| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
EltonRobb
Learned Scribe
USA
108 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Feb 2025 : 03:27:05
|
I have this idea to use Manshoon as a primary antagonist in my new Forgotten Realms campaign. However, I'd like to use one of his clones. I know at least three survived the "Manshoon purge" and one is serving the Zentarim (according to the 3e Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting). The campaign I have in mind is not the Northern Journey campaign (however well written that one was).
I'm planning on planting a surviving clone in Calimshan. And have him serve the Pasha as an advisor. I want to start the heroes in Amn, and eventually moving south to deal with Manshoon himself. The reason why I'd like to use Manshoon because mostly I think he makes a better villain than Fzoul Chembyrl.
Thoughts?
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11923 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2025 : 13:06:52
|
If you don't have a specific reason for it to be Manshoon and just want a villain that's better than Fzoul, I'd vote to just make a powerful mage servitor to the pasha. That's just my personal opinion, because using Manshoon should entail a bit more motive that fits with the goals of Manshoon (and being a servant of a pasha doesn't really fit his ego in my view, unless you build up some reason that the pasha has control over him).
Or to put it another way... what's the gain? If its for some AHA moment with the players, will they REALLY be impressed that its Manshoon? Some may groan at that, whereas others may just look at you like "who?". |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 04 Feb 2025 13:08:22 |
 |
|
|
Alberto_Magnus
Acolyte
Italy
9 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2025 : 18:28:06
|
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
If you don't have a specific reason for it to be Manshoon and just want a villain that's better than Fzoul, I'd vote to just make a powerful mage servitor to the pasha. That's just my personal opinion, because using Manshoon should entail a bit more motive that fits with the goals of Manshoon (and being a servant of a pasha doesn't really fit his ego in my view, unless you build up some reason that the pasha has control over him).
Or to put it another way... what's the gain? If its for some AHA moment with the players, will they REALLY be impressed that its Manshoon? Some may groan at that, whereas others may just look at you like "who?".
Yes I second that.
Especially because once only three clones remain, they would be extra careful. Even when the "original" Manshoon had plenty of clones in the mid 14th century DR Elminster was able to sneak under his nose and ruin a couple.
He can't have forgotten that. |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36844 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2025 : 00:53:31
|
Point: only three Manshoon clones were known to remain in the Realms -- but the whole "gotta kill them all!" thing could be circumvented by going elsewhere, which we know some clones did, or by becoming something other than a living Manshoon clone. The latter option means changing his form would get around that compulsion. So Womanshoon or Elfshoon or the Shou wizard Xian Moon or any of a lot of other options would remain.
And given what some of the clones did, it's possible that any remaining former Manshoons have decided to pursue new goals.
Just a reminder, from Cloak & Dagger: "In trade for numerous secret spells privy only to him and his Zhentarim, Manshoon (nine of him, to be precise) buys himself sanctuary in the company of many wizards such as Larloch the Lich-King, Vimal Craumerdaun of Eshpurta, Vynmarius of Athkatla, Vizar Mohad el Fisar of Manshaka, Tenaral of Amruthar, Vyrth of Darmshall, Halaster of Undermountain, Master of Mages Guldor Zauviir of Sshamath, and the Simbul (a fact she keeps secret from even the most trusted of her apprentices!)."
That last one, in particular, is interesting -- the Simbul would have no reason to trust Manny and a better idea than most of what he had done, but she still gave him sanctuary. |
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 05 Feb 2025 00:54:43 |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36844 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2025 : 00:57:06
|
| (also, it's weird talking about a character like Manshoon... "Well, three of him are here, one is there, another him did this thing, this other him opened a bed and breakfast, several of him died...") |
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! |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Manshoon the Great!
