| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
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| Necrontyr08-02-06, 11:01 PM | Greetings all. I'm a long-time lurker, but my recent contemplation of what the future may hold for Faerun, specifically in relation to the names given in the Roll of Years, prompted me to post. I'm aware that the current year is 1374 DR (or have we now progressed to 1375?), but I'm wondering, what, in your opinion, does the next decade or so hold in store for Faerun? And also, how much does the name of a certain year reflect or predict that year's events? For example, does the current year's name, the Year of Lightning Storms, have any real bearing on what world-shaking events Faerun may experience? Should we expect some plot involving Talos? Or simply an unusually long and wet autumn/winter? Could it have referred to the weather conditions created by the Shades' attempted melting of the High Ice? Or was that in previous years? Anyway, I'd like to hear your theories on future world-shaking events (preferably, but not exclusively, based on the yearly names). |
| createvmind08-02-06, 11:33 PM | Yes the name implies something to do with lightning storms exactly, by Talos, NO. From my understanding Wotc is fading out realmslore in source books especially if it coincides with novels. You want to know about the current year requires reading Last mythal trilogy, and Blackstaff a stand alone novel plus a few others, Blackstaff deals directly with Alaundo's prohecies however. We are in 1374, have had a peak at certain areas a few years into the future and almost all novels except Rage are taking place in 1374 around Faerun. Several scource books have come out before the novels and if it mentioned current state of said area then it would defeat purpose of releasing novels so if you want current events read the novels or the spoilers members post in here. |
| Necrontyr08-02-06, 11:38 PM | Hmmm, just for those unaware, these are the next few years according to Dale Reckoning and their names according to the Roll of Years. Obviously, all the names are prefaced by 'Year of'. 1375 Risen Elfkin (likely to involve the drow, flush with power after Lolth's return or perhaps the fey'ri (fey'ri probably being a better fit for the term 'elfkin' than the drow)? 1376 the Bent Blade (are there any people, organizations, cities or nations referred to as the blade or sword of something?) 1377 the Haunting 1378 the Cauldron 1379 the Lost Keep (something to do with Northkeep/the Bell in the Deeps perhaps?) 1380 the Blazing Hand (who was a hand as a title or emblem?) 1381 the Starving (seems kind of obvious, a Faerun-wide drought or famine?) 1382 the Black Blazon (maybe the year the Zhentarim completes their conquest of the Moonsea region, or perhaps finally raises their banner, unopposed, in Shadowdale) 1383 the Vindicated Warrior (who are the Realms' most famous warriors? Are any falsely vilified?) 1384 Three Streams Blooded (what threats would have to cross three streams/rivers to accomplise their goal?) |
| FzouLxxChoseNxxOFxxBanE08-03-06, 12:12 AM | 1375 Risen Elfkin (likely to involve the drow, flush with power after Lolth's return or perhaps the fey'ri (fey'ri probably being a better fit for the term 'elfkin' than the drow)? hmm i disagree i woudl ahve to say that that name would have somethgin to do with the return of myth drannor its not one of those things that can be brought upon overnight so my guess is that myth drannor will be fully reborn and refunished to be one of the most important elven/human communities in faerun in this year jsut my 2 coppers |
| Dialacton2108-03-06, 12:22 AM | Prophecies are usually vague enough to be placed in any context. But specifically for the Year of Risen Elfkin I think refers to the return of the Meyeritari 'dusk elves' and their city of Rhiithaminn (sp?). As well the hard core ass kicking the Elves of the Crusade did to the Fey'ri. Concerning the Fey'ri btw, I don't they'll be 'rising' any time soon considering how they got their asses handed to them in the Last Mythal series. I think the year of Lightning Storms can be interpreted to being about the fast quick changes that have been happening in the realms world. |
| Necrontyr08-03-06, 12:26 AM | You said yourself though, it won't happen overnight . . . and there hasn't been any concerted effort in canon to clear Myth Drannor by anyway but the Vhaerunites. Besides, with the recent troubles in Evermeet and Evereska, and Cormanthyr surrounded by rising human nations on two sides, the Zhents in the north and Sembia in the south (both with a grudge against elves), who would even attempt such a thing? |
| Dialacton2108-03-06, 12:36 AM | Obviously the elves of the Return. They just did it to so it's canon. |
| BadCatMan08-03-06, 12:40 AM | They don't have to be big things do they? Maybe nothing more important happened (that ol' Alaundo saw anyway) than some bad storms. I like the idea of a prophecy that only partially hits the mark. I might miraculously resurrect a dead Elf PC in 1375 (when we currently play), and/or have a local elf related storyline. |
| stanleyx200208-03-06, 12:41 AM | 1379 the Lost Keep (something to do with Northkeep/the Bell in the Deeps perhaps?) Zhentil maybe? 1380 the Blazing Hand (who was a hand as a title or emblem?) Bane, doesn't Helm also? But this is blazing... 1383 the Vindicated Warrior (who are the Realms' most famous warriors? Are any falsely vilified?) all of them.. I agree with your risen elfkin theory, but then again, there's so much involving elves, elfkin, etc... I saw this whole list for the next bunch of years and a friend and I came up with some theories for what a few might be but i can't really remember much. So i guess i wasn't of much help just now. oh well. Hmm, wait for the Twilight war series, something big is going to happen i think... |
| Necrontyr08-03-06, 12:47 AM | I haven't read much FR fiction lately, so I'll take your word of the elves' Return. Just out of curiousity though, return from where and what are their numbers? Anyway, clearly '75 involves elves of some kind . . . but what about the more obsure-sounding years . . . Cauldron anyone? And oh, isn't that impronouncable elven supremicist group's name Elvish for "Blade of the People"? For them to be bent could tie with the rising elfkin of '75. Any ideas on '84? How many streams between the Kingdom of Dark Arrows and a major northern city? |
| Dxzauvrinn08-03-06, 12:49 AM | The Year of Lightning Storms mystery has been already answered here: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802b&page=1 Look under the Turning of the Great Cycle section. It describes how the lightning storms that covered Faerun created dragon eggs all types to be used in the new dragon war. |
| Necrontyr08-03-06, 12:56 AM | There's certainly some very interesting sounding names in the more distant future. 1398 the Voyage (first circumnavigation of Toril?) 1410 the Eight-legged Mount (Lolth's cooking up something really big now . . .) 1469 Splendours Burning (goodbye Waterdeep?) 1554 the Dark Chosen (so many theories . . .) 1557 the Murdered Sage (could this be the year Elminster meets his maker?) 1595 Raging Baatezu (sounds apocalyptic . . .) The Roll of Years ends in 1600 DR . . . does the Realms have a doomsday clock? |
| GothicDan08-03-06, 01:07 AM | No, it doesn't. Those are just the years that are named as of now - and Ed has many more, I believe. :) |
| BadCatMan08-03-06, 01:21 AM | And if Ed lives for several centuries we might reach them! |
| Krash08-03-06, 03:27 AM | The Year of the Haunting may well have something to do with Richard Lee Byers' upcoming novel trilogy set in Thay with undead as the dominant theme. -- George Krashos |
| Bocklin08-03-06, 05:21 AM | The Year of the Haunting may well have something to do with Richard Lee Byers' upcoming novel trilogy set in Thay with undead as the dominant theme. -- George Krashos Wow! I did not know of that one. One of my favourite FR author is back with a series in one of my favourite region! Very happy... Bocklin |
| dragonheart08-03-06, 09:59 AM | The Year of Lightning Storms mystery has been already answered here: Actually that is not the cause but one (minor really) side effect. you will have to read "Blackstaff" to get the real reason for the name of the year. 1375 - risen elfkin - given events in Blackstaff and the Last mythal series we would seem to have 3 major groups of elves returning at the end of 1374 and during 1375 so that seems well covered. They don't have to be big things do they? actually no they don't - you will have to search through Ed's comments from candlekeep bbut he (and others) make the point that the names are not always something large and world shaking. so -"1383 the Vindicated Warrior" instead of someone major it could jsut as easily be about a 3-6L fighter in sembia or baldur's gate taht got accused of a crime and then was proven innocent as about some major NPC. Ass for other years and othe possible ideas :D 1376 the Bent Blade - probably something minor - or something happening in an inn called the bent blade 1377 the Haunting - as suggested it will be covered in a novel (its too tempting a name not to use :) ) 1378 the Cauldron - maybe something happening around the lake of steam? 1379 the Lost Keep (something to do with Northkeep/the Bell in the Deeps perhaps?) This is possible but then there are so manny lost keeps all across Faerun that thi could also be a minor event 1380 the Blazing Hand (who was a hand as a title or emblem?) bane, helm or it could be minor with a small trading coster or medium level mage who uses a blazing hand as a symbol - much easier to write some novels about such folks than to keep on doing world shaking events. 1381 the Starving - while its obviously about hunger it could just as easily not be whole realms - perhaps just Chessentia and region as Tchazzar's war erupts and food growing is halted in the area. 1382 the Black Blazon (maybe the year the Zhentarim completes their conquest of the Moonsea region, or perhaps finally raises their banner, unopposed, in Shadowdale) or maybe they take a major defeat now that the elves are mack in Myth Drannor 1383 the Vindicated Warrior - covered earlier 1384 Three Streams Blooded - maybe jsut three different battles at three different streams across Faerun 1398 the Voyage (first circumnavigation of Toril?) possible but it could be many other less momentous voyages as well. 1410 the Eight-legged Mount (Lolth's cooking up something really big now . . .) this sounds about right - it will take 30-40 yars for the drow to really start rebuilding their might and getting themselves back organized so the timing is pretty good. 1469 Splendours Burning (goodbye Waterdeep?) 1554 the Dark Chosen (so many theories . . .) how about something really good about the chosen of Mystra and Elistraee? Maybe she is finally able to lift that portion of the curse of the drow and those who are her followers return to being dusky elves and are allowed back onto the surface openly. 1557 the Murdered Sage (could this be the year Elminster meets his maker?) unlikely - there are enough hints that he is ggetting old that I don't see him living nearly 200 years more. So this probably some other sage. 1595 Raging Baatezu (sounds apocalyptic . . .) or raging at being cut off and blocked from faerun - perhaps this is the final cleansing of hellgate keep. :D |
| ericlboyd08-03-06, 10:04 AM | The Year of Lightning Storms mystery has been already answered here: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802b&page=1 Look under the Turning of the Great Cycle section. It describes how the lightning storms that covered Faerun created dragon eggs all types to be used in the new dragon war. That's one answer. Look at "Blackstaff" and "Bloodwalk" for others. There's actually a fourth answer in the write-up of Sharpfangs in Dragons of Faerun. Few, if any, year names refer to one event. No explanation is "more right" than another. --Eric |
| BrianCritchley08-03-06, 01:28 PM | so with the year of lighting storms it was a multitude of events unrelated to each other with simpluy the tieing effects of lighting storms? thats actually sortta cool from a "what did alaundo really forsee" prespective. |
| BrennonGoldeye08-03-06, 01:39 PM | Tangents. :D 1377 the Haunting- Ghostly Sister anyone? 1379 the Lost Keep- Avriel? Truly hidden Elf-realm? Ick , Moander? 1381 the Starving- Shade fiddling with the climate again? 1383 the Vindicated Warrior- Something in me says either Fflar or (Blast from the past) Kelemvor. 1384 Three Streams Blooded- Three bloodlines diluted or destroyed? 1398 the Voyage- More of a celestial voyage than a realmsian one? 1554 the Dark Chosen- The last Sister? Shar pulling a "Evil Universe"? :cool: |
| Kamekazou08-03-06, 06:44 PM | 1383 the Vindicated Warrior- Something in me says either Fflar or (Blast from the past) Kelemvor. Actually, this is when billions of identical Chaotic Good Drow Rangers will rebel against their evil heritage and travel to the surface. That already happened? Damnit. |
| darkgeneral09-02-06, 04:13 PM | The future looks pretty weak to me! The shades were poised to give the realms balance. Instead, the realms will continue to be an old, tired, out of balance, campaign. Let's face it, the great and powerful Elminster will be able to effortlessly do the things your characters will never be able to accomplish on their best days. (I find this very hypocritical, on the part of the establishment). The people who make DnD, are always saying it's a bad thing to play for power, and talk about the importance of true "role playing," I remember reading a 2nd edition source book, where in it said "DM's should encourage their players to retire characters, when they become too powerful." It seems to me that they need to practice what they preach. Elminster is not making the realms a better place, he is the Hulk Hogan of DnD. It's time for Mr. Greenwood to take some of his own advice, for the good of the realms! |
| Caledan09-02-06, 05:49 PM | I personally always thought that we should hang to much to the name given to each year (the year of the harp did every one play the harp that year, or where the harpers born in that year?) I know there are exceptions but... the name is thought of earlier than the beginning of the year starts. or i am i wrong and is there some prophecy who gives the name to the years and where can i find more of it? sorry for my bad english i blaim the beer :D |
| The Ubbergeek09-02-06, 07:23 PM | The future looks pretty weak to me! The shades were poised to give the realms balance. Instead, the realms will continue to be an old, tired, out of balance, campaign. Let's face it, the great and powerful Elminster will be able to effortlessly do the things your characters will never be able to accomplish on their best days. (I find this very hypocritical, on the part of the establishment). The people who make DnD, are always saying it's a bad thing to play for power, and talk about the importance of true "role playing," I remember reading a 2nd edition source book, where in it said "DM's should encourage their players to retire characters, when they become too powerful." It seems to me that they need to practice what they preach. Elminster is not making the realms a better place, he is the Hulk Hogan of DnD. It's time for Mr. Greenwood to take some of his own advice, for the good of the realms! Some peoples here are so cynical. And Elminster was ALWAYS just a (background) NPC in Da Ed's ideas. Not a common sight, and not his character. |
| BrianCritchley09-02-06, 10:34 PM | Some peoples here are so cynical. And Elminster was ALWAYS just a (background) NPC in Da Ed's ideas. Not a common sight, and not his character. agreed if elminister and other high powered NPCs annoy you might I suggest kindly going over to ebberon and leaving the FR fourms? seriously, Ebberon has very few if any powerful NPCs. souynds right up your ally if you are unable to make your PCs fit in amaongst a living breathing world that yse includes powerful people |
| The Ubbergeek09-03-06, 01:22 AM | Well, I would just say that it's annoying missconception - yeah, some npc are VERY powerfull. But your characters surely will never encounter them (even if undirectly), unless you become 'really something'. And even then, most have other things to do than interact with adventurers. Good for the other settings, too. |
| MerrikCale09-03-06, 09:52 PM | I can't for the life of me remember the name of the organization, but I recall some group worhipping a sentinent sword. Perhaps 1376 has something to do with them. I know Greenwood's novels are all entitled "Sword of....", correct? Or do these take place in the past? |
| darkgeneral09-04-06, 02:52 PM | "Certain NPC's" annoy me, because they make Forgotten Realms an UNBALANCED CAMPAIGN! There is something annoying about the good guys always winning, and making it look easy. There is nothing cool about a build up for an anticlimactic battle. Maybe i am a little cynical, but im not a fan boy, who refuses to see why things are going down hill. The whole rivalry between Mystra and Shar was shaping out to be cool, then what happens, an UNCLIMACTIC ending to the shades! Fan boys can say im being cynical, but i'm being honest. You can pick apart what i have to say, any way you want, you can pick at my spelling, grammer, or call me cynical, but there are a LOT of other people who share my opinion, and not all of them are found on the Ebbron boards. By the way, just for the records, I am currently reading Ebbron, and have not been impressed by any of it yet, and by the way, you can call me a cynical person, but there is absolutley NO disputing the fact that FORGOTTEN REALMS IS AN UNBALANCED CAMPAIGN! |
| Khaelieth09-04-06, 03:13 PM | Don't use them then. You're the DM |
| BrianCritchley09-04-06, 08:46 PM | "Certain NPC's" annoy me, because they make Forgotten Realms an UNBALANCED CAMPAIGN! There is something annoying about the good guys always winning, and making it look easy. There is nothing cool about a build up for an anticlimactic battle. Maybe i am a little cynical, but im not a fan boy, who refuses to see why things are going down hill. The whole rivalry between Mystra and Shar was shaping out to be cool, then what happens, an UNCLIMACTIC ending to the shades! Fan boys can say im being cynical, but i'm being honest. You can pick apart what i have to say, any way you want, you can pick at my spelling, grammer, or call me cynical, but there are a LOT of other people who share my opinion, and not all of them are found on the Ebbron boards. By the way, just for the records, I am currently reading Ebbron, and have not been impressed by any of it yet, and by the way, you can call me a cynical person, but there is absolutley NO disputing the fact that FORGOTTEN REALMS IS AN UNBALANCED CAMPAIGN! except that the shades aren't gone yet they've suffered setbacks yes but they aren't exactly gone. you're saying the good guys always win, not true, Maiden opf Pain had a "bad guy" win. do the protasgionists win in the books? hell yes, thats simply the way storytelling is structured. no one wants to read a book featureing a character as a protagionist that invovles everyone beating him up and the protagionist never doing anything to stop the bad guys. complaining that the good guys always win is as stupid as saying star wars sucks because the good guys will win in it. FR is very well balanced, there are only 8 or 9 chosen who are activly involved in faerun (sure the shirinshee is a chosen but she's not what I'd call.. active) and even said chosen aren't nesscarily active, Elminister has RETIRED. sure he'll meddle but not a whole lot. and he most certinly isn't going to go running around kicking every minor evils rear end. there are also LOTS of evil characters in FR. certinly eneugh so that PCs can be kept busy. those who claim FR is unbalanced tend to be people who aren't capable of understanding a true WORLD in action and tend to think that everything revovles around one event. heck let's take a look at recent events in the year of lighting storms and focus on Elminister. in 1374 there was a major war brewing in cormanthyr. this resulted. among other things, in a zhent invasion of the dales. this was with the help of the elves turned back etc. dureing these whole events surrounding cormanthyr elminister was absent. strange doncha think? I mean he LIVES in shadowdale. well in the novel "blackstaff" it turns out he was off in the high moor busy with a high magic ritual. the fact is elminister is a powerful wizard but at the end of the day he's only 1 man. as are all the high powered individuals, they can';t be everywhere at once and they have their own priorites. it's relitivly easy to if your players ask where they chosen are explain "well apparently they aren't here, they must be busy" |
| Khaelieth09-05-06, 05:04 PM | I'm looking forward to see what unfolds actually. I've been impressed so far with the Fey'ri. Let's hope they get their hands on more artifacts! *thumbs up* |
| BrennonGoldeye09-05-06, 10:10 PM | "Certain NPC's" annoy me, because they make Forgotten Realms an UNBALANCED CAMPAIGN! There is something annoying about the good guys always winning, and making it look easy. There is nothing cool about a build up for an anticlimactic battle. Maybe i am a little cynical, but im not a fan boy, who refuses to see why things are going down hill. The whole rivalry between Mystra and Shar was shaping out to be cool, then what happens, an UNCLIMACTIC ending to the shades! Fan boys can say im being cynical, but i'm being honest. You can pick apart what i have to say, any way you want, you can pick at my spelling, grammer, or call me cynical, but there are a LOT of other people who share my opinion, and not all of them are found on the Ebbron boards. By the way, just for the records, I am currently reading Ebbron, and have not been impressed by any of it yet, and by the way, you can call me a cynical person, but there is absolutley NO disputing the fact that FORGOTTEN REALMS IS AN UNBALANCED CAMPAIGN! I swear I am not picking. We don't all use grammer as a club, I prefer to think of it as a glove. Your spelling is precise. I sense no cynicism, except against the "fanboys". Always disregard all cheerleaders.:) Anyway, I want to know. How is the campaign unbalanced? Have you actually played the campaign? Not read the Novels. Played the Campaign. I've been playing and DMing in the Realms for almost 20 years. Still have a perfect intro for 1st level folk, and can teach an Epic lesson too. If my players never want to see a character from the novels then so be it. Doesn't mean said characters might not interact with their plotline. But they probably wont. I have played Eberron and enjoy it. I also enjoyed Greyhawk before she fell(She died in our Ubergott's campaign). As many have pointed out, the DM has to actually work at running a campaign, not just read a supplement. Maybe that's the problem.. |
| Lone_Arrow09-06-06, 05:38 PM | Greetings all. I'm a long-time lurker, but my recent contemplation of what the future may hold for Faerun, specifically in relation to the names given in the Roll of Years, prompted me to post. I'm aware that the current year is 1374 DR (or have we now progressed to 1375?), but I'm wondering, what, in your opinion, does the next decade or so hold in store for Faerun? And also, how much does the name of a certain year reflect or predict that year's events? For example, does the current year's name, the Year of Lightning Storms, have any real bearing on what world-shaking events Faerun may experience? Should we expect some plot involving Talos? Or simply an unusually long and wet autumn/winter? Could it have referred to the weather conditions created by the Shades' attempted melting of the High Ice? Or was that in previous years? Anyway, I'd like to hear your theories on future world-shaking events (preferably, but not exclusively, based on the yearly names). Hang on Hang on I'm sure though I have not checked but in the FR Campaign Setting doesn't it state that the name of the year has nothing to do with actual events within that year, If I am wrong then who is the all seeing seer and how the hell does she let every living being on Toril know what is going to happen. Or are we all just reading a little too much into this? |
| darkgeneral09-06-06, 10:07 PM | I love it when people say "you dont understand." I mean why don't you come right out and say "I'm smarter than you." Don't be shy, go ahead and wear your inflated ego on your sleeve. You do not know me well enough to make assumptions about what I know, or understand. It's not that I don't understand anything, it's not that I have not read the material, or that my brain can't comprehend the way the realms works, it's the fact that I wish there was a force of evil on par with the chosen to BALANCE things out. It's about opinion, and don't tell me "you are not capable of understanding" because our opinions don't match! |
| The Ubbergeek09-06-06, 10:28 PM | Arrogance. :mad: Evil do not go the same way. What balance it is, I always though, the easyness of evil... Remember the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi (or was it Yoda?) when Luke asked him if the Dark Side was stronger? He said no, but perhaps easier, more tempting... Evil will always have easyness, and so the numbers on it's side. Good is harder, it ask more dedication. After all, Chosens and all, they are still some individuals against a mass of low thugs... And do not forget that the D&D Multiverse always had a concept of Balance, at least in the Big Three/GFD. |
| Dark Wizard09-06-06, 11:12 PM | It's also about backing up your expressed thoughts. This is a discussion board, expect to elaborate or just let it be and move on. I wouldn't take it too personally, it happens to everyone here. |
| BrianCritchley09-07-06, 11:09 AM | I love it when people say "you dont understand." I mean why don't you come right out and say "I'm smarter than you." Don't be shy, go ahead and wear your inflated ego on your sleeve. You do not know me well enough to make assumptions about what I know, or understand. It's not that I don't understand anything, it's not that I have not read the material, or that my brain can't comprehend the way the realms works, it's the fact that I wish there was a force of evil on par with the chosen to BALANCE things out. It's about opinion, and don't tell me "you are not capable of understanding" because our opinions don't match! the fact that you don't seem capable of realizing that the chosen are balanced out does seem to imply you don't understand so i guess... I'm smarter then you :) seriously the thing is that FR isn't black and white but a very complex world with competiting adgendas wants, desires etc. and you have to take these differnt adjendas into account. there are plenty of sources of evil that counterbalance the chosen AND sources of good.. "whatdda mean sources of good?!" you ask? well you have to keep in mind that FR isn't some crap setting with monolithic good and evil. the evil certinly isn't united and even the good isn't always united. check out the Novel Thornhold for an example there, you see the harpers and the church of tyr actually in oppisition to each other. |
| BrennonGoldeye09-07-06, 11:25 AM | DarkGeneral, chill. Your opinion is just as valid as Brian's. What is not valid is throwing stones at each other's egos and expecting to get anything out of it. There are an unholy buttload of evil critters running around who could stomp the Sisters and Co into the dirt. If, and I stress if, they could look past their own arrogance to work together. But evil rarely works that way. Cause it's evil. If the Twisted Rune ever truly targeted one of Mystra's Chosen they could wipe him/her out, and remove the memory of them to boot. A certain Red Wyrm could do the same. But them comes the threat of those good aligned(or just plain friendly) buddies of said Chosen coming together and opening up on the Evil-doer. This is part of the difference between good and evil. If Shar understood what the love Mystra holds for her Chosen is, then maybe she could come up with a counter, but Shar knows no love, nor do Bane, Talos, or Tiamat. Shurrapak(sp?) riding Inferno into battle against Elminster and Alassra would be quite a deathmatch, but it's not gonna happen. Would be great to watch from a considerable distance though.:D Now, I am going to give an opinion. Balance is a concept. It is also nonsense. It's a creation of the mind to try to understand Chaos. Equal and opposite reactions only happen in Physics, and not truly even then. Balance can only be achieved when thought and energy cease to exist, and I'll pass on that one. Just my opinion. Lone-Arrow: Savras granted only true visions to Augathra the Mad(his last mortal worshipper), the creator of the Roll of Years. Although there is no proof that the years are named for actions that will transpire during their calander, a preponderance of the evidence shows a very strong case for prophecy. Sorry, I watched 3 episodes of the The Practice this morning.:) I know your enjoying this Bri but let up a little..;) |
| GothicDan09-07-06, 02:37 PM | There are actually more Evil Epic level Archmages statted than Good ones, I believe, or a the very least, an equal number of both. It's simply that the 'spotlight' hasn't been on them in the production of FR material that makes it seem like they are not present in the setting. This only means, however, that their actions are free for DMs to decide. I've never really liked a setting in which evil was a powerful, motivating, visible role, because when it becomes that, it gets immediately squashed in typically a relatively short time (look at real world examples, and settings such as Dragonlance). There's a balance of power in Faerun that typically leads to conflicts and struggles usually going on behind the scenes and on smaller scales. It's not just Evil vs. Good - it's people versus people. If a powerful Evil organization went on a tyrannical militaristic campaign, they would have to fight not only those 'Good' guys involved, but also any Neutral ones who want to preserve their own well-being, any other Evil organizations who would be negatively affected (rivals or otherwise), and then the typical roaming/random monsters and orc hordes that might be in the way. In many ways, the politics of Faerun are more like those of modern day Earth than they are typical medieval-ish fantasy settings. |
| HVulpes09-07-06, 04:24 PM | There are actually more Evil Epic level Archmages statted than Good ones, I believe, or a the very least, an equal number of both. It's simply that the 'spotlight' hasn't been on them in the production of FR material that makes it seem like they are not present in the setting. This only means, however, that their actions are free for DMs to decide. I've never really liked a setting in which evil was a powerful, motivating, visible role, because when it becomes that, it gets immediately squashed in typically a relatively short time (look at real world examples, and settings such as Dragonlance). There's a balance of power in Faerun that typically leads to conflicts and struggles usually going on behind the scenes and on smaller scales. It's not just Evil vs. Good - it's people versus people. If a powerful Evil organization went on a tyrannical militaristic campaign, they would have to fight not only those 'Good' guys involved, but also any Neutral ones who want to preserve their own well-being, any other Evil organizations who would be negatively affected (rivals or otherwise), and then the typical roaming/random monsters and orc hordes that might be in the way. In many ways, the politics of Faerun are more like those of modern day Earth than they are typical medieval-ish fantasy settings. So basically you like Ninja like villians, characters that you can not see until after they emerge from the shadows to place their scythe in your heart? Well as long as they are ninjas they will make the game ten times betters. But it will cause conflicts with the pirates! |
| The Ubbergeek09-07-06, 05:05 PM | Perhaps the Realms need a bit more Chaos vs Order to shake up things even more... |
| GothicDan09-07-06, 05:58 PM | So basically you like Ninja like villians, characters that you can not see until after they emerge from the shadows to place their scythe in your heart? Well as long as they are ninjas they will make the game ten times betters. But it will cause conflicts with the pirates! Ninjas? Pfft, heck no. I like the secret, innocuous-looking merchants who utilize ninjas to do their dirty work, while never having their own identity known. Even after the job's been taken care of. Also, it's not so much a matter of what I LIKE, but a matter of how the Realms functions (which is a good reflection of how Earth functions). How many really EVIL people/organizations do we know of that went about blatantly performing Evil acts without the Good/Neutral people rising up and allying to stop them? |
| BrennonGoldeye09-09-06, 11:01 AM | Perhaps the Realms need a bit more Chaos vs Order to shake up things even more... Amen brother, let's see what we can do....:angelhide |
| createvmind09-09-06, 12:27 PM | Faerun is not about alignment conflict of good vs evil, it's diversity of cultures and traditions ensure that conflicts will arise from every reason conceivable. Poor vs wealthy, merchant vs merchant vs merchant vs regional law and taxation vs independent thief vs guild of thieves. It goes on forever and ones alignment just multiplies your adversaries, possible allies and allies who will become enemies due to circumstances not actual desire and vice versa. Former poster said it's not Black and White and I listened to Greenwood himself in person say the same along with the fact of the bazillion of characters who we still know nothing about. Goth's observation is indeed correct, the statting of npc's period causes us to think of Faerun as a chessboard, "My Fzoul takes your Alusiar." , "Oh yeah well my Qilue takes your Artemis leaving my Drizzt free to threaten your Obould." We overlook the vast choices and consequences of actions performed by any NPC of relative power from fellow alignment as well as opposed alignments. Perfect example is the Dragonlance books, a party relatively weak takes on damn near an entire mobilization and is victorious, even in the early 80's as a teen I realized how far fetched this was but enjoyed it anyway. Now had Tanis and the gang been statted out during the release of these ongoing novels, that might have tainted my reading. " Wait a minute, Tanis is only a 7th lvl ranger and Soth is a 18 lvl Fighter/3 Deathknight, no way does Tanis make that will save against Lord Soths chilling touch. What kind of nonsense is this !!!!" And best thing of all is it's fantasy so you can set it up in what ever manner you like, I look at novels and scource books as a "In this particular timeline thread Faerun is like this, there are countless timeline threads the differ slightly or greatly, choose whichever one you like. However we only have the resources to print ONE of those timelines, enjoy." |
| Blackheart09-11-06, 02:47 AM | 1380 (Year of the Blazing Hand) could refer to the Flaming Fist. Just a thought. Oh, look. On topic. Do I win something? |
| darkgeneral09-11-06, 02:35 PM | Im not throwing stones, im just pointing out his ego problem. I understand FR perfectly. I understand that the almighty chosen pretty much own their enemies. The battles are not eventfull. And "Elminster is part of the background." Ok who do half of the novels center around. Elminster is not the background, he IS the story. I never poked holes in anyone elses theories, or opinions, all i did was present my own, and mr "im smarter than you" took it upon himself to come out and poke holes in my opinions. I thought everyone was welcome to opine here, not just fanboys who say "if you don't agree with what the writers are doing, then you don't understand." Now i will come right out and say it, Ed Greenwood is just another player with a powerful character who needs to die or retire, and get his nose out of EVERYTHING that goes on, in the realms, because it's time for new story lines, and besides DnD is a game, and it gets old when the rules say "no one can do this," and Elminster goes and does it. Maybe we need to put a * next to his name, like they do in baseball. Ed Greenwood has used his novels to live out his POWER TRIP, God let someone else do something for once! |
| Alediran09-11-06, 02:51 PM | Im not throwing stones, im just pointing out his ego problem. I understand FR perfectly. I understand that the almighty chosen pretty much own their enemies. The battles are not eventfull. And "Elminster is part of the background." Ok who do half of the novels center around. Elminster is not the background, he IS the story. I never poked holes in anyone elses theories, or opinions, all i did was present my own, and mr "im smarter than you" took it upon himself to come out and poke holes in my opinions. I thought everyone was welcome to opine here, not just fanboys who say "if you don't agree with what the writers are doing, then you don't understand." Now i will come right out and say it, Ed Greenwood is just another player with a powerful character who needs to die or retire, and get his nose out of EVERYTHING that goes on, in the realms, because it's time for new story lines, and besides DnD is a game, and it gets old when the rules say "no one can do this," and Elminster goes and does it. Maybe we need to put a * next to his name, like they do in baseball. Ed Greenwood has used his novels to live out his POWER TRIP, God let someone else do something for once! If it would be Ed's choice, he would prefer to write about the Knights of Myth Drannor. It was TSR/WotC that made him write about Elminster. |
| The Ubbergeek09-11-06, 06:28 PM | And the novels and tabletop rpg are not exactly the same animal. In the tabletop rpg, he is but a figure, very rarely seen, and limited to his homeland. And also... I am not wholly an Ed fanboy. The Ed this, Ed that tendance of some elitist grognards start to annoy me. It's like the 'Gygax only!' greyhawkers. |
| Krash09-11-06, 06:41 PM | Im not throwing stones, im just pointing out his ego problem. I understand FR perfectly. I understand that the almighty chosen pretty much own their enemies. The battles are not eventfull. And "Elminster is part of the background." Ok who do half of the novels center around. Elminster is not the background, he IS the story. I never poked holes in anyone elses theories, or opinions, all i did was present my own, and mr "im smarter than you" took it upon himself to come out and poke holes in my opinions. I thought everyone was welcome to opine here, not just fanboys who say "if you don't agree with what the writers are doing, then you don't understand." Now i will come right out and say it, Ed Greenwood is just another player with a powerful character who needs to die or retire, and get his nose out of EVERYTHING that goes on, in the realms, because it's time for new story lines, and besides DnD is a game, and it gets old when the rules say "no one can do this," and Elminster goes and does it. Maybe we need to put a * next to his name, like they do in baseball. Ed Greenwood has used his novels to live out his POWER TRIP, God let someone else do something for once! If you only posted your opinions so that people could agree with you, then boy did you come to the wrong place. I could argue with you about some of the errors and misapprehensions in your post quoted above but I won't. If aspects of the published Realms provoke so much anger and vitriol from you, then change them. They are your Realms now. Just as much as anyone's. -- George Krashos |
| createvmind09-11-06, 08:02 PM | And owning damn near a 100 faerun novels I can state for a FACT that over 85 percent of those books have nothing to do with Elminster. Just F.Y.I. Typo, by all means, laugh |
| Blackheart09-12-06, 12:11 PM | No fun! I think we all knew what you meant, anyway. |
| DarkLiChNeaZur09-13-06, 06:36 PM | well in a campeign i just ran Lolth and menzoberranzan declared a crusade on all elves of the surface, particularrly silverymoon. but thats of no consequince anyhow, i do think this year of the haunting mentioned above will perhaps see a boom in undead population perhaps even a lich war:( mayb the year of the risen elf could refer to the return of the elves, instead of them retreating (i havent read all of the realms books, im reading starlight and shadows atm and just finished WOTSQ, read drizzt up to halfling gem and will begin the legacy soon, dont accuse me if messed up) |
| albone09-13-06, 11:48 PM | I swear I am not picking. We don't all use grammer as a club, I prefer to think of it as a glove. Your spelling is precise. I sense no cynicism, except against the "fanboys". Always disregard all cheerleaders.:) Anyway, I want to know. How is the campaign unbalanced? Have you actually played the campaign? Not read the Novels. Played the Campaign. I've been playing and DMing in the Realms for almost 20 years. Still have a perfect intro for 1st level folk, and can teach an Epic lesson too. If my players never want to see a character from the novels then so be it. Doesn't mean said characters might not interact with their plotline. But they probably wont. I have played Eberron and enjoy it. I also enjoyed Greyhawk before she fell(She died in our Ubergott's campaign). As many have pointed out, the DM has to actually work at running a campaign, not just read a supplement. Maybe that's the problem.. Totally off subject, but do you have that intro you referred to handy? I'm looking to start FR for the first time. :D |
| Bladesong09-14-06, 01:38 AM | And owning damn near a 100 faerun novels I can state for a FACT that over 85 percent of those books have nothing to do with Elminster. Just F.Y.I. Typo, by all means, laugh 15% is still pretty big considering the sheer number of characters that exist in the Realms. |
| BrennonGoldeye09-14-06, 07:27 AM | Totally off subject, but do you have that intro you referred to handy? I'm looking to start FR for the first time. :D Let me dig around in the Closet of Holding and see what I can Find.:) |
| MerrikCale09-14-06, 09:27 PM | 15% is still pretty big considering the sheer number of characters that exist in the Realms. too much as far as I'm concerned. |
| The Ubbergeek09-14-06, 10:20 PM | too much as far as I'm concerned. And ? |
| Krash09-14-06, 11:11 PM | Elminster is not, was never and never will be Ed Greenwood's PC. And you have no clue as to what type of gamer Ed Greenwood is. -- George Krashos |
| The Ubbergeek09-15-06, 12:16 AM | He is more like a traditionalist and a 'true roleplayer' than a powergamer, believe me. |
| Dark Wizard09-15-06, 01:16 AM | Now mild attacks not only on the designer/creator but on players and forum posters for disagreeing with you using relevant information from both published sources and from thoughts on the matter from the designers themselves. This is a discussion board, people discuss and debate topics. Perhaps if you calmed down then stated your opinions with some support to back them up, this whole thing can be more productive. Not that I'm all that crazy about Chosen and that bunch myself. It's a view that actually has a decent amount of support. Many people want to see more of the setting outside of really famous novel characters like Elminster and the Chosen and everyone's favorite dark elf ranger with the funny alignment and emotional issues. Man, that sounds like every anime protagonist out there. Don't get any ideas WotC... |
| BrennonGoldeye09-15-06, 08:54 AM | Guys, I think we can safely assume that DG doesn't want any discussion. Anyone who can contradict himself that many times in so few sentences just wants room to rant. Let him have it if it makes him feel better. Maybe he would like some Jello or a cookie?:rolleyes: |
| darkgeneral09-15-06, 08:29 PM | Look, I got caught up in the mud slinging, but so did a lot of people in this room, including the person who posted the last post. If the last sentence of that post was not a shot, then what was it? I praised FR in my first post, and I never changed my opinion, about anything, in any post I made. There are things I like about FR, and things I don't. I don't have a FANBOY mentality. I see what is great, and I see where there is room for improvement. I will not opine, on this board again. Pardon me for not having a "ra, ra, ra, the realms are perfect" mentality. |
| The Ubbergeek09-15-06, 11:50 PM | Opinions are ok. Everyone have. Acting like a jerk as you tell them is not ok. |
| BrennonGoldeye09-16-06, 10:37 AM | Edited. I suffer from a recurring case of Admantium Foot in Mouth disease. My apologies. |
| WizO_Shadow09-16-06, 10:40 AM | Y'all know the drill. Get back on topic, stop making the posts personal or I'm handing out warnings and shutting the thread down. WizO_Shadow |
| Ateth_Istarlin09-20-06, 07:24 AM | Could 1380 refer to the "Flaming Fist" mercenary company?:confused: |
| Wire09-20-06, 09:32 PM | 1378 ... the Cauldron This probably has something to do with the rise of Ghaunadar. Reference point being ... the Cauldron of Slime. :coolcthul |
| Telagaunt09-22-06, 01:28 AM | The future looks pretty weak to me! The shades were poised to give the realms balance. Instead, the realms will continue to be an old, tired, out of balance, campaign. Let's face it, the great and powerful Elminster will be able to effortlessly do the things your characters will never be able to accomplish on their best days. (I find this very hypocritical, on the part of the establishment). The people who make DnD, are always saying it's a bad thing to play for power, and talk about the importance of true "role playing," I remember reading a 2nd edition source book, where in it said "DM's should encourage their players to retire characters, when they become too powerful." It seems to me that they need to practice what they preach. Elminster is not making the realms a better place, he is the Hulk Hogan of DnD. It's time for Mr. Greenwood to take some of his own advice, for the good of the realms! Agreed. The Shades introduction seemed it was going to lead to something, maybe not appacalyptic, but reshape Faerun. Although, Twilight trilogy is supposed to be a pretty important RSE, and involves the Shadovar aswell. Plus, you figure it's not unlikely Cale and Riven be given 'Chosen' templates for Mask. |
| dySWN09-26-06, 04:31 PM | Perhaps the Realms need a bit more Chaos vs Order to shake up things even more... I'm already playing with this in my current campaign, which centers heavily on ideas of honor. Imagine a LG character who doesn't like Elminster simply because he is CG and is therefore "way too liberal"... |
| Ironferret09-26-06, 07:20 PM | Hay KRASH when in the book coming out any idea :cool: |
| Krash09-26-06, 10:37 PM | The book about what? Paul Kemp has a new novel trilogy out 2007-2008 which will no doubt deal with Shade, while there are lots of adventures coming out next year dealing with Shar and Mystra's conflict over magic. How all this will pan out: you guys currently know as much about it as I do. We'll all just have to buy the products when they come out. I know I will; I always do.:) Of course, some of the matters raised in this thread may well be touched on in upcoming products ... here's to bucketloads of patience.;) -- George Krashos |
| Dargoth09-27-06, 02:26 AM | 1380 the Blazing Hand (who was a hand as a title or emblem?) I think I know what this one is The Flaming Fist Mercenary company in Baldurs gate |
| MerrikCale09-27-06, 02:02 PM | The book about what? Paul Kemp has a new novel trilogy out 2007-2008 which will no doubt deal with Shade, while there are lots of adventures coming out next year dealing with Shar and Mystra's conflict over magic. How all this will pan out: you guys currently know as much about it as I do. We'll all just have to buy the products when they come out. I know I will; I always do.:) Of course, some of the matters raised in this thread may well be touched on in upcoming products ... here's to bucketloads of patience.;) -- George Krashos There's also an undead trilogy coming out as well. |