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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Apr 2009 : 18:28:46
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| Just read on a newsticker on N24 (German news channel) that Hasbro suffered a 50% reduction of sales in Q1... dunno if that has something to do with the entire affair |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Rabiesbunny
Seeker
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2009 : 18:41:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Mace Hammerhand
Just read on a newsticker on N24 (German news channel) that Hasbro suffered a 50% reduction of sales in Q1... dunno if that has something to do with the entire affair
...WHOA.
Is it bad I feel giddy about this? |
"Then I was right. Jobe has all his children killed, and Michael Bay gets to keep making his movies. There is no god." |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2009 : 20:29:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Mace Hammerhand
Just read on a newsticker on N24 (German news channel) that Hasbro suffered a 50% reduction of sales in Q1... dunno if that has something to do with the entire affair
While I am not sure if this had anything to do with Hasbro as a whole or just Hasbro in Germany, one would think that they would still keep the old edition PDFs (i.e. anything they are no longer printing) up for the revenue (no matter how small) that it brought in. Of course, as stated (a few times I think) that would require the use of common sense and logic, which seems to be in small supply at Hasbro/WotC. |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
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Edited by - Hawkins on 20 Apr 2009 20:30:00 |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2009 : 23:12:28
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Adjusting for where the dollar was at in Q1 of 2008, Hasbro would only have been down 6% on its sales. Couple this with the fact that Q1 of 2008 was abnormally profitable for Hasbro, and I think we need to wait to see if a trend develops before we ascribe any motives to the company or make any prediction.
I'm not trying to be an apologist, I'm just saying that some numbers, in a vacuum, can lead to conclusions that wouldn't be reached if everything is put in perspective.
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 00:59:56
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quote:
Originally posted by HawkinstheDM
quote:
Originally posted by Mace Hammerhand
Just read on a newsticker on N24 (German news channel) that Hasbro suffered a 50% reduction of sales in Q1... dunno if that has something to do with the entire affair
While I am not sure if this had anything to do with Hasbro as a whole or just Hasbro in Germany, one would think that they would still keep the old edition PDFs (i.e. anything they are no longer printing) up for the revenue (no matter how small) that it brought in. Of course, as stated (a few times I think) that would require the use of common sense and logic, which seems to be in small supply at Hasbro/WotC.
The revenue earned etc doesn't concern Germany... the company HQ is in the US |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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Thrasymachus
Learned Scribe
195 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 06:40:28
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If I am reading this right WotC doesn’t sell the PDF’s because they are losing money to piracy. If WotC isn’t selling the PDF’s elsewhere, than they are making even less money. I wager the latest material is not selling for two reasons:
#1 They were foolish putting out 4th edition on the relative heals of 3rd. There were like 3 different books on Dragons in 3rd. The idea of even starting down that road again turned me off. As for the Realms, I had considered WotC was intentionally sabotaging their own product, to push Eberon (or whatever that new setting is). I have no idea what deals they have as far as copyright with Ed vs the creators of other worlds. I know that self sabatoge probably comes off as crazy thought, but it seems more plausible to the senses than some WotC executive, sitting on his office rug, wielding a Magic 8 ball to make these decisions.
#2 The economy being what it is, I would expect that WotC product is probably a luxary item in many people’s budgets. When a google search can yield all the PDF’s for free…
*Drums fingers on desk*
I give WotC 6 month’s tops before they go under. I don’t wish it on them mind you, but they haven’t gotten anything right in years. They have been acting like a desperate company for some time. This is simply the latest. In regards to the pdf debacle, first WotC ends their relationship with Pazio, months later this “no more pdf” thing. If there was a long range plan then the end of Pazio publishing Dragon/Dungeon would have incorporated “ and no more pdf’s” at that time. It wouldn’t have followed months later, and not with so little notice.
6 months, and only if they roll 20’s every month till then.
The only thing I can imagine where this is good move, is if they come out with some enormous CD set of all the Realms stuff on disk from Ed’s first articles in Dragon till 4th Edition appeared. As has been mentioned, it seems new comers play quite a bit of catchup with such a rich history. Even old timers may sucumb to "I just gotta have it". That’s way beyond Magic 8 Ball though. That kind of planning would require a ouija board.
Me thinks I have a better chance of sitting at Ed’s gaming table, than seeing that happen.
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Former Forgotten Realms brand manager Jim Butler: "Everything that bears the Forgotten Realms logo is considered canon". |
Edited by - Thrasymachus on 21 Apr 2009 06:43:58 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 07:13:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Ahh yes... How to combat the current market slump and bad economy:
D&D Minis
You're able to finally choose the minis you want!
It's about time!
I still don't care about the minis, though. And I'm still not giving WotC a dime for anything D&D. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 08:16:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Thrasymachus
I give WotC 6 month’s tops before they go under. I don’t wish it on them mind you, but they haven’t gotten anything right in years. They have been acting like a desperate company for some time. This is simply the latest. In regards to the pdf debacle, first WotC ends their relationship with Pazio, months later this “no more pdf” thing. If there was a long range plan then the end of Pazio publishing Dragon/Dungeon would have incorporated “ and no more pdf’s” at that time. It wouldn’t have followed months later, and not with so little notice.
6 months, and only if they roll 20’s every month till then.
I think the odds for this is rather slim. The decisions made recently might hurt them some and they may make changes, but I doubt that the company will go under in the nearest future. |
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Tyr
Learned Scribe
225 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 09:09:52
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| yeah, worst comes to worst and they'll ditch d&d and just put out card games, its unlikely they'll go under. Its more likely the d&d name that's in difficulty. |
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
757 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 09:13:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Ahh yes... How to combat the current market slump and bad economy:
D&D Minis
You're able to finally choose the minis you want!
It's about time!
I still don't care about the minis, though. And I'm still not giving WotC a dime for anything D&D.
Especially since the quality of the paintwork has also drastically diminished lately. Everything seems painted in primary colours nowadays. |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 13:57:21
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| Wow. I posted the news over at WotC (thread) to discuss the possibility of Hasbro selling the D&D license and am actually surprised to see that most of the 4E fan posters would be reluctant to buy D&D if Paizo or White Wolf or another company bought the license. Brand loyalty for ya... |
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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 14:12:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Wow. I posted the news over at WotC (thread) to discuss the possibility of Hasbro selling the D&D license and am actually surprised to see that most of the 4E fan posters would be reluctant to buy D&D if Paizo or White Wolf or another company bought the license. Brand loyalty for ya...
Ironic, considering that the company that originally put out D&D is no longer around. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 14:27:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Wow. I posted the news over at WotC (thread) to discuss the possibility of Hasbro selling the D&D license and am actually surprised to see that most of the 4E fan posters would be reluctant to buy D&D if Paizo or White Wolf or another company bought the license. Brand loyalty for ya...
Ironic, considering that the company that originally put out D&D is no longer around.
My thoughts exactly, O wooly one! |
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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Tyr
Learned Scribe
225 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 16:15:31
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| Yeah, just read through that thread. I hope denial isn't a requirement for joining the 4e fanbase... |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 16:24:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Wow. I posted the news over at WotC (thread) to discuss the possibility of Hasbro selling the D&D license and am actually surprised to see that most of the 4E fan posters would be reluctant to buy D&D if Paizo or White Wolf or another company bought the license. Brand loyalty for ya...
Ironic, considering that the company that originally put out D&D is no longer around.
My thoughts exactly, O wooly one!
I've once or twice encountered people that stopped buying new D&D stuff when Gygax left the company.
It doesn't matter to me if D&D is sold to Paizo or White Wolf, so long as whoever is putting out D&D is putting out something I want. I've given money to White Wolf, and I've given money to Paizo. The company doesn't matter -- the product does. If it's not something I want, it doesn't matter who sells it. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 22:24:46
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quote:
Originally posted by capnvan
quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Wow. I posted the news over at WotC (thread) to discuss the possibility of Hasbro selling the D&D license and am actually surprised to see that most of the 4E fan posters would be reluctant to buy D&D if Paizo or White Wolf or another company bought the license. Brand loyalty for ya...
I suppose that's one word for it. So 4E fans thinks Paizo and/or White Wolf would be worse guardians of D&D than Hasbro?
That's a frightening thought indeed |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2009 : 23:59:23
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If the brand is ever sold off, I really hope Paizo gets it. They can actually make more solid products with their Pathfinder stuff, bring back the slain sacred cows, release awesome quality books and adventures. They'll be able to use beholders and other creatures owned by WotC only. It'd be so great.
Also, probably conspiracy theory, but it makes total sense. Because of a possible failure of 4E, WotC pulling PDF sales from ALL editions seems like a grab for more sales for 4E. Someone stated that the tons of people playing 1E, 2E, and 3E are screwed and WotC is hoping they give in to 4E eventually. Particularly the 1E and 2E are all out of print and hard to come by. EXCEPT through PDF purchasing. Everyone has access. No need to look on eBay for an actual copy to come around and buy it at twice or thrice the price.
But with ALL edition PDFs pulled, that leaves the 1E and 2E (and eventually 3E) players completely screwed. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 05:15:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Razz
If the brand is ever sold off, I really hope Paizo gets it. They can actually make more solid products with their Pathfinder stuff, bring back the slain sacred cows, release awesome quality books and adventures. They'll be able to use beholders and other creatures owned by WotC only. It'd be so great.
Also, probably conspiracy theory, but it makes total sense. Because of a possible failure of 4E, WotC pulling PDF sales from ALL editions seems like a grab for more sales for 4E. Someone stated that the tons of people playing 1E, 2E, and 3E are screwed and WotC is hoping they give in to 4E eventually. Particularly the 1E and 2E are all out of print and hard to come by. EXCEPT through PDF purchasing. Everyone has access. No need to look on eBay for an actual copy to come around and buy it at twice or thrice the price.
But with ALL edition PDFs pulled, that leaves the 1E and 2E (and eventually 3E) players completely screwed.
Actually, with just a few exceptions, everything I've gotten from eBay has been for less than the cover price. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Ghost King
Learned Scribe
USA
253 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 05:48:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Razz
If the brand is ever sold off, I really hope Paizo gets it. They can actually make more solid products with their Pathfinder stuff, bring back the slain sacred cows, release awesome quality books and adventures. They'll be able to use beholders and other creatures owned by WotC only. It'd be so great.
Also, probably conspiracy theory, but it makes total sense. Because of a possible failure of 4E, WotC pulling PDF sales from ALL editions seems like a grab for more sales for 4E. Someone stated that the tons of people playing 1E, 2E, and 3E are screwed and WotC is hoping they give in to 4E eventually. Particularly the 1E and 2E are all out of print and hard to come by. EXCEPT through PDF purchasing. Everyone has access. No need to look on eBay for an actual copy to come around and buy it at twice or thrice the price.
But with ALL edition PDFs pulled, that leaves the 1E and 2E (and eventually 3E) players completely screwed.
Actually, with just a few exceptions, everything I've gotten from eBay has been for less than the cover price.
Yeah same here. Most books are usually dirt cheap for 1st/2nd editions for D&D. I don't think I ever paid above the $15 buck mark yet on an item if even that high. |
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kysus
Learned Scribe
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 05:52:44
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| I read that thread and felt sorry for Ashe there, I got the impression he fell into in a pit of piranhas in that thread. I agree with wooly on that as well, as long as the company brings out good products that impresses me im in. |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 06:01:53
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| Ya know, I've been thinking about this post that Chris Perkins posted on ENworld about a week ago. His idea was for Wizards to take the old material and set it up as a print on demand option. It really, to me, sounded like a good idea because it would allow the old material to be reprinted for those who want a physical book. |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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Ghost King
Learned Scribe
USA
253 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 08:28:14
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quote:
Originally posted by kysus
I read that thread and felt sorry for Ashe there, I got the impression he fell into in a pit of piranhas in that thread. I agree with wooly on that as well, as long as the company brings out good products that impresses me im in.
I took a glance at it as well, and I pretty much expected the responses though I think a couple posters went just a tad over the top. Attacking other companies was rather a brash act and rather childish, which makes me think he was a teen and his argument was rather weak if he was intending to debate the fact.
It's one thing to have a differing opinion and a preferance to a particular system/game/company. It is another to slander a different game/system/company just because you aren't informed about any of the history and the fact a person disagrees with you.
I don't think in my ten years of playing table top games and fifteen years of playing boardgames/video games I have outright just hated some company for buying up a game and taking their own spin on things. I don't expect every system to be a super system, in fact, until I play it I assume it will be broken and full of loopholes, or overly complicated.
If anyone has played Rifts you'd know how big of a headache it is to keep track of info, saves, varying ACs, varying damage types, varying magic and supernatural powers, completely out of balance creatures that some are almost unkillable except to one other creature in the universe/multiverse, etc.
Anyways, that is way off topic. But yeah you hit it on the head but I would say that it was a snake pit...full of huge dire cobra's with incredibly acidic venom! |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 10:01:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Ya know, I've been thinking about this post that Chris Perkins posted on ENworld about a week ago. His idea was for Wizards to take the old material and set it up as a print on demand option. It really, to me, sounded like a good idea because it would allow the old material to be reprinted for those who want a physical book.
That sounds good to me, but I would be a bit worried about the prices. Especially with sending and the whole thing.
But f they started doing a reprint, and the price was reasonable, WotC would get me as a big customer for the first time. And if they only knew that, I bet they would hire ten extra guys and runs hysterically around, just hoping to make me happy. |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 11:47:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Ya know, I've been thinking about this post that Chris Perkins posted on ENworld about a week ago. His idea was for Wizards to take the old material and set it up as a print on demand option. It really, to me, sounded like a good idea because it would allow the old material to be reprinted for those who want a physical book.
You better not be messin' with us with this Kuje
If they ever do that, I will be so exceited that I will smash my laptop to pieces as I will no longer need it for anything  |
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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Bakra
Senior Scribe
628 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 13:15:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Ya know, I've been thinking about this post that Chris Perkins posted on ENworld about a week ago. His idea was for Wizards to take the old material and set it up as a print on demand option. It really, to me, sounded like a good idea because it would allow the old material to be reprinted for those who want a physical book.
You better not be messin' with us with this Kuje
If they ever do that, I will be so exceited that I will smash my laptop to pieces as I will no longer need it for anything
If they follow this suggestion I would dig up my old Snoopy costume and do the “Supper Time Dance”
As for my thoughts on the 4e fans being loyal to WotC if they sold D&D to Pazio , I don’t think it is brand loyalty, I think it is more of “Why would I buy the core books all over again?”. When WotC bought TSR back in the 1997 (?) we ended up with an announcement for third edition (Released in 2000). All this occurred after many of us purchased the revised 2nd edition rules. We were very close to not purchasing any of the 3rd edition books at all. But I am glad we did...
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I hope Candlekeep continues to be the friendly forum of fellow Realms-lovers that it has always been, as we all go through this together. If you don’t want to move to the “new” Realms, that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with either you or the “old” Realms. Goodness knows Candlekeep, and the hearts of its scribes, are both big enough to accommodate both. If we want them to be.
(Strikes dramatic pose, raises sword to gleam in the sunset, and hopes breeches won’t fall down.)
Enough for now. The Realms lives! I have spoken! Ale and light wines half price, served by a smiling Storm Silverhand fetchingly clad in thigh-high boots and naught else! Ahem . .
So saith Ed. <snip>
love to all,
THO
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 13:39:09
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My thanks, fellow scribes!
Yes, I do feel that it's a definite snake pit at the WotC boards. Every day I feel closer and closer to closing and sealing my account. |
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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Tyr
Learned Scribe
225 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2009 : 14:33:29
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| Its a sad day indeed when you get attacked by a My Little Pony :) |
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WoTC/FR PDF's being pulled from Paizo.com
