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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Dec 2010 : 22:50:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Mr_Miscellany
Hello THO and Ed,
I’m currently reading a book about flattery (In Praise of Flattery by Willis Goth Regier) and have begun to wonder about the role of flattery in the Royal Court of Cormyr and during audiences with the King. Down the centuries of Cormyr’s history…
1. Have any of Cormyr’s Kings shown a taste for flattery, whether it was about themselves, their Queen, the state/health of Cormyr or some other subject?
I'm sure Azoun IV enjoyed flattery, at least if it was coming from an attractive and available female!  |
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Mr_Miscellany
Senior Scribe
545 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2010 : 23:11:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I'm sure Azoun IV enjoyed flattery, at least if it was coming from an attractive and available female!
Heh, good point Wooly.
Which reminds me: were I a female courtier who'd had a dalliance with Azoun IV in the past, I don’t think I’d ever use the phrase “point taken, your Majesty” when Filfaeril was around.
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manaeater
Acolyte
13 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 03:36:50
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Hello Ed i wanted to ask some quetions about eilistraeeans
What is generaly the role of fathers in eilistraeean communities(for example:do the drow males care or help to raise the children)?
Who usually start the realationship:male or female drow?
Why some males go and "worship" Eilistraee if she doesn't even permit (most of them)them to become priests and they aren't treated as equals
I had an impression after reading some novels that that some priestess look on males like second class citizens and some priestess don't tend to know much about their fathers.
Thank you!
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 04:16:52
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Hmmm. About that last point: Ed's fiction about Eilistraee (fragments in DROW OF THE UNDERDARK, wherein he created/showed us for the first time Eilistraee, and a chapter in SILVERFALL) didn't leave me with the impression that priestesses were encouraged to look upon males as second class. Lolth's clergy certainly do, but . . .
Remember that the Realms are pantheistic, with individuals worshipping multiple gods (except Lolth's faithful, because she doesn't want any deities venerated but her). So "Eilistraeean communities" might not be as monolithic as your question suggests.
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manaeater
Acolyte
13 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 04:36:32
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| In novels I think drow females seemed a bit sexist towards males. |
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Thauramarth
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
729 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 07:29:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Mr_Miscellany
Hello THO and Ed,
I’m currently reading a book about flattery (In Praise of Flattery by Willis Goth Regier) and have begun to wonder about the role of flattery in the Royal Court of Cormyr and during audiences with the King. Down the centuries of Cormyr’s history…
1. Have any of Cormyr’s Kings shown a taste for flattery, whether it was about themselves, their Queen, the state/health of Cormyr or some other subject?
I'm sure Azoun IV enjoyed flattery, at least if it was coming from an attractive and available female!
And there I was, thinking that Azoun IV might prefer "a little less conversation, a little more action." |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 07:50:25
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| Flattery is just a force multiplier, so sayeth Machiavelli. I imagine that Azoun is horndog enough to savour some particular types of flattery, arrogantly royal enough to expect it, and appraised enough by suspicious mindreading war-wizards to be wary of the real intent the flattery disguises. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Rhewtani
Senior Scribe
USA
508 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 14:39:30
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I didn't think Flattery actually even attended court in Cormyr or really interacted with Azoun IV. We're talking about Wyvernspur, right? {rimshot}
We definitely was a force multiplier for Finder {rimshot again}
I'm here all night! |
Edited by - Rhewtani on 14 Dec 2010 14:40:19 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 16:30:46
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Hi again, all. Arik, I think you nailed it re. Azoun and flattery. Not necessary "arrogant" enough to expect it, more like "cynical" enough to expect it. And so used to it that it NEVER works on him; he's ALWAYS looking for the "why" behind it. That much of Vangey's teachings stuck very well.
Also, Blueblade's mention of "hurlball" is correct, and led me to this old, old note of Ed's (from a 1984 player background package he prepared):
The game seen being played on the village green is hurlball, something akin to real-world football or "Australian-rules football." Three goals (pairs of uprights), no scoring by kicking, adopted from an orc game known as "hurlheads" because it's traditionally played with the severed heads of slain foes/captives . . . which ironically was taken by the orcs from an old gnome game, "hurlstone," that was adopted by some dwarves and halflings. You've vaguely heard of this sport, but know no more of it than this - - and what you'll pick up by watching and/or participating.
So saith Ed, back before 2nd Edition or the Realms being adopted as a published D&D® setting.
love to all,
THO
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 22:17:56
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Hi Ed/THO!
I posted this in GC...and thought I might as well ask you...
The only (or greatest) deterrent to Thay's ambition of conquering Aglarond is the Witch-Queen herself. Now that she's gone – and Tam and the Red Wizards know it (though no one exactly knows if 'tis temporary or final) – what or who is keeping them from taking the necessary actions? I understand some of Tam's resources are being used elsewhere to erect the Dread Rings. But isn't Aglarond the best place for the DR's, all things considered? If not, once Tam successfully annexes it to Thay, he would possess far more resources for his greater goals. That alone, I think, is worth a try to conquer Aglarond. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 22:30:24
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| (lol @ "necessary actions") |
[/Ayrik] |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2010 : 22:33:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Arik
(lol @ "necessary actions")
I failed to see the jest. Though when I reread it, I think I know what you mean... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 04:20:21
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Oh, dear, dennis. Here's a reply, straight from Ed:
Heh. This is a topic I'd LOVE to discuss, but to answer your question directly, dennis ("what or who is keeping them"), I'd be in charge-straight-ahead NDA violation. Due to future plans for a possible something, that's a matter I'm not at liberty to discuss.
I find this as frustrating as most scribes at the Keep will (talking over possibilities is the lifeblood of any D&D campaign, and a love of the Realms, too), but . . . those are the rules, and I daren't break them.
Right now, I'm at work on half a dozen or so Wizards-of-the-Coast-creative matters I can't legally discuss, and that fluctuating total rarely goes much lower, as the months and years pass. Sorry.
I'm aching to share on this one, but . . . I can't.
Just as I can't (yet) reveal what's ahead for Elminster. Or Alassra. Or Mystra. Or (ahem) Manshoon. ;}
So saith Ed. The Keeper of Secrets. Not to mention a terrible tease when he wants to be. 
love,
THO |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 05:04:34
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I haven't begun the new Elminster series (as I stated previously - I prefer to pick-up ALL of a series at the same time - WoT has conditioned me to loathe waiting). When I finish book 1, I like to have Book 2 right next to it, ready to begin. 
I state that first, because my question might be answered in the novels (including one yet-to-be), so if it is I apologize in advance and just tell me "You'll find out".
Anyhow, considering how badly things 'ended' for the Zhents pre-plague, would Manshoon consider working with 'the good guys' now? After all, he has met first-hand a group of Archwizards that make him look like a puppy dog. I'm not saying he himself would ever 'become good' (that would be a bit comic-bookish), but I certainly could see him being hell-bent for revenge against the Shades. Sort-of 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' kind of thing.
Or to put it in more modern-terms, 'politics makes for strange bed-fellows' (which, of course, has all sorts of other connotations considering the likes of Elminster, Alister, and Azoun).
And like I said, just a simple slap-on-the-wrist (or butt if your prefer) to shoo-me-away if this is being handled in the current series. I keep out of the novel-forums here for several reasons, not the least of which being to avoid spoilers. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 05:10:11
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Surely ye jest? Cloneshoon - my favourite evil little roach - becoming an icky good guy after plotting to conquer the Moonsea/Faerűn for so, so many years? That's crazy talk. Manshoon might be forced to scuttle back into the darkness when mighty Shademages start stomping around, but he'll be back ... he always comes back. I not hear ye smear his dark name with this goody-two-shoes nonsense any more. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 05:25:35
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LIKE I SAID, I can't picture him EVER becoming 'good', but I can see him swallowing his HUMONGOUS pride for a short time and working with others to get-even with the Shades.
Life is full of compromises; both Elminster and Manshoon are realists (and with an extra century to 'mature', perhaps Manshoon is finally dangerous to more then just himself). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 05:34:37
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Well, Manshoon does have that rather dashing manly new outfit he picked up a few years ago; I daresay he looks almost like he'll actually stand his ground in a fight (instead of scuttling away). Perhaps he could give Elminster some (desperately needed) fashion advice? Pointy hat and robes are so passé, old wizard look is so last century, competently deadly assassin look is all the rage these days.
Manshoon seems the type who'll try to ally himself with those he perceives as weaker than he is, not join forces with those who have sufficient power to threaten him. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 08:06:03
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Oh, dear, dennis. Here's a reply, straight from Ed:
Heh. This is a topic I'd LOVE to discuss, but to answer your question directly, dennis ("what or who is keeping them"), I'd be in charge-straight-ahead NDA violation. Due to future plans for a possible something, that's a matter I'm not at liberty to discuss.
I find this as frustrating as most scribes at the Keep will (talking over possibilities is the lifeblood of any D&D campaign, and a love of the Realms, too), but . . . those are the rules, and I daren't break them.
Right now, I'm at work on half a dozen or so Wizards-of-the-Coast-creative matters I can't legally discuss, and that fluctuating total rarely goes much lower, as the months and years pass. Sorry.
I'm aching to share on this one, but . . . I can't.
Just as I can't (yet) reveal what's ahead for Elminster. Or Alassra. Or Mystra. Or (ahem) Manshoon. ;}
So saith Ed. The Keeper of Secrets. Not to mention a terrible tease when he wants to be.
love,
THO
Just as I suspected. But thanks, anyway. At least now I know it's not only Alassra who keeps the Reds' hands off her realm. I would have blamed it to the zulkirs' division. But there's only one ruler now: Tam. So the inaction must be because of someone or something else entirely... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Sandro
Learned Scribe
New Zealand
266 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 09:08:10
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Both from the novel, and from what THO's expanded on here, Manshoon is not entirely sane (or, at any rate, markedly less sane than before -- exactly when he stopped being entirely sane is probably up for debate), so I'm not sure he'd be rational enough to want to take revenge on the Shades for what they did rather than carry out his age-old mission to eliminate El, something which has become, apparently, even more front and centre by 4e.
Of course, that's just me, and certainly not Ed (hard as I try, I just can't manage the beard), and I'm still very eager to see what Ed has to say on the matter*, as it's certainly an intriguing thought.
Or, as I suspect will be the case, what he would say on the matter, in the absence of NDA's. |
"Gods, little fishes, and spells to turn the one to the other," Mordenkainen sighed. "It's started already..." |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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idilippy
Senior Scribe
USA
417 Posts |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 20:54:11
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Hi Ed. Over on another scroll we've been having a discussion about the Battle of Lisen Sands in 1347 DR. We've hashed over all of the (nearly non-existent) information about the naval battle, so I figured I'd wander over here and ask you to share anything you can about it. Where was it fought, by whom, over what, sparked by what, and to what result?
On a separate note, during the discussion THO mentioned that the Lis was a shallow, swampy river. This was a big surprise to me, as I've never been able to find any real information about the Lis and what kind of river it is. Could you (in a separate post, maybe) give us a description of the Lis and its environs, as well as any pertinent creatures who live in and/or near it? Considering the question that sparked this whole debate, the time frame is rather broad (say 1346 through the 1360's).
Finally, in my own campaign I decided to make the Lis a broad, deep, extremely swift river with sandy or more often pebbly flanks and no fords. I did this primarily just to mess with my players at the time, who were a bunch of Selu'Maraaran sea elves trying to get to the Moonsea, and I did it without thinking about how it might change the surface dynamics. So my third question is more of a hypothetical: if we replace the swampy Lis with the one I describe above, and its surrounding land with something a bit drier and more accomodating, how would you see the southern Moonsea dynamic changing? Would we see cities building (or fighting over) bridges over it? Would enterprising merchants try to found a city at its northern mouth? If so, who would support, who would oppose? I was hoping you could walk a little with me down this thought experiment.
Thanks, as always. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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idilippy
Senior Scribe
USA
417 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2010 : 21:36:30
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Nice, thanks for the better link.
Well, just read through this first installment and I'm excited for the rest. I like Alkenstar in the Golarion setting and am glad to see a story set in it, especially by Ed. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2010 : 00:34:57
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quote:
Originally posted by dennis
Just as I suspected. But thanks, anyway. At least now I know it's not only Alassra who keeps the Reds' hands off her realm. I would have blamed it to the zulkirs' division. But there's only one ruler now: Tam. So the inaction must be because of someone or something else entirely...
I would assume that Larloch would step up to the plate and keep Tam in check, maybe this is his mission from Mystra and why the Chosen left him alone?
Of course the Covenant may have reformed with the old and/or new members and are renewing old rivalries?
Just a few random thoughts
Cheers
Damian
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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 16 Dec 2010 00:36:54 |
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Mr_Miscellany
Senior Scribe
545 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2010 : 21:04:36
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Tried this over on the Sages of Realmslore shelf, with no luck. Thus:
Are there any noble families of Cormyr who are (or were) known for producing wizards, sorcerers and the like?
Did any noble families become ennobled through the acts of the mages in their family?
Thanks in advance!
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2010 : 00:02:33
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quote:
Originally posted by crazedventurers
quote:
Originally posted by dennis
Just as I suspected. But thanks, anyway. At least now I know it's not only Alassra who keeps the Reds' hands off her realm. I would have blamed it to the zulkirs' division. But there's only one ruler now: Tam. So the inaction must be because of someone or something else entirely...
I would assume that Larloch would step up to the plate and keep Tam in check, maybe this is his mission from Mystra and why the Chosen left him alone?
Possible. Larloch does not want to be a god, nor world domination. But he wants to keep Toril “intact” to stage his complex, entertaining games. The price of Tam's ritual, on the other hand, is its complete opposite: annihilation. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Broken Helm
Learned Scribe
USA
108 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2010 : 04:38:12
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You sure about that, dennis?
I agree with you that Larloch "feels" like that, from what we've seen of him.
But have we seen enough of him in published Realmslore to be sure?
To me, he sure feels like one of Ed's "deep," long-term tools/plot devices/this could be BIG powers...and Ed DID write a top-secret internal document for TSR that included "Secrets of the Realms," and we have been told the publisher picked up on some of those secrets right away, some not too long after, and at least one about a decade later, so . . .
(Ahem. Ed? THO? Feel free to chime in on this. I'm sorta asking obliquely what you CAN say about this, rather than trying to hijack your thread.
After all, if I say something about Larloch, or dennis does, it's just our opinion. THO knows more than we can, and Ed IS the font and creator. Of Larloch (and Szass Tam and Thay and Aglarond), not just the sandbox we all play in.)
Can you say or hint anything?
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Questions for Ed Greenwood (2010)
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