Edena_of_Neith
First Post
Should I continue this? Would anyone care to read it?
If nobody wishes to read it, it is not worth the effort and time.
This is an extrapolation of the posts from the 1st IR into an actualy historical format.
That is, what was said in those posts, is extrapolated into the events that happened in the IR, creating a history that can be read (but which won't always make sense because the IR did not always make sense.)
What I am trying to do is create an IR History. A history of how Faerun, Toril, and Realmspace (thanks to you, the IR posters) evolved from Realms Canon into what it became.
I placed this here because this is where the 3rd IR, of old, was played, and I thought my old friends in the IR would read this here, but not in Story Hour.
- - -
The Extrapolated History of the IR
Post 1: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post, on April 3rd, 2001
Led by the gnomes, a part of Faerun has entered the Industrial Revolution. In this area, steam power, coal power, mines, factories, railroads, and technomancy (the marriage of technology and magic) are evident. Also, in these areas, the printing press has allowed for the mass production of books.
The Canon FR setting has collapsed and been recreated in these areas, compliments of technomancy, industrialization, and gnomish zeal. Ways of life are disappearing, and mass disruption and alteration of society and culture are in progress.
The epicenter of the Industrial Revolution had been the Isle of Lantan, but it has spread to Amn and Tethyr, which have enthusiastically embraced it. Subsequently, Thay eagerly embraced the new technomancy, which forced neighboring Mulhorand to also court the gnomes. In rapid order, Unther, then the Akanal, then Chessenta, then Threskel also began industrialization. Finally, Chondath, then neighboring Sespech, then Turmish, joined the industrialization movement.
As of the beginning of the First IR (post 1) these are the nations in flux, industrializing, engaging in technomantic research, and in political and social chaos as the revolution sweeps through their lands.
Post 2: As per Diamothe’s post:
A call goes out to the Druids of Faerun to unite against the gnomes and the revolution they are causing. Many of the Druid orders of Faerun declare an alliance against what is happening, vowing to stop it, by force if necessary.
The Druids begin a campaign of PR, sabotage, and outright war against technology and technomancy, wherever and whenever possible across all the countries engaging in those practices. This creates immediate turmoil from Amn and Tethyr to Thay and Mulhorand.
Post 3: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post
The gnomes of Lantan begin a PR campaign against the Druids, which is supported by the governments in countries actively supporting the new technology and technomancy (supporting the IR, to simplify matters.)
Police and military action begins against the Druids and Druid Orders in the IR countries.
The gnomes ask for the help of adventurers against the Druids.
In Lantan and some of the other IR countries, a campaign of extermination against the ‘monsters’ is begun, and railroads facilitate and aid this campaign (similar to the way the railroad aided the extermination of the bison IRL.)
In all the IR countries, serious construction of railroads begins.
Post 4: As per Amrynn_Moonshadow’s post:
Some of the elves begin a new Retreat, leaving Toril altogether.
Most of the other elves take offense at what is happening in the IR countries, especially those in Evermeet.
Post 5: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post:
The gnomes mock the elves, and offer to build factories in Lethilspar, capital of Evermeet, to facilitate industrialization on that Isle. They propose offensive things such as the clearing of Evermeet’s forests.
The Elven Imperial Navy in Realmspace, upon hearing of the new Flight of the Elves, refuses to become involved initially.
Post 6: As per Bondetamp’s post:
The first Labor Unions arise in Faerun. The first strife arises between unionizing workers and the large industrial companies of the IR countries.
Post 7: As per GuardianLurker’s post:
Character types in the IR countries react in various ways to events. Some, such as the archmage Gadgeteer, cash in on the IR. Others, such as certain wealthy retired fighters, complain a lot. Yet others, including many Druids, invoke powerful spells to bring natural disasters down to plague the IR countries.
A major effort is made by the bards and historians (undoubtedly including the Harpers and Heralds) to understand the gnomes and their new and strange ways. There is great suspicion of demonic or hellish forces working behind the scenes to aid the gnomes.
Clerical societies and orders begin divination efforts to ascertain whether the Gnomish Pantheon is directly involved in the IR, why they are allowing the IR, and what they may intend in the future.
There is considerable resistance Faerun wide among the clerical orders against the IR.
Barbarians, including groups from the Forest of Tethir, Mir, Thorn Wood, Guthmere Forest, the Chondalwood, the Methwood, the Shalwood, the Giant’s Plain, the Shining Plain, the Eastern Shaar, Fuirgar, Murghom, the Endless Waste, and Ashanath invade and devastate many areas in the IR countries. These barbarians are often stirred up by clerics and druids, or by nations opposed to the IR nations, or by organizations opposed to the IR.
Thieves’ Guilds, including the many infamous Faerunian organizations such as the Night Masks, cash in on the IR, often aiding both sides in the growing international crisis across Faerun.
Post 8: As per Volaran the Blue’s post:
More people with the means to do so are leaving Faerun, intimidated by the growing international crisis being caused by the IR. The elven Flight increases.
Post 9: As per Masked’s post:
Opposition to the IR, in non-IR countries and among many clerical, druidical, and secular organizations alike, continues to increase. There is serious political upheaval in IR and non-IR country alike as politicians and power figures debate and clash over what policy to adopt concerning the IR.
Post 10: As per Colonel Hardisson’s post:
A historical argument breaks out over who started the IR. Was it the gnomes, or was it really the dwarves or another race, with the gnomes taking credit where credit was not due? Are the gnomes truly technologically minded, or are they merely carpetbagging off the efforts of more ingenious peoples?
Some of the dwarves argue that they began the true IR, and they bring out demonstrative proof to show this. The gnomes then produce proof to counter the dwarven claim. The dwarves produce yet more proof, and argue they would have conducted industrialization in a more reasonable and accommodating matter for all involved. The dwarves, argue the dwarves, would not have started the kind of trouble the gnomes have caused, nor caused the destruction the IR is bringing to forest and city alike.
The rivalry between dwarf and gnome causes much diplomatic trouble and bad blood between the two races, as the IR intensifies.
The Druid Orders of Faerun, led by clearer heads, mount a massive intelligence campaign to understand the IR, it’s strengths and weaknesses, and how to alter it’s course if need be. They initiate and maintain diplomatic relations with the gnomes and IR countries, feeling diplomacy can bring favorable results for them and natural world they represent.
As a result of this, druid attacks on the gnomes and IR countries temporary drops radically, and relations between the druids and the IR nations improves drastically.
Post 11: As per Lost Soul’s post, on April 4th, 2001
Labor leaders arise in power, as the unionization attempts intensify, and the nascent unions force industry to make increasing concessions to them. (A situation similar to late 19th century America.) Trouble between industry and labor intensifies, with many organizations - public and covert - becoming involved in the politics of labor.
The idea of technomancy as a supreme weapon of war - the idea of mass producing magical firearms, cannon, and other weapons - is discussed seriously for the first time in warrooms and thronerooms in the IR nations. The idea grows overnight from conception to development to reality. The first attacks, using technomantic mass produced weapons, begin.
Post 12: As per Privateer Matt’s post:
A PR campaign, initiated by a group or nation unknown (but the dwarves are suspect) is begun that argues the gnomes did not start the IR at all, but are merely freeloading off of it ... or being scapegoated for it.
It is not at all clear why the PR campaign is undertaken. Perhaps historians are arguing the gnomish place in history, perhaps racial enemies of the gnomes wish to slander them, perhaps Thay wants credit for the IR, or perhaps all of these at once and then some.
There are a number of references in this PR campaign to ‘tinker gnomes.’ Upon careful study, sages and wizards in Faerun discover that tinker gnomes are native to Krynnspace, and are rarely found in Realmspace - and whatever they invent, causes disastrous trouble and calamnity, due to some curse.
The role of tinker gnomes in the IR, and whether the IR is a Krynnish plot, becomes an instant overnight uproar, while the gnomes of Lantan strictly deny any relation to the above.
The first wide references to a race called ‘kender’ is heard in Faerun. Sages and wizards find their research into this race most disturbing. A search is initiated to see if kender have come to Faerun.
A theory begins running around that kender are the force behind the IR. Furiously denied by the gnomes of Lantan, this rumor sweeps Faerun, and wide speculation abounds as to the capacity and nature of these kender.
In other words, rumormongering is rampant, false information is being written down in Candlekeep, and a lot of sages and wizards (and people, and groups, and governments) are very frustrated and very puzzled.
Post 13: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post:
The Chosen and the Harpers make covert attempts to halt the IR. There is serious trouble in Lantan as a result.
The gnomes of Lantan retaliate against Shadowdale, causing serious trouble and damage there.
Relations between Waterdeep, Luruar, and Aglarond and the IR nations deteriorate badly, with groups like the Lord’s Alliance joining with Waterdeep against the Knights of the Shield in Tethyr.
A number of groups and nations, such as the Zhentarim, Mulmaster, Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter, Thesk, and Calimshan, quietly help themselves to technomancy while publicly denouncing the IR nations. Political uproar and intrigue deepens Faerun-wide, as the IR continues to build.
An unfounded rumor appears that technomancy has awakened the phaerimm, and that the sharn have returned to fight them. Fortunately, this is not true, but it causes much consternation and some panic while it lasts.
In Realmspace, the first information reaches the spelljamming races there of the IR, of technomancy, and of the political trouble on Toril. Many groups, such as the illithid and scro of Realmspace, begin debating whether or not they could take advantage of the surface situation.
Post 14: As per Blood Jester’s post:
The rivalry between the gnomes and dwarves, and the heated debate over credit for the IR, continues between the two races. A lot of ale is wasted (or tossed) in arguments over the matter.
The dwarves argue that they were the real innovators, that the gnomes stold their ideas, and that dwarves would never have so misused technology and technomancy as the gnomes have done. In particular, the dwarves point to strip-mining now being conducted in some of the IR countries, demonstrating a complete lack of reverence for the earth. They point out railroads are unneccesary and provocative developments.
The gnomes argue the dwarves are liars, that dwarven greed is legendary, that the sweat and ingenuity of little Lantan started a change that is sweeping the world, and that - in any case - they are not responsible for human misuse of technology and technomancy. Look at Lantan, and the paradise it is becoming, argue the gnomes. As for railroads, they facilitate transportation of goods and services from one place to another as horses (and even magic) never could.
The dwarves seem to be winning the PR campaign, but the gnomes and the IR nations are the ones continuing to develop technology and technomancy - the dwarves, are falling rapidly behind due to their more conservative and cautious approach (the lack of caution is killing a lot of gnomes and humans in the IR, but others are still benefitting from their work.)
Ultimately, many credit the dwarves for the IR, but absolve the dwarves from blame for the problems the IR is causing. In the end, nearly all will absolve the dwarves from any blame (while the debate over who can take credit for the IR, never ends.)
Post 15: As per Blood Jester’s post:
A leading elven cleric of Solonor Thelandira begins a campaign of sabotage against the IR nations, with covert help from sympathetic elves.
This is the beginning of a hard core elven movement that utterly opposes the IR and all it stands for. Diplomacy between this group and the IR nations fails, and the covert sabotage by the elves increases steadily. The elves, indeed, state that the IR nations have declared war on the land and it’s creatures, and they are only protectors and defenders against the assault.
A secret order of wizards, followers of Azuth, take a similar hardline stance against the IR. They gather intelligence on technomancy, study the effects of the IR on the Weave, scry the future, attempt to hinder the IR legally, and supress new technology and technomancy whenever possible.
It is only reasonable to say that a lot of people, on all sides, have many justified concerns over what is happening, what will happen, and how Faerun has become destabilized and is rapidly becoming more so. Voices of reason, of peace, for quietude, and for measured change, clamor on every side. The voices supporting the status quo, perhaps, are the biggest voices of all. The radical changes the IR represents is terrifying a lot of people.
Post 16: As per Ashtal’s post:
Wild speculation as to where the IR is leading, and just what kind of world it will create, are being debated in scholarly and political circles Faerun-wide. There is no consensus, altogether a Castle Falkenstein (as per the game) type world is envisioned by many.
Post 17: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post:
The gnomes of Lantan denounce the elven saboteurs, and send forces to destroy them.
The gnomes begin an anti-elven PR campaign, speaking to all who will listen to them (many do.)
Attempts to scry the future by the wizards of Azuth reveal many possibilities, including a Toril of superscience, a Toril ending in nuclear armaggedon, and a Toril - and Realmspace - united in peace. ((As it turned out, all three prophesies came true.))
The gnomes mock the wizards of Azuth, bringing their own political capacity and legal thinking to bear against them. As a result, the wizards of Azuth make little peaceful progress, in Lantan or in the IR nations. The gnomes, aren’t even reasonable about this. The gnomes, are obsessed with what they call ‘progress.’
Post 18: As per Mastermind’s post:
Adventurers increasingly find that they can make great fortunes for themselves in the new industrial societies. Adventurers turned industrial barons begin to appear in the IR nations.
Post 19: As per Tsyr’s post:
Anti-gnome death cults spring up. Gnomish towns and villages are attacked and destroyed by these cults, and the gnomes massacred. Sabotage and open attacks on gnomish mines, facilities, and even their cities increases.
Large numbers of people join these anti-gnome cults. They gain the covert support of other groups who are opposed to the IR nations and willing to resort to violence.
Larger, more peaceful groups, opposed to technology and technomancy - either partially or fully - begin to appear in cities and towns in many Faerunian nations. These groups often argue that technology is an evil in itself.
Post 20: As per Soldarin’s post:
Consumerism flourishes in Lantan and the IR countries. The standard of living for the common person rises considerably in some countries, while industrial slavery (as per Charles Dickens) occurs in others.
In the IR countries in general, however, there is widespread support for the IR, and it is considered a very good thing. PR campaigns supporting the IR are strong and recurring in these countries.
The IR is now threatening to spread to other countries. Sembia, Westgate, Calimshan, Baldur’s Gate, Thesk, Procampur, Archendale, and Zhentil Keep are examples of nations that would love to help themselves to the benefits of technomancy (and mass produced technomantic weapons.) There is great political turmoil and trouble in these countries and city states.
Post 21: As per Eatenmyeye’s post, April 4th, 2001
A sudden rumor (backed by mysteriously produced ‘evidence’ that may or may not be reliable) sweeps Faerun that the rise of technology will see the fall of magic. The magical community of Faerun falls into bickering over this, with some taking sides, and others researching the matter, and many of them abruptly very afraid.
Chaos erupts in Thay and Mulhorand as the wizards there fall into strife over the matter. This chaos among the fracticious wizards of those lands rapidly deepens towards civil war. In Calimshan, the wizards there attempt to suppress all technology, but some of their own are drawn to the lure of technomancy, and civil strife erupts there as well.
Seeing the trouble, nations and organizations alike move to take advantage of it. The Realms are destabilized further as rumormongering, powermongering, scheming, and infighting rock places from Luskan to Narfell, and from Calimshan to Murghom.
The Nations of the Shining South (Halruaa, Dambrath, Luiren, Durpar, Var the Golden, Ulgarth, etc.) take serious notice of the events to their north for the first time.
The denizens of the Underdark also look Surfaceward, wondering what is happening.
Post 22: As per Drothgery’s post:
One of the more notable wizards of Faerun comes up with a way to use magic to produce clean energy, in the form of clean burning coal.
He then becomes a wealthy man overnight.
If nobody wishes to read it, it is not worth the effort and time.
This is an extrapolation of the posts from the 1st IR into an actualy historical format.
That is, what was said in those posts, is extrapolated into the events that happened in the IR, creating a history that can be read (but which won't always make sense because the IR did not always make sense.)
What I am trying to do is create an IR History. A history of how Faerun, Toril, and Realmspace (thanks to you, the IR posters) evolved from Realms Canon into what it became.
I placed this here because this is where the 3rd IR, of old, was played, and I thought my old friends in the IR would read this here, but not in Story Hour.
- - -
The Extrapolated History of the IR
Post 1: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post, on April 3rd, 2001
Led by the gnomes, a part of Faerun has entered the Industrial Revolution. In this area, steam power, coal power, mines, factories, railroads, and technomancy (the marriage of technology and magic) are evident. Also, in these areas, the printing press has allowed for the mass production of books.
The Canon FR setting has collapsed and been recreated in these areas, compliments of technomancy, industrialization, and gnomish zeal. Ways of life are disappearing, and mass disruption and alteration of society and culture are in progress.
The epicenter of the Industrial Revolution had been the Isle of Lantan, but it has spread to Amn and Tethyr, which have enthusiastically embraced it. Subsequently, Thay eagerly embraced the new technomancy, which forced neighboring Mulhorand to also court the gnomes. In rapid order, Unther, then the Akanal, then Chessenta, then Threskel also began industrialization. Finally, Chondath, then neighboring Sespech, then Turmish, joined the industrialization movement.
As of the beginning of the First IR (post 1) these are the nations in flux, industrializing, engaging in technomantic research, and in political and social chaos as the revolution sweeps through their lands.
Post 2: As per Diamothe’s post:
A call goes out to the Druids of Faerun to unite against the gnomes and the revolution they are causing. Many of the Druid orders of Faerun declare an alliance against what is happening, vowing to stop it, by force if necessary.
The Druids begin a campaign of PR, sabotage, and outright war against technology and technomancy, wherever and whenever possible across all the countries engaging in those practices. This creates immediate turmoil from Amn and Tethyr to Thay and Mulhorand.
Post 3: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post
The gnomes of Lantan begin a PR campaign against the Druids, which is supported by the governments in countries actively supporting the new technology and technomancy (supporting the IR, to simplify matters.)
Police and military action begins against the Druids and Druid Orders in the IR countries.
The gnomes ask for the help of adventurers against the Druids.
In Lantan and some of the other IR countries, a campaign of extermination against the ‘monsters’ is begun, and railroads facilitate and aid this campaign (similar to the way the railroad aided the extermination of the bison IRL.)
In all the IR countries, serious construction of railroads begins.
Post 4: As per Amrynn_Moonshadow’s post:
Some of the elves begin a new Retreat, leaving Toril altogether.
Most of the other elves take offense at what is happening in the IR countries, especially those in Evermeet.
Post 5: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post:
The gnomes mock the elves, and offer to build factories in Lethilspar, capital of Evermeet, to facilitate industrialization on that Isle. They propose offensive things such as the clearing of Evermeet’s forests.
The Elven Imperial Navy in Realmspace, upon hearing of the new Flight of the Elves, refuses to become involved initially.
Post 6: As per Bondetamp’s post:
The first Labor Unions arise in Faerun. The first strife arises between unionizing workers and the large industrial companies of the IR countries.
Post 7: As per GuardianLurker’s post:
Character types in the IR countries react in various ways to events. Some, such as the archmage Gadgeteer, cash in on the IR. Others, such as certain wealthy retired fighters, complain a lot. Yet others, including many Druids, invoke powerful spells to bring natural disasters down to plague the IR countries.
A major effort is made by the bards and historians (undoubtedly including the Harpers and Heralds) to understand the gnomes and their new and strange ways. There is great suspicion of demonic or hellish forces working behind the scenes to aid the gnomes.
Clerical societies and orders begin divination efforts to ascertain whether the Gnomish Pantheon is directly involved in the IR, why they are allowing the IR, and what they may intend in the future.
There is considerable resistance Faerun wide among the clerical orders against the IR.
Barbarians, including groups from the Forest of Tethir, Mir, Thorn Wood, Guthmere Forest, the Chondalwood, the Methwood, the Shalwood, the Giant’s Plain, the Shining Plain, the Eastern Shaar, Fuirgar, Murghom, the Endless Waste, and Ashanath invade and devastate many areas in the IR countries. These barbarians are often stirred up by clerics and druids, or by nations opposed to the IR nations, or by organizations opposed to the IR.
Thieves’ Guilds, including the many infamous Faerunian organizations such as the Night Masks, cash in on the IR, often aiding both sides in the growing international crisis across Faerun.
Post 8: As per Volaran the Blue’s post:
More people with the means to do so are leaving Faerun, intimidated by the growing international crisis being caused by the IR. The elven Flight increases.
Post 9: As per Masked’s post:
Opposition to the IR, in non-IR countries and among many clerical, druidical, and secular organizations alike, continues to increase. There is serious political upheaval in IR and non-IR country alike as politicians and power figures debate and clash over what policy to adopt concerning the IR.
Post 10: As per Colonel Hardisson’s post:
A historical argument breaks out over who started the IR. Was it the gnomes, or was it really the dwarves or another race, with the gnomes taking credit where credit was not due? Are the gnomes truly technologically minded, or are they merely carpetbagging off the efforts of more ingenious peoples?
Some of the dwarves argue that they began the true IR, and they bring out demonstrative proof to show this. The gnomes then produce proof to counter the dwarven claim. The dwarves produce yet more proof, and argue they would have conducted industrialization in a more reasonable and accommodating matter for all involved. The dwarves, argue the dwarves, would not have started the kind of trouble the gnomes have caused, nor caused the destruction the IR is bringing to forest and city alike.
The rivalry between dwarf and gnome causes much diplomatic trouble and bad blood between the two races, as the IR intensifies.
The Druid Orders of Faerun, led by clearer heads, mount a massive intelligence campaign to understand the IR, it’s strengths and weaknesses, and how to alter it’s course if need be. They initiate and maintain diplomatic relations with the gnomes and IR countries, feeling diplomacy can bring favorable results for them and natural world they represent.
As a result of this, druid attacks on the gnomes and IR countries temporary drops radically, and relations between the druids and the IR nations improves drastically.
Post 11: As per Lost Soul’s post, on April 4th, 2001
Labor leaders arise in power, as the unionization attempts intensify, and the nascent unions force industry to make increasing concessions to them. (A situation similar to late 19th century America.) Trouble between industry and labor intensifies, with many organizations - public and covert - becoming involved in the politics of labor.
The idea of technomancy as a supreme weapon of war - the idea of mass producing magical firearms, cannon, and other weapons - is discussed seriously for the first time in warrooms and thronerooms in the IR nations. The idea grows overnight from conception to development to reality. The first attacks, using technomantic mass produced weapons, begin.
Post 12: As per Privateer Matt’s post:
A PR campaign, initiated by a group or nation unknown (but the dwarves are suspect) is begun that argues the gnomes did not start the IR at all, but are merely freeloading off of it ... or being scapegoated for it.
It is not at all clear why the PR campaign is undertaken. Perhaps historians are arguing the gnomish place in history, perhaps racial enemies of the gnomes wish to slander them, perhaps Thay wants credit for the IR, or perhaps all of these at once and then some.
There are a number of references in this PR campaign to ‘tinker gnomes.’ Upon careful study, sages and wizards in Faerun discover that tinker gnomes are native to Krynnspace, and are rarely found in Realmspace - and whatever they invent, causes disastrous trouble and calamnity, due to some curse.
The role of tinker gnomes in the IR, and whether the IR is a Krynnish plot, becomes an instant overnight uproar, while the gnomes of Lantan strictly deny any relation to the above.
The first wide references to a race called ‘kender’ is heard in Faerun. Sages and wizards find their research into this race most disturbing. A search is initiated to see if kender have come to Faerun.
A theory begins running around that kender are the force behind the IR. Furiously denied by the gnomes of Lantan, this rumor sweeps Faerun, and wide speculation abounds as to the capacity and nature of these kender.
In other words, rumormongering is rampant, false information is being written down in Candlekeep, and a lot of sages and wizards (and people, and groups, and governments) are very frustrated and very puzzled.
Post 13: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post:
The Chosen and the Harpers make covert attempts to halt the IR. There is serious trouble in Lantan as a result.
The gnomes of Lantan retaliate against Shadowdale, causing serious trouble and damage there.
Relations between Waterdeep, Luruar, and Aglarond and the IR nations deteriorate badly, with groups like the Lord’s Alliance joining with Waterdeep against the Knights of the Shield in Tethyr.
A number of groups and nations, such as the Zhentarim, Mulmaster, Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter, Thesk, and Calimshan, quietly help themselves to technomancy while publicly denouncing the IR nations. Political uproar and intrigue deepens Faerun-wide, as the IR continues to build.
An unfounded rumor appears that technomancy has awakened the phaerimm, and that the sharn have returned to fight them. Fortunately, this is not true, but it causes much consternation and some panic while it lasts.
In Realmspace, the first information reaches the spelljamming races there of the IR, of technomancy, and of the political trouble on Toril. Many groups, such as the illithid and scro of Realmspace, begin debating whether or not they could take advantage of the surface situation.
Post 14: As per Blood Jester’s post:
The rivalry between the gnomes and dwarves, and the heated debate over credit for the IR, continues between the two races. A lot of ale is wasted (or tossed) in arguments over the matter.
The dwarves argue that they were the real innovators, that the gnomes stold their ideas, and that dwarves would never have so misused technology and technomancy as the gnomes have done. In particular, the dwarves point to strip-mining now being conducted in some of the IR countries, demonstrating a complete lack of reverence for the earth. They point out railroads are unneccesary and provocative developments.
The gnomes argue the dwarves are liars, that dwarven greed is legendary, that the sweat and ingenuity of little Lantan started a change that is sweeping the world, and that - in any case - they are not responsible for human misuse of technology and technomancy. Look at Lantan, and the paradise it is becoming, argue the gnomes. As for railroads, they facilitate transportation of goods and services from one place to another as horses (and even magic) never could.
The dwarves seem to be winning the PR campaign, but the gnomes and the IR nations are the ones continuing to develop technology and technomancy - the dwarves, are falling rapidly behind due to their more conservative and cautious approach (the lack of caution is killing a lot of gnomes and humans in the IR, but others are still benefitting from their work.)
Ultimately, many credit the dwarves for the IR, but absolve the dwarves from blame for the problems the IR is causing. In the end, nearly all will absolve the dwarves from any blame (while the debate over who can take credit for the IR, never ends.)
Post 15: As per Blood Jester’s post:
A leading elven cleric of Solonor Thelandira begins a campaign of sabotage against the IR nations, with covert help from sympathetic elves.
This is the beginning of a hard core elven movement that utterly opposes the IR and all it stands for. Diplomacy between this group and the IR nations fails, and the covert sabotage by the elves increases steadily. The elves, indeed, state that the IR nations have declared war on the land and it’s creatures, and they are only protectors and defenders against the assault.
A secret order of wizards, followers of Azuth, take a similar hardline stance against the IR. They gather intelligence on technomancy, study the effects of the IR on the Weave, scry the future, attempt to hinder the IR legally, and supress new technology and technomancy whenever possible.
It is only reasonable to say that a lot of people, on all sides, have many justified concerns over what is happening, what will happen, and how Faerun has become destabilized and is rapidly becoming more so. Voices of reason, of peace, for quietude, and for measured change, clamor on every side. The voices supporting the status quo, perhaps, are the biggest voices of all. The radical changes the IR represents is terrifying a lot of people.
Post 16: As per Ashtal’s post:
Wild speculation as to where the IR is leading, and just what kind of world it will create, are being debated in scholarly and political circles Faerun-wide. There is no consensus, altogether a Castle Falkenstein (as per the game) type world is envisioned by many.
Post 17: As per Edena_of_Neith’s post:
The gnomes of Lantan denounce the elven saboteurs, and send forces to destroy them.
The gnomes begin an anti-elven PR campaign, speaking to all who will listen to them (many do.)
Attempts to scry the future by the wizards of Azuth reveal many possibilities, including a Toril of superscience, a Toril ending in nuclear armaggedon, and a Toril - and Realmspace - united in peace. ((As it turned out, all three prophesies came true.))
The gnomes mock the wizards of Azuth, bringing their own political capacity and legal thinking to bear against them. As a result, the wizards of Azuth make little peaceful progress, in Lantan or in the IR nations. The gnomes, aren’t even reasonable about this. The gnomes, are obsessed with what they call ‘progress.’
Post 18: As per Mastermind’s post:
Adventurers increasingly find that they can make great fortunes for themselves in the new industrial societies. Adventurers turned industrial barons begin to appear in the IR nations.
Post 19: As per Tsyr’s post:
Anti-gnome death cults spring up. Gnomish towns and villages are attacked and destroyed by these cults, and the gnomes massacred. Sabotage and open attacks on gnomish mines, facilities, and even their cities increases.
Large numbers of people join these anti-gnome cults. They gain the covert support of other groups who are opposed to the IR nations and willing to resort to violence.
Larger, more peaceful groups, opposed to technology and technomancy - either partially or fully - begin to appear in cities and towns in many Faerunian nations. These groups often argue that technology is an evil in itself.
Post 20: As per Soldarin’s post:
Consumerism flourishes in Lantan and the IR countries. The standard of living for the common person rises considerably in some countries, while industrial slavery (as per Charles Dickens) occurs in others.
In the IR countries in general, however, there is widespread support for the IR, and it is considered a very good thing. PR campaigns supporting the IR are strong and recurring in these countries.
The IR is now threatening to spread to other countries. Sembia, Westgate, Calimshan, Baldur’s Gate, Thesk, Procampur, Archendale, and Zhentil Keep are examples of nations that would love to help themselves to the benefits of technomancy (and mass produced technomantic weapons.) There is great political turmoil and trouble in these countries and city states.
Post 21: As per Eatenmyeye’s post, April 4th, 2001
A sudden rumor (backed by mysteriously produced ‘evidence’ that may or may not be reliable) sweeps Faerun that the rise of technology will see the fall of magic. The magical community of Faerun falls into bickering over this, with some taking sides, and others researching the matter, and many of them abruptly very afraid.
Chaos erupts in Thay and Mulhorand as the wizards there fall into strife over the matter. This chaos among the fracticious wizards of those lands rapidly deepens towards civil war. In Calimshan, the wizards there attempt to suppress all technology, but some of their own are drawn to the lure of technomancy, and civil strife erupts there as well.
Seeing the trouble, nations and organizations alike move to take advantage of it. The Realms are destabilized further as rumormongering, powermongering, scheming, and infighting rock places from Luskan to Narfell, and from Calimshan to Murghom.
The Nations of the Shining South (Halruaa, Dambrath, Luiren, Durpar, Var the Golden, Ulgarth, etc.) take serious notice of the events to their north for the first time.
The denizens of the Underdark also look Surfaceward, wondering what is happening.
Post 22: As per Drothgery’s post:
One of the more notable wizards of Faerun comes up with a way to use magic to produce clean energy, in the form of clean burning coal.
He then becomes a wealthy man overnight.
How has life been treating you lately? 
.
