| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Nov 2006 : 23:39:14
|
There's at least one very great archmage mentioned in the lore who never crops up in these discussions, and I don't mention him because I'm happy for him to remain obscure.
No one in Faerūn knows 'who's the greatest'. Only the power-mad care, and they can never tell. The question's irrelevant and the answer's indeterminate! |
 |
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3741 Posts |
Posted - 18 Nov 2006 : 04:26:29
|
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Actually 3/3.5e material has made it clear that these are the same beings.
-I've always been one of the conspiracy theorists who never believed that, because of the many differences between Telamont and Lord Shadow. The novel, Shadowbred implicitly states that Telamont is Lord Shadow, as LoD did. But, Shadowbred clears up a few of the inconsistencies that added fuel to the theories of how/why the two were connected.
-And, you know, no one ever mentions good ol' Parzal the Outrageous. With 31 levels in Wizard, and 16 in Cleric, he is certainly packing some heat. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
|
|
|
Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 18 Nov 2006 : 04:48:32
|
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Actually 3/3.5e material has made it clear that these are the same beings.
-I've always been one of the conspiracy theorists who never believed that, because of the many differences between Telamont and Lord Shadow. The novel, Shadowbred implicitly states that Telamont is Lord Shadow, as LoD did. But, Shadowbred clears up a few of the inconsistencies that added fuel to the theories of how/why the two were connected.
-And, you know, no one ever mentions good ol' Parzal the Outrageous. With 31 levels in Wizard, and 16 in Cleric, he is certainly packing some heat.
Can only go by WOTC wrote and they say he is the same, so, he is the same. |
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 18 Nov 2006 05:36:51 |
|
|
|
boddynock
Learned Scribe
Belgium
258 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2007 : 09:08:47
|
I voted Elminster. Karsus was indeed a great mage too but too arrogant and he could not handle the magic running through his veins so Mystra died (for the first time) & Netheril collapsed.
I also like the mad wizard Halaster from Undermountain. But I think he is too insane to be the greatest wizard in Farūn :p :p |
|
|
|
Aglaranna
Learned Scribe
166 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2007 : 15:36:08
|
Oooh! Oooh! HARKLE HARPELL! Yay! Spellcaster most...Uh...Mighty? (And you can't say his name ten times real fast... ) |
"You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill
I will choose the path that's clear
I will choose freewill." -'Freewill' by Rush |
|
|
|
Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2007 : 20:37:25
|
quote:
Originally posted by Talanfir Swiftfeet
Halaster would be the greatest if he only got his head together.
Halaster IS now the greatest, as Mystra stitched his head back together so he could save the asses of both the Simbul and Elminster when they got stuck in Hell... El couldn't get out of there alone; the Simbul couldn't do it... Halaster did it.
Or do I have the Simbul and Halaster confused in regards to who saved who? (it's been a while, and trying to remember a specific scene out of that incredible novel is like swimming in a sea of old Elminster memories, all of which are NOT in chronological order! ) |
|
|
|
Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2007 : 22:19:58
|
I'm going to go with a different set of criteria really that anyone else in order to handle this matter. In addition to levels; my criteria is going to be that they wield their power effectively along with possess wisdom, intelligence to use their powers, and personalities that prevent them from abusing their power.
This puts Elminster well above the Simbul.
I'm going to also eliminate any Liches, Shades, or other obviously inhuman creatures from the list. Otherwise the Phaerimm would plow right through most of them. Dead magicians like Karsus and the like are also gone.
For me, moving up the matter hugefold, is Manshoon. I tend to think of him as one of the most powerful magicians of the Realms and Elminster's archenemy for reasons that people should well take seriously even if the idea of the "Manshoon wars" may strike them as a bit ridiculous. |
My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
|
KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2007 : 22:39:38
|
| No one ever gives Flamsterd his props . . . poor Flamsterd . . . |
Edited by - KnightErrantJR on 13 Jan 2007 22:42:18 |
|
|
|
Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2007 : 23:20:00
|
Yes, sadly I replaced him with Elminster when I ran halls of the high king.
:-)
My players refused to believe he wasn't Elminster in disguise the first time around so I made it official |
My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
|
Grandmaster Kane
Seeker
64 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2007 : 23:52:43
|
| For raw magicalal power the best is The simbul but she isnt up there so i picked elminster |
|
|
|
yargarth
Seeker
USA
58 Posts |
Posted - 14 Mar 2007 : 05:40:24
|
| Elminster is pretty awesome! |
"You take a step, then another. That's the journey. But to take a step with your eyes open is not a journey at all, it's a remaking of your own mind."
-Orson Scott Card
Ender in Exile |
Edited by - yargarth on 14 Mar 2007 05:41:53 |
|
|
|
swifty
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
517 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2007 : 15:47:57
|
| i would have to say the simbul or gromph.they are constantly in action somewhere.to quote the heroes lorebook 'decades of dueling the arrogant red wizards have elevated her skill to heights unreached even by elminster. |
go back to sleep america.everything is under control.heres american gladiators.watch this.shuttup. BILL HICKS. |
|
|
|
SirUrza
Master of Realmslore
USA
1283 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2007 : 03:55:18
|
| After the scene in Swords of Dragonfire.. you know the one. My vote is with Elminster. :) |
"Evil prevails when good men fail to act."
The original and unapologetic Arilyn, Aribeth, Seoni Fanboy. |
|
|
|
Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2007 : 13:38:36
|
| Who the hell said Gromph? He isn;t even near the same league as others mentioned. Gromph is a high level mage by normal standards, but he would be whooped by countless others on this list with ease. |
|
|
|
Warrax
Learned Scribe
Canada
128 Posts |
Posted - 29 Aug 2007 : 22:31:51
|
"Best" is, in its finest form, an incredibly subjective term.
Does best mean "most powerful," "most skilled," "most effective," what?
This issue has been raised before, I suppose but in any discussion, lots of these things have to come up.
Also, you've got to consider things like, is the best spellcaster really just a straight arcane caster? What about someone like Elminster, who's got a little experience messing around as a thief and a warrior? Mayhap those experiences will help him gain an edge that another caster might not?
I'm inclined to go with Elminster, even if guys like Iolaum, Tanthul and so forth are theoretically "more powerful."
Elminster's been considerably more active and making use of his powers, exercising them so to speak, for a lot longer than they have and I have to think that combining his raw power, experience and his continued practical application of his magic (in a variety of different ways) lends him an edge that most of those dusty old Netherese survivors do not have. |
|
|
|
Pharaun Mizzrym
Acolyte
Canada
34 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2007 : 00:07:13
|
Szass Tam or Elminster, Halaster my favourite though!
Why no Gromph? he has a right to be on that list |
Edited by - Pharaun Mizzrym on 06 Sep 2007 00:08:12 |
|
|
|
Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
|
|
Aewrik
Seeker
80 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 19:17:28
|
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I think Elminster would have beaten the Simbul even if we are using 2E stats. Why? Because Elminster has the wisdom and experience that comes with great age--he is almost twice the Simbul's age. There are other kinds of power besides that which is measured by stats.
Isn't the odd talk that Halaster is Imaskari? That would mean he's at least 4500 years by now (and around 3000 years older than Karsus). In other words, he would've been born around the time the Nether scrolls were found.
Hm. If he fled to the Heartlands around the time Imaskar fell, that could mean he also knew Netherese magic...
Too bad he lost more than his sanity, over the years. |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 20:17:35
|
quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
Who was this archmage from Evermeet who could mastered the power of a Circle by himself ?
I cannot recall his name !
I think you're referring to Laeroth Runemaster. I can't check, though, since I've not yet replaced that book. |
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!  |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 20:23:45
|
As of 1385 DR, the most powerful mage in the Realms will be the first lev 1 guy to cast a cantrip. 
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Thats not a spoiler, thats based on the fact that we are getting a brand new rules system (because the old one no longer functions). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
|
|
|
Jamallo Kreen
Master of Realmslore
USA
1537 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 20:36:56
|
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
As of 1385 DR, the most powerful mage in the Realms will be the first lev 1 guy to cast a cantrip.
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Thats not a spoiler, thats based on the fact that we are getting a brand new rules system (because the old one no longer functions).
Ha! It will in my campaign, by the gods!
I haven't shelled out literally thousands of dollars on FR and D&D products to have them all rendered valueless so that Hasbro can pay an extra three cent dividend to its stockholders. Grrrrrrr....
As for the "most powerful" spellcaster, I iterate that I think it would be one or another Sarukh (the Teraseer, perhaps). They can hardly weigh themselves against current spellcasters, though since all but one (?) of them are currently frozen or are busy being liches in isolated dooms.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Aravine
Senior Scribe
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2007 : 16:58:41
|
| how about irenicus( balder's gate 2) |
The brave don't live forever,the cautious don't live at all |
|
|
|
Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
|
|
Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 19:29:16
|
| I found it interesting that the Simbul was not on the list (or did I just miss her?). She is the one who saved El from Hell. To be perfectly honest, she gives me the willies, even though she worked for the late Mystra. |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back. --Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass
"Mmm, not the darkness," Myrin murmured. "Don't cast it there." --Erik Scott de Bie, Shadowbane
* My character sheets (PFRPG, 3.5, and AE versions; not viewable in Internet Explorer)
* Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Reference Document (PFRPG OGL Rules)
* The Hypertext d20 SRD (3.5 OGL Rules)
* 3.5 D&D Archives
My game design work:
* Heroes of the Jade Oath (PFRPG, conversion; Rite Publishing)
* Compendium Arcanum Volume 1: Cantrips & Orisons (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Compendium Arcanum Volume 2: 1st-Level Spells (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Martial Arts Guidebook (forthcoming) (PFRPG, designer; Rite Publishing)
|
|
|
|
Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 21:35:00
|
The only reason El needed saving from hell by that point was because he exhausted his spell repetoire. The simbul is on record for saying and has spoken directly to Elminster in the book spellfire, stating that she knows if they came to blows between the two that Elminster would beat her, and Elminster confirmed it. Then she took off her clothes, offered herself to him, and they made whoopie.
|
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 22:05:47
|
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
The only reason El needed saving from hell by that point was because he exhausted his spell repetoire. The simbul is on record for saying and has spoken directly to Elminster in the book spellfire, stating that she knows if they came to blows between the two that Elminster would beat her, and Elminster confirmed it. Then she took off her clothes, offered herself to him, and they made whoopie.
 "Hey, you could kick my butt! Let's have sex!" Why didn't that ever work on the playground?  |
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! |
|
|
|
Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 23:26:15
|
Hahaha. Yeah:)
quote:
Why no Gromph? he has a right to be on that list
That's a joke right? Gromph is powerful by drow standard, but he would get murdered quickly by guys like Larloch, Elminster, and Telamont Tanthul.
Gromph might be around even footing with guys like Vangerdahast and some of the weaker princes of shade and possibly Manshoon(But not likely) |
|
|
|
Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 23:32:22
|
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
The only reason El needed saving from hell by that point was because he exhausted his spell repetoire. The simbul is on record for saying and has spoken directly to Elminster in the book spellfire, stating that she knows if they came to blows between the two that Elminster would beat her, and Elminster confirmed it. Then she took off her clothes, offered herself to him, and they made whoopie.
I wasn't saying that she was more powerful than El, but I do think that she belongs on the list. The lady takes on the nation of Thay for fun!
EDIT: I forgot that the Simbul's name was Alassra Silverhand. The OP might want to make note of that. |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back. --Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass
"Mmm, not the darkness," Myrin murmured. "Don't cast it there." --Erik Scott de Bie, Shadowbane
* My character sheets (PFRPG, 3.5, and AE versions; not viewable in Internet Explorer)
* Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Reference Document (PFRPG OGL Rules)
* The Hypertext d20 SRD (3.5 OGL Rules)
* 3.5 D&D Archives
My game design work:
* Heroes of the Jade Oath (PFRPG, conversion; Rite Publishing)
* Compendium Arcanum Volume 1: Cantrips & Orisons (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Compendium Arcanum Volume 2: 1st-Level Spells (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Martial Arts Guidebook (forthcoming) (PFRPG, designer; Rite Publishing)
|
Edited by - Hawkins on 11 Oct 2007 23:40:54 |
|
|
|
Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2007 : 02:13:17
|
Its a common misconception that the Simbul handles Thayan armies with ease. Its far from the truth.
The Simbul CAN NOT, nor never could single handedly handle Thay, nor has she in a single sitting, with one on many destroyed whole armies of Thay.
She uses gorilla tactics of hit and run, and her own arrogance has nearly killed her at least once in the process.
Also, it is stated that should Thay unite, all lands around them have need to fear, as their combined known armies out number all combined forces of their surrounding neighbors. It is in fighting alone that keeps Toril safe from the power house that is Thay, not some upstart chosen next door who has some deep seeded hate for all that is Red.
She is definitely one of the most powerful casters though. A notch down from the powerhouses like Larloch, Elminster, Telemont Tanthul, Or a mind cleansed Halaster.
|
|
|
|
IronHammer
Acolyte
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2007 : 03:50:38
|
| Classically Ill say folks like everyones favorite elder brain lich, El, Larlock, Karsus but theres several other less well known casters who have to rank up there. What about the Elder treant "Mella Theeg"... She is a Wiz 36th/Brd20th. Thats 56 levels. Im sure theres some elder advanced dragons out there that could give nay mage a run for their money.. |
I remember playing Dwarves and Elves as a character class... |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Who is the best spellcaster in the realms
