| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
 Posted - 08 May 2012 : 21:13:09
|
Is this some sort of joke or prank?
I read it in THIS THREAD over on the WotC forums, but I haven't substantiated this guy's claim yet.
If its true...... WHAT THE HELL?! 
EDIT: Substantiated 
|
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 08 May 2012 21:17:52
|
|
|
Irennan
Great Reader
Italy
3802 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 21:23:27
|
I don't get why he has to turn into a drow in order to gather Mystra's relics.
Also, how does being a drow make it easier for him to rally the War Wizards of Cormyr? |
Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things. |
Edited by - Irennan on 08 May 2012 21:23:44 |
 |
|
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4429 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 21:43:20
|
Wait, so it's perfectly reasonable if he turns from male to female but apparnelty Drow is where people draw the line  .
I actually find the idea interesting and I wonder how he'll unite the Wizards of War as a Drow? |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 21:50:41
|
Because they are combining their two most popular characters into one. An Elminster-drow!
Whats next for 6e, and Everisminster Drowcale?
This is taking the existing setting even further away from its humble beginnings. I was somewhat interested in the RotU storyline, but not so much anymore.
I also hear Lolth is trying to create her own Weave to compete with Shar?
I really hope all of this craziness isn't seriously being considered. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 08 May 2012 21:51:41 |
|
|
|
Irennan
Great Reader
Italy
3802 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 21:51:30
|
quote:
Wait, so it's perfectly reasonable if he turns from male to female but apparnelty Drow is where people draw the line .
I actually find the idea interesting and I wonder how he'll unite the Wizards of War as a Drow?
Yeah, that's what I'm wondering about too.
(besides how he needs to be a drow to get Mystra's relics. Even if he plans to use this new treasure finding trend of the drow to his advantage, it's not like they'll let him away with their goods and if he gets away the first time, then his chances with them end there). |
Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things. |
Edited by - Irennan on 08 May 2012 21:52:57 |
|
|
|
Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 21:53:44
|
Maybe its Gromph Baenre he takes over. That would explain how he can be in a position of authority (within a female-dominated society).
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Hmm.... All it says is "dark elf". Not necessarily a drow. Could be one of the "redeemed" ones?
Ugh!
More 4e confusion......... |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 08 May 2012 21:54:42 |
|
|
|
Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 21:54:53
|
Sounds like Ed's up to his crazy tricks again. This is certainly unexpected, and it could go neat places.
Trust in Ed, my friends!
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
|
|
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4429 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 21:58:50
|
Alystra makes a really good point, perhaps it's not Drow but one of the redeemed Dark Elves. Actually, I really like that idea. I'm also very interested in how it relates to Cormyr too.
Also, I don't see any 4E confusion. Elistraee dies and redeems X-amount of Drow to their un-drow status as dark elves. Why is that hard? |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 22:08:01
|
Because according to the 4e 'mission statement', they wanted to "reduce unnecessary redundancy" .
So I guess someone thought the best way to do that is create YET ANOTHER Elven subrace (along with Eladrin!) 
You know... as brilliants as adding-in another 'snake god'....
I had more here, but my heads ready to explode. I need to go to Walmart and buy myself an action figure.
Peace |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 08 May 2012 22:08:42 |
|
|
|
Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 22:15:06
|
I learned about Elminster-as-Drow from the blurb for Elminster Engraged well in advance of the announcement for Rise of the Underdark.
The blurb about Elminster didn't bother me then and I don't particularly care to take a dip in the always-bubbling cauldron of fan angst while exercising my all-seeing eye that unfailingly tells me (without actually telling me) what WotC is doing and why.
Count me as interested in anything Elminster Engraged has to say about Drow in (or under) Cormyr. I’ll be mining that book for new names, places, things and miscellany as it is, so it’ll be fun no matter what.quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Hmm.... All it says is "dark elf". Not necessarily a drow. Could be one of the "redeemed" ones?
Ugh!
More 4e confusion.........
I don't think I've ever seen a writeup for redeemed Drow. Use the stats for an Elf or an Eladrin and call it a day. Too easy Drill Seargent! Give me another one!
Anyway, why be negative? So the hell what if it's a Drow or a redeemed Dark Elf? From the looks of things the dark elf that Elminster will be riding is dead anyway.
But if the dark elf isn’t dead, so what? Either way, his or her status as redeemed could possibly end up mattering in the story and for that reason allow the Creator of all the Realms to tell us something more about Drow that perhaps we’ve never known before (just as he’s already done in the first two books about nobles and secrets of Cormyr).
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a problem with that. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 08 May 2012 22:25:36 |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 22:15:44
|
Drowminster! 
...And that's all I'm saying, until I have more information than a blurb. |
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! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 08 May 2012 22:16:41 |
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3737 Posts |
|
|
Bakra
Senior Scribe
628 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 22:35:20
|
I find it all amusing. Especially the bit about Manshoon hunting down Elminster clones.
|
I hope Candlekeep continues to be the friendly forum of fellow Realms-lovers that it has always been, as we all go through this together. If you don’t want to move to the “new” Realms, that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with either you or the “old” Realms. Goodness knows Candlekeep, and the hearts of its scribes, are both big enough to accommodate both. If we want them to be.
(Strikes dramatic pose, raises sword to gleam in the sunset, and hopes breeches won’t fall down.)
Enough for now. The Realms lives! I have spoken! Ale and light wines half price, served by a smiling Storm Silverhand fetchingly clad in thigh-high boots and naught else! Ahem . .
So saith Ed. <snip>
love to all,
THO
|
|
|
|
Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 23:26:48
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Drowminster!
You need to trademark that.
In the spirit of this thread, I think we should pre-name the dark elf by calling him either Irving or Cathy.
|
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 23:40:17
|
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
In the spirit of this thread, I think we should pre-name the dark elf by calling him either Irving or Cathy.
Oh gods, no! I'll not sully any fandom I am even marginally fond of by linking it to that abomination against comics. Actually, I wouldn't do that to most of the fandoms I dislike! |
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! |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 00:34:24
|
I'll reserve further comments till more information is revealed. I don't think it that bad, given what's known so far. Elminster had once transformed into a woman. Transforming into a totally different race does not sound that bad, if handled well.
What you should be worried about is if RAS suddenly makes Drizzt a wizard---Drizztminster. |
Every beginning has an end. |
|
|
|
sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 01:18:22
|
| No they never did do a write up for the redeamed dark elves. the only thing that might come close would be the dusk elves. but the lore on them does not add up to the realmslore..... |
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 |
|
|
|
Veritas
Learned Scribe
209 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 02:03:05
|
Elfminster
|
|
|
|
Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 02:31:54
|
| Someone at WotC is picking my brain... |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
|
|
|
The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 02:42:40
|
I don't see the problem with this. We know Elminster has a history of adopting other forms so intimately.
We all remember Elmara [from Elminster: The Making of a Mage], right?
|
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
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 |
|
|
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4429 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 04:34:29
|
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Because according to the 4e 'mission statement', they wanted to "reduce unnecessary redundancy" .
So I guess someone thought the best way to do that is create YET ANOTHER Elven subrace (along with Eladrin!)
I'm pretty comfortable with a LOAD of ethnicities for Humans, Sub-races for Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, Gnomes, even Kobolds, Orcs, and Goblins. What I'm NOT comfortable with is nit-picky mechanics that changes for every single one. From ability score adjustments/replacements and special qualities to favored weapons, classes, and a plethora of different mechanics. Had they NOT tied all the different racial aspects to the game-side, I'd be far happier. Besides, everyone knows "Dark Elves" have Elven stats and just change-reskin the flavor. Easy-Peasy.
|
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 04:48:00
|
Redeemed Dark Elves = pre-descent Drow = green elves which = ordinary, 'plain vanilla' elves in 4e.
So drow are just perverted Dark Green Elves.
Or in Drizzt's case, Hunter Green. 
Remove the magical 'perversion', and they are just green elves again (with a great tan).
I don't know about the rest of you, but I''m opening up a sun-block stand in Cormyr this summer.
I don't mind Elminster changing into other stuff - its par-for-the-course in his case. But we all know him becoming a drow is just marketing. You want to sell more FR novels, you have to slap a drow on the cover. {sigh}
I didn't get an action-figure, but I got some cookies and they calmed my inner turmoil. Cookies are magical... but if they turn the Simbul into a Red Wizard lich, I'm gonna need the whole Keebler factory! |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 09 May 2012 04:48:19 |
|
|
|
Tasker Daze
Seeker
84 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 05:13:40
|
| The Year of the Drow, day 3,724 and counting... |
. |
|
|
|
Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 05:15:26
|
Why is this so shocking? Seriously... like Elminster hasn't been a drow before?
He's been a woman, he polymorphs into different men ALL THE TIME (old, young)... hasn't he even been a dragon?
This strikes me as one of the more typical things I'd expect of him, not even remotely shocking.
|
Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
|
|
|
Old Man Harpell
Senior Scribe
USA
495 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 06:16:16
|
quote:
Originally posted by Therise
Why is this so shocking? Seriously... like Elminster hasn't been a drow before?
He's been a woman, he polymorphs into different men ALL THE TIME (old, young)... hasn't he even been a dragon?
This strikes me as one of the more typical things I'd expect of him, not even remotely shocking.
This.
If it turns out that it's jumping the shark, we can comment on it after we see what it's like. Until then, I see little point in getting worked up about it.
And be thankful it's Ed doing it. Even if you don't care for his novel-writing (and I know some don't), it's doubtful anyone else could do as good a job with the concept and make it work as well as he can. As overworked as the drow concept is, I'll see what he does with it before reaching for my Vestments of the Candlekeep Grognard.
- OMH |
|
|
|
Nilus Reynard
Learned Scribe
Canada
137 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 07:40:55
|
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Is this some sort of joke or prank?
I read it in THIS THREAD over on the WotC forums, but I haven't substantiated this guy's claim yet.
If its true...... WHAT THE HELL?!
EDIT: Substantiated
*sigh*
This has better be amazing, because anything less could cause more damage to those whose faith in the Realms has already been shaken. |
Nilus Reynard
Doom Master of Beshaba, Hand of Despair.
P24 Hm CN
(2nd Edition AD&D) |
|
|
|
Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 16:31:51
|
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
But we all know him becoming a drow is just marketing.
We do?
I don't know that.
It's not like there's a drow on the cover of Elminster Enraged. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
|
|
|
_Jarlaxle_
Senior Scribe
Germany
584 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 17:08:28
|
I don't see the problem here. The drow are getting artifacts for Lolth, Elminster has to get them back from them. How can he do this better than in the body of a drow?
And though the last I read about him was Elminster must die! I am very interestet in the events leading to this |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 17:49:07
|
Its not that he's becoming a drow - I expect Elminster to be able to turn into anything. Technically, using 4e's parlance - both Chosen and Demigods are 'Exarchs': That means that the form we see Elminster in is nothing more then an avatar (which divine powers can change on a whim). Elminster can be whatever the hell he wants (and that last bit about being an Exarch makes sense of him 'reforming' after being destroyed by Manshoon).
What I have a problem is is this - Why a Drow? Does anyone here really think it is pure coincidence this is happening at the same time as Rise of the Underdark? Its a novel written to tie-into the crossovers.
I had MUCH more here, with lots of comparisons, etc... but as I read what I was typing, something sunk-in. I love the Realms, truly I do.
But I think I may be at the point in my 'relationship' where a person says, "Its not you... its me..."
And mean it.
As a businessman, I can't honestly say this is a bad business strategy, but its not what I want. Sometimes, if you really love something, you have to set it free. Ed did it once, all those years ago. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 09 May 2012 17:50:35 |
|
|
|
Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2012 : 18:50:34
|
quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
But we all know him becoming a drow is just marketing.
We do?
I don't know that.
It's not like there's a drow on the cover of Elminster Enraged.
But there's definitely a mention of drow in the blurb. And readers don't just look at the cover---they read blurbs, too.
Personally, I'm not seeing anything bad about it. Marketing aside, it maybe what Ed himself really wants.
This rather favorable comment does not mean I'm buying the novel, though. I haven't yet read anything about it that interests me in the slightest. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 09 May 2012 19:02:30 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Elminster a Drow?!
