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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Apr 2009 : 15:58:30
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Hi again, all.
Ashe is quite right; the Obarskyrs have doubled Ironguard and poison-quelling magics on them whenever appearing in public, and a single layer of such magics (via rings or gorgets they wear) at all other times.
The problem with an "anti-magic" spell of any sort being employed by a would-be assassin is this: the asssassin must be able to manage the casting JUST before striking (i.e. in the room with the royals, AND with a lot of watchful War Wizards and a Highknight or two). If the assassin is carrying an item capable of generating anti-magic, they'd have to be a loyal War Wizard to get that close without being challenged (what's this item you're carrying, saer? Let's go into this handy chamber over here and talk about it, shall we?), and if they are bearing an operating anti-magic effect of any sort on their person, they'd never get anywhere near a meeting with the Obarskyrs: there are so many wards and other magical effects operating in both the Royal Court building and the Royal Palace (not to mention, again, on-duty War Wizard and Highknight observers) that the presence of the anit-magic effect would be detected, and the intruder physically stopped, overpowered, or misdirected away from the royals (and the royals moved away from anywhere the intruder can get to), not far from wherever the would-be assassin entered either the Court or the Palace.
Now, as this would-be assassin is an adventurer, he would already be, by definition, suspicious to the War Wizards (adventurers mean TROUBLE, remember?), and already attracting particular attention. Even if such an adventurer poses no trouble at all, it's quite likely an adventurer seeking to meet with the royals wants to ask a boon, or share information that hasn't been "cleared" by Vangey first, or cause some other sort of long-term trouble. So don't expect that the adventurer would go unnoticed. Nor should one expect that Vangey doesn't know about the dead wife (and the potential for revenge) already; the War Wizards and Highknights keep records on all adventurers, of both facts and suspicions. It's also not customary for persons who are not also nobles of Cormyr, or envoys of other realms, or members of Cormyr's armed forces, to come armed into the presence of royalty in formal settings (i.e. feasts and revels, as opposed to encountering an Obarksyr at a hunting lodge or in the forest or riding on the road). The very charters that bind Cormyrean-resident adventurers include provisions for adventurers to be disarmed in all sorts of necessary situations (at the sole discretion of War Wizards or courtiers and Purple Dragons of particular ranks), including something so simple as arrest for a possibly spurious or honestly mistaken charge.
Now, I'm not saying that the adventurer COULDN'T get to the king or queen; I'm just saying that a fairly simple plan that doesn't happen to benefit from the aid of favourable circumstances isn't likely to succeed . . . and an adventurer who skulks about seeking to watch the Obarskyrs for either a good opportunity to strike or to learn about their routines and habits to try to plan a good attack, is NOT going to go unnoticed. War Wizards and Highknights may very well pay such an adventurer a "friendly visit" long before they approach the Palace or Court, if their preparations aren't covert enough.
All in all, this can make for a very good long-term roleplaying challenge, Menelvagor, and your suggestion about Azoun's reaction is right on: you obviously "get" the king's character very well.
Back to you . . . 
love,
THO |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 26 Apr 2009 : 16:28:58
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First off, many thanks THO!
quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
<snip>
Just a question Ashe: Why would Fee recognize the PC? She doesn't know him (it would seem), and it was Azoun who dallied with his wife. Now, Fee might know all about Azoun's 'rides', but actually recognizing the guy seems a bit far...
Actually, it goes hand-in-hand with what the Lovely Hooded One said regarding Vangey knowing everything about the adventurer. Fee has her own network of information outside of Vangey's, and I'm sure that she's kept tabs on Azoun's 'rides' as well, especially if the word 'pregnancy' has come up. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 26 Apr 2009 : 16:54:53
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Thanks a lot for all the help. This will make it a lot more complicated - and fun.
Just a little more background, so I can get a bit more information:
The PC had a plan to murder Fee all along, and has spent the last 5-10 years of his life building to it. He's a powerful adventurer - 14th level. He and his friends have helped Cormyr quite a few times, giving them recognition, the right not to bear a charter, and a bit of land, so technically, they're noble. The PC did all this because he knew it would help him achieve his goal. He also took care to disappear as completely as he could, because of stories of Vangey's watch over Azoun's rides. I'm not saying he managed it, but he thinks he did.
So: they may be allowed to bear weapons, are respected enough to be able to have a word or two with Azoun, are not expected to ask anything of him, trusted, and have never met either the Royals or Vangey directly until now (they dealt with underlings - the highest they've gotten is Laspeera).
As I said, I am disinclined to give him outside help, mostly for the reasons you yourself mentioned, Milady. However, the wizard of the group has agreed to help him, as he's strictly neutral, and the PC has promised he can have all his wealth if he dies.
I know he probably won't succeed, especially as I don't want him to, but I want him to at least do some damage to her. Dramatic effect, and all that. It would be kind of disappointing if he stabs her, and then nothing happens, after all the effort he took. I plan to have Azoun and Fee forgive him, and as he's no fool, he'll probably take it. He just likes lots of drama. He'll probably find himself a new craze soon enough. It's hard, but makes for a much better game. So, any ideas how he might harm her, and nobody will die (except maybe the wizard, but he plans to teleport out... which may be the next adventure...)? |
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.
How much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation in the dust, are crushed before the moth?" - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job IV, 17-19.
"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?" - Ecclesiastes VI, 6.
"There are no stupid questions – just a bunch of inquisitive idiots."
"Let's not call it 'hijacking'. Let's call it 'Thread Drift'." |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 26 Apr 2009 : 17:16:54
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| Hee-hee! I'm liking this story. I think it works better if Fee isn't hurt at all. It drives home the fact that the crown is near-impossible to assassinate. I suspect that they will be much more lenient towards the grief-stricken PC than the wizard. In fact, as the PC stabs at Fee, if the wizard attempts to teleport, he should complete the spell and have nothing happen except a war-wizard and Highknight grabbing his elbows to 'discuss' proper protocal when visiting royalty much like THO described them directing would-be assassins to a nice, quiet corner. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 26 Apr 2009 : 19:51:48
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A poison with a anti-magic field would work (and did, in Beyond the High Road). However, getting close-enough to use such a thing would require a brilliant plan.
In that novel, it required a many-tiered plot, worked-out for months (years?) in advance, which included both a Netherease artifact and a seduction.
In other words... good luck with that. 
Oh, and someone tries to kill Fee and Azoun hugs them afterwards? 
NOT!!!!!!!!!!
In fact, Vangerdehast would be hard-pressed to keep the fellow alive long enough to mind-probe. Azoun is far more likely to forgive someone of attempting his life, then that of his wife (and he really wouldn't be overly found of them for attempting his either).
That entire 'observation' was full of holes - why is Azoun telling him "she was utterly faithful to you"? That implies Azoun forced her, and I am certainly NOT seeing that in his character AT ALL. You'd be turning him into Uther Pendragon. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 26 Apr 2009 19:53:13 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 26 Apr 2009 : 20:01:46
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| Oh. Whoops, sorry Ashe, I didn't realize that. The point is that he actually fears his son wasn't his, it was Azoun's. |
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.
How much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation in the dust, are crushed before the moth?" - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job IV, 17-19.
"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?" - Ecclesiastes VI, 6.
"There are no stupid questions – just a bunch of inquisitive idiots."
"Let's not call it 'hijacking'. Let's call it 'Thread Drift'." |
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Zandilar
Learned Scribe
Australia
313 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 00:25:01
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Heya,
quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
Thanks a lot for all the help. This will make it a lot more complicated - and fun.
Just a little more background, so I can get a bit more information:
The PC had a plan to murder Fee all along, and has spent the last 5-10 years of his life building to it. He's a powerful adventurer - 14th level. He and his friends have helped Cormyr quite a few times, giving them recognition, the right not to bear a charter, and a bit of land, so technically, they're noble. The PC did all this because he knew it would help him achieve his goal. He also took care to disappear as completely as he could, because of stories of Vangey's watch over Azoun's rides. I'm not saying he managed it, but he thinks he did.
5 to 10 years and the best plan he can come up with is "take one anti-magic device into the palace and stab her with a poisoned dagger"? I think he needs a better plan.
Also, if he's been planning this for some time and acting in the best interests of Cormyr because he wants to kill the Queen - well if he's insane, he's a coldly calculating crazy, not a in the heat of the moment grief stricken passionate insane. I personally think the War Wizards might have picked up on his deception by now.
And from the rest of your description, I'd call him a suicidal psychopath - he's there for the thrill, and he doesn't seem to care who gets hurt along the way - even himself. I think the death of his lover/wife is just an excuse.
Unless you rule that Heal can heal those kinds of insanity (ie: non-spell induced insanity), I don't expect the crown to have much mercy on him... I agree with Markustay - Azoun is not going to be hugging and forgiving someone who tried to kill his wife and actually succeeded in hurting her in the process, at least not in a hurry or on the spot. (He might forgive someone who tried but failed with no harm done, but even then...)
quote:
As I said, I am disinclined to give him outside help, mostly for the reasons you yourself mentioned, Milady. However, the wizard of the group has agreed to help him, as he's strictly neutral, and the PC has promised he can have all his wealth if he dies.
And the wizard thinks he's going to get away with helping him scot free? Ha, that's a laugh! 
quote:
I know he probably won't succeed, especially as I don't want him to, but I want him to at least do some damage to her. Dramatic effect, and all that. It would be kind of disappointing if he stabs her, and then nothing happens, after all the effort he took. I plan to have Azoun and Fee forgive him, and as he's no fool, he'll probably take it. He just likes lots of drama. He'll probably find himself a new craze soon enough. It's hard, but makes for a much better game. So, any ideas how he might harm her, and nobody will die (except maybe the wizard, but he plans to teleport out... which may be the next adventure...)?
Well, pick some place outside the palace. Maybe when the King and Queen are riding off somewhere. Hire a (very) large number of thugs (including a number of spell casters) to ambush them on their route somewhere, ride in to the rescue - and then try for the Queen in the confusion. They'd need to act quickly before Vangerdahast could teleport the royals out. (Knowing Azoun, he'd insist on sticking around and fighting - I'm not sure what Filfaeril would do).
If you have to bend canon somewhat to get the effect you want, then bend it. But just bear in mind that the immediate reactions of Vangerdahast and the King and Queen won't necessarily be to forgive this PC and his wizard accomplice on the spot. And even if the Queen herself does forgive the man, the King may not be as ready to do so... And if they BOTH forgive him - don't expect Vangerdahast to let him go that easily. If Vangerdahast thinks this guy is a threat (and he will, because he won't believe any contrition on behalf of the man - he spent 5 to 10 years preparing for this, and there's no reason to believe he won't try again), he'll go to whatever lengths he thinks he needs to in order to neutralize the threat (and the simplest way would just be to kill him). There's no way your PC and his wizard friend are going to avoid incarceration (even if forgiven by the King and Queen) for at least a short time, and accidents do happen... |
Zandilar
~amor vincit omnia~
~audaces fortuna iuvat~
As the spell ends, you look up into the sky to see the sun blazing overhead like noon in a desert. Then something else in the sky catches your attention. Turning your gaze, you see a tawny furred kitten bounding across the sky towards the new sun. Her eyes glint a mischevious green as she pounces on it as if it were nothing but a colossal ball of golden yarn. With quick strokes of her paws, it is batted across the sky, back and forth. Then with a wink the kitten and the sun disappear, leaving the citizens of Elversult gazing up with amazed expressions that quickly turn into chortles and mirth.
The Sunlord left Elversult the same day in humilitation, and was never heard from again. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 00:46:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
Oh. Whoops, sorry Ashe, I didn't realize that. The point is that he actually fears his son wasn't his, it was Azoun's.
Well, I got that part (after all, you said his wife died in child-birth).
Unless she was an elephant and had been pregnant for 22 months. 
The only way that would have been feasable is if they were married less then nine months, in which case he certainly couldn't be all that mad at Azoun. Another thing working against that scenario is that it would have happened recently, and AFAIK, Azoun's 'wenching days' have been over for years.
Oh, and to add to my last post - the poison was inhaled, which is why it didn't need to bypass an Irongaurd.
Read the novel if you need to know more. 
And since I don't want to get in trouble, and another possible method has just occurred to me...
Ed, is the Royal Complex warded against undead? I would imagine such was common practice (I remember you detailed a Keep that had such in a Dragon article).
Because if it wasn't, or you could find out where and when Azoun was going to be outside of the Castle, probably the easiest way to get to him would be to have a spirit possess someone close to him, that he trusts (like Fee... woudn't THAT be a surprise...) |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 27 Apr 2009 00:49:04 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 01:47:14
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Hi again, all. This is fascinating, reading everyone weighing in. Great stuff!
Markustay, I can answer your Ed query: yes, the stables, nearby Royal Gardens (as far as certain statues), Royal Palace, and Royal Court, up into the air and down below the deepest cellars, most of the way down the wells, are indeed warded against undead. As a result of certain problems in the past (yes, you can guess very well, can't you?), and lasting well into the ravages of the Spellplague (I have that last bit directly from Ed rather than from his notes, which of course spurred me to ask him what happened AFTER those ravages hit, whereupon he twinkled at me and said he really WISHED he could tell me, buuutttt . . .).
You know, from my character interaction with Azoun and Fee, down the years, I'd say both of them COULD forgive an unsuccessful killer, Fee quite swiftly and Azoun only if the killer survived Azoun's initial cold rage and somehow got away long enough for Fee to talk her husband "down." However, Vangerdahast is the problem: he WOULD try to keep the would-be slayer alive long enough to thoroughly mind-ream the guy and learn all he could about the attack and its motives . . . and then he'd probably kill the PC just because it's the safest thing to do, UNLESS specifically forbidden to do so by Azoun or Fee, if they were standing right there and he couldn't pull the "he tried to escape, I had to blast him because" excuse.
Hmm. As I said earlier, chances for some interesting roleplaying abound.
You could, of course, have Laspeera or Dove show up in Fee's shape to "take the blade' for her, because the royals have somehow found out about the attack beforehand, but want to know WHY. In that case, with the PC unable to really wound the false fee and having done nothing at all to the real one, the PC might well have quite a good chance for survival, and even being made a special agent (and sent on missions far away ).
love,
THO |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 27 Apr 2009 01:52:03 |
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Dark Wizard
Senior Scribe
USA
830 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 02:46:45
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I have another one for Ed, though it seems like the kind that might have been answered before, forgive me if it is a repeat. This one has been a minor itch on my mind for years.
The city Ithmong in Tethyr (renamed Darromar) and the city of Ithmong in Lapaliiya shared a name, but is there a deeper connection beyond that?
Thanks in advance. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 03:36:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Dark Wizard
I have another one for Ed, though it seems like the kind that might have been answered before, forgive me if it is a repeat. This one has been a minor itch on my mind for years.
The city Ithmong in Tethyr (renamed Darromar) and the city of Ithmong in Lapaliiya shared a name, but is there a deeper connection beyond that?
Thanks in advance.
I can field this one. See this scroll.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 04:52:17
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LOL... I answered that one.
Anyhow, thanks for the quick response, THO. I had assumed as much, but confirmation is always a good thing.
And just to keep the questions flowing...
Have any of Azoun IV's decendents achieved the level of... fame... that he had?
I'm talking about any area - statesmanship, well-loved, fighting-prowess, even notoriety... |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Dark Wizard
Senior Scribe
USA
830 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 05:03:15
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Thanks Sage! Consider that itch scratched.
Reading the Lady Hooded's response including the ending root of "alglatarr" for Lapaliiyan Ithmong in Ed's notes has me asking another question:
Does Ed have any rubric for naming cities (towns, villages, vassal domains or subregions), for the Chondath and Chessenta regions specifically? |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 06:28:35
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| Thanks a lot for all the answers, everybody. Now that I have described nearly the whole idea, what do you (or Ed) think should happen, Milady? |
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.
How much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation in the dust, are crushed before the moth?" - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job IV, 17-19.
"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?" - Ecclesiastes VI, 6.
"There are no stupid questions – just a bunch of inquisitive idiots."
"Let's not call it 'hijacking'. Let's call it 'Thread Drift'." |
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Drizztsmanchild
Learned Scribe
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 08:00:39
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Hello Mr Greenwood and Lady THO. Can you perhaps tell me if Elminster(and other former chosen) will become players in future 4e novels and if a novel detailing El's last century and what drove him to where he is now? (i understand if you cant because of NDA's and such was just hoping that the info in the 4e FrcG and Ghotr wasnt the last of characters i loved to read about)
Thanks to you both for whatever detail you can provide even if it's a "maybe". |
Edited by - Drizztsmanchild on 27 Apr 2009 18:21:34 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 17:33:37
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So you are trying to solve the 'heated' debate going on over at WotC?
Good luck with that - part of the arguments over there is that if it hasn't been in a written published source, it doesn't count, so what Ed or anyone else 'thinks' isn't going to solve anything for certain hotheads.
People can be very selective about what they consider 'canon'. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 27 Apr 2009 17:34:00 |
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Drizztsmanchild
Learned Scribe
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 18:13:14
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Shhh MT no giving away secrets. lol
I figured that if anyone could solve the debate it would be Ed. Can't blame a guy for trying. I'll edit and ask another question then.
Thanks for your input. I hate going on wild goose chases. |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 18:35:09
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Hmm... I seem to recall Ed mentioning something about a new Elminster novel set in PS Realms a while back...
Has that been incredibly NDA'd or taken off the table, THO? |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 18:50:40
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Hello again, all.
Drizztsmanchild, the answer to your FIRST question is something Ed probably won't answer, now that you've taken it off the table (because I hadn't yet sent it to him). Anyone can accept, reject, or modify anything for their own Realms campaign, but the "what is canon" argument for the Realms is very simple, and specified by the original legal agreement when TSR purchased the Realms: canon is everything Ed says or writes about the Realms, unless or until superceded in print by a later official (not licensed, but TSR, so now, WotC) product.
That's it, pure and simple. No one can alter that without Ed's agreeing to the alteration, and he hasn't ever been approached to alter it. Individual gamers may disagree with that definition, but that's beside the point: except for little fragments in DRAGON articles (and the Heralds piece in one issue of GAMEPLAY, pre-1986) they only got to see the Realms AT ALL because of this agreement, so they're stuck with its terms, whether they admit that or not.
I doubt Ed can answer your second question due to NDAs, but I've sent an e-mail off to him, and we'll see.
love,
THO |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 18:54:07
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Hello again!
Well, Ed hath replied, so the answer to the second question, Drizztsmanchild and Ashe, is: Ed can't talk about any future Realms fiction to be penned by him or others, other than to say he'd really, really like to see some. Lots, even.
No surprise. He did say he'll let slip more when he's allowed to do so, so I'd say those NDAs are as sturdy and as numerous as ever. 
love to all,
THO |
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Drizztsmanchild
Learned Scribe
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 19:22:27
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Lady Tho, Thank you for your time and response. I figured as much about the NDA's and what not. I was just hoping some new info was out. My other question was something concerning a debatr about Lolth. But as MT was helpful in pointing out the answer probably wouldn't have helped end the debate. That is why i edited it.
Thank you again and I look forward to new news about future novels whenever the NdA's allow you to speak of such. |
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A Publishing Lackey
Seeker
74 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 20:01:39
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Dear Ed and Lady THO,
Are either of you directly affected by the proposed "Google settlement"? Any comments?
Thanks. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 20:03:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Drizztsmanchild
Hello Mr Greenwood and Lady THO. Can you perhaps tell me if Elminster(and other former chosen) will become players in future 4e novels (snip)
Considering that part of the reasoning for inflicting the Sellplague and the timejump on the Realms was the badly-mistaken perception that Elminster and the Chosen were too prominent, I doubt we'll see much of them in post-3E material.
Of course, El and the Chosen weren't all that prominent, originally, until TSR started the thing of "Oooh, powerful people -- shove them into the spotlight and make sure they're involved in everything!" trend. So it's theoretically possible that years down the road, WotC (if it's still around) will decide to make that mistake again. I don't think it likely (they'll shove new powerful people into the spotlight and refuse to look at anyone else, like they've done with Shar and the Shades), but it could happen again. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 20:43:20
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I don't want Ed or anyone to think that I don't think what Ed says is canon - I'm just saying others often purposely create their own definitions of canon to prove a point.
So in other words you can't win an argument on the internet, even when your right.
Also, RB has figured-out a perfectly legitimate way to circumvent Ed's 'authority', which is also part of the problem over on the WotC boards.
It appears that if an 'in-house' person posts something on the official WotC site, it is considered canon (because it is in-print, and the DDi has now made the site a 'source'). I have seen several people get responses here they didn't care for, and then go running to the "Ask Rich Baker" thread, and in a couple of cases, he "respectfully disagreed".
So you see, there's always a way around something without having to involve lawyers. The Internet creates too much of a 'grey area'. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 27 Apr 2009 20:45:56 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2009 : 00:43:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Drizztsmanchild
Hello Mr Greenwood and Lady THO. Can you perhaps tell me if Elminster(and other former chosen) will become players in future 4e novels (snip)
Considering that part of the reasoning for inflicting the Sellplague and the timejump on the Realms was the badly-mistaken perception that Elminster and the Chosen were too prominent, I doubt we'll see much of them in post-3E material.
Of course, El and the Chosen weren't all that prominent, originally, until TSR started the thing of "Oooh, powerful people -- shove them into the spotlight and make sure they're involved in everything!" trend. So it's theoretically possible that years down the road, WotC (if it's still around) will decide to make that mistake again. I don't think it likely (they'll shove new powerful people into the spotlight and refuse to look at anyone else, like they've done with Shar and the Shades), but it could happen again.
And Ed has elaborated on this particular pre-4e tendency -- especially with respect to the appearances of Elminster and Storm in Realms fiction -- in his previous replies. |
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createvmind
Senior Scribe
490 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2009 : 01:10:23
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Hello All,
Hooded One, can you ask Ed some insight on this and add your own if willing?
Nightal 1372
In my game the PC's set out to recover a member of their group, this NPC was hoodwinked by bodysnatcher thugs who unknowingly work for a Rakshasha who has set himself up in a ruin below ground within the forest outside Scornubel. The creature stumbled across lair some years back and has been unable to pierce or modify the many ancient wards of its original owner other than the Teleportation circle and an augmented summoning circle (I assumed that actual celestial blood enchanted to stay fresh and other components of celestial beings incorporated into the thaumaturgic bindings would make it more potent in containing very powerful fiends?) which the Rakshasha has only used to summon minor fiends so far. His understandings of the circles creation are poor and its actual creation process tax the fiend's magic even summoning minor fiends.
The ruin also has a permanent symbol of weakness which the rakshasha has enclosed into a caged area where he keeps his slaves and creatures he is selling to others. He has established an amicable relationship with an Ogre mage who has found and set up within the cavern that the teleportation circle sends travelers. The flow of travelers in and out of Scornubel make it a perfect location for such a business, the rakshasha has the option to buy slaves as well as snatch specific beings requested by his clients. The mage of group manages to scry their companion who is manacled and hooded within the cell area along with many others and decide to teleport right above them hoping to grab and go. Almost entire group fails save to symbol and several are left unable to move at all, in ensuing fight they manage to badly wound Rakshasha and hurt Ogre Mage who is present to purchase 'wares' and flee (via teleport) with companion and few slaves.
The Ogre mage decides to strike down the rakshaha (fiend still alive though) during the fight and throws him within symbol area after divesting him of all items, cast an alarm spell and leaves using teleportation circle.
Back in Scornubel, the cleric of group (selunite) goes to temple to seek assistance and inform them of slave ring and the clerics of temple agree to help him recover other captives once they have prepared themselves. Group also inform Palain of Torm who they have allied with in past and he demands they try and save captives immediately, with PC mage being only one able to take them to location. The other PC's are forced to remain behind so that clerics who can teleport once there back with captives can go along with paladin. PC mage takes the four of them and with protection against the necromanctic magic of the symbol they find the remaining living prisoners and a unconscious Rakshasha. The clerics teleport captives and rakshasha to temple but are now aware of the ruin itself and what could be called forth.
What would temple of Selune do?
The creature is currently helpless and badly wounded and I'm wondering if they would just decide it best to slay it or would they seek to question it to deal with its underlings within Scornubel who have stolen women and children for the creature? Secondly the ruin itself and the magic circle within, would the selunites seek to return and destroy such a place if they could or inform allied faiths better able to deal with it? Unbeknownst to all, the ruin is warded to direct all incoming teleporters to the actual symbol area where a dimensional lock spell would trigger as well as several other wards, all of which have become warped. Teleporting to the symbol area purposely somehow doesn't trigger these other traps, so the PC's were lucky to begin with.
The PC mage took an immediate interest in the ruin especilly the fact that an adamantine door within a far wall which no one was able to even approach might signify more magical goodness. The paladin does not yet know the awful nature of summoning circle (they were in and out too quickly and his detect evil was blocked by wall although he would have been stunned regardless) but will want it destroyed.
SOOOOOOOOOO the dilemma now for PC's (mage in particular since he knows location better than anyone else but still doesn't know its but few miles from Scornubel) is that depending on the swiftness of action by selunites and paladin, they will likely be asked to teleport do-gooders to ruin regardless of their own interest or possibly lose favor and allies within city. This is not even including the person the PC's work for would love first crack at this ruin regardless of who has a problem with it.
So would the church of Selune really care about this locale or be focused on dealing with rakshasha and his minions, clients, etc..?
Would the Paladin press the group to seeing it destroyed or would this fall into gray area of code of order, faith?
Whew, thanks
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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2009 : 03:35:09
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quote:
Originally posted by A Publishing Lackey
I know Ed wrote and published at least one novel (FOOL'S MASTER) before SPELLFIRE . . .
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
. . . (and the Heralds piece in one issue of GAMEPLAY, pre-1986) . . .
Blistering bibliographic barnacles! |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2009 : 03:44:19
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Heh. Channeling your inner Captain Haddock, Faraer?
FOOL'S MASTER is VERY rare and hard to find, and is a youth caper novel in the mold of Phil Stong's WAY DOWN CELLAR (or for English readers, a funnier version of Pertwee's classics THE ISLANDERS and ROUGH WATER). Even Ed calls it "more forgettable than fun, but as good as Gordon Korman. I was VERY young, and the book reads that way. With a lot of Wodehousian or Charterisian - - or even Bonfigliolian - - 'arch narrator' stuff."
GAMEPLAY Magazine was the short-lived periodical started by "Jake" Jaquet when he departed the editorship of DRAGON magazine. Ed wrote an article, "Heralds All Bright And Shining," on the Heralds (High Heralds and local heralds) of the Realms. (As he had the perfect legal right to do, in those pre-TSR-buying-the-Realms days; the article has NO game stats, it's pure lore of the Realms. TSR knew about it, and a photocopy of the article was included in Ed's turnover-to-TSR "bible" of the Realms, back in 1986.) Like the Ed Realms story used in one of the computer games (wherein we Knights galloped past a character on a road, and proffered our emptied teacups, a favourite Ed-penned image of mine), it seems destined for never-to-be-republished legal limbo, but Ed covered most of the same lore in his heralds stuff included in POWER OF FAERUN).
Essential root Realmslore; there you go. Just call me the Hooded Librarian. Wearing a smile, a hood, and my everpresent wristwatch. Glows in the dark so you can find me.
love,
THO |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 28 Apr 2009 03:47:42 |
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Questions for Ed Greenwood (2009)
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