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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31772 Posts

Posted - 07 Apr 2009 :  00:42:47  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
Well met

This is a Book Club thread for Downshadow [Book 3 of "The Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep" series], by Erik Scott de Bie. Please discuss Chapter 35 and the Epilogue herein:

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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 16 Apr 2009 :  19:00:48  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Great finish.

I loved how the Beardless Dwarf and Fayne both thought that they totally had Kalen/Shadowbane figured out and their overconfidence was their downfall. Both of them were so sure how to handle him, once they ID'd him as a "Fallen" Paladin...they just assumed he would act accordingly.

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

Edited by - The Red Walker on 16 Apr 2009 19:17:11
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 16 Apr 2009 :  19:20:54  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I didn't complete my thought....work intrudes again!!

Rath at the end knew Kalen was going to kill him....and he was alright with an honorable death to a worthy opponent, that is why I think he chose to fight him at the end....he never thought Kalen would apprehend him and turn him into the guard, a fate worse than death for the dwarf I think! If he had even thought it possible, he would never have fought him.

And dear Fayne....she was so convinced she knew him, that he would not think she killed Cele and would blame Rath, that he would kill Rath in cold blood and never receive his God's favor again. She "knew" she killed him with her little trap! And finally in the end, she is overconfident again in her knowledge of him and assumes he will let her walk away. Wrong again trickster I am not a fan of men striking women....but when he blasted her with that left hook.....she never saw it coming, and was nothing less than she deserved!

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

Edited by - The Red Walker on 16 Apr 2009 19:21:33
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 16 Apr 2009 :  19:38:48  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Glad you liked the ending. (And she never expected he would strike her, either!)

How'd you like her ending, where she gets sprung from jail?

Did you figure out the Twilight/Gargan sitch? Because the focus of the book is elsewhere, I didn't dwell on it much--it's really pretty subtle (key pages 174 and 186).

Should I be more forthcoming in my explanation? 'Cuz I'd be happy to, if that's what you'd like.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 16 Apr 2009 :  20:25:35  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie

Glad you liked the ending. (And she never expected he would strike her, either!)

How'd you like her ending, where she gets sprung from jail?

Did you figure out the Twilight/Gargan sitch? Because the focus of the book is elsewhere, I didn't dwell on it much--it's really pretty subtle (key pages 174 and 186).

Should I be more forthcoming in my explanation? 'Cuz I'd be happy to, if that's what you'd like.

Cheers



I think I might have left her there to rot for a while! But, it will worked alright.....what would make it best would be if you are ever allowed to pick up that thread and tell that story.....otherwise Arrrrgh!! She is due a come upance for Cele and I want to see it happen. I know you cannot wrap up everything, but I loathe stand-alone novels that leave so much left undone.

On the 'light/Gargan front, I will explore your clue farther and check in with you! I understand why so subtle, that was the right way for you to play it, but hrast! how did I miss it?

As far as the overall ending.....thats the Threefold god that Kalen went after her, now hopefullyhe finds her and lives long enough to realize her does deserve her.

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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 16 Apr 2009 :  20:51:46  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker

I think I might have left her there to rot for a while! But, it will worked alright.....what would make it best would be if you are ever allowed to pick up that thread and tell that story.....

Well, I hope so. If this novel proves as successful as I hope it will (and you should all read it and tell your friends!), then I would be in a good position to convince WotC to follow it up.

otherwise Arrrrgh!! She is due a come upance for Cele and I want to see it happen. I know you cannot wrap up everything, but I loathe stand-alone novels that leave so much left undone.

quote:
On the 'light/Gargan front, I will explore your clue farther and check in with you! I understand why so subtle, that was the right way for you to play it, but hrast! how did I miss it?

Don't feel bad at all--it's really subtle, and it depends in part on a hint at the top of page 270 of Depths of Madness. I mean, you can extrapolate it back from Myrin's dream sequence, but if you read the first line of that DoM page, that should drop a significant piece of the puzzle into place. (Maybe you're already figured that out--I'm not certain.)

Also--what's Gargan's full name?

quote:
As far as the overall ending.....thats the Threefold god that Kalen went after her, now hopefullyhe finds her and lives long enough to realize her does deserve her.

I don't know if *deserves her* is quite right, but she seemed quite receptive to a relationship with him. It may have started as a crush on her part, but they do sort of seem to *belong* together, don't they?

Well, we'll see if I get to write more about them.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 16 Apr 2009 :  21:00:43  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
As for Kalen deserving her....I just meant he needs to realize it is not up to you to choose who loves you, you can only choose if you want to love them back(and some would debate if you have a choice there or not, saying you can either choose to give into or deny your feelings!). He seems to think she loves him(or could love him), but almost decided that since he felt he did not deserve her, her love is misplaced. He just needs to realize her feelings are up to her and he has to deal with them!

And Gargan's full name....looks like more homework! I had the feeling at times that somehow he was the dwarf......but can't quite get my head around that one! (I thought it was stated that he was a dwarf, but some things you wrote about him reminded me of the big guy like how he felt apart from his people)

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

Edited by - The Red Walker on 16 Apr 2009 21:04:37
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 16 Apr 2009 :  21:23:41  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker

He seems to think she loves him(or could love him), but almost decided that since he felt he did not deserve her, her love is misplaced. He just needs to realize her feelings are up to her and he has to deal with them!

That's exactly it. When Fayne chides him about Myrin's feelings in their last confrontation, and when Myrin writes in her note "I can't have you make my choices for me," and a number of the things Rayse and Cellica say to him . . . the whole book is about Kalen realizing that he isn't the one who makes all the decisions. It isn't his place to hold himself apart "for the good of all"--those "all" need to be in on the deciding.

quote:
And Gargan's full name....looks like more homework! I had the feeling at times that somehow he was the dwarf......but can't quite get my head around that one! (I thought it was stated that he was a dwarf, but some things you wrote about him reminded me of the big guy like how he felt apart from his people)


Oh no--Rath and Gargan aren't the same person. (Though they do *fight* at one point.)

I think the process of discovery is an important aspect of this, so I don't want to give anything away. I suggest, however, you start with Depths of Madness p 24, then check over Downshadow 174 once more.

If it's too obscure and you want more of a hint, drop me a PM.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 17 Apr 2009 :  00:42:49  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
So she tatooed his full name on her neck......so she must feel really guilty about how he died, to want to be reminded whenever she sees herself in a mirror.

I read through the fight at the ball too rapidly and assumed she was spellscarred with sometype of shade-like qualities. But Gargan is her shadow......I wonder if that is the result of the blue fire or if he bound himself to her when he died? Looks like they had some interesting times after DOM.

About Fayne.....her dad...was that twilight's sword he had? He also reminded me of Yldar....any connection? i liked the little spell he put on the lock...that could be fun for someone in the future!

Now the real question.....how much of this can you expand on and how much are you cooking up for later?

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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 17 Apr 2009 :  01:06:38  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Well, the exact nature of Lady Ilira/Twilight and Gargan is something I'm leaving a bit open, but yes, she has his name tattooed across her breastbone, and has *his* shadow instead of her own--the shadow being endowed with some sort of life. Whether it's really him or not in some form--and how they got that way--is yet to be seen.

About Fayne's father--yup, you guessed it right. He was sporting Betrayal in that scene. Otherwise, nothing else about him.

Let me ask you this: being familiar with my work as you are, did you recognize Twilight immediately when she showed up, or did she just seem like another character until all the clues confirmed her identity?

(Anyone else in the thread, I'd love your reactions too!)

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 17 Apr 2009 :  01:18:04  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I would love to say, oh yeah I saw right through to the real her. But I gotta be straight with you. I did not start to suspect until the dance with Kalen. I was looking for her to show up more like she was, not knowing how she could have or did change. I think you handled it well. It easily could have been her, or just someone who reminded me of her. That is until you tied it togehter, then it was all made clear. I don't know bow anyone could have recognized her "at first sight" (unless they recalled that one short
Line in DOM! And I would not have remembered that without reading it again)

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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 17 Apr 2009 :  01:22:50  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
A lot can happen in a century. She's older, wiser, and more mysterious than ever--but clearly prone to heartache and loss. Some things never change, nay?

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 17 Apr 2009 :  01:34:10  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie

A lot can happen in a century. She's older, wiser, and more mysterious than ever--but clearly prone to heartache and loss. Some things never change, nay?

Cheers



Kinda like time has distilled her down to her core.

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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Steffen Farslayer
Acolyte

USA
12 Posts

Posted - 19 Apr 2009 :  16:14:03  Show Profile  Visit Steffen Farslayer's Homepage Send Steffen Farslayer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie



Let me ask you this: being familiar with my work as you are, did you recognize Twilight immediately when she showed up, or did she just seem like another character until all the clues confirmed her identity?

(Anyone else in the thread, I'd love your reactions too!)

Cheers



I did not catch it up front but I felt something familiar about her. After Ylar called her "Twlight" my suspicions were confirmed. I was delighted to see her again and how you were able to write her into the story.

Any chance we will see her again?

"It was the patient, cut-flower sound of a man who is waiting to die." - The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 19 Apr 2009 :  17:13:32  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
No promises, but I would certainly be interested in writing more about her. The opposition (Fayne and Fayne's patron, Lilten) seems in some way connected to her, and if they're going after Myrin (as the second to last chapter seems to indicate), then odds are Twilight's connected in some way.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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khorne
Master of Realmslore

Finland
1073 Posts

Posted - 05 May 2009 :  13:03:29  Show Profile  Visit khorne's Homepage Send khorne a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I guess I really don't understand paladins. I just don't get it why Kalen would have lost his paladin-hood if he had killed Rath after defeating him. Slitting that homicidal maniacs throat would have been a public service! Same thing with Fayne. He had her arrested, which meant her boss could break her out and she'd be free to wreak more havoc. If he had just killed her that wouldn't be a problem. And again, I don't see why killing her would have de-paladinized him.

If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36803 Posts

Posted - 05 May 2009 :  14:54:42  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by khorne

I guess I really don't understand paladins. I just don't get it why Kalen would have lost his paladin-hood if he had killed Rath after defeating him. Slitting that homicidal maniacs throat would have been a public service! Same thing with Fayne. He had her arrested, which meant her boss could break her out and she'd be free to wreak more havoc. If he had just killed her that wouldn't be a problem. And again, I don't see why killing her would have de-paladinized him.



Paladins have to uphold law. Slaying people, instead of turning them over to the court system, would have been taking the law into his own hands.

Not only that, but slaying a foe in combat is honorable. Slaying a foe outside of combat is not.

I'm not saying he should or should not have gone ahead and killed Rath... I'm just looking at it from the paladin point of view. I myself could not be a paladin.

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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader

USA
3243 Posts

Posted - 05 May 2009 :  15:12:11  Show Profile Send Ashe Ravenheart a Private Message  Reply with Quote
It's also the same thing that defines a comic book hero. If Batman, Superman or Spider-man went around killing people, they'd no longer be the heroes that so many know and love. Heck, not even Wolverine kills people just because he can.

I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.

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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 05 May 2009 :  15:56:25  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
That's pretty much it. Kalen is holding true to justice, rather than vengeance or vigilantism. The Batman analogy is extremely apt in this instance.

The paladin losing his powers thing is specific to earlier editions of the game than 4e. It's a classic and iconic aspect of paladinhood, and I thought it important enough to carry into this novel (and it fit the theme, of course!). Kalen loses his powers temporarily at one point (when he fails to keep his word regarding begging), then has to earn them back (by protecting Myrin). If he had killed Rath, it would have been breaking his word to bring about justice. (Or, at least he and Fayne seem to think so.)

Besides, it should be noted that paladins and other lawful good types are more interested in redeeming evil folk than wiping them out. If Kalen had simply killed Rath, then that would have been the end of Rath's story and Kalen would have been admitting evil's victory--i.e., that Rath could not have been redeemed. As it stands, however, Rath has a chance to redeem himself and try to make up for all the harm he's caused.

Also, it should be noted that there are different SORTS of paladins, and justice is merely one path they might follow (albeit the standard/original one). Kalen is a champion of good and heroism--an evil or unaligned paladin might have done differently.

A good follow-up question to this might be: Kalen's approach contrasts sharply with that of Gedrin (main character of the webstory and Kalen's predecessor)--what is the explanation here? Why did I set it up that way (because I did it very purposefully)?

Eh?

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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khorne
Master of Realmslore

Finland
1073 Posts

Posted - 05 May 2009 :  16:14:59  Show Profile  Visit khorne's Homepage Send khorne a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Oh well, I guess I was just bothered by it because I'm a proponent of the "If you've got your opponent at your mercy, then for god's sakes finish him off man!" school of thought.

If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader

USA
3243 Posts

Posted - 05 May 2009 :  16:20:48  Show Profile Send Ashe Ravenheart a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by khorne

Oh well, I guess I was just bothered by it because I'm a proponent of the "If you've got your opponent at your mercy, then for god's sakes finish him off man!" school of thought.



Ahh... A Frank Miller comic book fan.

I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.

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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 05 May 2009 :  16:56:48  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart

quote:
Originally posted by khorne

Oh well, I guess I was just bothered by it because I'm a proponent of the "If you've got your opponent at your mercy, then for god's sakes finish him off man!" school of thought.

Ahh... A Frank Miller comic book fan.

Heh. Yay Miller!

And I know exactly what you mean Khorne. I did it this way quite purposefully for the paladin's-choice effect. Kalen isn't a slouch when it comes to killing people (there are a number of folk he stabs, crushes, strangles, etc., during the book), but at that moment he chose the noble path, which isn't always pragmatic.

I plan to continue to develop the consequences of that particular choice in my later revisiting of the character. Rath has not disappeared yet, as he would have done had Kalen killed him. I think I decided he was just too complex a character to write off as a simple "fight-fight-fight-ok-now-kill-me" villain (like an Entreri) and I hope he reappears.

@Khorne: And if you're looking for some ruthless ass-kicking, paladin style, check out the companion story to Downshadow: "The Last Legend of Gedrin Shadowbane"

Cheers

Mod edit: Added quotation marks around the URL to make the link all pretty.

Erik edit: Thanks Wooly.

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"

Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 05 May 2009 17:30:13
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Alisttair
Great Reader

Canada
3054 Posts

Posted - 06 May 2009 :  18:49:22  Show Profile  Visit Alisttair's Homepage Send Alisttair a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Excellent novel Erik. This definately helped me understand what Downshadow truly is (despite more scenes in the city proper). It really added to the small bit of information provided in the FRCG (from which I only got that its almost like a double to Skullport, only not as deep) - I guess its somewhat of a cross between Skullport and the rest of Waterdeep. The characters were very interesting. I enjoyed the references to the old world (such as Cellica referencing Luiren, talk about Helm, etc...) but I especially enjoyed when they talked about the reference to Halaster (the mad mage who was foreseeing the rest of the world turning mad or some such, but that he was already there...classic).
I will definately check out the companion story (can't here, Wizards is blocked at work). As always, good work Erik. This one took me three days to read (as opposed to five) - heck, I satisfied my urge to read between periods of playoff hockey even hehe.

Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)

Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 06 May 2009 :  18:51:52  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Sweet! I'm glad you enjoyed, Alisttair.

Won't say too much about Myrin, but she is *definitely* connected to Halaster in some way . . .

And as always, if you were interested in posting a review here or on Amazon, I'd not take it amiss. wink wink.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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bolf66
Acolyte

USA
17 Posts

Posted - 09 May 2009 :  18:29:31  Show Profile  Visit bolf66's Homepage Send bolf66 a Private Message  Reply with Quote
hi I I just got downshadow at the strore yesterday and I couldn't put it down thank the gods for days off needless to say I absolutly love it and I will recomend it to all my fellow book lovers and I'm glad rath got jailed insted of dead over all he was just a pawn I must say that one of my favoriete things in the whole book was the paper cariers I think it brought a lot of realizim to the city on hole hopefully Wotc see's the awsome potencial of these charectors.. ps sory about my spelling

perception is the real truth
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 10 May 2009 :  05:30:19  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Thanks, Bolf. I'm glad you enjoyed.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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Caolin
Senior Scribe

769 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2009 :  19:55:11  Show Profile Send Caolin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Ok, so I apologize for being slow. But could someone layout for me the DoM connection? I can't seem to find my copy and it has been a while since I have read it....great book btw. Throughout the whole book I knew there was something else going on and I figured that it was a connection with Erik's previous novels but I was never able to make that connection. So Lady Ilira is actally Fox-at-twilight?
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore

Netherlands
1280 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2009 :  21:59:35  Show Profile Send Bladewind a Private Message  Reply with Quote
What a read!

Phew! I love the cast, especially all the lovely whaterdhavian lasses. Truly staggering amount of detail to the web of lies, treachery and deciet that unfolds. The connection between Ilira and Faynes mother is hard to follow for me though. Myrrins vision only explained how Cythara is killed, but why?

Favorite scenes? Too many! Myrin owning Aveareene, Ilira's dance, Fayne seduction, the Kalen-Rath chase through Downshadow, Raths stunningly timed comment on wizards. Definately liked the pace of the ending. Very cinematic battle and a touching romantic ending to boot.

I wonder if Kalen really has parted with his Vindicator though. He is likely to give the towncryer lad false hopes of ever wielding that intriguing blade.

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Creature Feature: Giant Spiders

Edited by - Bladewind on 27 May 2009 22:06:13
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2009 :  22:41:08  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
@Caolin: I'll let someone else field the "connections to DoM" question, so as not to give away too much. I will say, however, *yes*.

@Bladewind: Glad you enjoyed, and thank you for those kind words. Let me see if I can't knock out a couple of those questions:
quote:
Originally posted by Bladewind

I love the cast, especially all the lovely Waterdahvian lasses.

Ed's Waterdeep bible has a regular bevy of lovelies (and some excellent lads as well). That's where Rayse and Talanna both come from, as well as Lady Wildfire and young Mistress Roaringhorn. (There's a lot more to their story, as well.)

quote:
The connection between Ilira and Faynes mother is hard to follow for me though. Myrrins vision only explained how Cythara is killed, but why?

Well, Cythara and Ilira/Fox-at-Twilight first met in my story, "The Greater Treasure," where began their competition over Yldar's heart (he's both Cythara's brother and Ilira's occasional lover). For more detail on their threesome, see the writeups that Tom Costa and I did: Yldar and Cythara and Twilight. (Note the resemblance between surnames?)

The real question is, why is Myrin having that dream?

quote:
I wonder if Kalen really has parted with his Vindicator though. He is likely to give the towncryer lad false hopes of ever wielding that intriguing blade.

I left it kinda ambiguous as to the fate of Vindicator. Maybe Kalen recovers it, maybe he doesn't.

Partly, this is so that DMs can use it in their campaigns (hint hint!), and partly to leave myself a lot of room for a sequel.

I guess we shall see what we shall see.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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Caolin
Senior Scribe

769 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2009 :  23:02:39  Show Profile Send Caolin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie

@Caolin: I'll let someone else field the "connections to DoM" question, so as not to give away too much. I will say, however, *yes*.




Good enough Erik.

One of the problems of my compulsive reading habit is that I read a lot of different genres. When I run into multi book story overlaps I tend to forget what happened in the previous books....."was that the chick who tried to kill Luke Skywalker, or was that the one who tried to kill Elminster?" I really loved Downshadow and I am glad that I read the Shadowbane short before hand. But I feel that I am missing part of the story because I can't remember my tie ins. :(
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore

Netherlands
1280 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2009 :  00:13:48  Show Profile Send Bladewind a Private Message  Reply with Quote
The Greater Treasure being a story in Realms of the Elves? Drats, think I'm in for the chase after Fox-at-Twilight. So she appears in what books and areas? :P *brings a pad and starts writing down notes*

Myrin is like Rogue from x-men, and she absorbs the stuff of spells by touch. But Fayne somehow manipulated her in absorbing a detect thoughts spell or ability to force her a falsified dream? Feyri can grow mindreading kinds of powers with age or experience I think...

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Druidic Groves

Creature Feature: Giant Spiders
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