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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Jan 2013 : 00:43:09
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Ok - here's a hypothetical situation for everyone. Lets say that everyone in the forum is an elven High Mage and we get together in a big group to create a new mythal to protect this or that elven city. What powers would you add to the mythal and why?
Mod edit: Moved to a more appropriate shelf. 
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Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 27 Jan 2013 05:50:48
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2013 : 00:52:58
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Something to increase the ease of teaching, researching, and constructing magic. Because nothing's better at defending a city than an army of wizards.
But shouldn't this be over in the General Realms forum? |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2013 : 01:25:58
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Post 'em all and let Sage sort 'em out!
A self-destruct condition. It's a pity mythals never implemented this basic feature. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36874 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2013 : 05:55:21
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I'd include something that forcibly kept all trolls out. Particularly those who concealed themselves behind false identities and kept coming back.   
On a more serious note, I'd include the standard weather control provisions. I'd prolly enable people to fly, too, because that's just cool. And maybe something that caused books to levitate when released.
For pure protection, I'd include the ability to raise walls of force, by act of will (with some limitations, of course). It'd seriously complicate any attack if all the inhabitants could create a wall to protect themselves. |
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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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2013 : 11:44:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
A self-destruct condition. It's a pity mythals never implemented this basic feature.
Remember that FR elves are an arrogant race. They don't believe that anything, or anyone could ever breach or surpass their High Magic. Hence, they think your proposed feature is unnecessary. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1601 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jan 2013 : 11:41:24
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"Spider climb", only to open up to new architectural possibilities!  |
"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 Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2013 : 08:05:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
"Spider climb", only to open up to new architectural possibilities!
Might be more interesting to make this a more complicated power allowing builders to create localized gravity planes within the mythal - perhaps using those walls of force mentioned above. This would allow structures like upside down stairs, sideways rooms, etc. |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2013 : 08:07:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
Something to increase the ease of teaching, researching, and constructing magic. Because nothing's better at defending a city than an army of wizards.
I like this idea, but more for creating a city of learning than a city of warrior wizards. Perhaps the mythal could change the rules for learning magic based on Intelligence scores - no limits to learning spells here, and the rolls to check if you succeed receive a bonus :) |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2013 : 22:43:01
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quote:
Dennis
Remember that FR elves are an arrogant race. They don't believe that anything, or anyone could ever breach or surpass their High Magic. Hence, they think your proposed feature is unnecessary.
True, true, and perhaps true - but if elves do indeed think such a feature is unnecessary then they're not as competent as they'd believe. Mythals are sentient and perhaps permanent magic entities of great potency (which also happen to be located at sites of elven importance). Even humans can be pragmatic enough to implement Scorched Earth contingencies, and to ensure others (friends and enemies alike) do not gain access to dangerous weapons until they prove their loyalty and competence. What if a mythal were captured by drow or by fiends?
Elves already litter baelnorns and banshees and traps and defenses around major mythals. Why would they see the need to defend a mythal against little threats while being blind to the most serious ones? |
[/Ayrik] |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2013 : 14:24:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
Why would they see the need to defend a mythal against little threats while being blind to the most serious ones?
The short version (since I'm too lazy to type): they're haughty and stupid, with a very few exceptions. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2013 : 15:39:26
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" Stupid people " would not be able to construct a Mythal in the first place .
I cant argue about the haughty bit but not all elves are that arrogant, no more than humans at any rate. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2013 : 15:41:27
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| Back on topic, the ability to fly would be a cool touch. |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2013 : 18:36:09
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Lets go people! 190 of you have looked at the thread, but only 6 have answered the call. Step up and lets hear some thoughts!
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2013 : 13:48:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
"Stupid people" would not be able to construct a Mythal in the first place .
Those who made the mythals are the exceptions.
On topic: Illusion would be very handy. I suppose the Skulls have incorporated illusions (their very faces, or rather, skulls) in their mythal-like mantle. Besides, it's annoying to keep on flying or teleporting to places that warrant your attention. An illusion would do just fine, depending of course on the severity of the situation (which you have to assess first from your view via a scrying bowl/mirror or similar device). |
Every beginning has an end. |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11993 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2013 : 14:42:17
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I know there was this one elf female who tried slipping in the equivalent of a "viagra on demand" spell into the mythal. She tried to cover it with the idea that the elven race needed to resurge in numbers after a recent war...... but we all know she was a little perv.
There was also the ability to create a temporary illusory copy of a book's pages into specially prepared notebooks by touching the two physically. Thus, the elven libraries would allow people to copy a book and the person could study it at home, and possibly even make a permanent physical copy given time.... all without the original book leaving elven control or being handled overmuch. For security purposes, this might only work on certain books, or books in certain rooms, etc... |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11993 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2013 : 14:47:49
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
I know there was this one elf female who tried slipping in the equivalent of a "viagra on demand" spell into the mythal. She tried to cover it with the idea that the elven race needed to resurge in numbers after a recent war...... but we all know she was a little perv.
There was also the ability to create a temporary illusory copy of a book's pages into specially prepared notebooks by touching the two physically. Thus, the elven libraries would allow people to copy a book and the person could study it at home, and possibly even make a permanent physical copy given time.... all without the original book leaving elven control or being handled overmuch. For security purposes, this might only work on certain books, or books in certain rooms, etc...
Note, this idea would also lend itself well to ideas like a newspaper. I can see elves not wanting to deforest trees to make the necessary paper to run a printing press. However, if they have some kind of metal "tablet" that they can touch to a "paper box" and get the latest news copied to it (granted, a temporary illusory copy to read)... |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2013 : 15:07:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
"Stupid people" would not be able to construct a Mythal in the first place .
Those who made the mythals are the exceptions.
On topic: Illusion would be very handy. I suppose the Skulls have incorporated illusions (their very faces, or rather, skulls) in their mythal-like mantle. Besides, it's annoying to keep on flying or teleporting to places that warrant your attention. An illusion would do just fine, depending of course on the severity of the situation (which you have to assess first from your view via a scrying bowl/mirror or similar device).
I like this idea - the ability to create "projected images" which can cast spells though AND "drink" spells like those Halaster uses! Brilliant idea. |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11993 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2013 : 15:33:23
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another thing... the ability cast a longer lasting but much less damaging version of heat metal, with slight variations in heat level. Again, to prevent deforestation and/or need for digging for things like coal to burn. This can be used to create heaters, stoves, etc.... out of slag metal.
the ability to cast create water (or perhaps summon water), for fairly obvious uses.
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Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 00:30:58
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I'm creating a very powerful mythal that protects the Semberholme region. It was created in the middle of the Weeping War in response to fears that refugees to Semberholme may be followed to their haven.
It is a secret mythal - its protections are real, but its creation was kept secret and worked into its powers is a slight memory alteration to those who it prevents from entering and a geas for those who spend more than a month within its bound (the minimum time required to discover, use many of its other powers as well) that prevents one from discussing the mythal with anyone not already aware of it.
Its powers are based of the myth drannor mythal - and many of the surviving casters of that mythal had a prominent role in this one's creation.
I want to work the Tree of Knowledge into it somehow but so far have not come up with a good tie in - given that the tree is much more ancient.
As part of this design I made an alteration to the High Magic / Wizardly mythals described in the Cormanthyr book that has a grand caster, 7 major casters, and 14 tertiary casters these supported by two rings of supporting casters (28 & 56). I've drawn a ritual layout and would post it but don't think I can put picks here.
Anyone have any further thoughts? |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 01:47:00
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Right now I'm thinking the grand caster first casts a U'Aestar'Kess ritual linking himself with the Tree of Knowledge much like a druid can link with an oak, then he and the tree are linked-grand casters (two minds, one bound spirit). The mythal is then cast with the Tree as its center.
This idea is inspiring an 'Elfstones of Shannara' - like Forbidding grand power :D
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Edited by - The Masked Mage on 10 Feb 2013 02:31:02 |
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 02:46:59
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Do you mean to connect the Mythal to the Golden Grove of Knowledge (Quess'Ar'Teranthvar), the tree that houses 5 sets of 10 Nether Scrolls? Sounds like you could aim for plenty powerful permanent enchantments if you succeed at that.
a permanent regeneration field
the ability to have foresight active for everyone
timestop when a citizen feels endangered
ability to change any wooden staff into a shillelagh, spellstaff or changestaff
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My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 03:42:35
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no - that is a different tree :)... the Tree of Knowledge is an ancient tree in Semberholme, believed to be an Arakhor like Grandfather Tree in the High Forest - described thus:
Tree of Knowledge: Near the center of city, not far from the Temple of Corellon, is the largest tree in all of Semberholme - The Tree of Knowledge. This ancient oak has stood tall and proud since the coming of Corellon's avatar thousands of years ago, and is said to be a vessel for the great god's spirit when he wishes to look upon his children in Semberholme. Aside from being an enormous tree (with a 50-foot diameter), there appears to be nothing extraordinary about it at first glance. The tree emanates no detectable magical or spiritual power that anyone has been able to find.
Nevertheless, many rumors and legends surround the Tree of Knowledge. The one most widely believed is that the large oak is the father of all treants in the woods of Cormanthyr. Should the Tree of Knowledge ever perish, the treants would not rest until every elf in Faer°n was dead. Another legend says the spirit of all trees in Cormanthyr is held within this one oak. If it were to die, then all the trees in Cormanthyr would perish.
The Tree of Knowledge gained its name hundreds of years ago, when it became apparent that elven children paid more attention to their teachers and retained more information when sitting beneath the great oak. Some of the most important lessons taught to the young elves of Semberholme are learned beneath the Tree of Knowledge. Also, elven wizards have often stated that theyíve reduced the study time for their spells to one-half while sitting in the shadow of the Tree of Knowledge.
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Edited by - The Masked Mage on 10 Feb 2013 03:43:20 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 03:44:18
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Resistance to shadow magic. I doubt the elves [specially the Evareskans] would like a repeat of what the Shadovar's Shadowshell did to their mythal. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 03:48:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Resistance to shadow magic. I doubt the elves [specially the Evareskans] would like a repeat of what the Shadovar's Shadowshell did to their mythal.
This is a very interesting thought, especially given Semberholme's proximity to Shade, though I think I'd need the help of scribes more familiar with 3rd edition and the Shadow weave to explain how elves from Myth Drannor knew about the shadow weave enough to protect against it way back then. Did it exist back then? |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 07:43:54
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| Well, does your lore treat dispel magic and dispel shadow magic as separate spells/effects? |
[/Ayrik] |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 07:51:58
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| ha - no clue - I have not looked much into shadow magic yet... I read the return of the archwizard books, so I know what you were talking about there, as well as the one where the Chosen and Srinshee kind of eliminate the shadow weave in an area - which might be an option here. |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2013 : 11:27:07
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| Lower level spells available to everyone, I'd go with prestidigitation, mending, unseen servant, endure elements, protection from evil, hydraulic push, silent image, crafter's fortune, feather fall, youthful appearance, polypurpose panacea, tireless (spell from Zobeck), nereid's grace ... |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 16 Feb 2013 : 13:05:06
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A realm's secrets can be dangerous when the wrong people know about them. Hence, it should protect itself from the most powerful of divinations. The mythal should, ideally, (not thwart but) misdirect divinations. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 16 Feb 2013 : 18:50:37
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This is the power I came up with tonight... any thoughts?
Echoes Of The Past: Those who know the means can use the Over-Mythal of Semberolme as a living record of events, past or present.
Using a particular command word, anyone can command the mythal to record a visual, aural and olfactory account of events (including infravision, magically enhanced senses, etc.) occurring in the vicinity over the next few moments. No tactile information can be stored by this process. Spans of up to an hour may be recorded in this fashion. However, exceeding this time frame wastes the effect as it unravels and is lost amid the memories of the mythal, unable to be recalled in the future.
An alternative command word allows one to impart a memory into the mythal, with the same time and perception constraints as above. These memories can be drawn from the character’s mind of from another external source (magical receptacles such as kiira or thought bottles), or from another individual at hand. Memories can never be taken from an unwilling participant, however, and must be shared freely.
Elves within the mythal are able to leisurely browse through these “mythal-memories” during reverie, experiencing past events as dreams and visions while they rest. In addition, any being with knowledge of a specific mythal-memory, can, with a third and final word, cause the mythal to project a three-dimensional illusion of the memory.
Using this minor power, the people of Semberholme have a community memory reaching back to the glorious elder days of the elven people, and to the fall of Myth Drannor. The Tree of Knowledge has been known to summon mythal-memories in response questions or in efforts to educate an elf who has lost his way in life. It is not uncommon for elves to evoke mythal-memories of beautiful songs once sung, long ago, or memories of loved ones who have passed beyond the veil.
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36874 Posts |
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Mythal Powers
