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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Nov 2010 : 00:07:04
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Aha, that explains a lot about your interest in ships, Alystra. I do have to confess having something of a preference for girls in pirate outfits. (And no, you needn't worry about this dirty old scribe; y'see, it would never work between us, for I have a rather serious allergy to cats, and a rather more serious allergy to husbands.)
I can't recall which historical lore described this stupidly dangerous "Spanish careening" practice, but I will look it up. It may have only been invented by a single Spanish captain and emulated by a handful of his peers/successors. It may only be a bit of fanciful fiction. I recall reading about this sort of careening in some unmemorable fantasy novel written by Dave Duncan. |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2010 : 05:16:05
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LOL!!! Ah. That would likely explain it. And now for some herbal lore!!
For those adventurers of the female persuasion, take note- the parasitical plant mistletoe, while commonly used by druids as a holy focus for their spells, had a much more practical use for women: it is a known muscle stimulant, which includes the smooth muscle of the uterus. In other words, it makes n excellent natural abortive herb. This is because of a natural compound in mistle which although toxic in large doses, can cause contractions if used in the proper amount. this makes it highly useful for those *ahem* "active" women who enjoy the adventuring life and don't wish to be slowed down by unexpected "baggage". Of course, it does not always work, and if too much is used, the female may find herself suffering from acute nausea, possible convulsions, and heart problems or even (in rare cases, and even then one must use a LOT of it) death. It is best combined with other herbs like pennyroyal and yarrow, usually steeped in a tea, for best effect. However, on must bear in mind that the resulting concoction is very potent and must be drunk only once or twice a day for no more than three days, and is QUITE unpleasant to taste! (Honey or sugar to sweeten it is the usual way to lessen the foul flavor, though even that does not improve it much, so I hear...)
Another useful herb for women adventurers- specifically for those who are ALREADY in the motherly way, and wish to expedite the labor- is Shepard's Purse. I have a personal experience with this herb, so I know it works. It works in much the same way as mistletoe, but is gentler and non-toxic, so is often used to shorten labor among women who are at term. While the mistle essentially poisons and then expels the fetus, Shepard's Purse simply helps to bring on the labor more quickly and easily. It has been used for hundreds of years, especially when the labor takes a long time. (In my case, I used it several days before I was SUPPOSEDLY due, and was quite pleased to find that it worked within a day, and went into labor only a few days after I actually WAS due- my ObGyn was an idiot, and had miscalculated the due-date. I knew better...) |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2010 : 05:28:22
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Do any common herbs perform a contraceptive function?
Do herbs have differing affects on each race? |
[/Ayrik] |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2010 : 05:50:23
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Can't think of any off-hand- will have to look through my herbal medicine book for that. I do, however, have some interesting mushroom lore. Most people know about poisonous ones like the Death Cap Amanita, or the Destroying Angel, or the fact that certain mushrooms (mostly members of the Panaeolus family) have psychotropic effects. However, there is one species of that family which, while edible on its own, has adverse effects when consumed with alcohol. In such cases, it invariably causes severe nausea, cramps, and dizziness, as well as a tingling in the limbs. Occasionally it is severe enough to cause death. Fortunately, this otherwise harmless shroom only does this if alcohol is consumed within one day of it. The effects generally last for only a few hours, though sometimes as long as twelve.
For most amateur hunters, the safest mushroom by far is the large and easily identifiable puffball. Most people who have seen one will know it almost immediately by its huge size (as large as volley balls, in some cases) and its globular shape. When fully mature, they burst open to "puff" out clouds of spores, which range in color from yellowish brown to black, depending on the species. Although perfectly edible when young and soft white inside (and quite delicious, as I've discovered, especially when sauteed in oil and a few seasonings) they become useless once the spores start to develop and the inside begins to change colors. When eaten raw, they taste like a slightly less earthy portabello, but cooked they are more delicate and flavorful- and also spongier.
Another species which is not only edible, but also luminescent, is the Yellow Polypore (Polyporus sulphureus) which is sometimes called the "chicken mushroom". This is a shroomie which is usually found in a pseudo-bracket form, with a short stem curving upward from under rotting logs or rocks into a warped half cap. It can sometimes be identified at night by the pale yellow glow of the caps. |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2010 : 14:47:15
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| Ed has mentioned various bits of herblore in his thread over the past years. In the Realms, at least, there are herbal contraceptives, and there are herbs that have differing effects on different demihuman/humanoid races. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2010 : 15:29:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Ed has mentioned various bits of herblore in his thread over the past years. In the Realms, at least, there are herbal contraceptives, and there are herbs that have differing effects on different demihuman/humanoid races.
Indeed. I'd always intended to make a short-list of herblore references Ed has provided in his replies here at Candlekeep over the past few years. Though, as interested in this scroll waned, I guess I just forgot.  |
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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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2010 : 00:39:05
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| Alaundo's Library has several herblore references. The only one I can recall is Forgotten Realms Notebook 3, though I'm sure there were a few more. |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2010 : 21:28:17
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0n the subject of herb lore, I have a few bits of herbal magic lore to share. Some of this may prove useful for those who play wizards who require herbs as part of their spell components. It is commonly known that certain herbs have use in spells, so here's a short list of herbs and their various uses in magic.
Divination: Herbs that might be spell components for these types of spells are Ash, Cinnamon, Juniper, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Rose, Sandalwood, Thyme, Wormwood, and Anise.
Fertility (perhaps these would also be useful in reversed spells for contraceptive purposes): Cucumber, Mandrake, Oak, Pomegranate, Poppy, Rose, Walnut, Sunflower, and Pine
Healing: These herbs would be staples in a cleric's supplies- Lavender, Cinnamon, Apple, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Thistle, Amaranth, Eucalyptus, Onion, Garlic, and Myrrh
Love: These might equate to various Charm spells- Apple, Jasmine, Lavender,Myrtle, Rose, Rosemary, Vervain, Violet, and Blackberry.
Protection: Herbs no wizard or cleric should be without- Angelica, Fennel, Garlic, Mistletoe, Peony, Rowen, Rue, Vervain, and Willow.
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The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2010 : 23:35:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Healing: These herbs would be staples in a cleric's supplies- Lavender, Cinnamon, Apple, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Thistle, Amaranth, Eucalyptus, Onion, Garlic, and Myrrh
Actually, I've been told by the Lady K that Sage is actually good for causing both confusion and frustration. |
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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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2010 : 00:19:13
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LOL!! Er, wrong Sage....
Arik- to answer your earlier question, no I don't believe there are any contraceptive herbs per se, but there are several that serve the purpose of "promoting menses" which can also be construed as a sort of "contraceptive after-the-fact". They are: the aforementioned Mistletoe and Shepard's Purse, as well as Motherwort, Black Cohosh, Fennugreek, Pennyroyal, and Yarrow. I would imagine that a concoction of one or more of these used more-or-less daily would act about the same as our modern Pill, taken by women, of course.
Conversely, those who wished to conceive would likely have taken herbs like Ginkgo, Ginseng, Ginger, and Garlic, both used by both men and women for "improving potency". Some herbs also act as mild aphrodesiacs, such as Apple, Blackberry, Raspberry, the aforementioned Ginkgo and Genseng, Yerba Mate', and Rose. In the same vein, certain herbal oils like Jasmine, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Raspberry, and Vanilla when used externally, serve a similar purpose. |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2010 : 00:42:13
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Healing: These herbs would be staples in a cleric's supplies- Lavender, Cinnamon, Apple, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Thistle, Amaranth, Eucalyptus, Onion, Garlic, and Myrrh
Actually, I've been told by the Lady K that Sage is actually good for causing both confusion and frustration.
And a time-dilation effect, too! |
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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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2010 : 01:33:57
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And for some commonly encountered problems on the road I have these:
Athlete's foot (from tramping through damp dungeons or muddy roads in soggy boots for days on end)- Garlic, Onion (on the feet)
Bad Breath (from eating food gone bad during travel, or for those pesky orcs with no hygiene)- Parsley, Alfalfa
Bleeding (from wounds inflicted by said orcs)- Blackberry, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
Burns (from dragons angry at having their hoards filched)- Aloe, Comfrey, Marsh Mallow (the flower, not the squishy things)
Colds, Influenza (from more tramping in wet weather)- Boneset, Ginger, Rose, Marsh Mallow, Echinacea, Hyssop
Colic (not sure where you'd get it, but it's common in old days)- Dill, Savory, Slippery Elm
Coughs (brought on by any number of ailments)- Cocoa, Coltsfoot, Angelica, Licorice, Tea, Thyme, Oregano, Wild Cherry
Constipation (no more need be said)- Apple, Buckthorn, Parsley, Rhubarb, Vervain
Diarrhea/Dissentery (from drinking from orc-polluted streams)- Apple, Bayberry, Dill, Mullein, Goldenseal, Meadowsweet
Fever (from any of the above)- Bayberry, Meadowsweet, Parsley, Willow
Food-poisoning (from the innkeeper's three-day-old stew)- Angelica, Burdock, Catnip, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Garlic, Mint, Mullein
Gout (big problem back then)- Nettle
Insomnia (useful for anyone in "shady" professions; also of particular use to paranoid drow)- Balm, Passionflower, Skullcap, Chamomile, Catnip (mild body high also), Valerian, Wild Cherry
Nausea (from bad food, morning sickness, or certain mosnters' stenches)- Ginger, Mint, Rose, Raspberry
Pain (many sources for this- pick one)- Meadowsweet, Vervain, Willow, Black Haw, Passionflower, Aloe
Rashes/Stings (any poisonous plant, some insects, acidic breath)- Aloe, Chamomile, Oatmeal
Wounds (battle, bites, brawls, etc)- Aloe, Comfrey, Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Mint, Turmeric, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
Infections- (might be useful for some of those magical diseases)- Garlic, Dandelion, Echinacea, Burdock, Mint, Myrrh, Goldenseal, Clove oil(externally only), Chamomile, Licorice
Edit: Sage, your gremlins are loose again!!! |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
Edited by - Alystra Illianniis on 28 Nov 2010 01:44:36 |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2010 : 01:54:39
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| Hmmphf. Like any real orc would ever care at all about offending people with his bad breath. Besides, garlic helps keep those pesky elves and vampires away. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2010 : 14:18:17
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Mountain troll ecology
Not much is known about trolls, but they seem to be increasingly prevalent in the harsh conditions of mountains. The lore uncovered herein will focus on the specific breed of troll that are encountered in Fearuns mountainous regions. The slightly more intelligent Ice trolls are to be mentioned as well.
Mountain trolls usually stands 9 to 10 feet tall and weighs 500 pounds or more. Females are slightly larger than males. A troll’s rubbery hide is moss green, mottled green and gray, or putrid gray. The hair is usually greenish black or iron gray. Ice trolls are slightly less big, standing 8 feet tall and weighing 450 pounds, and are distinguished by their transparent blue-white tinted skins, fierce blue eyes and their habit of clothing themselves in hides and pelts.
Trolls in mountains function as scavengers, opportunistic predators and cannibals in the ecosystem. They are usually driven by hunger, and their lack of fear of death makes them terrible foes. Unlike their forest brethren, mountian trolls tend to hunt alone because of the scarceness of food. Mountain trolls hate sharing and are known to hunt and eat their own, especially after the other has managed to capture some prey. Thats why most trolls are likely to immediately start eating downed prey raw, even when they are still living.
The most successful members of the troll race are able to organise to a degree though. These bands of two to five trolls are usually religiously motivated by a single shaman of Vaprak, the giant god of destruction. A shaman usually operates from a dark mountain cavern, where it tends to hoard treasure and bones of as much humanoids as it can. Such a shaman demands his band to be in the best shape it can be, and trolls usually train by repeatedly clubbing eachother to the head or torso. Troll shamanism (usually voodoo-like adepts, druids or clerics) centers largely around primitive rituals, involving the bones of the gathered prey. These shaman believe a creatures bones hold special power over their kind, and troll shaman can be seen wearing human or dwarf bone armor. Their spell components are usually bone based, so they tend to carry around large sacks instead of the normally beltpouch sized bags.
The most feared of all are those trolls with enough intelligence (usually exceptional individuals with int 10 or more) to garner some sort of skill in humanoid hunting practices. A mountain trolls keen senses and scent give them uncanny ability to pick up tracks of their favored meals. These troll headhunters are known to track down prey for months, relying on their supernatural endurance to the mountainous conditions to tire their prey until they will ambush them in a frenzied and swift melee.
Ice trolls tend to stay near running water such as glacier melting pools, as their regenerative ability is tied to cold liquid water. Because of their slightly smaller size, ice trolls are more often encountered in bands of 2 to 6. Their preferred lairs are extensive or labyrinthine glacier cave systems, in which their scent is their main aid for traversal. The unstable nature of these caves is often used to their advantage, and they sometimes lure unwary mountaineers into collapsible cave ways.
Ice trolls are also known to be fashion sturdy nets underneath unstable sheets of ice at the base of their glacial pools, or at the bottom of wading pools they hunt in. When unsuspecting prey traverses such a place they ensnare them into the cold waters and wait until the foes start suffering from hypothermic reactions. Ice troll hunters use their expert mountain and cavern knowledge to cause avalanches or conceal unstable snowy pathways.
Ice trolls can sometimes be found incased in their own icy lairs, and are said to be able to survive for centuries incased this way. Some powerful shaman are purposely encased along with their garnered possessions. These ice mummy trolls are known to awaken with terrible icy powers. Their touch can spread a magical disease that freezes and subsequently melts their victims into pools of icy water.
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My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2010 : 17:25:22
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Addendum: Troll cannibalism is also a very common occurance in mountain and ice troll populations. Females in the later stages of pregnancy often refuse to leave the cave they chose to dwell in, favoring taking a bite out of any mates and male trolls that dwell with her. A troll is even able to survive by eating parts of itself thanks to their regenaritve physiology. This is a still a painfull experience so they prefer to eat others. (Pregnant) Females use the prospect of cannibalism to send out her males to hunt for raw meat in the surrounding mountian slopes.
Troll children are usually the first to suffer from cannibalistic tendancies of a tribe, as its flesh is less stringy and more succulent. This toughens the child to future hardships. The trolls childs mind is so trained to see pain as a transient state, as a troll thats afraid of pain is less useful to a tribe. A trolls limbs are usually the choice parts that are sacrificed to the elders in a tribe. An adolescent troll that wants to be accepted as an adult goes through a rite of passage involving the sacrifice of both its arms, and after it has regenerated its arms back to original strength is accepted into the tribe fully.
Cannibalism sustains trolls in even in the most remote locations, and mountain trolls are not likely to travel far from the caves they choose to live in. Trolls bloody themselves when trying to excavate their lairs, but are not overly bothered by this. A cleric might choose to use spells for creating bigger caves sometimes, but prefers to let other trolls chip away stones with their claws till they break and bleed.
Troll society is also strongly matriarchal, mostly because the females are larger and more likely to hold a religious position as cleric or adept of Vaprak. The female shaman largely decide on what barbaric practises are to be followed. Males are cowed into subversion, preventing them into thinking self-exile is better for themselves. Mountain troll exiles actually soon discover that they can quickly get a far better station amongst goblinoid or orcish tribes that in troll tribes.
Some female troll clerics have developed extensive bone based grafting techniques over the years, incorporating strong and sharpened bones of their victims into their flesh (aided by spell) to give them a form of natural armor spikes. |
My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2010 : 06:28:11
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For those interested in spiders as familiars, mounts (for really big ones) or companions-
Most spiders have a life-span of one year or less- however, there are exceptions to this, notably among tarantulas, some species of which can live as long as twenty years for females, which re also generally larger than their mates. Spiders generally fall into four (some say five) basic categories- orb-weavers, scaffold-builders, hunters, and the trap-door and funnel spiders. IRL, the most deadly spider is the Sydney Funnel-Web, with the "Fiddleback" or Brown Recluse being second, and the Widow spiders coming in third. Contrary to belief, Black Widows (and the close relative the Red-Back- whose name I borrowed for my Marvel mutant hero) do not always kill their mates, although it is common. In fact, many spider species do this, and in some, the male actually sacrifices himself to insure that she lays more eggs and that they are fertile. Some males go so far as to "plug" the female after mating, to prevent other males from mating.
Spider venom is actually a highly modified form of saliva, much like snake venom, and not only paralyzes the prey, but it also helps to digest it by liquifying the insides. Spiders can be found everywhere on earth except for the poles, and ballooning spiderlings have been known to travel thousands of miles in the stratosphere before landing. Spider silk is ten times stronger than an equal thickness of steel, so one can imagine the strength of the webs of a giant spider. Most species are harmless to humans, so fears of arachnids are largely unfounded, save for the occasional encounter with a Widow or Recluse. |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2010 : 06:57:07
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I've been bitten by brown recluse and black widows many times. They're actually fairly rare (because our larger "wolf spiders" eat them) but it seems that I have an unfortunate knack for crawling into or sticking my hands into exactly the sorts of places these beasties like to lurk (and they'll generally try to hide or escape before biting, but oh well) ... I generally suffer at least ten black widow bites every winter (the little bastards sneak into garages/homes for the heat), although I've seen nests of them under wood piles in the summer, had hundreds of them crawling on me at once, full grown, shiny with their bright little hourglass markings, must've been mating season or something.
The "venom" feels (and pretty much looks) just like you've suffered a moderately serious scald or burn, especially sore in your fingers/joints when you (stupidly) insist on forgetting or ignoring it. A few of these bites in the same day will make you feel "sicky" and slow down a bit for a couple days; an half-dozen in the same day day will put you into wimpy woozy bedrest for nearly a week. One spider might inject enough venom to be lethal to children, elderly, weak, or ill people; every few years there's news of a black widow death but you don't hear about the many dozens who've been bitten and lived. Recluse bites are (for most people) much rarer, since you pretty much have to corner the spider and press it right against your skin to make it bite.
[Oh yes, they most certainly are brown recluse and black widow spiders, we have several species here, and our medical people recognize the bites. These bites can indeed be lethal to many people (don't look it up, very disgusting), fortunately I'm not one of them.] |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 13 Dec 2010 07:30:55 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 07:18:10
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LOL, you clearly have more of them than you might think, if you've been bitten so often! Actually, both species are even more common here. I've never been bitten myself- apparently, spiders of all kinds recognize me as an arachnophile and leave me alone, even when crawling on me- but my hubby has been bitten twice by a recluse, and although the first bite was caught and treated within minutes, the second festered for days unnoticed until it ate a small hole in his leg. Needless to say, he still has a scar- and a virulent hatred for arachnids!! (He's anarachnophobe to begin with, so you can imagine who gets to deal with the creepy-crawlies in our house...)
As far as the venom is concerned, the size and age of the spider has a lot to do with how the venom affects a human- some are much more venomous than others, due to size, age, and even sex (the females are MUCH worse than the males!) Widow males do not even usually bite, and their venom is so weak it hardly affects a human, unlike the females. Both are very common here in the South, especially in rural areas. I've seen a Widow build no less than four egg-sacs, and we've got the lovely and agile Wolf spiders, too. My personal favorites are the little but feisty Jumpers- the hairy little guys with large heads and front legs, usually marked in interesting colors and patterns. Jumpers have excellent vision for their size, and are quite willing to pounce at a perceived threat to frighten it away. Another fascinating spider is the common yet colorful Yellow Agriope, he garden spiders so many people see every summer building large webs in lawns, fields, and bushes. They are among the largest of the orb-weavers, often measuring as much as four inches in leg-span, with two-inch bodies. (this is the female- the male is actually quite small in comparison!) |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Laerrigan
Learned Scribe
USA
195 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 08:40:27
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I don't know that anyone but me even cares about this point, but language can really make me twitch, and we always find some reason to stick archaic speech into a fantasy setting (guilty as charged, lol). So here is the proper declension of thee/thou/etc. according to Wikipedia (and if you can't trust Wikipedia, who can you trust?  ). As I daydreamed through most English classes I ever had and have learned most all of the technicalities through reading/writing it in practice and fixating on explanations/examples for others (such as below) and I honestly don't know how I did so well in Latin---and I'm up way past when I should have gone to sleep and losing brain capacity as a result---I might just possibly have gotten an example sentence a bit wrong and I'd appreciate any corrections on anything that jumps out to someone.
1st person pronouns were the same as ours.
2nd person
singular informal
- Nominative: Thou ("Thou hast done this to me.")
- Objective: Thee ("I will graciously allow thee to find foods for my cravings that thou hast caused.")
- Genitive: Thy/thine, the latter being used immediately before a vowel or in a predicate ("Thy breakfast smelleth offensive, dear. The fault for this ill sensation is all thine.")
- Possessive: Thine ("Please take thine eggs into another room. And close the door.")
2nd person
plural or formal singular
- Nominative: Ye ("Ye have come to pay homage.")
- Objective: You ("I extend to you my foot at which to bow.")
- Genitive: Your ("Your adulation is appropriate. All of ye may bask in my presence.")
- Possessive: Yours ("Yours is the duty to please me.")
3rd person
singular
- Nominative: He/she/it ("It is obvious in usage.")
- Objective: Him/her/it ("Credit for writing this needless obviousness belongeth to her.")
- Genitive: His/her/his (it)* ("Her fixation hath brought about this nitpicking over usage. His obviousness is not quite so great for the genitive, however.") THAT was one I wasn't aware of until looking it up tonight---"his" as the genitive form of "it"...?
- Possessive: His/hers/his* ("The morbid enjoyment of nitpicking is likely hers alone.")
*(quoting Wikipedia briefly) "From the early Early Modern English period up until the 17th century, his was the possessive of the third person neuter it as well as of the 3rd person masculine he. Genitive "it" appears once in the 1611 King James Bible (Leviticus 25:5) as groweth of it owne accord."
3rd person plural was also the same as modern.
Example of archaic language misuse WIN: "Ye can't get ye flask!"
And then there's a bit of conjugation, which really isn't too complex (though I'm sure I've gotten it wrong on occasion) but I'm getting tired enough that I don't want to mess with the re-writing and formatting right now.... |
"Your 'reality,' sir, is lies and balderdash, and I'm delighted to say that I have no grasp of it whatsoever." (Baron Munchausen)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was not made for this world." (C.S. Lewis, "Surprised by Joy") |
Edited by - Laerrigan on 15 Dec 2010 09:07:23 |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 10:53:49
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Gender-based articles are throwbacks to other languages, both Germanic and Romance. English, as a Celtic melting pot language for all of Europe, had no chance at all of even beginning to show formal structure until literacy became widespread. Royal decrees and Bible printings had a lot to do with standardizing the language as well (since the Bible was guaranteed to be the first book anyone read, and the Christian Church monopolized literacy/education for centuries).
I'd always thought "Ye" was more of an Elminsterism than an historical term ... learn something new every day.
My favourite be "doust", contraction for "dost thou" ... how cool is that? |
[/Ayrik] |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 18:18:03
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| Here's a little-known fact. Up until the 17-1800's, nearly all actors were men. This goes all the way back to the first Greek theaters, when only one- and later two or three- actors were ever on stage. Men playing women's parts would wear wigs and dresses, and were usually clean-shaven for ease of changing roles for womesn's parts. The earliest actors wore masks, before make-up was used, so this was not a problem then, but in later times, the actors had to use fake beards in place of a real one if they needed to play multiple parts. For centuries, theater was cnsidered not much better than prostitution, so no respectable woman would ever become an actor, and with men taking all the parts, there was little opportunity unless a woman wanted to fake the opposite gender for her carreer. (It was rare, but supposedly DID happen occasionally.) This might also be why people love to gossip about the lives of famous actors- a hold-over from the less respectable days when theater folks were looked down on and whispered about scandalously by the audience! |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 22:59:17
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Actors used to be viewed as the scum of society, yet today they're treated like the aristocracy of great houses?
Does that apply to Celtic bard types? |
[/Ayrik] |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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ErskineF
Learned Scribe
USA
330 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2010 : 03:11:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Laerrigan
I don't know that anyone but me even cares about this point, but language can really make me twitch, and we always find some reason to stick archaic speech into a fantasy setting (guilty as charged, lol).
Good info. The verb forms for second and third person singular can be very different too. Here's a sample conjugation for the verb "to have":
I have
Thou hast
He/She/It hath
We have
Ye have
They have
Note that for verb forms that are conjugated with an auxiliary, one shouldn't double up on the endings. For example: "Dost thou have the gold?" is correct. "Dost thou hast" would be incorrect, and one would never, ever say "Dost thou hath." Also, one would not say "Dost ye have," but rather "Do ye have."
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Erskine Fincher
http://forgotten-realms.wandering-dwarf.com/index.php |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2010 : 03:59:50
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| Nien, du hast, du hast mitsch. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Laerrigan
Learned Scribe
USA
195 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2010 : 05:58:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Arik
Nien, du hast, du hast mitsch.
Erskine---thanks! I wanted to get conjugation in there, but I have this amazing ability to overcomplicate things and wasn't looking forward to the VASTLY NEEDED  formatting of the post. Or the rewriting of the source material. |
"Your 'reality,' sir, is lies and balderdash, and I'm delighted to say that I have no grasp of it whatsoever." (Baron Munchausen)
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was not made for this world." (C.S. Lewis, "Surprised by Joy") |
Edited by - Laerrigan on 16 Dec 2010 05:59:01 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2010 : 20:45:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Arik
Actors used to be viewed as the scum of society, yet today they're treated like the aristocracy of great houses?
I must be truly ancient.
I still look down upon actors and entertainers. |
"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 15 Mar 2011 19:05:59 |
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chamber101
Seeker
57 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2011 : 23:40:14
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I love finding old scrolls such as this that are a trove of useable colour.
My offerings:
It has been mentioned in an earlier post about spiral staircases in towers. They generally were constructed in a clockwise (from bottom to top) fashion so an invading force had to fight left handed whilst the higher defenders could fight right handed.
Also, on most staircases, every fifth or sixth or so step was deliberately an inch or so higher than the previous steps so as to make a charging intruder more likely to trip (it was actually called The Tripstep!) balance checks in full plate anyone?
Thirdly, many of the main doorways were constructed shorter so that you had to dip your head as you walked through them. Usually there would be a small alcove to the right of the doorway with a guard in it who could then smash the intruder over the back of the head as he stooped to walk through the doorway! |
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Portella
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
247 Posts |
Posted - 14 Mar 2011 : 00:26:42
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| Awesome stuff. |
Purple you say?!
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Realistic Role-Playing
