Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Gargarios 08-01-07, 01:34 AM	The new heir to the throne of Cormyr... How old is he? Where is he? When will he come into power? What happens if he dies before he produces an heir? Does a bastard heir come into power if he does? Are there attempts to have him killed? If the Steel Princess is his Aunt, how is he related to the King who just died? Please clarify. Thanks in advance.
The Simbul 08-01-07, 01:44 AM	Azoun V is the king, however his [edit] aunt Alusair rules as Regent in his place until he reaches whatever age of majority Cormyr has for ascendancy to the throne. There have been and likely will continue to be plots to eliminate the royal family, I believe such is hinted in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, and there is a great example of it which occurs in Elminster's Daughter.
The Simbul 08-01-07, 01:49 AM	His whereabouts would likely be Suzail, however there are potentially other places one might keep a vulnerable heir to the throne. He just as easily could be brought up in some innocuous forest thorp away from the royal court or the dangers it could bring...like in Sleeping Beauty or the tales of King Arthur. Along that note, Storm Silverhand was entrusted with caring for him for a very short period of time in 1373 (in Elminster's daughter), while the Steel Regent and the War Wizards were luring conspiratorial nobles into a trap.
Gargarios 08-01-07, 02:04 AM	Thanks you. How old is he?
Ranger REG 08-01-07, 02:08 AM	Azoun V is the king, however his sister Alusair rules as Regent in his place until he reaches whatever age of majority Cormyr has for ascendancy to the throne. Sister? I thought Alusair is an aunt to Azoun V.
The Simbul 08-01-07, 02:19 AM	Sister? I thought Alusair is an aunt to Azoun V.:eek: oh my...that was a cringeful error on my part. Well I guess that is what happens when one does not take ranks in Knowledge (local, Cormyr)..or seeks to answer questions on the subject in the early hours. Aye yes, Azoun V is the son of Alusair's sister, the late Princess Tanalasta. Sorry about the confusion.
Gargarios 08-01-07, 02:25 AM	Oh its okay. Does anyone know how old he is?
The Simbul 08-01-07, 02:42 AM	I believe Azoun V was born in 1371 or whetherabouts, roughly around the same time King Azoun perished. However I am not fairly acquainted with the lore of Cormyr beyond Elminster's connections to various personages in it, and a passing glance at Art crafted and wielded by it's War Wizards. Assuming that date is correct, then depending upon when your campaign takes place and/or where in the timeline of the roll of the years we are officially in (1375 I believe it is now), he could presumably be as old as 4 by now.
Slayergnome 08-01-07, 02:47 AM	Yeah the death and birth happened very close together.
Old Sage 08-01-07, 02:55 AM	Azoun V is born in the nighttime hours of 11 Mirtul [1371 DR]. Azoun IV dies that same night, or at the very latest in the wee morning hours thereafter.
dragonheart 08-01-07, 11:50 AM	One thing to note - Alusair takes extremely good care of Avoun V - not only because he is the rightful king and she is layoal to him and the family, but because she hates the job of ruling Cormyr and if he dies she is stuck with it for life and has to find an acceptable husband and start birthing heirs herself - something she has little or no interest in doing as well. :D
Zandilar 08-01-07, 06:44 PM	Heya, One thing to note - Alusair takes extremely good care of Avoun V - not only because he is the rightful king and she is layoal to him and the family, but because she hates the job of ruling Cormyr and if he dies she is stuck with it for life and has to find an acceptable husband and start birthing heirs herself - something she has little or no interest in doing as well. :D Yes, I believe I read something, somewhere, about a Gold Dragon posing as a kitten/cat who is the child's constant companion. Unfortunately, I'm not currently in a position of looking that up - so I may be hallucinating. :) Dragonheart - what makes you think she doesn't have to find a husband and start birthing heirs anyway (or at least a spare, in case something happens to her nephew)? There's probably incredible pressure on her at the moment, particularly since she's rapidly approaching 40 years of age (she might actually be there already) - women are cautioned against having children so late even in our modern society even with our technological wizardry*, I don't think that would be any different in the Realms either... Unless you're favored by the gods, or made use of longevity magic (either or both of which most likely apply to Myrmeen Lhal, for instance, who is around 50 now and has by now given birth to the child she conceived in Elminster's Daughter). * Yes, there are exceptions. But they are exceptions. Having a child is a risky and dangerous procedure - probably far more dangerous than most people realize. And top that off with the way our genetics degrade over time (which is part of the reason why we age), having a child late increases the risk of complications and genetic deformities (such as Down Syndroms). The only thing the Realms have going for them over Earth is magic. Magic can do pretty much anything, and the simplest way for Alusair to ensure that her child doesn't end up with some abnormality would be for her to imbibe a Potion of Longevity/Elixir of Youth or two.
Gargarios 08-01-07, 07:58 PM	Thanks for the age. Does anyone know what age the infant will be when he comes to power?
dragonheart 08-01-07, 10:29 PM	officially or in the game/cannon? realistically he could become king in practice tomorrow if Alusair is killed. same for any age from now up to 21. I would put 21 as sort of a top possible. Life in the realms seems to be a bit safer (disease wise anyway) than Earth's middle ages so I suspect majority ages may be pushed upwards a bit. On Earth depending on culture it ranges from 13 (Bar Mitzvah anyone?) to 21. In hte middle ages kings took over from regents anywhere from 16 to 21 depending on how impetuous/trusting/wise they and the regents were. So its really upto both Alusair and Azoun V to decide when she steps down and he steps up. As for her (Alusair) finding a husband and having children the two are not neccessarily related :D Any child she has is an obvious Obayrskyr and so an Heir and she could claim anyone acceptable as the father and essentially no one could be sure. Finding a man she would actually be willing to marry may prove much more difficult - maybe a PC can manage with right DM :P (Heirs she can provide - as my sister once told my mom when she was pressing for grandkids - I'll be happy to provide them for you - just don't expect me to get married first!:D )
Aldareth 08-02-07, 01:34 AM	In Cormyr: A Novell it is stated that the regency ends when the heir to the throne is 17
Gargarios 08-02-07, 02:05 PM	Thanks guys. What would happen if Alusair married and a had an heir before the year comes to an end? Would the 1 year-old be the true heir or the 5 year-old nephew?
daimyotx 08-02-07, 03:15 PM	Tanalasta's son would be the true heir and Crown Prince. This is because Tanalasta was the Crown Princess. basically Tanalasta was the older of the two (between Tanalasta and Alusair). So the child of the oldest direct heir has a stronger claim to the throne. Although if Alusair went whacko and had a kid and made a bid to put him on the throne, it would get dicey. They only thing the current kid has going for him is his name.
Gargarios 08-02-07, 04:58 PM	So is Tanalasta the old king's daughter also? And what happened to Azoun IV's wife?
Zandilar 08-02-07, 08:02 PM	Heya, So is Tanalasta the old king's daughter also? And what happened to Azoun IV's wife? Azoun IV and Filfaeril had three children. A son, Foril, who was assassinated while still a toddler, and two daughters, Tanalasta, and Alusair. Filfaeril is still alive and well, she resides in Suzail with her daughter and grandson and is still active in the politics of the realm. She is known as the Dowager Queen. If Alusair decided to make a play for the Throne, AND she was married to someone who was acceptable to the nobles of Cormyr, AND had a strong son herself... The chances are, no one (outside of Alusair's immediate family and confidants) would contest it. The reason is because Tanalasta's son was born to a Cormaeril (known traitors - no matter that Rowan himself wasn't), and if the nobles ever caught wind that Azoun V's father is now a ghazneth... that would probably be the end if it anyway, IMHO. Having said that, Alusair just wouldn't do it. She doesn't want to rule, and she's made that very plain. The only reason she'd step up is if her nephew died.
Old Sage 08-02-07, 08:03 PM	So is Tanalasta the old king's daughter also? And what happened to Azoun IV's wife?Tanalasta is the eldest daughter of Azoun IV. See Ed's Candlekeep replies for updates on Filfaeril after her husband's death.
dutch206 08-02-07, 08:25 PM	If Alusair decided to make a play for the Throne, AND she was married to someone who was acceptable to the nobles of Cormyr, AND had a strong son herself... The chances are, no one (outside of Alusair's immediate family and confidants) would contest it. The reason is because Tanalasta's son was born to a Cormaeril (known traitors - no matter that Rowan himself wasn't), and if the nobles ever caught wind that Azoun V's father is now a ghazneth... that would probably be the end if it anyway, IMHO. Spoiler quotes around the ghazneth stuff, please.:D
Gargarios 08-02-07, 09:38 PM	Why didn't Azoun IV have his eldest daughter Tanalasta become regent instead of his youngest?
bondious 08-02-07, 09:51 PM	Why didn't Azoun IV have his eldest daughter Tanalasta become regent instead of his youngest? Be-Cause...Tanalasta is dead, having died while giving birth to her son, Azoun V. And there ya go! :D
Gargarios 08-02-07, 09:57 PM	Are you sure? I didnt know she died...
bondious 08-02-07, 10:07 PM	Are you sure? I didnt know she died... Yeah, I'm sure, and if I'm not mistaken it's mentioned in the FRCS under the "Cormyr" section. Guess I didn't need to "spoiler-tag" that text, huh? :rolleyes:
Old Sage 08-02-07, 10:18 PM	Tanalasta died as Azoun V was being born -- see Death of the Dragon pg. 330 and pg. 114 of the FRCS.
Gargarios 08-02-07, 10:51 PM	So does Azoun V's grandmother look after him?
Alleran 08-02-07, 10:53 PM	Tanalasta died as Azoun V was being born Was I the only one who thought "good riddance" when she died? I know it sounds harsh, but I kept getting the vibe that despite her pretensions to the contrary, Tanalasta was just a spoiled girl who couldn't seperate personal from political from "the good of the realm".
Gargarios 08-02-07, 11:31 PM	Who is the father to Azoun V?
Zandilar 08-03-07, 12:23 AM	Heya, Was I the only one who thought "good riddance" when she died? I know it sounds harsh, but I kept getting the vibe that despite her pretensions to the contrary, Tanalasta was just a spoiled girl who couldn't seperate personal from political from "the good of the realm". It is harsh. :) I, too, got mixed signals from her... But she was improving and becoming her own person, and then just as she was coming into her own, she goes and gets herself married, pregnant, and then dead (in that, rather short, order). Way to show how gender equal the Realms are, guys! :mad: I'd like to see Azoun V die, personally. I think Cormyr would be a whole lot more interesting with the Steel Queen rather than the Steel Regent. @Gargarios - I am sure that the Dowager Queen does spend a lot of quality time with her grandson. However, she probably is not the child's caretaker. That would be better left to a very well trusted Nanny (preferably a Highknight or a War Wizard or even a Harper), plus powerful other guardians (such as the tabby cat I mentioned earlier), and the occasional Chosen of Mystra for a baby sitter (Storm Silverhand and Elminster each did serve as such for a scene or two in Elminster's Daughter, IIRC). Azoun V's father was Rowan Cormaeril, a scout (Ranger) in the army of Cormyr. He and Tanalasta become lovers during the invasion of the Ghazneths/war with the Devil Dragon, and married before Chauntea's sight (there were no witnesses, however). That marriage was immediately fruitful (blessed as it was by the goddess). Stuff happened, and ultimately Tanalasta died fighting the Ghazneth, while Rowan mysteriously disappeared towards the end of the war with the Devil Dragon (he became a Ghazneth himself, but retained enough of his own mind to stop attacking the kingdom).
Gargarios 08-03-07, 01:00 AM	What is a Ghazneth? Is it a Demon or something? When Azoun V grows up would he hunt his father?
Mr_Miscellany 08-03-07, 01:56 AM	When Azoun V grows up would he hunt his father? Now that's a plot device just waiting to happen! ;) I could see quite a stir in the Royal Court should Rowen's current form ever by uncovered. Oooh the possibilities! Ghazneths are nigh-unkillable creatures, seemingly part undead, part native-outsiders, each cursed with an unquenchable thirst for magic that makes a vampire's thirst for blood seem absolutely tame by comparison. Possesed of the ability to sense magic over great distances, ghazneths utilize their tremendous flying speed, awesome supernatural strength and ability to shrug of virtually any wound short of that made by cold iron to devastating effect in their never-ending search to sate their hunger for magic. Each ghazneth has a unique ability suited to its nature; for each Ghazneth was once a ruler/person of import in Cormyr's troubled history, who had a negative impact on the Realm of some kind. I do not recall the unique abilities each possessed, though I recall one that sent King Azoun out of his right mind for a short time before a priest's magical pendant was given to him to snap him out of it. Lastly, don't ever use a Ghazneth in play unless you intend to kill your players outright. :)
Old Sage 08-03-07, 03:29 AM	See the 'Cormyr' novels themselves for lore on the ghazneths. Also, the ghazneths received some detailed treatment in the 1999 DRAGON Annual.
Gargarios 08-03-07, 10:04 AM	Is their somewhere where I can find their abilities?
ShadezofDis 08-03-07, 03:43 PM	Is their somewhere where I can find their abilities? See the 'Cormyr' novels themselves for lore on the ghazneths. Also, the ghazneths received some detailed treatment in the 1999 DRAGON Annual. It seems that Old Sage answered your question before you asked it. He's good like that though. :)
Gargarios 08-03-07, 04:33 PM	haha thanks. So does Azoun V have some sort of ettiquite or education that he is going through at a young age, or does he just play?
ShadezofDis 08-03-07, 07:25 PM	haha thanks. So does Azoun V have some sort of ettiquite or education that he is going through at a young age, or does he just play? Usually it depends upon the parents, in this particular case I'd assume that he'll have one of the best educations possible on the face of Faerun. That's just my assumption though.
Gargarios 08-03-07, 11:38 PM	Usually it depends upon the parents, in this particular case I'd assume that he'll have one of the best educations possible on the face of Faerun. That's just my assumption though. That would make alot of sense, probably Cormyr wants its rulers well educated.
ShadezofDis 08-04-07, 01:46 AM	That would make alot of sense, probably Cormyr wants its rulers well educated. Well. . . the Obarskyrs and those loyal to them would certainly want him to be well educated. However, there are PLENTY of other nobles, foreigners and other power groups, who would LOVE for him to end up a complete incompetent. Such is the nature of rulership. :)
Gargarios 08-04-07, 02:13 AM	Well. . . the Obarskyrs and those loyal to them would certainly want him to be well educated. However, there are PLENTY of other nobles, foreigners and other power groups, who would LOVE for him to end up a complete incompetent. Such is the nature of rulership. :) The poor boy, he probably has 200 enemies before he has even learned the word. If his protecters arent carefull, the "do you want a lolipop little boy" or the "come into my carriage and I'll show you something" trick could get him capture or killed before age 7.
Zandilar 08-04-07, 08:38 AM	Heya, If his protecters arent carefull, the "do you want a lolipop little boy" or the "come into my carriage and I'll show you something" trick could get him capture or killed before age 7. I think that's very very very unlikely. If anything, I think Azoun V might well grow up to be paranoid. "Stranger Danger" will be well and truly ingrained into his young psyche by the age of 7. I think I mentioned that he'd have Highknights and War Wizards looking out for him - not to mention that gold dragon posing as a kitten/cat.
daimyotx 08-04-07, 10:30 AM	As to Avoun V's education: Filfaeril will ensure that he is knowledgeable to rule the kingdom properly. As to his Protection: Zandilar covered most of that. Except if *I* were a Cormyrian noble (and the nobility is still shaky enough after the last 5 years of events), I'd think twice about angering Filfaeril, Alusair, & Caladnei. Three women might take a vary matronly view of revenge when it comes to the child prince.
ShadezofDis 08-04-07, 04:58 PM	Well, while Azoun V will be very well protected and will have a stellar education, he'll also be one of the most gunned for beings on Toril (well, that might be a bit much, definitely in the region) Cormyrian noble houses have VAST resources and there'd be backing from Sembia, the Zhents, Red Wizards, the Fire Knives and more groups than you can shake a stick at. So the real key, if you're going to DM part of this intrigue, is to make sure that it's either; A rather stupid plot that the PCs catch onto before Azoun's protectors feel the need to do anything about (and could likely earn their ire if they were baiting the plotters out in order to get them all in one go) A rather clever plot that the PCs catch onto before Azoun's protectors are aware of it (though it would still likely fail, but every failure takes some energy away from the protectors and gives some more information on the nature and disposition of those protectors) A truely devious plot that the PCs catch onto because the protectors of Azoun V are completely unaware of it. Or something like that. But, if Azoun V reaches adulthood then he'll likely be one of the most formatible rulers on FR (unless he becomes totally paranoid due to the constant threats to his life, or whatever)
Gargarios 08-05-07, 09:43 AM	If/when he does reach adulthood safely, what will he think or do of the old king's bastard sons? They would be something like "Half-Uncle's" to him. Will he hunt them down? Or let them alone? Here is an article about them: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rl/20061101a What do you think his class will be? Wizard because of the influence of war wizards? Fighter because of the militaristic training he must have recieved? Or maybe a paladin, ranger, or rogue (i dont think he'll be a rogue)
msatran 08-05-07, 11:08 AM	Quite frankly, I think that if the Cormyr adventure had been about a Cormyrean civil war instead of this Shadow Weave nonsense, I would have been a whole lot happier.
ShadezofDis 08-05-07, 11:42 AM	If/when he does reach adulthood safely, what will he think or do of the old king's bastard sons? They would be something like "Half-Uncle's" to him. Will he hunt them down? Or let them alone? Depends on a LOT of factors. He could embrace them as true family (which is unlikely, as not all of them will want Azoun V on the throne, they'd much rather BE on the throne. Further, quite a large amount of them have been effectively brainwashed to believe whatever their noble parentage wants them to believe) He could try to eradicate them, since they are the biggest threat to the security of his throne. However, this would have to be done VERY quietly because of the evil nature of such an action and the fact that they (the bastards) are part of powerful noble houses. He could try and judge each one on their own merit, trusting some and keeping others under watch. Or any number of things really. What do you think his class will be? Wizard because of the influence of war wizards? Fighter because of the militaristic training he must have recieved? Or maybe a paladin, ranger, or rogue (i dont think he'll be a rogue) Anything is possible, I'd lean towards fighter. Though, really, I would think bard might cover it best, he'll be well educated (a lot of skill points), he'll be no stranger to magic or fighting. The only thing that doesn't really fit is the perform part but that's ok. Of course, a combination fighter/expert/wizard would be suitable as well.
Gargarios 08-05-07, 02:15 PM	Depends on a LOT of factors. He could embrace them as true family (which is unlikely, as not all of them will want Azoun V on the throne, they'd much rather BE on the throne. Further, quite a large amount of them have been effectively brainwashed to believe whatever their noble parentage wants them to believe) He could try to eradicate them, since they are the biggest threat to the security of his throne. However, this would have to be done VERY quietly because of the evil nature of such an action and the fact that they (the bastards) are part of powerful noble houses. He could try and judge each one on their own merit, trusting some and keeping others under watch. Anything is possible, I'd lean towards fighter. Though, really, I would think bard might cover it best, he'll be well educated (a lot of skill points), he'll be no stranger to magic or fighting. The only thing that doesn't really fit is the perform part but that's ok. Of course, a combination fighter/expert/wizard would be suitable as well. Plus it really depends on their actions at the time, or the current events. He possibly could just ignore them (but I doubt it). I would say fighter and maybe some ranger because he would need to be strong to rule and defend his country and he wouldnt really need to be a wizard because of his advisors, the War Wizards. I would also expect him to take levels as Purple Dragon Knight.
Zandilar 08-05-07, 09:03 PM	Heya, He could embrace them as true family (which is unlikely, as not all of them will want Azoun V on the throne, they'd much rather BE on the throne. Further, quite a large amount of them have been effectively brainwashed to believe whatever their noble parentage wants them to believe) The Obarskyrs have been awfully kind and considerate towards many of them (if not all of them. I'm sure there are many getting a stipend from the throne). There are plenty of Azoun IV's bastards who are well disposed towards the Royal Family. They pretty much exist everywhere, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to find some of them are Highknights or War Wizards. He could try to eradicate them, since they are the biggest threat to the security of his throne. However, this would have to be done VERY quietly because of the evil nature of such an action and the fact that they (the bastards) are part of powerful noble houses. Actually, the fact that there are so many of them eliminate them as an effective threat against the throne. Most of the people in Cormyr would laugh in the face of a bastard who decided they were the legitimate heir to the throne. Their paternity would not give them any advantage in this, basically, and thus they pose as much of a threat as any uppity noble does (and bear in mind, not all of his bastards have a noble mother either). He could try and judge each one on their own merit, trusting some and keeping others under watch. This is pretty much what is happening now, except it's the Steel Regent and the Royal Mage keeping watch via their various agencies. They pretty much know who each and every one of them are, at the very least, if not where they are, and what they're up to. Anything is possible, I'd lean towards fighter. Though, really, I would think bard might cover it best, he'll be well educated (a lot of skill points), he'll be no stranger to magic or fighting. The only thing that doesn't really fit is the perform part but that's ok. Of course, a combination fighter/expert/wizard would be suitable as well. He is likely to be a fighter. Aside from one, no Obarskyr has ever shown any interest or ability with magic to my knowledge. The one who did, Tanalasta, came by it late in her life, shortly before her death (she got her interest in her late 30s (I think she was 36 or 37 at the time of her death) and probably only had a level or two of wizard before she died, if any). Alusair would have him well schooled in warfare, since the King of Cormyr needs to be in a position to lead troops, whether it be personally or from some command position. I know Alusair prefers to be in the thick of it, and it was a trait she shared with her father - I can't imagine Azoun V being taught to be otherwise. Caladnei and Laspeera will almost certainly give him some basic familiarity with magic (this does not mean they'll teach him to cast spells, mind you, since even Vangerdahast was wary of teaching Tanalasta magic - I don't see why Caladnei would approach the situation any differently). Tanalasta, Azoun V's mother, was a very studious woman, quick witted and knowledgeable when she wasn't acting like a spoilt princess. He might well inherit her intelligence, which would give him extra skill points to spend in a variety of places a fighter wouldn't ordinarily get (I would probably give him the Educated feat at level 1 to reflect that)... But we're way ahead of ourselves. The boy is barely out of diapers yet - and who knows what might happen. Remember, the first child of Azoun IV and Filfaeril was assassinated whilst he was still around the same age Azoun V is now - and that was with all the kinds of protection a Crown Prince might have. The Obarskyrs won't be taking any chances, but that's still no guarantee that the boy will live to adulthood. Edit: Azoun IV didn't have levels in Purple Dragon Knight, and I don't believe Alusair does either (my memory is rusty, I think her stats appeared in an issue of Dragon, but I don't know which one). There's no reason why Azoun V would be guaranteed to ever have Purple Dragon Knight levels.
Gargarios 08-05-07, 09:30 PM	Remember, the first child of Azoun IV and Filfaeril was assassinated whilst he was still around the same age Azoun V is now - and that was with all the kinds of protection a Crown Prince might have. The Obarskyrs won't be taking any chances, but that's still no guarantee that the boy will live to adulthood. Edit: Azoun IV didn't have levels in Purple Dragon Knight, and I don't believe Alusair does either (my memory is rusty, I think her stats appeared in an issue of Dragon, but I don't know which one). There's no reason why Azoun V would be guaranteed to ever have Purple Dragon Knight levels. Thanks Zandilar, Alusair's stats are in the FRCS, same with Caladnei's, and I do beleive she has a few levels in Purple Dragon Knight. But it doesn't really matter that much, as you said the boy is just in diapers. Does anyone know more about how Azoun IV and Filfaeril's first child was assasinated?
Old Sage 08-05-07, 10:23 PM	The details surrounding Foril's assassination have yet to be fully revealed.
Gargarios 08-06-07, 09:22 AM	The details surrounding Foril's assassination have yet to be fully revealed. Well then there could be an adventure for the characters right there. And maybe the Assassin still survives...:plotting: