Anyone know any sources or has any idea who could have created the first Orbs of Dragonkind? Where they created by the Cult of the Dragon or are the Orbs even older, having helped humanoids battle the dominion of dragons since the long gone days of First Flowering...
-There are no explanations for the Orbs of Dragonkind in either Greyhawk, "Generic" D&D, the Forgotten Realms, nowhere, as far as I know.
There's a Greyhawk-specific explanation for the Orbs of Dragonkind (that they were created by the ancient Suel in their war against the red dragons known as the Fiery Kings some 3000 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Inzhilem II of the House of Neheli-Arztin), which is described in great detail in Dragon #230.
In addition, there are three contradictory "generic" explanations for their origin in the 2nd edition Book of Artifacts, crediting their creation to the elves, the humans, or the dwarves depending on which tale you believe.
Human version: A humble swineherd was given secrets by the twelve great gods so that he would be able to free humanity from the tyranny of the dragons. The orbs contain the souls of 12 dragon lords that agreed to be hostages to humanity so that he would not use the secrets against them.
Elf version: Elven craftsmen made orbs containing the beauty of elven song at the request of the noblest of dragon-clans. These songs were so beautiful that the souls of the dragon lords were wrenched away. The elves weren't malicious in this; it wasn't their fault that their voices and gifts are too awesome for even dragons to tolerate.
Dwarf version: The dwarves made the orbs for the dragons to use as communication devices. The dragons refused to pay them, however, killing the craftsmen instead. In revenge, the dwarves cursed the Orbs to steal all noble qualities from dragons, leaving them bestial creatures who warred among themselves. Until they finally pay their debt to dwarvenkind, they will remain always thus.
Either way, they seem to be more ancient than the Cult of the Dragon, although the Cult of the Dragon would be a good Realms-specific origin for them.
Dragonlance also has its own explanation for how the Orbs came to be.
;)
But yes, I thought it was funny too. Typical elven arrogance.
If I am understanding it completely, the Lands of Alabaster Towers were are rival nation of sorcerers when the early Netheril empire started expanding. If these citizens of the Land of Alabaster Towers are sorcerers they already have a draconic affinity, wich could function as tie-in for their expertise with dealing with dragons. They might have devised the Orbs to dominate more draconic magic lore for use by their ruling castes.
The Suel Empire has intrigued me aswell. They can be a good template for forming a sorcerous society like the one in the Land of Alabaster Towers. Any good sources for this ancient greyhawk realm?
The Suel Empire has intrigued me aswell. They can be a good template for forming a sorcerous society like the one in the Land of Alabaster Towers. Any good sources for this ancient greyhawk realm?
Not really; they're described pretty vaguely. They're credited with the creation of the derro (from human and dwarf slaves) and skulks, too. They seem rather nasty and racist, prone to infighting, but the fact that many of their gods are good indicates they weren't all bad. Of course one of those gods, Fortubo, left the pantheon in disgust after the derro were created. See their "Great Library of Greyhawk" entry.
Hmm, I am definately intrigued by the Land of Alabaster Towers as the possible origin of the Orbs of Dragonkind in Fearun.
If I am understanding it completely, the Lands of Alabaster Towers were are rival nation of sorcerers when the early Netheril empire started expanding. If these citizens of the Land of Alabaster Towers are sorcerers they already have a draconic affinity, wich could function as tie-in for their expertise with dealing with dragons. They might have devised the Orbs to dominate more draconic magic lore for use by their ruling castes.
The Suel Empire has intrigued me aswell. They can be a good template for forming a sorcerous society like the one in the Land of Alabaster Towers. Any good sources for this ancient greyhawk realm?
I prefer also the Land of Alabaster Towers, it inspires more mystery.
Beside the link, only GH book I have is Scarlet Brotherhood, it has info about the Suel, it's pretty good and I use it in the alternate FR.
Got to say though that dragons make me sick due to the overexposure, nearly every fantasy book or rpg has to have them.
Got to say though that dragons make me sick due to the overexposure, nearly every fantasy book or rpg has to have them.
Hey, at least it's not vampires that glitter in sunlight. Seriously, every fantasy book now has vampires running around seducing "strong, independent witchy bounty hunter women", further inflaming crazed teen girls into a frenzy.
I wish dragons would fly over and kidnap THOSE damsels.
I like "inflamed crazed teen girls in a frenzy". (Over 18 of course);)
And use their Orbs on them?
I like "inflamed crazed teen girls in a frenzy". (Over 18 of course);)
I like "crazed, frenzied teen girl Twilight fans in flames" (Non-fatal, of course):P
Hey, at least it's not vampires that glitter in sunlight. Seriously, every fantasy book now has vampires running around seducing "strong, independent witchy bounty hunter women", further inflaming crazed teen girls into a frenzy.
I wish dragons would fly over and kidnap THOSE damsels.
that's true, but I'd say that's a different genre, not really connected to D&D except they are vampires, usually set in modern times, except Dresden Files vampires aren't that bad
I like "crazed, frenzied teen girl Twilight fans in flames" (Non-fatal, of course):P
Perv...Oh, snap you do wear a Gimp Mask!:P
Perv...Oh, snap you do wear a Gimp Mask!:P
First off, I'm not a perv and my mask isn't a gimp's mask. It's a bloodmask.;)
Second off, you worship Shar, whose dark sensuality is known for breeding sexual deviants. So take a look in the mirror.:P
Got to say though that dragons make me sick due to the overexposure, nearly every fantasy book or rpg has to have them.
Have people become so jaded that they are complaining that there are Dragons in Dungeons and DRAGONS? And I have no clue as to what you mean. I haven't read a novel which contained a dragon since the Rage of Dragons series.
Have people become so jaded that they are complaining that there are Dragons in Dungeons and DRAGONS?
I'm jaded because there are Dungeons in the game. The nerve of WOTC, putting Dungeons in Dungeons and Dragons. :P
Not a fan of dungeons too, ahh those fresh air adventures.
Second off, you worship Shar, whose dark sensuality is known for breeding sexual deviants. So take a look in the mirror.:P
I believe you have Shar confused with Lolth. Unlike the Spider Queen, the Dark Mother will skip the sex and just devour you. OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!! xD
I dont like the humanisation of monster races... Orcs are filthy cannibals and goblins are hardly better. Don't make them into some pseudo-humans by giving them jobs in towns.
I am also jaded on all the deviancy with half-monster races. It's lame and gamey to have halftroll-halfelves just for kicks (a lame str bonus or somesuch) and giggles (regeneration, and sorry jokes as back stories).
I believe you have Shar confused with Lolth. Unlike the Spider Queen, the Dark Mother will skip the sex and just devour you. OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!! xD
Ah, but first Shar seduces you... through ANY means necessary. :D
I agree with quale1 so far that the plethora of dragon themed races are beginning to annoy. Dragonborn are lame and so overdone.
I dont like the humanisation of monster races... Orcs are filthy cannibals and goblins are hardly better. Don't make them into some pseudo-humans by giving them jobs in towns.
I am also jaded on all the deviancy with half-monster races. It's lame and gamey to have halftroll-halfelves just for kicks (a lame str bonus or somesuch) and giggles (regeneration, and sorry jokes as back stories).
Your bitterness tastes sweet to the Dark Lady. Praise Shar.
Your bitterness tastes sweet to the Dark Lady. Praise Shar.
Yes, PRAISE SHAR!
I agree with quale1 so far that the plethora of dragon themed races are beginning to annoy. Dragonborn are lame and so overdone.
True. The pervasion of dragon DNA across the multiverse is getting a bit out of hand.
I dont like the humanisation of monster races... Orcs are filthy cannibals and goblins are hardly better. Don't make them into some pseudo-humans by giving them jobs in towns.
*shrugs*
Everything has to be politically correct nowadays (as infuriating and meaningless as it is). This whole "Mistreated" label doesn't really fly with me. Next thing you know, Orcus will appear and sue WOTC for their portrayal of him as a fiend and a brute. And then Orcus and demons will have to be labeled as "misunderstood". It's not their fault they ****, murder, and destroy everything they can reach. It's just a horrible stereotype, perpetuated by the ignorant.
I am also jaded on all the deviancy with half-monster races. It's lame and gamey to have halftroll-halfelves just for kicks (a lame str bonus or somesuch) and giggles (regeneration, and sorry jokes as back stories).
What I want is a half-troll half-elf to breed with a half-dragon half-gnome, resulting in the most delightful little b_____d to walk the continent of Faerun.:P
:P
I'm jaded because there are Dungeons in the game. The nerve of WOTC, putting Dungeons in Dungeons and Dragons. :P
Thanks, I just spit milk out of my nose. :embarrass
It's a good thing I get to vent my anger and bitterness nearly weekly by critting goblins, orcs and best of all, the occasional sorry sharran. :fight!:
:P
I too enjoying sending Sharrans to their Lady's side (who promptly obliterates their souls for failing her).:D
Thanks, I just spit milk out of my nose. :embarrass
Always glad to entertain.:D
Sweet release! :P
What would you do if there was a mix-up, and Kelemvor sent you to the Gates of the Moon?:P
What would you do if there was a mix-up, and Kelemvor sent you to the Gates of the Moon?:P
Crap my meta-physical pants!
I guess I need to do more depraved acts to make sure Kelem
doesn't screw up my "afterlife".:PCrap my meta-physical pants!
I guess I need to do more depraved acts to make sure Kelem
You might want to grease the wheels with Jergal, too. He's the one who files the paperwork.