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SomeDude
Acolyte

USA
23 Posts

Posted - 01 Jul 2005 :  03:56:58  Show Profile  Visit SomeDude's Homepage Send SomeDude a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
I never did understand what power a person gained over a mage by knowing their true name. Also, is that something that just got dropped from 3.x or is their actually a story behind why Ao or Mystra or whoever desided that a wizards true name was no longer important. Lastly, did Cyric get the shot end of that stick or what, what with knowing Mystra's true name -- or is that why she changed that little rule of magic?

I hope I'm not bringing up a long dead topic or anything, if theirs a like to this same topic somewhere that I missed that would save a lot of people a lot of typing I would be happy with that.

Thanks in advance.

This is the highest my post count has ever been.

Kentinal
Great Reader

4688 Posts

Posted - 01 Jul 2005 :  04:10:21  Show Profile Send Kentinal a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Not sure if a long dead topic as far as that goes.

However true name having power has existed in the game and in various real world belief systems for years.

3.x was a major rewrite of D&D and I certainly do not know all the reasons for the changes.

As to other questions I think Cyric got too much as it is *wink*

"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon
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KnightErrantJR
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USA
5402 Posts

Posted - 01 Jul 2005 :  04:30:11  Show Profile  Visit KnightErrantJR's Homepage Send KnightErrantJR a Private Message  Reply with Quote
There was a Dragon article about a year ago that had some 3rd edition benefits for True Names, mainly increasing your caster level over someone that you have that particular advantage over.

While not a true name per se, according to the first book of the ROTAW knowing a subjects commonly used name and naming them in a spell makes the spell more potent.

For the second effect, I would think that one could develop a feat that might reflect a minor benefit for working in a character's common appelation into a spell.
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DDH_101
Master of Realmslore

Canada
1272 Posts

Posted - 01 Jul 2005 :  07:44:49  Show Profile  Visit DDH_101's Homepage Send DDH_101 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I think that most wizards take precaution by having protection spells, contingencies, etc on them over this kind of domination. It's kind of like how wizards have mind shields to prevent someone from reading their mind or stealing their memories.

It's not exactly easy to use magic in this type of way to charm or control someone. So often one who can cast such spells would have enemies that are way too powerful and protected for such a ploy, or enemies that are so weak that this type of spells aren't even needed.

"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask
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khorne
Master of Realmslore

Finland
1073 Posts

Posted - 01 Jul 2005 :  18:32:15  Show Profile  Visit khorne's Homepage Send khorne a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Are there several different kinds of Truenames? In HOTU true names aren`t like in that article.

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Kentinal
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4688 Posts

Posted - 01 Jul 2005 :  20:42:15  Show Profile Send Kentinal a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by khorne

Are there several different kinds of Truenames? In HOTU true names aren`t like in that article.



There certainly can be different types of Truenames.

Jioning any order part of initiation might confer a true name known only to the order and not used outside the order. As already indicate a Truename certainly can be used to control or summon (the reason Demons try to hide their Truenames).

I do see it posible, though unlikely, that some characters could have two different Truenames. Even if belonging to different clubs/orgs the odds are that the Truename serving as an identifier would be the same in meaning (even if actual name is based on different languages).

"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon
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Jamallo Kreen
Master of Realmslore

USA
1537 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2005 :  04:38:35  Show Profile  Visit Jamallo Kreen's Homepage Send Jamallo Kreen a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR

There was a Dragon article about a year ago that had some 3rd edition benefits for True Names, mainly increasing your caster level over someone that you have that particular advantage over.

While not a true name per se, according to the first book of the ROTAW knowing a subjects commonly used name and naming them in a spell makes the spell more potent.

For the second effect, I would think that one could develop a feat that might reflect a minor benefit for working in a character's common appelation into a spell.



Will someone please supply the issue number and date for the Dragon with this article?

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Jamallo Kreen
Master of Realmslore

USA
1537 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2005 :  04:58:40  Show Profile  Visit Jamallo Kreen's Homepage Send Jamallo Kreen a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by SomeDude

I never did understand what power a person gained over a mage by knowing their true name.
Thanks in advance.


Read the non-Realmsian Earthsea trilogy for what may be the best explanation of True Names and their significance.

The idea that knowing something or someone's True Name gives one power over it is very ancient. Note that Adam names all of the animals; this makes him -- effectively -- ruler of Creation, in contradistinction to the angelic hosts, who, as Paradise Lost and many D20 supplements about Baator tell us, became a tad upset and decided to rebel against the Creator for permitting a mortal to have such power and authority.

I have a mouth, but I am in a library and must not scream.


Feed the poor and stroke your ego, too: http://www.freerice.com/index.php.

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SiriusBlack
Great Reader

USA
5517 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2005 :  13:50:48  Show Profile  Visit SiriusBlack's Homepage Send SiriusBlack a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jamallo Kreen
Read the non-Realmsian Earthsea trilogy for what may be the best explanation of True Names and their significance.



Monte Cook's gaming book, Arcana Unearthed touches upon true names some.
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31774 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2005 :  14:00:50  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack

quote:
Originally posted by Jamallo Kreen
Read the non-Realmsian Earthsea trilogy for what may be the best explanation of True Names and their significance.



Monte Cook's gaming book, Arcana Unearthed touches upon true names some.

For those scribes without access to Arcana Unearthed, try here:- http://www.montecook.com/images/Quick_Reference_Guide.rtf

Just scroll down to "New Core Concepts" for some brief details on True Names in the Diamond Throne setting.

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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2005 :  16:46:27  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Ed said this many years ago:

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Castle/2566/ed-truenames.htm

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

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Rocheval
Acolyte

21 Posts

Posted - 09 Jul 2005 :  18:49:07  Show Profile  Visit Rocheval's Homepage Send Rocheval a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Sorry to bump this thread but I was hoping a newbie like me could contribute something. Truenames have probably been done away with in the 'new' realms but of the old material I think I remember the Simbul and Elminster exchanging true names in the Spellfire novel (not sure if they were the truenames were the ones that have the power to bind) and I think also in that novel Elminster said he knew Manshoon's true name. I believe also in Crown of Fire a truename was used to control the demilich/lichlord? Also one of the mages of the Flaming Fist has a spiritwrack scroll with Demogorgon's true name on it. Any other mention of truenames in FR material just for interests sake?

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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31774 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2005 :  04:55:02  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rocheval

Any other mention of truenames in FR material just for interests sake?
Volo's Guide to All Things Magical.

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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2005 :  05:42:54  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Rocheval

Any other mention of truenames in FR material just for interests sake?
Volo's Guide to All Things Magical.




And the Seven Sisters. :)

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

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Faraer
Great Reader

3308 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  01:04:28  Show Profile  Visit Faraer's Homepage Send Faraer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rocheval
Truenames have probably been done away with in the 'new' realms...
What makes you think so?
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader

USA
5402 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  01:12:31  Show Profile  Visit KnightErrantJR's Homepage Send KnightErrantJR a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I do think that if someone applied themselves to the task, a series of feats might make the whole "truename" issue a more attractive one to approach. One of the big issues I think 1st and 2nd Edition had was to assume that any wizard with a truename could do something with it. I think a feat tree of somekind showing that someone has learned to utilize the power of the truename is exactly the type of thing that the 3rd/3.5 edition game mechanic is good for.
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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  01:36:15  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR

I do think that if someone applied themselves to the task, a series of feats might make the whole "truename" issue a more attractive one to approach. One of the big issues I think 1st and 2nd Edition had was to assume that any wizard with a truename could do something with it. I think a feat tree of somekind showing that someone has learned to utilize the power of the truename is exactly the type of thing that the 3rd/3.5 edition game mechanic is good for.



That book of good that WOTC made for the mature line has rules for true names if I recall right. :)

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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31774 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  02:05:57  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR

I do think that if someone applied themselves to the task, a series of feats might make the whole "truename" issue a more attractive one to approach. One of the big issues I think 1st and 2nd Edition had was to assume that any wizard with a truename could do something with it. I think a feat tree of somekind showing that someone has learned to utilize the power of the truename is exactly the type of thing that the 3rd/3.5 edition game mechanic is good for.



That book of good that WOTC made for the mature line has rules for true names if I recall right. :)

The Book of Exalted Deeds. Yes, there's a small section on truenames.

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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  02:08:57  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR

I do think that if someone applied themselves to the task, a series of feats might make the whole "truename" issue a more attractive one to approach. One of the big issues I think 1st and 2nd Edition had was to assume that any wizard with a truename could do something with it. I think a feat tree of somekind showing that someone has learned to utilize the power of the truename is exactly the type of thing that the 3rd/3.5 edition game mechanic is good for.



That book of good that WOTC made for the mature line has rules for true names if I recall right. :)

The Book of Exalted Deeds. Yes, there's a small section on truenames.




Yeah that book. I brain farted on the name and I didn't feel like crossing the room to look it up. Yeah I'm being lazy, sue me. :)

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

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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36804 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  02:51:38  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Yeah that book. I brain farted on the name and I didn't feel like crossing the room to look it up. Yeah I'm being lazy, sue me. :)



Ooh, okay! How much are you worth?

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KnightErrantJR
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USA
5402 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  02:52:39  Show Profile  Visit KnightErrantJR's Homepage Send KnightErrantJR a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Should we be getting ahold of George over this?
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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  03:02:08  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Yeah that book. I brain farted on the name and I didn't feel like crossing the room to look it up. Yeah I'm being lazy, sue me. :)



Ooh, okay! How much are you worth?



If you want 2,000 or so sourcebooks, novels, and other printed meterial, that's how much I'm worth. :) How much that adds up to in dollars, I have no idea but it's gotta be over 5,000.

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

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Edited by - Kuje on 11 Jul 2005 03:02:53
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31774 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  05:27:47  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Yeah that book. I brain farted on the name and I didn't feel like crossing the room to look it up. Yeah I'm being lazy, sue me. :)



Ooh, okay! How much are you worth?



If you want 2,000 or so sourcebooks, novels, and other printed meterial, that's how much I'm worth. :) How much that adds up to in dollars, I have no idea but it's gotta be over 5,000.

Bah!

I don't want something that I've already got .

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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  05:34:15  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Yeah that book. I brain farted on the name and I didn't feel like crossing the room to look it up. Yeah I'm being lazy, sue me. :)



Ooh, okay! How much are you worth?



If you want 2,000 or so sourcebooks, novels, and other printed meterial, that's how much I'm worth. :) How much that adds up to in dollars, I have no idea but it's gotta be over 5,000.

Bah!

I don't want something that I've already got .




Oh, I don't know... My collection has still got a way to go until it's complete.

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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  05:37:59  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Yeah that book. I brain farted on the name and I didn't feel like crossing the room to look it up. Yeah I'm being lazy, sue me. :)



Ooh, okay! How much are you worth?



If you want 2,000 or so sourcebooks, novels, and other printed meterial, that's how much I'm worth. :) How much that adds up to in dollars, I have no idea but it's gotta be over 5,000.

Bah!

I don't want something that I've already got .




Who said all those were d&d sourcebooks and novels. :) I know I didn't. :)

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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31774 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  05:39:20  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

Oh, I don't know... My collection has still got a way to go until it's complete.

Not me .

Thanks to Kuje's suggestion about using Noble Knight, I managed to pick up the last ever FR accessory I had previously been missing -- Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II.

Oh, and I'm missing about three FR Dungeon adventures...

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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31774 Posts

Posted - 11 Jul 2005 :  05:42:51  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Who said all those were d&d sourcebooks and novels. :) I know I didn't. :)

Oh, I'd just assumed you were keeping within the context of D&D and FR .

Regardless, we should really get back on topic here... .

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Xysma
Master of Realmslore

USA
1089 Posts

Posted - 02 Oct 2005 :  06:52:59  Show Profile  Visit Xysma's Homepage Send Xysma a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rocheval

Sorry to bump this thread but I was hoping a newbie like me could contribute something. Truenames have probably been done away with in the 'new' realms but of the old material I think I remember the Simbul and Elminster exchanging true names in the Spellfire novel (not sure if they were the truenames were the ones that have the power to bind) and I think also in that novel Elminster said he knew Manshoon's true name. I believe also in Crown of Fire a truename was used to control the demilich/lichlord? Also one of the mages of the Flaming Fist has a spiritwrack scroll with Demogorgon's true name on it. Any other mention of truenames in FR material just for interests sake?



In The Coral Kingdom, Talos gave Princess Deirdre the name of his avatar, Coss-Axel-Sinioth, so she could destroy him as punishment for his failures.

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