| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Jan 2013 : 14:12:36
|
An odd thing that just popped into my head for a title:
Plothooks: A Fisherman's guide to the Realms
Its kind of a play-on-words, but it may be too subtle. I picture adventures always 'fishing' for clues (Scooby Scooby Doo!)
I know its not really a good title, I just thought I'd share one of the weird directions my mind likes to run in sometimes. Anyhoo, I'd love to see a book just dedicated to all the 'nefarious schemes' going on behind closed doors in The Realms. As part of that they should include an entire section on trade and trading costers. I'm at the back of Paizo's Inner Sea Guide at this point and there's a cool section on major trade routes. Why don't we ever get neat stuff like that? (in a campaign guide, not spread all over the place in a dozen books) |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
 |
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2013 : 15:00:42
|
As a chapter title, perhaps. But as a book title, hmmm...It's kinda misleading, IMHO. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11883 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2013 : 15:14:47
|
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
I'd like to see more stuff on noble house spies. I've been reading information about spies found in An Overview of Chondath (on the Bard's Rumors shelf) and it occurred to me there are a ton of spies for pretty much very noble family out there, all over the Realms.
Seems like there would be a handful of really good stories to tell from all those spies doing their work.
I second this. What an interesting yarn it'll be.
It would also be fun if the stories are connected to previous novels, like how Dmitra's spies worked to undermine Szass Tam's forces, or how Sembian/Shadovar spies managed to infiltrate Waterdeep.
That would be pretty cool if they did some fill in on events previously covered. They may not even need to involve the main characters of those books like you say if the events are broad reaching. Naturally, it could be from any time period of the realms too... so during Netheril... during the foundation of Dambrath... during the uprising in Tethyr in the 1350's... during the formative years of Thay (in those decades after the war but before the Zulkir system had taken hold)... during the war between Mulhorand and Unther... during the rise of Thayd and the Theurgist adepts... during the rise of Zhengyi in Vaasa/Damara BEFORE he killed off King Virdin Bloodfeathers... any of the myriad princedoms of Impiltur. I'd recommend staying away from Cormyr, Waterdeep, Neverwinter, and Sembia though, as they've gotten a lot of attention the last few years. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2013 : 15:27:02
|
The main characters can still be involved, though should be minimally. Or they can just be mentioned in passing...
Those places are good suggestions. I second all of them. And you're right about the last part, specially Cormyr. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1600 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2013 : 15:40:38
|
A spy with access to illusory spells or mechanical gadgets? Maybe he could be a gnome...
"My name is Gwynfronthalessuriantelandras, Nefringultanelessimadurian Gwynfronthalessuriantelandras..."  |
"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) |
|
|
|
Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2013 : 16:32:48
|
quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
A spy with access to illusory spells or mechanical gadgets? Maybe he could be a gnome...
"My name is Gwynfronthalessuriantelandras, Nefringultanelessimadurian Gwynfronthalessuriantelandras..."
I thought Gwynfronthalessuriantelandras was a female name.  |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2013 : 16:40:01
|
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
The main characters can still be involved, though should be minimally. Or they can just be mentioned in passing..
THIS |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
|
|
|
Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2013 : 17:56:20
|
Inasmuch as spying involves intrigue, maybe it would be interesting to get a compilation of spy stories that all involve helping Mask regain his lost power and the portfolio of intrigue. Each story is independent, but we get a "Mask's Eye View" as the deity watches intrigue unfold and maybe uses those moments to remember his own past (as a mortal--he was mortal once, right?), so we get some juicy details about his back history.
Note: I'm not sure what Mask's current status is in the Realms. Just an idea. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2013 : 00:40:35
|
He's supposed to be subsumed by Shar (as shown in the last part of Shadworealm). But Ed mentioned some subtle hints of Mask's "return." And given what a sneaky bastard Mask is, it's very likely.
That's a good suggestion, though I wouldn't want the story to be focused on his life after ascension. Half on his mortal days, and the other half on the lives of the mortals (not necessarily his priests and Chosen) he controlled, influenced, or manipulated to carry out his schemes. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2013 : 12:16:21
|
I am personally certain that Mask will make a comeback.
The way he said "I have a secret" as he died showed that his intrigues have not yet come to an end. |
|
|
|
Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jan 2013 : 02:19:49
|
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
True enough but on average your normal elf was considered more attractive than your normal human. Certainly one cant say that elves are the same as humans but if your race has the reputation of being aloof and uninterested in the doings of others then isn't this actually of great advantage to you as a spy. People will let down their guard and say things in front of you which they may not otherwise to give one example.
In our society the more common belief is that if someone looks young and beautiful that they are also foolish and naive. "Dumb blondes" is an good example of that.
I will certainly attest to that. You guys wouldn't believe how often people don't take you seriously or treat you like "a kid" when you look much younger than you are(36, but look about 22), especially if you happen to be small(I'm 5') in stature. But then again, people will say things in front of a supposed "kid" than they would if they realized that "kid" was actually older than they are! Hrm, maybe I'd make a good spy.... |
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 |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jan 2013 : 02:58:23
|
Looks certainly plays a great role in spying. Or rather, one's ability to "blend." You wouldn't want to be an eagle amidst a flock of ravens. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jan 2013 : 11:00:03
|
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
True enough but on average your normal elf was considered more attractive than your normal human. Certainly one cant say that elves are the same as humans but if your race has the reputation of being aloof and uninterested in the doings of others then isn't this actually of great advantage to you as a spy. People will let down their guard and say things in front of you which they may not otherwise to give one example.
In our society the more common belief is that if someone looks young and beautiful that they are also foolish and naive. "Dumb blondes" is an good example of that.
I will certainly attest to that. You guys wouldn't believe how often people don't take you seriously or treat you like "a kid" when you look much younger than you are(36, but look about 22), especially if you happen to be small(I'm 5') in stature. But then again, people will say things in front of a supposed "kid" than they would if they realized that "kid" was actually older than they are! Hrm, maybe I'd make a good spy....
You probably would. Let me know if you get into Langley.
Even my mom has that exact same problem, she is also petite and youthful looking. When I was younger everyone used to assume that we were brother and sister. |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jan 2013 : 15:40:30
|
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I am personally certain that Mask will make a comeback.
The way he said "I have a secret" as he died showed that his intrigues have not yet come to an end.
Here's the thing - having gods like Mask, Vhaeraun & Leira show up again make a lot of sense, considering what they are all about. Because of who they are/were, its fairly easy to explain in-game ("it was their plan all along!")
others are a bit trickier, but still explainable within their portfoilos (usually). Why would a Mystra come back? Because the magic is still there - its just been unleashed. The Weave wasn't just a 'big net', it had multiple dimensions and infused everything. It was more like a container, and now it is broken. You gather-up all that magical soup and put it back into something a "Wallah", new Mystra/Mystyl.
A deity like Ibrandul would be harder (which is a shame, because I really liked Ibrandul). However, I can think of a couple of good ways they can explain-away how all the gods are back (using The Sundering event, which I am almost thinking of as a "Be careful what you wish for" scenario played-out for the gods). I think someone may have actually used that exact expression in one of the Gencon talks. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 06 Jan 2013 15:42:35 |
|
|
|
Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2013 : 14:04:41
|
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I am personally certain that Mask will make a comeback.
The way he said "I have a secret" as he died showed that his intrigues have not yet come to an end.
Here's the thing - having gods like Mask, Vhaeraun & Leira show up again make a lot of sense, considering what they are all about. Because of who they are/were, its fairly easy to explain in-game ("it was their plan all along!")
others are a bit trickier, but still explainable within their portfoilos (usually). Why would a Mystra come back? Because the magic is still there - its just been unleashed. The Weave wasn't just a 'big net', it had multiple dimensions and infused everything. It was more like a container, and now it is broken. You gather-up all that magical soup and put it back into something a "Wallah", new Mystra/Mystyl.
A deity like Ibrandul would be harder (which is a shame, because I really liked Ibrandul). However, I can think of a couple of good ways they can explain-away how all the gods are back (using The Sundering event, which I am almost thinking of as a "Be careful what you wish for" scenario played-out for the gods). I think someone may have actually used that exact expression in one of the Gencon talks.
While I hope some of the gods such as Mask and Mystra make a comeback. I dont believe that every slain god should be resurrected.
Some like Tyr deserved their demise and others died in a spectacular enough fashion.
To resurrect everyone would cheapen their deaths in the first place. |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2013 : 14:29:35
|
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
To resurrect everyone would cheapen their deaths in the first place.
Manshoon's clones enable him to be "resurrected" so many times. Does that make him very, very, very cheap?! |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Realms of Spies
