Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Charles Phipps 01-30-08, 03:57 AM	This is to get a handle on who might still be alive. Basically, the time jump has probably eliminated a lot of the NPCs that exist in the Realms simply by the fact that they are human beings and it's 98 years later. This thread is to talk about those that would be able to survive such a thing and take a tally of the dead. Confirmed Fzoul Chembyrl Elminster Drizzt Do'Urden Manshoon Dead Bruenor Battlehammer Most Likely Dead Alusair Cadderly Because of Bob Salvatore's intro and the Chosen of Deneir aren't immortal if the novels are to be respected. Cadderly's predecessor died of old age. Caladnei Bronwyn Caradoon Cattie-Brie Danica Myrmeen Lhaal Mirt: It's amazing the guy hasn't keeled over from diabetes or a heart condition already. Piergeiron the Paladinson Danillo Thann: Though I'd be interested in seeing him become one of the Blackstaffs. Wulfgar Possibly Still Alive Alias: Flattery Wyvernspur was still alive centuries later. Amlaruil: An old elf but seemingly immortal. Gromph Baenre: He's getting older but he's got a few years in him left. Liriel Baenre: She's a Dark Elf and thus nearly immortal but she'll have lost Mystra as a patron. Quenthel Baenre: NASTY! WICKED EVIL! But very alive. Triel Baenre: Sorry to say she's probably now coming into her own. Artus Climber: The Ring of Winter makes him immortal. Erevis Cale: Shade. Elaith Craulnober: He's an Elf and 94 years isn't too long. Artemis Entreri: Thanks to his absorbing some Shade Energy. Iuoluom Lich Jarlaxle: Again, Elfdom has its benefits. Kane: 20th level Monk. Lamruil: A healthy young elf with his life ahead of him. Larloch Lich Riven: He's the Chosen of Mask too. Olive Ruskettle Halfling Shoon VII Lich Ebenezer Stoneshaft: He was a young Dwarf during Thornhold. Ssass Tam Lich Tan Chin Lich Umvor Lich Vangerdahast: Steel Dragon. So, who else can we name that's probably still alive? Actually, it's bizarre but looking at all these names makes me feel a lot better about the changing to the Realms as long as I know these guys are still around.
MarkusTay63 01-30-08, 10:30 AM	Dark Elves are NOT nearly as 'immortal' as regular ones - they only live about 400 years. That means Gromph is definately getting on in years... Quenthal, however, was returned to life by Lolth herself, wasn't she? THAT has definate possiblities... does she even age, anymore? And if not, should Triel be getting worried? I'd say Cattie-Brie and Wulfgar are dead, but that goes without saying - along with others like Cadderly and Danica. Personally, I don't plan on killing any humans I don't want to, but officially, without magical aid, none of them are going to make it. Olive Ruskettle should still be alive, although she'd be pretty venerable - I think halflings only live to 200 in 4e, if I'm not mistaken. That Elaith Crulnombre (sp?) should still be around, and doing quite well, having out-survived most of Waterdeep's other powerful types. All the Lichs should still be 'up and running', including Szass Tam, Larloch, Iuoluom, Umvor, Tan Chin, Shoon VII (or was that V?), etc..... The Simbul's got to be toast - she might be responsible for what happened to Thay's Plateau... some sort of 'last-ditch' effort to exterminate them, perhaps?
Kenzuki 01-30-08, 10:57 AM	Only 400 years? Then explain to me how Matron Malice Do'Urden was over 500 years and Matron Baenre was around 2,000 years! Plus I really hope Artemis and Jarlaxle are around, Drizzt is OK but he isn't nearly as enjoyable to read about. Besides guys just imagine all the NEW heroes that will be around! Oh yeah I imagine Mirt and Durnan will be dead too. But they were kinda boring anyway. Mirt probably died of a heart attack or something being so fat and all anyway.
Red_Wizard 01-30-08, 10:57 AM	Gromph is already over 700, but he has the broach to prevent him from aging, so I think he'll kick around so long as nothing unnatural befalls him. That said Markus, I don't recall their life expectancy only being 400. As I recall it can reach at least 1000 without much hassle, with the old Matron being 2000 herself. -RW
Kenzuki 01-30-08, 11:00 AM	Not to mention they breed faster than regular elves do right? Don't they have a child like every 100 years or so?
Red_Wizard 01-30-08, 11:04 AM	*double Post
MarkusTay63 01-30-08, 11:18 AM	I've been away from home the last three days, so I don't have any of my books. I KNOW it used to be 400 years, but that might have changed in the new 3e DotU. And Matron Banre was kept alive by magic - the novels even said so - even if she were a normal Elf, 2000 years would be a bit extreme.
Kenzuki 01-30-08, 11:22 AM	The others could use magic to extend their lives like Gromph does.
Red_Wizard 01-30-08, 11:26 AM	Interesting. I had a friend of mine check quickly, and apparently it is 255 + 3d100 years for max age. -RW
MarkusTay63 01-30-08, 11:41 AM	So 400 would be right around average, eh? ;)
HVulpes 01-30-08, 11:58 AM	Interesting idea. Now my thoughts... Most elven (Eladrin, Drow and Elves) are likely to make it through the years, if they survive the disaster. The younger generation of some of the demihuman races (Dwarves, Halflings, Gnomes and whatever) should be able to last as well, yet they would be much older. The Older Demis would be dead by this time, though. The realms has many life expectancy enhancing magics from potions to broaches to clones and Alias vessels to even undeath. Yet when the weave shut down, there might be a few moments when every could be in danger. Yet if they could develop a connection to the raw magic, they should be alright. Except for the thousands of mages who went out of their minds, or the gods who will be busy for the next few months after that date. (Also with Alias vessels, the question is whether the magic used to bring them to life is constant or instant on creation. I would vote for the latter, even if it seems to increase life. Still, Flattery's long life could be cause by the fact he was a wizard, not a fighter like Alias). The spellplague could have other effects on people as well. Monsters and races could be mutated by raw mystical power. Undead could be warped by the power of the plague. So even if the characters are around, they might be different from what we remember. Even if it's just the experience they had in the last 94 years. Familiar and different will be the key words.
Charles Phipps 01-30-08, 12:54 PM	It's unlikely, but I wouldn't mind seeing Alias brought to 4th Edition even if a lot of newer fans might not remember her save as the girl in the Chainmail shirt with the neckline in Realms art. ;-) I wonder how long Saurials like Dragonbait live. Unfortunately, two of my favorites in Kyriani and Arilyn Moonblade are unlikely to have lived so long. Elaine Cunningham also turned down my suggestion we dump Danillo and she in Stasis spells. Vangerdahast is a Steel Dragon now, so he's going to be alive as well. Grandmaster Kane is a 20th Level Monk and thus would be immortal.
Red_Wizard 01-30-08, 01:52 PM	So 400 would be right around average, eh? ;) Yep. I was putting that there to help your case over my own. ;) I do still recall a different age somewhere, but perhaps I am simply superimposing the novels over the rules. *Ponders* -RW
Kenzuki 01-30-08, 01:55 PM	It's unlikely, but I wouldn't mind seeing Alias brought to 4th Edition even if a lot of newer fans might not remember her save as the girl in the Chainmail shirt with the neckline in Realms art. ;-) I wonder how long Saurials like Dragonbait live. Unfortunately, two of my favorites in Kyriani and Arilyn Moonblade are unlikely to have lived so long. Elaine Cunningham also turned down my suggestion we dump Danillo and she in Stasis spells. Vangerdahast is a Steel Dragon now, so he's going to be alive as well. Grandmaster Kane is a 20th Level Monk and thus would be immortal. It's a shame, Kane was a big a-hole in Road of the Patriarch.
HVulpes 01-30-08, 02:11 PM	It's unlikely, but I wouldn't mind seeing Alias brought to 4th Edition even if a lot of newer fans might not remember her save as the girl in the Chainmail shirt with the neckline in Realms art. ;-) I wonder how long Saurials like Dragonbait live. Unfortunately, two of my favorites in Kyriani and Arilyn Moonblade are unlikely to have lived so long. Elaine Cunningham also turned down my suggestion we dump Danillo and she in Stasis spells. Vangerdahast is a Steel Dragon now, so he's going to be alive as well. Grandmaster Kane is a 20th Level Monk and thus would be immortal. Well, it is possible for Danilo and Kyriani to make it. They are both wizards, and Kyriani has that deity connection. Danilo's family is also known for living a long time. He would likely ease the liverspots from Arilyn's body too. The only question which could stop this is the possiblity for either one or both of the wizards to go mad. Another interesting idea is the legacy of the major heroes of the realms we knew. The child/ren of the heroes, like any child of Danilo/Arilyn or Cat-Brie/Drizzt. Or the twins from Khelben and Larael. There is options of legacies from the past other then bring the characters forward. (Please forgive my spelling, please).
msatran 01-30-08, 02:31 PM	When did Vangerdahast become a Steel Dragon? Is that canon? I think one of my players would probably have noticed that little tidbit of information, and it sure didn't come up in Elminster's Daughter.
Charles Phipps 01-30-08, 03:00 PM	Ed Greenwood said it and what he says is Realm's canon, like George Lucas. He did, however, become a Dragon in Elminster's Daughter.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 12:47 AM	-If "Karsus" makes a return in 4e, and frankly, I wouldn't be surprised, just know that it's probably another Clone that's awakened.
Uzzy 01-31-08, 02:03 AM	Given Alusair and Calednei's likely deaths due to the change, does anyone else think that either a quiet death or Calednei going mad due to the spellplague rather demeans the two? Personally, I'm having them both go out together like heroes. Anyway, you can add the majority of the War Wizards to the 'Most Likely Dead' list. And Filfaeril.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 02:07 AM	Given Alusair and Calednei's likely deaths due to the change, does anyone else think that either a quiet death or Calednei going mad due to the spellplague rather demeans the two? -Alusair would probably like "going out" with "flair".
Charles Phipps 01-31-08, 02:08 AM	I prefer that Alusair cedes the throne to Azoun V and then disappears off to battle evil. Basically, I'd prefer that we never quite know what happens to her since it preserves the mystery of a favorite Realms character. :-) When next we see her, she's Chosen of Torm.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 02:21 AM	I prefer that Alusair cedes the throne to Azoun V and then disappears off to battle evil. -AGHotR doesn't mention what happens to her after she ceded the throne, did it? Leader of the Purple Dragons, perhaps? Governor, mayor, and other 'executive' roles that a noble would be given really don't suit her personality.
MarkusTay63 01-31-08, 02:33 AM	She sentenced herself to Shnoo Shnoo... to death!!! :D
Charles Phipps 01-31-08, 02:35 AM	-AGHotR doesn't mention what happens to her after she ceded the throne, did it? Leader of the Purple Dragons, perhaps? Governor, mayor, and other 'executive' roles that a noble would be given really don't suit her personality. Honestly, I think that Alusair would probably do her best to disappear. Ed has implied that Regents don't stick around Cormyr after they finish their term for the fear they'll take over.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 02:36 AM	She sentenced herself to Shnoo Shnoo... to death!!! :D -I...don't...exactly...get it. That's been happening a lot to me, lately.
Uzzy 01-31-08, 02:40 AM	Ed has implied that Regents don't stick around Cormyr after they finish their term for the fear they'll take over. That's kinda what I was thinking. I had also thought about having some story where she says she's heading off into the Stonelands, and so 'Heading into the Stonelands' becomes a byword for disappearing. I do demand that Calednei goes with her though! And survives.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 02:51 AM	Ed has implied that Regents don't stick around Cormyr after they finish their term for the fear they'll take over. -Alusair was Azoun V's sister, though...It's not like she was a nefarious, plotting Truesilver or something.
Charles Phipps 01-31-08, 02:58 AM	-Alusair was Azoun V's sister, though...It's not like she was a nefarious, plotting Truesilver or something. Aunt. Yes, but I think she'd also want to toss Azoun V into the pond however. As long as she's there, like Vangerdahast and Caladnei, he's not allowed to be important.
Uzzy 01-31-08, 03:01 AM	She can still be a focal point for discontent with Azoun V's rule, just by her presence. People may hark back to the days when Alusair ran things, and think how much better it was. That sort of thing. Besides, she probably enjoys riding around and fighting much more then staying in Suzail and 'ruling'. We just need Calednei to resign and ride with her now.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 03:13 AM	Aunt. -Yes, Aunt. Yes, but I think she'd also want to toss Azoun V into the pond however. -I'd actually see her doing just the opposite. Azoun V is young, naive. By sticking around, close to Suzail, she'd be protecting him from all those noble who really hate him, due to all of the stuff he does during his reign. She can still be a focal point for discontent with Azoun V's rule, just by her presence. People may hark back to the days when Alusair ran things, and think how much better it was. That sort of thing. -Point taken.
Charles Phipps 01-31-08, 03:55 AM	Ed Greenwood provides the answer to me. 2. Yes, Alusair is an Obarskyr true; she will do whatever she believes is best for Cormyr. However, that involves her own seizing of the crown only if Azoun the Fifth is slain or subverted into being a monster, droolingly insane, or a halfwit under the control of someone not devoted to the Dragon Throne. Filfaeril and Alusair between them will see to it that Azoun is reared to be a good king; the sort of youth who wouldn’t even think of shirking his responsibility - - or of misusing his royal rights, either! So by the time he’s old enough to take over, he won’t dream of not taking the crown. Nor will he dream of trying to rule without retaining Alusair as the “war leader” of the kingdom, or of reigning without constantly seeking the advice of Alusair and of Dowager Queen Filfaeril. Yet we “know” (from what little published Realmslore says; I know more, but of course am constrained by NDAs right now against saying anything) that Azoun V turns out “all right” and rules well, so it is all academic. I stand corrected, I had forgotten he told me this!
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-31-08, 11:45 AM	Oh yeah I imagine Mirt and Durnan will be dead too. But they were kinda boring anyway. I didn't think so.:)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-31-08, 11:49 AM	Another interesting idea is the legacy of the major heroes of the realms we knew. The child/ren of the heroes, like any child of Danilo/Arilyn or Cat-Brie/Drizzt. Or the twins from Khelben and Larael. It's an interesting idea, sure, but it may just recreate one of the problems that the 4E design team is trying to solve--that is, the perception that NPCs in the Realms are much more important to the setting than PCs are. Essentially, the "problem" NPCs would just be replaced by their children. Note that I'm not saying I *agree* with that perception, I'm just saying that the 4E designers believe it exists and that it's a problem.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-31-08, 11:51 AM	Given Alusair and Calednei's likely deaths due to the change, does anyone else think that either a quiet death or Calednei going mad due to the spellplague rather demeans the two? I don't even want to think about that.:raincloud
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 12:13 PM	2. Yes, Alusair is an Obarskyr true; she will do whatever she believes is best for Cormyr. However, that involves her own seizing of the crown only if Azoun the Fifth is slain or subverted into being a monster, droolingly insane, or a halfwit under the control of someone not devoted to the Dragon Throne. -That's what I was thinking, but, at the same time, how is the new king Azoun V to know that? He could appoint Alusair to a far-off post regardless of what she actually feels.
Uzzy 01-31-08, 08:26 PM	Regardless of what Ed's got down, in my mind Alusair would retire eventually. Not only to avoid her presence becoming a focal point for dissenters, but to ensure that Azoun V can be his own man (It is, after all, his rule. Having Alusair always at his shoulder might lead to trouble later). Further, keeping the Kingdom together over the last 10 years must have been taxing on the Steel Regent, especially with an expansionist Netheril at the northern border. So, after giving it a couple of years to ensure that Azoun V is running the place well, she would retire to a life of adventuring and riding around Cormyr and various nobles. She would leave instructions with the War Wizards on how to contact her if case of dire emergency (War with Netheril, Azoun's death) but I think she deserves a break, and some time away doing what she loves best. As for Calednei.. well, resigning from her post and therefore abandoning her duty for the sake of love and friendship? I think it would be an interesting development for those two. I dare to dream that someday we might get to see them again in the Realms.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 08:29 PM	-Who'd take over for Caledni? Probably some random somebody we don't know.
Charles Phipps 01-31-08, 08:32 PM	-Who'd take over for Caledni? Probably some random somebody we don't know. Actually, one would assume her replacement would be Vangerdahast's child with Dame Lah.
Uzzy 01-31-08, 08:36 PM	I was thinking Lasperra in the short to medium term, with Vangey's child being trained to be the longer term replacement, for the king after Azoun V.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 08:38 PM	Actually, one would assume her replacement would be Vangerdahast's child with Dame Lah. -That child would only be 10 or so, when Azoun V is installed oficially in 1384 DR. So, at least, not initially. And, that's assuming that the child is proficient in magic. -1385 DR is when all of the wackiness begins...
Charles Phipps 01-31-08, 08:46 PM	True, but I think that he's probably the replacement everyone assumes will be placed in there. Vangerdahast's lineage have been the wizards of Cormyr for centuries.
Lord Karsus 01-31-08, 09:06 PM	Vangerdahast's lineage have been the wizards of Cormyr for centuries. -That is true. His liniage is supposed to date all the way back to Baurabel (Sp?) Elf-Friend.
Uzzy 02-01-08, 06:38 AM	Of course, Calednei could always be the one who stays at Suzail, in charge of the War Wizards for a while yet, choosing duty over love and friendship. I think that would be an interesting tragic story. It is all that is left unsaid upon which tragedies are built, after all. In my mind, Calednei and Alusair wouldn't have taken their relationship anywhere during Alusair's time as regent, mainly because of their respective duties. In a country that rather disliked Vangerdhast's influence over the Dragon Throne, it's hard to see the populace particularly liking Vangey's hand picked disciple, and a Turmian at that, having even more influence. Sure, the people will love Alusair always, but Calednei is a different matter.
Charles Phipps 02-01-08, 06:53 AM	In my mind, Calednei and Alusair wouldn't have taken their relationship anywhere during Alusair's time as regent, mainly because of their respective duties. In a country that rather disliked Vangerdhast's influence over the Dragon Throne, it's hard to see the populace particularly liking Vangey's hand picked disciple, and a Turmian at that, having even more influence. Sure, the people will love Alusair always, but Calednei is a different matter. Actually, I have Ed's response about the nature of Caladnei's relationship with Alusair and it's really more of a one sided crush on her part. Caladnei is positively frigid in all respects thanks to her paranoia (instilled by Vangerdahast) of being compromised. If anyone wants the letter, I'd be happy to post it. Alusair keeps her 'harem' close by, even if she's been gradually "marrying them off" from the implications I got over the years.....she's still maintaining CLOSE relations with them. While being war leader of Cormyr seems like a happy ending, though, I tend to worry Ed will give her a send off similar to her father. On the other hand, I'm not sure I really can see Alusair growing old. Is it weird that my only objections to the time skip are losing these two characters :P ?
Uzzy 02-01-08, 07:15 AM	I'd love seeing that letter, Charles. I think Alusair does deserve a proper send off. Something suitably heroic. A quiet death in bed just doesn't suit her, so have her take down some Princes of Shade during an invasion of Cormyr, or something. Also, losing these two is certainly one reason why I dislike the time skip. Though there are plenty of other characters I'll miss too.
Kenzuki 02-01-08, 07:22 AM	Actually, I have Ed's response about the nature of Caladnei's relationship with Alusair and it's really more of a one sided crush on her part. Caladnei is positively frigid in all respects thanks to her paranoia (instilled by Vangerdahast) of being compromised. If anyone wants the letter, I'd be happy to post it. Alusair keeps her 'harem' close by, even if she's been gradually "marrying them off" from the implications I got over the years.....she's still maintaining CLOSE relations with them. While being war leader of Cormyr seems like a happy ending, though, I tend to worry Ed will give her a send off similar to her father. On the other hand, I'm not sure I really can see Alusair growing old. Is it weird that my only objections to the time skip are losing these two characters :P ? So Alusair is basically a female pimp with her hoes? I'm sorry, I just can't take a woman like that seriously. Or a man for that matter. Then again it's not earth so my opinion is skewed.:P
Charles Phipps 02-01-08, 07:28 AM	So Alusair is basically a female pimp with her hoes? I'm sorry, I just can't take a woman like that seriously. Or a man for that matter. Then again it's not earth so my opinion is skewed.:P More precisely she's pretty much a female Azoun. A substantial portion of the Kingdom's best warriors and upper ranking nobles are in love with Alusair to a certain extent, even if they're married. Pretty much, this will go a long way to solidifying her place of strength in the later years of the regency. Azoun did much the same with the attractive ladies of the court with plenty of illegitimate children amongst the various Royal Families plus lovers in high places around the various plotting halls. And if you think this is silly, Emperor Augustus did the same thing.
Charles Phipps 02-01-08, 07:38 AM	The Sexuality of the Obarskyrs This was a question asked when I talked about 'marrying' one of our player characters to Princess Alusair. One of the odd points of contention was whether or not he'd be allowed to have his own affairs while she was off with hers. Charles, Ed hath responded, thus: Hi, Charles! Thanks for the DRAGONFIRE review, and your comments about what should/shouldn't be in THE SWORD NEVER SLEEPS. Excellent, as always, and I shall heed. As for your queries: 1. There will always be some faiths (and therefore, some commoners who believe everything said from the altar), and some nobles (for their own "bring down the Obarskyrs" reasons), who will seize upon evidence or even mere rumors about tomcatting or unfaithful or "wanton" royalty (either trueblood Obarskyrs or those who marry into the family) as a pretext for their being "unworthy" of the throne. However, the vast majority of Cormyreans rather admire the Obarskyrs for behaving this way ("yes, he's a true Obarskyr, all right!"), and will feel the same way about someone who marries an Obarskyr (""Tis only fair! 'Swhat I'd do, if it were me up there! Sauce for the goose . . ." and so on). So a Consort having even a very public affair will engender LOTS of juicy gossip, but no overall disapproval of the Consort (again, some priests and nobles will seek to use it, but will receive no general support; and season courtiers will be EXPECTING it). It's not treason or explicity illegal, so "shrugged off" is the closest to correct of your three suggested results. And yes, Alusair does indeed have political reasons to go on bedding "her boys," and will do so. Making them her staunchly loyal "ride to her rescue or to do her bidding" brigade, more personal support among the nobles than any recent Obarskyr has ever enjoyed. Yes, the War Wizards under Vangey would try to spy on and control all such unions - - but NOT under Caladnei (or Laspeera), who would instead just spy on them so as to know what's going on and be able to swoop in and protect/rescue the royal personage if something goes wrong. A Child of Alusair 2. I agree with your assessment: Alusair thinks she's barren, but suspects Vangey may be tampering to "make sure." However, she doesn't want to bear children (and certainly doesn't want to endanger the succession), and is glad to stay "barren" even if he alone is preventing her from conceiving. If Azoun V, Queen Fee, Alaphondar, Caladnei, or Laspeera (but NOT anyone else [except your Consort PC, if you so desire], and NOT Vangerdahast unless some of the above listed characters support him in this) talk to her repeatedly about having a child as "insurance for the succession," she could [reluctantly] ne talked into SECRETLY doing so (i.e. going into seclusion or even out of the Realm, and in all cases giving the child into the keeping of the Chosen or some trusted Highknights or Caladnei or Laspeera, to be raised far from Cormyr and kept VERY secret from the nobles or anyone else [e.g. Zhents] who might use a pretender figurehead to threaten the Dragon Throne. So, no, it wouldn't shift the power dynamics in the Realm, because even Alusair's proven child would at first be believed by the commoners to be just one more pretender used as an excuse to threaten their Cormyr by ambitious villains out to seize the Dragon Throne. If Alusair decided to keep the throne herself, now, THAT would be a different story; she would succeed if Azoun V is still a boy, but Queen Fee would oppose her if he was grown to manhood (and Vangey and or the Harpers would whisk her away and "change her mind for her" if need be). Thanks for the questions. Yes, I'm busier than Grand Central Station right now, with three novels and four other secret projects and the 4e Realms ll on my plate for getting done before Christmas ( !!! ), but I loved answering these anyway. :} The Sexuality of Caladnei 1. Caladnei’s romantic life will probably never be detailed in print because she was created by two Wizards staffers with the specific request to me that (I’m paraphrasing here) “you don’t do the randy thing with THIS character of Cormyr like you have with all the others, please.” Which of course gives you carte blanche. However, here’s the official Realmslore Ed-bible version: Caladnei, as evidenced by some scenes in my short story in REALMS OF SHADOW, is attracted to Alusair personally. However, she’s not lesbian per se; she was just raised in a traditional Turmish way, which means faithfulness to a life partner in all things EXCEPT sex for its own (that is, pleasure) sake (remember, we’re far from Christian real-world morality here). In upland Turmish, girls and boys play together, herbal contraception is common from very early ages, and no one gets very uptight about such things (unless someone is bullied or forced to do something, which is treated seriously). So, yes, Caladnei is “open” to enjoying lots of things, prefers (with the sole exception of Alusair, whom she’s in awe of, anyway - -and who is initially very suspicious of HER) men, and left to her own devices, would probably have half a dozen lovers at any one time, and many male friends. (As an adventuress, she did just that.) However, she is now constraining herself greatly. She reluctantly ended up as Cormyr’s Royal Magician, under scrutiny, critical reaming, and real suspicion from all sides, and was desperate not to put a foot wrong. So she was very slow to trust anyone, and hyper-suspicious of any advances as fostered by (or even magically compelled by) ambitious War Wizards seeking to bring her down, or ambitious nobles ditto. She is no longer afraid of treachery within the ranks of the Wizards of War, but she IS still very much on her guard against attempts to woo or influence her by nobles or the (perhaps unwitting, perhaps eager) agents of nobles. Caladnei pleasures herself, and moons over attractive men from a distance, more than she ever dares even be seen “out and about” with any man. She has kept herself under iron control since arriving in Cormyr, and will NEVER do anything indiscreet. Nor will any noble or noble’s agent ever befriend her (or more) without her knowing exactly who they are (thanks to her investigations, the separate investigations of War Wizards launched by Laspeera to protect her, the independent investigations done by Highknights and courtiers at the behest of Alaphondar (who is acting at the command of Queen Filfaeril, who wants Caladnei to neither become a traitor nor “another Vangerdahast”), and the separate-yet-again investigations of local Harpers (who can call on Dove for “point work,” if need be). So by all means have Caladnei having affairs, but be aware that she will KNOW if someone is seducing her to gain influence over her, and will conduct herself so as to apparently go along with it, but avoid situations where she can be “caught and exposed” by someone trying to disgrace her at Court. She will be as discreet and secretive as possible, including using magical disguises to look like a man for traveling to trysts or meeting her lover(s) at inns or in upper rooms. She’s quite capable of physically enjoying a lover, pretending to fall under his influence, and using very subtle means to learn more about him and who’s controlling him than she ever reveals to him of the state secrets of Cormyr and her own true feelings. I also, bizarrely, have Laspeera's romantic history. Honestly, I'm a little surprised at the detail of the answers but grateful at any peaks into Realmsian lore.
Kenzuki 02-02-08, 07:33 AM	So this Alusair women is using her body to insure political capitol eh? That's certainly a smart thing to do I guess. Though I don't really like that kinda behavior. I personally wouldn't want to be involved romantically with a women who's been to bed with half the country. But like you said it will give her alot of followers and she's got a freaken army at her beck and call. So what the hell does my opinion mean? I'm more of a one woman man anyway and I suspect even if I were living in the Realms I'de be the same way. One woman is hard enough to handle, much less a bunch. That and I'de be the jealous type too. Though she is weak level wise. Artemis would kill her and take her stuff.
Priamon 02-02-08, 08:26 AM	Another interesting idea is the legacy of the major heroes of the realms we knew. The child/ren of the heroes, like any child of Danilo/Arilyn or Cat-Brie/Drizzt. Or the twins from Khelben and Larael. There is options of legacies from the past other then bring the characters forward. (Please forgive my spelling, please). I hope Drizzt and Cat-brie's Son is a fat looking dark skinned, red haired dwarf that runs a total crap bar in the worst slum on faerun. Anyone who asks just gets told he got hit by the spellplague. But really who knows?