| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| The Defence Minister |
Posted - 24 Nov 2002 : 19:25:58
They're the worlds three most famous (or maybe not) greybeards....
They're all mystical guides in they're own land.....
But who is THE ULTIMATE GREYBEARD - Elminster, Gandalf or Merlin?
Elminster, the greatest hero of the Forgotten Realms, the most powerful man to grace faerun
or maybe Gandalf the man who saved Middle Earth on so many occasions, single handedly defeated the Balrog and organised the downfall of Sauron
or is it Merlin, the ancient English legend, the force behind King Arthur.
Who do YOU think???
TDM |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Feanor_Karnil |
Posted - 10 Jan 2003 : 01:20:05
Point taken but Elminster's pipe is enchanted i'm positive Gandalf's isn't. But Gandalf does have a cool sword, hmmmmm it is a tough choice I'd say Gandalf and Elminster are about equal, Merlin is just a tad bit outdated, he's cool just outdated. |
| Drummer Boy |
Posted - 09 Jan 2003 : 03:32:46
quote:
Originally posted by Salius_Kai
Yes, the pipe does make him much more cool, but come on people, what about Cogline. He's got the beard!?
Hey, did you know that Gandalf has a pipe too? (I think, unless I'm mistaken he smokes it in the Fellowship of the Ring or the Hobbit.) |
| Feanor_Karnil |
Posted - 09 Jan 2003 : 01:10:15
True enough Salius I have a great respect for Cogline I was very distressed when he died he was cool. Elminster is still cool though. |
| Salius Kai |
Posted - 09 Jan 2003 : 00:59:31
Yes, the pipe does make him much more cool, but come on people, what about Cogline. He's got the beard!? |
| Feanor_Karnil |
Posted - 09 Jan 2003 : 00:32:04
I would say the great Elminster because he is practically some old cool guy with a cool sword and an eversmoking pipe. Sure Gandalf is cool but his life span in the books are short, and Merlin is cool too but he is a bit out-dated. Elminster will last a long time, for generations, and when he dies he will surely be in most legends. |
| Lost Elph |
Posted - 05 Jan 2003 : 05:13:15
I`d have to say Gandalf. Everyone one Middle Earth knows his name, that and I had a Lord of the Rings calender and during the month that had the pic of him I would talk to him.....sad huh?  |
| Dark_Lord |
Posted - 04 Jan 2003 : 10:50:42
quote:
Originally posted by The Defence Minister
Elminster, the greatest hero of the Forgotten Realms, the most powerful man to grace faerun.
Wrong! Two most powerful entities that walked Faerun are presented below....
Halaster
Blackcloak
Human male 30th-level mage
ARMOR CLASS: 6
MOVE: 12
HIT POINTS: 49
THAC0: 11
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic evil
STR 9, DEX 18, CON 25 (15), INT 20, WIS 19, CHA 9
History: Halaster, the Mad Mage of Undermountain,
is the designer of that insane, chaotic
maze of deathtraps, monsters, and disreputable beings
of all shapes and sizes.
This manís given name was Hilather, but he
changed it to the grander Halaster as more befitting a
powerful mage. The date and place of his birth are unknown,
but heís rumored to be older than even Elminster.
Regardless of his origins, Halaster left off his dealings
with most of humanity more than 1,000 years ago.
Accompanied only by his seven apprentices, Halaster
came to the base of Mt. Waterdeep to build his new
home. He summoned and bound fell creatures from
other planes to build this tower and complex, as well
as smaller towers for his apprentices. Once finished,
even his apprentices saw less of their master.
As he dealt less and less with humans and more
with the vile creatures from other planes, Halaster
changed. He grew grim and became prone to long,
sullen silences, broken by sudden, violent rages. He
had his servant creatures dig storage areas and additional
laboratories beneath his tower, and this work
went on for decades.
Szass Tam, Zulkir
of Necromancy
29th-level necromancer lich;
formerly a human male
ARMOR CLASS: 0
MOVE: 6
HIT POINTS: 64
THAC0: 9
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
ALIGNMENT: Neutral evil
STR 11, DEX 14, CON 19, INT 19, WIS 16, CHA 18
History: Most of Szass Tamís past is shrouded in
mystery, but itís publicly known that heís the most
powerful and infamous zulkir in modem Thay.
He built this reputation over the last several years.
When a tharchion and two zulkirs sought to overthrow
several cities along the Sea of Fallen Stars, the
trio summoned a number of efreeti and salamanders
to aid them in exchange for constructing a permanent
gate in the area. Of course, the Thayans never
intended to keep their end of the bargain.
The conquests went well-too well in fact. Soon
after most of the coast fell, the elementals demanded
the gate be built. As yet unprepared to banish them to
their own plane, the Thayans nevertheless tried. They
ousted the efreeti, but the salamanders remained and
ravaged much of the Thayansí new territory.
Szass Tam then sent a portion of his undead legion
to the trioís aid at this time; though the war
that followed lasted almost a year, the salamanders
were eventually vanquished.
When the Tuigan Horde came west, they engaged
the Thayans in battle. Despite success in an initial
skirmish, the Thayans were badly beaten in the next
battle.
The Zulkir of Necromancy proposed a deal to the
Tuigan: magical aid for a Tuigan invasion of Rashemen
if the Horde left Thay untouched. (The
Rashemi witches and Rashemaar berserkers still
managed to stop the Thay-assisted horse-warriors,
though parts of their lands were occupied until King
Azounís crusade defeated the Horde once and for
all.)
In 1362, Szass Tam even worked with a group of
Harpers to defeat the plan of the then-zulkir of Alteration,
the Red Wizard known as MALIGOR. |
| Salius Kai |
Posted - 02 Jan 2003 : 23:56:25
Hey, is it too late to add another continder? I vote Cogline (From the Shannara Series). He had a grey beard (I would have voted walker, but he lacks the beard) and he lived longer and did more than any other of the Druid did.
There were only three things in the four lands that combined science and magic, and Cogline was a part of them all.
1)Walker
2)Himself
3)The Sword of Shannara |
| Salius Kai |
Posted - 02 Jan 2003 : 23:52:49
Out of the three, I'd say Merlin. He dosn't have all the restrictions of D&D (only cast certain spells so many times), and if you take Gandalf's stick away, his spells are greatly weakened. |
| The Great Drizzt |
Posted - 13 Dec 2002 : 06:37:44
What about Halaster, he was'nt an option, but he's not all as insane as everyone says he is......
Elminster would wipe the floor with Merlin and Gandalf!
The Great Drizzt |
| lowtech |
Posted - 12 Dec 2002 : 17:23:12
What about Dumbledore?
<ducks as knives are thrown in my direction> |
| zemd |
Posted - 11 Dec 2002 : 08:49:07
And what about Halaster! That's a great guy, completely mad and still he manage to build the greatest dungeon ever.
I also like Azalin (from Ravenloft) and Szass Tam... |
| Shades |
Posted - 11 Dec 2002 : 06:50:15
I'd say Merlin. Look at Elminster and Gandalf they are both clones of Merlin. Physical description and they are all powerful wizards much liker Merlin. |
| The Great Drizzt |
Posted - 11 Dec 2002 : 06:25:54
LOL, this is the funniest topic by far!
Well Mumadar your right, I totally forgot about her...geez, is it just me, or is my mind is slipping....
The Great Drizzt
P.S.-She doesnt count because she is female, has no beard, and is evil, do we all agree on that? |
| Echon |
Posted - 10 Dec 2002 : 21:00:51
quote:
Originally posted by The Defence Minister
She was an evil wizard though and evil wizards dont count.
TDM
Why? Are you suggesting that they cannot be as powerful as good wizards or that they do not grow grey beards?
-Echon |
| The Defence Minister |
Posted - 10 Dec 2002 : 17:03:59
quote:
Originally posted by Mumadar Ibn Huzal
Morgainne le Fay (sp?) is another of the spellcasters in the Arthur saga. Merlin is definitely not the only one. It depends a little on which incarnation of the saga one is looking at, but even though Earth at that time is considered 'low magic', there are more practicers of magic then Merlin alone... And that is besides the fey and the sidhe...
She was an evil wizard though and evil wizards dont count. Also, Where's her grey beard?? 
TDM |
| Echon |
Posted - 10 Dec 2002 : 13:44:14
quote:
Originally posted by Mumadar Ibn Huzal
<sigh> You've never encountered dwarven women then have ye...
I have met them on a few occasions, peculiar folk. (I was going to say something about dwarves and mages but since you go for 3E, that would be of little use).
quote:
I was referring to Drizzt's comments on Merlin being the only magic user in the Arthur saga....
I know. She seems very powerful, almost as much as Merlin but a lot of people do not know about her. I once read three books about King Arthur where the protagonist of the first book was Gawain, the second Sir Lancelot and the third Queen whatever-her-name-is but I cannot remember what the books where called. Anyway, Morgana was very powerful.
-Echon |
| Mumadar Ibn Huzal |
Posted - 10 Dec 2002 : 10:56:37
<sigh> You've never encountered dwarven women then have ye...
I was referring to Drizzt's comments on Merlin being the only magic user in the Arthur saga.... |
| Echon |
Posted - 10 Dec 2002 : 09:13:50
quote:
Originally posted by Mumadar Ibn Huzal
Morgainne le Fay (sp?) is another of the spellcasters in the Arthur saga. Merlin is definitely not the only one. It depends a little on which incarnation of the saga one is looking at, but even though Earth at that time is considered 'low magic', there are more practicers of magic then Merlin alone... And that is besides the fey and the sidhe...
But women do not count because they have no beard... **rolleyes**
-Echon |
| Mumadar Ibn Huzal |
Posted - 10 Dec 2002 : 08:34:39
Morgainne le Fay (sp?) is another of the spellcasters in the Arthur saga. Merlin is definitely not the only one. It depends a little on which incarnation of the saga one is looking at, but even though Earth at that time is considered 'low magic', there are more practicers of magic then Merlin alone... And that is besides the fey and the sidhe... |
| The Great Drizzt |
Posted - 10 Dec 2002 : 05:13:26
Well I beleive "Greybeard" is actually Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun's(spelling?)nickname,or maybe its "Old Greybeard" I'm not to sure, but out of the three you've mentioned, I would have to go with Elminster on this one, I mean come on now, he can walk to different planes with each step he takes, he smokes a pipe that can blow fireballs!
He has saved Faerun many a time, and he has done so much for the people, personally, I don't think "Gandalf" has anything on him, I think I've seen the guy cast 1 or 2 spells, and he fights with a sword......(He should stick to the staff I think) Merlin...good old Merlin, "Thee Ideal Mage" just because he's the most popular I don't think he has anything on Elminster either, besides, he's rather limited if you think about it, it's not really a "Magically" based world that he lives/lived in, there are no monsters, no REAL magical items besides Excalibur(if you count that as magical!) and he's just about the only mage in his time, so where did he learn his spells? or where did he get the components? It's basically the Dark Ages with ONE wizard, and If you ask who is the Ultimate Greybeard? It's definately not Merlin.
Elminster is the way to go!
The Great Drizzt |
| Artalis |
Posted - 09 Dec 2002 : 22:25:38
Gandalf, by far imho. Gandalf was know by all peoples as a good person and a wise one.
Talk about respect even the dwarves had a name for him Olorin (I think).
He could come and go in all lands as he wished. He didn't cast fireballs at the drop of a hat either he didn't have to.
His restraint, dignity and kindness make him THE ULTIMATE GREYBEARD. |
| The Defence Minister |
Posted - 01 Dec 2002 : 11:09:58
quote:
Originally posted by Captain Louis
I have to go with Gandalf. I'm a huge LotR fan, Merlin just played a background role to an all too famous myth, and and Elminster is nothing more than a way to introduce new areas and history to the realms.
That is point I really agree with, I am also a huge LotR fan. Elminster did do a bit more than introducing new areas and backgrounds, he has defeated many threats and even travelled to hell on one occasion. But Middle Earth would be practically destroyed without the great Gandalf.
TDM |
| Captain Louis |
Posted - 01 Dec 2002 : 01:34:03
I have to go with Gandalf. I'm a huge LotR fan, Merlin just played a background role to an all too famous myth, and and Elminster is nothing more than a way to introduce new areas and history to the realms. |
| The Defence Minister |
Posted - 26 Nov 2002 : 16:49:07
Nobody quite knows who, if anyone, was the inspiration behind Gandalf but we do know JRR Tolkien took a lot of his material from Norse Mythology so this explaination seems likely.
TDM |
| Echon |
Posted - 26 Nov 2002 : 15:58:12
quote:
Originally posted by Ghost
2. Even though Gandalf the Great may be derived from the image of Merlin the Magician, I still hold him as THE Greybeard.
Are you certain it is not Odin who was the inspiration?
-Echon |
| Ghost |
Posted - 26 Nov 2002 : 14:54:35
quote:
Originally posted by Mumadar Ibn Huzal
<Tugs on Alaundo's beard to see if it is real...>
I would say Santa Claus is the greatest Grey Beard of all... being like Merlin rooted in history (In Santa's case both christian and pagan religion)
If good ol' Santa doesn't qualify, I'd go with Merlin as well. He is the more archetypical wizard, from which I think Ghandalf and Elminster have borrowed some.
1. Santa Claus is a VERY recent invention, look here for more info.
2. Even though Gandalf the Great may be derived from the image of Merlin the Magician, I still hold him as THE Greybeard. |
| The Defence Minister |
Posted - 25 Nov 2002 : 17:32:37
Personally my vote would go to Gandalf.
Elminster pisses me off and Merlin never really did much but Gandalf is just so cool.
Plus I am a huge LOTR fan.
TDM
|
| Kitira Gildragon |
Posted - 25 Nov 2002 : 16:49:43
Hmmm... I'd go with Mumadar's Santa. But if I had to go with one of the three, I guess I'd have to say Elminster. He's a bit more mysterious than the others and it adds to the characters allure. |
| Drummer Boy |
Posted - 25 Nov 2002 : 14:39:23
I'd have to pick Gandalf as my favorite greybeard simply because I don't really like Merlin or Elminster that much. Elminster's just weird and I don't know enough about Merlin to say that I like him more than Gandalf. |
