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Originally posted by cpthero2

Learned Scribe Azar,

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One day, a group of travel-weary Mililans in the area visited the Eldathyns for a bit of respite. After both groups had dined for the evening, the Tuneservants of the divine troupe played gentle melodies as thanks for the generous meal. The Peacemen and Peacewomen found that some of the troubled souls sitting nearby in silent observation responded well to the music played by their guests. Seeing the value in this emotional outlet, they requested that the Mililans make a return trip to instruct their more flexible priests in the ways of music. The eldest of the Mililans agreed to this request and an arrangement was made.

Both branches of their respective faiths came together with such regularity that the Mililans one day decided to permanently post a band of their most introspective members as a gesture of goodwill. Eventually, a potent magical artifact was born from the union of their various efforts: the Mist Flute

Unlike mundane examples of the instrument, this creation is formed from solidified mist. If dispelled, dispersed or otherwise disintegrated, the flute will automatically re-form (depending on the ambient moisture content, this could take anywhere from hours to weeks). Only those of pure thought are able to use the flute to its fullest capacity.

Below are just some of its powers.

• Calm aggressive emotions.


• Quench one's thirst for an entire day.


• Conjure an obscuring mist.


• Summon rain.


• Nullify/absorb magic or magical attacks that involve dehydration and/or heat (such as Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting) A strong enough opposing force causes the enchanted water droplets that compose the flute to fly apart; weaker forces cause a reduction in ability until the flute can fully regenerate.

Thus far, I've tentatively settled on this specimen resembling a shakuhachi; perhaps one of the Mililans is an emigrant from Wa?

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That is a pretty amazing magic item. Very powerful. That could allow people to do things in trade and more that would make it an invaluable resource. Very nice!

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As I see it, there are multiple reasons why this works/isn't a bridge too far.

1. There is - to my knowledge - no history of conflict between Eldath and Milil.
2. Both Eldath and Milil are Neutral Good in Alignment; both deities and the core of their worshipers basically believe in doing what's best without bias towards either restructuring or deconstructing the world...or at least their milieu.
3. While Milil isn't explicitly devoted to pacifism the way Eldath is, he's more of a lover than a fighter (he prefers to make music and to encourage others to find their own creativity through poetry and song). Also, his avatar has the ability to make others in his presence feel at peace.
4. The artifact in question is purely defensive. Yes, a devious enough mind could no doubt find a way to pervert its intention, but it is much more difficult to misuse a creation not designed for violence or domination.

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1) As far as I know, that is correct indeed!

2) Agreed as their dogma actually align, which I think is the criteria for this, but agreed.

3) Agreed.

4) Good point.

Best regards,

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Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

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Originally posted by Kentinal

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Originally posted by Azar

I feel like a black hat that has just wandered into a saloon only to see the patrons suddenly vacate the premises .

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I am sure you are not considered a black hat. Though it appears you got caught mixed up with side issues/disagreements of other scribes at candlekeep in this scroll.

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Also, it's not uncommon for activity here to go in spurts.

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Originally posted by Azar

I was under the impression that these boards would be hopping, given that The Forgotten Realms is the de facto "core" setting of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. However, it appears that discussion revolving around the most recent setting canon tends to transpire elsewhere.

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2) Agreed as their dogma actually align, which I think is the criteria for this, but agreed.

I want to touch on this specific subject. Dogma takes precedence over Alignment, yes? Usually, there is a strong correlation between Alignment and dogma (e.g., if a god explicitly requires their worshipers to respect life, they're most probably Good), but I imagine there may be the occasional subtle divergence in beliefs that causes two seemingly compatible faiths to quickly break ranks.

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I was under the impression that these boards would be hopping, given that The Forgotten Realms is the de facto "core" setting of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. However, it appears that discussion revolving around the most recent setting canon tends to transpire elsewhere.

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There's more activity when there's something new to talk about, but given that we get so little of that, anymore, it means activity levels are lower than they were in the past.

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Originally posted by cpthero2

Learned Scribe Azar,

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2) Agreed as their dogma actually align, which I think is the criteria for this, but agreed.

I want to touch on this specific subject. Dogma takes precedence over Alignment, yes? Usually, there is a strong correlation between Alignment and dogma (e.g., if a god explicitly requires their worshipers to respect life, they're most probably Good), but I imagine there may be the occasional subtle divergence in beliefs that causes two seemingly compatible faiths to quickly break ranks.

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I don't believe that there is anything in the rules that specify that, but I believe the commonsense ruling would be yes. In my campaigns I always rule that way. Good would be a broad sense of feeling about things, whereas dogma is literally the rules. Just like in law: go to the more specific for the most controlling rule/law/code, etc.

Best regards,

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Originally posted by Merlin Monroe


Although, for some reason, I now can't help thinking that graveyards are often places of serenity and peace ~ exactly the kind of mood Eldath is ALL ABOUT. So which of the death-involved deities would syncretize with Eldath to rule the cemetery quiet? Maybe this should be its own thread....

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Originally posted by Merlin Monroe

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Originally posted by cpthero2

Learned Scribe Azar,

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2) Agreed as their dogma actually align, which I think is the criteria for this, but agreed.

I want to touch on this specific subject. Dogma takes precedence over Alignment, yes? Usually, there is a strong correlation between Alignment and dogma (e.g., if a god explicitly requires their worshipers to respect life, they're most probably Good), but I imagine there may be the occasional subtle divergence in beliefs that causes two seemingly compatible faiths to quickly break ranks.

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I don't believe that there is anything in the rules that specify that, but I believe the commonsense ruling would be yes. In my campaigns I always rule that way. Good would be a broad sense of feeling about things, whereas dogma is literally the rules. Just like in law: go to the more specific for the most controlling rule/law/code, etc.

Best regards,

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If we're using Earth as our reference point, syncretisms (not what we're talking about, but related) don't even need an overlap, union, or connection of dogma. It can be as simple as a role played by the two deities (Hermes and Hekate, both psychopomps who lead the dead to the afterlife, result in the Greek magical papyri's Hermekate) or a mood evoked by the two deities (Mercurius was the interpretatio Romano for Odin) or even just a similar poetic title or description (I don't actually have the understanding to say, but I think I recall some of the Afro-Caribbean deities to be Yoruba/Dahomey/Kikongo deities syncretized with Catholic saints on this basis).

This Flute of the Mists is, first of all, awesome and amazing. Second of all, it is based upon the union of an effect desired and an effect created. That is an absolutely perfect and sufficient vasis for something as "small" as the creation of an artifact.

Although, for some reason, I now can't help thinking that graveyards are often places of serenity and peace ~ exactly the kind of mood Eldath is ALL ABOUT. So which of the death-involved deities would syncretize with Eldath to rule the cemetery quiet? Maybe this should be its own thread....

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Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

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Originally posted by Azar

I was under the impression that these boards would be hopping, given that The Forgotten Realms is the de facto "core" setting of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. However, it appears that discussion revolving around the most recent setting canon tends to transpire elsewhere.

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The problem is that there really isn't recent setting canon. We get dribs and drabs in the adventure books, and that's it.

Back in the days when novels and sourcebooks came out multiple times a year, and WotC was giving free web content almost daily -- the place was hopping, then.

There's more activity when there's something new to talk about, but given that we get so little of that, anymore, it means activity levels are lower than they were in the past.

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Fans have expressed a desire for supplements that flesh out less-explored areas of the Realms. While that's a great idea on its own merit, the new material featured in those books would also help to increase foot traffic to the Candlekeep forum. Here's to hoping we see an influx of new members sooner rather than later.

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