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CorellonsDevout
Great Reader
USA
2708 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 04:04:33
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Just for fun, what do you think Waterdeep would be like in "modern" (21t century) times? Would there be flying cars, computers that run on magic? Would it be less fantasy and be more sci-fi? Would the governing system change?
Just some fun speculation  share your ideas!
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Sweet water and light laughter |
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silverwolfer
Senior Scribe
789 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 04:18:33
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| Look up Eberron Stormreach |
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Ze
Learned Scribe
Italy
147 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 06:41:13
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quote:
Originally posted by CorellonsDevout
Would the governing system change?
This for sure, IMO.
I see at least two main forces that would lead to a change in the governing system.
1. In a modern world social environment, with democracies around the world, there would rise a populist feeling against the concept of Lords hiding their identity.
2. Waterdeep being among the most liberal cities in Faerun, sooner or later we would see a decrease in caution about Guilds interacting with politics - in fact, the globalization of economics would push towards a "modern" democracy, Guilds would probably leave place for unions and lobbies, and global trade organizations would play a role in this balance.
On the other hand, an enlightened city government could try to use Skullport as an attraction for tourists. 
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_Jarlaxle_
Senior Scribe
Germany
584 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 10:17:40
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| No, the main "thing" of a fantasy world is that the basics never change. So even 1000 years later everything will still be like the thousands of years before :p |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 14:28:02
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| There'd be a warforged called 'Khelbenbot'. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3249 Posts |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 15:12:01
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Waterdeep 2013 does indeed exist in my Forgotten Realms Modern campaign, and it is a testament to "the more things change . . ."
A thriving metropolis, somewhat corroded over the years by scheming politicians and corrupt financial systems, its star somewhat faded from the halcyon days of the finally dissolved Silver Marches (of which it was the most populous and richest city, if not the actual capital), its the economy is built mostly on sea-based trade and innovation, where crime is high, the rich are very rich indeed, the poor live mostly in Skullport, the tunnels of Undermountain, or in the industrialized Warrens. It's kinda like Seattle by way of Detroit.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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hashimashadoo
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1155 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 16:58:58
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I think the Unseen would probably still be around even that far in the future and most likely a lot more powerful than they are in 1374 (my most common campaign year). I'd bet that they'd be encouraging the populist uprising to take down the security of the Hidden Lords in the guise of a more transparent political system.
I wonder however if the orc hordes of the far future would also benefit from the modernisation of magic and technology or whether they'd still be the admittedly numerous but relatively easily defeated (by future standards) menace that a lack of advancement would make them.
Would the draw to Many-Arrows be tempting or would there be a traditionalist anti-governmental movement.
I'm getting a lot of ideas for a potential campaign now...pity I've got so many in the pipeline already. |
When life turns it's back on you...sneak attack for extra damage.
Head admin of the FR wiki:
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/ |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36906 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 17:31:49
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quote:
Originally posted by hashimashadoo
I think the Unseen would probably still be around even that far in the future and most likely a lot more powerful than they are in 1374 (my most common campaign year). I'd bet that they'd be encouraging the populist uprising to take down the security of the Hidden Lords in the guise of a more transparent political system.
I'm not sure the Unseen would see value in that... They've got the Lords infiltrated already; expanding that infiltration wouldn't be difficult. Exposing the Lords would expose members of the Unseen to public awareness (not as Unseen, but just as Lords), and would draw the public attention -- which would increase the likelihood of the Unseen being discovered.
I think that if the Unseen infiltration remained undiscovered, they'd work to replace at least a majority of the Lords, if not all of them, and then steer the city down a darker path. Considering the nature of Waterdeep in 4E, it's possible that they've already had some success in this area.
In my personal Realms, the Unseen are themselves infiltrated and suborned. They are allowed to continue mostly untouched, but they do get squashed or thwarted when they reach too far, and they are also sometimes used for doing the Lords' dirty work. Other than their new leader, my version of the Unseen has no idea that they have been suborned. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36906 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 17:36:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Ze
1. In a modern world social environment, with democracies around the world, there would rise a populist feeling against the concept of Lords hiding their identity.
I'm not as sure, on this one... The Realms is not the real-world, and things there won't necessarily follow similar paths. I think that as long as the populace was satisfied with the Open Lord and with the city government in general, they'd not care too much about the Hidden Lords. People may complain about not knowing, but turning complaints into actions doesn't happen as oft, and if things are going well, there's less reason for it.
Besides, the Lords could counter by doing something like having an Open Council consisting of say five Lords, and still keep the other Lords secret. |
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Ze
Learned Scribe
Italy
147 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 18:09:06
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Mmm, I don't know Wooly.
One may see it as Jarlaxle puts it - and that would be in line with your post too, Wooly: the Realms is not the real world.
However, if I have to play the OP's game, I think that there would be no computers or cars without the social and economic background we live in. And can someone name a real modern world government which EXPLICITLY includes hidden rulers? Even if they were a small part of a Council, that would be regarded as weird (to say the least) by most advanced countries.
I said "explicitly", so please don't start any "shadow government/real world conspiracy" hijack now. 
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silverwolfer
Senior Scribe
789 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 19:07:07
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| Many arrows would be a casino, getting back the lands that the humans took, one nickle at a time. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36906 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 20:03:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Ze
Mmm, I don't know Wooly.
One may see it as Jarlaxle puts it - and that would be in line with your post too, Wooly: the Realms is not the real world.
However, if I have to play the OP's game, I think that there would be no computers or cars without the social and economic background we live in. And can someone name a real modern world government which EXPLICITLY includes hidden rulers? Even if they were a small part of a Council, that would be regarded as weird (to say the least) by most advanced countries.
I said "explicitly", so please don't start any "shadow government/real world conspiracy" hijack now.
Nope, can't name any real, modern governments that use hidden rulers... Of course, I can't name any real, past governments that use hidden rulers, either.  |
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Ze
Learned Scribe
Italy
147 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2013 : 21:22:55
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Hehe. Good point.
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2013 : 03:11:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Ze
2. Waterdeep being among the most liberal cities in Faerun, sooner or later we would see a decrease in caution about Guilds interacting with politics - in fact, the globalization of economics would push towards a "modern" democracy, Guilds would probably leave place for unions and lobbies, and global trade organizations would play a role in this balance.
Living in a country where almost this exact situation is currently playing itself out... I'd have to say that Waterdeep probably wouldn't head down this path all that easily.
In fact, I'd imagine there would be the traditional conservative and/or powerful merchants groups who push for the removal of guild/union influence amongst the political sphere of Waterdeep. Worried about just what the growing power of these guilds and unions will mean for their bottom line, they would likely seek to challenge each and every measure calling for "free and fair working conditions" where appropriate. To the point, perhaps, where it repeatedly cripples positive political debate and sends ripples through the economic heart of the city. Which, consequently, damages foreign relations, as well as trade with neighbouring cities, and ultimately weakens the city to the point where it becomes possible for a tyrant or dictator to carve a large swath of the city's sphere for him/herself. |
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Ze
Learned Scribe
Italy
147 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2013 : 21:34:36
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Thanks for your insights people, and thanks to CorellonsDevout for opening this thread.
You have me thinking in many ways here, as the economic/political balance as well as the role of trade organizations and cartels in this balance will be one of the main focuses of my upcoming Waterdeep campaign (Knights of the Shield, anyone?).
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CorellonsDevout
Great Reader
USA
2708 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2013 : 18:36:57
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I forgot to subscribe to this thread, despite the fact I started it. Go me. But thanks for your ideas everyone!
@Ze: you're welcome |
Sweet water and light laughter |
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Waterdeep 2013
