Template:DidYouKnow/current

This page collects old trivia from Template:DidYouKnow. Please make sure there are 53 sections of trivia in each archive year (every 5 or 6 years we get a year with 53 weeks in it. See ISO week date). The DidYouKnow template will select additional trivia from a random previous year for the current week. Archives should be named for the year they were created because the template looks for pages in the archive directory that start with "2".

Archives of previous years:
 * Template:DidYouKnow/archive/2013
 * Template:DidYouKnow/archive/2014

28/12/2014 – 4/1/2015

 * ...that in the Year of the Cracked Turtle, 924 DR, King Peverel Elethlim of Impiltur and both his heirs died of plague?
 * ...that a caftan was long robe-like garment commonly worn in Zakhara and by most women in Calimshan?
 * ...that a living idol was an animated, intelligent statue that was sometimes the focus of worship by cults in Zakhara?
 * ...that Delina was a young wild mage who inadvertently released the famed warrior Minsc from a statue during battle?
 * ...that el Ashnarti were a crime family that dominated the city of Keltar, and were known for their thugs and goons?
 * ...that Cvaal Daoran was a Zhentarim captain of the Brothers of the Black Fist who seized power over the city of Phlan?
 * ...that Tualo the Bright was tricked into opening a portal to the Far Realm and slain by strange entities from there?

4/1/2015 – 11/1/2015

 * ...that in the Year of the Hurled Axe, 928 DR, the Lord of Calandor launched a bid for the crown of Delimbiyran, but lacked support?
 * ...that the ritual of twin burnings was devised in ancient Yhalvia to bind the tyrannical devil lord Orlex to Thakorsil's Seat?
 * ...that Tunfer the Stout was a Tyrran cleric and an advisor to Lord Randal Morn of Daggerdale, during and after Zhent occupation?
 * ...that Yerrininae was a drider served as a guardian to Gromph Baenre while he collected spell components outside Menzoberranzan?
 * ...that asuras were the messengers of good deities, who were organized into the Grand Celestial Host under the general Absalom?
 * ...that the Altar of the Air was a shrine to the goddess Akadi and somehow protected from the destructive sands of the Calim Desert?
 * ...that the banishing smite spell allowed a paladin to strike a foe and banish them to another plane for a period?

11/1/2015 – 18/1/2015

 * ...that, on the day before Highsummer, every winged cat in Ankhapur disappeared and returned three days later with no explanation?
 * ...that an orb wraith was a conglomeration of lesser wraiths that merged together at a location of intense negative energy?
 * ...that a watchware spell sent an alarm and a mental image to its caster if something passed through or touched a ward object or area?
 * ...that Aurbangras was a white dragon who, with his father Arauthator, allied with the drow during the Darkening in Luruar?
 * ...that Dashadjen was a major garrison city for Calim's armies during the Era of Skyfire, but was later ground down to sand and stones?

18/1/2015 – 25/1/2015

 * ...that The Gambling Ghost inn in Myratma was frequented by a ghost who challenged patrons to a game of cards for a platinum bar?
 * ...that an achaierai was a giant, flightless bird with four legs and an evil disposition that came from the Lower Planes?
 * ...that Badrazel was a balor demon who served as Kurgoth Hellspawn's personal "fixer" during the invasion of Maerimydra?
 * ...that in the Year of the Advancing Wind, 947 DR, two dragons battled over Calandor, devastating the realm and killing the duke?
 * ...that a beast sense spell allowed a druid or ranger to see and hear through the eyes and ears of a willing animal?
 * ...that a headband of the Binder was created by bards in the name of Oghma to help them read magic and retain lore?
 * ...that King Yarin Frostmantle of the Bloodstone Lands was a tyrant who divorced or beheaded six wives for not conceiving an heir?

25/1/2015 – 1/2/2015

 * ...that the Undying Temple in Maerimydra was a living structure able to manage its own defenses and mentally assault intruders?
 * ...that in the Year of the Cairngorm Crown, 972 DR, the derro tribes of the Northdark warred against the duergar of Gracklstugh?
 * ...that a portfolio was the name for a list of concepts that a deity both represented and had power over, and gave them greater power?
 * ...that Rath Modar was an exiled Red Wizard of Thay who sought to return leading an army of dragons, with the Dragon Cult's aid?
 * ...that Ragged Dain was Captain of the Guard in Citadel Felbarr in 1479 DR, who mentored a young Reginald Roundshield?
 * ...that Myratma was the great Textiles City of Tethyr, known for its fine canvases, silks, and other fabrics produced by the Tethyr Mills?

1/2/2015 – 8/2/2015

 * ...that Filzaur was a drow apprentice wizard of the Inverted Tower who studied the creation of vile curses and diseases?
 * ...that Thakorsil's Seat was a powerful artifact employed by Szass Tam in a plot to bind and enslave the demon prince Eltab?
 * ...that Raedra Obarskyr became the queen of Cormyr after defending Suzail from a siege in 1486 DR whilst a regent for her brother?
 * ...that Rogrotus was a black dragon who came to the Well of Dragons to ensure the coming of Tiamat the Dragon Queen?
 * ...that in the battle of Moonlight's Triumph, the Moonlight Men defended Everlund and Silverymoon from a horde of orcs?
 * ...that the blur illusion spell made someone appear out of focus and thus harder to hit in battle?

8/2/2015 – 15/2/2015

 * ...that Giselle Malcomb was a Rider of Nesmé in 1484 DR who blamed Drizzt Do'Urden for her city's troubles with orcs?
 * ...the claw of the revenancer was an artifact of Kiaransalee used by Irae T'sarran to transform her victims into revenants and silverwraiths?
 * ...that Isabeau Thione, the daughter of Lady Lucia Thione-Hhune of Tethyr, was abandoned with the gnomes at the Friendly Arm Inn?
 * ...that the Chessan language group encompassed tongues spoken around Chessenta, in the Shaar, and as far as the Chultan Peninsula?
 * ...that chain lightning was an evocation spell that generated a bolt of lightning that jumped from target to target?
 * ...that a shield of senses would automatically cure a bearer of blindness or deafness, in addition to protecting against fire?
 * ...that the town of Mossbridges was said to be home to a smuggler who took the form of an octopus and stashed her goods in giant clams?

15/2/2015 – 22/2/2015

 * ...that Narfelli was the language of the ancient empire of Narfell and heavily influenced by Abyssal, spoken by demons and devils?
 * ...that in Chondathan, the word for 'duke' was ' storn ' and the word for 'duchess' was ' staerra ' ?
 * ...that a thoqqua was a worm-like creature of earth and fire that burrowed through stone in search of minerals that it consumed?
 * ...that a Watcher's Mound was a campsite constructed by the Disciples of St. Sollars for use by travelers in the Earthspur Mountains?
 * ...that Ilmurk Jongrath, a miller and rancher of Tethyr, drew the ire of local Heralds for his amateur heraldry efforts?
 * ...that the city of Goliad in Damara had to be rebuilt twice, once after a major battle against the forces of Vaasa?
 * ...that Nymmestra Durothil once got drunk on evermead and challenged three other wizards to a duel, handily beating them?
 * ...that the ancient city of Myth Ondath, the City of Peace, was dedicated to harmonious coexistence between races, before its destruction?
 * ...that a conjure animals spell summoned a number of fey spirits that took the form of animals that obeyed the caster?

22/2/2015 – 1/3/2015

 * ...that the kaorti were once a cabal of Imaskari wizards transformed by their mere proximity to a horrible elder evil?
 * ...that a contingency spell allowed a mage to trigger another spell once specific conditions were met, in case of emergency or need?
 * ...that Castle Al-Amo was the abode of St. Sollars in the Seven Heavens, where he once had beers with Gareth Dragonsbane and party?
 * ...that Ozomar Do'Urden, a drow mage, became the house wizard of House Do'Urden, after defecting from House Druu'giir?
 * ...that Yashar was a strikingly handsome medusa male who served Irae T'sarran in defending the Undying Temple in Maerimydra?
 * ...that Jhaamdathan was the language of the fallen empire of Jhaamdath and the basis of modern Chondathan and Common?
 * ...that the Blood of Lathander was a holy artifact with healing powers, composed of the preserved blood of the god Lathander himself?

1/3/2015 – 8/3/2015

 * ...that Ripper was a fiendish displacer beast who served the drow Zedarr T'sarran during the Silence of Lolth in Szith Morcane?
 * ...that a delayed blast fireball spell created a fireball that would detonate at will or after a short period of time?
 * ...that the Purple Hills on the coast of Tethyr were home to vineyards, among them those owned by Oraundas Haeltower?
 * ...that Jhastar Belnold was a Harper ranger who notably killed a beholder by riding it into the ground and stabbing its main eye?
 * ...that Afrafa, one of the Monks of the Yellow Rose, was the youngest ever to ride a remorhaz, at the age of only 15?
 * ...that the Bottom Feeder was a dwarf-run riverboat plying the River Chionthar, from Baldur's Gate to Scornubel?
 * ...that Xonthal's Tower in the Western Heartlands was surrounded by a magical hedge maze and other unusual magical defenses?
 * ...that the Tear of Selûne was an artifact said to be a tear shed by the goddess herself, and allowed one to call down meteor swarms?
 * ...that Barrowin Undurr was a dwarf priestess of Gorm who joined the Order of the Gauntlet after her lover was taken by a dragon?

8/3/2015 – 15/3/2015

 * ...that the Lair of the Hidden was once an inn in Maerimydra before it was gutted by fire and occupied by the Hidden as a hide-out?
 * ...that Talantra Bowgentle once robbed a vizier of Calimshan by tying her up, wearing her clothes and jewels, and impersonating her?
 * ...that in the Year of the Smoldering Spells, 1020 DR, the mages of Thay developed the majority of their unique fire-based magic?
 * ...that the House of Serpents Trilogy told the story of Arvin, a psionicist, and the intrigues of the yuan-ti rulers of Hlondeth?
 * ...that Ileuthra was a celestial brass dragon who once dwelt with the god Oghma and wandered the planes seeking knowledge?
 * ...that a detect poison and disease spell did exactly what it said on the tin?

15/3/2015 – 22/3/2015

 * ...that Flenser was a draegloth cleric of Kiaransalee exiled from Maerimydra after her demonic birth killed her drow mother?
 * ...that in the Year of the Tempest, 1027 DR, the rajah of Estagund founded the Maquar to stimulate the bankrupt economy?
 * ...that the Grand Caliph was the ruler of all Zakhara, in matters of both state and faith, from his palace in Huzuz?
 * ...that the Rangewatchers once slew a marauding red dragon, but at the cost of three members and Montolio Debrouchee's sight?
 * ...that a dissonant whispers spell created an injurious cacophonous noise that only its victim could hear, forcing them to retreat?
 * ...that the Skum Lord was an aboleth who owned 40% of Skullport's buildings, with its skum kidnapping those who didn't pay the rent?

22/3/2015 – 29/3/2015

 * ...that abyssal ghouls served the goddess Kiaransalee and had smoke-trailing tongues that could drain the sanity from a victim?
 * ...that Bwimb, the elemental god of oozes, was slain by a demon prince who mistakenly believed he had the Wand of Orcus?
 * ...that a divination spell foretold the outcome of an event, goal, or action within the next week or if the caster entered a certain area?
 * ...that the Triceratops Society was a secret society devoted to protecting Chult that would leave an iron triceratops as a warning?
 * ...that a salt bond in Zakhara promised a host's hospitality and protection and a guest's peaceful intent to their host?
 * ...that Winter Zulth was a mapmaker in Waterdeep and secret member of the Moonstars, furnishing them with maps and even a ship?

29/3/2015 – 5/4/2015

 * ...that Blister was a Netherese military outpost that survived the fall of Netheril, until it fell to starvation and internal conflict?
 * ...that Assam was a city on the Shining Plains jointly governed by representatives of the neighboring city-states Lheshayl and Ormath?
 * ...that wu jen devoted themselves to a single goal requiring great mental disciple, often at the cost of family ties and honor?
 * ...that swirling leaves of steel was a battle technique in which a two-weapon-wielding ranger spun around and struck all foes nearby?
 * ...that the Flaming Tower in Daggerdale was inhabited successively by fire giants, Zhentilar, and the Eldreth Veluuthra?
 * ...that the Duchy of Ankaram in Tethyr was ruled by Vajra Valmeyjar and well defended against Calimshan?
 * ...that Gorgondy wine was a gnomish wine that offered glimpses of the past to those who consumed it?
 * ...that Drawmij's instant summons summoned a chosen item directly to the caster's hand, from wherever it was, even from other planes?
 * ...that Eregul the Freestave was a high-ranking Zhentarim wizard involved in the occupation of Shadowdale in 1375 DR?

5/4/2015 – 12/4/2015

 * ...that Dessa sik-Morcane was a drow priestess of Lolth kept captive by Kiaransaleeans as food for their vampire servants?
 * ...that Hardcastle was a trade city located on the caravan routes between the Great Rift, Unther, and the Vilhon Reach?
 * ...that Barroch's Hold, lying in the Glacier of the White Worm, was the fabled base of Barroch, the great bandit lord of the Inner Sea?
 * ...that the Nishaadhri were mages of Vaasa who swore fealty to the Warlock Knights and wore dark veils over their eyes?
 * ...that Severin Silrajin correctly translated Maglas's prophecy and reformed the Cult of the Dragon to the worship of living dragons?
 * ...that the Principality of Ankramir was a part of Tethyr governed by Vajra Valmeyjar on behalf of Princess Cyriana Rhindaun?

12/4/2015 – 19/4/2015

 * ...that Amelior Amanitas, the Sage of Secomber, once toured the North in a hot-air balloon powered by fire and air elementals?
 * ...that Talon Everhale, a ranger of Icewind Dale, carried a fiendish curse and deformities dating back to Hellgate Keep?
 * ...that the Striding Giant Rapids on the River Rauvin were caused by a petrified hill giant in the middle of the stream?
 * ...that a Lockstone was a magical gem from the Outer Planes used to trigger certain spells when conditions were met?
 * ...that Chultan dwarves were albino shield dwarves living in mines deep below Chult and used dinosaurs as beasts of burden?
 * ...that Tystarn Dauntinghorn was a Cormyrean noble and unwitting spy for the Night Masks, with a close resemblance to Manshoon?
 * ...that the morkoth were aquatic creatures with hypnotic powers, especially in the maze-like lairs where they lured in and killed prey?

19/4/2015 – 26/4/2015

 * ...that Paelinn was a divine seeker of Kiaransalee who defended the Undying Temple in Maerimydra, working with the temple itself?
 * ...that in the Year of the Lord's Dilemma, 1066 DR, the southern provinces of Shou Lung split off to form the empire of T'u Lung?
 * ...that Rainbow Gorge was the source of the River Rauvin and named for the constant rainbow formed by spray from waterfalls?
 * ...that the Rock of Bral was an asteroid, one of the Tears of Selûne that orbited Toril, and home to a city of humans and humanoids?
 * ...that Tuth was an adventurer who sacked temples for rival churches and joined the Knights of the Shield after going into business?
 * ...that razor grass was silvery leafed and so named because it was very sharp, able to cut animals and barefooted humanoids?

26/4/2015 – 3/5/2015

 * ...that the Grand Boulevard was the main street of Maerimydra and became a campsite for the armies of Kurgoth Hellspawn?
 * ...that the cat lord was the master of all cats, great and small, and his howl could stun all creatures in an area bar felines?
 * ...that the Burning Rift beneath the Peaks of Flame in Chult held many portals to and creatures from the Elemental Plane of Fire?
 * ...that a chasme was a horrid human–fly-hybrid demon, whose droning wings could lull a victim to sleep before it sucked its blood?
 * ...that "pasha" was the title for a guildmaster or clan leader in Calimshan but could be used for rulers of cities or the whole nation?
 * ...that Jhannas Errlyk, a merchant of Myratma, was accused of smuggling and so humiliated and guilty he had to leave the city.

3/5/2015 – 10/5/2015

 * ...that Velina T'sarran, priestess of Kiaransalee and twin sister of Velasta, led raids against farms and homesteads in Daggerdale?
 * ...that the church of the Red Knight flourished in 1361 DR after King Azoun IV's crusade against the Tuigan Horde the year before?
 * ...that Yaulazna was a flying earthmote and the base of the Five Companies band of sky-pirates, who piloted it around Faerûn?
 * ...that the Many-Windowed Tower on the shore of the Yal Tengri in the Hordelands was the base of a spelljamming lich?
 * ...that the Pantheist Temple of Tyr on the Rock of Bral held that all lawful good gods of justice or war were merely aspects of Tyr?
 * ...that Trademeet was a caravan-stop town in Amn and that Waukeen, goddess of trade, personally ended dishonesty and bickering there?
 * ...that the Grinning Skull oasis in the Plains of Purple Dust was named for a great dragon's skull that shielded it from wind?
 * ...that Zuras el Ireen was a pirate in service to the Rundeen before he transferred to their shipping business?
 * ...that, of the hours of the day, noon was known in Faerûn as "highsun" and was a key time for working magic with diamond dust?

10/5/2015 – 17/5/2015

 * ...that the temple of Tyr in Dagger Falls was led by Tunfer the Stout and offered its services to those who worked for Lord Randal Morn?
 * ...that Lake Mulsantir, between Rashemen, Thay, and Thesk, was patrolled by Rashemi witchboats piloted by hathrans?
 * ...that the wand of power belonging to the godly father of Selûne enabled transport between planes, until it was seized by Imgig Zu?
 * ...that Akota was a mysterious realm beyond the western coast of Zakhara that exported gold and slaves to other cities?
 * ...that the Pit of the Ghuls was a desolate valley in Zakhara said to contain statues of gold, onyx, and other precious materials?
 * ...that the Steps of Istishia in Keltar, Calimshan, was an impressive shrine to Istishia in which water flowed down a pyramid?
 * ...that Rikmo Naquander, a Master Thief of the Shadowmasters of Telflamm, had plans to join the city's merchant council?
 * ...that anth-Malar was the Chosen of the god Malar, and enjoyed impaling his victims upon stalactites in the Twisted Run?
 * ...that an ensnaring strike spell caused vines to entangle and slowly crush a creature struck by an enchanted weapon?

17/5/2015 – 24/5/2015

 * ...that Umaerh was drow lich sorcerer at the Undying Temple who staved off decomposition with a robe of gentle repose?
 * ...that Iniarv's Tower by the Mere of Dead Men had a spell that projected a message from the lich Iniarv to trespassers?
 * ...that in Fabada in Zakhara's High Desert, elected leaders would shave and burn their hair to signify their status in the tribes?
 * ...that the Calimemnon Crystal was the magical prison of the genies Calim, Memnon, and their servants, who once ruled Calimshan?
 * ...that Glinda Scatterstar, master of the Mage's Guild of Hillsfar, used her guild to undermine and try to depose Lord Maalthiir?