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Matthus
Senior Scribe
Germany
393 Posts |
 Posted - 31 May 2007 : 12:53:32
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First the warning for all who don't want to know the essence of the book Blackstaff
************ Spoiler******************************
I want to hear your opinions about the passing of the the Great Old Ones. First Khelben passed from the Realms. Now Wooly Rupert mentioned this:
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Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Oh, and Ed has been implying for quite some time that Elminster's time in the Realms is perhaps coming to an end.
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How would you see a Realm without the gruffy old Sage? How do you feel if one of your most popular mages sacrifices himself?
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
12068 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2007 : 16:45:22
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What they did with Khelben, I liked. It made absolute sense that this would be a way that Khelben would end his life.
Elminster? Depends on how he goes. Would I miss the old fart? YES!!! Would I want there to be some cliffhanger so that he MIGHT not be absolutely dead? YES! However, I also recognize that he's a constant meddler who spends much of his time focusing on righting things around the realms. He's had many years in which to study magical theories and counterspells and whatnot... but the spell "industry" is somewhat like the computer industry, there's always something new coming out. There will be other long-lived individuals whose sole purpose in life is to grab up power and spin webs of treachery. Sadly, I could see old Elminster falling to one such individual if he keeps making himself into "the fastest spellslinger in town". Perhaps Elminster needs to take on a new identity and start working behind the scenes again to keep from becoming as much of a target. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36905 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2007 : 17:18:14
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Elminster doesn't have to die to be taken out of the picture.
He could retire to an out of the way location like the planes, his Safehold on the planet Coliar (info from the Spelljammer supplement Realmspace), or any of the many "hidden" places in the Realms. Or he could simply relocate his operations and focus on a smaller area, like Jorunhast did when he was kicked out of Cormyr. Some have also suggested that he become a deity, though I find that unlikely.
I figure he'll either become some new type of servant of Mystra, or that he'll issue a semi-public farewell before disappearing into a quiet retirement.
How do I feel about it? It depends on who does it (hopefully Ed) and how it's done. The idea of El being out of the picture doesn't bother me terribly. The Realms has always been a vibrant, dynamic setting, and that means that characters of all types eventually move aside for others.
Plus, it might be good for the setting: too many people have an attitude of "Let Elminster deal with it" or "Why hasn't Elminster done something about this?" There's also the oft-stated but erroneous opinion that El is Ed. If El moves aside, that would shut a lot of people up. |
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Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 31 May 2007 17:25:41 |
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VonRaventheDaring
Learned Scribe
USA
197 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2007 : 19:40:18
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| I agree it depends on how it is handled upon weither i like it or not. But I have to say I would like to see another good spell caster of some power appear though if they are getting rid of elminster, as well there seems to be a lack of them, in comparison to the many many evil ones. But thats just me. |
"Develop the latent abilities within you for that is your power alone. Psionics is the ultimate art of magic and you are its practitioner. Through lifelong dedication, strive to unite your will with your physical form to become one. Only through the unrestrained union of oneâs mind and body can the magic of psionics truly be mastered. Throw off the yoke of any who would impose tyranny upon you. Likewise, do not ever force another to submit to your will. Free your mind, free yourself and you have only just begun the path to true psionic mastery. Free others, open their minds to the Invisible Art, and you will show them way to Auppenser."
---Dogma of the Church of Auppenser |
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Ayunken-vanzan
Senior Scribe
Germany
657 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2007 : 20:31:27
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Of late there are many indications that Elminster at last grow old and a little bit tired, seeking perhaps some rest from the many burden of his service. But what will become of him? In my opinion, the odds are good that Elminster will be promoted to (quasi-)deity. There are precedents: Azuth is also a human who became a god - a Halruaan wizard who acquired this status as the first magister; even Mystra herself (in her third incarnation) falls in this category.
By elevating him to a lesser power she would not loose her valuable chosen (and dearest teacher) by death or something similar devastating, and it would be an elegant way of rewarding him for his many centuries of service.
In my eyes that would be a suitable fate for the old wizard. I would be greatly sorry to loose him permanently in the realms. |
"What mattered our lives now? When our world had been torn from us? Folk wept, or drank, or stood staring out over the land, wondering what new horror each dawn would bring."
Elender Stormfall of Suzail
"Anyone can kill deities, cause plagues, or destroy organizations. It takes real skill to make them live on."
Varl
FR/D&D-Links 2ed Downloads |
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Mumadar Ibn Huzal
Master of Realmslore
1338 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2007 : 20:48:48
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A deity with exclusive rights to the 'meddling' portfolio?  |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36905 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2007 : 21:08:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Ayunken-vanzan
By elevating him to a lesser power she would not loose her valuable chosen (and dearest teacher) by death or something similar devastating, and it would be an elegant way of rewarding him for his many centuries of service.
See, I'm not as sure on this. There are other rewards... And, other than keeping him around, what would this accomplish? What would he be the god of? And how is increased responsibility, now with the possibility of lasting for eternity, a reward for service?
Besides, as we saw with Khelben, sometimes death can be a reward.
quote:
Originally posted by Ayunken-vanzan
In my eyes that would be a suitable fate for the old wizard. I would be greatly sorry to loose him permanently in the realms.
As I said above, there are ways to remove Elminster from his current active role without permanently losing him... |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Dart Ambermoon
Learned Scribe
Germany
253 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2007 : 21:19:57
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I agree with Wooly on this one. If El has to go (and wouldnīt it be a shame not to see him nurse his and the Simbulīs children), then Iīd prefer a form of "retirement" similar to those he outlined.
And his fate should rest in Edīs hands entirely, thatīs a given in my eyes.
Concerning the "Great Old Ones"...itīs not only the Blackstaff, but also (on the other side of the spectrum) Sammaster.
And concerning the lack of "good" spellcasters...well, thereīs alway Semmemon and Ashemmi *coughs*. |
~ In Finder I trust, for danger I lust ~ |
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Ayunken-vanzan
Senior Scribe
Germany
657 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2007 : 21:24:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
As I said above, there are ways to remove Elminster from his current active role without permanently losing him...
Yes, I speculated a little bit. As long as we do not permanently loose him, other ways of retiring Elminster will be as good as that or even better. |
"What mattered our lives now? When our world had been torn from us? Folk wept, or drank, or stood staring out over the land, wondering what new horror each dawn would bring."
Elender Stormfall of Suzail
"Anyone can kill deities, cause plagues, or destroy organizations. It takes real skill to make them live on."
Varl
FR/D&D-Links 2ed Downloads |
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Matthus
Senior Scribe
Germany
393 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2007 : 10:44:57
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I also agree with Wooly Rupert that only a retirement of any sort would be a reward.
I'm only not able to believe that this meddler would retire
Sure - there are now a lot of pepople beliving that "let Elminster deal with it" is a short route to sucess.
But can the old pipe smoker really shut out the uncounted pleas from his old friends? Wouldn't there be more than enough situations where only he would seem possible to resolve the problems? I think he would a least have to make a grand (fake) exit - so anybody would assume he is dead. |
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Matthus
Senior Scribe
Germany
393 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2007 : 10:52:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Dart Ambermoon
Concerning the "Great Old Ones"...itīs not only the Blackstaff, but also (on the other side of the spectrum) Sammaster.
And concerning the lack of "good" spellcasters...well, thereīs alway Semmemon and Ashemmi *coughs*.
Just thinking "aloud"  :
Are there any other "Great Old Ones" that fall into this category? I know that there are some discussions about great magic users, but would you say that the Smbul - or some other Chosen counts. I don't remember other characters who are around for such a long time - at least aside from some elven rulers who don't have the same impact on Faerun. Any ideas for more of the already mentioned? |
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Dart Ambermoon
Learned Scribe
Germany
253 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2007 : 19:57:47
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| Good question. Iīd count the Simbul, yes, and Storm, Sylune and Alustriel, too. On the other side there are some, like Halaster or Manshoon that I would also number among the "Great Old Ones". |
~ In Finder I trust, for danger I lust ~ |
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Great Old Ones (SPOILERS)
