Cormyr's future [Archive] - Wizards Community

Cormyr's future [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Black Kitten
03-12-07, 10:46 AM I had a little question which I wondered about for a while already: what would happen if Cormyr's royal family and Caladnei would all die/disappear from their land for one reason or another?
MerrikCale
03-12-07, 11:40 AM probably a civil war between high-powered nobles.
Calmar
03-12-07, 12:34 PM On the other hand, it's a 'good' country. I guess the nobility would elect a new sovereign.
Khaelieth
03-12-07, 03:00 PM Fire Knives ftw.
SCMrks
03-12-07, 03:12 PM Some of the nobles have wanted a ruling council of nobles instead of a monarch so I would guess the royal family's disappearance would push that plan forward.
Lord Karsus
03-12-07, 04:27 PM -With the recent going-ons in Sembia, Cormyr is going to have to be careful, or else it's not going to have a future...
Purple Dragon Knight
03-12-07, 11:28 PM I had a little question which I wondered about for a while already: what would happen if Cormyr's royal family and Caladnei would all die/disappear from their land for one reason or another?Why? what kind of question is this? Vangerdahast would come out of the woods and tell everyone what to do, of course!
bitter thorn
03-13-07, 12:58 AM -With the recent going-ons in Sembia, Cormyr is going to have to be careful, or else it's not going to have a future...

Can I get a hint? I assume this is a novel allusion, so I'm not certain I want a spoiler.
Black Kitten
03-13-07, 03:26 AM Why? what kind of question is this? Vangerdahast would come out of the woods and tell everyone what to do, of course!

Also excluding mr. old Wizard I meant.

I myself (for my campaign) have simply had the nobles divide up Cormyr in seperate 'Counties' (by lack of a better word) and though they still report some strawman 'King of Cormyr' who lives in Suzail, there's no more Kingdom. And no PDK to restore order as they were mostly killed in a number of big battles preceding Cormyr's downfall.
Stigger
03-13-07, 04:18 AM I would kinda suspect general insurrection from the farmers personally... and some bastard of Azoun of sufficiently heroic stature rising up to seize the Dragon Throne. At least given what I know of the average Cormyrean farmers attitudes. LK could probably give us more insight on that though.
Empirate
03-13-07, 09:19 AM Yeah, it would be really hard to get rid of each and every prospective heir of Azoun - he made sure his bloodline would endure!
Renvale999
03-13-07, 09:58 AM Yeah, it would be really hard to get rid of each and every prospective heir of Azoun - he made sure his bloodline would endure!

Alot of those heirs where bastards and would have little or no claim to the throne. You would need the support of the nobles.

And don't forget the Purple Dragons and War Wizards, I guarentee you they're going to have a say on who ascends to the throne if something like that ever happens.
Lord Karsus
03-13-07, 10:11 AM Can I get a hint? I assume this is a novel allusion, so I'm not certain I want a spoiler.

-Yes, yes it is. See the Twlight War Trilogy (Which only consists of one book right now) for all of the details. It's some good stuff, let me tell you. :)

I would kinda suspect general insurrection from the farmers personally... and some bastard of Azoun of sufficiently heroic stature rising up to seize the Dragon Throne. At least given what I know of the average Cormyrean farmers attitudes. LK could probably give us more insight on that though.

-Ah, yes. I lived among them while trying to "get into character". Generally speaking, the pesant populace cares little of politics. Most loved King Azoun IV, as he has steered the country into economic prosperity. Most people also Princess Alusair, since she is the daughter of King Azoun, but there are a few who have become discontent, with the discovery of Shadow Weave tomatos and all. Should a bastard child of Azoun IV spring up, with the backing of a noble family, the Cormyrian populace would likely back Princess Alusair.
Black Kitten
03-13-07, 10:21 AM -Ah, yes. I lived among them while trying to "get into character". Generally speaking, the pesant populace cares little of politics. Most loved King Azoun IV, as he has steered the country into economic prosperity. Most people also Princess Alusair, since she is the daughter of King Azoun, but there are a few who have become discontent, with the discovery of Shadow Weave tomatos and all. Should a bastard child of Azoun IV spring up, with the backing of a noble family, the Cormyrian populace would likely back Princess Alusair.

In my campaign (as a result of my former campaign) Alusair died and left 1 child (but no-one except 2-3 people know this and these people have for a long time kept them from the public by magic to ensure they'd survive), Caladnei disapppeared and retired to Amn to live a simple life along the coast to raise her own child (also a product of my last campaign). Most of the Purple Dragon Knights and War Wizards were slaughtered during a large war happening in the previous campaign.
Chloramantis
03-14-07, 01:13 PM -Yes, yes it is. See the Twlight War Trilogy (Which only consists of one book right now) for all of the details. It's some good stuff, let me tell you. :)

-Ah, yes. I lived among them while trying to "get into character". Generally speaking, the pesant populace cares little of politics. Most loved King Azoun IV, as he has steered the country into economic prosperity. Most people also Princess Alusair, since she is the daughter of King Azoun, but there are a few who have become discontent, with the discovery of Shadow Weave tomatos and all. Should a bastard child of Azoun IV spring up, with the backing of a noble family, the Cormyrian populace would likely back Princess Alusair.

I was gonna say that. There is nothing wrong with Alusair, she has the backing of the military right? I think a bastard son would be seen as a rebel to the Cormyrian people.
Lord Karsus
03-14-07, 07:04 PM I was gonna say that. There is nothing wrong with Alusair, she has the backing of the military right? I think a bastard son would be seen as a rebel to the Cormyrian people.

-Yes, Alusair has the backing of the military as a whole. Of course, knights and soldiers who hail from any of the many noble families who are against the crown may keep the interests of their families first, and the crown second.
QuenthelsChampion
03-16-07, 01:17 PM -Yes, Alusair has the backing of the military as a whole. Of course, knights and soldiers who hail from any of the many noble families who are against the crown may keep the interests of their families first, and the crown second.

Alusair is a good leader and i enjoy her straight forwardness. On the wizards site their is a story or something about a bastard son of Azoun who is actually in Shadowdale or one of the dales and he is in love with Storm and has no intentions of trying to claim the throne.
QuenthelsChampion
03-16-07, 01:22 PM Rhoegantle Malyth (CG male human Highknight 4/Ranger 7; a darkly handsome bastard son of Azoun IV raised in Suzail as a servant by a War Wizard and made a forester in his restless youth; now he is one of the most trusted agents of Alusair's regency operating in the northeastern areas of Cormyr and into the Dalelands, and he watches over the interests of Cormyr -- and increasingly, over the doings of the Bard of Shadowdale, with whom he has fallen hopelessly in love).
This is from the site and is about as you can see the bastard son i just stated.

QC
Lord Karsus
03-16-07, 02:19 PM Rhoegantle Malyth (CG male human Highknight 4/Ranger 7; a darkly handsome bastard son of Azoun IV raised in Suzail as a servant by a War Wizard and made a forester in his restless youth; now he is one of the most trusted agents of Alusair's regency operating in the northeastern areas of Cormyr and into the Dalelands, and he watches over the interests of Cormyr -- and increasingly, over the doings of the Bard of Shadowdale, with whom he has fallen hopelessly in love).
This is from the site and is about as you can see the bastard son i just stated.

QC

-I wonder if he knows who his real father is? That might change his outlook a little, if he doesn't already know...

-And, what's a Highknight?
Stigger
03-16-07, 03:52 PM Highknight of Cormyr? Kinda like a cross between a double-O and a detective from what I've gathered about them... :P

As to the class I see up there, looking at your reply again, I suspect it's supposed to be purple dragon knight... maybe. Otherwise, I have no idea.
Old Sage
03-16-07, 08:03 PM From THO -

"Highknights are a special order of knights that can best be thought of as a cross between James Bond and the most trusted personal royal bodyguards.
[...]
love,
THO"

From Old Sage -

In addition, I would also recommend you take a look through Ed's '04 and '05 replies at Candlekeep, since he's discussed Highknights before, as well as a little about their operations.

Further you can learn some brief tidbits regarding Highknight operations in Ed's Realmslore column on the WotC mainsite:- http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
Purple Dragon Knight
03-16-07, 08:09 PM Not sure at all if this still looks like the original Highknight PrC (which I don't remember the source...), but here's my homebrew Highknight version, in 3.5 rules format:

Purple Dragon Highknight

Highknight is a title given to Cormyrean knights who have shown exceptional service to the Crown. Many highknights gravitate towards court assignments, while others remain on the battlefield, serving alongside their fellow Purple Dragons. The ones who elect to serve in continual court assignments are often required to develop certain skills that are better suited to such a delicate environment. They are also trained to react in certain ways in specific situations and learn to develop contingency plans to minimize risk. This particular breed of highknights receives special training to better accomplish their duties.
Trained in court etiquette and realm law as well as in the use of weapons, these special highknights are regularly mind read by the War Wizards to guarantee their continued loyalty, as well as to guard against magical influences and impostors posing as real knights. These highknights usually draw difficult duties such as investigating suspected traitors among the ranks of superior Purple Dragon officers or the nobility, or guarding royalty or unpopular visiting envoys.
In Cormyr, Highknights can speak with royal authority, and they can always gain audience to any Royal or Court personage (though they'll face penalties for frivolous use of this privilege).
Most Highknights are fighters, but Filfaeril and Vangerdahast desire the office to be open to bards, rangers, and other persons difficult to fit into court hierarchy. Highknights can be encountered anywhere in the Dragon Reach and Dragon Coast, but they're most likely to be found in Cormyr proper.
Hit Dice: d10

Requirements
Alignment: Any good
Race: Any
Base Attack Bonus: +8
Feats: Dodge, Endurance, Great Fortitude
Special: Must have been previously promoted to Highknight by a Cormyrean Royal

Class Skills
Balance (Dex), Concentration (Con), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Knowledge: Nobility and Royalty (Int), Knowledge: Local [Cormyr] (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Perform: Dance (Cha), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis)
Skill Points at each level: 4 + Int modifier

Level Attack Fort Ref Will Special
1 +1 +2 +0 +0 Dauntless Guard
2 +2 +3 +0 +0 Uncanny Dodge (Dex Bonus to AC)
3 +3 +3 +1 +1 Magic Resistance 10
4 +4 +4 +1 +1 Natural Armor +1
5 +5 +4 +1 +1 Poison Resistance
6 +6 +5 +2 +2 Magic Resistance 20
7 +7 +5 +2 +2 Uncanny Dodge (Cant be Flanked)
8 +8 +6 +2 +2 Natural Armor +2
9 +9 +6 +3 +3 Magic Resistance 30
10 +10 +7 +3 +3 Unswerving Stand, Immune to Sec Poison Dmg

Class Features

Dauntless Guard: Beginning at 1st level, when a Highknight guards a known or familiar area that he has previously observed as part of a reconnaissance or scouting effort, or as part of a mission briefing which included a detailed map of the location, he gains the following abilities while fighting there:
• +2 Strength
• +2 Con
• +2 on all Saves
• +4 dodge bonus to AC
The increase in Con raises the Highknights hp by 1 per level, but these hit points go away the moment he moves away from the area. Note: the area guarded cannot exceed a square area whose sides are equal to the Highknight’s class level x 10 (i.e. a 5th level Highknight can use this ability within 50’x50’ area) This ability is similar to the dwarven defender’s ability, except that it allows for movement within a small area.

Poison Resistance: At 5th level, a highknight gains a second chance on any Fort saves vs. Poison; if the result of the first save is unfavorable, a second roll can be attempted. At 10th level, immunity to secondary damage becomes automatic.

Magic Resistance: At 3rd level, by exposure to spells (working with a war wizard) the highknight gains resistance to a single chosen magical attack form, such as cold, electricity, fire, or acid. This resistance only applies to spells, spell-like abilities or supernatural attacks. It does not help against natural cold, heat or any other type of danger from natural environments. Each time the highknight suffers damage from that sort of magic, subtract 10 points from the damage suffered by the highknight. This immunity improves to 20 points at 6th level and 30 points at 9th level. This ability stacks with resist element spells: a highknight with magical resistance (fire) 20 and resistance energy (fire) 10 is effectively shielded against 30 points of fire damage against every fire attack. This ability does not stack with protection from energy spells: all damage counts against the protection from energy spell, and once expired, the leftovers then count against a highknight’s magical resistance. Note that the highknight is not protected against any other side effect: only damage is reduced from the listed amount (i.e. a highknight would be protected against the damaging aspect of a shout spell, but not its deafening effects). Alternatively, the highknight can choose another type of resistance at level 6 or 9. For example, Sir Erathen picks magic resistance electricity 10 at 3rd level. He could increase this feature to resistance 20 and 30 respectively at 6th or 9th level, or he could pick cold magical resistance 10 and acid magical resistance 10 instead.

Natural Armor: The highknights natural armor rating improves by +1 at 4th level, and to +2 at 8th level.

Uncanny Dodge: At 2nd level, the highknight does not lose his Dex bonus to AC from being flat-footed. At 7th level, opponents do not gain any attack bonuses for flanking the highknight. The highknight’s class levels stack with other classes with the Uncanny Dodge ability for the purposes of determining if flanking is possible (see Uncanny Dodge, under Rogue or Barbarian, in PHB, for more details)

Unswerving Stand: At 10th level, the Highknight dedication to the cause of Cormyr has reached a level so great that his Dauntless Guard ability improves to the following values:
• +4 Strength
• +4 Con
• +4 on all Saves
• +8 dodge bonus to AC
The increase in Con raises the Highknights hp by 2 per character level, but these hit points go away the moment he moves away from the area.
Old Sparky
03-19-07, 12:17 AM What would happen if Alusair, Caladnei, and other surviving members of the royal family were to be removed from the picture?

I suspect all manner of chaos, starting with lots of finger-pointing to discredit potential usurpers of the throne.

Some noble families would be quick to band together to support the idea of a council of ruling nobles... limiting members of this council to those that support the idea, and only a representitive from each of the more powerful noble houses in this group. Other noble families might have different agendas that exclude rival noble families from achieving such power and might try to find one of those bastard children of Azoun IV (that they can influence or even control) to support as the next ruler in line.

Then there are noble families that may be influenced by outside sources --especially those filthy Sembians, or maybe even as bad those with ties to the Zhentarim.

Next consideration is what the War Wizards want. Without a ruling family, what --besides the threat of Vangerdahast-- is to prevent a majority of them from deciding they should sieze control of the kingdom for its own good? Of course, some may think they can get around the threat of old Vangey...

Another concern is the major religious power centers in Cormyr. They may decide to put their support behind any given option that favors their own agenda... divination magics will give them a sense of knowing what's best for everyone.

And, even though its an old and tired concern, you can never rule out the possibility of Chuck Norris coming in and kicking everyone's butt into submission.
Lord Karsus
03-19-07, 12:20 AM And, even though its an old and tired concern, you can never rule out the possibility of Chuck Norris coming in and kicking everyone's butt into submission.

-I find that hard to believe. I mean, the Elves did seal him away all those years ago. What are the chances that something the Elves did long ago might come back to bite th- Uh oh...I gotta go...:shifty:
Stigger
03-19-07, 12:36 AM Nah, never happen... elves never have that happen to them... well, almost never anyway.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Black Kitten 03-12-07, 10:46 AM	I had a little question which I wondered about for a while already: what would happen if Cormyr's royal family and Caladnei would all die/disappear from their land for one reason or another?
MerrikCale 03-12-07, 11:40 AM	probably a civil war between high-powered nobles.
Calmar 03-12-07, 12:34 PM	On the other hand, it's a 'good' country. I guess the nobility would elect a new sovereign.
Khaelieth 03-12-07, 03:00 PM	Fire Knives ftw.
SCMrks 03-12-07, 03:12 PM	Some of the nobles have wanted a ruling council of nobles instead of a monarch so I would guess the royal family's disappearance would push that plan forward.
Lord Karsus 03-12-07, 04:27 PM	-With the recent going-ons in Sembia, Cormyr is going to have to be careful, or else it's not going to have a future...
Purple Dragon Knight 03-12-07, 11:28 PM	I had a little question which I wondered about for a while already: what would happen if Cormyr's royal family and Caladnei would all die/disappear from their land for one reason or another?Why? what kind of question is this? Vangerdahast would come out of the woods and tell everyone what to do, of course!
bitter thorn 03-13-07, 12:58 AM	-With the recent going-ons in Sembia, Cormyr is going to have to be careful, or else it's not going to have a future... Can I get a hint? I assume this is a novel allusion, so I'm not certain I want a spoiler.
Black Kitten 03-13-07, 03:26 AM	Why? what kind of question is this? Vangerdahast would come out of the woods and tell everyone what to do, of course! Also excluding mr. old Wizard I meant. I myself (for my campaign) have simply had the nobles divide up Cormyr in seperate 'Counties' (by lack of a better word) and though they still report some strawman 'King of Cormyr' who lives in Suzail, there's no more Kingdom. And no PDK to restore order as they were mostly killed in a number of big battles preceding Cormyr's downfall.
Stigger 03-13-07, 04:18 AM	I would kinda suspect general insurrection from the farmers personally... and some bastard of Azoun of sufficiently heroic stature rising up to seize the Dragon Throne. At least given what I know of the average Cormyrean farmers attitudes. LK could probably give us more insight on that though.
Empirate 03-13-07, 09:19 AM	Yeah, it would be really hard to get rid of each and every prospective heir of Azoun - he made sure his bloodline would endure!
Renvale999 03-13-07, 09:58 AM	Yeah, it would be really hard to get rid of each and every prospective heir of Azoun - he made sure his bloodline would endure! Alot of those heirs where bastards and would have little or no claim to the throne. You would need the support of the nobles. And don't forget the Purple Dragons and War Wizards, I guarentee you they're going to have a say on who ascends to the throne if something like that ever happens.
Lord Karsus 03-13-07, 10:11 AM	Can I get a hint? I assume this is a novel allusion, so I'm not certain I want a spoiler. -Yes, yes it is. See the Twlight War Trilogy (Which only consists of one book right now) for all of the details. It's some good stuff, let me tell you. :) I would kinda suspect general insurrection from the farmers personally... and some bastard of Azoun of sufficiently heroic stature rising up to seize the Dragon Throne. At least given what I know of the average Cormyrean farmers attitudes. LK could probably give us more insight on that though. -Ah, yes. I lived among them while trying to "get into character". Generally speaking, the pesant populace cares little of politics. Most loved King Azoun IV, as he has steered the country into economic prosperity. Most people also Princess Alusair, since she is the daughter of King Azoun, but there are a few who have become discontent, with the discovery of Shadow Weave tomatos and all. Should a bastard child of Azoun IV spring up, with the backing of a noble family, the Cormyrian populace would likely back Princess Alusair.
Black Kitten 03-13-07, 10:21 AM	-Ah, yes. I lived among them while trying to "get into character". Generally speaking, the pesant populace cares little of politics. Most loved King Azoun IV, as he has steered the country into economic prosperity. Most people also Princess Alusair, since she is the daughter of King Azoun, but there are a few who have become discontent, with the discovery of Shadow Weave tomatos and all. Should a bastard child of Azoun IV spring up, with the backing of a noble family, the Cormyrian populace would likely back Princess Alusair. In my campaign (as a result of my former campaign) Alusair died and left 1 child (but no-one except 2-3 people know this and these people have for a long time kept them from the public by magic to ensure they'd survive), Caladnei disapppeared and retired to Amn to live a simple life along the coast to raise her own child (also a product of my last campaign). Most of the Purple Dragon Knights and War Wizards were slaughtered during a large war happening in the previous campaign.
Chloramantis 03-14-07, 01:13 PM	-Yes, yes it is. See the Twlight War Trilogy (Which only consists of one book right now) for all of the details. It's some good stuff, let me tell you. :) -Ah, yes. I lived among them while trying to "get into character". Generally speaking, the pesant populace cares little of politics. Most loved King Azoun IV, as he has steered the country into economic prosperity. Most people also Princess Alusair, since she is the daughter of King Azoun, but there are a few who have become discontent, with the discovery of Shadow Weave tomatos and all. Should a bastard child of Azoun IV spring up, with the backing of a noble family, the Cormyrian populace would likely back Princess Alusair. I was gonna say that. There is nothing wrong with Alusair, she has the backing of the military right? I think a bastard son would be seen as a rebel to the Cormyrian people.
Lord Karsus 03-14-07, 07:04 PM	I was gonna say that. There is nothing wrong with Alusair, she has the backing of the military right? I think a bastard son would be seen as a rebel to the Cormyrian people. -Yes, Alusair has the backing of the military as a whole. Of course, knights and soldiers who hail from any of the many noble families who are against the crown may keep the interests of their families first, and the crown second.
QuenthelsChampion 03-16-07, 01:17 PM	-Yes, Alusair has the backing of the military as a whole. Of course, knights and soldiers who hail from any of the many noble families who are against the crown may keep the interests of their families first, and the crown second. Alusair is a good leader and i enjoy her straight forwardness. On the wizards site their is a story or something about a bastard son of Azoun who is actually in Shadowdale or one of the dales and he is in love with Storm and has no intentions of trying to claim the throne.
QuenthelsChampion 03-16-07, 01:22 PM	Rhoegantle Malyth (CG male human Highknight 4/Ranger 7; a darkly handsome bastard son of Azoun IV raised in Suzail as a servant by a War Wizard and made a forester in his restless youth; now he is one of the most trusted agents of Alusair's regency operating in the northeastern areas of Cormyr and into the Dalelands, and he watches over the interests of Cormyr -- and increasingly, over the doings of the Bard of Shadowdale, with whom he has fallen hopelessly in love). This is from the site and is about as you can see the bastard son i just stated. QC
Lord Karsus 03-16-07, 02:19 PM	Rhoegantle Malyth (CG male human Highknight 4/Ranger 7; a darkly handsome bastard son of Azoun IV raised in Suzail as a servant by a War Wizard and made a forester in his restless youth; now he is one of the most trusted agents of Alusair's regency operating in the northeastern areas of Cormyr and into the Dalelands, and he watches over the interests of Cormyr -- and increasingly, over the doings of the Bard of Shadowdale, with whom he has fallen hopelessly in love). This is from the site and is about as you can see the bastard son i just stated. QC -I wonder if he knows who his real father is? That might change his outlook a little, if he doesn't already know... -And, what's a Highknight?
Stigger 03-16-07, 03:52 PM	Highknight of Cormyr? Kinda like a cross between a double-O and a detective from what I've gathered about them... :P As to the class I see up there, looking at your reply again, I suspect it's supposed to be purple dragon knight... maybe. Otherwise, I have no idea.
Old Sage 03-16-07, 08:03 PM	From THO - "Highknights are a special order of knights that can best be thought of as a cross between James Bond and the most trusted personal royal bodyguards. [...] love, THO" From Old Sage - In addition, I would also recommend you take a look through Ed's '04 and '05 replies at Candlekeep, since he's discussed Highknights before, as well as a little about their operations. Further you can learn some brief tidbits regarding Highknight operations in Ed's Realmslore column on the WotC mainsite:- http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
Purple Dragon Knight 03-16-07, 08:09 PM	Not sure at all if this still looks like the original Highknight PrC (which I don't remember the source...), but here's my homebrew Highknight version, in 3.5 rules format: Purple Dragon Highknight Highknight is a title given to Cormyrean knights who have shown exceptional service to the Crown. Many highknights gravitate towards court assignments, while others remain on the battlefield, serving alongside their fellow Purple Dragons. The ones who elect to serve in continual court assignments are often required to develop certain skills that are better suited to such a delicate environment. They are also trained to react in certain ways in specific situations and learn to develop contingency plans to minimize risk. This particular breed of highknights receives special training to better accomplish their duties. Trained in court etiquette and realm law as well as in the use of weapons, these special highknights are regularly mind read by the War Wizards to guarantee their continued loyalty, as well as to guard against magical influences and impostors posing as real knights. These highknights usually draw difficult duties such as investigating suspected traitors among the ranks of superior Purple Dragon officers or the nobility, or guarding royalty or unpopular visiting envoys. In Cormyr, Highknights can speak with royal authority, and they can always gain audience to any Royal or Court personage (though they'll face penalties for frivolous use of this privilege). Most Highknights are fighters, but Filfaeril and Vangerdahast desire the office to be open to bards, rangers, and other persons difficult to fit into court hierarchy. Highknights can be encountered anywhere in the Dragon Reach and Dragon Coast, but they're most likely to be found in Cormyr proper. Hit Dice: d10 Requirements Alignment: Any good Race: Any Base Attack Bonus: +8 Feats: Dodge, Endurance, Great Fortitude Special: Must have been previously promoted to Highknight by a Cormyrean Royal Class Skills Balance (Dex), Concentration (Con), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Knowledge: Nobility and Royalty (Int), Knowledge: Local [Cormyr] (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Perform: Dance (Cha), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis) Skill Points at each level: 4 + Int modifier Level Attack Fort Ref Will Special 1 +1 +2 +0 +0 Dauntless Guard 2 +2 +3 +0 +0 Uncanny Dodge (Dex Bonus to AC) 3 +3 +3 +1 +1 Magic Resistance 10 4 +4 +4 +1 +1 Natural Armor +1 5 +5 +4 +1 +1 Poison Resistance 6 +6 +5 +2 +2 Magic Resistance 20 7 +7 +5 +2 +2 Uncanny Dodge (Cant be Flanked) 8 +8 +6 +2 +2 Natural Armor +2 9 +9 +6 +3 +3 Magic Resistance 30 10 +10 +7 +3 +3 Unswerving Stand, Immune to Sec Poison Dmg Class Features Dauntless Guard: Beginning at 1st level, when a Highknight guards a known or familiar area that he has previously observed as part of a reconnaissance or scouting effort, or as part of a mission briefing which included a detailed map of the location, he gains the following abilities while fighting there: • +2 Strength • +2 Con • +2 on all Saves • +4 dodge bonus to AC The increase in Con raises the Highknights hp by 1 per level, but these hit points go away the moment he moves away from the area. Note: the area guarded cannot exceed a square area whose sides are equal to the Highknight’s class level x 10 (i.e. a 5th level Highknight can use this ability within 50’x50’ area) This ability is similar to the dwarven defender’s ability, except that it allows for movement within a small area. Poison Resistance: At 5th level, a highknight gains a second chance on any Fort saves vs. Poison; if the result of the first save is unfavorable, a second roll can be attempted. At 10th level, immunity to secondary damage becomes automatic. Magic Resistance: At 3rd level, by exposure to spells (working with a war wizard) the highknight gains resistance to a single chosen magical attack form, such as cold, electricity, fire, or acid. This resistance only applies to spells, spell-like abilities or supernatural attacks. It does not help against natural cold, heat or any other type of danger from natural environments. Each time the highknight suffers damage from that sort of magic, subtract 10 points from the damage suffered by the highknight. This immunity improves to 20 points at 6th level and 30 points at 9th level. This ability stacks with resist element spells: a highknight with magical resistance (fire) 20 and resistance energy (fire) 10 is effectively shielded against 30 points of fire damage against every fire attack. This ability does not stack with protection from energy spells: all damage counts against the protection from energy spell, and once expired, the leftovers then count against a highknight’s magical resistance. Note that the highknight is not protected against any other side effect: only damage is reduced from the listed amount (i.e. a highknight would be protected against the damaging aspect of a shout spell, but not its deafening effects). Alternatively, the highknight can choose another type of resistance at level 6 or 9. For example, Sir Erathen picks magic resistance electricity 10 at 3rd level. He could increase this feature to resistance 20 and 30 respectively at 6th or 9th level, or he could pick cold magical resistance 10 and acid magical resistance 10 instead. Natural Armor: The highknights natural armor rating improves by +1 at 4th level, and to +2 at 8th level. Uncanny Dodge: At 2nd level, the highknight does not lose his Dex bonus to AC from being flat-footed. At 7th level, opponents do not gain any attack bonuses for flanking the highknight. The highknight’s class levels stack with other classes with the Uncanny Dodge ability for the purposes of determining if flanking is possible (see Uncanny Dodge, under Rogue or Barbarian, in PHB, for more details) Unswerving Stand: At 10th level, the Highknight dedication to the cause of Cormyr has reached a level so great that his Dauntless Guard ability improves to the following values: • +4 Strength • +4 Con • +4 on all Saves • +8 dodge bonus to AC The increase in Con raises the Highknights hp by 2 per character level, but these hit points go away the moment he moves away from the area.
Old Sparky 03-19-07, 12:17 AM	What would happen if Alusair, Caladnei, and other surviving members of the royal family were to be removed from the picture? I suspect all manner of chaos, starting with lots of finger-pointing to discredit potential usurpers of the throne. Some noble families would be quick to band together to support the idea of a council of ruling nobles... limiting members of this council to those that support the idea, and only a representitive from each of the more powerful noble houses in this group. Other noble families might have different agendas that exclude rival noble families from achieving such power and might try to find one of those bastard children of Azoun IV (that they can influence or even control) to support as the next ruler in line. Then there are noble families that may be influenced by outside sources --especially those filthy Sembians, or maybe even as bad those with ties to the Zhentarim. Next consideration is what the War Wizards want. Without a ruling family, what --besides the threat of Vangerdahast-- is to prevent a majority of them from deciding they should sieze control of the kingdom for its own good? Of course, some may think they can get around the threat of old Vangey... Another concern is the major religious power centers in Cormyr. They may decide to put their support behind any given option that favors their own agenda... divination magics will give them a sense of knowing what's best for everyone. And, even though its an old and tired concern, you can never rule out the possibility of Chuck Norris coming in and kicking everyone's butt into submission.
Lord Karsus 03-19-07, 12:20 AM	And, even though its an old and tired concern, you can never rule out the possibility of Chuck Norris coming in and kicking everyone's butt into submission. -I find that hard to believe. I mean, the Elves did seal him away all those years ago. What are the chances that something the Elves did long ago might come back to bite th- Uh oh...I gotta go...:shifty:
Stigger 03-19-07, 12:36 AM	Nah, never happen... elves never have that happen to them... well, almost never anyway.