Author |
Topic  |
Kno
Senior Scribe
  
452 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2010 : 21:51:25
|
Looking at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonders_of_the_World made me wonder about parallel creations in the Realms. I'd like to make a list more numerous than seven, so if you know the most beautiful monument or temple. I can think of one place of the top off the top of my head.
Wonders of the Present
The Dragonwall, the Great Wall of Stone (Kara-Tur) The Sharksbane Wall (Sea of Fallen Stars)
Rhymanthiin the Hidden City of Hope (High Moor) Thultanthar the Flying City of Shade (Anauroch) Selunarra the Flying Enclave of Opus (Gates of the Moon) Ched Nasad the City of Shimmering Webs (The Upper Northdark) Sshamath the City of Dark Weavings (beneath the Far Hills) Iriaebor the City of a Thousand Spires (The Western Heartlands) Deep Imaskar the City of the Great Seal (The Underdark) Bhaluin the Drowned City (Brightstar Lake) Ahjuutal the City of Marids (The Shining Sea) Airspur the City of Earthmotes (Akanul) Leuthilspar (Evermeet)
The Wailing Dwarf (Troll Mountains) The Great Coral Crab (The Shipgraves) The Cryptic Reliefs of Paldir (The Pirate Isles) The Cliffs of Tanghai (The Hungtse river near Taitun in Kara-Tur) The Great Dracosphinx of Klondor (Mulhorand) The Face of the Gods (Mulhorand) Chasolne (Halruaa) The Eye Tyrant Cliffs (near Almraiven) The Great Petrified Serpent (Najara) The Glacier of Ulutiu (river Uppuk) The Listening Tree (Elventree)
Calim See (The Marching Mountains) The Land of the Dead (The Sword Mountains) The Third Necropolis of Nykkar (The Isle of Memory)
The Host Tower of the Arcane (Luskan) The Palace of the Purple Emperor (Raurin) The Netyarch's Palace (Halruaa) The Summer Palace (Evermeet) The Palace of the Enlightened Throne (Huzuz in Zakhara) The Jade Pavilion (Kozakura)
The Ironfang Keep (near Mulmaster) The Citadel of Thaymount (Thay) The Citadel of the Raven (The Dragonspine Mountains) Darkhold (near the Sunset Mountains) The Drakelight (Bay of Chessenta) The Spinning Keep of Sir'wadjen (above the Calim Desert) Panjuis the Pixie Fortress (The Ama Basin)
The Earthvault (The Marching Mountains) The Herald's Holdfast, the Citadel of Old Night (near Silverymoon) The Master's Library (The Earthfast Mountains)
Fhoeldin durr the Waymeet of Aryvandaar (The Outlands) The Pyramid Complex of Ascore (Anauroch) Canals of Eltabarr (Thay) Sentinelspire (The Hordelands) The Moonbridge (Silverymoon) The Trade Way (Calimshan) Amaunator's Eternal Sun (The Western Heartlands) The Stone Bridge (river Dessarin) The Gate of Iron (The Dustwall Mountains)
The Ziggurat of Eternal Victory (Unthalass) The Tomb of Re (Skuld) The Ebony Temple (Solon) The Cathedral of Spirit Soaring (The Snowflake Mountains) The High Holy Crafthouse of Inspiration (Lantan) The Temple of Beauty (Waterdeep) The House of the High One Ascendant (near Lhair in Halruaa) The Shrine of the Undying Heart (Karse) The Great Shadow Mansion (Chult) The Maze of Life (Mezro) The Solarium (Skuld) The Vault of Golden Commerce (Neldorild) The Cathedral of Emerald Scales (Hlondeth) The Golden Mosque (Huzuz in Zakhara) The Pyramid of the Gods (Tewahca in Maztica)
The Grand Halls of Undermountain (Waterdeep) Corundumdelve, the Hidden Gem of the Depths (beneath the Almir) Zorx-Ka (Ooltul)
Wonders of the Ancient World
Myth Drannor the City of Song (Cormanthor) Intevar's Librarium of Uvaeren (Mistledale) The Royal Caverns of Splendarrmornn (The Greypeaks) The Imperial Shoonach (Calimshan) Eileanar the Karsus Enclave (Anauroch) Xinlenal the enclave of Ioulaum (Anauroch) The Udoxias of the Twelve Cities of Jhaamdath (The Vilhon Reach)
Wonders of Nature
Araumycos the Great Fungus (below the High Forest) The Crystal Grot (sapphire cavern in Cormyr) The Grandfather Tree (The High Forest) Aecaurak Splendarrsonn (mines of Mirabar) The Great Rift (The Shaar) The Woventree (Chondalwood) The Flowstone Tapestry (Oryndoll)
|
z455t |
Edited by - Kno on 06 Apr 2011 19:10:33
|
|
skychrome
Senior Scribe
  
713 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2010 : 23:12:50
|
Spontanously Ched Nasad comes to my mind! And Shade Enclave and Sakkors.
Then there would be quite a bunch of temples all over the realms that would possibly be worth it too.
If you took 4e, then Airspur most definitely.
|
"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625 |
 |
|
Jakk
Great Reader
    
Canada
2165 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 06:39:31
|
I think we can come up with a great deal more than seven rather easily... just off the top of my head, I have, among the mysterious and/or beautiful:
- the red pyramids of Ascore; - the black pyramid of Karse; - Selunarra; - Myth Lharast (lycanthrope mythal); - Myth Drannor (qualifies before or after refounding, imho); - Myth Dyraalis (Forest of Mir; still inhabited; fey city, IIRC); - Myth Adofaer (High Forest; currently out of temporal sync with the rest of Toril); - the city of Iriaebor with its interconnected towers and skywalks; - Evereska before the battle with the shades and phaerimm; - the Crystal Grot of Cormyr, if it were more widely known about without being descended upon by rapacious adventurers; - the gates of Bloodstone Pass; - the gates of Citadel Adbar, and even the citadel as a whole; - the Dragonwall in Kara-Tur; - the Wailing Dwarf; - the halls of Undermountain, of course;
I think that makes an additional 15... anyone have any others to add? |
Playing in the Realms since the Old Grey Box (1987)... and *still* having fun with material published before 2008, despite the NDA'd lore.
If it's comparable in power with non-magical abilities, it's not magic. |
Edited by - Jakk on 15 May 2010 06:40:36 |
 |
|
Thauramarth
Senior Scribe
  
United Kingdom
731 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 07:58:00
|
Here's some of my favourites:
- The Tomb of Re and the City of the Gods in Skuld - The Great Ziggurat of Unthalass - The Citadel of Thaymount - The Reliefs of Paldir (definitely) - Ironfang Keep - Beacon Cairn
No doubt there are others... |
 |
|
Kno
Senior Scribe
  
452 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 08:56:21
|
Thank you, that is a big list I will look into. There were a lot of mythals and flying cities, what was the most remarkable of each in your opinion? Selunarra is gone, but Shade could qualify. Better to split them into the wonders of the past and the present. Edit, two Ironfang Keeps !?
I remembered the wall against the Red Wizards, only need to see the size.
|
z455t |
Edited by - Kno on 15 May 2010 08:58:28 |
 |
|
The_Silversword
Seeker

USA
58 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 12:14:53
|
Cool idea! Ones that come to my mind, that havnt (I don't think) been posted yet are: The old temple of Lathander in Shadowdale. Citadel of the Raven and Valjevo Castle in Phlan, when it was first built it was the tallest in all the Realms. I may think of some more and post em later. |
I survived the Spellplague and all I got was this stupid sig. |
 |
|
Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
  
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 12:33:07
|
Although fairly nondescript, i would think Blackstaff Tower carries some importance as a landmark in the realms? Myth Drannor as a whole certainly, perhaps that temple Cadderly build whose name escapes me at the moment. There are probably a fair number of castles and temples i'm not aware of too. |
 |
|
Kno
Senior Scribe
  
452 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 13:38:46
|
Thanks, what's the name of the Last Mythal, something with nexus. Also what are the most monumental stone circles? |
z455t |
 |
|
Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
  
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 14:08:06
|
Awesome topic, indeed!
Millions of good candidates out there, of course, but I think I'll nominate the Moon Bridge in Silverymoon; the glowing silver arch of force that's summoned by the light of the moon, I think.
Also, I seem to recall that Cadderly's temple/uber-library was called Spirit Soaring.
Pretty much every major castle, temple, dungeon and older city could get a look in, I reckon. |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
 |
|
Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
  
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 16:30:48
|
quote: Millions of good candidates out there, of course, but I think I'll nominate the Moon Bridge in Silverymoon; the glowing silver arch of force that's summoned by the light of the moon, I think.
Good one Cleric, the Moon Bridge must certainly be a viable option. |
 |
|
rjfras
Learned Scribe
 
261 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 17:26:09
|
Lushpool: The City of Shimmering Pools lies in the sheltered lee of the Ithmong Peninsula, by the mouth of Talar Bay. Lushpool is built on a seven-terraced hillside and the city is renowned for its moss-draped pools and beautiful hanging gardens.
|
 |
|
rjfras
Learned Scribe
 
261 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 17:37:33
|
Myth Lharast should be under the Ancient list if it's gonna be listed. It's been gone for centuries and is in ruins. Plus it's out of phase with Toril currently. |
Edited by - rjfras on 15 May 2010 17:49:24 |
 |
|
DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
   
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 17:49:53
|
quote: Originally posted by Elfinblade
Although fairly nondescript, i would think Blackstaff Tower carries some importance as a landmark in the realms? Myth Drannor as a whole certainly, perhaps that temple Cadderly build whose name escapes me at the moment. There are probably a fair number of castles and temples i'm not aware of too.
I think you're talking about the Spirit Soaring. But I'm not sure if that still exists anymore after RA Salvatore's latest novel... |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
 |
|
Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
  
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 17:54:03
|
Hanging gardens, eh? I wander what that's inspired by?
Good pick! This thread's inspired me to drop a few more bits of epic scenery into my game; we've been spending far too much time knee deep in goblin poop...
There are also a pair of giant carved faces on a sea cliff somewhere in the Shining South that sing when the wind hits them at the right angle. I can't remember what they're called or where they are exactly... |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
 |
|
DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
   
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 17:56:59
|
quote: Originally posted by Cleric Generic
Hanging gardens, eh? I wander what that's inspired by?
Good pick! This thread's inspired me to drop a few more bits of epic scenery into my game; we've been spending far too much time knee deep in goblin poop...
There are also a pair of giant carved faces on a sea cliff somewhere in the Shining South that sing when the wind hits them at the right angle. I can't remember what they're called or where they are exactly...
I know what you're talking about with the faces, but I can't remember the name currently. It was mentioned in the Shining South guidebook. However, with the events of the Spellplague, I think it may be likely destroyed with the movements of the land and sea. |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
 |
|
Doc Filth
Seeker

55 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 18:02:57
|
quote: Originally posted by DDH_101
quote: Originally posted by Cleric Generic
Hanging gardens, eh? I wander what that's inspired by?
Good pick! This thread's inspired me to drop a few more bits of epic scenery into my game; we've been spending far too much time knee deep in goblin poop...
There are also a pair of giant carved faces on a sea cliff somewhere in the Shining South that sing when the wind hits them at the right angle. I can't remember what they're called or where they are exactly...
I know what you're talking about with the faces, but I can't remember the name currently. It was mentioned in the Shining South guidebook. However, with the events of the Spellplague, I think it may be likely destroyed with the movements of the land and sea.
I think that's the stone heads at Chasolne, as described on p.134 of the 3E Shining South book, but I can't find any references to the faces "singing". |
 |
|
Kno
Senior Scribe
  
452 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 18:55:42
|
While the hanging gardens were impressive in our world I'm not sure they would stand out in Faerun? |
z455t |
 |
|
Brimstone
Great Reader
    
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 22:32:09
|
The Wailing Dwarf in the Cloud Peaks? |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." Alaundo of Candlekeep |
 |
|
Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
  
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 23:05:27
|
quote: Originally posted by Doc Filth I think that's the stone heads at Chasolne, as described on p.134 of the 3E Shining South book, but I can't find any references to the faces "singing".
Probably my imagination then. As for their possible sinking, having them staring up at you from just under the water surface could be rather nifty. :) |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
 |
|
Kno
Senior Scribe
  
452 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 09:02:11
|
quote: Originally posted by Brimstone
The Wailing Dwarf in the Cloud Peaks?
Thanks, fixed. |
z455t |
 |
|
Brimstone
Great Reader
    
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 09:09:52
|
I forget the name of it, but what about the Island that Calimshan has all those Mosoulems(sp) on it?
I think its in the Empire of the Shining Sea, and LEoF under the Calimshan entry... |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." Alaundo of Candlekeep |
 |
|
The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
    
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 09:41:28
|
quote: Originally posted by Brimstone
I forget the name of it, but what about the Island that Calimshan has all those Mosoulems(sp) on it?
I think its in the Empire of the Shining Sea, and LEoF under the Calimshan entry...
You mean the Isle of Memory, the Third Necropolis of Nykkar? |
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 |
 |
|
Brimstone
Great Reader
    
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 09:45:08
|
quote: Originally posted by The Sage
quote: Originally posted by Brimstone
I forget the name of it, but what about the Island that Calimshan has all those Mosoulems(sp) on it?
I think its in the Empire of the Shining Sea, and LEoF under the Calimshan entry...
You mean the Isle of Memory, the Third Necropolis of Nykkar?
Thats it. |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." Alaundo of Candlekeep |
 |
|
Kno
Senior Scribe
  
452 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 10:00:38
|
I already included Calim See, but I'm not sure which would be more wondrous? |
z455t |
 |
|
The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
    
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 10:05:12
|
quote: Originally posted by Kno
I already included Calim See, but I'm not sure which would be more wondrous?
I don't know. I think the fact that the Isle of Memory isn't marked on any Calishite maps should definitely qualify it as "wondrous." Or at least "unique." |
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 |
 |
|
Brimstone
Great Reader
    
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 10:33:04
|
quote: Originally posted by The Sage
quote: Originally posted by Brimstone
I forget the name of it, but what about the Island that Calimshan has all those Mosoulems(sp) on it?
I think its in the Empire of the Shining Sea, and LEoF under the Calimshan entry...
You mean the Isle of Memory, the Third Necropolis of Nykkar?
The first time I read about it I thought of this |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." Alaundo of Candlekeep |
Edited by - Brimstone on 16 May 2010 10:33:48 |
 |
|
Kno
Senior Scribe
  
452 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 11:22:59
|
Alright, I'm including the Third Necropolis. Probably there are thousands of other mausoleums, but this has a great traditional value.
What's your opinion on these sites?
The Standing Stone Thaymount (the size?) Shangalar's pyramid The Citadel of the Raven Darkhold The Ironfang Keep Castle Perilous
|
z455t |
 |
|
Hrandar Bearmaul
Acolyte
3 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 22:29:06
|
As far as "Wonders of the Ancient World" what about that ancient dwarven place that Salvatore's characters all go on about, Gauntlygrim or whatever it's called? Or Isn't Menzobarenzan supposed to be pretty grand, in it's own way. With that big glowing stalagmite and whatnot.
Excuse my spelling of both Gauntrlgrim and Menzobaraenzan.  |
 |
|
Quale
Master of Realmslore
   
1757 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2010 : 22:57:27
|
The Great Petrified Serpent of Najara springs to mind |
 |
|
Brimstone
Great Reader
    
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 17 May 2010 : 03:10:57
|
quote: Originally posted by Quale
The Great Petrified Serpent of Najara springs to mind
Thats a good one. |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." Alaundo of Candlekeep |
 |
|
DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
   
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 17 May 2010 : 16:39:52
|
quote: Originally posted by Hrandar Bearmaul
As far as "Wonders of the Ancient World" what about that ancient dwarven place that Salvatore's characters all go on about, Gauntlygrim or whatever it's called? Or Isn't Menzobarenzan supposed to be pretty grand, in it's own way. With that big glowing stalagmite and whatnot.
Excuse my spelling of both Gauntrlgrim and Menzobaraenzan. 
In RA Salvatore's books, he mentioned that Underdark denizens paid money to witness the faerie-fire change of House Baenre.
However, I don't know whether to include whole cities into a Wonder of the Realms. I mean, if we did that, then we might as well include Waterdeep and Evermeet. I think the Wonder should be like a specific structure or art. |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
 |
|
Topic  |
|