@TheEdVerse questions about Waterdeep: Are The Red Sashes still active in Waterdeep? Who made Durnan's two-shot crossbow? And since Durnan is clearly the hardened barkeep with what is equivocal to a double-barrel, who was the inspiration behind him?
— Jon Forel (@Jon_4L) June 8, 2019
1)
Yes, they are. Current strength and aims? Up to your DM.
2)
Durnan's first two-shot crossbow (he's owned a succession, down the years) was made by Iros "Ironthorn" Thornan of Port Llast in 1299 DR and later (circa 1302 DR) purchased by Durnan.
3)
Durnan was one…#Realmslore https://t.co/K7VqZRRBvC— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019
2)
…of my two original Realms characters that I wrote finished short stories about (as opposed to the single-scene vignettes where I started to flesh out the Seven Sisters), and I saw him as a young, naive "thinking-man's Conan" (Conan from civilization, with a…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019
3)
…a brain, as opposed to a "barbarian") who was best friend and adventuring partner to wily, older Mirt. So he was clearly NOT a "hardened barkeep" to start with; what he was, was someone who had the good sense to retire from adventuring when he struck it…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019
4)
…rich, marry the sweetheart of his youth, and settle down to doing what he loved best (being tavernmaster in a neighbourhood he loved). He has, of course, adopted a "hardened" persona over the years as the best way to deal with difficult patrons; his few close…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019
5)
…friends see a very different side of him. He and his family imbibed potions of longevity to prolong his lifespan, and his secret dealings with several Chosen of Mystra, and the goddess directly, to become an 'anchor' for the Weave in preparation for the…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019
6)
…Spellplague led Mystra to make certain alterations to his longevity that allowed it to survive the onset of the Spellplague (so he could function as an anchor) with the result that he's still vigorous today.
But no, the Wild West tough barkeep was never my…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019
7)
…inspiration for Durnan; you see him that way because the Realms is worked on by many, and "tough barkeep" was a role they saw as perfect for Durnan in adventures they were telling. Which is fine with me.
So long as you don't overlook his "quiet, kindly…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019
8)
…advisor and source of help, in private and treating all as equals" side. Durnan sees consequences and the 'long view' and many facets of the world more than most rulers, sages, and far-traveled merchants, and his day job gains him more fresh intel than most.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019
9)
In Durnan's case, his day job and personal world-view enable him to subtly steer adventuring bands (who come for the fellowship or access to Undermountain) to go here or there, and do this or that, to give society in Faerun tiny nudges in this or that direction.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) June 8, 2019