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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
1106 Posts |
 Posted - 06 Jun 2007 : 16:25:39
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I believe the description may have been inspired by a discussion with Ed. The identity of the "three wizards" is given in the old Dragon article. Other than that, any other clues are from me.
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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BOZ
Seeker
15 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2007 : 16:10:43
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| cool, thanks, that's what i was curious about. :) did Ed have anything particular in mind for Arlgolcheir, or was he just a throwaway reference for DMs and/or designers to do with as they please? |
http://www.geocities.com/kbozman74/BOZ.html |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5352 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2007 : 21:43:57
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quote:
You could also go the vestige route ...
--Eric
Why yes, Eric, a vestige of Astaroth would be a facinating idea . . . (you got me twice in one month . . . great article in Dragon, by the way). |
"Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder."--Saint Thomas Aquinas
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
1106 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2007 : 23:44:31
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
quote:
You could also go the vestige route ...
--Eric
Why yes, Eric, a vestige of Astaroth would be a facinating idea . . . (you got me twice in one month . . . great article in Dragon, by the way).
Glad you liked it. Hope you liked the adventure too.
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
3090 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2007 : 00:44:48
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
quote:
You could also go the vestige route ...
--Eric
Why yes, Eric, a vestige of Astaroth would be a facinating idea . . . (you got me twice in one month . . . great article in Dragon, by the way).
Hmm, I think there's a vestige of a chance he might get you again too ... 
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5352 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jun 2007 : 05:08:59
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Hey Eric . . . after reading the introduction to the Expedition to UnderMountain book and how the Watchful Order has knowledge of some portals into the Underhalls, I was wondering if an idea I had would be out of line. I was picturing the Order potentially having a portable archway or something of that manner that could be moved around (though not too easily), to allow for passage in a variety of places.
I was thinking about this because of the discussion we had last year or so about converting the Champion's Belt adventure in the Age of Worms Adventure Path, and members of the Order being hired to summon monsters from UnderMountain. I was thinking that they might use someting like this to open up a portal to access UnderMountain, but I wasn't sure if there would be some unintended consequenses to a portal for something like this to exist. |
"Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder."--Saint Thomas Aquinas
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Edited by - KnightErrantJR on 18 Jun 2007 03:38:34 |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5352 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jun 2007 : 03:44:33
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One more for you Eric (and thank you very much for your time, by the way). In Expedition to UnderMountain it mentions Jhesiyra Kestelharp, and that the Citadel of the Bloody Hand has become a "habitat" for living spells. Before I read this, I was kind of interested in trying to do a Realmsian conversion of the Spell Sovereign from the Dragonmarked article in Dragon 357, but couldn't come up with any place in Faerun where living spells were common enough for this to develop.
So I guess my question is, would it by possible for someone to make peaceful, lucid contact with
Jhesiyra, enough so to begin learning some of the ins and outs of controlling and creating living spells? Or would it be possible for one or two wizards to sneak into this level and study said living spells enough to get a "feel" for them, and perhaps make off with a few of them?
Thanks. |
"Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder."--Saint Thomas Aquinas
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
1106 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2007 : 15:22:04
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
Hey Eric . . . after reading the introduction to the Expedition to UnderMountain book and how the Watchful Order has knowledge of some portals into the Underhalls, I was wondering if an idea I had would be out of line. I was picturing the Order potentially having a portable archway or something of that manner that could be moved around (though not too easily), to allow for passage in a variety of places.
Another idea would be to give them access to a horned ring. (See the end of the first adventure and the magic item section.)
quote:
I was thinking about this because of the discussion we had last year or so about converting the Champion's Belt adventure in the Age of Worms Adventure Path, and members of the Order being hired to summon monsters from UnderMountain. I was thinking that they might use someting like this to open up a portal to access UnderMountain, but I wasn't sure if there would be some unintended consequenses to a portal for something like this to exist.
Well, you could look at the interaction of the Guild of Naturalists in Myth Drannor and Halaster's Halls in the late 600s DR, as discussed in the timeline for Fall of Myth Drannor, for ideas.
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
Edited by - ericlboyd on 19 Jun 2007 15:42:26 |
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
1106 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2007 : 15:49:04
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
One more for you Eric (and thank you very much for your time, by the way). In Expedition to UnderMountain it mentions Jhesiyra Kestelharp, and that the Citadel of the Bloody Hand has become a "habitat" for living spells.
This was actually first mentioned in CoS:W. What's "new" here is the addition of Jhesiyra Kestelharp as the "motivating factor" behind their migration.
quote:
Before I read this, I was kind of interested in trying to do a Realmsian conversion of the Spell Sovereign from the Dragonmarked article in Dragon 357, but couldn't come up with any place in Faerun where living spells were common enough for this to develop.
Not familiar with this article. I'll have to go back and read it.
quote:
So I guess my question is, would it by possible for someone to make peaceful, lucid contact with
Jhesiyra, enough so to begin learning some of the ins and outs of controlling and creating living spells? Or would it be possible for one or two wizards to sneak into this level and study said living spells enough to get a "feel" for them, and perhaps make off with a few of them?
Thanks.
Yes and yes, if that works for your campaign. In particular, I would suggest looking at the end of the first adventure for an idea on how either approach might happen.
Also, it's quite possible that some living spells went elsewhere, caught by wandering portals and thrown about the Realms.
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5352 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2007 : 17:45:59
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Thanks Eric . . . so much for my reading comprehension skills . . . |
"Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder."--Saint Thomas Aquinas
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McJoker
Acolyte
Germany
2 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2007 : 08:07:32
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Hello Eric,
My question for you is in regards to:
The Shadoweir
In Faiths & Avatars they are briefly mentioned as being druid/rangers of Mielikki yet in the FR Compendium you mention them as being priest/rangers (which I take for cleric/ranger mostly since they have clerical abilities). Since they appear to be more detailed in the Compendium (FR Compendium v. 3.0, page 43; your mention of them is from 1993), which is considered canon? Or could it be that both are possible?
My theory is that the information from the Compendium would be more likely since it is stated in Faiths & Pantheons that almost all clerics of Mielikki multiclass as rangers. |
"Insanity, another form of professionalism!" -Myself |
Edited by - McJoker on 25 Jun 2007 08:13:54 |
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TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
278 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2007 : 17:48:58
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| I'm not sure what the FR Compendium is and I'm not Eric, but I'll take a shot. In second edition, there were clerics and druids were both subclasses of "priests," just as fighters, paladins, and rangers were "warriors." In 3E, the groupings were done away with. That said, they were explicitly created to cover the problems in 2E of having rangers which could only be good and druids which could only be true neutral multiclass. In 3E, I imagine that most shadoweirs would be ranger/druids, but would certainly allow ranger/clerics. And that said, just because most clerics of Mielikki multiclass as rangers does not mean they are part of the shadoweirs, a more elite order. |
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McJoker
Acolyte
Germany
2 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2007 : 01:11:45
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quote:
Originally posted by TomCosta
I'm not sure what the FR Compendium is and I'm not Eric, but I'll take a shot. In second edition, there were clerics and druids were both subclasses of "priests," just as fighters, paladins, and rangers were "warriors." In 3E, the groupings were done away with. That said, they were explicitly created to cover the problems in 2E of having rangers which could only be good and druids which could only be true neutral multiclass. In 3E, I imagine that most shadoweirs would be ranger/druids, but would certainly allow ranger/clerics. And that said, just because most clerics of Mielikki multiclass as rangers does not mean they are part of the shadoweirs, a more elite order.
I do realize that not every ranger/cleric or ranger/druid would be a Shadoweir (and I do not think you were implying I did)...especially since it is an elite and highly secretive branch.
The Forgotten Realms Compendium started out in 1992 as a collection of email messages edited from the Forgotten Realms Mailing List and the rec.games.frp.dnd newsgroups. Those messages were reformatted and compiled into a collection called the Forgotten Realms Notebooks. After a two years of various realeases and volumes of the Notebooks, the first edition of the Compendium was created. This was a compilation of all previous Notebooks into one single text. The text was released in text, Word Perfect, Microsoft Word, and PostScript file formats across various sites on the Internet. The last version of this compendium was the 3rd edition which was compiled in May 1999. It doesn't seem to be to familiar and there are a lot of arguements if information from it could be considered useable as canon, since quite a bit was written by Eric himself.
To give an idea of my dilemna in incorporating this into a 3E environment (mostly due to disagreements of ranger/druid, ranger/cleric or both) I've gone ahead and pasted the text involving the Shadoweir PrC. Some of it includes information no longer used in 3E, however I wanted to keep the text unchanged (except for minor spelling corrections and markup for better legibility).
quote:
Originally written by Eric L. Boyd in 1993 for the FR Mailing List
Shadoweirs
Named for the greatest trees of the forests, the shadowtops and the weirwoods (see September 1987 Dragon), this is a highly secretive branch of the faith that originated in the northern reaches of the High Forest. Its members consist solely of half-elven multi-classed priest/rangers, and its membership has spread beyond the High Forest, throughout all of Faerûn.
The Shadoweirs serve as a sort of religious knighthood of the woods. Unlike the Arms of the Forest or even the Needles, the Shadoweirs serve as an activist and proselytizing order who are willing to go on the offensive in the behalf of their sacred forests. In a sense, the Shadoweirs serve as a sort of woodland paladin. Moreover, they seek to advance the regrowth of ancient forests reduced by civllization. Many shadoweirs are adventurers, wandering the Realms with missionary zeal. They seek to halt the endless assault of civilization on their ancient homelands.
Any character taking this specialty priest kit/class must be a half-elf of NG alignment. Advancement follows the normal rules for a multi-classed priest/ranger.
SHADOWEIR
Portfolio: Knight of the Forests (Worships Mielikki)
Requirements: Strength 13, Dexterity 13, Constitution 14, Wisdom 14, Charisma 12
Alignment: NG
Weapons Allowed: any; prefer swords, bows, spears, lances, and quarterstaff
Armor allowed: any; prefer chain mail, elven chain mail, studded leather
Major Spheres: All, Animal, Combat, Healing, Plant, Weather, Sun
Minor Spheres: Divination, Elemental, Protection
Magical Items Allowed: as priest or ranger
Granted Powers & Requirements:
- Shadoweirs may not turn or command undead.
- Shadoweirs gain all the abilities of rangers.
- Shadoweirs must follow the ranger experience point progression in both their ranger and priest classes. Their bonus hit points due to constitution are calculated as if they are warriors (i.e a shadoweir with a 17 Constitution will get +3 hp/level).
- Shadoweirs gain proficiency in both elvish and common at no cost.
- All shadoweirs may cast a variant of the first level priest spell analyze magic (ToM) at will. This ability works only on forested areas (not characters, creatures, or objects). Through the use of this ability shadoweirs are able to detect if the ecology of a forested area is seriously disrupted. Shadoweirs are obligated to attempt to correct the imbalance, even if this requires them to go against the local law of the region Shadoweirs are obligated to use this ability at any time they think a region could be ecologically out of balance.
- Before advancing in level as a priest and a ranger, Shadoweirs must correct an ecological imbalance of significance proportional to their level (as decided by the DM).
- As with druids, shadoweirs can pass through overgrown areas (thick thorn bushes, tangled vines, briar patches, etc.) without leaving a trail and at a normal movement rate after reaching third level in both classes.
- As with paladins, shadoweirs may call for a war horse upon reaching 4th level in both classes, or anytime thereafter. This faithful steed need not be a horse; it may be whatever sort of creature is appropriate to the character (as decided by the DM). Note female shadoweirs often receive a unicorn for a mount, assuming they are of acceptable status to the unicorn. A shadoweir's war horse is a very special animal, bonded by fate to the warrior. The shadoweir does not really ~call~ the animal, nor does the horse instantly appear in front of him. Rather the character must find his war horse in some memorable way, most frequently by a specific quest.
- As with druids, shadoweirs are immune to charm spells cast by woodland creatures (dryads, nixies, etc.) after reaching 7th level in both classes.
- As with druids, a shadoweir gains the ability to shapechamge into a reptile, bird, or mammal once per day after reaching 9th level in both classes. The size can vary from that of a bullfrog or a small bird to as large as a black bear. Upon assuming a new form, the shadoweir heals 10 to 60 percent of all damage he has suffered (round fractions down). The shadoweir can only assume the form of a normal (real womd) animal in its normal proportions, but by doing so he takes on all of that creature's characteristics its movement rate and abilities, its Armor Class, number of attacks, and damage per attack. The shadoweirs clothing and one item held in each hand become part of the new body; these reappear when the shadoweir resumes his normal shape.
The items cannot be used while the shadoweir is in animal form.
Raiment:
Shadoweirs prefer suits of gleaming chainmail or studded leather armor. Many powerful forest knights wear ancient suits of elven chain mail they have been given by elven lords for their efforts in defending the forests. During ceremonies, they wear chainmail and deep forest green cloaks weaved by dryads from the leaves of the great trees. Their symbol is of a giant shadowtop tree with a pair of crossed swords ovemaying (over?) it.
New Spells:
In addition to their normal complement of priest spells, when selecting their spells, Shadoweirs may also select from the following list: call woodland beings and commune with nature.
I hope adding this can help...even better if an actual canon PrC for 3E (3.5E) could be put together out of this information...you might be surprised how many people like the idea of this PrC. |
"Insanity, another form of professionalism!" -Myself |
Edited by - McJoker on 28 Jun 2007 09:07:51 |
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sleyvas
Great Reader
USA
2271 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2007 : 14:45:21
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| Woot! I may be going to Gen Con! Eric, what's your favorite beer! |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Rolindin
Seeker
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2007 : 10:52:00
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Mr Boyd have just bought the Dungeon issue 148, I saw your article Savage Tide Wells of Darkness.
I have had a quick look at the article so far.
Just a commit for now the article looks good, are most of the ideals such as the well of Argolcheir your ideals?
and how did you come up with so much?
I'm sure once I read and reread the article I'll have some more question about certain things in the article.
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
1106 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2007 : 14:48:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Rolindin
Mr Boyd have just bought the Dungeon issue 148, I saw your article Savage Tide Wells of Darkness.
I have had a quick look at the article so far.
Just a commit for now the article looks good, are most of the ideals such as the well of Argolcheir your ideals?
and how did you come up with so much?
Most of the ideas are mine. Inspiration the product of a twisted imagination. ;-)
quote:
I'm sure once I read and reread the article I'll have some more question about certain things in the article.
Feel free!
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
1106 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2007 : 14:49:24
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Woot! I may be going to Gen Con! Eric, what's your favorite beer!
Guinness is always a safe bet.
What's yours?
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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sleyvas
Great Reader
USA
2271 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jul 2007 : 16:29:51
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>>Guinness is always a safe bet.
>>What's yours?
Actually, rum and coke. Hopefully I'll be able to make it. It'd be nice to see folks again! Can you tell this put me in a good mood <g>
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Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Bane of the Harpers
Seeker
Canada
45 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 06:52:34
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Mr. Boyd, may I ask, and someone has probably already did, for you to give me more information on the FR conversion for the Age of Worms? More precisely, I'd love more informations on the part Jergal has to play in the Ebon Triad....
Thanks |
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Jamallo Kreen
Master of Realmslore
USA
1537 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 21:09:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Bane of the Harpers
Mr. Boyd, may I ask, and someone has probably already did, for you to give me more information on the FR conversion for the Age of Worms? More precisely, I'd love more informations on the part Jergal has to play in the Ebon Triad....
Thanks
Well, ditto on that ... as usual!
I have a question which is vexing me at the moment. A week or two ago one of the Sages posted a link on Candlekeep to a page with a two-part pdf of "monsters," co-written with Tom Costa. I thought it was you, Eric, but I can't find it on your web site. I haven't been able to find the link, either. The second pdf didn't transfer properly and I would like to get it. Eric, was this one of your projects?
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I have a mouth, but I am in a library and must not scream.
Feed the poor and stroke your ego, too: http://www.freerice.com/index.php.
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7841 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 23:06:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Jamallo Kreen
I have a question which is vexing me at the moment. A week or two ago one of the Sages posted a link on Candlekeep to a page with a two-part pdf of "monsters," co-written with Tom Costa. I thought it was you, Eric, but I can't find it on your web site. I haven't been able to find the link, either. The second pdf didn't transfer properly and I would like to get it. Eric, was this one of your projects?
http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/monsters.html |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
My Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/kuje
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
1106 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jul 2007 : 02:05:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Bane of the Harpers
Mr. Boyd, may I ask, and someone has probably already did, for you to give me more information on the FR conversion for the Age of Worms? More precisely, I'd love more informations on the part Jergal has to play in the Ebon Triad....
Thanks
I haven't done much more than what appeared in the conversions. Look specifically at the conversion for AoW #6 (Spire of Long Shadows).
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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Rolindin
Seeker
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2007 : 21:16:31
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Having read the article Savage tide Wellls of Darkness:
First MR Boyd a question about Broken Reach or two.
The Red Shroud, is the only one allowed to sell poisons.
When say a character wishes to encourer about poisons. Would they ask one of the Red Shroud's guards, or would the merchant direct them to The Red Shroud who is watching.
What kind of reactons would the Red Shroud have towards someone asking for say Devils Bane or Demon's bane?
The races humans, elves, dwarfs, tieflings: to me an regular elf trading on on of the abbyass level such as this would either be evil in some way or a drow.
Humans I can underdstand, Red Wizards, Black Wizards, Necromancers and such.
Dwarfs, would they not most likely be Dungar dwarfs selling and trading?
A regular dwarf selling in this place would have to be inclined towards evil to be in this place and a seller or merchant.
What kinds of wares would they sell?
(I have somne ideals, but since the article dosen't really say: it might be good to get some kind of ideal of things they would sell.)
Theses are my first questions if you don't mind. |
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
1106 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2007 : 17:05:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Rolindin
Having read the article Savage tide Wellls of Darkness:
First MR Boyd a question about Broken Reach or two.
The Red Shroud, is the only one allowed to sell poisons.
When say a character wishes to encourer about poisons. Would they ask one of the Red Shroud's guards, or would the merchant direct them to The Red Shroud who is watching.
What kind of reactons would the Red Shroud have towards someone asking for say Devils Bane or Demon's bane?
It should be well known that Red Shroud sells poisons. (If it's not in the Lore sidebar, I'd recommend a Knowledge (the Planes) DC 15 check. Red Shroud will sell anything, particularly any kind of poison. She could care less about Devil's Bane or Demon's Bane.
quote:
The races humans, elves, dwarfs, tieflings: to me an regular elf trading on on of the abbyass level such as this would either be evil in some way or a drow.
Humans I can underdstand, Red Wizards, Black Wizards, Necromancers and such.
Dwarfs, would they not most likely be Dungar dwarfs selling and trading?
A regular dwarf selling in this place would have to be inclined towards evil to be in this place and a seller or merchant.
What kinds of wares would they sell?
(I have somne ideals, but since the article dosen't really say: it might be good to get some kind of ideal of things they would sell.)
Theses are my first questions if you don't mind.
There are exceptions to every rule. You could find a small number of any race in the Abyss, particularly on the first level of the Abyss, including elves.
--Eric |
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http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/ |
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McJoker
Acolyte
Germany
2 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2007 : 17:22:27
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Looking forward to what you have to say in regards to the Shadoweir...or will they be handled in an upcoming book? |
"Insanity, another form of professionalism!" -Myself |
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Questions for Eric L Boyd
