| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 26 Sep 2012 : 13:42:25
I didn't set out to specialize in elves. They just kept showing up when I was writing, playing with my harp and making snooty comments about my wine collection until I put them in the story. As one does.
In addition to the elves of the Forgotten Realms, I've written about the linchetti (the nightmare elves of medieval Tuscan folklore), elves in current-day Providence (the Changeling Detective novels), and developed a new approach to crystal-based magic in the elves of my Tales of Sevrin series. Last night, Interaction Point Games announced the publication of a new short story, "A Single Thread."
This is set in a fantasy version of medieval Europe (the year 1415, to be specific)--Kingdoms of Legend, a Pathfinder-compatible setting. Here's a link to a post on my website with more information, including links to online booksellers:
http://tinyurl.com/9cdhpxp
Hope you enjoy this new tale! |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Sightless |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 23:37:24
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
I just went to the web site and realized you're pulling on lore from our world and not some made up world. I've been hooked by this stuff ever since I read Chernevog. I so wish I could find old fairy tales to read my girlfriend's 4 year old daughter. I find myself adapting Norse stories on the fly right now (because the stories I have aren't written for kids).
Yep, this is real-world geography, history, and folklore. All the spirits and monsters the elves in this story encounter are taken directly from Polish mythology and folklore.
It shouldn't be difficult to find folk and fairy tales that are written for children. When I was researching Slavic folklore as background for creating the character of Fyodor of Rashemen, I went to the children's section of the Santa Monica public library and found a treasure trove--a whole room devoted to folk and fairy tales from around the world. Not every library has such an extensive collection, but check out your local library. I think you'll be surprised at the wealth of stories available, and in formats appropriate for nearly every age group.
William Mansen, (1989)."Stories of the mind: where the Hobbit came from" Liberty Press, New york.
Albert Fishner,(1989), "there's more than a Thousand Arabian Nights." Liberty Press. New York.
This is just a start. Shoehorn press also does lots of old mongolian and American Indian myths, there really really good, especially if your into horses, just don't read her the story of how the first fiddle was made, that's a tear jerker, if your under twelve. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 22:48:26
I love that type of fiction as well - its called 'alternate history', and I've read some very good ones. I have a trilogy like that in my head, which I hope to someday have published.
One of the best is Mists of Avalon; the author manages to make 'magic' very realistic, in that nearly everything that happens in the book is explainable within a RW context (I love when Merlin says, "People see what they expect to see".) Its a very earthy re-telling of the Arthurian tales (and plausible). Can't wait to enjoy Elaine's contribution to the genre. 
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Yeah, I don't see Liriel being involved there (because she gave up the windwalker amulet), but it could be an interesting story for say Mystra's chosen or folk interested in planar structure (i.e. are their ties between Yggdrasil's child and the world tree and possibly even the elves' tree of life). Also, given that Lolth's worshippers have possession of the windwalker amulet and she's trying something involving takeover of the weave (which I truthfully haven't read much about)... it could make for an interesting short story.
This is a very interesting connection indeed - I really like the idea of someone using the Windwaker and its connection to Yggdrasil to 'build' a new world tree. It has a LOT of traction. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 20:31:48
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
I just went to the web site and realized you're pulling on lore from our world and not some made up world. I've been hooked by this stuff ever since I read Chernevog. I so wish I could find old fairy tales to read my girlfriend's 4 year old daughter. I find myself adapting Norse stories on the fly right now (because the stories I have aren't written for kids).
Yep, this is real-world geography, history, and folklore. All the spirits and monsters the elves in this story encounter are taken directly from Polish mythology and folklore.
It shouldn't be difficult to find folk and fairy tales that are written for children. When I was researching Slavic folklore as background for creating the character of Fyodor of Rashemen, I went to the children's section of the Santa Monica public library and found a treasure trove--a whole room devoted to folk and fairy tales from around the world. Not every library has such an extensive collection, but check out your local library. I think you'll be surprised at the wealth of stories available, and in formats appropriate for nearly every age group. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 20:27:11
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
That was cute. I especially liked the part with the dragon and arranging the hand. You say there's some new "Kingdoms of legend" pathfinder-compatible setting? By chance have a link?
Huh. "Cute" wasn't exactly what I was shooting for, but I'll take it.
Here's a link to the publisher's website:
http://www.interactionpoint.com/ |
| sleyvas |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 19:17:27
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
I didn't set out to specialize in elves. They just kept showing up when I was writing, playing with my harp and making snooty comments about my wine collection until I put them in the story. As one does.
In addition to the elves of the Forgotten Realms, I've written about the linchetti (the nightmare elves of medieval Tuscan folklore), elves in current-day Providence (the Changeling Detective novels), and developed a new approach to crystal-based magic in the elves of my Tales of Sevrin series. Last night, Interaction Point Games announced the publication of a new short story, "A Single Thread."
This is set in a fantasy version of medieval Europe (the year 1415, to be specific)--Kingdoms of Legend, a Pathfinder-compatible setting. Here's a link to a post on my website with more information, including links to online booksellers:
http://tinyurl.com/9cdhpxp
Hope you enjoy this new tale!
You SOOOOO sold me. I just went to the web site and realized you're pulling on lore from our world and not some made up world. I've been hooked by this stuff ever since I read Chernevog. I so wish I could find old fairy tales to read my girlfriend's 4 year old daughter. I find myself adapting Norse stories on the fly right now (because the stories I have aren't written for kids).
That was cute. I especially liked the part with the dragon and arranging the hand. You say there's some new "Kingdoms of legend" pathfinder-compatible setting? By chance have a link? |
| sleyvas |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 18:08:58
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
I didn't set out to specialize in elves. They just kept showing up when I was writing, playing with my harp and making snooty comments about my wine collection until I put them in the story. As one does.
In addition to the elves of the Forgotten Realms, I've written about the linchetti (the nightmare elves of medieval Tuscan folklore), elves in current-day Providence (the Changeling Detective novels), and developed a new approach to crystal-based magic in the elves of my Tales of Sevrin series. Last night, Interaction Point Games announced the publication of a new short story, "A Single Thread."
This is set in a fantasy version of medieval Europe (the year 1415, to be specific)--Kingdoms of Legend, a Pathfinder-compatible setting. Here's a link to a post on my website with more information, including links to online booksellers:
http://tinyurl.com/9cdhpxp
Hope you enjoy this new tale!
You SOOOOO sold me. I just went to the web site and realized you're pulling on lore from our world and not some made up world. I've been hooked by this stuff ever since I read Chernevog. I so wish I could find old fairy tales to read my girlfriend's 4 year old daughter. I find myself adapting Norse stories on the fly right now (because the stories I have aren't written for kids). |
| sleyvas |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 17:58:49
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Do you plan to write any more tales with her? Or has WotC offered? We're all very curious, given the new up-coming direction and edition.
I don't have any plans, no, but I'm open to the possibility. But no, we haven't talked about it. I've got other stories to write before I can think about Liriel.
Hmmmm, I wouldn't have thought about it, but for this discussion thread. When the spellplague happened, from the Empyrean Odyssey we hear "the world tree is no more". I just started thinking about Liriel, the return of Mystra, the windwalker amulet, and the tree on Ruathym known as Yggdrasil's child.... granted, I know at the end of windwalker, the artifact was believed to be depleted... but there seems to be some story there though my mind can't gather all the details.
Hi, Sleyves! Been a while.
You suggest some intriguing connections, but I think that if I WERE to return to Liriel's story, I'd want to do something new. New problems, new issues, new locations.
Yeah, I don't see Liriel being involved there (because she gave up the windwalker amulet), but it could be an interesting story for say Mystra's chosen or folk interested in planar structure (i.e. are their ties between Yggdrasil's child and the world tree and possibly even the elves' tree of life). Also, given that Lolth's worshippers have possession of the windwalker amulet and she's trying something involving takeover of the weave (which I truthfully haven't read much about)... it could make for an interesting short story. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 17:12:16
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Do you plan to write any more tales with her? Or has WotC offered? We're all very curious, given the new up-coming direction and edition.
I don't have any plans, no, but I'm open to the possibility. But no, we haven't talked about it. I've got other stories to write before I can think about Liriel.
Hmmmm, I wouldn't have thought about it, but for this discussion thread. When the spellplague happened, from the Empyrean Odyssey we hear "the world tree is no more". I just started thinking about Liriel, the return of Mystra, the windwalker amulet, and the tree on Ruathym known as Yggdrasil's child.... granted, I know at the end of windwalker, the artifact was believed to be depleted... but there seems to be some story there though my mind can't gather all the details.
Hi, Sleyves! Been a while.
You suggest some intriguing connections, but I think that if I WERE to return to Liriel's story, I'd want to do something new. New problems, new issues, new locations.
|
| sleyvas |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 15:47:26
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
Do you plan to write any more tales with her? Or has WotC offered? We're all very curious, given the new up-coming direction and edition.
I don't have any plans, no, but I'm open to the possibility. But no, we haven't talked about it. I've got other stories to write before I can think about Liriel.
Hmmmm, I wouldn't have thought about it, but for this discussion thread. When the spellplague happened, from the Empyrean Odyssey we hear "the world tree is no more". I just started thinking about Liriel, the return of Mystra, the windwalker amulet, and the tree on Ruathym known as Yggdrasil's child.... granted, I know at the end of windwalker, the artifact was believed to be depleted... but there seems to be some story there though my mind can't gather all the details. |
| Kajehase |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 14:30:55
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Yeah, the 4e team pretty-much massacred the Seven Sisters. I wasn't a big fan of them myself, but I really felt it was a disingenuous way to remove one of the pillars of the setting.
Lets put it this way - there are plenty of things I don't like in FR and D&D. Lets take one of the prime examples - Aboleths. I can't stand them. However, if I were put in charge of an edition of FR, or even just some decision to be rid of them, I would not just snap my fingers and make them go away (which is precisely what happened to the Chosen in the "century of little information"). I would create a very rich and detailed story about their leaving, despite my personal feelings on the matter.
I would NOT just resign them to a footnote in a timeline. 
Of the seven sisters, I found Qilue the most interesting (to be honest, the only interesting one.. except for maybe the Simbul). In the end, they gave her as much coverage as a murdered prostitute, and I find that really disturbing. If a 'grrl power' anthology is ever done, I would love for someone to write a story about Qilue and her last days - we need closure.
Um... we did get a novel on that very topic... |
| CorellonsDevout |
Posted - 08 Oct 2012 : 03:31:36
Her last days were written: see Lady Penitent. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 07 Oct 2012 : 18:39:22
Yeah, the 4e team pretty-much massacred the Seven Sisters. I wasn't a big fan of them myself, but I really felt it was a disingenuous way to remove one of the pillars of the setting.
Lets put it this way - there are plenty of things I don't like in FR and D&D. Lets take one of the prime examples - Aboleths. I can't stand them. However, if I were put in charge of an edition of FR, or even just some decision to be rid of them, I would not just snap my fingers and make them go away (which is precisely what happened to the Chosen in the "century of little information"). I would create a very rich and detailed story about their leaving, despite my personal feelings on the matter.
I would NOT just resign them to a footnote in a timeline.
Of the seven sisters, I found Qilue the most interesting (to be honest, the only interesting one.. except for maybe the Simbul). In the end, they gave her as much coverage as a murdered prostitute, and I find that really disturbing. If a 'grrl power' anthology is ever done, I would love for someone to write a story about Qilue and her last days - we need closure. |
| CorellonsDevout |
Posted - 07 Oct 2012 : 17:43:32
Yeah, but...now Qilue is...gone, so it doesn't rally matter if Drizzt met her or not. And Enkatnar (sp?), Qilue's lover, I fell in love with him, even though he was a minor character in Starlight and Shadows. |
| Firestorm |
Posted - 07 Oct 2012 : 17:03:42
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
No, I am well aware of the scene with Danillo and Liriel, but I thought Drizzt also met Danillo. I know Drizzt met Khelben (or am I remembering that wrong? Its been so many years since I read the books where he sailed with Deudermont). Regardless, Drizzt sailed with capt. Deudermont, who was considered a hero in Waterdeep, so most Waterdeepians would have 'caught wind' of a drow sailing on one of their pirate-hunting warships (because thats not an easy thing to keep secret). So logic dictates that Danillo - being who he is - would go out of his way to meet this 'good drow' the first chance he got (like when Capt. Deudermont made port, which he must have done from time to time).
Yes, Drizzt met Khelben in one of the earlier books.
I'm sure Dan has heard stories of Deudermont and his drow ally, but it doesn't follow that he'd actually meet the captain and his crew. They come from very different walks of life, for one thing, and both have many demands on their time and attention. The captain hunts pirates at sea. Dan is a bard, mage, and Harper who spent most of this time period traveling through the North and to Tethyr on various missions. He also participates in his family business, and is very involved with the wine trade. So while Dan probably heard of Drizzt and is aware of the drow's association with a Waterdeep sea caption, I don't think it's logical to assume that they would meet. Even if Dan sought out the drow, why would Drizzt feel obligated to meet with a curious Waterdeep nobleman? Unless they had business in common, such a meeting strikes me as very unlikely.
We lived in Santa Monica for a year or so. I was aware of many of the actors and other celebrities who lived in town, but I didn't meet many of them and most of these "meetings" were just in passing. Goldie Hawn's son Wyatt was in the same class as my son Andrew, and I brought Andrew to her house to race those little wooden cars Cub Scouts build. Another classmate was O.J. Simpson's daughter Sydney. I saw the Sydney's parents at school functions, but never chatted with either. So it is, I would imagine, in Waterdeep. Nearly everyone would know who Khelben Arunsun is, and many would have caught a glimpse of him, but far fewer have meaningful interactions with him and fewer still actually KNOW him. Just because characters are familiar to you and me, or even because one of both are familiar names to Waterdhavians, it's really not that likely that characters' paths will cross. Waterdeep is a big and busy city.
quote:
Did Drizzt ever meet the Promenade Drow and Qilué Veladorn? Seems to me someone should have been able to introduce them. Maybe Liriel's daddy.
I don't know if Drizzt ever met Qilue, but I'm pretty sure Gromph Baenre would never be in a position to introduce Drizzt to Qilue. For one thing, Gromph is pretty much a prisoner in Menzoberranzan, tethered there by his responsibilities as archmage. For another, HE IS A BAENRE, and by drow law, Drizzt's continued existence is a threat to House Baenre. If Gromph met Drizzt, he would almost certainly do his best to kill him. Also, Gromph would have no reason, and probably no opportunity, to meet Qilue or go to the Promenade Temple in Skullport. Certainly he'd have no reason to facilitate a meeting between Drizzt and Qilue, unless doing so was part of some plot he had going on.
I would think if anyone would introduce Drizzt to Qilue, it would be, well, her Sister Alustriel who is a good friend and the obvious choice.
|
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 07 Oct 2012 : 16:34:24
quote:
Originally posted by CorellonsDevout
Can I ask why you never wrote in 4e? Was it for the same reason you aren't currently going to be writing in 5e?
It's complicated, but it has to do with Life, and not with the setting itself. |
| CorellonsDevout |
Posted - 07 Oct 2012 : 03:43:30
Can I ask why you never wrote in 4e? Was it for the same reason you aren't currently going to be writing in 5e? |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 07 Oct 2012 : 02:40:38
I'm flattered by the enthusiasm. But as I mentioned before in this thread, I've got several things to finish before I could even THINK about 5E. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 06 Oct 2012 : 21:51:16
Right - a "What have the ladies been up to?" edition-neutral Realms anthology.
If they turned it into a series, well... most series have an anthology connected to them, so its all good (in other words, if Elaine has an idea for a 'Sword Sisters' novel or series, we could still have an anthology to go along with it).
|
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 06 Oct 2012 : 21:43:08
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Come to think of it, "Sword Sisters" isn't a half-bad title.
And ties in nicely to what we have been discussing in This Thread.
I'm smelling an anthology coming on. 
An anthology would be nifty.
Especially if it had a story about
Bronwyn and one about
Matteo and Tsigone and one about
Elaith and one about
Danilo and Arilyn and one about
Azariah (sp?) and one about
Ferret and one about
Anything Elaine wants it to be
See where I'm going here? |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 06 Oct 2012 : 19:26:17
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Come to think of it, "Sword Sisters" isn't a half-bad title.
And ties in nicely to what we have been discussing in This Thread.
I'm smelling an anthology coming on.
An anthology would be nifty. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 06 Oct 2012 : 18:33:42
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Come to think of it, "Sword Sisters" isn't a half-bad title.
And ties in nicely to what we have been discussing in This Thread.
I'm smelling an anthology coming on. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 06 Oct 2012 : 14:00:57
quote:
Originally posted by Lilianviaten
Is Liriel still in Rashemen? She's the adventurous type, so I would imagine that she wouldn't stay in any one place for too many decades. On the other hand, Rashemen is a fascinating land, so I can't be sure.
No. When we last saw Liriel (the short story "Answered Prayers," in Best of the Realms Book III), she was in Impiltur with her sword sisters, Thorn and Sharlarra. This was ten years after the events of Windwalker. But a hundred years have passed since then, and I can't imagine that she stayed in Impiltur very long. Hard to say where she might be these days.
Come to think of it, "Sword Sisters" isn't a half-bad title. |
| Lilianviaten |
Posted - 06 Oct 2012 : 06:07:22
Is Liriel still in Rashemen? She's the adventurous type, so I would imagine that she wouldn't stay in any one place for too many decades. On the other hand, Rashemen is a fascinating land, so I can't be sure. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 06 Oct 2012 : 01:56:33
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
That last a part was tongue-in-cheek. I had thought that the two could have met in the Promenade. I was just looking for any sort of connection and/or persons in common. The part about Gromph was the joke, and I meant that he could introduce Liriel to Drizzt (not Drizzt to Qilue).
Ah. Okay, that makes a lot more sense now.
 |
| Markustay |
Posted - 05 Oct 2012 : 23:52:17
That last a part was tongue-in-cheek. I had thought that the two could have met in the Promenade. I was just looking for any sort of connection and/or persons in common. The part about Gromph was the joke, and I meant that he could introduce Liriel to Drizzt (not Drizzt to Qilue).
I once ran into someone I work with an a NY metropolitan airport. Ever been to one of those? They are like cities unto themselves (and we have three). Same city, same airport, at the same time, in a city of 8 million (plus nearly another 8 million people living where we live on Long Island). My brother once met someone he went to school with here in NY when he lived in California, 3500 miles away, and my sister once ran into someone she knew in Europe!
I am not saying its something that should have happened, I am just saying it would be kinda cool, and entirely possible. Ever read Cat's Cradle? I am a follower of Kurt Vonnegut's concept of 'Bokononism'. Although I am aware that its a made-up religion, it actual makes more sense then some RW religions (in some, not all, respects). I truly believe that 'like people' are attracted to one another and will meet, despite whatever contrary conditions exist (include geographic distance).
If you think about it, its how we wind-up with 'parties of heroes' in D&D.
The final print issue of Dragon featured a 'Drizzt vs Raistlin' article with both Ed and Margaret Weiss. I thought maybe one of those 'theoretical meet-up' articles might be possible somewhere down the line. Although Drizzt annoys the heck out of me, I can't stop reading about him, and Liriel is one of my favorite FR characters. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 05 Oct 2012 : 21:25:32
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
No, I am well aware of the scene with Danillo and Liriel, but I thought Drizzt also met Danillo. I know Drizzt met Khelben (or am I remembering that wrong? Its been so many years since I read the books where he sailed with Deudermont). Regardless, Drizzt sailed with capt. Deudermont, who was considered a hero in Waterdeep, so most Waterdeepians would have 'caught wind' of a drow sailing on one of their pirate-hunting warships (because thats not an easy thing to keep secret). So logic dictates that Danillo - being who he is - would go out of his way to meet this 'good drow' the first chance he got (like when Capt. Deudermont made port, which he must have done from time to time).
Yes, Drizzt met Khelben in one of the earlier books.
I'm sure Dan has heard stories of Deudermont and his drow ally, but it doesn't follow that he'd actually meet the captain and his crew. They come from very different walks of life, for one thing, and both have many demands on their time and attention. The captain hunts pirates at sea. Dan is a bard, mage, and Harper who spent most of this time period traveling through the North and to Tethyr on various missions. He also participates in his family business, and is very involved with the wine trade. So while Dan probably heard of Drizzt and is aware of the drow's association with a Waterdeep sea caption, I don't think it's logical to assume that they would meet. Even if Dan sought out the drow, why would Drizzt feel obligated to meet with a curious Waterdeep nobleman? Unless they had business in common, such a meeting strikes me as very unlikely.
We lived in Santa Monica for a year or so. I was aware of many of the actors and other celebrities who lived in town, but I didn't meet many of them and most of these "meetings" were just in passing. Goldie Hawn's son Wyatt was in the same class as my son Andrew, and I brought Andrew to her house to race those little wooden cars Cub Scouts build. Another classmate was O.J. Simpson's daughter Sydney. I saw the Sydney's parents at school functions, but never chatted with either. So it is, I would imagine, in Waterdeep. Nearly everyone would know who Khelben Arunsun is, and many would have caught a glimpse of him, but far fewer have meaningful interactions with him and fewer still actually KNOW him. Just because characters are familiar to you and me, or even because one of both are familiar names to Waterdhavians, it's really not that likely that characters' paths will cross. Waterdeep is a big and busy city.
quote:
Did Drizzt ever meet the Promenade Drow and Qilué Veladorn? Seems to me someone should have been able to introduce them. Maybe Liriel's daddy.
I don't know if Drizzt ever met Qilue, but I'm pretty sure Gromph Baenre would never be in a position to introduce Drizzt to Qilue. For one thing, Gromph is pretty much a prisoner in Menzoberranzan, tethered there by his responsibilities as archmage. For another, HE IS A BAENRE, and by drow law, Drizzt's continued existence is a threat to House Baenre. If Gromph met Drizzt, he would almost certainly do his best to kill him. Also, Gromph would have no reason, and probably no opportunity, to meet Qilue or go to the Promenade Temple in Skullport. Certainly he'd have no reason to facilitate a meeting between Drizzt and Qilue, unless doing so was part of some plot he had going on. |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 05 Oct 2012 : 21:18:15
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Trying to remember which book had their meeting in it. A little help Wooly?
Tangled Webs
Another Elaine work(so thats like 9?) for my re-read stack |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 05 Oct 2012 : 20:35:10
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
This conversation made me realize one of the biggest problems of a 'shared world' setting. Its an illusion - there really is no such thing.
Sure there is. For one thing, the setting is...shared. Thousands of writers, game designers, artists, programmers, and gamers work and play in the Realms. Writers collaborate on individual books--Cormyr, for example, or City of Splendors--or work together on longer story arcs, such as WotSQ.
On every level, there's an enormous amount of give-and-take. You mentioned Elaith Craulnober. (Thanks, btw!) He was created by Ed Greenwood. When I was writing Elfshadow, all I knew of Elaith was a 2-paragraph NPC description in the old game product The North. At the time, I had no idea that he was a long-standing character in Ed's personal campaign. Ed has been very gracious about this kidnapping. For more examples, consider this thread, in which several examples have been cited about characters meeting characters from another series or author.
You have prominent authors helping to launch careers of newcomers by lending their names and their expertise to series: R.A. Salvatore Presents War of the Spider Queen, Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep.
You have writers who exchanges thousands of emails and phone calls to touch base, kick around ideas, ensure continuity.
Trust me, there's a whole lot of sharing going on. The lack of one particular example--a Drizzt and Liriel story--in no way diminishes this.
My $.02,
ec |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 05 Oct 2012 : 20:18:32
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
So, anyway... if he can have a chance meeting with Volo in the middle of the ocean, then I think two, fun-loving (mostly good) Drow should find love and happiness with each other.
I can't see Drizzt and Liriel in a relationship. They're both drow, sure, and neither one of them would list sex with demons among their ideas of a good time, but I'm not sure that constitutes a workable foundation for lasting love.
Plus, these characters are written by different authors. I'm not going to write Drizzt, Bob's not going to write Liriel, and we're not going to collaborate on a story, particularly one that neither of us thinks would work. (Bob once responded to a query of "What would happen if..." by saying bluntly, "She would kill him in his sleep." And I must say, that DOES sound like Liriel...) I suppose it's possible that WotC could get a third writer to do such a tale, but I can't see any reason why they'd WANT to.
So. In a shared world, a freelance writer can't say...uh, much of ANYTHING with 100% confidence, but I'm at least 97% certain a Drizzt-and-Liriel story is never gonna happen. And I think that's for the best. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 05 Oct 2012 : 19:47:48
This conversation made me realize one of the biggest problems of a 'shared world' setting. Its an illusion - there really is no such thing.
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by CorellonsDevout
I think I've asked this before, but I do not remember your answer: will you be writing in 5e? I miss seeing your name in the Realms.
Thanks--I appreciate the kind thought. I don't currently have plans for 5E--again, I have several other projects in the works that require my focus--but I'd love to return to the Realms at some point.'
I desperately crave more Elaith Craulnober. I think many of us do - what a complex character!
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Well Drizzt isn't exactly emotionally available as of Charons Claw ending. He wrapped up in......a "relationship"....kinda, maybe.
I won't be reading any of that series - a first for me (I've read every other RAS book and story set in the Realms, and I can't say that about any other author).
I took it as a personal affront when he began moving cities around wholesale. The written word is interpretable, but maps must remain inviolate. |
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