UnCon ~ FORGOTTEN REALMS ROLL OF YEARS COMPETITION ... Prizes Announced! [Archive] - Wizards Community

UnCon ~ FORGOTTEN REALMS ROLL OF YEARS COMPETITION ... Prizes Announced! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
WizO_BigSister
08-17-04, 06:30 PM This competition is based on the Complete Forgotten Realms Timeline, which can be found here Forgotten Realms Library (http://www.o-love.net/realms/) , here The Complete Forgotten Realms Timeline (http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Castle/2566/realmstime0.htm) or here Chronology of the Forgotten Realms (http://www.geonomicon.com/chronology/temporum/faerun.htm)

The challenge is for board guests to find a year that has a name, but no actual entry in the time line (i.e. there are no notes under the year name), and to write their own entries. The new entries (or notes) must be roughly in the style of other year notes. Entrants are asked to write one single note (i.e. the same as the notes found next to one asterix. There is a limit of 250 words per entry.

Competition entrants will be able to post their entries on the Forgotten Realms General Forum from 12:30 am Monday 13th September till midnight Thursday 16th (GMT). This thread will be unlocked to allow entrants to post their entries. Each entry must specify the actual year and the name of that year.

The competition entries will be judged by aravilar_holistacia, and Kuje31 (who are the two scribes most involved with the FR forums). They will be awarding points for – originality and/or humor; how well the entry ties in with the year name; how well the entry ties in with the official FR history (including the events around the time of the chosen year, and the longer term history of the races and region (s) mentioned).

The winner and runners up will be announced on Sunday 19th September.

So get those creativity glands working over time ;)
WizO_BigSister
09-10-04, 07:41 PM This is the scoring system worked out b our two intrepid judges :)

Overall (25 points)- This is the catch-all catagory. Points will be awarded here for general proficiency in creating the year history.

Realmslore (25 points)- Points will be awarded here for adherence to the official FR history surrounding the year chosen. For example, if the year chosen is 260 DR, you will more than likely want to tie your history in with the raising of the mythal over Myth Drannor in Cormanthor (261 DR, the Year of Soaring Stars).

Roll of Years (25 points)- Points will be awarded here for creating a history for the year you have chosen that is characteristic of the year name. For example, the Year of Sundered Webs is named for the near-unraveling of the Weave in the age of Netheril, when the archwizard Karsus attempted to steal the divine power over magic from the goddess Mystryl.

Originality/Creativity (25 points)- Points will be awarded here for the ingenuity and creativity used in detailing the year you have selected.
WizO_BigSister
09-13-04, 03:15 PM This thread is now open for you to post your entries. My apologies for the delay.
Zanan
09-13-04, 03:18 PM 759 D.R. - Year of the Missing Blade

A strong force hailing from the drow city of V'elddrinnsshar assaults Maerimydra, destroying large parts of the former bane of the Dalelands. Along with other spoils of their success, the attackers claim the famed Noble Warrior's Sword - itself a trophy of the retreating drow during the elven defeat of the Twisted Tower in -331 D.R. - previously owned by the slain elven Lord Orym Hawksong. Visiting duergar traders relate the story to others of their kind, who eventually make the story known to surface people.

(Sources & remarks: Duergar raiders plundered (around 1288 D.R.) the ruined city of V'elddrinnsshar after it succumbed to the Ascomoid Plague in 1278 D.R. as described in Demihuman Deities. Cormanthyr - Empire of Elves reports of the loss of the Noble Warrior's Sword. The legend of the loss and the raid of the V'elddrinnssharites might have survived in duergar lore, which resulted in the raid around 1288 D.R.)
aravilar_holistacia
09-13-04, 03:46 PM This thread is now open for you to post your entries. My apologies for the delay.

No apology necessary. :)

Post your entries, Faerūnians! :D
Sarigar
09-13-04, 04:00 PM From the Forgotten Realms Library:

1234 THE YEAR OF THE FULL FLAGON
A small cabal of dwarven brewers in Citadel Adbar take advantage of the unrest in Silverymoon to flood the city with Dragon Grog, a highly potent, extremely intoxicating drink that inhibits higher reason when races other than dwarves and dragons overindulge in it. Unknown to the dwarves, a few unscrupulous merchants make the mead available to some local orc tribes who storm the gates of Silverymoon seeking more of the brew. Shaloss Ethenfrost and his forces become addicted to the concoction, which inhibits their ability to cast spells. This will ultimately lead to their downfall.
Mikal
09-13-04, 08:49 PM As the Shadowed Age began, the elven kingdoms were split as to what to do with the human land of Netheril. The elven kingdoms split against each other, some wishing to guide the humans if possible after this time, some wishing to destroy them before they became stronger, some wishing to leave their ancestral homes and find a new place unspoiled by human hands. The different elven factions bickered over the situation, clashing against one another in council halls, but in the end realized there was little they could do, except watch the human's continue their rise. The time was not yet ripe for an Exodus, so they remained, and watched...

...however, this situation would change in the next year.
aravilar_holistacia
09-14-04, 12:24 AM Kuje and I have tallied the scores for today--keep up the good work! Thanks for your entries so far, and keep them coming! :D
Zanan
09-14-04, 03:41 AM -8688 D.R. - Year of the Dark Tidings (year without name so far)

Foundation of the drow city of Maeralyn, just to the west of the island of Tharsult. Seeing themselves as direct heirs of the Ilythiiri of what is now the western Shaar area, the Maeralynar keep up the traditions of these surface dark elves with much more fervor than any other drow. Soon the city becomes known as the City of the Warsingers and a bane to all aboleth, lizardfolk and sahuagin realms of the area.

(Source & remarks: Menzoberranzan boxed set, which reports an attack of Maeralyn on Jhachalkhyn around about 1358 D.R..; Drizzt do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark, which shows the location of Maeralyn.)
WizO_BigSister
09-14-04, 06:46 AM I am delighted (yep ... I really am delighted!) to tell you due to the tenacity, perserverance and arm twisting skills of Hydrogon and Mel we now have prizes for this competition. The winner will be offered a choice of Serpent Kingdoms or Players Guide To Faerun plus a custom avatar and title, and the runner up will have the remaining book.
Zanan
09-14-04, 07:02 AM 893 - Year of the Raised Sword

Lead by the "High Venerable Sister" Sanquhar, a group of crusaders of the Spider Queen rediscover and retake the ruined drow city of Golothaer, whose exiles were the founders of Menzoberranzan and Ched Nasad. Despite suffering heavy casualties fighting off a pair of shadow dragons, the drow clear the ruins of all monsters over the course of the year. The order - called the Dalninilen d'lil Olath Velve ("Sisters of the Dark Blade") and originating from Maeralyn - settles in one of the less ruined parts of Golothaer and begins to establish a stronghold near the main temple of Lolth.
Priests of Ibrandul make this dire news known to any Underdark traveler they meet, as well as to the regent of Citadel Adbar. Since drow activity in the area does not increase and the disposal of the dragons is good news to the dwarves, they do not take any immediate action against the newcomers.

(Sources & remarks: Ibrandul was still around back then, and so too were his Underdark druids and darkwalkers.
Source: Faiths & Avatars (Ibrandul), Menzoberranzan - boxed set (Golothaer).
"The Sisters of the Dark Blade" are a creation of my own, a subgroup of the "Daughters of the Yochlol" (Demihuman Deities. I view crusaders not as a class these days, but an order or group dedicated "to the cause," their ranks filled with clerics, blackguards, divine seekers, champions and the like. Citadel Adbar was founded around about 350 D.R. - Silver Marches.)
nice2meetU
09-15-04, 11:18 AM 1349 - Year of the bridle
Historians reject to talk about this year, and the year’s name. To most people the name "year of the bridle" makes no sense, but there is a comical story about a Halruuan necromancer named Random.

Random spread the spell Read Southern Magic in Halruua the former year. He didn’t tell the “clientele” that this spell immediately sends a copy of the spell discerned by Read Southern Magic to Random. His plan to exploit his knowledge by this means worked well, until a wizard ordered his disciple to cast Detect Magic, to watch him and the magical energies when he casts Read Magic. This was meant for practice. The wizard casted Read Southern Magic because the spells aura was stronger. His disciple was irritated and asked if it’s normal, that magical energy dissipates. After some research the wizard noticed, the other divination implemented in the Read Southern Magic spell. He called his colleagues to punish Random.

As the wizards faced Random in his tower one of them said: “Well dear colleague, you should bridle your urge." suddenly another wizard exited and shouted: "Nice idea, you have, I go get bridle." Obviously speaking Common wasn’t his strength. As he came back he had a bridle in his hands and attached it to Random. The other spell casters laughed and decided to curse that bridle that Random matches his name. They cursed it with Insanity.
Finally the wizards corrected Random's spell.

238 words without year header and italic (says my word).

Shortcut for timeline: The fall of the Halruuan necromancer Random, that betrayed his colleagues by copying their researches. He was punished with a cursed bridle, that lets him act random. OR simply: Random's downfall.

Source: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Castle/2566/realmstime6.htm and none others to add, i dont have any FR products, so maybe someone saved Random, if he is important in the timeline (he wasnt further mentioned in this one). hadnt checked if there are entries in other timelines, in this there werent any.
Krash
09-16-04, 04:49 AM 1115 DR Year of the Haunted Herald

The sudden death of King Erdhinn I of the Wavegold Dynasty of Amn sees Thultar Mornhelm, the High Herald Unicorn, appointed regent of the realm for the infant King Belhinn I. Gorwath Roldoon, the High Herald Starscepter of Esmeltaran, supports the claims of an individual who purports to be a descendant of the long-dead King Imnel IV of the Torlath Dynasty. Many citizens of Amn, nobles and commoners alike, flock to Starscepter's banner as he seeks to have the regency dissolved and "Imnel V" placed on the throne.
In the waning days of the year, the matter is settled south of Amnwater when the forces of "Imnel V" and Starscepter are descisively beaten at the Battle of Brandished Blazons by the armies of Amn led by Regent Mornhelm. Reluctantly and with great regret, he dissolves the office of Starscepter with the agreement of his fellow High Heralds, declaring it to be forever vacant. Accordingly, Gorwath is ousted from office and is exiled from the realm of Amn.

SOURCES: Lands of Intrigue: Amn; FOR4 Code of the Harpers; Steven Schend's unpublished notes on the lineage of Amn.

-- George Krashos
aravilar_holistacia
09-17-04, 02:09 AM Competition entrants will be able to post their entries on the Forgotten Realms General Forum from 12:30 am Monday 13th September till midnight Thursday 16th (GMT).

The contest is now closed to new entries--winners will be announced on Sunday, September 19th, 2004. Thanks to all the participants!
WizO_BigSister
09-19-04, 11:27 AM The winning entry is Zanan's first entry. The runner up is Krash. *Cue standing ovation* :ayyyy!:

Thanks to all who entered and made this an interesting contest :thumbsup:
warlockco
09-19-04, 06:46 PM The winning entry is Zanan's first entry. The runner up is Krash. *Cue standing ovation* :ayyyy!:

Thanks to all who entered and made this an interesting contest :thumbsup:

Congrats!! To the Both of ye!
aravilar_holistacia
09-20-04, 12:01 AM The winning entry is Zanan's first entry. The runner up is Krash. *Cue standing ovation* :ayyyy!:

Thanks to all who entered and made this an interesting contest :thumbsup:

Congrats, Zanan and Krash, and thanks to all of you for your submissions. Kuje and I had a blast grading them. :D
Kuje31
09-20-04, 01:10 AM Congrats, Zanan and Krash, and thanks to all of you for your submissions. Kuje and I had a blast grading them. :D

Yup Yup! Some of them were hard to decide on as well!
Zanan
09-20-04, 03:56 AM Vendui!

Thanks to all of you! Actually, I think it could have been much harder if the two judges had entered some years of their own - given their background and knowledge! ;)
Kuje31
09-20-04, 12:35 PM Vendui!

Thanks to all of you! Actually, I think it could have been much harder if the two judges had entered some years of their own - given their background and knowledge! ;)

I didn't enter because I figured it wasn't fair to be a judge and also enter the contest.... So what I'm saying is I guess my morals (yeah I have some. Surprise, surprise! :)) said it just seemed unfair.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
WizO_BigSister 08-17-04, 06:30 PM	This competition is based on the Complete Forgotten Realms Timeline, which can be found here Forgotten Realms Library (http://www.o-love.net/realms/) , here The Complete Forgotten Realms Timeline (http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Castle/2566/realmstime0.htm) or here Chronology of the Forgotten Realms (http://www.geonomicon.com/chronology/temporum/faerun.htm) The challenge is for board guests to find a year that has a name, but no actual entry in the time line (i.e. there are no notes under the year name), and to write their own entries. The new entries (or notes) must be roughly in the style of other year notes. Entrants are asked to write one single note (i.e. the same as the notes found next to one asterix. There is a limit of 250 words per entry. Competition entrants will be able to post their entries on the Forgotten Realms General Forum from 12:30 am Monday 13th September till midnight Thursday 16th (GMT). This thread will be unlocked to allow entrants to post their entries. Each entry must specify the actual year and the name of that year. The competition entries will be judged by aravilar_holistacia, and Kuje31 (who are the two scribes most involved with the FR forums). They will be awarding points for – originality and/or humor; how well the entry ties in with the year name; how well the entry ties in with the official FR history (including the events around the time of the chosen year, and the longer term history of the races and region (s) mentioned). The winner and runners up will be announced on Sunday 19th September. So get those creativity glands working over time ;)
WizO_BigSister 09-10-04, 07:41 PM	This is the scoring system worked out b our two intrepid judges :) Overall (25 points)- This is the catch-all catagory. Points will be awarded here for general proficiency in creating the year history. Realmslore (25 points)- Points will be awarded here for adherence to the official FR history surrounding the year chosen. For example, if the year chosen is 260 DR, you will more than likely want to tie your history in with the raising of the mythal over Myth Drannor in Cormanthor (261 DR, the Year of Soaring Stars). Roll of Years (25 points)- Points will be awarded here for creating a history for the year you have chosen that is characteristic of the year name. For example, the Year of Sundered Webs is named for the near-unraveling of the Weave in the age of Netheril, when the archwizard Karsus attempted to steal the divine power over magic from the goddess Mystryl. Originality/Creativity (25 points)- Points will be awarded here for the ingenuity and creativity used in detailing the year you have selected.
WizO_BigSister 09-13-04, 03:15 PM	This thread is now open for you to post your entries. My apologies for the delay.
Zanan 09-13-04, 03:18 PM	759 D.R. - Year of the Missing Blade A strong force hailing from the drow city of V'elddrinnsshar assaults Maerimydra, destroying large parts of the former bane of the Dalelands. Along with other spoils of their success, the attackers claim the famed Noble Warrior's Sword - itself a trophy of the retreating drow during the elven defeat of the Twisted Tower in -331 D.R. - previously owned by the slain elven Lord Orym Hawksong. Visiting duergar traders relate the story to others of their kind, who eventually make the story known to surface people. (Sources & remarks: Duergar raiders plundered (around 1288 D.R.) the ruined city of V'elddrinnsshar after it succumbed to the Ascomoid Plague in 1278 D.R. as described in Demihuman Deities. Cormanthyr - Empire of Elves reports of the loss of the Noble Warrior's Sword. The legend of the loss and the raid of the V'elddrinnssharites might have survived in duergar lore, which resulted in the raid around 1288 D.R.)
aravilar_holistacia 09-13-04, 03:46 PM	This thread is now open for you to post your entries. My apologies for the delay. No apology necessary. :) Post your entries, Faerūnians! :D
Sarigar 09-13-04, 04:00 PM	From the Forgotten Realms Library: 1234 THE YEAR OF THE FULL FLAGON A small cabal of dwarven brewers in Citadel Adbar take advantage of the unrest in Silverymoon to flood the city with Dragon Grog, a highly potent, extremely intoxicating drink that inhibits higher reason when races other than dwarves and dragons overindulge in it. Unknown to the dwarves, a few unscrupulous merchants make the mead available to some local orc tribes who storm the gates of Silverymoon seeking more of the brew. Shaloss Ethenfrost and his forces become addicted to the concoction, which inhibits their ability to cast spells. This will ultimately lead to their downfall.
Mikal 09-13-04, 08:49 PM	As the Shadowed Age began, the elven kingdoms were split as to what to do with the human land of Netheril. The elven kingdoms split against each other, some wishing to guide the humans if possible after this time, some wishing to destroy them before they became stronger, some wishing to leave their ancestral homes and find a new place unspoiled by human hands. The different elven factions bickered over the situation, clashing against one another in council halls, but in the end realized there was little they could do, except watch the human's continue their rise. The time was not yet ripe for an Exodus, so they remained, and watched... ...however, this situation would change in the next year.
aravilar_holistacia 09-14-04, 12:24 AM	Kuje and I have tallied the scores for today--keep up the good work! Thanks for your entries so far, and keep them coming! :D
Zanan 09-14-04, 03:41 AM	-8688 D.R. - Year of the Dark Tidings (year without name so far) Foundation of the drow city of Maeralyn, just to the west of the island of Tharsult. Seeing themselves as direct heirs of the Ilythiiri of what is now the western Shaar area, the Maeralynar keep up the traditions of these surface dark elves with much more fervor than any other drow. Soon the city becomes known as the City of the Warsingers and a bane to all aboleth, lizardfolk and sahuagin realms of the area. (Source & remarks: Menzoberranzan boxed set, which reports an attack of Maeralyn on Jhachalkhyn around about 1358 D.R..; Drizzt do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark, which shows the location of Maeralyn.)
WizO_BigSister 09-14-04, 06:46 AM	I am delighted (yep ... I really am delighted!) to tell you due to the tenacity, perserverance and arm twisting skills of Hydrogon and Mel we now have prizes for this competition. The winner will be offered a choice of Serpent Kingdoms or Players Guide To Faerun plus a custom avatar and title, and the runner up will have the remaining book.
Zanan 09-14-04, 07:02 AM	893 - Year of the Raised Sword Lead by the "High Venerable Sister" Sanquhar, a group of crusaders of the Spider Queen rediscover and retake the ruined drow city of Golothaer, whose exiles were the founders of Menzoberranzan and Ched Nasad. Despite suffering heavy casualties fighting off a pair of shadow dragons, the drow clear the ruins of all monsters over the course of the year. The order - called the Dalninilen d'lil Olath Velve ("Sisters of the Dark Blade") and originating from Maeralyn - settles in one of the less ruined parts of Golothaer and begins to establish a stronghold near the main temple of Lolth. Priests of Ibrandul make this dire news known to any Underdark traveler they meet, as well as to the regent of Citadel Adbar. Since drow activity in the area does not increase and the disposal of the dragons is good news to the dwarves, they do not take any immediate action against the newcomers. (Sources & remarks: Ibrandul was still around back then, and so too were his Underdark druids and darkwalkers. Source: Faiths & Avatars (Ibrandul), Menzoberranzan - boxed set (Golothaer). "The Sisters of the Dark Blade" are a creation of my own, a subgroup of the "Daughters of the Yochlol" (Demihuman Deities. I view crusaders not as a class these days, but an order or group dedicated "to the cause," their ranks filled with clerics, blackguards, divine seekers, champions and the like. Citadel Adbar was founded around about 350 D.R. - Silver Marches.)
nice2meetU 09-15-04, 11:18 AM	1349 - Year of the bridle Historians reject to talk about this year, and the year’s name. To most people the name "year of the bridle" makes no sense, but there is a comical story about a Halruuan necromancer named Random. Random spread the spell Read Southern Magic in Halruua the former year. He didn’t tell the “clientele” that this spell immediately sends a copy of the spell discerned by Read Southern Magic to Random. His plan to exploit his knowledge by this means worked well, until a wizard ordered his disciple to cast Detect Magic, to watch him and the magical energies when he casts Read Magic. This was meant for practice. The wizard casted Read Southern Magic because the spells aura was stronger. His disciple was irritated and asked if it’s normal, that magical energy dissipates. After some research the wizard noticed, the other divination implemented in the Read Southern Magic spell. He called his colleagues to punish Random. As the wizards faced Random in his tower one of them said: “Well dear colleague, you should bridle your urge." suddenly another wizard exited and shouted: "Nice idea, you have, I go get bridle." Obviously speaking Common wasn’t his strength. As he came back he had a bridle in his hands and attached it to Random. The other spell casters laughed and decided to curse that bridle that Random matches his name. They cursed it with Insanity. Finally the wizards corrected Random's spell. 238 words without year header and italic (says my word). Shortcut for timeline: The fall of the Halruuan necromancer Random, that betrayed his colleagues by copying their researches. He was punished with a cursed bridle, that lets him act random. OR simply: Random's downfall. Source: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Castle/2566/realmstime6.htm and none others to add, i dont have any FR products, so maybe someone saved Random, if he is important in the timeline (he wasnt further mentioned in this one). hadnt checked if there are entries in other timelines, in this there werent any.
Krash 09-16-04, 04:49 AM	1115 DR Year of the Haunted Herald The sudden death of King Erdhinn I of the Wavegold Dynasty of Amn sees Thultar Mornhelm, the High Herald Unicorn, appointed regent of the realm for the infant King Belhinn I. Gorwath Roldoon, the High Herald Starscepter of Esmeltaran, supports the claims of an individual who purports to be a descendant of the long-dead King Imnel IV of the Torlath Dynasty. Many citizens of Amn, nobles and commoners alike, flock to Starscepter's banner as he seeks to have the regency dissolved and "Imnel V" placed on the throne. In the waning days of the year, the matter is settled south of Amnwater when the forces of "Imnel V" and Starscepter are descisively beaten at the Battle of Brandished Blazons by the armies of Amn led by Regent Mornhelm. Reluctantly and with great regret, he dissolves the office of Starscepter with the agreement of his fellow High Heralds, declaring it to be forever vacant. Accordingly, Gorwath is ousted from office and is exiled from the realm of Amn. SOURCES: Lands of Intrigue: Amn; FOR4 Code of the Harpers; Steven Schend's unpublished notes on the lineage of Amn. -- George Krashos
aravilar_holistacia 09-17-04, 02:09 AM	Competition entrants will be able to post their entries on the Forgotten Realms General Forum from 12:30 am Monday 13th September till midnight Thursday 16th (GMT). The contest is now closed to new entries--winners will be announced on Sunday, September 19th, 2004. Thanks to all the participants!
WizO_BigSister 09-19-04, 11:27 AM	The winning entry is Zanan's first entry. The runner up is Krash. Cue standing ovation :ayyyy!: Thanks to all who entered and made this an interesting contest :thumbsup:
warlockco 09-19-04, 06:46 PM	The winning entry is Zanan's first entry. The runner up is Krash. Cue standing ovation :ayyyy!: Thanks to all who entered and made this an interesting contest :thumbsup: Congrats!! To the Both of ye!
aravilar_holistacia 09-20-04, 12:01 AM	The winning entry is Zanan's first entry. The runner up is Krash. Cue standing ovation :ayyyy!: Thanks to all who entered and made this an interesting contest :thumbsup: Congrats, Zanan and Krash, and thanks to all of you for your submissions. Kuje and I had a blast grading them. :D
Kuje31 09-20-04, 01:10 AM	Congrats, Zanan and Krash, and thanks to all of you for your submissions. Kuje and I had a blast grading them. :D Yup Yup! Some of them were hard to decide on as well!
Zanan 09-20-04, 03:56 AM	Vendui! Thanks to all of you! Actually, I think it could have been much harder if the two judges had entered some years of their own - given their background and knowledge! ;)
Kuje31 09-20-04, 12:35 PM	Vendui! Thanks to all of you! Actually, I think it could have been much harder if the two judges had entered some years of their own - given their background and knowledge! ;) I didn't enter because I figured it wasn't fair to be a judge and also enter the contest.... So what I'm saying is I guess my morals (yeah I have some. Surprise, surprise! :)) said it just seemed unfair.