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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Apr 2011 : 05:04:41
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So, sitting tonight and watching "Tangled" (the new movie about Rapunzel...or Persinette) I began seeing great value again in using old fables and such to generate adventures.
Not word for word or direct theft; but inspiration about certain places and such...like the Tower with no Door.
Would any of you care to share what you may have used from old literature in your own games?
I say "The Tower with no Door" for a reason...as it was one of my favorite adventures that I ran...but it had NOTHING to do with Rapunzel...R.E. Howard maybe (Elephant in the Tower).
In my adventure, a Demon had created a tower long ago after ensnaring a Wizardess in a duel of wits in which she lost. Her body was said to be in a state of stasis within the depths of the tower; but it had only one entrance: a landing at the very top that led into the place; and this was over 100 feet up and known to be guarded by Gargoyles.
The adventure was fun...but entirely a lie as the "Demon" was actually the Wizardess who used the story to lure adventurers into her tower where she would then drain them of their life to prolong her own. When the party found her, they had already become suspicious (there were NO DEMONS in the whole place) and started thinking maybe she was a vampire. After the whole mirror and garlic business failed them (at the cost of a party member) they finally got smart and just fought her.
It was fun stuff.
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The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2011 : 05:41:38
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I happily steal apocryphal legends and conspiracy theories for my gaming — they've gotta be useful for something, eh? 19th century Russian literature is a wonderful source for twisted plots full of paranoia, Machiavellian politics, intrigue, corruption, insanity, war, purges, assassinations ... all sorts of great stuff (plus my players don't read Russian, lol).
So, yes I have the Baldurian Illusionati, the Gnomes of Zulkrich, the Crownmasons Guild, and other sorts of tentacled syndicates, cartels, and corporations. In addition to the usual Black Network, Cult of the Dragon, Red Wizards, etc. I even use disgusting Harpers when I have to. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2011 : 06:16:47
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| A couple of my adventure hooks were inspired by Disney's version of The Little Mermaid (I've no idea how closely their version tracks with the original tale, if at all). |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2011 : 07:07:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Arik
So, yes I have the Baldurian Illusionati, the Gnomes of Zulkrich, the Crownmasons Guild, and other sorts of tentacled syndicates, cartels, and corporations.
Mind if I borrow these, Arik? Those Gnomes of Zulkrich will make a fine addition to something I've been thinking about for the tinker gnomes of Mt. Nevermind on Krynn.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2011 : 07:28:06
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| No need to ask, Sage. May the lore be with you. My Gnomes of Zulkrich are largely scraped from the ancient Steve Jackson illuminati board game and a thousand conspiracy websites. They run a multi-city banking syndicate, of course. Fnord. |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 03 Apr 2011 07:29:31 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2011 : 08:04:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
A couple of my adventure hooks were inspired by Disney's version of The Little Mermaid (I've no idea how closely their version tracks with the original tale, if at all).
The answer is- it does not. One of the things I loved about my high school English Lit classes is that we were in the LEAP program, and read a LOT of stuff the rest of the English classes didn't. fairy tale archtypes being one of them. The original Grimm's version was, well- grim. She dies. Yes, that's right- the prince she's in love with ends up marrying someone else (I forget why) and she throws herself off a cliff (while still human) and commits suicide. Beauty and the Beast had a similarly depressing ending- the Beast died of a broken heart after she left, because she stayed away longer than she promised when he had let her visit her family. (There were two rather selfish sisters in the original. They kept her from going back to keep her promise until it was too late.) |
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:
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Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2011 : 16:38:13
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My macabre adventure The Innkeeper's Wife is loosely inspired by Hansel & Gretel.
I had thought about creating a group of Shrek-like Ogres, but that would work better in GH (FR is a serious setting). Anyhow, the Shrek movies are great inspiration for how to turn normal 'fairy tales' on their head.
'Illusionati' is great. 
So are the rest - I have several RW derivations of 'mythical' groups as well. One group of gnomes that are very.... ummmm... much a racial stereotype (not the actual race, but rather an exaggerated version of the stereotype itself). I unfortunately can't describe them here for fear of offending people. They run the international 'banking system' (which is called the Usurer's Consortium). Think of The Goblins (Gringotts) from Harry Potter. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 03 Apr 2011 16:46:58 |
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MalariaMoon
Learned Scribe
324 Posts |
Posted - 04 Apr 2011 : 03:00:03
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My current campaign takes place in Chessenta so I've been dipping into a lot of Greek mythology without trying to be too derivative. We're currently pre-Tchazzar and pre-Time of Troubles; in the next part of the campaign the adventurers will be getting involved in the wars between different city-states, I've been (trying) to read the 'History of the Peloponessian Wars for ideas.
I also have a mercenary company in the campaign called the Sacred Swords of Sune; all the warriors in the band are romantic couples, the idea being that if the person at your side in the shield wall is not only your comrade but your lover, then you'll fight a lot harder to keep them safe. The idea stems from the RL Sacred Band of Thebes, werein all the warriors (all men) were also each others lovers.
Sorry, drifting away from fairy stories somewhat ...! |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Brynweir
Senior Scribe
USA
436 Posts |
Posted - 04 Apr 2011 : 23:14:42
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For some reason I'm thinking Mercedes Lackey used something similar to that... though it has been a long time since I read any of her work.
In a way I think a lot of what I do/ write is based on mythology. I don't know how many Greek and Roman myths I have used to spawn ideas... Prometheus comes to mind. Having people tortured by having their flesh eaten or cut away only to be healed or regenerated... I think I read that one too. There was a character doomed to have his flesh eaten by ravens during the day, then he regenerated at night...
I've used the influence of Narcissus to come up with appropriate punishments for vain people...
I might also have used Midas to think of ways to punish people by granting their own wishes  |
Anyone who likes to read something that's really dark and gritty and completely awesome ought to read The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. You can check out a little taste at www.BrentWeeks.com I should probably warn you, though, that it is definitely not PG-13 :-D
He also started a new Trilogy with Black Prism, which may even surpass the Night Angel Trilogy in its awesomeness.
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MalariaMoon
Learned Scribe
324 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2011 : 08:08:05
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Speaking of Midas, I developed an artifact based on the legend of Astaroth (an aspect of Gargauth recounted in Powers and Pantheons). The legend, detailed in Powers of Pantheons, tells of a dwarven minstrel who visited a dwarfhold. To the dwarves' delight, everything Astaroth touched turned to gold. Unfortunately, when an orc horde descended on their fortress the following day, they discovered all their arms and armour had also been transformed to gold - very pretty, but pretty useless when fighting off an invading army!
I added to the legend, imagining that the dwarf thane cut his own throat in despair as his kin fell about him. The knife also turned to gold, and became a powerful but cursed artifact of Gargauth (if you're interested, there's a full write-up on the latest page of the Candlekeep magic shop).
@ Alystra - The Mighty Aphrodites sounds fun, and if Woody Allen is their leader you should make him a randy old gnome! |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2011 : 17:37:00
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quote:
Originally posted by MalariaMoon
Speaking of Midas, I developed an artifact based on the legend of Astaroth (an aspect of Gargauth recounted in Powers and Pantheons). The legend, detailed in Powers of Pantheons, tells of a dwarven minstrel who visited a dwarfhold. To the dwarves' delight, everything Astaroth touched turned to gold. Unfortunately, when an orc horde descended on their fortress the following day, they discovered all their arms and armour had also been transformed to gold - very pretty, but pretty useless when fighting off an invading army!
I added to the legend, imagining that the dwarf thane cut his own throat in despair as his kin fell about him. The knife also turned to gold, and became a powerful but cursed artifact of Gargauth (if you're interested, there's a full write-up on the latest page of the Candlekeep magic shop).
@ Alystra - The Mighty Aphrodites sounds fun, and if Woody Allen is their leader you should make him a randy old gnome!
 Cursed Artifact of Gargauth!
MINE! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2011 : 00:03:22
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There's always the headless Zhent.
Gawd, I love bringing that up. In the words of Bugs Bunny, "Ain't I a stinker?" 
Anyhow, the real Grimm's Fairy Tales were pretty damn grim, and they make for great fodder. The movie maybe not so much (although the time-period would be about right for the realms - very early firearms...)
You could definitely do a lot with Rumplstilskin. Sleeping Beauty is just TOO easy. Even things like the Old Woman who lived in a shoe (a Titan's shoe, maybe), or Peter-peter, pumpkin-eater (I'm picturing a sociopath who hides his victims inside the giant gourds that grow behind his cottage).
Heck, Little Miss Muffet is just begging for a drow re-make.
Old Mother Hubbard and her son, the werewolf... the list goes on and on....
EDIT: Apparently someone beat us to it - there is an entire comic based on re-visualizing (making them for 'grown-ups') fairy tales, called, quite appropriately, Grimm Fairy Tales. Although I can't post individual covers, because some are quite Risque', that link shows a really cool cover from the 50th issue, which shows many of the characters they have re-imagined. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 06 Apr 2011 00:18:05 |
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Fellfire
Master of Realmslore
1965 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2011 : 00:51:56
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| Some very cool pics featuring the Big, Bad Wolf. I especially like the last one down on the left. |
Misanthorpe
Love is a lie. Only hate endures. Light is blinding. Only in darkness do we see clearly.
"Oh, you think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, by then it was nothing to me but.. blinding. The shadows betray you because they belong to me." - Bane The Dark Knight Rises
Green Dragonscale Dice Bag by Crystalsidyll - check it out
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Edited by - Fellfire on 06 Apr 2011 00:58:11 |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2011 : 03:07:07
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I have the whole collection of those and they're fantastic. :) I also love their remakes of Alice in Wonderland.
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
EDIT: Apparently someone beat us to it - there is an entire comic based on re-visualizing (making them for 'grown-ups') fairy tales, called, quite appropriately, Grimm Fairy Tales. Although I can't post individual covers, because some are quite Risque', that link shows a really cool cover from the 50th issue, which shows many of the characters they have re-imagined.
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For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2011 : 04:07:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
I have the whole collection of those and they're fantastic. :) I also love their remakes of Alice in Wonderland.
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
EDIT: Apparently someone beat us to it - there is an entire comic based on re-visualizing (making them for 'grown-ups') fairy tales, called, quite appropriately, Grimm Fairy Tales. Although I can't post individual covers, because some are quite Risque', that link shows a really cool cover from the 50th issue, which shows many of the characters they have re-imagined.
I dropped off from this series a while back... but I'm regretting it now, as I'm looking over some of the classic tales they're currently re-telling. |
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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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2011 : 05:20:46
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There were also the Marvel Fairy Tales line for a while- re-telling classic fairy tales using the characters of the MU. Some of them were very good!
Um, MT- you DO realize what "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin-eater" was REALLY about, right? Read the lines about "keeping" his wife, and then tell me you don't get a good laugh! (And I don't even want to get started on the meaning of "Georgie-Porgie", or "Rub-a-dub-dub"....)
Edit: And That just reminded me of another- "Ring Around the Rosie" might make for a really fun adventure hook! Perhaps there's a prophesy about a plague- in the form of a simple poem.... |
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 |
Edited by - Alystra Illianniis on 06 Apr 2011 05:22:32 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 07 Apr 2011 : 08:16:01
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Hmph.
According to Wiki, its based on an older nursery rhyme called Eeper Weeper.
Rather violent, those old Brits.
The dead body stuffed up the chimney has definite D&D possibilities, though.
Humpty Dumpty could be an unfortunate Warforged lookout.
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"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Fables and Fairy Tales
