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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 28 Sep 2022 :  10:13:48  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Arvyn Umbryl of the Smiling Satyr near Loudwater, circa 1370

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1574922691009810439

Sep 28, 2022

@smparlin

Again, good sir! Could you shed some light on what one Arvyn Umbryl of the Smiling Satyr near Loudwater looked like, circa 1370?

@TheEdVerse

Arvyn has a gravelly voice and in affable manner. He’s of middling height, burly build, fair-haired but going white, hair worn shoulder length but is clean-shaven, has ice-blue eyes, a hooked nose, and a developing paunch.

No tattoos, but an old sword-scar diagonally across left forearm. Tends to wear heavy, sturdy boots, leather breeches, and an open-front cotton “swash” or pirate shirt, with a leather apron over it. Always armed with a belt knife and a dagger sheathed down the inside of either boot.

He has a rarely-seen wife, Marra (she keeps to the kitchens), but three capable, strong, taller than him, energetic daughters who run errands for him, serve patrons, and even see to horses (eldest to youngest: Dauntra, Shammarra, and Lantrue, who’s the most impish/humorous). They’re a happy family.
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 28 Sep 2022 :  10:20:54  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On beljuril gem and beljuril dragons

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1574922970153336832

Sep 28, 2022

@Artie_Pavlov

Hi @TheEdVerse a quick OOU and IU question. OOU, what's the origins of beljuril gem?

and IU - there were beljuril dragons mentioned in Dragon magazine 265, do they exist in the realms?

@TheEdVerse

Out of universe: I made them up. ;} I do that a lot.

Yes, beljuril dragons exist in the Realms, but under Faerûn are rare indeed (eightto keep dwarves and gnomes who might otherwise approach their lava-flow-warmed deep cavern homes, one of which is deep beneath the easternmost Spiderhaunt Peaks (north of Semphar). or nine adults). They are reclusive, using their psionics
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 28 Sep 2022 :  10:27:22  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On traditional confectionary partaken during Deadwinter Day or any Faerun holiday

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1574923693524152320

Sep 28, 2022

@DndTravellog

Hope you're enjoying the relatively mild winter so far in Canada. This season I've been diving more into yuletide cakes and wondered if Deadwinter Day or any Faerun holiday had a traditional confectionary partaken during it?

@TheEdVerse

In the Heartlands, the Vilhon, and the Sword Coast North, Greengrass, the first day of spring, is marked by the consuming of onion cakes (think cornmeal fritters or flat-sided hushpuppies made with diced, lightly fried onions).

In Chessenta, on Deadwinter Day, skulls are eaten: small white-sugar-icing-coated sweet dough balls made with heavy cream, flour, eggs, and a lot of sugar, and pinched at one spot after “rolling round,” to yield the rough shape of a sphere with a thinner jaw.

And Midsummer Night feasts are a time for making and enjoying all sorts of confections; everyone makes their own favourites.
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 28 Sep 2022 :  10:45:03  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Mystran wedding ceremonies

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1574925603828281344

Sep 28, 2022

@BrunoLWilliam

Ed, could you tell us about Mystran wedding ceremonies ? It would mean a lot to me and my character who is soon to marry.

@TheEdVerse

Sure!

Mystran wedding ceremonies tend to be short and simple (more complicated for me to clearly describe than to do).

If one or both participants (NOT a third party) can work flying or levitation magics, it’s customary to rise into the air in an embrace (and kiss) once vows are said. However, this is an optional “touch of grace,” not a requirement.

In a Mystran wedding, a mage or priest of Mystra (or failing that, an elder person trusted by both of the individuals to be married, who has personally prepared The Ring) officiates, and the individuals to be married are both escorted to them, separately, by someone they love and trust (often a parent, but may be kin or a friend). There’s usually an audience (or at least a witness).

The officiator greets the audience: “In the name of Mystra, be welcome,” and strikes a handbell or gong (deeper tone preferred to higher) to begin the ceremony.

This is the signal to the escorts, who bring the individuals (who begin at locations out of sight of each other) to be married to the ring (ideally from different directions). Customarily the couple-to-be wear finery they like (of any style of dress).

The Ring is a circle on the floor or ground, large enough for the officiator and the individuals to be wed to stand in together, that is defined by seven blue-white stars, with two gaps left in the ring that can be filled by two additional stars. Usually, these nine stars are flat paper symbols of royal blue stars bordered in white (a wizard or priest of Mystra would use magic to cast star-like floating, glowing, three-dimensional images); see the symbol of Mystra illo on the Mystra page at the FR Wiki.

If the officiator stands at the 12 o’clock position within The Ring, and the audience is ranged from the 4 through 8 o’clock positions, the gaps where stars are missing would be at the 4 and 8 positions.

The escort leads the person to be wed. The escort carries a light source (conjured handfire, candle, lantern, or even a flashlight aimed upwards), and the person to be wed carries a star of Mystra.

When the escort reaches The Ring, they stop just before “their” gap, extinguish their light source, and step aside and back (to join the audience). The person to be wed advances to stand in the gap, and the officiator greets them: “In the name of Mystra, be welcome.”

They respond by saying, “In the name of Mystra.” Then they step through the gap, turn, and place their star in the gap, to complete The Ring (of nine stars).

The individuals to be wed can do this in unison, or one after the other, whatever they and the officiator prefer or circumstances such as time of arrival cause (who goes first or if they do it simultaneously has no significance).

The two individuals then approach to stand on either side of the officiator, facing each other. The officiator asks them, “Do you wish to become one?”

The customary response is “I do. WE do.” (Again, it can be delivered in unison or succession, and the choice and who goes first doesn’t matter.)

The officiator then announces, “Before Mystra, these two desire to become one.”

One of the individuals (it doesn’t matter who goes first, though if there is a difference in ages, it’s customarily the older person) then says to the other, “I am [they give their name as they prefer to style it, but surname included], and I give myself to you.” And they kiss their own fingertips and extend their self-kissed hand, palm out and upright.

The other person to be wed does the same, and then they both step forward until their self-kissed fingertips touch. They hold their hands together, and the officiator raises an enchanted wand if they bear one, or their hand (with conjured handfire if they can; right or left, it doesn’t matter) to touch the joined hands, and says, “The blessing of Mystra, Our Lady of Mysteries, be upon this union. Laugh together, and work magic together, and be greater thereby.”

The officiator then removes their hand and steps back out of The Ring, whereupon the couple embrace and kiss.

The officiator and the escorts then intone, “Mystra witness!” and the escorts step forward to remove all of the stars, working from audience side around to the back, and give them to the officiator, so The Ring is no more—and the ceremony is ended, and the mingling and chatter usually starts.

If done at night, and it’s safe and practical to do so, the stars may be replaced by candles in bowls or braziers on chains, or other open vessels that can be comfortably and safely carried. However, these must remain lit throughout the ceremony, or it must be redone, so beware high winds and low fuel.

If an exchange of rings is desired (it’s optional), these are customarily worn by one half of the couple to be on one of the fingers they kiss, then touched together when they put their hands together, and then they begin their embrace as a couple by exchanging (donning each other’s) rings.

Music is entirely optional, but if used, is traditionally played just to accompany the escorted approach of the participants (which is usually unhurried), and after The Ring is taken up and the ceremony is ended.
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 28 Sep 2022 :  16:50:49  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Interesting that Ed didn't mention starflight as part of a night time ceremony. I wonder if that means it was no longer practiced after the Spellplague/Second Sundering?

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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AJA
Senior Scribe

USA
747 Posts

Posted - 28 Sep 2022 :  21:36:28  Show Profile Send AJA a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban
Interesting that Ed didn't mention starflight as part of a night time ceremony. I wonder if that means it was no longer practiced after the Spellplague/Second Sundering?

Certainly could be, from a worldbuilding perspective. But could also be that it just slipped his mind while he was extemporizing a response. See his follow-up tweet: (bolding emphasis mine)
quote:

Naitomea @Naitomea215
Replying to @TheEdVerse
Was this written lore than you had to find and type out or did you quite literally make this up?

Ed Greenwood @TheEdVerse
Replying to @Naitomea215
Heh. I make it all up.
I can't find the scanty notes I made years ago, after my players asked about Mystran weddings and I told them my thoughts, but my overstuffed old head reminded me, so I started writing (as it was one of the outstanding Realmslore queries).




AJA
YAFRP
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 28 Sep 2022 :  22:42:09  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Thank you. Since Mystryl was doing starflight way back in the day for weddings, I would have been surprised to see it NOT used in the modern day. A misplaced note makes more sense.

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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AJA
Senior Scribe

USA
747 Posts

Posted - 28 Sep 2022 :  23:33:12  Show Profile Send AJA a Private Message  Reply with Quote

Well, only way to know for sure is to ask Ed!

Speaking of, Ed has provided notes on other religious marriage ceremonies before. I found these (looking because I thought he had previously described Mystran marriage). Not from Twitter, but hopefully no one will mind as they are topic-related;
quote:
Originally posted by the Questions for Ed Greenwood, 2005 thread

Sharess, as you might expect, doesn’t mind WHO gets married (in other words, beings of the same gender, beings of different races, beings already married to others, beings very closely blood-related to each other - - all sorts of unions are okay, as well as the more traditional ‘male and female of the same race’ pairings). All that Sharess insists is that love and passion (demonstrated physically, through lovemaking) exist within the union, and that both partners of the union be ‘unjealous’ enough that both partners in the union will be free to flirt (includes at least kissing and caressing) with other beings not part of the union.

The actual ritual is as follows:

Only two beings can be wed at a time (although both can engage in later rituals, immediately after a wedding is concluded, if they desire to end up in a marriage bond of more than two individuals).
Clergy of Sharess prepare each partner, in private, for the ceremony, bathing them, anointing them with oils, applying cosmetics to them, and even (if they desire and pay for such) augmenting their natural appearance with minor illusions. As the being about to be wed is being prepared, skilled clergy talk to them of their love for the being they are about to marry, encouraging them to describe the charms and graces of their partner-to-be, and bring them to a state of excitement.
The beings about to be wed are clad only in open mesh cloaks (scraps of fishing nets are often used), and led out of doors (regardless of the weather, climate, or terrain, the wedding itself must be performed outdoors, usually in a temple garden) in some place where a feast can be held and the two partners can be led towards each other in a procession.
Each partner-to-be (who are called “the Offered” by the clergy of Sharess) cradles a trained temple cat in their arms, and they walk with clergy of Sharess (almost always priestesses) who sing and chant soft, low-voiced songs to the goddess.
At the ‘right’ time, while still out of sight of each other, the priestesses simultaneously command the partner they’re with to kiss the cat passionately, and then let go of it.
The cats usually kiss and lick the partner, and may or may not scratch them (this is to be borne stoically if they do), and then ‘climbs down’ the net-like garment, and runs off through the garden in search of the other partner-to-be. The trained cats typically run straight to where the other partner-to-be is, climb up their net-like garment, and deliver the kiss from their fellow Offered (again, licks and scratches must be accepted along with it). [There have been cases where cats have been prevented from completing this ritual, or even killed my mischance; the clergy who walk with the Offered are ready to spell-transform themselves into cat form and ‘step in’ to perform this vital part of the ritual, if necessary.]
The moment both Offered have received the kiss, a spell cast by the presiding priestess takes effect, and the partners-to-be are momentarily mind-bonded, able to see through each other’s eyes. (This ‘seeing and feeling’ some small part of the mind of the other sometimes causes them to fall right out of love with each other in a hurry.)
By means of this seeing, they can usually swiftly find each other (despite the ‘weird’ feeling of seeing through the other’s eyes), and (through love and rising passion, aided by Sharessan spells) rush together, to consummate the wedding on the spot. Yes, that means the happy couple physically engage in lovemaking, side by side with their two messenger-cats, and all of the attending Sharessan clergy (plus any guests). The temple has previously prepared a feast of mead, light wines, and what we would call ‘finger food,’ and hedonistic lovemaking continues for some time. The favoured time for a Sharessan wedding is just before dusk, so the orgy can continue throughout the night. If it’s winter or storming (NOT viewed as a bad omen, by the way), the initial consummation is ‘on the spot’ and usually outdoors, sometimes in a bower heated by a ring of small fires, but the ongoing frolic moves indoors.
During the fun, Sharessan clergy will insist that each Offered publicly disclose one of their personal faults to the other (“I snore loudly” or “My feet smell” or “I can’t resist skirt-chasing every dark-haired Calishite I see”). This must be honest, though it can be frivolous, and the clergy forewarn and even coach the partners-to-be, beforehand (i.e. the request to disclose doesn’t come as a surprise). All previous weddings and child-bearing unions (no matter how unofficial or illegal) either Offered has previously been involved in MUST be disclosed to the clergy and the other Offered, or the ritual ends right there.
The ritual isn’t actually complete until the orgy ends and both of the Offered have slept (usually together, and if not, always in the physical company of Sharessan clergy) and awakened again - - at which time both are solemnly (and seperately) asked (by Sharessan clergy) if they desire to be united to the being they Offered themselves to, and whose Offer they in turn enjoyed. In other words, they are given a last chance to back out. Sharessan clergy freely offer private counsel (advice for wedded life ahead, or how to deal with specific flaws or tendencies of the partner chosen) at this time, and will even , if one Offered desires it, bring the two Offered together to continue counselling with both, face to face. If both Offered accept the other, they are henceforth known as Accepted, their names are entered in temple rolls, and they are magically translocated (by teleport spells, usually, though portals can be used) to a place of their mutual choice, if they want to go somewhere (Yes, a honeymoon! Or an escape from smothering parents, creditors, or even the authorities!), and the clergy keep the chosen destination secret from everyone for at least a year (longer unless family of the Accepted plead for disclosure because they fear something bad has befallen the Accepted).
It’s customary for either the partners-to-be or their families to make donations to the hosting temple or shrine of Sharess (to cover the cost of the wedding feast), and in some cities priestesses quietly offer drugged wines (usually to induce wild passion) for those who pay extra (in other words, the father of the bride might try to stir the ardour of his long-uninterested wife by discreetly arranging with the clergy to ‘add a little something’ to her wine or to everyone’s).


Lliiran weddings, it won’t surprise you to learn, are dancing affairs. Like the clergy of Sharess, the church of Lliira will join together beings of all races, genders, and blood relationships, but NOT if any of the parents of either Joyous (as the bride and groom to be are both called) objects, and not if either Joyous is already married to another, still-living being.

The ritual unfolds thus: in a secluded bower or walled garden or inside a temple to Lliira (these three venues listed in descending order of desirability), all wedding participants gather. Anything that is, purports to be, or could reasonably be used as a weapon must not be brought to the gathering (and Joybringers will whisk such items away by magic if they are present, detecting them by means of spells if hidden). Participants are encouraged to wear the wildest costumes they want to, and join in the dancing.
The music, musicians, and refreshments are as chosen by the wedding participants, and continue until the two Joyous want the actual wedding to take place (i.e. everyone they want to be there has arrived and everyone’s warmed up). Then the Lliiran clergy cast certain spells, and the Twelve Dances begin. Some of the spells enable all the people present to fly (within a very limited spherical field), others generate the soaring music of the Dances, and still others put the movements of each dance into the minds of the participants, so people who’ve never been to a Joyfasting (Lliiran wedding) before know the moves without thinking, FEELING the moves of the unfolding dances (note that this means the maimed, infirm, and non-dancers can enjoy being swept along in the dances, up into the air and moving freely along with everyone else). Most of the music of these dances is heard inside the heads of the participants (and in places of danger or hostility, can be rendered silent to all outsiders by choice of the presiding clergy), but the swelling tunes are stirring and uplifting, each dance of the Twelve arousing and emotionally moving everyone involved. Most dancers will sing wordlessly along to the rising tunes, and by the time the Twelfth dance ends on a peak of arousal and high notes, everyone is whirling swiftly, well aloft, around the feet of the two Joyous, who are swept together in consummation of their union above everyone’s heads, shedding their costumes as they go (it’s considered a mark of the favour to touch - - not keep - - any part of a costume as it falls, whirled around and around among the dancers by the magic rather than plummeting to the ground). Everyone but the Joyous then sinks gently to back to the ground, and the two Joyous make love high in the air, ‘kept up there’ by the Lliiran clergy.
The ritual ends with the presiding Joybringer asking the two Joyous if they’re content to be Fasted together (married), and Lliiran magic brings their replies to the ears of all participants - - whereupon the two Joyous vanish in a burst of spectacular fireworks (magical illusions rather than actual fireworks), and the Joybringers put on a music and light show (again, except in hostile or dangerous surroundings) to entertain the wedding guests whilst the two Joyous are whisked magically away to a previously-selected spot (usually a bedchamber far from all the revelry, but sometimes an escape to a secret destination far across the Realms).
It’s customary for the presiding Joybringers to gift a potion to each of the Joyous (usually one of Cat’s Grace and one of some sort of healing, but it can be anything not directly harmful or hostile to the imbiber). The potions will be labelled, not mysterious to the Joyous receiving them.





AJA
YAFRP
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PattPlays
Senior Scribe

469 Posts

Posted - 01 Oct 2022 :  02:42:55  Show Profile  Visit PattPlays's Homepage Send PattPlays a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by questing gm

On Arvyn Umbryl of the Smiling Satyr near Loudwater, circa 1370

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1574922691009810439

Sep 28, 2022

@smparlin

Again, good sir! Could you shed some light on what one Arvyn Umbryl of the Smiling Satyr near Loudwater looked like, circa 1370?

@TheEdVerse

Arvyn has a gravelly voice and in affable manner. He’s of middling height, burly build, fair-haired but going white, hair worn shoulder length but is clean-shaven, has ice-blue eyes, a hooked nose, and a developing paunch.

No tattoos, but an old sword-scar diagonally across left forearm. Tends to wear heavy, sturdy boots, leather breeches, and an open-front cotton “swash” or pirate shirt, with a leather apron over it. Always armed with a belt knife and a dagger sheathed down the inside of either boot.

He has a rarely-seen wife, Marra (she keeps to the kitchens), but three capable, strong, taller than him, energetic daughters who run errands for him, serve patrons, and even see to horses (eldest to youngest: Dauntra, Shammarra, and Lantrue, who’s the most impish/humorous). They’re a happy family.



I love using this inn in my 1487 game! They stuck a harper teleporter underneath. I love the big feast hall aesthetic and the authority anyone has when they say "this big thing is mine, welcome."

Those magic axes on the wall sure are an entertaining form of security, too! A great spot- though I tend to place it a little further south-west from Loudwater. Big hill, overlooking the river, just out of earshot of the bustling population center, and able to see two grand forests! A magical little location that has thankfully survived another hundred years.

:The world's greatest OOTA fan/critic: :"Powder kegs within powder kegs!": :Meta-Dimensional Cheese: :Why is the Wand of Orcus just back?: :We still don't know the nature of Souls and the Positive Energy Plane: :PC on profile, Aldritch Elpyptrat Maxinfield: :Helljumpers, Bungie.net: :Rock Hard Gladiator, RIP Fluidanim, Long Live Pluto: :IRC lives:


https://thisisstorytelling.wordpress.com

T_P_T
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 04 Oct 2022 :  11:35:32  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Mirt as a Masked Lord

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1577155326394085376

Oct 4, 2022

@IslamAndDragons

Howdy @TheEdVerse!

Re: Mirt as a Masked Lord

Everybody *knows* he's a Masked Lord, right? Not tabloid speculation, but legitimately knows because he doesn't care to keep it secret, right?

@TheEdVerse

That's right. In the mid-1300s DR, ere he got magically trapped (and vanished from circulation for more than a century), everyone knew Mirt was a Lord, because he attended and voted unmasked and spoke openly. So folk took complains and suggestions to him.
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 05 Oct 2022 :  10:04:34  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Elminster's stunt double

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1577513450955218945

Oct 5, 2022

@RpgMatch

It's live! Here's the link to purchase:

https://edgreenwood.net/product/unsupervised-wizard-mug/

@TheEdVerse

That mage mugging on the mug is definitely NOT Elminster. The Old Mage just dropped by to gloweringly tell me so.

(It's his stunt double.)

Oh.

NO, it's not!

(He heard me and spoke IN MY HEAD to tell me so. Very unnerving.)

And then he muttered something about me getting him one.

Just realized now...by the way he chided me, the Old Sage has just CONFIRMED that he has a stunt double.

That explains so much...
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 05 Oct 2022 :  19:16:58  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Ahhh, so El has one or more simulacrum that will pretend to be him. That does explain a lot...

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist

USA
11686 Posts

Posted - 05 Oct 2022 :  20:39:03  Show Profile Send sleyvas a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by questing gm

On Elminster's stunt double

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1577513450955218945

Oct 5, 2022

@RpgMatch

It's live! Here's the link to purchase:

https://edgreenwood.net/product/unsupervised-wizard-mug/

@TheEdVerse

That mage mugging on the mug is definitely NOT Elminster. The Old Mage just dropped by to gloweringly tell me so.

(It's his stunt double.)

Oh.

NO, it's not!

(He heard me and spoke IN MY HEAD to tell me so. Very unnerving.)

And then he muttered something about me getting him one.

Just realized now...by the way he chided me, the Old Sage has just CONFIRMED that he has a stunt double.

That explains so much...




"stunt double" is FR common to English translation for "simulacrum"

Alavairthae, may your skill prevail

Phillip aka Sleyvas

Edited by - sleyvas on 05 Oct 2022 20:40:05
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 07 Oct 2022 :  10:03:12  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On adamantine alloys

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1578049667421569024
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1578868288419172352

Oct 6, 2022

@ItalianKarsus

Dwarves Deep says that adamantine is mithral with adamantite while Volo's Guide to All Things Magical claims adamantine is purified adamant 5/8 silver 2/8 electrum 1/8 or steel+mithral.

Does the process transmute 'em into the same material or are there three alloys?

@TheEdVerse

There are five "adamantine" alloys.

"Just" mithral with adamant (=smelted, purified adamantite ore) is more brittle than the mixes that add silver or electrum (itself an alloy, though found naturally occurring). The less mithral, the less harsh the reflective gleam.

@ItalianKarsus

Ok, so those are separate alloys, thanks. I was wondering, is the steel+mithral one a process that yields adamantine alloy, or maybe the dwarves pulled a fast one on Volo? XP

@TheEdVerse

Heh. I'd say they did, as you can't get "adamantine" without adamant (the smelted, purified, VERY hard but brittle metal = smelted, purified adamantite) as an ingredient. You CAN add steel and still get adamantine, but you can't leave out adamant.

An alloy of "just" steel and mithral yields a steel that's better than stainless steel in terms of its rust resistance. Survives a lot of rust monster attacks, for instance. (However, dwarves and gnomes consider making it a waste of mithral.)

- Edited on 9/10/22 to add new tweets

Edited by - questing gm on 09 Oct 2022 01:44:22
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 08 Oct 2022 :  09:51:36  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On blue granite in the Realms

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1578612762347180033

Oct 8, 2022

@smparlin

@TheEdVerse was buying granite for a countertop and saw a deep swirly blue that comes from the sea floor. Is this harvested and traded in the relams?

@TheEdVerse

Like Blue Bahia granite, from Brazil? Or Lemurian Blue from Madagascar? Or Sodalite Blue from Brazil?
In the Realms, all of these are known as “bluestone,” and the most beautiful hues are like the best marble in value (3 gp/pound).
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
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Posted - 14 Oct 2022 :  10:50:07  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On why is Faerun called the Forgotten Realms

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1580693088183283712

Oct 14, 2022

@NekNamirrem

Why is Faerun called The Forgotten Realms?

I've been running games in your world for over thirty years and never thought to ask that until today.

@TheEdVerse

Our real world has many legends of dragons, wyverns, etc. but we don't see them in the streets. Because we've "forgotten" the gates (portals) linking Earth with Toril and many other "worlds." So Toril is "the Forgotten Realms."

(Faerûn is the continent we most know.)
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
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Posted - 14 Oct 2022 :  10:54:15  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On the author of ‘The Nights of Dragon Down’

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1580723021664243712

Oct 14, 2022

@Dante_Ravenkin

Hello sir! I have a Realmslore question for you, if you may have an answer. Was there ever a named bard who wrote ‘The Nights of Dragon Down’? I’d like to add it as a tidbit for my players in Elturel.

@TheEdVerse

The Knights of Dragon Down was composed in the 1270s DR by the half-elf female bard Larsheena “Larshee” Taruvel of Beregost.
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
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Posted - 17 Oct 2022 :  10:19:25  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Forgotten Realms before D&D

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1581821048458477568
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1581866540244226048
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1604527988699238400

Oct 17, 2022

@CDNcapamerica

Before 1987, all FR was was a couple of articles peppered through Dragon magazine.

@TheEdVerse

Nope. The Realms existed as sixteen published short stories and novellas, maps and all, before D&D came along in 1974.

(And if you weren't in Wisconsin, you didn't see D&D until 1975. By which time the Realms was up to 22 published stories and a gazetteer.)

@YoDanno

Thanks for the knowledge drop Ed!!!

@TheEdVerse

Heh. I should dig out more of those early tales. In my spare time, of course. Sigh.

@CDNcapamerica

I stand humbly corrected, good sir.

@TheEdVerse

Heh. Is okay. I just want folks to know the Realms was a story world before there was D&D. I DID play Diplomacy in the Realms, and some Donald Featherstone-style medieval tabletop games, before FRPGs.

@CatalogFantasy

Interesting. Do you have list of these stories and novellas and such?

@TheEdVerse

Here’s a partial list [* = a Mirt story, % = published by TSR/WotC]

In 1965, I wrote two short story fragments that were combined the next year to become:

One Comes, Unheralded, To Zirta (1966) %
The Box of Dreams (1966) *
Vultus Triumphant (1966) *
Too Old A Wolf (1967) *
The Bringer of Doom (1967) *
Hazanth’s Trifling Error (1967) *
The Sword That Sang (1967)
How Silent the Spectre (1968)
How Vrackmulkyn Learned The Truth (1968) *
Mirt and the Dragon Inexorable (1969) *
Too Many Ghostly Knights (1969) *
The Last Mistake of Voroon Ouz (1969) *
Nine Swords Unaccounted For (1969) *

I took a break from the Realms at this point to write a non-Realms novel, Fool’s Master, and twenty or so unrelated short stories, many of them parodies or pastiches.

So this is the earliest stuff. Mostly published in long-gone magazines and chapbooks.

@ryantylerpalmer

Ed, I need these for my collection, how and price? Absolutely must have.

@TheEdVerse

Free. If I can find them.

Which may take a while. I have copies somewhere. Sigh.

@CatalogFantasy

Found one of them at Candlekeep...
"One Comes, Unheralded, to Zirta"
https://www.candlekeep.com/library/articles/zirta.htm

- Edited on 19/12/2022 to add new tweets

Edited by - questing gm on 19 Dec 2022 09:47:18
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questing gm
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Malaysia
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Posted - 25 Oct 2022 :  13:39:48  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On mercenaries slaying elven high mages

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1584744930014289920

Oct 25, 2022

@Mercurius_c

Dear Mr.Greenwood,I noticed that in the novel The Sundering:Herald,the elven high mages of the Coronal of Myth Dannor were "overrun and cutting down",but I don't really believe that such kind of powerful wizard s would be slay by mercenaries Or do the mages aren't as powerful as I thought they would be?In the novel written by Mr.Salvatore "In Sylvan Shadow",over a hundred elves defeat almost five thousand humanoids,would Myth Dannor simply be overrun by Simbian mercenaries?

@TheEdVerse

Scattered "undercover" (plainclothes) among the mercenaries are many Zhentarim mages. They drop back out of combat when warrior mercs aren't facing elf mages, wait for an elf mage to hurl spells, then pounce (outnumbering the elf as much as possible to overwhelm).
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
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Posted - 26 Oct 2022 :  15:56:28  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
That really doesn't surprise me. Statistically speaking (using 2e rules), only 45% of average level 5 mages would survive their first encounter with an average fireball or lightning bolt spell cast by someone of the same level. The average mage would need to be level 8 to be able to survive the average fireball or lightning bolt spell from a level 5 caster. Using the same averages, it would only take 4 level 5 mages to be able to kill the average level 20 mage (that is assuming the level 20 mage made all his saving throws vs spell).

Edit: Fixed saving throw error.

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents

Edited by - TheIriaeban on 26 Oct 2022 16:02:34
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
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Posted - 26 Oct 2022 :  20:14:56  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

That really doesn't surprise me. Statistically speaking (using 2e rules), only 45% of average level 5 mages would survive their first encounter with an average fireball or lightning bolt spell cast by someone of the same level. The average mage would need to be level 8 to be able to survive the average fireball or lightning bolt spell from a level 5 caster. Using the same averages, it would only take 4 level 5 mages to be able to kill the average level 20 mage (that is assuming the level 20 mage made all his saving throws vs spell).

Edit: Fixed saving throw error.



Really, even the highest-level wizards are at risk if their opponent is close. Wizards are awesome artillery -- but artillery doesn't fare too well against PBIs that are right in front of it.

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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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 30 Oct 2022 :  01:18:52  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Blackshield apartments (Court residence)

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1586495542611562496
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1586501589342093312

Oct 30, 2022

@Artie_Pavlov

I keep digging into Suzail and keep not finding things. Like Blackshield apartments (Court residence) on several maps but nothing else. Does this mean guests and dignitaries stay there? Court clerks? so many questions

@TheEdVerse

Visiting royals, nobles, and special envoys (highest-ranking clergy & diplomats) stay in special Palace suites. Lower-ranking visitors stay in ground-floor (& floor above) rooms in "Blackshields."

Court clerks are given rooms there for their duration of their service.

@Artie_Pavlov

This sounds like a big apartment complex! Do they offer any sort of amenities to the guests? room service? companionship? gym and pool?

@TheEdVerse

It is a big complex (4 floors of suites & an attic of servants' chambers and workshops, as well as a full cellar). There are heated baths at the rear of the ground floor, and a guest lounge with (what we would call serve-yourself-buffet) food and drink at all hours.
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
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Posted - 30 Oct 2022 :  01:31:25  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Lady of Graces in 1479 DR, Jalessa Windstone

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1586503690806083584

Oct 30, 2022

@CommonplacePub1

Hi @TheEdVerse! I hope you are well.

I have some questions about the Lady of Graces in 1479 DR, Jalessa Windstone.

Is it correct to say Jalessa lived in the Royal Palace of the Purple Dragon? If yes, did her chambers have a particular name?

Were the Windstones a "palace family" like the Duskroses and the Lionwinters?

Lastly, do you know who Jalessa's predecessor was?

Thank you Ed, as always, for giving us all so much to think about and imagine.

Have a good one.

@TheEdVerse

Jalessa Windstone is the third Lady of Graces; she took office in 1472 DR, succeeding the ill, retiring Lady Brunzarra Hethcanter, who held the office from 1459 DR to 1472, and succeeded the first Lady of Graces, Gevandra Mallowthar. (pronounced “Jev-RAN-dah”)

Longtime Palace families include the Bracetels, the Duskroses, the Lionwinters, the Ormantrels, the Saraclarrs, and the Windstones.
The Lady of Graces lives in a suite in the Court, not the Palace Royal (i.e. the big building to the south ofthe Palace proper).

If you look at my Suzail map in the FR ADVENTURES sourcebook, the Palace Royal (also known as the Palace of the Purple Dragon, or Castle Obarskyr) is #1 of the blue-tinted, keyed buildings, and the much larger Court (also known as the Royal Court, or the Courts of Cormyr), that fronts on the Promenade, is #4 of the blue-tinted, keyed buildings.

The offices of the Lady of Graces occupy the southernmost “bump-out” tower at the western end of the Royal Court, with the “receiving room” of her private chambers immediately behind/north of them; in it is a circular staircase rising up into her lounge, robing rooms, study, bedchamber, and guest bedchamber above (both bedchambers have adjoining private garderobes).

The offices are known as the Font of Grace, and the “chambers of residence” of the Lady of Graces are known as the Rose Rooms, after the nickname of the first Lady of Graces (Gevandra was known as “the Evening Rose” for her great beauty: dark blue eyes and hair [not dyed, but said to be derived from half-elven blood]).
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
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Posted - 30 Oct 2022 :  01:38:41  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On "living dracolich"

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1586496646036307968
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1589988083549999104
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1589988369634775042

Oct 30, 2022

@KluttzIsAKlutz

What is a "living dracolich" in concept? What would that entail if he is able to complete that? That they have all the benefits of undeath but aren't undead anylonger?

@TheEdVerse

Daurgothoth envisages dragons who still live, but have the undead abilities of dracoliches (and no need to eat), but are bound to him (they MUST obey him). Azuth has told the Chosen this is impossible; attempts to craft them will fail.

No dracolich needs to eat souls.

@KluttzIsAKlutz

Is that what Azuth thinks, or is that what the lore itself is? Could the Chosen get around what Azuth believes to be impossible?

And do Dracoliches need to eat souls like liches? It doesn't *state* they have to, unlike liches

@TheEdVerse

The Chosen aren't going to try to get around Azuth, by their very nature.

There are CONCEIVABLY magical ways to gain the control D covets, and various abilities undead possess, as separate magics newly devised through long and exacting experimentation.

The problem here is that many beings will seek to thwart any experimenter, once they notice and realize what's going on. (So: campaign "long plot," not known path with existing spells/rituals/processes).

- Edited on 9/11/2022 to add new tweets

Edited by - questing gm on 09 Nov 2022 00:54:37
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 01 Nov 2022 :  09:55:16  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On the impoverish becoming wizards

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1587266519536386050
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1587634852475637760

Nov 1, 2022

@MythicalSong

Greetings! How do potential young mages from impoverished families in the realms afford the costs of training to become wizards? Does this differ from region to region?

@TheEdVerse

Mostly, they don’t. One reason why wizards are so rare.

The others become apprentices (drudges to mages) or try to demonstrate their Gift to Cormyr’s Wizards of War or similar organizations.


@CatalogFantasy

The Harpers mayhaps? Do they seek out potential wizards or sorcerers in a covert fashion? I wonder of they are doing such work after the Spellplague?

@TheEdVerse

Indeed. The Harpers have always covertly sought out individuals with the Gift, who have world-views that might make them join Those Who Harp.

And yes, they do so after the Spellplague.

- Edited on 2/11/2022 to add new tweets

Edited by - questing gm on 02 Nov 2022 09:30:31
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
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Posted - 01 Nov 2022 :  09:57:23  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Grimgates, Arlathan and Spellhold

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1587268257282760704

Nov 1, 2022

@Artie_Pavlov

Grimgates, Arlathan, (volo's guide to BG2) and Spellhold (baldur's gate 2 game) - same location, or nah?

@TheEdVerse

No. Two different places. And I hid a few more of them in the vicinity that lore writers haven't noticed yet. ;}
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 02 Nov 2022 :  09:43:22  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On how to master the Art

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1587505303620304899

@Teh_Schwann

Greetings! Was just wondering: If learning magic takes long years of intense study, mostly with a nose buried in magical texts or doing trial-and-error with spell work, then how do young, glory-hungry, adventurers ever manage to master any Art?

@TheEdVerse

One way: "wild talent" (innate STRONG Gift). Another: successfully reading out a spell scroll, and gaining the experience.

And the main way is apprenticeship, thoroughly learning and using a few everyday-useful spells (Mending, Message).

It's NOT a swift-rise career.
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 04 Nov 2022 :  09:11:37  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On Elminster asking Tymora for a sliver of luck for the next Powerball drawing

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1588177757372317696

@Voleki

Any chance of Elminster asking Tymora for a sliver of luck for the next Powerball drawing?

@TheEdVerse

Certainly, but beware: as the old Realms saying hath it, "Asking Lady Luck for luck can betimes backfire."
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
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Posted - 04 Nov 2022 :  09:17:28  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On prying whatever Elminster had been reading in Candlekeep

Nov 3, 2022

@logidoggy

Hey Ed! If someone tried to pry after whatever Elminster had been reading in Candlekeep after his departure, would the scribes tell him about it? Would he send them an amusing or admonishing reminder about prying into the affairs of old wizards?

@TheEdVerse

The scribes never share what others have been reading (the best way to try to find out? Spy on which books and scrolls are out of the stacks), nor permit scrying within Candlekeep (the wards block spying from outside).

And yes, he would. ;} Like me, El has no secrets.
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore

Malaysia
1095 Posts

Posted - 04 Nov 2022 :  09:25:46  Show Profile  Visit questing gm's Homepage Send questing gm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
On foods that dwarves would consider a "taste of home"

https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1588340876354662400

Nov 4, 2022

@the_iriaeben

Good day good sir. I was wondering if you could mention a few foods that dwarves would consider a "taste of home". I am putting together a dwarf run tavern/inn and I would like to include some dishes to make the place decidedly dwarven. Thank you.

@TheEdVerse

Sure!

Dwarven cuisine in the Realms varies widely with what’s locally available, but there are some common staples: leek bread (dwarves make them in handloaves, which are “rolls” to us); potato and leek soup; rock crab; rothé back (bison steak would be close); fried browncap mushrooms (portabello is close); barleycakes (oatcakes); fried lamb kidneys; mutton chops; silverfin (trout); smallfowl sausage (made with minced pheasant, grouse, goose, duck); roast boar fritters (apples, diced dates, flour, salt, thin-sliced roast boar); and tarnsar (sliced fried potatoes, onions, and boar thinslice).

Hope this helps!
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