| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Seethyr |
Posted - 16 Jan 2020 : 22:10:38
Is there any additional information canonically or fanonically in this region of the Realms that goes beyond the novel Faces of Deception? That book would have been one of my favorites had the last 100 pages or so not have fallen out of my novel and I got to finish it. |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Quickleaf |
Posted - 24 Jan 2020 : 08:54:23
quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
Is there any additional information canonically or fanonically in this region of the Realms that goes beyond the novel Faces of Deception? That book would have been one of my favorites had the last 100 pages or so not have fallen out of my novel and I got to finish it.
I recall there was a Dragon magazine article mentioning Langdarma... it was Rogue's Gallery: Faces of Deception. Dragon Annual #2. Troy Denning. TSR, 1998.
Here are my compiled notes on Langdarma, with some creative liberties:
Langdarma, the “fifth kingdom” of the Utter East, is hidden by ancient magic in the Shang Po Basin below the Forbidden Plateau and mountains known as the Sisters of Serenity. This earthly paradise was created by a deity the natives know as Serene Abhirati. Two legacies of the goddess’ prescene remain. A portion of her power was bestowed upon mortal healers who can cure any ailments of those dwelling in the valley. The other legacy is a deva known as The Sannyasi who guards all pathways into the realm.
Ancient stone portals in the Yehimal Mountains are the only ingress into Langdarma, though anyone passing through one will be tested by The Sannyasi. Those who are found worthy, their hearts emptied of violence, are permitted to enter Langdarma…for a time. However, those who fail The Sannyasi’s test are healed of any wounds and sent back through the portal, which closes behind them, cursed to never again find Langdarma. Denial of this paradise leaves a hollowness in the heart enough to drive hardened mountaineers mad.
The kingdom is divided into Upper and Lower regions according to altitude, with peaceful villages scattered throughout farming rice and tending goats and musk oxen. While the natives are mostly human commoners, each village has one priest sworn to non-violence who acts as a healer of unparalleled skill. Countless rare healing herbs grow in the alpine reaches surrounding Langdarma, including desert’s night blossom and eyebright flower, and the healers know each like a cousin. It is said that should a healer of Langdarma ever cause a wound to any creature they will lose their powers. |
| Seethyr |
Posted - 20 Jan 2020 : 22:49:41
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-I started reading it a while ago, and I put it down. I don't like not finishing books I started, but quite a few things have cut it in line. I dunno, it's very hard to get into I feel, about 50 pages in or so.
The biggest problem with the book is that you can’t finish reading it. It ends so abruptly. I understand what you’re saying though - I remember the beginning dragging a bit. Imho it started to get really interesting after some time and my imagination really wandered thinking about what Langdarma would be like. Here’s a region I wish someone would homebrew for DMsGuild so badly! |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 18 Jan 2020 : 21:40:45
-I started reading it a while ago, and I put it down. I don't like not finishing books I started, but quite a few things have cut it in line. I dunno, it's very hard to get into I feel, about 50 pages in or so. |
| Seethyr |
Posted - 18 Jan 2020 : 14:05:40
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I'd say you dodged a bullet, there. That was one of two Realms novels that I wanted to hurl across the room, when I finished it, because the ending pissed me off that much.
Yeah I just pretend the last pages fell out. Because honestly the story just STOPPED. No explanation, just OVER.
What’s it now? 25 years later and I’m still waiting for a conclusion? |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 17 Jan 2020 : 04:00:28
I'd say you dodged a bullet, there. That was one of two Realms novels that I wanted to hurl across the room, when I finished it, because the ending pissed me off that much. |
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