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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 11:23:15
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Well met
This is a Book Club thread for Gedrin Shadowbane [companion story to Downshadow Book 3 of "The Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep" series], by Erik Scott de Bie. Please discuss it herein:
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Note from Erik:-
"'Shadowbane' is a Companion Story meant to be read before, during, or after the novel with no trouble. It contains only one tiny possible spoiler (about an "open secret" in the novel). You might just understand it a little differently, depending when you read it in the sequence.
The story is available on Wizards for free (i.e., does not require a DDI subscription)."
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 10 Aug 2010 05:40:47
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2009 : 16:29:34
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Nice view of the end of one life and the start of another. Makes it believable that Gedrin could have driven the vampires out of Westgate. Facinating old man, who had to have been even more interesting as a younger man! |
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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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2009 : 19:07:29
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Great short story! Slow pace, thus leaving space for atmosphere and details. Exactly what makes me dive into the setting. I felt like looking over Gedrin's shoulder all the time!
As I am only partially up to date regarding 4e: where does Gedrin get his spell power from considering that Helm is dead? |
"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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2009 : 19:21:23
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Well, it's complex. The novel itself goes into it, and I wouldn't want to spoil its explanation. Check back in after you've made it that far. I think it's around the second set of chapters in the book club (like chapter 7 or 8)?
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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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2009 : 20:03:42
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Ah, ok I see! I thought it was a pure 4e topic. Downshadow is on my list anyway, just don't know when I will be able to get it yet.
Anyways, really nice short story Erik! Makes the realms feel so alive when being able to read well developed bits in between daily tasks! |
"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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Caolin
Senior Scribe
769 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2009 : 20:18:44
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I was wondering if someone could tell me who the Three Fold God is? I believe it is Helm but I'm not really sure because isn't he supposed to be dead? |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2009 : 20:40:26
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I created the Threefold God myself, so it won't be found in any sourcebook.
The origin comes out in the novel, Caolin, and because WotC has a Dragon article from me about it which they have yet to publish, I'm hesitant to say much more about it.
My advice is to read the novel for insight, and I will let you know if/when I hear about the article.
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 - 05 May 2009 : 20:57:36
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quote: Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
I created the Threefold God myself, so it won't be found in any sourcebook.
The origin comes out in the novel, Caolin, and because WotC has a Dragon article from me about it which they have yet to publish, I'm hesitant to say much more about it.
My advice is to read the novel for insight, and I will let you know if/when I hear about the article.
Cheers
That's awesome Erik. I loved your short story about Gedrin Shadowbane's last days. Dunno why, but it reminded me of the classic Grey Box lore....maybe it was the mystery of who the Three Fold god was. As soon as I finished it I made sure I put Downshadow in my Amazon cart. And thanks for the reply! |
Edited by - Caolin on 05 May 2009 20:58:15 |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2009 : 21:32:17
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I hope you enjoy, Caolin, and let me know if you have any questions about the novel proper! The book club is a fun place.
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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LucianBarasu
Fellaren-Krae Co-ordinator
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2009 : 00:24:54
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You did it again, you sneaky old goblin. Very well done and it fits well with the book. It sing sof classic lore, as Caolin said. kudos man. |
Lucian "The Bringer" Barasu Fellaren Krae Project Co-Ordinator
"Why do you cry?" "He is Conan, Cimmerian. He won't cry... So I cry for him."
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PatrikF
Acolyte
Sweden
3 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2009 : 06:14:07
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Excellent short story ! I feel like I want to know more about Gedrin, besides what is told about him in Downshadow that is. Just a quick question: Before Gedrin is killed at the end by Kirenkirsalai, he starts to utter that man's (if he can be called that) true name. Would that happen to be Neveren that is mentioned in Depth of Madness? I just wondered, since a lot of your other characters are mentioned in Downshadow, and I thought it too much of a coincidence that his name started with Ne. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2009 : 06:53:33
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Thank you sir, I'm glad you enjoyed.
I do indeed hope to tell more about the Eye of Justice and its history in future novels, including Gedrin's connection with the shadow man. (Who is, for reference, NOT a shade. At least, I don't think so.)
quote: Originally posted by PatrikF
Would that happen to be Neveren that is mentioned in Depth of Madness? I just wondered, since a lot of your other characters are mentioned in Downshadow, and I thought it too much of a coincidence that his name started with Ne.
You've got a sharp eye and excellent inductive reasoning. I guess my answer will just have to be . . . we'll 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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PatrikF
Acolyte
Sweden
3 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2009 : 01:16:52
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Hah, good enough. I didn't think I would get a clear answer, but I thought it was worth a shot |
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
757 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2009 : 12:58:27
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Excellent little story Erik. Also interesting is the contrast between Kalen the beggar-boy and Kalen Dren the Guardsman in Chapter 1 of Downshadow, although I note he still wears the ring Gedrin bequeathed him. Makes me wonder what happened to Vindicator though. I guess I shall have to buy and read Downshadow at some point to find out.
Who is/was Neveren again (my memory serves me not today)? |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2009 : 15:09:39
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quote: Originally posted by Kyrene
Excellent little story Erik.
Thanks! I know you're a discerning reader, so I am gratified to have given you something good to read.
quote: Also interesting is the contrast between Kalen the beggar-boy and Kalen Dren the Guardsman in Chapter 1 of Downshadow, although I note he still wears the ring Gedrin bequeathed him. Makes me wonder what happened to Vindicator though. I guess I shall have to buy and read Downshadow at some point to find out.
Ah ha! My hook seems to have worked!
I know your policy about buying Realms novels, and I wanted to offer the alternative of buying it direct from me (see this entry on my blog: http://eriksdb.livejournal.com/191902.html), rather than giving your funds to WotC. We'll talk about shipping.
quote: Who is/was Neveren again (my memory serves me not today)?
TBR (which means "to be revealed"). There have been a couple vague hints at his name (Twilight references him in Downshadow as her teacher and someone she had some sort of relationship with), but that's all I've revealed about him for the moment. In future books, we might learn more.
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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Dart Ambermoon
Learned Scribe
Germany
253 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2009 : 07:07:09
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Fine short story, adding ever more layers to your own fictional cosmos within the Realms. Hopefully that cosmos will grow into a monster. |
~ In Finder I trust, for danger I lust ~ |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2009 : 07:28:09
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Thank you sir! 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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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jul 2009 : 05:48:14
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Hey Erik, I was wondering if any of your Characters are in Downshadow at all, or this short story? I want more Fox, Neveren's story to be told, and Erevan to whisper sweet laughter the entire time.
Thanks Erik. I look forward to reading everything you write.
CEV |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jul 2009 : 14:59:01
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Hiya, CEV--for some reason, I was thinking of you this morning. Not in a weird way, but more in a "you know, I'll bet I have a message from CEV" sort of way. Prescience.
quote: Originally posted by Copper Elven Vampire
Hey Erik, I was wondering if any of your Characters are in Downshadow at all, or this short story? I want more Fox, Neveren's story to be told, and Erevan to whisper sweet laughter the entire time.
That, good sir, would certainly be telling. But I can hint at it, for sure.
Twilight does indeed make an appearance in Downshadow, and the various folk involved in her story are integrally tied to the novel. The Gedrin Shadowbane companion story also features an important puzzle piece . . . though I haven't yet provided the border pieces, so you won't necessarily see it as such.
I would definitely recommend both the novel and the short story, for fans of the irrepressible Fox-at-Twilight.
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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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2009 : 05:16:43
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On chapter 8 of Downshadow and I love it, love it, love it!!! I hate 4ED, but will read anything you write my good Erik! Now, back to the book. |
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