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Arravis
Seeker
USA
93 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Aug 2005 : 14:24:50
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Anyone have a physical description of what Piergeiron's Palace or the Lord's Court within looks like? I can't find any descriptions of what they look like. Does Piergeiron have a throne or somesuch? He is the Open Lord, but I'm not sure how many of the accoutrement of "kingship" come with that. if anyone can offer up any descriptions or where I can look it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 01:34:54
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I so far had not heard of descriptions of Piergeiron palace, but there is a picture of his palace anyway: Try this link:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/cosw_gallery/90428.jpg
or if cannot access, then try accessing from here:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ag/20050610b&page=2 |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
770 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2005 : 13:09:33
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An official description of Lord's Court? Not beyond the one-line description on p.47 in the Campaign Guide of the CoS boxed set and a mention (no description) on p.8 of Volo's Guide to Waterdeep.
I've dug up the following (entirely unofficial) description from my own notes. Feel free to use it if you like;
Lord's Court
Lord's Court: An open, marble-pillared, many-balconied hall of the Palace. Lit by giant torches in brackets (mundane and oft-replaced, but the area around the brackets bears enchantments that serve to filter the smell and smoke produced by the burning), and various variously-colored driftglobes flitting about the arched ceiling. At the raised northern end (signifying the city's geographical location and Her dominance of northern trade) sits the Open Lord's chair (as opulent as any throne in half a hundred throne rooms, but always referred to as a "chair" by the Lords and loyal folk of the city), flanked on the same plane by the seats of the Masked Lords.
The room is pierced by several sets of entrances. The upper balconies (hung with various banners of the watch and the guard, and the guilds) are accessible through stairways to the upper level. The southern, "main doors" are two, swung outwards, giant everbright-banded slabs of dark wood, cut to show off their grain and partially covered with hung banners depicting the crests of the City and of the Lords. The back sides of the doors are unadorned, unbanded, and unvarnished, as they (and the Lords) are never to be closed to the populace of the city. Two smaller, unmarked doors in the northern wall open into private meeting chambers for the Lords, and is where they emerge from during Court (Piergeiron is never seen emerging from these doors, as the Open Lord already sits upon his chair when the first petitioner or viewer is allowed into the hall). To the east sits a plain door of black stone, through which the black-robes (magisters) emerge, to pass their judgements.
In grand carving behind the raised northern dais is the Conclave of the Lords (also snidely referred to by foes of the Lords or the city itself as the "Parade of Stoneheads" or "The Stone-Witted Seven"). The centerpiece of the Conclave carving depicts the deceased Lords Baeron and Shilarn, facing each other in grand regalia, the lady bearing a crescent-moon-topped scepter and Baeron holding aloft an ornate torch in the image of that depicted on the arms of the Lords of the city. To their sides stand five more figures, three to the left and two to the right, in decreasing sizes of stature.
To the right: Ahghairon (the Faithful Advisor), a robed mage bearing tome and skull-topped wand; and The Foolish Merchant, a male figure devoid of facial features and dressed in pompous fashion, representing the two failed Lords Magister Lhorar Gildeggh and Ehlemm Zoar, and a comment on the folly of tyranny and poor trade.
To the left: Raurlor (the Over-Proud), whose form splits into two above the waist, with one a proud, well-muscled warrior holding aloft a burning sword and the other a cowering, furtive figure with an arm covering his face; Nimoar (the Founder), a noble man of plain dress bearing both a rope-entwined trident and a sheaf of wheat; and finally, The Lady of Many Coins (The Merchant Mother), an ample, well-rounded female whose left hand holds a rolled-up scroll and from whose right spills a cascade of coinage, meant to represent the wealth and power that come from fair, open trade.
The piece is bordered by roiling foam, spired turrets, sailing ships, rearing griffons, and depictions of the various benevolent gods. It was completed in 1342DR by the renowned dwarven carver Durmengheld Stonespeak of Silverymoon. The four giant oil paintings it replaced now hang on the east and west walls of the Court, two to a side. They are called The Fields (a pastoral, farming scene), The Turrents (a view of an imposing city wall and the many towers and spires behind it), The Sails (a harbor view of many full-sailed merchant ships), and The Market (a depiction of two men engaged in haggling over bales of wheat and strongchests of ore, as many others look on).
On the marble-tiled floor in front of the Lords Dais are again engraved the arms of the City and the Lords, flanking a map of the known Realms. The Known Realms, in this case, being highly exaggerated and centered on the city itself, as the floor carving was done in 1305DR by artisans employed by the Guilds of Farmer- Grocers and Watermen, whose interest in the lands outside the city was minimal.
In the southern reaches of this fanciful map (roughly where Lantan and eastern Tethyr should be) are the two Speakers Seats. They are not "seats" at all, but rather podiums, encircled with ornate compass-type circles on the floor. It is from here that citizens of the city petition, entreat, proselytize, feign innocence, harangue, scold, employ the services of advocates (paid orators who will appear in Lord's Court with an accused and give advice and speak and engage in debate with the magisters and the assembled court), and even sometimes praise the assembled Masked Lords.
To the sides and back of the Speaker Seats and the giant floor carving are standing-only areas reserved for petitioners and viewers. The upper balcony areas have seating arrangements, but they are almost always reserved for the rich and influential (nobles, successful merchants, and high-ranking guild members). The exception being the Leiruin holiday of Waukeentide, when the masters of each Guild come forth to renew their guild charters, and balcony access is granted to the lowest-ranking members of the guilds. Mages levitating above the proceedings near the ceiling have been strongly discouraged since the days of Abhaerald "The Patient Watcher" Myrklohdar.
Lords Court Personages
Aulbaram (LG HM Exp2/War5)
One of the most senior and long-serving of Waterdeep's "black-robes" (magistrates). Aulbaram is known as "The Blind Dragon," due to his age-weakened eyes and authoritative demeanor. He is a large, still-imposing man, broad-shouldered, with a fine full beard that he is given to stroking while lost in thought. He uses a combination of skillful reasoning and powerful intuition to judge his cases, but has been known to make errors of judgement in the past, and can be overfond of one theory to the exclusion of other possibilities.
Azriban el Akhlaun (CE HM F4/Exp3)
The "Sharessan Sensate." Moneylender, gambler, expedition-sponsorer, landowner, panderer, and legendary debater on the divinity of the gods. A thoroughly debauched, misanthropic native of Calimshan, with an overflowing beard and belly, and a stinging tongue. Surprisingly good with a sword (he crippled the bravo Danthonen Snome in an unsanctioned duel in 1368DR, and fought off assassins sent by the Shadow Thieves in 1370). Known to wear a ring of free action and a ring of mindshielding. Often employs the sellsword known as Raveneyes.
Cassala Thrundwick (CG HF Aris5)
The "Silver Dowager" of Silverymoon. A fussy, diminutive woman whose waspish temper and sharp tongue are the stuff of legend in the courts of the Gem of the North. Among friends and confidants, however, she allows her true nature to show through (she is, as described by the Lady Alustriel, "an artist and poet at heart, mirthful and easily moved by great works of beauty. Also, surprisingly — given her advancing years and less-than-impressive stature — graceful when dancing in the manner of the Fair Folk of the North"). Constantly surrounded by a purple-clad all-Hin retinue (the only folk she stands taller than). A noted art lover and collector, she can often be found in Waterdeep at the Maernos villa, holding court or entertaining the latest foreign sculptor or painter to come to town.
Dumpledown the Red (CN GM B4)
The Russet Rakehell, The Demagogue of Dock Ward. One of the most infamous of the city's advocates (paid orators who will appear in Lord's Court with an accused and give advice and speak and engage in debate with the magisters and the assembled court). A close confidant of Mloros Tharvast (the owner and printer of On My Word as a Sage, one of the city's more bawdy and salacious broadsheets).
Durnadrym Tyrfellow (NG HM Aris1/F9)
One of the "Three Old Lions" of Lord's Court (the other two being the retired mercinary Tovryn "Hammer- Shanks," and the noble Kelvar Helmsfast).A long-time officer and commander in the Guard. Stout of build and belly, wide shoulders and nose. Shoulder-length, greying hair. Wide, toothy grin partially hidden under a bushy moustache. Skin permanently sun-darkened and weathered from exposure. A younger son of a minor Tethyrian lordling, has equal parts forestry and courtly skills. Still a formidable jouster, despite his advancing years. Has a sharp mind (and wit), and a love of strategy games, Tethyrian music, good southern wines, and holding court in front of roaring fires.
Glordyn Arnslance (LN HM Aris2/F8)
The Baldurian ambassador to the Lords Alliance. Stout of build, thick-bellied, deceptively strong. Has a rather haughty, imperialistic demeanor. Strongly believes that his city-state is the equal of Waterdeep, and that the City of Splendors has assumed too much power within the Alliance. He enjoys hunting with Smokingstaff, a massive brass-and-everbright-steel Gond Gunne (and he proudly displays it also, despite city ordinances barring such weapons).
Harlammand "The Bold" Burlestar (CN HM Aris1/War2)
Trollkiller, The Boldstar. A minor member of the Hawkwinter clan (by marriage to Laerel Hawkwinter, grand- niece of Lord Eremos). More known for his prodigious appetites and outlandish claims of martial superiority than for his (self given) appellations. Mockingly referred to as "Lord Swing-A-Sword." He actually did dispatch a troll once, in the southern Evermoors — by setting its' quivering remains alight after his guards and hired guidesmen hacked it into manageable pieces. A native of Turmish.
Hlondabar Caerensmantle (N GM Aris2/Abj12)
The Distinguished Daever, The Mage of Many Ensorcellments. A Castle Ward courtier and hire-spell (specializing in domicile wardings and abjurings). The word Daever is an old Illefarn elven term for persons of the gnomish race, first coined during the Age of Netheril and since largely forgotten. He is also often called Hlondabar Whitemantle, for his habit of dressing in copious amounts of white fabric (broad-brimmed hats, southern-style vests and billowing tunics, and knee-length laced boots), accented with silver and turquoise jewelry. In his younger days he was an accomplished mage-smith and a member of the Splendid Order of Armorers and Finesmiths, and several copies of his chimes of warding and tablums of near-scrying are still in the possession of various noble houses.
Tovryn "Hammer-Shanks" (LN HM F11)
One of the "Three Old Lions" of Lord's Court (the other two being the retired guardscaptain Durnadrym Tyrfellow, and the noble Kelvar Helmsfast). A long-time hiresword and mercinary captain (now largely retired). Tall and gaunt. Piercing eyes, high cheekbones (the left side marred by severe battle scars). Observes much but says little. A native of the Moonshaes.
Zaerth Mellimyn (CN HM Exp2)
A successful investor and land-owner in the city. Zaerth is now part-owner in a business importing massive blocks of psaedros from quarries in the Moonshaes. Enamored of the stone's pink-and-mauve coloring (indeed, he habitually wears clothing dyed to match), he aspires to see it replace marble and granite as the city's most commonly used decorative stone. He has, of course, ordered his own villa refurbished, entirely sheathing it in psaedros (after which his unfortunate neighbors promptly re-named it the "Mighty Mauve Misfourtune"). Rotund and fat-fingered, with a high, nervous sort of laugh.
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AJA
YAFRP
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Arravis
Seeker
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2005 : 17:34:40
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| AJA, great post. I used it in Saturday's game and it was perfect :). Thanks! |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
770 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2005 : 04:37:31
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You are welcome, Arravis. Glad you could get some use out of it.
And Alaundo, thanks for the welcome.
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AJA
YAFRP
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2005 : 13:48:54
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quote:
Originally posted by AJA
You are welcome, Arravis. Glad you could get some use out of it.
And Alaundo, thanks for the welcome.
Haven't heard from you since many years agone in the FR-list, man. Good to "see" you again, and welcome aboard. Good place, this Candlekeep. Alaundo runs a clean ship here. 
Steven |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2005 : 00:49:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Alaundo runs a clean ship here.
Steven
 Aye, now get back to swabbing those deck....er, desks 
And watch those cracking WHIPS!  
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2005 : 01:22:05
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Welcome Jason! These hallowed halls are made all the brighter by your presence. That description you posted was fantastic - I thought you were channeling Ed or Steven by the way it read. In 'my' Realms that's going to be "canon" until someone else says otherwise, officially that is. Good stuff.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
770 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2005 : 10:02:56
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
That description you posted was fantastic - I thought you were channeling Ed or Steven by the way it read.
Hey, the definition of "pastiche" isn't the only thing I've learned from Ed  .
quote:
In 'my' Realms that's going to be "canon" until someone else says otherwise, officially that is. Good stuff.
High praise indeed, and a hearty 'hello' back to both you and Steven!
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AJA
YAFRP
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Piergeiron's Palace and the Lord's Court...
