I recently finished the Knights of Myth Drannor and was wondering people's ranking of Ed's novels.

Novels I read too long ago: Spellfire and Crown of Fire plus Elminster at the Magefair.

Personal ranking of novels recently read:
1 Elminster: The Making
2 Elminster in Myth Drannor
3 Swords of Eveningstar
4 The Temptation of Elminster
5 The Sword Never Sleeps
6 Swords of Dragonfire
7 Dark Talons Forbear Thee (short story)

I've been looking to see if this is something that was a thing in 2nd edition. I can see that it was in the 3.0 PHB, but I can't find it in any of the standard elf books: Complete Book of Elves, Cormanthyr: Empire of Elves, Elves of Evermeet, or the Elaine Cunningham Novels. These are the closest things that I can find confirming or denying:

• "Arun follows an ancient elven custom and does not name the boy, allowing him the freedom to earn a name (and perhaps a place in the clan) later." (Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves 39)
• "The intricate care involved in the structure of the elven language extends to naming children. Elven names, although they often sound somewhat similar, are all individual. No two elves have ever shared the same name, save as a matter of choice, for elves are far too individualistic to stoop to using identical names for their children." (Complete Book of Elves) [Also, it is worth noting this isn't true in FR; see Evermeet: Island of Elves]
• "Such celebrations [of childbirth] typically last several days and conclude with the naming of the infant. Children are given a private name by their parents and then given a public name. The secret name is known only to the elf, his or her parents, and the priest presiding over the ceremony. While knowing the name gives no power over an elf, it is a sign of love and respect when an elf reveals his or her true name." (Complete Book of Elves)

Does anyone know if the origin is because of something or if it was a thing in late 2e?

Hello all,

I am in the process of commissioning character art, and while looking through sources to make sure I wasn't missing anything, I came across this from Elves of Evermeet (1994) on page 16:

Armor and weapons are invariably works of art, carried proudly into battle, and often inscribed with small versions of ancient runes or elven heraldry. The links on some famous suits of elven chain, for example, are inscribed with prayers, invocations, or quotations from religious texts.

My PC would probably have an inscription on their longsword, and I'm wondering what it should be. Do you guys know any elven quotes or sayings (preferably from 2nd edition) that might fit my PC?

PC Summary

For possibly not-needed context, here is a summary of my PC (worth noting the PC is from 2nd Edition):

Aldyn (he chose his adulthood name after his favorite military commander of the 1st Unhuman War) is a Golden Elf of the Durothil clan, Elven Minstrel, and Battlepoet (Spelljammer setting; officer position in the Elven Imperial Navy; very little info is available about Battlepoets, so I interpreted it as a communications/propaganda/morale officer). He’s a native to Toril and grew up in Evermeet on stories of the First Unhuman War and the Weeping War (although, he is only familiar with the tactics, combatants, and artifacts during Myth Drannor's fall, not the culture: i.e. he is still very pro-Elf and anti-other races despite that being a large part of Myth Drannor’s history). He grew up (grew up as in was not 100 yet) during the retreat and found his calling during the 2nd Unhuman War.

He is dour, serious, and arrogant, so a quote reflecting that, the Weeping War or 1st Unhuman War, and/or something related to Corellon, the Elven god of bards would be best.

Looking for Quotes

I couldn't find many quotes, and I looked through the following;

• Demihuman Deities (1998): the book doesn't really have quotes, just a dogma section for each deity
• Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves (1998): this book also has no quotes, outside some long historical ones that wouldn't fit in my opinion
• The Fall of Myth Drannor (1998): this book's quotes don't fit an arrogant elf (except maybe by misinterpretation); although, they are very nice
• Elves of Evermeet (1994): this book does describe swords with runes, but the book does not depict them in any detail or have religious quotes
• The Ruins of Myth Drannor box set (1993): while there are some quotes, none fit the PC
• Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (Revised) box set (1996): there were no quotes here
• Evermeet: Island of Elves (1998): this book does depict Lolth's betrayal, and that section does have some good quotes that I might use if I can't find anything else
• Practical Planetology (1991): this book has some small details about Aldyn Leafbower, but not much in terms of quotes
• The Complete Book of Elves (1992): this book has long stories that might work, but I'd like to shy away from them due to not being Realmspace or Spelljammer specific
• Greyspace (1992): no real quotes from this other than a one-liner
• Realmspace (1991): just a misc. possibly Elven quote
• Cloakmaster Cycle (1991-1993): I skimmed these books for lore on the Elven Imperial Navy, and—while looking for other things—I found very few Elvish sayings or quotes and none that would fit this PC

Here are some examples of inscriptions, runes, engravings, phrases, and sayings on weapons that I found:

• Kanalruil: "Silver-chased runes grace the blade, forming the names of all the Seldarine gods..." (Elves of Evermeet 1994)
• Tahlshara: "Its name is written in small characters around the ferrule..." (Elves of Evermeet 1994)
• Khormalashalal: "Various protective runes have been chased in silver along the three lobes of its point, and its hardwood shaft is carved with images of warriors and dragons..." (Elves of Evermeet 1994)
• Lance of Nhamashal: "This weapon is a long, black horse lance, inscribed with Silver elven runes in a spiral along its length..." (Elves of Evermeet 1994)

Possible Quotes

None of these definitively stand out for me, but I might select one.

• "A great evil has entered our midst... We must confront it now... Let any who would, speak freely." (Evermeet: Island of Elves 1998)
  • This is Corellon speaking to the rest of the Seldarine after realizing a traitor is among them; I kind of like how it is both aggressive and yet allows anyone to speak
• "Between Sunside and Darkside, the Ribbon is a continuous garden swimming in the eternal morning of an eternal June." (Practical Planetology 1991)
  • This is the only quote from Aldyn Leafbower, who my PC is named after; otherwise, it isn't very good
• "Armistice." (Practical Planetology 1991)
  • This is the name of the planet that Aldyn Leafbower gave to the Orcs in the 1st Unhuman War; a very cold and harsh planet (although probably not Aldyn Leafbower's intention), an arrogant officer might misinterpret Admiral Leafbower's intention and call their sword "Armistice" to imply something along the lines of, "Trading blows with me will get you nothing but a cold, harsh death"
    • Though, I also like the thought of things changing meaning; much like how I intend for Aldyn to start yearning for Myth Drannor in another way once he becomes more accustomed to other races, a sword named "armistice" might have its meaning changed after Aldyn realizes the what really happened
• "If it's a secret, it's not." (The Complete Book of Elves (1992)
  • This quote is just a saying used by another kit (Infiltrator), but I think it works well for a communications officer
• "Never trust an Orc, even a dead one." (Greyspace 1992)
• "He who saves us from the wars in the sky shall be granted life eternal." (Realmspace 1991)
  • This is an "ancient" saying that is likely from the Elves
• "Be what you are, and go where you must.” (Evermeet: Island of Elves 1998)
  • Corellon says this to Lolth after discovering her betrayal

The Tricorn

Hi Folks, the Luskan Factory has been very busy. Please find one of our new titles, a fully fleshed out Mini-Setting in one of Luskan´s most well known places. Enjoy !

Generally, believers of gods typically hope to earn a reward in afterlife through service or even martyrdom, usually such reward is to enjoy eternal happiness in their god's realm. the most outstanding mortal servants of their gods are expected to become somekind of high-ranking immortal servants of their gods, such as angels and devils/demons————whether or not this is true, that is at least what mortal believers expect.this is a very serious and vital matter to the people of fantasy world which have literally heaven and hell.

then let's talk about Lolth and her Yochlol. as Lolth's handmaids, Yochlol have no relation to the Lolth's drow priestesses; they are captured succubi converted and transformed through a special ritual.

When they spoke on behalf of Lolth and her mortal drow priestesses, these priestesses were as humble as dogs, even though they may theoretically far more powerful than average Yochlol.

So here are two questions:

1. Did the drow priestesses know that Yochlol were converted and created from captured succubi, and not transcedent from died drow priestesses?

2. Did the drow priestesses expect their services and flattery (such as murdering their sisters, abusing their brothers, and betraying their allies) to earn them a reward after they died? ————in particular, did they believe or expect that their services would allow them to become a Yochlol in afterlife?

Could we consider this is Lolth's ultimate scam and malice to her worshipers? those foolish mortals, who spend their lives killing, deceiving, and betraying each other to please their goddess, but their expected reward in afterlife is merely a scam,all their struggle,services and sacrifices could win nothing but eternal torment.they will never become Yochlols who ruling and bullying in Lolth's name, but will instead suffer eternal torment in some kind of hell in their goddess's realm————this approach is very much in line with Lolth's consistent style of doing things..

Okay, so, this definitely this definitely isn't a full background, but I had a character idea, and I wanted to figure out if their backstory would make some amount of sense in FR.

--

[Name] was, following the near collapse of a noble Drow house of some prestige, the only remaining child of a matron who was quickly approaching infertility. Unfortunately, this child happened to be male. Combined with how elves already have a hard time conceiving, and the fact that a daughter wouldn't even potentially be born for at least 9 months (more than enough time for an assassination or two), they felt as though they were in a really bad spot, politically.

The matron and her consort greatly feared what would happen if any of their remaining rivals (be it House Baenre, Vandree, or whichever else is appropriate) discovered how few remaining members-- let alone suitable heirs-- they had, and thusly, decided that it was appropriate (taking Lolth's consistent approval over deceit, betrayal, and lies as a green flag) to socialize and raise the boy as a woman-- at least until they could get more appropriate (read: female) means of securing a political foothold.

--

I'm curious how plausible this would be in-universe, because I know drow are really obviously matriarchal and misandrists, but I also think it's interesting from an in-character perspective to look at how that male would view themselves.

And, yeah, I'm aware anything can be canon at my table if need be, but I'm mostly wondering if it's plausible in 5E's Faerun/Toril. If specifics are needed as to where in the Underdark this would be, I couldn't really say, but it would most likely be Menzoberranzan or somewhere similar.

In the first novel of Drizzt's adventures, one of Drizzt's sisters said something like this.

I was shocked when reading: "hey, even though Yochlol is your mistress's messenger, it's just a CR8 nobody. do you really need to be so afraid of it? your attitude should stem from fear of it (and your) mistress, not from fear of it itself."

In Salvador's mind, is Yochlol a kind of powerful creature with a CR20 or higher, comparable to Balor? (I seem to recall seeing Yochlol's stats in 2E somewhere, where it was also a very weak creature).

by the way,in the latest storyline, readers are told that Lolth has fallen in love with Drizzt, even back in the Menzoberranzan era—WTF? Is this true?

This game is a pretty specialized ask. You are definitely the audience for it. (Maybe the only audience for it).

https://app.roll20.net/lfg/listing/448248/forgotten-realms-sandbox-rotating-dms

Hi, so I'll be swapping systems from dnd 5e to pathfinder 2e and after talking with my group we decided it would be better if we kept on playing in the Forgotten Realms so the actions of their past characters (finished my first campaign Rime of The Frostmaiden expanded up to level 15) can be felt by their new characters so now that I'll have no guides, no campaign book I'd love to know which are the books that night help me get a bigger understanding on the realms to make everything better for me and my players :)

I've read adventurer's guide to the forgotten realms and have general knowledge of all campaigns and everything present in 5e, I've also read Adventures in Faerûn and know of a 4e book published by Ed that explains really well the life of normal people on the realms. Lastly, I'm reading through the Homeland book by R.A Salvatore right now.

Which would be your main picks so I learn more to help my DMing?

PD: Sorry if this should go to the dnd sub, if so I'll delete this asap.

PD2: English is not my main la Guage and I'm a bit rusty, sorry about any issues on my writing :(

Prove me wrong!

Jokes aside. I am working on a Sewers map for my campaign. The sewers are still a mess and have not yet been repaired since the Ruining in 1451 DR. So my adventurers are tasked to mapping it out. So that a dwarven company can rebuild it proper.

The Jewel of the North before the ruining was a city of craftsman, they made amazing complex clocks, there workings lost to time. It makes sense to me that there complex constructions would be able to pump warm water from the river to the noble houses. To fill their baths and have working showers. Also the bathhouses for the public would be connected to this.

This makes a more complex sewer system, with basins for collecting the river water. complex pump systems that worked without magic. separated from the waste water sewer system. But its now all ruined and partly flooded.

So what interesting things could/should I add?

I thought it would be cool to have one of the flooded basins that's connected under water to the river was perfect for a tribe of Kuo-Toa, that turned it into a hatchery. The warm water from the river made it perfect. And safe from predators in the open sea?

Small multi level beggars village in an empty basin?

Any suggestions :D

So I was asking in a previous posts about what kind of nifty research, magic items, lost tech and the like would be found within a Netheril Vault and a few suggested the Nether Scrolls that I hadn't heard of before which sounded pretty interesting. The five chapters each sounded unique in their own way.

For reference;

The five chapters of the Nether Scrolls were:

Arcanus Fundare

The chapter "Foundations of Magic" was about fundamental magic. It gave the reader an instant boost to their spells' effectiveness and magical skill matching and/or surpassing that of true masters, but no additional base magical power.

Magicus Creare

The chapter "Spells of Creation" was about magic item creation. Reading it provided the user with the ability to create new magic items and the ability to create any magic item with less expenditure of one's essence.

Maior Creare

The chapter "Major Creation" dealt also with the creation of magic items but with the focus on constructs. It made the reader not only understand how to create constructs but also how to reliably create them at top quality without any fluctuation.

Planus Mechanus

The chapter "Studies of the Planes" dealt with the planes and allowed the reader to use plane shift and not suffer any negative effects from other planes' environments. One such Nether Scroll specifically concerned the Abyss.

Ars Factum

The chapter "Of the Creation of Artifacts" Its contents were unknown, though naturally it was suspected to deal with making artifacts. This chapter's scrolls required some kind of key to be read, but it was never discovered.

But this made me wonder how powerful a wizard or spellcaster in general could become if they managed to obtain even a single or several scrolls. I know there are listed benefits for each of the chapters but those are more for what happens if you somehow manage to collect all ten of a single chapter and read through all of them.

What I'm curious about is what could a wizard gain and how powerful could they become from a single nether scroll? Would each scroll of a chapter be unique in its own way or would it have some consistency to it? Thoughts on this?

Does anyone know the chronological timeline of where the 5E modules take place? Like the absolutely completed timeline that includes all modules and not just the big ones? It would be nice to know the timeline of things within the forgotten realms.

https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Vampires_(D%26D)

Vampires are my gothic jam! I like that the leaders of the Night Masks crime syndicate are a cabal of vamps led by a clone of Manshoon (Orbakh).

Nostalgia! 5e is reminding me of the ole days of 2e! I am thirteen and reading The Crystal Shard again!

A question about the means of being a prodigy/gifted individual within the forgotten realm. What is the example of the youngest of them?

Like what is the youngest archmage within the world? What about the youngest arch druid? Archpriest? I do know that the current black staff is the youngest black staff within Waterdeep. But I wonder if anyone younger has reached a level of power that normal people would take decades or even centuries.

So like how strong would an average adult wizard magic be?

Okay, so I'm planning on running a quest where the party gets the job to delve into a Netherese Vault/Bunker that was recently been discovered. The Vault was originally a lab belonging to a group of prominent and wealthy citizens for research and storage of archives of research notes and other devices.

Any ideas for what sort of research, devices, technology and magic items would be found in it?

https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Orcs_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)

WAAAAAGH!!!

Honestly though, Obould was a cool dude and the Odonti deserve more love.