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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Jan 2008 : 00:14:26
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There is so much I could say about this short story, but it all boils down to the fact that the story really makes me wish that Shadowrealm was closer to being released. I loved the details that this story fills in. But before I jump into some of the more major events hinted at, a few of the details I really loved:
Paul really started to flesh out the personalities of the Princes of Shade in Shadowbred. Rivalen came across as cool, cultured, and refined. I really liked the sense of class that he had, even though it was clear that he was capable of great evil. We got a glimpse of Brennus' personality, but this short story really made me like him.
Brennus and his homonculi came across as a bit more (I hesitate to use this term for one of the princes of Shade) whimsical than his brothers, but this story really explains a lot of that. Brennus' connection to his mother is endearing, and there is something still a little child like about his demeanor, even though he was obviously driven by his father into his divination abilities. Plus, the simple, "discovering things is my gift," statement is almost an insight into his personality there. Instead of puffing up his talent or explaining the details, he states a simple fact.
And of course, restating the comment at the end of the story was the perfect note to end with.
I always knew that Rivalen was capable of great evil. While his cool demeanor makes for a villain that comes across as "above the fray," his emotional detachment also means that he has to be particularly cruel when he sets his mind to something. Nothing really brought that home more than when his mother, already aware of her son's betrayal, simply wanted to hold his hand as she died, and he denied her. In some ways, that condemnation of solitude in death was crueler act that the actual murder was.
And now the bombshell . . . Varra's pregnant? Wow. I probably should have seen that coming, but I didn't. Not only was that a shock to find out, but Varra and her journey helped to underscore the perspective of the destruction of Ordulin from the "ground floor." It was a very real, very emotional portrayal of how refugees would have to feel in this situation.
Varra has always been a survivor, but I fear that this whole situation won't turn out well. Cale is such a stand up guy for all of his friends, but given his inability to let himself feel as if he deserves a "normal" life, I'm worried that Cale is going to miss out on the family life that he could have if he just opened himself up a bit.
Yeah, I know, I'm being too sentimental. Honestly, I really liked this short story. Powerful on its own, and on top of that, a great reminder of why I'm hooked on this series. |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2008 : 18:48:19
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What can I say? So much packed into the little story!
If you ever had any doubts about Rivalen, forget them. This guy is as cold-hearted as they come. One mean, evil bastard. Someone who could even make Elaith Craulnober wet himself!
It was good to see that Brennus still has good feelings for his mother along with resentment for his father. Interesting for him to find the necklace, that should lead to some real fireworks soon! When he discovers Rivalen killed his mother will he blame his father for letting it happen? I can see a real rift for these princes of shade.
Varra being pregnant, did not see that so soon! I am hoping that Cale will find out in time to protect them, but am not so worried for them. After all that was Mask in the caravan with her that made Brennus believe she had lost her child right? 
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A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2008 : 19:20:38
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KEjr and Red Walker,
Thank you both. I'm very pleased you enjoyed the story. Brennus and Rivalen are enjoyable to write. I was pleased to have a chance with this story to distinguish them a bit more, and give them and their backstory more detail.
I really like the notion that Brennus is a diviner almost without peer, but that it's not his first love when it comes to the Art and that he entered the "field" only to serve his father's purposes.
Rivalen, of course, is pure fun -- intelligent, sophisticated, thoughtful, mostly heartless, but for all that, blind to his own blindness. Should be interesting when he is forced to open his eyes. |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 15 Jan 2008 19:22:04 |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2008 : 19:28:19
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| I love the humanizing element of Brennus and his constructs and "toys." Its just elements like that make these characters so fun to read about. |
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Braveheart
Learned Scribe
Austria
159 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2008 : 07:10:26
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
And now the bombshell . . . Varra's pregnant? Wow. I probably should have seen that coming, but I didn't. Not only was that a shock to find out, but Varra and her journey helped to underscore the perspective of the destruction of Ordulin from the "ground floor." It was a very real, very emotional portrayal of how refugees would have to feel in this situation.
Varra has always been a survivor, but I fear that this whole situation won't turn out well.
I liked the portrayal of the refugees too, it's something that in my opinion isn't done often enough in FR novels. I had to grin every time Mask came in to the scene. I had to laugh out loud when Varra was frightened that the handsome man would really tell her the truth.
I hope there'll be more of those Mask-encounters in Shadowrealm. |
Jarlaxle: "Do keep ever present in your thoughts, my friend, that an illusion can kill you if you believe in it."
Entreri: "And the real thing can kill you whether you believe in it or not." |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jan 2008 : 14:46:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
And now the bombshell . . . Varra's pregnant? Wow. I probably should have seen that coming, but I didn't. Not only was that a shock to find out, but Varra and her journey helped to underscore the perspective of the destruction of Ordulin from the "ground floor." It was a very real, very emotional portrayal of how refugees would have to feel in this situation.
Varra has always been a survivor, but I fear that this whole situation won't turn out well.
I liked the portrayal of the refugees too, it's something that in my opinion isn't done often enough in FR novels. I had to grin every time Mask came in to the scene. I had to laugh out loud when Varra was frightened that the handsome man would really tell her the truth.
I hope there'll be more of those Mask-encounters in Shadowrealm.
Appreciate that, Braveheart. |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2008 : 23:31:20
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Bot oh Boy........Pretty much everything has been covered by everyone else as far as what I wanted to say.
Especially Paul's comment about Rivalen's eyes being forced open soon:)
I really can't wait for Shadowrealm/Shadoworld(It said Book 3 shadoworld in one of my book covers)
Its coming out in a few months right? I'm flipping excited |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jan 2008 : 18:45:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
Bot oh Boy........Pretty much everything has been covered by everyone else as far as what I wanted to say.
Especially Paul's comment about Rivalen's eyes being forced open soon:)
I really can't wait for Shadowrealm/Shadoworld(It said Book 3 shadoworld in one of my book covers)
Its coming out in a few months right? I'm flipping excited
I'm pleased you enjoyed it, Firestorm. I believe Shadowrealm is scheduled for an August release.
Paul |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2008 : 18:31:26
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The main reason I loved this particular story is because it put the spotlight back on Varra, a character who was absent from Shadowstorm and is someone I actually feel quite a bit of sympathy for. I don't think Erevis Cale is a particularly good "boyfriend" to her (in Shadowbred, he would not even say that he loved her, only that he cared for her, even after pining over her in the Erevis Cale series! Yes, I remember that.). The fact that she was left alone to fend for herself in their cottage made me a bit more mad at Cale, although I know of course he would not have expected a Shadowstorm to come Varra's way. And of course, this story showed that Varra is quite capable of fending for herself, which is something else I like about her. I know there is way more to her than meets the eye.
I also enjoyed what we learn about Rivalen's backstory, as well as his development as a character in the current time. Can't say I feel sorry for him. Whenever I hear Nine Inch Nails's "Closer" I just imagine him singing the lyrics for a good laugh.
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"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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BruceCordell
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
22 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2008 : 04:50:00
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| I enjoyed Paul's story for (despite?) its brutal, heart-chilling premise. Hard to read, but Paul pulls it off. The story is terrible in its portrayal of Rivalen's mother's death when he "[..] saw the awareness melt out of her eyes." And in the end, he wouldn't even hold her hand. |
Edited by - BruceCordell on 31 Jan 2008 04:51:31 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2008 : 17:39:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
The main reason I loved this particular story is because it put the spotlight back on Varra, a character who was absent from Shadowstorm and is someone I actually feel quite a bit of sympathy for.
I wanted to close the loop a bit with Varra in this story, and show her mettle. No one lives a life in Skullport without having some serious mental toughness.
Anyway, there is more yet to be learned of Varra and her fate. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2008 : 17:40:24
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quote:
Originally posted by BruceCordell
I enjoyed Paul's story for (despite?) its brutal, heart-chilling premise. Hard to read, but Paul pulls it off. The story is terrible in its portrayal of Rivalen's mother's death when he "[..] saw the awareness melt out of her eyes." And in the end, he wouldn't even hold her hand.
Thanks, Bruce.  |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 01 Feb 2008 : 00:56:51
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
I wanted to close the loop a bit with Varra in this story, and show her mettle. No one lives a life in Skullport without having some serious mental toughness.
Anyway, there is more yet to be learned of Varra and her fate.
And I very much look forward to reading about it. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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RodOdom
Senior Scribe
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2008 : 06:25:13
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| Suspenseful, stylish. But I think it would have been better if it were worked into the new Cale books rather than presented in this anthology. |
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Dart Ambermoon
Learned Scribe
Germany
253 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2008 : 18:15:44
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So, finally got my hands on the anthology and what a geat story to start it off...as I“ve stated in the respective threads to the two novels already, Master Kemp is the first one to get me interested in anything Shade by his portrayal of Rivalen and Brennus, which only continues with this short story.
The scene in which Rivalen kills his mother is bone chilling in its description and especially in Rivalen“s action (or lack thereof) contrasted with his mother“s words in her final moments. His thoughts (not just here, but in the whole story as in the thoughts of the Sharrans throughout the trilogy so far) flesh out Shar“s creed in fantastic detail and help the reader truly understand it, even a lot more IMO than any published lore on deities, etc., so far. As a reader I“m fascinated and as a DM I never felt I could run a Sharran NPC this well before. Especially the line "He realized, with a clarity born of pain, that hope had been his transgression." struck me and actually made me put the book down (not an easy feat), to ponder it for a good while.
Rivalen“s story is fleshed out nicely, also adding a vulnerable spot or two and I loved the realization, when he understood he had been but a tool in getting his father to worship the Lady of Loss. Greek tragedy can“t hold a candle to this.
The portrayal of Brennus was equally striking, adding more touches of humanity to him in the way he deals with his homunculi, his feelings towards his parents and the fact that the "best diviner" actually didn“t want to become that, but has a love for constructs. The small flashback to his childhood actually had me liking the guy. Liking him! Can“t believe I said that. Add to that the whole nackace intrigue...whew! As if you neded more burning questions for "Shadowrealm". I“m voting for another trilogy right here.
I also enjoyed the focus not neing on Cale (and I do love me some Unwilling-Chosen-of-Mask), but on Varra and the refugees. Varra has gained a lot of character through the story IMO, showing what a brave soul she is. Same can be said for some of the refugees. It“s always nice to see soul in those characters that normally don“t get any spotlight faced with catastrophe. It felt very...hmm...realmsian.Pregnant? Didn“t see that one coming.
Mask...well, I was like "is that...? Can“t be...or maybe...". Very interesting to see him take a direct part in things and very interested to see how that pans out. And what Cale will think when he finds out. Mask is one slick "bastard". I“d love to see him play a game of chess with Rivalen, actually.
To sum it up...wonderful short story, excellent bridge for the series, leaving me hungry for more. Paul makes the darkness seethe and the flickers of light and bravery sparkle. You“ve just raised the bar for yourself and "Shadowrealm" ...again!
Thank you for this one. |
~ In Finder I trust, for danger I lust ~ |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2008 : 18:42:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Dart Ambermoon
I also enjoyed the focus not neing on Cale (and I do love me some Unwilling-Chosen-of-Mask), but on Varra and the refugees. Varra has gained a lot of character through the story IMO, showing what a brave soul she is.
I always knew she had character and was a brave soul, but it was wonderful to see more of it, and for Varra to get more screen time. I also have to admit, it's good to see a female protagonist emerge in this series (or at least, that's what I think is happening). Sometimes, the Cale stories can feel a little like "stories of men without women." That's not a bad thing in and of itself, but what can I say? I'm female and I have a fondness for strong, non-obnoxious heroines.
quote:
Same can be said for some of the refugees. It“s always nice to see soul in those characters that normally don“t get any spotlight faced with catastrophe.
Totally agreed.
quote:
It felt very...hmm...realmsian.Pregnant? Didn“t see that one coming.
Nor I.
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"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 05 Mar 2008 : 18:51:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Dart Ambermoon
Master Kemp is the first one to get me interested in anything Shade by his portrayal of Rivalen and Brennus, which only continues with this short story.
Dart,
Thanks for all that. I sincerely appreciate it.
And keep on truckin' with Realms of War. Lots of great stories in there by lots of great authors.
Incidentally, I just turned Shadowrealm in a couple days ago, so all is moving forward. I think it wraps the trilogy nicely. |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 05 Mar 2008 19:01:03 |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3741 Posts |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 29 May 2008 : 17:14:18
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| Thank you, Dag. I'm sincerely pleased that you enjoyed the story. I had a good time writing it. Eager to see Shadowrealm on shelves, now. |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2008 : 06:06:30
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Hi Paul. Just one question that has always been annoying me since rereading Shadow's witness.
The Verra that works as a servant to the Zhent lord, who is acquainted with Riven is in fact, a completely different Verra than the one Cale met in scullport and is now seeing right?
I know it is not feasible that it is the same Verra anyways, I just wondered why they share a name(Ill assume you liked the name) rather than making up weird scenarios in my head that Riven knowing Cale's weakness for women like Tazi and planting her to set him up down the road.
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2008 : 14:54:12
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| The "Verra" that Cale's hooked up with is actually called Varra. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2008 : 17:01:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Kajehase
The "Verra" that Cale's hooked up with is actually called Varra.
Doesn't answer my question.
I have seen several instances where Forgotten realms books spelled a specific character by 1 name in a book, then changed the spelling in another. Be it a typo or accident.
First and foremost, R.A Salvatore's "Homeland" Spells Gromph Baerne "Gomph" for the entire book every time his name is brought up |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2008 : 18:07:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
Hi Paul. Just one question that has always been annoying me since rereading Shadow's witness.
The Verra that works as a servant to the Zhent lord...
Which "Verra" is this? Where is she mentioned? |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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PatrikF
Acolyte
Sweden
3 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2008 : 12:45:21
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| Her name was Varra, and she appeared as a minor servant in Shadow's Witness on pages 105-106. |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2008 : 22:58:22
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quote:
Originally posted by PatrikF
Her name was Varra, and she appeared as a minor servant in Shadow's Witness on pages 105-106.
That's her. Servant of Zhentarim lord Verdinal. Its page 104 actually.
Just struck me as too coincidental to have Riven acquainted with a girl of the same name knowing a woman who looked like Tazi would be Cale's weakness.....
Probably nothing, but that's why I am asking Paul here:) To Satisfy my curiosity:) |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2008 : 19:41:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
quote:
Originally posted by PatrikF
Her name was Varra, and she appeared as a minor servant in Shadow's Witness on pages 105-106.
That's her. Servant of Zhentarim lord Verdinal. Its page 104 actually.
Just struck me as too coincidental to have Riven acquainted with a girl of the same name knowing a woman who looked like Tazi would be Cale's weakness.....
Probably nothing, but that's why I am asking Paul here:) To Satisfy my curiosity:)
The double use of the name is coincidental. Sorry for any confusion. I regard Varra as akin to Jane or Kathy.
I appreciate the close reading, though. |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 26 Jun 2008 19:42:41 |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2008 : 00:08:16
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
quote:
Originally posted by PatrikF
Her name was Varra, and she appeared as a minor servant in Shadow's Witness on pages 105-106.
That's her. Servant of Zhentarim lord Verdinal. Its page 104 actually.
Just struck me as too coincidental to have Riven acquainted with a girl of the same name knowing a woman who looked like Tazi would be Cale's weakness.....
Probably nothing, but that's why I am asking Paul here:) To Satisfy my curiosity:)
The double use of the name is coincidental. Sorry for any confusion. I regard Varra as akin to Jane or Kathy.
I appreciate the close reading, though.
Thank you:)
Now I can continue coming up with Hypothetical Situations depicting who will be 3rd and 4th of 5:)
I keep thinking Abelar might be one, but I can also see him reconciling what he did.
I am almost sure one of the Tanthul brothers will be one, but I can't decide which:)
Rivalen has more cause to become one. Mask being one of the few who can hide him from his Father, to smite Shar due to her choosing another for her chosen, etc. If Riven and Cale can become this close after being deadly hated enemies, then anyone can(Except Azrrim, who helped kill Jak)
Ahhh, hypothetical's:) Likely You have a world of surprises in store for me and I am wasting my time deciding on what will be what:P
The new book is coming out shortly right? I am Dying waiting:)
Edit: OMG NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I just realized that they moved the release date to December 2008???? After the last 4 months of thinking it was coming out in August |
Edited by - Firestorm on 28 Jun 2008 00:23:28 |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2008 : 21:47:07
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| I thouroughly enjoyed this short story. I enjoyed that it was the first one in the book because I had "just" finished reading "Shadowstorm" before starting Realms of War, so my mind was already into characters in this story. |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
757 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2008 : 06:36:37
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Not yet having read anything more* about Erevis than what was told about him in the Sembia books -- and a short story here and there in some of the anthologies -- I had no knowledge of any of the characters in this one. Not that it really mattered, since it was a dark but superb read. I did miss Mask though, but have to smile now at Varra's reactions to the "dark young man". Does that mean the child will be gods-touched?
* Something I've been meaning to rectify, once the funds are disposable. |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2008 : 16:18:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
Not yet having read anything more* about Erevis than what was told about him in the Sembia books -- and a short story here and there in some of the anthologies -- I had no knowledge of any of the characters in this one. Not that it really mattered, since it was a dark but superb read. I did miss Mask though, but have to smile now at Varra's reactions to the "dark young man". Does that mean the child will be gods-touched?
* Something I've been meaning to rectify, once the funds are disposable.
Kyrene,
Thank you. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the story. AS for whether the child is god-touched, I have to sidestep the question for now. |
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Realms of War: "Continuum"
