Strange Question

[Sister Vigilante]

This may be something most people don't like to think about, but--are there set rules regarding contraception in Faerun? I was thinking about the issue of kids in romance epilogues, some players not wanting kids &etc., thinking--they don't really get a choice, this is the high middle ages or thereabouts. But is there a spell to the purpose? Or is it just kind of never treated? (I'm not a big D&D person, so I wouldn't know...)

[jcompton]

I'm pretty sure that it is canonical or near-canonical that ~100% male and female contraception is available in FR.

[Lysan Lurraxol]

If you've ever read any of Ed Greenwood's answers to fans, you'll find out that there's a a LOT of sex in Faerun. I'm pretty sure he said there was contraception. (I think the priests of Sune may give out special scrolls. I'm not kidding).

[Fyorl]

There were herbal 'remedies' around in the Middle Ages that were the equivalent of the 'morning after' pill so I would imagine it would be available in FR too.

[cmorgan]

There is a whole (non-canonical) guide dedicated to PnP romances and D&D materials/guidelines of this sort, if you search around (I did a bunch of background research before trying out writing for Romantic Encounters). It includes chances of conception by race, stats changes during pregnancy, available protection (magical and herbal), etc., etc.

 

Greenwood has some... extensive answers to fans, on the main site - and it opens materials up to a "soul to soul" romantic interaction (with flowers and signals and the whole lot) independent of gender and sexual identity, as well. I have not come up with a reliable FR Guidebook canonical reference yet, but look at Jaheira's BG talks, I think - unless BG1NPC adds the herbs discussion with Imoen (and we probably do). Middle Ages and Sune/ Hanali Calenil ideas would fit, though.

 

In short, if it seems like it makes sense, it is an open enough area that you can put what you like into play without offense, I think.

[Sister Vigilante]

Ah, yes..."There's rue for you, and some for me. You must wear your rue with a difference." The Sunite scrolls are probably a surer bet, though. Thanks!

[Sister Vigilante]

Sort of reminds me of Kurt Cobain's liner notes on the Nirvana song Pennyroyal Tea (supposed to be a contraceptive): "It doesn't work, you hippies!"

 

(But if it works in FR, that's fine...)

[jcompton]

Broadly speaking, if you can imagine a circa 1975 liberal paradise, it's probably a component of life in the Realms.

[Sister Vigilante]

Broadly speaking, if you can imagine a circa 1975 liberal paradise, it's probably a component of life in the Realms.

 

You read my mind.

[cmorgan]

born way, way too late... rats.

[berelinde]

But is there a spell to the purpose? Or is it just kind of never treated? (I'm not a big D&D person, so I wouldn't know...)

 

Heh. I actually did this research for Gavin. There are herbs for both male and female contraception. I forget what the female one is. It's a root of some kind, and is supposed to be incredibly bitter. It conveys protection for four days. The male version is cassil herb, and its tea is supposed to be tasteless and odorless.

[the bigg]

In modern history, condoms were "invented" in ~1600, but more for STD prevention than child protection. Ancient Greek mythology was already speaking about wearing a bladder over the penis for protection during sex, and drawings of condoms (maybe for ritual purposes, rather than safe sex) go all the way back to Egypt. So, it's possible that it was already available in a FR setting (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condom#History).

 

Also, apart from herbs, I'm pretty sure that they also knew about "skip the days" and coitus interructus.

[jcompton]

If this thread doesn't generate at least a half-dozen new Romantic Encounters, somebody should lose their job.

[Gabrielle]

At every inn a possible score for the weary traveler.

[Sister Vigilante]

It would be funny if you had to get those scrolls from the new "Temple of Sune" area. "I'll take these three stacks of bullets...two scrolls of cure serious wounds...scroll of raise dead...potion of insight...and five of these scrolls here please and a sling +1 thankyouverymuchgoodbye!"