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The Masked Mage
Great Reader

USA
2420 Posts

Posted - 09 Feb 2013 :  21:54:25  Show Profile Send The Masked Mage a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
Is there any information about arakhor other than what was win Mintiper's Chapbook?

The Masked Mage
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USA
2420 Posts

Posted - 09 Feb 2013 :  22:17:21  Show Profile Send The Masked Mage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I should clarify this question - I mean aside from the couple discussions on here, have those previously raised questions been answered by Ed or Eric?
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore

Australia
6638 Posts

Posted - 10 Feb 2013 :  02:23:27  Show Profile Send George Krashos a Private Message  Reply with Quote
There isn't anymore published lore on arakhor, other than the sources you cite.

-- George Krashos

"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31701 Posts

Posted - 10 Feb 2013 :  03:39:20  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Aside from some of Gray's inspiring work incorporating pre-existing lore on the arakhor both here at Candlekeep and in Volume VII of the Candlekeep Compendium, I'm drawing a blank on any other information published elsewhere. I can't immediately remember anything pertinent.

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Gray Richardson
Master of Realmslore

USA
1291 Posts

Posted - 10 Feb 2013 :  21:22:04  Show Profile  Visit Gray Richardson's Homepage Send Gray Richardson a Private Message  Reply with Quote
There was some good discussion of them in this scroll here:
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14937

Some thoughts about what arakhor might be:
1) An ancient treant that has grown so large and old, that it has set down roots and become sessile.
2) A sentient tree, perhaps a proto-treant, from before they evolved the ability to walk around.
3) A special tree whose seeds, nuts or acorns produce treants (in fact, what if they are the female form of treants?)
4) The sons of Emmantiensien, the patron god (or archfey) of treants. As such, they may have divine rank 0 and rate as hero-gods.
5) Avatars of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, taken root in the material plane. By some accounts, Emmantienisen is himself an aspect of the World Tree, so 5 & 4 could be related.
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Duneth Despana
Learned Scribe

Belgium
273 Posts

Posted - 23 Jul 2017 :  15:42:07  Show Profile Send Duneth Despana a Private Message  Reply with Quote
George Krashos mentions that the Hosttower in Luskan is a petrified arakhor in his Gauntlgrym article.

« There is no overriding « epic » in the Realms, but rather a large number of stories, adventures, and encounters going on all the time. [...]. Each creative mind adds to the base, creating, defining, and making their contribution to the rich diversity of the Realms. [...]. But Ed built the stage upon which all the plays are presented. Thanks Ed. » -FR Comic no.1
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2376 Posts

Posted - 01 Aug 2017 :  18:18:33  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Gray Richardson


5) Avatars of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, taken root in the material plane. By some accounts, Emmantienisen is himself an aspect of the World Tree, so 5 & 4 could be related.

Nope, "child of Yggdrasil" is known to exist elsewhere.

6) Elves experimented with High Magic, discovered some really strange possibilities (hey, at least this time they didn't break the continent or anything).

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch
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cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 02 Mar 2020 :  22:50:10  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Master Richardson,

Have you ever spoken with designers about arakhor at all, in terms of whether they ever had plans to develop it more?

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by Gray Richardson

There was some good discussion of them in this scroll here:
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14937

Some thoughts about what arakhor might be:
1) An ancient treant that has grown so large and old, that it has set down roots and become sessile.
2) A sentient tree, perhaps a proto-treant, from before they evolved the ability to walk around.
3) A special tree whose seeds, nuts or acorns produce treants (in fact, what if they are the female form of treants?)
4) The sons of Emmantiensien, the patron god (or archfey) of treants. As such, they may have divine rank 0 and rate as hero-gods.
5) Avatars of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, taken root in the material plane. By some accounts, Emmantienisen is himself an aspect of the World Tree, so 5 & 4 could be related.


Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore

Australia
6638 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  02:32:19  Show Profile Send George Krashos a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Eric Boyd created arakhors. He'd be the best person to ask, but I can safely rule out 4 and 5.

-- George Krashos

"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus
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cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  03:49:52  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Master Krashos,

Thank you! I was kind of hoping for those though, TBH.

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos

Eric Boyd created arakhors. He'd be the best person to ask, but I can safely rule out 4 and 5.

-- George Krashos


Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
2065 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  13:20:04  Show Profile  Visit ericlboyd's Homepage Send ericlboyd a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Arakhora
“Arakhor” is an Elven term that translates loosely as "one who protects the forest," or "tree warden." Akin in some respects to nature elementals, the arakhora drew life, energy, and intelligence from the forest in which they dwelt and gave back a forest's energy by serving as a caretaker and guardian. Writings preserved from the height of Aryvandaar by the church of Labelas Enoreth suggest that the arakhora were a form of elder treant, perhaps the progenitors of the treant race in its modern form. The last known living arakhor is the Grandfather Tree, located in the northwestern reaches of the High Forest. Aside from the arakhor stump on the western bank of the Unicorn Run, the only other known arakhor, living or dead, is the petrified arakhor that has been transformed into the Hostower of the Arcane in Luskan. (Other sources indicate that it is nothing of the sort, but is a dwarf-built edifice.) The legendary giant king, Tark of Thundercloud Keep, is said to have felled the arakhor by the Unicorn Run after his cloud castle got tangled in the arakhor’s upper branches.

--
http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/
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Brimstone
Great Reader

USA
3285 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  13:59:57  Show Profile Send Brimstone a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by ericlboyd

Arakhora
“Arakhor” is an Elven term that translates loosely as "one who protects the forest," or "tree warden." Akin in some respects to nature elementals, the arakhora drew life, energy, and intelligence from the forest in which they dwelt and gave back a forest's energy by serving as a caretaker and guardian. Writings preserved from the height of Aryvandaar by the church of Labelas Enoreth suggest that the arakhora were a form of elder treant, perhaps the progenitors of the treant race in its modern form. The last known living arakhor is the Grandfather Tree, located in the northwestern reaches of the High Forest. Aside from the arakhor stump on the western bank of the Unicorn Run, the only other known arakhor, living or dead, is the petrified arakhor that has been transformed into the Hostower of the Arcane in Luskan. (Other sources indicate that it is nothing of the sort, but is a dwarf-built edifice.) The legendary giant king, Tark of Thundercloud Keep, is said to have felled the arakhor by the Unicorn Run after his cloud castle got tangled in the arakhor’s upper branches.



That is good stuff Eric!

"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
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cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  15:58:16  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Eric,

That is amazing regarding the Hosttower in Luskan. Where would I go to find the writings on that? That is amazing!

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by ericlboyd

Arakhora
“Arakhor” is an Elven term that translates loosely as "one who protects the forest," or "tree warden." Akin in some respects to nature elementals, the arakhora drew life, energy, and intelligence from the forest in which they dwelt and gave back a forest's energy by serving as a caretaker and guardian. Writings preserved from the height of Aryvandaar by the church of Labelas Enoreth suggest that the arakhora were a form of elder treant, perhaps the progenitors of the treant race in its modern form. The last known living arakhor is the Grandfather Tree, located in the northwestern reaches of the High Forest. Aside from the arakhor stump on the western bank of the Unicorn Run, the only other known arakhor, living or dead, is the petrified arakhor that has been transformed into the Hostower of the Arcane in Luskan. (Other sources indicate that it is nothing of the sort, but is a dwarf-built edifice.) The legendary giant king, Tark of Thundercloud Keep, is said to have felled the arakhor by the Unicorn Run after his cloud castle got tangled in the arakhor’s upper branches.



Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
2065 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  16:18:14  Show Profile  Visit ericlboyd's Homepage Send ericlboyd a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Salvatore has a definite perspective in his books.

The other perspective is based on FR5, Volo's Guide to the North, and The North.

This is just my personal take.

--Eric

quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2

Eric,

That is amazing regarding the Hosttower in Luskan. Where would I go to find the writings on that? That is amazing!

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by ericlboyd

Arakhora
“Arakhor” is an Elven term that translates loosely as "one who protects the forest," or "tree warden." Akin in some respects to nature elementals, the arakhora drew life, energy, and intelligence from the forest in which they dwelt and gave back a forest's energy by serving as a caretaker and guardian. Writings preserved from the height of Aryvandaar by the church of Labelas Enoreth suggest that the arakhora were a form of elder treant, perhaps the progenitors of the treant race in its modern form. The last known living arakhor is the Grandfather Tree, located in the northwestern reaches of the High Forest. Aside from the arakhor stump on the western bank of the Unicorn Run, the only other known arakhor, living or dead, is the petrified arakhor that has been transformed into the Hostower of the Arcane in Luskan. (Other sources indicate that it is nothing of the sort, but is a dwarf-built edifice.) The legendary giant king, Tark of Thundercloud Keep, is said to have felled the arakhor by the Unicorn Run after his cloud castle got tangled in the arakhor’s upper branches.





--
http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/

Edited by - ericlboyd on 03 Mar 2020 16:19:38
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36779 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  16:31:36  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I favor the idea that an Arakhor is a kind of advanced treant -- something like a Chosen. Maybe not actually Chosen, but maybe like an uber-druid, a guardian of the forests that has progressed to the point of near-divinity.

Having said that, I'll also point out that I'm not an expert on this topic, and that there could very well be lore that contradicts my thinking.

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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  16:36:23  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Eric,

Perfect. Thank you for explaining that out! I very much like your perspective by the way on the giant issue. I can see why you argue for that outlook: the appearance on page 121 of Volo's Guide to the North is as about as convincing as can be. Someone could certainly argue "magic", but it sounds better with your approach.

I do have another question about the Host Tower in this case though. To sort of settle the argument about its origins, wouldn't there be some sort of way to evaluate with nature's magic whether or not it was really once a large tree like that? It appears to have been drawn up to look like a tree. Perhaps something along the lines of "Awaken" would work to check it, or see if certain fey creatures shun it?

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by ericlboyd

Salvatore has a definite perspective in his books.

The other perspective is based on FR5, Volo's Guide to the North, and The North.

This is just my personal take.

--Eric

quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2

Eric,

That is amazing regarding the Hosttower in Luskan. Where would I go to find the writings on that? That is amazing!

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by ericlboyd

Arakhora
“Arakhor” is an Elven term that translates loosely as "one who protects the forest," or "tree warden." Akin in some respects to nature elementals, the arakhora drew life, energy, and intelligence from the forest in which they dwelt and gave back a forest's energy by serving as a caretaker and guardian. Writings preserved from the height of Aryvandaar by the church of Labelas Enoreth suggest that the arakhora were a form of elder treant, perhaps the progenitors of the treant race in its modern form. The last known living arakhor is the Grandfather Tree, located in the northwestern reaches of the High Forest. Aside from the arakhor stump on the western bank of the Unicorn Run, the only other known arakhor, living or dead, is the petrified arakhor that has been transformed into the Hostower of the Arcane in Luskan. (Other sources indicate that it is nothing of the sort, but is a dwarf-built edifice.) The legendary giant king, Tark of Thundercloud Keep, is said to have felled the arakhor by the Unicorn Run after his cloud castle got tangled in the arakhor’s upper branches.







Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36779 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  18:14:41  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2


I do have another question about the Host Tower in this case though. To sort of settle the argument about its origins, wouldn't there be some sort of way to evaluate with nature's magic whether or not it was really once a large tree like that? It appears to have been drawn up to look like a tree. Perhaps something along the lines of "Awaken" would work to check it, or see if certain fey creatures shun it?




I should think the Arcane Brotherhood isn't going to take too kindly to people wandering up and trying to cast spells on their tower.

And given the nature of that group, fey have other reasons for avoiding the Hosttower.

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cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  18:37:44  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Master Rupert,

hahaha....I do agree with you there about the Arcane Brotherhood. Honestly, this seems like a perfect opportunity for the Emerald Enclave to do a little digging around and check things out. They've got enough power to probably at least do a little research. I mean, it's not like the Arcane Brotherhood is working to help or at least be neutral to the goals of the Emerald Enclave.

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2


I do have another question about the Host Tower in this case though. To sort of settle the argument about its origins, wouldn't there be some sort of way to evaluate with nature's magic whether or not it was really once a large tree like that? It appears to have been drawn up to look like a tree. Perhaps something along the lines of "Awaken" would work to check it, or see if certain fey creatures shun it?




I should think the Arcane Brotherhood isn't going to take too kindly to people wandering up and trying to cast spells on their tower.

And given the nature of that group, fey have other reasons for avoiding the Hosttower.


Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
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ericlboyd
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
2065 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  19:39:04  Show Profile  Visit ericlboyd's Homepage Send ericlboyd a Private Message  Reply with Quote
The Emerald Enclave belongs in the Vilhon Reach, not the North.

The most powerful druid of the North is (probably) located in Tall Trees.

--Eric

quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2

Master Rupert,

hahaha....I do agree with you there about the Arcane Brotherhood. Honestly, this seems like a perfect opportunity for the Emerald Enclave to do a little digging around and check things out. They've got enough power to probably at least do a little research. I mean, it's not like the Arcane Brotherhood is working to help or at least be neutral to the goals of the Emerald Enclave.

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2


I do have another question about the Host Tower in this case though. To sort of settle the argument about its origins, wouldn't there be some sort of way to evaluate with nature's magic whether or not it was really once a large tree like that? It appears to have been drawn up to look like a tree. Perhaps something along the lines of "Awaken" would work to check it, or see if certain fey creatures shun it?




I should think the Arcane Brotherhood isn't going to take too kindly to people wandering up and trying to cast spells on their tower.

And given the nature of that group, fey have other reasons for avoiding the Hosttower.




--
http://www.ericlboyd.com/dnd/
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cpthero2
Great Reader

USA
2285 Posts

Posted - 03 Mar 2020 :  20:04:37  Show Profile  Visit cpthero2's Homepage Send cpthero2 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Eric,

Oh yeah, I get that. I've written several comments on the Emerald Enclave. They just seem activist enough in their "zeal" to do a good cleaning up (if you know what I mean) of a problem to take a trip over to get a little community organizing going on. ;)

I would imagine you could actually see a pretty good combination of cooperation between the Emerald Enclave, Faldorn, and Uthgang Jyaul. I mean, Faldorn is really against co-existence between humans and nature. Uthgang seems to be a lot more temperate than the other two, but an opportunity to consider such a sacred site (assuming it was an arakhor) might be worth it for them. Going to check that out would take some serious firepower too, hence the idea of bringing the Enclave, and a couple of powerful druids like Faldorn and Uthgang.

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by ericlboyd

The Emerald Enclave belongs in the Vilhon Reach, not the North.

The most powerful druid of the North is (probably) located in Tall Trees.

--Eric

quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2

Master Rupert,

hahaha....I do agree with you there about the Arcane Brotherhood. Honestly, this seems like a perfect opportunity for the Emerald Enclave to do a little digging around and check things out. They've got enough power to probably at least do a little research. I mean, it's not like the Arcane Brotherhood is working to help or at least be neutral to the goals of the Emerald Enclave.

Best regards,




quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by cpthero2


I do have another question about the Host Tower in this case though. To sort of settle the argument about its origins, wouldn't there be some sort of way to evaluate with nature's magic whether or not it was really once a large tree like that? It appears to have been drawn up to look like a tree. Perhaps something along the lines of "Awaken" would work to check it, or see if certain fey creatures shun it?




I should think the Arcane Brotherhood isn't going to take too kindly to people wandering up and trying to cast spells on their tower.

And given the nature of that group, fey have other reasons for avoiding the Hosttower.






Higher Atlar
Spirit Soaring
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