| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 01 Jul 2006 : 23:51:43
Well met
This is a Book Club thread for Blackstaff(Book 1 of The Wizards series), by Steven Schend. Please discuss chapters 10 - 17 herein.
Steven Schend will be here to answer any questions and respond to comments  |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Dennis |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 01:35:56
Steven, do you consider bringing Khelben back? Or is his death the end of it all? I've read some reviews (not here) saying his presence in the Realms is redundant. Who needs a Blackstaff Chosen when there's already the almighty Elminster? Well, I disagree, of course. His personality is way different from El's. |
| Steven Schend |
Posted - 20 Mar 2011 : 01:47:50
quote:
Originally posted by Azuth
What a well-written book all around. Admittedly, my work performance may have suffered now and again as I just had to read...one...more...page.
I understand Khelben passing along the "Blackstaff" title to Tsarra. I suspect all of this is covered under an NDA, but I'll ask.
1. Do you have any further information as to what became of Laeral and Khelben's children you'll be sharing in future novels? (Y/N only, if you can answer)
2. Was there a Blackstaff before Khelben? I am not really clear based on the novel, although it's possible I missed something.
3. Khelben seemed to use far less Silverfire than most other Chosen of Mystra. Could you elaborate on your decision not to evoke more of that in the novel?
Cheers.
1. All I can legally and ethically share has been available in BLACKSTAFF TOWER or on my Q&A boards here at the keep. Much else about them is covered by NDAs bigger than the full moon outside right now.
2. Blackstaff as a title or honorarium, no, though there's the hint in the novel's prologue that his elven uncle wielded the Duskstaff (which may or may not have been the impetus and predecessor to the first true Blackstaff even before the man who would become Khelben used the name himself).
3. If he'd used any or much silver fire beyond the few instances he did, Tsarra would have exploded or worse (look to Ed's Secrets of the Magister for examples that might happen to those who fall while tied to Mystra's silver fires). I thought I'd put an aside about that into the novel, but it's been a long time since I'd written it, let alone given it a full read, so it may have hit the editing floor.
Now to get out under the full super-moon and think thoughts of Equinox.... |
| Azuth |
Posted - 11 Mar 2011 : 06:12:05
What a well-written book all around. Admittedly, my work performance may have suffered now and again as I just had to read...one...more...page.
I understand Khelben passing along the "Blackstaff" title to Tsarra. I suspect all of this is covered under an NDA, but I'll ask.
1. Do you have any further information as to what became of Laeral and Khelben's children you'll be sharing in future novels? (Y/N only, if you can answer)
2. Was there a Blackstaff before Khelben? I am not really clear based on the novel, although it's possible I missed something.
3. Khelben seemed to use far less Silverfire than most other Chosen of Mystra. Could you elaborate on your decision not to evoke more of that in the novel?
Cheers.
|
| Dennis |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 18:57:36
The Sharn's role is really interesting. I'd been curious what they really are ever since reading RotA. |
| Dhomal |
Posted - 09 Oct 2006 : 07:42:10
Hello-
Again - there is not much more that I could really say to add anything much here.
All the little dropped new lore, references to existing lore and people, the nifty magic items (I especially Liked the Wands' "Mage Scanner" - all amount to a Wonderful book!
I will be reading on very soon!
Excellent work!
You know - this might be the first FR book that I put back into the pile to re-read - trying to make sure I get all the referneces out of it! Of course - I'm so far behind - that I really need to do some other reading before a re-read - but thats another story! (or even - 2 trilogies!)
Dhomal |
| Foxhelm |
Posted - 22 Aug 2006 : 16:43:11
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Yup. I was sitting on that scene the whole time. 
I share that hope with you, re: writing Sememmon & Ashemmi in the future.
Steven
who wonders if anyone else sees Sememmon as the guy who plays Baltar on the new Battlestar Galactica....
Does that make Ashemmi Six? (At least in her Gold Elf form).  |
| Steven Schend |
Posted - 22 Aug 2006 : 16:31:49
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Ah, Steven... you sneaky devil.
When I asked you several months ago about what you thought the current status of Semmemon and Ashemi would be like after Darkhold, 'tis likely you were sitting on this little gem. Weren't you? Admit it?  
Regardless, I loved their entry -- saving Khelben no less. And the way it was written, reminded me so much of a young Dr. Stephen Strange, who once faced a horde of demons rampaging in New York during Inferno, was eventually forced to call on assistance from one of his greatest rivals. And the verbal sparing between the trio... with Tsarra left on the sidelines... Neato!
If and when Semmemon and Ashemi see further focus in the Realmslore -- whether through the fiction or in source material -- I hope you're somewhere in the mix... contributing where you can.
Yup. I was sitting on that scene the whole time.
I share that hope with you, re: writing Sememmon & Ashemmi in the future.
Steven
who wonders if anyone else sees Sememmon as the guy who plays Baltar on the new Battlestar Galactica.... |
| The Sage |
Posted - 22 Aug 2006 : 13:26:31
Ah, Steven... you sneaky devil.
When I asked you several months ago about what you thought the current status of Semmemon and Ashemi would be like after Darkhold, 'tis likely you were sitting on this little gem. Weren't you? Admit it?
Regardless, I loved their entry -- saving Khelben no less. And the way it was written, reminded me so much of a young Dr. Stephen Strange, who once faced a horde of demons rampaging in New York during Inferno, was eventually forced to call on assistance from one of his greatest rivals. And the verbal sparing between the trio... with Tsarra left on the sidelines... Neato!
If and when Semmemon and Ashemi see further focus in the Realmslore -- whether through the fiction or in source material -- I hope you're somewhere in the mix... contributing where you can.
|
| GothicDan |
Posted - 31 Jul 2006 : 00:32:07
He seemed not precisely stupid, but not really smart.
I'd peg him at average. |
| Steven Schend |
Posted - 31 Jul 2006 : 00:24:31
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Originally posted by darkcrow
The story is flowing along very well. Being the first book that I read of Blackstaff playing a major role, I'm really enjoying myself. Just one thing though. I hate to nit pick but I thought Blackstaff and Tsarra can't be more than 8 arm lenghths away from each other but in the beginning of chapter 17 she's sleeping in a room alone. Can someone clear that up for me?
Hmmm. Blackstaff was right next door...?
[quoteI really like Raegar. He plays his part well as a rogue. If he had gaming stats, he definitly has a high Charisma bounus.
Probably not very high INT though, IMO (going by the way he's written).
[/quote]
Lyrna's right on both counts.
Khelben was right next door in the next room; it's distance, not intervening walls, that matter.
Consider Raegar as a Charisma 18 but I'm not sure where his Int lies...
Steven |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 29 Jul 2006 : 02:25:39
You're welcome. :) |
| darkcrow |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 07:07:56
That sounds like something Khelben would do. Many Thanks to the both of you. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 01:24:21
Good point, KEJR. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 01:22:25
quote:
Originally posted by darkcrow
The story is flowing along very well. Being the first book that I read of Blackstaff playing a major role, I'm really enjoying myself. Just one thing though. I hate to nit pick but I thought Blackstaff and Tsarra can't be more than 8 arm lenghths away from each other but in the beginning of chapter 17 she's sleeping in a room alone. Can someone clear that up for me? I really like Raegar. He plays his part well as a rogue. If he had gaming stats, he definitly has a high Charisma bounus. I too enjoy the many mentions of different characters in other books like the Mad Mage of Undermountain. The pieces are coming together well and I can't wait to see them fit together.
You know, I wouldn't put it past Khelben to be the type to tell someone that they had about half as much leeway as they really do, just to they don't accidentially go out of bounds. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 00:38:50
quote:
Originally posted by darkcrow
The story is flowing along very well. Being the first book that I read of Blackstaff playing a major role, I'm really enjoying myself. Just one thing though. I hate to nit pick but I thought Blackstaff and Tsarra can't be more than 8 arm lenghths away from each other but in the beginning of chapter 17 she's sleeping in a room alone. Can someone clear that up for me?
Hmmm. Blackstaff was right next door...?
[quoteI really like Raegar. He plays his part well as a rogue. If he had gaming stats, he definitly has a high Charisma bounus.
[/quote]
Probably not very high INT though, IMO (going by the way he's written). |
| darkcrow |
Posted - 27 Jul 2006 : 07:04:19
The story is flowing along very well. Being the first book that I read of Blackstaff playing a major role, I'm really enjoying myself. Just one thing though. I hate to nit pick but I thought Blackstaff and Tsarra can't be more than 8 arm lenghths away from each other but in the beginning of chapter 17 she's sleeping in a room alone. Can someone clear that up for me? I really like Raegar. He plays his part well as a rogue. If he had gaming stats, he definitly has a high Charisma bounus. I too enjoy the many mentions of different characters in other books like the Mad Mage of Undermountain. The pieces are coming together well and I can't wait to see them fit together. |
| Mkhaiwati |
Posted - 27 Jul 2006 : 03:40:15
I recently asked Steven Schend about some sayings that pop up in Blackstaff, and it has been mentioned that I share those answers with the book club. Here goes:
quote:
On page 149, Khelben swears to Gamalon saying "Do you need me to pledge by the Nine who Remain, the Six Argent Guardians, or the Twelve Mysteries, among other things?"
Well, if I told you all about those things, there'd be no mysteries left to plumb, would there?
This was my touch of the hat brim to old faerie tales in how there were many more mysteries than ever defined or talked about. I wanted to lend an air of mystery there....and also one should never know everything about what wizards discuss. `tis not safe.
The fact that Gamalon understands all that might mean that whoever those mysteries are, it could be known to the more powerful mages in Faerun.
Mkhaiwati |
| Mazrim_Taim |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 02:47:06
Interesting how the Sharns keep coming into play, I wonder what their business in all of this is?
Also, just got done with the Sharn fight in the Sleeping Dragon and met Sememmon and Ashemmi. I wonder if he still wants his stuff back? 
I also want to thank Steven because I am really enjoying reading the book, it's fast becoming one of my favorites. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 01:18:57
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
I liked that chamber pot of Sune that cleaned people. :)
Yeah, I remember that. I wonder what it's like just coming up with all this stuff... |
| Kuje |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 01:03:49
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I just want to say, I love all the imaginitive magical items and things in the book so far...such as the face on the bookmark that blows pages over. Now this is what magic and fantasy should be--something that feels bizarre and stirs the imagination, not dulled down into a science.
I liked that chamber pot of Sune that cleaned people. :) |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 00:03:53
I just want to say, I love all the imaginitive magical items and things in the book so far...such as the face on the bookmark that blows pages over. Now this is what magic and fantasy should be--something that feels bizarre and stirs the imagination, not dulled down into a science. |
| Steven Schend |
Posted - 21 Jul 2006 : 12:55:03
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
I am curious to find out if Semmemon and Ashemi are actually agents of the Moonstars, or if they are just working with them "for now."
I'm afraid the answer to this is under a Wall of NDA spell for now....
quote:
Steven, if you check in, is there a specific reason that Mynda can't be ressurected? I'm just curious, because obviously other characters mentioned in the story have been raised or ressurected, so I was just wondering what the difference might have been? Was it the fact that she was killed by the peculiar energy of the items the Sharn are after?
Hard to say....While I'm a big comic book fan and would like to say the old rule of "Is there a body? Then death is negotiable" would apply. Still, there's an important line stated later in the book that suggests why Mynda is unlikely to come back. All I'll say is pay attention to Syndra Wands...
Steven |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 18 Jul 2006 : 05:08:56
I loved the entrance of Semmemon and Ashemi into the story here, and the recurring theme of Khelben calling for "Petrylloc's Gambit." Especially how the two former Zhentarim responded to the comment.
Its strange to see a Sharn in such a compromised position. We are so used to seeing them doing "Big Things" and being dangerous, so it really does reinforce the nature of the lich's power to show him being able to hold a Sharn captive and interrogate it thusly.
I loved the comment about Volo and his interpretation of the Legacy. Its interesting to get to see how such a character is perceived by other noteworthy characters in the setting. Not to mention, I miss Volo, so its good to get a mention of the old fellow.
I also like how we have reinforcement, through Tsarra, that the general population has no idea who Khelben and Laeral really are. When you know some of the answers, its easy to forget that not everyone is suppose to know that things that you know.
I am put in mind of the article that Steven mentioned a while back about all of the deaths of Khelben. It would be interesting to see all of the various identities and intrigues that he used to convince others that he was dead, and just how close he actually came each time.
I am curious to find out if Semmemon and Ashemi are actually agents of the Moonstars, or if they are just working with them "for now."
The Nykarran Mourninglobe is just the sort of magic item I love to hear about to flesh out the setting. Its great to hear about these magic items that aren't about combat or of immediate utility, but yet serve a facinating purpose that a society that has access to magic might come up with eventually.
Steven, if you check in, is there a specific reason that Mynda can't be ressurected? I'm just curious, because obviously other characters mentioned in the story have been raised or ressurected, so I was just wondering what the difference might have been? Was it the fact that she was killed by the peculiar energy of the items the Sharn are after?
|
| Wandering_mage |
Posted - 17 Jul 2006 : 15:33:10
I am overwhelmed with all the pieces of the puzzle coming together on so many bits of lore. This is definitely one of the those must read books about the Realms. Without it you miss out on so much. I am just amazed right now.  |
| The Sage |
Posted - 17 Jul 2006 : 07:09:00
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
quote:
Originally posted by Beezy
I am throughly amazed with this novel. This is Mr Schend's first attempt at a realms novel is it not? I think his work is absolutely terrific and so far I am liking the plot and how he includes so much realmslore into the story line.
It's his first novel, ever. :) He's only written sourcebooks before this.
It's his first FR novel, but not his first Realms fiction.
Steven also wrote "Persana's Blade" for the Realms of the Deep anthology.
|
| Kuje |
Posted - 17 Jul 2006 : 06:36:20
quote:
Originally posted by Beezy
I am throughly amazed with this novel. This is Mr Schend's first attempt at a realms novel is it not? I think his work is absolutely terrific and so far I am liking the plot and how he includes so much realmslore into the story line.
It's his first novel, ever. :) He's only written sourcebooks before this. |
| Beezy |
Posted - 17 Jul 2006 : 05:47:14
I am throughly amazed with this novel. This is Mr Schend's first attempt at a realms novel is it not? I think his work is absolutely terrific and so far I am liking the plot and how he includes so much realmslore into the story line. |
| eldritchknight |
Posted - 17 Jul 2006 : 01:52:43
Twins!? Looking forward to reading that part, as I am only on Chapter Twelve.
I have to say what a great book this is so far, and nice seeing Semmemmon and Ashemi in the book.
Got...to read...more. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 16 Jul 2006 : 00:54:32
Sharn and Phaerimm, my favorite aberrations from before we all knew they were aberrations. So could we finally be learning about what the deal is with these two species? Although most of the description was back in the first section, I have to thank Steven for making sure to describe the Phaerimm with the lines of eyes running down the side of them. I will always pictures them as they looked in the FR13 Valerie Valusek picture of them, since they looked a lot more menacing to me in that picture.
The news about Khelben and Laeral was very interesting ("it took us 500 years to have a child together"), and the flashback showing how Khelben first fell for her was touching, in a wild spellbattle, Khelben ending up "dead" kind of way.
There are so many things going on, I have a hard time knowing what to even comment on, except that dispite the different things being juggled, its still been smooth to follow, even if everything doesn't quite make sense yet. Its great to see some characters, like Maskar Wands show up, and I can't even begin to think about the Semmemon and Ashemi thing (I liked Laeral's comment about Malchor having a hard time working with them). Here is to hoping we get more of these two in the book.
I wonder if we will actually get more specific information about the Moonstars, or just keep getting peripheral glances at people in the group without fully acknowledging it. |
| SirUrza |
Posted - 16 Jul 2006 : 00:10:08
Twins! Congratulations to Blackstaff and Laeral! :) |
