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 13 Jun 2013 00:20:35
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Blueblade

I would love to be wrong, too, but I don't think Ed is "in charge of" anything, and can't greenlight anything at all. I think he's a consultant, and has about the same influence he has always had: he comes up with cool ideas and points out where skeletons are languishing in closets and warns of impending troubles - - and the wise staffers listen and heed, while others don't.
So the success of the next iteration of the Realms comes down to how many wise staffers there are at Wizards, not to any decisions Ed can't make.
BB

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Quoted for truth.

-- George Krashos

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 13 Jun 2013 00:50:42
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by xaeyruudh

quote:

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Originally posted by sleyvas

Ed,

Is there ever going to be a chance that we might see "pantheon maps" of the realms

---

I would be interested in this too, but I think in a lot of cases it would be more helpful to have a map for each deity. My bad if this is exactly what you meant. It sounded like you meant just one map for the whole pantheon.

I'm thinking of a large-scale (meaning small dimensions; maybe 1/4 of a 8x11 page at most) map showing just the general outline of the continent, with a shaded area for where that particular power is officially recognized. These maps would appear in a future deities book like Faiths & Pantheons or whatever... it would take up too much extra space to be in a book that merely has a Chapter dedicated to deities.

The reason for this is that many of the FR powers are specifically described as only being venerated in certain areas... Valkur, Shiallia, Gwaeron, etc.

Anyway, I like this idea and I think it could be a great addition to the deities material. I suspect that Ed might not be in charge of greenlighting it, but I would love to be wrong.

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Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of "during the -200's DR" there were "these" various pantheons around. List the 8 or 15 pantheons, and give a brief listing of the gods and "some" of their portfolios so that you can get a rough idea of them. Now, some deities may cross pantheons, and that could be noted by simply listing them in more than one pantheon. The map should shade a general area for a pantheon. It wouldn't need to be meticulous, just give a general idea of "over here, these groups were worshipping X deities". Hell, it could be a PDF only product and I think people would still love it and buy it.

I think this would be treasured by those folks who bought the Grand History of the Realms, especially if it showed that maybe Mielikki was amongst a wave of Finnish deities (or that maybe she wasn't). It could show deities that have come and gone because pantheons came in conflict and "there could be only one" with a given portfolio. It could also show that maybe some of the deities of modern times held a lot more roles originally, but they've been pigeonholed by Ao's portfolio policy. In fact, toward Kara Tur, it may have been no celestial bureaucracy long ago... it may have been a bunch of separate pantheons that joined amiably and each took on certain roles.

It could help spark campaigns in any time period, and lets face it, that's one thing that FR could benefit from. Its already got a rich back history that people would love to see filled in. Plus, don't like modern FR because of all the gods? Well, drift back a millennia, run a campaign there where there's less gods to pick from in the immediate area.

I know Ed probably can't greenlight it, but who the heck else can you tell that might get the idea floated across? Oh, and the same product could serve double duty by maybe showing rough country boundaries for the same time periods if they wanted to bring in people of different interests.

What made me think of this was looking in the bookstore the other day and seeing Game of Thrones maps selling for $40 (which I'd love to have mind you).

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Reply author: Argistrin
Replied on: 13 Jun 2013 05:25:06
Message:

Greetings! As I am new to these forums, I can only hope I'm in the right place to ask. So, here goes:
I'm curious if there is a Corellon based paladin order in the realms. As reader, a dungeon master, and as an occasional player when fortune allows, I have often wondered about the existence of such a thing in the realms. (my favorite game setting and novel series) I'm aware mechanically chaotic good paladins existed in 3.5 via the paladin of freedom build, the races of the wild build, and in 4th edition since paladins only need to be of Good alignment. Keeping these things in mind, I'm curious if they grace the realms, and what lore is associated with it. From their history to their practices, to perhaps to what places they may have noteworthy temples. Is their any substance to this? or do they completely exist in non-realms content?
Oh, and to Ed, you were right, I loved the reprint you gave me at gencon back in 09. Still reading your newer works sir, and I find them delicious.

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Reply author: Chronos
Replied on: 13 Jun 2013 06:23:46
Message:

Hi Argistrin, I'm in no way Ed, and I am sure he has more details, but the 2nd edition Demihuman Deities names a goodly number of knightly order of Corellon although none are stated to contain Paladins (no doubt due to alignment restrictions of that edition). However they could give you some ideas. :)

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 13 Jun 2013 13:26:16
Message:

Today's forging the Realms article was quite interesting. Based on it I'd like to ask if any family or line can have persuasive arguments to challenge the rule of the Obarskyrs in Cormyr, and if there have been successful revolts therein that have managed to circumvent the control of the war wizards. On the ther hand, have there been abusive war wizards who falselly accuse innocents they dislike?

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 13 Jun 2013 14:24:15
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Argistrin

Greetings! As I am new to these forums, I can only hope I'm in the right place to ask. So, here goes:
I'm curious if there is a Corellon based paladin order in the realms. As reader, a dungeon master, and as an occasional player when fortune allows, I have often wondered about the existence of such a thing in the realms. (my favorite game setting and novel series) I'm aware mechanically chaotic good paladins existed in 3.5 via the paladin of freedom build, the races of the wild build, and in 4th edition since paladins only need to be of Good alignment. Keeping these things in mind, I'm curious if they grace the realms, and what lore is associated with it. From their history to their practices, to perhaps to what places they may have noteworthy temples. Is their any substance to this? or do they completely exist in non-realms content?
Oh, and to Ed, you were right, I loved the reprint you gave me at gencon back in 09. Still reading your newer works sir, and I find them delicious.

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you may like this thread from February. Not saying it covers all your questions, but it does add some tidbits.
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17522

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Reply author: sfdragon
Replied on: 14 Jun 2013 08:24:51
Message:

I have a hypothetical question for Ed.

If he had chose to do it instead, how would he had Jhaamdath been if it was to continue as a war machine instead of having it wiped out into undeath?

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 14 Jun 2013 14:22:51
Message:

Commentary:
In regards to a 'Pantheon Map' - VERY cool idea. I would also suggest one of those Quicktime/whatever maps that change over time, so we can visually see how a god's influence waxed and waned. That would be awesome.

Question:
Are their any dangerous artifacts kept at Candlekeep for 'safe-keeping'?

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Reply author: Chosen of Asmodeus
Replied on: 14 Jun 2013 20:25:41
Message:

Are there any rules regarding bigamy among Waterdeep nobility?

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 14 Jun 2013 20:26:05
Message:

Milady THO, I recall you answering this question before, but I didn't find anything in a couple searches of Candlekeep or Googling it, so... I'm sorry if this is a repeat. But perhaps the recent heat wave has addled me, and it's never been addressed. It's like *whisper* summer is starting. Fortunately today is overcast so far, so all is well.

The Cyclopedia of the Realms, the Grand Tour of the Realms, the Shadowdale adventure poster map, and the Cormyr accessory all have basically the same map of Arabel. The later ones add a couplefew locations on the end of the list, but other than that they seem to be identical.

#27 and #28 are identified as Gelzunduth Warehouse, and Misrim Warehouse gets #88, #132, and #138. Other warehouses aren't numbered individually; for example, there are eight Thond Warehouses on the west wall of the city, all numbered 68.

Meanwhile, there are three companies in the city whose warehouses don't appear on the list; there's no Bhela Warehouse, no Iron Throne Warehouse, and no Trueshield Warehouse. FR Adventures is also the source for their presence.

My initial thought was "we have five numbers and five necessary locations; they're just misidentified on the map." However, a quick count of examples on the map indicates only one building numbered 88, only one 132, and only 138... while Misrim is supposedly one of the strongest (biggest/wealthiest?) of the eight Houses -- this is stated in FR Adventures if I remember right. 27 and 28 are adjacent, and there seems to be only one of each of these too. House Nyaril has four large warehouses in the east corner, so it seems appropriate that Misrim should have at least three... but what they're storing/hiding/doing in their warehouses probably plays a role.

So I'm second-guessing everything, aaannd I was hoping you could help with clarifications.

Just in case it's relevant, I bake white chocolate chip cookies and I like to share.

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 16 Jun 2013 08:52:38
Message:

#15 on the map of Scardale "Town" in the Tantras adventure (FRE2) is an unidentified partially sunken ship commandeered by the Zhentilar/Zhentarim. I'm not seeing this ship specifically mentioned in the adventure. Does it have a name? Whose ship was it prior to the events of the adventure, and where is this person from? Is the wreck abandoned/destroyed following the PCs' departure, or used for the duration of the Zhentilar's presence in Scardale?

Lots of questions for something of minor curiosity. I'm mainly just looking for a name to facilitate shortening the description in a list of Scardale's features. But I know better than to ask Ed for just a name.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 16 Jun 2013 15:48:56
Message:

Hi again, all! Ed and I have both been busy (no, not with each other! Those scribes, wash your minds out with soap! ) these last few days, but 'tis high time to deal with some more lore questions.
paladinnicolas, you're first up. Re. this: "Today's forging the Realms article was quite interesting. Based on it I'd like to ask if any family or line can have persuasive arguments to challenge the rule of the Obarskyrs in Cormyr, and if there have been successful revolts therein that have managed to circumvent the control of the war wizards. On the other hand, have there been abusive war wizards who falsely accuse innocents they dislike?"
Heeere's Ed:

Hi. The answer to your first question depends on who the audience is. To many nobles, the argument that they have just as much right to sit on the Dragon Throne as "those lucky Obarskyrs" is quite persuasive; to most others in Cormyr, far less so. For one thing, certain families (such as the now-exiled Bleths) have definitely "been around" in the region now known as Cormyr for as long as the Obarskyrs have, but some of the other families making such claims have not, and are either making them in ignorance of the realm's earliest days, or depending on like ignorance on the part of their audience.
There have indeed been successful revolts, and revolts done with the connivance of some War Wizards, AND revolts that managed to elude the vigilance of the War Wizards.
There have also been War Wizards who have falsely accused the innocent of various treasons and seditious acts, though the "mind-reaming" that had become common usage in the organization prior to the "mind-reaming will drive the reamer mad" peril that the Spellplague brought on, made such accusations difficult and foolish.
See the novel Jeff Grubb and I co-wrote, CORMYR: A NOVEL, for examples of all of these.
The majority of "oldblood" nobles do privately see the Obarskyrs as "first among equals," but tend to thank the gods that the Obarskyrs got saddled with all the headaches, danger, and time-devouring duties of rulership, while they themselves have time to pursue all their whims and hobbies, and can snipe about how badly the kingdom is being ruled to their hearts' content. So they may be firmly against this or that policy or decree, but staunch supporters of the Obarskyrs holding the Crown - - for the very good reason that they don't want the job themselves (young hotheads usually excluded from this point of view), and REALLY don't trust most of their noble rivals as alternatives; the Obarskyrs are seen as the least bad of all the available evils.
Most nobles' claims to the throne aren't based on "my family has a better claim than the Obarskyrs," but rather, "this Obarskyr fathered this ancestor of mine in these circumstances, which I can clearly see gives me a closer/better claim to the Dragon Throne than the current occupants who have Obarskyr surnames." The problem is that their personal clarity of sight differs markedly from that of other observers. ;}


So saith Ed. Creator of Cormyr and most of the sprawling sandbox around it we call the Realms.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 16 Jun 2013 15:55:41
Message:

. . . And here's Ed's next reply, this time to sf dragon, re. this: "I have a hypothetical question for Ed. If he had chose to do it instead, how would he had Jhaamdath been if it was to continue as a war machine instead of having it wiped out into undeath?"
Ed replies:

Ah, hypotheticals. If I had three or four lifetimes to spare, I could REALLY dig into these. ;
I have always thought that if Jhaamdath had avoided the fate that befell it, that culture would have made the Napoleonic/Hitlerian mistake of expanding too fast by violent means, taking on too many foes at once, ending up beset on too many fronts at once - - and collapsing. I have in the past dropped some very subtle hints in this regard, by noting who their inevitable foes would be, if they expanded far enough (and as a game designer, I always want a setting to have a variety of opposed powers, purely because it makes for more interesting and varied adventure opportunities).

So saith Ed. Who's on a roll this morning (well, it's still morning here as I type this), and has yet another reply up his sleeve...
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 16 Jun 2013 16:15:08
Message:

And as promised, here's that third lore response...
Chosen of Asmodeus asked: "Are there any rules regarding bigamy among Waterdeep nobility?"
And Ed replies:


Yes. Bigamy is legally a no-no. Nobles can have any number of lovers, mistresses/prettyboys and "kept partners" and so on, but they can only legally have one spouse at a time, and any offspring they produce with that one spouse are their legal heirs, in order of birth (and in most noble houses, regardless of gender, though there are a few that count only males AND a few that count only females, in lines of inheritance/precedence). You can divorce a spouse or lose one to death, and be free to remarry; the new spouse has all the legal standing of a previous one, but such a change in spouses doesn't make any difference to the legitimacy of offspring had with a previous spouse. Neither does marrying a lover make any offspring you had with them before marriage "retroactively legitimate," such bastards remain illegitimate and can't gain legitimacy unless they become the last living family relatives (i.e. all legitimate family members are dead). Note that bastards can be named heirs of real estate and chattels in a will or deathbed proclamation, and even appointed "regents" to legitimate children - - this may make them effectively noble in their daily duties, wealth, and social doings, but they still aren't "legitimate." Dead nobles who rise as undead have lost their legitimacy, though in rare cases they have been socially reaccepted as themselves (i.e. they still can't inherit or take over as heads of houses, but may act as the head of a house or a parental-style advisor; some style themselves as house "champions," and act as bodyguards for family members, or fight duels for them/represent them in places and situations of danger).
Finally, the Open Lord of Waterdeep has on several occasions throughout history been forced to rule on legitimacy in situations (usually thanks to shipwrecks or kidnapping brigands) where a spouse has gone missing for years and been presumed dead, so a funeral has been held and their partner has subsequently remarried, only to have the original later turn up. In all but one of these rulings (wherein there was a strong suspicion that the noble involved tried to have the first spouse murdered so they could take a second one - - in that case, the first one was affirmed and the second one "set aside," which was relatively easy to do because there were offspring of the first, but none from the second), the Open Lord has confirmed BOTH first and second spouses as legitimate. So yes, in these limited cases [I've created two of them, out of six cases of Open Lord judgments, but can't recall if other writers have introduced or strongly hinted at any], bigamy is possible among nobles in Waterdeep. As a freely-tolerated custom initiated by the nobles involved, though, bigamy is still prohibited.
However, taking lovers of other nobles' spouses while everyone looks the other way or even makes sport of it, is frequent among certain nobles and calmly ignored by many others. I hope this has been of help; as I was typing it, quite a few plot hooks I'd built in over the years rose to mind, so perhaps it will similarly spur ideas among DMs.


So saith Ed. Creator of Waterdeep, its nobles and Open Lords, and more plot hooks than either of us can count, down the years.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 16 Jun 2013 18:25:31
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

...so perhaps it will similarly spur ideas among DMs.

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Already got this DM's creative juices flowing, and I didn't even ask the question. *EVIL*

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 16 Jun 2013 20:13:23
Message:

Ed and dear THO, I have another question, now that we speak of Obarskyr lineage.

Would a non-human descendant (Such as a half-elf or a tiefling, especially a tiefling >.>;) ever be permitted to sit on the Dragon Throne of Cormyr? (As king obviously, I do not mean sitting in general :P)

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 16 Jun 2013 21:57:51
Message:

Hi lordsknight185,

You're likely to find the answer to your question on page 12 of the Looking for all info about Cormyr scroll.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 16 Jun 2013 22:04:08
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, thank you for the answer. I have bought the ebook version of the Cormyr novel and will read it, especially because I love political intrigue plots

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 17 Jun 2013 06:14:03
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

Ed, your Realms novel "Hand of Fire" features a quote from Malivur Stonecastle's book "Fallen From Grace: A Cormyrean Noble's Tale" as the header for Chapter 19 (page 329 of the 2002 edition).

Can you please confirm whether or not Malivur Stonecastle is (or was) a noble of Cormyr?

If yes, did Malivur simply fall from grace? Or was he banished?

If not, about whom was Malivur writing?

I'm hoping he was a noble, as this would be a name not on any list of Cormyr's nobles in my possession.

Thank you both. :)

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 17 Jun 2013 08:07:05
Message:

Well Again THO and Ed,

Ed, a follow up question for the 2002 edition of Hand of Fire: did the lecture given by Bharajak Steelshar (as mentioned in the header to Chapter 5, page 69) have a formal title?

Was it transcribed or otherwise recorded in some manner?

The quote of Bharajak's used in the chapter header implies he was responding to a question. Was the lecture a Q&A type of event? Or did Bharajak open the floor to questions after his lecture was given?

Did the lecture cover any other topics besides portals?

Did the Swords Club in Elturel host lectures all that often?

Thank you both in advance. Looking forward to what answers you may provide. :D

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 17 Jun 2013 11:28:42
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer

Hi lordsknight185,

You're likely to find the answer to your question on page 12 of the Looking for all info about Cormyr scroll.

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Thank you! That was a fantastic answer, and just what I was looking for!


I got curious as Aubrin Crownsilver is fourth inline to the throne, and that would make any possible tiefling offspring fifth in line as well.

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 18 Jun 2013 01:23:20
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

I was reading up a bit about Moonblades and got to thinking. Did the dwarves ever create anything comparable to Moonblades? And if so, is there anything you could share?

Thank you.

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 18 Jun 2013 18:10:59
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Argistrin
(...)
I'm curious if there is a Corellon based paladin order in the realms. As reader, a dungeon master, and as an occasional player when fortune allows, I have often wondered about the existence of such a thing in the realms.
(...)

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Hi, Argistrin!
Have you checked this thread? It is about elven paladins, maybe you would like to check it out.

And Ed and THO, a thread was opened about the chaotic good alignment of elves, especially the "good" aspect, considering the mass killings and genocides comitted by the race in the past. Some were arguing if the general elven populace is good (commoners, but maybe not their leaders), while others were questioning in which aspects they would be good and still join wars and genocides convocated by their commanders.

Mostly, people argued that elves were not very different from humans, with some being good, right, but others being evil, and so the race could not be declared "good", in general, as in the game sources. Can you please give us your pointview over this issue?

EDIT: added question and clarifications

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 Jun 2013 19:16:27
Message:

Hi again, all.
Jeremy, Ed will have to answer most of your questions about Malivur Stonecastle, but I can confirm from my notes that the Stonecastles are a minor Cormyrean noble family, ennobled in the reign of Duar (so presumably a Stonecastle aided that king in the civil war) and so long-established, and mainly resident in the southern coastal part of the Forest Kingdom. Their arms are a white-with-gray-detailings crenellated stone castle tower (like a chess rook) with two arrow-slit windows visible at differing heights, on an emerald green field (with a white border, on a shield of the shape sometimes called "elegant" in heraldry, and often in the USA referred to as a "police shield" because it's the shape of some classic police badges). Duke Bhereu (of the ruling family in the time of Azoun IV)was romantically linked to Ashlaelra Stonecastle in his youth, but she died tragically (and he was reportedly heartbroken).
There that's all I've got.
So saith me (from lore Ed gave me, of course).
love,
THO

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 18 Jun 2013 20:36:32
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, I would like to ask something similar to the Cormyr question I posed before. Since Ed has said that in his Realms those with good intentions sometimes make things wrongly, I would like to ask if in the games you have played the Harpers have ever committed abuses or wronged innocents. I read once that the Harpers are not liked in Amn because they were framed, but I would like to know if they have ever truly caused harm and engaged in wrongful acts. Thanks!

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 18 Jun 2013 21:13:24
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

Dear Ed and THO, I would like to ask something similar to the Cormyr question I posed before. Since Ed has said that in his Realms those with good intentions sometimes make things wrongly, I would like to ask if in the games you have played the Harpers have ever committed abuses or wronged innocents. I read once that the Harpers are not liked in Amn because they were framed, but I would like to know if they have ever truly caused harm and engaged in wrongful acts. Thanks!

---

Sure they have. Ask any Zhentarim.

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Reply author: createvmind
Replied on: 18 Jun 2013 21:16:10
Message:

Hi All,

Just curious, this grotto of ever-replenishing gems that Cormyr controls, who controlled it or used it prior and how long has it been in existence? Origins of it already provided somewhere?

Thanks

---

Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 18 Jun 2013 21:43:37
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by createvmind

Hi All,

Just curious, this grotto of ever-replenishing gems that Cormyr controls, who controlled it or used it prior and how long has it been in existence? Origins of it already provided somewhere?

Thanks

---

Hi Creativemind

The Grotto is discussed in Volo's Guide to Cormyr (VGtC). It specifically states that the grotto was discovered by Amble Obarskyr, cousin to Ring Pryntaler, and that only six other people have seen it in all its glory.

Its another great little design by Ed that cleverly answers a game theory question about Cormyr and its wealth and how normal folks can live there safely surrounded by expensive guards in expensive armour without being taxed up to the hilt.

Cheers

Damian
ps WoTC released VGtC free on their web site as a PDF go here
http://web.archive.org/web/20080506030618/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/downloads and scroll down a bit until you find it

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 18 Jun 2013 23:15:23
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

There that's all I've got.
So saith me (from lore Ed gave me, of course).
love,
THO

---

Thank you very much. I really appreciate you sharing events from your Realmsplay sessions, as they often shed light on Realmslore for which only passing reference is given in printed sources.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 19 Jun 2013 01:20:34
Message:

A pleasure!
And now, I'd like to turn to this query from paladinnicolas: "Dear Ed and THO, I would like to ask something similar to the Cormyr question I posed before. Since Ed has said that in his Realms those with good intentions sometimes make things wrongly, I would like to ask if in the games you have played the Harpers have ever committed abuses or wronged innocents. I read once that the Harpers are not liked in Amn because they were framed, but I would like to know if they have ever truly caused harm and engaged in wrongful acts. Thanks!"

Well, that's another one of those loaded questions. Harpers work against governments they consider too large and too powerful, and against those who they see as being overly aggressive to others (e.g. by destroying habitat [burning forests] to drive creatures out of an area so it can be settled [and farmed]). So, libertarians - - but libertarians who believe in a code all can trust in. They always work against abusive authority, too, so they can seem like Greenpeace or various real-world protestors at times.
So Harpers often break laws, but view those making and enforcing those laws as unjust aggressors abusing power - - or even claiming rulership over lands not theirs. What, then, is a "wrongful act"? As for causing harm, Harpers fight. So there's bloodshed and death, which is causing harm . . . but then again, they would argue that to not resist aggression would have resulted in a lot more death and harm to many more folk.
So . . . it's complicated. Ed has never written a black-and-white, clear-cut Realms. He has always put in layers of meaning, nuances, complexity, and so on, because he believes that a vital part of roleplaying is making moral choices. That are truly choices, not "this is the shining side of good, and that is the dark-hearted side of ultimate evil. Choose between them." situations, but harder and messier choices.
As Wooly posted, Zhentarim (real law-and-order, might makes right types) would see Harpers as bad. If the word existed in the Realms, they might claim that "all Harpers are terrorists, or abettors of terrorists, whereas WE obey laws." But then, many in the Realms would see the Zhents as akin to Hitler's stormtroops (to use another real-world analogy), so it's back to "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."
In the games I've played in, many Harpers have made MISTAKES, yes, but always with the best of intentions. I'd never seen a "false Harper." If you read Ed's novels, Elminster makes mistakes all the time. And yet, most see him as a force for good. A meddler who drives a lot of them nuts, yet in the end, over the centuries, a force for good.
So...complicated. (Remember, the Realms posits lots of opposed gods, so deciding whose judgment is "right" regarding harm and "wrongful acts" isn't easy, either.)
I hope this helps to answer your question.
(I'm a bad, spankable girl trying to do good. )
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 19 Jun 2013 05:01:20
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by crazedventurers

quote:

---

Originally posted by createvmind

Hi All,

Just curious, this grotto of ever-replenishing gems that Cormyr controls, who controlled it or used it prior and how long has it been in existence? Origins of it already provided somewhere?

Thanks

---

Hi Creativemind

The Grotto is discussed in Volo's Guide to Cormyr (VGtC). It specifically states that the grotto was discovered by Amble Obarskyr, cousin to Ring Pryntaler, and that only six other people have seen it in all its glory.

Its another great little design by Ed that cleverly answers a game theory question about Cormyr and its wealth and how normal folks can live there safely surrounded by expensive guards in expensive armour without being taxed up to the hilt.

Cheers

Damian
ps WoTC released VGtC free on their web site as a PDF go here
http://web.archive.org/web/20080506030618/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/downloads and scroll down a bit until you find it

---

I think Ed's shared a few extra tidbits about the Grotto in previous replies... if I'm remembering correctly.

---

Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 19 Jun 2013 09:38:58
Message:

Thanks for your answer THO!

---

Reply author: BlackAce
Replied on: 19 Jun 2013 15:59:59
Message:

Hey folks!

I've been asked once again by Emma and her fellow players to pass on their (and my) deepest thanks and gratitude to Ed and THO for the Raventree family lore Ed was kind enough to share. They're having an absolute blast and Ems has promised to send a synopsis to share with you all at some future point.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 20 Jun 2013 04:29:18
Message:

Hi again, all.
paladinnicolas, you're very welcome.
And BlackAce, we'd both love to see that synopsis, when the time is right for Emma to write it, and you're all very welcome. Ed loves helping Realms campaigns with lore (and it's just fine to twist and stretch it to fit your needs, too).
lordsknight185, regarding your recent query about the order of succession in Cormyr, Ed thinks you might want to make sure you read all of the Realms novels penned by Erin Evans, both those out now and those coming out in the future. (And if you ever have contact with Garen Thal here at the Keep, or Brian Cortijo at a convention - - they're the same gentleman - - he is THE expert on Cormyr.)
love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 20 Jun 2013 11:50:51
Message:

I've sent this question yesterday to the sages, but today I thought maybe I should ask it directly to Ed, not only asking about published lore but expanding it to whatever additional information he can bring about it:

In the 'Volo's Guide to the North' the legend of the Moondark Mountains, an ancient elven cluster of magic-rich citadels, whose inhabitants apparently left the world through Spelljamming. Have any newer lore been published that confirms those tales, and that says of which elven realms those citadels were part? And I've also noted that the name of the temple of Solonor the Archer God in Evereska is 'Moondark Hill'. Is there any connections between those places that you know about?

I was also wondering if there was any connection between those tales and the stories of winged elves near the Spine of the World. Could you please shed some light over these questions?

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 20 Jun 2013 12:35:05
Message:

Hello THO and Ed,

Ed, where I live in California we have Beer Walks, where people buy tickets at a local bar that allow them to sample a wide variety of craft beers and local brews that are served at booths situated in front of or just inside nearby stores and shops. Participants follow a preset route from the bar and end up back at the bar when the route is complete.

Are there such things as Beer Walks in the Realms?

Do guilds (such as in Waterdeep) or vendors ever team up to produce crossover events like this?

Was it ever fashionable in Suzail or Waterdeep to do the equivalent of a Bar Crawl (I guess you'd call it a Tavern Crawl or Tavern Hopping)?

With all the wines, beers and spirits produced by humans and other races, with enough coin I bet you could have one hell of a time.

Thank you very much.

---

Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 20 Jun 2013 13:07:11
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

regarding your recent query about the order of succession in Cormyr, Ed thinks you might want to make sure you read all of the Realms novels penned by Erin Evans, both those out now and those coming out in the future.

---

Dear THO, I made not a query but a general statement because I have read both Brimstone angels and Lesser Evils.

If Ed's statement is meant to mean something will soon happen to change the current line of succession then that makes me both disappointed, as I consider that a vague spoiler-like statement, and worried for the fate of two of my favorite characters...The Adversary does not come out for another five months. That is a long time to have to wait and be worried.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 20 Jun 2013 16:41:19
Message:

Heh. I sent Ed your post, lordsknight185, and he responded:

"Change the order of succession"? I don't recall any mentioning any changes. It's a "vague spoiler-like" suggestion, not a statement. Commonly known in the trade as a teaser.
Yet if it's caused consternation, I'll add this: I don't think you need be worried.

So there you have it. Worry not.
Ed wanted me to add that he and Erin have spent much enjoyable time going back-and-forth over tiny lore details, as Erin gets everything exactly right. He's looking forward to The Adversary (and, he wants to add, ALL of the Sundering books he's read drafts of, thus far, which is most of them).
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 20 Jun 2013 19:13:10
Message:

Just a public service announcement:
Ed's Golarion novel, THE WIZARD'S MASK, is out!
And Paizo has put up not just a typically fun author interview with Ed, but a three-part short story (free-to-read; I had trouble getting Chapter 2 to display until I clicked on the artist's name, last name is Gomez, on the links at the bottom of Chapter 2) starring one of the protagonists, the halfling Tantaerra.
The short story takes place years before the novel, so isn't spoiler-ish.
I am loving the story. A FUN read. Good old swords and sorcery.
More from Ed, the friendly guy-next-door genius.
All good!
BB

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 20 Jun 2013 21:52:54
Message:

Out at last, eh? Good. Ed said he had a blast writing it. And loved working with James Sutter.
I'll be picking it up, of course.

And to Barastir: I think your Moondark queries are about to hit an NDA. But not for all that long.

love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 21 Jun 2013 06:37:29
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

Have the Knights ever had encounters with Galeb Duhr? I get the impression these folk are kind of like a dwarven version of treants? As far as I know there isn't much lore on them. Is there anything you could share regarding these creatures? Do they get along with dwarves?

Thank you both. :)

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 21 Jun 2013 11:54:30
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One
And to Barastir: I think your Moondark queries are about to hit an NDA. But not for all that long.

---

Wow, my own first NDA!!! Thank you very much, dear Lady!

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 21 Jun 2013 13:43:08
Message:

Dear THO, Ed's response actually made me smile. I am sorry if I was rude, I have just found myself highly attached to Erin's characters as of late and I am glad to hear she and Ed discussed the lore so thoroughly.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Jun 2013 22:31:14
Message:

Hi again, all.
lordsknight185, nothing to apologize for.
As Ed told me once: "We want fans to care deeply about our characters. I never want to upset anyone, but if they're angry or frightened or sad or delighted or rolling around on the floor hooting with laughter - - great. That's why I do all of this."
Ed and I both LOVE Erin's characters.
In fact, for some months now I've been teasing Ed with: "What would Farideh do, if--?" questions. ;} I won't tell you his replies, because that would be TELLING. And because that should be Erin's fun, not mine.
I believe (choosing my words carefully here) that Ed was hinting more that the Dragon Throne would stand close to the concerns of some characters, in Erin's books to come.
love,
THO

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 22 Jun 2013 02:23:58
Message:

Dear THO, That's why I love coming here because everyone is so understanding. Havilar and Brin are adorable together, and individually their characters really speak to me. I am not worried at all anymore, but I am super excited for events to come, and The Adversary is still five months away! But atleast august will be jam full of things to occupy my mind (The Companions, which is pre-ordered and waiting for me...as well as Gen Con, which I have never been able to afford to attend but I am hoping for some amazing wotc videos like we had last year! I watched the two-hour-long sundering panel like three times last year >.>; )

I am sorry I get rambly, but I do not know how to thank you enough for being the much busy Ed's Herald, and delivering questions and comforting responses so quickly. The Realms has been a living place in my mind ever since I was introduced to it so many years ago, but it is thanks to Candlekeep, and Ed's and your high activity here, that truly makes the realms feel ALIVE.

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Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 22 Jun 2013 07:24:52
Message:

Dear Ed,

I must ask because it's been bugging me for awhile. This is in no way meant to be snarky at all, it really did have me thinking when I would reminisce how often important questions suffer from NDA.

But my question is considering the vastness of scope the Realms is, exactly how do you keep track of all that is NDA? Are you given a massive word file, or several dozen binders, or other such documentation that is filled with what is NDA in the Realms and must scour to make sure you don't make a mistake? Or do you have to consult a specific WotC employee each time a question is asked to legitimize and answer or not?

Or is that kind of info well...also NDA?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 22 Jun 2013 15:40:27
Message:

Hi again, all.
Razz, here's Ed's pronto reply:

The actual NDAs are simple legal forms we sign and return; I've honestly lost track of hos many I've signed over the years, for many companies (in the case of the Realms, for both TSR, Inc. and Wizards of the Coast).
What it really comes down to is: I know what I'm working on, for future publication. I know something of what others are working on. I have a good idea of projects and directions and licenses the company is working on, or can guess (as a non-employee, there are many things I can't or shouldn't be told, but as someone in the industry for a long time, I can put two and two together quite often).
So I avoid saying things that will ruin, reveal, or just limit and hamper something forthcoming. Sometimes I can do this by very carefully wording my replies, sometimes I steer discussion by giving lots about X and just never really touching on Y, and sometimes there's no alternative but to say bluntly: can't talk about that. Which I do by flatly invoking NDA so we never get into the "can't talk BECAUSE" swamp.
But when it comes to the Realms, the "keeping track of it all" is all in my head. Various staffers do give me the obligatory "don't talk about this, please," because they have to, but I usually already know. When I don't, I do indeed check with whomever I think is the "right" staff member to check with (if I pick the wrong one, they will tell me who the right one is).
The LAST thing I ever want to do is to ruin anyone's enjoyment of the Realms by ruining a surprise.
We all want to know every last detail - - or we don't, and want the fun of the shock or unravelling the mystery ourselves. So it's always a case of carefully picking a path for what my fingers will type and my tongue will wag.
And if you're thinking I must be crazy from doing all this in my head, you're quite right. :}

So saith Ed. Telling truth in his own amiable way.
love,
THO

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 22 Jun 2013 16:54:33
Message:

Thank you for the insight, Ed, and for the question Razz.

I guess I'm a mutant in that spoilers rarely if ever ruin anything for me. Not that I've foreseen the ending or details, but the destination and the journey are not entwined for me... I can read the last page or chapter of a book first, and still enjoy the story just as much. In fact sometimes (Harry Potter book 7) that's the only way for me to enjoy the story. If I were Preston, or whatever his name was, 'porting around the Realms with Elminster, I would be 2 parts "so what we going to do today, Brain?", 2 parts enjoying the scenery, 2 parts "hokay... so like... dubya tee eff mate?" and 37 parts "when can we see Storm again?" For me, "don't spoil the surprise" never comes into play.

Anyway, I'm not trying to clutter up the thread with a tangent, and not really complaining (my complaints are only about WotC's sense of direction, and that's preaching to the choir here). Just observing that we're not all the same, and it's apparently my fate to be bizarro.

Also, Ed's and THO's amiability are legendary and should be both knighted and sainted.

---

Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 22 Jun 2013 19:26:02
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Blueblade

Just a public service announcement:
Ed's Golarion novel, THE WIZARD'S MASK, is out!
And Paizo has put up not just a typically fun author interview with Ed, but a three-part short story (free-to-read; I had trouble getting Chapter 2 to display until I clicked on the artist's name, last name is Gomez, on the links at the bottom of Chapter 2) starring one of the protagonists, the halfling Tantaerra.
The short story takes place years before the novel, so isn't spoiler-ish.
I am loving the story. A FUN read. Good old swords and sorcery.
More from Ed, the friendly guy-next-door genius.
All good!
BB

---

Link to Ed's serial.

And for good measure, individual links to each chapter, as well:
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 22 Jun 2013 21:13:22
Message:

That's some mighty fine writin.

I very much like the idea of prequels (or parts that got cut and would otherwise be unpublished) instead of excerpts from novels. Good stuff!

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 23 Jun 2013 04:12:51
Message:

Hi again, all.
In Ed's case, I believe he was asked to write a three-part short story to "set up" THE WIZARD'S MASK by featuring one of the main characters in the novel, so he went back into Tantaerra's past so as to betray nothing of what we'd see in the book, but to introduce us to her feisty self. According to Ed, this short story takes place in Canorate (in the land of Molthune, in Golarion) when the short-even-for-a-halfling Tantaerra is a slave to a shopkeeper whom she likes, and who likes her.
By the time of the novel, she's elsewhere, under different circumstances (i.e. plunged into a desperate adventure).
So the web tale isn't an outtake, but an "extra" (and, yes, a prequel) designed to introduce one of the novel's protagonists.
Something Ed has done a time or two for the Realms as well (some of them have appeared on the Wizards website, and some have not; I haven't the faintest why).
love,
THO

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 23 Jun 2013 04:44:28
Message:

Between all the "foundation stones" (I think that was the term he used) he adds into all his descriptions, unobtrusive bits of lore that link back to books published years ago (hidden in plain sight secrets), and prequel stories scattered around, I'm coming to the conclusion that Ed is the Easter Bunny.

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 23 Jun 2013 05:10:32
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by xaeyruudh

Between all the "foundation stones" (I think that was the term he used) he adds into all his descriptions, unobtrusive bits of lore that link back to books published years ago (hidden in plain sight secrets), and prequel stories scattered around, I'm coming to the conclusion that Ed is the Easter Bunny.

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Tell him to quit doing that to those poor chickens, dammit!

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 23 Jun 2013 13:53:26
Message:

Its called 'weaving a tapestry'. So few modern writers bother with it these days.

IMHO, that's the true difference between 'pulp' and 'epic' fantasy. What exists in Hyboria is everything within Conan's sight. There is nothing 'outside the door'... until he walks through it. And even then, we get very little descriptive text, beyond the feelings that new environment evokes in our hero. Not knockin' pulp at all - some of my favorite stories and authors 'do pulp' (and do it well).

But then you have the world-builders. Those stories (Game of Thrones, Jack Vance stuff, Majipoor, etc, etc). Its more about the world around the hero, then the hero himself. He is just a player on a very large stage. FR exists all the time beyond Elminster's sight. We know there are lots of things beyond the next door, whether the Old Mage walks through it or not. And weirdly, it all matters to us. Its a type of art-form.

Lots of people can 'write well', but can they transport you to a world that exists only within their mind? Can they make you feel like you are a part of it? Thats a special gift. What Ed (and many others) have done is pick-up those 'Red Slippers' others have dropped and ran with them. Thats what made FR great... thats what it lost along the way.

"No man is an island" - neither should be their stories, fictional or not.

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Reply author: Memmorath
Replied on: 23 Jun 2013 23:35:42
Message:

Hello.

I remember reading some info about this sort of a question somewhere in candlekeep forums, but it wasn't as extensive as I would have liked (and slightly different year), so I finally decided to see if I could find some of the knowledge I seek from here. So, my questions for Ed are following:

Who where the zulkirs of the different schools of magic from 1329 DR to 1339 DR?

Also, quite a bit curious, how did the Red Wizards train new Red Wizards? Was there any schooling program (as in, an Academy), or did they just take apprentices for existing wizards and eventually these apprentices would become full fledged Red Wizards?.

Thanks!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Jun 2013 04:01:51
Message:

Hello again, all.
Memmorath, I can make a start on answering your last question. Although the process for attaining the training and experience necessary for being deemed a Red Wizard has varied from zulkir to zulkir over time, and from school to school of magic, in general it starts like this: existing Red Wizards take apprentices, and when either the apprentice or the "master" thinks the apprentice is ready, the apprentice takes service with ANOTHER Red Wizard of a different background and outlook. When that tutor (NOT the apprentice) thinks the apprentice is ready for 'advanced' training, they inform a higher-ranking, veteran Red Wizard, who tests the apprentice - - and decides on what service (as in, mission out across Faerun) or further training the apprentice needs. After the mission or training has been accomplished, a different high-ranking, veteran Red Wizard tests the apprentice, and informs the zulkir if they believe the apprentice is ready to be admitted into the school as a Red Wizard (or, in the case of "troublesome" apprentices, given another mission, quietly eliminated, or sent to another school of magic/zulkirate as an apprentice (either highly placed, or put at the bottom with novices of the new school).
At least, this is how Ed once explained it to we Knights, speaking in character as several NPCs, back in the days when the Realms hadn't yet been published as a setting (i.e. long before the original boxed set or FR6 Dreams of the Red Wizards had ever been written).
I hope this is of help.
love,
THO

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Reply author: ddporter
Replied on: 24 Jun 2013 13:39:29
Message:

My apologies if this has been answered before, but my Question for Ed(TM) is, "Who are your favorite world-builders? Any genre or medium."

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 24 Jun 2013 20:38:32
Message:

Another thread is (re)visiting the question of which Volo's Guide we'd all like to see next, but from Ed's past words on the subject I get the impression that pursuing this line is not high on WotC's priority list.

I've never seen a fan express a negative opinion about the Volo's Guides. We keep citing them as sources for various info, and asking why there aren't more of them, where the next one will go, and whether one has ever covered X, Y, or Z. It should suggest that we will appreciate new installments. So it seems like WotC must be prioritizing other things, rather than deliberately shutting the line down.

Maybe this angle has already been covered, but is it only an issue of Ed's plate being too full with other projects deemed more important, or is there really a lack of interest in Volo's Guides at WotC? Have other authors/designers voiced a desire to continue the line, either using Volo (if Ed is amiable to that) or making up their own narrators?

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Reply author: Caladan Brood
Replied on: 26 Jun 2013 18:42:12
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Caladan Brood

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Caladan Brood, I haven't shared all that many memories of our games publicly, but the best place is here in this thread. Particularly early in 2004 (the first year of the thread). I've tried to avoid falling into the "well, in MY campaign..." pit, but I can occasionally be persuaded to tell old war stories...

love,
THO

---

Thanks, I will find my shovel and dig through it :) I love hearing war stories, it's a small fix for my roleplaying abstinence.

---

*Much later*

So, I'm on the last page of the 2004-thread. I have to say that I am (even more) astounded and impressed by Ed's seemingly endless output of realmslore, I enjoyed the regaling of tales told by you, Lady Hooded One from your adventures at Ed's gaming table (? Or do you dispense with tables altogether..) and I was amused by the constant innuendo flowing through the many back-and-forths.

Why, oh, why haven't I discovered this veritable treasure before? How come it took me so many years to finally catch the realmslore fever? So many winters ago - say, sixteen, seventeen or thereabouts, since I ran AD&D games for friends using my then-shiny-new Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting box, and then this great leap of years in which I played other RPGs, and then wham! I'm back and enjoying the Realms more than I ever did; for some reason, I never realized just how complex this world has become, and how VIVID it really can be. So now I'm frantically using eBay and out-of-print online stores to gather - nay, hoard - everything AD&D with the Realms logo slapped on it. A new haul came in today, in fact - the "Tantras" and "Waterdeep" modules, the "Player's Guide to the Forgotten Realms", "Empires of the Sands", "The Jungles of Chult", and "Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark".

I'm so glad I rediscovered Candlekeep and realized I'm not the only one prone to obsess over imaginary worlds. For all the work you've done for Realms enthusiasts not only in the 2004 thread but the 2005-2013 threads (getting ready to dive into 2005 tonight, but first I need to take some notes from the '04 thread, so much lore..) and for keeping this so very fan-friendly - I thank you sincerely (and by you I mean everyone responsible for keeping this going, I suppose - but especially Ed and THO, of course). Respect, peace out.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 26 Jun 2013 18:52:41
Message:

Heh. I've played games on tables, yes. Sometimes even involving cards or dice or boards.
Seriously, now . . . thank you for the kind words, Caladan Brood. I dragged Ed into doing this, way back then, and we both love doing it. Ed has shared a staggering amount of lore over the years, and I have enjoyed being a rather saucy messenger, his Lady Herald . . . and I hope we can continue to do so for a long time to come, and that you and others enjoy the Realms and the camaraderie at Candlekeep for even longer.
Keep those questions coming!
love,
THO

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 27 Jun 2013 06:09:46
Message:

Hello again THO and ED, I have less of a question and more a curiosity of opinion. I have just read James Wyatts latest article "Big Beasts" where he discuses dinosaurs. (I have always loved dinosaurs in chult) But he talked about how he gave new names to different dinosaurs, like "Clawfoot" for the velociraptor and "Hammertail" for the Ankylosaurus. Do you personally imagine the people of the realms doing something like this, or would you see them simply call them the larger complicated names the scholars coined. :)

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Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 27 Jun 2013 15:25:58
Message:

Something that came up over at the Paizo messageboards that Ed as a veteran gamer might be able to answer:

quote:

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I recently bought a set of three of these from EBay:
Special Edition TSR Dice

The seller has had them for a few years and had purchased them originally from Ebay as well, so wasn't sure of their origins. I can't seem to find anything on Google...

They are about 2" D6 dice with the TSR logo in the location of the 1. Has anyone seen these before or know where they originated (I'm assuming a con of some sort). I purchased only the dice, the treasure-chest like box this one is in was something I picked up to display them.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 27 Jun 2013 15:53:13
Message:

Hello again, all.

Kajehase, Ed and I both remember those dice as being GenCon "giveaways" from years back, in the Milwaukee era (one d6 in a tiny sealed plastic baggie, presumably factory-bagged to guard against blemishing), and Ed thinks he has one . . . SOMEwhere.

lordsknight185, dinosaurs haven't played a large part in our home Realms games because of the locales we Knights maraudedXXX er, flourished in, but several Waterdhavian nobles have individual dinosaurs imprisoned in their in-mansion, heated menageries. YES, dinosaurs in the Realms have the sort of names James mentions, not the real-world scientific or general-use colloquial names. After all, how would someone from Faerûn know this is a "Tyrannosaurus Rex" and that is a "Stegosaurus"?
The only dinosaurs I recall us fighting in the wild were Pterosaurs and several aggressive Triceratops . . .

love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 27 Jun 2013 18:50:16
Message:

Thank you for the quick response - it's been relayed. :)

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 29 Jun 2013 14:27:40
Message:

Ed, how do Druids and 'Nature Clerics' get along in the Realms? In general, I mean. I realize this is one of those case-by-case basis situations, but I would think there should be some sort of stereotypical attitude (like how Wizards feel about priests).

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 29 Jun 2013 14:34:06
Message:

Ed and THO, are there any active volcanoes and active tectonic areas for earthquakes in the Realms, maybe even in Zakhara and Kara-Tur?

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 29 Jun 2013 15:52:44
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Joebing

Ed and THO, are there any active volcanoes and active tectonic areas for earthquakes in the Realms, maybe even in Zakhara and Kara-Tur?

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At the very least, there is Ship of the Gods, which erupted in 1369.

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 29 Jun 2013 18:18:28
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

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Originally posted by Joebing

Ed and THO, are there any active volcanoes and active tectonic areas for earthquakes in the Realms, maybe even in Zakhara and Kara-Tur?

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At the very least, there is Ship of the Gods, which erupted in 1369.

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Perhaps I should have been more specific. Aside from the known ones (Mount Hotenow, Ship of the Gods, Smoking Mountains), are there any others that are active or even semi-active? I wrote a trilogy of adventures several years ago for Greyhawk, and with a new gaming party and exclusively running the Realms now, I am looking for a place to place them...if not just to have a reason to introduce my lava-riders.

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 30 Jun 2013 04:29:21
Message:

Greetings to Ed and the lovely Lady Hooded One,

The Sage returns with Yet Another Question for his growing queue of queries for the Great Bearded One.

I was [yesterday] reading an article on death masks -- in particular, the sale at auction of a particular Napoleon death mask -- when I began pondering what similar artifacts may be like in the Realms.

I recall a few references in previous lore, but what I'd really like to know, is whether you've ever brought up anything like this in your home Realms campaigns? Are there any death masks of famous NPCs you've discovered in your games? And, if so, who were they made from? Are any of them ensorcelled, or do they have strange magical effects cast on them?

Really, I'm just curious about death masks in general with respect to the Realms.

Much appreciation, as always, in advance.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 30 Jun 2013 13:07:22
Message:

And Sage's question has spurred a line of reasoning of my own, and a related question:

I am sure Ed is at least somewhat familiar with the premise of Warehouse 13 (and I make this assumption because I almost never watch it, and am familiar with it). For those who are not, 'artifacts' are spontaneously created by some legendary figure or important historical event. This isn't all that different from how artifacts (and relics, and perhaps ancestral items, etc) in D&D are created, and IIRC, there are at least a few 'accidental' artifacts floating around out there (Vecna's body-parts jump to mind).

Does this happen in The Realms? Are there objects that have somehow developed their own 'magic' because of the personages or events involved? Are there any of note you'd like to share?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Jun 2013 16:47:13
Message:

Hi again, all.
Traveling and in a rush, so just two quick "sorta" replies:
Sage, there are indeed death masks in the Realms, and we Knights have found some on the corpses of buried wizards in "dungeons," over the years. Most of those, legend has it, bear curses - - but all I can tell you for sure is that some of them bore written messages on their inside (face-side) surfaces, that when touched emitted the voice of the deceased, saying something memorable or important (Torm always hoped the little speeches would be detailed directions to cached treasure, but the ones we came across were always "quotable quotes" about life, the Realms, and . . .).
Ed will furnish a proper reply, of course, when he can (he's back to being the world's busiest man, right now).
Markustay, Ed is indeed somewhat familiar, and artifacts have always been created in that manner (as well as being deliberately created) in the Realms; one of Ed's original (1966) short stories, from before the setting was anything more than "the Sword Coast," revolves around Mirt stumbling onto such an artifact. More to come, of course, from Ed . . .
Gotta run; plane's boarding . . .
love,
THO

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Reply author: Eli the Tanner
Replied on: 02 Jul 2013 17:03:04
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

My latest query is about Randal Morn and the Cormaerils.

Over here in the Uk there are some interesting changes going on in the noble classes with Royal succession soon changing to simply the first-born (rather than the first-born male) heir. This may even follow for the rest of the titled nobility as their is strong campaign to change heriditary titles so that they include female heirs (partly driven to avoid situations like the Cormaeril claim).

I was wondering how much did Randal Morn try to avoid the lordship of the Dale falling to the Cormaerils? I haven't found any record of him taking a wife and trying to 'solve' it the traditional way. If the issue was infertility would he have tried to change the rules of succession at all like they are doing in the uk? As much of an adventurer and gallavanting lord he was, Randal Morn strikes me as someone who would move the Dagger Hills to make sure Daggerdale was in safe hands.

Anything you can tell us on this would be awesome...I have a love for all things Daggerdale.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 03 Jul 2013 04:33:30
Message:

Hi again, all.
Eli the Tanner, I'm not sure how much Daggerdale lore is NDA for Ed, right now.
Back in 1982 or 1984 (or so), Ed wrote a short story entitled "To Slay A Black Raven," in which Randal Morn and three adventuring companions (Florin, for example; all of them famous in later published Realmslore, but not as a foursome) rode into Daggerdale from adventuring elsewhere to "rescue" the dale from Zhentarim occupation. The Zhents had installed a mageling named Malyk (yes, before any other writer used that character name in the Realms) as Lord of the Dale, and Randal Morn's younger sister, Silver Morn, was living in hiding in the dale. TSR "lost" that story SIX TIMES over the years (requesting new copies, each time), and as the years have passed, the published history of Daggerdale has gone in various directions (in my early years of posting Ed's replies here at the Keep, he dealt with some Daggerdale queries), and Ed plotted the three Daggerdale 2e modules (that I think Jim Butler wrote, if I recall correctly). Various characters and plot angles and ideas have been "taken" over the years by various staff designers intending to do their own fiction [[I've no idea why Daggerdale was so popular with them; perhaps it was just the name of the place]], so although the publishing company that presents the Realms has changed and most of the staffers have long gone, a minefield of confused overlapping NDAs remains.
Ed is REALLY busy being the Busiest Writer Alive right now (I'm not kidding; I'm used to the pace he keeps, and what he's been doing these last few weeks staggers even me), but I've shot your query along to him in hopes he can make some sort of answer to you.
BTW, there are noble families in the Realms (in both Waterdeep and Cormyr) where the eldest born becomes heir regardless of gender, and there have even been nobility that descends through the female line, NOT the male line, but I'm not sure if any of those families have survived past the early 1300s DR.
Remind me, please, which Realms products covered the Cormaerils in relation to Daggerdale? (There have always been PC Cormaerils in Ed's library mini-campaigns and as guests in the "home" Realms campaign [when a guest player "sat in" for a night or two, I mean], so quite a few different Cormaerils have done stuff in the game Ed DMs for us, and I often forget what's published official lore, and what happened in "Ed's own Realms" [being as the latter very frequently becomes the former]. Beliard Cormaeril, for example, has been played by six different gamers that I know of, and some of them had very energetic plans for side-deals, investments, intrigues, and so on.)
love,
THO

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 03 Jul 2013 20:34:05
Message:

Ed & THO (or anyone else who can answer this)(Markustay???),

Other than Osse, Anchorome, Katashaka, and Aurune (assuming those are the correct names for the Unknown Lands), what are the other "Unknown Lands" in the FRCS for 3rd Edition Scholar's View of Toril map. There is one west of Anchorome & Maztica and two east of Katashaka. Is there any information that can be shared on these (name of land, style of play [New World=Anchorome, Faerun=Europe, Kara-Tur=Asia])? I have a future campaign set up (post-Sumbral campaign) where the PC's just explore, and I was wondering if this knowledge can be known, or is it NDA?

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Reply author: Garen Thal
Replied on: 03 Jul 2013 20:55:07
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One
BTW, there are noble families in the Realms (in both Waterdeep and Cormyr) where the eldest born becomes heir regardless of gender, and there have even been nobility that descends through the female line, NOT the male line, but I'm not sure if any of those families have survived past the early 1300s DR.

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Indeed, 'tis true. Alazne Inthré (daughter of Laspeera Naerinth and Aundable Inthré) was her mother's only child, but inherited her title as Lady Eveningspire based on a grant that guaranteed that the title would descend along the female line only.

I'm not certain that any other published families credit inheritance along these lines, however.

quote:

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Originally posted by Hood's That Lady
Remind me, please, which Realms products covered the Cormaerils in relation to Daggerdale?

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The most recent, significant coverage was Eric Menge's "Backdrop: Daggerdale" in Dungeon #192. Rule is said there to have passed from Randal to Silver to Silver's son Sathrin Cormaeril. Sathrin's son, Domavos, ruled the dale as "the Lord Morn," as did/does his son, Barathal (as of 1469DR).

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Reply author: TBeholder
Replied on: 05 Jul 2013 03:05:03
Message:

As to dinosaurs, "Children of Ubtao" would work for me. I mean, it sounds ominous enough already.

My question is: what are relationships between elementalist wizards and priests of elemental powers?
And what are relationships between priests of different elemental powers? Do they tend to see it as "it's really between us", as respectful rivalry between those in much the same situation (they're mostly-marginal, after all), or simply shrug and don't pay much attention to this, focusing on their own tasks instead?

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Reply author: Lord of Bones
Replied on: 05 Jul 2013 15:30:40
Message:

Hello you lovely people :)

I have three questions for Ed and THO that span three different parts of the Forgotten Realms.

1.) I know that Maligor was the Zulkir of Transmutation before Druxus Rhym and that he had a fierce rivalry with Szass Tam while he lived. Aside from a certain proclivity for Potions of Longevity and a penchant for gnoll slaves, much of the rest of Maligor's life is a mystery to me, so I was wondering as to an expansion to what is written in Red Magic and the Villain's Lorebook (where I believe he appeared in detail). How long had he lived? What was his relationship with his (presumed) apprentice Rhym, and did he have a family of his own? What were Maligor's policies, government and magic-wise, with Thay's neighbours? How did he fall ardently in to the faith of Myrkul (to the point where the deity's symbol was tattooed on his head)? Any further information on this interesting character would be hugely appreciated.

2.) How does retirement work in the Realms? Historic standards saw people working until death or being kept by their families once work wasn't an option, but do some armies across the Realms (and indeed organisational employers, even the secretive ones such as the Harpers and the Zhents), offer pensions? How does this effect different regions of the Realms, and are there certain locales that the elderly migrate to in order to live a more sustained and comfortable retirement, where wealth affords it?

3.) Ghaunadaur is prominent as an Underdark deity of oozes, slimes and the like, but knowing that 'rebels' sometimes follow the Elder Eye, I wondered as to any notable followers (historic or current) of this deity. I'm seeing a more malicious Spartacus in my mind who may have led some slaves to freedom, only to subjugate them in the name of Ghaunadaur, but I'm intrigued that this outcast god may attract rebels and revolutionaries of all stripes, both good and bad. Is it a god to whom lip service is typically offered when orchestrating a rebellion, but is then swiftly forgotten (possibly with intent) so that history books do not record the entity that was on the side of the victors, given the rather poor reputation his faith has surrounding it? Have any notable uprisings been led by members of this clergy, and if so, have they bravely kept up their faith beyond the rebellion's initial flourish?

Many thanks and hugs to Ed and THO.

Matthew (The Gentleman Gamer)

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Reply author: Eli the Tanner
Replied on: 05 Jul 2013 16:05:31
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Garen Thal

quote:

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Originally posted by Hood's That Lady
Remind me, please, which Realms products covered the Cormaerils in relation to Daggerdale?

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The most recent, significant coverage was Eric Menge's "Backdrop: Daggerdale" in Dungeon #192. Rule is said there to have passed from Randal to Silver to Silver's son Sathrin Cormaeril. Sathrin's son, Domavos, ruled the dale as "the Lord Morn," as did/does his son, Barathal (as of 1469DR).

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That's the one Garen! I couldn't quite remember the issue number. It gives a fairly nice summary of the changes and brief history to the dale since the timeskip. I'm hoing similar "Backdrop" articles will be done for the other dales too.

@THO: Thanks for the insight the history of daggerdale publications. I often wondered why it seemed like Randal Morn had reclaimed the dale numerous times. I'd love to hear more about how those home games diverged from the official plots.

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Reply author: Lord of Bones
Replied on: 05 Jul 2013 16:30:35
Message:

I have two more questions, one of which pertains to my particular campaign and the other is pure curiosity, having recently returned from Pompeii:

1.) A rather general question (at least at first), but what is the status of children in the Realms? By this I mean in regards to faith, wardenhood, foster and adoptive rights etc. I ask the question with an example in mind. In my campaign a lovely young couple of PCs recently expired after many years of adventure, in rather tragic circumstances. They left behind a small child of only 3, currently with a nurse but soon to be picked up by the remainder of the party (none of whom are particularly parental).

Our Priestess of Myrkul has offered to take the baby in to her church for guardianship, education and ultimately, a life. Our paladin has objected to this proposal, citing that a temple dedicated to the dead is no place for a child to grow, and while he has no intent to settle down, he would rather take the child with him wherever he goes, enduring whatever hardships he may in order to raise the child following the codes of his order. The other party members are largely ambivalent, providing the child is cared for and kept safe.

With this being the case, and the party being based on the Dragon Coast (they are known between Elversult and Westgate, most prominently), what are the rights of children? Do they become the ward of the local government, nearest church, local parish beadle, or other? One would imagine it depends on region, but I would be interested in hearing your thoughts, and also which faiths in particular may care (and especially those that would not) about the well-being of a child. In my mind, all faiths would see children as hugely important, no matter how evil they may ostensibly be. They're the future, after all.

2.) Undoubtedly pornography exists in the Realms in various forms, but I wondered at those forms. Dirty scriptures, naughty carvings, live shows and erotic sculpture spring to mind, but I also wonder at which nations are particularly prudish about such things and which are very liberal.

I also wonder at what the common pornographic limits are, as it were. Laws are created to protect the innocent, after all, so I wondered at whether there were similar pornographic laws in the Realms as to the real world. It's a potential powderkeg subject, I understand, but having recently got back from my trip to Italy and seen the sheer volume of unabashed nudity, some of it pornographic, on display in mosaics, murals, sculptures and so on, I'm interested to hear about how it exists in the Realms. Has there ever been a raunchy lithograph doing the rounds in the streets of Cormyr, showing Azoun in a blue pose?



Thanks!

Matthew (The Gentleman Gamer)

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Reply author: TBeholder
Replied on: 05 Jul 2013 18:36:37
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Lord of Bones

3.) Ghaunadaur is prominent as an Underdark deity of oozes, slimes and the like, but knowing that 'rebels' sometimes follow the Elder Eye, I wondered as to any notable followers (historic or current) of this deity.

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I'm obviously neither Ed nor THO, but look up Llurth Dreir (once Lolthite theocracy taken over by turncoats, shapeshifting infiltrators and aboleths) and Ka'Narlist (a high-profile worshipper back in Ilythiir, wizard, who long after Crown Wars remains a semi-mythological figure).

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 05 Jul 2013 20:00:40
Message:

Polyhedron 140 has a write-up of Llurth Dreier and that's a city ruled by Ghaunadaur worshippers.

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Reply author: Hoondatha
Replied on: 05 Jul 2013 22:05:00
Message:

Hey THO! I've got one of those weird, one-off queries that I can't really think of any other place to ask, so I figured I'd go to the source. In the campaign I'm currently running, one of my players is having, shall we say larcenous intentions toward a certain tower. And he wants to bring along some tar paper in case any of the local windows insults his honor.

I'm going to give it to him, of course, but I'm a little confused about whether or where it would come from. The group is currently in a rather cold part of the western Heartlands, so it wouldn't be used as a building material. So I'm having him build it from the two components. Paper is expensive, of course, but it's the tar I'm uncertain of. Where would it come from? Are there parts of the surface Realms known for tar pits, or is it something traded for from the Underdark? It's obviously of great use in shipbuilding and other types of building, but how far would merchants carry it in search of a market? And what sort of prices does it fetch? Are there more local substitutes?

Any light you could shed on this very dark (and smelly!) subject would be fascinating. Thanks, as always.

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Reply author: althen artren
Replied on: 06 Jul 2013 03:40:15
Message:

My triumphant return, however quick it may be:
Where in Castle Cormanthor is the Isle of Estel?

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Reply author: sfdragon
Replied on: 06 Jul 2013 08:45:48
Message:

on the cover of the murder in Baldur's gate sundering adventure. That's Bhaal's symbol isnt it?

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Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 06 Jul 2013 12:17:29
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by sfdragon

on the cover of the murder in Baldur's gate sundering adventure. That's Bhaal's symbol isnt it?

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YES! yes it is. >.>

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 07 Jul 2013 21:17:37
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

Since Ed is very busy, here are some yes/no questions that should (hopefully) make the answering easier.

Ed, within the walls of Candlekeep are there any books that have the property of making the characters, scenes, objects or places in adjacent books come to life for a brief time?

Are there such things as commonplace books and Zibaldone (i.e. hodgepodge books) in the Realms?

Can dwarves suffer from multiple personality disorder (or something similar to it)?

When a deepspawn creates a spawn, is there an odor to go along with the birth of the spawn?

Thank you very much.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 09 Jul 2013 20:10:30
Message:

Hi again, all. Jeremy, you've struck gold - - this DOES help Ed respond swiftly (right now, he's hoping to do a proper job on the recent questions for Lord of Bones, but some Wizards-related things have come up and he's indeed busy, busy, busy), and here are his replies:

Ed, within the walls of Candlekeep are there any books that have the property of making the characters, scenes, objects or places in adjacent books come to life for a brief time?

A: Yes. More than one such volume, all of them kept either in the innermost rooms or walled-away and hidden, by themselves (if they're especially "active").

Are there such things as commonplace books and Zibaldone (i.e. hodgepodge books) in the Realms?

A: Yes. They form the bulk of books available for open sale in market stalls or from caravan merchants.

Can dwarves suffer from multiple personality disorder (or something similar to it)?

A: Yes, but very rare; there's a good reason dwarves are generally thought to be "hard-headed" [disciplined, steadfast, grudge-holding, deep-memoried, patient]

When a deepspawn creates a spawn, is there an odor to go along with the birth of the spawn?

A: Yes. Think ozone tinged with cinammon. Not intense, and short-range; clings to surroundings of the deepspawn, NOT to spawn who depart that area.


So saith Ed. Who is still working hard on Realmslore, Realmslore, and more Realmslore (he tells me he recently handed in the 50th Forging column, for example).
love,
THO

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 10 Jul 2013 08:42:59
Message:

When you strike gold, keep digging.

More yes/no/NDA questions follow.

Has a king of Cormyr ever set foot within Candlekeep?

Has Vangerdahast ever set foot within Candlekeep?

Have any books from Laerakond/Returned Abeir made their way into Candlekeep’s collection?

Has a vampire (or vampires) ever taken up residence at Candlekeep?

Has a lich ever tried to store its phylactery within Candlekeep?

Has Cormyr ever formally entered into any agreements or treaties with Candlekeep?

If yes, does anyone in present-day (1479 DR) Cormyr remember such agreements, much less abide by them?

Thank you both, as always. This is a lot of fun.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 10 Jul 2013 14:59:39
Message:

GREAT questions! (and responses)
I love any and all Candlekeep lore.

Since it was 'removed' from the mainland in 4e, I am hoping for some sort of natural stone archway thingy leading to it - its really the only improvement I can think of to make to the place (also making it somewhat more defensible, at least from land-incursions). I realize its slightly 'tropey', but tropes persist because of their coolness (usually).

Apply my earlier question to all of this, please; the one concerning 'spontaneous artifacts' (I am sure certain books qualify).

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 10 Jul 2013 18:41:38
Message:

Hi again, all.
Here's Ed with replies to Jeremy's second lot of yes/no questions (queries and replies interspersed):

Has a king of Cormyr ever set foot within Candlekeep?

A: Yes, several, but only two of them that I know of, while they were king. These were unofficial/undercover visits, not heralded "state visits" or anything of that sort.

Has Vangerdahast ever set foot within Candlekeep?

A: Yes, several times. Again, unofficially. (I'm not saying the monks didn't know who he was; I'm saying no one made any sort of public point about it.)

Have any books from Laerakond/Returned Abeir made their way into Candlekeep’s collection?

A: Yes, a handful.

Has a vampire (or vampires) ever taken up residence at Candlekeep?

A: Not that I know of. Visited, at least three, but briefly and trying to conceal their true nature.

Has a lich ever tried to store its phylactery within Candlekeep?

A: Yes. More than one. Success/failure NDA.

Has Cormyr ever formally entered into any agreements or treaties with Candlekeep?

A: Yes, but minor; Cormyr agreeing to provide free of charge certain books published within the realm to Candlekeep, not high-level diplomatic anything (no recognition of sanctuary status, or anything of that sort).

If yes, does anyone in present-day (1479 DR) Cormyr remember such agreements, much less abide by them?

A: Vangerdahast and Caladnei and successors knew and know and abide, but the vast majority of courtiers and citizenry probably don't even know of them.

So saith Ed. Who's still being busier than anyone else I know...
love,
THO

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 11 Jul 2013 15:07:16
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,
This time I would like to ask if there is a conflict between arcane magic and technology in the Realms, in the sense that the latter weakens the former. I ask this because I read in a Realms novel about Cyric that Gond created a construct that could not be hurt by Mystra's magic, and I have been told that some followers of Gond oppose Mystra. How is this opposition? Can they create dead magic zones? Thank you!

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 11 Jul 2013 18:55:54
Message:

Well Again THO and Ed,

After ‘striking gold’ I got to thinking about Candlekeep and brainstormed about 100 yes/no/NDA questions over two nights. Of course I’ll post only a handful at a time.

1. Does Candlekeep possess any books that have to be fed in a manner like you’d feed your cat or water a plant?

2. Does Candlekeep possess any books that are best stored by keeping them submerged underwater?

3. Does Candlekeep possess any books that eat spells or absorb spell energy with the express purpose of using that energy to create new copies of that book?

4. Are any paintings a part of Candlekeep’s collection?

5. Are any skeletons with writing on them a part of Candlekeep’s collection?

6. Does Candlekeep possess any written works by mortals who later ascended to divinity?

Thank you both. (And I hope the answer to #5 is Yes, as finding bones to complete a “written work” in the form of a full skeleton would be an interesting adventure hook.)

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 13 Jul 2013 04:23:33
Message:

Hi again, all.
Jeremy, Ed and I just talked, and he tells me the answer to your question 2 (of the most recent sextet of "all Candlekeep" queries) is NDA, but the answer to all of the others is "Yes."

paladinnicolas, Ed tells me that no technology or construct he knows of can create, or even influence, a dead magic zone. He also says some Gondites oppose the works and worship of Mystra because they believe that greater veneration of arcane magic means less respect for technology. In theory, Mystra might become less powerful over time if use of magic, and veneration of her, lessened because more beings venerated Gond more often - - but only in this abstract, hypothetical, eventual sense could "technology weaken magic." It's not an either/or situation in the polytheistic Realms - - i.e. it's wrong to think of faith in the Realms as being struggles between deities for the belief of monotheistic worshippers. All intelligent creatures believe in all the gods. Gods strive against other gods for more power and influence than other gods by being respected, obeyed, and worshipped more than other gods, yes, but Mystra is not the only deity of magic, and magic is so far "ahead" of technology that it will take centuries of cleaving to the latter to lessen the overall pervasiveness of the former.
Big words, but Ed seems in a "big words" mood tonight.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 13 Jul 2013 10:36:31
Message:

Thanks Ed and THO! The reference of the novel I mentioned in my post was Prince of Lies, in which Mystra herself says that Gond managed to create an armor that is "utterly magic resistant." Does this indicate that despite not being able to create dead magic zones, Gond and technology may have resistance to magic given their diverse nature? According to Ed's answer, I would like to ask the following: before technology is so widespread, may it be that Mystra's influence in places as Lantan is weaker given the progress, development and greater reliance on technology therein? On the other hand, while there are many casters, most of the population in the Realms is not, and so perhaps in the future technology could be more important and powerful. Is that possible? Thanks!

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 13 Jul 2013 12:22:23
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all.
Jeremy, Ed and I just talked, and he tells me the answer to your question 2 (of the most recent sextet of "all Candlekeep" queries) is NDA, but the answer to all of the others is "Yes."

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Thank you sweet lady.

The question about books stored underwater was not one for which I expected to get an NDA response.

But for the following questions I expect NDAs aplenty. Here goes.

1. Has a Sword Herald ever studied in Candlekeep?

2. Have the Sword Heralds assisted in any part of Candlekeep's construction?

3. Are clues to the location and means of activation of the various Sword Herald hideaways in Cormyr to be found in Candlekeep?

4. Does the bloodline of the Obarskyr's run (however thin) in any monk residing in Candlekeep in the year 1479DR?

5. Did the Sword Herald remembered as Murald, whose paintings and tapestries adorn the Palace of the Purple Dragon, ever create paintings that entrapped monsters or stored objects?

6. Are any of Murald's paintings or tapestries to be found in Candlekeep?

When the NDAs hit fear not for me, because I'm wearing a helmet.

Thank you both.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 13 Jul 2013 16:16:52
Message:

Heh. Six for six, Jeremy: NDAs on all six of these latest questions. Ed hasn't said a word about why, but as far as I can tell, the Sword Heralds have been NDA for years, and queries about Obarskyr lineage matters and Candlekeep have always been iffy. I suspect The Sundering is making both Obarskyr and Candlekeep questions MORE iffy, until the saga is published...
love,
THO

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Reply author: Hawkins
Replied on: 13 Jul 2013 22:37:14
Message:

Hi THO,

Reading Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms, and I was wondering if there was a chance he would publish all his recipes for OGL monsters in the near future. I would love to see it in a 4"x7" paperback.

Thanks,
Hawkins

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 13 Jul 2013 23:12:03
Message:

Hi again, all. Hawkins, message passed along, and Ed tells me that's been a back burner project for years now. He putters away on it when he gets odd moments to spare...but admits the odd moments aren't happening as often, these days, what with all the Kickstarter stretch goals he's happily helping his friends in gaming with.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 13 Jul 2013 23:32:54
Message:

I wish my questions were as short and to the point as Jeremy's, but I am also understanding. Ed IS the hardest working man in the biz.

Jeremy, those were excellent questions though...they spawned a few ideas in my DM brain. :)

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 07:30:21
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Heh. Six for six, Jeremy: NDAs on all six of these latest questions. (snip) I suspect The Sundering is making both Obarskyr and Candlekeep questions MORE iffy, until the saga is published...

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I see. I ought to point these yes/no questions at a different part of the Realms then. Time to brainstorm.

quote:

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Originally posted by Joebing

Jeremy, those were excellent questions though...they spawned a few ideas in my DM brain. :)

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Glad to hear it. (See every now and then I manage to help instead of raise hell on these here forums.)

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 15:28:31
Message:

Hello again, all. I bring you the words of Ed of the Greenwood in response to the Lord of Bones, specifically his “Question 2” linked queries: “How does retirement work in the Realms? Historic standards saw people working until death or being kept by their families once work wasn’t an option, but do some armies across the Realms (and indeed organisational employers, even the secretive ones such as the Harpers and the Zhents), offer pensions? How does this affect different regions of the Realms, and are there certain locales that the elderly migrate to in order to live in a more sustained and comfortable retirement, where wealth affords it?”

Ed replies:

This is one of those “it depends” replies. As in, the answer depends on the society and the location.
For instance, many orcs and goblinkin put their disabled and “useless” elderly into the communal stewpots/cooking fires, so orc crones help with the cooking (peeling, washing, gathering, water-fetching, and chewing hide to make it supple for use in garments), orc “greybacks” (aging males) fetch wood and fuel, tend fires, and make, repair, and sharpen weapons (and when youngsters are needed for more strenuous tasks, stand sentinel), and this is a general pattern of roles among ogres, flind, gnolls, and bugbears, too. (Matriarchal hobgoblin groups value the wisdom of their elders and of communal handed-down lore, and put them to work as teachers.)
In all of these humanoid societies and some human ones, aging old folk commit suicide by going out in harsh weather into the wilderlands, and fending for themselves until they die - - or just walk off cliffs, or fight doomed rearguard actions to buy younger members of the group time to flee formidable foes.
Human societies across the Realms exhibit a wide range of respect and roles for the elderly. In general, families in most human societies are expected to look after their elders - - and those elders do what they can (peeling, sorting, painting, cooking prep, whittling toys and clothespegs and kindling) to help family life.
Temples look after faithful who lack families, lepers, and those whose families can’t look after them (for example, a sick senior needing a lot of care who loses their adult children to misadventure, and has as family only babes or infants [grandchildren or great-grandchildren] too young to care for them).
Most rural temple-farms are worked by the simple, the deranged (wildnesses controlled by herbal medicines given in their food), the homeless, the maimed, and orphans - - and orphans provide every faith with their chief source of future priests.
Most soldiers and civil servants receive a small monthly pension when they retire (this holds true for Waterdeep, Amn, Cormyr, Impiltur, Turmish, and most parts of Tethyr), and high-ranking courtiers are often given an estate (home with working farmlands sufficient to support them) upon retirement. The ongoing spending of these pensions provides a stable stimulus to the economies of such places.
The Harpers offer no pensions, but active members take care to give retired members paid work as often as they can, and all Harpers whose homes get used as “safe houses” get paid for such usages.
The Zhentarim have always been rather harsh; those who retire get land and a lump sum, and are then left on their own.
In contrast, Cormyr’s Purple (and Blue) Dragons get land and a pension; if disabled, they get no land and a smaller pension, but get housed and fed in the Cormyrean equivalent of the Chelsea Pensioners hospital, the large fortress and farm of Daunthers, which stands off the north side of the Way of the Manticore, due east of Gladehap, at about where the Way makes its pronounced curve to the eastsoutheast. The diseased are housed in Thulser’s Lodge, in the King’s Forest a little east of Mouth O’Gargoyles, on the same trail.
The truly wealthy elderly can retire to palatial care in certain Sea Ward (more lively, but damp) and North Ward (quieter and drier) mansions of Waterdeep. Of old, they often bought their own villas on the Sea of Fallen Stars, where they were supplied by pirates, in return for allowing the pirates to hide contraband in their cellars, make claims and alibis on behalf of the pirates, and even allow pirates to hide in their homes (in pre-prepared “hidden rooms” or “hideholds”), but this fashion has dwindled along with the pirates.
I hope this “starter reply” is of help.

So saith Ed. Who does work all of this stuff out, and always has.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 15:40:45
Message:

And I bring us all Ed's reply to paladinnicola, re. this: "Thanks Ed and THO! The reference of the novel I mentioned in my post was Prince of Lies, in which Mystra herself says that Gond managed to create an armor that is "utterly magic resistant." Does this indicate that despite not being able to create dead magic zones, Gond and technology may have resistance to magic given their diverse nature? According to Ed's answer, I would like to ask the following: before technology is so widespread, may it be that Mystra's influence in places as Lantan is weaker given the progress, development and greater reliance on technology therein? On the other hand, while there are many casters, most of the population in the Realms is not, and so perhaps in the future technology could be more important and powerful. Is that possible? Thanks!"
Ed replies:


Gond created utterly magic resistant armor by putting part of himself into it; the armor is a part of his divine essence. So he can only make a few suits of armor before he himself is seriously weakened (and if that armor is damaged or destroyed away from his direct presence as an avatar, the divine power will dissipate or be captured by others and lost to him). So that armor was more of a "let's see if I can do this" experiment than it was a "from now one, everyone in the Realms I favor will be walking around in magic-proof armor, and the days of magic ruling the battlefield are done!"
As I said, it's NOT an either/or situation; there is no need for anyone (outside of a priesthood) in the Realms to make a choice between magic and technology in which turning to one means denying the other. (See the "drow technology" subsection I did in [my original, 2e] DROW OF THE UNDERDARK.)
Yes, the influence of all deities in a particular locale is in one sense determined by their loyal mortal servants there at the time, in that these faithful can act to further the deity's aims and so extend their influence, and yes, the importance and influence of technology will increase over time as those without strong magic seek alternatives - - but Mystra is the Weave, and the Weave is a (magical) way of harnessing all the energies of the world, and there has been technology (the wheel, the barrel, quite intricate locks, complex alloying processes, and so on and on) in the Realms from before anyone live today can remember, alongside magic - - and magic is all-pervasive and very powerful. That's just the way the Realms is.


So saith Ed. Who has created low-magic settings, too, and worked in low-magic settings created by others.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 16:31:20
Message:

Hello again, all. I bring you Ed of the Greenwood’s reply to the Lord of Bones regarding this query:
“A rather general question (at least at first), but what is the status of children in the Realms? By this I mean in regards to faith, wardenhood, foster and adoptive rights etc. I ask the question with an example in mind. In my campaign a lovely young couple of PCs recently expired after many years of adventure, in rather tragic circumstances. They left behind a small child of only 3, currently with a nurse but soon to be picked up by the remainder of the party (none of whom are particularly parental).
Our Priestess of Myrkul has offered to take the baby in to her church for guardianship, education and ultimately, a life. Our paladin has objected to this proposal, citing that a temple dedicated to the dead is no place for a child to grow, and while he has no intent to settle down, he would rather take the child with him wherever he goes, enduring whatever hardships he may in order to raise the child following the codes of his order. The other party members are largely ambivalent, providing the child is cared for and kept safe.
With this being the case, and the party being based on the Dragon Coast (they are known between Elversult and Westgate, most prominently), what are the rights of children? Do they become the ward of the local government, nearest church, local parish beadle, or other? One would imagine it depends on region, but I would be interested in hearing your thoughts, and also which faiths in particular may care (and especially those that would not) about the well-being of a child. In my mind, all faiths would see children as hugely important, no matter how evil they may ostensibly be. They're the future, after all.”
Ed replies:

Heh. You’re going to get tired of me saying ‘It depends,’ but an answer about the status of children does. On the race, society, location, and time you’re speaking of, in the Realms.
In most human societies in the Realms “today” (1300s and 1400s), children are raised by their families (grandparents, usually, if parents are lost, because grandparents often live with the parents; more distant relatives if parents or grandparents are lacking). Older siblings are expected to care for siblings, there is no concept of “child labour” being bad (everyone is expected to pitch in with housework and “earn coin” work from the beginning, doing what they can considering their age, build, strength, etc.).
Yes, children are bought and sold as slaves in some parts of the Realms (Thay, in particular), but this is generally regarded as bad everywhere else. Orphans are usually raised by priests and lay staff at temples, and either work the temple-farms (and kitchens, and laundries) in return for bed and board, or are “apprenticed out” (an apprentice usually works for bed, board, and a small allowance for “pouch coin” [=spending money]) to local craftsmen. Yes, some children sell their bodies - - but they themselves do it; pimping is illegal in many places, and illegal everywhere when children are involved.
Ultimately, children are their own persons, and considered so at a much younger age than we modern real-world folk might (remember that in earlier centuries in Europe and elsewhere, children could join guilds, sign contracts, and take part in adult society at much younger ages than we trust them to do today); so a 9 or 10 year old might be making their own way in the world and treated as such. An orphan is a ward of the Crown in Cormyr and most other places, unless or until they are accepted by a temple as a ward of the faith (and of course, this does NOT mean the child is bound to that and only that faith; it means that faith is assuming responsibility for their upbringing, usually in the hopes that they’ll gain a priest or dedicated lay follower in the future). You are dead-on correct in saying, “. . . all faiths would see children as hugely important, no matter how evil they may ostensibly be. They're the future, after all.”
With all of that said, in the circumstances you’ve described for your own campaign, everything sounds realistic to me.
A priestess of Myrkul or any other faith would offer to take an orphaned “baby to her church for guardianship, education and ultimately, a life” -- - and a paladin of another faith would very likely object, for the reason he cited.
What it comes down to is who prevails (the “easy” choice is another temple, of a neutral faith, and often that faith is Chauntea, because farm work is very labour-intensive and the benefits flow, in a mundane but vital daily way, to all). In most cases, adventurers would object to a babe in arms being brought along on adventurers or even wilderland travels, because they’re a vulnerable burden being placed in harm’s way for no good reason, and would prefer temple fostering if there isn’t a family or household linked to one of the adventurers who could rear the child as their own. (And don’t forget parents of adventurers; many grandparents in most human societies in the Realms of “today” are used to having infants around and caring for them; as everyone ages, those infants will become vigorous younglings who will become the eyes and hands of the failing, aging grandfolk.)
So in most such cases, the babe will be placed with a temple for rearing; what has to be roleplayed out among the PCs is which temple . . . (bearing in mind we may be talking about a future “replacement PC adventurer” here).
I hope all of this had been of some help.


So saith Ed. Who is still busy busy busy, but always makes time for scribes here at the Keep, and other gamers too, whenever he can.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 17:03:59
Message:

Hi AGAIN, all. Ed's busy with scribes' requests this morning . . .
Accordingly, I now bring you Ed’s response to this query, from Lord of Bones: “Undoubtedly pornography exists in the Realms in various forms, but I wondered at those forms. Dirty scriptures, naughty carvings, live shows and erotic sculpture spring to mind, but I also wonder at which nations are particularly prudish about such things and which are very liberal.
I also wonder at what the common pornographic limits are, as it were. Laws are created to protect the innocent, after all, so I wondered at whether there were similar pornographic laws in the Realms as to the real world. It's a potential powderkeg subject, I understand, but having recently got back from my trip to Italy and seen the sheer volume of unabashed nudity, some of it pornographic, on display in mosaics, murals, sculptures and so on, I'm interested to hear about how it exists in the Realms. Has there ever been a raunchy lithograph doing the rounds in the streets of Cormyr, showing Azoun in a blue pose?”
Ed replies:

Yes, to answer your last, first. :} In general, there are few laws banning pornography in the Realms, in large part because the Realms has never had a prudish Christianity holding sway to come up with the concept of “pornography,” per se. Nor do most places in the Realms really have “the innocent” (except individuals so very young that they can’t speak and therefore discuss what they see). Quite young individuals know all about various sexual acts (how performed, why done, etc.) without necessarily having participated.
All of the depictions of sex you list, for both amusement purposes and for erotic arousal, exist in the Realms. There are quite strict laws regarding rape and what we would call “zoning laws” governing festhalls (brothels), but sexual activity is distinguished from “display” (drawn, written, dramatic [plays and performed ballads and even tableaux] and sculpted) in a way that modern real-world North American authorities (lawmakers and police) would never do. In other words, many modern real-world policemen would pounce on someone for possessing a depiction of a nude human or humans, or the depiction of a sex act, and that pouncing would be behaviour bewildering to most people in the Realms. (Where doing something sexual is considered a very different thing from looking at or contemplating something sexual.)
That DOESN’T mean every village high street or every kitchen in the Realms is awash in dirty drawings or fornicating couples (trios, sextets, whatever), because it’s understood that much of the allure comes from being hidden, and sharing with friends or lovers - - so if you want to sell or enjoy such material, it is kept in a back room or cabinet until the “right time.”
So, yes, what you saw in Italy (most often preserved in the buildings or gardens of the wealthy) would be present in many places in the Realms, but not remarked or dwelt upon (i.e. the folk in the Realms don’t have the “hangups” that faiths instilled in much of our societies), just as most people don’t remark or dwell upon the presence of ladders or watering-cans . . . until they need one and find them lacking.
For obvious reasons, the published Realms has largely avoided this topic, and that’s fine. We all choose what level of detail and what specific elements go into our games, and what gets left out or downplayed - - and we all should have that choice.


So saith Ed. Who, as a child growing up in the Sixties, saw some things in person that most folks have to go to the Internet to see these days.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 17:11:50
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

So saith Ed. Who, as a child growing up in the Sixties, saw some things in person that most folks have to go to the Internet to see these days.
love,
THO

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Perhaps we should get together, my Lady, and discuss those things. In detail.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 17:20:29
Message:

Thanks a lot Ed and THO!

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Reply author: Lord of Bones
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 18:22:30
Message:

Ed and THO are as always among the finest of people. Sincere thanks to you both.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 20:44:01
Message:

Dear THO, in light of one of Ed's latest answers I'd like to ask him if not even some religious orders, churches or faithful have vows of chastity and/or attitudes towards sex that resemble those of traditional Christianity. Thanks!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 22:10:31
Message:

Hello again. paladinnicolas, heeeere's Ed:

Yes, many paladins and other orders within faiths, priesthoods, and lay worshippers in the Realms have attitudes towards sex that "resemble those of traditional Christianity."
(It'd be hard to say otherwise, considering the huge range of beliefs and practices that 'traditional Christianity' has embraced over the centuries.)
Yet I understand what you're getting at.
Many paladins, priests, and devout faithful in the Realms will find themselves in "situational chastity" at various times in their lives; conditions (such as being unwed) in which religious teachings expect them to remain celibate. Paladins and church investigators (internal police, if you will) often take vows that closely restrict their behaviour.
By "devout faithful" here, I mean individuals who have chosen to follow one faith more closely than the others. Most people in the Realms must make far more personal moral choices than monotheists do - - because in any moral choice or daily decision, rather than having the commandments or priestly advice of one church, they can turn to this faith to support Choice A, that faith to support Choice B, and so on.
The answer of mine you're referencing shouldn't really be construed to say that faiths in the Realms are all about what "traditional Christians" might term "loose" behaviour. In that answer, I was speaking of what we modern real-world folk call "pornography" (and folk in the Realms don't), not of behaviour.
Or to put it another way, in our modern real world strong links are made between "lax morals" or "licentious" behaviour, and pornography - - and in the Realms, people don't think that way; they mentally separate depictions of sex and thinking about sex from engaging in sex, and attach different ranges of morality to both. (And lest anyone reading this think that the Realms is a slavering hotbed of knee-deep porn, let me assure you that this sentence is almost as likely to be uttered in the Realms as it is in our real world: "Not in front of the children.")
What IS clearly different in many societies in the Realms from our real-world historical Christianity is that women are treated in the Realms far more as equals. Why? Because I wanted it that way and designed it that way, when it was my fantasy world alone, before D&D® existed.


So saith Ed. Dispelling differing interpretations when necessary, and letting them stand when it makes games richer.
love,
THO

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 14 Jul 2013 22:42:58
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, thanks for everything! Both of you are really kind for answering our questions!

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Reply author: Sightless
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 00:05:00
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, let me begin by saying that I am attempting to be brief here with this question, and thus, am asking in rather broad terms. If this is for whatever reason unexceptible, I can increase my specificity. My question therefore is, what can you provide in regards to the general composition of the soil around the Spine of the World? I deeply appreciate any information you can provide, respectfully, Sightless.

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 01:33:02
Message:

quote:

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So saith Ed. Who, as a child growing up in the Sixties, saw some things in person that most folks have to go to the Internet to see these days.

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 01:34:22
Message:

quote:

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So saith Ed. Who, as a child growing up in the Sixties, saw some things in person that most folks have to go to the Internet to see these days.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 01:58:50
Message:

Hi again, all. Sightless, I can answer your question speedily, because this is something I can quote Ed’s 1982 notes about:

The Spine of the World is a soaring, jagged mountain range honeycombed with caverns, ancient phreatic tubes, and melt-channels. Volcanic when it was upthrust tens of thousands of years in the past, it has been inactive and frozen for all of living memory in the Realms. Ice-filled caverns in its heart lead down into a frigid area of the upper Underdark.
The northern flanks of the Spine range are largely what we would call granite and gneissose rocks (known as “hardstone” and “koegalk” in the Realms respectively), while the southern slopes are granite flanked by layers of limestone - - that over the years break off or wash away, leaving much “wash till” downslope, and creating narrow “stacks” or knife-edged side-peaks, in front of the massive central granite peaks of the range.
(In many ways, the Spine resembles the real-world Pyrenees range in Europe.)
Large lakes are few, passes are rare, of high elevation, and mainly hidden under ice (deep, permanent ice cloaks most of the northern slopes of the Spine), and what water does flow is under the ice sheets, crushed into liquidity by the great weight of the icepack, to burst forth from many mountainsides as spectacularly high, but small-volume waterfalls. Many of which over time cause “plunge valleys” (the Faerûnian Sword Coast human term for what our real-world French call “cirques;” that is, valleys whose upper ends are semicircles of precipitous cliffs.
Veins of the ores of most valuable metals (iron and copper being most common, but silver is abundant at the eastern end of the range), and coal, are found in the Spine, but what can be easily reached and worked by dwarves has been worked out long ago, leaving behind a warren of mines now infested with orcs and a wide array of monsters, with rich veins now found only inside the loftiest peaks, and along the ice-entombed northern slopes of the eastern end of the range.
What remains undiscovered is, however, rich enough that panning for gold in the various streams and rivers that flow south from the Spine has always yielded up abundant metal - - though the local inhabitants have always made such prospecting perilous in the extreme. To this day, large new iron deposits are being found in the hill country south of the Spine.


So saith Ed, way back then. Hope this is of help.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 04:02:30
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

That DOESN’T mean every village high street or every kitchen in the Realms is awash in dirty drawings or fornicating couples (trios, sextets, whatever), ...

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Call it, I suppose, a kind of temporarily perverse curiosity, but I'm wondering just where in the Realms a sextet of fornicating couples would be found?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 04:18:05
Message:

Why, in the perfumed pleasure-dens of Calimshan, of course.
Your velvet-skinned and willing tour guide,
THO

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 04:45:15
Message:

Eh gads - this thread has been a rush of useful info these past few hours! Great stuff. Thanks as always to Ed for the lore and to the ever charming THO for bringing it from Ed to us.

Since Realmsian sexual mores seem to be among the themes this evening, the family lawyer in me can't help but be a tad curious about a couple of things related to sex and relationships in the Realms...

First, is there a large difference between rates of infidelity (and expectations of monogamy) between the higher and lower classes and city and country dwellers on the Realms in the same way there was here on Earth in the Middle Ages/Renaissance?

Second, you note that many of the restrained attitudes about sex common in Europe during the period owing to the predominant religious and social customs here on Earth are absent from the Realms (in sort of the same way pagan/polytheistic Greece and Rome had a more casual attitude towards sexuality). You also reference (although perhaps in a tongue in cheek way, Lol) "trios, sextets, whatever" in passing. This leads me to wonder how common the modern trend of polyamorous 'open marriages' and casual group sex (what they called 'swinging' back in the sixties, Lol) are in Realms relationships.

I have to figure that sexual fidelity still matters quite a bit as it relates to paternity, child rearing, and all that (as was discussed on another thread hereabouts), but your comments lead me to wonder how much sexual mores differ from Earth to the Realms (noting that the Realms obviously has wildly different cultures of course - so we can't generalize about all of them). Even things as common prostitution might be considerably impacted by a significant change in mores. On Earth (in Europe, in the period) virtually all prostitution was men (married or single) seeking variety or, more likely, just an outlet for 'excess' sexual desire outside of marriage. In a society where women have a greater degree of sexual equality and relationships need not be only for procreative purposes, then the use of prostitution by couples (for their own shared variety) might make up a measurable (if still minor) percentage of the clientele in the trade (especially in cities with great wealth and flexible social standing).

Anyway, let's just say being a divorce lawyer means you see a lot of things in practice (although maybe not as many as Ed might have seen in person in the 60's THO, Lol) and I'm wondering what in vogue here in the first decades of the 21st century is in vogue there in the 1300's and 1400's.

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Reply author: Lord of Bones
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 09:03:27
Message:

Hello again to the lovely Ed and THO

Another series of questions, one of which raised by a player of mine and the other two of my own devising:

1.) Along the same lines as the Ghaunadaur rebels question, is it possible for priests of malevolent faiths such as Bane, Bhaal, Myrkul and Talos to become 'heroes' in their locality? It seems likely, as even a Bhaalist/yte might object to a local village being razed by a flurry of beholders when that village regularly pays dues to the church, largely for protection. With this potentially being the case, do you have any short tales or names and deeds of unlikely heroes of darker backgrounds who may (or may not) have changed their ways after performing an altruistic or even self-preservationist action?

2.) I vaguely recall Hillsfar and the Red Plumes being somewhat human-supremacist. Do we know what caused this prejudicial outlook and whether there are any notable spokespersons in the Martin Luther King (and even Malcolm X) style who fight for the rights of their people, peacefully or violently?

3.) They're practically a world away from one another, but how would you describe the relationship between Thay and Halruaa, given the magocracies that rule over both? Has Thay ever attempted to establish an enclave that far out of their comfort zone, and if so, what could they offer Halruaans that their already more benevolent structure could not provide?

Many thanks to you both.

Matthew

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Reply author: Memmorath
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 12:49:46
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hello again, all.
Memmorath, I can make a start on answering your last question. Although the process for attaining the training and experience necessary for being deemed a Red Wizard has varied from zulkir to zulkir over time, and from school to school of magic, in general it starts like this: existing Red Wizards take apprentices, and when either the apprentice or the "master" thinks the apprentice is ready, the apprentice takes service with ANOTHER Red Wizard of a different background and outlook. When that tutor (NOT the apprentice) thinks the apprentice is ready for 'advanced' training, they inform a higher-ranking, veteran Red Wizard, who tests the apprentice - - and decides on what service (as in, mission out across Faerun) or further training the apprentice needs. After the mission or training has been accomplished, a different high-ranking, veteran Red Wizard tests the apprentice, and informs the zulkir if they believe the apprentice is ready to be admitted into the school as a Red Wizard (or, in the case of "troublesome" apprentices, given another mission, quietly eliminated, or sent to another school of magic/zulkirate as an apprentice (either highly placed, or put at the bottom with novices of the new school).
At least, this is how Ed once explained it to we Knights, speaking in character as several NPCs, back in the days when the Realms hadn't yet been published as a setting (i.e. long before the original boxed set or FR6 Dreams of the Red Wizards had ever been written).
I hope this is of help.
love,
THO

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I thank you for the insightful answer on this, but regarding my other question, about the different zulkirs, (unless it is under NDA) would it be possible to have some knowledge about the Thayvian Zulkirs?

Also, one new question. Is there any specific information available (in addition to what is on forgottenrealms wiki about Eltab) regarding Demon Lord Eltab's various imprisonments, and why this particular demon has been managed to imprison so many times, despite his considerable powers? And more importantly, how to free him? (I read somewhere about maps of Eltabbar and if these maps get destroyed, it weakens the prison and eventually Eltab would break free...)

Anyways, thanks again!

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 14:06:49
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

I have a question about Tabra, from Bargewright Inn. Is there new lore about her, after what was published in the 2e in the Volo's Guide to the North, and reproduced in the box The North: Guide to the Savage Frontier? Have she survived the Spellplague, and is she still alive in the times of 4e Realms? Thank you in advance!

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Reply author: Lord of Bones
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 14:14:42
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Lord of Bones



1.) Along the same lines as the Ghaunadaur rebels question, is it possible for priests of malevolent faiths such as Bane, Bhaal, Myrkul and Talos to become 'heroes' in their locality? It seems likely, as even a Bhaalist/yte might object to a local village being razed by a flurry of beholders when that village regularly pays dues to the church, largely for protection. With this potentially being the case, do you have any short tales or names and deeds of unlikely heroes of darker backgrounds who may (or may not) have changed their ways after performing an altruistic or even self-preservationist action?

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Just an addendum: We're familiar with the people of Zhentil Keep probably seeing Banites / Cyricists as their rightful rulers, but are particularly looking for examples of clerics of evil faiths who have somehow convinced through genuine deeds a community of their decency, whether it's there or not.

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Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 17:06:50
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Barastir

Hi Ed and THO,

I have a question about Tabra, from Bargewright Inn. Is there new lore about her, after what was published in the 2e in the Volo's Guide to the North, and reproduced in the box The North: Guide to the Savage Frontier? Have she survived the Spellplague, and is she still alive in the times of 4e Realms? Thank you in advance!

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Her story was advanced by Eric Boyd in the Netheril chapter of "Lost Empires of Faerun" (p.101). How she came out in the 4E firmament is unknown.

-- George Krashos

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 21:00:15
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, I've always wanted to ask this: I think I read once that in Ed's games Manshoon was more powerful or dangerous than the way he is portrayed in Realms products. Is this correct? If so, how? Has he ever been able to challenge Elminster concerning power? Thanks!

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 21:06:55
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Sage

Call it, I suppose, a kind of temporarily perverse curiosity...

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Only temporarily? That's a shame.

I am inspired by Jeremy's recent successes with yes/no questions, and I mean to make a more extensive list of my own, but at the moment I'm curious about a particular name.

One of the cards in the Horde box mentions a Convent of Mitras in Almorel.

Who is Mitras?

In quicker form:

1. Should I be asking someone else about Mitras, due to him/her/it being their invention rather than Ed's?

2. Is Mitras the name of a deity/power, in 1e/2e/3e terms? (not an exarch or some other murking of the idea brought into play by 4e.)
2a. If so, is Mitras a current deity, or a "dead" or forgotten power?
2b. If not, is Mitras a saint or some other powerful mortal elevated to the divine in the minds of common folk?

3. If Mitras is a deity of some sort, is it an alias of a Faerunian power? Chauntea, Deneir, Gond, and Ilmater have temples in Almorel (apparently without aliases).

I've always assumed that convents house nuns, but a quick check of wikipedia tells me it isn't/wasn't necessarily so.
4. Is this convent inhabited by men or women?

5. Is there a name for their order?

6. Is this order limited to this one convent, or do they have other convents/monasteries, perhaps in the other Raumviran settlements around the Lake of Mists?

7. Is Mitras a uniquely Raumviran figure, or is he/she/it venerated by the tribes of Narfell or the steppe, or by the dwarves?

Come to think of it, it does sound like a dwarven name.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 22:43:18
Message:

Hi again, all.
Kris the Grey, re. these: "First, is there a large difference between rates of infidelity (and expectations of monogamy) between the higher and lower classes and city and country dwellers on the Realms in the same way there was here on Earth in the Middle Ages/Renaissance?
Second, you note that many of the restrained attitudes about sex common in Europe during the period owing to the predominant religious and social customs here on Earth are absent from the Realms (in sort of the same way pagan/polytheistic Greece and Rome had a more casual attitude towards sexuality). You also reference (although perhaps in a tongue in cheek way, Lol) "trios, sextets, whatever" in passing. This leads me to wonder how common the modern trend of polyamorous 'open marriages' and casual group sex (what they called 'swinging' back in the sixties, Lol) are in Realms relationships."
I can make a start on answering these, myself, because (strangely enough ) these are topics Ed and I and many gamers have discussed, on many occasions, so...
Yes, the nobility of Amn, Cormyr, Sembia, and Waterdeep ALL engage in what the Sixties real world called "swinging," and the expectations of monogamy are lower than among commoners. If you define infidelity as sex outside a marriage without the approval of the married partners involved, it's higher among commoner than among the upper monied classes/nobility (because they expect it and either consent and participate, or tacitly consent by turning a blind eye and not minding).
These are, of course, generalizing statements, and often break down when it comes to specific individuals, who may well NOT approve. Among nobles and "wannabe noble" social climbers, there have always been a strong cohort of those who gossip deliciously about such things, publicly disapproving - - but in private enthusiastically participate, if they get the chance.
Or, to put it another way, human nature is alive and well in the Realms as it is in our real world.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 22:47:15
Message:

Hi again, all.
Lord of Bones, re. this: "I vaguely recall Hillsfar and the Red Plumes being somewhat human-supremacist. Do we know what caused this prejudicial outlook and whether there are any notable spokespersons in the Martin Luther King (and even Malcolm X) style who fight for the rights of their people, peacefully or violently?"
I can answer the first part of this query. The cause is the elven rule of Hillsfar for many years, and the human faction that rebelled against this (even spreading rumors that certain elves were in cahoots with the "beast men" [ogres] of Thar to "keep humans down," so as to turn the opinion of other local humans against the elves.
(To proceed from here to answer properly, however, Ed will have to take over. Accordingly, off your question has already gone to him.)
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 22:54:05
Message:

...and this one, Lord of Bones, is just my opinion, but re. this: "They're practically a world away from one another, but how would you describe the relationship between Thay and Halruaa, given the magocracies that rule over both? Has Thay ever attempted to establish an enclave that far out of their comfort zone, and if so, what could they offer Halruaans that their already more benevolent structure could not provide?"
I personally would say there's nothing Thay could offer Halruaa, who have mastered a broader and richer mastery of magic than Thay achieved (Szass Tam and certain zulkirs personally achieved more, but didn't share). Thay tried to establish a trading enclave more or less by force, and were effortlessly rebuffed and rebuked. (This comes from Ed, because it was something staff designers asked.) I would think that most Halruaan elders view Thay as a stellar example of magic gone wrong or misused.
(However, we'll see what Ed says, in the fullness of time.)
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 15 Jul 2013 22:58:05
Message:

....And finally (for now), Memmorath, re. these: "I thank you for the insightful answer on this, but regarding my other question, about the different zulkirs, (unless it is under NDA) would it be possible to have some knowledge about the Thayvian Zulkirs?
Also, one new question. Is there any specific information available (in addition to what is on forgottenrealms wiki about Eltab) regarding Demon Lord Eltab's various imprisonments, and why this particular demon has been managed to imprison so many times, despite his considerable powers? And more importantly, how to free him? (I read somewhere about maps of Eltabbar and if these maps get destroyed, it weakens the prison and eventually Eltab would break free...)"
A lot of the zulkir lore is NDA, and Ed is still navigating through what is and what isn't, to see what he can say.
As for Eltab, my understanding is that a successful ritual or procedure for imprisoning Eltab "got out into circulation" rather than dying with the wizard who successfully used it, so various mages over the years "had a go" at harnessing the service of this demon. However, Ed will have to confirm...
love,
THO

Anyways, thanks again!

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 01:44:21
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Memmorath

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hello again, all.
Memmorath, I can make a start on answering your last question. Although the process for attaining the training and experience necessary for being deemed a Red Wizard has varied from zulkir to zulkir over time, and from school to school of magic, in general it starts like this: existing Red Wizards take apprentices, and when either the apprentice or the "master" thinks the apprentice is ready, the apprentice takes service with ANOTHER Red Wizard of a different background and outlook. When that tutor (NOT the apprentice) thinks the apprentice is ready for 'advanced' training, they inform a higher-ranking, veteran Red Wizard, who tests the apprentice - - and decides on what service (as in, mission out across Faerun) or further training the apprentice needs. After the mission or training has been accomplished, a different high-ranking, veteran Red Wizard tests the apprentice, and informs the zulkir if they believe the apprentice is ready to be admitted into the school as a Red Wizard (or, in the case of "troublesome" apprentices, given another mission, quietly eliminated, or sent to another school of magic/zulkirate as an apprentice (either highly placed, or put at the bottom with novices of the new school).
At least, this is how Ed once explained it to we Knights, speaking in character as several NPCs, back in the days when the Realms hadn't yet been published as a setting (i.e. long before the original boxed set or FR6 Dreams of the Red Wizards had ever been written).
I hope this is of help.
love,
THO

---

I thank you for the insightful answer on this, but regarding my other question, about the different zulkirs, (unless it is under NDA) would it be possible to have some knowledge about the Thayvian Zulkirs?

Also, one new question. Is there any specific information available (in addition to what is on forgottenrealms wiki about Eltab) regarding Demon Lord Eltab's various imprisonments, and why this particular demon has been managed to imprison so many times, despite his considerable powers? And more importantly, how to free him? (I read somewhere about maps of Eltabbar and if these maps get destroyed, it weakens the prison and eventually Eltab would break free...)

Anyways, thanks again!

---

Regarding Eltab and his link to the realm, check out "champions of ruin". There's a ton of detail there.

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 12:03:16
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by George Krashos
Her story was advanced by Eric Boyd in the Netheril chapter of "Lost Empires of Faerun" (p.101). How she came out in the 4E firmament is unknown.

-- George Krashos

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Thank you very much, Mr. Krashos. So, I'll wait for Ed and THO's answer about the 4e question.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 17:13:51
Message:

A couple of things - Ed has addressed the 'relationship' between Halruaa and Thay at least once, as I recall, and it was basically "the Red Wizards are constantly trying to make in-roads into Halruaa, on so many levels, from trade to alliances to outright theft of magical knowledge, all of which Halruaa effortlessly brushes aside and finds almost laughable" (it WOULD be laughable to them, IF Thay wasn't a such a big threat to everyone else).

Thats a lot of para-phrasing there, but thats the gist of it, IIRC.

Regarding Eltab: in my own (uber-noncanon) game, I have a lot of background 'fiendish' stuff going on, and my basic assumption there is this - the fiends that are the most successful at accomplishing their goals are the ones that are the most patient, and do not act too overtly, so as to not attract the attention of 'good guys' who will stick their big, fat noses into their business. In most cases, this means devils are more successful - Demons simply can't control themselves as well, especially as their plans near fruition.

So, the way I see it, Eltab's biggest problem is that everyone knows about him; he needs to learn how to 'lay low' and operate in the background more, using dupes to do most of his dirty work. Unfortunately, his ego usually gets in the way of that. This actually shoe-horns perfectly with what Ed has said above.

As I said, that is how I've spun most of the 'fiendish intrigues' stuff in my game - YMMV.

On the questions of fidelity, marraige, sexuality, etc - I think most modern gamers don't understand how it 'used to be'. Marriage (as in, an actual official ceremony) was only something the 'rich & powerful' bothered with. That means that up until the rise of the merchant (middle) class, its was mostly for nobility, and mostly just to establish legitimate claims to titles. I still know many folk from 'third world countries' (South Americans) today who do not bother with any sort of official marriage - the poor simply move in with each other, and split-up when they get sick of each other. As for 'cheating' - it isn't really cheating if you never signed anything. In fact, this practice is becoming more fashionable even in our own country (I am starting to think marriage is an out-dated concept at this point).

To put it rather bluntly, people have ALWAYS 'screwed like bunnies'. We need to stop applying our RW sensibilities to this FR issue. It isn't cheating, its just normal human nature, and since they've never had artificial moral codes applied to them, they behave the way humans would behave had they never been weighed-down with all that BS. They simply do not look at these things the way we do - there would be almost zero taboos amongst most FR cultures. For most of them, who you love and who you have physical relations with are two completely separate things. Yes, jealousy does rear its head, because that is also part of human nature, but folks find all sorts of furtive ways to 'get even' (which is also just human nature). The warrior who is 'off on campaign' all the time, wenching and carousing, might actually be stupid enough to believe his loving wife his home pining away for him... but he really should 'do the math' when it comes to his kids.

QUESTION:
And now for a question, because someone mentioned Manshoon: Is/was there anyone ever 'above' Manshoon, pulling the strings (aside from Elminster, of course). In other words, did Manshoon (at any particular time before or after his 'rise') only think he was in-charge, when in fact he was merely dancing to someone else's tune? I am assuming here that this may have changed, for one reason or another (or may still be true, for all we know).

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 17:15:21
Message:

Ed & THO,

Quick questions. Hoping they are not too NDA.

1. Sumbral (from The Whistling Skeleton)...what level was he when he became a lich and where would his lair lie?

2. Are there moving rooms in Candlekeep (a la Stephen King's Rose Red) that appear, disappear, move around?

3. Did the large island NW of the continent of Maztica/Anchorome/etc ever have a name?

4. Does the Underdark connect to the other continents of Faerun under the seas?

5. Are any Janni indigenous to areas such as Zakhara, Raurin, or even Anauroch (pre 4e)?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 18:11:27
Message:

Hello again, all.
Markustay, very well said!!! ("Right on," as the saying popular in my youth had it.)
Joebing, I can make a start at answering...
2. Are there moving rooms in Candlekeep (a la Stephen King's Rose Red) that appear, disappear, move around?

NDA. Sorry.

3. Did the large island NW of the continent of Maztica/Anchorome/etc ever have a name?

Yes. Ed will have to provide it, unless you can reference for me exactly which map you're looking at. Those large islands have had a habit of swimming around...

4. Does the Underdark connect to the other continents of Faerun under the seas?

Emphatic YES.

Ed will, of course, provide better/fuller answers.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 18:19:59
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

3. Did the large island NW of the continent of Maztica/Anchorome/etc ever have a name?

Yes. Ed will have to provide it, unless you can reference for me exactly which map you're looking at. Those large islands have had a habit of swimming around...

Ed will, of course, provide better/fuller answers.
love,
THO

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3rd Edition A scholar's view of Toril, p. 231. Sorry, I meant the one directly west of the same continent, marked as "unknown lands", right above where it says "Western Ocean"

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 18:30:09
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

4. Does the Underdark connect to the other continents of Faerun under the seas?

Emphatic YES.

Ed will, of course, provide better/fuller answers.
love,
THO

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OOPS! I meant Toril, not Faerun, like would the Underdark beneath Toril connect with the Underdark beneath say Maztica? My bad. Had to type fast...twins are going nuts today.

Thanks for the fast responses.

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Reply author: Garen Thal
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 18:47:48
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay
QUESTION:
And now for a question, because someone mentioned Manshoon: Is/was there anyone ever 'above' Manshoon, pulling the strings (aside from Elminster, of course). In other words, did Manshoon (at any particular time before or after his 'rise') only think he was in-charge, when in fact he was merely dancing to someone else's tune. I am assuming here that this may have changed, for one reason or another (or may still be true, for all we know).

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Having spoken with Ed on this a number of times, and written on the matter, I think the answer to our question depends entirely upon which Manshoon you mean, and whether or not being manipulated by other Manshoons qualifies as being "below" them.

Otherwise, I'm fairly sure there's an NDA falling just about *slides his foot away* there.

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Reply author: Brian R. James
Replied on: 16 Jul 2013 23:33:08
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Joebing
OOPS! I meant Toril, not Faerun, like would the Underdark beneath Toril connect with the Underdark beneath say Maztica?

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Yes indeed. You can read about one such connection between Faerûn and Maztica in The Grand History of the Realms on page 114. The vignette describes the travails of a dwarf clan that gets pursued by drow through the subsea passage. The passageway collapses during a spell conflagration known as the Rockfire Disaster. Cut off from Faerûn, the survivors of Clan Rockjaw are forced to trek westward until they emerge onto the fiery sands of Itzcala in Maztica.

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Reply author: Hoondatha
Replied on: 17 Jul 2013 00:54:51
Message:

That reference goes all the way back to the Maztica expansion, and the trio of novels that went with it. I forget in which one, but it's explicitly stated that the "desert dwarves" are actually regular dwarves from the mainland that got orphaned on the other side of a subterranean cave in. When they finally emerged on the surface, they had the misfortune of being in the middle of Maztica's worst desert. And then they just stayed there, probably out of stubbornness.

It all happened within a dwarf's lifetime (ie: in the proficiencies section it talks about how things like blacksmithing would only be known by elder dwarves who came through the migration, so those passages are still known and traveled.

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Reply author: Icelander
Replied on: 17 Jul 2013 01:01:22
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

I still know many folk from 'third world countries' (South Americans) today who do not bother with any sort of official marriage - the poor simply move in with each other, and split-up when they get sick of each other. As for 'cheating' - it isn't really cheating if you never signed anything. In fact, this practice is becoming more fashionable even in our own country (I am starting to think marriage is an out-dated concept at this point)

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I come from a country where more than half of the child populace has been born out of wedlock pretty much since our modern culture came into being. More of my friends cohabit without an official marriage than actually marry.

I can assure you that agreeing, implicitly or explicitly, to share one's life with another person and then having intimate relations with a third party without their knowledge or prior consent, absolutely is cheating.

Signatures are not necessary. Contractual obligations are entered into with a meeting of the minds, which can be verbal or even non-verbal.

If you lead someone to believe that you have an exclusive romantic relationship and behave in a way which is incompatible with their view of the rights and obligations of such a state, you are then cheating on them.

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Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 17 Jul 2013 02:05:04
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay
QUESTION:
And now for a question, because someone mentioned Manshoon: Is/was there anyone ever 'above' Manshoon, pulling the strings (aside from Elminster, of course). In other words, did Manshoon (at any particular time before or after his 'rise') only think he was in-charge, when in fact he was merely dancing to someone else's tune? I am assuming here that this may have changed, for one reason or another (or may still be true, for all we know).

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I'm guessing Hesperdan.

-- George Krashos

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Reply author: Joebing
Replied on: 17 Jul 2013 04:14:57
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Brian R. James

quote:

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Originally posted by Joebing
OOPS! I meant Toril, not Faerun, like would the Underdark beneath Toril connect with the Underdark beneath say Maztica?

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Yes indeed. You can read about one such connection between Faerûn and Maztica in The Grand History of the Realms on page 114. The vignette describes the travails of a dwarf clan that gets pursued by drow through the subsea passage. The passageway collapses during a spell conflagration known as the Rockfire Disaster. Cut off from Faerûn, the survivors of Clan Rockjaw are forced to trek westward until they emerge onto the fiery sands of Itzcala in Maztica.

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I own that book. LOVE IT! Somehow, I missed that, probably because I pull it out for research for campaigns, never to actually read. Thanks Brian!

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Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 17 Jul 2013 08:36:19
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Joebing
I own that book. LOVE IT! Somehow, I missed that, probably because I pull it out for research for campaigns, never to actually read. Thanks Brian!

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Best book ever.

Imagine if we could get permission from WotC to Kickstarter a revamped and better version ... ah to dream.

-- George Krashos

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 17 Jul 2013 13:53:10
Message:

A psuedo-leather bound deluxe edition?

Ahhhhhh... we are indeed dreamers... but WHAT a dream!

quote:

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Originally posted by Icelander

If you lead someone to believe that you have an exclusive romantic relationship and behave in a way which is incompatible with their view of the rights and obligations of such a state, you are then cheating on them.

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But on a world where no monolithic religion ever took-control over major areas and enforced their own (artificial) codes of conduct, then 'trysts' should not only be commonplace, but should also be expected, especially amongst the nobility.

For example, take King Azoun; we know he was a falanderer. The problem wasn't that he was 'cheating', it was that he was not very discreet about it. Hence, Faerûnians do not use the term 'cheat', they refer to it as 'indiscretions'. The indiscretion comes in not that they did it, but that they got caught at it. We know Azoun did it, but we don't know if Filfaeril participated in these things... because she is very discreet. In most cases, a woman would have to be more discreet (in FR), simply because there ARE matters of inheritance to consider. Their daughter, Alusair, is the perfect example of a woman behaving precisely the way she wanted, and not giving an Osquip's arse about who knew about it. I am sure, however, that had she ever gotten married, she would have learned to be much more discreet (although I doubt she would have stopped her 'adventures' altogether... not for any man).

Also bear in mind in these kinds of cultures (like our own Medieval times), many marriages are arranged, and there is little love there - they are mostly business arrangements. That means it should be even more expected - we just never learn about most of it (and now I am thinking about certain aspects of the movie Braveheart).

A wife was expected to sire children; 'love' was a luxury most could not afford.

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Reply author: Icelander
Replied on: 17 Jul 2013 15:24:39
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

But on a world where no monolithic religion ever took-control over major areas and enforced their own (artificial) codes of conduct, then 'trysts' should not only be commonplace, but should also be expected, especially amongst the nobility.

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This may be a popular pop-sociology idea, but has no validity that I've ever seen demonstrated.

Societies develop extensive codes of conduct, usually strict and punished severely within the society, with or without anything that could be termed monolithic religion. This will often be intergrated into their religion, but there is no reason to assume that the two are interdependent to the degree that you postulate.

Indeed, a lot of real-world morality predates any of the large-scale religions of our world; prudish mores, monogamous relationships and abhorrance of bastardy included for more than one such society.

They are not universal, but then again, anywhere without instant communications constantly available to everyone will never have one universal culture and hence no universal mores. On the other hand, sexual monogamy and a strong cultural bias against promiscuity, are among the most common traits of human societies. They are not anomalies requiring monolithic religions to explain.

The idea that because couples devote considerable resources to economically and socially supporting each other and any offspring, they have a right to exclusivity*, is not a Christian one. It can be identified among cultures that have religions almost or entirely distinct from any ideas of morality.

I'm not saying this is the only possible state of affairs. Just that removing any and all real-world religions will not remove this as the standard assumption throughout the majority of human cultures.

And the idea that people in a close relationship should not deceive each other is not solely connected to any real-world religion and does not need any such religion to develop. Indeed, personal honour and keeping one's word could be much more important in the absence of a monolithic religious system, which provides alternate methods of meeting the same practical needs, in the form of religious laws and such.

Basically, as long as sex is potentially connected to reproduction, it can be expected that humans who expect to live their life as a mated pair will develop strong feelings on the reproduction of their mate. After all, a mate with duties and affection for another's child will potentially risk your own children being neglected and dying.

And while it's possible to come to love unrelated children as much as one's own offspring, that's a social construct, not a biological constant. The default is still that if people are going to make sacrifices for children, they will prefer their own.

*And yes, this is largely because otherwise, the male partner is unlikely to view the investment in any children as being as justified as when he could be reasonably assured that they were his genetic material.

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Reply author: Garen Thal
Replied on: 17 Jul 2013 15:30:21
Message:

Folks, plase remember that this thread is for questions for Ed, his responses (or faster replies from our Hooded Lady, when possible), and immediate reactions. Try and keep more in-depth discussions and reactions to these queries/replies to separate scrolls, when possible.

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 18 Jul 2013 06:53:20
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

I'm in the process of making an adventure for our group that features goblins. There's a small village of about 40 of them in crude huts. I have this idea of the group using a tied up goblin or two as bait, thrown into an owlbear cave lair and then reeled out and drug into the goblin village at top speed, leading the owlbear or two to cause some mayhem. This seems like some good slapstick the group will enjoy, so I have a few questions please:

1. Are there any smells, sights, or sounds that drive owlbears into an insane fury that would help the player's do some "owlbear fishing"?
2. I seem to remember a post by THO, that mentions the Knights and a groveling goblin prisoner. Would you be able to elaborate on some goblin personalities they've encountered in their adventures?

Love the Lord Mantlepard's Homecoming article in the latest Forging the Realms and will definitely be using that when we make it into Cormyr :)

Thank you both

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 18 Jul 2013 18:49:04
Message:

Enthusiastic echo of the praise for Lord Mantlepard's Homecoming. I can just HEAR Ed, in my head, DMing that. Sounds like the sort of Realms adventures he used to run at conventions I attended.
(P.S. Sage? No linkee yet, in the Forging thread? Please?)
And because Garen Thal has so rightly reminded us that this thread is for questions for Ed, my latest is:
If I was a lady wanting to buy a very nice but NOT "bleeding edge of fashion" gown in Suzail, in a hurry but quietly, where would I go? (Quietly, so not the flashiest Promenade places that shoppers go to "be seen shopping.")
Thanks in advance.
BB

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 19 Jul 2013 09:35:12
Message:

A quick few yes/no/NDA questions, inspired by my reading of the Eye on the Realms article "That Which Slithers" in Dragon #423:

1) By 1479 DR, have any members of Cormyr's noble houses risen up as Returned Ones?

2) If yes, did that nasty bit of bloody butchery that occurred during the Council of the Dragon in Suzail (that saw so many nobles slain within the Hall of Justice) cause certain of these Risen Ones to attain higher positions of family power, or outright leadership, of Coryrean noble families?

3) The spell that Elminster/Amarune cast during the Council that turned so many nobles into bloody heaps of boneless flesh...is it something you recall mentioning in your prior Realms fiction? Or is it new to the fiction?

4) In the wake of the bloody mess from the spell, did courtiers, war wizards or other Crown officials discover that any of the noble bodies had changed into another humanoid form or otherwise appear altered from what was expected as the officials were trying to sort out who was who. (And oh what a mess!)

"That Which Slithers" was a fun read, as was “Lord Mantlepard’s Homecoming" from the Forging the Realms series. I look forward to the next installments of each.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 22 Jul 2013 21:37:40
Message:

Another question for my queue, and hopefully an easier one than some...

Given the recent media spectacle surrounding the birth of the future king of England, I find myself wondering: does Cormyr have any special ritual or process for announcing a birth in the Royal Family? And how big of a deal is that, in Suzail and the rest of the country?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 22 Jul 2013 23:45:00
Message:

Ed will have to answer the "how big a deal" bit, but from my notes I can tell you that royal births involve courtiers (royal messengers, on horseback) racing to post proclamations (gender, full name and titles) on the doors of royal palaces/castles in Suzail, Marsember, and Arabel, and on the market cross wayposts in smaller places such as Waymoot, Immersea, and so on. When the proclamations go up (literally nailed up), guards are posted flanking them to prevent thefts or defacements until they're taken down, four mornings later, and royal fanfares are blown (as the proclamation posting is finished).
Local heralds then make themselves available to anyone who wants to know the "new" order of succession.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 23 Jul 2013 04:14:08
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Ed will have to answer the "how big a deal" bit, but from my notes I can tell you that royal births involve courtiers (royal messengers, on horseback) racing to post proclamations (gender, full name and titles) on the doors of royal palaces/castles in Suzail, Marsember, and Arabel ...

---

Hmmm. Wouldn't something like this also involve message stones, like those mentioned in Volo's Guide to Cormyr?

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 23 Jul 2013 08:05:27
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

A request for a clarification of one of Ed's recent replies (July 14 of this year).

Ed, when you wrote, "The diseased are housed in Thulser’s Lodge, in the King’s Forest a little east of Mouth O’Gargoyles, on the same trail," by 'same trail' did you mean the Starwater Road?

Could you please also confirm that high ranking courtiers in Cormyr (I'm assuming "high ranking" means those not pledged to a lifetime of service like Royal courtiers, who end their days in Thornthar) are, often as not, given an estate with farmlands capable of supporting them, upon their retirement from service?

Thank you both very much.

---

Reply author: Eli the Tanner
Replied on: 23 Jul 2013 11:15:16
Message:

Greetings Ed and THO,

I'm curious whether any significant efforts to tame the stonelands have evener succeeded (albeit temporarily)? Any disasterous attempts by lords or adventurers that have left houses bankrupt or without heirs? The open claim to the Stonelands seems such a tall task I imagine folk spend more time gossiping about the failures than of any possibility of someone succeeding.

---

Reply author: Lord of Bones
Replied on: 23 Jul 2013 16:15:02
Message:

Hello once again to you lovely people!

I am full of questions lately, and always seem to have at least one connected to religion and another connected to Thay.

1.) Our game's priestess of Myrkul is intending on taking the path of being ordained as a Gray One within the God of the Dead's Church, and while some in the party have at times been at odds with her primary faith, all (including the paladin of Helm) seem to be proud of her stalwart following of a necessary religion that performs many duties for the common folk.

The priestess has altered her views on the nature of death and undeath through a number of the adventures and explorations in which she has been an active participant. Where once she would raid a dungeon or protect a city in the name of her band and her faith, often raising malign but obedient undead to act as guardians (and heralds for Myrkul) in the places she has visited (ranging from tombs, to temples, to villages and towns), she has recently developed a somewhat nihlistic view upon the deaths of two very close companions. With this view, she has begun to see life as a fine strand with a finite end, and undeath being an unnatural extension of that. Without intent to be 'good' she is now summarily destroying undeath where she finds it, still claiming to be serving Myrkul and in fact feeling her faith growing as she feels she has fully grasped what it means to follow the God of the Dead.

None, not even the unnaturally long lives, should escape Myrkul's grasp.

My question to Ed and THO is whether this kind of view runs counter to the priesthood of Mykrul? Indeed, did her previous actions typify that of an adventuring priest in the service to Myrkul? If her rather entropic view is at odds with her Church, would Myrkulytes seek to re-educate her (and how), punish her (and how), or merely observe her, as she is still ending lives, albeit undead ones? I find her choice quite fascinating and a real about-turn for the character, and I've portrayed one fellow priest as being suitably intrigued by her decision, without condemning providing she doesn't slay any undead followers of Myrkul himself.

2.) In 4th Edition Thay, Necromancy is of course the school of choice. My campaign has followed a very different path and has seen various schools waxing and waning in power along with religious and tharchion support of certain zulkirs (when Kossuth is popular, Evocation / Invocation receives a boost, when Banites have been seen as 'good' in the eyes of Thayans, Enchantment / Charm receives a flurry of fresh support, when Moander / Flattery Wyvernspur worships reaches a peak, Transmutation / Alteration finds itself as the school on top etc.)

We've only ever really been exposed to the dominance of Necromancy as readers, but does this kind of thing occur throughout the history of Thay? Was Illusion ever dominant, or perhaps Abjuration? If so, how did this turn of events come about?

3.) I love that the Simbul's favoured form is that of a small bird, zipping through the wilds of Aglarond and further, observing her servants, rivals and friends through inconspicuous eyes. I have a few questions regarding her being in bird form, namely - a.) Does she favour one type of bird, and what does it look like? b.) Are any of her enemies aware of her avian preferences, and therefore so paranoid as to ward against flighty intruders and spies, or even destroy all birds on sight in case they're actually her? If so, who would this include? c.) Has the Simbul ever been in bird form for so long that she's.. ahem.. laid an egg?

4.) Has a war ever broken out due to the errant actions of magicians at a mage fair? I just thought it would be amusing if one had, due to rivals getting a little heated and accidentally destroying a nearby village...

5.) Going way back now - in Azure Bonds we briefly meet Cassana and Zrie Prakis, two lovely wizards with a rather tumultuous relationship. If you created these characters, what detail can you give us of the battle that ended in Zrie's death, and ultimate lichdom? I vaguely recall it having been in Westgate. Is there any mark on the battlefield showing the likely conflagration that ensued during the battle, and how was Cassana able to escape being brought down by.. heh.. "keepers of the peace" in Westgate (oxymoron) after destroying not only her lover but likely a small amount of city as well? Final question - was the Staff of Power that the two of them possess forged by them or obtained, and if so, where from?

Sorry for the flurry of questions - I am an inquisitive sort, and my players occasionally throw these things my way. We love getting added depth on the Realms, the places we adventure and the characters they run in to.

Thank you!

Matthew (The Gentleman Gamer)

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Reply author: Pasta Fzoul
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 01:20:50
Message:

Greetings all, and my thanks to Ed and THO for their joint steadfastness in addressing the interminable torrent of queries!

I've just been rereading The Temptation of Elminster after many years, and have come upon the passage in which El, during his visit to Moonshorn Tower, notes that the script of a particular text "...was written with that squaring of the letters that marked its origin as the south shore of the Sea of Fallen Stars."

Thus I am curious: what are some of the significant regional (or other, e.g. class) idiosyncrasies seen in the handwriting of a given alphabet?

Cheers!

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Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 01:35:39
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pasta Fzoul

Greetings all, and my thanks to Ed and THO for their joint steadfastness in addressing the interminable torrent of queries!

<SNIP>

---

Sorry for the thread clog, but I was compelled to go on the record (again) to say that Pasta Fzoul's moniker is hands-down the best one I've ever come across at Candlekeep. It cracks me up every time.

-- George Krashos

---

Reply author: Pasta Fzoul
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 01:43:38
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by George Krashos

Sorry for the thread clog, but I was compelled to go on the record (again) to say that Pasta Fzoul's moniker is hands-down the best one I've ever come across at Candlekeep. It cracks me up every time.

-- George Krashos

---

And thus, by my very being, I bring joy wherever I may go.
*theatrical bow*

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 05:39:39
Message:

It is the best username here, by far. I wish I'd thought of it.

Related to my earlier query, do the humans of the Heartlands have any particular customs surrounding childbirth? I'm thinking superstitious practices, naming rituals, blessings from local clergy, things like that.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 13:45:18
Message:

Hi again, all. Great questions, as usual, and off they all go to Ed. Wooly, the ritual I can recall offhand (and find in the notes I've made during years of play with Ed) is the lighting of a candle in the birthing area just before/during birth, to "burn away all foulness/lurking spirits/Beshaba's malice." I'm sure Ed will have more, and I KNOW prayers are uttered to alert deities to the newborn's presence and request their favor/kindly regard.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 14:18:17
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pasta Fzoul

Thus I am curious: what are some of the significant regional (or other, e.g. class) idiosyncrasies seen in the handwriting of a given alphabet?

---

As an addendum to this... Could Ed also, perhaps, provide a few examples of these idiosyncrasies in an alphabet?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 19:46:15
Message:

Hi again, all.
Re. these...
from Pasta Fzoul: “Thus I am curious: what are some of the significant regional (or other, e.g. class) idiosyncrasies seen in the handwriting of a given alphabet?”
and from The Sage: “As an addendum to this... Could Ed also, perhaps, provide a few examples of these idiosyncrasies in an alphabet?”

Ed replies:
Sure. If we think of Thorass (the main written alphabet of the Common Tongue) as real-world written (cursive) English, there are letters that have “tails” (descenders) dipping below the main horizontal line of script, ascenders that thrust well above it, loops formed by letters (in modern-real world parlance, counters, formed by bowls), and some letters that have dots above them (such as the lowercase “I” and “j”).
On the southern shores of the Inner Sea, in the TEMPTATION OF ELMINSTER example Pasta Fzoul cited, bowls are squared rather than rounded (so the letter “o” looks like a box, rather than a circle). This style is found in Turmish, the Vilhon, and some of the Lake of Steam cities and easternmost Calishite lands.
In Waterdeep, all loops are rounded, and all arms or legs of letters are curved (descenders back below and behind the preceding letter, and ascenders forward to hang above the following letter).
In Athkatla and especially in Calimshan, those dots I mentioned become horizontal slashes (often “wavy,” like the tilde symbol), but this is found nowhere else except in older writings of Dambrath.
Hope these brief notes are of help. Tearingly busy right now.

So saith Ed. Who is probably the busiest person I know.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: Pasta Fzoul
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 20:24:27
Message:

quote:

---

...
Hope these brief notes are of help. Tearingly busy right now.

So saith Ed. Who is probably the busiest person I know.
love,
THO

---

Absolutely, and thanks once again! It really is the minutiae of the mundane that make for the most interesting Realmslore, if you ask me.

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Reply author: Bionic Man
Replied on: 25 Jul 2013 22:39:08
Message:

Hello THO and Ed!

I have a couple questions,
1. Who is the greatest thief currently operating in the Realms? How about in the history of the Realms? I guess if they were truly great we wouldn't know who they are, but surely Ed can help. ;)

2. Do most rangers in the Realms belong to a specific order, or are there numerous ones? If there are many, do they respect each others status?

Thank you!

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 27 Jul 2013 21:44:43
Message:

Whats the most bizarre 'weather' that has ever happened on Toril? (including really strange things that may have occurred during the ToT or Spellplague).

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 27 Jul 2013 22:48:17
Message:

Well, there was that time, at half-past ten, when the humidity was rising and the barometer getting low, that it started raining men.

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 27 Jul 2013 23:51:12
Message:

Wooly,

According to my sources on that incident, I believe the street was the place to go... Lol.

Ed/THO,

A quick(ish) question. I seem to recall some comment by Ed at last year's Gen Con keynote of the proper accents to use when simulating assorted regional variations of common in the Realms (or at least on the Sword Coast/in Cormyr). Was that ever printed somewhere? And, if it wasn't what 'Earth English' regional accents are the 'most accurate' to use when simulating common in places like: 1) Waterdeep (and its environs), 2) Cormyr (in the area near Eveningstar), 3) Silverymoon and 4) the general Sunset Vale area (near Berdusk and Iriaebor)?

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 28 Jul 2013 03:36:25
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bionic Man

2. Do most rangers in the Realms belong to a specific order, or are there numerous ones? If there are many, do they respect each others status?

---

I think Ed's briefly tackled this one before. So while you're waiting for a more detailed response, you might wish to search the "So Saith Ed" archives.

---

Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 28 Jul 2013 09:40:46
Message:

Hi everybody !
Can Ed share with us some information about Amry and Telpir, two little Dragon coast settlements that we know not much about ?
No doubt he has some great things for us all about these
Merci beaucoup
MV

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 28 Jul 2013 15:27:44
Message:

I think they got smooshed in 4e. IIRC correctly, at least one of them was referred to as 'haunted'.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 29 Jul 2013 16:17:01
Message:

Hi again, all. Ed just sent me a heads-up that the Thule Kickstarter he's involved in is getting down to the wire, so he wanted any gamers who may not have noticed it but might be interested in such a setting to check it out . . .

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/809579963/primeval-thule

. . . thanks!
More Realms replies from the Old Sage when he can snatch the seconds to pound them out.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 29 Jul 2013 23:56:20
Message:

Dear THO, I would like Ed or you to answer if in Lantan (or anywhere else) transports such as trains or other technologically advanced transports have been invented. Thanks!

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Reply author: createvmind
Replied on: 30 Jul 2013 19:18:58
Message:

Hello all, Ed in your realms or in your minds eye I'm just curious as to when was last "sighting" of a Tarrasque in the realms? It would seem from canon info that it has been thousands of years unless I missed something and with all the manners of upheavals that have occurred I would think something would stir one of these creatures.

My other thought is that the "forces that be" have found ways to shunt or drive them through portals or onto other planes or just put them in stasis. Am I close?

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 30 Jul 2013 19:55:32
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by createvmind

Hello all, Ed in your realms or in your minds eye I'm just curious as to when was last "sighting" of a Tarrasque in the realms? It would seem from canon info that it has been thousands of years unless I missed something and with all the manners of upheavals that have occurred I would think something would stir one of these creatures.

My other thought is that the "forces that be" have found ways to shunt or drive them through portals or onto other planes or just put them in stasis. Am I close?

---

There was one in the Forgotten Realms comic series, in the Dragonreach Saga arc (5-8, I believe). I don't remember the in-setting date, but Scothgar Amcathra was born to Mourngrym and Shaerl during that arc. I think it was around 1357, shortly before the ToT.

---

Reply author: lordsknight185
Replied on: 31 Jul 2013 00:00:21
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by createvmind

Hello all, Ed in your realms or in your minds eye I'm just curious as to when was last "sighting" of a Tarrasque in the realms? It would seem from canon info that it has been thousands of years unless I missed something and with all the manners of upheavals that have occurred I would think something would stir one of these creatures.

My other thought is that the "forces that be" have found ways to shunt or drive them through portals or onto other planes or just put them in stasis. Am I close?

---

There was one in the Forgotten Realms comic series, in the Dragonreach Saga arc (5-8, I believe). I don't remember the in-setting date, but Scothgar Amcathra was born to Mourngrym and Shaerl during that arc. I think it was around 1357, shortly before the ToT.

---

1357 indeed, as that comic took place before, during, and after the Time of Troubles. And to my understanding, the comic is completely canon.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 31 Jul 2013 00:07:56
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by createvmind

Hello all, Ed in your realms or in your minds eye I'm just curious as to when was last "sighting" of a Tarrasque in the realms? It would seem from canon info that it has been thousands of years unless I missed something and with all the manners of upheavals that have occurred I would think something would stir one of these creatures.

My other thought is that the "forces that be" have found ways to shunt or drive them through portals or onto other planes or just put them in stasis. Am I close?

---

There was one in the Forgotten Realms comic series, in the Dragonreach Saga arc (5-8, I believe). I don't remember the in-setting date, but Scothgar Amcathra was born to Mourngrym and Shaerl during that arc. I think it was around 1357, shortly before the ToT.

---

1357 indeed, as that comic took place before, during, and after the Time of Troubles. And to my understanding, the comic is completely canon.

---

I believe it was Steven Schend who said TSR considered the comics to be canon, and many things (events, characters, critters, etc) from the comics have made their way into source material and novels.

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 31 Jul 2013 03:22:45
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

Dear THO, I would like Ed or you to answer if in Lantan (or anywhere else) transports such as trains or other technologically advanced transports have been invented. Thanks!

---

I can probably take a shot at answering this one, using a previous reply from Ed on the subject.

quote:

---

So Saith Ed 2004:-

... "steam engines (monstrous "rolling-beam" stationary types, akin to those found in Cornish tin mines and elsewhere AND tiny 'using a fire one builds in a bowl' sorts) are in common use all over Lantan, but remain "dangerous" curiosities elsewhere (although many Faerunians know about harnessing the hot gas from a fire collected through a hood-and-pipe apparatus). As several posters have mentioned, Gond rules such pursuits, and copious prayers to him will be a part of any steam-work. What the Realms DOESN'T yet have is reliable steam propulsion (locomotives, that is -- although miners'-sweatwork and donkey- or mule-drawn mining railways, with little 'tip' ore cars, ARE used here and there, and are known to all dwarves and gnomes). Distillation and other simple steam-related procedures are widely known if not widely understood."

---

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 31 Jul 2013 03:23:51
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by lordsknight185

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by createvmind

Hello all, Ed in your realms or in your minds eye I'm just curious as to when was last "sighting" of a Tarrasque in the realms? It would seem from canon info that it has been thousands of years unless I missed something and with all the manners of upheavals that have occurred I would think something would stir one of these creatures.

My other thought is that the "forces that be" have found ways to shunt or drive them through portals or onto other planes or just put them in stasis. Am I close?

---

There was one in the Forgotten Realms comic series, in the Dragonreach Saga arc (5-8, I believe). I don't remember the in-setting date, but Scothgar Amcathra was born to Mourngrym and Shaerl during that arc. I think it was around 1357, shortly before the ToT.

---

1357 indeed, as that comic took place before, during, and after the Time of Troubles. And to my understanding, the comic is completely canon.

---

I believe it was Steven Schend who said TSR considered the comics to be canon, and many things (events, characters, critters, etc) from the comics have made their way into source material and novels.

---

From Steven himself:-

"As the guy who used to be the liaison and approvals guy for TSR and the AD&D comic with Kim Yale (may she rest in peace) at DC, I can say unequivocally that the events and characters are all canonical.

Steven
who also led the charge to move the characters into the game material as well..."

---

Reply author: silverwolfer
Replied on: 31 Jul 2013 05:30:34
Message:

Dear Wise One


What happens to the followers of gods that sort of don't mesh within certain followers.


Elistree had half-orc worshipers , which would obviously not mesh well for the elves pantheon.

When Mask got absorbed, did those that were in his afterlife , enter shars domain?

ooo one last bit, one big gap in story lore, what happened to the elves that Elistree saved from Lloth, did they just start new communities and faced no challenges; beyond what the average eleven community would face?

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Reply author: Caladan Brood
Replied on: 31 Jul 2013 11:02:20
Message:

Dear Ed,
I was on a beach the other day during my summer travels and found myself staring at a tree-covered cliff that ran like a ridge from the waterside and into the landscape from east to west. It reminded me of the escarpment/cliffs north of Eveningstar, which according to the source material runs from the High Horns in the west almost to Arabel in the east.

I was wondering if this rise in the landscape, this plateau if you will, has a name; how tall is it, is it generally the same height all the way, how did it come to be (in the case of the one I watched it had something do with glacial melting, an information board told me)?

I took a picture of the place so you can see for yourself;

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/Slynt/RPGs/IMG_9334_zps67b88b1e.jpg

is this how you'd envision the escarpment running into northern Cormyr? With trees and stuff, or is it bare?
Best regards

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 31 Jul 2013 13:15:11
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Sage

---

I can probably take a shot at answering this one, using a previous reply from Ed on the subject."

Thanks Sage!

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Reply author: dravenloft
Replied on: 31 Jul 2013 18:03:03
Message:

I could swear I've asked this before, but I can't even find the question, let alone the answer so I'm going to assume I only dreamt the asking.

In Cormyr (I forget the date, 1e grey box era as I recall and after the events of the Knights of Myth Dranor trilogy)
1) how or even does it affect anything if the heir of a noble family were to become a cleric?
2) if said heiress and cleric took it into her head to join a chartered adventuring band?

And if I HAVE asked this and got answered, if Sage's search-fu is better than mine I'd be quite grateful for the relevant link back to it

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 01 Aug 2013 00:25:41
Message:

Caladan Brood, here's Ed:

Yes, that photo captures the escarpment (known locally in Eveningstar and thereabouts as "the Rampart" or "Stormcliff" [because in some areas storms blow over the Stonelands and then "spill over" the edge of this cliff, which marks the edge of the Stonelands) almost perfectly.
I say "almost" because there are places (on the east side of the cleft/stream valley leading up to the Haunted Halls from Eveningstar, for instance) where farm fields, or rather pastures, with "fences" of stones piled into tall-man-shoulder-height walls, have been cleared and used. They look more like the parts of the English coast (e.g. along some of the white cliffs of Dover, though the Rampart looks like your photo or what I modeled it on, the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario, Canada, NOT like white chalk cliffs) where farmland runs right up to the drop-off cliff edge.
Hope this is of help.

So saith Ed. Who in his youth climbed many of the cliffs, and explored many of the caves, of that escarpment, particularly near Rattlesnake Point (which by coincidence looks quite like your photo, Calaban Brood).
love,
THO

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Reply author: Caladan Brood
Replied on: 01 Aug 2013 17:04:53
Message:

Wow that was fast thanks THO and Ed :-)

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 01 Aug 2013 18:34:09
Message:

Yay I came up with an actual yes/no question!

Is Bluestone ("a small village near the Frozen Forest" from whence Sharra Frohm embarked on her quest into the Great Glacier to write volume 2 of Blood and Ice, mentioned on p73 of FR14) part of Ed's Realms?

I'm theorizing about its location in another thread; just wanted to see if it's already been decided.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 02 Aug 2013 05:04:44
Message:

After reading the quite intriguing "Moondark Mystery" article, I have two quick queries...

Are there any currently living elves of the Moondark family? Not necessarily any of the original bunch; I'm more interested if the family line remains or if it died out or was absorbed or renamed.

And if yes, where do the modern Moondarks live?

I'm guessing the name is no longer around, but I really like it...

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 02 Aug 2013 05:23:20
Message:

Greetings Ed,

I've Yet Another Realmslore Query that I would like to add to the existing stack of pre-existing queries for you...

I was just reading an article on recent new discoveries of effigy mounds in the US. Simply put, I'm wondering about effigy mounds in your Realms, and other similar geoglyphs. Do they feature in your campaigns? Can you provide a few examples? What, if any, are the myth/legends surrounding these ancient structures? And, the most important part I'm interested in learning more about... Do any of these effigy mounds play a part in strange local cultist and/or mortuary rites?

Much appreciation in advance, for both you and the Lady Hooded One.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 02 Aug 2013 18:27:46
Message:

Hi again, all.
Proper Realmslore replies will have to come from Ed, of course, but to Wooly I can say: Yes, there are still Moondarks around.

And to The Sage: yes, there are effigy mounds in the Realms. In play, we came across mounds in the eastern Sword Coast North (near the edge of Anauroch), in Tunland, and near the Spiderhaunt Wood, and heard of some south of Starmantle (i.e. up in the foothills) and outside the Great Dale, near its eastern end, as well as near Veldorn.

To xaeyruudh, I can say: Bluestone is part of Ed's Realms, but as for exact locale, that'll have to come from him.

To silverwolfer, re. this: "Eilistraee had half-orc worshippers, which would obviously not mesh well with the elven pantheon." I suspect Ed is going to give you the "It depends" answer. As in, it will differ from individual to individual, place to place, time to time, and situation to situation. Remember that ALL sentient mortals believe in ALL of the gods; only a small percentage (usually priests and paladins, or "crazies") repudiate all deities save one, or venerate all deities save one. To think of half-orcs or anyone else just worshipping Eilistraee is to not see things as they are in the Realms. But of course Ed will answer more fully and properly.

love to all,
THO

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 02 Aug 2013 18:44:06
Message:

... And I'm back.
xaeyruudh, Ed tells me he has read that other thread, and says Markustay has the location of Bluestone correct, at that crossroads.
He also says the dotted lines are indeed roads. Ancient, elevated [as in, on embankments that rise up from the surrounding landscape, giving high-vantage views and a "lee slope" that travelers can camp on]; I don't mean they're like bridges, up on piers], stone roads from now-gone civilizations, so the current conditions (the flind inhabiting Mount Gathluntar, the glaciers where they are, the beast-men [ogres] of Thar flourishing and then dwindling again, and so on) indeed "don't fit" with these grand - - and sparsely used, but very useful for moving heavily-laden carts of crudely-smelted mined metals - - "roads to nowhere").
So there you have it.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 02 Aug 2013 21:04:36
Message:

Cool, thank you both very much!

I'm guessing Gharreil would be among those ancient civilizations? If I'm reading the maps right, it should be at the bottom of the crevasse just east of Ahtitlak... unless it's a smaller nearby unnamed/unmarked crevasse.

(Edit: actually, that crevasse doesn't really line up right, and with the Gharreil article using the 3e mutilation of the map, I'm way out on a limb anyway.

Also, is it Gathluntar instead of Ghaethluntar?

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 03 Aug 2013 02:52:52
Message:

Heh. xaeyruudh, "Ghaethluntar" is indeed correct (Ed created and named that feature, back in 1968, I think), but its 'pet name' amongst some of his players is "Gathluntar" because a certain hapless PC much given to grand pronouncements invariably followed by stupid decisions and pratfalls, named Gathlun Ghaeltabbar, died there - - in spectacularly silly fashion.
As for Gharreil...we'll have to wait for Ed to opine.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 03 Aug 2013 04:22:34
Message:

Goodness gracious, that seems like a lot of G's in one post.

In any case, with a name like GG, he was destined for grand things.

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Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 03 Aug 2013 09:29:53
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marco Volo

Hi everybody !
Can Ed share with us some information about Amry and Telpir, two little Dragon coast settlements that we know not much about ?
No doubt he has some great things for us all about these
Merci beaucoup
MV

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

I think they got smooshed in 4e. IIRC correctly, at least one of them was referred to as 'haunted'.

---

Hey ! Thanks Markustay, now you tease me : I'd love to hear from Ed about this haunted place and the other when he got time

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 03 Aug 2013 14:15:11
Message:

WOW! My BAD.

I went looking for where I saw that, and realized I was thinking of the wrong two settlements. I was thinking of Pros and Ilipur.

On the 4e Cormyr map (still one of my favorites), you see the two settlements as Pros and "Haunted Ilipur" (thus what I remembered... albeit about the wrong locales). Amry and Telpir are too far east to appear on that map.

Sorry for the confusion.

And I would like to add my desire for information on ALL those places.

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 03 Aug 2013 18:03:47
Message:

THO,

Thanks again for all the tasty information from Ed!

Did you happen to see my 'proper accent' inquiries lurking a few pages back? :)

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Reply author: Therise
Replied on: 04 Aug 2013 18:08:03
Message:

Question about Cormyr nobles for Ed/THO: are there any nobles/families that staunchly support the crown and Obarskyrs but -don't- do so in a public way? It occurs to me that some nobles may not want to be so open in their support, for various political or business reasons, but secretly (and constantly) act on things out of a deep loyalty and support of the crown and the Obarskyrs.

Such nobles would keep their loyalty unspoken, perhaps even from the Obarskyrs themselves, but engage in pro-crown activities (e.g. sly political deals through agents, secret funding of different groups, making supportive investments) because they strengthen the Realm and the position of the Obarskyrs.

Any nobles/families like this that you could... *ahem* reveal to us?

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 04 Aug 2013 19:55:12
Message:

Are there any lakes or rivers composed wholly or in significant part of liquids which are not water?

Edit: ...on Toril.

Edit: This is a kinda lousy question, from the angle that I don't want to put Ed in the position of authoritatively saying "No, there are no such lakes on Toril" because that would squelch possible future ideas. Which is why he wouldn't say that. So I'm curious if any oddball lakes have been outlined so far, but if not then this question should fall dormant.

And thanks Barastir, I'd forgotten about that one! In fact I hadn't even considered acid; I imagine there are other acidic lakes as well, both below and above the surface. My imagination was going further afield, to a lake of ale. Probably vigorously and loudly defended by a clan of dwarves, constantly working on building pipes, pumps, and channels to supply each home ("tap water") but never quite sober enough to make much progress. I ponder strange questions when I'm tired.

---

Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 05 Aug 2013 13:23:38
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by xaeyruudh

Are there any lakes or rivers composed wholly or in significant part of liquids which are not water?

Edit: ...on Toril.

---

I'm not Ed, but I can give you one answer: there is this lake of acid in the Underdark, where Zaknafein "died" once and for all. It's in the "Cave of the Acid Aerie" (or something like that), in one of Drizzt's books and in 2e Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark.

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 05 Aug 2013 14:49:10
Message:

Ed,

In my 'Misbegotten Realms' campaign - an amalgam of many settings but FR at its heart - I was toying with the notion of having Azoun and Filfaeril's son live (who's name escapes me ATM), and what sort of repercussions that would have on the setting.

Still not sure if I want to do that, but as part of that train-of-thought, I was imagining him being gay, so as not to 'disturb' how other things turned out (trying to curtail the 'butterfly effect').

Anyhow, it made me wonder... have there been any gay male royals in Cormyr, and if so, would they be allowed to take the throne? I am only wondering this not from a 'hater' perspective, but rather, the gay royal not desiring to produce an heir. And even if it never did happen in canon, what would happen? Suppose the Crown Prince lived and turned out gay - would Vangerdehast try to manipulate events so one his sisters took the throne (my asumption here being the Mage Royal is loyal to the Realm first, the royal family second)?

---

Reply author: Garen Thal
Replied on: 05 Aug 2013 15:29:43
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay
Anyhow, it made me wonder... have there been any gay male royals in Cormyr, and if so, would they be allowed to take the throne? I am only wondering this not from a 'hater' perspective, but rather, the gay royal not desiring to produce an heir. And even if it never did happen in canon, what would happen? Suppose the Crown Prince lived and turned out gay - would Vangerdehast try to manipulate events so one his sisters took the throne (my asumption here being the Mage Royal is loyal to the Realm first, the royal family second)?

---

Yes, here have been gay male royals. Yes, they have been "allowed" to take the Dragon Throne (alhough "allowing" doesn't much come into it). A royal's willingness or ability to produce an heir does not qualify or disqualify that prince's right to wear the crown. Any monarch that fails to produce an heir for whatever reason usually has heirs waiting in the wings: siblings, nephews and nieces, etc.

Specific names and dates, I'm afraid, are NDA, except to say that Vangerdahast tries to manupulate all events. That's what he does, and what he is.

---

Reply author: Eli the Tanner
Replied on: 05 Aug 2013 15:56:37
Message:

Another question for the ever-mounting pile,

Ed, Are there any examples of Realmsian equivalents to staple and oft-quoted treatise like Sun Tzu's Art of War or Plato's Republic? What works would be considered 'mandatory' reading in scholarly and academic circles (not including magical works...for now) for all learned folk of the Realms?

"What! You haven't even read Erlo Elraedan's The Blood-Drenched Throne!"

Thankyou for your continuing insights into all thins Realmsy
--Eli the Tanner

---

Reply author: Hoondatha
Replied on: 05 Aug 2013 20:35:40
Message:

I have a quick question for both Ed and THO about magic item command words. I'm running a 2e play-by-post campaign, and it's starting to look like magic items will be a recurring feature. While I'm sure there will be the inevitable trading and items wearing out, I'm also going to be making use of command words to try and limit the amount of damage they can do without needing to artificially deflate treasures (ie: you have this batch of wands! You even know what they do! You just don't know how to make them do it...)

Which made me want to ask the two of you how command words and related matters work in the home campaign. If the Knights or Company find a magical item, and it doesn't have its command words scribbled helpfully on it somewhere, how do you go about discovering its command words, especially if you're relatively low level? What are Ed's thoughts on this in general?

Many thanks, as always.

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Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 06 Aug 2013 02:27:42
Message:

Sorry if this question has been asked before and for not having my exact facts straight but here goes...

I re-read Cormyr awhile back. In it there are a couple of things that happened. First, one of the Royal Mages (when she was still an apprentice) had an affair with the Crown Prince. Later, there is a Royal Mage who 'looks more like an Orbaskyr' than the reigning king. So my question is, have any of the Royal Mages (and specifically Vangerdahast) ever had Orbaskyr blood?

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Reply author: Mournblade
Replied on: 06 Aug 2013 04:46:22
Message:

Hello Ed!

I am starting my foray now into All grain brewing, and I am wondering if you have any Faerunian Ale recipes using mundane ingredients you can share. I will brew some up and try to send them around to the scribes here.

Though air pressure can really mess beer up.

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Reply author: Demzer
Replied on: 06 Aug 2013 09:56:19
Message:

Hello fellow scribes.
/bows
Well met gracious Hooded Herald of Lov--er--Lore.
/drops on his knees
Oh Great Sage, Master of Creation, Font of Truth, this unworthy scribe salutes You!
/recomposes himself
Ahem, i have some questions for He of the Greenwood, i'm a recent addition to Candlekeep and i'm still perusing all the old scrolls of lore, so if an answer has already been provided i apologize.

I'll start with a question on the gods (yes, i know, we always want to know about the gods) with a short premise: i play a MMORPG (Dungeons&Dragons Online) in which the death of a party member is signaled to the rest of the party with a loud *DING*.

On to the question: What was it like on the Fugue Plane when the Spellplague hit? What were the reactions of Kelemvor and Jergal to the flood of souls (many without a patron diety thanks to the deific death rate increase of the past years)? How did they handle the situation with more and more spellcaster's souls coming in as the after effects unfolded on all Toril and no magic deity around to collect them?

My personal (comedic) interpretation is something like this:

regular day of work on the Fugue
*DING* Jergal: "died of childbirth"
*DING* Jergal: "killed by bandits"
*DING* Jergal: "suicide"
Cyric kills Mystra
Kelemvor: "Something is happening ... How ...?!?! Midnight?!?"
Jergal (shrugging): "Such is the fate of mortals"
The Spellplague hits Toril
*DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING* *DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING*...
Jergal (with an evil grin): "Jackpot!"
Kelemvor (surprised): "What the Nine Hells ...?!?!?"
Jergal (with the same evil grin): "Oh this is better than both Netheril and Jhaamdath!"
Meanwhile on Fury's Hearth
Talos (watching the events on Toril): "F**K YEAH!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH"
Talos (recomposing himself just a little): "Sending. To: all deities. Message: Party at Cynosure tonight, drinks on me."

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 06 Aug 2013 13:38:41
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Garen Thal

Yes, here have been gay male royals. Yes, they have been "allowed" to take the Dragon Throne (alhough "allowing" doesn't much come into it). A royal's willingness or ability to produce an heir does not qualify or disqualify that prince's right to wear the crown. Any monarch that fails to produce an heir for whatever reason usually has heirs waiting in the wings: siblings, nephews and nieces, etc.

Specific names and dates, I'm afraid, are NDA, except to say that Vangerdahast tries to manupulate all events. That's what he does, and what he is.

---

Thanx for the speedy response, Brian.

---

Reply author: Garen Thal
Replied on: 06 Aug 2013 13:41:16
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

quote:

---

Originally posted by Garen Thal

Yes, here have been gay male royals. Yes, they have been "allowed" to take the Dragon Throne (alhough "allowing" doesn't much come into it). A royal's willingness or ability to produce an heir does not qualify or disqualify that prince's right to wear the crown. Any monarch that fails to produce an heir for whatever reason usually has heirs waiting in the wings: siblings, nephews and nieces, etc.

Specific names and dates, I'm afraid, are NDA, except to say that Vangerdahast tries to manupulate all events. That's what he does, and what he is.

---

Thanx for the speedy response, Brian.

---

No problem. This is literally the thing they keep me around for.

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 06 Aug 2013 16:23:15
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Arcanamach

So my question is, have any of the Royal Mages (and specifically Vangerdahast) ever had Orbaskyr blood?

---

Ooh, good question!

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 07 Aug 2013 16:04:07
Message:

Given that Elminster has visited earth and has sampled some of its products, has Elminster ever sampled Viagra?

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 07 Aug 2013 16:44:23
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by sleyvas

Given that Elminster has visited earth and has sampled some of its products, has Elminster ever sampled Viagra?

---

From what I've read, I don't think he needs it.

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 07 Aug 2013 18:25:50
Message:

Hello! In Kozakura, year 1 begins with the ascension of Mori to the throne. What do they call this basis for numbering the years? (as opposed to Dalereckoning and the other various systems) ...I guess Kozakura Reckoning seems too simple (and western)...

I'm about to check out the other eastern timelines, so the same question will probably apply to the other realms/empires of the east. In a timeline whose headers include equivalent years in multiple systems, what should they be called?

Thankya!

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 07 Aug 2013 20:06:52
Message:

This may help...

Calendar Conversions, lifted from the The Grand History of the Realms Excerpts page on the WotC site:

quote:

---

Calendar Conversions

One notable feature of the timeline that the expert Faerûnian historian will notice is that we've expressed all the years in the current Dalereckoning (DR) notation. Different cultures in the Realms have used different calendars, and reconciling them has often caused sages much difficulty. See the following notes to convert DR dates to some other calendar.

Dalereckoning (DR): This human-centered calendar has become the standard way of expressing dates. Dalereckoning was established in the Year of Sunrise when men were first permitted by elves to settle in the more open regions of Cormanthor. It is also called Freeman's Reckoning.

Cormyr Reckoning (CR): This calendar starts at the founding of Cormyr by the Obarskyr Dynasty (26 DR). The use of two close but not identical calendars in the same geographic area causes historians and sages much confusion. To convert between dates you might find in other sources: DR - 25 = CR or CR + 25 = DR.

Northreckoning (NR): The calendar used throughout the city of Waterdeep, the Silver Marches, and the North. DR - 1032 = NR or NR + 1032 = DR.

Waterdeep Year (WY): Archaic Waterdeep calendar, no longer used.

Netheril Year (NY): Calendar used by the lost empire of Netheril, stemming from the Alliance of Seventon. DR + 3859 = NY or NY - 3859 = DR.

Shou Calendar: The people of Shou Lung mark the ascendancy of Nung Fu as the start of their empire's calendar. DR + 1250 = Shou Year or Shou Year - 1250 = DR.

Wa Calendar: Calendar used by the island nation of Wa in the Eastern Realms. DR + 418 = Wa Year or Wa Year - 418 = DR.

Mulhorand Calendar (MC): Ancient calendar dating from the founding of Skuld. DR + 2134 = MC or MC - 2134 = DR.

Untheric Calendar (UC): Established after the ascendancy of Gilgeam as god-king of Unther. DR + 735 = UC or UC - 735 = DR.

Aryselmalyr Calendar: Archaic calendar used by the undersea elves of Aryselmalyr at the empire's founding. DR + 11004 = AC or AC - 11004 = DR.

Timesong Calendar (TS): Calendar established at Myth Nantar and used today by most undersea inhabitants of Serôs. DR + 70 = TS or TS - 70 = TS.

Present Reckoning (PR): A newer calendar that dates the Time of Troubles as Year 0. DR - 1358 = PR or PR + 1358 = DR.

---

Edit: Meh, the linked-to page has been moved. Again. WotC can't leave web pages in one spot...

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 07 Aug 2013 23:26:17
Message:

Thanks Wooly! Not sure why it didn't occur to me to check the GH for calendar names. I guess if those are to be taken as the pattern for all timekeeping systems on Toril, I'll just use the name of the realm and add Calendar or Reckoning or Year, and abbreviate as convenient. Still wondering if Ed has any variants to add.

And I'll wholeheartedly agree with that at the end. I'm sure WotC's web people have shiny CS degrees (their job descriptions require them), but they had to have been absent on the days when organization, user-friendliness, and permanent addresses were outlined.

---

Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 00:30:01
Message:

The silver fire has to be the world's best Viagra.

-- George Krashos

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 03:21:13
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

---

Originally posted by sleyvas

Given that Elminster has visited earth and has sampled some of its products, has Elminster ever sampled Viagra?

---

From what I've read, I don't think he needs it.

---

Which does raise a somewhat interesting question that I would pose to Ed... and I ask this with the most delicate of intents:-

Given Elminster's past sexual "proclivities," has he ever found that a simple desire to bed a lovely lady lass, has simply not been "enough?"

---

Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 03:21:55
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by George Krashos

The silver fire has to be the world's best Viagra.

-- George Krashos

---

Provided Mystra allows it to be so... of course!

---

Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 13:59:10
Message:

On this same train-of-thought...

Has Elminster ever sired children on Earth?

What about other worlds?

And this, of course, has lead my mind down a very weird path... an Adventure Path, actually. I am sure Ed is aware of the PF AP Rasputin Must Die! (which sounds eerily like a certain FR title...) We know Baba Yaga is Realms canon (although not named, her hut makes a cameo in an Elaine cunningham novel), and a good chunk of PF lore (and that AP) revolve around Baba Yaga...

So... has Elminster ever 'met' Baba Yaga?

LOL... and is Rasputin their 'love child'?

---

Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 14:49:57
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

So... has Elminster ever 'met' Baba Yaga?

LOL... and is Rasputin their 'love child'?

---

You are a strangely brilliant person, Markus... or brilliantly strange.

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 16:41:24
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

On this same train-of-thought...

Has Elminster ever sired children on Earth?

What about other worlds?

And this, of course, has lead my mind down a very weird path... an Adventure Path, actually. I am sure Ed is aware of the PF AP Rasputin Must Die! (which sounds eerily like a certain FR title...) We know Baba Yaga is Realms canon (although not named, her hut makes a cameo in an Elaine cunningham novel), and a good chunk of PF lore (and that AP) revolve around Baba Yaga...

So... has Elminster ever 'met' Baba Yaga?

LOL... and is Rasputin their 'love child'?

---

Baba Yaga also features in "Midgard" as well (which admittedly is PF related).

You know, I started this idea just as a lark, but the idea of Elminster fathering a child on earth is very interesting if they wanted to do a little "cross-over" event/article. Said child, if it were fathered around the time of the 1st edition release would be in their mid 20's right now. If around the time that Ed first started getting whispers from Elminster, that could be in the early 30's. I mean.... what if they were a gamer who had just started following D&D back in 2nd or 3rd edition or something?

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 16:46:32
Message:

just thinking on what I just wrote..... next time Ed talks with El.... he might want to swab his glass and his own cheek..... maybe that's why he chose Ed in particular and the peculiar resemblance between the two...

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 20:31:34
Message:

Markustay/Sleyvas,

GET OUT OF MY HEAD! Seriously though, cross world campaigns being my specialty, I too have pondered this question...

When running a 'play yourself' you need a 'kicker' that allows regular Earth folk (gamers in particular) to survive the initial rigors of life in the Realms (as an adventurer anyway). That requires a touch of the old 'special destiny' - this is one version of such I have never used, but it certainly has occurred to me.

I'll be interested to hear what Ed has to say on this one...

---

Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 21:16:44
Message:

Actually, Ed and El (as Elmara) could have a love-child together. Hey, what happens on Earth STAYS on Earth!

---

Reply author: Veritas
Replied on: 08 Aug 2013 23:59:51
Message:

Ed,
I start (as I often do) by extending a very heartfelt thank you for your tireless efforts in creating this world for us to experience.

Questions concerning hronomany and alternate timelines arose in this forum early this year. You suggested that,in the Realms, tampering with the past creates an alternate timeline.
Curiousity bursting, eyes shining bright, I ask: can you tell us of these would-be time travelers, what they tried to change, and what became of their alternate timelines? Can you tell us about a few those ‘other’ Realms that came to be?

Relatedly, I presume that deities are duplicated in each alternate timeline instead of one deity existing in each timeline simultaneously. Is that correct? Does that also extend to Ao, or does he monitor each timeline simultaneously? You mentioned the alternate timeline may be a mechanic introduced by Ao to prevent time-travel shenanigans by naughty deities, so it seems [to me] that he would be somehow outside of that effect.

Respectfully

-‘Veritas’

---

Reply author: Bionic Man
Replied on: 09 Aug 2013 14:12:28
Message:

Hi, Ed! A couple questions.

1. How many prisons are in the realms? Would you be willing to discuss any of them here?
2. Are any of the prisons run by the clergy of a particular church?

Btw, I'm specifically asking about large "correctional facilities" as opposed to local dungeons.
Thanks!

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 09 Aug 2013 17:23:30
Message:

Just a thought on the prison topic, you are only talking large compounds meant only to hold prisoners, correct? I only ask because every castle and town probably has a small dungeon.

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 10 Aug 2013 01:48:44
Message:

Perhaps something akin to Demonreach in the Dresdenverse?

http://dresdenfiles.wikia.com/wiki/Demonreach

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Reply author: rjfras
Replied on: 10 Aug 2013 03:01:11
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bionic Man

Hi, Ed! A couple questions.

1. How many prisons are in the realms? Would you be willing to discuss any of them here?
2. Are any of the prisons run by the clergy of a particular church?

Thanks!

---

There are a lot of local prisons, usually a few cells in a dungeon or a garrison, mentioned in various Realms books.

There is at least one regional prison that I am aware of, that being the Cloister of St. Ramedar. It is the premier secure prison and sanatarium in Tethyr and run by monks of Ilmater. Its remote location and the 700-foot sheer cliff outside the prison cells deters successful escapes.

---

Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 10 Aug 2013 15:44:33
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kris the Grey

Perhaps something akin to Demonreach in the Dresdenverse?

http://dresdenfiles.wikia.com/wiki/Demonreach

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Note: Bit of a spoiler in that link, if you're not caught up on the series.

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 10 Aug 2013 16:16:50
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

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Originally posted by Kris the Grey

Perhaps something akin to Demonreach in the Dresdenverse?

http://dresdenfiles.wikia.com/wiki/Demonreach

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Note: Bit of a spoiler in that link, if you're not caught up on the series.

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It's probably a good thing I so far behind in my reading of the series, that I didn't even really know what to worry about with this.

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 11 Aug 2013 16:18:01
Message:

'Tis good to see there are so many HCD lovers about! Harry (and not Potter!) is my favorite modern wizard. Since I know the site is thick as thieves with his fans, I'll be more cryptic in my future references to him! Lol.

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 07:06:15
Message:

Hiyas! My newest query is regarding Even's Gulf, at the north end of the Easting Reach. I haven't seen it in any sources other than Karen Fonstad's Atlas and the electronic atlas. Neither of them seems to cite any specific sources for it, so I'm guessing maybe it's from the legendary original handdrawn maps?

What remains unsaid about Even's Gulf?

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 13:01:55
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Kris the Grey

'Tis good to see there are so many HCD lovers about! Harry (and not Potter!) is my favorite modern wizard. Since I know the site is thick as thieves with his fans, I'll be more cryptic in my future references to him! Lol.

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You forgot one of his middle names.

Ed, Lady Hooded One? Have either of y'all read the Dresden Files?

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 16:01:41
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

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Originally posted by Kris the Grey

'Tis good to see there are so many HCD lovers about! Harry (and not Potter!) is my favorite modern wizard. Since I know the site is thick as thieves with his fans, I'll be more cryptic in my future references to him! Lol.

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You forgot one of his middle names.

Ed, Lady Hooded One? Have either of y'all read the Dresden Files?

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Great.

Now I'm thinking about an alternate version of the Wizards' Three, that has our Old Sage of Shadowdale meeting up with both Dalamar and Harry Dresden.

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 17:28:26
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Sage

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

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Originally posted by Kris the Grey

'Tis good to see there are so many HCD lovers about! Harry (and not Potter!) is my favorite modern wizard. Since I know the site is thick as thieves with his fans, I'll be more cryptic in my future references to him! Lol.

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You forgot one of his middle names.

Ed, Lady Hooded One? Have either of y'all read the Dresden Files?

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Great.

Now I'm thinking about an alternate version of the Wizards' Three, that has our Old Sage of Shadowdale meeting up with both Dalamar and Harry Dresden.

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Oh, gods! Dalamar meeting Harry Dresden? That would be so much fun to read!

Bob would be all about wanting to meet the Seven Sisters, too. Hmmm, Bob and Syluné...

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 17:34:47
Message:

There ya go! That's my choice to add to the Wizard's Three - Harry Copperfield Blackstone Dresden (I left out the Blackstone last time as I thought it was the one name Percy didn't know, you never know when demons might be lurking on your forum, Lol).

And yes, I bet Bob would ADORE the Seven Sisters - especially Storm (not that he'd be choosy about any of them...well maybe the Simbul would remind him to much of Mab, Lol).

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Reply author: Garen Thal
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 17:37:04
Message:

Folks, I have it on good authority that Ed is already on his way south of the Great White North for Columbus' Thurber House Sundering event, and thence to Indianapolis. I'd expect silence (or as near as makes no matter) for the next week, while our bearded friend attends Gen Con. I trust he will have much to share on his return.

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 17:41:51
Message:

Cool, hope everybody there has fun!

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Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 20:00:42
Message:

Guess I'm going to have to read these Harry Dresden novels. Now don't stone me to death, but this is the first I've heard of him.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 21:18:02
Message:

And I'm trying (but this year, probably failing) to stretch my offsite work to include, ahem, downtown Indianapolis during the next few days.
So my Net silence and speech will be as sporadic as Ed's...but I can say this much: we've both read the Dresden series, and Ed was a panelist as usual this year at Ad Astra (he's been GoH there twice) and Jim Butcher was one of this year's Guests, so they got to meet. Ed found him to be a great guy, of course.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 13 Aug 2013 22:18:30
Message:

My wife came across Kazakhstan Pentagram on google maps today and it got me to wondering: In Faerun, what interesting images, similar to the Nazca Lines, might a flying or spelljamming creature see below?

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 14 Aug 2013 03:58:18
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

And I'm trying (but this year, probably failing) to stretch my offsite work to include, ahem, downtown Indianapolis during the next few days.
So my Net silence and speech will be as sporadic as Ed's...but I can say this much: we've both read the Dresden series, and Ed was a panelist as usual this year at Ad Astra (he's been GoH there twice) and Jim Butcher was one of this year's Guests, so they got to meet. Ed found him to be a great guy, of course.
love to all,
THO

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Ed met Jim?

Interesting. I would be keen to learn what was briefly verbally shared between the two during Ad Astra.

Ideas abound, I would imagine!

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Reply author: Irennan
Replied on: 16 Aug 2013 11:07:09
Message:

Greetings THO and Ed. I'd like to ask for a simple clarification about the relation between the elves and the Weave.

I'm aware that they are strongly linked, but is this bond so strong that elves can be considered part of the Weave?

If so, did they pay the consequences of the Spellplague more than other races?

Thanks for your time and disponibility.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 17 Aug 2013 19:01:41
Message:

Was/is Yhalvia on Abeir?

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Reply author: Demzer
Replied on: 19 Aug 2013 10:47:13
Message:

Uh, i'm a little fuzzy after emerging from the study of all the previous Ed scrolls (and i even "messed up" the order by going 2013-2012-2004->2011) but ...

... has the author of "Filfaeril, Bound and Willing" been guessed yet?

Right now it seems to me the guessing died sometime in the 2010 scroll without an answer. Was it moved to another scroll?

And now a question for Ed:

Another "divine" one i'm afraid: do some deities make (or have made) bets on the duration of the various Mystras lives, on their demises and eventual come-backs? If yes, who has won more times so far (thinking 1480s)?

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Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 20 Aug 2013 01:41:50
Message:

Okay another question for Ed/THO. We are discussing whether or not drow have their own version of Bladesong in this thread: [urlhttp://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15024][/url]

If I am correct, the notion of the bladesong style did not actually originate in Realmslore but the question is, do drow ever learn the bladesong techniques (either their own version of it or the original). Or is it absolutely the province of sun/moon/copper elves?

Please note, we aren't asking if drow are capable of learning it, just if they have any tradition close to it.

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Reply author: Razz
Replied on: 20 Aug 2013 03:42:06
Message:

Dear Ed/Hooded One,

I've noticed several questions about the relations of technology and magic and Gond and Mystra recently. I have several questions concerning Gond and his, or his followers, disposition on magic in general.

It is to my understanding that Gond servants, most of them, do not disdain magic at all but simply try to accomplish engineering feats without the use of magic. However, his closest followers do have and use magic via Divine Spells. How does the magic of divine casters of Gond mesh with their views and technological advancements? What of arcane casters? I am sure there must be plenty of wizards looking to meld magic and technology as one. Would you say the realm of Lantan is very steampunk in its environment or more similar to the Eberron campaign setting?

I also remember, from 3E Magic of Faerun, a sect of gnome servants known as Artificers, that create "contraptions" that perform a variety of effects similar to magic (and with the added benefit of working just fine in dead magic areas), but in order for their contraptions to work they had to rely on the quasi-real effects of Shadow magic for the effects to manifest from their contraptions. Is this one of those exceptions to the church as a whole? I take it there might also be a sect of Gond entirely against the use and reliance on magic, despite their fellows use of it (especially the Clerics of the church)?

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 20 Aug 2013 18:58:29
Message:

A Yes/No question! I'm not good at these because I try to attach too many details, so I get excited when I find one.

Does the Saiyaddar of 1357 DR coincide with the Shaddan Hills of c. 100 DR?

Edit: upon a fresh examination, no. The Shaddan Hills were west and south of what's now the Saiyaddar. So now I suspect that the Lion's Eye Oasis sits on top of the Shaddan Hills.

This raises another question. I had previously assumed that The Secret Place in the Sands was Araugul/Goblinmount, but with the above in mind that can't be the case; Araugul must be west of the Secret Place.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 20 Aug 2013 19:05:17
Message:

The physical map from the Anauroch product perfectly overlaps the ones from the Netheril box - sized precisely the same, so you can see exactly where everything used to be. If you have both - and a glass table you place a lamp under - you can learn all kinds of cool things.

The seas are little strange, but some retroactive canon sleight-of-hand fixed all of that.

You can see the Shaddan Hills on the Cormyr map done by Mike Shley for 4e (parts of which were extracted from my own maps of the Stonelands).

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 20 Aug 2013 19:05:26
Message:

...And what were the Shaddan Hills called before the reign of Shaddara?

I don't see the hills on the Netheril maps... were they created in the upheaval of the Fall?

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 20 Aug 2013 19:10:25
Message:

Not sure - I edited the above post, BTW.

A lot of 'things' in the Stonelands were not there before the fall of Netheril, so the Hills could very well be debris that has been covered-over by time and the desert.

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 20 Aug 2013 19:53:08
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

The physical map from the Anauroch product perfectly overlaps the ones from the Netheril box

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The FR13 map was the first thing I grabbed after gasping in several minutes of pleased shock at the beautiful Netheril box maps. I too was quite happy with how a lot of things lined up. And very disappointed that no other 2e maps benefited from a similar level of artistry.

Unfortunately the Shaddan Hills aren't on the Netheril map, and they're only on the inset of the FR13 map (which lacks a scale bar) so their placement has to be eyeballed as best as possible from the few reliable landmarks (Orolin, the Desertsmouth Mountains and --I mistakenly believed-- Araugul).

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

You can see the Shaddan Hills on the Cormyr map done by Mike Shley...

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This is a pretty map, but since it's based on the 3e warp it's useless for placing anything on an earlier (i.e., real) map. Unfortunate, because I'd love to have a Schley map of my Realms, but I can't get on board with a revision that moves and removes slices of the Realms.

To illustrate my point, that 4e map puts the Shaddan Hills level with or slightly south of Tilver's Gap... which is a solid 100 miles south of where they should be.

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 21 Aug 2013 04:04:49
Message:

I don't like issuing pesky reminders, folks, but can we try and limit the side-chatter, or at least redirect it to another scroll?

Thanks.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 21 Aug 2013 05:18:21
Message:

You can consider this 'side chatter'?

Seriously?

Hmmmmmmm....

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Reply author: Hoondatha
Replied on: 21 Aug 2013 06:47:32
Message:

Hi Ed. First of all, I hope you had a good time at GenCon. One of these years I'll get out there, but I couldn't make it work this year. Sigh. Anyway, hope it went well.

I got in a sort of introspective mood this evening and came up with a question regarding 5e that I hadn't really seen addressed. I'd sort of like to get the opinion of some of the WotC designers, but I don't know their contact info, and I don't know if they'd respond. So instead I figured I'd toss out up here instead, and ask what your opinion on the matter is.

The question is: I have a setting, the Forgotten Realms, that I have loved for going on twenty years. It is a setting of people, of places, of history, of atmosphere. It is where all my games are set, and where they will always be set. I will never use the 4e time jump or Spellplague changes. They removed three out of the four of the things that made the setting great, and the fourth, history, is the same for each.

For the same reason, I do not read novels from the 4e timeline. All of the characters I followed are gone (with the exception of Drizzt and Elminster, and I stopped reading Drizzt books years before 4e). Worse, so is the setting, leaving the books that followed in a different world that is of no interest to this Realms fan.

Given all of that, is there any reason I should be interested in 5e?

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 21 Aug 2013 16:14:47
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

You can consider this 'side chatter'?

Seriously?

Hmmmmmmm....

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I only meant in terms of it making things difficult for my compilation efforts. It's often easier for me to skim from one of Ed's reply to the next when there aren't so many exchanges in-between.

I apologise if this reminder ruffled any feathers, Markus.

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 01:38:51
Message:

I figured Sage was attempting to defuse another of my often-wordy and prickly critiques before it got any more momentum. Not my thread. My bad.

In a more relevant vein, I notice "Ostrav" and "Palishchuk" in FR9 are Ostra and Palischuk in the paper atlas (which includes FR9 among its sources cited). FR Wiki notes that Bob Salvatore uses "Palishchuk" in a couple of novels as well as FR9, but there's no entry yet in that wiki for Ostra/Ostrav. Which spellings are the originals, and do they have in-game roots/meanings?

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Reply author: arry
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 15:57:30
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Hoondatha

<stuff>

Given all of that, is there any reason I should be interested in 5e?

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That question interests me too as I am pretty much in the same place as Hoondatha.

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Reply author: arry
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 15:57:58
Message:

Sorry, double post.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 16:09:09
Message:

Hello again, all.
Ed is still e-silent (because he got home from GenCon just in time to do laundry and repack and turn right around to jaunt off to FanExpo), but I'd like to thank Gomez for the thoughtful gift of Spank the Monkey (which Ed delivered to me with the appropriate leer, and which I will put to VERY good use, a-hem).
Ed is home safe and sound, really enjoyed GenCon this year (though his aging body no longer enjoys the frenetic pace), and wants to publicly thank and salute Garen Thal for being a fine companion throughout the con. Ed estimates that between the Columbus event and GenCon and the drive home (yep, a delighted gamer rushed up to him at a rest area in Michigan with books to sign), he signed well over 3,000 autographs this past week. Some of them even on books.
Demzer, the author of "Filfaeril, Bound And Willing" has not yet been publicly guessed. By all means have a go...
I didn't manage to make it down to Indy this year, or even to Columbus. Sigh. I'll need to be punished for that, scribes...
I will ferry Ed's replies as he makes them. Hoondatha, I understand that Chris Perkins can't make it to FanExpo, so Ed will be doing the D&D Next panel solo, and I'm sure that'll warm him up for making a proper answer to you. For what it's worth, we Knights have decided to accept the time jump and Spellplague, and enjoy the "newer Realms products" as tales and game glimpses of a world that will come to pass...but we're still playing in the very early 1370s, and have no intention of "speeding up" or "jumping time" in our game. Ed has told me to buy and read every last one of the books in The Sundering, because he's read the first two in their entirety before publication, and is just finishing the third, and thus far loves them all as very well-written books set in the Realms. They're character-focused, and so can be enjoyed a self-contained stories (though Ed says both Bob's and Paul's books will have less impact on a reader who hasn't followed previous books starring the same characters).
Must run now. For some odd, odd reason my bosses actually expect me to work, at work.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Red Walker
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 16:50:10
Message:

THO,

I was very excited to hear that Lords of Waterdeep is coming soon to an iPad version. Have you and/od Ed had a chance to experience it? and if so how comparable to the physical board game is it? Such as anything added , enhanced or missing?

It was also very cool to hear Ed's The Herald will start off in Candlekeep, where better to originate any tale of realmslore......now only if it featured you receiving your just desserts from the scribes within it's walls....

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Reply author: The Red Walker
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 16:52:58
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Sage

I don't like issuing pesky reminders, folks, but can we try and limit the side-chatter, or at least redirect it to another scroll?

Thanks.

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all is forgiven Sage.......we understand this warning was intended for Wooly's hi-jacking of this scroll in the early fall of 2009

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Reply author: Demzer
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 17:28:48
Message:

Here are my first two guesses for the author of "Filfaeril, Bound and Willing":

- Lord Dier Emmarask
- Filfaeril Stormbillow (the Marsemberran(?) retired adveturer)

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 18:15:22
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Red Walker

quote:

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Originally posted by The Sage

I don't like issuing pesky reminders, folks, but can we try and limit the side-chatter, or at least redirect it to another scroll?

Thanks.

---

all is forgiven Sage.......we understand this warning was intended for Wooly's hi-jacking of this scroll in the early fall of 2009

---

Now, to stay on topic, I'll ask about a couple things I like...

Are there kercpa (the intelligent squirrels) in the Realms? If so, where can they be found?

And are there any fae in Waterdeep?

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 21:29:57
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

Are there kercpa (the intelligent squirrels) in the Realms? If so, where can they be found?

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Despite being on perhaps-thinning ice, I must object.

Our resident hamster just wants to know where the squirrels will be coming from, so that he can hide the foodstuffs he stole from them. Don't tell him!

Long live the Kercpa Offensive!

Okay, I'll try to behave.

Monte Veldelio is described in FR9 as one of the first human mining towns in the Galena/Earthspur mountains. A dark event occurred about ten years after the mine was opened, and since then it's been a ghost town. Have specific dates been set down for the establishment of the mine/town and the aforementioned dark event?

Due to the lack of bodies, I'm guessing whatever happened to the miners was more intelligent than a simple winter storm. Perhaps a dragon, but those don't usually result in ghosts. Something darker... does it have a name?

I'm kinda wondering how much of this is still open to development, because it has Awesome Adventure written all over it, and I figure that question will be answered by finding out whether any of it is under NDAs. However, let that not stop you from sharing whatever can be shared regarding Monte Veldelio! Perhaps including who/what it was named after. Is it in a mountain named Veldelio?

(tangent/seque to the question below): I recall THO saying a few pages back that Mane's band went east of the Moonsea, into the Earthspurs... Monte Veldelio is described as lying at the juncture of the Earthspurs and the Galenas... but did Mane's band stop here, either intentionally or not?

This may have been asked before; I haven't seen it... was Mane's band one of the groups played by the players of the "home game" or a solely nonplayer group created for competition or intrigue or development?

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Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 22 Aug 2013 21:48:24
Message:

First, I want to say thanks for the diligent work being done to return the Realms to something similar to what it was in the beginning. I have often said that Greyhawk was like the 'first girlfriend' and Dragonlance was a brief (but great) affair, but the Realms is like the woman you marry...for life. She is rich and she is beautiful and I'm glad to have been allowed to play in her world. Though I must admit I've looked at other women (Darksun, Ravenloft, Spelljammer, Planescape ) and I will admit I had an affair with Eberron, but I don't think FR is too jealous.

I have a few questions but am wondering if they really belong here (they are more focused on the business end of the Realms that actual requests for lore)...please move them to another thread if need be. So here goes, Ed/THO,

1. Will published material be returning to the 'uncertain narrator' in the future?
2. Are there any plans to start releasing lore that the company has been sitting on for the past 30 years? I ask because each time we get a new edition to the game, the products released feature a great deal of already published lore (we are basically paying full price for lore of which many/most are already aware). Waterdeep, for instance, has seen its share of publications with a ton of republished lore in them. To cite some examples of lore that is still NDA we have the Sorceress in Grey, the (divine) bloodlines of the Chosen of Mystra, an unpublished dungeon located in Waterdeep (the name escapes me ATM), etc. I would be willing to pay for a subscription for such lore, which leads me to my last question...
3. What are your thoughts on publishing a Forgotten Realms (call it Realmslore or something) magazine or ezine? I would pay good money for such a publication, provided we get some good lore of the sort mentioned above.

Cheers

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 23 Aug 2013 03:28:09
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

Are there kercpa (the intelligent squirrels) in the Realms? If so, where can they be found?

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Ed will undoubtedly have more, but I can recall a previous discussion between scribes and Wizards-folk [here at Candlekeep] on the possibilities of kercpa being found in the Realms.

I do believe locations such as the High Forest, Ardeep Forest, and the Forest of Tethyr were all mentioned as possible locales for scattered kercpa communities.

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Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 24 Aug 2013 06:42:11
Message:

Is there, anywhere in the Realms, an owlbear named Friendzy?

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Reply author: gomez
Replied on: 28 Aug 2013 18:52:57
Message:

THO, you're welcome, I hope you enjoy the game. Regretfully I couldn't hand it to you myself.

I enjoyed running FR at Gen Con (adding a bunch of extra stuff to Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle, obviously), and I have good hopes that the post-Sundering Realms will be great.
Of course if any crypric hints kan be dropped...

Gomez

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Aug 2013 16:13:48
Message:

Hi, all. Ed and I are both back, however temporarily, and I bring Ed's response to Eli the Tanner, re. this: "Another question for the ever-mounting pile,
Ed, Are there any examples of Realmsian equivalents to staple and oft-quoted treatise like Sun Tzu's Art of War or Plato's Republic? What works would be considered 'mandatory' reading in scholarly and academic circles (not including magical works...for now) for all learned folk of the Realms?
"What! You haven't even read Erlo Elraedan's The Blood-Drenched Throne!"
Thank you for your continuing insights into all things Realmsy"

Ed replies:
There are several "classic" and long-popular works on warfare, ruling, and administration. Here are the most widely-known and available handful:

The Rule of the Sword by Anamaskrus Blackhael (published in Amn, circa 1377 DR, and in print ever since; Blackhael was a cynical sage, and the book is about maintaining law and order through threats, patrols, spying, and "judicious" uses of violence)

Gormanther's Battlemastery by Uldro Gormanther (published in Tethyr in 1356 DR; forgotten for some sixty years and then rediscovered and printed in small "pouch-sized" form by various caravan traders; Gormanther was a capable mercenary and this chatty, rambling book is a treasure-trove of tactics, snares, ruses, attack plans, feeding-troops logistics, and battlefield advice)

Tyranny by Esklyn Sarsark (translated by anonymous printers in Selgaunt, circa 1394 DR; Sarsark was a successful half-orc mercenary commander who survived more than a dozen raiding expeditions down into the Underdark, became a highly-paid bodyguard and "covert fist" [private strike force commander] among the nobility of Sembia, and when things grew too hot for him, "retired" to the Border Kingdoms and there set up a tiny realm of his own, Sarsarkhal, where he ruled "with iron thews and blade," carving out good lives for his few subjects and ever-increasing harem; the book describes ruthless ploys for winning skirmishes and for deceiving rivals in social intrigues and exposing them to ridicule or attack)

There are many other and better tomes, but these are the trio most will have heard of, and have access to.
Hope this is of help...

So saith Ed. Back at the lore desk in the weary aftermath of GenCon and FanExpo.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 31 Aug 2013 18:03:31
Message:

On the same theme as the question Ed just answered, what's the Realms' equivalent of our calling someone "Machiavellian?"

(After reading Empires of the Shining Sea, I'd not be surprised if one of the Shoons will be involved.)

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 31 Aug 2013 20:19:09
Message:

Welcome back! You were missed by we homebodies who don't make it out to cons.

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

...to the Border Kingdoms and there set up a tiny realm of his own, Sarsarkhal

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Oo! Oo! A new entry for my realms list. What was the "lifespan" of Sarsarkhal, and where was it placed in relation to the landmarks and cities of 1372?

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 31 Aug 2013 20:43:56
Message:

Also, thank you Ed, for doing that 5e "panel" at Fan Expo. Just watched it (or rather, the part of it that was uploaded) on Youtube.

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Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 31 Aug 2013 22:29:01
Message:

Quick questions:

What would be the Vegetarian replacement for meats like Dragon or Cockatrice? Like what vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, plants or the combination of such would taste like the meat?

Thanks

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 01 Sep 2013 02:11:24
Message:

Hi again, all!
Foxhelm, I can give you a swift partial answer:
Some young dragon meat can be "faked" by roasting and crushing sesame seeds to derive sesame oil, then cooking green (bell) peppers in it, then taking the flavored oil and roasting almonds in it. That gets the taste, but of course not the texture.
This answer comes to you from the home Realms campaign, and one of our characters faking dragonmeat for a dish served to nobles.
(i.e. it comes from Ed)
love,
THO

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 01 Sep 2013 13:06:44
Message:

Hello THO and Ed,

A quick yes/no question for Ed, regarding his article The Enchanted Paintings of Manyshields Hall in Dragon #408.

Ed, does an ozone-tinged-with-cinnamon odor surround or emanate from the guardspawn at the heart of Manyshields Hall?

Thank you!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 01 Sep 2013 17:38:48
Message:

....And from Ed comes a quick reply:
Yes!

So saith Ed re. the odor query from Jeremy, and he further elucidates:

Emanates from (and so, moves with) rather than surrounding but stationary.

love,
THO

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 01 Sep 2013 20:13:30
Message:

Thank you.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 03 Sep 2013 03:01:34
Message:

Well Again THO and Ed!

While reading the article “The Dragon that Never Died” in Dragon 424, I came across the following entry in the footnotes section:

ix) There were numerous sightings in Veldorn and adjoining lands in 1249–1254 DR, recorded in such sources as Emmer’s Book of the Passing Years (Emmer of Tharsult, 1272 DR)…

Ed, can you please tell us something more about Emmer of Tharsult and his book?

In particular I’m curious to know if Emmer was any sort of sage and whether his “Book of the Passing Years” was more of a chapbook than a book proper, and if it recorded the comings and goings (and the doings) of adventurers.

Thank you very much.

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Reply author: Hoondatha
Replied on: 03 Sep 2013 15:29:59
Message:

About that "Bound and Willing" author: has anyone guessed Elminster yet? After all, didn't Khelben say that one thing the Chosen do when they're supposed to be sleeping is writing books?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 04 Sep 2013 20:37:42
Message:

Hi again, all.
Hoondatha, I THINK Elminster was guessed before, but I honestly don't remember. I'll check my list when I get home.
Jeremy, Ed tells me this about Emmer:

Emmer wasn't a sage, but rather a well-traveled merchant trader who thrived because he kept his eyes open and "his ears to the wind" (as the Faerunian saying has it), collecting and remembering gossip by writing it down, but tempering it by listening to many different sources and separating the truth and probable truth from the entertaining but obviously fanciful.
Emmer's Book of the Passing Years wasn't much different from the detailed year entries near the back of The Grand History of the Realms in content; Emmer tossed in little mentions of everything from changing fads and fashions to important battles and shifts in bulk foodstuffs purchasing (plus bumper crops and near-famines).
The book consists of annual chapbooks (like almanacs) that if gathered together provide a good overview of unfolding "popular" Realms history. Where a sage might write about trends and motives, and speculate as to the reasons behind decisions of rulers and trading alliances, Emmer was concerned about recording what he heard and saw of "the passing parade" of everyday life: popular jests and songs, changing folk beliefs and the attitudes of "just plain folks," new art and design and small everyday innovations (replacement handles for pots, for instance). He mentions various adventurers and their deeds here and there in passing, often, but the Book of the Passing Years is in no sense a comprehensive overview of adventuring bans, chartered or otherwise, and their doings.


So saith Ed. Crafting and illuminating Realmslore every day!
love,
THO

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 04 Sep 2013 23:52:10
Message:

Wow, that's just really cool. Thank you very much.

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Reply author: Alenis
Replied on: 05 Sep 2013 05:29:03
Message:

You know, I'm an active duty Army Officer, I've been stationed outside the States for over seven years in three different countries, & I've had some rather long drives to work over the years (0630 formations for physical training every weekday). Some of those drives were about an hour every morning & evening, & I truly found those to be exhausting. To hear that Ed & his wife drove 120-miles every morning & again in the evening to get to his job as a librarian every day is astonishing. To know that he did so while furthering & guiding the Realms is nothing short of brilliant. Thanks!

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

The last reason: Ed and his wife both retired from their Toronto library jobs, which meant 120-mile commutes into work in the morning, and a 120-mile commute home, 6 and sometimes 7 days a week (yes, folks, Ed wrote all the Realms novels and columns and game products he did ON TOP of that - - so if you ever think he's taking too long to answer your questions, think about the pace he keeps).
love,
THO

---

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 05 Sep 2013 12:29:08
Message:

Are there any (non-monster) people in the Realms that have no problem eating other sentient beings? I recall that scene where Bruenor ate some giant brains (and never liked Bruenor again after that), and I was wondering if any other race wasn't so picky about who they ate (aside from orcs, etc - I am talking about ones that might surprise us, like Wemics).

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hoondatha

About that "Bound and Willing" author: has anyone guessed Elminster yet? After all, didn't Khelben say that one thing the Chosen do when they're supposed to be sleeping is writing books?

---

Well, considering that Filfaeril is one of "Elminster's Daughters", that would be a whole new level of gross for the old geezer (El, not ED lol).

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Reply author: Demzer
Replied on: 05 Sep 2013 15:00:18
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hoondatha

About that "Bound and Willing" author: has anyone guessed Elminster yet?

---

Yep, incorrect guess.

Here is a list of past incorrect guesses:
Alaphondar, Laspeera, Glarasteer Rhauligan, Vangerdahast, Azoun IV, Giogi Wyvernspur, Valantha Shimmerstar, Elminster, Storm, Tessaril Winter, Aerilee Summerwood, Dimswart, Thone, Caladnei, Volo, Myrmeen Lhal, Maglanna, Tanalasta, Alusair, Jorunhast, Lady Tavernant, Aundable Inthré, the Lark and Filfaeril (the Dowager Queen) herself if i haven't missed any.

And the two hints He of the Greenwood gave:
1 - Let me just provide my first promised clue by refining what I mean by “known at the court.” It means they’ve visited it in person and been announced, more than once, not walked into the room as an anonymous servant or been mentioned by some courtier as some outlander of importance - - that is, important somewhere else. It doesn’t NECESSARILY mean they’re a frequent visitor at Court or well-known there.
2 - That is, characters mentioned in Ed's Realmslore series of web columns are eliminated. None of them wrote that sizzling tome.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 06 Sep 2013 17:17:55
Message:

Alustriel was never mentioned?

Thats my new guess!!!

I mean, according to the ORIGINAL Realms story, they were tight, ya know...

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 08 Sep 2013 13:40:54
Message:

Dear Ed and THO,
I would like to ask Ed the following. I love the Realms for many reasons, but among the aspects I am not so fond of is the feeling I get, compared with other campaign settings, that arcane magic is both too commonplace and ordinary and that wizards are much more powerful than all other types of adventurers, almost almighty. So, I would like to ask first if wizards are actually so common that one in ten persons is one, and if there are risks for those who use arcane magic, and secondly if in Ed's campaigns there are non-wizard NPCs who can truly challenge the powerful Realms wizards.
Thanks!

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 09 Sep 2013 07:54:01
Message:

Hello Ed and THO,

Ed, a handful of follow up yes/no questions about Emmer, who’s managed to capture some of my wandering attention and make himself the focus of it. Thus:

1. Have any of Emmer’s chapbooks made it into Candlekeep’s collection?

2. If yes, does Candlekeep have the whole set?

3. Have Emmer’s writings ever gotten him turned away from a place of business or a settlement?

4. Were the goods that Emmer traded in as varied as the facts he wrote down?

5. Did Emmer’s business include selling information?

As always, thank you both.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 09 Sep 2013 23:04:56
Message:

Hi again, all. Jeremy, I just received an e-mail from Ed, so herewith, replies for you:

1. Have any of Emmer’s chapbooks made it into Candlekeep’s collection?
A: Yes. One officially, one brought in by a monk traveling on Candlekeep business. (An early volume and one from two years later.)

2. If yes, does Candlekeep have the whole set?
A: No, just the two.

3. Have Emmer’s writings ever gotten him turned away from a place of business or a settlement?
A: Not that I know of.

4. Were the goods that Emmer traded in as varied as the facts he wrote down?
A: Yes. Emmer was a "buy low, sell high" sundries dealer. As in, he dealt in literally all sorts of stuff, from suits of armor to meat pies, and thread to rocking chairs. Four constant in-stock specialties: ink, quill pens, footstools, and sharpening stones (for knives and other bladed weapons or tools).

5. Did Emmer’s business include selling information?
A: Not that I know of. Delivering sealed letters and contracts and other messages, yes, but these were strictly "take sealed missive from A, KEEP IT SEALED and don't look at it or try to guess its contents in any way, and deliver it discreetly to B" acts, not "for X coins I'll tell you Y" practices.

So saith Ed. Crafting Realmslore daily.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 09 Sep 2013 23:39:12
Message:

And I'm back, with Ed's response to paladinnicolas, re. this: "I love the Realms for many reasons, but among the aspects I am not so fond of is the feeling I get, compared with other campaign settings, that arcane magic is both too commonplace and ordinary and that wizards are much more powerful than all other types of adventurers, almost almighty. So, I would like to ask first if wizards are actually so common that one in ten persons is one, and if there are risks for those who use arcane magic, and secondly if in Ed's campaigns there are non-wizard NPCs who can truly challenge the powerful Realms wizards. Thanks!"
Ed replies:

I can understand why one could get that feeling from the published Realms, because there's so much emphasis on powerful mages. In the same way that New York seen in movies is always being blown up or threatened with doomsday devices or the setting of all-out gang street warfare, but the real New York is rather different. Arcane magic DOES permeate the setting (in the form of the Weave), but it is by no means "commonplace" or ordinary. I would say that perhaps one in every 290 or so people has some talent for the Art (magic), but usually this is a "wild talent," a very limited, lone minor power like an itching sensation when a powerful magic item is very close, or a mighty spell has just been cast in a locale, or is "hanging fire" awaiting activation in a spot the wild talent is standing in. Wild talents are rarely reliable, are usually kept secret, and VERY rarely can be developed, over time, into something a little stronger and more specific.
Perhaps one person in every 400 or so has some limited immunity to some form of magic (lessened damage from fire or cold magic, or increased resistance to mind-contacting magic, for example); unless it's genetic and older family members tell them of it, they may never ever discover they have this immunity.
Perhaps one person in every 900 or so has some ability to wield magic (i.e. become a wizard or sorcerer or other sort of arcane spellcaster). Again, they may never discover this - - and if they need training to develop it (i.e. become a wizard), they may never get the opportunity or the funds to be trained (nor might they WANT to; a lot of folk in the Realms fear magic). My estimate of how many people become wizards would be around thirty percent of those who could become wizards (i.e. 3 in 10 of those talented in the Art ever develop that talent). And of course, once you are a wizard, you are also a target.
The vast majority of wizards get killed when they are low in power (such as Manshoon's "magelings," the novice Zhents he sacrificed ruthlessly in great numbers), and the great bulk of those who do survive become "hedge-wizards" (that is, they get a little training and do a little experimentation beyond that, or buy a scroll or two, and settle down in a small community to make a living casting the six or seven "everyday useful" spells they know, never wanting nor trying to either go adventuring or try ruling anyone or anywhere).
And yes, aside from the risks of everyone else trying to kill you or capture you and use you as a spellhurling slave, you as a wizard face the inherent risks of magic itself; it's like playing with live electricity at the best of times, and experimentations or any situations where one active spell comes into contact with another (i.e. any duel or fight) are especially perilous.
And finally, in the Realms there are many, many individuals powerful enough to rule, dominate, and even oppress wizards. If you look the root Realms products, such as the Old Gray Box, most rulers are NOT wizards. (It's just that the evil wizards' groups, such as the Zhentarim and the Red Wizards, get all the attention.)
Magic is an inherent part of the Realms - - LOTS of magic. Some of it is divine, some arcane, and most of it is unharnessed, or controlled by beings we don't think of as potential Player Characters. The PC users of magic are few and far between; don't let what adventures focus on give you the wrong view of their real reach and stature. Their REPUTATIONS are huge, but even an active band of them (e.g. the War Wizards of Cormyr) can't adequately control a generally law-abiding kingdom - - and one of the few wizards who COULD rule the world, Larloch, is utterly uninterested in doing so; like many ultra-powerful archwizards, he has become obsessed with the pursuit and perfection of magic, rather than worldly power. (Though you may in future Realms fiction see him dabble a bit in the unfolding affairs of the world.) Finally, like real-world superpowers and "detente," the most powerful mages often develop feuds and rivalries, and serve as checks and balances on each other by opposing whatever rivals try to do.
Heh. End of sermon. Hope this is of help.


So saith Ed, creator of the Realms, its magic, and most of its mighty mages.
love,
THO

Edit: spelling mistakes fixed, one word of amplification added, at Ed's request.

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 10 Sep 2013 00:53:01
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Demzer

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hoondatha

About that "Bound and Willing" author: has anyone guessed Elminster yet?

---

Yep, incorrect guess.

Here is a list of past incorrect guesses:
Alaphondar, Laspeera, Glarasteer Rhauligan, Vangerdahast, Azoun IV, Giogi Wyvernspur, Valantha Shimmerstar, Elminster, Storm, Tessaril Winter, Aerilee Summerwood, Dimswart, Thone, Caladnei, Volo, Myrmeen Lhal, Maglanna, Tanalasta, Alusair, Jorunhast, Lady Tavernant, Aundable Inthré, the Lark and Filfaeril (the Dowager Queen) herself if i haven't missed any.

And the two hints He of the Greenwood gave:
1 - Let me just provide my first promised clue by refining what I mean by “known at the court.” It means they’ve visited it in person and been announced, more than once, not walked into the room as an anonymous servant or been mentioned by some courtier as some outlander of importance - - that is, important somewhere else. It doesn’t NECESSARILY mean they’re a frequent visitor at Court or well-known there.
2 - That is, characters mentioned in Ed's Realmslore series of web columns are eliminated. None of them wrote that sizzling tome.

---

Were they announced as their true identity?

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 10 Sep 2013 07:22:42
Message:

Dear Ed, that answer was incredible. If I liked the Realms before now I love them, I always wanted a feeling that even if the world of the Realms is full of magic magic is somewhat mysterious and not commonplace. THO, thanks for being so helpful, as always.
If I may ask something else, is Torm still as strict concerning killing betrayers as described in 2E? In a 3.5 Realms product called Champions of Valor the authors say that good characters must strive to be merciful and seek the redemption of betrayers. Thanks!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 10 Sep 2013 18:20:46
Message:

Hi again, all.
paladinnicolas, no, Torm these days is tending more and more towards merciful rather than inflexible. So, he's less "strict" from a mortal point of view. Why? Mortals can only speculate...
(This comes from Ed, not me.)
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 10 Sep 2013 19:05:59
Message:

Hi Ed/THO, in another thread there was a discussion of the influence of Moorcock on your Realms. Specifically, the 'fact' that Moorcock's elemental lords are the same as those in the Realms (just different names). My question is, are their any equivalents in your original Realms to the various minor animal gods, such as Roofdrak, lord of canines or do the parallels end at the elementals?

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 10 Sep 2013 22:53:05
Message:

I'm not Ed, but you can check these influences in the article "Down-to-earth divinity" in the old Dragon Magazine #54.

EDIT: The animal cults of Moorcock are there, as the names of his Elemental Lords and some other gods or entities from fiction, like Aslan (later renamed "Nobanion").

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 12 Sep 2013 08:55:41
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all. Jeremy, I just received an e-mail from Ed, so herewith, replies for you:

---

Thank you very much THO.

Ed, since your last round of replies I've been thinking on Emmer and have come up with a few more questions about him. Thank you for helping me to learn a little more about this particular NPC.

1. That he's called "Emmer of Tharsult" leads me to ask: was Emmer as much an ocean going trader as a land based trader?

2. Did Emmer make a point of returning (home?) to Tharsult once a year?

3. Did the winter months afford Emmer an opportunity to sit down and write? Or was Emmer more of a write-as-you-go type?

4. Did anything in particular serve as inspiration for Emmer to start writing his chapbooks?

5. Were Emmer's chapbooks primarily hand-printed?

6. Did Emmer try to produce many copies of his chapbooks?

7. Did anyone else like them/find them popular enough to have them reprinted and resold?

8. Were any of his annuals ever bought up in bulk (to the extent that copies of a particular book existed) out of concern by one or more parties that a given annual contained information/analysis better kept out of the public eye?

A lot of questions, I know. Feel free to give yes/no or minimal answers, as I'm sure you're pretty busy.

Thanks again.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 14 Sep 2013 14:30:27
Message:

Not a question, just wanted to point something out...

I am interested in purchasing Razor Coast, and when I was reading about it over at the Paizo store, I found something amusing; read the second review HERE. Start at the emboldened "Ahem. Review." and go from there...

I figure Ed would get a chuckle out of that.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 15 Sep 2013 08:25:53
Message:

Hello THO and Ed,

While looking through my Realmslore notes I ran across the name of Jharakphred, aka he who died by Blueflame Ghost soon after finishing a painting, on or about page 258 of the hardcover version of “Elminster Must Die”.

This led me to wonder the following:

1. Do painters, like smiths, have an equivalent for forgrebrew recipes/thaethar in terms of the paints they mix?

2. If yes, is there a unique word for such recipes and do alchemists sell them like they sell thaethar?

3. Did Jharakphred take any such knowledge about unique pigment recipes with him to his grave?

4. Did concerned friends, relatives or patrons hire anyone along the likes of the investigator for hire Ironeye Houndfyre to search for him?

5. After Jharakphred, who would high-paying patrons of the arts in Cormyr consider to be the next best painter? Or is there some disagreement/is this a subject that’s fashionable to debate in Cormyr in 1479 DR?

[EDIT: one more]
6. Jharakphred doesn't sound like a typical Cormyrean name to me. Was he a native of Cormyr?

Thank you, as always.

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Reply author: Pierre-Luc
Replied on: 15 Sep 2013 21:30:22
Message:

Dear Hooded One, maybe my question's already been answered elsewhere, I'm sorry.

Can priests in the Realms (particularly those of Amaunator, Sune and Torm) marry?

Thank you very much.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 16 Sep 2013 23:00:47
Message:

Hi again, all.
Here we go . . .

sleyvas, Ed says they were announced as their true identity.

Markustay: no, it's not Alustriel . . . and what does that reviewer have against redheads? ;} (That's me, not Ed.)

Jeremy, here are a few replies:
1. That he's called "Emmer of Tharsult" leads me to ask: was Emmer as much an ocean going trader as a land based trader?
Ed: Yes.
2. Did Emmer make a point of returning (home?) to Tharsult once a year?
Ed: He tried to, and usually succeeded (wintering over in Tharsult).
3. Did the winter months afford Emmer an opportunity to sit down and write? Or was Emmer more of a write-as-you-go type?
Ed: Yes, but he was indeed more of a write-as-you-go type.
Oh, and "Jharakphred" is an in-joke. "Jack Fred" was the pseudonym used by TSR artists when they had to do a painting in a day or two days, and hated the result and didn't want their names on it. (There's more to the "Jack Fred" story, but I'll leave that to Ed to tell, some other time . . . other than to mention the irony that "Jack Fred" occasionally won art awards, to the chagrin of the real artists employing the moniker.)
As for the in-Realms Jharakphred lore, Ed will serve it up when he can (probably when he's back from GrandCon).
Which reminds me...

Anyone in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area: the first GrandCon (a convention that focuses on board games and comic art) is this coming Friday, Sat, and Sunday, and Ed will be a guest there, alongside Jeff Grubb, Steven Schend, Tracy and Laura Hickman, and a host of others!I Check it out online and on Facebook...

Pierre-Luc, the answer to your clergy marrying is: yes, with a few faith-related, conditional exceptions (the three deities you list not, so far as I know, being among them).

. . . and that's all for now, folks! More when Ed and I hook up for an e-chat again, and he sends me more Realms replies.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 18 Sep 2013 01:31:20
Message:

"Talaskos Murthrond is a handsome, purring voiced former Zulkir of Thay who long ago foresaw Szass Tam’s rise, faked his own demise, and departed his homeland for a skulking existence spent hiding in remote places of Faerûn amid magical mists."

I'd like to know more about this guy from Dragon 427, Sundering article. Zulkir of what school (thinking either divination, illusion, or transmutation)? When was he in Thay? What exactly did he foresee? Where did he go?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 18 Sep 2013 04:11:51
Message:

Hi again, all.
sleyvas, Talaskos Murthrond was the Zulkir of Transmutation at one time, according to my notes.
Ed will, of course, furnish a proper answer when he can. (Folks in Michigan, he'll be at GrandCon this weekend.)
love,
THO

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Reply author: Therise
Replied on: 19 Sep 2013 14:18:20
Message:

Hi Ed and THO, steering away from the magical for a moment... some of this has been touched on before, but I'll cast a somewhat wide net for these related questions:

I wonder if you could describe some non-magical medicinal plants, ointments, physics, or preparations commonly (and cheaply) sold by merchants/alchemists for some really ordinary types of "everyday" afflictions - such as dry skin, sniffles, coughing, itching, headache, muscle aches, and the like? Is there a Realms plant or simple prepared physic that would be an equivalent to aspirin?

Are there any "common" but Realms-specific ailments that people seek treatment for? I'm thinking here of unusual, but non-magical colds or problems that could be solved with plant preparations or "simple" alchemy methods. Things that would be sold commonly.

Also, are there any learning traditions, well-known books, or minor historical figures that are studied for their contributions to alchemical medicines? Or would this be considered more like "old villager wisdom" or "go see the witch" (who isn't really a witch) kind of handed-down knowledge? Are there schools for learning herbal/alchemical medicines that would be commonly sold in regular storefronts? Do any churches make sure that their priests get a little training in basic, non-magical medicines?

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 25 Sep 2013 01:01:00
Message:

Okay it's just way too quiet. And it's unlike us to leave Ed alone when he's at a Con or busy writing. What gives?

I have a query which is not directly related to Realmslore, but goes more at writing and maybe design. I imagine this sort of question has been asked before, and I apologize if I missed it.

Background. I've been working on rewriting some old modules for the playtest rules and I'm curious if you do similar translations of official modules into the "rules" you use in the home game, or vice versa. When 2e, 3e, and 4e came out I started re-writing some NPCs in terms of the new rules.

Personal epiphany. I've found that this translation process makes me look at NPCs and sometimes their relationships in ways that I hadn't considered before. In 2e, it was "what kit should this one have?" In 3e it was "okay what feats does this one need? Can I advance a lower HD creature for this encounter instead of using this common and expected creature? Hey a paladin of Sune; what's his relationship with the local priestesses? (rated M for mature, that's what.)" In the cases where I'm looking at the same characters or places/relationships under these different lenses, it's sometimes given additional depth to the characters. What I end up with is not just fodder for filling out a stat block; it's (ideally) a character with additional dimensions. I'm sure others have stumbled over this long ago, but I've recently found it to be a cool tool to add to the design process.

Question. What do you think about, beyond their relationships with their immediate family/boss/neighbors, when creating personalities that the PCs may be required/privileged to deal with? I know you're not dependent on published rules, but have you found any aspects of game mechanics (either D&D or other systems) useful as lenses or stimuli for development? Or am I just a bumbling noob?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 25 Sep 2013 18:51:28
Message:

Hi again, all. Ed is safely back home from GrandCon, a delightful weekend of seeing old friends and making new ones. Ed roomed with Jeff Grubb, and a good time was had by all.
However, Ed has arrived back to the usual raft of "must be done YESTERDAY" writing stuff, and of course the Tor novel, and so "will get to" replies as soon as he can (I'm privately suspecting after Phantasm, which is this coming weekend in Peterborough, Ontario). In the meantime, I can start answering some queries recently placed on the table by scribes...
Therise: Almost all organized faiths in the Realms make sure their priests get basic "physicking" training (herbs, poultices, healing and soothing draughts, "meatball" surgery and wound treatment), both for maintaining the health of the clergy and faithful without needing to go to other faiths, and as a source of minor temple income/goodwill-earning. And yes, there are common, widely-known plant preparation medicines and poultices for widespread afflictions (rashes, infections, minor illnesses, allergic reactions to insect stings, etc.)...but I'll leave it to Ed to tackle a proper reply re. this.
xaeyruudh, I know Ed doesn't both to "translate" older-edition NPCs; he just runs them. For him, it's the essential character (aims, aspirations, world view, mannerisms) and not game stats that's important...leading me to suspect that game mechanics play a limited role in his personal (as opposed to game design, for pay) worldbuilding. What you referred to in your paragraph on personal epiphany, however, is VERY important to Ed in his creating, fleshing out, and portraying of NPCs. But of course, more from the man himself, when he's available...
love,
THO

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 25 Sep 2013 19:09:01
Message:

Glad he had fun! That must have been great to hang out with Jeff again. The stories... I'm sure they flowed like rivers.

Thank you THO.

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Reply author: Therise
Replied on: 25 Sep 2013 19:55:17
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Therise: Almost all organized faiths in the Realms make sure their priests get basic "physicking" training (herbs, poultices, healing and soothing draughts, "meatball" surgery and wound treatment), both for maintaining the health of the clergy and faithful without needing to go to other faiths, and as a source of minor temple income/goodwill-earning. And yes, there are common, widely-known plant preparation medicines and poultices for widespread afflictions (rashes, infections, minor illnesses, allergic reactions to insect stings, etc.)...but I'll leave it to Ed to tackle a proper reply re. this.

---

Thank you THO! I hope Ed had lots of fun, and I look forward to additional details whenever he has a chance to go more in depth.

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Reply author: Seravin
Replied on: 25 Sep 2013 21:05:06
Message:

"Ed roomed with Jeff Grubb, and a good time was had by all."

Argh!! To be a fly on the wall in that room and hear the two greatest Realms people talk together. It is my greatest wish that Grubb comes back to the Realms and writes more novels and game lore (with Ed, of course).

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 26 Sep 2013 17:02:48
Message:

Regarding "A Handful of Hauntings":

Good stuff! My instinctive question with this sort of new info is always "where is this?" but I also appreciate it when the implied answer is "wherever you want."

The Sighing Lady is familiar. I swear I've seen her (at least the name) in print somewhere... maybe the original Undermountain box or somewhere in the Waterdeep lore? Humorous observation: googling it yields a romance novel named The Sighing Lady which features an Emily Greenwood.

The Whisperer is very interesting to me. Not sure precisely what I want to do with it yet, but there are a couple of possibilities. Is it meant to be something we can do anything we want with, or is there a specific type of thing (helpful ghost, god, paranoid wizard stuck in ethereal mode) we're supposed to realize that it is? Have you, or are you planning to, use the Whisperer in novels?

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Reply author: Demzer
Replied on: 26 Sep 2013 20:23:48
Message:

Here is a question for the ever growing pile.

Spellfire VS Silverfire, what would happen in such a spell battle between two competent users like the Simbul and an accomplished and very powerful Spellfire wielder Red Wizard archmage?
Thinking about a real spell battle here, not random discharges of magical energy but shots to kill, maim and destroy.
I'm not asking for a straight "this will win", i'm asking for the implications of such a clash, some questions to narrow it down (but feel absolutely free to add whatever you want since it's always good stuff):

- Has a spell battle between one of the Chosens of Mystra and a competent Spellfire wielder ever happened before?
- Would Mystra and/or Azuth ever allow such a spell battle to happen with both parties firmly set on blasting away or would the deities intervene (teleporting the two away, annihilating the Red wizard, cutting them from the Weave)?
- Do the Chosens have some kind of protocol for such occurrences (like a "team up and fire at the offending party all together and take down as soon as possible at all costs" policy)?
- Will there be any consequences for the Weave (thinking about dead magic zone at the site and vicinity with sorrounding wild magic zones or even weirder effects)?
- Will there be any consequences for spellcasters witnessing and/or scrying the event?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 26 Sep 2013 23:24:01
Message:

Hello again, fellow scribes!
Ed tells me that the print version of WHEN THE HERO COMES HOME 2 is finally out, and in honour of this, his co-editor Gabrielle has set up a Goodreads giveaway; see:

http://gabrielle-edits.com/2013/09/26/hero-2-giveaway/

. . . for more!
(Note that this print edition has some stories by Realms stalwarts, but it's the e-book version that has additional stories, including yarns by Ed and Gabrielle.)
((Hey! FREE book, if you're lucky!))
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 26 Sep 2013 23:26:57
Message:

. . . And hi again, all!
Whilst posting Ed's message, I couldn't help but notice the preceding post, by Demzer, and can begin to provide a partial answer:

- Has a spell battle between one of the Chosens of Mystra and a competent Spellfire wielder ever happened before?

A: Yes. More than once.

- Will there be any consequences for the Weave (thinking about dead magic zone at the site and vicinity with sorrounding wild magic zones or even weirder effects)?

A: Yes.
For more, and answers to the rest, Ed will of course have to step in and do the proper Realmslore sage thing. I'm just the ear and tongue candy here...
love,
THO

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Reply author: rjfras
Replied on: 26 Sep 2013 23:59:40
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

So saith Ed. Who is still working hard on Realmslore, Realmslore, and more Realmslore (he tells me he recently handed in the 50th Forging column, for example).
love,
THO

---

With WotC putting Dragon and Dungeon on hiatus for a while, will we continue to see the Forging the Realms articles or have all the ones Ed has handed in been almost all published on the WotC site now?

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Reply author: Entromancer
Replied on: 29 Sep 2013 05:22:03
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Arcanamach

Hi Ed/THO, in another thread there was a discussion of the influence of Moorcock on your Realms. Specifically, the 'fact' that Moorcock's elemental lords are the same as those in the Realms (just different names). My question is, are their any equivalents in your original Realms to the various minor animal gods, such as Roofdrak, lord of canines or do the parallels end at the elementals?

---

The drow society reminds me of the Melniboneans, if a bit more nonsensical.

Cale's relationship with Mask reminds me of the Elric/Arioch dynamic. Not as a ripoff or anything like that; more a well-done homage.

---

Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 30 Sep 2013 00:18:11
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

I was curious if there is anything you could share with us regarding dwarven war machines and maybe a few examples in the Realms? Historically, dwarves always lacked the arcane firepower of other races. This makes me think they must have some other "edge" to help them in their wars against the more numerous goblin races. Naturally this made me think of the dwarves using their knowledge of engineering and war machines to help make up the difference.

Thank you! :)

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Reply author: woodgod
Replied on: 30 Sep 2013 02:55:45
Message:

Hello Ed/THO,

One of the aspects of the Realms that always interested me was the presence of dinosaurs or behemoths. I know some people feel they are out of place, but I don't see why they should be treated differently to any other large beast just because of their relation to our world. Anyway, while there's mention of them in the Realms, I couldn't find much information on their role. How do they get on with other, more magical creatures? Are they hunted for food or trained as mounts by certain races? Do any races have any particular affinity towards them, likr Drow and spiders? Also, are there any magical variants or were-dinosaurs?

My next question can be answered by anyone, but has there been any recent mention of the Pterafolk?

Sorry if the answers can be easily found elsewhere. Thanks and keep up the good work.

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Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 30 Sep 2013 06:28:19
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eilserus

Hi Ed and THO,

I was curious if there is anything you could share with us regarding dwarven war machines and maybe a few examples in the Realms? Historically, dwarves always lacked the arcane firepower of other races. This makes me think they must have some other "edge" to help them in their wars against the more numerous goblin races. Naturally this made me think of the dwarves using their knowledge of engineering and war machines to help make up the difference.

Thank you! :)

---

I'm not Ed, but note that his sourcebook FR11 "Dwarves Deep", mentions that Underhome is guarded by "many traps and engines of war" (p.46). I'd love to know more also.

-- George Krashos
*unabashed dwarf fanboy*

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 02 Oct 2013 10:57:48
Message:

Dear Ed and THO,
First of all, we are constantly asking Ed questions, but I would like to begin this post by thanking and congratulating him for having participated in writing the Murder in Baldur's Gate adventure. I enjoy it a lot and think that it is a great and fun adventure.
On the other hand, in a recent post of his Forging the Realms column in the WotC forum, describing the slaying fever, he mentions Tyr's opinion on the matter. Is it a hint that indicates that Tyr may return? That would be cool. Additionally, concerning Tyr, some people claim that he is the same deity from Norse mythology and others disagree. Is he the same one or a different one, according to Ed? Thanks!

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Reply author: The Red Walker
Replied on: 02 Oct 2013 14:12:39
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

Dear Ed and THO,
First of all, we are constantly asking Ed questions, but I would like to begin this post by thanking and congratulating him for having participated in writing the Murder in Baldur's Gate adventure. I enjoy it a lot and think that it is a great and fun adventure.
On the other hand, in a recent post of his Forging the Realms column in the WotC forum, describing the slaying fever, he mentions Tyr's opinion on the matter. Is it a hint that indicates that Tyr may return? That would be cool. Additionally, concerning Tyr, some people claim that he is the same deity from Norse mythology and others disagree. Is he the same one or a different one, according to Ed? Thanks!

---

Concerning Tyr coming back......we have been told about the gods, they are "all" coming back.

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Reply author: Therise
Replied on: 03 Oct 2013 16:26:37
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Red Walker

Concerning Tyr coming back......we have been told about the gods, they are "all" coming back.

---

I wouldn't trust any rumor, hearsay, or supposed source. Until something's in print, it's up in the air. I was at GenCon and no one actually offered anything concrete or certain in terms of what's going away or what's coming back.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 05 Oct 2013 16:43:59
Message:

I realize Ed is insanely busy (more so then usual), but I hope he can provide some information on Kormul (at the southern end of Lake Lhespen in The Shaar). I have found only five mentions of it in 3e canon - all 'in passing' (simply verifying its existence, lol) - but no real info.

The odd thing is, it appears on the 3e campaign map (and many, MANY places were left off that), so I would think it has some minor significance, at least. The two relevant sources - SS & SK - only have those mentions, so I have no idea how big it is, or what is going there.

EDIT & ADDITION:
Since I am still the last poster, might as well just edit this post - Why are the Firesteap Mountains called the Firesteap Mountains? I can't find anything about them (other then that Bandits like to hangout there).

If anyone else - like Krash, Eric, Steven Schend, etc. - has anything, I'd appreciate your input as well. I know this kind of esoteric lore likes to hide in the most obscure of places.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 08 Oct 2013 18:29:31
Message:

Hi again, all. As it happens, Markustay, I can answer your amendment. The name "Firesteap Mountains" was bestowed by a long-ago human explorer/prospector/adventurer observing a phenomenon that had been seen from afar by many, every few years for more than a century (which is why the name stuck).
The phenomenon was flames and a lot of steam (white smoke rather than the black smoke of burning), boiling up along much of the mountain range. Hence: fire and something (tea or a cauldron of broth, stew, or whatever) "steaping."
The cause of this were now-vanished local hill giants (around a hundred, though their numbers rose and fell over time, from between 40-odd up to almost 300) who'd hit upon the idea of periodically "burning off" the brush on the mountainsides (a lot of thorny brambles and clinging vines; hard work to hew trails through) to not just clear the land and stimulate berry growth (which always happened in profusion two years or so after a burn), but to force out kobolds who dwelt among the cover and plagued the giants with night "swarming" attacks, but also to drive out a lot of tree-dwelling food animals that the giants (gathered in lines) clubbed to death, cooked in the flames, dried, and then buried in larders as "chewmeat."
This all comes from Ed's notes, paraphrased through me to remove references to nearby/local lore that's as yet still secret.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 09 Oct 2013 07:28:19
Message:

EXCELLENT - just the kind of stuff I was looking for.

Thank you for your speedy response, and thank goodness Ed was such a great DM (and you such a good note-taker!)


Although if we ever... ummm... met... I'd probably be the one "taking notes".

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Reply author: Dalor Darden
Replied on: 10 Oct 2013 05:35:23
Message:

Quick question about the Banites within Phlan at the time of the module "Ruins of Adventure":

Are these priests primarily beholden to the High Imperceptor in Mulmaster, or Fzoul's group in Zhentil Keep...or independent of either?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 10 Oct 2013 14:50:09
Message:

Ah! A question that can be answered speedily! Heeeere's Ed:

Hi, Dalor. Like all "devout" Banites of the time, those in Phlan take orders and direction, and diligently report to, the High Imperceptor.
In reality, like many Banites of the time, they are increasingly scornful of his inactivity and decadence, and tailor their reports with half-truths and their obedience with hollow "letter of the word, and no more" performance. So increasingly, they're independent, though trying to appear not to be. They are wary of Fzoul (and disgusted at his increasingly open defiance of the High Imperceptor, as something "me first" that selfishly damages the entire faith), and are avoiding cooperating with him, and misleading the most obvious of his spies.
Hope that's of help. Realms forever!


So saith Ed. Who is happily at work on more Forging columns as I post this.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 10 Oct 2013 14:58:13
Message:

Yaay new Forging columns! Twist Ed's arm and ask him to write one about dwarven war machines! :) hehehe

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Reply author: Dalor Darden
Replied on: 10 Oct 2013 16:18:43
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Ah! A question that can be answered speedily! Heeeere's Ed:

Hi, Dalor. Like all "devout" Banites of the time, those in Phlan take orders and direction, and diligently report to, the High Imperceptor.
In reality, like many Banites of the time, they are increasingly scornful of his inactivity and decadence, and tailor their reports with half-truths and their obedience with hollow "letter of the word, and no more" performance. So increasingly, they're independent, though trying to appear not to be. They are wary of Fzoul (and disgusted at his increasingly open defiance of the High Imperceptor, as something "me first" that selfishly damages the entire faith), and are avoiding cooperating with him, and misleading the most obvious of his spies.
Hope that's of help. Realms forever!


So saith Ed. Who is happily at work on more Forging columns as I post this.
love,
THO

---

Many thanks THO and Ed! Always wonderful to pin down a bit of "stray" lore with hard information.

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Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 10 Oct 2013 17:16:52
Message:

I've asked Ed if he's heard about this year's Nobel-literature-prize winner a few times, but I think this year I'll instead ask: Have you ever met Alice Munro?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 10 Oct 2013 18:14:55
Message:

Hi again, all. Kajehase, both Ed and I have met Alice Munro on several occasions (separately); the Canadian literary world was once a very small place, and is still pretty tiny.
Unfortunately, Ms. Munro is in poor health (she's now 82, if I recall correctly) and pretty much retired from writing. A master of the interesting short story happening to "ordinary" small-town people (usually set in Ontario, Canada).
love,
THO

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 11 Oct 2013 00:22:02
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

I was paging through the old epic 2E Menzoberranzan city book 1 and it makes reference to the drow mage known only as "the Watchspider Wizard" and the infamous "Rebel Mage" Phaerl Godeep. These both sound like interesting characters and I don't believe there has ever been another mention of them in published lore. I was curious if there is any more details regarding these two that could be shared.

Thank you. :)

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Reply author: Dalor Darden
Replied on: 11 Oct 2013 05:10:27
Message:

Another quick question; this time concerning Lurkan the Reaver from ye old grey box:

quote:

---

Lurkan the Reaver, a mercenary "Lord" of the Sword Coast, is moving eastward to the Inner Sea lands. It is said that he intends to take up residence there, and expects to earn a living by selling his skills in the coming conflict between Zhentil Keep, Cormyr, Hillsfar, and Mulmaster; four combatants all with designs on the lands around them.

---

Did this fellow ever make appearance in your game beyond this clack? If so, how so? Any information on him would be great!

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Reply author: Kajehase
Replied on: 11 Oct 2013 06:00:53
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all. Kajehase, both Ed and I have met Alice Munro on several occasions (separately); the Canadian literary world was once a very small place, and is still pretty tiny.
Unfortunately, Ms. Munro is in poor health (she's now 82, if I recall correctly) and pretty much retired from writing. A master of the interesting short story happening to "ordinary" small-town people (usually set in Ontario, Canada).
love,
THO

---

82 indeed. And thanks for responding. Here's hoping she'll at least be well enough to make the trip for the Nobel week. It's quite something to experience from what I understand.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 11 Oct 2013 19:24:13
Message:

A pleasure, Kajehase.
Dalor, Lurkan the Reaver did indeed make that move in the "home" Realms campaign, but he surprised the Knights and just about everyone else by changing careers. He became the sort of "behind the throne" investor who props up rulers in return for near-monopolies on important local industries or shipping, and got very rich while keeping a low profile. When he wanted to fight, he hired adventuring band after adventuring band to swing swords for him.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Dalor Darden
Replied on: 11 Oct 2013 22:32:38
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

A pleasure, Kajehase.
Dalor, Lurkan the Reaver did indeed make that move in the "home" Realms campaign, but he surprised the Knights and just about everyone else by changing careers. He became the sort of "behind the throne" investor who props up rulers in return for near-monopolies on important local industries or shipping, and got very rich while keeping a low profile. When he wanted to fight, he hired adventuring band after adventuring band to swing swords for him.
love,
THO

---

Excellent! With that sort of information, I'm guessing he settled "quietly" in some part of Sembia then...Thank you so much for this information!

I have but one more question from the mists of the far past...this one about Lashan of Scardale. I know he ended up a prisoner in the depths of the earth; but I know so little else about this would-be King of the Dales; beyond a brief physical description:

quote:

---

Lashan was 6 feet tall, dark haired with a heavy beard, very muscular, and had green eyes

---

Is there ANYTHING else (well, as much as possible) that you can share about this fellow?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 11 Oct 2013 22:42:26
Message:

Ed of course knows a lot more about Lashan, but all I can recall is what we Knights learned. Torm ran to earth a sorceress who was willing (for a short time, until she discovered that her every use of her experimental spell drained life-force from her) to spy on Lashan from afar, for handsome fees.
What Torm essentially learned was that Lashan had a hunger for intrigue and power (not BEING a ruler with the high profile, good clothes and food, and the like, but thinking situations through and giving orders that manipulated people and affected things, changing the way things are in the world) that drove him above all else. He HAD to be a "power player," one way or another.
He also saw the Dales as a largely-untapped source of natural resources that could, united, eventually grow wealthier and more powerful than either Sembia or Zhentil Keep. He planned to use Zhentil Keep and then doublecross them with the aid of Sembian interests, but of course was used by them "first and hardest." He wasn't a coward, or afraid of playing dangerous games with himself as a pawn; he was a cool-headed gambler who lost his biggest gamble. He also misjudged some Dalefolk, thinking they'd rally to him once a charismatic leader offered himself, whereas most of them mistrusted all "grand big kings" and preferred local rule, by someone who could be cornered and yelled at if you thought he was being a fool or dishonest.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Dalor Darden
Replied on: 11 Oct 2013 22:49:27
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Ed of course knows a lot more about Lashan, but all I can recall is what we Knights learned. <snip of goodness>

love,
THO

---

Again you are amazing! Thanks, this gives me some solid insight into his nature and drive. It seems he and Gondegal had some very similar personal traits.

As always THO, my DEEP thanks to you.

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Reply author: createvmind
Replied on: 12 Oct 2013 01:48:35
Message:

Hello All,

I was at Comic Con yesterday and purchased the Balrog from Sabertooth games and immediately wondered if any of the denizens of middle earth ever crossed into Faerun and of course wondered has a Balrog ever set foot on Faerun in your minds eye Ed?

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 12 Oct 2013 10:37:17
Message:

Hi THO and Ed!

Do the 20 or so miles of tenanted farms owned by the Spurbright noble family that are located north of Espar (as mentioned on page 141 of Volo's Guide to Cormyr) have a name?

That is, something that an NPC could tack on to their first name, so that instead of "NPC of Espar" they are "NPC of 'that group of farm's name'"?

Thank you both.

---

Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 13 Oct 2013 02:37:32
Message:

Hi again, all.
Jeremy, I pinged Ed (who was deep in Thanksgiving with family; in Canada, Thanksgiving is now instead of November), and he more or less instantly shot back this to me:

"Stonebolt Fields" is the collective name that has stuck to the Spurbright Steads (much to the annoyance of several of the elder Spurbright females, though younger family members tend to like the sound of it, and use it themselves). To wider Cormyr, "Spurbright Steads" is a name for documents and formal negotiations; "Stonebolt Fields" is what everyone uses in daily speech.

So saith Ed, and there you have it! (Ed's been steaming through upcoming Forging the Realms columns and some Primeval Thule stuff these last few days, BTW. World's busiest writer, I swear...)
love,
THO

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 13 Oct 2013 03:13:31
Message:

Many thanks THO. I appreciate the fast reply.

EDIT: Happy Thanksgiving, Ed!

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 13 Oct 2013 15:01:31
Message:

My question concerns the recent article - A Handful of Hauntings.

There are rumors on the merchant trails that I've been riding of the Sighing Lady taking more than just arms and legs temporarily. In fact, these rumors lead to men suddenly looking like "Ken Dolls" as one would call it from your world. Are there any truths to these rumors? Also, do the "dangle wards" being sold by Thaerivus Yonderskull actually provide any protection from the sighing lady? Are there any truths to the rumors that Thaerivus Yonderskull made up the rumors in order to sell "dangle wards"?

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Reply author: Chronos
Replied on: 15 Oct 2013 19:06:11
Message:

Just a quick question to add to the ever growing pile. Tasseldale's Grand Mairshar Elizzaria Whitehand is stated in the 2nd ed campaign setting to be a former priest of Helm who left the church over a religious dispute (although The Dalelands supplement says she was a priest of Tymora). Can Ed shed any light on the nature of the dispute? Thanks.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 15 Oct 2013 20:32:17
Message:

A couple of questions. Hopefully the first will enable a quick response, the other is... well... more of a 'thought exercise', and I realize Ed's spare thoughts are far and few between at this time.

First, I'd like to say I was never a big fan of 'mob movies' - I just never got the appeal for bad people. However, of late I've become enamored of the cable series Boardwalk Empire, and although the Main character - Nooky Thompsom (played by the wonderful actor Steve Buscemi) - is technically a 'bad guy', he is more thoughtful then your typical gangster - more along the lines of how I picture epic background villains (I find it hard even to use that term to describe him - he's more like a rainbow of 'shades of grey', amoral by normal standards, but with his own code of ethics). In the current plot, he is trying to expand his empire...

So it got me thinking about similar 'ganster types' in FR - perhaps someone like Elaith Craulnober. I realize all major FR cities have some form of 'organized crime', even if its truly in the 'underground' (ie, Skullport), with the possible exception of Cormyrian cities. Has anyone ever tried to make a Faerun-wide criminal network? Lets say, expand their activities outside their city, and tried to take-over someone else's turf? Or is there a real organization - that these top-tear criminals meet every so often to discuss business, and work out their differences (and make deals, naturally)? Okay, believe it or not, that was the EASY question.

Now for the second - in your opinion, who would win in a fight, Larloch or Vecna? I am only asking this because Larloch seems to be a favorite topic around here - the guy's got some sort of 'bizarro charisma' LOL - and in my mash-up campaign, I have the Greyhawk lands to the west of Faerun (over where you had Anchorome), and since both those personages exist in my HB concoction, I have to think about stuff like this (not really... but its fun to contemplate). If such a situation existed - that they were continents apart but on the same world - what would they think about each other? I think of Szass Tam as a 'Vecna wanna-be', but Larloch, he's just a whole 'nother animal.

EDIT: and BTW, Happy Thanksgiving!

---

Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 17 Oct 2013 08:48:01
Message:

Hello THO and Ed!

I am sending lots of mental warm fuzzies with this inquiry, because the Realms remains a happy, bright place for me, no matter what else is going on in the real world. Thank you, you two.

Q. Ed, was Vangerdahast capable of moving a sentient mind from a broken body into a healthy body whose mind has been ruined (by mind-reaming, psychic blasts or the like)?

Q. If yes, did he ever actually do it?

I ask because your article I Gloat in Your General Direction! mentions at least one war wizard who was left a drooling mess, and the thought occurred to me that his body might serve nicely for the mind of the other war wizard who was physically maimed by the shapechanged illithid, if that maiming left him unable to cast spells.

As always, thank you both.

---

Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 17 Oct 2013 18:42:18
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

A couple of questions. Hopefully the first will enable a quick response, the other is... well... more of a 'thought exercise', and I realize Ed's spare thoughts are far and few between at this time.

First, I'd like to say I was never a big fan of 'mob movies' - I just never got the appeal for bad people. However, of late I've become enamored of the cable series Boardwalk Empire, and although the Main character - Nooky Thompsom (played by the wonderful actor Steve Buscemi) - is technically a 'bad guy', he is more thoughtful then your typical gangster - more along the lines of how I picture epic background villains (I find it hard even to use that term to describe him - he's more like a rainbow of 'shades of grey', amoral by normal standards, but with his own code of ethics). In the current plot, he is trying to expand his empire...

So it got me thinking about similar 'ganster types' in FR - perhaps someone like Elaith Craulnober. I realize all major FR cities have some form of 'organized crime', even if its truly in the 'underground' (ie, Skullport), with the possible exception of Cormyrian cities. Has anyone ever tried to make a Faerun-wide criminal network? Lets say, expand their activities outside their city, and tried to take-over someone else's turf? Or is there a real organization - that these top-tear criminals meet every so often to discuss business, and work out their differences (and make deals, naturally)? Okay, believe it or not, that was the EASY question.

Now for the second - in your opinion, who would win in a fight, Larloch or Vecna? I am only asking this because Larloch seems to be a favorite topic around here - the guy's got some sort of 'bizarro charisma' LOL - and in my mash-up campaign, I have the Greyhawk lands to the west of Faerun (over where you had Anchorome), and since both those personages exist in my HB concoction, I have to think about stuff like this (not really... but its fun to contemplate). If such a situation existed - that they were continents apart but on the same world - what would they think about each other? I think of Szass Tam as a 'Vecna wanna-be', but Larloch, he's just a whole 'nother animal.

EDIT: and BTW, Happy Thanksgiving!

---

Markustay... organized crime syndicate = Zhentarim... their primary focus is on mercantilism, but they aren't above other things... granted, there's a few competitors, but they're the most widespread. Also, its Nucky not Nooky.

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Reply author: The Masked Mage
Replied on: 17 Oct 2013 19:08:57
Message:

Yeah, most of the groups from cloak and dagger meet that description at least a little.

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Reply author: Seravin
Replied on: 17 Oct 2013 20:09:49
Message:

I always think of the Zhents as being too open rather than underground, but certainly they qualify a little.

The group I think of would be the Knights of the Shield or the Kraken Soceity, truly underground and certainly more widespread than one city or region. But as The Masked Mage says, the Cloak and Dagger sourcebook (which is great) details many groups that are similar in nature. Unless we're missing something in the request? Would like to hear what Ed says in anycase.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 18 Oct 2013 14:16:05
Message:

EDIT: Almost forgot the reason (question) I came in here for.

Blackbarn is mentioned in Power of Faerûn twice (in the Border Kingdoms), once in regards to its location near The Land of Two Princes, and the other just it's position on the map. Whats the deal there? Every other place (AFAIK) on the map was detailed - was this something that got cut from the finished product?

Is this info located elsewhere, like in some old Polyhedron?

quote:

---

Originally posted by sleyvas

Markustay... organized crime syndicate = Zhentarim... their primary focus is on mercantilism, but they aren't above other things... granted, there's a few competitors, but they're the most widespread.

---

Once again, my point was drowned-out by my rambling. I know the Zhentarrim. I know the names of dozen or so 'thief/assassin guilds' (Fire Knives, etc). I know these groups each operate within a limited area (except, perhaps, the Zhentarrim). Then there are other 'Crime families' like The Rundeen, etc. What I want to know is, do these guys - like Semmenon, Craulnober, etc - sometimes sit-down and get together to 'discuss business'. Is it truly a 'global network' of various groups that respect each other's territory, or is more of a 'every man for himself' sort of thing.

I think the group in the best position to run such a 'summit of evil' (lol) would the Kraken Society, since they stay on good terms with all of them.

quote:

---

Originally posted by sleyvas

Also, its Nucky not Nooky.

---

Have you seen the man in action?

This week he violated The Medium... man, she should have seen that coming.

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Reply author: rjfras
Replied on: 18 Oct 2013 16:07:19
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

EDIT: Almost forgot the reason (question) I came in here for.

Blackbarn is mentioned in Power of Faerûn twice (in the Border Kingdoms), once in regards to its location near The Land of Two Princes, and the other just it's position on the map. Whats the deal there? Every other place (AFAIK) on the map was detailed - was this something that got cut from the finished product?

Is this info located elsewhere, like in some old Polyhedron?

---

There is a whole The Border Kingdoms article by Ed on Blackbarn

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frbk/20060531a

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 18 Oct 2013 16:57:44
Message:

Thanks, rjfras - I hadn't even thought to look through online articles.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 20 Oct 2013 09:08:23
Message:

Well again, THO and Ed,

Ed, regarding your Eye on the Realms article in Dragon 428 titled "The Speaking Skull of Themtraver Hall," I have two questions:

1. Did Shalasstrae Craethil have any other dark humored names for the caravels in her shipping fleet, besides “The Fatal Mistake”?

2. By any chance does Shalas still run her business (through factors and the like)?

Bonus question: What are the largest non-sentient mushrooms (if any) to be found in the King’s Forest and how big are they?

Thank you very much.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 24 Oct 2013 07:18:49
Message:

Well Again Ed and THO,

On page 1 of "Elminster Enraged," El recalls a few words to a ballad that's described as one of his favorites among the ballads composed by Storm. The words are, "In the endless dance of death in the dark."

Ed, can you please tell us the name of that ballad, as well as when it was composed?

As well, if it's OK, any of the circumstances around its creation?

Thank you both.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 27 Oct 2013 12:18:15
Message:

Ed, I just noticed another map discrepancy when comparing some older maps; on the map of the Shining South that came with the Dragonspear module, it shows Veldorn between Luiren, Dambrath, and the Forest of Amtar. I tried to see where Veldorn is on the Fonstad maps, but its not even shown.

Was that your original placement for Veldorn, or was that just a glitch on one of the early maps?

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Reply author: Fellfire
Replied on: 30 Oct 2013 03:07:06
Message:

Greetings Ed and THO, I wonder if either of you could supply details about the venerable Turlang the Thoughtful? Did you ever encounter him in your adventures? Can you comment on his appearance (particularly, the species of tree he resembles), personality, and mannerisms? Thank ye kindly.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Oct 2013 19:04:58
Message:

Hi again, all, after too long a silence (off on work-related Net silence traveling). Great questions piling up, and relayed to Ed. Fellfire, I can make a start on answering you, by referencing Ed's notes and the few, fleeting encounters we've had with Turlang in play:
Turlang has appeared as various sorts of tree (always deciduous, and usually a shadowtop, though apparently he formerly favored "being" a blueleaf; he can shapechange fairly rapidly, apparently). He is always tall and "sturdy" of build. His speech is grave but he has a wry sense of humor, he's a very good listener and VERY patient and self-controlled (it's hard to tell if he ever gets furious, because he doesn't betray it by looks, voice, or choice of words), and he likes to study particular humans so he understands what they want, fear, and are motivated by (those who might have some impact on the High Forest, that is; he doesn't ask about, or go seek out, humans far away who will probably never come near his beloved woodlands or affect them).
Turlang often "hides" for long periods by going immobile in the thick forest as "just one more tree," and can apparently commune with many trees over great distances during such periods, to gather their observations and opinions over intrusions into the forest, observed magic, etc.
Turlang is in no sense a coward, but is very pragmatic; if he can see no gain (or more loss than overall eventual gain, if he reveals himself) in thwarting someone setting a fire, he won't do so - - but he sledom forgives and NEVER forgets and will strike when a foe is sleeping, wounded, distracted by other matters, or otherwise vulnerable. He never gloats, he just gets even, leaving no "out" for an enemy and "making VERY sure."
He has long-term projects of rebuilding and extending woodlands, by outstripping woodcutters and the effects of fires, not by trying to fight the causes of tree loss directly. Most elves and druids regard him as a firm, reliable friend and ally, because you know exactly where you stand with Turlang.

There. Ed's notes that he's shared with me run out at that point, so going on would be my speculation and creation, not his...so I'll stop now.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Oct 2013 19:07:28
Message:

Hi again, everyone.
Jeremy, re. these:
"Q. Ed, was Vangerdahast capable of moving a sentient mind from a broken body into a healthy body whose mind has been ruined (by mind-reaming, psychic blasts or the like)?

Q. If yes, did he ever actually do it?"

Ed tells me the answers are both "yes," and that he'll elaborate when he can. Such movements, involving Elminster and some bodies, happen in the Sage of Shadowdale books, notably in ELMINSTER ENRAGED.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Oct 2013 19:10:25
Message:

...And another one for Jeremy. Re. this:
"1. Did Shalasstrae Craethil have any other dark humored names for the caravels in her shipping fleet, besides “The Fatal Mistake”?"
Ed tells me "Yes" to this one, too, and adds two examples: "Blundering Devastation" and "Swift Fell Visitation" (he promises more when he can snatch the time).
love,
THO

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Reply author: Hoondatha
Replied on: 31 Oct 2013 20:56:48
Message:

"Blundering Devastation" sounds like a great nickname for a large and not-too-bright dragon...

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 01 Nov 2013 00:45:59
Message:

Heh. It does indeed.
And being as Ed has given us some really impressive dragon names, over the years...
. . . yet we can ALWAYS use more . . . (hint hint)
BB

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Reply author: Fellfire
Replied on: 01 Nov 2013 05:28:42
Message:

THO, ur the bomb, baby. It's my birthday and I've overindulged. Happy Halloween. I foresee nightmares of being bashed by a log whilst I slumber beneath the sturdy old tree I put my back against. Thanx for the handoff. xoxo. (wink,wink, nudge, nudge)

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Reply author: Sill Alias
Replied on: 11 Nov 2013 16:37:12
Message:

Greetings.

I happen to have a question about spells and formulas (words, inscriptions and gestures used). If it was asked before, I am sorry.

Around the world of Toril, every nation, every country uses similar basic druid, wizard and cleric spells.

But let's imagine that wu-jen from Wa of Kara-Tur and cleric from Swordcoast meet in duel or any other event in which they can see spells of each other.

What differences will be seen? Or are the somatic, verbal and other ingredients are absolutely the same for two foreign to each other cultures?

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 12 Nov 2013 11:13:46
Message:

I'd like to expand Sill Alias' question: as in the 2e Old Empires accessory, magic from Kara-Tur and Zakhara would be different from normal Faerûnian magic? Would "spellcraft" from one region recognize the patterns of magic from other regions? Or magic, to work, must obey universal patterns? Maybe magic was discovered in one proto-culture and spread in ancient times throughout the world?

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 12 Nov 2013 13:35:17
Message:

Well, in canon 'southern magic' used to be very different then the magic practiced in the Heartlands, but that was swept under the table in later editions (which is a damn shame, IMHO).

I think this is one of those areas where simplicity of game mechanics over-ride common sense and lore.

Question:
I have noted several "ex-Cormyrian War Wizards" in canon (just found another in Raven's Bluff), still plying their trade, but no longer associated with Cormyr..... OR ARE THEY? How many of these 'expatriates' are really placed precisely where they are to 'watch over certain things'?

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 12 Nov 2013 18:19:01
Message:

Hi again, all!
Sill Alias and Barastir, in details of verbal, somatic, and material components spells do vary widely from region to region in the Realms, but there are indeed "universal" elements that enable MOST castings to be partly-identified by an observer, akin to the way someone who vaguely knows a little of another language can interpret more than they actually know, by examining context. (This comes from discussions with Ed over the years, not right out of my behind.)
And Markustay, re. those "ex" War Wizards: you're definitely on to something.
love,
THO

---

Reply author: rjfras
Replied on: 12 Nov 2013 22:48:37
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all!
Sill Alias and Barastir, in details of verbal, somatic, and material components spells do vary widely from region to region in the Realms, but there are indeed "universal" elements that enable MOST castings to be partly-identified by an observer, akin to the way someone who vaguely knows a little of another language can interpret more than they actually know, by examining context. (This comes from discussions with Ed over the years, not right out of my behind.)
And Markustay, re. those "ex" War Wizards: you're definitely on to something.
love,
THO

---

Perhaps we should examine your behind... you know, just to make sure...

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Reply author: Barastir
Replied on: 13 Nov 2013 10:04:53
Message:

Thank you very much, dear THO. Any clues about standard (weave) magic having but one origin? This would be from a proto-culture in which magic was created or discovered before a diaspora, a divine origin, or both? Different kinds of magic (weave, shadow, etc.) would also have the similarities mentioned in your previous answer? If so, would they have the same root (or one be based on the other)?

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 13 Nov 2013 10:07:59
Message:

Dear THO, could you please ask this to Ed? I just read in Power of Faerun, recently available on dndclassics.com, that in the Realms licensed lawyers do not exist but that sometimes there are unprofessional and not necessarily law-expert advocates. I just wanted to ask him if according to him this has changed in the Realms since the date covered in the product after all the time advances. I am fond of legal intrigue and thrillers and wanted to run some in the Realms, reason why I'm curious. Thanks as usual!

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 13 Nov 2013 13:43:47
Message:

There were lawyers in The Realms once - it was the one time that ALL the races got together to fight a common evil. They now reside at the bottom of the ocean.

I always knew Faerûnians were much smarter then 'Earthers'.

{all of the above is untrue, BTW... but the idea makes me smile.}

Question:
I'm not sure how to put any of this. You're last response to one of my queries was cryptic, and of course has my mind 'connecting the dots' once again. Lets see...

Are the dragons more important in Realms history then we realize? Is there some 'big secret' hiding just beneath the surface that we haven't stumbled upon yet?

And BTW, thanks for that response; even though it wasn't much of answer, anything that gets me to pore through old sourcebooks again is definitely a good thing.

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Reply author: The Red Walker
Replied on: 13 Nov 2013 16:14:55
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

snip!

Question:
I'm not sure how to put any of this. You're last response to one of my queries was cryptic, and of course has my mind 'connecting the dots' once again. Lets see...

Are the dragons more important in Realms history then we realize? Is there some 'big secret' hiding just beneath the surface that we haven't stumbled upon yet?

---

I have had those thoughts as well about Dragons. And it would seem likely that there are many more "holed up" around the realms than we have ever heard even a tiny scrap about. They can't all be as easy to kill as the ones are that show up in novels.

And I have also found it likely that there are more than a handful of very old and powerful dragons, walking the realms in a shapechanged form , all but undetectable due to there power and wisdom. And maybe a few of them arent even "plotting" anything, they are just enjoying living!

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 14 Nov 2013 02:14:14
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by paladinnicolas

Dear THO, could you please ask this to Ed? I just read in Power of Faerun, recently available on dndclassics.com, that in the Realms licensed lawyers do not exist but that sometimes there are unprofessional and not necessarily law-expert advocates. I just wanted to ask him if according to him this has changed in the Realms since the date covered in the product after all the time advances. I am fond of legal intrigue and thrillers and wanted to run some in the Realms, reason why I'm curious. Thanks as usual!

---

Ed will undoubtedly have more, but I will note that lawyers in the Realms have been mentioned in the old DC Realms comics.

The only other reference that immediately comes to mind is a rather prickly description of lawyers by Elminster in one of the 'Wizards Three' articles. The 'Wizards Three' lawyer reference is in "Once More the Three" [DRAGON #200]:-

“’Lawyer’? What’s a lawyer?” Dalamar asked.

“An agent for thieves and the like, widely used in this world to keep folk from using their swords. They fence with words, not blades,” Elminster replied. Mordenkainen grunted around a forkful of lasagna, “If I know anything about such envoys, most of them doubtless will soon be bigger thieves than those they represent.”

...

I also have this little tidbit from the Lady Hooded One, which may prove informative for you:-

"Icelander, the role of adjudicating legal agreements is carried out by at least four groups, depending on where you are in the Realms:
1. heralds (who concern themselves most with definitions and identifications, such as whether you are the "Hrundar the Potter" named on the parchment, and what is meant by "my best wagon")
2. courtiers
3. local Black Robes (magistrates)
4. clerics of many deities (such as Tyr)
Now, if you're looking for "independent of government" representatives, their role is filled in larger cities (all capitals along the Sword Coast, for example, and in Sembia) by the hired "advocates" Ed has mentioned in the past. Courtiers and Black Robes tend to make rulings strongly supportive of what rulers tell them to say, or in "lock step" support of existing government policy . . . but then, that's the real-world situation, too, almost everywhere.
This reply is drawn from my play over the years in the Realms with Ed as DM. If you'd like a deeper lore response, post a query in this year's Questions for Eddie thread, as you did re. the gems and sailing times, and I'll make sure he sees it. He WILL respond (how soon, I can't say).
love,
THO"

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 14 Nov 2013 13:13:17
Message:

Dear Sage, thanks so much for the information you sent. I hope Ed answers the question. In my opinion, a world in which trade is so important as in the Realms legal foreseeability and counsel seem relevant, surpassing criminal matters, which would make it likely for merchants to seek some strong legal opinion for their agreements; and nations likely have some rules on their international relations. Dear Markustay, you have discovered something, I and other Realms' playing lawyers have risen from the depths of the sea to take my revenge against all races :)

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 14 Nov 2013 14:56:15
Message:

So lawyers are akin to Aboleths? That makes so much sense!

I am now picturing a be-speckled Aboleth - and they have six eyes - poring over some cryptic legal document (probably with a fiend in the background... and a VERY nervous mortal.)

Question: Sort-of related to my previous question...
As far as the 'deeper secrets' of the Realms are concerned - at last one of which you've said is 'staring everyone right in the face' - will we EVER get a little more info about some of them? Do you think it might be possible to peel-back a wee-bit of another layer for the 5e Sundering material? (I am assuming here this Sundering is related to the first, and we will be getting some history to go with it... PLEASE!)

Grammatical/tense sensitive correction

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Reply author: Demzer
Replied on: 15 Nov 2013 10:33:55
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay
at last one of which you say is 'staring everyone right in the face'

---

Uh? I don't like things staring at me!

Do you remember what was the context? Maybe it's time to go secret hunting again and post weird and convoluted theories just for s**t and giggles.

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Reply author: Demzer
Replied on: 15 Nov 2013 10:43:54
Message:

Ed & THO,
Re-reading parts of Dwarves Deep i'm intrigued by the the "Holy Hammer" brotherhood and "The Living Axe" cult, something more than what published that you can share?

Some more precise questions:
- What's the "Holy Hammer" agenda? Do they even have one?
- Has someone caught on what the Hammers are doing? Stalking and spying on them or trying to stop them?
- Is there any specific "Holy Hammer" brotherhood deed in the 1360s or 1370s that you can reveal to us?
- Are there any other prominent intelligent weapons guiding "The Living Axe" cult aside from the "Living Axe" itself? If yes, is there attrition between the different intelligent weapons and the cult cells attached to them?
- Do the cultist stick to intelligent and animated weapons of only genuine dwarven make or do they revere any sentient blade they come across? Or maybe that's a separate "heretic" branch of the cult?
- Is there any specific "The Living Axe" cult deed in the 1360s or 1370s that you can reveal to us?

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Reply author: sfdragon
Replied on: 16 Nov 2013 06:50:24
Message:

I have a yes or no but nda answer I hope its not.

Ed do you have any plans to use Khelben " Ravencloak" Arunson the younger in 5e?????( well its not like I was asking about the older)

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 18 Nov 2013 05:03:01
Message:

Hey now, go easy on the lawyers...

Quick question to THO/Ed.

The cult/church of Sharess in Waterdeep (circa 1372ish), is it detailed anywhere? I'm looking for info on the current (as of then) High Priestess, general size of the membership, and where its shrine/temple is located (at a Festhall perhaps). Might such information exist?

Thank you for any lore you might share on the subject!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 19 Nov 2013 15:52:08
Message:

Hi again, all.
Well, seeing as James Wyatt blogged about it, and there was a radio interview and bookstore signing involved, I guess the Wizards summit Ed and most of the other Sundering authors just attended out in Seattle isn't a secret anymore.
I can tell you nothing about what was discussed, because that IS secret and Ed can't and won't share. However, I can tell you he arrived home happy, despite the length and hassles of air travel these days. And is harder at work than ever.
He promises to get to some lore replies as soon as he can, but shared some swift thoughts and replies whilst eyeballing the latest queries here in this thread, so I can post these:

sfdragon, your query about Khelben the Younger is, I'm afraid, NDA. Sorry.

Demzer, the Holy Hammer brotherhood does indeed have an agenda. Ed will give you proper answers to your "great, meaty questions" ASAP.

Kris, Ed tells me there's nothing in print re. Sharess because the sexual/sensual side of the Realms was being downplayed at the time when 4e was being designed, but yes, he has some notes (because he prepares endless Waterdeep Bibles for in-house Wizards design use, and because play in Waterdeep goes on in various campaigns he DMs or visits from time to time) which he'll dig out and share with you when he can.

Everyone, I get the impression that "when he can" might be this coming weekend, though dribs and drabs may come sooner. Our Ed's a busy boy right now.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 19 Nov 2013 17:49:30
Message:

THO/Ed,

Excellent news about the summit! I'm glad to hear things are continuing apace in the world of the WoTC/Realms alliance.

I eagerly await Ed's Waterdeep/Sharess lore whenever he's got the time to share it! It need not be ahem...overly detailed...in this forum if that's easier. I was mainly looking for the Who's and Where's of the organization's presence in the city (not so much their weekly party schedule...although if he has that lore too he knows where he can send it, Lol).

I've got a group of players who are attempting to insinuate themselves with the Waterhavian chapter of the church so they might get a group of the faithful together to attend the Midsummer Eve's Endless Revel at the main temple of the faith in Calimport (another party that, if Ed has lore about, I'd be eager to get the details on).

THO - thanks again for playing the role of mediator, translator, and general lore bearer!

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Reply author: rjfras
Replied on: 19 Nov 2013 23:49:45
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kris the Grey

THO/Ed,
...although if he has that lore too he knows where he can send it, Lol).

---

Hey! no hoarding the lore!

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 20 Nov 2013 04:51:47
Message:

Rjfras,

Just keepin' it family friendly. Lol

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 20 Nov 2013 10:46:22
Message:

Thanks THO! I really hope Ed can answer the question about lawyers.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 20 Nov 2013 20:54:04
Message:

I would like to ask Ed another question if I may: how are disputes between nations and city-states handled in the Realms? In canon I am aware of treaties (e.g. mentioned in the Companions) and the activities of ambassadors (they are mentioned in Power of Faerun), and perhaps churches exert some influence or mediation, as was once said by THO. Apart from this, I specifically would like to know if sometimes priests of Tyr performed conciliation activities or examined disputes between nations from a legal point of view. Is there something as international law in Faerun?

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 21 Nov 2013 23:23:04
Message:

Reading The Hobbit today, on my lunch break, I was struck by a thought... If you're a dragon, taking over a dwarven city/stronghold isn't an easy task. Sure, dwarven strongholds are pretty nice lairs, but dwarves are reluctant to give them up, and dragons can't fit down all those corridors/mineshafts. And spells and breath weapons only go so far...

So have there been cases in the Realms, where a dragon tried to conquer a dwarven stronghold and turn it into its lair, but was unable to clean out the dwarves, eventually leading to (however uneasily) dwarves and dragon sharing the same space?

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 23 Nov 2013 12:43:28
Message:

Its a standard trope that entire cities/kingdoms of dwarves CAN'T beat a dragon, but if they come back around a century later with only a half-dozen guys or so, they will beat him handily.

Which always struck me as really strange, so I would also like to hear Ed's thoughts on this. I mean, seriously... you'd think they'd stop building dragon-sized entrance-ways after awhile.

Question:
Aside from the obvious Lhaleo(sp?), and perhaps baby Azoun V, have there been other 'hiding in plain site' folk that are either unaware of their heritage, or aware but afraid to step forward, and were 'watched over' by Chosen or Harpers or whomever else, all in secret?

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Reply author: Amedahast
Replied on: 23 Nov 2013 16:16:59
Message:

Could Ed, THO, or any other knowledgeable sages tell me anything about the elvish House Iliathor?

I can only find two references to that house: Jhenna Iliathor, a Harper who makes her residence in an Oghma temple (why a human deity? is Jhenna a half-elf?), and a quick note that the Iliathor family was known to have had a kiira stone. The latter suggests they were a noble house at one point, or at least wealthy and powerful.

Could anyone help me with additional details? Were they sun elves or moon elves? Where did they live? Were they known for anything? Does the House still exist in the 1370s? Truly, any details about them would be appreciated for my home campaign. I'm less interested in the kiira and more interested in everyday, mundane details. Thanks!

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 24 Nov 2013 13:31:51
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, I was wondering if there are purely academic universities in the Realms that do not focus only on teaching magic. Are there any? Thanks!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Nov 2013 14:42:28
Message:

Hi again, all. paladinnicolas, there are academies in almost all large cities (and many smaller places within easy reach of a critical mass of nobility) that teach a variety of worldly knowledge, of everything from the latest smelting and alloying techniques to poetry that reflects the sweep of civilized history. As mentioned previously in this thread, local temples provide the same service to citizens of lesser means - - and informally, with in some cases a lot less accuracy, so do local "hedge wizards" (who don't only teach magic), "wise elders," and traveling minstrels and bards. There are also traveling festive shows in the Realms (circuses) that usually include "Old Sage" characters who impart surprisingly good and thorough knowledge, of everything from languages and mathematics to herbal remedies and current world politics.
So, yes, there are lots of sources that don't just teach magic.
love,
THO

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 24 Nov 2013 15:42:49
Message:

As always, thanks THO! You're great.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 25 Nov 2013 06:46:53
Message:

Hello Again THO and Ed!

Ed, regarding the retirement home known as Daunthers in Cormyr: are there war wizards on guard duty at Daunthers?

If yes, is there a specific, formal name given to that duty? Like Elder Watch or Oldblade Watch, for example?

When elderly Purple Dragons pass away, are they by default buried at Daunthers?

Has an extensive graveyard grown up around Daunthers over time? Or perhaps something underground?

Lastly, are old Dragons allowed to make burial wishes in terms of transport of their corpse? I.e., "Bury me north of Arabel. Bury me not at Daunthers."

Thank you both very much.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 26 Nov 2013 15:28:46
Message:

Hi again, all. Jeremy, Ed is the gent who can give you proper answers, of course, but I can say this much: there ARE guards at all times, known colloquially as "watchers."
I can also help with these two queries: "Has an extensive graveyard grown up around Daunthers over time? Or perhaps something underground?" and "Lastly, are old Dragons allowed to make burial wishes in terms of transport of their corpse? I.e., "Bury me north of Arabel. Bury me not at Daunthers.""
The answer to the first is: yes, in the ground, in underground crypts entered through small stone houses located in the burial ground, and cremated and interred as ashes (with stone nameplate-blocks) in the walls that surround the graveyard (which is large, rambling, and has trees and paths).
The answer to the second is: yes, of course, and desires to be buried elsewhere are both common and almost always followed; the exceptions are impossibilities, like requested burial in a building that no longer exists, and farfetched, such as: bury me in a coffer placed under the bed of the monarch (of Cormyr).
Hope these are of help.
love,
THO

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 26 Nov 2013 16:14:44
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Markustay

Its a standard trope that entire cities/kingdoms of dwarves CAN'T beat a dragon, but if they come back around a century later with only a half-dozen guys or so, they will beat him handily.

Which always struck me as really strange, so I would also like to hear Ed's thoughts on this. I mean, seriously... you'd think they'd stop building dragon-sized entrance-ways after awhile.

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Yeah, but then the giants that the dwarves like to fight couldn't invade their homes either... and that would just make life dull and their strongholds easy to defend.

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Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 28 Nov 2013 11:22:47
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

Here's my question : What is the calendar of the dwarves as there are not using any human calendar ?
I have a Melairbode settlement in a level of Undermountain. There succumbed many years ago, and I have no idea about what calendar they were using at this time. What date would be figured on a rune or "stone sheet" with some official information on it ?

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 28 Nov 2013 17:15:29
Message:

Dear Ed and THO,
If you could put any new thing/story element into the Realms, right now, what would it be?
Just curious...
BB

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 30 Nov 2013 21:54:13
Message:

Was Miirym (Dragon #247) released from her servitude to Candlekeep when the Spellplague struck?

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 01 Dec 2013 06:52:08
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Hi again, all. Jeremy, Ed is the gent who can give you proper answers, of course, but I can say this much: there ARE guards at all times, known colloquially as "watchers."

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If Realmslore had a taste, then your response was delicious.

Thank you very much.

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

The answer to the second is: yes, of course, and desires to be buried elsewhere are both common and almost always followed (snip)

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That duty...taking the dead and seeing to their last wishes: is there a name for it? Can you talk at all about any traditions that have grown up around the activity?

When I think about it, an image of four Dragons riding escort--two in front, two in back--around a cart tended by a fifth Dragon with a priest of Tyr came to mind, the cart sporting a pole with a white triangular flag depicting the deceased Dragon's rank, company badge (if any) and honors earned, so I'm wondering if that's in any way correct?

This seems like something a DM could use to break up the monotony of players traveling from A to B. To me it feels a lot better than simply rolling for random encounters.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 03 Dec 2013 05:23:31
Message:

Hello again THO and Ed,

I ran across an article in the news today about a professional coin washer that works in a San Francisco, California hotel.

(In this case the coin washing started as a way to keep a lady's white gloves from being soiled, while the washing itself uses, amongst other things, buckshot.)

This got me to wondering: are professional coin washers employed in the Realms? (Particularly Sembia or Waterdeep?)

If yes, is this something dwarves or gnomes specialize in?

Do the faithful of Waukeen or Tymora wash coins as part of their religious rights or as a service to others?

As always, thank you both very much.

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 03 Dec 2013 20:17:30
Message:

Dear THO, I would like to ask you or Ed another question (apart from the one on lawyers in the Realms I still hope is answered by Ed in the future :)): do the nobles of different realms or even ruling families arrange marriages of some their relatives with foreign nobles so as to gain influence abroad? Thanks as always!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 05 Dec 2013 16:03:53
Message:

Hi again, all.
paladinnicolas, re. noble marriages, the answer is:
Yes, they frequently do. It's one of the things that helps a Realms DM arrange realistic intrigues and conspiracies; families in one place pass on info to their kin in another, and work against rulers' actions/policies that will hurt their profits/standing/influence in one place or anther.
love,
THO

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 05 Dec 2013 16:43:32
Message:

Thanks THO!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 05 Dec 2013 17:50:53
Message:

Hi again, all. Jeremy, Ed will have to give you a proper answer, but I know from play with the Knights that the clergy of Waukeen in Waterdeep don't (publicly) wash coins, they exchange worn coins worshippers offer for shiny new ones (blessed in the temple to the greater glory of Waukeen, of course). I gather from hints Ed dropped (as DM, but speaking in-character as an NPC) that in some times and places clergy of Waukeen melted down and reminted suspect or counterfeit or degraded [i.e. shaved] coinage, and that most local rulers didn't mind/deliberately overlooked this because it made locally-available coins more trusted and so attracted more business, yielding them more taxes.
love,
THO

P.S. Ed tells me the duty of interring the dead according to their wishes is known as "resting with honour."

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 05 Dec 2013 17:52:43
Message:

And hello AGAIN, everyone...
I just received an e-mail from Ed re. the most recent query by Markustay, about Miirym...
The short answer is: No, but the longer answer is: NDA right now, hopefully will clear by end of 2014.
love,
THO

P.S. paladinnicolas, you're very welcome, and Ed promises a proper answer re. lawyers, when he can... (He is INCREDIBLY busy right now.)

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 07 Dec 2013 13:41:56
Message:

Nice - thanks for the answer.

In fact, that particular response - vague as it was (and probably because of the secretiveness) - leaves me much to speculate on (and look forward to.)

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 08 Dec 2013 06:14:18
Message:

Thank you THO.

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 08 Dec 2013 16:56:08
Message:

An odd thought struck me (as I was reading a related comic) -

Are there any places in Faerûn where the 'veil between the worlds' is so thin/weak that you can see the other side? (in other words, see whats going on in another world, even if it just appears as ghost-like images.)

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 10 Dec 2013 19:22:00
Message:

I'm obviously neither Ed nor THO, but I recall sitting in as an observer (the player spots were already taken) on an Ed-DM Realms adventure at a Milwaukee-era GenCon, where the PCs visited a location (an outdoors ruin somewhere in the Stonelands) where there were several large side-by-side gates (portals) into the same location on another Prime Material Plane.
So the always-open gates acted like a row of doors or windows you could look through into that "otherwhere" (which is what Ed called it, because the players knew it wasn't in the Realms, every opening being surrounded by that blue-white tinge Ed uses a lot to signal "magic at work."
Any hope of Ed or THO confirming just where that spot in the Stonelands is? Or telling us more?
BB

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 11 Dec 2013 18:07:40
Message:

Hi again, all.
Markustay, there are eight or nine such places that I know of from my play experience with Ed as DM, but he says he's going to hold off on a reply to that until mid-January, thanks to "publishing plans that might change in the meantime."
Other than to give me the okay to answer Blueblade: that spot in the northeastern Stonelands is known as Brendur's Pool, thanks to the fine-to-drink spring-fed pool at the bottom of the same little valley that holds the row of gates.
There's a still-secret back story to this place, involving who created those gates, and why. Secret from we Knights, that is; one of the many, many mysteries we haven't had time to delve into properly yet.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 11 Dec 2013 18:12:52
Message:

Thanks for that, Lady THO! I always wondered...
At FanExpo this August, Ed did a great panel on the Realms ahead, cleverly avoiding saying much about the published FR in favor of talking about the home Realms campaign. Wherein he mentioned that neither Halaster nor Khelben, no matter how alive or dead they are, continue to "exert a lot of influence in the Realms." Care to elaborate? Even a brief tease? Please?
Thanks, whether I get silence or something juicy,
BB

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 11 Dec 2013 18:17:53
Message:

And I have another, unrelated (or is it? Bwoohahaha) question. In a recent Forging The Realms column (great series, BTW, please keep them coming!), I believe it was the Lord of the Sewers column, Ed dropped this tidbit in passing: "Ulouth Marr (that's the Lost Gem of Dweomermastery, to those who aren't sages)" . . . so, of course, this inquiring mind would love to know more about this gemstone.
Ahem.
Thanks in advance,
BB

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Reply author: astion
Replied on: 12 Dec 2013 07:14:00
Message:

I have a question about numbers of Cormyr War Wizards (circa 1372)
and i apologize beforehand for my awful english.


As saith Ed (09/09/2013) Perhaps one person in every 900 or so has some ability to wield magic (i.e. become a wizard or sorcerer or other sort of arcane spellcaster).Again, they may never discover this - - and if they need training to develop it (i.e. become a wizard), they may never get the opportunity or the funds to be trained (nor might they WANT to; a lot of folk in the Realms fear magic). My estimate of how many people become wizards would be around thirty percent of those who could become wizards (i.e. 3 in 10 of those talented in the Art ever develop that talent).

so we talking about average of 1 spellcaster per 2700 "normal" people
and that 1 particular spellcaster can be neither lawfull good or loyal to crown. He (or she) may be in fact chaotic evil petty criminal magicuser abusing "charm person"

But entire population of cormyr is 1.5 millon people at large.
Even if Crown find and conscript by force every single "wizardy capable" person they get about 555 spell casters at all (1 per 2700 remember?)
including but not limited,-necromancers, cultist of Malar, Shar simpathizers and all other kinds of shady persons.

So, my question is:
How Cormyr manage to get about 500 (or even 2000) loyal and lawfull war wizards?

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 12 Dec 2013 13:32:12
Message:

Thank you for the reply.

I know some portals work that way - I've seen a few in fiction and Realmslore (and then there was Telemont's scrying pool).

What I was talking about was where the 'veil between the worlds' is physically 'thin', so to speak, not portals. I was thinking maybe a person would be in a certain place and see ghost-like figures about, and think it was haunted, but really you were just see images from some other 'elsewhen' (so it could also be a time distortion as well).

And, of course, the folks on the other side might also be able to see ghost-like images of you. I've seen similar things done in comics and TV, and I was thinking about planer conjunctions - especially with The Sundering going on, magical chaos, and the whole thing with 'Abeir'.

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 12 Dec 2013 15:25:50
Message:

Re. this: "But entire population of cormyr is 1.5 millon people at large."
I follow your math and your reasoning, astion, but where does this figure come from? A recent canon source, I'm guessing...
Or for that matter, this: "How Cormyr manage to get about 500 (or even 2000) loyal and lawfull war wizards?"
...Because I remember Ed talking about how surprisingly (to me, at least) few War Wizards Cormyr had, at various points in its history. Even the 500 figure seems high to me.
BB

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 12 Dec 2013 15:43:58
Message:

I'm not Ed, but Cormyrian war Wizards don't all come from Cormyr's population.

I can think of three (both past and present) who are definitely not 'Cormyrian'. In fact, one of those has a status that outranks even the Royal Wizard (Elminster... who else? ).

Also, wizards tend to outlive most other people (especially two of those I am thinking of above). You can't go by normal human lifespans. Some 'retired' war Wizards may have been active over a century ago, but now reside somewhere else... but are still 'on call'. Thus you have a 'standing army' of War Wizards, and probably several hundred 'reserves' that can be called upon when need be.

Hell, a former 'Mage Royal' is still around, beneath the Sea of Fallen Stars. Hopefully Ed will have more to add, I am sure.

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 12 Dec 2013 16:33:13
Message:

Also, with a large group of wizards in the nation, magical training for those with talent is going to be easier to obtain than it would be in other areas. So the one third of the one in nine hundred would apply to the Realms as a whole, but in some areas, the number is skewed significantly higher. Just look at Thay or Halruaa to see places where those numbers don't apply.

That's also not factoring in that magically talented people may occur more frequently in some areas, too, either because of random genetics or deliberate tampering -- and we've seen the latter in the Realms, as well. And again, look at Halruaa -- practically everyone there uses magic, even if just a couple of cantrips.

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Reply author: Therise
Replied on: 12 Dec 2013 17:48:33
Message:

Here's a fun but weird question for Ed and THO during this season of sending holiday mail and packages. It may have been asked before, not sure.

Do different nations in the Realms have "package delivery" and mail services? I'm wondering specifically about Cormyr and Waterdeep, but what about places like the Dales, the Swordcoast, Amn, or more independent cities throughout the heartlands?

If so, do some nations do this through the crown? Or is this one of those things that is more the purview of extremely wealthy people who have their own private runners? (Perhaps all of the above?)

How would mailing packages be handled, especially when crossing national borders? Early on, I'd imagine that very rich people would just hire couriers. But in the more "renaissance" age, with very large cities like Waterdeep, Athkatla, and Suzail, would very expensive personal couriers evolve into guilds that have "mail networks" and outlets in cities across the Realms?

If guilds exist, would they offer insurance on package delivery? And if crossing national borders, would magical package-scanning be done in order to prevent or reduce smuggling or transportation of dangerous goods? (I just had a really humorous image come to mind of an old Cormyrean War Wizard magically scanning packages, bored out of his mind)... (and another of a put-upon War Wizard in a Crown Mail Office reading off a long list of NO-NOs for transport, such as magical items, live animals, toxic substances, and poisons).

So many questions... how does mail and package delivery work in the Realms? And how expensive would it be for just an ordinary letter within a city or a package perhaps going from Suzail to Athkatla?

(apologies if this has been asked before... my search tool isn't turning anything up yet...)

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 12 Dec 2013 17:53:02
Message:

Ed,

How old is Lurue to the realms? I've always gotten the feeling that she was an old god. However, Powers and Pantheons says that she was foaled basically after Mielikki was in the realms (because Lurue appeared on a shaft of moonlight in front of Mielikki). Just wondering, is Lurue something like a Phoenix that is "reborn" if she martyrs herself?

As an addendum to that question, its noted in the old Faiths & Avatars that Mielikki was a Toril bound goddess until the time of troubles. Since she was known as a multi-spheric being, this makes me think that PERHAPS like the Mulan Gods, the Finnish Pantheon was forced to send manifestations of their deities to Toril. This is SOMEWHAT further supported because Loviatar was also a demipower in the old grey box. I do note that the old "On Hallowed Ground" says that both Loviatar and Mielikki came to Toril as a hedge bet to keep themselves alive when their pantheon was fading.

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Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 12 Dec 2013 21:50:14
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by sleyvas

Ed,

How old is Lurue to the realms? I've always gotten the feeling that she was an old god. However, Powers and Pantheons says that she was foaled basically after Mielikki was in the realms (because Lurue appeared on a shaft of moonlight in front of Mielikki). Just wondering, is Lurue something like a Phoenix that is "reborn" if she martyrs herself?

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This is an excellent question, we know from a previous post by Ed that Lurue was the original home campaign Realms deity of all magic but nothing actually mentions her 'age'.

Are we to assume that she is at least as old as Mystra (if not older), given the Selune/Shar incident that birthed the goddess of magic? is it possible they created Lurue instead of Mystra, or was Lurue ('The Weave') already in place (perhaps dormant and untapped) and Mystra manifested from the weave and took a more 'solid' form because of the actions of Selune and Shar?

I really really like this question, looking forward to hearing from Ed on this one

Cheers

Damian
ps of course given what Ed says below that Lurue is Toril, is Lurue actually Chauntea or at least the proto-Chauntea (the planet) either before or during the time that Shar and Selune 'came into existence'? Is she in fact the oldest deity (apart from AO) that the Realms has, the magic from which sprang all the other Gods and Godlets?

****
Originally, Lurue WAS magic—before Julia Martin added the name “Weave” to my GenCon explanations of ‘the great web of magic that’s everywhere in Toril, binds Toril together, and IS Toril,’ Lurue was the embodiment of the Weave. As such, she could teleport without error or limit, through all barriers and spells, was immune to all known magical [and psionic] effects, could raise dead, heal, regenerate and restore with the touch of her horn—and also spew silver fire from it—and so on. Her very proximity dispels illusions and curses, purifies and neutralizes poisons and taints, and purges diseases. And on and on. [To the usual chorus of “Look, yet another all-powerful Greenwood munchkin!” I reply: Yes. Of course. This is THE all-powerful goddess, and she’s also whimsical. We can’t understand why she does what she does, so she can’t be controlled, or act like any sort of tyrannical munchkin, any more than a mountain range or an ocean can be.] She tended to be as curious as a newborn babe, utterly fearless, and kind to injured creatures. And yes, I tucked in the “patron of virgins, but can also make barren wombs bear” folklore, too. Only virgins could ride her, and those who did got that silver hair the Chosen who are Mystra’s daughters all share, and ‘wild talent’ innate magical abilities, and were marked for special tasks and achievements all their lives.

The TSR designers quite rightly (given the humanocentric core of that version of AD&D, with its level and power limits on non-humans) wanted human gods to be front and center and of the greatest power and importance, so Mystra (most important to intelligent creatures trying to USE magic) became also the Guardian or Mother of the Weave, and Lurue sort of . . . danced sideways. To become the awe-inspiring mystery she is now.
****

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 13 Dec 2013 02:15:08
Message:

Therise, I'm sure that has been asked before (though my memory falters if it was here at Candlekeep or on the old Realms listserv or elsewhere). Ed said temples have always had temple-to-temple couriers and have always made money by carrying items and messages for parishioners, and trading costers have always done the same thing (I think doing so was one of the things that made a "coster" different from a "priakos") . . . but I'm hoping Ed surfaces to give you a new reply, himself. Because he always drops a new tidbit or two along the way...
BB

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 13 Dec 2013 02:15:24
Message:

Greetings to you Ed,

I've yet another query regarding older Realmslore that I hope the lovely Lady Hooded One can ferry to your virtual shores.

Currently, I'm re-reading the PDF of The Code of the Harpers. I came across a little tidbit that I'm having difficult finding further information for [assuming it has been elaborated on, officially, elsewhere]. So I thought it best to come directly to the source.

Specifically, my query pertains to this section of text on pg. 18 [printed version]:-

quote:

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After the caravan had been scattered by another brigand attack (led by a vampire), Mestrel wandered alone and came upon an ancient ruined city somewhere east of the Glittering Spires - a city inhabited only by ghouls and vultures. In a shattered hall he found magical treasures and a glowing, beckoning oval of radiance. Boldly he snatched up the magic and stepped into the cold embrace of the light, knowing he was entering a magical gate-but not knowing where it led. And so it was that as the year drew to a close, Mestrel the Harper disappeared.
Until he reports back, none of the other Harpers of Faerûn will know where the gate leads, either.

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I'm wondering whether the ruined city was ever named/referenced elsewhere in the Realmslore? Also, was the fate of Mestrel ever revealed? Or, for that fact, where the magical gate led to?

Many thanks, as always, to you both for assisting me with these queries.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 13 Dec 2013 02:29:23
Message:

There is an earlier entry on altar-sworn priests, who deliver goods and other items of importance, all over the realms.

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Reply author: astion
Replied on: 13 Dec 2013 05:28:10
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Blueblade

Re. this: "But entire population of cormyr is 1.5 millon people at large."
I follow your math and your reasoning, astion, but where does this figure come from? A recent canon source, I'm guessing...
Or for that matter, this: "How Cormyr manage to get about 500 (or even 2000) loyal and lawfull war wizards?"

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Population count of Cormyr- from "Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3.0"
and War wizards numbers from "War wizards of Cormyr" article there in candlekeep and from "Volo guide to Cormyr" (90 war wizards in Suzail, about 60 in Marsember, fit well with 500 at all)

quote:

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...Because I remember Ed talking about how surprisingly (to me, at least) few War Wizards Cormyr had, at various points in its history. Even the 500 figure seems high to me.
BB

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For me too, 100-150 look much more reasonable
But ill be waitin for further clarification and will adjust either - population of Cormyr, number of war wizards or percentage of "wizardy capable" in forest kingdom

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

I'm not Ed, but Cormyrian war Wizards don't all come from Cormyr's population.

I can think of three (both past and present) who are definitely not 'Cormyrian'. In fact, one of those has a status that outranks even the Royal Wizard (Elminster... who else? ).

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So Cormyr suck all nearby lands dry of spellcasters?
i can belive that, but than spellcasters in , say Sembia or Westgate must be much more valuable , prestigious and wage way more than in other lands. If they wage more in, say Sembia, cost of recruting will rise for Cormyr , but Cormyr already almost bankrupt.
Seems like supply and demand highly against that assumption. (besides dubious loyalties of foreign mages)
PS
Thanks for replies!

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 13 Dec 2013 14:45:41
Message:

First, NO to the above. There are several lands who 'frown' upon arcane casters. There are also plenty of 'backwaters' that produce people with magical talent. When someone from those places wants to learn magic - and not risk death at the hands of people like the Zhents or Thay - they will try to find the place where they can get the knowledge they seek, without having to sacrifice their morality in the process (although morality in The Realms is a bit more ambiguous then on our world). Thus, given the choices, you wind up in Cormyr (Candlekeep requires a 'cover price', and Halruaa requires you to be Halruaan). The land simply attracts these types like moths to a flame. That also doesn't mean that Cormyr isn't above 'poaching' talent when they see it.

Second - Lurue. I am now wondering if she is some sort of 'vestige'; a 'leftover' from some previous 'deity of magic'.

Third, I need a question. Ed, did any of your players ever make it up to Sossal? If so, is there anything at all you can share about that?

quote:

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Originally posted by The Sage

Greetings to you Ed,

I've yet another query regarding older Realmslore that I hope the lovely Lady Hooded One can ferry to your virtual shores.

Currently, I'm re-reading the PDF of The Code of the Harpers. I came across a little tidbit that I'm having difficult finding further information for [assuming it has been elaborated on, officially, elsewhere]. So I thought it best to come directly to the source.

Specifically, my query pertains to this section of text on pg. 18 [printed version]:-

quote:

---

After the caravan had been scattered by another brigand attack (led by a vampire), Mestrel wandered alone and came upon an ancient ruined city somewhere east of the Glittering Spires - a city inhabited only by ghouls and vultures. In a shattered hall he found magical treasures and a glowing, beckoning oval of radiance. Boldly he snatched up the magic and stepped into the cold embrace of the light, knowing he was entering a magical gate-but not knowing where it led. And so it was that as the year drew to a close, Mestrel the Harper disappeared.
Until he reports back, none of the other Harpers of Faerûn will know where the gate leads, either.

---

I'm wondering whether the ruined city was ever named/referenced elsewhere in the Realmslore? Also, was the fate of Mestrel ever revealed? Or, for that fact, where the magical gate led to?

Many thanks, as always, to you both for assisting me with these queries.

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I asked a related question myself, some time ago. I asked if the fate of the Harper was ever discovered.

As for the city... Note on my Hordelands Map the city of 'Fanlaag', in The Plain of Horses. I named it myself, so the name isn't canon. It was a good place for that city, however. I had some homebrew to go with that odd location (it was a former penal colony of Ruamathar, and once held the infamous Copper demon of Troos). Because really awful 'magical experimentation' also took place there, the name was an 'Orientalized' version of 'Stalag'. Once again, homebrew...

But I eagerly await a response from Ed as well.

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Reply author: Therise
Replied on: 13 Dec 2013 15:45:46
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Blueblade

Therise, I'm sure that has been asked before (though my memory falters if it was here at Candlekeep or on the old Realms listserv or elsewhere). Ed said temples have always had temple-to-temple couriers and have always made money by carrying items and messages for parishioners, and trading costers have always done the same thing (I think doing so was one of the things that made a "coster" different from a "priakos") . . . but I'm hoping Ed surfaces to give you a new reply, himself. Because he always drops a new tidbit or two along the way...
BB

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Temple priests as couriers, wow interesting. I really like that concept. And I kind of suspected that trade costers would do similar package/mail delivery.

Now that you mention it, I have a vague old memory of someone asking about a pony express or something, and that could have been here or on the old Realms listserv. With time and some of the changes to Google, etc, my search-fu just isn't hitting anything. I really wish I could remember better.

But thanks! And hopefully Ed or THO can flesh out some more answers on mail and package delivery. I'm especially curious if Cormyr ever tried a delivery service as a function of the Crown - but not just for official Crown business... did they ever try (or do they have now) a Crown-run public mail service, and what might that look like?

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 13 Dec 2013 16:10:27
Message:

Hi.
astion, re. this: "but Cormyr already almost bankrupt."
Nope. Can't be. The Crystal Grot, remember?
War Wizards travel all over the country (see ELMINSTER ENRAGED) and then there are handfuls of "duty" War Wizards at settlements (small handfuls if it's not a near-border place like Thunderstone or strategic/troubled like Arabel and Marsember). I think we have to be very wary when extrapolating "if there's X in Suzail, then there must be Y elsewhere." The great bulk of EVERYTHING happens in Suzail (where the Court is, and the busiest port that's also the place where most nobles gather at any one time), and it's where Vangey and Caladnei wanted the most spying eyes on said nobles, so of course there will be a large number there.
As for "suck from surrounding lands"...Sembia is awash in wealth and entreprenurial activity, so they can hire all the wizards they want (and there are probably more mercenary-minded, independent wizards in the world than there are those who want to be loyal to the Dragon Throne or want to be told what to do and how to behave; witness all the War Wizard bumblers depicted in Ed's Sage of Shadowdale trilogy).
Not trying to shoot you down, just pointing out relevant points re. the issue. Hoping Ed will elucidate, of course...
BB

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 13 Dec 2013 16:49:24
Message:

I have a feeling I might know where both of the gates referenced in the earlier questions (i.e. Stonelands and missing Harper) might lead, but I'll keep my speculations to myself until we hear from the font of lore himself (or his charming designated lore sharing representative)...

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 14 Dec 2013 21:00:08
Message:

Hi again, everyone.
To The Sage and Markustay, Ed saith that the fate of Mestrel the Harper is still NDA. "For now," he added.
Ah, to be cryptic and mysterious...

love,
THO

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Reply author: arry
Replied on: 15 Dec 2013 00:45:51
Message:

Has Ed ever mentioned any superstions of Realmsfolk?

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Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 16 Dec 2013 05:37:20
Message:

I posted the following queries in another thread but decided to get some info from the renowned sages Ed and THO. I'm basically curious about adventuring charters in Cormyr.

1. Groups lose and recruit new members, do the new members have to be declared?
2. As the original group goes into retirement, are other members allowed to retain the charter? In other words, would the charter be allowed to continue in perpetuity?
3. Or, would the charter effectively be void once the final founding member is dead? And, if so, would the charter be renewable by the other members.
4. What are the limits to the charter? Such as limits on number of members or limitations on races allowed.
5. What are their duties (aside from alerting the Crown to possible threats)? Are they REQUIRED, as a stipulation of the charter, to make themselves available for service to the Crown in times of crisis (either with or without pay)?
6. Does the Crown have any obligations to the charter. For instance, would the charter members be allowed certain courtesies (such as the custom of lodging for knights during Medieval times).

Any other information outside those basic questions will, of course, be received with much gratitude.

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Reply author: Garen Thal
Replied on: 16 Dec 2013 17:04:17
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Arcanamach

I posted the following queries in another thread but decided to get some info from the renowned sages Ed and THO. I'm basically curious about adventuring charters in Cormyr.

1. Groups lose and recruit new members, do the new members have to be declared?
2. As the original group goes into retirement, are other members allowed to retain the charter? In other words, would the charter be allowed to continue in perpetuity?
3. Or, would the charter effectively be void once the final founding member is dead? And, if so, would the charter be renewable by the other members.
4. What are the limits to the charter? Such as limits on number of members or limitations on races allowed.
5. What are their duties (aside from alerting the Crown to possible threats)? Are they REQUIRED, as a stipulation of the charter, to make themselves available for service to the Crown in times of crisis (either with or without pay)?
6. Does the Crown have any obligations to the charter. For instance, would the charter members be allowed certain courtesies (such as the custom of lodging for knights during Medieval times).

Any other information outside those basic questions will, of course, be received with much gratitude.

---

1. Yes, new members must be declared, in the presence of a local lord or lord commander (such as the Lord Commander of High Horn), or other high officers of the realm.

2. Yes, in certain circumstances. Generally, "new" members not on the original charter must have already been prsented an declared before they are permitted to present and declare new members, so there's no joining up on the road, having the entire company killed off by a dragon, and having the lone newbie trudge back and restart the adventuring band. Only established members can carry on a charter.

3. No. See #2, above. However, a defunct company (that is, a chartered company with no surviving members) can have its name repurposed for a future company. This is the name only; even if the Court will allow the re-use of a name, the Heralds (these being the High Heralds) will not allow the re-use of any badge or heraldry to confuse the two companies with the same name. [See Chapter 9 of Swords of Eveningstar for an example of this phenomenon, when the future Knights of Myth Drannor could not choose for their name the 'Swords of Espar,' because members of that band still lived.]

4. Officially, the limit on membership is capped at 30 (30 is considered the dividing line between "huge adventuring company" and "mercenary company"). Unofficially, the Crown is uncomfortable with adventurers in groups larger than a dozen or so unless they register as mercenaries, because it knows full well the difference between the specialized strike-force nature of a group of adventurers and the masterless army that is a group of mercenaries.

5. Chartered adventurers must report hazards to the Crown, and are considered agents of the Crown when it comes to apprehending unchartered adveturers and unregistered mages. While no one can be pressed into service to the military except in an all-able-bodied-adults situation (like the war with Nalavara), the Crown can draft the charter--and, by extension, anyone named in it. Failure to appear won't result in revokation of the charter, but will prevent those named in the charter from being chartered again. The Crown does this very rarely, primarily with mercenary companies rather than adventuring bands, and always for pay.

6. Basically, the charter allows members to walk about the realm armed and armored, liveried, exploring ruins and facing down monsters without fear of reprisal or subjection to the common laws of salvage and recovery--which is to say: an adventuring band permitted to explore a ruin and coming out with an ancestral crown of a noble can sell that crown back to that noble's family for a hefty fee; a commoner who stumbles upon it can expect to have it demanded back and a small pouch of copper and silver tossed at his feet.

Of course, I assume Ed will have more, but hopefully, this helps.

Some more information about adventurer's charters, mercenary companies, fees, and other, more lofty matters, can be found in my Crowns and Mantles article from Dragon #407.

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 16 Dec 2013 17:57:17
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

I've been busy designing a fortified way-inn and had a quick question. What kind of rates do these places charge for a nights stay? 25 to 50 gold a night? I'm curious if you could share what kind of costs are associated when adventurers stay at them. Thank you. :)

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 17 Dec 2013 19:55:06
Message:

That sounds way high to me. Obviously it would vary from place to place (is there competition? is the region dangerous?), but I recall observing at an Ed-run Realms session at a convention in Toronto, Canada (Ed's hometown for years and years), and adventurers staying at a roadside inn in a dangerous area of the Sword Coast North paid 6 gp/head/night for basic lodging (stew and bread and "plain ale" and cold wash water included), it went up to 8 gp for a private room to sleep in, for 1 gp more a really good hot meat meal, and for 1 gp more unlimited good beer and sherry and zzar (patron's choice; can switch choices from tankard to tankard), and stabling was 2 gp on top of that (includes food, water, rubdown, blanket in winter, but it's 1 gp extra for horse doctoring and/or tack repairs).
I wrote it all down because I was interested in this for my campaign. If I remember rightly, the PC band negotiated a rate of 12 gp each that included it all: all you can eat and drink of the best wine and beer and food available, doctoring and pampering of their mounts - - which meant they all got roast fowl on skewers for the night, and a whole roast pig done overnight that got carved up so they could dine on it for morningfeast and then take it with them.
Hope Ed or THO can add to this/correct it if I got anything wrong.
BB

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 18 Dec 2013 21:06:29
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by crazedventurers

(from Ed)
This is THE all-powerful goddess, and she’s also whimsical. We can’t understand why she does what she does, so she can’t be controlled, or act like any sort of tyrannical munchkin, any more than a mountain range or an ocean can be.] She tended to be as curious as a newborn babe, utterly fearless, and kind to injured creatures. And yes, I tucked in the “patron of virgins, but can also make barren wombs bear” folklore, too.

---

This reminds me of Alanis Morissette's portrayal of God in the movie Dogma. Awesome... in the real sense of the word, not the popular usage. There's philosophy and both simplicity and depth there. Awe-inspiring mystery, indeed.

Is the Dogma comparison valid, Ed? Obviously there's more to Lurue than that performance but I like it as an inspiration. Actually it's been quite a while since I've watched it, so I should probably watch it again before commenting, but I'm a shoot-from-the-hip kind of questioner.

Also: I hope all is well up there in the frozen north, and Happy Holidays to all!

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 19 Dec 2013 01:16:11
Message:

Dogma was very 'deep' for a stoner movie. Its like I always say, you find useful lore in the strangest places.

Ed, do you foresee WotC allowing authors to write novels set in all eras, or do you think they'll have to use the sneaky 'flashback thingy' (that you are so famous for) to help back-fill in Realmslore?

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Reply author: Therise
Replied on: 19 Dec 2013 20:31:44
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Markustay

Dogma was very 'deep' for a stoner movie. Its like I always say, you find useful lore in the strangest places.

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Like the Golgothan poop demon.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 20 Dec 2013 16:42:15
Message:

Hi again, all. Just checking in on my way through an airport. . .
To confirm that Blueblade wrote down everything correctly, all those years ago: the inn rates and terms are what I have in my notes, too (obviously, prices vary from place to place, competition and location being the main factors, but the "model" Blueblade set forth is correct).
Must run, darned boarding calls...
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 20 Dec 2013 16:56:40
Message:

Thanks THO and Blueblade! :)

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 21 Dec 2013 20:48:31
Message:

Hi again, all.
A public service announcement to Ed fans who enjoy reading fiction outside the Realms...

BY FAERIE LIGHT is out from Broken Eye Books: eighteen tales of the fae in hardcover, edited by Scott Gable and featuring Jennifer Brozek, James L. Sutter, Dave Gross, Elaine Cunningham, Erin Hoffman, Shanna Germain, Cat Rambo, Jeffrey Scott Petersen, Christie Yant, Lillian Cohen-Moore, Torah Cottrill, Erik Scott de Bie, Andrew Romine, Ed Greenwood, Amber E. Scott, Jaym Gates, Nathan Crowder, and more...listed on Amazon, ISBN is 1940372038, ISBN-13 is 978-1940372037

. . . AND, Ed's been a busy boy! If you don't mind pdf e-books only (more formats to come), head on over to: http://theedverse.com/
. . . and pick up a FREE suitable for reading aloud Christmas story (Ed does one of these a year, and has done for more than a decade, so I suspect there'll be an anthology of them coming in the future!); apparently the site sends you a password in the fullness of time...

or, at the same site, buy an e-book of five Ed short stories, two horror tales and three light (which means MAINLY humorous) fantasies, entitled PLATTER OF SURPRISES, Volume 1. Ed tells me two good friends have started up this site for him and great things are planned for the future (but likely for the next little while, there'll be individual e-stories for purchase, more Platter short e-books, and lots of fun free content at the site, where Ed will hang out with those of us who like to hang out with Ed).
I've read most of the stories in PLATTER, and at least two of the fantasies are EACH worth the price of admission, on their own.

And Ed also tells me he just finished up a big Realms project, and has given himself half a day off to wrap Christmas presents before he charges ahead into the NEXT big Realms project!!!
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Markustay
Replied on: 21 Dec 2013 21:26:48
Message:

Tell him to give himself the next two weeks off (or months); he's earned it.

I hope that 'big FR project' is a preliminary ('raw Ed') write-up of the new, 5th edition Forgotten Realms. Or should we just drop the '5th edition' part, and simply go back to calling it The Realms?

Can he even tell us if he is working on a campaign guide, and if so, when will we be hearing any official announcements? The few designers I know (and trust) claim to have had no hand in the thing... and thats a bit disheartening. I'd like to hear some names, if a FRCG is in the works.

I'm only asking this now because of the D&Dnext announcement for this coming summer, and there was no mention of FR at all. Has he seen the new rules? How does he feel about them?

EDIT: I will also be looking at By Faerie Light just as soon as I am done here. Sounds right up my alley.

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 21 Dec 2013 22:29:36
Message:

With the news that 5E comes out next summer I hope we see a 5E campaign guide penned by Ed! Either way, 2 big Realms projects sounds good to me! More more more! heheh :)

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 22 Dec 2013 02:39:13
Message:

Heh. Markustay, dear, I suspect Ed's consulting involves NDAs that will keep him from making any proper sort of reply to your question, but I'll pass your post along to him and see what he does let slip...
love,
THO

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 22 Dec 2013 22:50:40
Message:

Hi Ed and THO,

I was reading one of the old Wyrms of the North articles from back in the day: Palarandusk, "The Unseen Protector" from Dragon #252. I was curious about the savage Forgebar dwarves mentioned. Is this an entire clan of evil hill dwarves? Would there be any additional information you could perhaps share regarding their motivations, aims, or history? Aside from duergar, I don't recall ever reading about an entire clan of hill dwarves who are this nasty.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Dec 2013 16:43:43
Message:

I'll pass that along to Ed, but I believe there's some unpublished Forgebar clan lore in an Ed-scroll decorating a shelf in his private study...
So much lore, so little time. I'll get to work pestering him. However, Kris the Grey has an outstanding lore-query Ed wants to get to, first...
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Dec 2013 16:52:19
Message:

Hello again, all.
I bring you the words of Ed in a lore-reply to scribe Marco Volo, re. this from 28 Nov 2013 (2 pages back in this thread):
"Hi Ed and THO, Here's my question : What is the calendar of the dwarves as there are not using any human calendar ?
I have a Melairbode settlement in a level of Undermountain. There succumbed many years ago, and I have no idea about what calendar they were using at this time. What date would be figured on a rune or "stone sheet" with some official information on it?"
Ed replies:

Hi, Marco Volo. Almost all dwarves use Dalereckoning for daily convenience when dealing with the outside world, but also maintain either one or two alternate dating systems: a "clan count" numbering years from the founding of their clan (or the CLAIMED founding of the clan, as some of these systems assume the clan is older than all others, and date accordingly, though clans founded in the last six centuries never "cheat" in this manner), and a calendar that begins with the day of the founding of a specific hold/fortress/settlement, and measures years from that day.
So your Undermountain settlement would probably have stone-etched records with double dating: a Melairbode clan date, and a date based on the founding of that particular settlement.
Hope this helps!

So saith Ed, and there you have it.
love,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 24 Dec 2013 17:08:26
Message:

And hello AGAIN, all!
Another Realmslore reply from Ed, this time to
paladinnicolas, in response to a 13 Nov 2013 post: "Dear THO, could you please ask this to Ed? I just read in Power of Faerun, recently available on dndclassics.com, that in the Realms licensed lawyers do not exist but that sometimes there are unprofessional and not necessarily law-expert advocates. I just wanted to ask him if according to him this has changed in the Realms since the date covered in the product after all the time advances. I am fond of legal intrigue and thrillers and wanted to run some in the Realms, reason why I'm curious. Thanks as usual!"
Ed replies:

Hi, paladinnicolas! Nothing has changed regarding licensing (in that a few city rulers have tried to establish laws regarding who can and who cannot speak as advocates in legal matters besides plaintiffs, the accused, and the local authorities, but these laws have been ignored or rejected, and so haven't "taken hold," and attempts by lawyers to establish guilds exclusive to such legal advocates have been rejected by local authorities [[though in several cases local scribes' guilds have "added" legal advocates as members, and are getting away with it]].
However, the numbers, influence, and general level of expertise in details of local laws of legal advocates is rising swiftly and shows no signs of abating. So there are now many lawyers, though they may not be called that, and they are generally still NOT regulated.
Hope this helps!

So saith Ed. Happily providing all the Realmslore he can.
love,
THO

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Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 24 Dec 2013 18:03:45
Message:

Many thanks Ed and THO and merry christmas to you !

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Reply author: paladinnicolas
Replied on: 25 Dec 2013 21:20:01
Message:

Dear Ed and THO, Thank you for the answer to my question, which gives me a good picture of the issue in the Realms and some adventure ideas. I like the Realms more as I know more answers by Ed, so thanks to both of you for answering our questions.
Best,
Nicolas.

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Reply author: unseenmage
Replied on: 26 Dec 2013 03:21:35
Message:

It was suggested that I ask this question here by a more experienced scribe.


Is there any precedent for Goblin burial rites in the books somewhere?
I have a Goblin PC with a truckload of corpses and I'm not sure how his culture handles the deceased. It's in The Dalelands if that helps.

Barring that how about other monster rites for the dead?

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 27 Dec 2013 07:22:52
Message:

Hello THO,

As part of wrapping up this scroll and starting a new one to coincide with the new year, do you know if Ed will be able to entertain a second look at questions posed to him from this year that he wasn't able to answer?

Thank you.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 27 Dec 2013 16:13:00
Message:

I sure hope so.
Ed has been snowed under, or rather iced under, by a terrible and widespread ice storm in his neck of the woods. I know a large tree limb fell on one of the family cars, and Ed was out there sawing it up into little pieces (sawing by hand, so as not to run his chainsaw in the middle of the night and wake the neighbours).
At Christmas, we all have family obligations, and Ed has also been frantically busy writing for all sorts of projects.
Yet I doubt he'll miss coming through with some end-of-year lore answers for the patient, patient scribes of Candlekeep. He appreciates you all deeply for loving the Realms so much...
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 28 Dec 2013 06:34:04
Message:

Boy, what rotten luck.

I've some friends and family that lost tree limbs this winter (though not the sort that fall on cars). I hope Ed got some firewood out of it, at least.

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Reply author: hashimashadoo
Replied on: 28 Dec 2013 16:47:08
Message:

We've been getting an awful lot of winter storms over in Blighty too. Tens of thousands of people have been without electricity since the week before Christmas and there's been a lot of flooding.

So since it was decided that Baram, Kurth, Rethnor, Suljack and Taerl were titles as much as names for the High Captains of Luskan, would it be possible to get the full names of the High Captains from 1310 DR when they invaded up until the events of The Pirate King?

Thanks, I'll be patient.

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 29 Dec 2013 04:25:30
Message:

Hello again, all. It’s become a custom in this thread for our Ed of the Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms® and its foremost loremaster, to take the time, however hectic his business of the time might be, to wander through the dusty stacks of heaped up “not yet answered” scrolls of Questions for him from the patient scribes of Candlekeep, and assay an answer to one outstanding query per year.
As this thread started back in 2004, that’s where he’s going to begin.

Specifically, back on the 2nd of June, 2004, Kuje posted this query on behalf of Brother Shatterstone from the WOTC boards: “I’m looking for a list of exotic fruit that are based in the Forgotten Realms. Is there a thing and can any of the mighty sages help me find it? Note: I’m not really looking for any real world fruit here.”
To the lore he’s already provided on the fruit of the Forgotten Realms, Ed would like to add this:

Belarbrith
Imagine an apple pie that’s like a carrot in shape and durability—that is, a root vegetable that tastes like apple pie (American scribes please note: an apple pie not laced with cinammon, but baked without that highly-pleasing spice). It has the chewy, almost woody texture of a large and mature carrot, is chestnut brown mottled with ash-gray in outer hue, is “hairy” with rootlets, and is customarily washed clean and eaten bite by bite, though it may be peeled and sliced into medallions if served at a formal feast or highbrow eatery. The flesh is a translucent ale-brown flecked with darker red and brown knots or nodes.
Belarbrith naturally thickens broths and soups it’s added to, and is sometimes added to pork stews to contrast the flavor of the pork in the same way applesauce is used in some modern real-world recipes, or boiled into a sweet dessert soup to warm and nourish cold wayfarers in winter.
Belarbrith grows wild throughout the Heartlands, though it has been so overharvested in the wild as to become scarce near human settlements and well-used trade-roads, and its finding its way into every garden in the Dales, Cormyr, upland Sembia, and increasingly the Sword Coast North; it can tolerate cold winters (i.e. the root can survive being frozen), though north of Everlund and Silverymoon it grows very slowly, and is typically found as spindly, human-palm-sized rootlets, whereas in warmer climes (it is found as far south as Faerûn extends) it can grow to the length and thickness of a human forearm.

Marlikkon
This fruit grows on thorny wild bushes in the Heartlands, being particularly plentiful in the Starmantle area and south and southwest of Evereska. Readily identifiable due to its chestnut-brown, prickly, irregularly-seamed outer shell (picture a bush that has branches ending in polished brown chestnuts bristling with tiny thorns, nuts that look as if they have been cracked open, and the fragments then glued together again inexpertly enough to clearly show all the wandering edges of the joined pieces). Inside this inedible shell (that can be boiled to derive a mahogany-hued dye, or the “prickles” lopped off to serve as crude needles) is a translucent, jelly-like purplish-gray ovoid mass of flesh that resembles a human brain or certain corals in that its outer shape is that of ropy lengths of pasta or an oval clump of earthworms fused together.
This flesh is sweet and citrus acidic, tasting rather like a ripe tangerine or Clementine. It dries and withers in a day or two after being shelled, but will keep indefinitely if left in its prickly shell (it’s commonly stored in sacks in cellars all over the Realms for a year or more). Marlikkon flesh, if shelled in an intact lump, floats in most liquids, and so sees use as a garnish in all manner of ornate desserts, but it is commonly just handed out as a nut, with a cracking tool (in a roadside inn, usually a small wooden mallet), and eaten “raw.”

Salusk
This is a melon that has the beige flesh and sweet taste of a perfectly ripe pear when it is ripe. Ripeness can be reliably discerned from the outside because the rind or skin turns emerald green.
When not yet ripe, its rind is pale green, thick, and oily, and the flesh inside is green and hard and tart, rather like eating orange peel; it’s perfectly edible but not beloved by all that many.
When overripe, the flesh turns brown and mushy and very tart (like spiced plum sauce), and the rind or skin goes maroon and eventually splits, whereupon swarms of wasps and hornets descend to eat it.
Not yet ripe or ripe salusk can be fried, and soaks up the flavor of whatever it’s fried in, so it’s a popular way to “make meat go farther” by giving a large number of diners something hot that tastes like meat. Raw or cooked, the rind is edible but rather tasteless, has the texture of boiled leather, and has very little nutritional value, though it will encourage regularity.
Salusk grows wild everywhere in Faerûn from the latitude of northern Calimshan south. It grows on creeping vines, most melons the size of a small human head when full-grown, dozens per plant, and having a spindle shape: an ovoid with two “horns” thrusting out of opposing sides of the ovoid, the vine attached to one and the flowers of the salusk-vine sprouting from the other. It is cultivated by encouraging it to grow over and along fences or bent-over scrub trees, and fertilized with livestock dung. Salusks and horsetails tend to naturally grow together.
The salusk is a popular fruit for its hardiness (resistance to bruising, or being damaged by bruising), durability (if picked just under-ripe or ripe, it typically doesn’t go overripe for two tendays, if kept out of hot direct sun), and its aforementioned companionability to meat.

So saith Ed, and I hope to receive more lore replies from him over the next two days, to cover all the years up through 2013.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 29 Dec 2013 15:50:16
Message:

Woohoo! Christmas presents from Ed for everyone. hehehe

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Reply author: Kris the Grey
Replied on: 29 Dec 2013 18:28:40
Message:

Certainly something to look forward to over the last few days of 2013!

Thanks as always to Ed and THO!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 29 Dec 2013 18:41:38
Message:

Heh. Indeed!
And hi again, fellow scribes.
Well, Ed has come through. Here’s a reply to an outstanding 2005 lore question, this one by scribe Lashan, who posted on the 20th of May, 2005: “I just thought of a topic that I would love to know more about if Ed feels so inclined. Sir, can you tell me more about the "Lost Ways" that are located in the hills above Mulmaster? Much thanks...”

It’s been a long wait indeed, but heeeeere’s Ed:


There are many competing tales about the origins and nature of the Lost Ways, and new rumors arise from time to time to twist and embellish them or add to their number. Most learned sages and longtime resident families of Mulmaster “know” that the Lost Ways are disused copper and silver mines, tunnels that slope down into the hills and that were dug and expanded into a labyrinth for centuries, and then disused for centuries longer when the veins of ore ran out - - only to become the haunts of monsters, desperate outlaws, smugglers, and handy body hiding places for murderers.
All of this is true, but what complicates matters is that these mines, which rarely went deeper than about eighty feet down (because they encountered a layer of very hard green-black igneous rock that seemed to “go on forever” and is in fact about forty feet thick, with very few fissures, natural breaks, or sinkholes piercing it), did eventually intersect with two things:

• A small network-of-defensible-tunnels dwarven fortress, Harr’s Hold, hewn out of solid rock (a cache and way-hold dwarves mining in the area could scurry to when the beast-men [ogres] of Thar grew too numerous, rather than a stronghold belonging to, and owned by, one dwarf clan. It has more recently seen use as a bandit-hold; the lair of an illithid and its servitors, both human and monstrous; and a base for rebels from Mulmaster desiring to overthrow the cruel government of their city.

• Natural caverns connecting with deeper “ways” of the Underdark - - ways up through which have come many fearsome monsters to infest the mines, over the years, their numbers and nature making it perilous to approach certain areas in the hills. These monsters have included such cunning predators as fomorian blinders, razor hydrae, tomb spiders, and a gigantic cloaker lord known as Eeeyrith, that commands many slave creatures, both lesser cloakers and a wide array of beasts. The more insatiable and predatory creatures from below, such as the fomorians and hydrae, have ranged out over the countryside, far and wide, but have tended to survive and thrive if they fared east and northeast, keeping to the mountains and preying upon the everpresent orcs and prospectors (human, dwarven, and gnome) who enter these areas nigh-constantly. The tomb spiders and Eeeyrith have remained in the labyrinthine Lost Ways, tending them almost as a gigantic “garden,” to keep a wide array of monsters lairing and roaming in the Ways, and fairly constant streams of food arriving for these beasts to survive - - however hungrily - - on.

Certain Blades of Mulmaster have from time to time made cautious efforts to explore the Lost Ways (often through proxies such as hired adventurers). Upon learning how dangerous the tunnels and caverns have become, they have done two things: made very sure that no accurate maps of the old mines survive in Mulmaster, but that maps to known entrances, and a few rooms or passages “just inside” those entrances, are readily available for shady backstreet purchase; and to spread rumors in the city of new veins of ore, rich cached treasures of coins or gems or even magic items being found in the Lost Ways. They then work through intermediaries (such as local thieves, moneylenders, and smugglers) to subtly encourage their rival Blades, particularly malcontents dissatisfied with the policies of the rulers of Mulmaster, to seek their luck in the Lost Ways (as, of course, a way of getting rid of said rivals).
All of which keeps the Lost Ways in the backs of Mulmasterite minds, leads to many ill-fated forays into the Ways, and fosters confusion with other rumors of hidden delves in the hills, fortresses in the hills, and even magically-hidden wizard’s abodes in the hills - - all of which exist.
Elminster adds two elements to this rich mix of danger, associated lore, and misinformation that he personally knows to be true:

1. For decades, opportunistic doppelgangers have dwelt in human form in some hill ranches between the city and the Lost Ways, kept an eye on who “went forth” into the Lost Ways, and taken advantage of those Mulmasterites being in the Lost Ways or dying there to temporarily impersonate them back in the city, skulking about doing thefts, kidnappings, and even murders that bring immediate troubles onto the “real” Mulmasterites upon their return (in some cases, the doppelgangers enjoyed being the humans they ere impersonating, and sought to swiftly murder “themselves” so they could continue in their new roles).

2. One real treasure that was taken into the Lost Ways and presumably remains there are the Tlaenblades, a matched set of four longswords crafted by the elven smith Tlaenreth Taltarr in 1216 DR in the Deep Cave beneath Semberholme. These blades are light in weight, beautifully made, and have the following properties: +2 vampiric (as in: the hp damage they do are stored in them, and the wielder can choose to call on this pool at any time to heal their own damage, or by pommel contact heal other beings; the pool can’t be used as “extra” hit points by undamaged wielders) that store two spells that can each be used twice in every 24 hours, but only for four minutes or less at a time: fly and passwall (as the spells). Anyone grasping a Tlaenblade by its grip is considered a wielder, and while doing so is constantly mentally aware of the direction and general distance away of the other three Tlaenblades.

So saith Ed, gleefully increasing Realmslore for us all whenever he can.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: sleyvas
Replied on: 29 Dec 2013 21:57:07
Message:

huh, I just realized after reading the entry on fruits. I'd always posited in my homebrew stories that Thay grew something called "honeyberries" and made a syrup from it. I pictured them golden-yellow in color, but apparently in real world there is something called honeyberries that look a little like blueberries. Now, I'm kind of thinking about making a garden for the things... even though I suck royally at growing stuff.

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Reply author: Jeremy Grenemyer
Replied on: 29 Dec 2013 22:56:41
Message:

Give it a try Sleyvas. If I can do it, you can too.

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Reply author: rjfras
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 00:19:58
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Heh. Indeed!

• Natural caverns connecting with deeper “ways” of the Underdark - - ways up through which have come many fearsome monsters to infest the mines, over the years, their numbers and nature making it perilous to approach certain areas in the hills. These monsters have included such cunning predators as fomorian blinders, razor hydrae, tomb spiders, and a gigantic cloaker lord known as Eeeyrith, that commands many slave creatures, both lesser cloakers and a wide array of beasts. The more insatiable and predatory creatures from below, such as the fomorians and hydrae, have ranged out over the countryside, far and wide, but have tended to survive and thrive if they fared east and northeast, keeping to the mountains and preying upon the everpresent orcs and prospectors (human, dwarven, and gnome) who enter these areas nigh-constantly.

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What can you tell us about razor hydrae?

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Reply author: George Krashos
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 01:05:10
Message:

Ahh Mulmaster. Always a place of interest since Ed's "Everwinking Eye" series of articles in Polyhedron a long time back. I've long hoped that Ed could provide some history on the place, specifically on Nesker, its "Sorcerer King". Put the request in the queue please THO!

-- George Krashos

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 03:20:32
Message:

Hi again, all.
George, consider it done!
rjfras, what would you like to know? The razor hydra is a 4e "straight up" Monster Manual beastie.
Everyone, Ed's lore reply for 2006 arrived garbled, so I've sent him a heads-up, but in the meantime, I'm posting his 2007 reply, which came through just fine, as follows...
Back on the 3rd of April of 2007, Uzzy asked two questions, and Ed has provided an answer to this one: “Are there any genetic disorders that arise from breeding between the various races, and how are they treated, and the people with them treated? Thanks in advance for anything you can share with us.”

Here’s what Ed has to say:


In the Realms, it seems as if life overrules non-life, or to put it another way: when races interbreed, it’s far more likely that there will be successful issue versus infertility or consistent stillbirths. So there are lots of “half-something” individuals alive in the Realms.
Of these, half-elves and half-orcs are numerous and often “breed true” down later generations to produce more half-elves and half-orcs, not just offspring that are visually very similar to one parent race or the other. That makes them well-known sub-races to all.
Yet there are many, many crossbreeds, and few or no commentators labeling specific individuals among those crossbreeds as “different in this precise way because of their heritage” (as opposed to racial purists who say simpler things like “Argrath is not a pure orc! So Argrath is LESS than us!”).
In other words, few individuals think about inherited conditions except as defects, and fewer still think hard about the details of such conditions. Genetics is well-known (as “breeding”) because many livestock owners deliberately breed their horses or oxen or boar or cattle deliberately to get more of this trait and less of that one, and although anyone who thinks about such matters for a few moments will grasp that humans and other intelligent creatures can be selectively bred, too, and in some cases “should be” (to guard a royal lineage from interbreeding but at the same time keep it “of the realm” and not “weakened or tainted” by undesirable bloodlines), most intelligent beings balk at the notion of letting most unions and births be determined by some breeder or other, as opposed to family, clan, local, friend, or temple influences.
All of which means understanding of genetic disorders may be very limited, hotly disputed, and poorly understood.
None of which makes them not real.
The published Realms reflects real-world considerations of wide commercial acceptability and even desirability, so published coverage of such matters as genetic disorders will probably remain limited. So as to avoid upsetting some gaming consumers, while at the same time affording individual DMs (and fiction writers) the maximum freedom to create traits or outcomes that best suit their stories at hand.
Drow crossbreeds (with other sorts of elves or with humans, to identify the most likely couplings) do have a genetic disorder involving skin conditions and vision problems related to prevalent daily exposure to sunlight, just as their drow heritage will tend to show up in their pointed ears, fine features, agile and slender build, and skin that won’t be coal-black or purple-black, but that will hint at parentage that had such skin hues.
The notorious trader in Scornubel who deals in bladed weapons of all sorts (weapons that conceal their blades a specialty) and blade poisons, Murlaerlath Jethurrla, has pale white skin with a black tinge “beneath” it. His pointed ears, aquiline nose, and high cheekbones say “elf” to anyone who sees him, and many suspect him (correctly) of having drow blood in his ancestry. He stays indoors in gloomy chambers by day, and is out on the streets only by night, because bright sunlight hurts his eyes. He had a drow mother (an escaped slave, not a matron of Lolth) and a moon elf father.
His vision problems (and a “skin wasting” or cracking and shriveling of the dermis that we in the modern real world would call a skin cancer, that afflicts many drow crossbreeds who are forced into frequent contact with full sunlight) are prevalent enough to be genetic disorders to any real-world observer who could see enough of the Realms to form any proper judgment.
Yet general acceptance of an outcome can be just that: general acceptance of it, rather than goading anyone into a search for “cures” or treatments. Often this is bolstered by cultural or religious disapproval (“That’s what the gods do to fools who breed with drow” or “That there is Lolth’s curse on anyone trying to breed their way out of her clutches.”)
More often, genetic disorders aren’t so obvious. For instance, there’s a reason dwarf-human, dwarf-elf, and dwarf-orc crossbreeds are so rare as to be almost underheard-of. The reason is that the disorders tend to kill potential offspring very early on in the womb, so the material that would have become a child is reabsorbed and life for the parents goes on without issue. The same disorders cause the hardiest dwarf-human and dwarf-orc breedings—that is, the ones that do survive—to grow to human or orc height (so that although they almost always inherit dwarven hirsuteness, and love and “feel for” stone [and lust for trade-metals and gems], they can pass for a member of their non-dwarf heritage race).
All of which means that treatment for a disorder is rare indeed, and is almost always in the form of hired arcane spells applied to individuals who can afford them, as treatments. Usually this isn’t for “my disorder” but rather “to fight my curse,” the origins of the curse being unknown or misunderstood as an attack by a foe.

All of which leaves a DM or storyteller free to introduce exceptions, throwbacks, and new understanding (or misunderstandings) to the Realms or their version of it. I want to tread carefully here not because genetic disorders are a ticklish subject for me, but because I’m wary of pruning away possibilities and options too enthusiastically, just to add to lore.


So saith Ed. Who hopes that what he’s said is of some use to Uzzy, despite his caution.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: sfdragon
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 04:59:34
Message:

what can Ed tell us about Khelben the younger and would he mind telling us what he can or is whats in the history of the realms it?

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Reply author: Marco Volo
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 08:42:08
Message:

Thanks a lot Ed for bringing up so many lore !
I recall a question I asked this year (february) about "adventurer's club" in Waterdeep. I'd love to hear from Ed about it and I think I'm not alone on that case.

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Reply author: Foxhelm
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 13:48:34
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by rjfras

quote:

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Originally posted by The Hooded One

Heh. Indeed!

• Natural caverns connecting with deeper “ways” of the Underdark - - ways up through which have come many fearsome monsters to infest the mines, over the years, their numbers and nature making it perilous to approach certain areas in the hills. These monsters have included such cunning predators as fomorian blinders, razor hydrae, tomb spiders, and a gigantic cloaker lord known as Eeeyrith, that commands many slave creatures, both lesser cloakers and a wide array of beasts. The more insatiable and predatory creatures from below, such as the fomorians and hydrae, have ranged out over the countryside, far and wide, but have tended to survive and thrive if they fared east and northeast, keeping to the mountains and preying upon the everpresent orcs and prospectors (human, dwarven, and gnome) who enter these areas nigh-constantly.

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What can you tell us about razor hydrae?

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Better Razor Hydra, then Laser Hydra. You know the ones who shoot highly focus beams of light as a breath weapon, can create light based illusions and can create shields made of light.

Those ones are a pain....

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 16:36:11
Message:

Hi again, all. Here’s the formerly garbled 2006 Ed lore reply, straightened out for our shared lore edification. It’s a response to this post about Waterdeep (and the trade down into Skullport) from Skeptic, specifically from August 25th 2006: “What I would really want to know is how the ships can "secretly" go from the city's harbor to the nearby "south sea caves" without being noticed by the Guard.”
Ed responds:


The short answer is: Ships AREN’T passing unnoticed by the Guard.
Ships are descending through the sea cave “elevator” as part of Waterdeep’s “ghost fleet” of secret naval protectors, as far as the Guard is concerned. That is, ships that tirelessly patrol the Sword Coast near-Waterdhavian harbors to deter tireless pirates and smugglers, who for centuries have awaited the slightest breakdown in this vigilance, so as to pounce on Waterdhavian shipping and bring about the starvation and beggaring of the great City of Splendors. Or so the story goes.
At the highest ranks, some individuals know what’s going on, and maintain either a “nudge nudge wink wink” attitude or grim gritted teeth, but everyone else in the Guard believes that Skullport is kept from boiling up into the city above in a relentless tide of pillaging and murderous mayhem by the very presence of a Waterdhavian naval base down there, “right on top” of Skullport, inhibiting and deterring day and night.
Most ships make the ascent or descent cloaked in disguising spells that give the ship insignia and an overall “look” (of decks, rigging, and crew) that will prevent any vessel from being individually recognized by someone who’s seen it recently. Moreover, the journey you describe (from harbor straight to sea caves) almost never occurs.
What does happen is this:
Vessels with Skullport-bound cargo anchor in the calmest seas they can find off Port Llast (or elsewhere; increasingly, fears of piracy or aquatic monster attack have led individual seacaptains to find their own different favored rendezvous spots, at sea) and transfer cargo (by, yes, the Faerûnian equivalent of modern real-world cargo containers; in the Realms, these take the form not of long metal boxes that fit on transport trucks, but are large rectangular wooden crates of massive build, with inset holes “around” a short section of exposed framing-beam at each corner, for hooks, ropes or chains to be fastened or run through; these crates, known as “fastnesses,” will JUST fit two to a large wagon, if the wagon is cleared to a flatbed) into small “coaster” boats that meet them, then make the trip into the sea caves (and the at-sea transfer is usually two-way; these coasters usually “give back” cargoes from Skullport or Waterdeep for the vessels to take aboard), and the vessels then sail away or come into Waterdeep’s harbor legitimately, and never go near the sea caves. In some cases, this fiddle is absolutely necessary, because the seagoing vessels are too long to fit down the shaft.
Note that this also allows non-contraband cargoes from Skullport to arrive on the docks in Waterdeep as legitimate wares. The ships that unload said cargoes of course provide paperwork that says the cargo comes from shippers in other ports (for centuries certain Athkatlan shippers have made good side incomes by providing papers but no wares at all from their dockside warehouses).
Increasingly, ocean freighters operating up and down the Sword Coast have cranes aboard to facilitate swift unloading at wharves (but also to make possible the transfer of cargoes at sea).
A transfer on the waves is always dangerous, but usually works like this: one or both ships involved has a mast-boom crane—that is, a diagonal spare mast affixed into a rotating collar around the base of the vertical in-use sailing mast. A chain links the two masts, to hold the diagonal mast in position, as a boom, and the diagonal mast has a pulley at its top end, with a chain or strong cable and hook depending from this.
Almost all transfers, even in calm seas (and most salts will tell you there’s really no such thing; even calm Sword Coast waters have a breeze blowing east or southeast, onto the land, and an everpresent swell), occur by means of the fastnesses slung from these booms but also enclosed in thick (multi-layered) bags of fishing nets (even small amounts of crates and barrels will be put inside a fastness, and padded with spare nets, for such transfers).
Some ships also have “tongues” (think of the proverbial pirates’ gangplank, only thrice as long and wide, so thick that it can take a huge amount of weight, and secured right across the width or beam of the owning ship by means of many guy-cables) that a cargo can be placed upon by the transferring ships’ crane. Scampering crew members affix multiple hooks to the net bag, and by means of lines attached to these hooks, the crew of the receiving ship drags the fastness onto the deck.


So saith Ed. Providing the daily nitty-gritty of something neglected for too long in published Realmslore. We Knights knew this wasn’t being hand-waved, but now all scribes know it too.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 16:40:17
Message:

Hi again, fellow scribes of Candlekeep. We had 2007 before 2006 owing to technical difficulties, so Ed’s replies to unanswered-until-now queries have now reached 2008, and Nevorick Julahasa’s March 29th post: “Lady THO, in Cormyr: A Novel, Aosinin Truesilver is described as the cousin of King Galaghard III. In regards to this kinship, does this mean Galaghard's mother is a Truesilver? If so, what can Ed share about the Queen such as her name, when she lived, and anything else that she might be remembered for? My Thanks!

Here’s Ed’s reply:


Bryntarth I of Cormyr took to wife Ravrella Truesilver, a raven-haired beauty of short stature, quiet public persona, and utter self-control of her voice and features. Few, even servants who spent much time with her, family, and her (very small handful of close) friends knew many of her thoughts, views, and emotional reactions to things. She was a master of self-control, and decided to remain in the background and publicly mute as much as possible—and so is nigh-forgotten today, having left no mark at all at Court and in Cormyrean society.
Before becoming queen, it’s known that Ravrella Truesilver was a superb rider (and even spearhunter, from horseback), that she enjoyed card games with women of her family and friendly noblewomen, and that she enjoyed reading poetry and fiction of all sorts. She was born in 856 DR, wed Bryntarth in 872 DR, bore him a son, the future Galaghard III, in 873 DR, and thereafter produced two stillborn daughters, Emaerilla in 875 DR (before becoming Queen) and Princess Yestrelle in 879 DR. Ravrella became Queen of Cormyr when her husband ascended to the throne in 875 DR, and died of a winter chill and resulting “multiple fevers or maladies” in 894 DR.
Obscure Court records (of the questioning of one of Queen Ravrella’s friends, Muratha Emmarask, who was briefly suspected of involvement in the hunting death of a popular courtier, Andranras Owlhond) preserve Muratha’s opinion—which is presumably truth, as neither High Wizard Thanderahast nor anyone else disputed it—that Bryntarth and Ravrella first noticed each other as avid and naturally-skilled equestrians, and that they often rode together in the forest, “laughing at play” together.
The royal couple was urbane and controlled in public, but in private were said to be very affectionate with each other and with their son, though neither of them were talkative people. The Queen was observed to spend much daily time watering and arranging flowers in the Royal Palace, and seeing to it that the Court kept track of the births and deaths and birthdays and anniversaries of nobility, and that “suitably gracious and beautiful notes and flowers were sent.”
Ravrella quietly assembled quite a library of chapbooks of poetry during her royal years, and although this was not regarded with respect by later Obarskyrs, and was scattered about the Royal Palace, with many tomes being lost or given away, occasional tomes still turn up in private hands in Suzail or tucked inside some of the “book-hides” (books that contain storage niches for small items, such as keys, gems, rings, and—obviously—small and slender chapbooks of poetry). A few of these finds have annotations in the margins, in Ravrella’s tiny, beautiful handwriting, usually additional lines she composed while inspired by what she was reading, but sometimes cryptic notes such as “Bryn won’t let me forget” and “Hidden in the usual place” or “Wear the mauve mask.”
Some of these notes have led later personages, including Royal Magician Vangerdahast and the Highknight Glarasteer Rhauligan, to suspect that Ravrella’s quiet public exterior hid a naughty or at least avidly-pursuing-intrigues mind. In Elminster’s opinion, “There’s a mystery about Ravrella that’s still to be unraveled, but I doubt it concerns love affairs, treason, magic, or any endangerment of the realm. More likely she and Bryntarth founded their own horse-cult and worshipped in secret, or some such.”


So saith Ed. VERRRY interesting. I have always loved Cormyr and wanted to know more and more about it. I wonder how we can persuade Ed to spill a little bit more here and a little bit more there, while we all still hope to see the Lineage see print?
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 16:42:26
Message:

. . . And no sooner had I posted the above, when my inbox presented me with ANOTHER Ed lore-reply, this one for the year 2009. It deals with a query from scribe Ifthir, from the 24th of February, that year: “Lady THO might ye or Archmage Greenwood know the name of the dragon that the lich Larloch rode out of Jiksidur to escape the enclave's fall?”

Ed replies:



Why yes I do, as it happens. :} Though the wyrm in question disappeared out of Faerûn, flying south and east, in the spring of 14 DR, and hasn’t been seen since.
The gargntuan elder blue wyrm Aungahlaumitor was an ally of Larloch, and they traded spells and worked together on creating new magics for three or four decades before the fall of Jiksidur, the dragon reportedly mastering magic far beyond what most of its kind ever do.
“Ongall,” as the wyrm was known to most in Jiksidur, was at the time reputed to be the spellcasting equal of any senior Netherese arcanist (archwizard), and to have spent its treasure in crafting and augmenting many magic items that it grafted onto its body and magically linked in a network that made it a magical powerhouse in battle. It reportedly flew through the heart of the wildest lightning storms with gleeful enjoyment, the electrical discharges being captured as augmenting energy by many of its worn magic items.
Whenever Aungahlaumitor encountered other dragons, it would use its magical might to destroy them, force information about lair and treasure out of the dying mind of its victim, then add the lair to its steadily-expanding holdings (dozens of lairs, all guarded by servitor creatures magically bonded to those lairs, to ensure their guardianship until death).
Aungahlaumitor was also said to have carried Larloch’s phylactery on its back from time to time to keep it beyond the reach of the lich’s foes, though this may be mere wild rumor that has been repeated enough down the many, many years since the height of Jiksidur’s power as to seem more tenable lore.
Aungahlaumitor’s fate is unknown, though nothing at all has been heard of it for more than fourteen centuries now, suggesting that it has perished or departed Toril.
If the wyrm still survives, and looks enough like it did back then for ancient accounts to be useful, then “Ongall” is the largest blue dragon one has ever seen, with a large barb at the end of its long and slender tail, a wingspan wider than is proportional for almost all blue dragons, and a blue-black head with maliciously-glittering eyes that stare out of large black pits (as if it has what a modern real-world human would call “two proper black eyes” or “real shiners”) and a unique crest or spiny fin rising from its snout to rear up between its ears.
Its heritage and offspring, if any, are unknown, but it was clearly a standout among blue dragons; its like is not seen in Faerûn today.


So saith Ed, sharing dragon lore once again with us all. Lovely evocative stuff, and I think from what was said by locals (only if they were correct, of course) when we Knights discovered a huge dragon skeleton at the end of a long scar in a remote inland hill of Var the Golden, we were viewing the remains of one of Aungahlaumitor’s long-ago victims.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 18:50:44
Message:

And hello once more, fellow scribes. Ed’s replies to the lore queries of earlier years have reached 2010, and this 24th of March post from Zandilar: “Heya, I . . . would like to . . . ask Ed if there are any art schools anywhere in Faerûn, and if so which ones are the most important/influential, and whether or not any of them have any solid connections to the Church of Sune? :)”

Ed replies:

There were literally thousands of art schools in the Realms in the 1370s and 1380s DR, with Sembia awash in wealth and desiring to demonstrate its sophistication and heights of culture—and such traditional centers of wealth as Athkatla, Waterdeep, and Sheirtalar continuing to foster lively art scenes (Athkatla and especially Sheirtalar prizing sculptures and architectural adornments over paintings, and Sembia increasingly prizing blown glass). The widespread tumult and troubles of the Spellplague dealt a blow to both the vast existing stores of objets d’art across Faerûn and the schools and artistic communities where rising artists were encouraged and supported, but recovery has occurred in fits and starts ever since the first chaos of the Spellplague, and much of this recovery, of course, uses more handcraft and less magic in the creation of the art than formerly.
The nobles of Waterdeep, and the new-coin self-styled nobles of Sembia, have always had a taste for erotic art, both buying what catches their eye and commissioning “to order” pieces; aside from the really raunchy, hidden in back bedchamber pieces, there’s a tradition of painting both members of a marriage, unclad and posed to advantage, when young and beautiful, to have as treasured keepsakes as a spouse gets older and more weatherbeaten, and especially after a spouse dies.
As the clergy of Sune promote beauty, anywhere there are clients for erotic art, they will find a side-market in selling non-commission sculpts and paintings (often dozens or scores of very similar images) to Sunite temples, for the temples to resell to worshippers. This helps artists in the same way real-world publishers are supposed to help writers: the author is freed from much of the business of hawking wares to devote his or her time to creating, with lessened worries about how their purse is going to get filled with coins.

Throughout the 1300s DR, patronage for and appreciation of art was on the rise, and by the 1360s DR, the most influential art schools in Faerûn are Ilygelther’s House in Waterdeep (North Ward), the Hlardoameum in Athkatla (Center District), and Gemcrown Hall in westernmost Yhaunn.

Arspeiridou Ilygelther was a fussy, energetic scarecrow of a man who financed, fed, and took lovers among artists of all races and both genders, so long as they produced art, art, and more art to delight him. He was all about the art, and the excitement of its creation and rubbing shoulders (and often, ahem, other body parts) with the creators. A (short, gaunt, untidily-clad-in-black, with “wild” umcombed hair and bright, avid eyes) man who hummed and rubbed his hands together with glee as he scuttled from studio to studio, Ilygelther wanted the chaos of art, and stood against juries, critics, guilds, and any means of approving or licensing or categorizing art. “Let the buyer decide!” was his constant refrain, and he didn’t have formal ties to anyone. He did, however, value all clergies as purchasers of art, in particular the Waterdhavian priests of Sune, Sharess, Deneir, and Oghma (and increasingly but covertly, Loviatar). Ilygelther owned and occupied—and stuffed full of an everchanging colony of struggling artists—no less than six buildings on either side of the north end of Brondar’s Way.

The Hlardoameum is a sprawling building created by joining seven formerly independent buildings, of all sizes and architectural styles, in the central heart of Athkatla’s Center District. It is home to eighty-odd live-in students who are admitted because they have demonstrated superb artistic talent, and they live in as regimented a daily style as some monasteries, with a communal morning rising to gongs when the water in the baths is sufficiently warmed (the baths are large brick-and-stucco bathing pools in the lowest interior rooms, heated by stones brought from the kitchen hearths in metal carry-cages), breaks at set times (though the kitchens are always working, and meals can be taken whenever), and the expectation that students shall spend the first half of their every working day assisting the masters in whatever projects the masters are engaged in (most often, gigantic wall-filling portraits of wealthy patrons, in which those patrons are idealized and portrayed as heroes, wealthy and learned and far more comely than they in fact are), and are then free to spend the evenings on their own works.
The Hlardoameum is known for teaching all students (with plenty of opportunities for hands-on practice) various established styles of painting and sculpting, not just nurturing their own tastes, so anyone who attends long enough and has the will and the skill departs the school able to emulate established masters and styles. (More than a few former Hlardoameum students have become superb forgers and counterfeiters.)
Local Sunite clergy are frequent patrons, because they know they can work with the right masters (who in turn enlist the skills of the right dozens or scores of students) to produce just what the priests want (usually duplicates of something they’ve acquired elsewhere, but now want forty copies of, all of them larger and grander than the original).
The masters of the Hlardoameum have mastered hauteur, and proclaim their school the blessed-by-the-gods pinnacle that all other artists and art teachers can only hope to miserably imitate, never worthily challenge. Most of Faerûn smilingly ignores this view, seeing it for what it is: self-aggrandizing horse dung.

Gemcrown Hall stands on a knoll on the western edge of Yhaunn, on one of the highest points in that city, in a grandiose, soaring-spired mansion acquired for a song when its builder went bankrupt with the place half-finished. A glass ceiling was installed to cover the gaps where the intended marble-clad dome had been completed, and the ambitious art-loving new owners, a couple named Arltress and Rhaumontra Haeverhar, set about making sure they didn’t go bankrupt by founding an art school and taking in ninety paying students.
Surprisingly, riots and troubles have been few, despite the fact that so many tempermental artistic types are crowded into a mansion that would more comfortably sleep sixty than ninety—and that’s fast becoming more crowded, as finished sculptures crowd every passageway and disused corner. To get rid of these, and to pay bills, the students have taken to having “promenades” (open houses) to attract buyers. The good folk of Yhaunn took to these very well, but their purchases have died to a trickle, as most locals with coin enough for art have now purchased what they want (or at least, what they can afford) and are no longer in a buying mood. However, every so often, a ship calls in that has aboard someone who is in a bulk buying mood, particularly merchants from the Vilhon, and lots of sculptures (almost all of them realistic, beautiful depictions of humans or beasts, or humans with beasts) depart Gemcrown Hall for new lives elsewhere. Local Sunites and commissioned pieces (“I want my ancestor on the back of a rearing horse, in a heroic pose, to put up on a plinth in my forecourt—only make him look handsome and large, not the way he really looked”) provide a more steady source of income that keeps the students fed and able to pay their fees to the Haeverhars. Who are growing sleekly fat and satisfied indeed, and are now buying up houses in Cormyr, Westgate, and rural Sembia, and hiring adventurers as their own private bodyguards, security force for all of these farflung properties, and errand-running agents.


So saith Ed. Delving into matters of art and culture that provide at least one little adventure hook, right at the end there.
More to come, fellow scribes!
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: crazedventurers
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 19:16:15
Message:

Truly excellent series of replies by Ed, many many thanks for putting more Lore into our Realms (especially Cormyr lore - *ahem* feel free to add more *ahem*

Best Wishes to Ed and Family for the New Year and to our gracious Lady Herald of Realmslore as well

Kindest regards

Damian

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Reply author: Eilserus
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 19:35:52
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by crazedventurers

Truly excellent series of replies by Ed, many many thanks for putting more Lore into our Realms (especially Cormyr lore - *ahem* feel free to add more *ahem*

Best Wishes to Ed and Family for the New Year and to our gracious Lady Herald of Realmslore as well

Kindest regards

Damian

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+1 and seconded! :) Thank you both very much!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 20:21:29
Message:

Why, thank you! And our good wishes right back at you!

Hi again, all. Ed’s ongoing lore replies are up to 2011, specifically to December the 6th of 2011, and a query posted on that day by Eladrinstar: “. . . one of my players (a young woman new to D&D who has played the Baldur’s Gate computer games and has been curious about the Realms ever since, and was quite surprised to learn she had been, in a way, playing D&D already,) who has come up with the neat idea of a Druid who, while dedicated to Mielikki, has family ties to bardic worshipers of Oghma. This druid likes to visit (as respectfully as possible in the case of the dangerous or intelligent creatures) as many fey, elementals, animals, beasts, and even vermin she can speak with, magically or not, in order to send back any stories or lore to her kin. Now, the player (not sure about the character) absolutely adores Whale Sharks, and I want to (eventually) surprise her with an encounter with some.
I was wondering where (if anywhere) they could be found in the realms, and if they could be found in the Sea of Fallen Stars? If so, would you happen to have any notes on their specifics to the realms (a bit of a stretch, I'm not sure I've seen them even mentioned in any fantasy literature), and if they have any special ties to the intelligent races of the Seros?”


Ed replies:


Whale Sharks are known as “sharks of stars” or just “stardrifters” in the Realms (names obviously derived from the spots that adorn the dark flanks and uppersides of their skins), and have always been present in small numbers in the western Sea of Fallen Stars (around Presper and the Pirate Isles, where the waters are rich in schools of small fish, spawning grounds, and tiny seaborne life, so the whale sharks can readily find plentiful food). On rare occasions, usually in the wake of severe storms that disrupt shallow ocean bed life, they may cruise into more easterly areas of the Inner Sea, though they seldom remain there for long. There’s something about the water in the Bay of Chessenta that they dislike, so they avoid the area entirely.
In and around Faerûn, stardrifters are most numerous in the eastern Shining Sea (between Tharsult and the mainland near Ormpur and Sheirtalar), and a second area they frequent is among the Nelanther and between those islands and the mainland. At spawning times for tiny fish they augment their diet with, they are apt to cruise near the mouths of the many watercourses that flow south out of Thindol and Mhair, to gorge themselves on the runs of fish coming to spawn. The stardrifters of the Sea of Swords tend to have a purplish cast to the darker areas of their skin.
Merfolk and aquatic elves in the Sea of Fallen Stars on occasion “hitch rides” on the docile stardrifters by catching hold of a fin (never the tail) and being towed. Stardrifters are regarded as benign, friendly sea beings.
The tritons of the depths, however, attach more importance to stardrifters; they believe that the spirits of wise and important tritons (elders who have done great things during their lives, and seen much) pass into a nearby stardrifter when they die, and so “the elders watch” when a stardrifter is nigh. Moreover, at moments of great importance to a triton, when guidance is desired and a decision must be made, that triton should seek out and watch a stardrifter, for a sign. Something the shark does, or where it swims to or tarries at, will have relevant meaning to the decision at hand.
To morkoth, stardrifters are cattle: easy but boring, merely palatable food, to be harvested when the need arises and ignored at other times, except as guides in murky water who can lead to spawning areas or schools of small fish, where other prey may be found.
Dryland clergy of Oghma respect stardrifters as “wise ones,” echoing the belief of the tritons that they retain memories and the accumulated wisdom of others, and this has had a curious side-effect: sharks of stars are one of the few aquatic creatures that clergy of Umberlee don’t value.


So saith Ed. Ranging deep as well as far afield...
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 20:23:16
Message:

And Ed has done it again; sent me a lore reply as I was posting his previous one. So here we go...
Hello again, fellow scribes of the Keep. Ed’s replies have now reached 2012, and specifically a barrage of followup questions posted by scribe Eldacar on May the 29th.
Eldacar was responding to this reply by me: “Eldacar and Sage, it was the now-extinct Principality of Fairbanner, which occupied a tiny bite out of The Grand Duchy of Shantal (a strip roughly 2 miles long by half that wide, along the Duchy's eastern border [[north end]]). The cambion in question, who styled himself "High Lord" Baerm Lamordair (names we later learned he'd taken from wealthy Vilhon Reach merchants he'd murdered, to seize their wealth), was trying to make Fairbanner much larger at the time we tangled with him. He fled after we took down most of his band of misfits (human/monster crossbreeds who were mostly "shunned outlaws" and brigands) - - and Fairbanner collapsed with him.”

To that, Eldacar responded: “Many thanks. Some additional questions:
- What year specifically did he take control of the area in the Border Kingdoms?
- What year was he brought down?
- Did he have significantly larger ambitions than the region he was ruling at the time? Such as conquering the Border Kingdoms entirely? He wanted to make it bigger, but how far did his ambitions extend? (This may play into a question about Border Kingdoms conquerers I think I have sitting on my little pile somewhere.)
- Does he yet survive? You mentioned that he fled, but not if he was slain.
- Was he one of the ones aware of other cambions?
- How did the Knights find out he was a cambion, and who else seemed to be aware of his "heritage" (either seeking alliance, assistance, attempting to depose him, or something else)?
Whereupon I replied: “Eldacar, we don't know if the cambion still survives, but he definitely survived our attempts to hunt him down. We learned he was a cambion from a mage of the Border Kingdoms who'd tangled with him previously, and when we met him, his crimson skin and "flames for pupils" eyes supported that identification...”

Play having sufficiently progressed in the “home” Realms campaign, Ed can now give answers to Eldacar’s questions, as follows:

The cambion calling himself Baerm Lamordair proclaimed himself High Lord of Fairbanner in 1357 DR, though at that time Fairbanner consisted of just one farm he’d seized by the sword. This proclamation was largely ignored by everyone, though the Grand Duchy the farm was nominally part of took notice of Lamordair’s existence in the spring of 1358, when Lamordair violently annexed two neighboring farms to enlarge Fairbanner (to the size THO describes in her reply). He then (the summer of 1358) met with formidable but unsustained resistance from several wizards who (paid by the Duchy to do so, but quite willing in any event) blasted Lamordair’s motley army to blood and corpses and moved on.
Lamordair only survived the mages’ attack by fleeing headlong and far. It took him until the spring of 1362 DR to assemble a new band of belligerents and retake the same three farms to refound Fairbanner anew. He then decided to try to find allies (in the Barony of Great Oak in particular) to fight at his side in a military shattering of the Grand Duchy of Shantal, but succeeded only in bolstering the ranks of his band with a few dozen land-hungry mercenaries who’d fled some disastrous skirmishes near Ulgarth, and were hoping to soon retire from making war to become idle nobility somewhere.
If what he told them can be believed as reflecting his true and lasting desires (those who knew him best, such as the battered old giant of a mercenary warrior Dethodd, the closest thing Lamordair had to a trusted general, believe any successes would have spurred the cambion on to higher ambitions, so if not destroyed he would have just kept trying to conquer more and more of the Border Kingdoms), Lamordair intended to eventually conquer Sorndorn and however much of Ondeeme and the Barony of Great Oak he needed to, to assault and take Thur, so as to have a port on the Lake of Steam—but that he was quite willing to be “slow and sly” about this, to keep from arousing foes on all sides and having to fight a war on many fronts.
In the late summer of 1362 DR, however, Lamordair crossed paths with the Knights of Myth Drannor, who were traveling in the Border Kingdoms on a different matter, and they carved his tiny army apart. When he sent Dethodd to try to murder them as they slept, by night, and they responded by spell-hurling the warrior back at him like an aerial missile, Lamordair thought the wizards who’d routed him before had returned, and simply fled, leaving his dreams in the dust of vanishing Fairbanner.
The Knights hunted him for about a tenday, but then went on with their own business. The cambion didn’t return to the Border Kingdoms, but made his way south to Sheirtalar, and attempted to find mages who would take him on as a general.
He had concluded that he had to have powerful wizards working with (or preferably for, but to accomplish the latter he would have to find a way to gain a hold over a powerful mage, and the achieving of that baffled him) him to gain power and to conquer anywhere in the Realms, and resolved to get some. What he got instead, of course, was used by powerful wizards, treated as expendable fodder in dangerous “go and get me this magic from that deadly rival mage” missions. Realizing this would lead to swift doom, Lamordair betrayed one of his patrons to the beholder he’d been sent to rob—and ended up working for the beholder, one Xuldelankh, who was then lurking in Ormpur in magical disguise, and needed agents who could operate more easily.
Neither Lamordair nor Xuldelankh were foolish enough to trust each other, but settled into a cordial working relationship, that survived until both cambion and patron were destroyed in an ill-advised attack on a dragon (in the winter of 1377 DR). The dragon, the elder black wyrm Malarmalagoth of the Wyrmbones, left their heads (that of the beholder blinded and shorn of all eyestalks) intact inside protective and preservative glowing magical fields, as warning displays to others—which is how the Knights learned of Lamordair’s fate.


So saith Ed, and there you have it; the ill-starred later career of the cambion Baerm Lamordair (whose real name was something else, of course).
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: Hoihe
Replied on: 30 Dec 2013 21:06:23
Message:

Ahoy!

I'd like to ask for the official stance on a few questions, and how much of a deterrent to canon lore would it be to do them if they aren't considered possible in non-supplemental canon:

Using 3.5 ruleset, set in year 1348+

First of:

Reincarnate/True Reincarnate, as in, the druidic spell that brings back a deceased person in a new body that is considered to have just entered adulthood in that race's specifics.

How true exactly is the transformation? Does a male human who was brought back by it as a female wood elf (there was a twist [:I) live as long as an elf, or just as long as a human? And what exactly is the character's age, physically? He/she was 35 years old as a human, but brought back as an adult elf. Materials are rather inconsistent about "Physical adulthood" for elves, though. Some say they are adults by 50, but psychologically considered adults at 110 thanks to culture. What's the truth? Also, will said character retain his/her form after the Spellplague/in a dead magic zone [Essentially asking, is the spell really permanent, with no way to reverse it save for overwriting it [wish/miracle/transmutation spell]. And would the character stay as an elf after death, without transforming back? [the last question is already answered in that case, with staying an elf, but I wonder the official stance on it! The character has since then identified himself as a female wood elf, and is starting to have trouble seeing how life would be as anything else [although does have a little idea, having became a druid of Solonor]. it was assumed Reverie and the rest of elven natural psychological/physical traits appear with the transformation. And also, would such characters' children be elves to the core?

And last question about this question: Can such a character visit Evermeet without being incarnated by the wards? [Provided character acts as an elf and identifies as one]

Secondly!

Is it possible for a human, without using Reincarnate, to permanently and truly become an elf?

By that, I mean: Is it possible to use Transmutation magic to transform oneself into a moon elf without danger of transforming back at death [with Raise Dead ready to counter it], living as long as an elf with every elven trait becoming the characters'? [Cultural traits like weapon proficiency are of course out of question. Focusing on Reverie and marriage specialties. Outlook of character is slowly being indoctrinated to be elven-like by the very character]. Also, would said character be able to visit Evermeet [while keeping past a secret save for a select few]. Again, the same question about ability to have elven children.

If yes, how would one go about it?

Elven high-magic,

Miracle performed by a High priestess of Corellon (maybe with assistance of priestesses of Sehanine Moonbow and another Corellonite priest. The character in question is a Devout True Believer [as in has the feat and the background feat] of Sehanine Moonbow)[Character also performed many High-Risk deeds for the elves, such as, sneaking lore out from the Vaults of Candlekeep to help some elves against an ancient enemy against the Keeps regulations. Character is a Reader, and thus, would have had to ask a scribe to copy the lore, but because of the secrecy, he had done it himself, hiding it as "taking notes and calculating".]

An Epic Spell?

Transmutation ritual?

Artifact?

[And if it takes nagging Elminster to be done, also mention that! The character has met Elminster a few times in that "campaign" by now. Rescued a few times and also redirected.]

Third question!

Is there an example of the above in lore? That is, a human willingly, and intentionally [with some elves' consent at least too] becoming a True elf?
[This exempts Reincarnate/True Reincarnate unfortunately, but if there is an example of such as well, I'd welcome it!]

Fourth Question!

Do non-elven [half-elves excluded from this bracket] worshipers of the Seldarine go to Arvanaith/Arvandor in death? If it takes a very devout worshiper, what is the level required?

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 00:18:56
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Hoihe

Ahoy!

I'd like to ask for the official stance on a few questions, and how much of a deterrent to canon lore would it be to do them if they aren't considered possible in non-supplemental canon:

Using 3.5 ruleset, set in year 1348+

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Hiya, Hoihe!

Just a bit of an FYI... While Ed is the go-to man for Realmslore, and can answer your questions from a lore standpoint, he's neither a rules guy or an official WotC person. For queries based purely on rules, the WotC forums may be more appropriate.

I don't believe he uses the 3.5 rules, either.

But as I said, Ed is the man for Realmlore. He has given us much lore in this pages, over the years, but as some of the recent posts from his lovely Hooded emissary will show, there is sometimes a delay on his answers.

All that aside, welcome to Candlekeep!

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Reply author: Veritas
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 01:32:20
Message:

Hello good scribes,

I write hoping that Ed can spare a few words for the unnamed spell in Cloak of Shadows which the "Masked One" (Velsharoon?)used to "dissolve [] pe[ople] and subsume [their] powers". Having used this power before, the Masked One expected to gain the "memories and mastery" of the interloping Elminster had he succeeded striking El with it. The Masked One intended to use it on Hoar's avatar to seize Hoar's power had Ao not interfered.

Did this spell work, as implied by, literally stealing all the memories and magical ability from its victims? In hypothetical 1e-3e game terms, had a level 1 magic user been able to cast the spell on a level 20 magic user, would he then become a level 20 mage by stealing the memories and mastery of the dissolved mage? How would the spell have worked?

Could the spell work on El as a Chosen of Mystra? Would it have worked on Hoar's avatar (or any avatar at the time)? Could it have worked on an undead? If the Masked One hypothetically gotten the spell over on Szass Tam, would he have gained the lich's enormous mastery of magic?

Cloak of Shadows implied that the construct the Masked One was using functioned as described above and could be used to steal an avatar's power, having Ao himself intervene to foil the Masked One's scheme by hurling Elminster into the fray. I found the spell a curious addition when most other sources that housing memories of powerful mages may give some boost in power (various kiira) although over time as the magical proficiency also required developing mental discipline.

Any scraps of lore relating to this spell is greatly appreciated. Many thanks Ed and THO and happy new year!

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Reply author: Hoihe
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 02:29:51
Message:

quote:

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Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:

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Originally posted by Hoihe

Ahoy!

I'd like to ask for the official stance on a few questions, and how much of a deterrent to canon lore would it be to do them if they aren't considered possible in non-supplemental canon:

Using 3.5 ruleset, set in year 1348+

---

Hiya, Hoihe!

Just a bit of an FYI... While Ed is the go-to man for Realmslore, and can answer your questions from a lore standpoint, he's neither a rules guy or an official WotC person. For queries based purely on rules, the WotC forums may be more appropriate.

I don't believe he uses the 3.5 rules, either.

But as I said, Ed is the man for Realmlore. He has given us much lore in this pages, over the years, but as some of the recent posts from his lovely Hooded emissary will show, there is sometimes a delay on his answers.

All that aside, welcome to Candlekeep!

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Eheh, no worries, got patience! And thanks for the welcome.

And I'm more interested on the lore on this than the raw rules! Thought this's the best place to go.

In the end it's usually the DM's ruling, but I'm sure a bit of an insight from the creator can help in their decision-making!

As for the ruleset, I've mentioned it in case laws of magical permanency changed between editions/years. [Especially with the Spellplague, Time of Troubles and other great events].

I'm especially curious as to what can make a true transformation, why and how lore-side.

I've always believed most transmutation spells are not permanent, even with permanency, because they are "sustained" through magic, and the person isn't transformed at their very core. This is why I brought up Reincarnate because it seems like a complete "makeover" of the receipent, with only their memories and who they are remaining untouched.

I have also forgot to add another question:

When a sorcerer goes through such a ritual/reincarnate, and draws his power from dragon blood [it was estabilished it's a silver-dragon heritage sorcerer], would they lose the said power if they lose their heritage with the transformation?

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Reply author: The Arcanamach
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 04:20:43
Message:

@Hoihe: Going by something written in the novel ELFSHADOW, I have to say the character in question may not be a 'true elf' in terms of where he/she goes in the afterlife. In the novel, we have a half-elf who wonders if she has an 'elven' soul and will be allowed into Arvandor upon her death. The answer is YES...but then she was born a half-elf to begin with, was raised by elves (I don't think this part actually matters as to the disposition of her soul) and she worshiped the Seldarine. The real issue, to me, is whether his/her worship of an elven deity trumps the lack of an 'elven soul' unless reincarnation transforms the soul as well. I would likely rule that his/her soul goes on to be with the elven deity worshiped. From a 'flavor' point of view, though, it may be interesting to have the Seldarine reject a non-elven soul...if you think it is appropriate for the Seldarine to react that way. I too would like to see how Ed/Lady Hooded One responds to this question though.

Oh also, as regards to your general question about transformation magic. The elves have High Magic that transforms elves into other species (and other types of elves, including drow, if they wish). I presume that this spell, or a variant of it, could transform a non-elf into a 'true' elf, complete with a transformation of the soul as well (if there is such a thing as an 'elven' soul).

This line of questioning raises some interesting dynamics from a lore/flavor perspective. I've always assumed that elves were a different kind of spirit being (at the level of the soul)...and this difference is what makes them so magical, gives them a stronger connection to the Weave and life in general, and allows them to develop a strong sense of connection to other elves (i.e., elven communion mentioned in some sources) and allows them to bond with a mate and/or an animal companion on a much deeper level than the game rules imply. This all assumes that you use such concepts in your campaign. This spiritual difference also grants them longevity/immortality. If Ed's home game uses these concepts, then perhaps the reincarnated soul is NOT 'elven' and thus would not travel to Arvandor...but then the deity's decision to accept the soul would trump this fact. Very interesting query and to echo Wooley...welcome to the Keep!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 04:43:51
Message:

Hello again, fellow scribes of the Keep. Ed finishes his “tour through the years” of unaddressed lore queries by tackling one from 2013.
Back on the 17th of February, scribe Marco Volo posted: “Ed had mentioned the presence of “adventurers’ clubs” in Waterdeep. It would be interesting for me to hear more about them, their operating and whereabouts in the city. If he has time, maybe Elminster (who probably has a house somewhere hidden in Waterdeep) can say a little more about these clubs in the City of Splendors? Or about adventurers clubs in general?”
Marco, Ed informs me that Elminster secretly owns dozens of buildings in the city, and has three residences, from a lowly garret in Dock Ward to a hidden apartment in a noble villa whose owners have no idea they’re hosting a secret way in, a secret stair, and no less than four secret rooms at the top of those steps, with their own chimney and firehearth and larder.
He also responded to your request at some length, and tells me he isn’t done yet, so I’m splitting his reply to you into more than one part.
Here’s the first one:


The City of Splendors has, over the years, been home to dozens of short-lived adventurers’ clubs. Mostly they burn down or go bankrupt, some of them after being damaged often and thoroughly in armed and bloody brawls. This has led to a local reputation for danger, which usually means “I don’t want one located anywhere near where I live, thank you VERY much.”
However, many of these clubs, and most of this fell reputation, comes from the sort of adventurers’ club, now outlawed by the Lords of Waterdeep, that’s really just a tavern run on the cheap and offering cheap wine and ale, because it subsists on joining fees and dues paid by members (and everyone drinking in the place is either a member or a guest—“guests” being a lone individual brought in by a member, once only, because if they return for a second time, they must join or be ejected). These sort of rowdy establishments are all gone now; the best remembered ones are the oldest and longest-lived, The Proud Sword (westfront The High Road, Castle Ward), and the notorious Red Blades High (westfront Slut Street, Dock Ward).
The adventurers’ clubs that survive are akin to real-world London gentlemens’ clubs of the Victorian and Edwardian eras; that is, large buildings that provide meals, laundry and tailor (garment and boot repair) facilities, lounge areas, meeting rooms, and the equivalent of private hotel rooms for their members. The better clubs also provide libraries of maps, journals of adventures, and general reference works (such as taxes, fees, licenses, and laws regarding adventurers in various Faerûnian locales). The very best employ errand-runners and trade agents, who can go and fetch or buy replacement weapons, clothing, and needed gear from various Waterdhavian establishments, on behalf of members.
In short, the Waterdhavian adventurers’ clubs of today function as a shared home for adventurers visiting the city—a first-class hotel in which they are part owners, and so are treated with real respect by the staff, not given supercilious or bad service.
The foremost clubs at present are:

Rahoringjak’s House: Staffed by retired adventurers who have grown old, wise, and full of stories (not to mention magically prepared to cope with almost anything a member or guest can throw at them, including deadly monsters getting out of cages to rampage), Rahoringjak’s is the oldest and shabbiest, but most relaxed and comfortable, of all Waterdhavian adventurers’ clubs. It has some six hundred members, a magnificent trophy room adorned with all sorts of alarming and disgusting preserved monster heads on the walls, a secret back way in and out (that emerges, by means of rather damp tunnels, several streets away in the back service stair of a tavern that has no business affiliation with the club), twenty sleepover rooms that members can rent for a copper/night, and a secret armory in the cellar that members can raid for replacement weapons for free. Rahoringjak himself died some years ago, and is said to have been stuffed and locked into a closet somewhere on the premises. The kitchens run to hearty stews and roasts, not fancy cuisine, and the stuffed, magically-floating human-head-sized beholder just inside the entry doors is rumored (correctly) to be more than just an adornment (it contains some miniature wands that can be made to discharge their magical effects by someone who knows how, from quite a distance).
Rahoringjak’s is located in Dock Ward. It’s housed in a rambling old gray stone building of several balconies and turrets, that’s actually three old buildings knocked together (which is why most of its roof is purple-to-maroon tiles, but one wing has a dark green tiled roof). These connected buildings stand in a cluster in the interior of a city block bounded on the north by Shesstra’s Street, on the west by Snail Street, on the east by Book Street, and (a long way to the south) on the south by the Street of Curtains. The club is “a stone’s throw” south of Shesstra’s, through the alley gap.


So saith Ed. [[And that’s all for tonight. Ed will return with more as soon as he can.]]
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: sfdragon
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 07:13:15
Message:

Where did Tyr show up in the time of troubles?

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Reply author: xaeyruudh
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 08:32:04
Message:

So much awesome here. Deepest thanks again to both of you for giving us your Realms. More than once my hopes for the Realms have been buoyed (or outright reincarnated) by your presence and enthusiasm here. Thank you for continuing to share with us. Best wishes for 2014!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 15:05:28
Message:

Hi again, all.
And you're very welcome, xaeyruudh - - and Damian, and Eilserus! We love doing this, and both of us wish we had more time to devote to it.

Ed just sent me details of another adventurers' club of Waterdeep, for Marco Volo and us all, and here it is:


The House of Honor: The newest and grandest of adventurers’ clubs, this establishment was founded by Sargrath’s Folly, an adventuring band of elves and half-elves led by the elf swordsman and rogue Tansaryn Sargrath, after a disastrous battle with a dragon left most of them maimed beyond adventuring—and quite lacking in any thirst to resume adventuring careers once they got healed. The eleven members of the Folly still own and run the club, employing two dozen former servants of various Waterdhavian noble houses.
Their skills mean that the large, spacious, well-lit club (its entrance hall and ballroom—more familiar to members for its daytime use as a venue for casual dining or chatter, the many round tables being numerous enough that small groups can assemble far enough from others to keep low-voiced converse private—being clad in shining white marble) can feature the style, hauteur, and graces of a grand noble house, from the elaborately-presented dishes served forth on platters to the etiquette of preparing a room [small hearth-fire lit save on the hottest summer days, bed turned back and scented, drinks left decanted and ready, and so on].
The House is expensive to belong to (original members pay 2,000 gp at the beginning of every year, and newer ones pay up to 4,000, as the joining fee has risen steadily, in 200 gp increments, since the club’s opening), but provides by far the most luxurious venue for adventurers to mingle and inhabit. Every member gets lockable storage; a walk-in closet in every room, and a larger locked room in the cellars. The wine cellar at the House rivals that of the finest dining establishments in Waterdeep, and there are weapons-practice chambers, a room of small heated pools (we real-world moderns might call them “sunken hot tubs”), and a full stables with covered storage for a dozen coaches and wagons (in this case, “full” means harness and tack secure storage and repair, and a stable staff expected and able not only to feed, water, and curry horses, mules, and oxen, but to “doctor” most equine and bovine ailments).
Like many a noble mansion, the House features grand, lofty-ceilinged “grand rooms” on the ground floor, two sweeping staircases that have railings adorned with life-sized bronzes of adventurers in heroic poses that lead to upper floors with wide, high passages, the first floor up housing a library, an armory (weapons repair as well as secure storage), and a dozen meeting rooms, and the three floors above that being devoted to suites of rooms where members can stay (at a cost of one copper piece per head per night, or 2 cp to “secure the room” as one’s own for a day and night through). Many “members of Honor” who winter over in Waterdeep make the House their home for the cold months, using the time and proximity to other adventurers to plan forays, forge alliances, and prepare all that’s needed in the way of gear. Wintering over in Waterdeep, with the shifting fashions among the real nobility (fewer of them relocating to warmer climes for the winter) and the prevalence among wealthy non-nobles to never adopt the habit of wintering in warmer places, means residents of the House have ready winter access to possible sponsors; many of them make good use of this.
It amuses the seldom-seen Tansaryn to employ a ridiculously fluting and whimsical elf, a seven-foot-tall and rail-thin sun elf named Relevandrel Vornreth (and better known as “Relevandrel the Ridiculous” around Waterdeep) as “chamberlain” of the club. This always dark-and-impeccably-clad personage can be as haughtily sneering as the most overblown noble, but is playacting, and usually can’t resist making a jest or mincingly and eye-rollingly acting out mimicry of either an individual or a type of person. His stage sighs and grand verbiage amuse many, and most members of Honor love him and regard him as a staunch ally (Need to get a bleeding body out of your rooms unseen at highsun? Relevandrel’s your man. Have to procure JUST the right wine to fill goblets, right now in the dead of night? Relevandrel’s your man. Can’t remember the name of the highcoin-lass you so enjoyed last time, but need her right here and right now? Relevandrel’s your . . .). Many adventurers can do their own devastating impersonations of Relevandrel, but usually choose to do them outside Waterdeep.
The House is located in Sea Ward, occupying the center of the block bounded on the north by Rough Road (always “Raruph” to Sea Warders, by the way, because the older name for the street is Raruph’s Ride), on the west by Feather Street and The Sutherlane, on the east by Mendever Street, and on the south by Zarimitar Street (mislabeled “Zarimtar” on some maps and street signs). Its size and grandeur make it look like what it formerly was: the grand mansion of a noble family (the Neshers built it to be their new home, but sold it without ever moving in when family fortunes took a sharp dip, and the older family members voiced their preference for their older digs over the “large, soulless, overbright” new ones).


So saith Ed. Who is busy busy busy, but hopes to impart details of more adventuring clubs before year's end.
love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 15:11:57
Message:

Veritas, I'm obviously not Ed, but can start to make a reply to you regarding that spell, because it interested me greatly, I've chatted with Ed about it, and made some notes.
It's called "Crawling Subsumption," and it won't work against a Chosen or anyone else attuned to the Weave who's conscious and able to access the Weave, as they can dissipate it. It requires the caster to have more mental "fierceness" and powers of concentration than the target, so it's unlikely that a low-level mage could use it to overcome a foe of much higher level.
However, that little bit is as far as my notes go, so we'll have to wait for Ed to elucidate further. Accordingly, off your question has gone to him...
love,
THO

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Reply author: Blueblade
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 15:17:02
Message:

I have to work New Year's, so in case I can't get back to a keyboard before our ahead-of-us Australian colleagues close this thread, I want to thank Ed and THO deeply for keeping my faith in the Realms for me, these last few years, and continuing to provide lore on the incredibly rich and alive and endlessly fascinating world Ed created.
Long may this continue!
BB

P.S. And to keep this post legal, I do in fact have a question for Ed: long, long ago you mentioned to me about an adventuring band made up of ghosts (maybe not D&D ghosts, but wraithlike floating/flying haunting spirits). Was this in the Realms? Or another project? Can you share any more details?
Thanks, as always!

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Reply author: The Hooded One
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 15:18:54
Message:

Heh. As it happens, the last time I said goodbye to Ed in person, I thanked him for being the keeper of my dreams, and such a good one, too.
He liked the phrase. A lot.

love to all,
THO

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 15:32:47
Message:

Well met

Could I please ask that my fellow scribes refrain from posting any more requests for lore to Ed and THO as this scroll will soon be sealed [this then allows THO to better synchronise the crossover into the upcoming 2014 scroll]? You may soon resume your requests in the 2014 scroll which I will open shortly.

Thank you.

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Reply author: Wooly Rupert
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 15:53:47
Message:

Folks, I bring you the link for the 2013 Spin a Yarn: "The Unforking Family Tree"

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Reply author: The Sage
Replied on: 31 Dec 2013 16:02:08
Message:

And with that being the case, and since Australia has now entered 2014, please be aware that this scroll will now be closing, with Ed's Realmslore answers and The Hooded One's grace and charm starting fresh in a new scroll for 2014.

Casts Seal Scroll.

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