| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Jeremy Grenemyer |
Posted - 21 Feb 2012 : 02:05:46
While reading through Backdrop: Suzail, I was surprised to read the following, quote:
“At least one member of each noble family maintains a residence in Suzail. This custom dates back to an age-old practice by the monarchy of taking political hostages to keep the nobility in line…”
I don’t recall ever reading about the Obarskyrs taking nobles hostage. However the idea is actually kind of cool.
I took a brief look at the list of Cormyr’s rulers (as found in the Monarchies of Faerûn section of the Grand History of the Realms) to try and jog my memory, but no one ruler stands out as the kidnapping-to-keep-nobles-in-line ruler who got the whole tradition started.
Have any of you come across references in Realmslore that mention the Obarskyrs taking nobles as political hostages?
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| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Jeremy Grenemyer |
Posted - 27 Feb 2012 : 04:12:00
I finally found the issue in my garage.
I'd completely forgotten that these Further Adventures of Volo: Lost Treasures of Cormyr existed. I'll be adding this issue to the short stack of books on Cormyr sitting next to my writing desk.
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| Jakk |
Posted - 22 Feb 2012 : 07:47:35
quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
Actually, this practice is mentioned in Ed's "The Adventures of Volo: Lost Treasures of Cormyr, Part 2" (DRAGON #279) during the reign of King Duar. Elvrin Crownsilver was the example of one such noble hostage, during an era when all noble families were required to send both their heirs and one other son to be fostered as a ward of the Crown at Court.
So many potential ways for Azoun and other Kings of Cormyr to add to the Lineage...
Speaking of which... any news on that document's publication yet?  |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 22 Feb 2012 : 00:02:43
quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
Actually, this practice is mentioned in Ed's "The Adventures of Volo: Lost Treasures of Cormyr, Part 2" (DRAGON #279) during the reign of King Duar. Elvrin Crownsilver was the example of one such noble hostage, during an era when all noble families were required to send both their heirs and one other son to be fostered as a ward of the Crown at Court.
So many potential ways for Azoun and other Kings of Cormyr to add to the Lineage... |
| Jeremy Grenemyer |
Posted - 21 Feb 2012 : 16:23:31
Thank you Brian. 
Now to go digging in the garage through my collection of Dragon Magazines... |
| Garen Thal |
Posted - 21 Feb 2012 : 05:53:11
Actually, this practice is mentioned in Ed's "The Adventures of Volo: Lost Treasures of Cormyr, Part 2" (DRAGON #279) during the reign of King Duar. Elvrin Crownsilver was the example of one such noble hostage, during an era when all noble families were required to send both their heirs and one other son to be fostered as a ward of the Crown at Court. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 21 Feb 2012 : 05:25:59
Its a reference to our own RW custom of nobles 'fostering' their sons with other nobles and even royalty.
Although it was considered an honor for your liege-lord to foster your child, the reality was that it insured loyalty (you didn't want to loose your heirs by being traitorous). They were basically hostages.
Its nothing strange or nefarious - Ed just has a good working knowledge of medieval politics.  |
| Jeremy Grenemyer |
Posted - 21 Feb 2012 : 04:40:38
Expanding on your idea, Wooly, I imagine the Obarskyrs could "kidnap" pretty much anyone of importance to a noble family, at any time. Seems like a great way to force one or more rowdy young nobles to cool their jets for a season (or longer). As well that loyal courtiers can work on changing the views and attitudes of rebellious lordlings while they're being held, before they're released back to their families in wider Cormyr. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 21 Feb 2012 : 04:15:36
I don't think it's really kidnapping, as such. It's not even hostage-taking in the modern sense. I think it's more like "send a kid to Court, or host a garrison of Purple Dragons in your dining hall. And so long as you don't move against the Crown, your kid stays happy and healthy."
The hostage wouldn't be kept in a cell or anything; ideally, the hostage would have the run of the city and his family wealth to play with. He'd just always have a Crown keeper with an eye on him, making sure he stays in town and doesn't plot anything too dire.
And having the noble spend much time in court could give the noble a more favorable view of the Crown, leading to more loyal subjects and less need to do things like that in the future. As long as the noble is treated well and with respect, things could work out for everyone... |
| Jeremy Grenemyer |
Posted - 21 Feb 2012 : 02:53:24
Good catch on the bit from Volo's Guide to Cormyr! It appears things have turned around quite a bit since the old days in Cormyr.
I'd thought about going to Ed or Brian right away regarding the quote from the Backdrop article, but wanted to make sure there wasn't some extant lore on the topic first. Want to let this scroll linger a few days before posting anything on another shelf. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 21 Feb 2012 : 02:45:25
It's not the Obarskyrs, but Volo's Guide to Cormyr makes reference to the High Hunt cult in Dhedluk.
From the source:-
quote:
King Azoun outlawed the cult early in his reign, when it became apparent that certain unscrupulous nobles were using it as an excuse for murdering rivals. The severe penalties for kidnapping and confining nobles for any reason also date from this judgment.
I'm curious about how this relates to what's been revealed about kidnapping nobles in Backdrop: Suzail.
Maybe Brian Cortijo or Ed Greenwood could elaborate on this? |
