| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 14 Jan 2005 : 17:46:01
Now, seeing as how the Dalelands have beaten off some major armies over the years, with the Zhentarim Sword of the South just the most recent, I was wondering: just what sort of troops do the individual Dales have, and how many? I tend to use the 'recruited into the local militia' as a way to kick off campaigns.
I'd especially like to know what's been said or written about the Riders of Mistledale and the Mistledale militia (they are different, right?). I remember something from the Old Gray Box about how the Riders numbered about 20, but were dressed in black plate mail with the Mistledale insignia, a white horse emblem, and were all fighters, rangers, or paladins levels 3-8. Don't they have more troops than that? |
| 29 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 19 Jan 2005 : 06:34:27
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
The fey'ri's weakness is that there simply isn't many of them - even with Sarya's accelerated breeding plans. With the hits they took in "Forsaken House", I'd think that their ability to wage war on an open battlefield without a lot of minions would be greatly affected at present. As such, I'd hope that they have a slightly less 'in your face' presence in the next book of the trilogy.
I wonder with the environment, if the combat itself will change quite a bit. A wooded forest does not make it easy going for any army, elven, fey'ri or otherwise to simply march through and engage an enemy straight on. Instead, I wonder if we might see less large scale conflicts and more guerilla type combat. Not to mention again all the players involved. The Armies of the Dale might be engaging the Fey'ri on one side and suddenly be facing a drow attack from another.
Ah, Richard Baker, so many ways to kill a character, so few pages. |
| George Krashos |
Posted - 19 Jan 2005 : 04:43:26
The fey'ri's weakness is that there simply isn't many of them - even with Sarya's accelerated breeding plans. With the hits they took in "Forsaken House", I'd think that their ability to wage war on an open battlefield without a lot of minions would be greatly affected at present. As such, I'd hope that they have a slightly less 'in your face' presence in the next book of the trilogy. In fact, I'm interested to see how Rich deals with Myth Drannor in his next book.
IMO, the best 'look' at Myth Drannor in the here and now we've seen in print is the opening chapter of Ed's "Temptation of Elminster" novel where a very strong adventuring band is allowed to move unmolested into the central portions of the city and then is ambushed left, right and centre, scattered and harried till they are all slain by countless fiends (devils in the main).
I wonder how the fey'ri will deal with the devils and yugoloths still prowling the ruins - not to mention the hydras, humanoids, giants, nagas, alhoon and basically any monsters you can think of! Brute force realistically should see them get their heads handed to them.
-- George Krashos
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| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 18 Jan 2005 : 19:42:36
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
Now the Fey'ri are moving to Cormanthor?
Yep, moving on up, to the East Cormanthor...
quote:
I think the Dales are going to need much better armies to deal with the Fey'ri and the drow, especially if they join forces (and I get the idea that they will). Now all Cormanthor needs is for the Eldreth Veluuthra to move in to wipe out three of their enemies at once. Sheesh. Another few years and the Dalesfolk wil just start lynching every elf they see.
I think it will take an alliance to defeat the Fey'ri. The elves have won some victories against them already, but in the end, I think it will take a group effort. |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 18 Jan 2005 : 17:32:33
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
Now the Fey'ri are moving to Cormanthor?
I think the Dales are going to need much better armies to deal with the Fey'ri and the drow, especially if they join forces (and I get the idea that they will). Now all Cormanthor needs is for the Eldreth Veluuthra to move in to wipe out three of their enemies at once. Sheesh. Another few years and the Dalesfolk wil just start lynching every elf they see.
Well considering that Fey'ri "The daemonfey prefer to keep to themselves, but they sometimes work alongside evil humanoids for a short duration. Though their ancestors considered the drow to be degenerates," and the Drow look down on everyone the odds are good that even if an alliance was made that soon there would be conflict between the two.
However will need to wait and see what happens. |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 18 Jan 2005 : 17:22:46
Now the Fey'ri are moving to Cormanthor?
I think the Dales are going to need much better armies to deal with the Fey'ri and the drow, especially if they join forces (and I get the idea that they will). Now all Cormanthor needs is for the Eldreth Veluuthra to move in to wipe out three of their enemies at once. Sheesh. Another few years and the Dalesfolk wil just start lynching every elf they see. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 18 Jan 2005 : 13:24:55
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Actually, how do we know it's even more than one elven subrace? The year's name could be referring to a single race, or even a prominent member of a single race, like Lamruil...
And as you point out, the fey'ri are rising, and they are kin to elves...
All possibilities. Whether or not it refers to the fey'ri might depend on how fast the timeline moves with the next novel in The Last Mythal series. I forget what point Baker ends the novel.
Indeed.
We have to remember as well, that not all the novels planned for release this (entire) year have been mapped out fully yet. There may be something more coming down the road, that plays the Risen Elfkin theme out...
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| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 18 Jan 2005 : 03:47:48
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Actually, how do we know it's even more than one elven subrace? The year's name could be referring to a single race, or even a prominent member of a single race, like Lamruil...
And as you point out, the fey'ri are rising, and they are kin to elves...
All possibilities. Whether or not it refers to the fey'ri might depend on how fast the timeline moves with the next novel in The Last Mythal series. I forget what point Baker ends the novel. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 18 Jan 2005 : 03:44:20
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Just so long as it's diversified... I'll be happy  . I know it's "Year of Risen ELFKIN"... but...  .
Well, that brings up the question, what race or races would qualify as Elfkin?
Good question.
Obviously, most of the elven subraces... The daemonfey perhaps? We are seeing them in some prominence lately.
Actually, how do we know it's even more than one elven subrace? The year's name could be referring to a single race, or even a prominent member of a single race, like Lamruil...
And as you point out, the fey'ri are rising, and they are kin to elves... |
| The Sage |
Posted - 18 Jan 2005 : 01:21:52
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Just so long as it's diversified... I'll be happy . I know it's "Year of Risen ELFKIN"... but... .
Well, that brings up the question, what race or races would qualify as Elfkin?
Good question.
Obviously, most of the elven subraces... The daemonfey perhaps? We are seeing them in some prominence lately.
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| The Sage |
Posted - 18 Jan 2005 : 01:19:21
quote:
Originally posted by Hymn
Daggerdale
Have about 200 members of the local militia called "The Freedomriders"
Is this before or after the coming of the Zhentarim to Dagger Falls? Because as I recall, there were also about 100 Zhentish troops, roughly 200 mercenaries (which includes orcs, if I'm remembering correctly), and another 150 natives from the Dale who occupy support roles for the garrison force. This is in addition to Morn's Freedomriders...
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| Kentinal |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 22:40:46
IIRC the Scardale Zhentil Keep garrision, consists of retired Zent forces as oposed to those that serve the Zent goals. |
| Hymn |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 22:20:35
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Well met, Aye, and how glad am I for that, Wooly Rupert   Now, back to these armies of the dales... 
Well to brown nose a little for Alaundo here are some general info regarding the armies of the Dales (except Mistledale) if you want anything expanded upon Ardashir just "call" and I am sure some one will oblige you.
Archendale
600 mounted soldiers called "The Rides" ; 10 Rides with 60 soldiers each armed with composite bow, sword and lance ; 3 Rides are stationed at Swordpoint the Dales major fortification, 1 Ride is stationed at White Ford , 1 Ride is dispatched as police force called "The Watch" with patrols at 10 soldiers each. The other Rides are off duty but can be called to arms within hours.
Battledale
Battledale has no standing army at all , the War Councellor of Essembra can muster up to 30 men-at-arms called the Lord`s Men. In times of war the inhabitants of the dale muster a militia.
Daggerdale
Have about 200 members of the local militia called "The Freedomriders"
Deepingdale
Deepingdale has a standing army of 140 elven archers divided in 2 companies and 30 men-at-arms which serve the "Lord of Highmoon" as tower guard in Highmoon. In times of trouble the dale can muster all male inhabitants between 18 and 45 years of age to the local militia.
Featherdale
none
Harrowdale
30 men-at-arms called "The Watch" in Harrowdale ; The Grey Riders as patrol
The High Dale
A militia of 50 fighters under the command of the constable of Highcastle supported in case of need by a mercenary band known as the Pegasus Archery Company, some 75 men strong and a group of pegasi riding archers called the Flying Auxiliary.
Scardale
Officially none but there i a newly founded policeforce in Scardale town. The town defenses consist mainly of the occupying forces of the surrounding dales. Those forces are garrisons of :Zhentil Keep !!! ; Cormyr, Sembia, Archendale, Tasseldale, Mistledale, Harrodale and Hillsfar.
Tasseldale
The Mairshars police and military of Tasseldale about 90 men strong
Teshendale
Today Teshendale is populated by a powerful. 2.000 men strong garrison of Zhentish soldiers, with few civilians living in the mostly ruined town of Teshwave.
Hmm I had it all scribbled on a piece of paper but I think it is from 2ed accessories, all of it. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 15:46:13
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Just so long as it's diversified... I'll be happy . I know it's "Year of Risen ELFKIN"... but... .
Well, that brings up the question, what race or races would qualify as Elfkin? |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 12:15:33
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I've had my fill of drow "crunch" for the time being.
OMGWTFBBQ!!!11 But teh drow R so kewl!!!!111one
Heh, it amuses me to be a shallow fanboy every now and again... Don't worry, it quickly wears off... 
Well met
Aye, and how glad am I for that, Wooly Rupert Now, back to these armies of the dales... |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 11:24:41
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I've had my fill of drow "crunch" for the time being.
OMGWTFBBQ!!!11 But teh drow R so kewl!!!!111one
Heh, it amuses me to be a shallow fanboy every now and again... Don't worry, it quickly wears off...
|
| The Sage |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 07:52:07
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
The Year of Risen Elfkin might prove verrry interesting ...
-- George Krashos
Just so long as it's diversified... I'll be happy . I know it's "Year of Risen ELFKIN"... but... .
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| George Krashos |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 06:09:51
The Year of Risen Elfkin might prove verrry interesting ...
-- George Krashos
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| The Sage |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 04:26:45
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Unfortunately however, given the focus the drow received during the so-called "Year of the Drow" in 2002-2003, it's unlikely we'll be seeing anything else on them anytime soon.
I don't know. Given that race's popularity, I wouldn't be surprised to see a novel/product each year focus on them even if it's only briefly. After all, look at this year...
True.
Although, I hope there is more planned than just reprints of older material, as the listing Kentinal posted seems to indicate. Expanded "fluff" - of the kind that seeks to develop the race more than what they are currently - is what I'm looking for mostly, I've had my fill of drow "crunch" for the time being.
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| Kentinal |
Posted - 16 Jan 2005 : 16:00:12
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
There is also the sixth book in the WOTSQ series that will finish up the story and comes out in April.
*nods* I missed
Resurrection
R.A. Salvatore’s War of the Spider Queen, Book VI Paul S. Kemp |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 16 Jan 2005 : 15:47:37
quote:
Originally posted by Kentinal
05 releases
Annihilation (paperback)
R.A. Salvatore’s War of the Spider Queen, Book V August 2005
Crystal Shard, The
The Legend of Drizzt, Book IV March 2005
Streams of Silver
The Legend of Drizzt, Book V July 2005
Those are all that I can spot Drow related, planed this year. The collection of Stories might also have some Drow refferences, not sure.
There however is a diverse range of proposed topics in the product list.
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/list&brand=dnd&year=2005&tablesort=1
There is also the sixth book in the WOTSQ series that will finish up the story and comes out in April. |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 16 Jan 2005 : 15:44:53
05 releases
Annihilation (paperback)
R.A. Salvatore’s War of the Spider Queen, Book V August 2005
Crystal Shard, The
The Legend of Drizzt, Book IV March 2005
Streams of Silver
The Legend of Drizzt, Book V July 2005
Those are all that I can spot Drow related, planed this year. The collection of Stories might also have some Drow refferences, not sure.
There however is a diverse range of proposed topics in the product list.
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/list&brand=dnd&year=2005&tablesort=1
|
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 16 Jan 2005 : 15:27:26
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Unfortunately however, given the focus the drow received during the so-called "Year of the Drow" in 2002-2003, it's unlikely we'll be seeing anything else on them anytime soon.
I don't know. Given that race's popularity, I wouldn't be surprised to see a novel/product each year focus on them even if it's only briefly. After all, look at this year... |
| The Sage |
Posted - 16 Jan 2005 : 08:42:46
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
And with the Mistledale militia's size, it sounds to me like they're going to have major problems fighting off the Jaelre and Auzkovyn drow. Especially considering that the drow will probably be using both some major magic & guerilla/terrorist tactics, which is rather different than the mounted charge tactics the Rider sare probably trained to use.
The drow factor is something I'd like to see developed a bit more in future products for the area. Of course, considering the conclusion of a recent novel, the drow might be a bit busy with another threat.
I quite agree with you on that.
Unfortunately however, given the focus the drow received during the so-called "Year of the Drow" in 2002-2003, it's unlikely we'll be seeing anything else on them anytime soon.
Actually, in furthering what you said earlier, I'd like to hear more about their dealings with some of the southern realms of Faerun...
|
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 15 Jan 2005 : 18:08:04
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
And this other threat is what, exactly? (I'm not really keeping up with the novels)
Spoiler
Warning
for
The novel
The Forsaken House
and part of the War of the Spider Queen series
The conclusion of The Forsaken House finds House Dlardrageth's leader deciding to move her forces to Myth Drannor. Thus, this new invasion to the forest is something that might affect all the current inhabitants. And is it just me or is it getting a bit crowded in the Cormanthor forest?
quote:
And like yourself, I would like to see more done on the continuing presence of the drow in Cormanthor. Hasn't it been said elsewhere that both the Sembians and the Zhentarim are trying to make alliances with the drow? Considering drow competitiveness, I'm guessing that whoever makes alliance with the Auzkovyn will find House Jaelre going to their enemies out of instinct.
The drow of the Cormanthor were featured briefly in the Sembian novel, Heirs of Prophecy and even more in the novel, Condemnation.
quote:
Though things might get /really/ nasty if the Cormanthor drow find or gain a leader who is able to unite most of them and set the usual rivalries aside; in effect, a drow Genghis Khan or Shaka Zulu. Can you imagine what could happen in the Dalelands if the varied quarreling drow clans and tribes became a united nation?
Factor in the conclusion to the War of the Spider Queen series that is upcoming in April. This event will have a great influence I'm sure on what is possible for the Cormanthor drow in the future. Additionally, one of the novels I mentioned above does show a prominent leader of the Cormanthor drow perishing. But, I agree with you, if the drow ever united, things would get vedddy interesting.
All this happening and we still haven't gotten to The Year of Risen Elfkin. |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 15 Jan 2005 : 17:54:36
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
The drow factor is something I'd like to see developed a bit more in future products for the area. Of course, considering the conclusion of a recent novel, the drow might be a bit busy with another threat.
And this other threat is what, exactly? (I'm not really keeping up with the novels)
And like yourself, I would like to see more done on the continuing presence of the drow in Cormanthor. Hasn't it been said elsewhere that both the Sembians and the Zhentarim are trying to make alliances with the drow? Considering drow competitiveness, I'm guessing that whoever makes alliance with the Auzkovyn will find House Jaelre going to their enemies out of instinct.
Though things might get /really/ nasty if the Cormanthor drow find or gain a leader who is able to unite most of them and set the usual rivalries aside; in effect, a drow Genghis Khan or Shaka Zulu. Can you imagine what could happen in the Dalelands if the varied quarreling drow clans and tribes became a united nation? |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 15 Jan 2005 : 17:45:05
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
And with the Mistledale militia's size, it sounds to me like they're going to have major problems fighting off the Jaelre and Auzkovyn drow. Especially considering that the drow will probably be using both some major magic & guerilla/terrorist tactics, which is rather different than the mounted charge tactics the Rider sare probably trained to use.
The drow factor is something I'd like to see developed a bit more in future products for the area. Of course, considering the conclusion of a recent novel, the drow might be a bit busy with another threat. |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 15 Jan 2005 : 17:23:11
Thanks for the replies. Seems there was a lot in the Volo's Dalelands guide, though all I can remember is him getting warned off by a 'mysterious' voice when he tried to get into Shadowdale. Sigh. Better start checking nobleknight or e-bay...
And with the Mistledale militia's size, it sounds to me like they're going to have major problems fighting off the Jaelre and Auzkovyn drow. Especially considering that the drow will probably be using both some major magic & guerilla/terrorist tactics, which is rather different than the mounted charge tactics the Rider sare probably trained to use.
Then again, they've got Storm Silverhand and Elminster for neighbors, so in a real pinch they will get some competent help. ;) |
| Hymn |
Posted - 15 Jan 2005 : 02:08:08
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
I'd especially like to know what's been said or written about the Riders of Mistledale and the Mistledale militia (they are different, right?). I remember something from the Old Gray Box about how the Riders numbered about 20, but were dressed in black plate mail with the Mistledale insignia, a white horse emblem, and were all fighters, rangers, or paladins levels 3-8. Don't they have more troops than that?
Well according to FRS1 (The Dalelands)the Riders of Mistledale consist of 30 riders between levels of 3 - 6. They may take criminals into custody but may not act as judges themselves.
The riders are assisted by trained militia, that is well armed. There are about 200 men and women at active duty in the milita at any given time and about 600 on off-duty. The Riders and the milita have their HQ in Ashbenford and are ledd by the current captain of the Riders a certain Nelyssa Shendean (LG hf Pd12)
But usually Mistledale is patrolled by the Riders in groups of three to four and The Riders lead squads of trained militia. Ashabenford itself usually has 10 to 15 Riders in the area and 50 to 60 militiamen in garrison at the barracks.
That's about it I guess. Hope it helped to clear some things up about Mistledale at least. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 14 Jan 2005 : 19:12:06
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
I'd especially like to know what's been said or written about the Riders of Mistledale and the Mistledale militia (they are different, right?). I remember something from the Old Gray Box about how the Riders numbered about 20, but were dressed in black plate mail with the Mistledale insignia, a white horse emblem, and were all fighters, rangers, or paladins levels 3-8. Don't they have more troops than that?
Yes, the Riders of Mistledale and the militia are different forces per Volo's Guide to the Dalelands.
There is a brief mention of the Riders on page 173 although in briefly glancing over it, I see no numbers listed. Below is what the guide had to say on the makeup of the Riders
quote:
Most of these responsible and respected riders are warriors, but some are paladins of Chauntea or rangers
Given the Rider's exploits during the ToT, I would say they are a force that should number more than 20. |
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