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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Mar 2022 : 06:19:24
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On the Truesilver's coat of arms
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501717990009712645
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501740243921342466
Mar 10, 2022
@logidoggy
Hey Ed! I was curious if you ever described the Cormryian House Truesilver's coat of arms. I've looked everywhere for it and alas, have not found it!
@TheEdVerse
Members of the Truesilver family all have their own personal (differenced) arms, but the House (family) badge they all share, which appears as a charge on almost all Truesilver blazons, is a silver dragon on a purple field. As for what that dragon looks like, see the drawing of the signet ring on the bottom right of Page 3 (the table of contents page) of VOLO’S GUIDE TO CORMYR.
The Truesilver banner is a pennant (long, thin triangle, carried on a pole with the point vertically downwards) that has a dark purple field, that dragon (just one, wings spread, flying upright with wiggly tail below, facing to the viewer’s left with jaws open and a tongue of silver flame issuing from them (that’s a tongue of flame, not the dragon’s tongue) being large and shown in silver, with the purple of the banner darkening to black at the pointy bottom.
Early Truesilvers were fond of a silver shield (heater shape, 2-engrailed top) charge that had a mauve field, and the same silver dragon large enough to almost touch the silver border on it.
@harelnefracture
This guy right here?
<https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Cormyr>
@TheEdVerse
That guy is the full-on, beautifully-drawn version. The simplified, stylized one on the ring (same pose) is much closer to the heraldic charge. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2022 : 06:56:32
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On dating spots in Silverymoon
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501046439618752515
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501064742558916608
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501071271685234693
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501211503734755330
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501743574232219656
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501959788581769217
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1501959789882060804
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1502092420531507222
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1502092421957570565
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1502101733086044163
Mar 10, 2022
@thekatastrophie
Good Morning Mr. Greenwood! If you were to take a young maiden on a date in Silverymoon, what are the places to see? Any specific alehouse, romantic sites to sit and talk, or any activities you'd recommend to a young couple in love in the Gem of the North?
@TheEdVerse
Heh. Love to help, but I need to know: what date (DR year or range, and time of year) would this date be taking place?
@thekatastrophie
This date is taking place on 26 Alturiak, 1492 DR, the Year of Three Ships Sailing!
@TheEdVerse
Got it. So, a little chilly for swimming in fountains and the river. ;} I'll get back to you, but it may take me a few days (deep in taxes and getting my wife's new medical furniture/devices all set up).
@thekatastrophie
Indeed! Thank you for the response, I look forward to your insight!
@TheEdVerse
One more question: do you have access to any of the published maps of Silverymoon? It'll be easiest to point out the location of features for our dating couple to visit if we're both working from the same map. ;}
@thekatastrophie
Yes! I'm working with two at the moment! One is from the Forgotten Realms Wiki which has more detailed locations and a legend, and the beautiful colored map was made by https://reddit.com/user/NeeraZynn/ and I use it for a more aesthetic presentation for my players.
<https://twitter.com/thekatastrophie/status/1501081211480936449/photo/1>
<https://twitter.com/thekatastrophie/status/1501081211480936449/photo/2>
@TheEdVerse
Got it. :} I like the blue-green hues of the one on the right, but the one on the left is undoubtedly more accurate, so I'll use that to Dispel Confusion as we give our daters some options. :}
@TheEdVerse
Silverymoon is one of the most romantic large cities in the Realms, remarkably free of the stinks and din of most places of its size, and it offers almost every experience, to couples or to lone visitors in search of diversions. Here are just a few:
Tart Making
If the thought of making pastries together under the kind guidance of an expert appeals, hie thee to Dauntar’s on the Ghostwalk [see the “7” on that map? The small, almost-square beige building north and west of the numeral] for sweet confections, and the Bloodlily Bell on Dancer’s Mask Lane [see the “2” on the map? Go SE to the first curvingly-triangular city block you see, and look along its south curving edge for a gray building between two beige ones, the W beige being almost square and the E one being a long rectangle; the gray building is the Bell] for savory tarts. Of course you can eat as you make; it’s expected! Only 1 sp for a bell (about an hour) of making and sampling, or 4 sp if you want to take away not just what’s in your hands, but a big wrapped bundle of what looks nicest.
Drink Making
Or perhaps you’d prefer to make your own strong-drink beverages together, mixing liqueurs or sherries with various fruits, herbs, sugars, milks, and foams. For this, try either Brantaleir’s Bower on Bowshot Ride [see 21 and 22 on the map? Go west to the Ride, which runs down the other side of the city block bracketed by the numerals 21 and 22, the Ride being the street that runs S from 6 to the river, and look for a thin grey rectangular building about halfway down the W side of the block/E side of the Ride, that has a stand of trees behind/E of it] or the Maiden’s Kiss on Brightbuckler Street [two streets fork at 21, and Brightbuckler is the eastern one, that runs to the docks without encountering 22 or 23; go S along it to halfway down the block bracketed by the fork, to a small beige building on the W side of Brightbuckler, that has a stand of trees right behind/W of it].
Brantaleir’s is known for a pineapple and cherry almond drink known as Phandara’s Fine Fancy (request a Firefancy if you want it strong), and the specialty at the Maiden’s Kiss is the Mintkissed Murarra (a lime-infused eggnog).
{And that's the first fifth or so of my lore answer. Duty calls (I must feed my wife) now, but will return with more, later.}
And I'm back!
Tastings
You can attend tastings at scores of places across Silverymoon, but the most romantic, with some privacy, quiet music performed by minstrels softly singing and playing several rooms away, and low candlelight, are at Shantarra’s on the Moonway [back to 21 and 22 on the map, go down the Moonway to just a shade S of halfway between those two numbers, and look for the smallest dark building on the W side; it’s the third building N of 22], and feature chocolates topped before your eyes with your choice of warmed sugar-and-fruit foams or spiced custards. Truly, sweet enough for the gods!
Sights
If oddities and off-beat curios (such as the crowns of several lost and fallen kingdoms, a “Crawling illithid brain” in a jar, the famous Panties of Feather Falling worn by Lady Steel while dragonriding into battle during the Weeping War and earlier, and the floating fingernail of the lich Haraunhree, graven with runes none can read, that glow with curses that will be unleashed if those runes are ever touched) seem like fun things to view together, head to one of Silverymoon’s curated trophy collections, like Thulvur’s Remembrances on the Moonway [the backwards-C-shaped building on the E side of the street, the second building N of the Mulgate, which is 29].
Or try your hand at painting, alongside accomplished artists who’ll be happy to show you how they draw faces, or capture perspective, or mix pigments to attain particular hues, in Omthra’s Pleasure, a wine- and refreshment-serving art studio on Many Cats Lane [see the 6 on the map? Go N across the street to a small gray square building, and then head east two buildings, to a small square beige building on the N side of Many Cats Lane, that’s also the fourth building west of the very big, many-winged gray building near 8 on the map]. You can just have fun and walk away, for free, or pay a gold dragon and have your daub finished expertly, framed, and treated so its colours will last and resist sun, water, and many spills, then delivered to any address in Silverymoon.
Dancing
If dancing together seems attractive, there are many venues in Silverymoon, but four stand to the fore. First, Tathtantra’s on the Moonway [E side, the dark brown rectangular building W of 30 that fronts on the Moonway] if you’d like private instruction on how to dance (appropriate music and lighting provided).
Seek instead Halacantur’s Revelhaven on Many Cats Lane [S side, the rectangular beige building immediately below/S of the “33” numerals] if it’s raucous jigs and ramballions you prefer, in a crowded, jovially noisy, upbeat setting of many dancers having fun together.
Or the formal and expensive House of Charaunsea on Dancer’s Mask Lane [W side, four buildings S of Many Cats Lane: the brown square building 2 buildings N of the beige building right beside the “3” numeral on the map] if your preference is for slow and sad and formal dances, on an uncrowded floor.
And don’t miss Envelaer’s on Bowshot Ride [W side, two doors down from Helmer’s Wall: that is, the brown rectangular building that’s the second building S of the pair of buildings marked “6” on the map] if your preference is for slow and intimate, with discreet minstrels behind tapestries, and low lighting, in a sequence of seven linked rooms of olden design. Avid readers may want to avoid Envelaer’s unless they don’t mind being distracted by books they catch sight of, on the shelves they’re dancing past.
Park Visits
At dawn, for a bell, and at dusk and for three bells after, Mielikki’s Glade [31 on the map] is open to the public for private prayer, contemplation, quiet discussion, and “being one with each other and nature.” The best of Silverymoon’s parks for curated but “unspoiled” nature, the Grove is hushed and yet melodious, due to spells cast by its guardians that quell city noises but provide rustling-leaves and trickling-stream sounds brought magically from the Unicorn Run. Mielikki’s will encourages birds and small wildlife to come and to roam, but their natural caution means bitings and other close encounters are rare.
If you’d prefer a more private “park” visit, go to Qalantavvur’s on Dancer’s Mask Lane [the gray L-shaped building on the N side of the street, in the same curving triangular block where the Bloodlily Bell can be found: 4 doors east of the Bell] to experience a park inside a building: a large mansion has been remodelled into a sequence of private rooms (“bowers”) along a winding path that have openings that are rose-red if occupied, and emerald green if vacant. Magic provides concealing and sound-deadening mists at every entrance, and each room has a discreet curtained-off corner garderobe and has been sculpted into the semblance of a wilderness clearing, or grotto, or the interior of a huge hollow tree, or a vine-girt hollow. Choose your spot to linger.
(The ground floor “park” is open to the paying public, but the upper floors (meeting and dining rooms, lounges and short-stay bedchambers, are for club members only; Qalantavvur’s is an expensive-annual-dues, and so, exclusive club.)
{Much more to come, later.}
Thread, Continued:
Theatrical Performances
Theatrical performances on offer in the Gem of the North are as plentiful and varied as one might expect, but in type they vary from intimate revues [short plays performed by a small cast “up close” (sometimes in a small room with the audience seated on three sides of the performers)], such as at Sarandrar’s Small Stage on Brightbuckler Street [the beige rectangular building immediately east of the “1” of the “21” on the map], performances from highnoon onwards, audience sizes typically growing larger as the day draws on) to three-act costumed productions in large halls like Devaerre’s Dancing Dracolich on Dancer’s Mask Lane [E side of the eastern arc of the Lane, the small gray rectangular building one S of the northernmost building that’s adjacent to the city wall], typically performed from dusk onwards.
There are bawdy dinner theater farces, full of rude and naughty quips and situations, such as are offered at Jampart’s Firetrumpet on Many Cats Lane [the small beige rectangular building on the S side of the Lane, three doors E of its moot with the eastern arc of Dancer’s Mask Lane, that has a stand of trees immediately behind/S of it] (naughtiest) or the Torchtower on the Moonway [corner building with round tower at its NW corner, that’s on the E side of the Moonway south of the Moonbridge, at the corner where the street that runs west from “30” joins the Moonway] (more witty and topical-political), and for the more unusual, there are “mood strolls” in Sakul’s Palace on Many Cats Lane [N side, the zigzag-shaped large gray building equidistant between the “4” and the “33” numerals on the map], where patrons walk along a lit path through a decorated-to-look-like-places-elsewhere set adorned with macabre art and populated by actors clad in monster costumes, as hidden singers, pipers, and harpists set a mood.
Concerts
Silverymoon offers a huge variety of music at all times, but for romance, go for a candlelit concert, and warm, gentle (or occasionally warmer and more sensuous) music, the sort provided by bards, minstrels, and musicians of superb skills and sensitivity. In a venue such as Jalakkul’s Horn on Rallowglass Ride [the wedge-shaped beige building on the N side of the Ride, at its docks end, four doors east of where the Ride crosses Dancer’s Mask Lane], you can hear music to fall in love by, or deeper in love by, performed on such unusual instruments as the waterhorn (like a bassoon, but with the musician’s wind through a reverberating column of radiant water) and the deepdrone, as well as the more familiar handharp.
Or, as tastes differ, follow your ears…
Street Performances
In “the Rallow” [the large open space northwest of where Rallowglass Ride meets Many Cats Lane, nigh the city wall], dine on savory cheese-and-garlic hot gnawsticks or sweet wyverntails (almond, cashew, and orange-rind dark chocolate gnawsticks) and sip mint wine or warm duck broth, as you take in a debate-duel between two learned, witty, and grand-tongued sages, on a ridiculous topic that’s chosen by the drawing of a card. You’ll be standing in the street, one of many forming a ring about the Dueling Tongues (or Battling Longbeards).
Or walk to the Foregate at the Sundabar Gate (the “square” inside the gate, between the three defensive fortified barracks) and see an orator declaim some of the prophecies of Alaundo that have already befallen, as talented singer-actors perform interpretations of the events they describe, beside him. The meteor “Prophecy Banner” will be flown over the square when performances are imminent.
{So I must do my usual morning tweets and then rush off to the day job now, so we'll finish up with Clubs and Eateries and "Opportunities" tonight, and send our dating couple off in style. :} )
And now, the conclusion...
Clubs and Eateries
Silverymoon offers scores of clubs for intimate meetings, romantic and otherwise (not to mention brothels), and almost a hundred places to dine, but to mention just those catering specifically to romance and romantic opportunities, we have:
Dining on warm cheese melts or chocolate-dipped strawberries by a fireside at Jacer’s (an upstairs establishment owned and frequented by faerie dragons, located above Amuldro’s Fine Vintages, a high-end wineshop, on Many Cats Lane [N side, square brown building 5 doors west of where the Lane meets the Market, and 5 doors east of the brown rectangular building immediately above/N of the “8” numeral on the map]).
Or partake of oysters from the water-caverns of Sundabar, and fine roasted fowl drenched in gravies by Roevuroaskur of Everlund, all accompanied by a wide selection of light wines or heavier sherries, at Malammaskur’s Board on Bowshot Ride [the brown NE building on the E side of the Ride, on the corner of the Ride’s moot with the first cross-street south of Helmer’s Wall].
If your shared tastes are more adventurous, try roasted forest fern beetles from the High Forest (much more appetizing than they sound, especially when paired with mint jellies) at The Green Table on Many Cats Lane [N side, the small rectangular building immediately E/next to the building that the arrow accompanying “33” cuts across]. Living trees adorn the dining area, and their special desserts (flavoured cream foams floated atop fruit juices) are a must!
Or visit one of the many fine eateries that serve fresh Rauvin river trout. The most romantic ambience among these fish-houses is likely to be found at Suusannarra’s Fine Fins on Brightbuckler Street [the last/farthest S building on the W side: the almost-square beige building that’s the third building going due E from the “22” numerals on the map].
Or relax together at Xundarra’s Thirsty Throat on Many Cats Lane [the brown rectangular building on the N side of the Lane, S of the “4” numeral, 4 doors W of the distinctive zigzag large gray building, and 3 doors E of the NE corner of the moot of Many Cats Lane and the eastern arc of Dancer’s Mask Lane], a rooftop wine bar crowning the abode of Xundarra the Reformed, a lamia who makes her living as a hairdresser and “body-gentler” (masseuse), where Xundarra’s attentive staff accompany the superb array of vintages new and old with her ever-popular “spicy bites” (one-bite sausage-and-sauce-filled buns).
If getting giggly and tipsy together isn’t your aim, Silverymoon also offers taethurns (tea rooms), and perhaps the oldest, quaintest, most fern-bedecked and private of these, where discreet and knowing servers won’t interrupt tender moments, is Gulvaer’s Gargoyles on Rallowglass Ride [the beige rectangular building on the W side of the Ride, four doors N of its moot with Dancer’s Mask Lane, and 6 doors S of its moot with Many Cats Lane].
Opportunities
And to end our possibilities for a romantic date in Silverymoon, think of these more unusual undertakings:
* Enjoy a starwatch cruise aboard an open boat, drifting down the Rauvin by night. Three rival boats are careful to keep well out of each other’s way, but the most romantic of them, in both furnishings and service, is undoubtedly the Rauvinshadow, that berths at Tresker’s Mooring [the large almost-square building on the N bank of the Rauvin that has two wharves jutting out from its foundations, the first jetties west of the one that anchors the Moonbridge] west of the foot of Bowshot Ride (three trips on a good night, weather permitting).
* Take part in a wine-revel in a private mansion: the House of Harlanchalur on Dancer’s Mask Lane [W side, the last/northernmost building before the city wall, fronting on the eastern end of the Lane], which has its own “catacombs” (labyrinthine wine cellar, now equipped with beds and couches, lamps that can be shuttered, and privacy draperies). Dustra Harlanchalur is a bald-shaven Thayan who has tattoos and red robes, but swears she’s no Red Wizard, and lacks the Gift entirely—and she’s been tested by, and attested by, no less than High Mage Taern Hornblade, to prove it. If shy folk need guidance in the physical arts of pleasure, Dustra is happy to give it, but some folk fear her, saying her large dark eyes “lure you in and drink your soul.”
* Expensive but worth it: take a magical “just your body moving through the air, clad as you will” flight, out over the Rauvin, to waft far enough away from the lights of the city to enjoy the stars; you can fly or cavort or dance or even make love in midair, under the stars, all at the behest of Launtra Tampranna the Mage, who can be found at her riverside home, Jessilcloaks [the building just east of The Bright Blade Brandished, #1 on the map].
And there we have it: a quick overview of places to go and things to do in Silverymoon for a romantic couple wanting to enjoy each other’s company.
May you all have as much fun, or more, in the Gem of the North!
@thekatastrophie
WOW! Thank you so much! I had no idea Silverymoon civilian life had so much going on! I have a lot of things to choose from next time I make my way into the Gem of the North! Thank you for you in depth response, I really appreciate it!
@TheEdVerse
My pleasure! And remember: Silverymoon is MUCH larger than it looks on that map, due to its multi-level nature. Think of Portmeirion (the Welsh village seen as "the Village" in THE PRISONER TV series), with curving stairs and ramps down to rooms and dwellings "under" the surface.
- Edited on 11/3/22 to add new tweets |
Edited by - questing gm on 11 Mar 2022 13:18:01 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2022 : 00:01:00
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On mistakes in the Calendar of Harptos
Mar 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1502788011104382978
@MTD_Jake
In our Scribes & Scrolls campaign there is a lycanthropy plot line that has necessitated tracking lunar cycles and the calendar.
So I made a whole 366 day calendar adventure journal based set in Forgotten Realms.
You can get it on DMsGuild here: https://bit.ly/3pJtYet
@TheEdVerse
Though I see you've faithfully perpetuated the mistakes introduced in editing. It SHOULD read:
"Alturiak, The Claws of Winter
Ches of the Sunsets
Tarsakh of the Storms"
And they're festivals, NOT "holidays." Holiday = "holy day." Every faith has OTHER holy days. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2022 : 23:11:44
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On Mirt naming a Lantanese nimblewright
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1503050567282794499
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1503052714493759493
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1520878670835077122
Mar 14, 2022
@The_Doc_Webb
If you don’t mind the question, if the returned Mirt after Death Masks were to purchase a Lantanese nimblewright, what might he name it? Something after an old friend, something descriptive (“Cogs”, etc.), or something unique?
Thanks for any insights you might share!
@TheEdVerse
Depends on his mood: "Stooge" or "Piergeiron" or "Volo" or Stunt Double" (yes, he and Elminster talk, so he learns our-real-world lingo) or even "Quilberforce" or "Masked Lord" or "Xanathar" or "Durnan Number Fifty-six."
Mirt has a DIFFERENT sense of humor.
@The_Doc_Webb
Thank you so much! These are wonderful. :)
@TheEdVerse
Ah! I forgot "Fodder." ;}
(Which can of course be passed off as Father, as in: "Yondah is the castle of my fodder.") ;}
@The_Doc_Webb
The group very belatedly met Mirt and Fodder last night, and they loved both of them. I hope I’m doing the Old Wolf proud with my portrayal.
@TheEdVerse
Excellent! Thank you for telling me.
These are my rewards; knowing gamers are having good times in the Realms!
"Fodder," Mirt growled, "why does this drink of mine keep LEAKING? 'Tis empty AGAIN."
- Edited on 2/5/2022 to add new tweets |
Edited by - questing gm on 02 May 2022 01:51:44 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2022 : 23:15:03
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On major differences between Gaurdront's Guide to Monstrous Beasts and Volo's Guide to Monsters
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1503052246036140034
@thekatastrophie
Good Morning Mr. Greenwood! If an intrepid adventurer were to peruse Gaurdront's Guide to Monstrous Beasts and Volo's Guide to Monsters, what would be the major differences in information and style they would notice?
@TheEdVerse
Volo's writing style.
In his tome Volo imparted useful in-depth cultural information about the aims, worldviews, and cultures of the creatures he wrote about. Gaurdront's is closer to the Monster Manual: briefer "what you see in the field" coverage of a larger roster. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 14 Mar 2022 : 22:36:01
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On reason for many dragon-types
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1503395998294589451
Mar 14, 2022
@FrankMcCormick
Why are there so many types of dragon and dragon-like beings? I mean, of course, from a design/business perspective it's a simple "because dragons are cool," but is there an in-world reason? Io was just creatively prolific? Competition between Tiamat and Bahamut?
@TheEdVerse
As Gary said, years ago, "The name of the game is Dungeons & DRAGONS." The Realms has to be home for the whole roster. I postulated that dragons are in all the worlds and planes, but found Toril a rich environment to dwell and breed in. Hence so many. They multiplied and spread swiftly, but avoided overpopulation and starvation thanks to their wars with giants...so to dragonkind, with its abundant food and the Weave boosting their magic and spurring draconic mutations/new subspecies, the Realms is an ideal setting. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2022 : 05:48:18
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On “The Hollow One” in Elvish
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1503540999070658565
Mar 15, 2022
@LazarStojkovic
A super-quick question: what would be the Elven translation of “The Hollow One”? Thanks in advance!
@TheEdVerse
“Maraorn” is The Hollow One (transliteration is “the one who is hollow”: orn = hollow; ara = one who; ma’ha = lone, the only [said only of elves, and is contracted when added to other words]). |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2022 : 02:46:48
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On the meaning of Elminster's "thaele"
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1503922733083676674
Mar 16, 2022
@questinggm
Greetings Sending a question on behalf of a sage from Candlekeep: Hello Ed! Can you please explain if the word "Thaele" from Elminster's Evasion has any special meaning?
@cberwick11
Does the word "thaele" have any special meaning to Elminster?
@TheEdVerse
Elminster concocted the word “thaele” because he was unlikely to utter that syllable for any other reason than to trigger an Elminster’s Evasion spell cast on himself. To him, it was a unique nonsense word.
“Rathraele” was the closest ‘real’ word to it he knew, and that was the short-name of a weredragon (song dragon) who was dead by the time El first crafted his Evasion spell. Her name was pronounced “RATH-rail” and so, was highly unlikely to trigger an Evasion accidentally.
Interestingly, “meerithaele” is the name of a secret “utter painkiller” drink used by halflings and gnomes to prevent shock and suffering in someone dying or sorely wounded.
Elminster now knows about this “physic” (medicine), but again, the pronounciation is “MEER-ih-thail” and so, unlikely to be an inadvertent Evasion trigger. |
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Eldacar
Senior Scribe
438 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2022 : 02:53:59
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quote:
Originally posted by questing gm
On the meaning of Elminster's "thaele"
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1503922733083676674
Mar 16, 2022
@questinggm
Greetings Sending a question on behalf of a sage from Candlekeep: Hello Ed! Can you please explain if the word "Thaele" from Elminster's Evasion has any special meaning?
@cberwick11
Does the word "thaele" have any special meaning to Elminster?
@TheEdVerse
Elminster concocted the word “thaele” because he was unlikely to utter that syllable for any other reason than to trigger an Elminster’s Evasion spell cast on himself. To him, it was a unique nonsense word.
“Rathraele” was the closest ‘real’ word to it he knew, and that was the short-name of a weredragon (song dragon) who was dead by the time El first crafted his Evasion spell. Her name was pronounced “RATH-rail” and so, was highly unlikely to trigger an Evasion accidentally.
Interestingly, “meerithaele” is the name of a secret “utter painkiller” drink used by halflings and gnomes to prevent shock and suffering in someone dying or sorely wounded.
Elminster now knows about this “physic” (medicine), but again, the pronounciation is “MEER-ih-thail” and so, unlikely to be an inadvertent Evasion trigger.
Interesting! Can you follow up and ask if the “Thaele of Crimmon” Corlyn Braen is another instance of a similar word popping up accidentally? And is the Crimmon one also pronounced differently to how Elminster pronounces his nonsense version? |
"The Wild Mages I have met exhibit a startling disregard for common sense, and are often meddling with powers far beyond their own control." ~Volo
"Not unlike a certain travelogue author with whom I am unfortunately acquainted." ~Elminster |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2022 : 23:57:01
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On the meaning of "theurglass"
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1504103489810714630
Mar 16, 2022
@Mahtan87
I have a Realms question for Good Sir?
So before I make and edit suggestions to the Wiki I wanted to check with your about an Elven Word. Several times in the novel Forsaken House, theurglass is mentioned, Is theurglass the elven name for the magical glass steel?
@TheEdVerse
Yes.
"Theur" in Elvish is hard/durable/unyielding. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2022 : 00:01:37
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On the full Thayan name of "Ren"
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1504108335418658819
Mar 16, 2022
@VikGray
I have that cool thayan supplement but havent found the full name for my own thayan defector character. He goes under "Ren" and I have no idea what could be full for ren
@TheEdVerse
Well, he could bear the popular Thayan male given name “Parlrend” (see the lists on page 75) but his family always shortened it to “Ren” and he prefers that.
Or he could be one of the handful of Thayans who have a first name more common in Cormyr or Sembia (like Darrend, Rendrard, or Rendarl) and have shortened it to sound more Thayan.
Or he could have one of the rarer Thayan names that lend themselves to a “Ren” contraction, like Kaurren, Orlrenq (pronounced “Orl-RENK”), Ruzrendar (“Rooz-REN-dar”), Skrendan, or Tulrenq (“TULL-renk”). |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2022 : 07:06:57
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On ruins of Myth Drannor
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1504265458761052164
Mar 17, 2022
@LordFrobozz
Kinda sux that myth drannor ain’t ruined anymore. I liked it as an ancient lore filled festering demon crowded ruin of elven mystery.
@TheEdVerse
Ah, but if you were Starym, you'd hiss, "'Tis still ruined FOR US." |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2022 : 22:36:33
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On Kukris in Thay
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1504469624934453260
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1504634095476916227
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1504634741835943939
Mar 17, 2022
@RBlademaker
Do they have Kukris in Thay?
<https://twitter.com/RBlademaker/status/1504269036951068674/photo/1>
@TheEdVerse
A few, but it's found more in Murghôm, Durpar, Raurin, Estagund, Semphar, Veldorn, Var, and Ulgarth. The Realms name for such a blade varies from place to place, but many traveling traders call them a "sar" (plural: sarren). "Zarak" is the most popular local name.
@gkrashos
Hi Ed, “zarak” is local for where? Thay?
@TheEdVerse
Local to those countries I listed. Sar is what they tend to get called elsewhere.
Sorry: the list plus Thay. ;}
- Edited on 18/3/2022 to add new tweets |
Edited by - questing gm on 18 Mar 2022 11:21:24 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2022 : 22:43:16
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On Shou discovering smokepowder
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1504472590097608708
Mar 17, 2022
@Sundered_Ant
Master of Realmslore @TheEdVerse, I have a small question on smokepowder. I've read all your twitter posts on its in & out-of-universe origins, but one thing's been bugging me.
How come the Shou discovered it long before gunpowder went inert? Was it their spelljamming activity?
@TheEdVerse
It was more the activity of spelljammers who came to them, to extraxt or trade for resources (and brought smokepowder with them, and didn't safeguard it/keep it hidden from those they were trading with). |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2022 : 23:32:45
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On disclaimer in Thay Land of the Red Wizards
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1505578282980421638
Mar 21, 2022
@CitrustheBard
So that disclaimer in "Thay: Land of the Red Wizards"...
Is this... is this what I think it is?#128064;#128064;#128064;
<https://twitter.com/CitrustheBard/status/1505536004932968449/photo/1>
@TheEdVerse
I'm not sure. That depends on what you think it is. ;}
@CitrustheBard
I think I've been referenced and I've been excitedly losing my mind about it all morning.
Did Szass enjoy the song, at least?
@TheEdVerse
You have stumbled upon a Great Secret of the Realms: Szass Tam can be ENTRANCED by the right songs. He will court almost certain doom to linger, doing nothing but listening and swaying, to enjoy more music. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2022 : 00:02:48
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quote:
Originally posted by questing gm
On disclaimer in Thay Land of the Red Wizards
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1505578282980421638
Mar 21, 2022
@CitrustheBard
So that disclaimer in "Thay: Land of the Red Wizards"...
Is this... is this what I think it is?#128064;#128064;#128064;
<https://twitter.com/CitrustheBard/status/1505536004932968449/photo/1>
@TheEdVerse
I'm not sure. That depends on what you think it is. ;}
@CitrustheBard
I think I've been referenced and I've been excitedly losing my mind about it all morning.
Did Szass enjoy the song, at least?
@TheEdVerse
You have stumbled upon a Great Secret of the Realms: Szass Tam can be ENTRANCED by the right songs. He will court almost certain doom to linger, doing nothing but listening and swaying, to enjoy more music.
The song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_qPJ5v5eWw |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2022 : 10:37:33
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On how Harshnag the Grim gets around the city of Waterdeep
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1505769981128151046
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1505901876482617351
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1505981876040871947
Mar 21, 2022
@RpgMatch
Hey @TheEdVerse did you and Eric Boyd ever discuss how the Frost Giant Harshnag the Grim would get around the city of Waterdeep? He would probably need special accommodations.
@TheEdVerse
No. Likely because I’d already decided. ;}
Harshnag has his own seats on the seaward side of Mount Waterdeep. He also has a cavern there that he shares with other giants (its presence is why the cloud giant castle hovers just where it does in DEATH MASKS). Its entrance is easy to locate (though not marked) on the 2e CITY OF SPLENDORS boxed set maps: go to “The Watching Tower” tag, and track due west from the initial “T” to a gap in the cliff-scarp drawn edge, where the 500 elevation line crosses it: right there.
Moreover, all giants have guestrooms in the South Fang (the unlabelled wall tower due south of “Gate The South” on the 2e CITY OF SPLENDORS boxed set maps).
It’s bad etiquette among giants to stride through built-up Waterdeep. Much traffic chaos at the very least. (In the old days, Maaril would “take steps” magically. Later, Khelben got peeved.) So they “walk around the edges.”
@RpgMatch
Right here?
<https://twitter.com/RpgMatch/status/1505790001920962560/photo/1>
@TheEdVerse
No, the other "T." ("The")
Follow the "500" contour line North to where it crosses the scarp. There's a gap in the drawn scarp [the line that looks like an endless artifical eyelash]. Right at that gap.
@RpgMatch
Found it!
<https://twitter.com/RpgMatch/status/1505914946604789760/photo/1>
@TheEdVerse
Bingo! :}
- Edited on 22/3/2022 to add new tweets |
Edited by - questing gm on 21 Mar 2022 22:55:30 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2022 : 10:44:27
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On questions on Thay
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1505774750798340096
Mar 21, 2022
@DawkinsMP
It's been a while! I'm back in my old favourite of That we thanks to your recent work, and have some questions for your sageliness.
1.) As frequent targets of That's ambition, what kind of diplomatic ties exist between Aglarond and Rashemen? And more importantly, what are their biggest divisions?
2.) Does Thay experience any success in placing spies in the ruling orders of other regimes, or is their intelligence gathering mainly practiced from a distance with divination magic?
3.) Has a Zulkir ever abandoned their position of power to join the rulership (as an advisor, archmage, spy) of another nation, or is the nationalist sentiment too strong and reprisals too likely? And finally
4.) What was the relationship between Maligor and Druxus before the latter replaced the former? Their attitudes seem very different.
Thank you as always for coming up with such fantastic lore, sometimes from the archives, sometimes on the fly. It's always inspiring!
Lots of autocorrect from Thay to That! Serves me right for having a new phone.
@TheEdVerse
1.) Secret ones. ;} Although this is a stereotype that can break down when applied to individuals (especially the younger generations), the Rashemi largely want to be left alone, to NOT be part of the wider world. Aglarond wants to trade with everyone and have ties with everyone but for very good reasons can’t trust Thayan connections, trade ties, or seemingly private initiatives, and always prepares for betrayal.
2/
Thay has a horrible track record when it comes to embedded spies, and a lousy one when it comes to torturing information out of merchants and “just plain citizens” or hiring competent local spies. The trade enclaves were a way of putting “competent Red Wizards on the ground” in the heart of lands the Thayans wanted to know more about (constantly). These days, their intelligence gathering is of two sorts: long-range magical scrying (pretty good when they do it, but too few personnel/not enough time to be comprehensive) and using veteran far-traveled Thayan merchants (many of whom have their own agendas, as they think Szass Tam is insane and too likely to upset current peace, which is good for trade).
3/
Yes, but not recently (aside from the “Separatists” we featured in the book).
4/
Maligor regarded Druxus as a weak incompetent who would never amount to anything. Useful as expendable fodder, at best. Druxus thought Maligor was an old-fashioned, narrow-minded sadist. I think they were both right in their views. ;} |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2022 : 22:58:33
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On no stats for the shadow dragon-derived varieties in Dragon 170
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1505981562348875788
Mar 22, 2022
@ItalianKarsus
I noticed Dragon 170 has shadow dragon-derived mantimeras, dracimeras and wyvern drakes, but Cult of the Dragon does not give stats for the shadow dragon-derived varieties.
Was there any particular reason why these stats were not included?
@TheEdVerse
Likely because that book was put together in a weekend, it was in the era of precious wordcount (no pixels, just print), and shadow dragons usually react to Cult overtures by tearing the cultists apart, so they likely wouldn't go seeking shadow versions of beasties. |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11691 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2022 : 19:24:51
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quote:
Originally posted by questing gm
quote:
Originally posted by questing gm
On disclaimer in Thay Land of the Red Wizards
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1505578282980421638
Mar 21, 2022
@CitrustheBard
So that disclaimer in "Thay: Land of the Red Wizards"...
Is this... is this what I think it is?#128064;#128064;#128064;
<https://twitter.com/CitrustheBard/status/1505536004932968449/photo/1>
@TheEdVerse
I'm not sure. That depends on what you think it is. ;}
@CitrustheBard
I think I've been referenced and I've been excitedly losing my mind about it all morning.
Did Szass enjoy the song, at least?
@TheEdVerse
You have stumbled upon a Great Secret of the Realms: Szass Tam can be ENTRANCED by the right songs. He will court almost certain doom to linger, doing nothing but listening and swaying, to enjoy more music.
The song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_qPJ5v5eWw
Lol, and I thought I was a fan of the red wizards... that's funny |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2022 : 02:39:49
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On a "cap-of-coins"
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1506793727892897793
Mar 24, 2022
@Sundered_Ant
Hey @TheEdVerse, I was looking back at your book "City System" - very great I must add - but there was one section that had me scratching my head.
In clothing I identified those unfamiliar as being real Middle Ages wear, like escoffion & hennin, but what is a "cap-of-coins"...?
@TheEdVerse
A cap of coins is just that: a skullcap, usually covering the entire head from the tops of the ears all around, often resting on the ears and sometimes held firm on the head with its own hidden clips (like the sort of metal clips used in earlier decades to hold curlers on), that is made entirely of coins attached to each other with fine wire or chain, to form an open-weave/open-mesh cap (i.e. there are spaces between the coins so the wearer’s hair can be seen). Usually round or oval small coins are used, usually matched as opposed to a mix, and usually copper pieces. Yes, they sometimes get used as currency, and most wearers of such caps will know how many coins their cap is made of (often 40). Such caps are an ideal garment for being enspelled; many keep rain or snow off a wearer, or confer the same powers as a ring of warmth. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2022 : 02:48:20
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On canon place or service to grow hair back in Waterdeep
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1506802305097687042
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1506838926371299330
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1512200863510671360
Mar 24, 2022
@RpgMatch
Hey there @TheEdVerse is there a canon place or service to grow hair back in Waterdeep? Sort of a reverse barber or apothecary? Asking for a friend…
@TheEdVerse
Certainly. First, Cyber Trout hath the right of it: Phalantar's Philtres & Components does sell elixirs to drink to boost hair growth in a hurry, and unguents to spread on bald or sparse patches to make reluctant or non-existent hair grow.
And the temple of Sune has long sold castings of spells for the same purpose, and to style and tint hair, too.
As do the Waterdhavian priests of Sharess, Malar, and Loviatar (being bound to a rack with one’s own long hair is part of some popular flogging rituals of devotion to the goddess).
In addition to these, there are any number of herbalists who sell hair-growing drinks of varying efficacy from do-nothing frauds to very powerful, use sparingly or you’ll be cutting hair ALMOST as fast as it grows!
And there are also two friendly competitors who cast effective, precisely-controlled spells to make hair grow: the kindly, aging lady wizard Rauvra Galathand (who works from the unnamed, unsignboarded third-floor upper room she rents and lives in, westfront Whaelgond Way, three doors south of Saerdoun Street, North Ward, above offices that in turn are above Dardrondra’s Ewers, Bowls, and Crockery shop) and the young sorceress Evdranna Tathwinter, who casts certain spells for hire but never leaves her fourth-floor office [which is also where she lives], or removes her mask, since a certain magical trap melted the left side of her face into grotesquerie (Evdranna’s Assistances, northfront Sorn Street, five doors west of Wall Way, Trades Ward).
@RpgMatch
Thank you! Any idea what the cost range would be some of these cures?
@TheEdVerse
Spells: 250 gp for maintaining hair, renewing scorched hair, etc. up to 1200 gp for spells to grow hair on a long-bald pate.
Elixirs about 100 gp less over the same range but topping out at 800 gp.
Salves/ointments/unguents 50-150gp (for tiny jar: 3-4 doses).
@R_E_W_III
Uggg why is getting my hair back so expensive I’m broke!
@TheEdVerse
Wigs are cheaper, and glue and your own hair cheaper still.
I'm not joking: many Waterdhavians resort to either...or in some desperate cases, both.
- Edited on 8/4/2022 to add new tweets |
Edited by - questing gm on 08 Apr 2022 00:26:23 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2022 : 02:23:41
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On gemstones found with mithril ore
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1507728330061144064
Mar 26, 2022
@gabrielle_h
Quick question, @TheEdVerse: which gemstones would one expect to find along with mithral ore?
@TheEdVerse
The glittering, soft silvery-black ore from which mithril is smelted is rare, but found throughout the Realms in long, thin veins, and even more rarely in pockets or lodes of concentrated ore, rarely larger than a one-room cottage.
Rubies, sapphires, and amethyst are the gemstones most often found close to mithril, amethyst sometimes in chunks as large as a wagon. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2022 : 02:31:50
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On approximate date Baldur's Gate was founded
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1507738788772163598
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1507916153968074754
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1575914409095856128
Mar 26, 2022
@RenezuoArt
This might seem like a strange question out of the blue @TheEdVerse but in a discussion with my jimmy rustling wife, the topic of of when specifically Baldurs Gate was created came up. Would you happen to have an approximate date for that?
@TheEdVerse
The problem is that the good natural harbour around which Baldur’s Gate developed was a pirate and smuggler’s haven, and supported a tiny settlement of fisherfolk, for many years before Balduran first set sail from it.
It was a known port of call for ships on the Sword Coast by 204 DR (i.e. by then it had “visitors wharves” and a shipyard, and could replace masts and sails). It was known as Baldur’s Gate, and considered a city, by 446 DR.
So, sometime “earlier” (before 0 DR) was when it was founded, and it was likely known as Baldur’s Gate before 300 DR. The designation “city” in the Realms is based neither on the presence of cathedrals nor on precise population totals/thresholds or legal incorporation, but on importance/domination of interland and rough size, and for the Gate likely came earlier rather than later due to the absence of large nearby settlements to provide competition.
@gkrashos
This is great Ed and very useful. After that 204 DR date, was it - for a time - incorporated or controlled by the brief realm of Shavinar, which existed from 227 DR to 277 DR?
@TheEdVerse
I see it as nominally being part of Shavinar, but very much, on a daily "on-the-cobbles" basis, doing its own thing: only some citizens paid taxes (the rest never registered), they obeyed laws and enforcers of them only when under the eye of said authorities, etc.
@WJNMN
What was the fishing village called?
@TheEdVerse
Loklee.
It was in the lee of the plateau, which was in old times called Lok's Fist (Lok was a hill giant who'd dwelt there, and often punched prey to death; no fisherfolk could settle until he was dead).
- Edited on 1/10/2022 to add new tweet |
Edited by - questing gm on 01 Oct 2022 00:54:56 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 29 Mar 2022 : 03:33:55
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On inspiration of yuan-ti in the Realms
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1508602806890029056
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1508603338002214922
Mar 29, 2022
@LoremastersRPG
In my recent study of folklore, I think I may have stumbled upon the inspiration for yuan-ti.
Make sure you peel your onions before eating them while pregnant or your child might be born a lindworm.
I'm really curious if this has any bearing.
@TheEdVerse
You'd have to ask the designers who originally introduced them to the D&D game, well before TSR bought the Realms.
Zeb Cook had them in the 1981 Dwellers In The Forbidden City (set in Greyhawk). I had serpent people in the Realms in 1966, drawing on many pulp sources.
Mine were more like R.E. Howard's serpent folk in his King Kull stories (though many early folklore writers had similar creatures before REH), but the lindworm of old Scandinavian mythology entered D&D and the Realms as the linnorms (Dragon 182). |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2022 : 03:55:42
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On Jergal's and Kelemvor's views on the Order of Long Death
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1508997798267654149
Mar 30, 2022
@RyanAbr59182648
Quick question for Master of Realmslore, @TheEdVerse. Why does Kelemvor hate the Order of Long Death? Since that Order is all about natural death and against undeath, I'd have assumed he'd like these monks. Does Jergal at least like them?
@TheEdVerse
Jergal likes them, though he likes being mysterious and the monks are about quelling all that's mysterious. Kelemvor doesn't hate them, he regards them as his foes because they seek to understand death and so master it, rather than in leaving death to its deity: him. |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2022 : 02:32:37
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On Loviatar clerics 'practicing' on followers of Ilmater
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1509911196765507594
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1509918055677272085
Apr 1, 2022
@BraynerPereira1
is that true that loviatar clerics enjoys capturing ilmater's followers to "practice" their church doctrines?
@TheEdVerse
The essential element for holiness to Loviatar in putting restraints on someone or inflicting pain on them is that they be willing to receive it. "The yielding is the reverence."
However, Ilmatari are dedicating their suffering to Ilmater, not Loviatar; that irks Her.
@BraynerPereira1
Wow, thats a very interesting point of view. For loviatar faith it is a complete heresy what imaltari practice their doctrine. I like that!
@TheEdVerse
I designed the deities of the Realms so there'd be countless little conflicts between not just them, but their dedicated mortal worshippers: from those friction points spin out endless adventures. :} |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2022 : 04:23:23
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On the fragments of Blackstaff
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1510413376664522763
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1510443507755925513
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1510630141017292805
Apr 3, 2022
@ChronoChromatic
In your novel, Death Masks, the Blackstaff held by Vajra is repeatedly described as a fragment of Khelben's staff, with the spirit inside a bare remnant of the original. She can no longer commune with his spirit easily.
When did the Blackstaff break like this?
@TheEdVerse
Much of what I would like to reply is NDA’d, I’m afraid. So I will ask: have you read the 2006 Wizards of the Coast novel BLACKSTAFF, by Steven Schend?
@ChronoChromatic
I have not! I am relatively new to the realms and only just finished Death Masks after reading Blackstaff Tower (2008), so I've been wondering what happened in-between.
Maybe Blackstaff will be by my next stop, but it takes place much earlier, in Khelben's lifetime?
@TheEdVerse
Yes. Some scenes in the novel are circa 451 DR, and the latest-chronology scenes in BLACKSTAFF are set in 1374 DR.
@ChronoChromatic
Happy to take the reading suggestion.
But to clarify, Khelben's staff is intact when Vajra claims it at the end of Blackstaff Tower, and she's on speaking terms with all of her predecessors there-in. Correct?
*Something* not-yet-published happened to it between 1479 and 1491?
I appreciate if you cannot disclose anything else, but if you permit me the curiosity, "Antler" in Death Masks mentions:
> "Neverember had some sort of magic item that created a backlash and almost slew the Blackstaff, the one time she tried to read what he was up to"
The Blackstaff has been used to control and dispel magic items before, and usually wins. Is the backlash that Vajra suffered here at all related to its damaged state?
@TheEdVerse
Yes, in that the backlash was able to affect Vajra as much as it did because of the "lessened" Blackstaff. But the backlash didn't cause damage to the Blackstaff; it was already like that.
-Edited on 4/4/2022 to add new tweet |
Edited by - questing gm on 04 Apr 2022 00:26:13 |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1143 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2022 : 00:21:38
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On teleportation circles in Waterdeep
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1511362744683053057
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1511498890759090178
Apr 5, 2022
@newbiedm
Is it safe to assume that an embassy in a big city like Waterdeep would have a permanent teleportation circle to go back to whatever country they’re from?
@TheEdVerse
No. Such would not be allowed, for security reasons. Khelben trusted no one but himself, and made changes to Ahghairon's wards. (The original wards have been augmented and modified many times over the years.)
From 1342 DR onwards to the present, you can't teleport into or out of Waterdeep by means of spells or items, with one exception. You can teleport and dimension door (and use other translocation spells) WITHIN the wards (i.e. from place to place within the city), but you can't pass through the wards UNLESS you access one of the invisible, secret-location valves/doors through the wards. These are controlled by the Blackstaff (with three backup individuals, identities secret, but I'll whisper to you right now that Mirt is one of them, and that all of these backups only know how to access one to three of these secret valves, not the rest of them). If you're trying to use a spell to teleport into or out of the Deep, you need to speak the correct phrase for one of the valves, adding it to your usual incantation. If you do so correctly, your spell will work flawlessly, your teleport passing through the valve no matter where it is (i.e. if you're standing in Dock Ward and want to teleport to the Rat Hills, but know of a valve on the beach in northern Sea Ward, your "jump" will loop back through that portal to get to the Rat Hills, despite the change of direction). There is a "master" incantation that opens all the valves, and there are both items and passive wardstones (aka ward tokens/pass tokens; see my VOLO'S GUIDES) that allow "automatic" passage through the wards (i.e. without the bearer needing an incantation or even knowledge of the valve), but there is NO WAY an embassy would be furnished with this.
Just glance at the plots of published Realms novels that use Waterdeep as an in-story location; most don't make sense if anyone (or an army!) can just step through a teleportation circle.
@WollenbergGaard
Makes sense, I am however pretty sure that a small network of Teleportation Circles did exist for HEAVILY CONTROLLED public use in Waterdeep in a book by @ErinMEvans (I am pretty sure it was at the start of "Fire in the Blood", since it connected to Cormyr).
@TheEdVerse
Oh, I'm not denying the existence of circles (though almost all of them in the Deep work by having a ward-token under them, that can be removed to close them just by lifting a tile), I'm saying that no EMBASSY would be allowed to have one. It's a clear invasion route, and smuggling route, and kidnapping extraction route. Nor would the Watchful Order stand by if, say, they so much as suspected a Red Wizard enclave had created one. They'd hire adventurers or unleash monsters to burst in and create a pretext for them to snoop.
This was actually the setup for a GenCon Charity Adventure I ran some years back: the PCs were the adventurers sent in (well-paid, and guided by some half-truths) to be the diversion.
Meaning they got caught in a magical duel between furious Red Wizards and furious Watchful Order Magists. |
Edited by - questing gm on 06 Apr 2022 03:52:17 |
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