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Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Seeker
Canada
92 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Jan 2009 : 14:34:31
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| Just read thru the forums. Another trilogy! Can't wait! |
"Jarlaxle's grin disappeared as he turned his attention to Drizzt. He watched the fury of the drow unleashed. Jarlaxle had seen Drizzt in action many times before, but never like that".
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2009 : 16:22:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Best trilogy EVER!! Wow! Kudos to you Mr. Kemp. I have enjoyed every novel that you've written in the Forgotten Realms setting. I couldn't put this book down. I am a huge fan of Drizzt Do'Urden but now I can honestly say that Erevis Cale is by far my favorite Forgotten Realms character!
I'm new to the forum so I haven't had a chance to read thru many of the posts and I apologize if this has been asked before. Are you writing any more novels and if so will they continue with this story or a will it be a brand new story with new characters?
Once again, thanks for creating Erevis Cale!
SLD,
Thank you for the praise. I appreciate it a great deal.
The next trilogy will build off of the events of the Twilight War. Some characters will recur, others will be entirely new. The new trilogy is entitled, "The Cycle of Night," and the individual book titles are: Godborn, Godbound, and Godslayer.
Paul |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2009 : 16:24:18
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quote:
Originally posted by SH4D0VV
Hi Paul,
I had a qn about shadowrealm. In Shadowstorm, in 'The Leaves of One Night' it was mentioned that Shar would have a moment of necessary weakness. How come this didnt show up in shadowrealm? or did it? Its a minor thing but just something that caught in my mind. Since Mask was hoping to break the cycle i thought that Mask would have been jumping up and down to get a hold of such info :)
Rob.
Rob,
I figure the schemes of the Gods have very, very long time horizons. So, I agree with you. That moment didn't occur in the Twilight War. But it may (and presumably will) occur later in the story arc. |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 19 Jan 2009 16:36:46 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2009 : 16:47:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Monikan
Also how did Riven find out about Cale's son unless he too can travel to the future, or perhaps he traveled into the past to tell Mags when he was in the dingy. Ultimately I found the epilogue rather confusing because its dated 1479DR but seems to fluctuate between conversations that happened before that. I assume that Cale's son has already been born by this time so that the epilogue was really just a way of closing the Mag storyline and I fear we wont see him in the next trilogy.
Monikan, I'm pleased you enjoyed the trilogy.
The epilogue is a lookback, with Mags, in 1479, narrating events that happened during the preceding 100-odd years. I imagine it can seem a bit confusing. Sorry about that.
We, through Mags, know that Riven knows of Cale's son by the time he and Mags meet in the boat off the Wayrock, which occured sometime after 1385 (because the Spellplague has occurred) and before 1479 (since Magadon is narrating past events from his vantage point in 1479). We also know that Riven believes that Mask shunted Varra (carrying Cale's son) forward through time, perhaps to avoid the Spellplague. But we don't know quite how far or to what purpose. We can also assume that Cale's son is not born as of the time Riven and Mags meet (sometime soon after 1385) since, when Mags asks how the son survived the Spellplague, Riven answers: "He was born afterward. He will be born afterward, rather."
But we don't know exactly when he will be born, though perhaps Riven does.
I hope that didn't confuse you further. Anyway, lots of this will be explored in the forthcoming trilogy.
Paul |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2009 : 19:37:44
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
SLD,
Thank you for the praise. I appreciate it a great deal.
The next trilogy will build off of the events of the Twilight War. Some characters will recur, others will be entirely new. The new trilogy is entitled, "The Cycle of Night," and the individual book titles are: Godborn, Godbound, and Godslayer.
Paul
(Emphasis mine)
Ahhhh, the hopes that follow that single title...
Can't wait! |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2009 : 20:20:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
SLD,
Thank you for the praise. I appreciate it a great deal.
The next trilogy will build off of the events of the Twilight War. Some characters will recur, others will be entirely new. The new trilogy is entitled, "The Cycle of Night," and the individual book titles are: Godborn, Godbound, and Godslayer.
Paul
(Emphasis mine)
Ahhhh, the hopes that follow that single title...
Can't wait!
I second that....if that Book has Cale's son/Mask hidden power slaying Shar, I will by a minimum of 10 copies   |
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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Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Seeker
Canada
92 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jan 2009 : 20:03:01
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quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Best trilogy EVER!! Wow! Kudos to you Mr. Kemp. I have enjoyed every novel that you've written in the Forgotten Realms setting. I couldn't put this book down. I am a huge fan of Drizzt Do'Urden but now I can honestly say that Erevis Cale is by far my favorite Forgotten Realms character!
I'm new to the forum so I haven't had a chance to read thru many of the posts and I apologize if this has been asked before. Are you writing any more novels and if so will they continue with this story or a will it be a brand new story with new characters?
Once again, thanks for creating Erevis Cale!
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SLD,
Thank you for the praise. I appreciate it a great deal.
The next trilogy will build off of the events of the Twilight War. Some characters will recur, others will be entirely new. The new trilogy is entitled, "The Cycle of Night," and the individual book titles are: Godborn, Godbound, and Godslayer.
Paul
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I am SO looking forward to this trilogy!! Is there a tentative date for when we can expect Godborn? Thanks for the response Mr. Kemp! |
"Jarlaxle's grin disappeared as he turned his attention to Drizzt. He watched the fury of the drow unleashed. Jarlaxle had seen Drizzt in action many times before, but never like that".
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Dart Ambermoon
Learned Scribe
Germany
253 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2009 : 07:01:20
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Dear Paul,
I have praised all your books so far and have commented more than once that I believe you and a certain Mr. Byers are the straight-up best when it comes to "dark" FR novels. In the former parts you´ve managed to get me interested in characters I loathed (Shade princes) and you´ve raised question after question throughout the trilogy (and even started in the trilogy before). Since I don´t really have that much to add to the comments already made (although all your praises should be sung twice and thrice ) I´ll try to be brief.
Firstly, this novel was an absolute epic, evoking cineastic images in my mind as I read it, which were so strong, I actually was torn between ravenously reading on and pausing to be able to grasp them.This trilogy would be fantastic material for a series of movies.
Secondly,your character development is simply supreme. I was drawn back to scenes of the former novels so often, when reading parts of this one it made the characters so damn real. I sniffled everytime Brennus and his homunculi appeared, feeling so much sympathy for him. I felt the same for everytime Riven let his guard down with his "girls" and choked up when Cale went into a fight he could never win.
I won´t even start on the last stand of the unlikely alliance within he Shadowstorm.
How exactly you actually managed to weave all these plot intricacies together into such a furious finale was a thing of beauty.
This trilogy was an absolute masterpiece. Thank you very much. |
~ In Finder I trust, for danger I lust ~ |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2009 : 14:02:38
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Dart,
That means a lot to me and I appreciate it. Thank you kindly.
Paul |
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inexorable
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 03:26:18
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Excellent end to this trilogy.
Really enjoyed it. I'm not a fan of Shar and I like mask even less so I was happy to see him ended, albeit temporarily it would seem if the epilogue's hints are to be believed.
I really like how you referred to characters and the like from past novels from this trilogy and the Erevis Cale Trilogy as well. All the main characters were very well done and interesting no matter whose side they were on, the dark, the light, or somewhere between. Amazingly, there wasn't one character in this novel, or any of your novels for that matter, that I disliked despite my personal contempt for shar, mask, and their servants.
I just have a quick question or minor complaint... what happened to Mephistopheles' dialogue?
In the second novel, Shadowstorm, the big M seemed so much more sophisticated in his dialogue... Just the way he would say "Think you so?" to both Cale, Riven, and his half-bred son and none of that in the third book. He seemed kind of dumbed down a bit... not the eternal sophisticated schemer of the second book but more like an average big bad evil guy. Admittedly I like the Archfiends, both demon and devils, more than any gods of Faerun except for a select few really so my bias towards him may have been why it struck me as kind of odd.
Also, I wasn't a big fan of the beatdown that Riven put on Mephistopheles. Seemed kind of comic book/super hero/action movie like... especially with the "Lets Dance" line from Riven before he strikes. All it needed was Riven saying "hasta la vista" before he left the scene which thankfully didn't happen.
Just my opinion. Other then that I thought it was an excellent novel and look forward to your next one.
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2009 : 18:59:45
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quote:
Originally posted by inexorable
I just have a quick question or minor complaint... what happened to Mephistopheles' dialogue?
In the second novel, Shadowstorm, the big M seemed so much more sophisticated in his dialogue... Just the way he would say "Think you so?" to both Cale, Riven, and his half-bred son and none of that in the third book. He seemed kind of dumbed down a bit... not the eternal sophisticated schemer of the second book but more like an average big bad evil guy.
Well, I look at Meph as a devil who only affects sophistication, but who sometimes loses that affectation when he's under stress or attack from formidable foes. |
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inexorable
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2009 : 23:25:26
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
Well, I look at Meph as a devil who only affects sophistication, but who sometimes loses that affectation when he's under stress or attack from formidable foes.
Fair enough. With my bias towards the archfiends not something I necessarily agree with but nothing that even came close to hindering my enjoyment of your novel.
Thanks for the response and take care. |
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edappel
Learned Scribe
Brazil
211 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 16:16:36
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I've received the autographed copy of the book friday.. I started to read saturday and finish it Sunday night...
Now, I've read 46 FR Novels... A couple of them, I can't help but clap my hands to the authors at the end of the book. Yesterday I did it... For one long minute.
Obviously, I have so many things to tell about it, but first I'll just make some questions for anyone that could answer. (Don't need to be Mr. Kemp... Let's let him keep writing his next trilogy.. )
Anyone knows what Mask owed to Shar?
Didn`t you thought that Kesson was absolutely weaker than "godly" Rivalen, Riven and Cale? He should have 3 times their power.. He could have "moved a mountain on their heads", am I wrong?
And one for Mr. Kemp, to answer when he got some time...
What did you feel, when you "killed" one of the most loved and promissing character of the Realms? |
--- Ed Appel
*** I'm a brazilian FR fan. So, feel free to correct my writing mistakes to improve my english. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2009 : 13:41:26
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quote:
Originally posted by edappel
And one for Mr. Kemp, to answer when he got some time...
What did you feel, when you "killed" one of the most loved and promissing character of the Realms?
Ed,
I didn't undertake it lightly, but I felt as though Erevis's part in the story I'm telling was finished. That made it easier. I want to continue the story through the eyes of another (that of his son, Vasen). |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2009 : 04:12:49
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One thing I have to ask is this. How different is divine power in the nine hells as opposed to on the prime material plane?
Cale and Riven and Magadon were all virtually bitch slapped by Mephisto when he tricked them into Cania. They could do absolutely nothing. Had Zero power to stop him. If they lifted a blade, he lifted a finger and they were immobile.
The Most high Telamont Tanthul was present when Brennus summoned Mephisto the second time, and being one of the strongest mages on toril(Probably stronger than the Sojourner, close to Elminster power), still needed help from other high level Archwizards to bind him. I always assume a Demon or Devil or God is much less when on the prime material plane.
Cale, Riven AND Rivalen(Who I would think is more powerful than Cale or Riven, but much less powerful than his father), all had trouble defeating Kesson Rel, but never once did they seem like helpless babes the way they did with Mephisto.
Yet, after gaining only a third of Kesson Rel's power, Riven goes to Cania and virtually buggers Mephisto without problem. Cale even commented that his power was a match for Mephistopheles now? |
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preacher
Acolyte
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
Posted - 25 May 2009 : 23:52:19
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Hi Paul (and others). I've just registered here to thank you for this excellent series. I found it very hard to put down, and it stands out head and shoulders above any other FR novels I've read. I'm usually quite embarrassed about reading gaming fiction, but I'd happily thrust this trilogy into any fantasy fan's hands, and tell them they were about to enjoy a masterful storyteller's work. This was great fiction that happened to be set in a gaming world.
Erevis Cale was a marvelous antagonist, and your earlier books about him are already on my "must buy" list. It's a hard struggle trying not to try and morph my current D&D character into him, or at least have him take on aspects of Erevis. He's just too cool - I suppose, like a previous poster, I just love anti-heroes.
But it wasn't just Cale who gripped my imagination and emotions. All of these characters took on a life of their own, and I was surprised by how powerfully some leaped off the page. It was very rewarding to explore their motivations, and characters who at first seemed caricatures or stereotypes - Riven, Rivalen, Abelar - became real, breathing people as I read. I even found my myself empathising with Rivalen and Brennus. Riven was so much more than just a stereotypic assassin, and I've never seen a paladin more convincingly written than Abelar. His end was tremendously moving. And I loved how, even by the end of the books, I still wasn't entirely sure just whether Elyril's talking dog and communication with the shadows were real or in her mind. It made her much more real.
Most important, perhaps, was that I got to see these characters change and grow throughout the story, to see them evolve as events unfolded. And because I cared about them, I cared what happened to them. I hated it when the novel ended, not because of what happened, but because I wasn't done with these people yet.
So I'm now off to buy and read everything else I can find by a certain Paul S. Kemp. Thanks for the wonderful time I spent immersed in your books, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next series.
Cheers! |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 26 May 2009 : 14:43:36
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| Thank you, Preacher. I really appreciate that. :-) |
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preacher
Acolyte
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
Posted - 26 May 2009 : 23:19:23
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Well, it's not often I get to thank an author for the pleasure they've given me, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity, knowing there was a chance you'd see it. Those books are still with me, in my thoughts, which is rare for this kind of fiction. Making it hard to concentrate on my next book, actually! Anyway, thanks for replying - this is a special place, glad I found it. I must check in on some of the other authors' threads.
The rest of the Erevis books have been ordered, and I've already read Resurrection. Currently checking out your webpage, too. Ooh - free stories! :)
It's pleasing to read how much editorial leeway you were given in writing these books by WotC. Good to know they respect their authors enough to do that. I hope it's not just a by-product of the big jump in the timeline, and reflects how things usually work.
I got into D&D fiction via the Eberron novels, and followed one of my favourite authors from that line to the FR one. Once here, I found some new favourites to add to the list, but hold out a secret hope some of you might venture into Eberron at some point. Is that even possible, or do they keep the two lines mostly separate?
Edit: Having been to your website, and followed the link to the Heliotrope article... well, now I know why these books and these characters resonated so much. I well remember how Moorcock turned my perceptions of fantasy - no, my expectations of it - on their head. Interesting to learn he's an influence, it certainly shows, and that's most definitely a compliment. |
Edited by - preacher on 26 May 2009 23:42:50 |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 27 May 2009 : 13:53:54
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Does anyone have a quick explaination for me regarding the differences of strength in divine power in different planes?
I just need a quick idea of how powerful Riven has become on the prime material plane for the next books. Certainly his powers were augmented in the hells right? |
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The Simbul
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 27 May 2009 : 19:57:05
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To Firestorm
Riven performed a sneak attack on Mephistopheles while he was still in the process of assimilating the divine power from Cale. If Cale and Riven were the adventuring equals of Rivalen Tanthul (CR 35) at the conclusion of the story then they would likewise be more than a match for the Mephistopheles that appears in the rulebooks (CR 29; or Aspect CR 24), even with the added benefit of an equal amount of divine power.
Moreover, if he and Riven merely became quasi-deities (Divine Rank 0) then the benefits would only be a marginal improvement for Mephistopheles, but would be a substantial improvement for Riven. If he and Riven became demigods (Divine Rank 1-5) then Riven would likely have an advantage since mortals who ascend to Godhood gain more class levels to compensate for the lack of outsider HD.
As for why Telemont had six of his court wizards as assistants in binding Mephistopheles, I surmise it was because he did not want to allow there to be any chance for Mephistopheles to escape:
quote:
Binding
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Sor/Wiz 8
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: One minute
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One living creature
Duration: See text (D)
Saving Throw: Will negates; see text
Spell Resistance: Yes
A binding spell creates a magical restraint to hold a creature. The target gets an initial saving throw only if its Hit Dice equal at least one-half your caster level.
You may have as many as six assistants help you with the spell. For each assistant who casts suggestion, your caster level for this casting of binding increases by 1. For each assistant who casts dominate animal, dominate person, or dominate monster, your caster level for this casting of binding increases by a number equal to one-third of that assistant’s level, provided that the spell’s target is appropriate for a binding spell. Since the assistants’ spells are cast simply to improve your caster level for the purpose of the binding spell, saving throws and spell resistance against the assistants’ spells are irrelevant. Your caster level determines whether the target gets an initial Will saving throw and how long the binding lasts.
[remaining spell text omitted for space. See the 3.5 Player's Handbook or the System Reference Document]
Oh, and if anyone is wondering about the 1 minute casting time, as per the rules Telemont could have begun casting it before/during the casting of the calling spell woven by Brennus, since you only choose the target of a spell at the end of the casting. Alternatively, he could have used a wish spell to duplicate its effects with only a standard action. Or maybe Telemont happened to have wasted a feat slot on the generally useless Delay Spell metamagic feat, just like virtually every other FR archmage from Elminster and the Simbul to Halaster or Larloch.
As for Riven in the 4E era, I personally would say he would likely be "comparable to the exarchs of other gods", as those are the words used to describe Rivalen Tanthul in 4E. |
Edited by - The Simbul on 27 May 2009 20:30:07 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2009 : 13:04:05
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Thank you all for the Answers.
I still personally have trouble identifying how Riven got so powerful with only a third of Rel's power. Kesson Rel never gave off that invincible "I am a god" Aura to me. He was handling the 2/3 of them well alone, but Mephistopheles just handled them so easily without lifting a finger with true godlike power.
I always assumed Divine power worked differently in the Hells, and that Rel Would have been more of a demi god there. |
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johnnype
Acolyte
5 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jul 2009 : 01:29:03
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Hiya Paul,
Just finished reading the trilogy. Thanks for the fun read.
I look forward to the next trilogy. I suppose I'll have to wait 3 years or so for it to be complete? |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2009 : 15:50:56
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quote:
Originally posted by johnnype
Hiya Paul,
Just finished reading the trilogy. Thanks for the fun read.
I look forward to the next trilogy. I suppose I'll have to wait 3 years or so for it to be complete?
You're welcome, and yes.  |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2009 : 16:45:52
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
You're welcome, and yes.
Short and cruel! I always suspected that you are the secret high priest of Loviatar, Paul! 
Write faster!!! *pokes some mikado sticks in a voodoo doll*
I have a type of egg-or-hen-question for you on what comes first for you: Do you first make a character sheet for your characters that is actually based on D&D rules? Or is this only an extra for you after books are published?
How important is it for you to actually define your characters in terms if stats, feats, etc before starting to write?
And what is your approach to the Godborn-characters? Have you actually studied 4e-rules and built characters based on that or do you better write by having a good idea about character feats etc in mind without actually fixing everything from the beginning? Where do you draw the line between rule compliance and writer's freedom?
What do you consider the best approach on this issue when it comes to shared world writing? What works best for you?
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"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2009 : 18:08:44
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quote:
Originally posted by skychrome
[quote] I have a type of egg-or-hen-question for you on what comes first for you: Do you first make a character sheet for your characters that is actually based on D&D rules? Or is this only an extra for you after books are published?
How important is it for you to actually define your characters in terms if stats, feats, etc before starting to write?
And what is your approach to the Godborn-characters? Have you actually studied 4e-rules and built characters based on that or do you better write by having a good idea about character feats etc in mind without actually fixing everything from the beginning? Where do you draw the line between rule compliance and writer's freedom?
What do you consider the best approach on this issue when it comes to shared world writing? What works best for you?
-
Skychrome,
It's mostly of importance to me only after the books are published and readers want to try and build out the characters. I do often have a sense of character class and level while I write, but it's really just a sense and I change it if the needs of the story demand it. And that's the critical thing -- I'm trying to tell a great story and I regard that as my primary obligation to the readers. Game mechanics are not particularly relevant to that.
Long story short, I regard the rules as very loose guidelines, never shackles, and they must always give way to the needs of the story (should there be a conflict). I do, however, try to remain true to setting *lore*, which is (obviously) a very different thing from the particular mechanics associated with the underlying ruleset.
As for Godborn, I have familiarized myself with 4E rules, but had developed character concepts long before that. My first step is to develop the characters' backstory and internal psychology/conflicts. After that, I'll take a peek at the rules to see how that character might best be modeled.
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2009 : 23:08:06
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I did have one more question regarding continuity......
In the Archwizards series which I have been rereading, Rivalen is consistent in saying he is only around 800 years old. That he was born well after the fall of Nethril when the city was already in shade.
In the twilight war, Rivalen seems to be much older. 2000 years or so to be precise. And he was alive before the fall of nethril.
I felt you fleshed out his character much better than he was in previous books, and I thank you for that(Not to take away from Denning. It must be impossible to flesh out characters when you suddenly have an entire enclave that needs to be showcased along with Mystra's chosen). But I am just confused with continuity. Maybe it was just a necessary change so the storyline could advance?
And he was killed at the end of book 2. I remember once reading that they were going to explain his resurrection somewhere, but I never did get that shortstory.(I think around the same time you mentioned you were going to write something about Azrrim)
Can you elaborate on any of this?
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Edited by - Firestorm on 23 Aug 2009 23:27:33 |
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The Simbul
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 24 Aug 2009 : 07:55:29
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A few things to note regarding the last question:
In the chapter on the Shades in Lords of Darkness, the text states that all of the princes were born before the fall of Netheril. It may have been the case that this text was used as the primary source for researching the shades.
As for Rivalen's demise at Tilverton: note that he played a part in Mistress of the Night by Don Bassingthwaite abd Dave Gross, which took place after the Return of the Archwizards but before the Twilight War. Thus, if anything the burden would probably be on them to explain Rivalen's recovery, if such explanations are necessary.
It may have been the case that Rivalen was using a simulacrum or a shadow double of himself, which would explain why he was so easily defeated by Vangerdahast. Alternatively it would not be unheard of for him to have survived through powerful contingency magic or the favor of Shar. |
Edited by - The Simbul on 24 Aug 2009 08:10:31 |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 24 Aug 2009 : 15:52:01
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quote:
Originally posted by The Simbul
A few things to note regarding the last question:
In the chapter on the Shades in Lords of Darkness, the text states that all of the princes were born before the fall of Netheril. It may have been the case that this text was used as the primary source for researching the shades.
Yes, I was reading that book myself last night looking for answers.
But I am just wondering why the stories of both authors do not synch up, Accident? or if it was a decided thing to flesh out the characters more.
quote:
As for Rivalen's demise at Tilverton: note that he played a part in Mistress of the Night by Don Bassingthwaite abd Dave Gross, which took place after the Return of the Archwizards but before the Twilight War. Thus, if anything the burden would probably be on them to explain Rivalen's recovery, if such explanations are necessary.
It may have been the case that Rivalen was using a simulacrum or a shadow double of himself, which would explain why he was so easily defeated by Vangerdahast. Alternatively it would not be unheard of for him to have survived through powerful contingency magic or the favor of Shar.
Well, since they speak of Rivalen as if he were dead and buried in "The sorceror", I assumed he was killed and subsequently resurrected. But nobody has ever elaborated.
I still do not understand the nature of Shadow doubles, or Galeron's "Shadow self". It was never explained well in the Archwizards series.
Do Shadow doubles have all the same abilities? Are they controlled or self aware? Kesson Rel used a simulacrum so I assume this was a shadow double. If your Shadow double is hurt, are you left fine? Or does it take a toll?
This must be different from your "Shadow self", which is another story arc I did not understand. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
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Posted - 24 Aug 2009 : 18:28:05
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Firestorm,
The Simbul ably answered some of your questions. I'll add what I can.
"Lords of Darkness" was my go-to source for info on the Shades while writing the Twilight War. There is some information in LoD that needed to be reconciled with earlier sources (some of which you raised -- e.g., that the Princes were born before the Fall, that Telemont and Lord Shadow are the same person, etc.). In the event of any ambiguity or seeming contradiction, I was to use the later source (LoD). In particular, George Krashos and I discussed the Telemont/Lord Shadow issue privately once upon a time and he put together a behind the scenes explanation/timeline that resolved the issue raised by that ostensible contradiction (I don't think it's ever been published anywhere, though).
As for Rivalen, I decided to stay mostly quiet on the issue of his apparent fate in Return of the Archwizards. Partially, that's because he had already "reappeared" in Don's novel, and partially that's because it wasn't directly relevant to the story I wanted to tell (and I have only a finite number of pages with which to work). I think (and I've been away from Shadowbred for awhile) that I allude to what might have happened to Rivalen, but if it made it into the final draft of Shadowbred, it was only a passing reference.
I'm not sure how much help that is, but there it is. |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 25 Aug 2009 14:27:09 |
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Shadowrealm - Chapters 13 - 17 & Epilogue
