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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
 Posted - 21 May 2023 : 09:01:49
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On the Luiren-Mystara portal
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1657965745723121670
May 15, 2023
@Artie_Pavlov
Hi @TheEdVerse the argument over the luiren-mystara portal as been going in circles. Could you please elaborate on its use and the halfling merchants passing through?
@TheEdVerse
Sure. See the realmslore channel in Greenwood's Grotto for my lore reply.
(Folks, it's a free Discord server, full of Realms fans having fun. Come on over, the spells and knights and crazed wizards and mumbling sages are fine!)
From Discord:
Sure. The portal was used in the 1330s DR for certain hin families to travel from Luiren to the Five Shires, and vice versa (emigrating), and thereafter saw use for about twenty years by enterprising hin merchants transporting small but valuable items (such as gems, medicines, drugs, rare material components for arcane spells, and wizard’s workbooks [that describe the casting of a spell in exhaustive detail, with all incantations and particulars of material components, so someone with the Gift and sufficient mastery {ability to handle arcane spells of that particular level} can read a workbook entry and write a spell scroll from it, though the workbook entry is not itself a spell scroll and so can pass through this sort of portal unscathed].
Then there was some sort of disaster involving the deaths of merchants passing through the portal; they were stabbed en passant, perhaps by someone lurking “within” the portal somehow, who stole some items from the merchants. So the use of the portal stopped, and one of the Seven Sisters “hid” the Luiren end of the portal magically, and a druid did a little work to hide it physically (it was in a forested ravine, which is now tangled with thick growth and crisscrossing fallen trees).
Elminster is of the opinion that the portal is still functioning, and can readily be found at the Five Shires end (in the forested hills north of Shadowgate and southwest of Ringrise), but there’s the little matter of the dagger-wielding murderer (who if mortal, is likely dead or old and feeble indeed now, but what if they’re an outsider or abomination or undead or a group of guardians rather than an individual?). |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2023 : 13:35:46
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Greetings all. Just a bit of housekeeping moving forward.
I was absent from the forums because I kept getting warnings that the site was unsecure, and since I was hit by a rash of hacking attacks on multiple platforms, I wasn't keen on taking chances where my security could be compromised. Having not seen any change to the situation here in the past few months (and the attacks having died down), I decided to try resuming some activity here, despite the risk, but you can bet I would hurriedly disappear again if I sense any compromise.
The other thing I wanted to discuss for the posterity of this scroll. Since the introduction of Mr. Greenwood's new Pateron, YouTube, and Discord, his Twitter account has increasingly been used as a promotional platform for materials that come out of the abovementioned platforms, and slapped with the #realmlslore tag during my searches.
These are often promotional tweets and links to said material, so while they don't always answer specific questions asked to him, I wonder if this is the sort of material that should be in this scroll (I've already filtered them for my last round of new updates). So should I include them here or not?
If this discussion should be taken elsewhere or to another scroll, I submit to the wisdom of the mods. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2023 : 03:45:47
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Well, this is a Forgotten Realms forum, and I started this particular thread with an eye towards sharing the Realmslore Ed was sharing elsewhere.
I would not be adverse to having his Realmslore from Discord or any other places shared in this or other discussions here; it is my opinion, though, that we should stick with his Realmslore and only include other stuff if it connects back to the Realms. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2023 : 14:05:35
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On rubber in Faerun
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1660856798092439552 https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1661566939251060736
May 23, 2023
@dreadhelm
It seems weird to me that Doric has that peculiar slingshot bracer on her arm in the @DnDMovie. Do they have rubber in Faerun?
<https://twitter.com/dreadhelm/status/1660740075863396373/photo/1>
@paladin_polite
Maybe it’s a rubbery tendon from some sort of exotic monster #129300;
@TheEdVerse
You have put thy finger upon the truth of it! However, this "monster" is narthea ["Nar-THEE-ah"], a "creeping" (mobile) semi-intelligent vine known to druids of the Sword Coast and Moonsea North forests.
@KyreneZA
Is that the Common or Elvish name for the plant?
@TheEdVerse
It's the Elvish name, but there's no commonly-accepted Common equivalent name yet, as so few humans (and non-human traders) know of the existence of the vine, let alone its uses.
- Edited on 25/5/23 to add new tweet. |
Edited by - questing gm on 25 May 2023 10:13:06 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 30 May 2023 : 12:45:34
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On War Wizards of Cormyr entertain any non human races - specifically elves?
May 27, 2023
@d_lewisphoto
Ed, I’ve been catching up on the many YouTube and various outlets recently. But can you settle a matter. My dnd group is wondering if the warwizards of cormyr would entertain any non human races - specifically elves?
@TheEdVerse
As members? Yes, but warily (mind-reaming as well as tests and a thorough scour of background/history). So they're very rare. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 30 May 2023 : 14:18:10
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On legends/records exist about spellfire?
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1663186289259081728 https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1663188399732269056 https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1663191368498401280
May 29, 2023
@ItalianKarsus
@TheEdVerse hello, Sage, once more.
What legends/records exist about spellfire? In the novel it seemed to be craved as a proven weapon, yet Dammasae was unknown, Shoulree Talaeth remembered but by Elminster, Illiph Traun passed into obscurity, and Evaereol Rathrane knew nothing.
@ItalianKarsus
Follow-up question - do Evaereol Rathrane and Saeraede Lyonora use the same stat-block, so to speak?
Final question - are "lich lords" such as Illiph Traun distinct from demiliches? What does Fzoul mean by calling him a lichnee?
@TheEdVerse
Spellfire was a legend among sages of the Art, the sort of thing gossiped about by mages.
So when Shandril came along seeming to have it, a scramble ensued.
It's one of those things "seen elsewhere, long ago," but it was assumed a rare few had it but kept it hidden.
@ItalianKarsus
I see.... guess torching the dracoliches and nigh-slaying Manshoon may have added to the urgency, in hindsight.
Thank you for your answer!
@TheEdVerse
Yes, spellfire was suddenly on the scene and very real, so everyone of power wanted to have it, or make sure no one else had it. And the Chosen wanted to ensure Shandril got to go on living (free, instead of someone's captive) for a while.
@ItalianKarsus
I thank you for the clarification. I'll push my luck... Illiph Traun resembles a demilich to us, but is named alternatively "lichnee" and "lich lord" by Fzoul and the beholders.
Was he a demilich, or are lich lords their own critter? Did Fzoul mean something specific by lichnee?
@TheEdVerse
"Lichnee" is a collective term (like "football fan" or "angler") for anyone who has attained lichdom. A "lich lord" is any sort of advanced lich who became so by their own actions, as opposed to having it happen to them through time and the actions of others. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2023 : 13:49:14
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On syringes in the Realms
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665092146813186052
Jun 4, 2023
@PastorGall
@TheEdVerse weird question, at work currently and random thought: are there syringes in the realms? I dont think i saw anything indicating there is? If so, what kinds?
@TheEdVerse
Yes. Many races, back far enough that origins have been lost to history, have used, for bloodletting, sharp hollow tubes (including natural grasses like bamboo, cut at an angle) that are stabbed into a body to remove pus and gases and poisons, reduce swelling, and so on, and (again so long ago that we don’t know when) someone thought of putting stuff down the tube (and even pushing it with a dried reed or broomstraw) to “inject” substances. Poultices and compresses are still more popular than injections, but 'any' clerical or lay healer or alchemist knows about “drawtubes” or “deeptongue tubes.”
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2023 : 13:54:34
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On universally evil Orcs in the Realms
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665093318911434753
Jun 4, 2023
@MarvelF89471649
Are Orcs universally evil in the Realms? Or is there a fair amount of variation? I guess their environments and struggle for survival harden them but is their a singular mindset on killing, conquest? Are they able to worship the aspects of the Orc Gods andnot be evil?
@TheEdVerse
Orcs have a world-view of ‘might makes right,’ and the weak can and should be weeded-out and exploited. This doesn’t mean orcs can’t show mercy, kindness, or tenderness, and neither should they “burn it all down” without thought for prey regenerating (don’t eat the last horse, or even the last pair of horses, lest they be unable to breed and so be there to harvest next year). Orcs regard non-orcs as less in standing than orcs, and also have societies that value aggression and “proving oneself as hardy,” which can lead orcs to attack creatures larger than themselves, or who far outnumber them. This racial character gets them labelled as “evil” by most humans. Most orcs don’t think about good or evil: there is the code of the tribe, and there is empty chatter, and there are bellies to fill and battles to be won. (Many orcs will eat other orcs without hesitation or qualm.) So, yes, there is a fair amount of variation. As humans and many other foes can be food, orcs rarely leave wounded alive—but is this ruthless brutality, or mercy? |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
770 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2023 : 04:57:22
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Welcome back in, questing gm. My apologies, I know I'm a bit late on this! Happy you're still here. Thanks also, again, belated, to Thauramarth, for stepping up and keeping things going!
Yeoman's work for both of you, you folks rock!!
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AJA
YAFRP
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2023 : 15:49:56
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quote:
Originally posted by questing gm
On rubber in Faerun
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1660856798092439552 https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1661566939251060736
May 23, 2023
@dreadhelm
It seems weird to me that Doric has that peculiar slingshot bracer on her arm in the @DnDMovie. Do they have rubber in Faerun?
<https://twitter.com/dreadhelm/status/1660740075863396373/photo/1>
@paladin_polite
Maybe it’s a rubbery tendon from some sort of exotic monster #129300;
@TheEdVerse
You have put thy finger upon the truth of it! However, this "monster" is narthea ["Nar-THEE-ah"], a "creeping" (mobile) semi-intelligent vine known to druids of the Sword Coast and Moonsea North forests.
@KyreneZA
Is that the Common or Elvish name for the plant?
@TheEdVerse
It's the Elvish name, but there's no commonly-accepted Common equivalent name yet, as so few humans (and non-human traders) know of the existence of the vine, let alone its uses.
- Edited on 25/5/23 to add new tweet.
Nice... this is one of the things I'd been talking about introducing with the return of Maztica as something that might differentiate the two cultures (i.e. those which have been in Abeir versus those who who have been here). I'd wondered if faerunian cultures might not use cured creature intestines, etc... for some tubing (I found some weird creature from 2e that I don't recall anymore that would have fit the bill). |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2023 : 12:04:42
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On Tyr's appeal to Madeiron
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665093628467859459
Jun 4, 2023
@MarvelF89471649
Hi Ed. Another Madeiron question. :-) In his appearances and the questions you have been so kind to answer it seems Duty and Loyalty were central to his character. Why did Tyr appeal to him as a patron vs Torm? Thanks!!
@TheEdVerse
Madeiron is consumed by the concept of “rightly” applying justice. That is, what do you enforce, how do you enforce it (lawkeeping as well as sentencing), and how should you (constantly) adjust laws to best nurture a society? So, Tyr rather than Torm. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2023 : 12:08:44
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On temples of Milil in Waterdeep or the Sword Coast
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665093976129515527
Jun 4, 2023
@JoshyShadow
Are there any Temples of Milil in Waterdeep or the Sword Coast?
Couldn't find one in the 5e Content.
@TheEdVerse
Yes. The big monastery and temple of Arbalest’s House in Athkatla, shrines in Waterdeep and Secomber and four across Amn aside from Athkatla (plus another temple in Esmeltaran), three in Tethyr (plus the House of Song temple in Darromar), and one in the Border Kingdoms, to name a few. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2023 : 12:14:25
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On smiths guilds in Citadel Adbar
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665094477998850052
Jun 4, 2023
@SpittiLem
@TheEdVerse which smiths guild would a regular Shield dwarf armor smith be part of in Citadel Adbar?
@TheEdVerse
None. Dwarven smiths in Citadel Adbar shun guilds; they tend to be fiercely independent, outside of family and apprenticeship relationships. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2023 : 12:18:11
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On the analogous relationship between Halaster and Undermountain
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665095250136662017
Jun 4, 2023
@scrollforinit
Good evening, @TheEdVerse! A question. Is it fair to say that the relationship between Halaster and Undermountain is analogous to that of a lich and their phylactery? If so: if one were to destroy Halaster, how might one destroy Undermountain to stop him coming back?
@TheEdVerse
No. Destroying Undermountain won’t stop Halaster returning; he’s a Weave anchor and will return as a vestige no matter what happens to him, and Undermountain has so many other beings of power connected to it in various ways (including active, living dragons and at least one demigod) that will persist and return by itself. A typical mortal adventurer would run out of lifespan trying and retrying to eradicate Undermountain and still not manage it—to say nothing of reactions from folk in Skullport and Waterdeep who don’t want their dwellings destroyed in the process. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2023 : 12:20:36
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On Eilistraee being more powerful than Graz'zt
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665095641339404294
Jun 4, 2023
@darylsghourl
Hi Mr. Greenwood. Is Eilistraee more powerful than Graz'zt? If one of her clerics was possessed by him, would she be able to save her cleric? Also, she is my favourite deity in dnd, and he is my favourite demon lord.#129392;
@TheEdVerse
On (or under) Toril, Eilistraee is more powerful than Graz’zt. In the Abyss, Graz’zt is stronger. So if the cleric is in the Realms, yes, Eilistraee could save them. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2023 : 12:23:46
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On Feywild echoes of Material Plane cities such as Neverwinter would be like
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665096076930547712 https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1665216080497844224
Jun 4, 2023
@wildcourtttrpg
Hey @TheEdVerse! Have you ever given thought to what the Feywild echoes of Material Plane cities such as Neverwinter would be like? I’ve always imagined that they’d be goblin cities, personally
@TheEdVerse
Yes, many human-dominated cities in the Realms have smaller echoes in the Feywild that are warren-like settlements dominated by goblins. Hags rule many of them, and collect and maintain menageries of guardian monsters they can unleash to protect their cities against threats.
@wildcourtttrpg
Thank you! Do you think they are influenced by the nature of the city they reflect? Like, is Baldur’s Gate’s echo significantly different from Waterdeep’s? Are they, like, a parody of their material plane equivalent?
@TheEdVerse
Yes, they are definitely influenced by the nature of the city they reflect, but no, not parodies. Sometimes they're "reactions against," though. Meaning: the more crowded and teeming the Prime Material version, the more wild and empty or small the Feywild version. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2023 : 10:55:27
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On Balduran's name
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1669877358235381760
Jun 14, 2023
@Pewter_Parker
Why is Balduran shortened to Baldur's?
@TheEdVerse
"Baldur" was his local nickname. He liked it, so started trading under it, so it became his business name, too. New acquaintances started to think it was his name, and called him by it...and so it went. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2023 : 14:20:46
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On perfect geometry spellcasting
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1669487159244386307
Jun 16, 2023
@bindowndatrode
Back in the 90s I came up with the Halruaan school of magic for "geometrists". If you could create perfect geometry in spellcraft you opened up a whole new way of spellcasting. Was something like this ever discussed at the design table?
@TheEdVerse
Yes. I have always had "table magic" as a form of spellcasting (that doesn't require the Gift). It consists of placing the right material components in the correct patterns, circled and joined by lines with the right runes written on them. (So, geometry. ;} ) |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2023 : 14:23:01
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On the duergar of Gracklstugh keeping track of time
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1670440684107513856
Jun 18, 2023
@thekatastrophie
Good Evening Mr. Greenwood! I was curious how the duergar of Gracklstugh keep track of time without a construct like the Narbondel in Menzoberranzan? Does the City of Blades never sleep, or is there a rhythm of bustle and rest? Thank you in advance!
@TheEdVerse
That duergar city is always busy, but yes, there’s a cycle of life that corresponds to the night and day cycle of the World Above. It works by drumbeat (marking the hours), which are measured by giant hourglass-equivalents (emptying chambers of sand that take a certain amount of time, to the duergar “a druun” (singular and plural are the same, so “three druun ago” and “that’ll take at least another druun,” and the word is pronounced “DROOnn”). |
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Athreeren
Learned Scribe
144 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2023 : 14:58:00
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quote:
Originally posted by questing gm
On perfect geometry spellcasting
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1669487159244386307
Jun 16, 2023
@bindowndatrode
Back in the 90s I came up with the Halruaan school of magic for "geometrists". If you could create perfect geometry in spellcraft you opened up a whole new way of spellcasting. Was something like this ever discussed at the design table?
@TheEdVerse
Yes. I have always had "table magic" as a form of spellcasting (that doesn't require the Gift). It consists of placing the right material components in the correct patterns, circled and joined by lines with the right runes written on them. (So, geometry. ;} )
I had been wondering for so long what table magic was about! Thanks a lot! |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
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Sunderstone
Learned Scribe
104 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2023 : 20:37:38
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@TheEdVerse
Hi Ed. In the DD Triangle Saga, there is a scene involving Khelban and Madeiron. Khelban has erected protection spells around himself to research uninterrupted. Madeiron physically pushed through the spells to grab him and surprised Khelban. Was this impressive?
Ed Greenwood
@TheEdVerse
Oh, yes. Madeiron was wearing a wardbreaker ring (think of those implements used to break car windows so you can get out) that works on wards, mantles, walls of force, and spheres (as in: prismatic), but the feat of strength to push through was still astonishing. |
Edited by - Sunderstone on 27 Jun 2023 20:38:13 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2023 : 10:55:47
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On the slain devil on the cover of Dragon #75
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1673010674908241928 https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1673115289435734022
Jun 26, 2023
@MTBlack2567
Dragon #75 contains the first of a seminal series of articles by @TheEdVerse describing the Nine Hells. It is also the first issue with Roger Moore on staff as an editor.
<https://twitter.com/MTBlack2567/status/996552987697758208/photo/1>
@Cas_Liber
Great illustration this, but one thing that bothered me....what type of devil IS the recently-slain critter in this drawing??
@TheEdVerse
That’s a pan devil, sometimes called a “satyr devil” by humans (=superficial resemblance to satyrs). They’re messenger devils used by the archdevils (think: Tolkien’s Wormtongue). I should write them up properly, as it occurs to me they never got official coverage.
@Cas_Liber
Yeah I don't recall seeing them......anywhere! (though I missed 3/3.5e). PS: How did you end up taking over writing up the 9 hells dukes? Did you just take up where EGG left off or did he hand over some aspects to flesh out?
@TheEdVerse
I asked Kim Mohan (then assistant editor of TD) if he wanted me to write up the Nine Hells (the "Politics of Hell" article by my friend Alex von Thorn in TD #17 had been a huge hit) and Kim eagerly said yes. So I wrote it up, Kim took it to Gary for approval, it was given: done. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2023 : 11:03:28
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On various powerful entities making Durlag’s Tower into a lair
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1673012968353673221
Jun 26, 2023
@thetomgentry
Would it be fair to say that, at different times, various powerful entities have made Durlag’s Tower into a lair by the early sixteenth century DR?
@TheEdVerse
Yes, it would be more than fair. It would be true. ;} |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1451 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2023 : 11:08:45
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On shrine to Finder in Baldur's Gate
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1673023928388730880
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1675596001955008514
Jun 26, 2023
@Artie_Pavlov
Also, Ed wanted to ask you yesterday but forgot. Is there a shrine to Finder somewhere in BG?
@TheEdVerse
Yes. Same lovely BG map: go to the Y of the big “LOWER CITY” map tag, and look up the street that runs under the Y’s southern arm and angles to the Basilisk Gate. The little square building on its north side, just before Ascloakan’s Fine Inn, is The Fool’s Altar (shrine to Finder).
Ascloakan’s Fine Inn is the large building that faces the Gate, between the aforementioned angled street (Hammaskarl’s Ride) and the street that runs under the “T” of “CITY” in the LOWER CITY tag (which is 3) Talankar’s Lane; the Elfsong Tavern also fronts on the Lane, farther west).
@Artie_Pavlov
Are there any named clergy members at the Finder's shrine there? (fingers crossed for a lone saurial)
@TheEdVerse
Why, yes:
Aszloakh the Hooded (so-nicknamed because he always wears a hood-up weathercloak when out of doors, in the Gate). A finhead saurial of deep, rumbling voice, patient calm even when threatened, and long holy service. Views human foibles with cynical good humor, expects deceit and treachery (and is seldom disappointed).
He carries some sort of staff that has magical powers, but my source (Elminster) knows not exactly what it is.
- Edited on 3/7/2023 to add new tweets. |
Edited by - questing gm on 03 Jul 2023 03:06:52 |
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Ed Greenwood on Twitter
