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Saegis
Acolyte
Canada
23 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 20:28:14
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After having read through the majority of the FR supplement "Lost Empires of Faerun" I started pondering the possibilities of schools or even universities within Faerun dedicated to archaeology.
If the Realms can be guilty of one thing, I would say it is the abundance of history it contains. While Lost Empires of Faerun was informative there was nothing within it in regards to organizations interested in the archaeology of the Realms. Has anyone perchance stumbled upon a scroll or other piece of information that might light my darkened path?
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 21:09:11
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Candlekeep would have all your researching desires, both arcane and historical.
it just has a huge pricetag to enter.
the library in Silverymoon would also have scrolls, maps and a few other things with in it. |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 21:45:27
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I was thinking along similar lines - that CandleKeep would have 'Field Agents' who would sponsor 'digs' and what-not, but not neccessarily let it be known that CandleKeep was behind them.
Isn't there also some Elvem group that does something along these lines? 
Anyhow, I could see an 'Indian Jones' type working for the Keep... probably on Commision... 
On the other hand, fantasy (RPG) worlds really don't need this sort of thing - thats what Adventurers are for.
In Golarion (Paizo's world) there is a group along these lines, called - appropriately - The Pathfinder Society, which are a combination of Explorers, adventurers, big-game hunters, and Archaelogists all in one.
I always thought they would be a good fit in the Realms, especillay in Tethyr and/or Amn, with all the Who-Ha about Maztica (obviously this was a 3e idea). |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 11 Mar 2009 23:21:15 |
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Saegis
Acolyte
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 23:02:19
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*facepalm*
Why didn't I think of Candlekeep? 
I'll have to keep my eyes and ears out for that elven group, and also do some reading on Silverymoon.
While many adventurers have stumbled upon the ruins of civilizations, I wonder if maybe there was a group of thrill-seekers who utilized an exacting method of categorization and study. As opposed to the all too common "steal everything that isn't bolted down" form of exploration.
Thank you for the information, I'll have to follow up on this. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 23:16:14
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Oh, and the "Forgotten Scroll" -- an organisation I started to detail in the first Volume of the Candlekeep Compendium -- is actually taken from my notes on the society of the same name that's active in my Realms. Since archaeology is something I've always keenly been interested in, I've made every attempt to expand on what limited info we have on archaeological pursuits in the Realms [mostly from historical sourcebooks and the like]. Sadly though, most of that info is directly tied to MY Realms, and will likely be of little use to you.
Additionally, I've also been establishing a Seeker society [based on a similar collective in the Goliath Scorpion Clan in Classic BattleTech]. They use a narcotic called necrosia to induce vision-quests that help direct their searches for long forgotten relics of the ancient Star League. I've yet to determine a suitable Realms-equivalent for necrosia however.
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 23:21:34
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Additionally, I've also been establishing a Seeker society [based on a similar collective in the Goliath Scorpion Clan in Classic BattleTech]. They use a narcotic called necrosia to induce vision-quests that help direct their searches for long forgotten relics of the ancient Star League. I've yet to determine a suitable Realms-equivalent for necrosia however.
Toril was part of the Star League? 
Does that mean there's a memory core hidden somewhere in Candlekeep? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 23:36:22
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The Elven Organization is in LEoF, which is why I didn't look it up - I had assumed you saw it since you mentioned that source.
They are the Olin Gisir ('Secret Keepers') - not exactly an Archaelogical sociey, but close-enough in Elven terms (after all, an Elf in a thousand-year old dig might just be looking for his own baby rattle).
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Additionally, I've also been establishing a Seeker society [based on a similar collective in the Goliath Scorpion Clan in Classic BattleTech]. They use a narcotic called necrosia to induce vision-quests that help direct their searches for long forgotten relics of the ancient Star League. I've yet to determine a suitable Realms-equivalent for necrosia however.
Might I suggest Sponge (Wellworld), Spice (Dune), or Krrf (Thieves World)? 
I use them all, and a few of my own. I used to have a comprehensive list of Fantasy/SciFi drugs for use in my games, and I remember some folks thought I spent way too much time on that subject. There was one in the Jack Vance novels as well, although it's name escapes me; that might be more appropriate, given it's ties to D&D.
I had one of my own called Manstash, which was created by the High Elves of old, in order to keep humans ignorant and docile (it only worked on humans). They don't call them HIGH Elves for nothing. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 11 Mar 2009 23:46:55 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 00:18:28
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
No. Helm has it!
*score*
Wow. A horrible, cross-game pun. I salute you, sir!
Of course, that makes me wonder how the Gray Death Legion is going to factor in...  |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 00:44:32
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| This is pretty far from being on topic, but just today I was in communication with a staff archeologist at the Kentucky Archeological Survey who identified a piece I dug up while I was tearing down a fence in our back yard. It's a spear point that's between three and six THOUSAND years old! |
My Realms novel, Sandstorm, is now available for ordering. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 01:01:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Christopher_Rowe
This is pretty far from being on topic, but just today I was in communication with a staff archeologist at the Kentucky Archeological Survey who identified a piece I dug up while I was tearing down a fence in our back yard. It's a spear point that's between three and six THOUSAND years old!
Wow, that's amazing. A bit humbling, too, when you think about it. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 12 Mar 2009 01:02:13 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 01:03:51
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Propbably Imaskari, then - too old to be Netherease.
Maybe they were trying get some Indians, to go with those Mesopotamians? |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Saegis
Acolyte
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 01:53:26
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Markustay, I was caught up in the magelord prestige class and reading about some particular lost human kingdoms (Athalantar, naturally) that I completely skipped the Olin Gisir (Olin Gisiae). Upon perusal of the PrC I have to admit that it really fits my idea of the sage wizard within the Realms, a group of wizards that dedicate themselves to arcane history and Realms history. On the other hand it seems to be Elf and Half-elf exclusive. Thank you for that bit of info.
Come to think of it I would not be surprised if certain faithful of Oghma were to be found prying the secrets of the past from the ruins of Faerun. I'll have to add the religion of the Lord of Knowledge to my ever-growing list of research. |
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 03:04:38
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the church of Oghma would employ arcane/ loremasters.
but what about the Kell Hounds, how would they fit into the realms???? |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
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old man
Acolyte
6 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 03:13:48
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| This makes me think of Artemis Cimber (?) the guy from the Ring of Winter. The details are a bit fuzzy as I haven't read the story in quite a while, but didn't he make a stop at some sort of adventurers type house? |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 06:11:44
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There was also the "Shade Hunter" PrC from Champions of Ruin too. It's set up as a 'treasure-seeker/archaeologist' type as I recall.
quote:
Originally posted by sfdragon
the church of Oghma would employ arcane/ loremasters.
but what about the Kell Hounds, how would they fit into the realms????
Or even Cranston Snord's Irregulars? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 06:27:21
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| and the Northwind Highlanders |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 06:46:52
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Team Banzai
Was always a shame in my mind that they had to write out Dr. Banzai from canon, when he was the first one to put an Axe in his 'mechs hand...
To go back to topic, I never saw much of archaeology in the Realms. Oh, sure, you have your Manshoons pillaging ancient tombs and ruins, but I never felt that there were that many individuals heading to those sites just to see 'how they lived' back then. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 06:47:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Saegis
Markustay, I was caught up in the magelord prestige class and reading about some particular lost human kingdoms (Athalantar, naturally) that I completely skipped the Olin Gisir (Olin Gisiae). Upon perusal of the PrC I have to admit that it really fits my idea of the sage wizard within the Realms, a group of wizards that dedicate themselves to arcane history and Realms history. On the other hand it seems to be Elf and Half-elf exclusive. Thank you for that bit of info.
Drop the racial requirements, rename the group and maybe tweak its history a bit, and you've got the historical/archaelogical society you need. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 06:51:19
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quote:
Originally posted by old man
This makes me think of Artemis Cimber (?) the guy from the Ring of Winter. The details are a bit fuzzy as I haven't read the story in quite a while, but didn't he make a stop at some sort of adventurers type house?
The Society of Stalwart Adventurers, I believe it was called. It was more a club for adventurers and wannabe adventurers than any kind of historical society -- the records and such that they had were mostly incidental, I think. They may have had a lot of books and info in their libraries, but most of it would be what prior adventurers (who may or may not be the most educated or most observant sorts) had done and seen, and info gathered on particular topics by specifically interested members. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 06:55:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Team Banzai
Was always a shame in my mind that they had to write out Dr. Banzai from canon, when he was the first one to put an Axe in his 'mechs hand...
My flip comment certainly seems to have generated some fun responses... 
quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
To go back to topic, I never saw much of archaeology in the Realms. Oh, sure, you have your Manshoons pillaging ancient tombs and ruins, but I never felt that there were that many individuals heading to those sites just to see 'how they lived' back then.
Yeah, that's a good point. There might be small groups specifically interested in how life was lived of old, but most people and groups are going to be more interested in the money and magic of those older peoples. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 07:05:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by old man
This makes me think of Artemis Cimber (?) the guy from the Ring of Winter. The details are a bit fuzzy as I haven't read the story in quite a while, but didn't he make a stop at some sort of adventurers type house?
The Society of Stalwart Adventurers, I believe it was called. It was more a club for adventurers and wannabe adventurers than any kind of historical society -- the records and such that they had were mostly incidental, I think. They may have had a lot of books and info in their libraries, but most of it would be what prior adventurers (who may or may not be the most educated or most observant sorts) had done and seen, and info gathered on particular topics by specifically interested members.
The Society also features in the "Laughter in the Flames" tale by James Lowder in the Realms of Infamy anthology. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Saegis
Acolyte
Canada
23 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 07:19:35
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Maybe I'll do just that Wooly, there's nothing wrong with "borrowing" from a pre-existing group and adding some twists.
As for the idea that archaeology is only used to gain power, it does make a lot of sense to rob ancient tombs or wizard towers to add to ones collection. But I do love the addle-brained scholar archetype who values knowledge over power. |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 12:36:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Saegis
Maybe I'll do just that Wooly, there's nothing wrong with "borrowing" from a pre-existing group and adding some twists.
As for the idea that archaeology is only used to gain power, it does make a lot of sense to rob ancient tombs or wizard towers to add to ones collection. But I do love the addle-brained scholar archetype who values knowledge over power.
Oh, I agree whole-heartedly. I just think that there isn't enough of them in the Realms to make archaeology a bonafide science in the Realms. Nothing pleases me more than said scholar hiring a group of adventurers to seek out a vault, ignoring the magical artifacts that lie within, looking for a first edition treatise on the history of an ancient kingdom to 'complete his collection'. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Ardashir
Senior Scribe
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 15:58:05
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quote:
Originally posted by old man
This makes me think of Artemis Cimber (?) the guy from the Ring of Winter. The details are a bit fuzzy as I haven't read the story in quite a while, but didn't he make a stop at some sort of adventurers type house?
It was the Society of Stalwart Venturers (I think), in Cormyr.
For that matter, the Harpers used to be described as a group interested in preserving and protecting knowledge of the past. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 16:00:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Oh, I agree whole-heartedly. I just think that there isn't enough of them in the Realms to make archaeology a bonafide science in the Realms. Nothing pleases me more than said scholar hiring a group of adventurers to seek out a vault, ignoring the magical artifacts that lie within, looking for a first edition treatise on the history of an ancient kingdom to 'complete his collection'.
Which is ideal for both a plothook and a 'patron-type' for lower-level groups.
"Oh... you guys can keep all the shiney stuff... I just want this moldy copy of Secret Loves of the Obarskyrs for my Romance-Chapbook series." |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 12 Mar 2009 16:01:50 |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3286 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 22:26:24
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-Now who is going to be the nazi group? Gotta have a nazi group you know. One that wants to use the tomes and artifacts for some super nefarious plot. 
BRIMSTONE |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
Edited by - Brimstone on 12 Mar 2009 23:10:15 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 22:52:22
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Zhents, naturally.
They are always trying to take-over some one else's digs and get the good stuff. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 23:05:30
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there are others.
the church of cyric
The Cult of the shattered peaks |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2009 : 00:54:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
To go back to topic, I never saw much of archaeology in the Realms. Oh, sure, you have your Manshoons pillaging ancient tombs and ruins, but I never felt that there were that many individuals heading to those sites just to see 'how they lived' back then.
Interestingly enough, my most vivid memories of archeologists and archeological excavation sites were from the CRPGs (ie. Baldur's Gate). |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Faerunian Schools of Archaeology
