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(4th IR) What does your character write?

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Excerpt from Volume 4, edition 1

The Hero Factor
The thing I have learned most about, during my many years of journeying and exploring, noting, tallying, and marking down the armies of the past, is that a small or weak nation can overwhelm a much more powerful nation at the last moment. When you are on the top, you are your most vulnerable. The unnatural progression, and focus of a few key individuals, sometimes only one, can easily crush an entire empire. Controversely, a single assassination can destroy your efforts in life, and force a painful power-building stage in your death.

The problem which I refer most too, is sounded through the heroes of the world. There are innumerable fatal flaws in methods used against heroes, and it is important to overwhelm and finish dangerous heroes quickly. To be concise, this volume encompasses the entirety of dealing with heroes, the best ways to circumvent these vermin that stand against you. Methods of corruption, overwhelming force, and direct intervention must be taught; and at the same time it is important to understand the cardinal sins of hero-hunting. No self-respecting leader will ever underestimate the potential of the hero factor, send your fastest, strongest, and most skilled to crush those who build a reputation of success against you. If you fail to end a chain of victories, the building strength of will and supernatural force behind a small group can crush an army.

There are also many key strategies that work well against heroes, specifically distractions, theft, backstabbing, and even creating or hiring heroes of your own to counter-mand the needs of the people. Even when an army is unbeatable, the head of state and the general public can be targeted by a small group of the elite. The Most important aspect of the Hero Factor is understanding, and gathering information on heroes. Espionage and Sabatoge are two of the best tools at your hands, obviously, but also remember that heroes have histories, built in weaknesses, and hopefully family members to abuse.

Win to win, not for good or evil. If your path is right, then you can prove it through war, using your skill and understanding to defeat your opponents.

Section 2...
 

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Janos, how exactly is the Weave destroyed? (heh ... if you do not know, your character can make it up. There are always buyers!)

First it was just possible by using a Wish. Though Mystra never allowed the Normal Weave to be destroyed. Shar did grant requests to destroy the Weave. Then there was a spell which could destroy the Weave, which was only usable by a Shadow Weave user.

Janos, working from that spell, devised a spell that could destoy the Shadow Weave.

If the Shadow Weave is such a threat, how do you describe this in your book?

I describe it as it is: another tool to shape power into effects, but the Shadow Weave focuses on Necromancy, Illusion and Enchantment. It is not inherently evil, though the Goddess who controls it is.

If Mystra is idly sitting by and letting Shar take over, do you denouce her?

No, this book is partly a wake up call for people to take action against it, if they see it as a threat. I mean, you can't fight something you don't know it excists...

It is not an essay. It does not actively encourage people to fight the Shadow Weave, or to fight Shar. Nor does it promote the Shadow Weave.

The conclusion, however, notes the growing influence of Shar and the ability to destroy the Weave, which, if left unchecked will *eventually* ensure the destruction of the Weave...
 
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Savage Races Vol I

I shall write a series of pamplets concerning the history, myths, and culture of the so called "Savage Races." The first shall be a study of the history, myths, and culture of the lowly goblin. it contains a selection of the more interesting legends of the goblinfolk, an explanation of how their society works, and interveiws with actual goblins.
 

An Excerpt From Savage Races Vol I:
By Hannover Fist, Loremaster

Many fearunians know of the goblin only as a scavanger, a maurader, and a theif. The goblin people however have a rich oral history, which until now has never been recorded in writen form. For example there is the interesting tale of Moridun and Kostgithak, two brothers who turned on each other due to greed. Moridun cast Kostithak out of his home, into the wilderness, and took all that was once his brothers.

This tale is a metaphor for the ongoing conflict between the dwarves and the goblins. With Moridun (The Dwarves) stealing what was once Kostithak's (The Goblins), and casting him out of his home, the two became hated foes. Of course this implies that the dwarves and the goblins were once brothers, perhaps even of the same race at one time, as other legends tell that Moridun and Kostithak shared the same mother, Aonu, as related in the tale of...
 
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My book would look something like this:


Intoduction to the Working of Magic
  • What is Magic
  • The History of Magic
  • The Need for a Weave
The Weave
  • History of the Weave
  • The Weave: Spellcasting
  • The Weave: Limitations
The Shadow Weave
  • History of the Shadow Weave
  • The Shadow Weave: Spellcasting
  • The Shadow Weave: Limitations
Specialist Comparison
  • Abjurers
  • Conjurers
  • Diviners
  • Enchanters
  • Evokers
  • Illusionists
  • Necromancers
  • Transmuters
Interactions between Light and Dark
  • Dead Magic Zones
  • Wild Magic Zones
  • Antimagic Fields
Conclusion
Appendix I: Definitions
Appendix II: The Goddess Mystra
  • History
  • Ideals
  • Believe Structure
Appendix III: The Goddess Shar
  • History
  • Ideals
  • Believe Structure
Appendix IV: Spells
  • Weave Spells
  • Shadow Weave Spells
 
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Seeing the effect of his book, Janos decides to publish a new work, not a study, but a *heavily* biased one. It promotes slavery, describes Thayan laws and completely disregards any acts of agression by the Red Wizards. He is careful not to share any secrets.

Magic for the Common Man: The Importance of Red Wizards.


Introduction

Thay
  • Geography
  • History
  • Laws
Red Wizards
  • Origin
  • Structure
  • Apprentices
  • Masters
  • Zulkirs
  • Religions
  • Benifits
Enclaves
  • Why Enclaves
  • Goals
  • Laws
  • What to Expect
Circle Magic
  • High Magic for Mortals
  • A Brief Overview
 
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Contents of Savage Races Vol I

  • Introduction
  • The Goblins Life: A day in the life of a typical Goblin
  • Goblin "politics": An examination of the power structures of goblin society
  • Where Goblins Live: Discriptions of three dfferent goblin living enviroments.
  • Worgs and Goblins: An exploration of the mysterious connection between Worgs and Goblins, as well as a discription of the initiation of a Worg Rider.
  • Relations with other races: A dozen or so quick overveiws of how goblins and other races interact.
  • Common Myths and legends of the goblins: three dozon tales told in many goblin camps.
  • Handy Goblin Phrases: A quick guide to the goblin language, focusing on common phrases and questions.
 
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Slowly, as haste isn't peculiar of his race, an ancient gold dragon realized that this new invention was going to change the world rapidly, and in ways he never thought. But there also was a great danger. People had begun to trust these new books and lots of them were coming out, nearly without control. Who would assure these books say the truth, or denounce them if they lie? Will truth and lies be forever blended? Who would help people find what they really need among all this chaos? Something has to be done.

Krysophrenos gathered around him trusty people of all races and countries and undertook the compiling of the Toril's Encyclopaedia, the ordered and reliable collection of every piece of knowledge of Toril.
Obviously, such a massive achievement couldn't be attained in a short time no matter the effort spent, but the Encyclopaedist decided that while the main work was composed, smaller parts of it could be published, to give an influential advice about the more pressing debates.
They also discovered that they needed a way to remain constantly updated about important events, new discoveries and new publications, so they hired correspondents from many to keep them informed. Krysophrenos also thought the reports from the correspondents could be useful not only to him, but to a lot of people everywhere, so he had them arranged in a monthly publication, with a low price and the widest possible diffusion: The Gazette of Toril.
 

A Plea for Tolerance

A man just shy of his middle years, stout of build, with blonde hair and a reddish beard gazes over the papers on his desk. A staff is craddled in his arms and a sword hangs from his belt.

Ardan Turval gazes on a copy of A Plea for Tolerance, which is turned to the last few pages of the book.

A Plea for Tolerance and Understanding by Ardan Turval

“Faerun, like the other great continents of Abeir-Toril, is a place of remarkable diversity and beauty. From the steaming jungles of Chult to the icy plains of Icewind Dale and from the Moonshaes to Var the Golden, many proud and remarkable peoples call Faerun their home.”

“Sadly, many great lands known to history have fallen. Cormanthor, and its beautiful capitol of Myth Drannor, lies in ruin. Netheril, Athalantar, Shanatar, Phalorm, and many other noble realms are no more. Many of these lands gave much to the nations of the present day.”

“It is sometimes wondered what could have saved some of these lands. Some fell from external pressures, while others collapsed because of internal pressures and the poor judgement of rulers. Yet it must be asked, could at least some of these nations have been saved from the fate that befell them? Perhaps the strength and wisdom of good friends would have saved these nations.”

“Too often, the peoples of Faerun have not stood against common threats. Far too often, neighbors eye each other suspiciously and nurse old wounds and grievances. If some of the great nations of the past had taken more time to understand their neighbors, they might have stood together against common threats. If Athalantar, Cormanthyr, and other surrounding nations had worked more solidly together in friendship and a spirit of brotherhood, then perhaps some of these realms would remain as something besides beloved memories and tales.”

“The kingdom of Phalorm welcomed all peoples who were willing to dwell together in peace. True, the nation lasted little more than a century, yet its legacy remains with us today. Waterdeep is home to many folk of different races who accept each other as fellow citizens. The Silver Marches also shares the wonderful spirit of brotherhood that was embodied in Phalorm. Waterdeep, Tethyr, the Silver Marches, Cormyr, Aglarond, and Halruaa are among many nations which benefit from the skills and wisdom of its diverse inhabitants. Together, the peoples of these lands have accomplished much that they could not do alone. “

“Similarly, cities such as my native Ravens Bluff still stand because of people realizing that their mutual interests is more important than differences of race, gender or origin. In the streets of that city, I have seen strangers who have never meet stand firmly against common threats and to protect the innocent.”

“Indeed, history and our own time show us how good it is and how pleasant when we dwell together in unity and friendship.”

“Sadly, Faerun has seen many things of great beauty destroyed by needless hate. Too many have chosen to hate their neighbors. I say to you: Love your neighbor as yourself and do not do to him that which is hateful to yourself. “

“I have traveled to many lands, even to Zakhara and distant Kara Tur. What I have found is that what unites us all is far more important than what divides us.”

“In Zakhara, for example, elves, dwarves, and humans live in relative peace with ogres, orcs and kobolds. True, they do have a commonly shared culture and similar religious beliefs. However, the fact that members of these diverse races can live in peace shows that hatred is not inborn. Hatred can be overcome by tolerance and love of others.”

“Of course, most Zakharans will admit that their societies have their share of problems. Sadly, slavery is a practice in many Zakharan lands. Yet racial hatred is almost unknown there.”

“I have known many remarkable people of different races, who are compassionate and caring towards people of other races. I know elves who are great scholars and dedicated to their people. I have known dwarven craftsmen whose love of their work is only exceeded by their love of their families, their communities, and their gods. I have known fellow humans who have risked their lives for strangers on the principle that all life has value. I have even known kobold priests of Lathander and half-orc paladins of Torm.”

“We should try to abandon prejudices based on race, class, nation of origin, or social status. By prejudging others, we miss out on what people have to offer to each other and to their societies. A rose that blooms in the garden of a simple carpenter can be as lovely as one that blooms in the garden of a king.”

“Throughouthe world, there are cultures which worship hate and dissension. For the most part, these cultures have become isolated, often impoverished, and are distrusted by their neighbors. Perhaps they would fare better by abandoning revenge and needless hate. More can be accomplished by trade, diplomacy, and efforts to understand each other.”

“True, some who are intolerant and preach hatred have achieved much. However, I believe that this is in spite of their hate, not because of it. I can respect the skills and resourcefulness of those I oppose, even while I pray for their redemption. They might reflect on what others less hateful.”


“Mind you, trade should be conducted fairly. Indeed the problems that some nations and organizations have had in trading with distant Maztica do raise concern. It is to be hoped that the governments of Faerun will be just in their dealings amongst themselves and the rest of the world. In the long run, fair and equitable trade has more benefit than what a friend has called a ‘quick copper’”

“I have spoken with members of the Jaguar Guard, originally from Maztica, in their bew home of Myratma in Tethyr. I hope to write of their observations of Maztica and Faerun. New perspectives can be enlightening – and enjoyable.”

“However, if hatred is strong in our world, we must not forget about the power of love, understanding, tolerance and forgiveness. There are many examples of this in our own time.”

“Earlier, I mentioned the Silver Marches. The people of Mithral Hall in that land fully understand the values of tolerance and welcoming those who are different than themselves. Lord Bruennor Battlehammer rules a community that will likely regain its old prosperity in part because of tolerance.”

“What? You say that the mineral wealth and the skilled workers are what will make Mithral Hall prosperous. In part this is true.”

“However, Lord Bruennor was aided by friends in destroying the shadow dragon Shimmergloom and in defending Mithral Hall from the duergar. He was aided by two human warriors – Wulfgar and Cattiebrie, as well as Drizzt Do’Urden, a drow swordsman and devotee of Mieliekki.”

“They could have chosen to treat each other with distrust. Each could have chosen to view the others as enemies, or to be indifferent to each other. Yet by working together, and understanding each other, they have done much that they could not accomplish separately. I believe that all of us can learn from the example of these four remarkable individuals.”

“So the question becomes, what can we do as individuals to promote tolerance and understanding? I suggest that we begin by looking at ourselves. Before you can truly understand others, you must understand yourself.”

“Here are but some of the questions that each of us most answer from the depths of our souls:”

“Who are you? What do you want? Why are you here? Where are you going? What are the principles that guide your life? Whom do you serve and whom do you trust?”

“An effort must also be made to try to understand the perspectives of others. I am not an elf, a dwarf, a gnome, a half-orc, a wemic or a halfling. Nor am I a Moonshaen, a Sembian, or an Estagundian. However, I try to understand and respect the opinions of others when I meet them. I merely ask that they try to do the same in regards to myself.”

“We can chose to isolate ourselves from others, perhaps in response to our own personal or national tragedies. Yet, I must ask, what good does this isolation do us? Burdens and sorrows are both lighter when shared. A stranger or a friend may have an insight into our problems or can at least help us to find solutions.”

“Similarly, we need to also practice forgiveness. Life is too short to let old friends slip away because of quarrels and misunderstandings. We should ask forgiveness of those whom we have offended and forgive them of any word or deed that has offended us. With forgiveness, the cold night of loneliness is conquered by a new day of friendship, love, and understanding. I have lived long enough to know regret. I pray that you, Gentle Reader, will not know the regret of not forgiving someone you loved and having them taken from you. Forgive. Understand.”

“I have made mistakes in my own life. Great nations have as well, as their leaders will ruefully admit. The path to forgiveness lies in acknowledging those mistakes, and where possible trying to rectify them. Honesty can be a valuable tool in the search for enlightenment. A man may have a dark past, but the gates of forgiveness are open to a truly penitent heart.”

“We may also find new friends among those whom we once counted as enemies. With a forgiving heart, all things are possible. Too many voices that were once raised together in song have fallen silent. Let those voices be raised again in joy.”

“Too many have isolated themselves, perhaps fearing the world or being uncertain of it. I would say to them: there is still good in the world. If a nation has isolated itself, I would urge them to open diplomacy and trade with others. There are many worthy nations, lead by virtuous leaders, that would be willing to speak and trade with those who would be friends. There are always risks when you reach out to others, but without such risks we become alone and isolated.”

“As for the nations, trade and diplomacy are among many routes to understanding. Perhaps an exchange of ideas and culture would be wise. There are dramas in Amn, Tethyr, and Sembia, for example, that I believe would be enjoyed in the North. Similar, there are tales from the North, the Moonshaes, and Var the Golden that many throughout Faerun might enjoy to hear. In learning more about others, we ultimately learn more about ourselves, and gain greater wisdom. Gentle Reader, I wish you well on your voyages of discovery.”
 
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A Call for Peace

A Call for Peace by Ardan Turval

“Innocent people have died for the “alleged crime” of writing and publishing books. Fear and terror have been the tactics used by the intolerant and the hateful. I call for peace and dialogue. Murdering someone who disagrees with you does not prove the correctness of an argument. Instead, it demonstrates a lack of faith in people to make their own decisions.”

“All life is of value, and precious. However, the spewers of hate and intolerance do not recognize this simple truth. Instead, they fear change. However, there can be neither repentance for past misdeeds nor the finding of new wisdom.”

“How many people have been murdered by people who are afraid of change? Why have the warmongers reacted with fear to simple authors.”

“An idea must be judged by its worth. Yet the attempt to silence people by acts of murder and sabotage is one of base cowardice. One must ask if they lack the courage of their convictions in not being willing to counter the writings and arguments of others.”

“Laws were enacted by societies to protect their citizens. However, there seem to be people who have decided that they will not just regulate behavior, but also regulate thought. This is a dangerous path, especially those who consider themselves on the side of justice and tolerance. There is a great danger to our societies should this violence continue. It must end.”

“I hold the following to be true: All peoples have an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. “

“I realize that many are afraid of the new ideas being presented to them. I say that if they oppose the idea, present their best arguments. The truth will win out, in the end.”


“I call for an end to the violence. I urge the disputing parties to speak with each other. If they have legitimate concerns, perhaps they can address them, and find a solution. However, bloodshed should not be the price for presenting the truth or new ideas.”

“If a book has revealed an unpleasant truth or revealed a possible danger, it is best to address the truth and deal with the true danger – but not by eliminating authors. If there is an unpleasant truth in one’s past, admit it, try to atone, and move on. I do believe in the possibility of forgiveness. If a work has revealed a threat to a nation or the world, perhaps it is best to address the threat. Indeed, one can argue that an author by revealing a threat may be doing the public a service. Certainly some of the books I have read of late has raised issues that I believe should be addressed. However, the discussion of those issues should not be terminated by violence.”


“Again, I implore everyone to discuss issues and differences rationally. There are times where self-defense is necessary. However, hatred and violence can become all devouring wolves which in the end may devour those who unleashed them.”
“Pursue peace and rational discussion. Do not give in to fear or hate. Violence should be the last choice of a rational, compassionate mind.”


“It pains me to say that there are those who are neither rational nor compassionate nor just. Indeed, it seems that power is their only end and that any means are justified in its pursuit.”

“So, in summary, I reject the acts of violence that have been performed against authors and publishers. I urge you, Gentle Reader, to reject such actions and those who advocate them.”

(OOC: Janos, as your character's sponsors are the Elves of Evermeet, am I correct in presuming that your book is much like Jonathan Swift's " A Reasonable Proposal." Namely, that you are using satire to reveal a true problem (the Red Wizards) and urge people to action. I doubt that your character's sponsors would approve of the book otherwise.)
 

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