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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11691 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  03:54:33  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Thraskir Skimper

Where are the Mulan from?

The Mulan were brought to Toril from Earth.

Do all Thayan shave their hair?

Red wizards when they travel outside typically shave their heads. Inside Thay they do whatever they want.

Other Thayans typically have a shaved appearance some for expressions of faith to the Red Wizards others for ease of maintainance but it is not necessary. Slaves cut their hair but almost never shave it completely unless ordered to do so.






Possibly on the earth thing. Possibly not.

Thayan culture eschews body hair of all sorts. Slaves aren't allowed to cut their own hair, and its by this fact that slaves in Thay are easily spotted compared to the commoners. Lauzoril is an oddity for growing hair on his scalp, but it also comes from the fact that he's not from pure Mulan stock either. Also recent trends have women growing hair that they typically have groomed such that at least some portion of the scalp is clean shaven (thus, they may have a topknot/braid, etc..)

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas
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LordofBones
Master of Realmslore

1477 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  04:03:23  Show Profile Send LordofBones a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Great, now I have this mental picture of a thriving clandestine wig market in the Thayvian black market.
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader

USA
2420 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  04:27:59  Show Profile Send The Masked Mage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Of course, the market's call Locks of Lov...itar

:P
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader

USA
2420 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  04:38:35  Show Profile Send The Masked Mage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas

quote:
Originally posted by The Masked Mage

I have to go back and look, but I do not think Zhengi ever became a Zulkir. I would also keep him separate from Velsharoon as he becomes devoted to another.



Cool, someone who wants to discuss ideas. I wouldn't have Zhengyi as a Zulkir. I would have him as one of many of the mages founding the country. That's not to say I would have him weak though. I'd place him on power levels though with Velsharoon, Jorgmacdon, etc... at that time.

However, I would have Jorgmacdon, and Zhengyi as allies of a sort. I see Zhengyi as a necromancer who delved into Narfell's history. I also see Jorgmacdon as a conjurer who delved into Narfell's history. For Zhengyi though, I think there may be a blood relationship to Narfell's LONG ago line of rulers. I believe at the time of the Thayan Revolt, Zhengyi was already a lich. I would also have Zhengyi and Velsharoon as allies of a sort, in that both delved in similar magics. In fact, for both Zhengyi and Velsharoon, I wouldn't make them necromancers. I would make them generalists who multi-classed into dread necromancer under 3.5 rules. I would have the two having very similar builds, but with Zhengyi having warlock/eldritch theurge and Velsharoon delving as a binder/anima mage. The big difference between the two being Zhengyi makes a pact with Orcus, and Velsharoon makes multiple short term pacts with multiple individuals as he needs.

As long as we're talking Zhengyi as well, he was designed in the 1e era, so a lot of concepts weren't around yet. I honestly picture Zhengyi working better as like a multi-classed wizard(generalist) 3rd/ dread necromancer 1st /warlock 1st with 10 levels of ultimate magus and 10 levels of eldritch theurge and 7 levels of other stuff (maybe archmage, maybe Nar demonbinder, maybe geometer, maybe even something like nightmare spinner giving him some focus on fear and illusions).

Note, I'm picturing this build involving using levels gained in ultimate magus going to warlock to later qualify for eldritch theurge (thus his entering said class with only 1 level of warlock).
Thus at level 20 it would have been something like 3 wiz/1 dread necro/1 warlock/10 ultimate magus/5 eldritch theurge ... but with 2 "lesser levels" of ultimate magus going to warlock, 1 "lesser level of spellcasting" going to dread necro, and 7 of the levels where both go up going to wizard and dread necro both. The levels of eldritch theurge would go to wizard and warlock. Thus, at level 20 character level his spellcasting levels ..NOT.. Character level would be 15th wiz//9th dread necro/8th warlock. This is about the power level I picture him during the Thayan Revolt. By level 25, his spellcasting levels would be 20th wiz/9th dread necro/13th warlock, and this is the power level I picture him when he leaves Thay around the time of the forming of the Zulkirate. I picture him gaining about 5 to 7 more levels in the intervening 300+ years. I picture his falling out in Thay having to do with the concept of being a warlock and forming pacts with other beings for power (which the red wizards of that era would equate to similar to divine power).

In 5e, not sure how I'd build him, but it would definitely be a mix of warlock and wizard and probably using rules I have in my red book of spell strategy for multi-classing.




I can't really talk about all the different special classes - I've read them but never used them and so can't see what would work.

In the end, I think Zhengi used some kind of cheat to power - like, a Narfell version of the Telmikarra Neshyr ritual from the Last Mythal books; perhaps even binding himself directly to Orcus.

In Thay, I imagine him as something of an upstart. More arrogant but less powerful than the others. That's why he leaves - to seek his means to outmatch these rivals he searches for ancient magics he heard of in Thay - perhaps in some ancient fell Tome of Magic.

Where my wondering goes wide is how he came to Orcus and not Eltab. To my knowledge this was Orcus' first big foothold in the Realms, all older references coming from Gary's Greyhawk/generic AD&D material.
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LordofBones
Master of Realmslore

1477 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  07:14:16  Show Profile Send LordofBones a Private Message  Reply with Quote
The problem is that 1e Zhengyi already outclasses every other Thayvian wizard. He was 30th level back when Tam was 24th, IIRC.

As for Velsharoon, I'd just gestalt him rather than multiclass him, or multiclass one side of the gestalt (so he'd be a pure wizard build on one side, and binder/dread necro/anima mage/whatever on the other). In Pathfinder, I'd build him with a mix of wizard, pathfinder savant, cypher mage and agent of the grave levels, netting him 9 non-wizard spells of his choice and his Int mod of necromancy spells from any list to be added to his base spell list.

Zhengyi in Pathfinder is fairly straightforward: wizard (either my own red wizard archetype or the pact wizard archetype) 20/exalted 10 of Orcus.
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11691 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  13:37:27  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by LordofBones

Great, now I have this mental picture of a thriving clandestine wig market in the Thayvian black market.



Think.... lower... I imagine there are heated debates as to the "value" of "hair down there" in Thay. Many may consider it disgusting beyond belief, and others may consider it "exotic" on a Mulan female.

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11691 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  14:03:59  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by The Masked Mage

quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas

quote:
Originally posted by The Masked Mage

I have to go back and look, but I do not think Zhengi ever became a Zulkir. I would also keep him separate from Velsharoon as he becomes devoted to another.



Cool, someone who wants to discuss ideas. I wouldn't have Zhengyi as a Zulkir. I would have him as one of many of the mages founding the country. That's not to say I would have him weak though. I'd place him on power levels though with Velsharoon, Jorgmacdon, etc... at that time.

However, I would have Jorgmacdon, and Zhengyi as allies of a sort. I see Zhengyi as a necromancer who delved into Narfell's history. I also see Jorgmacdon as a conjurer who delved into Narfell's history. For Zhengyi though, I think there may be a blood relationship to Narfell's LONG ago line of rulers. I believe at the time of the Thayan Revolt, Zhengyi was already a lich. I would also have Zhengyi and Velsharoon as allies of a sort, in that both delved in similar magics. In fact, for both Zhengyi and Velsharoon, I wouldn't make them necromancers. I would make them generalists who multi-classed into dread necromancer under 3.5 rules. I would have the two having very similar builds, but with Zhengyi having warlock/eldritch theurge and Velsharoon delving as a binder/anima mage. The big difference between the two being Zhengyi makes a pact with Orcus, and Velsharoon makes multiple short term pacts with multiple individuals as he needs.

As long as we're talking Zhengyi as well, he was designed in the 1e era, so a lot of concepts weren't around yet. I honestly picture Zhengyi working better as like a multi-classed wizard(generalist) 3rd/ dread necromancer 1st /warlock 1st with 10 levels of ultimate magus and 10 levels of eldritch theurge and 7 levels of other stuff (maybe archmage, maybe Nar demonbinder, maybe geometer, maybe even something like nightmare spinner giving him some focus on fear and illusions).

Note, I'm picturing this build involving using levels gained in ultimate magus going to warlock to later qualify for eldritch theurge (thus his entering said class with only 1 level of warlock).
Thus at level 20 it would have been something like 3 wiz/1 dread necro/1 warlock/10 ultimate magus/5 eldritch theurge ... but with 2 "lesser levels" of ultimate magus going to warlock, 1 "lesser level of spellcasting" going to dread necro, and 7 of the levels where both go up going to wizard and dread necro both. The levels of eldritch theurge would go to wizard and warlock. Thus, at level 20 character level his spellcasting levels ..NOT.. Character level would be 15th wiz//9th dread necro/8th warlock. This is about the power level I picture him during the Thayan Revolt. By level 25, his spellcasting levels would be 20th wiz/9th dread necro/13th warlock, and this is the power level I picture him when he leaves Thay around the time of the forming of the Zulkirate. I picture him gaining about 5 to 7 more levels in the intervening 300+ years. I picture his falling out in Thay having to do with the concept of being a warlock and forming pacts with other beings for power (which the red wizards of that era would equate to similar to divine power).

In 5e, not sure how I'd build him, but it would definitely be a mix of warlock and wizard and probably using rules I have in my red book of spell strategy for multi-classing.




I can't really talk about all the different special classes - I've read them but never used them and so can't see what would work.

In the end, I think Zhengi used some kind of cheat to power - like, a Narfell version of the Telmikarra Neshyr ritual from the Last Mythal books; perhaps even binding himself directly to Orcus.

In Thay, I imagine him as something of an upstart. More arrogant but less powerful than the others. That's why he leaves - to seek his means to outmatch these rivals he searches for ancient magics he heard of in Thay - perhaps in some ancient fell Tome of Magic.

Where my wondering goes wide is how he came to Orcus and not Eltab. To my knowledge this was Orcus' first big foothold in the Realms, all older references coming from Gary's Greyhawk/generic AD&D material.



Orcus from a product line standpoint has been a part of the realms since the product released, as the bloodstone pass adventures were some of the first ones for the realms. From a history standpoint, I think the first reference I've seen to Orcus was with the formation of Narfell. Ironically, this is RIGHT after the death of Nergal (an Untheric death deity) and the interrment of Nergal's dead body OUTSIDE of Unther and far to the north.... and very near to "The Dark Pit" of Dun-Tharos (formerly Narathmault, a drow culture involved with demons... and a dark place even before they arrived)... which would become the center of Narfell.

Now, why Nergal was buried outside of Unther... that's a bit of a mystery. Why a god of death was buried and relatively soon after a demon god of undeath becomes very relevant... a bit of a mystery that COULD be related. Anyone note how much Orcus looks like an orc? Would anyone be surprised if the orcs that came through the orcgate brought the worship of Orcus with them? Would anyone be surprised if the being that killed Nergal on the orc side of the Orcgate Wars was Orcus? Would anyone be surprised if Nergal had been infused with "undeath", changing his very nature from being a being who "warden of the dead" to some kind of "reborn as some god-lich" type being. This may very well be why Gilgeam entraps him far away from Unther.

Wow, and as I wrote that last sentence, something popped into my head. I've long thought that Mellifleur would make a perfect Narfellian (at least in the realms).... and before he rose, this realmsian caster may have had a different name as a mortal (see my previous ideas of a Mellifleur "collective"). Anyway, the timing of Bane/Bhaal/Myrkul's arising so that Mellifleur can have "stolen" his power from Bane puts him somewhere roughly just before Karsus'Folly and present day (with my preference being just before Karsus' Folly). If it were just before Karsus' Folly, it could explain Karsus, and it could explain Larloch having his enclave of Jiksidur above Narfell. It would be very fitting if the realmsian mortal that would become Mellifleur had entered the Great Barrow where Nergal and his family had been entombed and gathered something there that he used in the ritual that turns him into a god of liches.

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11691 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  14:18:49  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by LordofBones

The problem is that 1e Zhengyi already outclasses every other Thayvian wizard. He was 30th level back when Tam was 24th, IIRC.

As for Velsharoon, I'd just gestalt him rather than multiclass him, or multiclass one side of the gestalt (so he'd be a pure wizard build on one side, and binder/dread necro/anima mage/whatever on the other). In Pathfinder, I'd build him with a mix of wizard, pathfinder savant, cypher mage and agent of the grave levels, netting him 9 non-wizard spells of his choice and his Int mod of necromancy spells from any list to be added to his base spell list.

Zhengyi in Pathfinder is fairly straightforward: wizard (either my own red wizard archetype or the pact wizard archetype) 20/exalted 10 of Orcus.



Zhengyi does NOW. However, four hundred years prior, he may have only been level 20 or even less. You are right though, in i.e. Zhengyi was level 30 and Tam was originally level 24. At that time, Sabass was the next powerful red wizard, and he wasn't even a Zulkir (he did become one after the death of the Zulkir of Conjuration after/during the salamander war, but they promptly show him as already dead and replaced by Nevron when they release the 2nd edition Spellbound, so we never see "screen time" with Sabass as a Zulkir). Also, by the time Spellbound is released, they jump Tam from level 24 to level 29. They also jump Lauzoril from level 18 to 22. Granted, the in game time passing for that is about 10 to 13 years.

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas
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Thraskir Skimper
Learned Scribe

204 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  20:57:11  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Slaves aren't allowed to cut their own hair, and its by this fact that slaves in Thay are easily spotted compared to the commoners. (Fiction)

Slaves do cut their hair, non nobles also cut their hair. Some noble shave their heads but not everyone. No one tells a red wizard that they have to cut or shave their hair save protocol or a direct superior.


Thay Red
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Thraskir Skimper
Learned Scribe

204 Posts

Posted - 18 Jul 2018 :  21:04:26  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by LordofBones

Great, now I have this mental picture of a thriving clandestine wig market in the Thayvian black market.



Magic or just time is used to add or subtract hair. The only wig market might be in the House of Curses in Eltabbar. And there are very few Wormlucks outside of that particular House inside Thay.

Thay Red
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11691 Posts

Posted - 19 Jul 2018 :  00:18:22  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Thraskir Skimper

Slaves aren't allowed to cut their own hair, and its by this fact that slaves in Thay are easily spotted compared to the commoners. (Fiction)

Slaves do cut their hair, non nobles also cut their hair. Some noble shave their heads but not everyone. No one tells a red wizard that they have to cut or shave their hair save protocol or a direct superior.





If you're going to post things as if you're an authority, you might want to research them. You may also want to read more thoroughly before you respond. Yes some Mulans have slave barbers, but slaves cannot themselves cut their OWN hair. Also, on the statement that they shave their heads more on the outside of Thay than the inside, that's specifically called out as the opposite. By the way, I do love the roleplay aspect you're trying to do, as it reminds me of myself 20 years ago, but please understand I will always come back with research and if you expect to be taken seriously, you will be expected to do the same.

I stated
Slaves aren't allowed to cut their own hair, and its by this fact that slaves in Thay are easily spotted compared to the commoners.

Dreams of the Red Wizards, Page 12
Slaves who have been in Thay for more than a month can always be told apart from the peasantry because slaves are not allowed to cut their hair, no matter where on their bodies it grows.

Since the nobles of Thay are also very careful of cleanliness, this means that part of a slave's daily chores is washing an ever-growing head and, sometimes, body of hair. Under normal circumstances, the slave hair is piled up in masses on the head of the slave, but any slave who is not on his or her master's business must wear his or her hair down, so that they can be told as slaves immediately. It is possible for a slave to get permission to cut his hair, but it can never be cut to less than half way down the slave's back.

If a slave's hair must be cut for medical reasons, the first question is whether it would not be easier to let the slave die. If they decide to keep him alive, he is shaved where needed, then kept in seclusion until the hair grows out again.


On the non-slaves inside and outside of Thay

Traditionally, nobles of Thay disdain and abhor body hair (something of a trial for those of Rashemi descent). Men are known to grow facial hair even as they shave their heads. Women commonly shave their heads and decorate their shaved pates with artistic designs. Sometimes the designs are permanent tatoos, but most are just body paint, and frequently changed. This custom is mainly honored among the Tharchions and Tharchionesses, though most Red Wizards also follow the style when they have the time.

Presumed Red Wizards have been seen outside of Thay with beards and normal body hair. Most of these are obviously of Rashemi descent (part of a program of proving their worthiness by taking on missions to foreign lands), but even Mulani have been seen in such condition. It is thought that, without their specially-trained slave barbers, Red Wizards would rather grow their hair than risk cutting it by themselves or entrusting their heads to local barbers.



By the way, this has some very interesting psychological and cultural significance in how it can lead to controlling the population and making them law abiders. Picture yourself as a middle class Mulan female. You grow up, shaving your head, waxing the hair off your arms, leg, and nethers. You are considered beautiful amongst your people, especially with how you decorate your body with body paint. Then one day you help someone evade the law. You are caught and punished. As a result, within mere months, you are a shaggy haired "disgusting" person (and this may even be true if your punishment is to be a house slave). Mulans that themselves are forced into slavery (a common punishment for crimes) will gain a stigma somewhat similar to a person who is missing a hand in cultures that remove a hand for thievery.

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas

Edited by - sleyvas on 19 Jul 2018 00:32:55
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Thraskir Skimper
Learned Scribe

204 Posts

Posted - 19 Jul 2018 :  18:06:27  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Believe what you want, there is a great deal of misinformation about Thay; Don't believe everything you read in a book

Thay Red

Edited by - Thraskir Skimper on 19 Jul 2018 18:11:54
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Thraskir Skimper
Learned Scribe

204 Posts

Posted - 19 Jul 2018 :  18:22:59  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
You've heard the rumor that our slaves can never cut their hair, just so we can tell who's a slave at a glance? That's Mulhorandi bullshit again. That's in their laws. They don't mind if their slaves are tripping all over themselves; everything is slower in Mulhorand, anyway. It's practically the land that time forgot. Hasn't changed much in thousands of years and they wonder why their empire is falling apart? But never mind that.

Thay Red
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Cyrinishad
Learned Scribe

300 Posts

Posted - 19 Jul 2018 :  19:43:34  Show Profile Send Cyrinishad a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I have a few questions for Thraskir:

I've never bought into Elminster's flimsy claims as to why he wears Red Robes... So, is Elminster now, or has he ever been a Red Wizard? And/Or, is BANE a divine title or alias created by Elminster?

The esteemed Sages here at Candlekeep have all know about the existence of Red Wizards for many years... But, what can you tell us about the existence of Infra-Red Wizards?

I really liked reading about the esteemed Red Wizard, St. Nick... What is St. Nick's relation to the being known as Krampus? Is Krampus a pet, servant, familiar, apprentice? Or is he something more akin to a Demon or Vestige?

To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge. -Socrates

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36779 Posts

Posted - 19 Jul 2018 :  20:33:55  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Thraskir Skimper

Believe what you want, there is a great deal of misinformation about Thay; Don't believe everything you read in a book



And why are we to assume the book is wrong and that you are the authoritative source?

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!
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11691 Posts

Posted - 20 Jul 2018 :  00:35:25  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Cyrinishad

I have a few questions for Thraskir:

I've never bought into Elminster's flimsy claims as to why he wears Red Robes... So, is Elminster now, or has he ever been a Red Wizard? And/Or, is BANE a divine title or alias created by Elminster?

The esteemed Sages here at Candlekeep have all know about the existence of Red Wizards for many years... But, what can you tell us about the existence of Infra-Red Wizards?

I really liked reading about the esteemed Red Wizard, St. Nick... What is St. Nick's relation to the being known as Krampus? Is Krampus a pet, servant, familiar, apprentice? Or is he something more akin to a Demon or Vestige?



I heard the candy apple red wizards, crimson warlocks, and Scarlet Sorcerers were all making names for themselves too.

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore

Australia
6643 Posts

Posted - 20 Jul 2018 :  01:45:37  Show Profile Send George Krashos a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I have a question: is Aumoaran the most powerful Red Wizard in Thay prior to Szass Tam's takeover?

-- George Krashos

"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus
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Thraskir Skimper
Learned Scribe

204 Posts

Posted - 20 Jul 2018 :  05:13:26  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Who is Krampus

Krampus is either a version of or perhaps brother of St. Nick who operates outside of Thay. St. Nick is a Demi God or Lower plane denizen.

Elminster and being a Red Wizard he may have been a Mulhorandi Red Wizard maybe he left after the rebellion.

Why should you believe me? You shouldn't I'm a Chaotic Evil Red Wizard of Nar ancestory. However you are not stupid and must think before you believe that Thay follows Mulhorand historic traditions. We don't do the correct Mulhorandi thing, we do our own thing. Slaves with huge long hair makes them easy to identify? Thay is ruled by and with and through magic, if we want to hairy slaves they will be hairy with a cantrip. We don't need to have hairy slaves to know who a slave is. Think about it they could cut their hair and we wouldn't know who a slave is. We have other ways to mark slaves. Slaves, some slaves, are treated better in Thay than commoners are treated in other parts of Toril.



Thay Red
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader

USA
2420 Posts

Posted - 20 Jul 2018 :  05:24:56  Show Profile Send The Masked Mage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
You can role play in the forum as much as you like Thraskir, but that's not really the idea here so don't go back and forth with all those who aren't down with it.

As for slaves being treated well, I refer you to literally every reference to Thayan slaves in print as proof to the contrary.

Edited by - The Masked Mage on 20 Jul 2018 05:25:21
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Thraskir Skimper
Learned Scribe

204 Posts

Posted - 20 Jul 2018 :  05:34:06  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos

I have a question: is Aumoaran the most powerful Red Wizard in Thay prior to Szass Tam's takeover?

-- George Krashos



I Don't Know, not if Elminster was a Red Wizard

Thay Red

Edited by - Thraskir Skimper on 20 Jul 2018 05:58:18
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Cyrinishad
Learned Scribe

300 Posts

Posted - 20 Jul 2018 :  16:42:22  Show Profile Send Cyrinishad a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Thraskir Skimper

quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos

I have a question: is Aumoaran the most powerful Red Wizard in Thay prior to Szass Tam's takeover?

-- George Krashos



I Don't Know, not if Elminster was a Red Wizard



Some sages may insist that a name is just a name, but I think that names always contain some sort of significance... nor do I think it a mere coincidence that the name Aumoaran so similar to Elminster's last name, Aumar... To me, Aumoaran sounds like a possible alias for Elminster.

To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge. -Socrates

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss
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Thraskir Skimper
Learned Scribe

204 Posts

Posted - 21 Jul 2018 :  04:24:08  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Unless you meant Amaunator then Maybe but then Amaunator wasn't a Red Wizard.

Thay Red
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore

Australia
6643 Posts

Posted - 21 Jul 2018 :  11:14:02  Show Profile Send George Krashos a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Yeah I meant Amaunator. My bad.

— George Krashos

"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11691 Posts

Posted - 21 Jul 2018 :  13:09:45  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Thraskir Skimper

Who is Krampus

Krampus is either a version of or perhaps brother of St. Nick who operates outside of Thay. St. Nick is a Demi God or Lower plane denizen.





Sheesh, the disinformation in this thread is just horrid.

From the Tome of Blasdvian the Truthful, Nimbraii wizard at large

St. Nick is a druid/wizard mystic theurge with a fondness for reindeers and snow golems. He comes from Sossal. He lives in a community of snow elves and tinker gnomes known as the village of Saen'Taa. He's well known for his fondness for rum mixed with a concoction of reindeer milk, sugar, and penguin eggs, Crismus Cheer being his favorite brand, which often leaves him red nosed and rosy cheeked. He's especially noted for magically breeding reindeer to asperii, many of which he awakens. Its said he often shares his Crismus Cheer with his favorite animal companion, Rudolph, and its said that one bad batch left Rudolph with a strangely glowing red nose.

Krampus is a creation from a mirror of opposition created by the avatar of Auril from the reflection of a large chunk of ice during the time of troubles. She created it facing the village of Saen'Taa, causing a horde of redcaps, black skinned and black haired elves, and Krampus to form and charge the village. Luckily the villages mythal protect them from the invaders, transporting them to Toril's southern pole. In a strange twist of magic as a result of the time of troubles, Krampus and the other creations of this mirror of opposition turned sentient.

However, the giant mirror of opposition created on a glacier was not done after a single use. In fact, it appeared to function multiple times per day, resulting in multiple hordes appearing, assaulting the village of Saen'Taa and being transported to the south pole. This was quickly draining the mythal over the village of Saen'Taa of all its power, forming up somewhere around 143 such assaults. Finally, St. Nick was able to call in upon the aid of a Scarlet Sorcerer, a fire genasi calling himself the "Heat Miser", and this sorcerer destroyed the ice mirror of opposition, but not before it created his own counter, one of the only known "frost genasi, which took to calling himself "Snow Miser".

As a result of this creation of Auril's, there is now a community of Krampii, black elves, and redcaps at the south pole who openly plot to destroy the good name of St. Nick. Its said that some have opened trade negotiations with the arcane in the Wu Pi Te Shao mountains facility known as "The Dock". As a result, many Krampii have sleighs with rudders of propulsion attached. However, many of these sleighs are instead being pulled by animate skeletons of reindeer, elk, moose, polar bears, walruses, killer whales, and even narwhals. These skeletal animals have some kind of cheap knockoff to rudders of propulsion mounted to their spines. Its said the arcane sold these items to get rid of them as they were an embarrassment and periodically failed. However the Krampii use eight animals at any time with their sleigh, such that if one suddenly loses the ability to fly for a few moments it can be carried by its brothers.


Its further thought that a Tsunami of Wa was closing upon Nimbral at one point, over some confusion on their interactions with a Kara-Turan dragonship. As the Knights of the Flying Hunt rode out to deal with the interlopers, they were surprised to see dozens of the Krampii, as well as black elves and red caps mounted upon skeletal mounts. Its said that they were upset with the Arcane for giving them a bad trade deal. Its also said that the Arcane wouldn't budge on their price for a true helm, and the Krampii decided to simply acquire one by other means. Thus, they seized the tsunami and proceeded to explore realmspace. Its said that they soon came across the planet Anadia, near to the sun, where they encountered a strange, black skinned halfling race which were able to survive in a hazardous environment and were infatuated with the idea of water. The Krampii transported an entire colony of these Anadian halflings to Toril, under the premise that they could have as much water as they wanted. Over the past century these Anadian halflings have flourished in the arctic wastelands, having brought with them special "sunstones" from Anadia which have melted away much of the surrounding ice to reveal the earth below. With the help of the Krampii transporting them to other areas of Toril for trade purposes, these halflings, have acquired many herd beasts to bring to their new homeland, leaving behind suddenly dead villages in their wake.

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas

Edited by - sleyvas on 21 Jul 2018 14:08:31
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Thraskir Skimper
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Posted - 22 Jul 2018 :  00:52:50  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Looks like I haven't posted it here. Maybe I emailed it to Alaundo?

Anyhow I wasn't really thinking of your Druid as much as Santa the Red Wizard or ex Red Wizard.

Santa The Red

Ex-Wizard of Thay

Based in the northern reaches

Divination specialist

Common Saying: Santa, He knows when you are sleeping,
He knows when you are awake.
He knows when you have been bad or good
so be loyal to Thay, for your own sake.

Santa has a work camp in the icy North there he crafts multiple items used as a basis for magic items for sale and trade. Once a year Santa seeks out traitors spies and fools and sweeps down and captures them back carrying back to his work shop.

Santa commands a Sleigh with an extradimensional holding prison, it is shaped like a large sack.

The Sleigh can cross any kind of terrain and can fly long distances very fast, able to circle the world in a single hour.

For those that have been good, to Thay, Santa leaves prize magic items, wrapped in woven hair from his slaves. Often tied with a solid gold ribbon. 2 gpv. The hair packing can only be opened on the eve of Thay Mass the Solstice of Winter the longest coldest day of the North. Such gifts only appear to those who honor him with with a small or large decorated evergreen tree or any other tree decorated and wrapped in silver ribbon and decorations. It is topped with a shining orb of magic, a knot, some say an Eye of Santa. It is said that especially loyal Red Wizard Apprentice can receive their first Red Robe this way. Gifts or Presents can be anything. A wanted Staff or a Flying Carpet, a Young Mage may receive a first spell book or an Elder Wizard a potion of youth.

Those who scoff either hide away on Thay Mass or sometimes they just are not there in the morning. Some stories tell of Spies and Rogue Wizards carried off into the night by green clad flying elves. Vampiric Elves with Eagle Taloned Legs and feathered Wings of green with a velvet texture. They are said to have sickly sweet smiles and constantly be laughing even when sinking their talons into a future slaves shoulders and carrying them away into the night. The Screams of the damned can be heard throughout the night.

Those who honor Santa if deemed to be lacking are given cursed magical items or just a small pouch of Diamonds.

Presents for the faithful can be received at other times of great need a healing potion or a ring of teleport, to Santa's Workshop. One might need to serve in a Magical role till the next Thay Mass But the honor of returning to Thay alive, rescued with a New Staff of Santa and a pouch full of diamonds is well worth it, to most.

Santa is deemed to be an immortal Demigod or Demon Lord. He trades slaves and souls with the Demon Princes of the Abyss. He rides in a Red Flying Sleigh with a Large screaming squirming sack pulled by 12 Magically flying Antlered Sharp Demonic Night Mares. One is noted to be especially evil and dangerous as noted by his glowing Red Nose, Eyes and 6 inch long teeth. Known to eat small children often playing a gruesome game where they toss the child amoung the antlers between the other "Reign Deer" in a fearsome game of catch.

Santa appears to be a 7 foot jolly Red Wizard of Thay in Red Robes trimmed in Silver. Immune to Ageing, Cold, Heat and Fire, lightning and Sonic effects and ignores poisonous gases and sometimes seen drinking either a green Acid or Goblet of Blood. These as well as sliced Heart and Liver organs cooked are often left for him on Thay Mass. Whether he eats them or the "Deer" is anyones guess. Few have seen him as all who do have to save vs Death or die on the spot their soul taken by Santa for trading. Saved vs Death at DC 27. Those who save or are immune can have a brief conversation with Santa and if impressed Santa may 75% chance leave an extra Present 25% 2d10 Diamonds 90% small 50gpv, 5% medium small 300 GPV, 4% 1,000gpv or 1% chance 5,000 gpv diamonds. For those He likes he will recruit, no chance of refusal, for a years service; bestowing another level of experience, 30 years of age reduction and a Set of Santa Robes while he skips a year and goes on Holiday to one of the Lower planes.

Often after they are returned these Red Wizards will don their Robes and go to various Thay Towns Cities and Enclaves where they will be greeted to curry extra favour through a gift of Items Slaves or Souls. The Items are kept by the Lesser Santa's, the slaves are put to work cutting trees and selling trees and spinning Silver Ribbon. Souls are transfered to Santa through unknown means.

Staff of Santa, This 7 foot Staff is topped in a Gold Star that shines up to 120 feet of light in every direction. This is equal to Sunlight in Strength and will heat any area by 10 degree Celcius 18F over ambient. Cast one 3rd Level Fire, Lightning and Acid based spell 4th Level Sonic and Cold or Ice spell once each per day. The Owner does not age and has DR 1/-. It also acts as a broom of flying twice per night during the winter season for 1 hour duration.

Robes of Santa, These grant Fire, Ice, Electrical, Sonic and acid DR 15 and Regeneration of 1hp/ round The wearer is able to teleport no error once per night in winter and can walk on any surface including water as if it is dry ground. Each hip pocket is also a bag of holding 100 pounds. Any Souls in a bottle or container placed in one of these pockets automatically is teleported to Santa, the Big Guy.

Elves of Santa, LE 10 th level Fighter, S15 D15 CN16 Int9 Wis6 Chr10, Hitpoints 10d10+45. (55-145) AC 25. They appear to be wood elves with red curled boots wearing green felt feathered suits. They can walk as a forest elf even in deep snow as if it is dry ground. They can unfurl their wings and fly at 30 mph carrying up to 300 lbs in a clawed foot with a grasp strength of 25. When Flying their claws come out. They smile all the time and will snicker and laugh if talked to. They obey Santa without question and may come to lesser Santa's aid once per day (24hrs) 50% chance of Summoning plus 25% if at night and further 25% if in winter. They themselves may summon another 100% chance at will after one turn, once per day. Santa may summon any number at will. (up to 10,000). Elves will stay for One day for lesser Santas Unlimited for Santa himself.

Santa is a Seven foot ageless old Red Wizard. White Beard and hair, he wears Red Robes and carries a Huge Brown Sack of Holding. Santa has access to any non artifact magic item at will and is able to cast any elemental spell once per round. Santa's Stats are AC33, HP666, S30 D30 CN30 IN40 WS20 CH30. Immune to Death, Elemental effects, Age, Fear and cannot be held against his will. DR 30/- vs physical attacks. Santa is Evil or perhaps Neutral of unknown specific alignment. He is always a happy Jolly fellow. He will laugh off most attacks and only fight back if he has to. If he ever does die he will teleport back to his Workshop pocket dimension and reform next winter.

Happy Thay Mass best hope your plans for betrayal are not discovered or it may be your last.








Thay Red

Edited by - Thraskir Skimper on 22 Jul 2018 00:53:29
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

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Posted - 22 Jul 2018 :  02:31:51  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
cute idea. Its good to see humor sometimes. It also makes me think it would be interesting to layout some traditional Thayan holidays and how they're actually conducted (I don't see there being one like you describe, as people tend to try to think of themselves as "good" or "noble" to some degree, even if they aren't).

One issue I see in the above is the idea that "apprentices get their first red robes". Granted, in 3rd edition you could become a "red wizard" by 6th level (however, you can't run your own circle until 10th level... and I personally don't consider someone a red wizard until they can run a circle), but in most other editions you couldn't gain the title until at least 9th level. Given also that all red wizards are both nobles and judge/jury, keeping it at 9th/10th level is where I'd put the title. The red robes are meant to inspire fear, and putting them on individuals less able to defend themselves lessens this fear. This of course means that the picture people have of apprentices running around in red robes all over Thay shouldn't be the case. Its also why I picture apprentices having a title of "bloodcowl" as I see them running around instead in robes dyed in blood (literally boiled in blood over a low heat for hours to make it soak in well and then an alchemical fixative applied, then slowly baking the cloth over a low level heat while the cloth hangs from multiple cloth lines inside of small warehouses filled with aromatic incenses to help cover the smell), leaving it a deeper browner red, whereas the red wizards have the more crimson/fiery/silky red robes. This method is problematic and tedious, raising the cost of this blood dyed cloth, but its also considered traditional by many red wizards, who consider the change in price a mere pittance. Having blood dyed cloth is also considered useful by the red wizards, as some consider it "lucky" or have even written up way to use torn off portions of cloth are replacement material components for some necromantic effects. Of course, some merchants have been found to be selling cheaper knockoffs of "blood dyed cloth" that were dyed using simpler methods, but such individuals, if uncovered, meet very nasty ends (usually at the hands oddly enough of followers of Kossuth, who often are the ones boiling and baking the cloth).

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas
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Thraskir Skimper
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Posted - 22 Jul 2018 :  08:17:08  Show Profile Send Thraskir Skimper a Private Message  Reply with Quote
There are ranks of Red Wizards, There are prestige classes and there are schooled Red Wizards.

You don't know the holidays? I'll dig up a list of them.

Not all Red Wizards are Nobles, some aren't even Mulan.

Day / Dates

Details

Deity

Worshippers

Midsummer

Revels of destruction and rudeness

Beshaba

Thayans

Shieldmeet

Revels of destruction and rudeness

Beshaba

Thayans

Each Midwinter night

Unveiling, sacrifices

Gargauth

Thayans

Eve of the Feast of the Moon

Personal sacrifices made by clerics as they renew their contracts

Gargauth

Thayans

Twelve days after Greengrass

Called Ippensheir, time of revelry and showing inventions

Gond

Any

11 Eleint

Penultimate Thunder, feasts

Hoar

Slaves

11 Marpenoth

Impending Doom, daylong ceremonies with drums, oaths, purification

Hoar

Slaves

Last night of the year

Night of Another Year, reading of the names of the dead from the year, then rest

Jergal

Thayans

Shieldmeet

Clerics recount deeds of the dead

Kelemvor

Slaves

Feast of the Moon

Clerics recount deeds of the dead

Kelemvor

Slaves

Midsummer morn

Clerics perform Song of Dawn

Lathander

Slaves

Morns of vernal and autumn equinoxes

Clerics perform Song of Dawn

Lathander

Slaves

Highharvestide

Hunt before, invite even non-worshippers to feast, pledge to provide for the needy in winter

Malar

Thayans

High Hunt each season

Hunt a humanoid or slave who can win freedom by surviving a day and night

Malar

Thayans

15 Marpenoth

Ascension of current Mystra

Mystra

Slaves

Midsummer

Day of new pacts

Oghma

Thayans

Shieldmeet

Day of new pacts

Oghma

Thayans

Each Midwinter day

Retreat, clergy assemble to recount campaigns

Red Knight

Thayans

1 Tarsakh

Queen's Gambit, feasting and games

Red Knight

Thayans

25 Nightal

A celebration of dark side of wealth and pleasure

Samora

Thayans

Shieldmeet

Conjuring of the Second Moon, chant that summons female planetars to serve clergy for a night

Selune

Slaves

Mystery of the Night

Once a year, each cleric fly into air to commune with Selune

Selune

Slaves

Festival of the Moon

Rising of the Dark, service over a live sacrifice

Shar

Thayans

15 Tarsakh

Windride, clerics assume gaseous form or wind walk, set down in someplace new

Shaundakul

Slaves

Greengrass

Frolicking

Sune

Slaves

Midsummer

Frolicking

Sune

Slaves

Grand Revel

Once a month, gathering for dancing, music, poetry

Sune

Slaves

Every 12 days

Festivals to offer prayers, drums, chants

Talona

Thayans

Fast of the Moon

Honoring the dead

Tempus

Thayans

Once a tenday

Must shed blood

Tempus

Thayans

15 Hammer

Cold Counting Comfort, honors accounting

Waukeen

Thayans

20 Aluturiak

Great Weave, honors textiles

Waukeen

Thayans

30 Ches

High Coin, honors wealth

Waukeen

Thayans

10 Tarsakh

Spheres, honors generosity

Waukeen

Thayans

12 Mirtul

Sammardach, honors benefactors

Waukeen

Thayans

21 Kythorn

Brightbuckle, honors finery

Waukeen

Thayans

3-5 Flamerule

Sornyn, honors deal-making

Waukeen

Thayans

17 Eleasis

Huldark, honors bounty

Waukeen

Thayans

7 Eleint

Spryndalstar, honors magic

Waukeen

Thayans

1 Marpenoth

Marthoon, honors guards

Waukeen

Thayans

10 Uktar

Tehennteahan, honors crafts

Waukeen

Thayans

25 Nightal

Orbar, "a solemn remembrance" of the dark side of wealth

Waukeen

Thayans


Thay Red
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
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Posted - 22 Jul 2018 :  14:00:03  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Thraskir Skimper

There are ranks of Red Wizards, There are prestige classes and there are schooled Red Wizards.

You don't know the holidays? I'll dig up a list of them.

Not all Red Wizards are Nobles, some aren't even Mulan.



Again, while I love the roleplay, you may want to read more about the people that you propose to be an authority for. You're thinking of nobility in the same way that's presented in nearly every other feudal society where its handed down from one generation to the next. Thay is NOT that way. A red wizard ennobles his children, but not his grandchildren. It is incumbent upon his children to EITHER become a tharchion/autharch (or presumably an enclave leader, Khazark, a term which came later) OR a red wizard. Note that I stress here, red wizard... not just any wizard in Thay. Thus, the nobile families of Thay change as red wizards come and go. They do at least provide nobility for their immediate families, but then its on them to KEEP the family noble for future generations.

In fact, from this, if most red wizards don't become red wizards until say their mid twenties to early 30's, they may already have children who are nearing teenage years by the time they gain their own nobility. Thus, "grandfather" may have be in 50's/60's and have been a red wizard half his life, with his two sons having become "ennobled" between ten and 15 years old. Then, the 1st son becomes a red wizard at 28 and ennobles his 8 year old daughter and 10 year old son. The 2nd son however becomes a merchant and tries to become a Khazark, but he doesn't gain the leadership, and thus his children are never ennobled.
From Dreams of the Red Wizards

There are several noble families in Thay and, as a sign of the possible upward mobility in Thayvian society, new noble families are being started all the time.

In general, anyone appointed to the position of Tharchion (see Politics) or Autharch is automatically noble, and his immediate family (spouse[s], children) is also ennobled. Any other family
members including siblings are not ennobled, but, since nepotism is standard in Thay, can expect to become nobility soon.

Red Wizards are also automatically nobles, and they ennoble their immediate families as well.

If the children of a Tharchion do not become Tharchions or Autharches themselves, or children of Red Wizards do not become wizards, they are still nobility.
Once a Thayvian becomes a noble, it is almost impossible to take that status away from his family. Only the unanimous decision of the Zulkirs can remove the status of nobility; this is usually done by outlawing the family, arresting all accessible members, and turning the survivors of the arresting process into slaves.

It is not necessary to get all the Zulkirs upset with you to have a downward change in fortunes. Noble families also disappear because of the backstabbing politics of Thay. A family with many sons and siblings and with tentacles of power everywhere in the country can vanish overnight if the right collection of enemies decide the family is getting too powerful for the enemies#146; good.


Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas

Edited by - sleyvas on 22 Jul 2018 15:14:50
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sleyvas
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Posted - 22 Jul 2018 :  17:19:09  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On the idea of believable holidays that a sovereign nation like Thay might hold to, I'd look back at America, because the two nations are very similar in ways (I don't want to go into a comparison of America and Thay, other than to say we are becoming very factionalized and we were both founded on the idea of revolts for freedom).

So, with that being said

Freedom's Founding - This is a day to celebrate the revolt that led to the Priador being freed from Mulhorandi control. This is specifically a day of NON religious celebration. Temples are not visited unless needed desperately, EXCEPT for the church of Kossuth. The Church of Kossuth is heavily involved with this celebration, as they were involved with the freeing of Thay. In preparation for this day, the Kossuthan priests are known to use the raw alchemical substances used to extract bombard oil, along with simple sugars and manure, to make a low ignition explosive (for game purposes, this is similar to gunpowder but much weaker). This substance is then wrapped in bits of cotton and paper previously used for scrolls that have already been used. Given the number of scrolls that apprentice red wizards are forced to create in order to learn the craft, and the fact that a given scroll can make hundreds of small explosives, there is no shortage of this raw material. These wrapped explosives are then attached to small sticks of wood. Finally, a ritual is enacted over batches of these explosives which awakens some of the latent magic left in the scrolls, creating a mild pyrotechnic and illusory effect which is enacted with the remains of the scroll are destroyed. When they burst, they typically create short term illusory effects such as a symbol for a school of magic, a well known magical rune, an image of Kossuth's holy symbol, or even simple multi-colored sparks in simple shapes, etc... Some of these explosives however are imbued with programmed illusions which play out full scenes in the night sky through the bursting of multiple explosions in order. These explosives are known as Scroll Bursts and by order of the Zulkirs are a controlled substance and not sold outside of Thay.
This is also a day of great feasting, particularly in the form of charcoal roasted meats and vegetables, with the lay worshippers of Kossuth performing this barbequing splendor. In particular, small wooden skewers upon which small bits of questionably-sourced meat and locally grown produce are shared amongst the lower class populace. The richer commoners and nobles typically go for full pieces of chicken, beef, pork, goat, lamb, horse, duck, turkey, etc... and often hire entertainers such as fire dancers and gladiators to entertain visitors.
However, this day is not all about fire and Kossuth, and it is something of a wizard's holiday. Most apprentices are given this day off, so that they may use their talents to visit and impress their families and neighbors. It is a day to celebrate magical research, and thus wizards are expected to show off any new spells they've learned, whether they are well known to others or entirely new inventions of their own making. Many of them are expected to give away presents of magic freely to others, most of these being of minor make and value less than 10 gold each. Such things as a wand which can start a fire once a day without the need for lots of kindling, a broom which can be activated to sweep for ten minutes per day, a chamber pot which can float itself to a point within 200 feet and empty and clean itself, a key-knob-lock set which can float itself on command to open a door while the owner is carrying packages, etc... These items are often given away in the form of a lottery, in which commoners write their name on a piece of paper and place them into a special brazier with burning green fire. Upon command, these braziers release a name, and the lucky individual wins a prize.

Zulkirate's Day - This is a day to celebrate the founding of the Zulkirate and the formation of the modern Thayan government. This day is celebrated more by the Mulan nobility than the commoners within Thay. However, typically this is a day of rest and relaxation for the commoners in Thay, with the schools of magic providing free food to any commoners that show up at the gates of their school. Of course, these foods are prepared by slaves working with apprentices using unseen servants and animated objects which scoop food onto plates of anyone that shows up before the dish. While foods are free, alcoholic beverages are not, and many red wizards make up the majority of their expenses spent on this day by charging a small upcharge on simple ales and stronger spirits. In addition, local bards are often hired to distract the commoners with music and dancing.
The Mulan populace spends less time eating on this day and more time being entertained. The presentation of plays revolving around various fictional plots and historical stories are common. These plays always feature prominent use of magic, more often than not with illusion, but sometimes with spell effects of protection placed upon the audience and actual effects used. Actual fiend summonings (and subsequent slayings), use of undead, and evocation effects are not unheard of. Transmutation effects on slaves to create "monsters" are also not unheard of. At least one play reenacting the Council of the Black Star, portrayed in as positive of a light as the Zulkirate wants, is reenacted in every major Thayan town every year. However, these plays are not universal, and the school of magic most strong in a given area tends to have the Zulkir of their school take on more of a leading role in this decision making. The truth behind this story is little known and not well documented.
Gladiatorial combats against convicted felons of some combat skill are also common, with the dead typically being given to the school of necromancy for experimentation. Those that survive are typically given the choice of slavery, continued life as a gladiator, or submitting to becoming a Thayan Knight, an act which makes them incapable of resisting the mind control magics of their masters without magical aid. It is also commonly used as a day for mage duels between members of different schools of magic to be held for the entertainment of others, sometimes to the death.


Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas

Edited by - sleyvas on 22 Jul 2018 17:40:32
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

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Posted - 22 Jul 2018 :  18:18:10  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
These next two holidays I see fitting my personal campaigns, but not necessarily other people's

First, Day of Flame's Betrayal, which celebrates the victory in the Salamander War. While some would think that this holiday would be frowned upon by the church of Kossuth, they readily support it due to its portrayal of Kossuth as a savior to Thay. This celebration typically involves shows summoning of salamanders and forcing them to fight to the death against undead, soldiers and red wizards of obviously superior skill. Its said that the salamanders summoned are drawn by name of those who have upset Kossuth himself and are provided by the church. Similarly, efreeti are also summoned, with the names again provided by the Church of Kossuth, and similar to the lottery on Zulkirate's Day, the names of commoners are released from a flaming brazier. At least three individuals are chosen each year in every major city throughout the country. These random individuals are given the choice of asking a boon of a Zulkir, or receiving a wish from the efreeti. This celebration is a celebration which encourages the other major temples of Thay to participate, with the local Tharchion or Autharch providing funding to the various temples so that they can cover expenses used to attract the masses. Each temple tries to outdo the others in order to attract converts. Within modern day Thay, this celebration has been banned. It is still celebrated, oddly enough in the United Tharchs of Toril, despite the fact that they do not occupy the Priador.

Second, Treason's Reward, This is a day ONLY celebrated in modern Thay and instituted by Szass Tam to celebrate the day when the "treasonous Zulkirs" were routed out of Bezantur. It is not particularly popular and generally only celebrated by those red wizards in favor of Szass Tam's rulership. In fact, some rebel groups specifically use this day to meet up and plot against the lich.

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas

Edited by - sleyvas on 22 Jul 2018 18:19:55
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