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HardKano
Learned Scribe
 
Canada
157 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2014 : 12:17:47
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| Hi, I would like to know if there exist a website or somewhere i can purchase books autographed by Ed ? I don't want to use resellers, and i would like to encourage IP by buying new books for my personal collection that count more than 200 FR books by now. |
There is only one thing that will never change : Evolution |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
   
Brazil
1587 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2014 : 19:06:11
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Dear Ed and THO,
I have a 2e campaign running in the cities of the North, currently in 1368 DR, near to Silverymoon. My question is about the defenses of the city, more specifically about the fabled "Knights in Silver".
I've read about them in 2e and 3e sourcebooks, but there is one question that remains unanswered to me, especially for its practical reasons: are the knights (and the spellguard) the only official defenders of the city? I mean, are there regular soldiers, gate keepers, archers, pikemen, and so, or only the knights defend the city? If there are soldiers, are the knights detached from them, or they work as hierarchic superiors to the regular troops?
If there are not "lesser" soldiers, do knights in silver use polearms, bows or crossbows, keep the gates, guard entrances to some official buildings... Resuming: are they there for the "dirty" guard work? I always thought of them as "shining knights" that would not do some tasks or use some weapons, like old edition cavaliers.
Thank you in advance for any answer. |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be fought for to be attained and maintained. Lead by example. Let your deeds speak your intentions. Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph" (by Ed Greenwood) |
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createvmind
Senior Scribe
  
490 Posts |
Posted - 27 Feb 2014 : 16:11:13
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Hello All,
Not sure if asked before but does cancer exist in your realms Ed? |
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rodrigoalcanza
Seeker

Brazil
67 Posts |
Posted - 28 Feb 2014 : 18:07:56
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| Hello! Ed Geenwood or someone who knows the answer, could tell me how Ed to use healing magic in their campaigns? The D&D system is too abstract in this field. A 1st-level cleric can completely heal any other low-level characters, but could not completely heal a high-level characters. We know that it is the rules of D&D, but as this is explained in the game world? |
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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
   
USA
1427 Posts |
Posted - 03 Mar 2014 : 16:08:47
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Hi THO and Ed,
In Ed's novel Bury Elminster Deep, there is a passage where Elminster is talking about the "Many Manshoons" with Arclath Delcastle. He makes mention of two places: Ombraldar and far Shanooth. I'm guessing these are two cities that a Manshoon clone rules or is active in? Is there anything that can be said about these places or their locations?
Thank you both! :) |
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The Arcanamach
Master of Realmslore
   
1785 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2014 : 02:47:57
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Dear Ed/THO: In another thread we've been discussing economic issues in DnD. Basically, the prices put forth in the PHB (and frankly in all other systems I've seen) are very unrealistic. As examples...
1. A 3lb. wooden longbow costs 75gp whereas a 4lb. steel longsword costs only 15gp (3.5 PHB). 2. Likewise, the money earned for the Profession skill seems off. 3. The money earned by the average commoner seems low as well. Granted, they eat from their own harvests and barter goods...but it still seems low.
My question is how was this handled in your homebrew game? Did you just 'roll with it' as is or did you work up a more realistic system? If so, can you share the particulars on your homebrew economy? |
I have a dream that one day, all game worlds will exist as one. |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2014 : 18:54:13
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Hi again, all. I can answer that one, Arcanamach: when playing with Ed as DM, EVERYTHING is roleplayed, so aside from "paying the posted price" in the few shops where prices are posted, everything is haggled for, and there's more barter than coin-buying in rural areas...and prices fluctuate wildly with shortages, seasonal demand, and overhead (an item in a high-end North Ward shop in Waterdeep costs a LOT more than the exact same item bought in a rundown stall in Dock Ward). Most prices in the PHB reflect a "have to have it" TOP price, not a daily or buy in bulk price (always buy your swords in bulk; great barter item!). love, THO |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 05 Mar 2014 18:54:27 |
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Gary Dallison
Great Reader
    
United Kingdom
5689 Posts |
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Kris the Grey
Senior Scribe
  
USA
422 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2014 : 16:10:26
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Dazzlerdal,
Great question!
I too am a huge fan of time travel mixed in with my fantasy. So much so that it is a huge component of my home game (the PCs are not only from Earth, they are in a Realms set 1369+ with their present knowledge of events to come). I too noticed a somewhat lack of things time travel related in the Realms stories (undoubtedly owing to the difficult rules for it in the Realms and the mess it can make of story lines).
My follow up question to yours would be:
Are there any particular events/years (owing to the 'there at most for a year' rule) that seem to serve as a particular draw for high level time traveling wizards/beings in Realms history? |
Kris the Grey - Member in Good Standing of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors, the Arcane Guild of Silverymoon, and the Connecticut Bar Association |
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sleyvas
Great Reader
    
USA
10456 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2014 : 23:16:29
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Daz, I gotta thank you for that. So, Tyr was around 4000 years ago possibly. Fits my theories that he was just a forgotten and/or dead deity for a long time.
Even moreso, it says that "he lived near the lake of steam" and that he retreated with a lot of other priests of Tyr to the mountains north of Turmish where he met the Grimjaws himself. So, 4000 years ago in that general area what culture was dominant? Jhaamdath. I think we have enough information to place Tyr in the Jhaamdathi pantheon (and possibly Valigan Thirdborn).
Also, just a further note to support that this was indeed Tyr. The GHOTR has Tyr showing up for the procession of justice in this exact same area. Granted, I know Ed can easily say its not the case, but the facts do seem to support it.... and a lawful deity like Tyr fits an orderly civilization. Also around 4000 years ago is roughly when Jhaamdath was "falling into stagnation"... which might be read as corruption creeping into their society and possibly people turning from the worship of Tyr. I'd imagine that this is also when "Valigan Thirdborn" (a lesser deity of anarchy) began to gain more power. Perhaps Valigan even had something to do with Tyr's multi-century demise (I'm kind of picturing Valigan as a Loki type deity).
FROM GHOTR
247 DR to 238 DR Procession of Justice: Tyr, god of war and justice, bursts forth from a portal near modern-day Alaghōn in Turmish, then leads a force of two hundred archons across the Vilhon Reach in an effort to pacify the remnants of ancient Jhaamdath, which had fallen into lawlessness. Tyrs host slays Valigan Thirdborn, a lesser deity of anarchy. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 01:46:43
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Hi again, all. Ed has been very busy these last few weeks (writing, dealing with severe winter weather where he dwells, and coping with the effects of a severe injury to his wife), and apologizes for his lengthy silences here at the Keep. However, he HAS been reading all of your posts I've been ferrying him, when he can snatch the time, and has roused himself to make some replies. Here's one of them:
dazzerdal and sleyvas, Tyr (known variously as "Achanatyr," "the Sword of Justice," "Arrtyr Judge Of All," and several other names (including Anachtyr), was indeed in the Jhaamdathi pantheon. And existed before that (so he's been around for at least FIVE thousand years). One small, secretive underground Tyrran cult that has existed down all those centuries (with some beholder worshippers as well as humans, and a sprinkling of elves who cleaved to rigid order) is veneration of Iltyr, the Blind But All-Seeing Eye (a huge weeping black [all pupil, no iris or sclera] eye that floats and flies about, trailing a small prehensile tail, and "speaks" boomingly in the minds of those near to it, discerning rights and intent and making judgements; very popular with individuals who desire a guide in life telling them precisely what the right thing to do is, whenever they seek moral guidance; there are secret worshippers of Iltyr among the nobility of Waterdeep and of Cormyr to this day, so if you ever find a curtained-off alcove in a nobles' mansion with a wall painting inside it that has any image that includes large, staring eyes that confront the viewer [or just one eye], you've found a private family chapel to Iltyr, something that's often explained away as "the only portrait we have of [[this or that illustrious ancestor]], but that very direct stare is disconcerting to everyone, so we keep it hidden away, just for us").
So saith Ed, illuminating a tiny glimpse of the dim past of the Realms. love to all, THO |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 01:47:56
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HardKano, I believe Ed is working with the gents who run theedverse.com on some means of providing signed books to those interested. I'll let you know more when I know more... love, THO |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 01:53:09
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And hi again, all. createvmind, Ed says that yes, there is indeed cancer in the Realms, and Barastir, the Knights In Silver and the Spellguard are the elite "heavy hitters" of Silverymoon's defenders and expeditionary forces; the daily guards (of gates, walls, civic building entrances) and street police are in addition to the Knights, and beneath them in rank (not formally, but in terms of authority; any of the Silverwatch or the Moon Garrison who are given an order by a Knight or a member of the Spellguard will obey it unhesitatingly). However, the Knights in Silver can and do "muck in" on mundane guarding work, on a regular rota; they're not haughty sorts. They do provide the fast cavalry, and patrol Everlund and the environs of Silverymoon on horseback regularly. love, THO |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 02:03:27
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And hello yet again, all (working my way through Ed's myriad small replies, here):
Eilserus, you've guessed right about Ombraldar and far Shanooth: they are indeed two cities that a Manshoon clone rules. Both are walled port cities, beyond the Utter East (that is, south and east of what's been detailed on the maps). Ombraldar is a center for pottery and metal exports (i.e. the outlet and trading center for a region of mines), and there are many inhabited islands, large and small, near it. Shanooth is described as "far" because it's distant indeed (perhaps on another continent; Ed wouldn't say). What he did tell me of it was this:
Picture a city of high walls that often has clear night skies, and basks under the moon. Many of its inhabitants go about robed and cowled, and it is a city of learning and study of the stars and the world "outside" Toril (and spelljamming). All that most in Faerūn know of it is a phrase in an old poem: "The seers of Shanooth shun him, nor seek what he seeks." Those magically mighty of Shanooth at present dislike and work against chronomancy and attempts at time travel, preferring instead travel among worlds (worlds, not planes), and the energies that can be tapped across distances by those who know the right spells - - energies that are threatened by "reckless" attempts at movement through time.
So saith Ed. Sharing yet another glimpse of a hitherto-hidden facet of the Realms. love, THO
Edit: Kris the Grey, I quite forgot that this response unintentionally touches on your most recent question, too! |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 13 Mar 2014 02:04:40 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 02:11:43
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And I'm back yet again, this time with an answer for Marco Volo, re. this: "I know Eilistraee has some worshippers dwelling in the surface of the Realms, but I was wandering if such followers "proselytize" or do things for the clergy of the Dark Maiden to be known?" Ed responds:
Worshippers of the Dark Dancer vary just as the worshippers of all other deities do when considered en masse, but in general, no, those who venerate Eilistraee most (i.e. before all the other deities they believe in) do NOT proselytize. Theirs is a personal and private belief far more than it is a public, bold, involved-in-politics worship.
So saith Ed. Who also mentions that getting photos of Ed's prior writing lairs is impossible, Sage, because the rooms either no longer exist or look quite different now, and no photos were taken back then (Ed being a rather shy, always-very-busy kid who didn't own a camera most of the time and certainly didn't consider himself or his work worth recording). love, THO |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 02:18:21
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. . . And I'm back yet again, with ANOTHER reply from Ed, this one to Markustay, re. this: "In times of 'great distress', when large numbers of people are on the verge of dying (Titanic sinking, Vesuvius exploding, etc), has there ever been an occurrence of a deity (Earth, FR, or whatever) answering the pleas of the doomed and dying and shunting at least some of them into The Realms?" Ed responds:
YES! This has indeed happened, and there are three or four paragraphs about this in some of the screeds I turned over to TSR back in 1986, describing various instances (who opened gates between Earth and the Realms, when, and why). This was, of course, due to the negative "Satanist/witchcraft/make your children disappear" publicity D&D was getting in some quarters at the time, was something firmly sat upon and left out of the published Realms, even as hints, and I'm fine with that decision. But yes, the notion you raise was part of my conception of the Realms (and its links with our real world) from the beginning (as were thoughts about murderers "escaping" into the Realms with the intent of frustrating Earth justice and popping back into our world to steal and then "vanish" into the Realms again, and so on).
So saith Ed. Who is snowed in right now, and taking a break from long hard creative hours at the keyboard to answer some lore requests here (at last!). love, THO Edit: Oh, yes, Markustay: in the latest Forging The Realms column on the Wizards website, Ed revisits Kormul. So you DO have influence on the Creator of the Realms, scribes; keep posting, because he listens and heeds!
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Edited by - The Hooded One on 13 Mar 2014 02:29:44 |
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HardKano
Learned Scribe
 
Canada
157 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 02:29:30
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One
HardKano, I believe Ed is working with the gents who run theedverse.com on some means of providing signed books to those interested. I'll let you know more when I know more... love, THO
Yes I'm most interested. I have dealt with many authors of The Sundering to get the series autographed. Got great replies and its a work in progress.
Thanks for the answer |
There is only one thing that will never change : Evolution |
Edited by - HardKano on 13 Mar 2014 02:30:43 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 02:31:56
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HardKano, I notice you're from Canada. Do you ever attend Ad Astra or FanExpo (in the Toronto, Ontario area), or for that matter GenCon (Indianapolis)? If so, there might be a chance for meeting Ed in person for an autograph... love, THO |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
    
5055 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 02:34:41
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Oh, and one more thing from Ed.  Demzer, re. this: "A query slightly related to Markustay's musings: The Simbul's Gift takes place in 1368, the Spellplague hits in 1385, that's 17 years for the Simbul to get the Old Goat to finally give her a child, so, did she succeed? [I feel like any moment i can see an enormous block of granite with the words "NDA" etched on it falling on my head]"
. . . you would probably be wise to IMMEDIATELY take three running steps to one side. And then look up. Because that NDA block is on its way down.  love, THO |
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HardKano
Learned Scribe
 
Canada
157 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 02:34:52
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One
HardKano, I notice you're from Canada. Do you ever attend Ad Astra or FanExpo (in the Toronto, Ontario area), or for that matter GenCon (Indianapolis)? If so, there might be a chance for meeting Ed in person for an autograph... love, THO
Yeah Someday I'll go to FanExpo in Toronto. Not now because of some change in my life: good ones. And i'm also 9h from Toronto. I'll try to hit an airplane and be there a day or 2 with the cost and all :P I live in Sherbrooke, Quebec. |
There is only one thing that will never change : Evolution |
Edited by - HardKano on 13 Mar 2014 02:36:12 |
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Demzer
Senior Scribe
  
802 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 10:37:56
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Thanks for this barrage of Realmslore, Gracious Lady and Revered Master!
Now another query, let's start with the following 3 points for some context: 1 - Shaliim, Prince Royal of Lapaliiya (and later Overking of the same nation), went on an adventuring spree that started in Waterdeep and took him and his companions into another world, specifically a nation ruled by ancient and powerful black wyrms with human and dwarven slaves; [source: "current clack" in polyhedron 64] 2 - Arveiaturace had a day-long aerial battle with an airship and 12 young adult black dragons that popped out of a portal near her lair; [source: "Wyrms of the North" article on Arveiaturace] 3 - Raulothim witnessed the arrival of a spelljamming vessel through a portal near his lair; [source: "Wyrms of the North" article on Raulothim] So, on to the questions: Are 1, 2 and 3 related? Is the "veil between worlds" thinner in the Sword Coast North? Did one or all of the above mentioned events involve Abeiran beings (you know, all those dragons make me curious)? If yes on one or more counts, does this mean the "veil between Abeir and Toril" is/was thinner in the Sword Coast North? Can the reason be the pesky elven Sundering (that messed up Ao's fences dividing gods and primordials playgrounds?) Or maybe i should take off my tinfoil hat? |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
   
Brazil
1587 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 13:55:40
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One
And hi again, all. (...) Barastir, the Knights In Silver and the Spellguard are the elite "heavy hitters" of Silverymoon's defenders and expeditionary forces; the daily guards (...)
Thank you very very much, lovely Lady, and please extend my thanks to Ed, along with the best wishes for his wife's fast and complete recovery. |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be fought for to be attained and maintained. Lead by example. Let your deeds speak your intentions. Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph" (by Ed Greenwood) |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
    
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 14:38:36
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Oh, Markustay is doing 'the happy dance' right now (its not a pretty sight, trust me). Not only do I get a question answered - with a glimpse at Ed's 'FR secrets' - I also get not one but TWO new locations!!! 
Sadly, I cannot add 'Far Shanooth' to any map (Osse, perhaps?), but a Ombraldar is near THE Utter East? Oh happy day! 
I have the perfect spot for Ombraldar - the only, spot, really (tucked between the Ruined Kingdoms of Zakhara, and fallen Tempat Larang {Ronin Challenge, K-T 2e update}). I picture Shanooth being a place where there are laws against 'light escaping dwellings' at night (because that badly interferes with 'star-gazing').
As for Ed's busy schedule - please tell him to slow down... and he NEVER needs to apologize to any of us. I see his schedule on FB - he needs to learn to say no (to some projects). I don't even see how its humanly possible to do all that; they should rename Kicksarter 'Edstarter'.
Lastly, I was wondering if you (and through you, Ed) is aware of the discussion going on in this scroll, and was just curious about what thinks of all that. The thread is about a renewed Thay, but it has morphed into a 'bigger picture' type of thing concerning everything from Mysyryl through the ToT and the Spellplague, and what it all means (and who all the major players are). I realize just about any comment Ed could want to make would be NDA, but I do picture him making a face... is he smiling, or is he looking at that with consternation? |
"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 13 Mar 2014 14:40:29 |
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Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
   
USA
1427 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 15:07:30
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One
And hello yet again, all (working my way through Ed's myriad small replies, here):
Eilserus, you've guessed right about Ombraldar and far Shanooth: they are indeed two cities that a Manshoon clone rules. Both are walled port cities, beyond the Utter East (that is, south and east of what's been detailed on the maps). Ombraldar is a center for pottery and metal exports (i.e. the outlet and trading center for a region of mines), and there are many inhabited islands, large and small, near it. Shanooth is described as "far" because it's distant indeed (perhaps on another continent; Ed wouldn't say). What he did tell me of it was this:
Picture a city of high walls that often has clear night skies, and basks under the moon. Many of its inhabitants go about robed and cowled, and it is a city of learning and study of the stars and the world "outside" Toril (and spelljamming). All that most in Faerūn know of it is a phrase in an old poem: "The seers of Shanooth shun him, nor seek what he seeks." Those magically mighty of Shanooth at present dislike and work against chronomancy and attempts at time travel, preferring instead travel among worlds (worlds, not planes), and the energies that can be tapped across distances by those who know the right spells - - energies that are threatened by "reckless" attempts at movement through time.
So saith Ed. Sharing yet another glimpse of a hitherto-hidden facet of the Realms. love, THO
Edit: Kris the Grey, I quite forgot that this response unintentionally touches on your most recent question, too!
Thanks Ed and THO. I'm sorry to hear about your wife's injury Ed, prayers and well wishes to you both. |
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Kris the Grey
Senior Scribe
  
USA
422 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2014 : 15:28:31
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THO,
Thank you (and Ed) as always for the information!
I'd be curious about the contents of that 1986 screed (and other examples of specific Earth to Realms travel - particularly the 'who, when, and why' details) if Ed can in any way share them!
(I also hope his wife is doing better). |
Kris the Grey - Member in Good Standing of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors, the Arcane Guild of Silverymoon, and the Connecticut Bar Association |
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