#Kara-Tur

[thatcerealkiller]

It was unlike him to be layered in such finery, but he wore it very well.

Amazing portrait of my Tav Angelus by mary_dimary on IG 💖 No one can deny that he cleans up very nicely ✨

[vintagerpg]

If I didn’t use the Forgotten Realms Appendix very much, Kara-Tur (1990) made it to the table never. Was never really my thing, generally. In the year of our lord 2024, I am not sure I would put a vampire with yellow skin, a yellow dragon and yellow text on the book of Asian-inspired monsters, but maybe that’s just me (it isn’t just me, this is pretty thoughtless). There is a lot of “this is an Eastern variety of X” in the text, too, which ain’t great either.

I’m not a fan of Kara-Tur, but looking through this now, there are still some good monsters here I might use. Kappa are always fun (and the entry mentions cucumbers, which is rad) but the tengu are underwhelming. I like the race of intelligent octopuses, but am legit not sure if I love or hate the fact that they’re called tako, the Japanese word for regular octopuses. I did the Krakentua, too, and the spirit centipedes are fucked up (I hate centipedes).

Baxa does all the interior art and does a pretty solid job with it, but is again undermined by the designs of the monsters.

[robotbeetle]

day XXX of wishing Dnd would release official 5e content of the questionable non-european continents they created like thirty years ago and have never acknowledged since. Zakhara, Kara-tur, Maztica, you could've been great and I think of you often.

[vagelio]

Gesh, a Celestial Dragon/T’ien Lung. I don’t get to draw them often but they are lots of fun to do. I want to draw a Kara-Turan dragonborn someday too! Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vageliokal/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Vagelio Twitter: https://twitter.com/vageliokal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vageliokali Deviantart: http://vagelio.deviantart.com/ Tumblr: http://vagelio.tumblr.com/

[badragonplays]

tsr dnd karatur adventure Swords of the Daimyo is your classic first adventure for characters just starting out. However, It is important you can use normal classes but it is designed for the players to use region/era specific ones so use the source books!

[oathkeeper-of-tarth]

Ch'mar, zal'a Vlaakith, which several Githyanki phrase lists tell me means "Vlaakith's will above all," appears quite a few times in Baldur's Gate 3. Here's why I find it a uniquely amusing (and, in Vlaakith's case, appropriate) fantasy battle cry and proclamation.

First, let's hear our girl Lae'zel delivering it with great conviction:

Now, "čmar" - pronounced pretty much exactly how you just heard except you'd usually roll that r a tiny bit more - means "anus" in several South Slavic languages, including my own native language.

Meanwhile, "zlo" means "evil" and "zala" is the genitive plural of it, making it essentially "of evils".

Thus, delightfully, a bunch of hardline Githyanki soldiers in this game are shouting a completely grammatically accurate and very nicely pronounced "the asshole of many evils, Vlaakith". Sounds about right, I'd say.

Thank you for your attention... and happy almost-anniversary, BG3!

[dndhistory]

515. Jeff Grubb - OA3 - Ochimo: The Spirit Warrior (1987)

The third in the Oriental Adventures modules, Ochimo brings us to new lands. While your party starts out as natives of Kozakura (the Kara Tur version of Japan) or as "gaijin" if you've brought them from other non OA adventures, you will learn here about the culture of Shou Lung. 

As you can tell by its name, if Kozakura is the analog of Japan, then Shou Lung is the analog for China in the Kara Tur world. Although you and your party don't get to travel to Shou Lung properly, you are sent to investigate disturbances at Akari island, located in the sea between Kozakura and Shou Lung. This makes for an island with a great cultural influence from Shou Lung, which means you get to meet that new culture here.

Shou Lung is, as was the case with China, the more civilized and powerful of the societies in this world and while you get an introduction to the culture of that land, the adventure is spent in Akari island where you eventually discover that the problem with the island is related to the titular Spirit Warrior which your party will have to somehow defeat.

[theleastprofessionalchef]

Kara-Tur Noodles, from the official D&D cookbook! Spicy and delicious, definitely gonna be on the menu again

[wyllzel]

"zoom and enhance!" me trying to salvage my screenshots

[methulusyllasluth]

[margieargie]

are there fox girls in faerun? i don't remember any but i'm still stuck in like... 2e when it comes to it in a lot of ways. maybe even 1e.

[thatcerealkiller]

We are fireworks, burning shapes into the night 🪷

Many thanks to @ssalballoon for another beautiful scene of Astarion and Angelus, this time enjoying a festival by the lotus flowers in the eastern isles of Kara-Tur ❤️

[deathbind]

Reading these books and seeing the overtime Mystran propaganda works has convinced me priests, Chosen, and maybe even Magisters of the goddess have gone to Zakhara to spread use of the Weave. I’m sure they won a few converts, but they could never really get a foothold. It’s just a distinctly different magical tradition. Dominant attitudes toward religion on the continent aren’t compatible with Faerûnian attitudes either. You can’t just. slot Mystra or Azuth in there.

[vintagerpg]

Forgotten Realms sourcebooks this week, starting with the first: FR1: Waterdeep and the North (1987). This is the third true FR book (after the campaign box and N5: Under Illefarn — all the other stuff at this point that had the Realms logo were retrofits). Waterdeep came first because that’s where Ed Greenwood’s initial campaign took place, so it was the most detailed region when TSR took the world on.

Despite the “and the North” in the title, this is really just a look at Waterdeep. Greenwood had too much stuff to tell people about the city! Like, for real, some of the type in this book is shockingly small. I wouldn’t call this a city book though, not in the same way as Lankhmar or even something later like Night City. This is more like a textbook for a class on Waterdeep, if that makes sense. There are attribute blocks for NPC and some maps and such, but there is not a lot here that moves, that you can play with. It’s a lecture.

Which is fine by me, I really like Ed Greenwood’s series of lectures on the Forgotten Realms, they tend to be my favorite parts of the massive body of Realms products. But this is sort of the first time TSR is trying to consciously put setting first in the design. If you look at other D&D “sourcebook” style material before this, you get…some wishy washy Greyhawk stuff, some Kara-Tur, Lankhmar and a brief dossier on Krynn in DL5. So any stiffness or dryness in the material is because this is such new ground for the company (though I believe Bruce Heard’s Gazeteers were coming out at the same time; go ahead and compare them to this and you’ll see what I mean about the lack of movability).

Excellent Keith Parkinson cover featuring everyone’s favorite beholder crimelord, Xanathar. It’s an off-beat depiction and I wish some of the weirdness of it continued to surface in the Realms, but I find that it doesn’t. This also has very nice interiors by Chris Miller, who I don’t really know. It’s…weird to have really nice interiors in an FR book.

[galedekarios]

gale's early access dialogue transcripts - part 2 a: the deer stew scene

in early access, gale had two additional major scenes: the deer stew scene and the loss scene, both of which would happen during a long rest at camp.

the scenes in early access usually happened in this order:

-1: first night long rest scene (still in the final game) -2: mirror image scene (still in the final game) -3: deer stew scene (cut content / partially reused in act i) -4: weave scene (still in the final game) -5: loss scene (cut content) -6: tiefling party scene (ea version cut / partially reused in act ii last night alive scene)

the deer stew scene was supposed to show that gale had come to trust the protag throughout their time together and the actions they've taken, like saving arabella and mirkon, or trying to solve the tension between zevlor and aradin.

he would tell them about his condition and reveal that he needs magical artefacts of great power (idol of silvanus, sword of justice, staff of crones, shadow of menzoberranzan, etc.) in order to consume the weave within them to sate said condition. parts of that conversation have been reused and repurposed for the full release version of the game, though now this scene happens while travelling if you progress gale's approval enough.

you can watch a video of the deer stew scene here. below you'll find the transcript of the scene and all its outcomes.

the deer stew scene

Gale: Ah, there you are. How did you enjoy my deer stew this evening? Old family recipe. Protag (Option 1): It was delicious. Gale: Good. I tend to season it with spices from Kara-Tur, but given what's available to us, good old rosemary had to see us through. Not that I mean to regale you with my culinary exploits. Gale: There's, er... Well, there's actually something quite different I'd like to discuss. Protag (Option 2): I didn't have any actually. Gale: Curious time to be dieting. Especially with a chef like myself around. -> Then same as Option 1 Protag (Option 3): Should have kept it in the family. Gale: Can't argue with taste. Or the lack thereof. -> Then same as Option 1

Protag (Option 1): By all means.  Gale: We've been... -> See Option 3 Protag (Option 2): Why so tense all of a sudden? Gale: Some things are easier to explain than others. But first let me say this: We've been... -> See Option 3 Protag (Option 3):  Whatever it is, make it brief. Gale: As you wish. Gale: We've been travelling together for a while now, and during those travels I've been observing you. I want you to know that I like what I see.  The way you handled Nettie when she poisoned you. The way you defused the tension between Zevlor and Aradin. The way you got Kagha to release the girl. The way you saved that boy out of a harpy's clutches. In short: I've grown to trust you.

Protag (Option 1): That's very gratifying to hear  Gale: Now I need you to place your trust in me. Protag (Option 2): Enough of flattery. Where is this going? Gale: An exchange. I expressed my trust in you, now I need you to place your trust in me.  Protag (Option 3): Can't say the feeling's mutual.  Gale: And yet I need you to place your trust in me in turn. Gale: Our journey together is bound to last a while still. As such I feel compelled to speak. I say this because there is something I desperately need, but while I'll tell you what that something is, I won't tell you why. I have to ask you to agree to this before carrying on with this conversation.

Protag (Option 1): Very well, I agree Gale: Thank you. I see I did well to trust you. Now to the matter at hand. You see, I have a... condition. A condition different from the tadpole, but just as deadly. The only way to appease Protag (Option 2): No. It's unfair to demand blind faith in you. Gale: I understand that I'm asking for a lot, but I can't tell you everything. Not yet anyway. Please, reconsider. Protag (Option 3): [Wisdom] You sense secrecy and danger. Use your tadpole to probe Gale's thoughts. [Failure] Gale: I'm afraid that's not going to work on me. Look, I appreciate your curiosity, but don't pursue this path.  Let's agree in actions first and explanations later, yes?

Protag (Option 1):  Fine, have it your  way. / Fine, I reconsider. Tell me what you need.  Gale: Thank you. I see I did well to trust you. Now to the matter at hand... Protag (Option 2): I'm still going to say no. / No, I won't. And that's final. Gale: That's... truly disappointing. I see now that I misjudged you, so we'll dwell on the matter no longer. And at least I know where I stand. This is a part of the journey I must walk alone. Good night. Protag (Option 3): [Wisdom] you sense secrecy and danger. Use your tadpole to probe Gale's thoughts. [Success] Narrator: You become one with Gale's mind and you can feel something sinister oppressing you. It's... inside of you, a mighty darkness radiating from your chest. You could try to push further, but your hold over Gale feels brittle. It won't be easy delving deeper without him noticing. Delve deeper: [Failure] Gale: What are you... You're using the tadpole against me? This is a breach of trust that... And to think I thought you trustworthy in the first place! I'm leaving. I cannot stand to be around such betrayal a moment longer. 

Tav: [Insight] You are in mortal danger twice over. To leave would be foolish, and you are no fool.  [Failure] Gale: I am a fool. A fool to have trusted you. [Gale leaves the party permanently] Delve deeper: [Success] Narrator: You see through Gale's eyes, staring down the corridor of a dread memory. A book, bound, then suddenly opened. Inside there are no pages, only a swirling mass of blackest Weave that pounces. It's teeth, it's claws, it's unstoppable as it digs through you and become part of you. And Gods, is it ever-hungry.

Gale: Keeping me in suspense, are you? Come on, tell me, do we have an agreement or not? It's s simple question, isn't  it? What gives you pause? Protag (Option 1): Yes, I agree. Gale: Thank you. I see I did well to trust you. Now to the matter at hand... Protag (Option 1 / Dependent on Tadpole Use): Risk telling Gale what the tadpole showed you. Gale: What? You used that thing against me? And you saw! After I told you.... This is a breach of trust that... And to think I thought you trustworthy in the first place! I'm leaving. I cannot stand to be around such betrayal a moment longer.  Protag (Option 1): [Persuasion] Be reasonable, Gale. I'm responsible for our party. I had to know.  Gale: [Success] The need remains debatable, but I recognise your responsibility. Perhaps I spoke in haste, it's just that... there are things... things I cannot speak of. Besides, what you saw... You read the opening line of a very big book, no more. The darkness you perceived, that is my primary condition. A condition different from the tadpole, but just as deadly.

Protag (Option 2): [Inisght] You are in mortal danger twice over. To leave would be foolish, and you aren't fool. Gale: [Success] I have to admit, you are right about that. Besides, what you saw... Gale: [Failure] I am a fool. A fool to have trusted you. This is where we part ways. Protag (Option 3): So be it. Gale: So be it. This is where we part ways.

Gale: The only way to “appease” said condition is for me to take powerful magical artefact and absorb the Weave inside. It's been days since I last consumed an artefact, before we were abducted. It is time. By that I mean it's Imperative that I find and consume powerful strands of Weave at the earliest possible juncture. Protag (Option 1): Tell me more about that condition of yours [Saw with the Tadpole] Gale: You've already seen more than I was willing to share, remember? Best leave the darkness in darkness for now. [Did not use the Tadpole] Gale: That's part of the 'why' you agreed not to discuss. Wouldn't want to make an oath breaker out of you. Protag (Option 2): Where are we supposed to find the kind of artefacts you need? Gale: We already done the finding. The Idol of Silvanus is such an artefact. Protag (Option 1):  Are you crazy? There's no way I'm stealing the druids' idol. Gale: I'm not saying we should – I'm just pointing out it happens to be exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for. Of course we're bound to come across more artefacts during our travels. -> Continue to As luck would have it... Protag (Option 2): That sounds like more trouble than it's worth. Gale: And it might well be. It's a holy relic after all, and taking it would enrage the druids to no end. Not that I'd say no, but we're bound to come across more artefacts during our travels. -> Continue to As luck would have it... Protag (Option 3): Then let's go get it.  Gale: I'm not so sure that's advisable. It's a holy relic after all, and taking it would enrage the druids to no end. Not that I'd say no, but we're bound to come across more artefacts during our travels. -> Continue to As luck would have it... Protag (Option 4):  What happens if you don't consume any artefact? Gale: Catastrophe. Protag (Option 5): This is all madness. Gale: Define it as you will, the semantics aren't important, the condition's conditions are: I am in need of artefacts. That's all there's to it. -> Continue to As luck would have it... Gale: As luck would have it, Faerûn is full of them, though I do feel obliged to point out that items of power tend to be in the hands of the powerful. There will be danger involved – or great cost.

Protag (Option 6): So Astarion wants to suck blood and you want to suck magic. What's next? Gale: We all have our eccentricities. Ours are just more eccentric than most.  Astarion: As a matter of fact, you should feel lucky to be travelling with men of taste. -> Continue to As luck would have it...

Protag (Option 1): Danger? I wouldn't have it any other way.  Gale: Good. A bit of boldness will serve us well. -> Continue to I know the allure... Protag (Option 2): So you're saying I need to risk my life for you.  Gale: I know the allure these artefacts hold. I understand their value and their power. All this to say: I understand the sacrifice I ask of you. But if I may so bold: it's for a good cause indeed. I hope I can count on you.  Protag (Option 3): When I acquire powerful magic items, I'm not so sure I'll choose you over them.  Gale: That's your decision to make. I expect you to make the right one. Much is at stake. More than my own meagre life alone. Protag (Option 4): I can tell you right now I don't care at all for this wild Gale chase.  Gale: That's your decision to make. I expect you to make the right one. Much is at stake. More than my own meagre life alone. Gale: I know the allure these artefacts hold. I understand their value and their power. All this to say: I understand the sacrifice I ask of you. But if I may so bold: it's for a good cause indeed. I hope I can count on you.  Gale: [if the tadpole was used and told] Oh, and as far as that tadpole trickery goes, I really do trust you'll not be so untoward again.

coming up next:

-part 1: the three tadpole dreams -> completed

-part 2: major cut scenes: the deer stew scene -> completed with this post & the loss scene -> will be posted next

-part 3: minor cut scenes: abandoned temple of jergal, failed to save arabella, talking to the paladins of tyr and agreeing to go after karlach, edowin and the tadpole reveal, mayrina giving ethel's wand to her or breaking it, handing astarion over to the gur or defending him, reaching the druid grove, killing lae'zel, reaching the goblin camp & looking for halsin, killing the druids, priestess gut & the brand & the cult of the absolute, dror ragzlin and talking to the dead mind flayer, ogre couple, necromancy of thay, ethel, zhentarim chest, myconid colony

-part 4: gale's condition & the way it was treated in early access

taglist: @chainsawmascara, @randomfanner, @tacogoats, @khajiit-necromancer, @gwinharper, @galesenchantedpanties, @swampfaerie, @ardently-queer, @nirraein, @gale-enjoyer, @xiv-wolfram, @kairoswouldnever, @a-psychopathic-dream

i thought i'd tag the people i'd seen taking an interest in my original post! if you want to be taken off the taglist, please let me know!