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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 04:05:19
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Hi again, fellow scribes! As promised, the second half of Ed’s reply to Rhewtani about the unfortunate House Tsornyl:
Fearing attack by any servants of Moander or Cormanthan elves who identified them (for House Tsornyl had some bitter rivals, many of whom had eagerly advocated the obliberation of the city of Tsornyl and all in it, to “purge the taint that will otherwise destroy us all, wood and root and leaf and elf,” within the hearing of the House Tsornyl elves trapped within the wards), all of the House Tsornyl elves met together after their flight from Luernla to work common magics to alter their appearances—and take a new family name.
They have since gone their separate ways, and now inhabit Secomber, Riatavin, Zazesspur, and Velen (among other places up and down the Sword Coast, almost always close to a large wild wood such as the High Forest or the Wealdath). All of them now resemble pale-skinned, graceful and slender humans (with fine bones, suggesting elven blood), who have light blue hair and indigo-hued eyes, and now use the family name of “Marthram.” The story they will tell (only if asked) is that they are a “very old” and now scattered human family whose origins “have been lost to memory, over time,” but that they have always been “honorable, if quiet” folk.
(This is pure fiction; the fourteen House Tsornyl survivors are all very proud, ambitious individuals, who nurse grudges and thirst for wealth and behind-the-scenes power. They work together from time to time, and take care never to cross or work against each other, but otherwise live independent lives. They will give each other shelter or minor aid without hesitation, if asked. Most of them care not a whit for laws or principles, so long as they get their own way, but they are all capable of patience and superb acting, if need be.)
Some of the younger, less principled, more active “Marthrams” are (to give the human first names they now go by, reserving their real elven names for recognition-signals among the family, if encountered in magical disguises or unexpected places or circumstances) the males Alandor, Baerlyn, Cadreth, and Doamurl and the females Anathys, Evendra, Fildrara, Ghaele, and Jarathma. Alandor plays a handsome gallant who loves to sing and entertain ladies, and to “faciliate” trade possibilities for others (profiting himself thereby). Cadreth is a ruthless, accomplished killer. Anathys and Ghaele are “pure poison” when they unleash their icy, get-more-than-even disapproval of any who don’t agree with them or fall in with their plans, but Jarathma is always sweet, always gentle, and always three for four steps ahead of any other master of manipulation; she almost always gets her own way and makes coins from the way things are done, wherever she is and whatever she’s involved in (which for some years was gem-trading and the design and sale of expensive gowns worn by the richest and haughtiest human ladies in Amn and Tethyr).
The most senior surviving female of the family is the malicious, reclusive Tlurendra (her real, elf name is Tlaethe), and the most senior surviving male is Olondor (elf name Ondoreand), who is a master manipulator and financial strategist who has very quietly become one of the wealthiest investors and landlords in Zazesspur, profiting from the hard work of literally hundreds of small merchants—and taking ruthless revenges on any who cheat him.
So saith Ed, winding up another rich Realmslore reply for a question that’s hitherto been only cryptically answered. Now, on to a 2010 unanswered query . . .
(Expect it soon.)
love to all,
THO
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 04:06:12
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Hello again, all. Ed came through!
So I bring you now Ed’s lore reply to an unanswered question from this year’s thread (split into parts for posting, as usual). This one comes from Alystra Illianniis: “I have a question relating to Eilistraee as well. I have a PC who is wanting to get married, and was wondering what kind of ceremonies they use, how long do they last, what sort of vows, celebrations, etc, could one expect? Where would it be held, and when? Okay, that's actually several questions, but thanks in advance for any assistance!”
Ed replies:
Hi, Alystra Illianniis. This answer applies to situations where both partners who desire to wed venerate the Dark Dancer before other deities. For “mixed marriages,” the priestess of Eilistraee they find will consult with clergy of deities the non-Eilistraee-first partner venerates above others, and craft a modified ceremony accordingly.
So here we go, assuming that someone has found a priest or priestess of Eilistraee and asked them to perform a “love-binding” (which is what the faith of the Dark Dancer calls marriage) . . .
Such a request cannot be refused for reasons of personal inclination (i.e. the clergy not wanting to), only for reasons of “unworthiness,” as revealed hereafter.
A priest of Eilistraee will only love-bind when no priestess is available, and junior priestesses will defer to priestesses who have performed more wedding ceremonies (this is “the will of Eilistraee,” and mortals have not been told why she prefers matters this way).
By way of preparation, the priestess who will perform the wedding meets separately with the individuals to be wed (“supplicants”). Supplicants need not both be drow, or of the same race, or of differing genders, but MUST reveal their true natures to the priestess (i.e. the union is invalid, and the priestess will be made aware of this by the power if the goddess during the ritual, if one or both of the partners is using illusions or shapeshifting to appear to the world around as something other than what they are, or is not wholly who they claim to be [examples of this: a doppleganger impersonating someone, someone with a tsochar inside them, etc.]). When the priestess is alone with the supplicant, she casts a spell on them to ascertain when truth is told, then questions them as to their love for their partner, their motives in seeking to be united, their willingness to serve Eilistraee faithfully and venerate her “in truth.”
If satisfied with what she learns, the priestess prays with the individual to “call down Eilistraee’s regard” upon them both. She will know if she gains this attention, and the supplicant will usually see her eyes turn to bright, pupilless glows of silver (she goes “moon-eyed”).
When this happens, both priestess and supplicant disrobe, embrace (wrap arms around each other and press their bodies together, almost always face to face; this is NOT a sexual uniting], and dance together, the priestess “leading” the movements and silently praying to Eilistraee for a sign of blessing (for the binding), or a sign of warning or denial. The Dark Dancer will unerringly spot any treachery the priestess may have missed, but in all other cases will eagerly bless the union—which after both supplicants are “danced and found worthy,” can take place immediately, or at any future time.
So saith Ed. I’ll post the second part of his reply immediately, if I can!
love,
THO
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 04:06:45
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Hi again, fellow scribes, and here you are, Alystra Illianniis! The second part of Ed’s reply about Eilistraeean weddings:
A love-binding (wedding) will always take place at night, under the moon (i.e. a non-overcast, moonlit night). The most favourable spot is a forest glade where Eilistraee is often worshipped with dance; failing that, a bare hilltop or rocky height will serve; lacking that, any level ground that’s not covered by manmade construction (or other creature-built things, altars to Eilistraee being the sole exception) and is bathed in full moonlight will do. Favoured above all others is any spot where Eilistraee herself has been seen or has manifested.
The ritual can begin whenever the moonlight first touches the chosen spot, and the supplicants are present. If there are well-wishers/an audience/a congregation present (and there should be at least two witnesses, one a dedicated, active worshipper of Eilistraee and one not), they stand at the edges of the place of the ritual; if they are sufficient in number, the presiding priestess will ask them to form a ring around the supplicants, as far back as the boundaries of the spot (e.g. standing trees) permit.
If circumstances permit (i.e. safety of the participants, even in cold winter weather), the supplicants will have disrobed before entering the spot of the ceremony, and been dressed in ankle-length overrobes by the priestess, who will be similarly clad (barefoot, robes only). When the ceremony begins, the priestess disrobes, works a minor spell that causes moonglow to manifest around her (and the altar, if there is one), then calls on Eilistraee to “watch this binding, and make it firm” and then upon the witnesses (and the other watching audience members, if any) to “witness this union of love.”
The priestess will then produce a large “loving cup” full of wine—a black, sweet, smoky-tasting vintage consecrated to the goddess and prepared by clergy of Eilistraee—and direct the two supplicants to face each other and drink from it simultaneously. She then takes it from them, bids them kiss, and while they are doing so, removes their robes, touching each of them in the small of the back while doing so and causing moonglow to manifest around them (a glowing white aura).
She then parts them, clasps their hands together, and bids them ask Eilistraee for Her blessing “with all their hearts.” After they have both done so (usually female first, but it’s up to the supplicants; if they can’t swiftly decide, the priestess will direct one of them to speak first), the priestess declares them “bound before the Goddess,” claps her hands, and the festivities begin.
So saith Ed. I’ll post the third and final part of his reply as swiftly as I can.
love,
THO
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 04:07:20
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Hi again, all! Here’s the third and final part of Ed’s lore reply about Eilistraeean weddings:
These festivities vary with the circumstances (a need to be stealthy due to wartime or personal danger, fierce cold or winter weather, etc.). If there are other clergy of Eilistraee (or other deities) present, they at this time move to form a circle at the edges of the place where the ceremony is held, in a ring facing outwards, weapons drawn, to defend the “Bound” (the wedded couple) and the celebrants during the dancing (this may be a very real service, or merely a ceremonial duty, depending on the where and when of the wedding.
The presiding priestess then begins a rhythmic chant to the goddess (which will be echoed by any other Eilistraeean clergy present, and often by other worshippers who’ve attended such a ceremony before; it’s simple, repetitive, and rather haunting [imagine the “sunrise, sunset” refrain from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, that rises and falls twice, then on its third descent becomes a syncopated staccato five-note fall, and from then on sweeps into the same rise, but always has the five-note descent]) and casts a minor spell that will carry this music on without anyone having to sing (though typically she and other priestesses will keen a harmony “above it” from time to time, as the dancing continues).
Dancing then begins, led by the presiding priestess. The Bound must dance, with each other and then with the witnesses, though the form this dancing takes can be whatever is comfortable or physically possible for those involved (wild leaps down to elders with canes merely swaying and murmuring, or an agile dancer gyrating around a not-very-mobile one).
Usually the priestess leads the Bound into an initial dance while the celebrants watch, then stops dancing and lets them dance amorously together while she (the priestess) murmurs a prayer to Eilistraee for her boon upon the couple. Then general dancing begins, the priestess drawing celebrants to join the Bound.
Sometimes all or some of the celebrants disrobe for the dancing, sometimes the Bound consummate the marriage there and then amid the dancers, and sometimes the ceremony turns into a general orgy, with many or all of the dancers plunging into lovemaking. Food and drink may or may not be served, as the participants desire.
The moonglow around the body of the priestess is “given” (conferred, more faintly and lasting a shorter time) to all she touches—and most priestesses will embrace all celebrants and dance with them.
It’s customary for the dancing to go on until the moonglow fades from the body of the priestess or dawn comes (whichever happens first); the spell used by most priestesses causes their glow to last for a little over an hour [yes, of our real-world time], and any conferred glows to die with hers or a little earlier). She will usually end the musical spell at this time, and lead the Bound, the celebrants, and any guardian clergy away to where they will spend the rest of the night (an inn, temple accommodations, private homes, or a single large dwelling). Sometimes, however, the musical magic is left alone, to sound in the spot of the ceremony until it fades entirely, half a day later. On rare occasions, in warm summer weather, slumber may occur on the spot, within the guardian clergy, until morning.
So saith Ed. Ending his reply to Alystra Illianniis and his march through the years smiting down thus-far-neglected questions of Realmslore, to usher us all into a brighter, better 2011 (it is to be fondly hoped!).
So enjoy, all—and don’t stop those questions from coming!
love,
THO
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manaeater
Acolyte
13 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 04:41:21
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| This was very interesting hmm... i was right when i said that they will be probably naked)) i guess Ed didn't fogot about my questions. |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 04:44:52
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Wow! Thanks to ye, Hooded One, and a triple-decker thanks to Ed for this fantastic answer. I giggled a bit at that bit about the orgy, but I suppose I should have expected that, since it's Dark Dancers! (And the fact that most of them are drow had NOTHING to do with that, eh?   ) I love this, and will be using it shortly for my love-struck couple- of which, incidentally, the lady is a lovely (2nd ed) half-dragon/Moon elf lass who would be best described as a follower of Angharrad. Thanks so much again! |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 15:32:31
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Well met
Could I please ask that my fellow scribes refrain from posting any more requests for lore to Ed and THO as this scroll will soon be sealed [this then allows THO to better synchronise the crossover into the upcoming 2011 scroll]? You may soon resume your requests in the 2011 scroll, when I've opened it.
Thank you. 
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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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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 16:07:57
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Not lost! Promise! Ed hath confirmed, and it's on his "small real soon heap."
As for "mastered art" and a certain blade, that obviously means controlling or overriding or destroying powerful magic . . . but as to what magic, in which circumstances, and how, that is NDA right now, because it hasn't happened yet, but very well might, before the reading eyes of Realms fans/scribes.
Which is more or less all I can say, thus far.
love,
THO
Many thanks Lady!
I was thinking too big....I was thinking Alaundo meant all Art! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 17:01:40
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
And with that being the case, and since Australia has now entered 2011, please be aware that this scroll will now be closing, with Ed's Realmslore answers and The Hooded One's grace and charm starting fresh in a new scroll for 2011. 
Casts Seal Scroll.
But there's still 12 hours of 2010 left here! |
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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 17:06:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
And with that being the case, and since Australia has now entered 2011, please be aware that this scroll will now be closing, with Ed's Realmslore answers and The Hooded One's grace and charm starting fresh in a new scroll for 2011.
Casts Seal Scroll.
But there's still 12 hours of 2010 left here!
I know, I know. But I like to keep things all in order. And, besides, I'm probably going to sleep for the next 12 or so hours anyway... and I didn't want to forget something as important as Ed's scroll. |
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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2010 : 17:57:28
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
And with that being the case, and since Australia has now entered 2011, please be aware that this scroll will now be closing, with Ed's Realmslore answers and The Hooded One's grace and charm starting fresh in a new scroll for 2011.
Casts Seal Scroll.
But there's still 12 hours of 2010 left here!
I know, I know. But I like to keep things all in order. And, besides, I'm probably going to sleep for the next 12 or so hours anyway... and I didn't want to forget something as important as Ed's scroll.
You could have asked someone closer to Ed's time zone to do it... Like a certain Giant Space Hamster living in the Eastern time zone... |
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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2011 : 00:23:04
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| Yeah, I suppose. But it's become something of a New Year's tradition for me now. And I'm nothing if not consistent when it comes to sticking to my "Candlekeep traditions." |
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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Questions for Ed Greenwood (2010)
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