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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Jun 2010 : 12:32:12
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quote:
Can I suppose was Ethlando, then, one of the two undescribed elves in the battle?
No. His life was given to grant the swords a degree of sentience and judgement.
But Ethlando's judgement power is represented as one of the nine runes in the sword, right? If so, there are only eight ancestor shadows in the moonblade (nine, with Danilo's)? I admit I haven't counted them... 
quote:
I'm going to have to pass on Kingsword questions, as it's impossible to get into that issue without stepping on future moonblade revelations. 
It's a shame, it was a good question, about a supposed "inconsistency" - it wasn't about the sword whereabouts, or something like that. But I'll hold my fingers and avoid asking it - despite all my curiosity, I'm quite happy there WILL be future revelations about that issue! 
May I try just one more question about moonblades? This will be the last one, I assure you, and you are always free to say it will only be answered in the future...
(SPOILER ALERT)
Well, there it go: according to Silver Shadows, an elf delays her (his) passage to Arvandor when she (he) commits (her)himself to the service of the People, bonding her (his) life essence with a moonblade. After the moonblade fulfills its purpose, the elf is free to go to Arvandor. Well, if a blade is reawakened, the elf life essences are "called back into service"?
That's it, and as I told you before, feel free to say you'll not answer that for now... 
Besides, there is but one more question you haven't answered. Please let me know if questions about your personal state are not my concern, for I asked just as someone who cares about other people... Otherwise, if it's not a problem to answer me, are you alright, Mrs. Cunningham? |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 02 Jun 2010 16:28:21 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2010 : 17:13:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
[Well, there it go: according to Silver Shadows, an elf delays her (his) passage to Arvandor when she (he) commits (her)himself to the service of the People, bonding her (his) life essence with a moonblade. After the moonblade fulfills its purpose, the elf is free to go to Arvandor. Well, if a blade is reawakened, the elf life essences are "called back into service"?
IF a blade is reawakened--and this is not a common or simple occurance--then yes, the elves who served the sword would have to agree.
As for me, personally, I'm mostly well and happy, hard at work on upcoming projects. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2010 : 17:21:46
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
As for me, personally, I'm mostly well and happy, hard at work on upcoming projects.
Good to know, Mrs. Cunningham. And since you've been busy, then, I'll give you a break, and resume our talk later... Next week, maybe!
By the way, can tell us something about these upcoming projects? |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 02 Jun 2010 18:25:07 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2010 : 19:19:45
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I have two questions myself, having finished with The Last Mythal trilogy and Tales of the Elves:
First of all, what influence do you see Ilsevele Miritar, Coronal of Myth Drannor, having in Evermeet? After all, she was the daughter of the Lord of Elion who was on the council, and is now technically the Lady of Elion. Also, her ruling Myth Drannor had a (semi-divine?) mandate - she managed to draw the Ruler's Blade.
Also, in the last story in Tales of the Elves, we have a human of elven descent reawakening a moonblade. How common do you suppose this might be? And what would be the future of said human? What are the chances an elf would marry her, or come teach her how to properly use the blade?
Thanks in advance. |
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.
How much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation in the dust, are crushed before the moth?" - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job IV, 17-19.
"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?" - Ecclesiastes VI, 6.
"There are no stupid questions – just a bunch of inquisitive idiots."
"Let's not call it 'hijacking'. Let's call it 'Thread Drift'." |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2010 : 19:28:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
I have two questions myself, having finished with The Last Mythal trilogy and Tales of the Elves:
First of all, what influence do you see Ilsevele Miritar, Coronal of Myth Drannor, having in Evermeet? After all, she was the daughter of the Lord of Elion who was on the council, and is now technically the Lady of Elion. Also, her ruling Myth Drannor had a (semi-divine?) mandate - she managed to draw the Ruler's Blade.
Also, in the last story in Tales of the Elves, we have a human of elven descent reawakening a moonblade. How common do you suppose this might be? And what would be the future of said human? What are the chances an elf would marry her, or come teach her how to properly use the blade?
Thanks in advance.
Afraid I can't answer these questions. I didn't read the The Last Mythal trilogy. As for the story in Tales of the Elves, I would like to think that this sort of thing is VERY uncommon, since it pretty much undoes the moonblade mythos.
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2010 : 20:36:19
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| I see... but what do you think would be the effect of restoring Myth Drannor on Evermeet, without getting into details of who and what? And what do you think are the chances of an elf teaching a human Moonfighter? |
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.
How much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation in the dust, are crushed before the moth?" - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job IV, 17-19.
"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?" - Ecclesiastes VI, 6.
"There are no stupid questions – just a bunch of inquisitive idiots."
"Let's not call it 'hijacking'. Let's call it 'Thread Drift'." |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2010 : 21:10:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
I see... but what do you think would be the effect of restoring Myth Drannor on Evermeet, without getting into details of who and what? And what do you think are the chances of an elf teaching a human Moonfighter?
The first question requires speculation on a grand scale, and I have a policy against posting (which is, in effect, publishing) unapproved lore. As for the second question, I think the chances are extremely remote. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2010 : 18:54:22
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Dear Mrs. Cunningham,
Just one moonblade question passed me by in the middle of all these questions:
quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
... I forgot entirely that a sheathed blade could be carried. If it is out of its sheath, can a possible carrier sheath it unharmed? And, if an elf dies wielding her (his) moonblade, it becomes instantly inactive/dormant, if there is no one there to claim it?
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
The swords possess a certain amount of sentience. It's my opinion that they would be practical about such matters as sheathing, transporting, and so on. If an elf falls in battle, it would make more sense for his comrades to respectfully shealth the blade and take it to the heir than to leave it lying on the battlefield.
And if there is no comrade to take the blade to an heir, and the moonfighter died alone in the field (or was the last to die)? I suppose the moonblade stays there, hurting any stranger or enemy that tries to touch it, IF there is a heir somewhere in the Realms, no matter the distance (either a named heir or some descendant of the bloodline). And, if there is no heir, it will become dormant, is that right? Is there any difference if the heir is nearby?
In my understanding, a moonfighter cannot name an heir that is outside her (his) bloodline, right? Sorry for bringing questions after saying the last one would close the matter... Promess it will not happen again! 
The cover of Winter Witch is really nice, and I liked the prospect... One more in the line! My birthday is coming, I thought of buying "Thornhold" and "Dream Spheres", along with one gaming product OOP.
Oh, and I just read an excerpt of "Redemption"... Gotta put my hands on this one, too! A good introduction to a story with some of my favorite Realms characters.
Well, and it's a shame I couldn't get the "Reclamation" excerpt (yet, I still hope I will see it someday, if it's OK for you, Mrs. Cunningham) and have a look in the "Tree of Souls/Kingdom of Ice" short story... By the way, the info about Prince Lamruil and Maura in "The Grand History of the Realms" is in accordance with whatever you've written there?
Have a nice weekend, Mrs. Cunningham, and a good rest, if you will! |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2010 : 19:14:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
[And if there is no comrade to take the blade to an heir, and the moonfighter died alone in the field (or was the last to die)? I suppose the moonblade stays there, hurting any stranger or enemy that tries to touch it, IF there is a heir somewhere in the Realms, no matter the distance (either a named heir or some descendant of the bloodline). And, if there is no heir, it will become dormant, is that right? Is there any difference if the heir is nearby?
In my understanding, a moonfighter cannot name an heir that is outside her (his) bloodline, right?
They are swords of lineage. If you're not related, you can't claim it. Period. If the line has died out, the sword cannot be claimed. The sword's task is finished, and its powers, no longer needed, fade away. As for what becomes of "lost" swords, that aspect is NDA-shrouded.
Regarding the "Tree of Souls/Kingdom of Ice" short story:
quote:
By the way, the info about Prince Lamruil and Maura in "The Grand History of the Realms" is in accordance with whatever you've written there?
I never actually wrote this story, so there is nothing to conflict with GHofR. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2010 : 19:49:21
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
I never actually wrote this story, so there is nothing to conflict with GHofR.
Actually, my question was if you were somehow involved or consulted before GHofR publication. So it seems to me that no, your hand wasn't there.
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
As for what becomes of "lost" swords, that aspect is NDA-shrouded.
Well, considering now there is even a human moonfighter, I think I can expect anything! 
Have a wonderful weekend! |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 04 Jun 2010 20:05:40 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2010 : 04:31:30
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
The swords possess a certain amount of sentience. It's my opinion that they would be practical about such matters as sheathing, transporting, and so on. If an elf falls in battle, it would make more sense for his comrades to respectfully shealth the blade and take it to the heir than to leave it lying on the battlefield.
As for claiming, that needs to be deliberate. Arilyn didn't fully understand what she was getting into, but she drew the sword willingly AND in a sort of dedication ritual: She was commiting herself to learning the art of the sword from a famed elven swordmaster. <snip>
Not a published author, and if I were, I'd doubt I'd be anywhere near your league Ms Cunningham, but I am a LONG TIME DM...
My personal ruling of such things would be that after going dormant (after its rightful owner was either killed, or rendered some other condition making it impossible for him/her to wield the weapon), the sword could be touched without problem, UNTIL being re-sheathed. Once re-sheathed (which any Elf would do on a battlefield after its weilder had fallen), then the Ritual of Acceptance is activated, and the sword CANNOT by drawn again by an unacceptable host without doing harm.
This leaves a minor RP element in-play, for folks to find a sword that was never properly re-sheathed (powerless, but still a functional weapon... until someone makes the mistake of sheathing it).
Just wondering if that works for you? Basically, sheathing the sword works as a re-set feature of the Blade's magic.
Another angle on that is that the sword judges the person each time it is drawn... just think of all the fun a DM could have with that... or an author.
Now for a question, because my FR lore is rather rusty - The blade doesn't always kill the unworthy, right? IIRC, Elaith Craulnober survived such an attempt (or am I remembering this incorrectly?) |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2010 : 10:56:56
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quote:
Now for a question, because my FR lore is rather rusty - The blade doesn't always kill the unworthy, right? IIRC, Elaith Craulnober survived such an attempt (or am I remembering this incorrectly?)
Aye, you will survive the attempt if you are unworthy of the sword and the last surviving elf of your clan. The blade then will just go dormant, to await the next generation. |
Edited by - Elfinblade on 05 Jun 2010 10:57:53 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2010 : 23:45:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Elfinblade
quote:
Now for a question, because my FR lore is rather rusty - The blade doesn't always kill the unworthy, right? IIRC, Elaith Craulnober survived such an attempt (or am I remembering this incorrectly?)
Aye, you will survive the attempt if you are unworthy of the sword and the last surviving elf of your clan. The blade then will just go dormant, to await the next generation.
Generally speaking, if you're the last elf of your line and the sword declines, you survive and the sword's work is done. Game over. No waiting for the next generation. What happened with the Craulnober moonblade is far from common. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jun 2010 : 13:05:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Not a published author, and if I were, I'd doubt I'd be anywhere near your league Ms Cunningham, but I am a LONG TIME DM...
My personal ruling of such things would be that after going dormant (after its rightful owner was either killed, or rendered some other condition making it impossible for him/her to wield the weapon), the sword could be touched without problem, UNTIL being re-sheathed. Once re-sheathed (which any Elf would do on a battlefield after its weilder had fallen), then the Ritual of Acceptance is activated, and the sword CANNOT by drawn again by an unacceptable host without doing harm.
This leaves a minor RP element in-play, for folks to find a sword that was never properly re-sheathed (powerless, but still a functional weapon... until someone makes the mistake of sheathing it).
Just wondering if that works for you? Basically, sheathing the sword works as a re-set feature of the Blade's magic.
Another angle on that is that the sword judges the person each time it is drawn... just think of all the fun a DM could have with that... or an author.
Dear Markustay,
I understand the plot possibilities and incoming challenges with your "recharge in the sheath" idea, and it is an interesting idea, indeed. As I DM since 1993, I can see how practic this line of thinking can be, and how it could be used in a campaign...
However, there are some questions here. First of all, the difference between an unclaimed (active) blade and a dormant one. I said earlier I never fully grasped the notion of a dormant moonblade: it is not entirely true; what I intended to say was that I never fully understood what turned a moonblade dormant, and what could reactivate it.
For all I understand, a moonblade is active when it is in the hands of a capable moonfighter and, when she (he) dies, it will remain active and will negate any claiming attempt until it is properly claimed by a worthy heir (named or not by the former owner, but anyway judged by the sword's semi-sentience).
This heir must be of the same bloodline of the former owner - for moonblades are hereditary swords - and any would-be wielder judged unworthy (and it includes anyone outside the bloodline, for "worthiness" is the potential to be the monarch of all the elves) will be killed by the blade. However, IF the wielder tries to claim the sword AND is the last of her (his) bloodline, she (he) will not be instantly killed, and the blade will become dormant. It has fulfilled its mission, and the spirits that fuel the sword powers are free. That's what happened in first instance to Elaith Craulnober and his family blade.
A dormant blade is functionally a non-magical sword. Its metal is an special elven alloy, and its edge extremely sharp, but there is no magical power working on it (as a 2nd edition DM, maybe I'd give it the ability to hurt some creatures that aren't affected by normal blades, but with no bonuses at all). If the moonblade is dormant, it will be in this state forever, theoretically.
In this, Craulnober blade is a rare one: it was reawakened after its owner had a significant change of character, and the sword judged again and found Elaith worthy of a new chance. And major character changes doesn't happen every day. At least,they shouldn't... Besides, the spirits of the elves which were linked to the blade must accept resuming their eternal rest and get back into service. A rarity, indeed.
In response to a question I sent to Mrs. Cunningham, she also explained that a sword must be claimed with some sort of "ritualistic conditions" for the blade to accept a new owner. It means that an active moonblade will judge the owner when properly "asked for". If it is active, it will kill any unworthy would-be claimer, but since it has some sentience, it will not kill someone that is just trying to sheat it and take it back to the owner's family.
An active blade will not kill anyone - nor become dormant - if it is sheated. And an active moonblade can exist without being claimed if the possible heir(s) choose not to try the ritual, and to let the blade for future generations. Elaith made his choice to let the blade for Azariah to claim in the future.
However, if a blade is inactive, it will not kill someone who owns/carries it. But, if it is in possession of a N'Tel'Quess, the People will question - and not very kindly - how the owner acquired that blade.
Well, so trying to answer to your question - if I may - I think the "sheating solution" wouldn't work for moonblades, specially because you don't want to kill your players after sheating and then trying to use an unclaimed blade. Not very funny, huh?
A moonblade, if there is no possible heir in your game, is almost impossible to use. I think most noble houses, and maybe some septs in which the blood of the house intermingled - Mrs. Cunningham, in your opinion is that possible, like in some of the scottish clans? - will be the only ones to have a moonblade (as it was conceived, at least), and playing an elf from these houses - a potential heir - is the only way to have one of these marvelous blades in a campaign.
Of course, in your gaming universe you can use whichever house rules you want. But in my opinion, using this solution you are somehow ruling out part of the beauty of the moonblades - its semi-sentient judgement - and locking it into a simple trigger.
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"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 08 Jun 2010 12:38:47 |
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Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jun 2010 : 19:32:22
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Elfinblade
quote:
Now for a question, because my FR lore is rather rusty - The blade doesn't always kill the unworthy, right? IIRC, Elaith Craulnober survived such an attempt (or am I remembering this incorrectly?)
Aye, you will survive the attempt if you are unworthy of the sword and the last surviving elf of your clan. The blade then will just go dormant, to await the next generation.
Generally speaking, if you're the last elf of your line and the sword declines, you survive and the sword's work is done. Game over. No waiting for the next generation. What happened with the Craulnober moonblade is far from common.
Ah i see, good to know. I misinterpreted it. Thanks for clearing it up Elaine |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2010 : 12:42:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Another angle on that is that the sword judges the person each time it is drawn... just think of all the fun a DM could have with that... or an author.
In my understanding, the moonblades already do that. An example was when Arilyn tried to strike Tintagel Ni'Tessine, when she was young and got angry with his provocations, and her swordarm went numb. Another example was when the sword apparently rejected her in "Dream Spheres", after she tried to hit Elaith Craulnober - this one I haven't read, only got some references in the forum.
However, this is a "lighter" judgement - depending on the actions of the moonfighter, I think. After all, it doesn't punish unworthy actions with death. Maybe it would also be some kind of warning about the course of actions the moonfighter is taking...
However, considering that the first judgement was made and someone was accepted by the blade, it means that person in question IS a worthy wielder. Once again, further judgements will not be very different unless some major change of character occurs, or some extreme action is taken by the moonfighter. |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 09 Jun 2010 13:07:56 |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2010 : 16:19:51
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Mrs. Cunningham,
If my memory doesn't fail me, I think I read somewhere along this forum that the Craulnober family would be a sept of the Moonflower elven house. And this sept would be, in a certain way, akin to the scottish clan septs.
I've read about the clan septs and there were two different scenarios: families that were vassals/servants of the main clan, and families linked by blood with the original clan, but that didn't kept the original clan family name because its members were descendants of the clan's women (that inherited their husband's surnames).
Can you please answer if both cases could be found among the elves, in your vision of the elven houses structure? In the last case, a descendant from the sept could be considered a member of the original clan's bloodline?
Well, hope you can answer those. Have a nice week! |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2010 : 15:37:12
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The Craulnober clan veers more toward the vassal/servant definition, though they were neither of these things. In ancient times, Craulnober were warriors pledged to an early Moonflower leader. A legacy of sword-service was passed down through the clan, as were tight bonds of loyalty. There are almost certainly some blood ties, but nothing that would influence a moonblade lineage.
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2010 : 15:48:54
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
The Craulnober clan veers more toward the vassal/servant definition, though they were neither of these things. In ancient times, Craulnober were warriors pledged to an early Moonflower leader. A legacy of sword-service was passed down through the clan, as were tight bonds of loyalty. There are almost certainly some blood ties, but nothing that would influence a moonblade lineage.
Thank you, Mrs. Cunningham.
But theoretically blood ties could exist between houses and septs that could influence a moonblade lineage? It is possible for someone in a sept to claim a moonblade from a house in this hypothetic case, and if there is no named heir in the original house? |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 10 Jun 2010 16:32:36 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2010 : 16:41:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
The Craulnober clan veers more toward the vassal/servant definition, though they were neither of these things. In ancient times, Craulnober were warriors pledged to an early Moonflower leader. A legacy of sword-service was passed down through the clan, as were tight bonds of loyalty. There are almost certainly some blood ties, but nothing that would influence a moonblade lineage.
Thank you, Mrs. Cunningham. But theoretically blood ties could exist between houses and septs that could influence a moonblade lineage? It is possible for someone in a sept to claim a moonblade from a house in this case, if there is no named heir on the original house?
Keep in mind the swords' original purpose: To select a royal family in a manner that would avoid the sort of wholesale bloodshed the elves knew during the Crown Wars. To this end, families that passed swords along in a simple lineage, father/mother to son/daughter, were considered to be evidence of a line worthy of the throne.
Some moonblades long ago diverged from this path, but are still in service IN SUPPORT of the royal family. Those swords will remain in service as long as a) they are needed and b) there are elves in that lineage who are capable of wielding them. Arilyn's sword is one such blade, which is why King Zaor was so pissed when Amnestria inherited it and disqualified herself from the throne.
So to answer your question in a roundabout, for what reason would elves claim moonblades wielded by elves to whom they are only distantly related? There's no longer any question of gaining the throne; the Kingsword has been chosen and the lineage decided. (And no, an elf CANNOT wield more than one moonblade at a time.) If an elf's only motivation is the prestige and power carrying a moonblade brings, he is unlikely to be found fit. And for that matter, the prestige comes in great part from the association with the moonblade's line, not the sword itself.
Elves do not view moonblades as nifty fashion accessories. They are not trophies every elf longs to possess. Moonblades are the elven equivalent of Excalibur. They are not claimed casually or lightly. Ask a descendant of Gawain or Bedivere or Percivale if they thought they should be able to wield Excalibur, and the likely response, spoken with a mixture of insult and incomprehension, would be, "Why would we DO such a thing?" Excalibur chose the High King. Arthur's knights supported him. The elves who wield the few living blades still in existance have a similar relationship to the royal family.
Does that clarify matters any? If you think in terms of the Matter of Briton, the moonblades' central purpose becomes quite clear and simple.
I understand that this is a storyteller's persepctive, not a game designers or a DM's or a gamer. The tendency there is going to be figuring out how to get a moonblade into a character's hands and what to do with it once they have it. But from my point of view, moonblades have a clearly defined purpose. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2010 : 17:24:26
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Keep in mind the swords' original purpose: To select a royal family in a manner that would avoid the sort of wholesale bloodshed the elves knew during the Crown Wars. To this end, families that passed swords along in a simple lineage, father/mother to son/daughter, were considered to be evidence of a line worthy of the throne.
(...)
I understand that this is a storyteller's persepctive, not a game designers or a DM's or a gamer. The tendency there is going to be figuring out how to get a moonblade into a character's hands and what to do with it once they have it. But from my point of view, moonblades have a clearly defined purpose.
I understand your point of view, Mrs. Cunningham, and althought I am a DM, and think of the game implications of such a sword in my campaign, I try not to let loose the vision of the moonblade's purpose, and totally agree with your reasoning.
My lineage questions were always with some "historical" interest: I was just wondering if, let's say, a house had blood ties with a sept and somehow its moonblade was lost, and someone from the sept had the chance to claim the sword in the future, and if this elf would be considered an worthy wielder, even if the ties were somehow lost in the past (after all, sometimes the blade spend some generations unclaimed).
Reading this forum, I understood that the other houses with living moonblades would be like loyal supporters that could assume the leadership of the elves if, the Seldarine forbid, something happened with the royal family...
I know they don't aspire to take the throne, for they are worthy Tel'Quessir, and I was just trying to understand if the blades judged the entire lineage, or if it could recognize even a distant descendant as someone worthy, by her (his) potential to the service of the People, be it as kings or queens, or as supporters to the throne of Evermeet.
In my question I was comparing the potential moonfighter with a knight that could be a great hero, maybe not chosen to wield Excalibur, but one that could wield her (his) own sword, like Gawaine's Galatine or Lancelot's Arondight.
And I'd only put a moonblade in my campaign if I thought an worthy elf could be one of these loyal supporters to the queen. A great risk involved in claiming the blade, and also a great honor AND responsibility in wielding it. It would be like being one of the Round Table knights, and the moonfighter would be called to perform great services for the People.
However, if you say there must be a direct lineage, so it is! But my question also has a story implication: could a Craulnober, in the future, wield the Kingsword, IF there was no one to do it in the direct lineage? I know, I know... NDA terms... |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 10 Jun 2010 18:06:11 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2010 : 18:27:00
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| You are going to love the flash fiction "A CONNECTICUT GAMER IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT," if and when that hits the 'net. It addresses the issue of "worthiness" in very unsubtle form of satire. :) |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2010 : 12:17:38
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
You are going to love the flash fiction "A CONNECTICUT GAMER IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT," if and when that hits the 'net. It addresses the issue of "worthiness" in very unsubtle form of satire. :)
I'll look for it... Who wrote this one?
I appreciate the romantic chivalric stories, and in my campaign I try to explore the conflicts between the idealistic principles and the "practical" adventuring life of the characters.
It is easy for adventurers to banalize violence, and it is a challenge to keep an humanistic (elfistic? gnomistic?) behavior, and to keep acting as heroes against all the "reality" around them.
I always try to put some perspectives in the game, like showing that drawing a sword is somehow similar to drawing a gun, and that the good guys usually don't "loot the bodies" (to steal from dead people?), unless there is something important that an enemy keeps with (her)himself. In my campaign, I usually give the "treasures" in form of rewards...
Besides, we try to put into play the Tolkien principle "What really matters is what you CHOOSE to do with your time" (or something like that). Like I said in a earlier post, they are normal folk striving to be heroes, and put in situations where their principles are tried.
To have some friends that appreciate this line of history/gaming is awesome, when most people are fascinated by the "gray" lines between good and evil, and went numb about violence. Lots of vigilante adventures around... |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 11 Jun 2010 12:22:55 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2010 : 12:55:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
You are going to love the flash fiction "A CONNECTICUT GAMER IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT," if and when that hits the 'net. It addresses the issue of "worthiness" in very unsubtle form of satire. :)
I'll look for it... Who wrote this one?
I wrote it in a moment of insanity. Humor is difficult, and what seems amusing at the time might not in a couple of days. So I like to hold onto stuff like this for a while to see if holds up. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2010 : 13:41:41
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
I wrote it in a moment of insanity. Humor is difficult, and what seems amusing at the time might not in a couple of days. So I like to hold onto stuff like this for a while to see if holds up.
Well, given the good references, I think I'll really enjoy it! If you think it holds up, of course! |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 11 Jun 2010 18:40:17 |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2010 : 19:17:19
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Mrs. Cunningham,
Changing entirely the subject, some time ago I read a post, and its respective answer:
quote:
Originally posted by Iakhovas
Thank you for writing Elminster's Jest. I have a friend who plays a bard in my group, and he really spends time composing his bardic songs based on the group's adventures. So I'm sure he would love this.
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Is your friend also a musician? Because if he actually sings and/or plays an instrument, he might be interested to know that this is a fully composed piece of music. I've scored it several different ways(i.e., for lute, viol da gamba and flute, or for voice and harp) and at one point I even had sheet music for it. Maybe some day I'll redo this stuff (...) and make it available online - WotC permitting, of course.
I'm no musician, althought I do sing in a volunteers' Christmas choir every year since the early 90s - but we only practice in the second half of the year, to sing in November/December, and every year 70-80% of the choir is renewed with people that never sang in their lives. So, I never really learned to read music.
But I have a friend that is graduated in guitar and lute, and plays in a trio of strings that performs baroque music. This trio is composed by a girl that plays the viol da gamba, one guy that plays the baroque violin, and my friend, that plays a therboed guitar (actually a replica of an instrument dated from 1760, part of the collection of the museum Cité de la Musique in Paris).
They play pieces form the 17th and 18th centuries, researching and sometimes adapting concertos and sonatas for their instruments. In their repertory, there are pieces from Francesco Veracini, Bach, Giacomo Tinazzoli and Christian Scheidler.
I watched two shows of the trio "Sonare" this far, one of them in a monastery here in Brasilia, and bought their CD last year (sometimes I play it in my game sessions). Beautiful music, think you'd enjoy it! |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 11 Jun 2010 19:21:01 |
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Penknight
Senior Scribe
USA
538 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jun 2010 : 04:12:25
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| Hello! I was just wondering if at the end of Evermeet, you intended for Laeroth Runemaster to have met his end, or if he was spared from the destruction of the Towers of the Sun and the Moon, meaning he's still around. I always liked reading about him, and thought he was a very interesting character in that novel, which remains one of my favorite Realms books of all time. My other favorites were written by you as well. Thank you for your time, and I wish you all the best on future projects. |
Telethian Phoenix
Pathfinder Reference Document |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2010 : 14:30:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Penknight
Hello! I was just wondering if at the end of Evermeet, you intended for Laeroth Runemaster to have met his end, or if he was spared from the destruction of the Towers of the Sun and the Moon, meaning he's still around. I always liked reading about him, and thought he was a very interesting character in that novel, which remains one of my favorite Realms books of all time. My other favorites were written by you as well. Thank you for your time, and I wish you all the best on future projects.
Thanks, Penknight!
Unless something has been added to the lore since Evermeet,Laeroth Runemaster's official status is "unknown." His fate was not detailed, as the storyteller (Danilo Thann) didn't have a particular reason for doing so.
Now that you mention it, the impact of the towers' destruction on one of the tower's mages--assuming he survived--could be an interesting story. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2010 : 15:32:18
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Penknight, it was really a good question: when I read about the destruction of the towers, I automatically assumed the High Mages were all destroyed (with Amlaruil as the sole exception). But I think there were High Mages in the game after that, so maybe some of them survived the explosion.
Mrs. Cunningham, I've seen in another post that maybe you'd attend to GenCon 2010. Can you say me if you're still planning to be there? I have no means of going, but a friend of mine will go, and I thought that maybe, if it's not too much to ask, I could send my hardcover Evermeet for you to write a dedicatory... |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
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Questions for Elaine Cunningham
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