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keftiu
Senior Scribe
656 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Dec 2019 : 03:56:08
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Looking for stuff with less than a paragraph on them.
I'm currently fixated on the conflict between the aarakocra and avariel of the post-Spellplague Adder Hills (a chain of earthmotes) in Chessenta. Literally a single line of text in a Dungeon article, and no prior establishment of either group that I can find. Love it.
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4e fangirl. Here to queer up the Realms. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36910 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2019 : 04:21:07
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Susprina Arkenneld was a character seen in exactly one source: the intro to FOR2 The Drow of the Underdark. Despite the fact that we know nothing at all about her, I still find her intriguing and want to know more.
Also from that book, I am particularly fascinated with the fact that drow can have really spiffy prosthetics -- to the point that I made an NPC drow, based on a GI Joe figure, using that bit of lore. |
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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keftiu
Senior Scribe
656 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2019 : 04:23:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Susprina Arkenneld was a character seen in exactly one source: the intro to FOR2 The Drow of the Underdark. Despite the fact that we know nothing at all about her, I still find her intriguing and want to know more.
Also from that book, I am particularly fascinated with the fact that drow can have really spiffy prosthetics -- to the point that I made an NPC drow, based on a GI Joe figure, using that bit of lore.
What does it say about her?
And that latter thing is really cool. Disability representation can be even rarer than queer material in fiction, so I'm very curious. Does it say anythinf about what they're like?
The only other prosthesis I know are the crystal plangents of 4e Durpar. |
4e fangirl. Here to queer up the Realms. |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2019 : 15:03:23
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A spelljamming race (the kreen-like xixchil) could perform biochemical surgeries... I don't actually know if they did prosthetics but they were quite fond of modifications.
Some unhappy recipients (disfigured victims) would always leave the spacelanes in search of peaceful reclusive lives (as "monsters") in places like Toril. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36910 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2019 : 15:44:51
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quote:
Originally posted by keftiu
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Susprina Arkenneld was a character seen in exactly one source: the intro to FOR2 The Drow of the Underdark. Despite the fact that we know nothing at all about her, I still find her intriguing and want to know more.
Also from that book, I am particularly fascinated with the fact that drow can have really spiffy prosthetics -- to the point that I made an NPC drow, based on a GI Joe figure, using that bit of lore.
What does it say about her?
And that latter thing is really cool. Disability representation can be even rarer than queer material in fiction, so I'm very curious. Does it say anythinf about what they're like?
The only other prosthesis I know are the crystal plangents of 4e Durpar.
All we know about Susprina Arkenneld is that she was hanging out with Elminster.
As for the prosthetics, it wasn't any kind of disability representation, it was just "hey, drow can have some really cool prosthetics, almost like cyberware!"
There is another example of something similar in the Realms, though -- an NPC from Ed's pen, written up in Dragon Magazine, called Baelam the Bold. Baelam lost his hand to some unique automaton, defeated it, and had its hand grafted onto his stump to replace the lost one.
A non-Realms example I really liked was from the Ptolus: The City By the Spire book; there's an NPC in there who lost an arm and replaced it with one made of red glass. |
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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Zeromaru X
Great Reader
Colombia
2506 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2019 : 16:46:10
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| Guess mine would be the Hermit, from the Year of the Rogue Dragons series. A being as old as the known history of the Realms (down to the time of the avian creator race)... the things this being would known... |
Instead of seeking change, you prefer a void, merciless abyss of a world... |
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Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1253 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2019 : 17:50:17
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| Great topic! Going to really think about this one and come back. |
Follow the Maztica (Aztec/Maya) and Anchorome (Indigenous North America) Campaigns on DMsGuild!
The Maztica Campaign
The Anchorome Campaign |
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shades of eternity
Learned Scribe
288 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2019 : 18:12:47
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| The entire cheese section in Aurora's Whole Realms Catalog. :p |
check out my post-post apocalyptic world at www.drevrpg.com |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
801 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2019 : 02:06:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
All we know about Susprina Arkenneld is that she was hanging out with Elminster.
Way to bury lop off the lede there, Wooly.
All we know about Susprina Arkenneld is that she was hanging out with Elminster butt-nekkid in his cowpond.
While he watched and had a smoke.
You know, as you do if you're a female with even the slightest passing acquaintance with the Old Goat.
(Oh, and also that she was also his "onetime apprentice")
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AJA
YAFRP
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TBeholder
Great Reader
2482 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2019 : 02:27:35
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quote:
Originally posted by keftiu
And that latter thing is really cool. Disability representation can be even rarer than queer material in fiction, so I'm very curious.
Ah. Then you may also be interested in Clacker from the Dark Elf trilogy/The Legacy of the Drow . 
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
All we know about Susprina Arkenneld is that she was hanging out with Elminster.
Good Old Ed also confirmed she is indeed related to Calimar Arkhenneld.
quote:
Originally posted by shades of eternity
The entire cheese section in Aurora's Whole Realms Catalog. :p
Wasn't cheeeese plot relevant in comics? |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
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AuldDragon
Senior Scribe
USA
578 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2019 : 06:02:36
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For me, it's the offhand-reference to loxoth being Spelljamming immigrants, which didn't get any mention in Spelljamming material. I've always wanted to know more about the sphere they're from (although I resist connecting them with giff) and the nature of their ships.
Jeff |
My 2nd Edition blog: http://blog.aulddragon.com/
My streamed AD&D Spelljamer sessions: https://www.youtube.com/user/aulddragon/playlists?flow=grid&shelf_id=18&view=50
"That sums it up in a nutshell, AuldDragon. You make a more convincing argument. But he's right and you're not." |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6680 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2019 : 13:44:59
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The Sorceress in Gray from Volo's Guide to All Things Magical.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
2089 Posts |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
12090 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2019 : 14:20:41
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Regarding the aarakocra in Chessenta mentioned above... some things that might also help are in Old Empires. I've suspected that the tuuru are an Aearee experiment back from when they were developing the wyvern (this would be a hypothesis based on later developed work). The number of dinosaurs in Unther and the Kenku that are relatively nearby may also have some relation to these Aarakocra.
As a somewhat heretical idea.... prior to this edition, the aarakocra LOOKED different (at least I believe they did look different still in 4e). They had wings but no arms (they had hands on their wings). If there is ONE thing that the spellplague kind of "showed" its that there was a way to modify a people such that they all start to be the same (i.e. tieflings). What if the Aarakocra in Chessenta picked up old Aearee lore and some powerful magic ritual.... and used some avariels who died as a result.... to give them separated arms and wings like the avariels have just prior to the Sundering? What if they only uncovered this information because ancient sarrukh or batrachi lore came to Chessenta/Unther/Mulhorand as a result of the spellplague? Then when the sundering happened, this miracle of magic spread to their entire race.
From Old Empires
The Riders to the Sky
This mountain chain is on the southeastern border of Chessenta. These are mostly hills ranging between 3,000 and 5,000 feet in height. On the southern end are a number of cliffs that are home to the tuuru, a race of giant birdlike lizards (pteranodons).
Legends exist that in ancient days these huge birds were used as mounts by the warriors of Unther. Given the size, weight, and strength of the pteranodons, it is doubtful that they could support a human rider; either larger varieties once existed or the legend is a hoax.
There are also the ruins of an ancient aarakocra civilization on the slopes, but this tribe was hunted to extinction a century ago for sport by mercenaries from Chessenta.
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Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Zeromaru X
Great Reader
Colombia
2506 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2019 : 16:08:13
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
As a somewhat heretical idea.... prior to this edition, the aarakocra LOOKED different (at least I believe they did look different still in 4e). They had wings but no arms (they had hands on their wings). If there is ONE thing that the spellplague kind of "showed" its that there was a way to modify a people such that they all start to be the same (i.e. tieflings). What if the Aarakocra in Chessenta picked up old Aearee lore and some powerful magic ritual.... and used some avariels who died as a result.... to give them separated arms and wings like the avariels have just prior to the Sundering? What if they only uncovered this information because ancient sarrukh or batrachi lore came to Chessenta/Unther/Mulhorand as a result of the spellplague? Then when the sundering happened, this miracle of magic spread to their entire race.
The aarakocra in 4e are as you describe them, but I don't know if they apply to Realmslore, as the only aarakocra ported to 4e were in the Dark Sun Creature Catalog sourcebook.
As for the tieflings, they weren't transformed by the Spellplague, they were created by a ritual that took place during the Time of Troubles (as revealed in The Devil You Know novel). However, this doesn't affect your theory, as the Spellplague did change the race of some creatures (it happened to Clytemorrenestrix --one of the characters from the God Catcher novel--, a former blue dragon who was transformed into a human by the Spellplague). |
Instead of seeking change, you prefer a void, merciless abyss of a world... |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
12090 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2019 : 15:00:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Zeromaru X
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
As a somewhat heretical idea.... prior to this edition, the aarakocra LOOKED different (at least I believe they did look different still in 4e). They had wings but no arms (they had hands on their wings). If there is ONE thing that the spellplague kind of "showed" its that there was a way to modify a people such that they all start to be the same (i.e. tieflings). What if the Aarakocra in Chessenta picked up old Aearee lore and some powerful magic ritual.... and used some avariels who died as a result.... to give them separated arms and wings like the avariels have just prior to the Sundering? What if they only uncovered this information because ancient sarrukh or batrachi lore came to Chessenta/Unther/Mulhorand as a result of the spellplague? Then when the sundering happened, this miracle of magic spread to their entire race.
The aarakocra in 4e are as you describe them, but I don't know if they apply to Realmslore, as the only aarakocra ported to 4e were in the Dark Sun Creature Catalog sourcebook.
As for the tieflings, they weren't transformed by the Spellplague, they were created by a ritual that took place during the Time of Troubles (as revealed in The Devil You Know novel). However, this doesn't affect your theory, as the Spellplague did change the race of some creatures (it happened to Clytemorrenestrix --one of the characters from the God Catcher novel--, a former blue dragon who was transformed into a human by the Spellplague).
Good points. Sometimes my mind thinks along the lines of "editions" because "it happened in this edition so it would be after X occurred". Still, what we do know is that for a long time, Avariels and Aarakocra were noted in entries as being amiable. Now they're not. Privately, I'll also note that avariels are little seen in the realms, but if this is true, then where they are involved, they have a kind of big impact... the king killer star ritual being one thing... possibly a ritual that modifies aarakocra.... hell, I wouldn't be surprised if they were somehow involved with the corruption of Auril. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1301 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2019 : 13:29:16
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quote:
Originally posted by keftiu
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Susprina Arkenneld was a character seen in exactly one source: the intro to FOR2 The Drow of the Underdark. Despite the fact that we know nothing at all about her, I still find her intriguing and want to know more.
Also from that book, I am particularly fascinated with the fact that drow can have really spiffy prosthetics -- to the point that I made an NPC drow, based on a GI Joe figure, using that bit of lore.
What does it say about her?
And that latter thing is really cool. Disability representation can be even rarer than queer material in fiction, so I'm very curious. Does it say anythinf about what they're like?
The only other prosthesis I know are the crystal plangents of 4e Durpar.
The City on the Hill novel in the Cities series has a protagonist who is missing most of one arm; he is treated badly by citizens and even the temples in Eltural (spelling) because of it). It's not much of a disability representation I suppose, but he goes through an arc and eventually overcomes his disability in a way?
On topic of the post - I see a lot of amazing lore bits every time Ed or Jeff Grubb put pen to paper (especially together). I would say that my faves are in the City write ups of Forgotten Realms Adventures where they have local lore. Much goodness is to be had there!
A character I read about in one of those sections is on a character named Salvarad - a wearer of the purple in Saerloon who is briefly mentioned in Spellfire as worshipping Talos, but then in this book he is worshipping Shar and Cyric and level 20 (now) - said to be one of the most powerful forces for evil loose in the Dragonreach. Love that hook. |
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Asharak
Learned Scribe
France
270 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2020 : 16:05:21
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| The Kabuayan Wars in Kara-Tur Box Set |
"Soyez réalistes : demandez l'impossible"
Sorry for my English... it's not my native tongue. |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2020 : 21:43:42
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I think we need more backstory about "Thunderstorm" (known to some as "Dûd Onahorz").
He must be epic and iconic - his tale must somehow be important in Realmslore - how else could he singularly grace the cover of the legendary Old Grey Box?
Few might know his name, but many will instantly recognize his heroic countenance. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4215 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2020 : 22:20:43
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| Krashos did a piece on him for DMs Guild |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
801 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2020 : 01:52:18
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My favorite irrelevant bit of the moment would be of the Company of the Cleaver, who returned from Undermountain with a giant silvery snail and proceeded to ride it around Castle Ward. Where did that snail come from, and where did it go afterwards? And how many street urchins (and City Watchmen) got to ride on it and dream of their own fantastic adventures?
quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
He must be epic and iconic - his tale must somehow be important in Realmslore - how else could he singularly grace the cover of the legendary Old Grey Box?
Not sure just how far your tongue is in your cheek here but for me what I love of the Realms is not the "epic" and "important" figures, but in the fact that it could be any random person on that cover, and that everyone has a story and goals and aspirations, not just the high and mighty (and uber-leveled). Dûd is indeed epic in his own way, but so is "Horseman by the Lake" (Keith Parkinson's title for the piece).
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AJA
YAFRP
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Edited by - AJA on 03 Jan 2020 01:53:28 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6680 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2020 : 04:34:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
I think we need more backstory about "Thunderstorm" (known to some as "Dûd Onahorz").
He must be epic and iconic - his tale must somehow be important in Realmslore - how else could he singularly grace the cover of the legendary Old Grey Box?
Few might know his name, but many will instantly recognize his heroic countenance.
Not to toot my own horn, but tell me if this fits the bill:
https://www.dmsguild.com/product/253569/Yahdi-al-Alamat-the-Hand-of-Doom
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Nilus Reynard
Learned Scribe
Canada
137 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2020 : 06:58:27
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| More information about Laogzed, the demipower worshipped by the troglodyte race. You can find a small entry about him on the FR wiki, but that's about it. |
Nilus Reynard
Doom Master of Beshaba, Hand of Despair.
P24 Hm CN
(2nd Edition AD&D) |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4215 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2020 : 17:26:10
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Not much on ol’ stinky:
quote:
LAOGZED
Demigod
ARMOR CLASS: 0
MOVE: 15”
HIT POINTS: 187
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 6-60
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Stinking cloud
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Poison
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 29%
SIZE: L (10’ tall)
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic evil
WORSHIPER'S ALIGN: Chaotic evil (troglodytes)
SYMBOL: Image of the god
PLANE: Abyss
CLERIC/DRUID: 15th level cleric using only harmful spells
FIGHTER: As 16+ HD monster
MAGIC-USER/ILLUSIONIST: Nil
THIEF/ASSASSIN: Nil
MONK/BARD: Nil
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
S:21 (+4, +9) I: 18 W: 17 D: 19 C: 19 CH:-2
Troglodytes worship the disgusting Laogzed, a vile being whose appearance suggests both toad and lizard. Laogzed's oozing skin is covered with loose patches of dead flesh. The liquid on his skin is an acidic poison; any creature touching it takes 3-18 points of damage and must save vs. poison at -4. Weapons or other objects touching it must save vs. acid or be destroyed. Laogzed can exhale a stinking cloud at will. His huge mouth is lined with many rows of needle-sharp teeth; he bites for 6-60 points of damage.
The most important rites in the worship of Laogzed are always held far below ground at Midwinter. At this time, troglodytes gather together for the ritual of the Shedding of Skins, where the trogs (who grow throughout their lives) remove their old, dull skins, and then sacrifice these husks to Laogzed. Troglodyte shamans can work up to the 3rd level of clerical ability.
There is a little more in a module but I can’t remember which. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Nilus Reynard
Learned Scribe
Canada
137 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2020 : 19:34:12
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| Yeah, that's about all I was able to find as well. If I want more for use in a campaign, I may have to make it up as I go. |
Nilus Reynard
Doom Master of Beshaba, Hand of Despair.
P24 Hm CN
(2nd Edition AD&D) |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36910 Posts |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4215 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2020 : 01:54:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
He's got a half page in Monster Mythology.
Unfortunately it doesn’t really expand the information much except to say he eats all the time. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2020 : 03:56:48
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| You do have this from Auld Dragons Monster Mythology scroll |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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Nilus Reynard
Learned Scribe
Canada
137 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2020 : 07:48:24
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| No, I didn't have that. Thank you for posting that. It will help me with using him in future campaigns. |
Nilus Reynard
Doom Master of Beshaba, Hand of Despair.
P24 Hm CN
(2nd Edition AD&D) |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36910 Posts |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
801 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2020 : 17:54:50
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Speaking of both "niche" and "irrelevant," did we ever find out who wrote Filfaeril, Bound and Willing?
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AJA
YAFRP
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Favorite bit of niche, irrelevant lore?
