Author |
Topic |
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2005 : 19:27:39
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quote: Originally posted by Steven Schend
"Despite the self-aggrandizing puffery of those windbags at Twilight Hall, the Blackstaff stands, as ever, unbowed. But then again, that's what makes him so much fun to tease."
-Kyriani Agrivar
THIS is an absolutely marvelous quote, and I'm very curious as to its origin. I'm 98% certain that I never wrote it, and I was under the impression that I was among the blessed few keeping that little minx in print and continuity. Found the quote on WotC's boards, and I'm just dying to find out from whence it came. Wooly? Anyone?
Page 84 of City of Splendors: Waterdeep. Each of the Prestige Class descriptions includes a quote from a member of that class; this quote is from the Moonstar Agent PrC. The "oh-so-dishy" Kyriani (to use your past words) is now a Wizard 11/Moonstar Agent 3.
And I think you'll like the fact that people who take the Moonstar Agent PrC can continue to advance as Harper Agents, and vice versa.
Edit: My bad. They can't continue to advance in the "rival" class, but they retain all of their abilities from that class -- so a Moonstar Agent who was originally a Harper is not considered an ex-Harper (at least, not game-wise). And vice-versa. |
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Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 30 Jul 2005 20:38:51 |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2005 : 20:20:43
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quote: Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote: Originally posted by Steven Schend
"Despite the self-aggrandizing puffery of those windbags at Twilight Hall, the Blackstaff stands, as ever, unbowed. But then again, that's what makes him so much fun to tease."
-Kyriani Agrivar
THIS is an absolutely marvelous quote, and I'm very curious as to its origin. I'm 98% certain that I never wrote it, and I was under the impression that I was among the blessed few keeping that little minx in print and continuity. Found the quote on WotC's boards, and I'm just dying to find out from whence it came. Wooly? Anyone?
Page 84 of City of Splendors: Waterdeep. Each of the Prestige Class descriptions includes a quote from a member of that class; this quote is from the Moonstar Agent PrC. The "oh-so-dishy" Kyriani (to use your past words) is now a Wizard 11/Moonstar Agent 3.
And I think you'll like the fact that people who take the Moonstar Agent PrC can continue to advance as Harper Agents, and vice versa.
Isn`t there some crazy harper in waterdeep that wants to kill all harpers not loyal to twilight hall? |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2005 : 20:44:53
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quote: Originally posted by khorne
Isn`t there some crazy harper in waterdeep that wants to kill all harpers not loyal to twilight hall?
Not quite... The Harpers have dispatched an agent to Waterdeep to clean up the ranks. Eather Heilean is a paladin and Harper Paragon, and she's trying to make sure all Harpers in the City of Splendors are not helping the Tel'Teukiira and are loyal to Twilight Hall.
As both a paladin and a Harper, she really can't go around killing people -- especially people whose only transgression is to not be loyal to Twilight Hall. |
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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Llah
Acolyte
Ukraine
6 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2005 : 07:06:39
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Not at all, Stiven. I know, how bad it is, when you haven't time to answer all questions, which another people try to ask you. So...I'll be wait and hope :). |
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Arthedain
Acolyte
16 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2005 : 12:11:25
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Greetings, Loremaster Schend.
I acquired Mr. Boyd's latest work on Waterdeep a tiny tenday ago, and I noticed something that I found a bit odd. In the section that details Khelben, Laeral, and their little "magic school" a list of apprentices were given, and one of these apprentices were a gentleman named Aznar Thrul.
I was wondering if you could perhaps provide some insight into how a man of thayan ancestry came under the Blackstaff's wing/cloak, and what made him leave (in order to later become the charming Zulkir of Thay that we all love and odore :) ).
I would also like to say "thank you" for providing sourcebooks filled with lore and plot hooks. In my current campaign set in the Dalelands (3+ years and still kicking) I keep returning to your books on Cormanthyr and the Fall of Myth Drannor for inspiration and ideas on all things elven.
Many thanks in advance. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2005 : 19:50:26
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Well met, Sir Schend, and fellow scribes:
I was in the market for some lore on the fall of Ascalhorn (Hellgate Keep), and I thought I'd consult the mind behind much of the info on it -- the indomitable SS. Also, other scribes' input would be more than welcome, of course!
I'm looking for details on the process of Hellgate's fall -- specifically, when precisely it occurred, what kind of battles (spell and/or mundane) were fought, the spells used to raise it. What kind of monsters were within? Which Chosen were involved? Which organizations? How many casualties? What did the Keep LOOK like before and after?
Any details would be superlative.
Also, if someone would like to point me toward a source of additional info on the subject, that would be cool too!
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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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
2067 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2005 : 20:42:15
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quote: Originally posted by Arthedain
Greetings, Loremaster Schend.
I acquired Mr. Boyd's latest work on Waterdeep a tiny tenday ago, and I noticed something that I found a bit odd. In the section that details Khelben, Laeral, and their little "magic school" a list of apprentices were given, and one of these apprentices were a gentleman named Aznar Thrul.
I was wondering if you could perhaps provide some insight into how a man of thayan ancestry came under the Blackstaff's wing/cloak, and what made him leave (in order to later become the charming Zulkir of Thay that we all love and odore :) ).
This is a buried reference to an adventure hook I included in Powers & Pantheons, pages 152-153. This in turn builds off Steven's Dragon article on Series Magic a long time ago (in the first half of the 200s, IIRC, don't have the reference handy).
--Eric |
-- http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2005 : 20:42:43
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Erik, not to be confused with Eric, have you checked out 2e's Hellgate Keep? :) |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
Edited by - Kuje on 02 Aug 2005 20:43:37 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2005 : 23:06:56
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quote: Originally posted by ericlboyd
quote: Originally posted by Arthedain
Greetings, Loremaster Schend.
I acquired Mr. Boyd's latest work on Waterdeep a tiny tenday ago, and I noticed something that I found a bit odd. In the section that details Khelben, Laeral, and their little "magic school" a list of apprentices were given, and one of these apprentices were a gentleman named Aznar Thrul.
I was wondering if you could perhaps provide some insight into how a man of thayan ancestry came under the Blackstaff's wing/cloak, and what made him leave (in order to later become the charming Zulkir of Thay that we all love and odore :) ).
This is a buried reference to an adventure hook I included in Powers & Pantheons, pages 152-153. This in turn builds off Steven's Dragon article on Series Magic a long time ago (in the first half of the 200s, IIRC, don't have the reference handy).
--Eric
"Series Magic" appears in issue 213. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6669 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2005 : 07:52:41
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quote: Originally posted by Kuje
Erik, not to be confused with Eric, have you checked out 2e's Hellgate Keep? :)
Or "The North" boxed set?
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Arthedain
Acolyte
16 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2005 : 15:03:37
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quote: Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote: Originally posted by ericlboyd
quote: Originally posted by Arthedain
Greetings, Loremaster Schend.
I acquired Mr. Boyd's latest work on Waterdeep a tiny tenday ago, and I noticed something that I found a bit odd. In the section that details Khelben, Laeral, and their little "magic school" a list of apprentices were given, and one of these apprentices were a gentleman named Aznar Thrul.
I was wondering if you could perhaps provide some insight into how a man of thayan ancestry came under the Blackstaff's wing/cloak, and what made him leave (in order to later become the charming Zulkir of Thay that we all love and odore :) ).
This is a buried reference to an adventure hook I included in Powers & Pantheons, pages 152-153. This in turn builds off Steven's Dragon article on Series Magic a long time ago (in the first half of the 200s, IIRC, don't have the reference handy).
--Eric
"Series Magic" appears in issue 213.
Aha! Thank you, Eric and Wooly. Unfortunately, Dragon 213 is not in my library, but Powers & Pantheons is. One can't have everything, I suppose :). |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2005 : 17:51:01
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quote: Originally posted by Arthedain
Aha! Thank you, Eric and Wooly. Unfortunately, Dragon 213 is not in my library, but Powers & Pantheons is. One can't have everything, I suppose :).
I'm going to have to check the Powers & Pantheons reference, myself. I just read the "Series Magic" article (I long ago flipped that one to Word, and copied it to my work machine), and I'm not seeing what was built on. |
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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2005 : 01:27:35
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See? The depths of knowledge of these scribes. I'll look for those.
My previous experience with supplements is that they often go a little loose on the details, so DMs can do their thing. . . What I'd really like as well is supplementary info.
UPDATE: I've got the North, and the Savage Frontier, but this mysterious 2E Hellgate Keep yet eludes me. Anyone know where a download might be found?
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" |
Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 04 Aug 2005 06:26:20 |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2005 : 06:34:14
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quote: Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
See? The depths of knowledge of these scribes. I'll look for those.
My previous experience with supplements is that they often go a little loose on the details, so DMs can do their thing. . . What I'd really like as well is supplementary info.
UPDATE: I've got the North, and the Savage Frontier, but this mysterious 2E Hellgate Keep yet eludes me. Anyone know where a download might be found?
Cheers
Hellsgate keep is a 2ed module
You can buy a PDF version from here
http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=883& |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
Edited by - Dargoth on 04 Aug 2005 06:36:48 |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2005 : 13:44:54
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quote: Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
See? The depths of knowledge of these scribes. I'll look for those.
My previous experience with supplements is that they often go a little loose on the details, so DMs can do their thing. . . What I'd really like as well is supplementary info.
UPDATE: I've got the North, and the Savage Frontier, but this mysterious 2E Hellgate Keep yet eludes me. Anyone know where a download might be found?
Cheers
Loose on details? Us?
Send me an email on this, Erik. I think I can help you out by digging up the files. Just include exactly what info you're trying to dig up and I'll see what I put in print (and what I left in the cobwebbed corners of hard drives in note form).
SES |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2005 : 13:46:48
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quote: Originally posted by Arthedain
Greetings, Loremaster Schend.
I acquired Mr. Boyd's latest work on Waterdeep a tiny tenday ago, and I noticed something that I found a bit odd. In the section that details Khelben, Laeral, and their little "magic school" a list of apprentices were given, and one of these apprentices were a gentleman named Aznar Thrul.
I was wondering if you could perhaps provide some insight into how a man of thayan ancestry came under the Blackstaff's wing/cloak, and what made him leave (in order to later become the charming Zulkir of Thay that we all love and odore :) ).
I would also like to say "thank you" for providing sourcebooks filled with lore and plot hooks. In my current campaign set in the Dalelands (3+ years and still kicking) I keep returning to your books on Cormanthyr and the Fall of Myth Drannor for inspiration and ideas on all things elven.
Many thanks in advance.
I'll have to do a check on Aznar Thrul in my files; could be that all the thought that went into him went into that article in Dragon 213 and I've not given it a thought since. This could change, though, when I find and reread that old article....
Steven Who was reminded of that article last when he wrote SEA OF FALLEN STARS to use one of the five Blades of Ochiir Naal.... |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2005 : 17:18:16
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quote: Originally posted by Steven Schend
I'll have to do a check on Aznar Thrul in my files; could be that all the thought that went into him went into that article in Dragon 213 and I've not given it a thought since. This could change, though, when I find and reread that old article....
Steven Who was reminded of that article last when he wrote SEA OF FALLEN STARS to use one of the five Blades of Ochiir Naal....
I have it as a Word document... If you need it, I'll email it to you. |
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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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2005 : 18:09:50
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quote: Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote: Originally posted by Steven Schend
I'll have to do a check on Aznar Thrul in my files; could be that all the thought that went into him went into that article in Dragon 213 and I've not given it a thought since. This could change, though, when I find and reread that old article....
Steven Who was reminded of that article last when he wrote SEA OF FALLEN STARS to use one of the five Blades of Ochiir Naal....
I have it as a Word document... If you need it, I'll email it to you.
Do that, would you please? Thanks, man.
Steven Who's apparently wool-gathering.... |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2005 : 21:53:52
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quote: Originally posted by Steven Schend
<snip>..Who's apparently wool-gathering....
Ahem, apologies Wooly, I just find that so..tzzpfffff
Indeed, i'd also like to see this document ye have, if ye would be kind enough to send it over to me. Thank ye.
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Alaundo Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 02:08:25
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quote: Originally posted by Steven Schend
Loose on details? Us?
I said "loose," but I meant "open," so that DMs can run adventures at particularly important events and. . . well, you know what I meant.
Will do.
Anyone know if a short story, Dragon article, or other published work covers the last hurrah of Hellgate?
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" |
Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 05 Aug 2005 02:11:29 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6669 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 03:22:09
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There's no other information on the fall of Hellgate Keep other than the sources noted above. No fiction at all on this event.
There is a small reference to the fall of Ascalhorn (when this place BECAME Hellgate Keep) in the old FR4 The Magister accessory. In the write-up of Jaluster's Orizen it talks about how he fought and died there and mentions one of the few survivors of that event back in 882 DR, the bard Maerstar.
Similarly, look at Eric's "Mintiper's Chapbook" series on the WotC FR website (now in the archives) for some lore on Hellgate Keep, specifically the Brotherhood of the Black Hand offering.
Oh, and you might want to read up on the Gatekeeper's Crystal artifact in Volo's Guide to All Things Magical.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 03:35:28
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quote: Originally posted by George Krashos
There's no other information on the fall of Hellgate Keep other than the sources noted above. No fiction at all on this event.
There is a small reference to the fall of Ascalhorn (when this place BECAME Hellgate Keep) in the old FR4 The Magister accessory. In the write-up of Jaluster's Orizen it talks about how he fought and died there and mentions one of the few survivors of that event back in 882 DR, the bard Maerstar.
Similarly, look at Eric's "Mintiper's Chapbook" series on the WotC FR website (now in the archives) for some lore on Hellgate Keep, specifically the Brotherhood of the Black Hand offering.
Oh, and you might want to read up on the Gatekeeper's Crystal artifact in Volo's Guide to All Things Magical.
-- George Krashos
Hmm. I dimley recall some info being in Savage Frontier as well..... :) |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 04:00:19
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quote: Originally posted by George Krashos
Oh, and you might want to read up on the Gatekeeper's Crystal artifact in Volo's Guide to All Things Magical.
-- George Krashos
Which is another freebie on the WotC downloads page. |
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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 05:09:14
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You guys are awesome.
And with that, I shall cede control of Sir Schend's scroll -- back to Sir Schend.
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" |
Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 05 Aug 2005 05:10:22 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31788 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 05:55:30
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This one's for you Erik -
quote: Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote: Originally posted by George Krashos
Oh, and you might want to read up on the Gatekeeper's Crystal artifact in Volo's Guide to All Things Magical.
-- George Krashos
Which is another freebie on the WotC downloads page.
As is Volo's Guide to the North -- another 2e resource brimming with lore on Hellgate Keep.
|
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 13:04:39
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quote: Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
You guys are awesome.
And with that, I shall cede control of Sir Schend's scroll -- back to Sir Schend.
Cheers
Eugh. Call me Steven. As for control, that's in Alaundo's hands.
Steven Who wonders if orcs invading places ever roar "All your base belong to us!" or not.... |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 13:09:59
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quote: Originally posted by Arthedain
Greetings, Loremaster Schend.
I acquired Mr. Boyd's latest work on Waterdeep a tiny tenday ago, and I noticed something that I found a bit odd. In the section that details Khelben, Laeral, and their little "magic school" a list of apprentices were given, and one of these apprentices were a gentleman named Aznar Thrul.
I was wondering if you could perhaps provide some insight into how a man of thayan ancestry came under the Blackstaff's wing/cloak, and what made him leave (in order to later become the charming Zulkir of Thay that we all love and odore :) ).
I would also like to say "thank you" for providing sourcebooks filled with lore and plot hooks. In my current campaign set in the Dalelands (3+ years and still kicking) I keep returning to your books on Cormanthyr and the Fall of Myth Drannor for inspiration and ideas on all things elven.
Many thanks in advance.
Still haven't done the research, but some ideas rattled loose this a.m....
Aznar could have simply shown up on the Tower's doorstep and been accepted simply as a student of potential. While I doubt it was a long-term idea that he'd become a major Red Wizard, Khelben often takes in students from many walks of life in the hopes that they learn as much about morality as they do about magic.
While he's got many successful apprentice/graduates like Malchor Harpell or Nain Keenwhistler, he's also got his "failures"--mages of power who have forgotten some basics on ethics or simply let the power go to their heads. Maaril the Dragonmage is hinted at being one of them, though folk argue on this and Khelben keeps his own counsel.
Alas, while Khelben is an exceptional teacher (when he finds the time), he's not that hot as a parent. In his mind, his greatest failures are his inability to protect his children from harm as his parents protected him through his 20s...
Steven |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36809 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 17:17:19
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quote: Originally posted by Steven Schend
Steven Who wonders if orcs invading places ever roar "All your base belong to us!" or not....
What you say? |
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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 19:02:18
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Steven it is!
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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Arthedain
Acolyte
16 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2005 : 12:56:22
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quote: Originally posted by Steven Schend
quote: Originally posted by Arthedain
Greetings, Loremaster Schend.
I acquired Mr. Boyd's latest work on Waterdeep a tiny tenday ago, and I noticed something that I found a bit odd. In the section that details Khelben, Laeral, and their little "magic school" a list of apprentices were given, and one of these apprentices were a gentleman named Aznar Thrul.
I was wondering if you could perhaps provide some insight into how a man of thayan ancestry came under the Blackstaff's wing/cloak, and what made him leave (in order to later become the charming Zulkir of Thay that we all love and odore :) ).
I would also like to say "thank you" for providing sourcebooks filled with lore and plot hooks. In my current campaign set in the Dalelands (3+ years and still kicking) I keep returning to your books on Cormanthyr and the Fall of Myth Drannor for inspiration and ideas on all things elven.
Many thanks in advance.
Still haven't done the research, but some ideas rattled loose this a.m....
Aznar could have simply shown up on the Tower's doorstep and been accepted simply as a student of potential. While I doubt it was a long-term idea that he'd become a major Red Wizard, Khelben often takes in students from many walks of life in the hopes that they learn as much about morality as they do about magic.
While he's got many successful apprentice/graduates like Malchor Harpell or Nain Keenwhistler, he's also got his "failures"--mages of power who have forgotten some basics on ethics or simply let the power go to their heads. Maaril the Dragonmage is hinted at being one of them, though folk argue on this and Khelben keeps his own counsel.
Alas, while Khelben is an exceptional teacher (when he finds the time), he's not that hot as a parent. In his mind, his greatest failures are his inability to protect his children from harm as his parents protected him through his 20s...
Steven
Hi Steven, and thanks for the reply.
Just to add a few speculations of my own :) : I browsed through Magic of Faerun, FRCS, Lords of Darkness and Unapproachable East this weekend, and unless I have misunderstood something each Thayen Enclave is sponsored by a zulkir. Waterdeep : CoS says nothing about who sponsors the enclave there, and I can't remember seeing anything that "hints" towards any one zulkir in particular. In fact, I found it interesting that the head of the enclave is stated out as "WizardX/Red WizardY", instead of "EnchanterX/Red WizardY" or "Wizard[Ench]X/Red WizardY" :). This might just be an oversight, but I prefer to think of it as "someone didn't tell our trusted reporter, Mr. Boyd, all the details :)".
Anyway, two obvious options (in my mind at least) are that 1) Aznar entered as an apprentice in order to gain knowledge and/or information that he some day might use
2) Khelben took the ambitious thayan as an apprentice, hoping to gain an ally (or at least a "friend") who might some day be a prominent member of the Red Wizards.
Further: Is it possible that Aznar is the sponsor of the Waterdeep Enclave, and that he has used contacts and knowledge to gain a foothold (so to say) in the City of Splendours?
Well, those were some of my initial thoughts on the subject :). And now, as they say on the David Letterman Show....
"Back to you, Dave."
-Arthedain |
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