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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Jul 2010 : 06:07:53
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
Don't forget the werebeholder. Any chance of some information on that beastie, Ed?
-- George Krashos
Oooh! I'll second that request Ed.
I've been thinking about dropping some alternate and/or lesser-known were-beast varieties into my current campaign. A werebeholder might be just the thing.  |
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 - 21 Jul 2010 : 06:26:15
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A beholder is not a beast though, so a 'werebeholder' may well have a different origin or nature than most other lycanthropes, who likely have a similar background (i.e. the result of shamanic rituals by people seeking to gain the powers of totem anaimals - at least, that is what I prefer as a common explanation).
I could imagine were-beholders be created through magical experimentation (liekly by behodlers themselves).
I also re-considered the were-tressym, and I wonder (hopefully Ed can give us his ideas) if it would not be more akin to the nature of a swanmay, or posisbly a selkie - that is, not a curse, but either a bestowed blessing or 'natural' election (most likely of a fey nature). This seems to fit more with the nature of the tressym. Of course, both forms may exist as well, though I have some difficulty wrapping my mind around the idea of a man turning into a tressym by the full moon and go a-rampaging...
Gomez |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2010 : 07:22:50
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quote:
Originally posted by gomez
A beholder is not a beast though, so a 'werebeholder' may well have a different origin or nature than most other lycanthropes, who likely have a similar background (i.e. the result of shamanic rituals by people seeking to gain the powers of totem anaimals - at least, that is what I prefer as a common explanation).
I could imagine were-beholders be created through magical experimentation (liekly by behodlers themselves).
My speculative thoughts about the possible origins of were-beholders suggest that they may have been random mutations unexpectedly created by a Hive Mother, when birthing a particular abomination -- an attempt by a Hive Mother to create a specialised beholder-type that ultimately failed. And given that beholder abominations can't usually breed, this makes such random beholder mutations, a very unique were-beast experience.
Of course, there's always the possibility of pathologic lycanthropy as well. And I've a few thoughts about a possible inheritable lycanthropy strain for beholders too, but that particular series of side-theories, delves far too deeply into my own brand of RAVENLOFT lore to be of any relevance in this discussion.
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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 |
Edited by - The Sage on 21 Jul 2010 07:25:27 |
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Zandilar
Learned Scribe
Australia
313 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2010 : 11:00:13
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Heya,
quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
I long ago learned to make no assumptions about the Realms, especially about areas that Ed has long-standing plans and ideas. While I'd agree that my first thought of were-tressyms would be that they'd be good, it's also possible that they aren't, and are using the reputation of their form donors to get close to their targets. It's the Realms, anything's possible.
Well yes, I suppose I agree with you in principle. However, I'd be very disappointed if were-tressym turn out to be (usually/always) evil. 
(And if were-tressym are evil, then were-beholders better be good!  ) |
Zandilar
~amor vincit omnia~
~audaces fortuna iuvat~
As the spell ends, you look up into the sky to see the sun blazing overhead like noon in a desert. Then something else in the sky catches your attention. Turning your gaze, you see a tawny furred kitten bounding across the sky towards the new sun. Her eyes glint a mischevious green as she pounces on it as if it were nothing but a colossal ball of golden yarn. With quick strokes of her paws, it is batted across the sky, back and forth. Then with a wink the kitten and the sun disappear, leaving the citizens of Elversult gazing up with amazed expressions that quickly turn into chortles and mirth.
The Sunlord left Elversult the same day in humilitation, and was never heard from again. |
Edited by - Zandilar on 21 Jul 2010 11:01:03 |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2010 : 13:49:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
I long ago learned to make no assumptions about the Realms, especially about areas that Ed has long-standing plans and ideas. While I'd agree that my first thought of were-tressyms would be that they'd be good, it's also possible that they aren't, and are using the reputation of their form donors to get close to their targets. It's the Realms, anything's possible.
On a side note, how many different "non-standard" lycanthropes have shown up in Ed's games? The list from the old Montrous Manual has expanded to include were-crocodiles, were-spiders, were-sharks, were-badgers, were-dragons (not exactly lycanthropes, but still), were-eagles (I think), and now were-tressyms, in addition to any others I've forgotten. What creates such an incredible variety of lycanthropes, are there any others Ed knows off the top of his head, and are some of them normally only found in specific places (like were-crocs mostly appearing only in Mulhorand and certain parts of Zakhara)?
Wow, I'm starting to think there IS actually a possibility of a nice organization of were-somethings (mostly spellcaster) spanning Faerun...
And I'd guess it's the magic too. Ask Lurue, won't you? |
SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2010 : 15:58:49
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Hmmm. Remember that there's a difference between what WE know as readers of game rulebooks, and folk in the Realms know. Whilst scholars and sages may adhere to rules for which particular creatures they call "weres," simple crofters, shopkeepers, and ranchers will be apt to dub any shapechanger or suspected shapechanger a "were-creature."
And I'll have to check with Ed re. whether or not the werebeholder is NDA (a detailed writeup, I mean; I'm sure he can speak of them in general just as we all discuss zombies, skeletons, dragons...and tressym).
love,
THO |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2010 : 20:07:00
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| Not a question, but I thought that maybe Ed would enjoy hearing that as of last week, with 43 titles, he is the most represented author in my bookshelves, leaving Terry Pratchett in the dust. |
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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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1600 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2010 : 01:55:34
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Hmmm. Remember that there's a difference between what WE know as readers of game rulebooks, and folk in the Realms know. Whilst scholars and sages may adhere to rules for which particular creatures they call "weres," simple crofters, shopkeepers, and ranchers will be apt to dub any shapechanger or suspected shapechanger a "were-creature."
And I'll have to check with Ed re. whether or not the werebeholder is NDA (a detailed writeup, I mean; I'm sure he can speak of them in general just as we all discuss zombies, skeletons, dragons...and tressym).
love,
THO
Well met, Hooded Lady... I've been reading this thread for a while, but never had the opportunity of posting something, until now... This werebeasts discussion caught my eye, and I have a question... In the 1e Hall of Heroes, there is an extensive list of werecreatures, in the "Kelemvor" last pages, and there are some interesting varieties, like lycanthropic weredragons - very different from the Halls of the High King song dragons. Were they (no pun intended) Ed's creations? Cause I've never seen those creatures in other books and stories... |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
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rjfras
Learned Scribe
261 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2010 : 03:01:21
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In the Bestiary of the Realms compiled by Eric Boyd and Thomas Costa, that updated many creatures to 3rd edition rules, there is a list of many of the were-creatures with credits and where they first appeared:
CREDIT
Author Thomas M. Costa, based on original material by Wolfgang Bauer and Steve Kurtz (werehyena, werelion), Tomas Willis (werehyena), Eric L. Boyd (wereblack-lion, weremole), Nigel Findley (werebadger), Gary Gygax (werefox, hu hsien), David E. Martin (werebison, werecat, weredog, weredolphin, wereleopard, wereowl, werepanther, wereseal, and werespider), Tom Moldvay (wereseal), Roger E. Moore (werebadger, werebison, werejaguar, wereleopard), Gali Sanchez (werejaguar), and others. These lycanthropes originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #40, 41, 70, 89 (1980, 1980, 1983, 1984), Hall of Heroes (1989), the 1E Monster Manual (1977), 1E Monster Manual 2 (1983), the Monstrous Manual (1993), Monstrous Compendium 13: Al-Qadim Appendix (1992), Monstrous Compendium Annual Volumes One, Two, and Three (1994, 1995, 1996), Powers and Pantheons (1997), Demihuman Deities (1998), and Van Richten’s Guide to Werebeasts (1993). The hu hsien originally appeared in the original Oriental Adventures (1985) and Monstrous Compendium: Kara-Tur Appendix (1990). |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1600 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2010 : 16:58:30
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quote:
Originally posted by rjfras
In the Bestiary of the Realms compiled by Eric Boyd and Thomas Costa, that updated many creatures to 3rd edition rules, there is a list of many of the were-creatures with credits and where they first appeared (...)
Nice. But it seems this list doesn't comprise the weredragon lycanthropes. And how did they dealt with werebeasts that had more than one version, and different ones, like wereleopards? And all of these creatures are recognized by Mr. Greenwood? |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 22 Jul 2010 17:00:47 |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2010 : 18:04:32
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Well, Ed's style/approach since the advent of the published Realms has been to accept everything official and try to rationalize/link/explain everything fitting together.
Also, I recall Ed saying that just as there are unique undead and "mutant" orcs (with four arms, etc.) and humans with wild talents, there are various sorts of were-creatures that go from the same sort of creature to the same sort of creature (e.g. "werewolf" and "wolfwere" being two different creatures in one edition of D&D). So, yes, it's likely he would accept different sorts of wereleopards, werecamels, etc.
Ed's thinking has always been that it encourages roleplaying, because players can't just go by "what they know from the rulebooks," but have to stop and observe/think about this "unknown" creature they're facing...
BB |
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capnvan
Senior Scribe
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2010 : 12:16:44
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Terribly sorry to butt in on this were-creature thread...
Ahem. 
On a completely different topic, a question: We know that Lathander's temples sponsor athletic and artistic competitions. But I think that's about all the detail I've seen.
Could you give us some more info on what those competitions might look like? Are athletics purely individual events, or are there team games as well? Some kind of ball kicked by foot? Are the artistic competitions spontaneous (Iron Chef-style?) or more of a "show" of work that artists have been working on recently? What kind of prizes are awarded? Etc.
Thanks!
Edit 7/24: And thanks, milady, for the post directly below - that was very helpful! |
"Saving a life, though regrettable, is a small price to pay for a whole lifetime of unfettered killing." |
Edited by - capnvan on 24 Jul 2010 14:31:08 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2010 : 23:33:02
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Hi again, all.
capnvan, your query has gone off to Ed, who will provide a proper reply fairly soon-ish, I'm hoping, but I can recall from Realmsplay observations and from talking with him that the Lathanderite athletic and artistic competitions are almost entirely individual rather tham team-oriented, that they are to be conducted alone as a competition with oneself more than compared to others, and that athletics are to be as artistic as possible (example: don't just run faster or jump higher or longer than another, do it with graceful STYLE). Although results are displayed to others as inspiration (clergy of the Morninglord have some sort of "movie" or "record moving images as holograph-like life-sized moving images" spells with which to preserve athletic strivings for others to see), both athletic feets and artistic endeavours are seen and treated as offerings to the god, not as nasty or aggressive head-to-head competitions with other mortals.
The rewards are given by the clergy and have more to do with holy boons and minor magic than with titles or ribbons, though I believe there are practical (clergy help athletes train and artists get materials/sales opportunities) sides to the rewards as well.
The clergy officially proclaims these achievements as "inspired by Lathander" through prayer to Lathander, and that individuals should take personal pride in them and see them as made possible through Lathander but still their own achievements, not those of the deity.
Heh. So saith me, drawing on my notes of Ed's words. More to come from him, I hope.
love,
THO |
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althen artren
Senior Scribe
USA
780 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2010 : 01:19:37
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I think that the were-beholder must be born alive in some way,
due to the breeding program that Manshoon subjects himself to
(See Knights of Myth Drannor trilogy). Originally, beholders
hatch from eggs, so maybe eggs are made microsized after
Manshoon shoots mome DNA into them, and implants them into
ovulating females? |
Edited by - althen artren on 24 Jul 2010 01:20:25 |
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Joran Nobleheart
Senior Scribe
USA
495 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2010 : 07:47:09
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Hello again!  I've read about the herbs used to prevent pregnancy and even the potion mentioned in Magic of Faerun, and I was wondering if there's a potion or herb if not both that actually helps increase the chance of pregnancy. Also curious about the wives tales that don't work, or some that have different effects from what they should have. Thank you for your time!  |
Paladinic Ethos
Saint Joran Nobleheart |
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Jakuta Khan
Senior Scribe
496 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2010 : 15:11:05
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Ok, here is something burning in my heart for very long already:
Dear Ed / THO,
In the forgotten realms, the various goblinoid races are seemingly not capable of uniting between themselves so to pose any serious threat - on their own, und their own leadership - for the last 1.000 year as far as I know.
this is kind of weird, since the much more chaotic orcs for comparison, seem to be able to do so on a regular base.
Given the high fertility of the goblinoid races, and especially the hobgoblins military and strategical potential, according to all descriptions about this race, this seems to be very strange.
A reply to this question wouldbe very much appreciated from an unknowing individual. |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2010 : 17:43:18
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Hi, Jakuta Khan.
Herewith, an answer from me based on discussions with Ed and Gary Gygax.
Gary envisaged D&D as a humanocentric roleplaying game (most players would play human characters or crossbred part-human characters), and humans would predominate in the "assumed base" fantasy setting for the game (your own campaign world could be anything you wanted, but the baseline world, which was Greyhawk at first and later the Realms) would be dominated by human culture and settlements.
Ed pointed out to Gary that he'd made the orcs (and goblins), per Tolkien, both aggressive/experienced fighters, and fecund/numerous, so how could the humans predominate? Hobgoblins were fewer but mightier, so they were a "how come?" problem, too.
Obviously, something had to kill the orcs off, to logically end up with Gary's world view (which WAS D&D at the time; there were few or no direct competitors in the marketplace, and canon was ALL, to the omparatively few gamers). Some of the orc deaths could be due to harsh environment (orcs and goblins lairing in the Underdark and mountain caverns, where they would be prey for many things, considering the huge array of hungry monsters in the game).
And just as obviously, they war on each other (something picked up and exaggerated in the Warhammer fantasy line), and eat their dead, which takes care of reducing their numbers and keeping their building/infrastructure/cultural dominance to a minimum (orcs aren't busy building roads or palaces or irrigation viaducts if they're always raiding, fighting, or preparing/training for war).
In the Realms, Ed envisaged fallen orc kingdoms of the past (as humans and elves pushed the orcs out of forested, verdant lowlands), but orcs clinging to mountain and Underdark areas. In the latter, they were subject to many predators, and the drow kept them from establishing dominant civilizations. In the former, well, in the Realms, mountains are where most DRAGONS lair, so orcs in the open were . . . dinner.
This is "how it has to be" to match Gary's wants at the time, which WERE the game. In the Realms, Ed came up with the wrinkle that in the Sword Coast North, although small and far-ranging raiding bands of flind, gnolls, goblins, hobgoblins, orcs, and rarer "goblinkin" (norkers, et al) were frequent, large-scale orc threats weren't.
However, the fecund orcs built up numbers in the northern mountain caverns until there was no more room, and fighting among orcs was frequent, and the race was boiling-restless...whereupon elders would speak of the rich plunder in the human cities of the warmer south, and if a charismatic leader arose, the young would follow him and an orc horde would form (about every twenty to forty years, but NOT on a strict and predictable timetable) and sweep south, attacking everything in its path, until shattered and slaughtered (some orcs always surviving to lair in the south or even return home with tales of what befell).
So orcs are seen as too innately aggressive to form lasting power structures above the tribal level, except when charismatic individuals (Obould is a current example) weld stronger aggregations together. These seldom outlast the death of the charismatic leaders, unless they can found a strong dynasty.
Goblins are seen as too small and weak to be mighty warriors, but to be very vicious, agile, tough, enduring/cunning, and numerous; they succeed like halflings, but are offset in successes by the many races that "are a match for them" (like humans), and achieve more success by hiding and skulking, remaining near-to-surface underground and emerging for raids. They are everywhere, they are endless, but their "kingdoms" are only known and recognized by other goblins, being as they overlap the surface lands held by others, and the goblins maintain this low profile.
Lastly, the hobgoblins really ARE formidable, and successful. So successful that most folk in the Realms haven't realized it. Too smart to make the mistakes of their orc cousins, and having too much wisdom to trust in the loyaty of orcs (though many hobgolbins have led orcs and tried to instill such loyalty, only to see it fail time and time again), hobgoblins have opted for keeping a low profile, too. They dwell in hiding, usually underground in remote or difficult-terrain areas (such as the cave-riddled, all-ravine-and-knife-edged-ridges Stonelands north of Cormyr, that no force can ride into, and maintain any sort of formation in), and emerge to raid in small warbands, usually drawn from the members of four families at most.
The wider Realms doesn't "see" hobgoblins because they're SO good. They go to raid specific places to achieve specific goals (loot, food, and the elimination of anyone who knows much about hobgoblins/has seen them/has fought them with any success), and then return into hiding. They see "success" as staying unnoticed and getting what they want, not conquering large tracts of land and wasting time defending this territory/engaging in trade/having to try to negotiate with others; they just aren't interested in the "big famous kingdom" thing.
The wording of your question seems to suggest you're seeing success only in "uniting" in large numbers to found human-like kingdoms. The secret to understanding the Realms is to go beyond human prejudices and see that the other races (elves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, orcs, goblins, hobgoblins, treants, dragons, etc.) ARE TRULY DIFFERENT from humans, and don't want the same things humans want.
Orcs love to fight, plunder, rape, pillage, burn, and cause suffering. They don't want to sit on thrones and pass or obey boring laws, or go out to plant crops. They want ready food, yes, but they don't want to have to oversee slaves for long - - just long enough to sell them, or keep a few to beat and dominate, which usually means weak and small creatures like human children. Yes, I'm stereotyping and generalizing here, so there are MANY exceptions, that you as a DM can build stories around, but I'm trying to make the point that judging the goblinkin by human standards will always lead you to seeing them as failures, and being baffled as to why they're failures.
Agree? Disagree? This is the skinny, anyway!
love,
THO
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Edited by - The Hooded One on 24 Jul 2010 18:02:47 |
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Jakuta Khan
Senior Scribe
496 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2010 : 19:38:49
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Dear THO,
thank you very much for this detailed reply, I indeed had myself guided by Human standards.
The main reason was, that I always red, especially for the Hobgoblin, that they are permanently trying to extend their perimeter. And their main God Maglubiyet is one of conquest war and aggression, where I took the "conuest" too direct, without considering the more abstract or indirect methods of it.
In the way you describe it, it is complete possible even for me to follow up.
Again, thank you very much for this detailed answer. |
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Jakuta Khan
Senior Scribe
496 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2010 : 19:49:08
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I am at no way intended of annoying this community with my affection for the hobgoblin race in the realms, it is simply being fascinated by the appearance they make, and how they are descrobed always in the realms.
I think it is mainly based on my affection to them, that I would love, from my very human point of view, to see them more active.
especially when the direct competitors as Cormyr for example, are down on their knees.
Or just jump on the cormyrian army after them fighting the shades etc.... |
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tears_of_elysium
Acolyte
Australia
3 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2010 : 00:22:33
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Dear Hooded One, Ed, and Candlekeep community... Can I first start by saying how amazing it is that you have compiled such a wealth of insight on Ed's vision of the realms - while I know that Ed has said many times that his vision shouldn't be what dictates the vision of others, and his Realms is a snapshot for others to take and make their own - I think it's been possible through reading through everything to date (It's taken me about 4 months, as it happens) for a person to understand what kind of a world the Realms as revealed to us might be, if editors weren't editors, and market forces weren't market forces.
Particularly comments about the prevailing attitudes and opinions of Realmsfolk (or lack thereof) on sexuality, which is something that in online communities I have seen discussed ad nauseum, with many people making the "medieval realism" argument, which has never ever sat well with me - I mean who wants to play oppressed and opportunity-less serfs in a fantasy game?
I completely agree with what Ed has said many times, that it's the small things that make the story memorable, and it's in this light that I was wondering if Ed had any heretofore unrevealed tidbits about the city of Melvaunt, and the wastes of Thar which surround it?
I am currently designing a persistent world module using Neverwinter Nights set there, and I am confident that I am building a place that a certain Bearded One might recognize with a small smile, if they were ever to vist it - a steel rose on the tunic of a prominent Council member, mayhap. |
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drkissinger1
Acolyte
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 00:42:11
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I feel quite brazen asking such an enormous question with my first post, but I did a general forum search for "Cyric" and found nothing relevant. If I've overlooked something and the question has already been answered, please let me know and accept my apologies for being such a witless first-timer.
What, precisely, is the nature of Cyric's imprisonment? As he is still listed as a greater power and his clerics (specifically black sun adepts) can continue to draw upon his power, he is clearly not cut off from Faerun entirely. Does he still answer prayers and perform the general duties of a god? If so, is he only unable to manifest a direct avatar outside of the Supreme Throne? |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 02:31:44
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Hi again, all.
drkissinger1, I believe there's a fiction-related NDA in place preventing Ed or anyone else from passing on details of Cyric's imprisonment, but I've sent your query off to him to make sure I'm right and to see how much he can "wiggle" and tell you something.
I do know that Cyric is unable to travel directly/in person to Toril, or manifest any avatar there, but does still answer prayers and confer spells and guiding visions and guiding utterances...but that's all I know. Sorry. We'll have to wait and see.
tears_of_elysium, Ed described Melvaunt in a long-ago "Elminster's Everwinking Eye" column in the RPGA's POLYHEDRON Newszine, but never got the chance to say much in print about the "great gray land of Thar, home of the beast-men" (ogres). Let's see what he'll let slip in the days ahead, in answer to your query (which I've sent on to him).
love to all,
THO
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drkissinger1
Acolyte
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 02:45:53
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Hi again, all.
drkissinger1, I believe there's a fiction-related NDA in place preventing Ed or anyone else from passing on details of Cyric's imprisonment, but I've sent your query off to him to make sure I'm right and to see how much he can "wiggle" and tell you something.
I do know that Cyric is unable to travel directly/in person to Toril, or manifest any avatar there, but does still answer prayers and confer spells and guiding visions and guiding utterances...but that's all I know. Sorry. We'll have to wait and see.
Ah, no need to apologize for the NDA. I was mostly concerned with the questions you just answered. I was trying to figure out how to fit Cyric - probably my favorite Realms deity - into my 1479 campaign while remaining canonical. Many thanks for your reply!
But if Ed is willing to part with more tidbits, I would certainly be unopposed. |
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tears_of_elysium
Acolyte
Australia
3 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 04:16:22
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| Thank you very much for the quick response and passing on my query to Ed - would you happen to have any links or anything to the aforementioned Melvaunt article? |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 04:30:19
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quote:
Originally posted by tears_of_elysium
Thank you very much for the quick response and passing on my query to Ed - would you happen to have any links or anything to the aforementioned Melvaunt article?
As the Lady Hooded One said, the 'Melvaunt' article was featured in a printed source -- POLYHEDRON. The only links we can provide, therefore, would be to second-hand sites offering the issue mentioned here [#78], for individual sale. Like nobleknight.com, for example. |
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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drkissinger1
Acolyte
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 07:13:30
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There was a good article on Thar itself in Dragon 361, if this hasn't been mentioned yet. I believe Wizards made it freely available: http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/drrl/20071217a
I actually used the two-headed ogre Zar-Umak as a hook for my campaign in the Moonsea. He turned out to be an Oni mage who built a lair in the ruins of Kur-Tharsu and presented himself to the goblinoids and orcs in the region as a freak ogre/ettin. |
Edited by - drkissinger1 on 26 Jul 2010 07:14:31 |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 07:26:14
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Ed and THO,
While reading the TSR publication "Dreams of the Red Wizards" I came to a conclusion that the Red Wizards may have been intended by Ed to be a counter to the rising evil of the Zhentarim.
In your own playing, have there been many conflicts (or even outright battles) between the Red Wizards and the Zhentarim? If so, can you tell me who the people of the Heartlands would prefer to be the victor in such conflict?
In essence: which of the devils is considered least evil and dangerous by the folk of the Heartlands...specifically the Dales, Cormyr and Sembia? |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 09:18:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
Ed and THO,
In essence: which of the devils is considered least evil and dangerous by the folk of the Heartlands...specifically the Dales, Cormyr and Sembia?
I am certainly not Ed, but my guess, at least where common people are concerned, would be the Zentarim as the greatest evil. The Red Wizards are a scary rumour (like the Drow) seldom met by most people. The Zentharim and their agents are a constant threat that probably gets blamed for a lot of the crimes done by others who keep a lower profile. |
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Eldacar
Senior Scribe
438 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 11:57:27
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I'm not sure if this particular question has been asked before (I don't think it has from memory, though it may have been answered as an off-side relation to another question), but anyway. :)
It has to do with the relationships between War Wizards among themselves with regard to titles and positions, as well as with noble sons (and daughters). Even more specifically, what sort of reactions could be expected from the "Head of the War Wizards" (say under the last three - Jorunhast, Vangerdahast and Caladnei, though I'm interested mostly in the last two). Though I have some more miscellaneous queries in there as well. I'll try and split it up into seperate numbered ones, so I don't just ramble on for two or three pages.
1) Vangerdahast has been mentioned (and demonstrated in the Cormyr novel) to hold both the rank of Royal Magician and, I believe, Court Wizard. I seem to recall, however, that the Royal Magician/Court Wizard positions haven't always been held by the same person, and am wondering which would generally take precedence if there do happen to be multiple people involved? Does it depend on the job in question, and if so, are there any particularly stand-out examples? More than just precedence, though, I'd like to know if Ed can say anything about whether War Wizards under the authority of one or the other have held the other post in the past, and what sort of conflicting interests this could create, as well as whether it was a preferred choice to keep the two offices seperate or not before Vangey jumped in and grabbed both of them.
2) Does Caladnei continue to hold both offices, or would she be willing to divest one of them to a particularly upstanding and rising wizard/sorcerer should they come along? Would said individual have to be one of the War Wizards? Would it just be preferred? Would it almost assuredly have to go by Alusair beforehand, with possibly Elminster or other interested Chosen looking in to make sure that the wizard wasn't in fact a deep-cover Zhentarim/Thayan/insert-evil-group-here agent? Would a Harper have a good chance at being placed in that position, or would there be definite attempts to keep "those meddling Harpers" from gaining too much power and influence within the Cormyrean court?
3) If a noble son (or daughter) joins the War Wizards, given that at least some noble families seem to have a somewhat derogatory opinion of the group (possibly/probably born out of fear/dislike for the power that they hold, perhaps - nobody likes the possibility that a War Wizard might sweep into your home on "business of the Realm" to mind-ream you and then walk right out again without so much as a by-your-leave), what sort of fallout could be expected from the noble family in question? Does it mostly depend on the family (i.e. some would be happy for it, some grudgingly accept it, some get tossed out the door) or even specific family members? Would there be similar (or even entirely different!) things happening among the War Wizards with regard to the noble? War Wizards do get mind-reamed by Vangey from time to time (understatement?), after all, and a parent could well be very put out at how "certain individuals with -dahast in their name" take such cavalier attitudes towards THEIR children (and presume to run Cormyr, and stick their nose in political intrigue that said nobles would really rather keep secret, and prevent them from getting just this LITTLE bit of extra power here, and here, and there, and over there, and...).
4) On the "derogatory opinions of War Wizards" part, have there been many occasions where a particular individual deliberately targets and murders War Wizards? How often does that sort of thing happen, and is it quickly stopped? Or can some "serial killers" go for years on end without arousing suspicion in their killings? And is Vangey often under fire as a potential target? He foils a LOT of plans aimed at the Royals, but what about he himself? Does he suffer from as many, or less, or more...?
5) How would the War Wizards (and Jorunhast/Vangey/Caladnei) react to a noble son becoming a Chosen of Mystra? The Lady of Mysteries obviously has had Chosen besides the ones in published Realmslore that are NDA-walled for whatever reason (I seem to remember one Ed reply talking about a Halruaan mage who's a half-golem Chosen?), so I imagine that she could quite possibly have picked some Cormyrean noble son or daughter at some point to be a Chosen. It certainly removes them from the general "sphere of influence/control" that most War Wizards have (and, after all, with all the powers of a Chosen, they'd end up being quite powerful too, and individuals capable of tearing down a castle - should they be of a mind to - always tend to be either allies to be gained, a prize to be won, or an enemy to be "shanked" in a back alley if it happens to be convenient and possible to accomplish :P ).
6) Something a bit lighter and less in detail than the previous four questions here: Vangerdahast does have that "Vangey" nickname. Who gave it to him originally? Does Caladnei have a similar pet name, and have previous Royal Magicians/Court Wizards also had such nicknames?
7) What about Khelben? Does HE have any particular pet names that he would detest being called, but that El (or others) take occasional glee in poking fun at him for? Embarrassing moments, perhaps? :)
(Hmm. I seem to have gone and rambled a bit, and there are quite a few questions there to stick on the pile.) |
"The Wild Mages I have met exhibit a startling disregard for common sense, and are often meddling with powers far beyond their own control." ~Volo
"Not unlike a certain travelogue author with whom I am unfortunately acquainted." ~Elminster |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2010 : 12:57:55
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5) Half-golem Chosen of Mystra from Halruaa? I'd love to hear more...
6) I think it was one of the daughters of Azoun IV or his wife. Would have to check in Cormyr: A Novel.
7) Khelben has had some such in his childhood, but not later. Many people do not even remember his true identity and birth parents' names. |
SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
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Questions for Ed Greenwood (2010)
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