| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Aysen |
Posted - 04 Feb 2009 : 20:11:39
I was looking over a jpeg of the Faerun map last night, (sometimes it helps that you can enlarge a specific area, as opposed to my FR Atlas) and these tiny islands caught my eye.
Balintholme lies south of the island of Evermeet, perhaps less than 100 miles off the coast, while Araksa lies perhaps 200 miles east from Taltempla off Evermeet's coast.
Is there any lore, especially elven, that was associated with these islands? Balintholme especially, seems near enough to be in Evermeet's sphere of influence like Sumbrar. Thanks! |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ericlboyd |
Posted - 04 Mar 2024 : 21:12:50
I found another island near Evermeet in the lore ...
Dlathilvaer, a forested island near Evermeet.
The Vilhon Reach: Dungeon Master's Reference, page 39.
Polyhedron #106, page 7. |
| cpthero2 |
Posted - 27 Feb 2020 : 22:35:13
Explorer Markustay,
Any chance you have a link to that thread, or sources for the material? :)
Best regards,
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
*** Raise Scroll ***
I was researching islands around Evermeet again, and came across this old thread.
In my research I reread more parts of the book then I did back in 2009 (but still could not find any name for that island. Fortunately, when I did a search for Sifahir, I found this thread again, which gave me the name of that other tiny island - Tilrith. I guess I'll just have to go with Sifahir's Isle.
The character that was an illusion-turned-mage (with the Kittty Pryde ability to become unsubstantial) was Listle, but I had forgotten she had to wear an amulet to make herself solid (Star Trek, much?). Apparently, there was more to it than I remembered - part of why she became self-aware was that she was the guardian of a treasure room that contained many magical items, including several artifacts (I smell adventure!). The 'aura' from those, coupled the the powerful and intricate spell-web (defenses) spun about the Tower and island somehow caused her apotheosis into a sentient creature, so it didn't "just happen over time" as I had thought. I am correcting myself here, because I've used her as a 'precedent' for several discussions over the years. Other characters -
Primul - massive (almost ogre-like) Green Elf, who 'towered over' a 6' tall character, with blonde hair. He was a master-smith, which isn't something you see elves being too often. I guess the authors tried a bit too hard to go in the opposite direction of stereotypes, here. His abilities seem to be on-par with elves/dwarves from Norse legends, because he can craft artifact-level items. He also has a magical belt that I have to assume can keep him alive no matter what injury he sustains (his head was cut-off and he thought it was funny, and just stuck it back on). I picture him looking like THIS GUY, big ol' goofy belt and all. Oh, and he lives in a tree, with the next two dudes. I don't think the tree was supposed to be huge so I have to assume this is some 'fairy magic' (see below).
Brookwine & Winebrook - Almost like one character in two bodies. identical twins who finish each other's sentences. This would have been dumb-annoying, had the authors not provided an decent explanation: They were normal twin archmages they were kidnapped by Sifahir, and he used them like batteries. The were imbedded in the wall of his keep, just above the gates, and empowered his intricate spell-web defenses. They were there for centuries (before their escape with the help of Listle), and would have lost their minds if it wasn't for each other's company. Over time, both being part of the same magical mantle/mythal field, and only having each other to interact with, they began to be 'of one mind' (their psyches had merged while trapped). Thus, their odd an annoying personality. At the time of the novel (over a century ago), they still hadn't become diverse enough to be like two people again. If they are still alive, this may have changed, which brings me to my last point. They have 'dwindled' - they are 'small and gnomish' (wizened) - they look like small, ancient elves, because of how much life/magic was sucked out of them over three centuries. The still appear to be fairly powerful mages, though, and the book does indicate that "they are getting better" (health-wise, but this was only offered as an in-setting opinion).
At the end of the novel, it was indicated that the three of them would be 'moving on' (finding a new hiding spot from Sifahir, who is very much alive), so they would no longer be in the area of Phlan. I wouldn't mind seeing them pop-up somewhere else one day (so long as the twins no longer finished each other's sentences - that was a 'hard read').
Whorl - I am not quite sure who or what this is. It seem to be a treant, but I could be wrong. it acts as the 'door guardian' of the tree in which Primul makes his home. A face appears in the tree, you talk to it, and if you convince it your intentions are not bad, a portal opens up in the tree itself ("its bigger on the inside"). Its annoying, and seems to be a little full of itself, but it was only on one page so who knows. It had to be threatened to let the main characters pass, even though it already knew one of them. And therein lies the rub - the book never says it is one of the people Listle saved from Sifahir, but others were saved and never named (Primul was also one), so it stands to reason Worl was one of those saved, considering his familiarity with Listle. However, that may not be the case, because he also seems to be a treant, or something related, and I just can't see a treant being locked away in a dungeon, and then finding a new home elsewhere. On the other hand, nothing actually say this 'thing' is the tree itself, so who the heck knows? It could be some type fey or conjured thingy that's just living inside the wood of the tree and being the doorman for the rest of the group (it seemed 'male', so I am not thinking Dryad, but its never said to be male either, so...)
Sifahir - This guys an enigma, and the whole reason why I brought this thread back. He was Queen Amluiarl's chief wizard and advisor on Evermeet, for a time, until his 'evil deeds' became too much for her to bear. Some of that doesn't make sense ('taxing the elves too much' - since when do they collect taxes?!), but he did try to control her for a time (it doesn't specify if any magic was used in this endeavor, only that he 'had her ear' for a time). We can assume he is an Elf, because anything else would be even weirder. She also cared enough about him not to have him killed - she marooned him on that little island (described as just a clump of rock), and put a Geas on him that he could never leave. Now, he is an (uber)Archmage himself, so if he hasn't been able to break the Geas, I can only assume the isle is still close-enough to Evermeet itself to fall-out within her zone of control. When Evermeet went bye-bye in 4e, who knows what may have happened to this guy (which means he can be used more fully now, rather than just as a 'Boss' at the end of the dungeon). Even though he couldn't leave, he used his powers to summon things that went out and kidnapped people for him (and I have to assume some of them, like those folks above, came from Evermeet itself), and he eventually seems to have had a nice little life and small settlement going (and by 'settlement', I mean him and all his prisoner-slaves). I guess Amluiral never bothered to check-up on her old advisor. Anyhow, he is described as "one of the most powerful Mages on Toril", so I can't believe no-one has ever written this guy up, and the only thread he is mentioned in is this one. He ENSLAVED archmages, and easily, from what it looks like. I was hoping to find something official in Dragon Magazine - characters from the other Phlan ("Pools of...") novels were covered, but not the ones from that novel.
Anyway, this was mostly so you guys had more toys to play with. Enjoy.
|
| TBeholder |
Posted - 29 Apr 2019 : 04:37:49
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
He apparently was one hell of an Illusionist though (which means he couldn't have beem a Necromantic Specialist, which is what I would have assumed).
Unless he's a Nelluonkkar (dualist wizard).
quote:
He managed to create a 'self-aware' Illusion, that eventually broke-free of his control.
Unless he simply cast a spell in Deep Ethereal or Limbo and oops...
Though come to think of it, trying to extend conditions of either onto an area of Prime could lead the same effect.
Or some non-corporeal who accidentally or on purpose got caught in his spell (see also: "Elminster in Myth Drannor"). Or... |
| Barastir |
Posted - 24 Apr 2019 : 18:21:29
I think it is pertinent to mention that in the 2nd book of the Druidhome Triloy (The Coral Kingdom) Belintholme is mentioned. There it is called "The Guardian Isle of Belintholme" by a sea elf named Palentor. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 14 Feb 2018 : 17:33:57
-Clearly, I wrote the stuff I wrote (almost friggin ten years ago!) but I literally remember absolutely nothing about this.  (but not really) |
| Markustay |
Posted - 13 Feb 2018 : 22:05:41
*** Raise Scroll ***
I was researching islands around Evermeet again, and came across this old thread.
In my research I reread more parts of the book then I did back in 2009 (but still could not find any name for that island. Fortunately, when I did a search for Sifahir, I found this thread again, which gave me the name of that other tiny island - Tilrith. I guess I'll just have to go with Sifahir's Isle.
The character that was an illusion-turned-mage (with the Kittty Pryde ability to become unsubstantial) was Listle, but I had forgotten she had to wear an amulet to make herself solid (Star Trek, much?). Apparently, there was more to it than I remembered - part of why she became self-aware was that she was the guardian of a treasure room that contained many magical items, including several artifacts (I smell adventure!). The 'aura' from those, coupled the the powerful and intricate spell-web (defenses) spun about the Tower and island somehow caused her apotheosis into a sentient creature, so it didn't "just happen over time" as I had thought. I am correcting myself here, because I've used her as a 'precedent' for several discussions over the years. Other characters -
Primul - massive (almost ogre-like) Green Elf, who 'towered over' a 6' tall character, with blonde hair. He was a master-smith, which isn't something you see elves being too often. I guess the authors tried a bit too hard to go in the opposite direction of stereotypes, here. His abilities seem to be on-par with elves/dwarves from Norse legends, because he can craft artifact-level items. He also has a magical belt that I have to assume can keep him alive no matter what injury he sustains (his head was cut-off and he thought it was funny, and just stuck it back on). I picture him looking like THIS GUY, big ol' goofy belt and all. Oh, and he lives in a tree, with the next two dudes. I don't think the tree was supposed to be huge so I have to assume this is some 'fairy magic' (see below).
Brookwine & Winebrook - Almost like one character in two bodies. identical twins who finish each other's sentences. This would have been dumb-annoying, had the authors not provided an decent explanation: They were normal twin archmages they were kidnapped by Sifahir, and he used them like batteries. The were imbedded in the wall of his keep, just above the gates, and empowered his intricate spell-web defenses. They were there for centuries (before their escape with the help of Listle), and would have lost their minds if it wasn't for each other's company. Over time, both being part of the same magical mantle/mythal field, and only having each other to interact with, they began to be 'of one mind' (their psyches had merged while trapped). Thus, their odd an annoying personality. At the time of the novel (over a century ago), they still hadn't become diverse enough to be like two people again. If they are still alive, this may have changed, which brings me to my last point. They have 'dwindled' - they are 'small and gnomish' (wizened) - they look like small, ancient elves, because of how much life/magic was sucked out of them over three centuries. The still appear to be fairly powerful mages, though, and the book does indicate that "they are getting better" (health-wise, but this was only offered as an in-setting opinion).
At the end of the novel, it was indicated that the three of them would be 'moving on' (finding a new hiding spot from Sifahir, who is very much alive), so they would no longer be in the area of Phlan. I wouldn't mind seeing them pop-up somewhere else one day (so long as the twins no longer finished each other's sentences - that was a 'hard read').
Whorl - I am not quite sure who or what this is. It seem to be a treant, but I could be wrong. it acts as the 'door guardian' of the tree in which Primul makes his home. A face appears in the tree, you talk to it, and if you convince it your intentions are not bad, a portal opens up in the tree itself ("its bigger on the inside"). Its annoying, and seems to be a little full of itself, but it was only on one page so who knows. It had to be threatened to let the main characters pass, even though it already knew one of them. And therein lies the rub - the book never says it is one of the people Listle saved from Sifahir, but others were saved and never named (Primul was also one), so it stands to reason Worl was one of those saved, considering his familiarity with Listle. However, that may not be the case, because he also seems to be a treant, or something related, and I just can't see a treant being locked away in a dungeon, and then finding a new home elsewhere. On the other hand, nothing actually say this 'thing' is the tree itself, so who the heck knows? It could be some type fey or conjured thingy that's just living inside the wood of the tree and being the doorman for the rest of the group (it seemed 'male', so I am not thinking Dryad, but its never said to be male either, so...)
Sifahir - This guys an enigma, and the whole reason why I brought this thread back. He was Queen Amluiarl's chief wizard and advisor on Evermeet, for a time, until his 'evil deeds' became too much for her to bear. Some of that doesn't make sense ('taxing the elves too much' - since when do they collect taxes?!), but he did try to control her for a time (it doesn't specify if any magic was used in this endeavor, only that he 'had her ear' for a time). We can assume he is an Elf, because anything else would be even weirder. She also cared enough about him not to have him killed - she marooned him on that little island (described as just a clump of rock), and put a Geas on him that he could never leave. Now, he is an (uber)Archmage himself, so if he hasn't been able to break the Geas, I can only assume the isle is still close-enough to Evermeet itself to fall-out within her zone of control. When Evermeet went bye-bye in 4e, who knows what may have happened to this guy (which means he can be used more fully now, rather than just as a 'Boss' at the end of the dungeon). Even though he couldn't leave, he used his powers to summon things that went out and kidnapped people for him (and I have to assume some of them, like those folks above, came from Evermeet itself), and he eventually seems to have had a nice little life and small settlement going (and by 'settlement', I mean him and all his prisoner-slaves). I guess Amluiral never bothered to check-up on her old advisor. Anyhow, he is described as "one of the most powerful Mages on Toril", so I can't believe no-one has ever written this guy up, and the only thread he is mentioned in is this one. He ENSLAVED archmages, and easily, from what it looks like. I was hoping to find something official in Dragon Magazine - characters from the other Phlan ("Pools of...") novels were covered, but not the ones from that novel.
Anyway, this was mostly so you guys had more toys to play with. Enjoy.
|
| Markustay |
Posted - 13 Feb 2009 : 04:39:26
Nearly none exists - it was but a brief mention in Pool of Darkness (confined to four pages of background-material).
His island was barely more then a rock jutting from the sea, and the most interesting thing about him was that Queen Amlaruil sentenced him to be confined there indefinately (he must have been one rotten SOB).
He apparently was one hell of an Illusionist though (which means he couldn't have beem a Necromantic Specialist, which is what I would have assumed). He managed to create a 'self-aware' Illusion, that eventually broke-free of his control.
I suppose he was somewhat interesting, now that I think about it...
Basically, he was just 'background' for several of the charatcers in the novel, whom had escaped from him (including the Illusion).
Another of his captives (I don't quite recall why someone who was a prisoner held prisoners of his own) was an Elf who acted exactly like a Dwarf, and was even thick-muscled like one.
The characters that escaped from him were all more intersting then him, which I suppose is what makes him of any interest at all.
He was also able to send something after them - I forget exactly what (its been awhile) - probably a fiend or some-such - which is why I find it so hard to believe he was just a normal prisoner on that Islet.
I have the pages somewhwere - I had already copied them for research purposes - I'll check and see if there was anything I missed.
There was also a pair of identical twin Elves... another anomally - twins are way rarer amongst Elves then humans.
Edit: If you need more (I was just re-reading it, and it does get into some explanaton about him and how he got people there), PM me with your E-Mail. |
| Ffaelfarrin |
Posted - 11 Feb 2009 : 13:07:55
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
...and another that acts as a 'prison' for a REALLY evil Elven Mage (mentioned in Pool of Darkness, IIRC).
-Sifahir.
Where do I get some Lore concerning this individual - and his prison? |
| The Sage |
Posted - 05 Feb 2009 : 23:27:26
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Ergo, I would say that particular Island must have some sort of religous significance - perhaps even be a 'religous retreat' of sorts. Maybe even a place dedicated to Deep Sashelas.
Maybe Balintholme and its Deep Sashelas temple function a little like the Dome of the Dancing Dolphin in Thunderfoam, which exists north of Evermeet.
|
| Markustay |
Posted - 05 Feb 2009 : 17:41:38
There's a temple on Belintholme.
I don't recall now if I found any info on it, but I do rememebr double-checking it, and there is indeed a temple there.
Ergo, I would say that particular Island must have some sort of religous significance - perhaps even be a 'religous retreat' of sorts. Maybe even a place dedicated to Deep Sashelas.
As for the others - Araska - I think that would make an excellent place for the Dragons that are 'on duty' to roost. The Dragons most often are asleep on the main island, but there are always a few on patrol, and I think establishing a 'place of their own' while awakened would be a good idea... after all, I don't think even Elves want dragons landing in their cities - even tame ones.
Just my two cents - take it for what it's worth.
Edit: Just checked my sources - the small island off the north coast is called Tilrith (named at the very bottom of pg. 422 of E:IoE, and described at the top of the next page). That, coupled with the little bit in PoD suggests that there is a chain of islands along the north coast - most barely more then rocks jutting from the water - of which Tilrith is probably the largest. It would appear that any that were of sufficient size were in-use by the Elves for sheep-herding.
Others - like Sifahir's prison - may serve other purposes. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 05 Feb 2009 : 05:42:15
I'd imagine that either or both islands could serve as either guard posts, emergency shelters, or both.
Put a small contingent of guards on one, with a way to magically call home in case they see something... Of course, that's a little too far away to conveniently reinforce without a portal, and that's a security risk, so maybe not.... |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 05 Feb 2009 : 02:28:11
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Wasn't at least one of those the home of the Elven Navy?
-That's Sumbrar.
-As for the other islands, neither Balintholme nor Araksa have any actual information, as far as I am aware of.
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
...and another that acts as a 'prison' for a REALLY evil Elven Mage (mentioned in Pool of Darkness, IIRC).
-Sifahir. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 05 Feb 2009 : 00:26:16
Its been awhile since I did the Evermeet map...
Wasn't at least one of those the home of the Elven Navy?
I'm sure Lord Karsus/Dagnirion will be along shortly to confirm this.
As an aside, there are two more tiny Islands I need to add to that - one mentioned in Elaine's novel to the north (that the Drow came in from), and another that acts as a 'prison' for a REALLY evil Elven Mage (mentioned in Pool of Darkness, IIRC). |
| The Sage |
Posted - 04 Feb 2009 : 23:22:07
I don't immediately recall any specific lore on these islands. They're likely among those locations noted on FR maps that have never really received any particularly in-depth detailing.
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