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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Nov 2013 : 15:52:08
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Hi again, all.
Well, seeing as James Wyatt blogged about it, and there was a radio interview and bookstore signing involved, I guess the Wizards summit Ed and most of the other Sundering authors just attended out in Seattle isn't a secret anymore.
I can tell you nothing about what was discussed, because that IS secret and Ed can't and won't share. However, I can tell you he arrived home happy, despite the length and hassles of air travel these days. And is harder at work than ever.
He promises to get to some lore replies as soon as he can, but shared some swift thoughts and replies whilst eyeballing the latest queries here in this thread, so I can post these:
sfdragon, your query about Khelben the Younger is, I'm afraid, NDA. Sorry.
Demzer, the Holy Hammer brotherhood does indeed have an agenda. Ed will give you proper answers to your "great, meaty questions" ASAP.
Kris, Ed tells me there's nothing in print re. Sharess because the sexual/sensual side of the Realms was being downplayed at the time when 4e was being designed, but yes, he has some notes (because he prepares endless Waterdeep Bibles for in-house Wizards design use, and because play in Waterdeep goes on in various campaigns he DMs or visits from time to time) which he'll dig out and share with you when he can.
Everyone, I get the impression that "when he can" might be this coming weekend, though dribs and drabs may come sooner. Our Ed's a busy boy right now.
love to all,
THO |
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Kris the Grey
Senior Scribe
USA
422 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2013 : 17:49:30
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THO/Ed,
Excellent news about the summit! I'm glad to hear things are continuing apace in the world of the WoTC/Realms alliance.
I eagerly await Ed's Waterdeep/Sharess lore whenever he's got the time to share it! It need not be ahem...overly detailed...in this forum if that's easier. I was mainly looking for the Who's and Where's of the organization's presence in the city (not so much their weekly party schedule...although if he has that lore too he knows where he can send it, Lol).
I've got a group of players who are attempting to insinuate themselves with the Waterhavian chapter of the church so they might get a group of the faithful together to attend the Midsummer Eve's Endless Revel at the main temple of the faith in Calimport (another party that, if Ed has lore about, I'd be eager to get the details on).
THO - thanks again for playing the role of mediator, translator, and general lore bearer! |
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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rjfras
Learned Scribe
261 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2013 : 23:49:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Kris the Grey
THO/Ed,
...although if he has that lore too he knows where he can send it, Lol).
Hey! no hoarding the lore! |
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Kris the Grey
Senior Scribe
USA
422 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2013 : 04:51:47
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Rjfras,
Just keepin' it family friendly. Lol |
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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paladinnicolas
Seeker
92 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2013 : 10:46:22
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| Thanks THO! I really hope Ed can answer the question about lawyers. |
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paladinnicolas
Seeker
92 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2013 : 20:54:04
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| I would like to ask Ed another question if I may: how are disputes between nations and city-states handled in the Realms? In canon I am aware of treaties (e.g. mentioned in the Companions) and the activities of ambassadors (they are mentioned in Power of Faerun), and perhaps churches exert some influence or mediation, as was once said by THO. Apart from this, I specifically would like to know if sometimes priests of Tyr performed conciliation activities or examined disputes between nations from a legal point of view. Is there something as international law in Faerun? |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2013 : 23:23:04
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Reading The Hobbit today, on my lunch break, I was struck by a thought... If you're a dragon, taking over a dwarven city/stronghold isn't an easy task. Sure, dwarven strongholds are pretty nice lairs, but dwarves are reluctant to give them up, and dragons can't fit down all those corridors/mineshafts. And spells and breath weapons only go so far...
So have there been cases in the Realms, where a dragon tried to conquer a dwarven stronghold and turn it into its lair, but was unable to clean out the dwarves, eventually leading to (however uneasily) dwarves and dragon sharing the same space? |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2013 : 12:43:28
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Its a standard trope that entire cities/kingdoms of dwarves CAN'T beat a dragon, but if they come back around a century later with only a half-dozen guys or so, they will beat him handily.
Which always struck me as really strange, so I would also like to hear Ed's thoughts on this. I mean, seriously... you'd think they'd stop building dragon-sized entrance-ways after awhile. 
Question:
Aside from the obvious Lhaleo(sp?), and perhaps baby Azoun V, have there been other 'hiding in plain site' folk that are either unaware of their heritage, or aware but afraid to step forward, and were 'watched over' by Chosen or Harpers or whomever else, all in secret? |
"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 23 Nov 2013 12:46:04 |
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Amedahast
Acolyte
3 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2013 : 16:16:59
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Could Ed, THO, or any other knowledgeable sages tell me anything about the elvish House Iliathor?
I can only find two references to that house: Jhenna Iliathor, a Harper who makes her residence in an Oghma temple (why a human deity? is Jhenna a half-elf?), and a quick note that the Iliathor family was known to have had a kiira stone. The latter suggests they were a noble house at one point, or at least wealthy and powerful.
Could anyone help me with additional details? Were they sun elves or moon elves? Where did they live? Were they known for anything? Does the House still exist in the 1370s? Truly, any details about them would be appreciated for my home campaign. I'm less interested in the kiira and more interested in everyday, mundane details. Thanks!
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paladinnicolas
Seeker
92 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2013 : 13:31:51
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| Dear Ed and THO, I was wondering if there are purely academic universities in the Realms that do not focus only on teaching magic. Are there any? Thanks! |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2013 : 14:42:28
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Hi again, all. paladinnicolas, there are academies in almost all large cities (and many smaller places within easy reach of a critical mass of nobility) that teach a variety of worldly knowledge, of everything from the latest smelting and alloying techniques to poetry that reflects the sweep of civilized history. As mentioned previously in this thread, local temples provide the same service to citizens of lesser means - - and informally, with in some cases a lot less accuracy, so do local "hedge wizards" (who don't only teach magic), "wise elders," and traveling minstrels and bards. There are also traveling festive shows in the Realms (circuses) that usually include "Old Sage" characters who impart surprisingly good and thorough knowledge, of everything from languages and mathematics to herbal remedies and current world politics.
So, yes, there are lots of sources that don't just teach magic.
love,
THO |
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paladinnicolas
Seeker
92 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2013 : 15:42:49
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| As always, thanks THO! You're great. |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2013 : 06:46:53
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Hello Again THO and Ed!
Ed, regarding the retirement home known as Daunthers in Cormyr: are there war wizards on guard duty at Daunthers?
If yes, is there a specific, formal name given to that duty? Like Elder Watch or Oldblade Watch, for example?
When elderly Purple Dragons pass away, are they by default buried at Daunthers?
Has an extensive graveyard grown up around Daunthers over time? Or perhaps something underground?
Lastly, are old Dragons allowed to make burial wishes in terms of transport of their corpse? I.e., "Bury me north of Arabel. Bury me not at Daunthers."
Thank you both very much.  |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2013 : 15:28:46
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Hi again, all. Jeremy, Ed is the gent who can give you proper answers, of course, but I can say this much: there ARE guards at all times, known colloquially as "watchers."
I can also help with these two queries: "Has an extensive graveyard grown up around Daunthers over time? Or perhaps something underground?" and "Lastly, are old Dragons allowed to make burial wishes in terms of transport of their corpse? I.e., "Bury me north of Arabel. Bury me not at Daunthers.""
The answer to the first is: yes, in the ground, in underground crypts entered through small stone houses located in the burial ground, and cremated and interred as ashes (with stone nameplate-blocks) in the walls that surround the graveyard (which is large, rambling, and has trees and paths).
The answer to the second is: yes, of course, and desires to be buried elsewhere are both common and almost always followed; the exceptions are impossibilities, like requested burial in a building that no longer exists, and farfetched, such as: bury me in a coffer placed under the bed of the monarch (of Cormyr).
Hope these are of help.
love,
THO |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2013 : 16:14:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Its a standard trope that entire cities/kingdoms of dwarves CAN'T beat a dragon, but if they come back around a century later with only a half-dozen guys or so, they will beat him handily.
Which always struck me as really strange, so I would also like to hear Ed's thoughts on this. I mean, seriously... you'd think they'd stop building dragon-sized entrance-ways after awhile.
Yeah, but then the giants that the dwarves like to fight couldn't invade their homes either... and that would just make life dull and their strongholds easy to defend. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Marco Volo
Learned Scribe
France
204 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2013 : 11:22:47
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Hi Ed and THO,
Here's my question : What is the calendar of the dwarves as there are not using any human calendar ?
I have a Melairbode settlement in a level of Undermountain. There succumbed many years ago, and I have no idea about what calendar they were using at this time. What date would be figured on a rune or "stone sheet" with some official information on it ? |
Edited by - Marco Volo on 28 Nov 2013 11:24:55 |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2013 : 17:15:29
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Dear Ed and THO,
If you could put any new thing/story element into the Realms, right now, what would it be?
Just curious...
BB |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2013 : 21:54:13
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| Was Miirym (Dragon #247) released from her servitude to Candlekeep when the Spellplague struck? |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2013 : 06:52:08
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Hi again, all. Jeremy, Ed is the gent who can give you proper answers, of course, but I can say this much: there ARE guards at all times, known colloquially as "watchers."
If Realmslore had a taste, then your response was delicious.
Thank you very much. 
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
The answer to the second is: yes, of course, and desires to be buried elsewhere are both common and almost always followed (snip)
That duty...taking the dead and seeing to their last wishes: is there a name for it? Can you talk at all about any traditions that have grown up around the activity?
When I think about it, an image of four Dragons riding escort--two in front, two in back--around a cart tended by a fifth Dragon with a priest of Tyr came to mind, the cart sporting a pole with a white triangular flag depicting the deceased Dragon's rank, company badge (if any) and honors earned, so I'm wondering if that's in any way correct?
This seems like something a DM could use to break up the monotony of players traveling from A to B. To me it feels a lot better than simply rolling for random encounters. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 01 Dec 2013 07:17:42 |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2013 : 05:23:31
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Hello again THO and Ed,
I ran across an article in the news today about a professional coin washer that works in a San Francisco, California hotel.
(In this case the coin washing started as a way to keep a lady's white gloves from being soiled, while the washing itself uses, amongst other things, buckshot.)
This got me to wondering: are professional coin washers employed in the Realms? (Particularly Sembia or Waterdeep?)
If yes, is this something dwarves or gnomes specialize in?
Do the faithful of Waukeen or Tymora wash coins as part of their religious rights or as a service to others?
As always, thank you both very much. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 03 Dec 2013 09:36:48 |
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paladinnicolas
Seeker
92 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2013 : 20:17:30
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| Dear THO, I would like to ask you or Ed another question (apart from the one on lawyers in the Realms I still hope is answered by Ed in the future :)): do the nobles of different realms or even ruling families arrange marriages of some their relatives with foreign nobles so as to gain influence abroad? Thanks as always! |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2013 : 16:03:53
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Hi again, all.
paladinnicolas, re. noble marriages, the answer is:
Yes, they frequently do. It's one of the things that helps a Realms DM arrange realistic intrigues and conspiracies; families in one place pass on info to their kin in another, and work against rulers' actions/policies that will hurt their profits/standing/influence in one place or anther.
love,
THO |
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paladinnicolas
Seeker
92 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2013 : 16:43:32
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| Thanks THO! |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2013 : 17:50:53
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Hi again, all. Jeremy, Ed will have to give you a proper answer, but I know from play with the Knights that the clergy of Waukeen in Waterdeep don't (publicly) wash coins, they exchange worn coins worshippers offer for shiny new ones (blessed in the temple to the greater glory of Waukeen, of course). I gather from hints Ed dropped (as DM, but speaking in-character as an NPC) that in some times and places clergy of Waukeen melted down and reminted suspect or counterfeit or degraded [i.e. shaved] coinage, and that most local rulers didn't mind/deliberately overlooked this because it made locally-available coins more trusted and so attracted more business, yielding them more taxes.
love,
THO
P.S. Ed tells me the duty of interring the dead according to their wishes is known as "resting with honour." |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 05 Dec 2013 17:55:15 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2013 : 17:52:43
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And hello AGAIN, everyone...
I just received an e-mail from Ed re. the most recent query by Markustay, about Miirym...
The short answer is: No, but the longer answer is: NDA right now, hopefully will clear by end of 2014.
love,
THO
P.S. paladinnicolas, you're very welcome, and Ed promises a proper answer re. lawyers, when he can... (He is INCREDIBLY busy right now.) |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 05 Dec 2013 17:53:59 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2013 : 13:41:56
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Nice - thanks for the answer.
In fact, that particular response - vague as it was (and probably because of the secretiveness) - leaves me much to speculate on (and look forward to.) |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2013 : 06:14:18
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| Thank you THO. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2013 : 16:56:08
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An odd thought struck me (as I was reading a related comic) -
Are there any places in Faerūn where the 'veil between the worlds' is so thin/weak that you can see the other side? (in other words, see whats going on in another world, even if it just appears as ghost-like images.) |
"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 Dec 2013 16:56:41 |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2013 : 19:22:00
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I'm obviously neither Ed nor THO, but I recall sitting in as an observer (the player spots were already taken) on an Ed-DM Realms adventure at a Milwaukee-era GenCon, where the PCs visited a location (an outdoors ruin somewhere in the Stonelands) where there were several large side-by-side gates (portals) into the same location on another Prime Material Plane.
So the always-open gates acted like a row of doors or windows you could look through into that "otherwhere" (which is what Ed called it, because the players knew it wasn't in the Realms, every opening being surrounded by that blue-white tinge Ed uses a lot to signal "magic at work."
Any hope of Ed or THO confirming just where that spot in the Stonelands is? Or telling us more?
BB |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2013 : 18:07:40
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Hi again, all.
Markustay, there are eight or nine such places that I know of from my play experience with Ed as DM, but he says he's going to hold off on a reply to that until mid-January, thanks to "publishing plans that might change in the meantime."
Other than to give me the okay to answer Blueblade: that spot in the northeastern Stonelands is known as Brendur's Pool, thanks to the fine-to-drink spring-fed pool at the bottom of the same little valley that holds the row of gates.
There's a still-secret back story to this place, involving who created those gates, and why. Secret from we Knights, that is; one of the many, many mysteries we haven't had time to delve into properly yet.
love to all,
THO |
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Questions for Ed Greenwood (2013)
Topic Locked
