Hello and thanks in advance for any thoughts and help
One of my players in my upcoming campaign wants to play a half-orc hailing originally from Many Arrows, we have worked out his backstory etc but one thing we are debating is the regional benefit
The closest one I can think of is Luruar but we are hoping for a more specialized one for Many-Arrows. I wasn't sure if there was one in a dragon magazine or if any of you have houseruled one.
One idea we were thinking was a diplomacy bonus with humans/dwarves or something along those lines...any thoughts are appreciated, thanks
why would you need one, he's half an orc, and on top of that hes half human.
so.... which human??
anyway just messing with you, and no there isnt one as far as I Know.
your idea though sounds pretty good, save the barbarian tribes there, still dont like orcs.
Maybe a variant of Calimshan's? Resist 4 cold and +5 bonus to Endurance checks due to the arctic climate.
EDIT: my husband suggests the Mountainous background as his regional feat.
Don't they have something distinctive about their culture, these Salvatore orcs, didn't read his novels since Thousand Orcs. It certainly isn't a bonus to diplomacy. They are a more settled society right know, so I recommend an intrigue-like bonus, backstabbing or sense motive if that exists in 4e.
Sense Motive is now Insight in 4e.
There are a couple other possibilities that I can think of.
"Many Arrows close proximity to Luruar has left its inhabitants struggling to adjust to the complexity of their neighbor's society. Also, despite being more civilized than other orc kingdoms, Many Arrows is still a difficult place to live"
1. Choose knowledge of one extra language and gain a +1 bonus to endurance (and?) or nature.
"Living nearby to and frequently encountering humans has taught the inhabitants of Many Arrows to reassess their first impressions and think again before acting. Sometimes one who appears threatening may only be scared and not such bad company. Other times the inhabitants of Many Arrows have had to deal with confidence men who speak with a forked tongue.
2. Allow a once daily reroll of an insight check.
Given time, I am sure that I could figure in a couple more.
Consider what Obould has attempted to create with the kingdom of Many Arrows.
A viable society of orcs who seek to create diplomatic connections with the other nations of the Northern Reaches. Open trade routes and offer a nation as a buffer zone from threats of the Northern Reaches towards the south.
Also consider other sub-plots with in the Many Arrows kingdom. From Obould I to Obould VI, the shamans of Gruumsh continue to plot the end of the Obould line and revert the Many Arrows kingdom to the old ways of the orcs.
This opens the doors for two sets of regional abilities. The first would be around diplomacy, trade and open friendliness towards the other nations in the region; the second would be around all aspects of deception following the belief of discrediting Many Arrows and forcing the return to the traditional orcish ways under the following of Gruumsh. Both would have some kind of survival bonus tied to the natural hazards of the Northern Reaches.
So lets say for 4E 1) Diplomacy and Insight Bonuses + (+5 Bonus to Endurance [resist extreme weather (cold)]). 2) Bluff and Thievery Bonuses + (+5 Bonus to Endurance [resist extreme weather (cold)]).
Which set your player's character takes would depend upon which side of the issues that character follows in concerns to the fate of the Kingdom of Many Arrows.
It was Obould that was diplomatic (hardly), other orcs I seriously doubt.
You should read the books after 'Thousand Orcs'.
That's one of the reasons not worth bothering.
That's one of the reasons not worth bothering.
Aye, change is a scarry thing mate.
To be honest, most of the orcs under Obould weren't diplomatic. He seemed to have a select few who could put on a respectable show in front of others. Even The Orc King doesn't portray a strikingly different scene from The Hunter's Blades. So I wouldn't say the novels are the best basis for the idea of Many-Arrows being especially diplomatic. Consider also that Obould's successors often quarreled with Luruar (at one point in actual combat if I recall). Add onto that the tension which still exists between Many Arrows and the surrounding dwarven domains. I don't know if emphasizing Diplomacy is the best way to go. But since I can't figure out a better alternative off the top of my head, I'll concede it's still a decent option for now.
Even though, there is the unknown of the future of Many Arrows. At the end of 'The Orc King', Obould and Bruenor had signed a treaty of peace. To my understanding Silvery Moon respects and hononrs that treaty as well.
In the prelude to 'The Orc King' we see an orc woman prepairing marry and human man, with the blessings of King Obould VI, we see references to human, dwarf and elf trade carravans traveling to and from Many Arrows. We also see that there are shamans of Gruumsh within Many Arrows, who are still trying to bring down the vision of Obould.
Thus, I had proposed two seperate regional benefits, the choice depending upon wheather the character supports or rejects Obould's vision.
At this point all we can do is speculate, lets not forget the 4E Faerun is 100 years in the future of 3.x Faerun. Unfortunately many of those speculations will be founded the old views of what an orc is, and not in the grounds which been laid out in 'Thousand Orcs' and 'The Orc King'.
Even though, there is the unknown of the future of Many Arrows. At the end of 'The Orc King', Obould and Bruenor had signed a treaty of peace. To my understanding Silvery Moon respects and hononrs that treaty as well.
True, but I attribute that more to Obould's efforts (and those of certain successors) than his people's. I'm sure as time passed, the orc commoners became more outgoing and tried to strike up a bond with the people of Luruar, but that seems to be a recent development (the past few decades or so). The peace treaty, if I recall, was broken at one point. At least, Drizzt alludes to this in that prologue, when he speaks of clashing with one of Obould's successors. Based on the FRCG and those hints, I get the feeling it's still a bumpy road, even after a century of co-existence with Luruar's nations.
In the prelude to 'The Orc King' we see an orc woman prepairing marry and human man, with the blessings of King Obould VI, we see references to human, dwarf and elf trade carravans traveling to and from Many Arrows. We also see that there are shamans of Gruumsh within Many Arrows, who are still trying to bring down the vision of Obould.
Good points. It's that latter group I'm worried about though. Based on what Drizzt hinted at, these shamans seemed to find likeminded fellows after Obould's reign, possibly even allying with one of his successors. I'm curious as to how prominent that mentality has been in the last century, and how many orcs truly wanted diplomacy for the better part of its existence. Hence why I believe the favorable diplomatic relations we see probably arose in the past few decades, not during or even immediately after Obould's reign. The diplomatic sentiments were there from the beginning, but based on what I've read, it seems they were only embers for a good part of the kingdom's history.
At this point all we can do is speculate, lets not forget the 4E Faerun is 100 years in the future of 3.x Faerun. Unfortunately many of those speculations will be founded the old views of what an orc is, and not in the grounds which been laid out in 'Thousand Orcs' and 'The Orc King'.
Actually, my thoughts are based on what's laid out in those books. I'm also going by the context which the FRCG provides. Based on those, it seems it took the better part of the century to establish true diplomatic relations, and there's still a lot of tension in some parts of Luruar (mainly amongst the dwarves) and Many Arrows.
Actually, my thoughts are based on what's laid out in those books. I'm also going by the context which the FRCG provides. Based on those, it seems it took the better part of the century to establish true diplomatic relations, and there's still a lot of tension in some parts of Luruar (mainly amongst the dwarves) and Many Arrows.
FRCG information is what I am lacking here. Even still, with what littel I am able to gleen from what you have said of it. Having two sets of regionals available for Many Arrows orcs doesn't seem to be out of the question.
Actually, my thoughts are based on what's laid out in those books. I'm also going by the context which the FRCG provides. Based on those, it seems it took the better part of the century to establish true diplomatic relations, and there's still a lot of tension in some parts of Luruar (mainly amongst the dwarves) and Many Arrows.
FRCG information is what I am lacking here. Even still, with what littel I am able to gleen from what you have said of it. Having two sets of regionals available for Many Arrows orcs doesn't seem to be out of the question.
Ah. Suffice it to say, the FRCG does not portray MA's relationship with Luruar as particularly strong, but rather tense and shaky (despite what The Orc King's prologue suggests). I agree with you, then, that two sets of regional bonuses are viable.
Aye, change is a scarry thing mate.
For some people. In my Realms everything is changed more or less.
I have moved this thread at VCL request. 
What could an orc settlement offer apart from trouble for its neighbours?
I say burn all the treaties and exterminate all those orc vermin. What could an orc settlement offer apart from trouble for its neighbours?
Its contributions to and development of government, art, pottery, philosophy, astronomy, poetry, literature, architecture... rigorous lovemaking techniques.
*chuckle* After the burning of the kingdom those orcs would be perfectly able to do all those techniques while chained to a wall...
*chuckle* After the burning of the kingdom those orcs would be perfectly able to do all those techniques while chained to a wall...
I can also imagine a gold elf or two taking notes on how to improve their game by watching those orcs...
Elf 1: "Oh, so that must be what they call the Reverse Yurtrus..."
Elf 2: "I don't think it's physically possible for an elf of my stature to try the Screaming Shaman position..." 
Why is it that you guys make me think of the orcs as Klingons a la Worf? 
Why is it that you guys make me think of the orcs as Klingons a la Worf?
Kapla! (or some such)
Read Orcs: First Blood, by Stan Nicholls for a slightly different take on our orcish friends that might suit the Kingdom of many arrows. Fun site for you.
Why did I check out the link...
Why did I check out the link...
Because being a Cyricist-Feywarden with an attention span of a rabid wolverine, you can't resist any bits of yarn dangled in front of you.
I loved that link! Sent an orc mail to my husband telling him I love him. He didn't seem to appreciate the gesture... :P
Why did I check out the link...
Because being a CyricistCurellon-Feywarden with an attention span of a rabid wolverine, you can't resist any bits of yarn dangled in front of you.
So you don't worship Cyric as 18DELTA? 38DELTA will be crushed, if he ever escapes the pit in which you tossed him.
And so this nears on-topic status, I'm interested to see what RAS will do with the modern-day Many Arrows. He certainly has quite the sandbox in which to play.
Is that supposed to be the topic of his next book or is he still working his way to the present day FR?
Is that supposed to be the topic of his next book or is he still working his way to the present day FR?
His next book, The Ghost King, seems to primarily involve Crenshinibon's return and subsequent attempts at revenge against Jarlaxle (and, let's face it, Drizzt and Cadderly too). Not too sure where it's set. The Spirit Soaring will be featured at some point, to show how it became ruined and haunted (at least, that's what seems to be the premise). No idea how large a role, if any, MA is going to play in this novel. It wasn't very important in TPK, so I wouldn't be surprised if it gets ignored in this one. I expect his next trilogy will focus on Many-Arrows and Luruar, and Drizzt's new-age buddies/enemies.