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Cassie5squared
Acolyte
United Kingdom
33 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2012 : 22:53:51
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Another question for Ed, this time on behalf of a friend; in the time of Azoun IV's reign, what would be the likelihood of a non-noble-born person being granted a knighthood and/or title? (The character is a half-orc born in Cormyr, with one human Cormyrean parent.) She mostly wants to know if it's at all plausible.
Thanking both Ed and Lady THO in advance! |
"Why do any of us get up in the morning? Why, for the joy and fun the day might bring us, if we're awake to see it! Up, then, and find ye fun!" - Elminster of Shadowdale
"And from the flames As chance would have it The Soulforged will come into light~" - Blind Guardian, "The Soulforged" |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2012 : 23:34:29
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I received a reply (sort of) from Brian Cortijo regarding Cormyr's nobility. Rather then continue down that train of thought, I am inspired to ask a more general question on the subject:
Kings create nobility, correct? Just like our RW? I understand that in Cormyr ONLY the king may create new nobility (or strip a family of its titles). How does it work elsewhere in the Realms? Are the nobles of one realm accorded equal status in another realm? Kingdoms are rising and falling all the time in FR - some of them quite tiny - are those kings actually recognized as nobility by others? Is there some sort of 'waiting period'? How about folks ennobled by these 'petty kings'? If someone sets themselves up as a king, and makes his constituents all nobles, will the heralds at some point actually recognize all of those noble houses? How does Waterdeep get nobles?
How does this work? Seems to me, anyone with a sword, some friends, and the will to do so can make themselves a noble, or even a king. Is this why the 'status' of nobility is so much less then that of our own RW medieval period? (That they are really just commoners with fancy titles?) |
"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 21 Sep 2012 23:37:44 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2012 : 23:55:03
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One
Oooh, great question! dravenloft, I can clearly recall a sudden fad among adventurers in the Moonsea North, Dales, Sembia, Cormyr, and Lake of Dragons area, in 1357 DR, for using bucklers (the small, round, hand-sized shields). Great in unexpected duels or close-quarters taverm brawls, but of less utility against orcs or barbarians whaling away at you with huge axes or two-handed swords. That fad was followed by a fashion that lasted for four years (and in some cases clung for another decade or so) for wearing a huge plate-armored "battle arm" (sleeve, fastened at shoulder and wrist, and covering one arm in a properly-jointed but massively armored [[and adorned]] assembly of overlapping and sliding armor plates that covered one arm from shoulder to wrist. Worn even with festive clothing, not just "when armored and ready for war." As the creator of all of this, Ed can, of course, elaborate. love, THO
I quite liked this tidbit from the other day, and mentioned in an email to Ed that I was making a dwarf NPC with a battle arm. He added:
quote: Ah, yes, battle arms. Remember that they are great places to wear hidden keys, lockpicks, pionards and "knitting needle daggers," and for a dwarf to latch a detachable drinking-cup to . . . :}
I'm sure there will be still more to follow, but -- as we all know -- Edlore must be shared! |
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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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Sightless
Senior Scribe
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - 22 Sep 2012 : 00:03:39
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Battle arms... "Haziki Ktzi?" I wonder if any of them had "fetchers and Breakers" attached to the battle arm.
There's nothing wrong in transporting something from reality into FR, is there?
*darts head back and forth listening for the sound of arms raised to hurl foodstuffs in general direction* |
We choose to live a lie, when we see with, & not through the eye.
Every decision, no matter the evidence, is a leap of faith; if it were not, then it wouldn't be a choice at all. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31788 Posts |
Posted - 22 Sep 2012 : 01:58:38
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quote: Originally posted by Markustay
Kings create nobility, correct? Just like our RW? I understand that in Cormyr ONLY the king may create new nobility (or strip a family of its titles). How does it work elsewhere in the Realms? Are the nobles of one realm accorded equal status in another realm? Kingdoms are rising and falling all the time in FR - some of them quite tiny - are those kings actually recognized as nobility by others? Is there some sort of 'waiting period'? How about folks ennobled by these 'petty kings'? If someone sets themselves up as a king, and makes his constituents all nobles, will the heralds at some point actually recognize all of those noble houses? How does Waterdeep get nobles?
Granted, I'm going from [probably faulty] memories, but wasn't there a section in Power of Faerūn that sort of dealt with this, Markus? |
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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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 22 Sep 2012 : 02:11:23
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I wouldn't know.
Thats one tome I never bothered with. I'll have to look into it - thanks Sage. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31788 Posts |
Posted - 22 Sep 2012 : 03:11:32
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It's been a while since I've read it, but I do distinctly recall the "Order in the Court" chapter offering tidbits of Realmslore on how the process of achieving nobility often works in places like Waterdeep and Cormyr. |
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 Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 22 Sep 2012 : 19:02:36
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Hi again, all. Ed is off at Phantasm right now, but I'll try a quick'n'dirty set of replies to Markustay until Ed gets back to properly reply... "Kings create nobility, correct?" No. Heralds and local laws/customs recognize nobles. Monarchs create NEW nobles. "Just like our RW?" Differs from country to country in our RW. "I understand that in Cormyr ONLY the king may create new nobility (or strip a family of its titles). How does it work elsewhere in the Realms?" Differently. In all sorts of ways, from place to place. "Are the nobles of one realm accorded equal status in another realm?" Usually not. Money talks, so wealthy nobles may be fawned over by innkeepers, et al, but that's a different thing. "Kingdoms are rising and falling all the time in FR - some of them quite tiny - are those kings actually recognized as nobility by others?" No. "Is there some sort of 'waiting period'? How about folks ennobled by these 'petty kings'? If someone sets themselves up as a king, and makes his constituents all nobles, will the heralds at some point actually recognize all of those noble houses?" Yes, at some point the heralds will. They "keep score," because disputes are many. "How does Waterdeep get nobles?" That's VERY complicated, and Ed has addressed it in print. Here at the Keep, years back, and in several sources since (incl. Power of Faerun). "How does this work? Seems to me, anyone with a sword, some friends, and the will to do so can make themselves a noble, or even a king. Is this why the 'status' of nobility is so much less then that of our own RW medieval period? (That they are really just commoners with fancy titles?)" Yes, and yes. :} Yet Ed should really address all the nuances of this one. love, THO |
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rjfras
Learned Scribe
261 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2012 : 04:37:05
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My question concerns the three spring festivals, Imbolic, Greengrass and Beltane, especially Greengrass.
In the northern part of Faerun, Greengrass is the official beginning of spring, a day of relaxation. Flowers that have been carefully grown in the inner rooms of the keeps and temples during the winter are blessed and cast out upon the snow to bring rich growth in the season ahead.
Are these three holidays observed in a place like Sammaresh in Lapaliiya which is warm/hot all year and if so, what differences are there in the celebrations?
Thanks. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2012 : 18:54:41
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Thank you for that quick response THO...
...and that other response as well.
All excellent information, and I am looking forward to anything Ed would like to add. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2012 : 20:06:57
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quote: Originally posted by Markustay
How does this work? Seems to me, anyone with a sword, some friends, and the will to do so can make themselves a noble, or even a king. Is this why the 'status' of nobility is so much less then that of our own RW medieval period? (That they are really just commoners with fancy titles?)
The original way to become a noble in Sweden was to be able to provide a man in full knightly armour with a horse whenever the king mustered the troops - so at least in these parts you didn't need the friends. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist. Terry Pratchett |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2012 : 22:06:22
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Well... yeah... thats how it began just about everywhere. It became much more complicated later on. Once the church got involved, the whole thing turned into a convoluted mess (as did everything else).
At this point, I think the 'Age of Chivalry' is just a myth. It should have been called 'the Age of jerks'. I think Game of Thrones is a much more accurate portrayal of how things really were then any king Arthur-type tales.
Do Cormyrian nobles have any responsibilities, at all? |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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rjfras
Learned Scribe
261 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2012 : 00:16:48
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quote: Originally posted by rjfras
My question concerns the three spring festivals, Imbolic, Greengrass and Beltane, especially Greengrass.
In the northern part of Faerun, Greengrass is the official beginning of spring, a day of relaxation. Flowers that have been carefully grown in the inner rooms of the keeps and temples during the winter are blessed and cast out upon the snow to bring rich growth in the season ahead.
Are these three holidays observed in a place like Sammaresh in Lapaliiya which is warm/hot all year and if so, what differences are there in the celebrations?
Thanks.
A follow-up to this question. What kinds of flowers would be used in these celebrations around Sammaresh? Are there any new realms flowers from this area you could tell us about and are they edible to humans? |
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CorellonsDevout
Great Reader
USA
2708 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2012 : 05:32:43
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Hey Ed and THO!
I was just wondering what kind of music Ed likes to listen to (if any) when he is writing? |
Sweet water and light laughter |
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Marco Volo
Learned Scribe
France
204 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2012 : 07:51:30
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quote: a "pressbow" is a crude factory machine based on an oversized stationary crossbow, its force used not to fire quarrels/bolts but to operate sharp metal stamps to cut leather or soft metals or wax or even cheese. Pressbows were invented (or refined, depending on whom you believe) by a gnome leatherworker named Albryn Telnhand in a workshop along Pressbow Alley around 1226 DR or so. They are still used today, though largely superceded by "stamping mills" that use cranked weights (descending atop a long cutting bar like a guillotine fashioned for lopping off a dozen heads in a row at once) to drive multiple cutters in a single descent. (This comes straight from Ed's notes.)
I understand now why my dictionary didn't have such unformation about "pressbow" Great thanks Ed and THO ! See you |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1600 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2012 : 16:17:45
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Dear Ed and THO,
I was reading the "Jonah and the Whale" story, and the prophet bought his passage from Jope to Tarsis. This made me wonder one thing: how much would people pay to travel by ship through the Realms? I know it would depend on the ship, distance, time of travel, and maybe even on the weather, so I'll specify a little more: how much a passage would cost from Waterdeep: to the Moonshaes; to Neverwinter; to Luskan and; to Baldur's Gate, around 1368 DR? Further details are very welcome (months when it's possible - or impossible - to travel, and so on). Thank you in advance! |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be fought for to be attained and maintained. Lead by example. Let your deeds speak your intentions. Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph" (by Ed Greenwood) |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2012 : 18:48:58
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Hi again, all. CorellonsDevout, although Ed comes from a very musical family, enjoys music a lot, and has the largest collection of LPs and CDs I've ever seen, in recent years he stopped writing to music and now prefers to write in silence. As he put it: "The problem is that my ears are hearing something martial or uplifting or full of doom or sad, and as I write I feel the moods created by the music and think what I'm writing is full of that, too - - but it isn't. When I read the words, afterwards, they're empty. Flat. Emotionless and lacking all colour. The music was providing emotion and colour and driving the pacing, and without it, the result is hollow. So I now write in silence, to the much softer accompaniment of certain musical passages I call up from memory, that don't seem to do the same damage." However, in the past Ed wrote to all sorts of music (literally, from medieval recreations to just-released avante garde stuff), and it worked for him and may well work for others. love, THO |
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CorellonsDevout
Great Reader
USA
2708 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2012 : 04:54:14
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Thank you for that, I was just curious. I listen to music when I write, and even though it usually has no connection to the scene, I still like to hear it, so I was wondering what Ed's preference was :) |
Sweet water and light laughter |
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xaeyruudh
Master of Realmslore
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2012 : 18:50:05
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One
Hi again, all. CorellonsDevout, although Ed comes from a very musical family, enjoys music a lot, and has the largest collection of LPs and CDs I've ever seen, in recent years he stopped writing to music and now prefers to write in silence.
Thank you from me too. I've found something similar to be true for me, but I've lacked support or a cohesive explanation for it. Friends think I'm bizarre for almost never having music on, but my overworked/underfed brain has to work at its own pace and music tries too hard to command and direct... I feel like I'm battling the sound, without benefit, so ... anyway, thanks for sharing this. It's good to know I'm not simply not-alone, but I'm enjoying the quiet (punctuated with humming and dittying) with the world's busiest guy. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2012 : 21:17:02
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Working on another map ATM (I know... I just can't help myself...), and I've run into a bit of a conundrum (what a surprise).
Was the scale of your Realms smaller? I am working on the area around Evereska and it seems to me rather odd that the Hill of Lost Souls is located two hard days ride from the Battle of the Bones. Wasn't that hill used as a triage center for the battle? Seems to me, most folk would have died en route.
Any input on this would be most appreciated (and don't feel compelled to rush me an answer - I have to follow the canon maps regardless, so it gets placed where it gets placed - this is more along the lines of "my own curiosity"). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Jakuta Khan
Senior Scribe
496 Posts |
Posted - 27 Sep 2012 : 10:10:46
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Dear Ed, dear THO,
for quite a while I was wondering what might dwell in the dwarven City behind the wailing Dwarf.
In all the editions so far, only the "entry area" has been described, with eventually a "Troll kingdom" stretching into the city a bit, but long ago now.
Can you share some hints / information as of what inhabitants there are nowadays?
thank you in advance. |
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NineCoronas
Acolyte
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 27 Sep 2012 : 19:10:40
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quote: Originally posted by NineCoronas
Hooded One/Ed Greenwood
Hello,
I am (among other projects), researching a character for the Neverwinter Nights roleplay server Arelith. Her story is inspired by Joan-of-Arc, in that Mystra appears to her in a series of visions, grants her intuitive knowledge and powers (directly knights her as a Paladin and some knowledge about her) and gives her a mission that is sort of a mix between the three Mystran order's directives and her own dogma.
To this end, I had some questions, for authenticity sake:
1) What are the lyrics to the Hymn of the Lady?
2) What are common oaths a Paladin of Mystra takes?
3) How would the established churches of Mystra react to a Paladin of their goddess that does not integrate with their organizations?
4) What exactly happens in a typical 15th of Marpenoth (Reference: 3.5ed's Mystra's ascension) celebration? Are they big groups, or on a smaller, personal level?
5) How driven is/was Mystra to interdict in Bane's machinations? Enough to send her followers to fight his?
6) What actions would a Paladin have to take for Mystra to strip him/her of his powers? How forgiving of mistakes is she (I.E., a Paladin is tricked into something, etc.)?
7) What are Mystra's direct desires, as opposed to the interpretations of such that her mortal followers have developed, if there is a difference between the two at all.
8) What colors are Paladin's of Mystra required to wear... and in the same vein as the above question, is it Mystra that requires them to wear those colors, or the religious order?
Thank you for answering these questions (in advance). I'm interested in hearing it right from the horses mouth >:)>
Cheers!
-NineCoronas
Bumping so it doesn't get lost >:)> |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 27 Sep 2012 : 23:01:48
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Not lost, promise! Ed's just snowed under these last few days (and nights; I understand he was cooking into the wee hours last night with the family visiting, so I hope he snatches some chances to answer lore queries for you and other scribes again, soon...). love, THO |
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althen artren
Senior Scribe
USA
780 Posts |
Posted - 27 Sep 2012 : 23:28:52
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Is there a paladin order to Azuth? I thought I have seen something about one, but I just can't remember.
Ms. Hoody, this one is for you. Can you give us some landmarks, abandoned towers, estates, settlements, Harper drop sites, and what-nots under the trees of Cormanthor. I want to put more things on my Dalelands maps. |
Edited by - althen artren on 28 Sep 2012 00:48:06 |
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NineCoronas
Acolyte
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2012 : 15:32:15
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*Relief* Thanks THO :-) |
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Cassie5squared
Acolyte
United Kingdom
33 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2012 : 10:00:29
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quote: Originally posted by althen artren
Is there a paladin order to Azuth? I thought I have seen something about one, but I just can't remember.
Ms. Hoody, this one is for you. Can you give us some landmarks, abandoned towers, estates, settlements, Harper drop sites, and what-nots under the trees of Cormanthor. I want to put more things on my Dalelands maps.
Ooh, this caught my interest. Are there many such sites (especially Harper-related ones) elsewhere in the realms, particularly on the Sword Coast and in the Lands of Intrigue, and could we have a list of some of them? |
"Why do any of us get up in the morning? Why, for the joy and fun the day might bring us, if we're awake to see it! Up, then, and find ye fun!" - Elminster of Shadowdale
"And from the flames As chance would have it The Soulforged will come into light~" - Blind Guardian, "The Soulforged" |
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xaeyruudh
Master of Realmslore
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2012 : 17:03:50
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In the original gray box, an example is given of why it's better for DMs not to give players access to specific "factual" information in the campaign, in this case NPC levels/etc. The line is "Hey, let's go over to Bugtown, the mayor there is only a 5th level fighter!"
This has me wondering, and smirking. It's the sort of thing I'd try to start a conversation with Ed about at a con if I had the chance. I'm sure I'd kick myself later, for asking such a "dumb" question, but I'd also kick myself if I didn't ask.
Part I, specifically regarding Bugtown: is this now or was it ever a place in your Realms (or another setting that you've written)? If it is in your Realms, does our wonderfully devoted THO have permission to share any of her notes with those of us who would find it terribly fun to include such a place in our games just because it sounds so wonky and yet we know you've done something clever/painful with it? Did you specifically write that outburst for the DM's Sourcebook of the Realms, and did you picture one of your players uttering it? Was it based on something someone actually said at the table? Not asking for names, of course; just wondering whether it's an "inside joke" kind of thing now between you.
I'm not trying to take it too seriously. I'm just thinking that there's a school of thought (at least one) which suggests that when a thing is named, it comes into some sort of being. Based on that, ...
Part II, more generally about previously-nonexistent names being dropped by other authors (or by yourself): do you ever/often/routinely write something in this sort of situation? Are there now-published examples in the Realms; names which once spontaneously appeared on the page as something else was being described, and which thereafter "demanded" to be developed?
edit: I'm going to have a great laugh if Bugtown is NDA. Please be NDA... |
Edited by - xaeyruudh on 29 Sep 2012 17:12:50 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2012 : 19:26:35
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Heh. I THINK that Bugtown line is Jeff's (= Jeff Grubb), not Ed's, but...of it goes, and we'll see. :} Hugs, Ed |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2012 : 20:18:34
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'Bugtown' reminds me of "the Head of Vecna".
In other words, like Xaeyruudh says, "once you name it, it becomes real" (in some way). Kinda like "from your mouth to god's ears" sort of thing (or "Speak of the devil and he doth appear").
Question: Will there be any 'crunchy bits' in Elminster's Forgotten Realms? Not as in 'rules', but rather, 'hard information' we can use in our games? You know, like the old Volo's Guides. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2012 : 20:44:18
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I'm inclined to think that was just an example, and was not referring to anything in the Realms. |
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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