Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Arravis 09-25-03, 09:46 AM	Why is it that so many of the major human NPC's have been around hundreds and hundreds of years? A few being hundreds of years old is fine, but it seems that all of them have been alive since the beginning of time (figuratively speaking). As a DM I think it has now become an overused gimmick, which has cheapened it quite a bit. It's just hackneyed. Any opinions on this issue?
Cunning Linguist 09-25-03, 10:13 AM	oh? Could you come with a few NPCs that you think are to long lived?
Arravis 09-25-03, 10:41 AM	Elminster, the six of the Seven Sisters, Blackstaff, The Symbul, Manshoon, Fzoul, on and on and on... just seems that you can't throw a rock without hitting a human with over 200 years in age. Just seems that people under 50 can't often get things done or be important in the realms. I'm not saying that there aren't explanations for all these geezers... just that it's become a plot element that's way too common. I think what they are doing in Cormyr is a step in the right direction, but that's the exception not the rule.
Lashan 09-25-03, 11:08 AM	You could just do what a lot of people do and just ignore or take out the major NPCs. There is also the possiblity of editing them and not making them so old.
Savras 09-25-03, 11:18 AM	If I remember correctly, Fzoul isn't that old. But you forgot Halaster, the High Prince and the Twelve Princes of Shade, Larloch and his 60+ liches from Netheril, the Srinshee, the Twisted Rune... I like it. Savras
Arravis 09-25-03, 11:23 AM	Not forgotten... just not included; they are just way too many to list. Fzoul, I thought, was over 150. Anyway, these NPC's tend not to make many appearances in my games... I was just posting a pet peeve of mine is all :).
Cunning Linguist 09-25-03, 12:11 PM	Well, Liches and Shades live close to forever.. So no wonder there. Fouzl is old, but seeing his the Chosen of Bane he can age without the drawbacks, I think he's 70 or 80 years old.. Mages almost never die from old age. Elminister is immortal, so are the most of the chosen of mystra. (or at least they don't age) How old is Manshoon? I don't think he's old either. Halaster.. now I don't know how he did it, must be some sort of deal with a devil so to say.. But look on the other side.. Szass Tam is only 300 and some years, and a fair match for most Wizards that are far older.
CaffeineGenasi 09-25-03, 12:18 PM	You technically listed the Simbul twice. She is one of the Seven Sisters. I do understand what you mean, though. Sometimes it seems like a person could be transported 500 years into the past and the major players in realms-wide politics would be the same.
Mirtek 09-25-03, 12:57 PM	Originally posted by Cunning Linguist Fouzl is old, but seeing his the Chosen of Bane he can age without the drawbacks, I think he's 70 or 80 years old. Originally posted by Savras If I remember correctly, Fzoul isn't that old. Fzoul took command of the Banites of Zhentil Keep in 1263 DR, that was 110 years ago. Not sure when he was born. Originally posted by Cunning Linguist How old is Manshoon? I don't think he's old either. Manshoon was born 1229 DR, that makes him 144 years. Not really old for an wizard.
Fredegar The White 09-25-03, 01:14 PM	The truth is that all those NPC's acquired their Levels and their power slowly. It may have taken Alustriel 2 years to reach 15th lvl and 50 years to reach 25th! (i don't remember her exact levels). IMHO it is for realism. In the real world you gain experiences in time! Again IMHO :)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 09-25-03, 01:52 PM	I honestly thought this thread would be about non-wizards (and non-Chosen) who are long-lived, but still up-and-kicking even at their age. How old is Mirt the Moneylender? How old is the Open Lord of Waterdeep (Piergerion...I can't spell his name :P)?
Mirtek 09-25-03, 01:55 PM	Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin How old is Mirt the Moneylender? Don't know how old he is, but he once had Storm make a general overhaul of his body.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 09-25-03, 02:15 PM	Somehow that doesn't surprise me. :)
Kuje31 09-25-03, 02:41 PM	Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin Somehow that doesn't surprise me. :) It happened in Silverfall btw. :)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 09-25-03, 02:59 PM	Originally posted by Kuje31 It happened in Silverfall btw. :) Then it was Dove, not Storm? I could have sworn it was Dove, if that happened *in* the novel (I read it).
Kuje31 09-25-03, 03:06 PM	Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin Then it was Dove, not Storm? I could have sworn it was Dove, if that happened *in* the novel (I read it). Yes it was Dove, since she was the one who was dancing in the groove at the time he found her...... Her cool sword dance. :)
Arravis 09-25-03, 03:16 PM	I think they should simply let these geezers finally die, lol. Maybe it's just me but CaffeineGenasi summed up my feelings on the issue perfectly. If you go back several hundred years in time... it's all the same power players. Bleah :(.
Kuje31 09-25-03, 03:33 PM	Originally posted by Arravis I think they should simply let these geezers finally die, lol. Maybe it's just me but CaffeineGenasi summed up my feelings on the issue perfectly. If you go back several hundred years in time... it's all the same power players. Bleah :(. Well also remember in 1e and 2e (they removed these from 3e which kind of bites) there was potions and fountains of youth that allowed people to expand thier life. And many of the NPC's had access to these potions.
The_Sleeper 09-25-03, 03:39 PM	IMHO it is because us humans are just simply not capable to amass such great power in a single lifetime, or more. But the older we grow, the more powerful we get.:smirk:
Mirtek 09-25-03, 04:07 PM	Ups, my misstake. Dove, not Storm. But you have to admit the 7 look all the same any ;)
Kuje31 09-25-03, 04:16 PM	Originally posted by Mirtek Ups, my misstake. Dove, not Storm. But you have to admit the 7 look all the same any ;) I'll give you that, except Qilue. :), but then again she does look like Laeral, since Qilue often pretends to be Laeral to go to the gala's in Waterdeep.