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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Feb 2012 : 09:56:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Tarlyn
On the Shadovar front, I think the Shades could have been really cool, if they interacted with the setting in a meaningful way rather than just being able to slaughter anyone that opposes them, but choosing not to just dominate the world. Also, what do the Shades do other than plot to take over the world? I mean the Zhentarim and cult of the dragon could both attract members that didn't exclusively believe in murdering puppies for entertainment. Both organizations attracted Merchants that wanted the benefits of safer caravan travel and extra money for strong arming competition, or smuggling. If the Shadovar actually participated in trade and politics, and say where just as powerful as the Zulkirs or Chosen of Mystra rather than more powerful they could be a cool new power group (in the old setting). The Shadovar are more or less the uncomplicated bad guys, there really isn't a good reason to ever negotiate with them.
If you haven't yet, I recommend you read Paul's novels.
Shade controls Sembia by proxies. It conducts trades via covert agents. And they don't murder puppies for entertainment, only when the enemies prove to be more than a mere nuisance, like the Zhents. Telamont and most of the princes prefer subtle manipulation to blatant slaughter. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2012 : 12:08:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Tarlyn
On the Shadovar front, I think the Shades could have been really cool, if they interacted with the setting in a meaningful way rather than just being able to slaughter anyone that opposes them, but choosing not to just dominate the world. Also, what do the Shades do other than plot to take over the world? I mean the Zhentarim and cult of the dragon could both attract members that didn't exclusively believe in murdering puppies for entertainment. Both organizations attracted Merchants that wanted the benefits of safer caravan travel and extra money for strong arming competition, or smuggling. If the Shadovar actually participated in trade and politics, and say where just as powerful as the Zulkirs or Chosen of Mystra rather than more powerful they could be a cool new power group (in the old setting). The Shadovar are more or less the uncomplicated bad guys, there really isn't a good reason to ever negotiate with them.
If you haven't yet, I recommend you read Paul's novels.
Shade controls Sembia by proxies. It conducts trades via covert agents. And they don't murder puppies for entertainment, only when the enemies prove to be more than a mere nuisance, like the Zhents. Telamont and most of the princes prefer subtle manipulation to blatant slaughter.
They are a devious and cunning people but that very fact makes any sor of treaty with them meaningless because you know they will eventually betray you. At most you will be given the honour of being conquered last. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2012 : 20:00:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Tarlyn
On the Shadovar front, I think the Shades could have been really cool, if they interacted with the setting in a meaningful way rather than just being able to slaughter anyone that opposes them, but choosing not to just dominate the world. Also, what do the Shades do other than plot to take over the world? I mean the Zhentarim and cult of the dragon could both attract members that didn't exclusively believe in murdering puppies for entertainment. Both organizations attracted Merchants that wanted the benefits of safer caravan travel and extra money for strong arming competition, or smuggling. If the Shadovar actually participated in trade and politics, and say where just as powerful as the Zulkirs or Chosen of Mystra rather than more powerful they could be a cool new power group (in the old setting). The Shadovar are more or less the uncomplicated bad guys, there really isn't a good reason to ever negotiate with them.
If you haven't yet, I recommend you read Paul's novels.
Shade controls Sembia by proxies. It conducts trades via covert agents. And they don't murder puppies for entertainment, only when the enemies prove to be more than a mere nuisance, like the Zhents. Telamont and most of the princes prefer subtle manipulation to blatant slaughter.
They are a devious and cunning people but that very fact makes any sor of treaty with them meaningless because you know they will eventually betray you. At most you will be given the honour of being conquered last.
Hence, the proxies and spies.
Also, their manipulation usually leaves their neighbor/potential target helpless. Sembia was engaged in a civil war that could have spelled its utter destruction (the cause of which was the Shadovar's brilliant manipulation, with no trace that could lead to their involvement). And no one, not even Cormanthor nor Cormyr wanted to extend a helping hand. Except Shade. Now, who would deny such help if you know you're in the losing end? |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Xnella Moonblade-Thann
Learned Scribe
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2012 : 10:31:36
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| I see the Moonstars as a specialized group of Harpers under Khelben's command, and in my Realms the two different "teams" work together. Though they fight and argue like siblings do, neither will ignore the other when danger comes a-calling. And I never had Khelben leave the Harpers, nor did he die, but that's the way I had to make a few of my plotlines work for two of my characters. |
"Sweet water and light laughter until next we meet." - traditional elven farewell
Please forgive any spelling and grammer errors, as my android touch-screen phone has no spellchecker. If I do make a grammer mistake, please let me know and I'll try to fix it.
New laptop, still trying to sort my "scrolls" on its shelves...and when will this cursed thing stop doing things I tell it not to?  |
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Doge
Seeker
73 Posts |
Posted - 07 Apr 2012 : 18:21:36
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| I'll go with the Moonstars. The harpers are just too good for my taste and never really piqued my interest. The moonstars on the other hand does whatever needs to be done and they kind of understand that some evil is necessary for the promotion of good, or at least peace or balance. Plus it's Khelben's crew and for some reason I just trust Khelben above anyone else in the realms. |
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Xnella Moonblade-Thann
Learned Scribe
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2012 : 07:12:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Doge
Plus it's Khelben's crew and for some reason I just trust Khelben above anyone else in the realms.
That's because he's always trying to get people to use magic responsibly, to think of the consequences of casting the spell before actually doing so. He's learned from his mistakes in his nearly 1000 years walking the Realms. |
"Sweet water and light laughter until next we meet." - traditional elven farewell
Please forgive any spelling and grammer errors, as my android touch-screen phone has no spellchecker. If I do make a grammer mistake, please let me know and I'll try to fix it.
New laptop, still trying to sort my "scrolls" on its shelves...and when will this cursed thing stop doing things I tell it not to? |
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Moonstars vs. Harpers
