| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Na-Gang
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
348 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Sep 2006 : 12:27:56
|
I'm activiely using the Medusa Queen myth in my campaign.
The main enemy is a woman, shrouded in mystery, lies and deceptions who uses a web of aliases and who may or may not be the Medusa Queen or the daughter of the Medusa Queen. One of her 'guises' was as blatant as to own a pirate vessel called 'The Medusa Queen'. She has had dealings with, or is involved in, intrigues with numerous evil organisations and races but seems to be working fairly independently toward aims the party have yet to uncover. It's all very confusing for the players because for every answer they uncover there are more questions, but they say they're enjoying the unravelling of it all. |
 |
|
|
Icelander
Master of Realmslore
1864 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2011 : 03:41:40
|
I really like the idea behind this thread. The word 'monster' comes from the Latin 'monstrum', meaning 'omen, portent, sign'. A true monster, as something that violates the natural laws, something that deviates from the world we know, ought to have some deeper meaning. Using them as simply more dangerous fauna than lions and tigers and bears robs them of most of their dramatic impact.
If there were interesting legends about the monsters of the Realms and characters and their players would know about some of them, preferably conflicting versions in some cases, I think it would make the appearance of some monsters in the game much more dramatically interesting.
I'm going to have to do some deep thinking on this. In the meantime, do any sages recall lore that ties common D&D monsters into the Realms and suggests their origins? |
Za uspiekh nashevo beznadiozhnovo diela!
Forgotten Realms fans, please sign a petition to re-release the FR Interactive Atlas
|
|
|
|
Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
|
|
Seethyr
Master of Realmslore
USA
1253 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2011 : 05:35:34
|
Very cool thread, I almost wish you were taking requests. All the mentions of Malar have got me thinking of that old creature called the Ithyak-Ortheel (the Elf-Eater). I have always had a keen interest in ancient evils like it, Dendar, and Kezef exactly BECAUSE they always have such great background myths.
On another note, legends like this would have vastly improved the various monstrous compendiums imo. They sometimes had blurbs for "Monster X in Faerun" or "Monster Y in Eberron" but it wasn't enough.
Just my 2 cents |
Follow the Maztica (Aztec/Maya) and Anchorome (Indigenous North America) Campaigns on DMsGuild!
The Maztica Campaign
The Anchorome Campaign |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2011 : 19:20:46
|
No myths, just legends?
I had considered for awhile combining Odin (who I think is known as Annam amongst giants - both are referred to as 'The All-Father') with Gruumsh/Talos, but I'd have to really fiddle with both myths to merge them. I was thinking along the lines of separate versions for different races, which doesn't seem all that far-fetched, all things considered. Both 'loss of an eye' tales (Orc & Elf) would be during their battle (Corellon and Gruumsh), but in the Orcish version Gruumsh trades his eye for battle-wisdom from some unknown lesser god of war (Kozah?), allowing him to wound Corellon greatly (the blood he sheds that becomes the Elves). Both tales would be myths, and neither 100% accurate (and the the 'real' story should forever be shrouded in mystery).
We could also use these tales to explain certain strange things in canon, like the Elf/blood connection - perhaps Corellon's blood fell upon normal Elves, and created the first Eladrin? Maybe the same happened with Gruumsh, and thats how we got Hobgoblins (or Scro, or Sharakim).
Anyhow, I really like the whole concept of a 'Myths & Legends of the Realms' thread - too bad there is no CKC anymore; it could have made an excellent on-going series.
Great stuff so far - keep it coming guys. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Legendary Monsters and Myths of Faerun
