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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Aug 2013 : 18:08:03
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Question about Cormyr nobles for Ed/THO: are there any nobles/families that staunchly support the crown and Obarskyrs but -don't- do so in a public way? It occurs to me that some nobles may not want to be so open in their support, for various political or business reasons, but secretly (and constantly) act on things out of a deep loyalty and support of the crown and the Obarskyrs.
Such nobles would keep their loyalty unspoken, perhaps even from the Obarskyrs themselves, but engage in pro-crown activities (e.g. sly political deals through agents, secret funding of different groups, making supportive investments) because they strengthen the Realm and the position of the Obarskyrs.
Any nobles/families like this that you could... *ahem* reveal to us? 
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
Edited by - Therise on 04 Aug 2013 18:08:54 |
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xaeyruudh
Master of Realmslore
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2013 : 19:55:12
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Are there any lakes or rivers composed wholly or in significant part of liquids which are not water?
Edit: ...on Toril. 
Edit: This is a kinda lousy question, from the angle that I don't want to put Ed in the position of authoritatively saying "No, there are no such lakes on Toril" because that would squelch possible future ideas. Which is why he wouldn't say that. So I'm curious if any oddball lakes have been outlined so far, but if not then this question should fall dormant. 
And thanks Barastir, I'd forgotten about that one! In fact I hadn't even considered acid; I imagine there are other acidic lakes as well, both below and above the surface. My imagination was going further afield, to a lake of ale. Probably vigorously and loudly defended by a clan of dwarves, constantly working on building pipes, pumps, and channels to supply each home ("tap water") but never quite sober enough to make much progress. I ponder strange questions when I'm tired. |
Edited by - xaeyruudh on 05 Aug 2013 16:07:00 |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1600 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2013 : 13:23:38
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quote:
Originally posted by xaeyruudh
Are there any lakes or rivers composed wholly or in significant part of liquids which are not water?
Edit: ...on Toril.
I'm not Ed, but I can give you one answer: there is this lake of acid in the Underdark, where Zaknafein "died" once and for all. It's in the "Cave of the Acid Aerie" (or something like that), in one of Drizzt's books and in 2e Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. |
"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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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2013 : 14:49:10
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Ed,
In my 'Misbegotten Realms' campaign - an amalgam of many settings but FR at its heart - I was toying with the notion of having Azoun and Filfaeril's son live (who's name escapes me ATM), and what sort of repercussions that would have on the setting.
Still not sure if I want to do that, but as part of that train-of-thought, I was imagining him being gay, so as not to 'disturb' how other things turned out (trying to curtail the 'butterfly effect').
Anyhow, it made me wonder... have there been any gay male royals in Cormyr, and if so, would they be allowed to take the throne? I am only wondering this not from a 'hater' perspective, but rather, the gay royal not desiring to produce an heir. And even if it never did happen in canon, what would happen? Suppose the Crown Prince lived and turned out gay - would Vangerdehast try to manipulate events so one his sisters took the throne (my asumption here being the Mage Royal is loyal to the Realm first, the royal family second)? |
"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 05 Aug 2013 14:51:29 |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2013 : 15:29:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Anyhow, it made me wonder... have there been any gay male royals in Cormyr, and if so, would they be allowed to take the throne? I am only wondering this not from a 'hater' perspective, but rather, the gay royal not desiring to produce an heir. And even if it never did happen in canon, what would happen? Suppose the Crown Prince lived and turned out gay - would Vangerdehast try to manipulate events so one his sisters took the throne (my asumption here being the Mage Royal is loyal to the Realm first, the royal family second)?
Yes, here have been gay male royals. Yes, they have been "allowed" to take the Dragon Throne (alhough "allowing" doesn't much come into it). A royal's willingness or ability to produce an heir does not qualify or disqualify that prince's right to wear the crown. Any monarch that fails to produce an heir for whatever reason usually has heirs waiting in the wings: siblings, nephews and nieces, etc.
Specific names and dates, I'm afraid, are NDA, except to say that Vangerdahast tries to manupulate all events. That's what he does, and what he is. |
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Eli the Tanner
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
149 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2013 : 15:56:37
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Another question for the ever-mounting pile,
Ed, Are there any examples of Realmsian equivalents to staple and oft-quoted treatise like Sun Tzu's Art of War or Plato's Republic? What works would be considered 'mandatory' reading in scholarly and academic circles (not including magical works...for now) for all learned folk of the Realms?
"What! You haven't even read Erlo Elraedan's The Blood-Drenched Throne!"
Thankyou for your continuing insights into all thins Realmsy
--Eli the Tanner |
Moderator of /r/Forgotten_Realms |
Edited by - Eli the Tanner on 05 Aug 2013 15:58:19 |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2013 : 20:35:40
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I have a quick question for both Ed and THO about magic item command words. I'm running a 2e play-by-post campaign, and it's starting to look like magic items will be a recurring feature. While I'm sure there will be the inevitable trading and items wearing out, I'm also going to be making use of command words to try and limit the amount of damage they can do without needing to artificially deflate treasures (ie: you have this batch of wands! You even know what they do! You just don't know how to make them do it...)
Which made me want to ask the two of you how command words and related matters work in the home campaign. If the Knights or Company find a magical item, and it doesn't have its command words scribbled helpfully on it somewhere, how do you go about discovering its command words, especially if you're relatively low level? What are Ed's thoughts on this in general?
Many thanks, as always. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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The Arcanamach
Master of Realmslore
1847 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 02:27:42
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Sorry if this question has been asked before and for not having my exact facts straight but here goes...
I re-read Cormyr awhile back. In it there are a couple of things that happened. First, one of the Royal Mages (when she was still an apprentice) had an affair with the Crown Prince. Later, there is a Royal Mage who 'looks more like an Orbaskyr' than the reigning king. So my question is, have any of the Royal Mages (and specifically Vangerdahast) ever had Orbaskyr blood? |
I have a dream that one day, all game worlds will exist as one. |
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Mournblade
Master of Realmslore
USA
1287 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 04:46:22
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Hello Ed!
I am starting my foray now into All grain brewing, and I am wondering if you have any Faerunian Ale recipes using mundane ingredients you can share. I will brew some up and try to send them around to the scribes here.
Though air pressure can really mess beer up.
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A wizard is Never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he Early. A wizard arrives precisely when he means to... |
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Demzer
Senior Scribe
877 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 09:56:19
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Hello fellow scribes.
/bows
Well met gracious Hooded Herald of Lov--er--Lore.
/drops on his knees
Oh Great Sage, Master of Creation, Font of Truth, this unworthy scribe salutes You!
/recomposes himself
Ahem, i have some questions for He of the Greenwood, i'm a recent addition to Candlekeep and i'm still perusing all the old scrolls of lore, so if an answer has already been provided i apologize.
I'll start with a question on the gods (yes, i know, we always want to know about the gods) with a short premise: i play a MMORPG (Dungeons&Dragons Online) in which the death of a party member is signaled to the rest of the party with a loud *DING*.
On to the question: What was it like on the Fugue Plane when the Spellplague hit? What were the reactions of Kelemvor and Jergal to the flood of souls (many without a patron diety thanks to the deific death rate increase of the past years)? How did they handle the situation with more and more spellcaster's souls coming in as the after effects unfolded on all Toril and no magic deity around to collect them?
My personal (comedic) interpretation is something like this:
regular day of work on the Fugue
*DING* Jergal: "died of childbirth"
*DING* Jergal: "killed by bandits"
*DING* Jergal: "suicide"
Cyric kills Mystra
Kelemvor: "Something is happening ... How ...?!?! Midnight?!?"
Jergal (shrugging): "Such is the fate of mortals"
The Spellplague hits Toril
*DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING* *DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING**DING*...
Jergal (with an evil grin): "Jackpot!"
Kelemvor (surprised): "What the Nine Hells ...?!?!?"
Jergal (with the same evil grin): "Oh this is better than both Netheril and Jhaamdath!"
Meanwhile on Fury's Hearth
Talos (watching the events on Toril): "F**K YEAH!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH"
Talos (recomposing himself just a little): "Sending. To: all deities. Message: Party at Cynosure tonight, drinks on me." |
Edited by - Demzer on 06 Aug 2013 09:57:43 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 13:38:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
Yes, here have been gay male royals. Yes, they have been "allowed" to take the Dragon Throne (alhough "allowing" doesn't much come into it). A royal's willingness or ability to produce an heir does not qualify or disqualify that prince's right to wear the crown. Any monarch that fails to produce an heir for whatever reason usually has heirs waiting in the wings: siblings, nephews and nieces, etc.
Specific names and dates, I'm afraid, are NDA, except to say that Vangerdahast tries to manupulate all events. That's what he does, and what he is.
Thanx for the speedy response, Brian. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 13:41:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
Yes, here have been gay male royals. Yes, they have been "allowed" to take the Dragon Throne (alhough "allowing" doesn't much come into it). A royal's willingness or ability to produce an heir does not qualify or disqualify that prince's right to wear the crown. Any monarch that fails to produce an heir for whatever reason usually has heirs waiting in the wings: siblings, nephews and nieces, etc.
Specific names and dates, I'm afraid, are NDA, except to say that Vangerdahast tries to manupulate all events. That's what he does, and what he is.
Thanx for the speedy response, Brian.
No problem. This is literally the thing they keep me around for. |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 16:23:15
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quote:
Originally posted by The Arcanamach
So my question is, have any of the Royal Mages (and specifically Vangerdahast) ever had Orbaskyr blood?
Ooh, good question! |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2013 : 16:04:07
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| Given that Elminster has visited earth and has sampled some of its products, has Elminster ever sampled Viagra? |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2013 : 16:44:23
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Given that Elminster has visited earth and has sampled some of its products, has Elminster ever sampled Viagra?
From what I've read, I don't think he needs it. |
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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xaeyruudh
Master of Realmslore
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2013 : 18:25:50
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Hello! In Kozakura, year 1 begins with the ascension of Mori to the throne. What do they call this basis for numbering the years? (as opposed to Dalereckoning and the other various systems) ...I guess Kozakura Reckoning seems too simple (and western)...
I'm about to check out the other eastern timelines, so the same question will probably apply to the other realms/empires of the east. In a timeline whose headers include equivalent years in multiple systems, what should they be called?
Thankya! |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2013 : 20:06:52
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This may help...
Calendar Conversions, lifted from the The Grand History of the Realms Excerpts page on the WotC site:
quote:
Calendar Conversions
One notable feature of the timeline that the expert Faerűnian historian will notice is that we've expressed all the years in the current Dalereckoning (DR) notation. Different cultures in the Realms have used different calendars, and reconciling them has often caused sages much difficulty. See the following notes to convert DR dates to some other calendar.
Dalereckoning (DR): This human-centered calendar has become the standard way of expressing dates. Dalereckoning was established in the Year of Sunrise when men were first permitted by elves to settle in the more open regions of Cormanthor. It is also called Freeman's Reckoning.
Cormyr Reckoning (CR): This calendar starts at the founding of Cormyr by the Obarskyr Dynasty (26 DR). The use of two close but not identical calendars in the same geographic area causes historians and sages much confusion. To convert between dates you might find in other sources: DR - 25 = CR or CR + 25 = DR.
Northreckoning (NR): The calendar used throughout the city of Waterdeep, the Silver Marches, and the North. DR - 1032 = NR or NR + 1032 = DR.
Waterdeep Year (WY): Archaic Waterdeep calendar, no longer used.
Netheril Year (NY): Calendar used by the lost empire of Netheril, stemming from the Alliance of Seventon. DR + 3859 = NY or NY - 3859 = DR.
Shou Calendar: The people of Shou Lung mark the ascendancy of Nung Fu as the start of their empire's calendar. DR + 1250 = Shou Year or Shou Year - 1250 = DR.
Wa Calendar: Calendar used by the island nation of Wa in the Eastern Realms. DR + 418 = Wa Year or Wa Year - 418 = DR.
Mulhorand Calendar (MC): Ancient calendar dating from the founding of Skuld. DR + 2134 = MC or MC - 2134 = DR.
Untheric Calendar (UC): Established after the ascendancy of Gilgeam as god-king of Unther. DR + 735 = UC or UC - 735 = DR.
Aryselmalyr Calendar: Archaic calendar used by the undersea elves of Aryselmalyr at the empire's founding. DR + 11004 = AC or AC - 11004 = DR.
Timesong Calendar (TS): Calendar established at Myth Nantar and used today by most undersea inhabitants of Serôs. DR + 70 = TS or TS - 70 = TS.
Present Reckoning (PR): A newer calendar that dates the Time of Troubles as Year 0. DR - 1358 = PR or PR + 1358 = DR.
Edit: Meh, the linked-to page has been moved. Again. WotC can't leave web pages in one spot...  |
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! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 07 Aug 2013 20:09:01 |
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xaeyruudh
Master of Realmslore
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2013 : 23:26:17
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Thanks Wooly! Not sure why it didn't occur to me to check the GH for calendar names. I guess if those are to be taken as the pattern for all timekeeping systems on Toril, I'll just use the name of the realm and add Calendar or Reckoning or Year, and abbreviate as convenient. Still wondering if Ed has any variants to add.
And I'll wholeheartedly agree with that at the end. I'm sure WotC's web people have shiny CS degrees (their job descriptions require them), but they had to have been absent on the days when organization, user-friendliness, and permanent addresses were outlined. |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 00:30:01
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The silver fire has to be the world's best Viagra.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 03:21:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Given that Elminster has visited earth and has sampled some of its products, has Elminster ever sampled Viagra?
From what I've read, I don't think he needs it.
Which does raise a somewhat interesting question that I would pose to Ed... and I ask this with the most delicate of intents:-
Given Elminster's past sexual "proclivities," has he ever found that a simple desire to bed a lovely lady lass, has simply not been "enough?" |
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 Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 13:59:10
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On this same train-of-thought...
Has Elminster ever sired children on Earth? 
What about other worlds?
And this, of course, has lead my mind down a very weird path... an Adventure Path, actually. I am sure Ed is aware of the PF AP Rasputin Must Die! (which sounds eerily like a certain FR title...) We know Baba Yaga is Realms canon (although not named, her hut makes a cameo in an Elaine cunningham novel), and a good chunk of PF lore (and that AP) revolve around Baba Yaga...
So... has Elminster ever 'met' Baba Yaga?
LOL... and is Rasputin their 'love child'? |
"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 08 Aug 2013 14:00:33 |
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xaeyruudh
Master of Realmslore
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 14:49:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
So... has Elminster ever 'met' Baba Yaga?
LOL... and is Rasputin their 'love child'?
You are a strangely brilliant person, Markus... or brilliantly strange.  |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 16:41:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
On this same train-of-thought...
Has Elminster ever sired children on Earth?
What about other worlds?
And this, of course, has lead my mind down a very weird path... an Adventure Path, actually. I am sure Ed is aware of the PF AP Rasputin Must Die! (which sounds eerily like a certain FR title...) We know Baba Yaga is Realms canon (although not named, her hut makes a cameo in an Elaine cunningham novel), and a good chunk of PF lore (and that AP) revolve around Baba Yaga...
So... has Elminster ever 'met' Baba Yaga?
LOL... and is Rasputin their 'love child'?
Baba Yaga also features in "Midgard" as well (which admittedly is PF related).
You know, I started this idea just as a lark, but the idea of Elminster fathering a child on earth is very interesting if they wanted to do a little "cross-over" event/article. Said child, if it were fathered around the time of the 1st edition release would be in their mid 20's right now. If around the time that Ed first started getting whispers from Elminster, that could be in the early 30's. I mean.... what if they were a gamer who had just started following D&D back in 2nd or 3rd edition or something? |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 16:46:32
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| just thinking on what I just wrote..... next time Ed talks with El.... he might want to swab his glass and his own cheek..... maybe that's why he chose Ed in particular and the peculiar resemblance between the two... |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Kris the Grey
Senior Scribe
USA
422 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 20:31:34
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Markustay/Sleyvas,
GET OUT OF MY HEAD! Seriously though, cross world campaigns being my specialty, I too have pondered this question...
When running a 'play yourself' you need a 'kicker' that allows regular Earth folk (gamers in particular) to survive the initial rigors of life in the Realms (as an adventurer anyway). That requires a touch of the old 'special destiny' - this is one version of such I have never used, but it certainly has occurred to me.
I'll be interested to hear what Ed has to say on this one... |
Kris the Grey - Member in Good Standing of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors, the Arcane Guild of Silverymoon, and the Connecticut Bar Association |
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The Arcanamach
Master of Realmslore
1847 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 21:16:44
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| Actually, Ed and El (as Elmara) could have a love-child together. Hey, what happens on Earth STAYS on Earth! |
I have a dream that one day, all game worlds will exist as one. |
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Veritas
Learned Scribe
209 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 23:59:51
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Ed,
I start (as I often do) by extending a very heartfelt thank you for your tireless efforts in creating this world for us to experience.
Questions concerning hronomany and alternate timelines arose in this forum early this year. You suggested that,in the Realms, tampering with the past creates an alternate timeline.
Curiousity bursting, eyes shining bright, I ask: can you tell us of these would-be time travelers, what they tried to change, and what became of their alternate timelines? Can you tell us about a few those ‘other’ Realms that came to be?
Relatedly, I presume that deities are duplicated in each alternate timeline instead of one deity existing in each timeline simultaneously. Is that correct? Does that also extend to Ao, or does he monitor each timeline simultaneously? You mentioned the alternate timeline may be a mechanic introduced by Ao to prevent time-travel shenanigans by naughty deities, so it seems [to me] that he would be somehow outside of that effect.
Respectfully
-‘Veritas’
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Bionic Man
Acolyte
39 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2013 : 14:12:28
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Hi, Ed! A couple questions.
1. How many prisons are in the realms? Would you be willing to discuss any of them here?
2. Are any of the prisons run by the clergy of a particular church?
Btw, I'm specifically asking about large "correctional facilities" as opposed to local dungeons.
Thanks! |
It's a ::rolls dice:: pleasure to meet you! |
Edited by - Bionic Man on 10 Aug 2013 12:31:07 |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2013 : 17:23:30
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| Just a thought on the prison topic, you are only talking large compounds meant only to hold prisoners, correct? I only ask because every castle and town probably has a small dungeon. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Topic |
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Questions for Ed Greenwood (2013)
Topic Locked
