| Author |
 Topic  |
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
 Posted - 19 May 2021 : 22:37:13
|
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Just wondering, what do you picture "Sune-veil" and "hinrose" plants to look like? In my head, I picture hinrose to be a rosebush that's covered with quarter sized roses. Sune-veil on the other hand, I'm picturing a large flower that opens downwards like a bluebell, but its yellow-orange (since you say "buttery" but that it turns red at a certain time).
I distinctly remember having thoughts on them at one point in the writing process, but I've looked through my old notes and can't find that I actually wrote them out anywhere. Annoying. Something about how hinrose isn't actually a rose, and a legend about Sune and Sune-veil. The latter as a ground-vine with buttercup-like blooms. The description of Sune-veil turning "as crimson as the hinrose, and the hinrose bows low and hides their faces" was considered either artistic license on the part of the narrator, or an unnatural effect of the arcane energies centered on the Stone at that particular hour.
That said, your choices work just as well, so no reason not to use them.
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
It's said that he possesses a unique magic item, The Chariot of Sea Steeds that works similar to a figurine of wondrous power. It is a chariot made of a clamshell and pulled by seven asperii.
Which would win in a race, The Chariot of Sea Steeds or The Ishmariner? 
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
 |
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 19 May 2021 : 23:00:46
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
It's said that he possesses a unique magic item, The Chariot of Sea Steeds that works similar to a figurine of wondrous power. It is a chariot made of a clamshell and pulled by seven asperii.
Which would win in a race, The Chariot of Sea Steeds or The Ishmariner?
Well of course The Chariot of Sea Steeds over the lobster sized and shaped Ishmariner which holds its crew in an extradimensional space. That DOES bring up the time though when Jlannan Boldfolly's father was driving his Chariot and was swallowed by a whale.... he always told stories that he joined a crew of strange sailors sailing in a lobster like vessel that had also been swallowed, and how they had escaped via the beasts blowhole.... everyone always called him a liar, but now that I think about it.... all those other stories told about his father seemingly appearing from nowhere astride his chariot, you don't think he kept in touch with those sailors do you? |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 19 May 2021 23:05:43 |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 25 May 2021 : 00:43:19
|
The Bold Fellows
One of the city's short-lived "blade-fellowships." They disappeared into the Lizard Marsh in the summer of 1360DR. The only surviving member, the warrior Elleph Osczil, turned up in the city in 1362 and told of the rest of the company meeting their end in the stewpots of the Scaled Folk. He also claimed that the lizardmen worshiped a giant golden idol guarded by seven floating, sentient wyrm skulls.
Haermond
A native of Tethyr. Was a knight in the employ of the Zith of Harndswood until the Ten Black Days, whereupon he fled to Waterdeep. The author of A Spell For Carolyas and A Midwinter's Merry-Night. A pauper the last years of his life, died alone in a Dock Ward tankard house in a hideous fit of uncontrollable laughter.
Haffortamn the Bone-Crafter
Resides in a South Ward loft along Wall Street (north of Tilman's Lane). Haunts the boneyards and nightsoil carts of the city, looking for all sorts of animal and monstrous skeletal leavings. Arranges them into hideous, yet undeniably artistic arrangements. Shunned by his neighbors, who believe him to be a necromancer or priest of some foul god. In reality, he is simply a talented (although definitely a bit god-touched) artist. Has no magical ability, but his bone-craftings are of sufficiently high quality to be of interest to actual local practitioners of the Dark Art. As none of these "artistries" have thus far shown up roaming through the city he is left undisturbed by the Lords, although their agents – from the Watch to the Red Sashes – keep close eye on him and on his clients. His skills have gained the favor of the Mystran Magister Meleghost and the reputed Cyricist Stavros of the Skulls, and the magewright Maerklus of Skullport is also rumored to have taken quite a fancy to fashioning his metal horrors atop Haffortamn's skeletal frameworks.
Juxril Thammarcast (CG HM P9 of Shaundakul)
A priest of the Windrider, holds services at the Plinth. Average height and build. Long reddish-brown hair, narrow, hawklike nose. His dark blue eyes are narrow and slanted and lined with crow's feet at the ends. Born on the trade-roads to a merchant mother of Semphar and a father from Impiltur. His parents delivered him as far as Westgate, and his faith carried him forward until his feet gave out at the City of Splendors. Juxril has a special hatred for the wizard Maaril, who once greviously wounded the priest with a blast of magical fire. [ Source: Faiths and Avatars, p.143. Name/Description/Stats given. Additional detail by me. ]
Maro Mara (NG HF Ra)
A civilar (captain) of the Waterdhavian Griffon Guard (Long Wing). Rides the griffon named Black Chough. A native of Banded Marn, in the Ilthsmar Archipelago southwest of the Moonshaes. Tough and wiry, with dark amber skin and watery blue eyes.
==================================================
Halagalan Massalan [ Source: A 01/30/20 Twitter reply to @TheEdVerse by Ed Greenwood. Name/Description given ]
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
Edited by - AJA on 25 May 2021 08:01:16 |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 25 May 2021 : 19:23:32
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
Haermond
A native of Tethyr. Was a knight in the employ of the Zith of Harndswood until the Ten Black Days, whereupon he fled to Waterdeep. The author of A Spell For Carolyas and A Midwinter's Merry-Night. A pauper the last years of his life, died alone in a Dock Ward tankard house in a hideous fit of uncontrollable laughter.
Haermond, who had fled Tethyr with the young Zethikar, son of Zith, in his care, worked to raise the young noble in secrecy away from the dangers of his homeland. However, Haermond never lost his loyalty to his home, and he soon became a spy in the employ of the infamous wizard, Gamalon Idogyr of County Spellshire, and as a result also become familiar with the half-elven sorceress, Carolyas Idogyr, who was also a member of the Gray Hands.
Like many knights, Haermond, a crusader of Helm, believed that all young nobles should be trained in both the military and sagely arts, and so young Zethikar was raised with a sword in hand. Zethikar showed an abnormally bright mind as well, and so he also garnered the attention of Carolyas, who would take time to train him in the mystical arts and supplied the young boy with several captured spellbooks. It would not be long before the young boy wanted to make his first venturings into the countryside, working as a spellblade-for-hire, and over the next several years Zethikar progressed as a slayer of kobolds, goblins, and orcs who encroached upon civilized territory, all while under the watchful eye of Haermond. It was during these outings that Haermond first began to see the noble darkness that plagued his young ward.
Finally came the day when Zethikar "Haermondsun" felt ready to venture into Undermountain to make his name with his faithful adoptive father. It was on this exploit that Zethikar discovered a magical gem which could be worked to contain a single spell, and that this spell could then be permanently transferred into a sorcerer's repertoire as an additional known spell. Zethikar became obsessed with bringing this gem back to Waterdeep so that he could give a spell of his own design "Zethikar's Blinding Black Bolt of Blight" to Carolyas Idogyr, as a thank you for having introduced him to the intricacies of magic. Haermond's A Spell For Carolyas is a story which tells of their exploits in trying to escape Undermountain, being taken captive by dark elves who carved up the face of young Zethikar, brought to the slave market of Skullport, and their eventual escape, negotiation for aid with one of the Skulls of Skullport, and hunting down of Onasa Danzee, the crusader of Kiaransalee who had stolen their magical gem. The removal of the dark crusader's head to make a personal flameskull servant, upon the altar to the dark elven goddess of necromancy no less and with the aid of one of the Skulls of Skullport, seemed to only accentuate just how far Zethikar had begun to blacken his soul.
Over the past several years, unknown to many, Zethikar has become an agent of the Moonstars, in particular seeking to infiltrate the group known as the Twisted Rune as well as working against several groups of dark elves and hags loyal to Kiaransalee. In particular, he has heard rumors of a lost city of "Athamault the Iron Pit", and he seeks knowledge of its location that he might uncover powerful spells with which to fight evil. Zethikar holds to a dark code of ethics which can be simplified as "the ends justify the means", and he has deliberately tried to appear distant from his adoptive father in order to not attract attention to him. Meanwhile, Haermond began to pose as a penniless wretch unhappy with his life in order to hear rumors from the more criminal elements of the city to aid the young man who had become such an important part of his life.
The body of the Onasa Danzee, rerisen as a Dullahan in service to Kiaransalee that rides upon an undead giant strider surrounded in green flames, seeks vengeance upon Zethikar "Haermondsun" and Haermond and the return of her head. In addition, his research into Athamault has drawn the attention of The Black Bard of Bellarynndrin, Tarluzin Kendrizzym, his ally and sometimes-corporeal-via-possession lover, the Bellarynndrin Banshee, Natazzeah Mirrikovim, and their allies, the night hag Dorothae, the bheur hag, Brriatnae, and the vampire hagspawn, Daergo. It is believed that Tarluzin is in fact the one behind the death of Haermond, using some form of magic that caused the aging knight to laugh himself to death. From the twisted rune, a demon known as a Dybbuk named Gornothrigin, is believed to have come into possession of the body of Haermond, and it's believed that he has in fact taken possession of it in order to extract the secrets that Zethikar and Haermond had uncovered, and its believed that it is even now on its way to Arathmault. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 27 May 2021 17:07:24 |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 27 May 2021 : 02:05:28
|
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Well of course The Chariot of Sea Steeds over the lobster sized and shaped Ishmariner which holds its crew in an extradimensional space.
Not in an endurance race! The Chariot may be faster out of the blocks, but there is a limit to how far even enchanted asperii can go. On the other hand, the Ishmariner can keep tooling steadily along for as long as its' massive crew can keep shoveling chardalyn into the furnaces.
....or does the Ishmariner utilize some sort of elemental caterpillar drive like a magical version of the Red October? Either way, my money is on The Little Lobster That Could pulling into Helmsport Harbor first on a race from Waterdeep.
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Haermond, who had fled Tethyr with the young Zethikar, son of Zith, in his care,
So this is why my preference here is for brief blurbs and vague notations over more detailed entries; frameworks, so people can hopefully take and add to them and make them their own (even – especially – if in wildy different directions). And on this point you, sleyvas, certainly never disappoint 
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 27 May 2021 : 16:50:25
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Well of course The Chariot of Sea Steeds over the lobster sized and shaped Ishmariner which holds its crew in an extradimensional space.
Not in an endurance race! The Chariot may be faster out of the blocks, but there is a limit to how far even enchanted asperii can go. On the other hand, the Ishmariner can keep tooling steadily along for as long as its' massive crew can keep shoveling chardalyn into the furnaces.
....or does the Ishmariner utilize some sort of elemental caterpillar drive like a magical version of the Red October? Either way, my money is on The Little Lobster That Could pulling into Helmsport Harbor first on a race from Waterdeep.
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Haermond, who had fled Tethyr with the young Zethikar, son of Zith, in his care,
So this is why my preference here is for brief blurbs and vague notations over more detailed entries; frameworks, so people can hopefully take and add to them and make them their own (even – especially – if in wildy different directions). And on this point you, sleyvas, certainly never disappoint
Oh, you are most assuredly correct in regards an endurance race. In fact, its a little known fact, but the stories of the Ishmariner were once researched by red wizards in the service of Zulkir of Illusion, Mythrella'a, and the master of the guild of foreign trade, and it was then that they heard about the strange chardalyn burning helm within the craft which enabled it to become ethereal in spurts and fly through wildspace at amazing speeds. Some say that, that it was from studying the stories of the ship that they developed their own ideas for the Grand Helm that was made for their Quads of Thay. Of course, given that the majority of Toril would look at you cross eyed and call you an inveterate liar if you mentioned quads.... well, the truth remains to be seen. Still, this shows that there may be some truth to the stories that the Ishmariner actually came TO Toril FROM Karpri, and that its "origins" in ancient Raumathar/Imaskar/Mulan lands has more to do with its arrival in lands believed to have once been held by the batrachi. Of course, some believe the ship itself to be of batrachi design, and that the Imaskari learned much of their lore of extradimensional spaces in studying it.
On Haermond and Zethikar and entertaining you.... it is most assuredly my pleasure to try and return the favor. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2021 : 00:41:01
|
Ambresin
A Castle Ward watchmage of unpredictable temperament and forceful personality. He presents a reserved, scholarly manner as a matter of professional occupation and wizardly mien, but truly loves to jest and play practical jokes. Ambresin loves his job, as it allows him to interact with new people and unusual situations on a daily basis (sure many of them are hostile, but after a few judicious applications of his spells it turns out that everyone is quite happy to share their story – and their secrets).
Ammarkhan (CG HM P7 of Valkur)
A native of Memnon. Tall, lanky. Dark-skinned with hazel eyes and a wide, toothy grin. He sailed with the crew of the Dreaming Sun for the Far Lands of Anchôromé, where he gained the everbright trident Xardr's Bane (SAR-durr, named after the malevolent demon he slew to gain it) and The Riverine Ring (waterbreathing at will; when standing on riverbank or stony lake-bed can form stoneskin 1x/day; selkie-form 1x/week when fully submerged in river or lake water [lasts roughly a day; must surface and reform at any given sun's-setting]). He is currently High Captain (high priest) of Valkur at the Shrine of the Sea and the Stars, a joint dockside temple to Valkur and Selûne (christened after his favorite oath, "By the Sea and the Stars!").
Ammathan Var
The famed "Bard of Blue Corners" (a neighborhood of northern Sea Ward) and member of the Council of New Olamn. Wavy brown hair often contained in a gemmed net (and under ornate floppy hat), well-trimmed beard and moustache, large brown eyes. Sings in a voice described by Kriios Halambar as "starlight, clear and cold." Began his musical career as a door-minstrel at the Sleeping Snake in Dock Ward. Younger brother of the deceased Enavrun Var (the "Smiling Swordsman"). Rumored to be the lover of the illusionist Athlannan Yultune.
Ammathklur Vaurl
Author of the turgid travelogue East Towards Impiltur (1347DR). "Downward we rode, toward the ancient city whose fire-blackened gate pierced upwards to the sky like a fearsome arrow shot towards the bright bosom of the heavens." Once an enthusiastic member of the defunct Cult of Ao ("Ao is us and we are Ao; no gods, no masters but those we make"), now drinks and argues and opines endlessly at the erudite Selûnite club known as Quellar's Cellars.
Ammerishla
A member of the Waterdeep Guard. Skilled with both sword and spear. Makes a side income fashioning warm fur-lined winter gloves that her fellow guardsmen eagerly pay for. Rishla is currently saving every copper nib for her dream of one day joining the Guild of Master Taylors and Glovers, and opening her own shop. May be persuaded to join an adventurous forth-faring or other such glimfolly (get-rich-quick scheme) if promised a large enough share of treasure.
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
Edited by - AJA on 31 May 2021 23:17:36 |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2021 : 21:06:47
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
Ammarkhan (CG HM P7 of Valkur)
A native of Memnon. Tall, lanky. Dark-skinned with hazel eyes and a wide, toothy grin. He sailed with the crew of the Dreaming Sun for the Far Lands of Anchôromé, where he gained the everbright trident Xardr's Bane (SAR-durr, named after the malevolent demon he slew to gain it) and The Riverine Ring (waterbreathing at will; when standing on riverbank or stony lake-bed can form stoneskin 1x/day; selkie-form 1x/week when fully submerged in river or lake water for the duration [must surface and reform at any given sun's-setting]). He is currently High Captain (high priest) of Valkur at the Shrine of the Sea and the Stars, a joint dockside temple to Valkur and Selűne (christened after his favorite oath, "By the Sea and the Stars!").
River-Rhine? |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2021 : 23:15:44
|
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
River-Rhine?
Riverine
riv·er·ine (riv'?-rin', -ren')
adj.
1. Relating to or resembling a river.
2.
a. Located on or inhabiting the banks of a river; riparian: a riverine settlement.
b. Relating to a system of inland wetlands and deep-water habitats associated with nontidal flowing water, characterized by the absence of trees, shrubs, or emergent vegetation.
On what would have been the night of Flamerule 22 in normal times and normal places, the Dreaming Sun tacked right to avoid darkened cliffs that rose suddenly and with evil intent from the sea-bed below and sent furious waves and malevolent spirits of silver haze after them for two days and nights, until the ship and crew found themselves run aground on the shoals ringing the isle where deathless Xardr slumbered in his tumbled pyramid and the yellowed willow-maidens writhed over clear brooks lined with star-dust and skulls. It was on this island that Ammarkhan found his ring and fought for his trident and learned exactly why the willow-maidens both mourned over, and made sure to add to, their count of river skulls.
I am telling you this because if the crew of the Dreaming Sun had wanted to get to the River Rhine instead of the Riverine Ring, they shoulda taken a left turn at Albuquerque instead.
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
Edited by - AJA on 31 May 2021 23:25:55 |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2021 : 01:47:52
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
I am telling you this because if the crew of the Dreaming Sun had wanted to get to the River Rhine instead of the Riverine Ring, they shoulda taken a left turn at Albuquerque instead.
 |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2021 : 18:58:48
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
River-Rhine?
Riverine
riv·er·ine (riv'?-rin', -ren')
adj.
1. Relating to or resembling a river.
2.
a. Located on or inhabiting the banks of a river; riparian: a riverine settlement.
b. Relating to a system of inland wetlands and deep-water habitats associated with nontidal flowing water, characterized by the absence of trees, shrubs, or emergent vegetation.
On what would have been the night of Flamerule 22 in normal times and normal places, the Dreaming Sun tacked right to avoid darkened cliffs that rose suddenly and with evil intent from the sea-bed below and sent furious waves and malevolent spirits of silver haze after them for two days and nights, until the ship and crew found themselves run aground on the shoals ringing the isle where deathless Xardr slumbered in his tumbled pyramid and the yellowed willow-maidens writhed over clear brooks lined with star-dust and skulls. It was on this island that Ammarkhan found his ring and fought for his trident and learned exactly why the willow-maidens both mourned over, and made sure to add to, their count of river skulls.
I am telling you this because if the crew of the Dreaming Sun had wanted to get to the River Rhine instead of the Riverine Ring, they shoulda taken a left turn at Albuquerque instead.
You goodsir have taught me many new words in the last 2 or 3 years in this side project of yours. I thank you for a new one.
SIDENOTE AND LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Albuquerque is the source of a major planar nexus. I believe Elminster once used it to meet up with a very sly rabbit.
On the addition.... Willow-maidens having to bring in living beings for the demon to "harvest", and thus they both mourn them and add their skulls? They give the Riverine Ring to the slayer of Xardr in appreciation of saving them? |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2021 : 01:10:15
|
Allomir
A minor noble of House Brossfeather. A "small-spells" mageling, intellectually inferior sage and inveterate liar whose boasting and braggadocio greatly outpace his knowledge with either books or the Art. Holds the position of Most Knowledgeable Tomespeaker of the Fifth Racks at the Tower of the Watchful Order, mainly due to the influence of his cousin Orbul, the patriarch of the Brossfeather clan, and to his coterie of friends within the guild. Has recently taken to wearing heavy, multi-layered robes and shifts to conceal a growing number of yellow, sweating ulcers out of which ooze out a milky, viscous pus. A reward from the undead beholder Xulglarea, whom the greedy Allomir freed from bound captivity within the ancient (and locked, by Ahghairon, for obvious good reason) tome, The Book of Translucent Colors. Whether the rotting orb uses Allomir to burrow into the Order or to assault its' obvious rival in the Xanathar of Undermountain, is a hanging question.
Anauthen Drier
Publisher of The Sword of the City, one of the better-known and regarded broadsheets of the city. Anauthen is a front for the Thann family, who use the broadsheet to shape public opinion and smear their rivals, both highborn and mercantile. Thus far, the Thanns are the sole noble clan to realize the potential of controlling the widely-read broadsheets. Agents of the Lady Cassandra have already approached several other publishers about financing their own literary efforts in return for "slight editorial controls."
Anbarra Elenrani Nestella Ulbrinter
A young noble of House Ulbrinter (youngest daughter of Nomus & Karya). High, wide cheekbones separated by an upturned, wide-nostriled nose. Long, wavy chestnut hair. As with many of the young Ulbrinters she serves as an acolyte at the rising temple of Umberlee. It is not a position she enjoys, as the dampness and sea salt irritates her skin, causing her various conditions.
Ancarl
Publishes the small broadsheet Ancarl's Stew Meats ("A Lively Chronicle of Local Folly and Vice"). Short, pudgy, untidy. Has short breath and a high-pitched voice. Ancarl, like many small-sheet publishers, writes all of his articles himself under a variety of pseudonyms. His personal favorite is "Lraehin" of Lraehin's Sunny Sune Corner ("incommunicable desires, personal truths, and love advice, as divined and delivered beyond the dry rattling of bones and all the aged wisdoms of crones").
Andegul Moonstar
A noble of House Moonstar [b.1209/d.1282]. Fifth child of Elendan Moonstar and Rylandra Caelnos. Seized control of the House from the foolish Elendan Lyr with the aid of the arch-lich Alathene Nandae in 1231DR. Managed to bring House Moonstar back into power in Waterdhavian merchant circles (founding the modern House's fortunes in land, not seatrade), and moved the family villa outside the city walls in 1256DR. Married Bellandra Maernos in 1235DR. Three children – Danos, Alathene Alûvae, and Deleira.
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2021 : 01:09:11
|
The last entry in the day-book of the wizardess Rorlassra, dated 22 Marpenoth 1372DR
Penned before her death of causes 'of unknown magical origin' on the night of Marpenoth 24 of the same year
Under the header, 'Initial Perusings of book lot 4, bought from the estate of the sage Torndeir of Scornubel on 19 Kythorn'
==================================================
Rambles In Rich Thay (1267DR, Jausk Galfur, Golden Hand of Waukeen)
Memoirs of a wealthy Sembian struck by the gildings of the exotic East. Contains endless fawning reports of the Thayan system of crop-field management and highly-organized slave-work and how they could be applied to his native land, and of the precise day-to-day operations of the household of their Thayan host and counter-part, the merchant Szistrym of the House of Rauth.
The Blue Streams of Eaerlann: or, A Remembrance (1356DR, Lulae Stylstarra)
Florid, fanciful poems of a half-elf embellishing her adult wanders in the High Forest with the tales her elven father and grand-mother told her as a child. In particular, the ancient Ëar Adarenthil (Enchanter's Lullaby) forms the obvious basis for both "In The Groves of Aummagh" and "The Blue Moon-Shee." Colorful, imaginative, but ultimately inconsequential.
On Wizard Eye (Lorrar of Procampur, 1121DR)
A short, scholarly deconstruction of the arcane wizard eye spell. Dry, academic. Covers improved versions, real and theoretical, including the possibility of longer viewings or added perception of invisible or ethereal beings, and the potential substitutions of materials like bee thorax or tressym wing-feather for the standard component of bat fur, as well as even more esoteric musings on exactly which type of bat fur (and then oiled, salt-cured or unmolested) delivers best results in casting. A required reading at most mage schools of the Eastern Heartlands.
The Dreams Found In Flame and Cinder (973DR, Nausk of the Seven Searings, collated and put to proper order by Trayve of Deneir, 1015DR)
The transcribed journal of a mage of middling power who chose to specialize in the pyromantic Art. Florid descriptions of flame and fire effects and their applied useage in both terror and submission, secondary notes on several Border Kingdoms and their politics as of the mid-900s. Incongrous middle chapters detailing an obsession with the daughter of an employer, the "Necessary Hand" of a realm called Eskaer's Domain; unclear ending, chapters pick up with new employment at a later time frame.
Tempestuous Waters (1311DR, Raem Longnose, Thorned Scribe of Deneir)
A critical look at the noble class of Tethyr and their rule over the realm; encouraged heavy curbs on their power and a larger voice for the commonfolk. May as well have been called 'Treasonous Waters,' as the king's most prominent advisor stated at the time of publishing. Most copies were sought out and burnt, only believed to survive now in Candlekeep and other such places out of the reach of the royal house.
Nalasteer's Mage-Book of Common Words of Command, As Used by Wizards and All-Other Manner of Spellcaster for Magical Item, Pass-Ward, 'Hanging' Enchantment, and All-Other Type of Sorcerous Device (1144DR, Nalasteer the Circumspect, Mage of Many Thoughts)
A collection of commonly-used words of arcane activation, both by laziness [ ed. Note: the equivalent of making '1-2-3-4-5' the password to your luggage ], cultural tradition [ ex., 'abra-cadabra' or 'eeny-meenie-miny-moe' ], and just straight-out nonsense invented whole-cloth by the author ("'xelask' or 'juniper,' is a standard word of command among the elven mages of Ardeep for a rod of rulership because of the importance of Rillifane Rallathil in their worship") [ ed. again, no, it is not ]. Proven (mostly) wrong time and again, but still a strong seller in lower-tier arcane and idle-dabbler circles.
On Umberlee's Road: or, A True Tell-All of Sailing O'er Unknown Seas (1073DR, Beldar of Baldur's Gate)
Memoirs of a sailor out of Baldur's Gate who spent their adult life on merchant and blacksail ships around the Shining Sea. Plainly written, un-embellished mundane details on ports and cargoes and gambling outcomes and women bedded. Fanciful descriptions of storms and weather effects and deeds and descriptions of fellow crew (flattering or otherwise) and unexplained things seen in the watery depths.
Noemara's Northern Sayings (compiled 932DR, Noemara the Old, Sage of Arduuth)
A collection of pithy nonsense typically heard among the farmers and riverfolk of the North from antiquity to common day ("Harvest hay while the goblins slumber," "A dragon does not come unless there is a golden reason," "The rothé never gives thanks to the heath," etc.). Surprisingly shares several phrases with Nalasteer's Mage-Book of Common Words of Command, although such reference is only reciprocated in the latter work. Other than that, why anyone would put such idle commoner nonsense to pen is beyond comprehension.
The Cat With the Star-Shaped Brow (1310DR)
Has the honor of being one of the first chap-book serializations to be printed in Baldur's Gate. A fey-fancy, tells the tale of a young girl who finds adventure and romance after following the path of an unusual alley-cat from the ordinary streets of Baldur's Gate to a false-Faerûn of adventure and amazement. Later follow-up efforts (The Cat In The Red Firelight and Further Tales of The Cat Cosy-Toes) were in high demand in both the Gate and Waterdeep. The author, originally uncredited, was later determined to be a local seamstress, Qaela Naumbril.
The Weary Thoughts of an Arch-Mage (1053DR, Ghareldoun, Arch-Mage of Teziir)
An unsparing and clear-eyed reminiscence. Includes a number of shocking (in certain circles) sentiments on Mystra's Laws and observations on those who claim to follow them most closely. Notable entries towards the end detail increasing contacts with an agent he believes to be operating under the auspices of one he calls "The Warlock of Old," a common-name often applied to the fabled Netherese arcanist, Larloch.
Hybilgreen's Words for Common Things: or, A Hin-Book for Humans, and Other Races That Use the Common-Speech (939DR, Douglath Hybilgreen)
Conversational treatise on historical halfling contributions to the Common-tongue, and other entries the author felt would make good additions. Widely read across the Heartlands in the years after initial publication. The first time the Hin words andarbuck (something extra or left-over; a gift, gratuity or small bribe), grummaush (bugbear), descant (discourse or discussion, especially over a round of drinks), and orcweed (cheap, unpleasant-smelling pipeweed) – all now commonplace – were widely entered into the Common language.
Stones of the Sun and Selûne (date unknown, believed mid-600s DR, author unknown)
A volume of feverish poetry and prophecy. Originally translated from elvish and something older. Tells of the Great Cat with silver paws and blind eyes like pearls, and of That Which Flickers Within Ash and Hazel, and of The Whetstone of Aumounel, where Muerrar the Black sharpened a thousand thousand swords in a day and a night and a great host, edged with gleams of ice and fire, sallied forth under light from the pale stars, against the Far-Wandering Shadows and the Giant Kings of old. Should be cross-referenced with the later Of Giants Old and Woods Primeval, as they may share similar themes.
Additional volumes purchased, but not yet fully perused or catalogued;
A Speech to All Mankind (Delivered by King Haryd I of Delimbiyran to his soldiers, on the eve of the Battle of Howling Pines, as Faithfully Recorded by Morrel, His Scribe Foremost) (631DR)
The Bizarre Conceptions of the 'Living Spell' (1363DR, Thunsroon "Thunderhand" Frostbryn)
Come A Great Rustling: My Recollections of The Ent-Moot of 1342DR (1344DR, Rairun of Silvanus)
The Inconceivable South: or, Where Fishes Fly and The Purple Men Make Their Home (1210DR, Waerthlin of Elversult)
My Curiosities Slaked: or, A True Tell-All of Perilous Adventure and Danger In Darkened Depths (1347DR, Mireldo Black-Mane, the younger Baron Haukmur of Haukmur-of-White-Fields, Amn)
My Quarrels With the Quasielemental (731DR, Grimwald the Grievous)
Old Fields and Old Habits: A Field-History of Farming in the Dalelands (1352DR, Rhauntides, Sage of of Deepingdale)
On The Marks of Wizards: or, Proper Regard to, and Proper Adoptions of, Illustrated Inks and Other Inscripted Arcane Devices, Pictorial or Emblematic (1343DR, Sarhthor the Mage)
'That Such Company Is Kept' (Being An Unflattering Account of Stuffy Matrons and Old Rods of Nobility: or, Those Who Kept Me From My Sword and My Truest Love) (941DR, Meldren Andalaskar Rayarsk, First Prince of Dambledown)
Welendaé's Good Leilonnan Soup (and Other Recipes of the Northfolk) (1179DR, Welendaé of Yartar)
What the Gods Take, And What They Leave Behind (1363DR) and follow-up effort On The Matters of Awe and Divinity (1369DR, Seralice, Mistress Maiden of Andradel and the Seven Sea Rocks, Reredos of Finder)
Where The Yeth Hound Feeds (1364DR, Emystra Uthfellow, Bard of Fang and Fancy)
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2021 : 20:26:36
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
The last entry in the day-book of the wizardess Rorlassra, dated 22 Marpenoth 1372DR
Penned before her death of causes 'of unknown magical origin' on the night of Marpenoth 24 of the same year
Under the header, 'Initial Perusings of book lot 4, bought from the estate of the sage Torndeir of Scornubel on 19 Kythorn'
==================================================
Rambles In Rich Thay (1267DR, Jausk Galfur, Golden Hand of Waukeen)
Memoirs of a wealthy Sembian struck by the gildings of the exotic East. Contains endless fawning reports of the Thayan system of crop-field management and highly-organized slave-work and how they could be applied to his native land, and of the precise day-to-day operations of the household of their Thayan host and counter-part, the merchant Szistrym of the House of Rauth.
The Dreams Found In Flame and Cinder (973DR, Nausk of the Seven Searings, collated and put to proper order by Trayve of Deneir, 1015DR)
The transcribed journal of a mage of middling power who chose to specialize in the pyromantic Art. Florid descriptions of flame and fire effects and their applied useage in both terror and submission, secondary notes on several Border Kingdoms and their politics as of the mid-900s. Incongrous middle chapters detailing an obsession with the daughter of an employer, the "Necessary Hand" of a realm called Eskaer's Domain; unclear ending, chapters pick up with new employment at a later time frame.
Additional volumes purchased, but not yet fully perused or catalogued;
The Bizarre Conceptions of the 'Living Spell' (1363DR, Thunsroon "Thunderhand" Frostbryn)
My Quarrels With the Quasielemental (731DR, Grimwald the Grievous)
The archmage, Grimwald the Grievous, was a reknowned member of the group known as the Covenant and creator of the spell Grimwald's Greymantle, and in this book are unfounded ponderings on the existence of a quasielemental plane of negative fire, that some call the plane of ash, which he claims to have visited.
Nausk of the Seven Searings is thought to have found several loose pages of The Testament of Black Flame - Codicil of Flamefeel Unguents & Firebirth Alchemicals specifically involving the making of Thaebra and Maeraede, and their combustible combination, and the paste known as tickletinder. Nausk became fascinated with the use of alchemy after applying tickletinder to certain tender portions of his lover's anatomy and finding it heightening her arousal. However, it was the use of the other two substances which changed his life. Thaebra, a dark blue sticky paste which some use to remove cosmetics by allowing it to dry or remove hair dyes when applied with water, is little known outside of the Shaar for it grows there. Maeraede, a purgative known to induce vomiting and diarrhea whilst removing the effects of drunkennes, is distilled from swamp plants around the inner sea. Nausk's love interest, a daughter of Eskaer, is believed to have messily applied a liberal amount of Thaebra to her face to remove a decorative false tattoo after a heavy night of drinking and eating potentially unsafe oysters. When Nausk saw her picking up a vial of Maeraede intended to be drunk to remove her intoxicants, he grabbed at the vial in a panic, unfortunately spilling droplets onto her face as a result. The resulting firebirth combination quickly went from sensational burning to full on flames, leaving her head a hairless, melting ruin.
Jausk Galfur is said to have soon after begun to offer bounties for the live capture of kobolds and goblins from the stonelands, as well as making rounds to the local constabulary to purchase criminals set to be hung for their crimes. Jausk is said to have died soon after in a fiery conflagration when his favorite beagle began licking him in the face. Some believe his death was at the hands of a black flame assassin of Kossuth's church, due to the sprinklings of purple-brown dust upon his body, hired upon hearing that their slave flow by the Cult of the Dragon had fallen off due to Jausk's offering of more lucrative deals.
For more on Firebirth Alchemicals
http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rl/20050202a
Thunsroon "Thunderhand" Frostbryn, is believed to have been a hagspawn battlemage of Rashemen, left to die in the Urlingwood as a youth and raised by the wychlaran until he could be fostered as a vremyonni. He studied the Spellwards of the Ring of Gray Flames. Some say he even ventured beneath the earth in this region, whereupon he found what he believe to be a transformed bloodforge from the utter east and golems made of a strange black crystal/metallic material which occasionally altered their form to become obelisks that seemingly gathered magical power and fed it into the bloodforge in the form of blue bursts like lightning. He further claims to have run across a wychlaran amongst the ruins, which he called a "Durthan" and which he believed to be the shrieking hag that was his own mother. As he watched, his "mother" lay upon the bloodforge as one of these strange golems began its transfer of magic. Something seemed to go "wrong" and the lightning gathered in his mother's feminine regions and the golem suddenly melted into a blur of raw magic that disappeared into his mother. Her belly swelled in mock pregnancy, and her eyes shone with an unholy light. She began to scream thunderously, shaking the very walls, and an almost inky black, sentient, bipedal form made of black flames pulled itself from her loins. The result was the "birth" of a new spellward, which he took to calling a "living spell", of the spell Blackfire (see Complete Arcane page 99). Thunsroon was forced to flee, but not before being hit by a flaming black ray which began to consume his hand and creep up his arm, and he claims that he chopped off his own arm at the elbow to stop its spread. Thunsroon claims to have later returned to hunt and kill his mother, and he is said to have used her vocal cords in the construction of the famed arm bracer that he now wears, which creates a false forearm made of semi-transparent energy, which is where he now takes the moniker "Thunderhand" from. Thunsroom has since joined the warmages of the Sunrise mountains which call themselves Daarthos Koruna, and its said that they have a hidden interest in returning to the Ring of Gray Flames.
Some say that the death of the wizardess Rorlassra of "unknown magical origin" can be traced to her interest in this acquiring of books. Nothing was found of her body but a pile of black ash, and divinations into her death reveal only the word "Ebonflame". |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 15 Jun 2021 22:32:07 |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jun 2021 : 00:49:05
|
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Thunsroon "Thunderhand" Frostbryn, is believed to have been a hagspawn battlemage of Rashemen, left to die in the Urlingwood as a youth and raised by the wychlaran until he could be fostered as a vremyonni.
Some say that the death of the wizardess Rorlassra of "unknown magical origin" can be traced to her interest in this acquiring of books. Nothing was found of her body but a pile of black ash, and divinations into her death reveal only the word "Ebonflame".
Thunsroon "Thunderhand" Frostbryn is an admittedly obscure, but canon, Realms character (as are Rairun, Grimwald, Rhauntides and Sarhthor). He is mentioned in Forgotten Realms Adventures, p.86 under the Elversult "Notable Mages" entry. Elminster tells me you may be thinking of the Rashemaar battlemage Tharsrym "Thunderhand," or the Gur wizard Thurn "Frostborn" Storm-Hand, instead?
Rorlassra has her own entry, 18 Feb 2020 back on p.17 of this thread. As she was an outlander, of no social standing, had no known kin, and her method of death did not seem to be similar to any other recent magical incidents, her death was labeled "of unknown magical origin" after a perfunctory Watch/Order investigation and her remains carted off to the House of the Homeless. But, given her stated interests (in The Spell That Lurks, or The Lost Spell), you may be quite right about her death stemming from her recent acquisitions. "Ebonflame," however, is an interesting twist. The connection between a wizard in Waterdeep, books from a sage in Scornubel, and a dracolich in Cormyr could go in many different directions. Rorlassra did pass through – and spend time in – Cormyr on her way west, so it would seem there is an untold story there.
What would a dracolich want with an arcane mystery that grants a second life? Well, as Elminster said, "My, what wonderful weather the Stormhorns have been enjoying this last tenday!"
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jun 2021 : 13:41:40
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Thunsroon "Thunderhand" Frostbryn, is believed to have been a hagspawn battlemage of Rashemen, left to die in the Urlingwood as a youth and raised by the wychlaran until he could be fostered as a vremyonni.
Some say that the death of the wizardess Rorlassra of "unknown magical origin" can be traced to her interest in this acquiring of books. Nothing was found of her body but a pile of black ash, and divinations into her death reveal only the word "Ebonflame".
Thunsroon "Thunderhand" Frostbryn is an admittedly obscure, but canon, Realms character (as are Rairun, Grimwald, Rhauntides and Sarhthor). He is mentioned in Forgotten Realms Adventures, p.86 under the Elversult "Notable Mages" entry. Elminster tells me you may be thinking of the Rashemaar battlemage Tharsrym "Thunderhand," or the Gur wizard Thurn "Frostborn" Storm-Hand, instead?
Rorlassra has her own entry, 18 Feb 2020 back on p.17 of this thread. As she was an outlander, of no social standing, had no known kin, and her method of death did not seem to be similar to any other recent magical incidents, her death was labeled "of unknown magical origin" after a perfunctory Watch/Order investigation and her remains carted off to the House of the Homeless. But, given her stated interests (in The Spell That Lurks, or The Lost Spell), you may be quite right about her death stemming from her recent acquisitions. "Ebonflame," however, is an interesting twist. The connection between a wizard in Waterdeep, books from a sage in Scornubel, and a dracolich in Cormyr could go in many different directions. Rorlassra did pass through – and spend time in – Cormyr on her way west, so it would seem there is an untold story there.
What would a dracolich want with an arcane mystery that grants a second life? Well, as Elminster said, "My, what wonderful weather the Stormhorns have been enjoying this last tenday!"
Ah, thou hast indeed caught me with "Thunderhand". In fact, I believe I meant Thyrnrune "Thunderfist" Frostbairn, also known as "The Twiceborn", after spells spent by wychlaran into finding his mother have revealed the imagery of both a Bheur Hag and a Shrieking Hag, both heavily pregnant, and casting a spell in combination, whereupon the Bheur Hag's belly swelled, and the shrieking hag's belly suddenly shrank. Some hathran believe that this ritual was somehow meant to ensure that at least one child would be born a female, and thus Thyrnrune seeks to find his sister amongst the Durthan. Some have even equated this strange and dark ritual to "twinning life" or "creating a second life", and some have even tried to erroneously link it to stories of The Lost Spell
SIDENOTE: The lastname of Frostbairn has only recently come to use in the past few generations in Rashemen, however its use comes from Sossal and is rumored to have been used in the time of Raumathar. It is a last name given to "foundlings", or children left to the elements by their parents. Most Frostbairn children in Rashemen end up in the care of Hathran wychlaran, though occasionally a barren woman who wishes a child to love will take in such a foundling and give it the name Frostbairn rather than their own last name. Many hagspawn of Rashemen as a result bear the name Frostbairn. Western Faerunians have taken to spreading a misnomer about this naming convention, stating that all "Frostbairn" children are "bastards born out of wedlock". Of course, many of these same westerners also whisper that many of the wychlaran are hags themselves using magic to hide the truth of their nature, and that many of these hagspawn taken in by them are just their own children.
On Rorlassra, it might help to look at her original source, since you mention it, and I've copied it here for comparison
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
Rorlassra
Small, sharp eyes, hard, wrinkled face, and thin, sourly down-drawn lips. Coldly ambitious, but not wantonly cruel. From somewhere "east past Impiltur." A wizard of indeterminate manner. Has made her way to Waterdeep in search of The Spell That Lurks ("in brazen highlight and pages furled") – which may or may not be the same as The Lost Spell of Azuthan legend (she certainly thinks so).
There are some who say that Rorlassra never knew her mother, whom she knew of only by the name "Alassra", and that only because of the Gur adoptive mother, Dyaengo, who raised her. Of her father, she knew absolutely nothing, but she believed him to be of Rashemi origin, possibly amongst the vremyonni. Her adoptive mother told her that she could tell her little of Alassra, because her birth mother had never revealed her true form to her. Rorlassra grew up travelling throughout the Endless Wastes, the edges of Sossal, and Rashemen. It is said that she had an almost innate understanding of magic, and that she possessed an ability that some called "Witchfire". There are also some that believe that Rorlassra is indeed not dead, but rather she has been reborn, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, and that the ashes found are simply the remains of "the chrysalis" which was created to aid her transformation. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 17 Jun 2021 16:57:44 |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2021 : 00:36:08
|
Ambara Iliphar
Younger daughter of the renowned sage Zeltabbar. Ambara helps tend her father's library of dusty tomes and also apprentices at the bardic college of New Olamn, where she is honing her singing voice and studying the ancient languages and local legends and myths of the North. Quick-tempered and stubborn. Shoulder-length brownish-red hair, full eyebrows, full lips, and hazel eyes. She is currently romantically involved with the bard Jhelan Sarsorel, a relationship her father does not approve of.
Amrabbas of Memnon (N HM Adp of Waukeen)
Impressively stout little man, with merry black eyes and short brown hair going to gray. Trades Ward moneylender and Mintager of Waukeen (exchanges the worn coins worshipers offer for shiny new ones – blessed to the greater glory of Waukeen, of course). While such "holy coinspinners" have always existed in the city, when Laskar Ilithair returned the goddess to prominence in the city he created official offices (and blessings) for only 12 such Mintagers, two for each inhabited Ward.
Eldarendor
Bard, poet and advisor to King Davyd of the Kingdom of Man. Loved a woman who was revealed to be a shape-shifter. When her true nature was discovered his neighbors formed a mob, and set their home alight with her in it; Eldarendor flung himself into the blaze in desperate attempt to rescue her and was killed as well. Best known for the long-form saga Where The Warriors Are, a fanciful re-telling of the Endless Battle (specifically The Agony Marches) against the orcs of the High Moor during the building of the eastern border forts, of which the poems Swords Rise, The Old Castle Door and Once In The Torchlight still survive and are adapted by bards today (the latter is a favorite of the current Lord and Lady Silmerhelve, and guaranteed to play at least once at any dinner, ball, or social gathering they host).
Ghaalghast (NE greater doppelganger)
"The Maleficent." A member of the Unseen. In his natural form, Ghaalghast possesses the thorough upper-body tattooing common to the doppelgangers of the Unseen. Owns the other-forms of Thad Ruchel (NE HM T7), a boastful Luskar cutthroat; and Bassamn "Black-Teeth" (N HM Exp2), a high-ranking member of the Dungsweeper's Guild. [ NOTE: See "The Reports From Undermountain," Steven Schend, Dragon Magazine #227, p.16 for more info on Thad Ruchel ]
The Sun-Dappled Swords of Rassalantar
Local adventuring fellowship. Led by Myrdevver the Blue, Joyance of Lliira (CG HM SP of Lliira; slim, agile, long-limbed, comfortable in both masculine and feminine forms of dress). Other members include his companion, the half-elf Nelrae (carries the title of Beguiling Agony of Loviatar in the church of the Thornmaiden); the foul-tongued warrior Raeburtha "Bloody Rae" (CN HF F); and the woodsman Tulber the Sweet (NG HM Ra; son of one of the most notorious "bog-families" of Rasslanatar, corpse disposers in the employ of various unscrupulous Waterdhavian factions). The Swords were last seen entering (and then exiting, amidst a flurry of fire, blood and steel) the ever-changing depths of The Blue Alley, whereupon they were promptly whisked away in a carriage drawn by six white horses in red-and-gold harness (and no carriage-man) to parts still unknown.
==================================================
Ambra [ Source: An 11/22/06 posting to the Candlekeep.com message boards by Ed Greenwood. Name/Description given ]
Ambra Steelthorn [ Source: Ed Greenwood's Spin-a-Yarn 2009: Night of the Dread Pudding. Name/Description given ]
Ambreene Hawkwinter [ Source: "The Eye of the Dragon," Ed Greenwood, Realms of Magic. Name/Description given ]
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2021 : 00:20:15
|
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
SIDENOTE: The lastname of Frostbairn has only recently come to use in the past few generations in Rashemen, however its use comes from Sossal and is rumored to have been used in the time of Raumathar. It is a last name given to "foundlings", or children left to the elements by their parents.
An idle thought; I wonder if Frostbairn in the East at some point became Frostbryn in the West – or at least in Sembia (and possibly Impiltur and other points along the way)? Possibly without the foundling signifier and more as a true surname?
Also, an errata: On The Blue Streams of Eaerlann: or, A Remembrance, the author should be correctly noted as Lulae SYL-starra, not Lulae STYL-starra!
And finally, on the first [ ed. note ] of Nalasteer's Mage-Book of Common Words of Command, Elminster tells me it would seem that he needs to have the password on his luggage changed.
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2021 : 00:22:59
|
Ardelan Phelzsphor
A native of Murann to the south, and a shrewd investor and influential factor for the Raventree family. He was assassinated by unknown individuals, along with his wife and two acquaintances, in Eleasias of 1370. Most believe his death was arranged by House Margaster, but Ardelan loved to flaunt the mistresses and unhappy wives of his competitors on his arm at balls and other fętes, a dangerous habit that also easily could have got him killed by such a rival. It is also rumored that shady business dealings by the Raventree family were to blame, as Ardelan was known to have extensive contacts in the lands of Amn and Tethyr, and the crossbow bolts the killers used were coated with a poison commonly used by the thieves guilds of those lands.
Duldroon the Red
A florid, hirsute Moonshaen merchant of mighty appetites (and waistline). Resides in an estate on the isle of Mintarn. When in the city he is always attended by a coterie of beautiful Moonshar ladies. He makes his coin by selling their charms and services to wealthy patrons. Some say that his "playpretties" are actually slaves, gathered by the crews of two rakers captained by his sons, Arlstur and Elloon. They aren't (in the sense that they can come and go as they wish), but Red Sash operatives keeping eyes on his activities still end up suspiciously dead or disappeared. They have managed to determine that he has other, unknown, dealings with the merchant Sammereza Sulphontis (mercantile, of some type) and with The Chapel and Chalice of the Divine Right (the Waterdhavian temple of Siamorphe).
Elvaëril Iliphar
Elder daughter of the sage Zeltabbar Iliphar. Long, curly (often tangled) reddish-brown hair, large, expressive green eyes (whose clarity seems to be increasingly fading, a prospect which increasingly terrifies her), slender limbs and hips. Spends her time dusting her father's impressive collection of tomes and scrolls, and knitting and quilting and sewing an endless variety of blankets and seat-covers and table runners, the results of which drape and decorate every non-book covered part of their private chambers. The Lord Arunsun "Blackstaff" once purchased one of her efforts during a visit to discuss a matter with her father, and his lady Laeral later told Elvaëril that he was so highly impressed with the quality of the piece that he had it enchanted into some magic item or other, but she believes that to be just a pleasant bit of flattery.
Elvaëril keeps the company of several regular patrons at the Inn of the Dripping Dagger – dangerous, hard-muscled, veteran sword-wielders all – the one occasional exciting exception to her largely quiet, introspective life. She swears she was bitten by one of the books on her father's shelves as a young maid – which one she was never certain, and it left no mark behind so most dismiss her tale as fancy; most except her father and her sister that is, who are well aware that she never had a masterful command of First Flowering Ilythiirian elvish before that. The called-for priest of Deneir didn't think so either, but couldn't verify the matter one way or t'other. Sometimes she also thinks that she can read the words, penned or print-set, on a page just by running her fingertips over them, but that idea frightens her, and she hasn't told anyone of it, not even her sister.
Tale-spell
Workers-of-Art hired by wealthy nobles and merchantry to accompany a spoken performance with subtle illusionry. As a central bard or orator narrates, their magics accent the performance with ghostly echoes, the faint clash of steel, the wind in the trees, a gull at sea. Sometimes, such as with a telling of The Vineyards of Mrin, certain olfactory imaginings are also used. Subtle sense-changing enchantments as opposed to the more obvious visual work of the glim-spinner. Such phantasms are minor magics at best, but the art of intertwining them with the flow of the story is a difficult one, and most respected tale-spells have had extensive tutelage at bardic colleges across the North. Often faithfully pair with a single vocalist, to ensure a seamless performance. (See Also: Flaerra Hlarmmaster)
The Yellow Birch-Stag
A glorious golden buck, long-spotted throughout the Westwood. Said to be a woodland companion of Mielikki herself, and to be able to barkskin at will through some unknown weal or innate ability. Legend has it that only the most skillful and fleet hunter could win past its defenses and bring it down. Many have tried, and it seems that the Birch-Stag enjoys sporting with them on occasion, sometimes leading them on a merry chase before disappearing, and sometimes leading them right into the midst of an orc hunting camp or owlbear den.
==================================================
Ardum [ Source: "Gunne Runner," Roger E. Moore, Realms of Magic. Name/Description given ]
Arkhon the Old [ Source: A 03/20/06 posting to the Candlekeep.com message boards by Ed Greenwood. Name/Description given ]
Yartsworth [ Source: The novel The Dream Spheres. Name/Description given ]
Yelver Toraunt [ Source: "The Keeper of Secrets," Ed Greenwood, Realms of the Dragons Vol.1. Name/Description given ]
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2021 : 16:34:51
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
SIDENOTE: The lastname of Frostbairn has only recently come to use in the past few generations in Rashemen, however its use comes from Sossal and is rumored to have been used in the time of Raumathar. It is a last name given to "foundlings", or children left to the elements by their parents.
An idle thought; I wonder if Frostbairn in the East at some point became Frostbryn in the West – or at least in Sembia (and possibly Impiltur and other points along the way)? Possibly without the foundling signifier and more as a true surname?
Why you are most assuredly correct! I believe that to be the case in that some Frostbairn of Rashemen went on dajemma and never returned home. When asked about is unusual last name and having to explain that he never knew his own true parents, he didn't want the same to be thought for his own children (for revealing his story often resulted in a surge of embarassing pity). He wanted it to be KNOWN that they knew their parents, had been given a "respectable" upbringing, and also that they were not "barbaric heathens from that witch land" as some in Sembians referred to Rashemen. So, he chose to give his own children the modified last name of Frostbryn, which he took as his own as well.
In fact, that fact can be directly related to this mixup... you see that Frostbairn who did that was in fact Thyrnrune "Thunderfist" Frostbairn who was the father of Thorrune "Thunderfingers" Frostbryn and Thrymrune "Coldfist" Frostbryn. I believe it was Thrymrune that fathered Thunsroon "Thunderhand" Frostbryn and his sister Skadynna "Coldfyre" Frostbryn. Last I heard, Thyrnrune and his granddaughter had in fact returned to Rashemen, primarily because his granddaughter was exhibiting strange powers of magic. Its rumored she was taken in by the wychlaran, who tasked Thyrnrune with travelling into the sunrise mountains to infiltrate a rogue group of warmages.
|
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 28 Jun 2021 17:10:05 |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2021 : 17:48:57
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
Eldarendor
Bard, poet and advisor to King Davyd of the Kingdom of Man. Loved a woman who was revealed to be a shape-shifter. When her true nature was discovered his neighbors formed a mob, and set their home alight with her in it; Eldarendor flung himself into the blaze in desperate attempt to rescue her and was killed as well. Best known for the long-form saga Where The Warriors Are, a fanciful re-telling of the Endless Battle (specifically The Agony Marches) against the orcs of the High Moor during the building of the eastern border forts, of which the poems Swords Rise, The Old Castle Door and Once In The Torchlight still survive and are adapted by bards today (the latter is a favorite of the current Lord and Lady Silmerhelve, and guaranteed to play at least once at any dinner, ball, or social gathering they host).
Is there any truth to the rumor that the woman was in fact Astarella Ebonmane, a rakshasa rumored to have been part of the infamous Black Flame wizards of Unther who was exposed to a helm of opposite alignment and fled her homeland? There were some who stated that when Eldarendor leapt into the flames of their home, she used a more effective version of the fire gate spell learned from said cultists (and later recreated by Thayans), and they escaped, rumored to have fled to the lands of the far south.
OR
Is all of that just another round of baseless shenanigans by that Leiran that keeps sitting at the bar and telling me stories. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 28 Jun 2021 22:03:51 |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2021 : 19:29:03
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
The Yellow Birch-Stag
A glorious golden buck, long-spotted throughout the Westwood. Said to be a woodland companion of Mielikki herself, and to be able to barkskin at will through some unknown weal or innate ability. Legend has it that only the most skillful and fleet hunter could win past its defenses and bring it down. Many have tried, and it seems that the Birch-Stag enjoys sporting with them on occasion, sometimes leading them on a merry chase before disappearing, and sometimes leading them right into the midst of an orc hunting camp or owlbear den.
regarding this buck, I have a sneaking suspicion that it should be "bucks", and I believe that they may have come through a portal in "The Place of the Unicorn" west of Leilon from the Adusgee Forest of Anchorome. They may be wildleaf stags, seen mainly in autumn when the coloring of their hide changes to a rich golden hue. It's been rumored that the site known as Raelkath's Sprout is the source of a randomly moving portal network that seems to open all over Toril for very brief moments (rumors of it periodically opening into the southern portion of the Yuirwood near Relkath's Foot have been mentioned at least thrice in the past millenium). It may be that either these are distinctly wildleaf stags OR a wildleaf stag has come through and mated with a regular elk and produced a new breed (or even a unicorn, for the truth of the birthing of wildleaf stags is unusual as well, being as they result from a breeding of shatjan and dryad that occasionally results in offspring that is like neither parent).
from the "Brainstorming Anchorome" thread
Wildleaf Stag of the Adusgee Forest : This unusual form of reindeer possesses horns and hooves of evergrowing wood, as well as a coat not of fur, but rather leaves. In the spring and summer, these leaves are a vibrant green, but in the fall they turn rich reds, browns, and oranges. In the winter, they do not lose their wooden antlers, but they do lose all of their leaves, revealing a pale white fibrous skin. These creatures are notedly hard to track for their natural ability to pass without trace. They also possess a latent ability to perform the druidcraft cantrip, but only in the form of making seeds sprout, flowers bloom, etc.... Their fecal matter is a prized fertilizer, and the snow elves of the north like to trim their leaves before they fall off for winter in order to treat them alchemically to be woven into armor. There are at least three different varieties of Wildleaf stag, each variety possessing different druidic powers in relation to plants, but all seem to possess an ability to transport via plant. These creatures are primarily found in the northwestern portion of the forest, near Raelkath's Sprout, but a large number of them also appear in the vale currently held by the Abeil in the center of the forest. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2021 : 00:46:37
|
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
from the "Brainstorming Anchorome" thread
I like it. I like the imagery in the description, and I like the idea that these places are linked, even across continents.
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2021 : 00:49:32
|
Arsath "Lightfoot"
Son of Arvys and Berandla Spellfoot. Learned a bit of herblore from his mother and absolutely nothing of the faith of the Defender from his father. Youthful, energetic. Insecure, tends to laugh at odd moments. A member of the Shields of Snail Street adventuring fellowship. Nicknamed for his skill (and enthusiasm) at dancing. Not a half-bad footpad, either.
The Company of The Bold and The Delicious
Local adventuring fellowship of some infamy. Originally rostered as The Company of the Bold Wolves. Their name was later appended after the wyrm Argrabaliroar "Glower-and-Gloom" tried (and mostly failed) to eat no less than four of them. Of those four, two remain active and in (mostly) good health; the "Mighty Hewer of Monsters" Julravva Nask (iron-thewed and proud of it; wears scant studded-leather skirts and ab-baring metal chestplates when more sensible armor would be prudent), and the "Purveyor of the Elegant Vices" Eskbert "Honest Esk" Brindlebur (thief-acrobat and eldest heir to the Hin grocers-and-dry-goods-and-sundries-and-provisioners of Vesk & Brindlebur [Fine Purveyors of Sea Food and Wild Game, Four Shop-Counters across The Well-Travelled Wards (a pretty description commonly used by merchants to dress-up the poorer Wards of Dock, South and Trades)]). Other members include the blood-avenging dread of Hoar (Assuran, the Vengeful One) Nemmlathré the Accuser; the former apprentice of Malchor Harpell, Neldrask "practiced in all the tongues of Men, and the means to immolate them as well" Draem ('draem' being the Talfir word for [war] drummer, an honored martial position that carried over from elder Talfir culture. Honorifics include Boldraem [Bold-Drummer], Braeraem [Brave-Drummer] and Llordraem [Long-Drummer]); and the wild-eyed, wild-mannered swordswoman Xladra (SELL-adra, wielder of the intelligent sword Faraskûl, "wicked and venemous-bright").
The Bold and The Delicious were last known to be on the trail of a castle in the air, the legendary Hall of Kolbrûkh the Livid Lightning (King of Cloud and Tempest, Crowned of Snow, Voice of the Deep Thunders, Frost-Rimed When Netheril Was Yet Young, etc. etc.); battlements and turrets, arched halls and terraces and observatories, all built of vaporous blue clouds ("where overhead the albatross hangs motionless upon the air, and deep beneath the rolling clouds are labyrinths of cerulean caves and echoes of a distant time"); once a rival to the floating cities of ancient Netheril, now only home to the Ruskulrune (RUS-cull-ROON, sometimes called Teskranune instead), a massive, angular, flashing lump of quartz the size of two grown men (in height if not width); studded with star sapphire and veined with red gold; said to absorb spells and emit lashes of energy, and to commune of such matters as are hidden and far off; a thing held over from the Void and the etherial pulp that was once The World Before the World ("that magnificent Paradise that was lost when Day and Night, and Summer and Winter, and all the Sevenscore Attributes fell into discontent"). Their travels were noted as far as Deadsnows, on the threshold of the great northern Icy Steppes, but their progress after that has gone silent for near a year now.
Imsharara of the Six Scarlet Lashes (LE VampireF P12 of Loviatar)
The "headmistress" of the Wink and Kiss Travelling Feast of Delights. Much sought-after in certain jaded and bored noble circles of Waterdeep and other large cities across the Western Heartlands. The members of the Wink and Kiss specialize in providing a number of rare, illegal, or otherwise unusual forms of entertainment, from a variety of "pain-and-pleasure" sessions to exotic members of the opposite or same sex, to hallucinatory powders and potions, and incredibly elaborate sensory illusions. For her part, Imsharara and the six vampiric members of her "Scarlet Lashes" inner circle use the staged events to perfom their dedications to the goddess Loviatar, and to obtain choice specimens for feeding.
Jorlo Ulhasper
Wrote and richly illustrated the nonsensical tomes Fireside Talks With Elves and Enchanted Beasts and A Parade of Enchanters (the latter of which inspired a whole lesser host of copycat versions during a brief highcoin craze for it during the summer seasons of 1367 and 1368DR). Currently working on an oversized pictorial bestiary with the working title of The Faeries of Faerûn-Land, under generous commission from Lord Luth Ammakyl (and under condition that the fore-word to be dedicated to his youngest daughter, the little lady Jathindra Ammakyl).
Ylarell of the Watch (LG HM F4)
An armar (sergeant) of the Waterdhavian Watch and an underling of Khelben Arunsun. While tracking undead in the sewers of the city during the Time of Troubles, he was slain by the avatar of the god Myrkul. Ylarell wielded Swiftsting, a shortsword of quickness +2 that was later recovered and claimed by the Hin adventurer Fletcher Linklyn. [ Source: FRE3 Waterdeep, p.32 and 35. Name/Description/Stats given. Additional detail by me. ]
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2021 : 01:15:58
|
I must say.... the bold and the delicious... I need to think on, but it has me going.
Jorlo, now there's a story there as well. I think that his current work is going to get him into some very hot water. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2021 : 00:13:38
|
Anoster "Fare-Thee-Well"
The Hangman, The Blackest of the Black. One of the city's "black-robes" (magisters). Enjoys handing out the harshest possible punishments, especially to those with money or privilege. In 1368DR he hung the noble Simon Ilzimmer from the city walls, an act that caused great outrage among the noble families and led to a harsh reprimand from Lord Piergeiron.
Anthonin the Quick
A young noble of House Hawkwinter. Short for his age and wiry, with a dark shock of curls and a scattering of freckles. Worries his parents by how non-verbal and non-responsive he is. His nickname comes from his rush through the house early every daybreak to greet and watch the morning grooming of the Hawkwinter horses. Usually to be found in the House stables, or at the Field of Triumph, watching the competing equestrians. When about in the city, he is always accompanied by his hired guardian, the warrior-woman Astara "Falconblaze."
Daniejelle "Falcons-Friend"
A young, spritely woman. Merry dimples, bright brown eyes. Strong hints of elvish blood in her ancestry. A native of Gwynneth. Rescued from the dungeons of the Troll King of the Wolfswold (on the Moonshaen isle of Moray; once the forested aisles of the elfhome of Neldaeril, later host to a variety of prisoners enspelled by terrible blood magic, so that any harm to the master would also befall the servant) by the Knights Errant adventurers. Now works as the assistant of Heldaravyn Blackmantle, the Lord Falconer of the Palace.
Harehoon
The Mage of Chains (so-named for his favored use of iron bands of Bilarro). Of note in the North in the days after the fall of the last Netherese survivor-states of Anauria and Hlondath. Said to have wove spells 'of beautiful golden-yellow man-slaying', 'of eyes of bright blue stars'; 'trembling green beams' and 'crystal teeth that ravage and scatter' (in the ramblings of bards and the assorted journals of contemporary mages) and scribed them into his final (and only known surviving) workbook, The White-Banded Book. Harehoon is known to have encurred the wrath of the elves of Eaerlann, who cursed him but could not kill him; he still survives today in the Leaf-Lorns southwest of Hellgate Keep as a shambling, implacable thing of leaf-mould and tree-resin, scrub-oak and bramble. Of his Book, it last surfaced and caused quite a stir at the Magefair of 1158DR. Some believe that the wizard Narnanthra of Baldur's Gate cast spells derived from it as she slew rivals in 1331DR, but she has not been seen since she travelled east with intent to plunder the hoard of the dragon Elueshendavva in 1348DR.
"Mother" Azure-Fair
A fortune-teller (in love and numbers-games) and "fair-eye" (blessed by Tymora to see ones' most auspicious decisions and future-paths) who spins her sooths from a variety of alcoves and doorstoops in Dock Ward and from a colorful stall positioned hard on the docks during festival days. "Dreams and Mysteries, delivered in Commune with the Spirits of sun and air and wind. Words of pleasant places and vast good fortunes, passions and cunning inspirations, all ordered and ordained in the absolute wisdoms of Lawful truth." Has the vestigal third-eye as do all fair-eyes (in her case, upon her lower left cheek). Accompanied by the great tortoise-shell cat Tamelia (yellow and black and white, nearly equal parts of each color, except for her tail and her face; her tail is all black; and her face is white, with only a little black and yellow about the ears and eyes; her tail is a fierce one, and when she is angry she can swell it up until it looks almost as big as her body; named for Tamelia the Hunter, a famed hero of the church of Shaundakul), who spits and hisses when dwarves are about.
==================================================
Anton [ Source: "Smokepowder And Mirrors," Jeff Grubb, Realms of Magic. Name/Description given ]
Anwhar Bellgate (NE HM [Chondathan] spellthief 6) [ Source: Class Chronicles: Factotums and Spellthieves <archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070606>. Name/Description/Stats given ]
Morlyn Dyre [ Source: A 04/08/20 Twitter reply to @TheEdVerse by Ed Greenwood. Name/Description given ]
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2021 : 00:12:23
|
quote:
Oringinally posted by sleyvas
Is there any truth to the rumor that the woman was in fact Astarella Ebonmane, a rakshasa rumored to have been part of the infamous Black Flame wizards of Unther who was exposed to a helm of opposite alignment and fled her homeland? There were some who stated that when Eldarendor leapt into the flames of their home, she used a more effective version of the fire gate spell learned from said cultists (and later recreated by Thayans), and they escaped, rumored to have fled to the lands of the far south.
OR
Is all of that just another round of baseless shenanigans by that Leiran that keeps sitting at the bar and telling me stories.
Ah, sleyvas, a Leirans' shenanigans are never truly baseless; in fact, that serves to inform the most insidious part of their stories (and schemes)!
But no, Eldarendor's woman Khella was in truth a lamia noble, Ahncorlue, who had previously been driven out of the cozy ruins she made her lair – the tumbled elf-home of Orlethaskra (now more commonly known as The Lonely Circle on the Hill; still an egress-point for The Hither and Thither, an ancient elven gate-road) by the ceaseless advance of the armies of The Kingdom of Man, in their Quixotic quest to tame the High Moor. She used her powers of illusion and charm to escape the blaze that killed her husband, and ran away with their unborn child into the night. It should be noted that she truly did love him and mourned him; unfortunately a kindness not quite shared by their current descendants, the lamia nobles Talathtra of the Wicked Delights (mentioned in a previous entry for Joljanthrae of the Boundless Delights as having recently fled from Scornubel) and Transtra, one of the leaders of the Iron Ring slavers of Skullport (see the 2E supplements Cloak & Dagger and Skullport).
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
Edited by - AJA on 24 Jul 2021 00:38:28 |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2021 : 12:42:17
|
quote:
Originally posted by AJA
quote:
Oringinally posted by sleyvas
Is there any truth to the rumor that the woman was in fact Astarella Ebonmane, a rakshasa rumored to have been part of the infamous Black Flame wizards of Unther who was exposed to a helm of opposite alignment and fled her homeland? There were some who stated that when Eldarendor leapt into the flames of their home, she used a more effective version of the fire gate spell learned from said cultists (and later recreated by Thayans), and they escaped, rumored to have fled to the lands of the far south.
OR
Is all of that just another round of baseless shenanigans by that Leiran that keeps sitting at the bar and telling me stories.
Ah, sleyvas, a Leirans' shenanigans are never truly baseless; in fact, that serves to inform the most insidious part of their stories (and schemes)!
But no, Eldarendor's woman Khella was in truth a lamia noble, Ahncorlue, who had previously been driven out of the cozy ruins she made her lair – the tumbled elf-home of Orlethaskra (The Lonely Circle on the Hill; still an egress-point for The Hither and Thither, an ancient elven gate-road) by the ceaseless advance of the armies of The Kingdom of Man, in their Quixotic quest to tame the High Moor. She used her powers of illusion and charm to escape the blaze that killed her husband, and ran away with their unborn child into the night. It should be noted that she truly did love him and mourned him; unfortunately a kindness not quite shared by their current descendants, the lamia nobles Talathtra of the Wicked Delights (mentioned in a previous entry for Joljanthrae of the Boundless Delights as having recently fled from Scornubel) and Transtra, one of the leaders of the Iron Ring slavers of Skullport (see the 2E supplements Cloak & Dagger and Skullport).
I KNEW IT! That rat bastard never gives me the correct story. He's always trying to misdirect me to go chasing after an enemy of his, or if not that to hide the doings of his business connections. Why I bet that Astarella Ebonmane doesn't even exist! |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2021 : 00:35:38
|
The Tattletrees
An unwelcoming forested reach west of the Star Mounts, "where bird and branch both work to alert of the trod of man." This was once Waelendrial, the elven steadfast of Quiver-Eaves ("The House whose Sign was The Unshaken Tree beneath the Seven Steadfast Stars"), a house of magicians and craftsmen (for the elves, of course, see no difference between the two) still renowned for their elfcloaks of Tattletree Grey (the name now given to a mottled color distinct from the more common variety, with largely the same results), and for Entheriel, Lady of Love and Wonder (see below). Now fallen and desolate, but not undefended; still watched over and avenged by the Nonalorn "pale and vivid and drear" (a circle of nine spectral baelnorn) who lie in chambers interwoven of durmast and birch and await the whisper and rustle of the trees and the cawings of the birds to alert them to tresspassers. Of the living-wood House and its multiple outbuildings, they were abandoned in war and magical spell-flame and cataclysm and, missing the guiding hand of their elven inhabitants, long-ago reverted to the natural cycles and patterns of all green and growing things. Their rough outlines can now only be identified by the odd window-pane here and mis-placed door or stony hearth far-up there, by the tilted presence of worn stone sculptures and obelisks and, of course, by the sudden whelming ire of the resident defenders.
Though the baelnorns are quite thorough in their sworn duty, and whatever baubles that lay about in the open were snatched up long-ago, some treasures continue to be brought out of the ruins; most recently in 1363DR by the Company of The Bold and The Delicious, who used a quartet of spell-slaved hill giants to absorb the worst of the magical defenses and to carry out some impressively large pieces of loot. Sold at auction at the villa of their noble patrons, the Bladesemmers, these prizes were a true showcase of the heights of Shaarven craftsmanship:
* an elven glim-wood mirror, silvered to all but the most direct glance, whose profusely-carved frame emits just the right ambiance to cast even the most oddly-angled matron in softened tones* (sold to a factor of House Raventree)
* a man-sized wooden fae-sculpt, from whose roughly circular, enbarked base grows whorled tendrils and green-leafed shoots in animated effigy of the saga of Erelei of the Starry Glances and Ocael of the Bright Fancies, displayed from origin to tragic death – whereupon the animated scene retreats into the base and into phantasmal leaf-fall, only to repeat a few breaths later, in endless repitition (sold to an independent factor in the employ of the merchant-lord Jhasso of Baldur's Gate)
* a pair of elven gilt-wood reclining sofas, whose delicate timbers are threaded through with strands of gold and silver and ingrown with rosedrop cysts in a style even the greatest dwarven masters would struggle to duplicate (sold directly to Halidara Urinshoon, owner of the Three Pearls nightclub)
* a tome-stand specified for the reading of books relating to health and personal vitality and spells of constitution and good humors, carved with celestial silhouettes and plenty of charms to drive away evil and ward off the ill-attentions of diseases and plague (specifically The Mother of Wounds and Weeping and other such Harbingers of Sorrows), and set with a variety of carnelian and amber and filigrees of andelosk (silver alabaster, an alloy similar to adamantine, whose method of binding is now lost to modern-day finesmiths) (sold to a factor of Everdusk Hall, in Silverymoon)**
* Anyone who has seen an overly-filtered Photoshop selfie should know what I'm talking about here
** This was unquestionably the prize-of-the-day, and the bidding quickly hit furious heights until the wide-eyed, murderous stare of the elven factor of Everdusk Hall let those in attendance know, in no uncertain terms, that anyone reckless enough to outbid would immediately cause the Hall to call in their ancient markers with the Elfland of Evermeet, to launch open warfare against the offending party...and thus, the bidding was soon resolved
Entheriel
The Lady of Love and Wonder* (was originally Love and Wander – as said in the first line of her attributed words below – but all modern accounts have it as Wonder, instead. It is unknown when exactly this changeover occurred, but obviously sometime after her elevation as a servitor/demi-god). A wizardess and priestess of Sehanine Moonbow, who made her way from Waelendrial across the width and breadth of the North until she found her desired path "between the margins of the stars." Mentioned prominently in many ancient elven accounts of the Seven Citadel's War and is still recalled today in many a fireside tale (most notably in Mintiper Moonsilver's Moonrise (Elder Nights) and Enskaer's Adventures) and in many a whispered prayer (as a patron of those who wander, but are not lost):
"So much do I love wandering,
So much I love the sea and sky,
That it will be a piteous thing
In one small grave to lie"**
Believed today by religious scholars to be a primary servitor of Sehanine (much like Lashrael and Felarathael for Corellon), though there are still those who hold to the old ways and venerate her as a demipower in her own right.
* Older elven poetry and lore (same thing, to the elves) is full of Ladies of Love and (various). "Love" was a designator of compassion and understanding, but also a deeper knowledge of, and connection with, The Weave and Faerie, and the life-flows of Faerûn around them. Such appellations/honorifics have fallen out of favor since the collapse of the realm of Earlann, but some still persist in the present day (including both Entheriel of old and in Alustrial, the High Lady of Silverymoon, who bears the slightly-adjusted title of "Queen of Courtly Love").
** copied directly from, and credit due to, Zoë Akins' "The Wanderer" [ The New Poetry, by Various, Edited by Harriet Monroe and Alice Corbin Henderson, 1920 ]
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
Edited by - AJA on 23 Oct 2022 16:35:29 |
|
|
|
AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2021 : 00:37:44
|
Found inscribed on the walls of the Castle cells
The Moon Wanders
Through the Heavenly Night
And so do I
Shorn of all but Godly Delight
Naked I stand
Naked I walk
A guardsman calls
His heedings I balk
The Moon Wanders
Through the Heavenly Night
But I do not
Imprisoned by forces uptight
|
AJA
YAFRP
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
The Five NPCs You Meet In Waterdeep
