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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Oct 2009 : 16:45:39
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Dear Ed and THO,
A campaign question: on the main trade roads through Cormyr, there must be many bridges carrying those roads over all the streams that wander in and out of the King's Forest, through it, and so on.
Are those bridges large and high enough to hide a large armed band under? Take shelter under, in a blizzard or torrential downpour?
And do Purple Dragon patrols habitually check under them, at every pass, to see if fugitives or monsters or anyone else, or contraband or other items, are there?
Thanks!
BB |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2009 : 20:32:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Blueblade
Dear Ed and THO,
A campaign question: on the main trade roads through Cormyr, there must be many bridges carrying those roads over all the streams that wander in and out of the King's Forest, through it, and so on.
Are those bridges large and high enough to hide a large armed band under? Take shelter under, in a blizzard or torrential downpour?
And do Purple Dragon patrols habitually check under them, at every pass, to see if fugitives or monsters or anyone else, or contraband or other items, are there?
Thanks!
BB
Ooh, I'm definitely seconding this one! 
Let me also add a quick additional question: which of the "major" roads in Cormyr (i.e. those depicted on the maps) are actually cobbled? |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 17:35:11
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As far as I can remember, Asgetrion, cobbled streets are restricted to the cities of Cormyr, High Horn, and the "main drags" of larger places like Wheloon. Everywhere else is hard-packed fine gravel atop dirt, with stones and moss on the flanks to slow washouts (and repaired constantly; the Purple Dragon road-patrols inspect and report constantly). With logs under the dirt in swampy spots.
Of course, I'll pass your query on to Ed, in case anything's changed.
love,
THO |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 22:46:08
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
As far as I can remember, Asgetrion, cobbled streets are restricted to the cities of Cormyr, High Horn, and the "main drags" of larger places like Wheloon. Everywhere else is hard-packed fine gravel atop dirt, with stones and moss on the flanks to slow washouts (and repaired constantly; the Purple Dragon road-patrols inspect and report constantly). With logs under the dirt in swampy spots.
Of course, I'll pass your query on to Ed, in case anything's changed.
love,
THO
Thanks, Milady!  |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2009 : 16:09:59
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Hi Ed. I'd like to ask a non-FR question for a change.
The Nobel-prizes are a pretty big affair 'round where I live, so for some reason I was wondering who Ed thinks deserve to win the literature one? (Personally I'm rooting for British folk-singer Billy Bragg, but that's not going to happen) What does he think of this year's winner, Herta Müller (based on the one chapter from one of her novels printed in my local paper she's very good). And finally, who's Ed's favourite past winner? |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2009 : 18:26:44
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Hi! Ed responded darned-near instantly to that one, Kajehase:
Hmmm. I'd vote first for Terry Pratchett.
Then for Guy Gavriel Kay.
I've not read much Muller, but liked what little I have seen.
As for past winners, there are a lot of worthies, but if you force me to pick just one, it's the 1907 Laureate: Rudyard Kipling.
So saith Ed.
love,
THO |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2009 : 16:05:07
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Whoops! Lost a line from Ed's e-mail, that I quoted just above. Here it is; it follows directly after "but liked what little I have seen."
Ed wrote:
My German isn't good enough to enjoy anything written in German, so I've read the Serpent's Tail translation into English of THE PASSPORT - - and that's it.
So saith Ed. Sorry, all.
love,
THO |
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gomez
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
254 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2009 : 16:18:17
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You only need to know enough german to understand the german version of the Lumberjack song.
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2009 : 01:06:53
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On the subject of Ed's reading preferences, I'd like to know if he has yet read 'Songs of the Dying Earth', the tribute anthology for Jack Vance's acclaimed 'Dying Earth' stories? Assuming he has, what does he think of it? And was he asked to contribute to the anthology?
I have to say that although I love the book, I personally think Ed's writing style would have been a perfect fit for this book -- even more than that of some of the selected authors. Not to mention that I remember (and hopefully my memory serves me right, but I also think the influence is pretty evident in Ed's writing, which in my opinion also shares the same kind of inspiring, creative genius I love in Vance's stories) Ed mentioning on this forum that he is a fan of Vance's work. |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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gomez
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
254 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2009 : 07:32:43
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Was Kiaransalee Ed's creation?
I am a bit confused on her history, particularly her being a drow, and whether she was one before the Descent, or whether she 'became' one afterwards (possibly taking it up to attract followers). |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2009 : 09:02:57
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quote:
Originally posted by gomez
Was Kiaransalee Ed's creation?
I am a bit confused on her history, particularly her being a drow, and whether she was one before the Descent, or whether she 'became' one afterwards (possibly taking it up to attract followers).
As I recall, Kiaransalee was a Carl Sargent creation, for DMGR4 Monster Mythology. |
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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gomez
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
254 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2009 : 13:59:26
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| Ah. Well, since it is not really feasible to ask Sargent, I guess I have to make something up myself. |
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createvmind
Senior Scribe
490 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2009 : 14:57:21
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Hello All,
ED who are some of the best armorsmiths when it comes to winged humanoids and where are they to be found? |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2009 : 16:30:46
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Hi! Ed responded darned-near instantly to that one, Kajehase:
Hmmm. I'd vote first for Terry Pratchett.
Then for Guy Gavriel Kay.
I've not read much Muller, but liked what little I have seen.
As for past winners, there are a lot of worthies, but if you force me to pick just one, it's the 1907 Laureate: Rudyard Kipling.
So saith Ed.
love,
THO
Thanks for the alacrity Ed. (My favourite among the past ones is Steinbeck, if anyone was interested ) |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2009 : 16:33:54
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Whoops! Lost a line from Ed's e-mail, that I quoted just above.
Baaad Hooded One. Someone should punish you 
quote:
Here it is; it follows directly after "but liked what little I have seen."
Ed wrote:
My German isn't good enough to enjoy anything written in German, so I've read the Serpent's Tail translation into English of THE PASSPORT - - and that's it.
So saith Ed. Sorry, all.
love,
THO
I took French at school, so in the case of Müller I, too, will have to make do with the translated versions. At least they should be easy to find now. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2009 : 16:34:30
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Hi, all. gomez, The Sage is right; K was Carl's creation (Ed created Eilistraee and Vhaeraun).
Asgetrion, Ed pre-ordered that collection, read it and enjoyed it very much. No, he wasn't asked to contribute, and I agree with you that he could have written a superb story. Heck, he can echo Jack Vance's own style very well, if called upon; he once did so for a local "stage a mystery" dinner party theatre event, wherein a coded message had to be hidden in a story (Ed faked a Dying Earth fragment to be found in the "corpse's" hand, purporting to be torn from a library book, the damaged library book that was used as a prop being TALES OF THE DYING EARTH).
Ed has written an appreciation of Vance's Dying Earth, for an issue (6? I can't recall the precise issue number) of THE EXCELLENT PRISMATIC SPRAY, the magazine put out by Pelgrane Press as part of its Dying Earth roleplaying game line (the superb game itself being the work of Ed's fellow Canadian and famous game designer Robin Laws).
love,
THO |
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Atomo
Acolyte
Brazil
6 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2009 : 17:07:38
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by gomez
Was Kiaransalee Ed's creation?
I am a bit confused on her history, particularly her being a drow, and whether she was one before the Descent, or whether she 'became' one afterwards (possibly taking it up to attract followers).
As I recall, Kiaransalee was a Carl Sargent creation, for DMGR4 Monster Mythology.
Seconded about Kiaralansalee's informations. It was always one of my preferred deities . Even if she is not Ed's creation, I would like to know how he used her in Realms.
Bleh to Orcus. Kiaralansalee is much better |
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gomez
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
254 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2009 : 20:47:13
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Hi, all. gomez, The Sage is right; K was Carl's creation (Ed created Eilistraee and Vhaeraun).
Ah, ok, then on Eilistraee and Vhaeraun: were they always drow? Or did they 'become'drow after the Descent?
(Iow were the drow created after an image of Lolth and her children, or were the dark elves, or - being deities - did they form an image after their followers?)
Gomez |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2009 : 16:33:03
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Hi again, all. Some little time back, Blueblade asked this: "Dear Ed and THO,
Today's Realmslore question from moi concerns street lighting in Suzail at night: oil lamps? Candle lamps?
A few stationary high-up ones, or mounted on pulleys and chains, or taken away every morning, filled up, and brought back and lit at dusk (or when?) and hung up, as needed?
If so, how good is the overall lighting? Just along the Promenade and the wealthy/nobles' neighborhoods, or - - ?
Does the port "work" at night?
And who does this? The Purple Dragons? Crown servants/special lamplighters? Or - - ?"
Ed replies:
Both. And some "lit candles floating in oil" hybrids, too. All of them in metal "cages" looking rather like the "coach lamps" of the fogbound London of Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper, et al. These tend to be mounted on black cast iron brackets that thrust out from the streetside walls of stone buildings, are very good along the Promenade and in the area north of the Promenade and west of the Palace complex (i.e. the nobles' and wealthiest Suzailans' neighbourhood, where these lamps are almost all on freestanding metal poles ("posts"), fairly good down the east wall of the city (the barracks areas) and along the docks (so, yes, the port can and does work at night, when trade warrants, which is most of the time), sparse in the central heart of the city (where taverns and clubs tend to have door-lamps, and some major streetmoots [[we would say intersections]] are lit, and there's not much else), and darned near non-existent in the western part of the city (the slums and poor neighbourhoods, sometimes called "Darkstreets" as a result).
Businesses fuel and light their own lamps (i.e. many of those I mentioned in the heart of the city), and these lamps may be of any sort and mounted any way; most are on pulleys and chains, and "drawn in" to a window with a long metal hook mounted on a wooden reaching pole, for filling (they must be GENTLY let go again, not left to fall and swing, or they tend to smash against the building wall on the backswing; local laws prohibit mounting lamps on wooden walls), but some are unhooked and "reached down" via hooked poles; VERY few are let down to the ground on pulleys and chains, because of recurring vandalism/pranksters/lamp thieves in the past.
The inner wall lamps, Promenade lighting, nobles' district lamps, and port and barracks lamps are lit by hired lamplighters overseen by Crown officials (minor courtiers; there are enough of these to form lighting crews if the hirelings quit or are too scared to light particular lamps or all fall ill). These lamps are all of the "reached down" with hooked poles sorts, and are secured with safety-chains so they can't blow down from the hooks they hang from; the chains can also be unhooked by the poles from the ground, but are situated in opposition to each other, to keep the lamps from crashing down in even gale-force gusts.
However, these Crown-overseen lamps (and the Crown pays for the fuel, lamp repairs and replacements, by the way; the hired lighters are paid for the lighting work only) are in daily practise almost always filled directly, by hand, by workers standing on platforms built atop tall wagons; to prevent thieves employing these wagons at night, these wagons MUST be locked away in sheds when not in use (and can, if permits are obtained, be used for roofing repairs, hanging signs, and other non-lamplighting tasks).
So saith Ed. There you go; covered exhaustively. Oh, save for one thing; Ed neglected to mention something he's often said in play to us: that a lot of private residences have "lamps in the window" (that is, on the sill inside), sometimes as signals (i.e. prostitutes signalling they're home and open for business, or family members telling each other dinner is ready or whatever).
love to all,
THO
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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2009 : 17:41:10
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Well Again All!
A few questions if I may regarding the naming of Cormyr's towns/cities.
We know from 'Cormyr: a Novel' that Dhedluk is named after an individual who helped 'save Cormyr', am wondering whether Tyrluk is named after someone as well? (given the similar nomenclature?). I would of course be interested in all the other major town names (Suzail excluded for obvious reasons) and how they came to be called what they are (Arabel - a corruption of 'a rebel' given its history? )
As an aside: Eveningstar is it named after the Starwater? I have always assumed this is a common transalation of the elven name for the settlement that was there before humans came to rule Cormyr?
Best wishes
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 |
Edited by - crazedventurers on 24 Oct 2009 18:37:29 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2009 : 18:01:23
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
So saith Ed. There you go; covered exhaustively. Oh, save for one thing; Ed neglected to mention something he's often said in play to us: that a lot of private residences have "lamps in the window" (that is, on the sill inside), sometimes as signals (i.e. prostitutes signalling they're home and open for business, or family members telling each other dinner is ready or whatever).
love to all,
THO
Would those prostitutes use any special kind of lighting (such as the proverbial red lights from the real world), or is it more a thing of "If the southeast window of 'Lady Malara's' home is lit, then she's willing to entertain clients"? |
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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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2009 : 18:19:37
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Well Again!
Another Cormyr question (or six!) relating to the coast (inspired by my recent holiday to the coast to celebrate my upcoming 40th birthday!)
Does the Crown own the cliffs and beaches in Cormyr? If so does it tax people to use them and how does it collect said taxes?
1)
Launch/docking fees, in Marsember/Suzail/Immersea etc harbour fees are easily collected (I presume), but if I was a fisherman with a small boat that barely supported myself/my family in the dozens of unnamed port hamlets do I need to pay a launching fee to go out to sea? Do I need to get permission to launch my boat? How much control do the local Lords have regarding this? Is there a tax on any catch that is brought back?
2)
Smuggling by sea: how rampant is it? what are the most commonly smuggled goods into Cormyr? who is major smuggling boss/group (circa 1370 DR or so)
3)
What are the laws regarding salvage? for instance a ship grounds on rocks and its cargo washes ashore, who owns the cargo? what steps would the Crown take if every one from 20 miles around came looting? What is the penalty for the deliberate wrecking of ships?
4)
Similar to above, what happens if a whale/sea serpent/shoal of tuna/insert Realms equivilent large fish beaches? can folks just go down and help themselves to this free bounty? Do the clergy of Umberlee/Selune/Valkur consider this bounty theirs by divine right?
5)
If a local farmer goes down with a small cart to load up with sand to marl his heavy clay soil, does he need to get permission/pay a fee (include taking away seaweed or guano as fertiliser as other examples of harvesting, they similarly considered as crown property?).
6)
Are there firms involved in gravel extraction for road building (or are all roads built by the Crown)? Would said firm have a crown contract to build/service roads? or can they just work for local Nobles/merchants for pay? If they are independent do they have to pay the Crown for taking sand/gravel?
What if a local noble decides that his country estate requires gravel paths/roads and sends his servants down to collect as much as they need from the local beach? Does the Local Lord have the right to intervene?
Thanks Ed for your time
Best wishes
Damian
ps I have updated the Cormyr Scroll with all the recent responses from Ed and THO, (sorry it has taken so long  ) |
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 |
Edited by - crazedventurers on 24 Oct 2009 18:36:16 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2009 : 19:59:40
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Hi again, all.
I bring this very short reply from Ed to Wooly's followup question: "Would those prostitutes use any special kind of lighting (such as the proverbial red lights from the real world), or is it more a thing of "If the southeast window of 'Lady Malara's' home is lit, then she's willing to entertain clients"?"
Ed replies:
The latter. No "red lights" that announce to all what the light is for, but a myriad of private codes/messages intended for established clients. Visiting sailors and caravan merchants can get directions to "warm and willing arms" in all the inns and taverns of the city, from low to high, so advertising to visitors isn't crucial.
So saith Ed. Damian, good to hear from you! Your queries have gone off to Ed, but I can tell you from play experience that there are no launching fees, and I THINK the Crown owns all shorelines (cliffs, beaches, the lot).
love,
THO |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2009 : 20:24:42
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Great questions, crazedventurers. I'm not Ed, but I think the correct answer to your beaching question is that it's "free for all" and a mad scramble sometimes happens.
Years ago, I watched (couldn't get a seat at, but Ed let extra bodies sit and listen in to play sessions) a charity Ed-run four hour Realms game, and it involved hunting for a crown, orb, and sceptre reportedly found by villagers in the body of a whale beached on Cormyr's coast not far east of Suzail, as they were cutting it up. There wasn't any hint that the vilagers had done anything wrong, and nothing at all about any clergy.
But of course, Ed will provide more lore. He always does. :}
BB |
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Baleful Avatar
Learned Scribe
Canada
161 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2009 : 20:37:08
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Having just read the end of THE GHOST KING (don't worry, no spoilers!), I'd just like to ask Ed: how do you PREFER to end series books? Cliffhanger? Revelation? Big battle? Or does it depend on the story?
Thanks! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2009 : 01:16:01
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I've an addendum to make to one of crazedventurers queries, as it is something I'll soon be dealing with in my current FR campaign...
quote:
Originally posted by crazedventurers
2)
Smuggling by sea: how rampant is it? what are the most commonly smuggled goods into Cormyr? who is major smuggling boss/group (circa 1370 DR or so)
And what measures does Cormyr employ to stamp out smuggling? Additionally, are there any other "well-known/notorious" smugglers which the Blue Dragons would like to catch in the act?
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2009 : 19:58:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Blueblade
Great questions, crazedventurers. I'm not Ed, but I think the correct answer to your beaching question is that it's "free for all" and a mad scramble sometimes happens.
Years ago, I watched (couldn't get a seat at, but Ed let extra bodies sit and listen in to play sessions) a charity Ed-run four hour Realms game, and it involved hunting for a crown, orb, and sceptre reportedly found by villagers in the body of a whale beached on Cormyr's coast not far east of Suzail, as they were cutting it up. There wasn't any hint that the vilagers had done anything wrong, and nothing at all about any clergy.
But of course, Ed will provide more lore. He always does. :}
BB
Ooh, now I *really* want to hear this tale... what happened in the adventure? |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Baleful Avatar
Learned Scribe
Canada
161 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2009 : 22:35:38
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Dear Ed and THO,
In the time before the Spellplague, in Silverymoon, does High Lady Alustriel customarily dine in the Palace? Or does she visit city eateries? (And does this change, after she leaves rulership of the city to run the Silver Marches?)
Thanks! |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2009 : 23:46:27
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A question for Ed and THO:
If either one of you were given the chance to write a Realms novel starring a female protagonist (of known canon females), pre-Spellplague, who (whom?) would you choose?
Just curious...thanks!
BB |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 27 Oct 2009 : 15:37:15
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Hi, all.
Well, I would choose Storm Silverhand. She needs a LOT more love.
Ed agrees, and would do her second; he wants to do Alustriel first, before "the chance is completely gone."
So saith Ed. And me.
love,
THO |
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Questions for Ed Greenwood (2009)
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