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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

    
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2009 : 14:56:33
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Good stuff Krash!
So good in fact, that those bits about the events of the Year of Old Bones should fit together with something I've been thinking about for my current FR campaign. Nicely done.  |
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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Gelcur
Senior Scribe
  
486 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2009 : 15:11:57
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Thanks for the reply. It was exactly what I needed. It caused to real inconvenience it was more something that came up as I was planning a storyline in that region.
I was presuming something similar would have happened. But wanted to make sure the original reference hadn't been cleared from the canon in favor of the new one as sometimes happens.
As a side note I have to say I enjoy when story creators are so honest with things like this. It really gives me an appreciation for the difficulty that goes into making these product.
Thanks again. |
The party come to a town befallen by hysteria
Rogue: So what's in the general store? DM: What are you looking for? Rogue: Whatevers in the store. DM: Like what? Rogue: Everything. DM: There is a lot of stuff. Rogue: Is there a cart outside? DM: (rolls) Yes. Rogue: We'll take it all, we may need it for the greater good. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief

    
USA
36587 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2009 : 16:18:41
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Again, good stuff! 
How much of this do you have? Are you working from scant notes, rough ideas, or is all of this already fully fleshed out? |
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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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2009 : 22:43:46
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quote: Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Again, good stuff! 
How much of this do you have? Are you working from scant notes, rough ideas, or is all of this already fully fleshed out?
The most recent kings (i.e the Heltharn and Elethlim dynasties) are essentially 'done' with only minor tweaking required. The Durlarven dynasty is a series of reasonably fleshed out entries using broad strokes. The Mirandors are scant notes and 'ideas' about events and their deeds etc.
As an example, here is the entry for Bellodar I that was in my lineage and which I fleshed out for the entry above:
Bellodar I, “the Conqueror”
Very much in the mould of his father, Bellodar I matched a skill for war with the cunning and intelligence to be a master of diplomacy. He fought off a Flight of Dragons that assailed the lands of the Easting Reach in the first year of his reign, personally bringing down the great white wyrm Kriopagohionis. In his reign he once again annexed Chessagol and claimed it as part of Impiltur, although it would pronounce its independence on the day of his death some 30 years later. He crossed the Easting Reach, building a fort at Uthmere and sending an expedition deep into the Great Dale, claiming territory and demanding fealty from those humans he encountered. Those who took up arms against the king, were dealt with swiftly and mercilessly. The “Great March” culminated in the armies of Impiltur reaching the shores of Ashanath after building the first road through the Great Dale and the gap between the forests. There he built another log and earth fortress and even sent a force across the lake to explore those strange lands. Nothing was heard of this expedition, or its leader Duke Halthos Orbil again. After a series of attacks by monsters, seemingly appearing out of nowhere (actually summoned and controlled by the Witches of Rashemen) Bellodar and his army marched back to the coast and the ships waiting for them there. Upon his return to Impiltur, Bellodar declared these new lands ready for settlement and indeed, many settlers left the realm for Uthmere and the fringes of the forests to the east. The passage of Bellodar’s armies had woken previously slumbering evils however, and the forest became a place of danger and darkness once more, harking back to the days of ancient Narfell. Those settlers who followed Bellodar’s Road were rarely seen again and the majority clustered around the settlement of Uthmere. Bellodar died at the hands of nobles of House Orbil who assassinated him in revenge for the death of the head of their house, for they believed that the king had engineered his death to eliminate a rival. Their rebellion was short-lived however, and the entire house was declared outlaw, their holdings and possessions confiscated by the Crown.
The above shows why I've decided to do this on the website. It makes me flesh out my entries, add in lore and generally get my butt into gear to do the entries 'properly'.
As a further example, here is one from my notes on the Mirandor Dynasty. The difference is considerable:
Inrath III
A man of regal presence which some considered to be haughtiness, he did not have the common touch of his father and was a supporter of the nobility and their rights. Married young in life to Elvarna Croam, youngest sister of King Sorentah Croam of Westgate and had two sons by her. She dies in the Blacktears Plague of 130DR and he re-marries in 132DR to Sarthil, daughter of the ruler of the Wizard’s Reach city of Delthuntle. She bears him three sons, Doraven, Azundar and Laermith. Dies of natural causes.
There's a lot more to Inrath III - well, there will be when I write him up properly - but at the moment that's all I have.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
Edited by - George Krashos on 09 Jan 2009 22:46:17 |
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PaulBestwick
Seeker

United Kingdom
83 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 10:16:48
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George, thanks for the info on Bellodar I. Just the type of details I need. Now to tweak the Barrow of the Forgotten King module from Wizards to fit around Eastwatch in the Great Dale, using some of this info as part of the puzzle the characters have to solve to access the deeper part of the tomb complex. |
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Gang Falconhand
Seeker

United Kingdom
85 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jan 2009 : 08:11:16
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Dear Mr Krashos
HI!
I'm wondering if you could tell me what are the origins of the name 'Phalorm'? What language is it? Does it have a literal meaning? Who picked the name?
THANKS! |
"If you have a quality let it define you." |
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Knight of the Gate
Senior Scribe
  
USA
624 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2009 : 08:26:32
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So I'm running a Damaran/Impilturan campaign, with my PC's having been named the council of lords of Trail's End (Baron Donleavy the Young having been tried and executed for treason by King Gareth for collusion with certain Impilturans). In my campaign, Damara and Impiltur are on the brink of war (a situation created largely by Sonellion's meddling with various Lords of Imphras the II). My questions are these: 1)What, in your estimation, would this war look like? Would either side have a clear advantage? My assumption is that Impiltur has Quantity, Damara has Quality, basically making it a wash.
2)Other than the obvious revenge factor, I've set it up that Sonellion hopes that, once Impiltur falls (providing that it does) it will no longer BE Impiltur, and Soargar's banishment will no longer apply. The question being, does this thought hold any water, or was she banished from the region, not the political entity?
3)Is there any chance that there are ANY living descendants of Sarshel? (I have a PC who wrote a pretty good 'no idea who my parents were' background, and I thought...)
Thanks so much for your work, as it has inspired the bulk of my campaign!
EDIT: I'm cutting and pasting this to the 'Running the Realms' page, b/c I'd like to get the take of Candlekeep @ large on these questions, too. |
How can life be so bountiful, providing such sublime rewards for mediocrity? -Umberto Ecco |
Edited by - Knight of the Gate on 05 Mar 2009 08:30:30 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2009 : 15:57:45
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Sorry for the delay folks, but I've been away overseas. I'll get to recent queries soon. I present however the other requested monarch of Impiltur, Ellarath "the Faerie King" for your enjoyment.
Oh, and as an aside, I note that the lineage in GHotR has a typographical error in that Ellarath's son Imindarth was born in 162 DR, not 164 DR.
Ellarath, “the Faerie King”
The reign of Ellarath I hides one of the most shocking secrets in Impiltur’s long history, for the monarch who bore this name and ruled the kingdom for eighteen winters was in fact an elf named Relavar Mornthael. How such a peculiar set of circumstances came to pass has its roots in the dynastic upheavals that immediately preceded the reign of King Pendarn, Ellarath’s father. Pendarn’s victory over his traitorous step-brother Doraven at the Battle of Shields Sundered in the Year of the Great Dwarven Gate (162 DR) occurred with the aid of the moon elves of Vedrymmell whose realm lay in the Gray Forest. These elves had harbored Ellarath since the death of his uncle King Inrath IV in 159 DR when the sorely wounded prince was forced to flee into the forest and seek sanctuary from Doraven’s assassins. Several further assaults on the forest and attempted infiltrations by hired slayers over the next three winters incensed the elves and roused them to march forth in support of Pendarn when he and his mercenary army arrived by sail from Cormyr in the last days of 161 DR.
Ellarath was nursed back to health by the half-elf Kylarna, one of the Irzenath a lower caste in Vedrymmell’s society made up predominately of half-elves and used by that elven realm for most of their dealings with the N`Tel`Quess of the surrounding region. Love blossomed between them and they were wed, their union producing three sons over the course of four years. In the time before Pendarn’s return to Impiltur, Ellarath greatly impressed the elves of Vedrymmell with his quick grasp of the elvish language, courteous manner, noble bearing and quick wit and when he called upon the elves to be true to the Silver Arrow Pact established between them and King Baranth I in 75 DR, they agreed to rally to his father’s cause. He fought with the elves in the ensuing skirmishes and final battle, forging ties with them through dint of hard battles and camaraderie in the field.
When Ellarath was crowned king in the Year of the Jealous Spouse (178 DR) he embarked upon a leisurely grand tour of the kingdom to celebrate the commencement of his reign and to show the citizens of the realm their new ruler. As part of his travels, Ellarath visited the tree city of Halathaerl, the main settlement of Vedrymmell accompanied by his wife and family and a small group of trusted retainers and important nobles. It was in Halathaerl that both Ellarath and Kylarna were slain by the jealous and half-crazed Relavar Mornthael, a moon elf of the oldest and most powerful noble family in Vedrymmell. His status as a noble of House Mornthael meant that Relavar could never marry one of the Irzenath and his unrequited love and desperate longing for Kylarna was a dark secret that doomed them all when he saw her again upon her return to the realm in 178 DR. On the pretence of a private audience with the new king, Relavar found an opportunity to privately declare his love to Kylarna in lovelorn desperation only to be sharply rebuffed. His ardor cooled to a murderous rage and he slew first her and then the king when Ellarath came to her aid.
Relavar’s deed was observed by the scrying of Taredd Mornthael, the kingdom’s Faergaunt (wizardly military leader and chief High Mage) who was however unable to act swiftly enough to prevent Relavar’s impulsive act. He realized however that the situation called for immediate redress and obtained Relavar’s agreement to redeem his family’s honor and prevent the outbreak of a full-scale war between Vedrymmell and Impiltur by being transformed into a semblance of Ellarath by the Ritual of Solitude known to High Mages as Akh`Faen`Tel`Quess and having a geas placed upon him to be unable to tell anyone of what had occurred or to suicide. Shamed by his weakness and the dishonor he had visited upon the Mornthaels, Relavar agreed to Taredd’s ruse knowing that the sweet release of death would be afforded to him once Ellarath had ‘reigned’ for a suitable time, short by the reckoning of the elves. His time among the N`Tel`Quess was a subtle and effective punishment for he had no liking for humans, considering them lesser beings scarcely fit to be in his presence. The irony of his love for the half-elf Kylarna and what it had reduced Relavar to only made the punishment of his transformation worse. The death of the queen was not considered suspicious for Taredd’s magic saw to it that all signs of violence on her flesh were removed, and the king’s devotion to her was so well known and his grief at her passing so genuine that no-one suspected any foul play on his part. Her death was simply put down to heartburst, and the whole realm came to mourn a queen that they never really knew.
And so it was that the reign of Ellarath proceeded for eighteen winters without any individual knowing that their human king was in fact a transformed moon elf. The king’s fascination with all things elvish was considered a natural reaction to his early years living with the elves and welcomed as an attempt to bring some sophistication to the royal court. It wasn’t considered strange that the king enjoyed spending time in the forests, developed a passion for elvish poetry and dance and even decreed that elvish would henceforth be part of the official court language, for Ellarath ruled well and his reign was marked by peace and an end to the warring and death that had been a feature of the previous century. If the king was considered to be aloof and disinterested in the day to day activities at Court throughout his reign, his family and subjects put this down to the death of his queen and his ensuing sorrow. Many observers commented that the king only seemed to come ‘alive’ when discussing Kylarna and he is known to have commissioned so many portraits and sculptures of the queen that at least five of these objects of art exist in present-day Impiltur despite the passage of the years and the upheavals that have dotted Impilturian history since that time.
In the Year of Yearning Elves (196 DR) Taredd saw to it that the reign of Ellarath “the Faerie King” came to an end. What became of Relavar is unknown but it is suspected that he was slain by Taredd for his act of regicide and the dishonor he had visited upon the Mornthaels, with his death (although not the deed that precipitated it) being held up as an example of the consequences of disloyalty to other Mornthael ardavanshee. A dead clone of Ellarath (suitably aged by magic) was substituted in his place and no-one in Impiltur ever deduced what had transpired.
I note that I stated that I would do 5 monarchs and ended up receiving requests for only 4. I'll give the 2 or 3 readers of this thread another couple of days to give me another one before I choose one myself.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
Edited by - George Krashos on 09 Mar 2009 00:51:18 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
    
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2009 : 16:52:08
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While I applaud this well-thought out story and enjoyed the lore, I have to admit that it leaves me a bit... queezy.
So Relevar murders a King, and as punishment, he gets to BE King, and sleep with the Queen, the love of his life? 
I wish someone would punish me like that...
However, its helps me further establish that Elves are busy-bodies and inherently evil, which I suppoese is a good thing (I hate the buggers).
Still.. I find t odd that Kylarna wasn't able to detect the ruse... (even Fiona knew there was something up with Shrek, despite the fact that a magic potion was held responsible for the changes ). I'm just thinking there needs to be just a little more there... some near-death (which was actualy REAL death) experience for the young King, to cover any anomalies in his personality.
Perhaps Taredd was too late to stop the murder, but his magical attack left Relevar sorely wounded and incapacitated for a long while? That would have given the two enough time to conspire and cover Relevar's tracks. If they blamed it on assassins - which Taredd 'heroically' stopped - then you cover all the bases - near-death experience, the bloodied and damged room, 'Ellaraths' long convalescence and personality shift, etc...
In fact, it could have even been unplanned originally - what if Taredd's attack left Relevar badly damaged (and his faced smashed to pulp?) He teleports the king's body elsewhere, but before he can do anything else the gaurds burst into the room, seeing hm pouring a healing potion down 'Ellaraths' throat... or at least they assume its Ellarath, because there is no-one else in the room, and he so badly burnt (including his clothing being conveniently burnt away).
They yell "Stand back! What has happened to the King?!", and Taredd begins to answer truthfully... and then smiles, and explains that he was attacked by an assassin (which is the truth, so he isn't actually lying at this point).
I really don't mean to step on your toes at all Krash (you know I love ya'), but it just seemed to need a bit more to cover that strange 'punishment' and unnoticed switch.
Also, one last thing (if I may) - the REAL king's body was placed inside his tomb after the funery services were over (I HATE open-ends), and Relavar's body was placed in an unmarked vault within the Mornthael crypt.
I like the name, BTW - my very first RPG character ever was an Elf named Galavar - that brings back memories. 
Great Job - can't wait for the next one. |
"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 08 Mar 2009 17:03:33 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 09 Mar 2009 : 00:54:02
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On further reflection, I agree with your comments Markus and have changed the entry to make Relavar's punishment more fitting.
Thanks for the feedback and hope that the edited version is more to your taste.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

    
Australia
31701 Posts |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
    
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 09 Mar 2009 : 17:49:11
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quote: Originally posted by George Krashos
On further reflection, I agree with your comments Markus and have changed the entry to make Relavar's punishment more fitting.
Thanks for the feedback and hope that the edited version is more to your taste.
-- George Krashos
George.. it was fine the way it was. 
I had no intention for you change it - which is why I merely elaborated on the events to put them in a some-what different light.
I do like that you made him being King seem more like a punishment (his dislike for humans), that makes much more sense now. I just think that his being remebered as a 'good King' stems more from his complete lack of desire for expansion (which leads to war and suffering for nation's people), and his concentration on 'the arts'. While his people may think of him as a learned and peaceful man, the truth is he jsust did his job and 'suffered' their proximity, trying the whole time to instill a little 'culture' on the 'savages'.
I'm saddened that Kylarna is now dead thanks to me (I'm a murderer! ), but it is more fitting that way... although I would have preferred that he started the fight with Relevar, and Kylarna showed-up and jumped in the way, taking the death-blow meant for Ellarath. In shock at what he just did (kill the love of his life), he goes nuts and obliterates all traces of the King in a 'potent magic blast'.
I hate to be a noodge, but him killing her on purpose doesn't sound a whole lot like Love (although Elven emotions aren't human), especially considering he likes Elves and dislikes humans (why wouldn't he have confronted Ellarath?) Him killing her by accident and then having to live with what he has done sounds so much more horrifc (and suitable). The only thing stronger then the Elven sense of 'Justice' (humans call it revenge) is their sense of guilt.
The only problem I have with THAT scenario is that it reminds me of something else... something I can't quite put my finger on...
Something in Evermeet perhaps... 
Anyhow, don't feel like you need to make changes on my account - you're the creditted designer here... I'm just a rabid fanboi. 
Edit: Also, I'm eagerly awaiting your Calimshan lineage. I am not very big on lineages usually, but the Calishite one is extremely interesting, thanks to Schend, and I think you could take it to the next level.
Edit2: I got it! My modified verson reminds me of the story of Strahd (from GH/RL). |
"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 09 Mar 2009 17:57:13 |
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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
   
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2009 : 00:40:19
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quote: Originally posted by George Krashos
I note that I stated that I would do 5 monarchs and ended up receiving requests for only 4. I'll give the 2 or 3 readers of this thread another couple of days to give me another one before I choose one myself. -- George Krashos
Excellent, am looking forward to your choice of monarch, will be interesting to see which one you pick.
George, thanks for taking the time over many years to bring us all excellent Realmslore.
Cheers
Damian |
So saith Ed. I've never said he was sane, have I? Gods, all this writing and he's running a constant fantasy version of Coronation Street in his head, too. . shudder, love to all, THO Candlekeep Forum 7 May 2005 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2009 : 10:50:30
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quote: Originally posted by Markustay I hate to be a noodge, but him killing her on purpose doesn't sound a whole lot like Love (although Elven emotions aren't human), especially considering he likes Elves and dislikes humans (why wouldn't he have confronted Ellarath?) Him killing her by accident and then having to live with what he has done sounds so much more horrifc (and suitable). The only thing stronger then the Elven sense of 'Justice' (humans call it revenge) is their sense of guilt.
Well, Relavar thought he was in love with Kylarna, but more correctly he was infatuated with her which he changed in his own head to feelings of "love" once she had left the Gray Forest to be with Ellarath.
You see, Relavar's infatuation caused him to make Kylarna in his view more beautiful, intelligent and "Tel`Quessir" than she was in actuality. You see she had to be so because otherwise his infatuation for her made him seem weak and lacking in discernment given that she was of the Irzenath. He fantasised (without much forethought or thinking of a practical nature) about her being trained and improved by his attention and affection, thereby allowing her to ameliorate the "accident" of her birth and racial background and he toyed also with having her change her appearance with magic to look like a moon elf.
When she spurned him, she was effectively destroying the fragile fantasy webwork of justifications and excuses he had built up to prevent the self-analysis that accompanied the reality that he, a high class elf noble, had fallen for a 'nothing' half-elf. In rejecting him, she rejected his plans to 'help' her become more than she was, even if such a transformation was "for her own good" and something she "might not immediately understand". Basically, in Relavar's mind, he never allowed himself to contemplate a scenario where she would reject his overtures once he made her know that she was the object of his affections. She should have been kissing his feet when he declred his love for her, instead she rejected him and worse than that, chose a human over him.
Such is the fine line between infatuation and rage. When he snapped and killed her and then Ellarath he was excising the perceived damage to his personal (warped) sense of honor and social/familial standing and status.
quote: Originally posted by Markustay Edit: Also, I'm eagerly awaiting your Calimshan lineage. I am not very big on lineages usually, but the Calishite one is extremely interesting, thanks to Schend, and I think you could take it to the next level.
Well, this is a big undertaking given that Calimshan history has eight Ages and the First Age alone had twelve dynasties and 92 rulers. I'll see what I can get done in the next couple of months or so, but creating material 'whole cloth' is always such a slog.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
    
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2009 : 18:16:55
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Thanks for responding to this - that makes a lot of sense now. He wasn't really in love - he had that 'stalker' mentality (and they usually do eventually turn their infatuations into rage).
As far as the Calimshan lineage goes, take your time. You might be better off tackling it (and presenting it to us) one age at a time. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Jakk
Great Reader
    
Canada
2165 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 02:42:18
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Question re: Calimshan lineage: can it be done without tackling Tethyr at the same time, given all the interrelations between the two (thanks mostly to the Shoon dynasty)? The Shoons are my particular point of interest in the Lands of Intrigue (for fairly obvious reasons, I think). Do you have any thoughts on them apart from what we already know from previous publications? Re: the big picture: As Mark says, take your time; it's a big project either way. |
Playing in the Realms since the Old Grey Box (1987)... and *still* having fun with material published before 2008, despite the NDA'd lore.
If it's comparable in power with non-magical abilities, it's not magic. |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
    
USA
3264 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 03:30:28
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quote: Originally posted by Markustay
Thanks for responding to this - that makes a lot of sense now. He wasn't really in love - he had that 'stalker' mentality (and they usually do eventually turn their infatuations into rage).
-Kinda like Cyric and Mystra? 
BRIMSTONE |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." Alaundo of Candlekeep |
Edited by - Brimstone on 12 Mar 2009 03:30:58 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 04:07:34
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quote: Originally posted by Jakk
Question re: Calimshan lineage: can it be done without tackling Tethyr at the same time, given all the interrelations between the two (thanks mostly to the Shoon dynasty)? The Shoons are my particular point of interest in the Lands of Intrigue (for fairly obvious reasons, I think). Do you have any thoughts on them apart from what we already know from previous publications? Re: the big picture: As Mark says, take your time; it's a big project either way.
Tethyr has been done for years - at least in the format I plan which is the one showcased in GHotR. As for the Shoon, there is a ton of info on them in both LOI and EotSS and I really couldn't think of anything to add. What were you looking for in particular?
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
    
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 06:53:58
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Exactly what is Manshoon's relationship to the ancient shoon?
He is a Calishite originally, and Ed has hinted at a connection.
For some reason I'm thinking some lesser, forgotton about heir that was called "the Boy Shoon", who finally gets tired of hearing it said with derision, and slays his captors (or whatever... could be evil stepmother for all I know) and says "I am a Boy no longer... from this day forth, I am the MAN, Shoon!" and stalks out (leaving the room full of very dead bodies).
I have an over-active imagination.  |
"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 12 Mar 2009 06:54:34 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 07:24:50
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quote: Originally posted by Markustay
Exactly what is Manshoon's relationship to the ancient shoon?
He is a Calishite originally, and Ed has hinted at a connection.
For some reason I'm thinking some lesser, forgotton about heir that was called "the Boy Shoon", who finally gets tired of hearing it said with derision, and slays his captors (or whatever... could be evil stepmother for all I know) and says "I am a Boy no longer... from this day forth, I am the MAN, Shoon!" and stalks out (leaving the room full of very dead bodies).
I have an over-active imagination. 
That's not so hard. Manshoon's family was originally from those parts, but Manshoon's personal history is almost purely Moonsea. What he did after he became Manshoon of the Zhentarim, well I'm guessing he may have visited the ancestral home ... in Shoonach ... once or twice. He certainly had a spell cache there as I understand and "Cloak & Dagger" alludes to him getting stuff from there after the clones ran amok.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2009 : 12:31:46
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quote: Originally posted by Gang Falconhand
Dear Mr Krashos
HI!
I'm wondering if you could tell me what are the origins of the name 'Phalorm'? What language is it? Does it have a literal meaning? Who picked the name?
THANKS!
In 1998 Eric advised me that Ed had provided him with various names associated with the Fallen Kingdom including Phalorm which he noted was the 'most likely' name for that realm. Unfortunately, I never delved into the etymology of the name or what language it came from (do names have a 'language'?). Perhaps you can ask Ed himself. Sorry I can't help you more.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
    
USA
3264 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2009 : 13:00:29
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-Krash was the Blue Dragon that is in Ched Nassad get named after you in the 3E Book Underdark? 
BRIMSTONE |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2009 : 14:03:34
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quote: Originally posted by Brimstone
-Krash was the Blue Dragon that is in Ched Nassad get named after you in the 3E Book Underdark? 
BRIMSTONE
Yep, it was one of Eric's several in-jokes in "Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark" which was subsequently repeated in the 3E "Underdark" sourcebook. I asked him to make it a bit more subtle by using an anagram like "Karsosh" but you know how stubborn these game designers can be ...  
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
    
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2009 : 16:55:51
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You mean like the Ancient Ogre-Kingdom of Krashat that existed in Kara-Tur before the arrival of the Shou? 
Thats Homebrew, but I've mentioned it so many times over at the WotC boards in various threads (concerning historic K-T) that its become a sort of Psuedo-canon. 
I figured Ogre-Magi needed a little K-T love... it only makes sense. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Jakk
Great Reader
    
Canada
2165 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 17:53:17
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quote: Originally posted by George Krashos
quote: Originally posted by Jakk
Question re: Calimshan lineage: can it be done without tackling Tethyr at the same time, given all the interrelations between the two (thanks mostly to the Shoon dynasty)? The Shoons are my particular point of interest in the Lands of Intrigue (for fairly obvious reasons, I think). Do you have any thoughts on them apart from what we already know from previous publications? Re: the big picture: As Mark says, take your time; it's a big project either way.
Tethyr has been done for years - at least in the format I plan which is the one showcased in GHotR. As for the Shoon, there is a ton of info on them in both LOI and EotSS and I really couldn't think of anything to add. What were you looking for in particular?
-- George Krashos
Re: Tethyr: Got it. 
Re: Shoon: Well... now that I look at the two aforementioned sources again (in PDF; *still* don't have my hard copies ), the only thing I can think of is homebrew; in my Realms, Shoon IV succeeded in his bid for lichdom, camouflaging the process in what looked like a catastrophic and fatal magical accident and transporting himself to a prepared lair in the process, where he continued his researches and experimentation in secret, leaving behind just enough information to later inspire Shoon VII and allow him to succeed in the same transformation. Shoon IV has adopted a variety of aliases over the years to maintain the secret of his existence. Should you choose to make that official, some more detail would be nice; that's all I've got. More liches are always better; just ask Larloch.  |
Playing in the Realms since the Old Grey Box (1987)... and *still* having fun with material published before 2008, despite the NDA'd lore.
If it's comparable in power with non-magical abilities, it's not magic. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
    
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2009 : 04:12:44
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Two Shoon Liches is one too many.
Liches are great, but thats just a bit redundant... unless Larloch got ahold of the earlier one and he's one of his minions now (making him just a footnote).
I should really ask Steven what he thinks happened to Shoon VII when the Spellplague hit, now that I think about it - I can't help but feel sorry for that poor Elven Girl trapped inthe Tome of the Unicorn. 
I found another Shoon - I think in PftM - who was "just an adventurer". You might be able to tie him to the family somehow. |
"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 Mar 2009 04:13:16 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2009 : 21:48:59
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That "Shoon" was also the possessor of 'Shoon's Buckler' as detailed in FR4 The Magister. No doubt, one of many minor players in the Realms that Ed could bring to vivid light if only he had the time ...
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
    
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 26 Apr 2009 : 19:56:52
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Okay, you've had a month, and I'm going through withdrawel.
I need my 'Krashos fix'.
How 'bout some new lore?  |
"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 19:57:21 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
    
Australia
6559 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2009 : 17:40:12
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A long while ago I started writing up a magic item which drew much from Steven Schend's "Series Magic" DRAGON article and Ed's magic item the "Arm of Valor" from the RoMD boxed set.
On that basis, I present to you the magic item set "Connar's Aegis" which has been written up in a hybrid Magic Item Compendium and 'normal' magic item style. Please note that the spells 'scorch' and 'draconic might' are found in Spell Compendium and that 'scorch' is our old FR friend "Agannazar's Scorcher". Enjoy.
Connar’s Aegis
Shattered helm and sundered shield Scales awash with fire With deadly hand and steady eye He braved the dragon’s ire
Excerpt from the epic poem The Axe and the Dragon by Elshar “the Shieldskald” Jundeth, son of Orthangh, blood of Maegar, of Karscragg Year of Last Songs (-248 DR)
The single-handed slaying of the great red wyrm Rithaerosurffel, "the Bane of Sharrven", by King Connar IV of Ammarindar in -2770 DR is reckoned by most dwarven sages as one of the greatest feats in the annals of the Stout Folk. To commemorate this grand achievement, Connar commanded that the hide of the vanquished dragon be fashioned into a mighty suit of armor which subsequently became a part of the royal regalia of the kingdom. The suit was comprised of a red dragonhide scalemail hauberk, a warhelm, a shortsword carved from one of the wyrm’s talons and a spiked buckler made from red dragonhide, adamantine and one of the dragon’s fangs. This ensemble was known to the dwarves as Rornaugharth, but modern sages and loremasters such as Elgrath of Candlekeep have dubbed it Connar's Aegis, and it is this name which is now in common usage. The fall of Ammarindar in the Year of the Curse (882 DR) saw the defeat of its dwarven armies and the plundering of most of the kingdom's treasures by the demonic hordes of Hellgate Keep. Connar's Aegis is believed to have been worn by Axe Prince Isinghar, son of Queen Helmma, who was slain whilst commanding the northern armies of the realm which were the first to be overwhelmed by the fiends. For this reason Connar's Aegis is sometimes referred to as "Isinghar's Bane". His corpse was stripped on the battlefield and the pieces that made up Connar's Aegis were soon separated and scattered. Whenever any of the pieces of Connar's Aegis is first brought within 100-feet of another, both pieces glow with a fiery red radiance akin to faerie fire for five minutes (this won't happen again until the two pieces are put further apart, and then moved together again; it doesn't happen continuously when the pieces are touching or worn together). In his book Moradin's Empty Hands: the Lost Treasures of the Shieldfolk the dwarven loremaster Agamm Eaglecleft of Sundabar, lists the pieces that made up Connar's Aegis and provides much of the known lore regarding this lost heirloom of the Stout Folk. It is through the generosity of Agamm that the following details are presented below:
<< BEGIN SIDEBAR>> What the Sages Say … Characters who consult with sages or have the benefit of conducting their own research at such places as Candlekeep, the Vault of Sages or the Herald's Holdfast can gain the following pieces of information about Connar's Aegis by making Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (history) checks. DC 15: The fall of Ammarindar in 882 DR saw great treasures of the dwarves seized by the fiends of Hellgate Keep and the scattering of many others into surrounding lands. DC 20: In -2770 DR, King Connar IV of Ammarindar slew the mighty red dragon Rithaerosurffel and fashioned a legendary suit of armor from the creature's scaly hide made up of a hauberk, a warhelm, a sword and a spiked buckler. Together, these items became known as Connar's Aegis. DC 25: The various pieces of Connar's Aegis all exhibit powerful magic but when brought together and worn by the same person, their powers collectively increase. DC 30: DMs should provide a specific fact or piece of information pertaining to the history, powers or location of one or more of the pieces of Connar's Aegis. <<END SIDEBAR>>
Collection Benefits Wearing multiple pieces of Connar’s Aegis grants you vision that can pierce invisibility, wards you from all attacks and also allows you to gain the strength and durability of a dragon for a time. When you wear the entire Connar’s Aegis the pieces give off a faint heat and radiance. The wearer also appears to have insubstantial, shadowy wings. 2 pieces: Four times per day, you can speak the command word of “Dorgar” and with a standard action gain the effect of a see invisibility spell for 4 minutes. 3 pieces: Three times per day you can speak the command word of “Ardûl” and with a standard action gain damage reduction 10/-. This benefit lasts for 5 rounds. 4 pieces: You can use draconic might (CL 10th) as a standard (command) action twice per day when you utter the command word of “Narlaug”.
Connar’s Aegis Collection Benefits Pieces Worn Benefit 2 pieces 4/day see invisibility for 4 min 3 pieces 3/day you gain DR 10/- for 5 rounds 4 pieces 2/day draconic might (SC) for 3 min
Auglarn
Auglarn is the most well-known of the pieces that make up Connar's Aegis and is known to humans as the "Dragonheart Armor". History: With the dread rise of Hellgate Keep, many fortune-chasers throughout the North flocked to plunder this grim fortress given Ascalhorn’s reputation as a city of powerful magic and immense wealth. At that time, the long-dead sage Cthethros described Hellgate Keep as the “most enticing pile of riches to be found north of Candlekeep since the slaying of the great wyrm Narglarashdrano”. The first five winters following the Year of the Curse (882 DR) took a fearsome toll of the foolhardy and the over-zealous ere the cost in lives was deemed to be prohibitive even for that brand of crazed wits known to all as “adventurers”. However several adventuring bands managed to brave the ruins of Ascalhorn and live to tell the tale. Of these, the men of the Blackblades Brotherhood paraded their booty in the city of Mirabar in the summer of the Year of the Tolling Bell (899 DR), much to the ire of the dwarves residing in the city who recognized priceless heirlooms of lost Ammarindar, Auglarn included, and schemed to recover them. A scant three rides later, the men of the Blackblades Brotherhood were all slain in an ambush at Redstone Knoll located two days ride along the western road leading out of Mirabar. Their slayers, dwarves of the Blackbanner clan led by Hathar, blood of Morinn, trekked north to a hidden clanhold in the foothills of the Spine of the World and Auglarn was subsequently worn from time to time by various clan warriors and champions. Their deeds saw the oldbeards of the clan name Auglarn the “Dragonheart Armor” for its seeming propensity to bestow taleworthy courage and valor upon its wearer. In the Year of the Reaching Beacon (1042 DR), dwarves of the Blackbanner clan gathered for a rare Dragonmoot seeking to bring low the vicious and wily green dragon Garthmalthataur who laired then in the Lurkwood and may dwell there yet, ancient and terrible. Auglarn was worn by the clan champion Jhaster “Swiftaxe”, son of Mith, in the attack and lost when he and the flower of the Blackbanner clan warriors were slain by the mighty dragon. Of Garthmalthataur, little is known today and loremasters reckon that he resides in the Lurkwood no longer. However they all agree that when the current lair of this viridian wyrm is discovered, Auglarn is very likely to be sitting amidst the heaped treasures of his reputedly vast hoard. Description: Auglarn is a scalemail hauberk made of layered red dragon scales with a deep crimson hue reinforced by horns and ridges of adamantine. Each scale is engraved with two crossed battle axes and a hammer and anvil, the symbols of the dwarven deities Clanggedin and Moradin respectively. Effects: Auglarn is +1 red dragonhide scalemail of fire resistance. Aura/Caster Level: Faint Abjuration; CL 3rd Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, resist energy, 12,900 gp, 1,000 XP Price: 25,400 gp Weight: 30 lb.
Drathaglandar
Drathaglandar is famous in its own right as a weapon of renown and is far less commonly known as one of the pieces that make up Connar's Aegis. It is known to humans as the "Flametalon of Aumar". History: Following the fall of Ammarindar the orc chieftain Irmgrith is known to have wielded Drathaglandar although how this squat, one-eyed, cunning orc obtained the blade is unknown. While some sages speculate that he may have entered the environs of Hellgate Keep to obtain his prize, most believe that he and his group of orc raiders waylaid and slaughtered a pack of fiends roaming the Delimbiyr Vale to obtain the sword and much other booty. Irmgrith fell to the adventuring band known as the Company of the Icedrake in the Year of the Raised Sword (893 DR) and they took Drathaglandar to Silverymoon where they exchanged the blade for training with the famed swordmaster and often-time mercenary leader Haerthild Latarn. Haerthild kept the blade in his possession until in his dotage he gifted Drathaglandar to the city and High Mage Threskaal for lodgings and care in his advancing years. The blade remained in the city’s armories for centuries until it was bestowed upon Aumar Norshald by High Mage Orjalun when he was proclaimed Silverymoon’s newest War Captain and entrusted with the command of Citadel Felbarr. The valiant Aumar wielded Drathaglandar valiantly in his neverending battles with the orcs of the mountains and in time the blade became named for him and its blazing puissance. The fall of Citadel Felbarr in the Year of the Dark Dawn (1104 DR) saw Drathaglandar lost to the reckoning of humans and dwarves. It most probably lies in some mountain orc cache or is lost in the trackless ravines of the northern mountains, for no tales or descriptions of anyone wielding the sword have come out of the environs of the North since that dark day. The weapon’s fate remains a mystery that only the brave or the lucky are likely to unravel. Description: Drathaglandar is a shortsword constructed from carved dragon talon set in a crossguard, haft and pommel of forged adamantine. The haft is wrapped with red dragonscale and the pommel holds a brilliant cut fire opal. Effects: Drathaglandar is a +1 flaming burst shortsword. Aura/Caster Level: Strong Conjuration; CL 12th Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, flame blade, flame strike or fireball, 12,500 gp, 1,000 XP Price: 25,000 gp Weight: 2 lb.
Haratholdokh
Haratholdokh is the most recognizable of the pieces that make up Connar's Aegis and is known to humans as the "Burning Bassinet". History: First mentioned, almost in passing, by the famed bard Mintiper Moonsilver in discussions with the sage Operth of Silverymoon as one of a number of the treasures that he had examined and identified during his perilous expedition through the bowels of Hellgate Keep, Haratholdokh is an item that has only recently come out of the depths of this ruined city. With the destruction of Hellgate Keep in the Year of the Gauntlet (1369 DR) the ruins of Hellgate Keep once again saw an influx of eager adventurers that mirrored the time that followed the fall of Ascalhorn centuries before. A Harper-sponsored group of adventurers known as The Harp Held High managed to avoid the treant guardians of Turlang and braved the ruins in the Year of Wild Magic (1372 DR), returning to Loudwater with various treasures, including Haratholdokh. The Harp Held High ventured forth for Berdusk that same season but they never found the succor of Twilight Hall. Attacked on the fringes of the Serpent Hills and routed by bandits, the company scattered and the warrior Khenar of the Scarlet Edge fled south and disappeared somewhere along the twisting eddies of the Serpent’s Tail Stream. Citizens of Loudwater had reported Haratholdokh as being in his possession and it is possible that Khenar survived his ordeal and has unobtrusively gone on to undertake further activities in the service of the Harpers. It is more likely however that he fell afoul of the serpentfolk that infest the region and met his demise at their hands. As such, Haratholdokh likely lies among the treasures of Ebarnaje, ruler of Najara, but no brave soul has braved his twisting demesne to confirm whether the “Burning Bassinet” lies amidst the King of Serpent’s coils. Description: Haratholdokh is an adamantine full-face war helm shaped like the head of a stylized red dragon with red dragonscale inlay. The helm’s two dragon eyes are both rubies. Effects: Haratholdokh is a helm that allows the wearer to use scorch (CL 10th) as a standard (command) action three times per day when they utter the command word “Gornthak”. The jet of flame bursts from the open maw of the helm’s dragon head. Aura/Caster Level: Faint Evocation; CL 3rd Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, scorch, 20,000 gp, 1,600 XP Price: 40,000 gp Weight: 5 lb.
Issbarak
Issbarak is mentioned in many tavern tales and trail stories of the North, although few sages know that it is part of Connar's Aegis. This spiked buckler is also known as "Turbaern’s Tooth" for one of its most famous wielders. History: The fall of Ascalhorn saw many wizards of that city enslaved by the rampaging demons and used as battle fodder when the fiends began to march against surrounding regions. The most notorious of these “slave mages” was one Fildorn “the Shackled” who fought with the vanguard of the horde of fiends that overwhelmed Ammarindar. Fildorn did not long remain in the service of his fiendish masters and through use of his Art managed to escape the spell thrall that controlled him, fleeing north and west to Illusk with a swag of riches purloined from the ruined city of his birth, including Issbarak. Fildorn was slain in the Year of the Empty Hand (896 DR) by the bloodthirsty Magister of Mystra, Jonsryn Daerathal, and his tower and belongings were quickly seized by greedy rivals and opportunistic thieves, chiefly the rogue Nithil of the Five Blades. Nithil is known to have sold Issbarak to the warrior Boldraggar of Neverwinter and over the ensuing centuries the shield had a score or more owners as it changed hands “the hard way”. Issbarak’s last and most famous known owner was the dwarf battlemaster Turbaern Steelhelm of Sundabar. A former member of the Bloodaxe mercenary company, Turbaern wielded Issbarak for over thirty winters until it was stolen from him by thieves unknown in the Year of the Rogue Dragons (1373 DR) after he was laid low by blacktongue fever in the village of Yartar. Turbaern seeks the shield still and has parted with good coin to various people throughout the Dessarin Valley to send word to him should the shield re-appear. When that day arrives, the grim Turbaern will come looking for it. Description: Issbarak is a spiked buckler made of layered red dragon scales over an adamantine frame sporting a wickedly sharp spike of carved and shaped dragontooth. Effects: Issbarak is +1 heavy spiked shield of spell resistance (SR 13). Aura/Caster Level: Strong Abjuration; CL 15th Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, spell resistance, 11,250 gp, 900 XP Price: 22,500 gp Weight: 20 lb.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
Edited by - George Krashos on 09 May 2009 17:43:33 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

    
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2009 : 17:46:40
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I love the lore and historical tidbits you've dropped into this material Krash.
Great stuff! 
[And, so long as you don't mind, I'll be including it in the "Secrets of the Sages" compilation for Candlekeep] |
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"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
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