| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 09 Jan 2019 : 16:19:25
It occurs to me that Ed has been posting Realmslore on the Twitter, and not everyone has the Twitter.
So I thought a single place where such lore could be collected would be a good thing. 
Ed is a frequent poster there, adding all sorts of Stormtalons and Epic Fantasy stuff, but for the purposes of this thread, I'd like to keep it focused on his Realmslore.
(I'm also stickying this thread, to make it easier to find)
Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) on Twitter
The #Realmslore hashtag on Twitter |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| questing gm |
Posted - 26 Jul 2024 : 13:54:10
On why the Ninth layer of Hell is called Nessus
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1816695970656027066
Jul 26, 2024
@JackGogsbane
@TheEdVerse Can you give me some insight as to why the Ninth layer of Hell is called Nessus? All I can find is the centaur by that name, before your article in Dragon #76.;)
@TheEdVerse
Sure.
Many ancient real-world texts (Jewish, Islamic, Zoroastrian, the various Christian churches etc.) mention various ‘bad places souls go to after death, as punishment for evil deeds’ by various names (the Nine Hells concept comes from these texts, too).
I borrowed one Greek name, néomai (“to return”), from which we get the names Nestor and Nessus, thanks to an idea Roger Zelazny had talked about with me (he used it in his novel SHADOWJACK) about how Darksiders, when they die, are reborn in the bad place, naked and with a stone in their hands which is their soul. I loved that, and made it “my” lowest layer of Hell, for the Realms. “Nestor” sounded like the name of a being, “Nessus” sounded like a place. So, Nessus it became. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 06:06:13
On trade unions in FR
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1815497507709038886
Jul 23, 2024
@aarongrantdj
Question for @TheEdVerse
Do trade unions exist for any professions in FR? Or would guilds largely cover this?
@TheEdVerse
No trade unions; that's what guilds are for (set standards and prices, "anoint" members so public can trust their skills). |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 05:29:16
On Baldur's Gate's gate
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1815496912864240093
Jul 23, 2024
@TheIndigoGaming
Just found out the entrance to Baldur's Gate is a portcullis, not a gate.
Inconsolable.
<https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTG-oZjXIAA9W_J?format=jpg&name=small>
<https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTG-oaXWQAAyjDV?format=jpg&name=small>
@TheEdVerse
That's the servants' entrance. The front entrance looks more like this (only with a soaring city behind it):
<https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTHwzLXXUAAqYjb?format=jpg&name=small> |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 05:21:22
On bowling in the Realms
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1815457089969680511
Jul 23, 2024
@BryceBarro40599
@TheEdVerse is their a sport similar to bowling in the Realms?
@TheEdVerse
Several.
On pond and lake ice in winter, orcs play Nuuglah (“New-GLAH!”) which translated is “Bowling Gnomes” (nuug = gnome, gnomes, glah = to smite and knock over), the gnomes being marked by frozen dungpiles, rocks, or ice boulders.
On meadows and lawns, humans and elves and half-elves play Castledown, which is like lawn bowling (the “bowl” or ball that’s bowled to play is rolled, not thrown, but is round like a bocce ball, though imperfections are allowed, an inheritance of when broken-off 3) statue heads, or skulls, were used; the jack or white target ball is “the castle”).
In the Moonsea North, the Vast, and the Dales, “Nine Knights” is played on pond and lake ice in winter: lines of nine identical "knights" or markers are set up in a straight 4) line across the field of hurling, and discs of ice are tossed/bounced/slid across the ice to try to knock them over. Each player throws three “sieges,” scoring a point per knight fallen (knocked out of position doesn’t count if the knight ends up upright); 5) highest score wins, and ties mean extra sieges in elimination rounds. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 05:17:02
On Ott Steeltoes
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814407440244367482
Jul 20, 2024
@TheEdVerse
Ott Steeltoes is a surly, peg-legged dwarven pirate who is one of the Xanathar's most trusted guild members, and has been around since AD&D FR1: Waterdeep and the North!
Explore his life and history with me!
#dnd #forgottenrealms #realmslore
#9654;#65039; https://youtu.be/n0I38z1ahPE |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 05:12:31
On Toril connected to Earth
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814384511704236263
@thechairmanxyz
@TheEdVerse is our Earth connected to the Realms despite your own trips to elminsters study (quite frankly you are in realmslore like sort of a reporter of that realm)
@TheEdVerse
Oh, yes. The name "Forgotten Realms" refers to we of Earth having "forgotten" all the gates/portals that link us to Toril, and how to use them. So, baked into the setting from the outset (ten years before D&D). |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 04:57:47
On the Weave in space
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814330729452491069 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814518173313520101 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814388409538097399 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814332573390127267 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814334136854753382 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814337817486537152 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814338827030311080 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814376599372079171 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814384825400471824 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814511194587177392 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814336477729620160 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814513391077069228
Jul 20, 2024
@dLsd_25
Question @TheEdVerse , does the weave function any more or less in space? Would something like a black hole affect it?
@TheEdVerse
The Weave reaches throughout Realmspace, but in the “void” areas of other crystal spheres is thin/attenuated. A black hole would tug the Weave towards it, so if you are approaching a black hole, magic grows stronger so you can access it more easily to work spells (so for example, if you want to escape the hole and want a teleport or similar translocation spell to get away, you can draw on spells of level slots above what you can currently reach, or have left, to try).
@ThePiazzaForum
The Weave in other crystal spheres?
Surely Mystra is not allowed to extend the Weave through the Phlogiston, without authorisation from @GrubbsTweet.#128521;
Having said that, maybe Phlogistion rivers are "concentrated Weave tunnels" that helmsman can fly inside. #129300;
@TheEdVerse
I said the Weave in Realmspace. In other spheres, the Weave exists as these tiny auras around artifacts or magic items: "tiny motes of Mystra" NOT connected to Mystra the main Weave. She can sense what goes on in a mote IF the artifact is hers or powerful enough.
@TheEdVerse
Remember each ship sailing the Flow generates its own gravity well? So you put something enchanted with the Weave aboard (like, ahem, a spelljamming helm, or a glowing globe), and it generates a sphere of the Weave about a hundred yards across (artifacts = larger).
@Forthebooba
Wait the idea of magic pooling in areas and allowing access to spell slots above what you can cast is really dope. I've always allowed multiple spellcasters to pool their abilities to cast higher level spells, but the idea of just a bundle of the weave doing it too is awesome.
@TheEdVerse
It happens also in "the heart of the forest" dells and other localized nodes, like druid's groves and certain caverns (luckily for the rest of us, usually too small for dragons to enter). Warning: some magic-hurling creatures may lair in such places.
@mapltree
Something I've always been confused on is the difference between Weave magic and Wild Magic? What is the difference? Is wild Magic just the Weave but unfiltered because of the caster?
@TheEdVerse
Magic is "quickly drawing on natural forces to produce specific effects."
The Weave is the unseen webwork of natural forces throughout the world, but only when accessed through arcane magic rather than other means (other types of magic).
"Wild magic" is what we call those forces producing unforeseen/uncontrolled effects.
This can occur spontaneously, most often happens when newly-cast/unlashed magic hits older magic active in the same area, and some arcane spellcasters can cast/spur "wild magic."
@thechairmanxyz
Shadowweave?
@TheEdVerse
A perfume worn by femme fatales who quicken my pulses. ;}
@thechairmanxyz
lmao!!! it would work.
@TheEdVerse
Okay, seriously: the Shadow Weave can be metaphorically seen as the spaces between the strands of the Weave. It's a "shadow" or "echo" system that feeds upon/relies upon the Weave for its structure and reach, but has different gatekeepers.
Shar established it to she and her clergy controlled, and not Mystra, Azuth, their clergy, and arcane spellcasters following "the rules" of established arcane spells.
However, just by collapsing the Weave in a locale, Mystra can "crash" that section of Shadow Weave, too; the Shadow 3) Weave needs the Weave to exist and function (but not vice versa).
@WeaponNR
Forgot where I read it, but couldn't Halaster uae both the true Weave and the Shadow Weave? How is that possible? Different personalities using different Weaves?
@TheEdVerse
All "Weavemasters" (i.e. all of the Chosen of Mystra and Azuth) can use both, as they are absolute masters of the Weave, and can see how the Shadow Weave relies on it, and so work through the Shadow Weave.
Analogy: if you built a skyscraper and are still up in the 2) boom crane, and someone else builds a cagework scaffolding up to your boom crane, you can see down into it, are already familiar with cagework, and so can readily use your crane to access their scaffolding.
@WeaponNR
But guessing Mystra or Azuth wouldn't be terribly happy about Elminster dipping his toes into the Shadow Weave? Or have they kind of accepted that the Shadow Weave is here to stay and a part of the Weave, for better or worse?
@Heimdayl
From my reading of Ed’s answer, I think you’d find Weave masters can work through the Shadow Weave to access the Weave (they use the anchor points that Shar created to allow the Shadow Weave to “drain” the Weave), thus they never truly use the Shadow Weave
@TheEdVerse
Exactly!
@iamJimohIsiaq
Because Shar stole the shadow weave doesn't mean it isn't part of the weave i.e Mystra. The weave is Magic. Magic IS Mystra
@WeaponNR
Yeah, that's often had me wondering how successful of a gambit the shadow weave actually is for Shar. Did it accidentally grant Mystra MORE power? Does it give Shar a back door to use against Mystra? Or did it accidently make Shar somewhat depandant on Mystra?
@TheEdVerse
In order: no, no (though Shar thought it would), and yes.
Shar has started to realize that, but it's taken her surprisingly long.
That's what delusions of supreme godhood will do to you.
@_Flameborne
This might seem like a silly question but how much of the cosmos came from your imagination too?
How much of the Outer Planes and Realmspace did you have a hand in creating and tangentially, out of the FR Gods, who is your favourite/who would you personally choose to worship?
@TheEdVerse
The cosmologies were created over time, in-house (by staff designers at TSR and later WotC).
Gary Gygax outlined the planes in issue 8 of The Dragon, then in issue 67 detailed the Astral Plane. I detailed the Nine Hells in three issues of Dragon, and have had an ongoing hand down the years in detailing planes crafted by others. Stephen Inniss and I co-detailed Limbo, in approximately 360 never-published pages. (That's where Stephen's lillend monster comes from.)
And if I lived in the Realms, I'd worship ALL of the deities; no sane inhabitant of Toril is a monotheist.
I do have faves: Mystra, Azuth, Eldath, Lurue, Chauntea, Sharess, Eilistraee, but almost all of them are "my children," so I don't want to choose just one.
@JohnMoreyAuthor
What about henotheism as opposed to monotheism? Where you acknowledge the existence of multiple gods but exclusively devote yourself to one? The ancient near East ran on this theology, as did much of Ancient Greece and Rome, and certain sects of Hinduism still practice it now.
@TheEdVerse
Almost all clergy and most paladins in the Realms are henotheists, but almost everybody else believes in, and worships, all the gods–at least of their race's pantheon, or their region's pantheon. (The Realms is not a real world analog.) |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 04:53:11
On 20 year old human vs elf
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814330226765180953
Jul 20, 2024
@ReviNight1
@TheEdVerse Hello Ed! How differently (on average) would a 20 year old human and a 20 year-old elf behave?
@TheEdVerse
This varies widely with the individuals involved, but in general (in the Realms), the elf will seem far more "mature" because they've mastered reading social cues so much more (they know how to act/what to say to elicit particular reactions from others around them). |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 04:39:26
On role of divination magic in royal courts and high councils of Faerun
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814142768953856213
Jul 19, 2024
@joechang2015
Hi @TheEdVerse, what role does divination magic play in royal courts and high councils of Faerun?
@TheEdVerse
It varies greatly. There are lots of royalty and nobility who think those who cast divination magics use them to sway those in power to their own plans, policies, and views. Trust comes hard. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 23 Jul 2024 : 04:31:51
On tunnel books
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1814009542151119349
Jul 19, 2024
@CommonplacePub1
Good evening @TheEdVerse,
Can you please tell me if tunnel books exist in the Realms? If yes, is there anything interesting about them you’d like to share?
Thank you Ed! Take care.
@TheEdVerse
In the Realms, these exist as ads (views of inns and taverns that include maps in the "frame pages"), and as tales for children (mainly "monsters lurk everywhere" tales).
Many have secret messages, pass-phrases and directions hidden in the frame pages.
Glad you asked! |
| Steven Schend |
Posted - 21 Jul 2024 : 15:19:17
quote:
Originally posted by questing gm
On elves wiggling their ears
https://x.com/PauzeenO/status/1813266827977330954
Jul 17, 2024
@PauzeenO
@TheEdVerse I ask this question to resolve a discussion/ argument me and some friends have been having: in terms of @dnd lore, can elves wiggle their ears?
I hope I am not bothering you and have a blessed day
[https://x.com/i/status/1813266827977330954]
@TheEdVerse
SOME elves can wiggle their ears.
In the Realms, most real elf (of all subraces) youngsters (within 4 years of birth) can, and most wild and aquatic elves and avariel of any age can wiggle their ears. Most others cannot, or will not.
Heh. Based on another discussion online, this post made me think of Ualair the Silent, High Mage of Cormanthyr. I bet Ualair could do nonverbal expressions with his ears akin to Yoda as we saw him on Dagobah. 
Steven |
| questing gm |
Posted - 18 Jul 2024 : 14:18:54
On delfarnbread
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1813335185309732942
Jul 17, 2024
@horizon241
@TheEdVerse In Travel Talk: Barovia from Dragon+ #6, you mention "toasted delfarnbread with spiced snail-butter" (Volo speaking about his dealings with Qelver)
What is delfarnbread, and where does it hail from in the Realms?
@TheEdVerse
Delfarnbread is made with malt barley, so it's akin to what's sold in modern-day North America as "malt bread," only saltier, drier, and more tan-brown. Named for the baker who popularized it, it's made today all over the Dales, Sembia, Cormyr and new sites westwards. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 18 Jul 2024 : 14:16:18
On rebooting the Forgotten Realms and dangerous cheese
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1813318962555318752 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1813321537027719395 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1813324778725388326
Jul 17, 2024
@Chuo_Dori
hail and good fortune to you @TheEdVerse I have two questions for you
1] supposing you had been invited to work on a rebooted forgotten realms that and had started again from the year of the Prince [aka the grey box] would you change anything as far as the continuity developed?
For example would you have have had the time of troubles develop differently? Would it have happened at all? Would you develop storylines or people in directions differently to how they went down originally?
2] could you tell us about the most dangerous cheese in the realms, and why its banned in the halfling realm of Lurien?
@TheEdVerse
Let me answer your second question first. "Most dangerous cheese" depends on who's answering or framing the question, but see this: https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Luiren_spring_cheese
@TheEdVerse
...and now to your first query. TSR controlled the storylines of the published Realms, but if we were starting over and I was given that control, I would avoid all RSEs (Realms-Shaking Events) like the Time of Troubles, Spellplague, and Second Sundering.
Big changes would only happen with lots of foreshadowing/buildup in many published releases, and only after we'd covered the entire surface world, and a good bit of the Underdark and celestial (Tears of Selune, etc.) Realms, too, at least once over.
Build up before you tear down.
There were also things I never got the chance to do (completed detailed city? Ath Cliath, which I'm doing with Andrew Valkauskas and Mike Schley for #FateOfTheNorns right now, because I never got the wordcount to do it with Waterdeep...or Suzail, or..) and many DM's campaign toolbox releases (the Haunted Halls was supposed to be 96 pages and completely detail Eveningstar, not 32 pages and just do highlights of the Halls, likewise Undermountain).
Moreover, Books and Games would work together closely, so what authors craft for novels are fully described in game terms with the authors approval and involvement, so the Realms can really grow in all directions with each writer getting proper treatment.
And so on. This is a big topic. ;}
@Ghorguz
I'd rally love ti see this vision of your take Life. This kind of FR would be a really vibrating, living, pulsating piece of art/fiction/world
@TheEdVerse
Yes. If the Realms feels alive, it's richer for us all, and will outlive us all. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 18 Jul 2024 : 14:12:09
On Drow junk/snack food
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1813392261138260034
Jul 17, 2024
@JohnMoreyAuthor
Drow junk/snack food - like, what sorts of unhealthy but yummy fried things would they sell on the streets?
Mushrooms?
Spiders? (Like in Cambodia)
@TheEdVerse
Deep fried spiders (usually frying oil: pack lizard fat) dusted with certain mushrooms and cave lichens for seasoning. The legs curl up in the oil. Crunchy, rust brown, yummy.
Certain cave glow-worms, raw, are considered a delicacy by drow. Squirmy. Glistening white, segmented, fat, and short. Tastes like a fishy banana. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 18 Jul 2024 : 14:10:00
On Helmites and Selûnites working together more regularly
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1813314627259752857 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1813392261138260034
Jul 17, 2024
@PaladinFeora
@TheEdVerse Hey Ed, question for you!
I know of some documented cases where Helmites & Selûnites have worked together, such as the Fellowship of the Purple Staff. Could and would Helmites and Selûnites work together more regularly?
Context in the following tweets on why I ask!
I've been a longtime follower of Helm since I was a kid in the '80s, but I have only begun following Selûne and Shar more closely in the past decade (I'm more of a Darkcloak for Shar, promise).
The reason I was drawn to them was Selûne, who to me, shares similarities with Helm.
Their dogma/tenets from their Churches share a few things in common, at least from my interpretation of them:
- Domains & Influences: Life, Twilight, Light
- They both count Shar as a common enemy
- Both protect and guide those in the dark
- Followers pray for spells at night
My PC, Feora Firecam, worships Helm during the events of BG3 but ends up also sending prayers and worshipping Selûne after the events of Act 2. Post-BG3, she wants to start a group of Helmites and Selûnites to be protectors that thwart Sharran plots and schemes.
And I know that with my own story, the world is my oyster. But with a few things I've laid out here, I just wondered if such a thing were more plausible than not or if there had ever been times not mentioned where Selûnites and Helmites have worked together in common cause like with the Fellowship of the Purple Staff?
@TheEdVerse
Yes, they could and would. Among the mortal priesthoods spread across the Realms, there are constant alliances, pacts, and even armed expeditions wherein faiths whose current needs, not just dogmas, run together/share common ground, work together against common foes/obstacles.
So, yes, Helm and Selûne clergy can and do work together often. Seldom officially "before all the Watching Gods," but always with the approval of high-ranking priests. Just as the clerical forces of evil deities work together.
Always neglected in official lore due to the Code of Conduct and concerns about real-world believer backlash, but it's been in the Realms since before D&D. Interfaith feuds, negotiations, misunderstandings, out-and-out wars, and backdoor skirmishes are an essential part of the Realms.
But in your campaign only if you want them to be, of course. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 18 Jul 2024 : 14:07:13
On elves wiggling their ears
https://x.com/PauzeenO/status/1813266827977330954
Jul 17, 2024
@PauzeenO
@TheEdVerse I ask this question to resolve a discussion/ argument me and some friends have been having: in terms of @dnd lore, can elves wiggle their ears?
I hope I am not bothering you and have a blessed day
[https://x.com/i/status/1813266827977330954]
@TheEdVerse
SOME elves can wiggle their ears.
In the Realms, most real elf (of all subraces) youngsters (within 4 years of birth) can, and most wild and aquatic elves and avariel of any age can wiggle their ears. Most others cannot, or will not. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 14 Jul 2024 : 05:34:00
On a cleric who is a worshiper of Zeus or Poseidon
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1811467224940519509 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1811468610625323080
Jul 12, 2024
@MundoSociedade
Sir @TheEdVerse is there a possibility of creating a cleric in the fifth edition who is a worshiper of Zeus or Poseidon? a friend really wanted to know this
@TheEdVerse
Sure. Amaunator/Lathander, Torm, or Tyr would grant spells to a cleric of Zeus, and Umberlee would grant them to a priest of Poseidon.
@MundoSociedade
Would they have to come from another plane or would they be from Toril?
@TheEdVerse
They would likely come through a gate/portal from another world (Prime Material Plane). There are a handful of worshippers of Prometheus in the Realms, but "Zeus" is mainly a name known to sages, the Avowed, and adventurers who like to colourfully curse (without knowing whom they're invoking). |
| questing gm |
Posted - 14 Jul 2024 : 05:31:44
On the name of Hullack Forest was when the Elves lived there
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1811463534259081538
Jul 12, 2024
@AndrewF_Writer
@TheEdVerse Oh Great Sage, would you be able to tell me what the name of Hullack Forest was (near Cormyr) when the Elves lived there before the coming of the humans? And what that name might translate into in common?
@TheEdVerse
Certainly! Of old, the Hullack wasn’t an isolated forest, it was part of the southwestern end of the great forest of Cormanthor. The elves referred to that part of the great wood as “Dragon End” due to the presence of dragons in the Stormhorns and the Thunder Peaks, who hunted in that area.
In Elvish, it was (and still is) “Orm” [dragon] + “Aar” [woodland] + “sharan” [end, edge, boundary, farthest reach]: Ormaarsharan.
Save for a few elves who instead call it “Waeluir” (or Luirarra Lost, meaning the place a 3) long-ago beloved elf sorceress, Luirarra, died). |
| questing gm |
Posted - 14 Jul 2024 : 05:29:03
On Kheben Arunsun having a relationship with a vampire
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1811458901637841239
Jul 12, 2024
@MundoSociedade
Sir @TheEdVerse , I'm playing a character who is a descendant of a Damphyr descended from Kheben Arunsun and Nyressa Fless, is there any possibility of him having a relationship with a vampire?
@TheEdVerse
Certainly. Any female vampire might want a dhampir as a follower, and if that dhampir’s character was such that love arose between them, the relationship could become a love match rather than just “master and dominated ally.”
Moreover, any descendant of Nyressa Flass would want allies, for fear of Szass Tam sending endless Red Wizards on eradication bent. Be aware that your character would become a Red Wizard target, too. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 14 Jul 2024 : 05:26:11
On what were Elminster and the other Chosens doing during the Last Mythal series
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1811456405875855640
Jul 12, 2024
@HeroOfTheForge
Hi @TheEdVerse! So I am not fully done reading the super fun Last Mythal series, but my question is, what were Elminster and the other Chosen (save Storm who was there and Khelben #128546;) doing during the cataclysmic events of this series? Halaster craziness?
@TheEdVerse
The Chosen of Mystra were VERY busy at this time (1375 DR) preparing new Weave anchors, wards, and mantles to minimize the destruction that might be caused by what Halaster was working to do (that he failed in, causing the earthquake that rocked Waterdeep), and what the Twisted Rune, the Arcane Brotherhood, and certain beholder cabals and illithid schemers might try, with Thayan and Zhent armies on the march. The Chosen do a lot of gluing and holding the world together, while others recklessly try to break it. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 11 Jul 2024 : 12:05:43
On drow and tattoos
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810931386276061405
Jul 10, 2024
@kickspiderqueen
I figured I should go straight to the source on this one @TheEdVerse Drow and tattoos? Inquiring minds are having a discussion that’s pretty split down the middle.
@TheEdVerse
Well, here's the thing: as drow of old used tattoos to mark slaves, many drow detest tattoos. However, early Lolth priestesses used progressively-augmented tattoos (down their right inner thighs, eventually to the ankle) to mark ascending clerical rank.
Drow who don't venerate Lolth usually dislike tattoos (on drow) for that reason, in addition to the slavery. However, among Vhaeraun worshippers in the early 1300s DR, a fashion arose to tattoo around one's right eye (bare ring around the eye, then an elaborate design radiating out over brow and cheek on one side of the face only). This was regarded as beauty enhancing, not a mark of devotion to the god.
In addition, certain drow sorceresses hit upon the notion of storing self-renewing spells in right forearm tattoos.
So as you can see, drow are split, just as the gamer debate is. Most drow detest tattooing, seeing it as marring drow natural beauty. However, drow who see themselves as ugly usually reason that they have nothing to lose by getting tattoos.
And a drow who bears slave tattoos and gets the opportunity to do something about them will almost always expand the tattoos into a larger, more beautiful design that seeks to obscure the original slaving marks.
@kickspiderqueen
This is incredible info thank you!
@TheEdVerse
My pleasure! Always happy to talk lore with you! (Though it's past three in the morning here and I have to show up at work tomorrow, so I'll stagger off to bed now.) ;} |
| questing gm |
Posted - 11 Jul 2024 : 10:22:08
On Ao dealing with a god/goddess doing a terrible job of fulfilling it's duties
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810515746872545738 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810515748193718345 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810744887576604772
Jul 9, 2024
@Michael75535436
@TheEdVerse if a god/goddess was doing a terrible job of fulfilling it's duties or downright neglecting them, what are the methods he'd use to deal with the issue if he didn't want to "get his hands dirty" (Have someone or something take care of it instead of him)?
@TheEdVerse
Ed saith: Give the deity’s rival deities more power, and disrupt the deity’s hold over their portfolio in the same stroke, with visions and magical energy sent through major temple altars of those rivals.
@AceofDragons1
Interesting info, but who is “he” referring to, in this case?
@TheEdVerse
Ao the Overgod, indeed. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 11 Jul 2024 : 10:19:32
On Miior in "The Haunted Halls of Eveningstar"
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810503879986999489 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810746413111988648
Jul 9, 2024
@Altohu2
@TheEdVerse Hi Ed! As someone who has been running personalized variations of your module "The Haunted Halls of Eveningstar" to introduce new players to AD&D for many years, I've always wondered about Miior—Is there more to her character/story? (art by the amazing @AnIllustrator)
@TheEdVerse
Okay, here's the short version...
Miior was the consort of the bandit lord Rivior. When Queen Enchara of Esparin lured Rivior out of the Haunted Halls, and ambushed and slew him, she sent a small band of warriors, along with her ally, the adventurer-wizard Thorond Halavur, into the Halls to secure it (make certain Rivior didn’t have a secondary force still inside). They slew the few bandits still there, except for Miior, who barricaded herself in Rivior’s bedchamber and defended herself with spells.
Thorond wore her down (ran her out of spells) with spells of his own, and then the Esparrans charged in. Thorond used a vial of venom (that he forced her to drink) to make Miior helpless, searched her and took away her wands and spellbooks, then chained her in the closet and cast temporal stasis on her. He intended to return later to question her thoroughly, but was killed in fighting several days later.
After chaining Miior, the Esparrans then plundered the bedchamber and the rest of the Halls (in a hasty, slapdash manner; they were mainly searching for bandits in hiding), and Thorond cast a powerful ward to “wall off” Miior and that area of the Halls from opportunistic explorers and monsters (a ward that was broken by later adventurers only shortly before before THE HAUNTED HALLS OF EVENINGSTAR unfolds, which is why no one finds Miior before the PCs in that adventure).
Miior is smart, quick-witted, and observant, a seasoned adventurer. If rescued by PCs, she will likely try to befriend them, and even become the lover of one or more, for two reasons: she always wants to be linked to a stronger male as a protector, provider, and dupe (someone she can frame and/or steal from), and she is looking for a real lifemate (in other words, she will feign “falling for” a PC adventurer, strong and wealthy human male preferred, but either gender and any race if someone else seems more useful, and she’s a consumate actress, but she can very easily genuinely fall in love with either her “chosen dupe” or someone else, and with that love will come loyalty, so she may later stand beside and support her dupe, returning swindled loot, and become his/her staunch partner.
Miior is essentially a good person, but has the wiles of an adventurer who’s been burned a time or two. She was born in Chessenta, into a servant family, but her powerful Gift manifested young, and she got trained as a “house wizard” by a minor Chessentan noble who hoped to use her as a weapon against other nobles. Unfortunately, he lost his life in battles with rivals, who hunted his forces to extinction—save for Miior, who was captured for her beauty rather than slain, by soldiers who didn’t know she was a mage, used magic to escape, and fled, adventuring her way across Turmish and through Westgate and into Cormyr. Seeking a life for herself that didn’t involve being someone’s "house wizard" and controlled, she ended up in the Stonelands, among bandits…and eventually into the arms of the strongest, most successful bandit, Rivior.
[And that's the short version. :} ]
@TheEdVerse
Nice pic of Miior, by the way. Captures her face and hair very well from my mental vision of her.
@Altohu2
Amazing! So much I never knew and can now incorporate into the next time I introduce players to the Haunted Halls of Eveningstar. Thank you very much for the generous response, Ed!#128171;#128591;#128153;
@TheEdVerse
My pleasure! It's up to you, of course, how much Miior knows about magic items hidden elsewhere in the Halls, that she might want to acquire before leaving, perhaps with PC adventurers not knowing or being duped into helping her. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 11 Jul 2024 : 10:16:47
On A NIGHT IN THE HAUNTED CASTLE
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810310802135547916
Jul 8, 2024
@TheEdVerse
Please enjoy this tavern tale set in the Forgotten Realms. It's got murder, betrayal, outlaws, ghosts, a chase, and much more!
My latest video is called, A NIGHT IN THE HAUNTED CASTLE. ;}
#forgottenrealms #realmslore #dnd
https://youtu.be/n9qj1fXSu80 |
| questing gm |
Posted - 11 Jul 2024 : 10:14:41
On ceremony or ritual memorial for unburied loved one
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810029783843307987
Jul 8, 2024
@NobodyZarae
this might be the wrong place to ask, but working on a story for characters. the elf found out his love (that were unbonded because different paths) perished in the fall of myth drannor. is there a ceremony or ritual he would perform, like a memorial, since he is not able to bury
@TheEdVerse
Yes, there is a song of remembrance he would compose, listing the dead love’s achievements in life and/or the qualities that made the lamenting singer love this individual, that the elf would sing at sunset, in a place beloved by the departed or failing that, on a height that preferably overlooks lands the dead individual knew.
Moreover, if the lamenter knows of an unfinished task or obligation, large or small, the dead elf didn’t manage to fulfil, it’s an act of love to fulfil it. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 11 Jul 2024 : 10:10:37
On Kazra Louantrar
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810024152184557753
Jul 8, 2024
@Doomprophet115
Who is Kazra Louantrar?
@TheEdVerse
Kazra Louantrar was a Chosen of Eilistraee during the Second Sundering. Remembered for leading drow of the Dancer in battle against Lolth priestesses, and vanquishing them. She died heroically in the battle, so worshippers of Eilistraee sometimes swear by her name. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 11 Jul 2024 : 09:50:41
On the name for the central building for the Lady's College in Silverymoon
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810017047859880336
Jul 8, 2024
@Tiefling_Zehlla
@TheEdVerse Apology’s to bother you but I was curious, I’m doing some fan writing for my dnd character’s backstory & I have her main source of knowledge coming from the lady’s college in Silverymoon. By chance is there a name for the central building there? Thank you in advance!
@TheEdVerse
The many-turreted main building of the Lady's College (best depicted on the 3e map of Silverymoon) is known formally as The Lady’s House, and bears the far more widely used nickname “Ladyspires” (or, “The Ladyspires”). |
| questing gm |
Posted - 04 Jul 2024 : 10:44:56
On what to call a group of dragons
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808710181938663648
@Author_JimGould
What should I call a group of dragons? Flock? Pride? Pack? Other?
@TheEdVerse
There are a number of terms of venery in official Realmslore, depending on what the wyrms are doing, e.g. a flight of dragons, a dreadful of dragons, a scourge of dragons, a council of wyrms, etc. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 03 Jul 2024 : 04:29:21
On beliefs about months and dates for weddings
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808244212506451976
Jul 3, 2024
@glowcrow
@TheEdVerse Hello Ed! My Waterdeep: Dragonheist character is getting married and I'm throwing a one-shot in the near future about it. I started to wonder if there are any beliefs about months and dates for weddings - such as some days being more unlucky to have a wedding etc?
@TheEdVerse
Certainly! Never get married on Deadwinter Day (Midwinter) unless you want the marriage bed to soon be cold and loveless.
Get married on Greengrass if you want lots of children for the union (twins, triplets, etc.)
Get married on Shieldmeet only if all parties to the wedding are political and enjoy negotiations and agreements…or the marriage won’t last.
Get married on Highharvestide if you want the union to enrich all involved (worldly prosperity).
Never get married on the Feast of the Moon unless you want the marriage to be haunted by dead ancestors whispering advice or disapproval.
And then there are specific family beliefs and traditions rooted in past family history (many noble families have these). |
| questing gm |
Posted - 03 Jul 2024 : 03:24:53
On swearing in a god's name
https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808237138418278476 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808239123318321343 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808240446839443801 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808241515468411141 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808243439823380853 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808711444487107019 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1808717357147111816 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1809042267442724867 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1809057371722846355 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1809052101189816471 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810025053557272833 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810507414682161225 https://x.com/TheEdVerse/status/1810517247938433143
Jul 3, 2024
@bhaalsprincess
what’s the lore accurate DnD way to say “jesus ****ing christ”
@TheEdVerse
So in the Realms, everyone sane believes in all the gods, wherefore they swear by either the deities they most revere, or that anger them the most.
So for Mystra, THE goddess (of magic), the equivalent oath would be: “Elminster Farruking Aumar!”
For Chauntea, it would be “Janness Farruking Harvestmother!”
For Bane: “Iyachtu Farruking Xvim!”
For Shar: “Dazhra Farruking Headless!”
…and so on.
However, in the Realms, the style of holy swearing is more often “By the [attribute] of [deity]”
So: “By the Unholy Madness of Cyric!” or “By The Unfailing Lash of Loviatar!” or “By the Blessed Blood of Ilmater!”
@dr_chupacabra
Can you give the example of holy swearing for Hoar?
@TheEdVerse
Sure!
By the smiting lightnings of Hoar!
Or:
By the three thunders of the Doombringer!
Or:
Jaxanaedegor Farruking Doomfall!
@mapltree
O Sage Greenwood... how do I curse as an Eilistraee worshiper?
@TheEdVerse
Like this:
Reverent:
By the Divine Dances of the Goddess!
Pissed Off:
Kazra Farruking Louantrar!
Jocular:
By the Bared Beauty of the Dark Dancer!
@iamJimohIsiaq
#129315;#129315;#129315;#129315;Elminster annoys the Lady of mysteries that much???
@TheEdVerse
Heh. No, that sort of oath is what other mortals swear by, citing a divine servitor (0r literal son or daughter) of a deity.
@iamJimohIsiaq
#129325; I could already picture Mystra rolling her eyes, pulling her hair, just cos Elminster exists to torment her#129315;#129315;#129315;
@TheEdVerse
They were lovers, so there's torment and "torment." ;}
@NicholasClayDri
What are the swears for a Myrkulite?
@TheEdVerse
Ketheric Farruking Thorm!
Or:
By the endless bones of the Lord!
Or:
By the tireless smile of the Reaper!
@kickspiderqueen
More drow insults please! I’ve been saying ibilth far too long! #128514; Lolth born insults in particular would be swell #129392;
@TheEdVerse
Sure! Here are some widespread ones:
In the style of the OP’s requested oath equivalent:
Danifae Farruking Yauntyrr!
Eltiah Lolth!
Transliteration: Spit/Spurn Lolth
Translation: Lolth Spit!
Meaning: Lolth disapproves!
Ua tah phind thlah ea Lolth!
Ua tah (By the) + Phind (deadly) + Thlah (kiss) + Ea (of) + Lolth!
By the deadly kiss of Lolth!
Sakrask ea Lolth!
Damnation of Lolth! (or: Lolth damn you!)
Dobluth = outcast
Duthlur = unclean
Elamshin = destiny, the will of Lolth
Laelwael = madness, insanity, raving and/or wild, erratic behavior
Ogglin = rival, opponent, enemy
Uln’hyrr = liar
Wael = fool
Waela = foolish, unaware/unwary
@kickspiderqueen
THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!!!
@TheEdVerse
3 more!
Kapr ea Lolth! Kapr (bite) + Ea (of) + Lolth! = Bite of Lolth! [used by drow in the Realms when we in the real-world might say “God DAMN!” i.e. flare of exasperation]
And:
Kulrag qlor! Kulrag (insulting, offensive to me/us) + qlor (garbage/trash/refuse)
This second one is used when we might say: Don't give me this sh*t!
Kottaglath! Kotta (dung) + glath (head) So: sh*thead or dung-for-brains
There. Now you can curse out the daily drow around you. ;}
@Pyrosoutherner1
What about for Eilistraee ?#128064;
@TheEdVerse
In the style of the OP’s requested oath equivalent: Qilué Farruking Veladorn!
Mild oath, like “Darn!” for us: Happy dancing hollyphants! And: Happy dancing hollyphants to you!
Formal oath: Dance fail you!
Fiercer personal cuss:
May you fall in the Dance!
(sometimes shortened to just “Fall!”)
More biting personal insults:
Maiden Spurn You!
And:
Legless!
And:
May Lolth have you!
@BanzhafSimon
My partner plays a rich half-elven bard of Oghma from Neverwinter. They studied at Candlekeep for a long time and aquired tomes and artifacts for them as an adventurer. Any particular turns of phrase I could share with them?
@TheEdVerse
1.
Oh, yes. The Avowed of Candlekeep have quite a few favorite phrases.
“The tomes know, and tell. They always tell.”
And:
“Lore is neither a hoard-pile nor a finished thing. Lore is lifelong pathways. Our lives run out before we reach the ends.”
And:
“Knowledge is more than a candle in the dark. Knowledge is a bridge between us all.”
And:
“Lore contradicts not just due to lies, but because we see the same things differently. Lore tells about ourselves, not just about what it describes.”
And:
“You can’t eat lore, but lore can tell you where the edibles are.”
And:
“Lore is the cloak that never fails when storms claw.”
(They have lots more homilies, but these should be a good start.)
@ThymeJam
So wait... Is "By the tits of Sune" appropriate or is it "by the fiery hair of Sune"?
@TheEdVerse
Polite: By the matchless charms of Sune!
Colourful: By the welcoming warmth of Lady Firehair!
Slightly raunchy: By the hot ruby kisses of Sune!
Avid: Caresses of Sune!
@SharpWitYT
Makes me wonder how would the Gond version be like.
@TheEdVerse
OP Requested Format: Hont Farruking Anarmand! [Hont Anarmand was a priest of Gond who rose to fame in Tethyr before dying in a crash of his corkscrew-rotor flying machine that didn’t work.]
Polite swear: Cogs and bolts!
Stronger swear: Boilerblast!
Even Stronger swear: By Machinery Misused!
Strongest Swear: Wrath of Gond! (Be upon You!)
@FaustoRolero
On whose tits would you swear on in the realms?
@TheEdVerse
The publicly polite one in the Realms is:
Milk of Chauntea!
(which is short for:
By the milk of Chauntea, that gives life to us all!)
- Edited on 4/7/24 to add new tweets
- Edited on 6/7/24 to add new tweets
- Edited on 11/7/24 to add new tweets
|
|
|
