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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Jul 2009 : 13:58:13
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New Dragon article by Matthew Sernett is live today, all about the capital of Akanūl. Nine solid pages, including the gorgeous illo Brian tweeted a few weeks back and a city map. For those interested in so-called "crunch/fluff" ratios, it looks to be about 0% crunch and 100% lore from my first quick read. 
Cheers,
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My Realms novel, Sandstorm, is now available for ordering. |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3247 Posts |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2009 : 14:10:06
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| Ultra-cool. Akanul for some reason has been itching in the back of my head the last few days - so many Realms games I still want to run... |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2009 : 14:43:00
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Yay!
Another FR group hangin' out in a flying city.
Just can't seem to get enough of those these days. 
And Genies! Located in one of the few non-Middle-Eastern flavored regions of the Realms! Sweet!
So much thought went into this wonderful new setting. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 24 Jul 2009 14:43:19 |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2009 : 15:05:54
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| Proctiv's move mountain and earthmotes are two different things; I see no problem with both existing and they both add flavour. It's a nice way to showcase the depth of the Realms. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2009 : 17:21:14
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Lets not forget the Abolethic Sovereignty... even the fish fly in 4e!
Weeeeeeee!!!
Who needs "the ground" anymore? I think they should just eliminate all of Faerūn...
Oh... wait...  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36876 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2009 : 17:35:12
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| Okay, so I think the topic and this discussion have gone in two separate directions... |
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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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2009 : 17:35:32
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Because all three of those are going to see the same level of play in one campaign, let alone replacing other terrain.
*rolls eyes* |
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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jul 2009 : 17:59:39
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| Having now taken some more time with it over lunch, I'm happy to report that it is, in fact, a very interesting read. Lots of material about the history of the city and nation, with the promise of more to come. Apparently this is just the first article in a series on Airspur. |
My Realms novel, Sandstorm, is now available for ordering. |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2009 : 07:16:35
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| I agree CR. Very good article. |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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Uzzy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
618 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2009 : 13:49:03
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I'm reminded of Duke Wellington's response to the announcement of Lord Derby's ministry in 1852, where he said "Who? Who?". Though, in this case, it'd have to be "Who? What?"
Sernett's certainly never written anything for the Realms before (At least going by the Pen and Paper RPG Database), nothing at all since 2004, and Akanul with it's Heavy Metal Umlaut barely deserves to exist in the Realms. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36876 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2009 : 14:25:30
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| Gah... As much as I hate to defend anything attached to 4E, I have to say that just because someone has never written for a particular setting before, it doesn't mean they can't write well for it. At one point in time, Elaine Cunningham hadn't written anything for the Realms... Ditto Steven Schend, Eric Boyd, and a whole bunch of others. |
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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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2009 : 14:40:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Uzzy
Akanul with it's Heavy Metal Umlaut barely deserves to exist in the Realms.
Akanul's interesting in its' own right, and certainly deserves a spot as part of a repatterned Faerun. On the topic of Faerun, Akanul simply uses the same accent for the same pronunciation that we've all been saying for years in Fay-ROON, Aka-NOOL. |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2009 : 17:34:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Uzzy
Sernett's certainly never written anything for the Realms before (At least going by the Pen and Paper RPG Database), nothing at all since 2004, and Akanul with it's Heavy Metal Umlaut barely deserves to exist in the Realms.
Pen and Paper hasn't been updated in ages. As far as they are concerned, the only thing I've ever worked on is Dragon #333; forget the other five issues of Dragon, the two books I edited, the small contributions to Pathfinder and the full AP adventure I did. At one point, their site may have been the definitive bibliography source, but that's long since passed.
As for Airspur itself, I think this thread is running into the same problem every 4E Realms thread runs into: complaining about the 4E switch. Whether one feels that the changes that came along with 4E were appopriate or not (either on balance, or individually), the fact remains that they were made. At this point, it falls on the writers--the designers, the story folks, the novelists--to make whatever new material there is really shine. Not to justify or explain away or reconcile those changes (though, in some cases, that too is necessary), but to provide the depth, history, and verisimilitude that fans have come to expect from FR material over the last 20+ years. Matt's work should be judged on how well it meets that standard, not by whether or not one supports the changes as presented in FRCG (4E).
And judging by that standard, I think he's done pretty well. |
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Mr_Miscellany
Senior Scribe
545 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2009 : 18:45:15
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This article is simply superb.
Well written, to the point, very concise and above all useful. I like the number of adventure ideas and how they're dispersed throughout the article. When I read sourcebooks I often think about how I could incorporate what I'm reading into my campaign as I'm reading it, so having adventure hooks at the end of each entry is very, very useful.
The political structure of Akanūl is very interesting. Having power split between four stewards and the queen is perfect fodder for DMs looking for inspiration for adventure ideas.
I'm delighted to note this will be the first of several that explores Akanūl. I should hope this fact alone causes Uzzy endless fits. :p |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2009 : 22:18:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
quote:
Originally posted by Uzzy
Sernett's certainly never written anything for the Realms before (At least going by the Pen and Paper RPG Database), nothing at all since 2004, and Akanul with it's Heavy Metal Umlaut barely deserves to exist in the Realms.
Pen and Paper hasn't been updated in ages. As far as they are concerned, the only thing I've ever worked on is Dragon #333; forget the other five issues of Dragon, the two books I edited, the small contributions to Pathfinder and the full AP adventure I did. At one point, their site may have been the definitive bibliography source, but that's long since passed.
As for Airspur itself, I think this thread is running into the same problem every 4E Realms thread runs into: complaining about the 4E switch. Whether one feels that the changes that came along with 4E were appopriate or not (either on balance, or individually), the fact remains that they were made. At this point, it falls on the writers--the designers, the story folks, the novelists--to make whatever new material there is really shine. Not to justify or explain away or reconcile those changes (though, in some cases, that too is necessary), but to provide the depth, history, and verisimilitude that fans have come to expect from FR material over the last 20+ years. Matt's work should be judged on how well it meets that standard, not by whether or not one supports the changes as presented in FRCG (4E).
And judging by that standard, I think he's done pretty well.
Well said Garen Thal, well said. |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2009 : 23:03:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Uzzy
...Akanul with it's Heavy Metal Umlaut barely deserves to exist in the Realms.
Akanūl isn't spelled with an umlaut (of either the diacritic or "metal" varieties). It's spelled with a circumflex. Like Faerūn.
Cheers,
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My Realms novel, Sandstorm, is now available for ordering. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2009 : 01:52:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
As for Airspur itself, I think this thread is running into the same problem every 4E Realms thread runs into: complaining about the 4E switch. Whether one feels that the changes that came along with 4E were appopriate or not (either on balance, or individually), the fact remains that they were made. At this point, it falls on the writers--the designers, the story folks, the novelists--to make whatever new material there is really shine. Not to justify or explain away or reconcile those changes (though, in some cases, that too is necessary), but to provide the depth, history, and verisimilitude that fans have come to expect from FR material over the last 20+ years. Matt's work should be judged on how well it meets that standard, not by whether or not one supports the changes as presented in FRCG (4E).
And judging by that standard, I think he's done pretty well.
This is a crucial point, which I think is, unfortunately, almost always overlooked by some when reviewing new 4e FR material.
In fact, I'd actually like to see a little more of this kinda of perspective becoming established here at Candlekeep. That's not to say that I would like all scribes to suddenly embrace the 4e Realms. But it's important that we always remember that some of these articles are composed by designers/writers trying very hard to work within the framework of what's now standard for the Realms in order to put their ideas and material forward. And that's an accomplishment in and of itself.
And I know it's certainly a perspective I'll take into account when I review the article later today. [Now that I've had a chance to download it] |
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 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3247 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2009 : 02:20:50
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| Agreed Sage. As much as I dislike the changes for the Realms, we are not going to get any lore at all if writers and designers refuse to work in the official 4th Edition version of the Realms. Once a fansite policy is released (hopefully soon), we will be able to start producing lore outside of the official canon once again. |
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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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2009 : 11:34:54
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| CR I just noticed your Sig. When will Realms of the Dead be availible? I look forward to reading your story! |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2009 : 15:14:52
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Thanks, Brimstone! Not to distract from Matt Sernett's excellent article, but I think the anthology is scheduled for a January 5th publication date!
quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
CR I just noticed your Sig. When will Realms of the Dead be availible? I look forward to reading your story!
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My Realms novel, Sandstorm, is now available for ordering. |
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Uzzy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
618 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2009 : 17:20:07
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| Of course, from my perspective, I'd be entirely happy to see no more of this so called 'Realmslore'. Further, as we all ready know, WoTC pay attention to complaining about the existence of something, and change to better accommodate the complaints. So I'll keep complaining about the existence of this current 'Realms'. |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2009 : 20:06:04
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Sigh. General criticism is fine, but this thread about Airspur probably isn't the best place for it Uzzy.
Now for the topic at hand, check out this sweet link covering an Airspur art challenge. To me the process of creating artwork remains unfathomable, so I just love these types are articles showing concept art to final.
http://artorder.blogspot.com/2009/06/tuesday-challenge-environment.html |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2009 : 20:34:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
Now for the topic at hand, check out this sweet link covering an Airspur art challenge. To me the process of creating artwork remains unfathomable, so I just love these types are articles showing concept art to final.
http://artorder.blogspot.com/2009/06/tuesday-challenge-environment.html
Gorgeous. Great find, Brian!
I just started reading James P. Davis' The Restless Shore, and it's set in Akanūl--lots of good stuff coming out related to this area.
Cheers,
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My Realms novel, Sandstorm, is now available for ordering. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2009 : 01:25:09
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Constructive complaints/criticism against the 4e Realms has always been accepted within Candlekeep, just as much as we've seen both praise and complementary commentary posted here about the new Realms.
However, this is hardly the scroll for such perspectives. As I noted above, I'd prefer to see an attitude that acknowledges both the hard work and effort put into this new article by the designer, and discussion about how it relates to the framework of the new Realms.
If any scribe wishes to express their criticisms about the new Realms, please see the scrolls we already have dedicated to such discussions.
Thank you. |
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 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2009 : 22:12:12
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Sorry for that.. was in a whimsical mood the other day. I meant it in a light-hearted way, but I see now it came-off more sarcastic then anything else. 
My only problem with the article is this - the only people who can read it are already fans of 4e. The rest of us can't offer any sort of valid opinions on it, because we can't read it unless we are willing to pay for something that is 90% useless to us. It could be the bestest article in the world (or the worst), and the people who are paying to see it are going to like it, regardless, because it appeals to the setting/timeframe/rulesytem they are using.
I could say that my Choclate is the best Choclate in the world because everyone likes it, but if I'm only selling it to choclate lovers, thats a little biased, no?
Anyway, I hope the article is great, for those of you who are enjoying the new Realms, and I hope that the DDi continues to to bring you everything you expect.
quote:
Originally posted by Mr_Miscellany
I'm delighted to note this will be the first of several that explores Akanūl. I should hope this fact alone causes Uzzy endless fits. :p
Okay... I have to admit, that was just funny as all hell.
Almost spit-take worthy.  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 29 Jul 2009 02:27:40 |
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Mr_Miscellany
Senior Scribe
545 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jul 2009 : 03:34:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
It could be the bestest article in the world (or the worst), and the people who are paying to see it are going to like it, regardless, because it appeals to the setting/timeframe/rules system they are using.
I really wish you would stop generalizing about the rest of us like that.
If the article sucked, we'd say it sucked. If it had lore problems, editing problems, didn't make sense, etc...there's no doubt in my mind the scribes who have access to the article would point such flaws out.
Yet you seem to think it's a "problem" that you don't have direct access to a product (even though the product is 90% useless to you; a number you've managed to come up with despite not having a subscription, mind) in order to give a somehow more sincere review, because -as you describe it- those of us who pay for the product are magically disconnected from the ability to read critically what WotC gives us?
This isn't a "problem" with the article at all.
Having an incredibly low opinion of your peers here at the 'Keep and posting as much is your business only, of course. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36876 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jul 2009 : 06:54:10
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Can we have a little less personal sniping, please? That last bit was uncalled for.  |
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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2009 : 00:53:18
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Folks, given the recent problems that have been occurring in this scroll [and the several PMs I've received about the disruption], I really think it's time to re-evaluate how we each want to discuss this topic.
Please, recall what I said earlier about only discussing the general efforts of the article's author, and the Realmslore it contains. Any and all other debates and opinions should be re-directed to other more appropriate scrolls.
Thank you. |
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 |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2009 : 02:36:44
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Well... actually... he's kinda right.
I'm more annoyed at the DDi itself then what appears on it, and I shouldn't be bringing that here - as Sage has said, this is supposed to be about a specific article, NOT the DDI.
And like I said (either here or at WotC), I did like the illustration very much - it piqued my interest. In fact, I kinda like 90% of the new artwork (I just had to use 90% again ).
I did offer to accept a free subscription of the DDi so I could better evaluate it (and give a fair appraisel) over at the WotC site, but I've yet to hear back from them. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Lady Kazandra
Senior Scribe
Australia
921 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2009 : 05:44:29
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I actually liked the article. It's a surprising expansion of the previous info we have on Airspur from the Old Empires resource.
And I'm gaining confidence in Sernett's ability to craft Realmslore. I hope he's writing for the future articles on Airspur as well.
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"Once upon a time the plural of 'wizard' was 'war'." -- The Last Continent, by Terry Pratchett |
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Airspur article up today
