| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 08:49:04
|
I have just finished reading the Swords of Eveningstar (really good book) and I also recently reread the Cormyr trilogy, as well as Elminster's daughter. After doing all this I was struck by a revelation. Cormyrs greatest enemy is not Sembia, it is not Shade, the Zhentarim or whatever "#¤@ spilling out of the Stonelands at the moment. No, the true bane of Cormyr...is its nobles!
True, at least some nobles are loyal to the crown, but based on what I have seen of the nobility of the Realm in sourcebooks and novels, I would be rather happy if someone axed (literally) the nobility french revolution style and made Cormyr into a meritocracy(Of course, the Obarskyr wouldn't go, but other than that no "nobles" running around the kingdom)
This will probably never happen, but it is my belief that Cormyr would be much better off without its nobility.
|
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
|
|
Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 11:56:14
|
Ah, you've stumbled upon the best-kept secret in the Realms!   
Seriously, Cormyr *needs* its scheming nobility to spread false gossip and misinformation (fed to them by the War Wizards, Harpers and Agents of the Crown, for example) among the Zhentarim, ambitious Sembian merchants and other parties that might have questionable interests/activities in the Forest Kingdom. Besides, they make good scapegoats, as they lord over commoners who can blame them for any trouble they have ("Aye, 'tis Lord Bogbottom who has angered the Gods and that's why we have this cursed drought destroying the crops!"). |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
 |
|
|
khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 12:24:11
|
quote:
Originally posted by Asgetrion
Ah, you've stumbled upon the best-kept secret in the Realms!
Seriously, Cormyr *needs* its scheming nobility to spread false gossip and misinformation (fed to them by the War Wizards, Harpers and Agents of the Crown, for example) among the Zhentarim, ambitious Sembian merchants and other parties that might have questionable interests/activities in the Forest Kingdom. Besides, they make good scapegoats, as they lord over commoners who can blame them for any trouble they have ("Aye, 'tis Lord Bogbottom who has angered the Gods and that's why we have this cursed drought destroying the crops!").
Perhaps, but I'm still convinced that the nobility has done far more harm than good to Cormyr over the centuries. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
|
|
|
Matthus
Senior Scribe
Germany
393 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 13:17:18
|
Well it all depends if you have some blue blood in you - doesn’t it
How normal would have been the history of Cormyr if it wouldn’t have been for the nobles. Mind you khorne - in general I agree with you, but one of the reason I like the Obarskyr family, is their ability to fend against all the attacks with so much grace and so different from the rest of the nobles.
|
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36963 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 13:58:11
|
| Just because some nobles have stirred up trouble over the years, it doesn't mean the nobility as a whole is a bad group. Since the nobility remain in place, I think it's safe to say that for every self-centered noble, there's at least one that puts Cormyr first. |
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! |
|
|
|
Matthus
Senior Scribe
Germany
393 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 14:16:37
|
But we hear more from the nobles stirring trouble for getting more power, influence, and such things more. I think that the Space Hamster of Ill omen is right about the balance between the fractions. If all members of a community or a country could pull in the same direction there would be more chance to get the thing done – but this will never be – won’t it.
And – even if I am repeating my argument from the last reply – would we really be interested if a smooth running story, with no challenges. I don’t mind if the challenge comes from a noble source – as long as it makes a good story.
|
|
|
|
Wenin
Senior Scribe
585 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 15:32:30
|
Could this be that the squeaky wheel gets all the attention as well?
1300 years of history, with novels that center around the dealings of the nobles.... of course you're going to just see the bad. You don't write novels about the boring times.
As for family loyalty, it ebbs and flows with each new generation. The current generation seems pretty disloyal, judging from the Cormyr novel. |
Session Reports posted at RPG Geek.
Stem the Tide Takes place in Mistledale.
Dark Curtains - Takes place in the Savage North, starting in Nesmé. I wrapped my campaign into the Hoard of the Dragon Queen, but it takes place in 1372 DR. |
|
|
|
KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 22:14:35
|
| Well, we did get to hear a bit about the Wyvernspurs, who seem to be some of the better examples of Cormyrean nobility. |
|
|
|
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 23:35:23
|
| I think it is true overall that it only makes sense that the focus in novels and stories is going to be on the "bad eggs", because the strife they cause is what makes for a good story. The good, loyal noble who minds his own business and only wants what's best for Cormyr? That's nice (and perhaps most nobles in Cormyr are like that), but it's not usually as interesting to read about their "antics" because they don't have "antics". |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 13 Jun 2007 23:37:04 |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
The true bane of Cormyr
