Shade and Blackstaff [Archive] - Wizards Community

Shade and Blackstaff [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
shiyongseng
06-13-07, 09:37 AM I just saw in a thread that Blackstaff was killed? What book is this in? Also I was wondering if there were any books on Shade and its contents - like the 12 and their stats. I'm basically looking for any information about the Shadow Weave because I think it's a nice change of the old, boring magic. I have the Tome of Magic, but is there anything else besides this book, or perhaps some adventures?
Sullivan
06-13-07, 11:29 AM I just saw in a thread that Blackstaff was killed... Also I was wondering if there were any books on Shade and its contents - like the 12 and their stats...

Khelben secretly died and was replaced in the novel Blackstaff, the Steven E. Schend, 2006. This is still is stores and for sale at the WotC site and on Amazon.

The Shades, the princes and their floating city get a write up in Lords of Darkness, a gaming accessory. This is no longer in print but copies may be found in gaming stores an on E-Bay.

I hate Khelben but I'm sorry he is dead.
BrennonGoldeye
06-13-07, 01:55 PM I would like to ammend the word secretly. He wasn't secretly killed. He passed doing what he was born to do, in the full view of quite a few Chosen. I believe there were 5 in one place at one time. The folk of Waterdeep do not know he has passed. They also thought he was his own grandson. :rolleyes: Then there is this secret.

His soon-to-be-born twins are the true secret.:D :D Twin children of two Chosen...........:mage: :dancin: :duel: :dancin: :mage:
MarkusTay63
06-13-07, 02:10 PM Although 99% of this community is probably aware of this fact by now, spoilers ae still reccomended. ;)

Personally, I think the new city was brought back just to counter Shade. The return of Shade was probably part of some ancient Elven prophesy, so they hid away a small piece of Miyeritar to both protect it and have a powerful city filled with ancient magic to balance the evil of Shade. Something similar was done in the Pern novels, when dragonriders from the past were brought forward in time to help fight a new threat. In fact, if I were writing it, I would have the second high magic ritual be responsible for disrupting the first, hence creating the 'Dark Disaster' by having large portions of Miyeritar literally disappear. But then again, I would have done quite a few things different... :rolleyes:
ClobberinTime
06-13-07, 04:54 PM Markus- My guess is that Selunnara will be brought back in Paul Kemps novels to be the counterpoint to shade.
Stigger
06-13-07, 05:52 PM I'd suspect that one myself Clobberin, at least at some point. Yet another front in the Shar/Selune conflict...
MerrikCale
06-13-07, 08:28 PM Markus- My guess is that Selunnara will be brought back in Paul Kemps novels to be the counterpoint to shade.

I'm thinking thats a pretty good guess, though I would prefer the destruction of shade
Old Sage
06-13-07, 08:32 PM Khelben secretly died and was replaced in the novel Blackstaff, the Steven E. Schend, 2006. This is still is stores and for sale at the WotC site and on Amazon.I'm still going to consider most of the contents of Blackstaff to be of SPOILER-status, thus -

Tsarra has assumed the guise of the Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun. This means that right after the events of the novel, she is a Lord of Waterdeep, head of the Moonstars and mage teacher at Blackstaff Tower. We don't know what happens subsequent to that.

What is likely is that she might relinquish one or both of the first two offices. It's a crime to masquerade as a Lord of Waterdeep, so she may reveal herself to Peirgeiron who may decide to keep her on as a Lord. Or not. I doubt she'd get far trying to masquerade as one - although if that suits your Realms and campaign, that's fine as well.

She may have a better chance of masquerading as Khelben in terms of his leadership of the Moonstars, but canny members such as Malchor may soon find her out. This one is up in the air at present.

She will definitely continue 'being Khelben' in terms of a presence in Waterdeep and a presence in his wizard school in Blackstaff Tower.

She is not a Chosen of Mystra.
MarkusTay63
06-13-07, 08:45 PM Markus- My guess is that Selunnara will be brought back in Paul Kemps novels to be the counterpoint to shade.I agree with you completely.

However, the return of Rhymanthiin (Miyeritar) was set in motion thousands of years ago, and I get the feeling that there is a reason why the time had come to bring it back; Khelben hinted at such. If not Shade, then there must be some greater purpose, perhaps something linked to the Elves themselves.
Either way, I don't see Shade stickin' around forever, at least not in its present incarnation.
BrennonGoldeye
06-13-07, 09:52 PM Shh. Selunarra is too cliche for some folk. Besides, that's where we are hiding Au..:shifty:... Auto parts. Yes, Auto parts. :D
Old Sage
06-13-07, 10:08 PM I would prefer Selūnarra to remain where it is. I think it's entirely more interesting as a *potential* factor, rather than something that has already been used. In fact, I would rather have the conflict between Selūnarra and Shade being something subtle and, perhaps, waged in secret -- carried out by agents travelling back and forth from the Gates of the Moon. There's plenty of roleplaying opportunities, and it also keeps Selūnarra firmly in the Gates of the Moon.
MarkusTay63
06-13-07, 10:26 PM No "Deathstar vs. Battlestar", eh. ;)

I hear you, I always prefer the 'subtle' approach myself.
Stigger
06-14-07, 02:32 AM That Selunite/Mystran knightly order (name just flew out of my head) in Waterdeep seems a good example of how to keep that whole thing from devolving into a yawn-filled cliche...
Balafre
06-14-07, 07:27 AM OY OY!!!

each time that I read this forum I get a lot more confused about whats going on

do you guys really DM the Realms based on what happens in the novels

from a point of view of someone who doesnt have much time to read the novels, it looks like too much thing are happening in the novels to be really able to follow everything with your party!

my 2 pieces of copper
Red_Wizard
06-14-07, 08:53 AM OY OY!!!

each time that I read this forum I get a lot more confused about whats going on

do you guys really DM the Realms based on what happens in the novels

from a point of view of someone who doesnt have much time to read the novels, it looks like too much thing are happening in the novels to be really able to follow everything with your party!

my 2 pieces of copper

Well unless your party is directly related to Ao, and can be everywhere at once, then including all canon materials as it is released, will almost never affect your PC's directly, if at all.

Also, for things that happen to take place in an area you are DMing in, should something change there via novel, it is simple enough to work it in either by having the PC's play a role in the event, or having them drawn away while the event occurs.
Stigger
06-14-07, 02:24 PM Don't read many novels actually, so certainly don't include it in my Realms often... unless its a good idea. Usually if I really like the idea I'll basically steal it, modify the hell out of it, and then spring it on my players. That way I can sorta keep some pittance of synchronicity with canon... :D
Sullivan
06-14-07, 05:44 PM I believe Khelben…

had already stepped down from being Lord of Waterdeep. Further, it seems that Tsarra will largely serve as a figurehead. Even if she can, rather conveniently, draw upon Khelben’s experience, she does not have his power, cannot match his enemies and or be equal to his responsibilities by herself. As such, the other Chosen will use her as a figure head, maintaining the illusion Khelben is alive and functioning. I pity Tsarra and her loved ones when the illusion collapses.

Lastly…

it seems Opus (the Netherese name for Selunnara) is coming back to balance the shade. Miyeritar was brought back to undo a 10,000 year old mistake – the Dark Disaster.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
shiyongseng 06-13-07, 09:37 AM	I just saw in a thread that Blackstaff was killed? What book is this in? Also I was wondering if there were any books on Shade and its contents - like the 12 and their stats. I'm basically looking for any information about the Shadow Weave because I think it's a nice change of the old, boring magic. I have the Tome of Magic, but is there anything else besides this book, or perhaps some adventures?
Sullivan 06-13-07, 11:29 AM	I just saw in a thread that Blackstaff was killed... Also I was wondering if there were any books on Shade and its contents - like the 12 and their stats... Khelben secretly died and was replaced in the novel Blackstaff, the Steven E. Schend, 2006. This is still is stores and for sale at the WotC site and on Amazon. The Shades, the princes and their floating city get a write up in Lords of Darkness, a gaming accessory. This is no longer in print but copies may be found in gaming stores an on E-Bay. I hate Khelben but I'm sorry he is dead.
BrennonGoldeye 06-13-07, 01:55 PM	I would like to ammend the word secretly. He wasn't secretly killed. He passed doing what he was born to do, in the full view of quite a few Chosen. I believe there were 5 in one place at one time. The folk of Waterdeep do not know he has passed. They also thought he was his own grandson. :rolleyes: Then there is this secret. His soon-to-be-born twins are the true secret.:D :D Twin children of two Chosen...........:mage: :dancin: :duel: :dancin: :mage:
MarkusTay63 06-13-07, 02:10 PM	Although 99% of this community is probably aware of this fact by now, spoilers ae still reccomended. ;) Personally, I think the new city was brought back just to counter Shade. The return of Shade was probably part of some ancient Elven prophesy, so they hid away a small piece of Miyeritar to both protect it and have a powerful city filled with ancient magic to balance the evil of Shade. Something similar was done in the Pern novels, when dragonriders from the past were brought forward in time to help fight a new threat. In fact, if I were writing it, I would have the second high magic ritual be responsible for disrupting the first, hence creating the 'Dark Disaster' by having large portions of Miyeritar literally disappear. But then again, I would have done quite a few things different... :rolleyes:
ClobberinTime 06-13-07, 04:54 PM	Markus- My guess is that Selunnara will be brought back in Paul Kemps novels to be the counterpoint to shade.
Stigger 06-13-07, 05:52 PM	I'd suspect that one myself Clobberin, at least at some point. Yet another front in the Shar/Selune conflict...
MerrikCale 06-13-07, 08:28 PM	Markus- My guess is that Selunnara will be brought back in Paul Kemps novels to be the counterpoint to shade. I'm thinking thats a pretty good guess, though I would prefer the destruction of shade
Old Sage 06-13-07, 08:32 PM	Khelben secretly died and was replaced in the novel Blackstaff, the Steven E. Schend, 2006. This is still is stores and for sale at the WotC site and on Amazon.I'm still going to consider most of the contents of Blackstaff to be of SPOILER-status, thus - Tsarra has assumed the guise of the Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun. This means that right after the events of the novel, she is a Lord of Waterdeep, head of the Moonstars and mage teacher at Blackstaff Tower. We don't know what happens subsequent to that. What is likely is that she might relinquish one or both of the first two offices. It's a crime to masquerade as a Lord of Waterdeep, so she may reveal herself to Peirgeiron who may decide to keep her on as a Lord. Or not. I doubt she'd get far trying to masquerade as one - although if that suits your Realms and campaign, that's fine as well. She may have a better chance of masquerading as Khelben in terms of his leadership of the Moonstars, but canny members such as Malchor may soon find her out. This one is up in the air at present. She will definitely continue 'being Khelben' in terms of a presence in Waterdeep and a presence in his wizard school in Blackstaff Tower. She is not a Chosen of Mystra.
MarkusTay63 06-13-07, 08:45 PM	Markus- My guess is that Selunnara will be brought back in Paul Kemps novels to be the counterpoint to shade.I agree with you completely. However, the return of Rhymanthiin (Miyeritar) was set in motion thousands of years ago, and I get the feeling that there is a reason why the time had come to bring it back; Khelben hinted at such. If not Shade, then there must be some greater purpose, perhaps something linked to the Elves themselves. Either way, I don't see Shade stickin' around forever, at least not in its present incarnation.
BrennonGoldeye 06-13-07, 09:52 PM	Shh. Selunarra is too cliche for some folk. Besides, that's where we are hiding Au..:shifty:... Auto parts. Yes, Auto parts. :D
Old Sage 06-13-07, 10:08 PM	I would prefer Selūnarra to remain where it is. I think it's entirely more interesting as a potential factor, rather than something that has already been used. In fact, I would rather have the conflict between Selūnarra and Shade being something subtle and, perhaps, waged in secret -- carried out by agents travelling back and forth from the Gates of the Moon. There's plenty of roleplaying opportunities, and it also keeps Selūnarra firmly in the Gates of the Moon.
MarkusTay63 06-13-07, 10:26 PM	No "Deathstar vs. Battlestar", eh. ;) I hear you, I always prefer the 'subtle' approach myself.
Stigger 06-14-07, 02:32 AM	That Selunite/Mystran knightly order (name just flew out of my head) in Waterdeep seems a good example of how to keep that whole thing from devolving into a yawn-filled cliche...
Balafre 06-14-07, 07:27 AM	OY OY!!! each time that I read this forum I get a lot more confused about whats going on do you guys really DM the Realms based on what happens in the novels from a point of view of someone who doesnt have much time to read the novels, it looks like too much thing are happening in the novels to be really able to follow everything with your party! my 2 pieces of copper
Red_Wizard 06-14-07, 08:53 AM	OY OY!!! each time that I read this forum I get a lot more confused about whats going on do you guys really DM the Realms based on what happens in the novels from a point of view of someone who doesnt have much time to read the novels, it looks like too much thing are happening in the novels to be really able to follow everything with your party! my 2 pieces of copper Well unless your party is directly related to Ao, and can be everywhere at once, then including all canon materials as it is released, will almost never affect your PC's directly, if at all. Also, for things that happen to take place in an area you are DMing in, should something change there via novel, it is simple enough to work it in either by having the PC's play a role in the event, or having them drawn away while the event occurs.
Stigger 06-14-07, 02:24 PM	Don't read many novels actually, so certainly don't include it in my Realms often... unless its a good idea. Usually if I really like the idea I'll basically steal it, modify the hell out of it, and then spring it on my players. That way I can sorta keep some pittance of synchronicity with canon... :D
Sullivan 06-14-07, 05:44 PM	I believe Khelben… had already stepped down from being Lord of Waterdeep. Further, it seems that Tsarra will largely serve as a figurehead. Even if she can, rather conveniently, draw upon Khelben’s experience, she does not have his power, cannot match his enemies and or be equal to his responsibilities by herself. As such, the other Chosen will use her as a figure head, maintaining the illusion Khelben is alive and functioning. I pity Tsarra and her loved ones when the illusion collapses. Lastly… it seems Opus (the Netherese name for Selunnara) is coming back to balance the shade. Miyeritar was brought back to undo a 10,000 year old mistake – the Dark Disaster.