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Besshalar
Learned Scribe
Finland
166 Posts |
Posted - 04 Nov 2006 : 10:38:11
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I was wondering if anyone has any information concerning the number of spawns a single deepspawn might have ? Also I would be interested in any information that anyone might have as to where they came from.
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The large print giveth , and the small print taketh away. -Tom Waits |
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Victor_ograygor
Master of Realmslore
Denmark
1075 Posts |
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Besshalar
Learned Scribe
Finland
166 Posts |
Posted - 04 Nov 2006 : 13:51:35
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Thanks for those links especially for the 2nd edition version one... But my original question still stands is there any other limit to the number of spawns/deepspawn other than sufficient foodsupply . And also could a deepspawn basicly just eat one powerful creature and then live on pizzas and spawn that one over and over ? |
The large print giveth , and the small print taketh away. -Tom Waits |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 04 Nov 2006 : 14:04:12
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I cant remember hearing of there being a limit to the number of spawns, but then again I am not really that updated on the newer material for the game. |
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Victor_ograygor
Master of Realmslore
Denmark
1075 Posts |
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Besshalar
Learned Scribe
Finland
166 Posts |
Posted - 04 Nov 2006 : 16:54:54
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I must be blind that I didn't see that ... Oh well I'll just have to make an advanced version of the deepspawn. for a nice little village encounter...... |
The large print giveth , and the small print taketh away. -Tom Waits |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 04 Nov 2006 : 17:43:36
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quote: Originally posted by Victor_ograygor
In Lost Empires of Faerūn page 167, there is no mentioning about maximum limit to the number of spawns. But under organization it sais: Solitary or brood (1plus 3-6 spawn).
Monsters of Fearun page 32, lists the deepspawn as well. It does no mention a limit tothe numbers of spawns either. However under section organization it sais:
(1 plus 3-24 spawns)
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"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 04 Nov 2006 : 17:52:40
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The problem is that these are just how many the creature keeps close; the maximum number of creatures could be higher. This is one of Ed's creatures if I remember correctly, so the question could always be put to him. With the work burden he has the answer could be long coming, although he will get to it sooner or later. |
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Thauramarth
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
729 Posts |
Posted - 05 Nov 2006 : 08:30:53
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I do not remember (as of 2nd Edition) there being a limit on the number of creatures that a deepspawn can create. It can produce armies if need be, as long as the deepspawn is properly watered, cared for, and loved (well, perhaps not loved). |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 05 Nov 2006 : 11:03:42
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The one thing I always wondered about is what the Deepspawns motivations and goals are. They are chaotic evil creatures of genius intelligence capable of spewing out their own armies, still we hardly hear about them except when they are being used as tools by creatures of probably lesser brains. Except for the creature featured in War in Tethyr I can not remember hearing of any plots or conflicts involving free willed deep spawn since the ancient ages of the dwarves. |
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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 07 Nov 2006 : 22:14:08
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probably because they are potentially so dangerous that everyone in the area they are operating in, regardless of their usual relationships with each other join up to eradicate the threat?
also I can't see why they can't be acting behind the scenes - indeed if you assume that people will join together to hunt them down as something that needs to be eradicated then it makes sense that we don't hear much about them
Cheers
Damo
quote: Originally posted by Jorkens
. They are chaotic evil creatures of genius intelligence capable of spewing out their own armies, still we hardly hear about them except when they are being used as tools by creatures of probably lesser brains. Except for the creature featured in War in Tethyr I can not remember hearing of any plots or conflicts involving free willed deep spawn since the ancient ages of the dwarves.
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So saith Ed. I've never said he was sane, have I? Gods, all this writing and he's running a constant fantasy version of Coronation Street in his head, too. . shudder, love to all, THO Candlekeep Forum 7 May 2005 |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 08 Nov 2006 : 03:48:19
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I agree with what you are saying, my point is that then I would like to hear some of their plots and motivations. Especially when they are being used by certain nobles and Wizards to create creatures at their will and the Zentharim to create trouble. The role we have seen them take until now in realms lore is as spawning machines; but what do they use their extreme intelligence for? It is possible that their minds are so alien that their actions and motives are inscrutable to mortals, but i am still curious. You have a species extremely powerful evil geniuses that's only visible role is to be copying machines for wizards, so what are the creatures reactions to this, do they plot in silence against their captors or are they happy as long as they are getting fed? |
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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 08 Nov 2006 : 20:28:09
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I doubt any sentient creature likes to be imprisoned against their will - I have always assumed spells/prayers keep them enthralled
of course one that is captured young and is 'domesticated', kept well fed and know's nothing different may be more 'content' with its life and 'accept' its fate?
I can see a lucrative trade for adventurers capturing immature deepspawn and selling them
Cheers
Damo
quote: Originally posted by Jorkens
I agree with what you are saying, my point is that then I would like to hear some of their plots and motivations. Especially when they are being used by certain nobles and Wizards to create creatures at their will and the Zentharim to create trouble. The role we have seen them take until now in realms lore is as spawning machines; but what do they use their extreme intelligence for? It is possible that their minds are so alien that their actions and motives are inscrutable to mortals, but i am still curious. You have a species extremely powerful evil geniuses that's only visible role is to be copying machines for wizards, so what are the creatures reactions to this, do they plot in silence against their captors or are they happy as long as they are getting fed?
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So saith Ed. I've never said he was sane, have I? Gods, all this writing and he's running a constant fantasy version of Coronation Street in his head, too. . shudder, love to all, THO Candlekeep Forum 7 May 2005 |
Edited by - crazedventurers on 08 Nov 2006 20:29:14 |
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Besshalar
Learned Scribe
Finland
166 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2006 : 10:31:26
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Oh yes the campaign is already being written with the rise of the deepspawn... |
The large print giveth , and the small print taketh away. -Tom Waits |
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Exploit
Acolyte
Canada
47 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2006 : 20:01:20
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Hmm, I really like the idea of investigating the ecology, motivations and goals of deepspawn. I was only planning on having my PC use the deepspawn as monster-spewing minions in my latest conquer the world scheme but as an aside I think I will pursue this investigation as well.
I'll post whatever information my DM and I come up with on this thread if anyone is interested. It's not canon of course but I'll do my best to incorporate all canon into our results.
Note: Extrapolating upon what I have read, my theory is that deepspawn were created by Moander.
As a way out there extrapolation, my theory is that Moander was a beholder mage obsessed with replicating his own perfect form. Unsatisfied with typical clone spells which could only clone his perfect form after he was dead, Moander pushed the limits of magic to find a way to produce loyal clones while he was still alive.
My theory continues that in the Spawning Deep abyss, sometime between -7600 and -4400 DR, Moander created the deepspawn and successfully cloned himself. Worshipped by his own clones and the deepspawn, Moander ascended to godhood unbeknownst to the rest of Faerun. The rest of the Moander tale is well documented in realms lore. |
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Exploit
Acolyte
Canada
47 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2006 : 20:05:56
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Most esteemed Mythrellaa, Red Wizard of Thay, Zulkir of Illusion, by your hand may the Lady of Loss claim the souls of all your enemies before your own. As agreed by our sending negotiations, I reveal to you the secrets of the origins of the deepspawn which my research has uncovered thus far in exchange for the secrets of the Shadow Weave which you have promised. May the fulfilment of the Dark Goddess's vision be expedited by this secret exchange.
On the Origins of the Deepspawn
One of the oldest known historical references to deepspawn was in -4400 DR when drow are recorded as having summoned deepspawn into Elven Court as part of a massacre of of elves and dwarves that is sometimes known as the Dark Court Slaughter. [TSR1165 pg 26]
Predating this reference however is the claim that the Gold Dwarves from the Deep Realm originally discovered the deepspawn in the subterannean caverns under the Eastern Shaar. [MoF pg 33].
Given that the Gold Dwarves explored the caverns under Eastern Shaar and founded the Deep Realm circa -7600 DR [RoF p. 11,12] this places the discovery of deepspawn in Faerun sometime between -7600 and -4400 DR.
I believe it is beyond coincidence that in the Underdark, deep under the Eastern Shaar where deepspawn were first discovered, there is an abyss called the Spawning Deep. The similarity of names leads me to believe that this abyss is the likely first location where the deepspawn were discovered.
However, there is a second origin to the deepspawn race since in 75 DR, Moander the Darkbringer is recorded as having magically twisted numerous followers and victims into deepspawn to be used in his attack on the elven city of Tsornyl. [TSR1165 pg 36]
It is possible that Moander's magic was merely duplicating the form of an already existing race of deepspawn however it is also possible that deepspawn were of the god's own design and that he was the progenitor of this entire race. I believe the latter is the more probable scenario.
Thus far my research has revealed little about when Moander first appeared in Faerun which could help in proving or disproving my hypothesis. I have however discovered a historical reference to an attack on the town of Hillsafar, now known as Hillsfar, by deepspawn-bred monsters in 679 DR. [FRCS 169]
At the time, one of the reasons for founding Hillsafar was to maintain vigilance over Moander's Crypt and no other town in the area was attacked by deepspawn-bred monsters. This would give further circumstantial evidence towards a strong link between deepspawn and Moander. This link of course might only exist in the deepspawn converted by Moander 600 years previous and their descendants.
If my hypothesis as to the origins of the deepspawn species are correct then one would suspect to find further secrets to the power of Moander and the deepspawn species in the Spawning Deep. I am currently seeking a copy of the Lesser Planar Binding spell so that I can send some minions to further investigate the Spawning Deep for the glory of Shar. I shall of course keep you advised of my progress.
Apex, Red Wizard of Thay |
Edited by - Exploit on 31 Dec 2006 20:17:06 |
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Cbad285
Learned Scribe
161 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2008 : 07:15:10
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My question is on the sentience of spawned creatures. If indeed one of them were to escape the Deepspawn, what then? |
"Beware the Dream Fever!" |
Edited by - Cbad285 on 25 Oct 2009 09:29:31 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jul 2008 : 13:47:26
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Well, THO said this:
quote: A Deepspawn duplicates a particular orc (or human, or whatever) it has devoured: endless copies of exactly the same creature. They "come alive" knowing their bodies and how to use them (a human trained with a longsword could use it just as before death), but without prior memories (wizards don't have memorized spells, and human copy A meeting human copy B might say: "You look a lot like my reflection in yon pool," but WOULDN'T immediately say: "Hey, you're me!" If that helps. That's the way Ed (who created Deepspawn) has always run them, anyway. We Knights ran into quite a few of them. love, THO
It's also been mentioned that some of the dwarves "cloned" during the Spawn Wars wound up breeding with other dwarves.
I think that if the spawn of a deepspawn was allowed to do its own thing, then it would go off and do whatever occurred to it. I'd say that it would be quite likely to follow in the footsteps of its original, but it could do something else, too, depending on its own circumstances.
I don't think there would be anything special or distinctive about the spawn of a deepspawn.
Oh, and I normally ignore typos and misspellings, but "bowls of evil" is a really fun visual. The proper phrase is "bowels of evil" -- which is a whole different kind of visual, if you think about it. |
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Cbad285
Learned Scribe
161 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2008 : 06:48:07
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I think I might have had a bowl of evil for breakfeast this morning. I just kicked my dog in the throat for eating my candy bar.
jk, i love my dog. |
"Beware the Dream Fever!" |
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