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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 00:18:36
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So, I'm starting a new online game in about a month (less now actually, but close) and I had a thought while starting the material for it: "What would the common Zhent on the street "know" about history anyway?"
Well, I started a bit of "history" about Zhentil Keep's history by re-writing/changing up some of the material already out there. The sort of small twisting of the truth that I learned about from politics here in the U.S. as a Student Political Action Director. While I'm no expert at political spin...it was rather easy to cast things in a different light.
Here is just a bit of what I wrote that I wanted to share with you all to see what you think...would a common man on the street of Zhentil Keep most likely believe this stuff if told it constantly by the "powers that be" within the Keep? I think so...what do you think?
1339 DR, The Year of the Weeping Moon
- The Zhentarim aids Jyordhan in assuming his rightful throne in Shadowdale. Shadowdale and Zhentil Keep sign a treaty of friendship and trade.
1345 DR, The Year of the Saddle
- Jyordhan of Shadowdale is assassinated by southern provocateurs (led by The Blackstaff) and his throne usurped; the treaty with Zhentil Keep is treacherously broken.
1347 DR, Year of the Bright Blade
- Hulburg is obliterated by an onslaught of Zhentish forces following a horde of orcs. Only a few people remain in the area, mostly in the outlying lands. The city’s continued work against Zhents by way of harboring pirates and spies are ended.
- Zhengyi the Witch-King rises to power in Vaasa and Damara.
1348 DR, Year of the Spur
- The hated Knights of Myth Drannor are “Knighted” (given an open banditry charter!) by King Azoun of Cormyr cowardly working through his wife the Queen to give himself seperation from their actions.
- Khelben “Blackstaff” (murderer of the rightful Lord of Shadowdale, and ally of Zhentil Keep, Jyordhan) gives the Pendant of Ashaba to the Knights of Myth Drannor. Doust Sulwood is chosen to be the next Lord of Shadowdale by the bandits.
1350 DR, Year of the Morningstar
- Elminster, co-founder of the Harpers, moves to Shadowdale to more closely direct Harper actions against the interests of Zhentil Keep.
- The Knights of Myth Drannor attack Zhentish lands without provocation, destroying our forces at the Flaming Tower, a Zhent frontier settlement, and desecrate the Temple in the Sky. The beholders of the North seek an alliance with Manshoon for mutual protection.
1352 DR, Year of the Dragon
- Gondegal raises an army of mercenaries and launches many raids within Cormyr. Gondegal is crowned “king” for eight days before the Purple Dragons, and the combined forces of neighboring kingdoms, scatter his forces. Gondegal flees the country.
- Barbarians of The Ride destroy a large Zhentarim caravan en route to Glister without provocation; bounty is placed on the head of any barbarian brought to Zhentilar officers at the Citadel of the Raven.
1353 DR, Year of the Arch
- Doust Sulwood leaves Shadowdale for Arabel. Mourngrym Amcathra becomes Lord of Shadowdale. Amcartha is far more militant and supports further attacks on Zhentish interests.
- Randal Morn, of the Morn family of Daggerdale, kills Malyk (a Zhent mage installed by Zhentil Keep as ruler of Daggerdale to keep order in the chaotic land) in an attempt to free the dale from Zhentilar occupation for past crimes as raiders of Zhentish caravans. Folk of Daggerdale join Randal Morn in a roving band of brigands (inciting open rebellion in southern Daggerdale), fighting Zhentilar and allied mercenaries for control of the dale.
1354 DR, Year of the Bow
- The House of the Lady (a temple of Tymora) is established in Shadowdale; a blatant attempt to attract mercenary adventurers to the side of the Harper sponsored government.
- The Merchant-Mage Maalthiir becomes First Lord of Hillsfar; begins re-organizing the military of Hillsfar into the Red Plumes.
- Mulmaster’s fleet is destroyed in a large naval battle with ships of Zhentil Keep which is then able to freely trade down the River Lis free from the privateering fleet of Mulmaster, thus ensuring the safety of shipping on the Moonsea.
1355 DR, Year of the Harp
- Zhentil Keep is forced to sieze the Citadel of the Raven and make it part of the city-state’s lands after it is discovered that Commander Hawkhelm has fallen under the sway of Malthiir’s magic and planned to allow the fortification to fall to ogres and orcs of Thar so that the city of Zhentil Keep would then be exposed to an attack by the same forces. Zhentilar forces crush the humanoids, and Hawkhelm flees with the supposed “Knights of the North” who are still intent on fulfilling the Geas placed on Hawkhelm by Malthiir.
- Civil war breaks out in Yûlash when Malthiir sews discontent among many of the nobles there. Zhentil Keep moves soldiers to the city to oppose forces sent first by Hillsfar to prevent the city from falling under the sway of the evil wizard Malthiir.
- Retreat of the elves from Cormanthor reaches its peak when the elves see that Malthiir has betrayed their trust and turned Hillsfar into a xenophobic city of humans.
- Shaerl Rowanmantle is sent by Vangerdahast to Shadowdale as “bride-price”. Shaerl and Mourngrym wed to further cement the alliance between Shadowdale and Cormyr; officially making Shadowdale a puppet-state of Cormyr.
- Zhentilar troops repulse a combined Cormyrean and Sembian force marching on Zhentil Keep.
1356 DR, Year of the Worm
Hammer
- A fighting-band from Tilver's Gap, battling with orcs in the south of Daggerdale, was pursued into the mountains, and there in a hidden valley found a ruined fortress tower where they took shelter. The orcs set watch on the tower, but did not enter. The band found gold and a magical, glowing sword in the ruin, but were chased out by a horrible eyecovered monster. Upon the band's return to Tilver's Gap the sword bearer, a temple servant named Barach Hilthone, refused to give the blade to the temple of Gond, proclaiming it his own booty. Several members of the fighting-band have disappeared in Tilverton since their return, and tensions in that town are said to have increased over the incident.
Alturiak
- The wizards of the Zhentilar are rumored to have discovered or devised strange new magic, for in Lord Manshoon’s court this winter have been displayed effects and demonstrations of a like not seen before in the known Realms. Powerful illusions, the summoning and control of elemental creatures such as wind walkers and xorn, and weird necromantic experiments are some of the things that have been reported.
Ches
- Selfaril, High Blade of Mulmaster, is said to be seeking a wife: The Tharchioness, First Princess of Thay. The young, baldheaded Tharchioness has sent a golden earring soaked in her perfume to Selfaril, and he has sent her in return a cloak of snow-white yeti fur. Having thus exchanged gifts, they may now visit together with no gossip or scandal, instead of only through envoys, and yet part honorably, if they do not wish marriage, according to Thayian custom. Selfaril wants Thay as an ally against Zhentil Keep, and dares not spite its ancient customs.
- Marchayn of Archendale, the feared Mad Witch; of the Thunder Peaks, has been found in her citadel, mindless and drooling, amidst chaos. All about her tower lay the dead bodies of the orcs (and worse) that served her, and much of her tower is now a fireblackened shell. The herdsman who found her reported to merchants of Arabel that Marchayn (who soon died and whose body was burned by the herdsman) repeated endlessly, "Dove! Dove! Smashed the black star…Dove!"
Tarsakh
- With the spring thaws Cormyr has sent a small army east from High Horn towards Tilver's Gap. It is known that the army is to use Tilver#146;s Gap as a base for fighting the increasingly numerous goblin and orc bandits who have overrun Daggerdale (due to the brigand Randal Morn taxing the resources of the Zhentilar garrison there) and now threaten Tilver's Gap, Mistledale, and Shadowdale. It is not known whether the army comes at the initiative of Azoun IV, or whether Tilver's Gap has sought aid by diplomatic means, by an offer of gold from the rich temple of Gond located there, or if Tilver's Gap is being annexed by Cormyr voluntarily or against its will.
- A small force of Zhentilar have been forced from Shadowdale. An army of adventurers, Harper Agents disguised as villagers, and elves defeated a force sent to Shadowdale for an unknown purpose. It is rumored that an insect plague raged over the battlefield, and it is known that woods near the dale were set afire. No formal declaration of war or comment on the battle has been made by either side in the conflict. Many say the Zhentilar were coerced by false orders and bribes to abandon their posts and follow an unknown general trying to found his own realm.
- The city of Melvaunt is the scene of unprecedented shipbuilding activity. Over sixty vessels of all sizes are being constructed along the shoreline, having spilled both east and west out of the workshops for lack of space. It is not known who is paying for the vessels or for what purposes they are intended, but observers say at least four of the large vessels have ram-spire hulls.
- A new merchant alliance calling itself the Iron Throne has sent letters to the rulers of Cormyr, Sembia, and strategic cities such as Hillsfar (and to Zhentil Keep), announcing its formation and its intent to control overland trade in all weapons and equipment used in transport and commerce within its area of operations, bowing to no monarch, but not intended to wage war or become unto a monarch itself. No reply has come from the recipients of said missives, but it is thought they are not pleased.
Mirtul
- The Simbul, the infamous dweomercrafter who rules Aglarond, appears to have left her court shapechanged (possibly as a cat or falcon) and vanished. Upon her high seat she left a signed letter directing her Council to govern Aglarond wisely, and dispose of several specific matters (no details are known) thus and so. It is thought she may have headed north to speak with the elves (with whom she has an uneasy alliance), and/or to observe events in the strategic Dalelands, where there are rumors of war both between Zhentil Keep and the northern dales (after the rebel Zhentilar attacked Shadowdale) and between Scardale and its neighbors, as well as the sudden announcement of the formation of the mysterious Iron Throne. The Simbul is known for her unpredictable behavior and mastery of magic, and the tale most often told of her is her unaided destruction of The Red Sword mercenary company at Mistbridge.
- Drow have been seen in the hills around Kulta and Daerlun, in Sembia, and again in the High Dale. The High Constable#146;s patrols out of High Dale report a confused night encounter on the slopes of Hooknose Crag. A Sembian merchant reports that a band of monkey-faced, black-haired creatures with glossy mail armor and glowing swords fell upon a caravan he was part of on the East Way, just east of Thunder Gap, and "like swarming cats" slew all who offered resistance, in less than a minute's fighting.
- Huge balls of fire, four or five in number, appeared in the sky above the Towers of the Blade in Mulmaster one night a tenday ago. There was a battle involving magic within, and rumor has it the Simbul, ruler of Aglarond and a mage of great power (possibly a Red Wizard), was involved. The Simbul disappeared from her own kingdom a short time ago; but has always been an enemy to the Red Wizards.
- The Iron Throne has announced that it will not oppose the sale and transport of weapons and other goods intended for use against the goblins raiding out of the Desertsedge. It warns, however, that use of such weaponry within the dalelands will result in sanctions against the aggressor(s). The merchant Thond of Wyvernwater has made himself known as a spokesman for the group. Thond is a middle-aged, respectable dealer in wood and the boat building trade, and is said to have magical powers. He owns large reaches of the woods around Wyvernwater. The rulers of Shadowdale, Mistledale, and Tilver's Gap have all publicly refused to support the Iron Throne alliance.
- Rumors have been heard of a bloody skirmish around the fortress of High Horn, in which orcs and hobgoblins out of the mountains and the Stonelands were beaten off by a large force of horse-archers and lancers, Cormyr regulars who issued forth to protect a caravan. Seventy-six men died, and a hundred and twelve orcs were slain. Tessaril Winter, Lord of Eveningstar, has called on Azoun IV for reinforcements to keep the village and roads nearby safe from orcs and trolls raiding out of the Stonelands. If Cormyr wasn’t concerning itself so much with expansion, perhaps its homeland would be safe!
Kythorn
- A small army of Cormyr now holds Tilver's Gap, having slaughtered “many thousands” of orcs. Tilverton has been relieved, but its government left untouched. Merchants leaving the now safe town after over a month of virtual siege report that Cormyr has offered to annex Tilverton, but not (openly) demanded or enforced a takeover, and that the High Priest Gharri of Ghond, Elder of the town, has not yet decided to accept or reject the offer; though what choice does he truly have with Cormyr’s army already encamped within the town’s walls.
- The temple of Bane in Voonlar was sacked and burned by a force from Shadowdale, led by the Lord of Shadowdale and his adventuring companions. The troops from Shadowdale engaged in magical combat with the priests of Bane, and although some of the most powerful clerics are said to have escaped to Zhentil Keep by means of magic, others are known to have perished, and the men of Shadowdale seized much gold, and took almost 500 prisoners; among them minor priests, adherents, lay worshippers, and guards of the temple. The Lord of Shadowdale says that the attack is in retaliation for a recent attack on Shadowdale by Lyran of Melvaunt, who led troops of Zhentil Keep supported by priests of Bane. Zhentilar generals say a bounty has been issued for the man Lyran who has wronged both the folk of Voonlar, but also the honor of the Zhentilar.
- Dragons have attacked dales and cities in the Moonsea and Dalelands as they once did of old, leaving much ruin and devastation. Many dragons flew south and west from the glaciers beyond Thar, landing at many of the cities of men in fearless daylight attacks. Phlan is now a smoking ruin, home to one Great Worm. Melvaunt was attacked by a smaller drake that "tumbled the towers" of the walls, and now holds sway over much of the city. One dragon flew to the Citadel of the Raven; no word has come back of subsequent events there. In the wreckage of the city streets of Zhentil Keep a monstrous worm is presently embattled by the armies and arts of Lords Manshoon and Chess, while fires rage unchecked. Yulash is completely ruined, reduced to tumbled stone, scarred and lifeless by a dragon that later came to Shadowdale. A great fire in the elven woods was doused by the elves after they slew a dragon landing there, with heavy losses. The awesome body of the largest Worm of all lies half-submerged in the waters of the harbor at Hillsfar, where it fell, slain by the mages of the city. In Shadowdale, the witch Sylune perished in combat with the dragon, and it is said she broke a magic staff to destroy the great worm. At least three dragons are known to have survived the attack. The reasons for this flight of dragons is a mystery, and cannot with certainty yet be deemed the work of some "Dragon Cult" the secretive cult that holds that undead dragons should and will rule the world.
- A corpse washed up on the beach just west of Hillsfar has been pronounced by the eminent sage Auvidarus to be definitely that of one of the legendary githyanki, a race said to visit the Realms only seldom, from another plane.
- Raithspur, Captain of the Guard of Ordulin, has issued a decree banning elvenkind, including golden and moon elves, and the half-elven, from Sembian soil. No formal reason has been given for the ban, but it is said that the Councillors of Ordulin fear elves of other sorts are aiding and concealing a Drow invasion of Sembia’s remoter areas.
- Hlethl of Battledale and merchants of Essembra have separately reported that they have encountered no elves in recent days. Upon investigation, the nearby elven woods seem deserted. Nothing more is yet known.
Flamerule
- Forces of Scardale have attacked Mistledale, and been rebuffed by the dale militia, aided and led by troops of Shadowdale. Scardale briefly took the eastern half of the dale, but could not pass the ford, and was thrown back after two days of heavy fighting by the arrival of two hundred mounted spearmen of Cormyr. Lashan of Scardale has proclaimed himself King of the Dales, and his armies have been reinforced in Essembra: six thousand hopefuls from Impiltur and the Vilhon Reach have joined Lashan's forces, arriving on the dozen ships now owned by Scardale, seeking lands and wealth in the new kingdom of the Dales in return for military service. Lashan has announced plans to occupy the Lost Vale, and settle many of his new citizens in the newly conquered southern dales (Battledale, Featherdale, and vicinity). Doubtless this last move is to strengthen his fledgling kingdom against possible attacks from Sembia to the south.
- Scardale has sent an army along the Halfaxe Trail, attacking Mistledale again (where they were driven off by the Cormyrean garrison), and sent exploratory patrols westward to Deepingdale and Lake Sember. Warriors from all of the conquered dales, led by the Battledale Seven (an adventuring company) and some adventurers of Mane#146;s Band, have gathered in Highmoon to halt Scardale's advance. These anti-Scardale forces are being aided with money, provisions, and weaponry by Sembia.
- Gharri, the high priest of Gond in Tilverton, has announced the formal annexation by Cormyr of Tilver's Gap. Gharri will remain at the temple as "Lord Regent of Tilverton," and Cormyr will maintain a standing garrison in the town. Many think Cormyr used Lashan’s advances to pressure Gharri to cede the town to Cormyr.
Eleasias
- Alusair Nacacia, youngest daughter of Azoun IV, king of Cormyr, has run away, vanishing from the royal palace in Suzail in early spring. Her reasons and destination are unknown (though why wouldn’t a child flee a tyrant like Azoun), but she is said to have been recognized in Tilverton, and that the army sent there was intended primarily to bring about her safe return, rather than to aid Tilverton's besieged inhabitants.
- Forces of Scardale have taken the fields of Battledale, and now hold Harrowdale, Featherdale and much of Battledale. The trade-road from Sembia to the Standing Stone has not yet been blocked, and Essembra is still nominally independent. Travelers on the road including caravans out of Hillsfar, Zhentil Keep, Cormyr, and Sembia, have been stopped and searched by the largely mercenary forces of Lord Lashan. Public statements have been made by the ruler of Zhentil Keep, Archendale, and Sembia that if the road is blocked, and the taking of Essembra, Archendale warns, is synonymous with blocking the road, Scardale will find itself, economically and eventually on the battlefields, at war with all three.
- The Citadel of the Raven has been revealed to have been heavily damaged in the attack by three dragons and is now being rebuilt by Zhentil Keep's work parties. The great armory of the Citadel contained many great siege engines, and with those two of the drakes were ultimately slain (one of the younger dragons escaped, flying west towards the Border Forest). It is feared that if the defenses at the Citadel are not very strong by winter, the ogres of Thar will come south from the glaciers to attack the cities on the north coast of the Moonsea.
- Scardale sent an emissary to Shadowdale, offering an alliance. The offer was refused, and Lord Lashan has announced that his forces are now at war with Shadowdale. Any persons or property of the dale that fall into their hands will be treated accordingly.
Eleint
- The northern city of Melvaunt is still largely in ruins, but its elders are concentrating on rebuilding its docks and navy. Seven large ships have been keeled already, and shipyard talk has it that a dozen more will be laid down before winter.
- Lord Manshoon has ordered a proclamation read in Sembia, Scardale, Cormyr, and Archendale. The proclamation sums up the combined military power of the devastated cities on the north coast of the Moonsea, and informs the world (and in particular the rulers and adventurers of the places in which it was read) that any attack upon any of the cities will be considered an act of war and will be crushed by the massed might that Lord Manshoon now commands. Manshoon’s armies will then carry the battle back to the attacking country and conquer it in the name of the northcoast cities. It is known that some attempt was made to arrest the crier of this message in Scardale. The crier disappeared into thin air, after hurling a meteor swarm at his attackers with deadly effect.
Marpenoth
- A group of adventurers known as the Company of the Dragon is traveling south from Hillsfar, bent on meeting with the Elven High Court. All elves have disappeared from Hillsfar, including members of the city's ruling Council. Reports from Sembia to the north coast of the Moonsea indicate that many elves everywhere have vanished. It is said in Hillsfar that the Company of the Dragon is hurrying to be the first explorers of the fabled ruins of Myth Drannor, that splendid city of timeshrouded legend once regarded as the center of all culture, including music, magic, and the arts of invention, in the known world.
- The forces of "King" Lashan of Scardale have been destroyed in a swift series of battles with forces from Cormyr, Sembia, the united Dales, and the Moonsea cities (including Zhentil Keep which sent a powerful Zhentilar force to ensure victory). The capital of Scardale has fallen and Lashan himself has disappeared. The area has been placed under joint occupancy by the combined forces until a stable government is formed (no less than a year from now at best).
Uktar
- In a letter from Luvon Greencloak to the rulers of the Dalelands, the Elven Court have announced their retreat from their native woods to "a further land from Man" (presumably Evermeet). The great majority of the elves have departed, though certain individuals remain (including those with close ties with humans or elvish adventurers). Luvon notes that elves who wish to follow the Elven Court should contact him as soon as possible, and goes on to thank the Dalesmen for their good relationships in the days "since I have seen the planting of the Standing Stone." Other nations and city-states, The Moonsea Cities, Sembia, and Cormyr, have received no such messages. Disposition of the Elven territories and Myth Drannor were not mentioned in the letter.
Nightal
- Barroch's Hold has been found. The fabled citadel of the first great bandit lord of the Inner Sea lies south and east of the cities of the Moonsea, in the Glacier of the White Worm. The adventurers who found it encountered a number of strange creatures and were scattered or slain. Two survivors reached Orm to tell the tale: Feenoch the Five-Fingered, a rogue of some infamy, and Yostur Ulhmond, a young fighter from the villages of the Snow People in Thar, blond-haired and strong as an ox. The two evaded queries about treasure, but there is talk in Hillsfar that they have been trying to gather together a large adventuring band with sledges.
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The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
Edited by - Dalor Darden on 26 Nov 2012 01:30:49
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 01:19:11
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| What is with all the numbers in my text? Hmmmm...I'll remove it I suppose. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 01:59:36
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It seems comprehensive enough, Dalor. Good stuff!
When you refer to a "common Zhent," though, are you thinking he would be more inclined toward the Zhentilar or the Zhentarim?
I only ask, because I think it would be cool to see a little of his prejudice for either side -- depending upon his allegiance -- to shine through his viewpoint. |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 02:21:01
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Seems reasonable to me. 
Very impressive writeup. I think a lot of what you've written could be used by a DM voicing captured Zhent soldiers that are being interrogated by player characters. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 26 Nov 2012 02:21:47 |
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1265 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 03:11:47
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| Thanks for the read...I love this era so much! Well done. |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 04:16:11
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
It seems comprehensive enough, Dalor. Good stuff!
When you refer to a "common Zhent," though, are you thinking he would be more inclined toward the Zhentilar or the Zhentarim?
I only ask, because I think it would be cool to see a little of his prejudice for either side -- depending upon his allegiance -- to shine through his viewpoint.
Mainly I was thinking what the collective thoughts would be of the Zhents (non-Zhentilar and non-Zhentarim) really...though lower rung Zhentilar would be just as likely to believe things to be this way.
I would think higher ranking officers (above even common captains) would know what was really going on; as well as most Zhentarim obviously.
It was my thought that most folks in Zhentil Keep are not truly "evil" at all...but instead would be any range of alignments...with a hard edge and grim outlook on life. Most of them would of course try to get ahead almost any way they could; but to them is it really "evil" to knock someone over the head and steal their coins? Is it "evil" to skewer someone with your blade if they are obviously "spies from the chaos-mongering Harpers bent on causing the destruction of Zhentil Keep!"?
For me it allows things to be quite a bit more "grey" in the streets of Zhentil Keep. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 04:31:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
Seems reasonable to me.
Very impressive writeup. I think a lot of what you've written could be used by a DM voicing captured Zhent soldiers that are being interrogated by player characters.
That is exactly what I was thinking: "What in the hell would a Zhentilar soldier believe that would make him go to war against people known to be good guys if he isn't evil? The Zhentilar couldn't be so well disciplined if its members actually knew the TRUTH!"
Then I thought about real world things...and out came the result.
The Political Spin Machine... |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 06:37:50
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I thing spin is certainly enough (even necessary) to keep the populace in and around Zhentil Keep in line, but I also think there are many of them who aren't necessarily evil, it's just that the Zhent way of life is all they've known; you either live hard and be hard or you lose out and quite possibly die.
Of course that's also why it's fun to be the DM: if something doesn't make sense, you can adjust/overwrite/change. I hope you'll post more Zhent propaganda as it comes to you. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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Lord Bane
Senior Scribe
Germany
479 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 10:17:03
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Ah, sweet propaganda, always a joy to tell a different "truth". Though i have to say i would have been a bit more "extreme", depending on if the ones telling the "story" are faithfull of a certain deity.
Some of the parts appear a bit "tame" to me and i would have given them more "spice" but it´s your call in the end, but just remember everyone who is not following the Black Network (including the diverse faiths within, specificly that of Bane)is competition and must be crushed. |
The driving force in the multiverse is evil, for it forces good to act. |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 15:34:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Bane
Ah, sweet propaganda, always a joy to tell a different "truth". Though i have to say i would have been a bit more "extreme", depending on if the ones telling the "story" are faithfull of a certain deity.
Some of the parts appear a bit "tame" to me and i would have given them more "spice" but it´s your call in the end, but just remember everyone who is not following the Black Network (including the diverse faiths within, specificly that of Bane)is competition and must be crushed.
In all things there are three sides to each story; those who say two sides leave out the most important side: truth. You can spin a story any way you want, and if you adhere as closely as possible to the real truth, then your "truth" will prevail over others (no matter their intentions).
An extreme divergence from the truth makes it too easy for those you want to fool to be confronted with many instances in stark contrast to the truth you want them to believe. Subtle manipulation of the truth is then the better option...because then you can place "faith" into the equation and your subject, even when faced with fact, is prone to believe what they want to think is true in spite of facts. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Lord Bane
Senior Scribe
Germany
479 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 18:19:09
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| Maybe add that the Black Network brings economic growth and prosperity to the lands they govern |
The driving force in the multiverse is evil, for it forces good to act. |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 18:50:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Bane
Maybe add that the Black Network brings economic growth and prosperity to the lands they govern
Hmmm...that is very interesting.
I've been spinning it that the people of Zhentil Keep see the Black Network as just the most recent political power group in control; that Zhentil Keep is the home of the folks who work the hardest, do what is needed to get by, and that they are justified in spilling blood to protect their home and loved ones. Political Parties come and go...but I like your idea of working into the history more about how good the Zhentarim have been for Zhents! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 19:04:10
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In the ruins of Zhentil keep box, isn't that history written from a Zhent's viewpoint?
I haven't read it in quite some time, but I believe it was actually Manshoon's version of history. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 19:07:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
In the ruins of Zhentil keep box, isn't that history written from a Zhent's viewpoint?
I haven't read it in quite some time, but I believe it was actually Manshoon's version of history.
It is in fact what I pulled a great deal of my own version from...some of it word for word.
However, in that material, only the timeline is written that way; while the history itself is "true" as if divinity were imparting it. So I've started twisting even the non-timeline history on my website for this game.
Its a work in progress... |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 19:29:20
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EVERYTHING is a work-in-progress.
Thats both the beauty and the downfall of FR - its never finished.
Okay, now I understand what you are doing better - I hadn't checked the source, but it seemed somehow familiar. 
I started running a game for my two younger boys this weekend (10 & 15), and I think they may run into the "Zhentil Creeps" soon, so this could prove useful. Thanks for sharing. |
"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 27 Nov 2012 04:37:15 |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2012 : 20:46:05
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Having some insight into the abuses of a child, I've essentially been twisting this whole thing on the premise that an entire socieity can be mentally (even physically) abused. Their trust turned into what an individual/group (Manshoon/Zhentarim) desires of them.
With that in mind, the Zhents think that they actually have it pretty good compared to others; and what seems perhaps "good" in other people/lands is actually weakness that causes regret and perhaps even death in the long run. The old "You think YOU have it bad! You should see how other's have it..." goes far in keeping an individual or group in line. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2012 : 01:18:52
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Anyone that wants to keep track of the "twists" on history that I'm working on, you can watch this thread:
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17274
Or you can just go over to the game at Obsidian Portal to see what happens.
http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/swords-of-the-moonsea
The game begins in Zhentil Keep...and will primarily be centered there; though the players actually have freedom to go wherever and whenever they want...each player's experience can be apart from the other players. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
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Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe
Norway
410 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2013 : 09:48:17
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| Wowie, that looked so impressive :) Your "Swords of the Moonsea" campaign I mean. You don't need another player by any chance? I am not familiar with Obsidian Portal but I was in a game at a similar site (Mythweavers), and as I always DM in real life it would be fun to play a character like that. If you're full or you can't be bothered, I understand. |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2013 : 12:12:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Caladan Brood
Wowie, that looked so impressive :) Your "Swords of the Moonsea" campaign I mean. You don't need another player by any chance? I am not familiar with Obsidian Portal but I was in a game at a similar site (Mythweavers), and as I always DM in real life it would be fun to play a character like that. If you're full or you can't be bothered, I understand.
Caladan, the game is not full...but it is very slow moving right now simply because I've got so many things going on that until I settle into our new home in Washington State I'm not as involved in the game as heavy as I usually am.
Go ahead and make yourself an Obsidian Portal account and send me a message there ok...when I'm ready to get back into the game, you will be ready too. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe
Norway
410 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2013 : 12:21:35
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| Hey, thanks for that. I have an account, but I want to read through your stuff(TM) and all that so I'll be patient. |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2013 : 14:24:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Caladan Brood
Hey, thanks for that. I have an account, but I want to read through your stuff(TM) and all that so I'll be patient.
Take your time. Another fellow from Norway named Stig is in the game too. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe
Norway
410 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2013 : 14:57:22
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| Yeah, I noticed. I'll read through the material and cre godate a character. It sounds so good. I've always wanted to explore the region as a player :) |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2013 : 22:11:19
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Just got this game back after my account was rebooted from a rebellious pre-teen deletion...long story.
Anyway, it will be back on now...just have some work to get done on it to reboot! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Topic |
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History from the Viewpoint of a Zhent
