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GMWestermeyer
Learned Scribe
USA
215 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 18:03:40
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So, on the KODt forums we have an ongoing thread called 'what are you reading' in which folks post what they are currently reading and perhaps few words about it. Since I'm getting back into FR books and there didn't seem to be a similar thread here, I thought i would start one. The KODT thread is pretty broad, people talk about everything they are reading, but I figured to stay on topic for CK this one should just cover FR books, or books that can be related to FR in some way (non-FR novels by FR authors, for example, or non-fiction works that help illuminate some aspect of the Realms?).
Anyway, If folks like the idea you'll post, if not the thread will linger then disappear right? :)
I'll get started!
For FR related books right now I am reading We Three Dragons, three Christmas tales about dragons written by Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb, and James Ward. Not FR, just FR authors. Almost finished with this, just starting Greenwood's story, the last one. It's good so far. I particularly liked James Ward's story and how he built it around Poe's poem, "The Bells." One of my favorite Poe poems and handled with skill by Ward.
I'm also reading Shadow's Witness by Paul Kemp, Book Two in the Forgotten Realms Sembia series. I'm 2/3 through and so far it is very good. I've owned this book for years and never read it because I wanted to get the first book, Stormweather Hall in the series read first. But this week I decided what the heck and started it anyway.
I like the thieves' guild machinations, and the way the author gets what a specialty priest of Brandobaris can do in 2e, and there is an excellent burglary early in the book that PC thieves should study for how to do it in a magic world. But I hate how demons are handled in the book, very poorly IMO, since they don't follow the AD&D rules. I really hate it when D&D novels do not follow D&D rules. Sure, fantasy novels general should not have to follow D&D rules, but actual FR setting novels SHOULD follow those established parameters of the setting. That's one of the differences between a generic fantasy novel with an FR logo slapped on it and a true FR novel, IMO. Kemp's book is absolutely a true FR novel, this is how I always imagined Sembia, but the demons are an irritating bit.
So that's the idea. I write more then people really need to, just list what they are reaidng. :)
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"Facts are meaningless. You can use facts to prove anything that is even remotely true."
Homer Simpson, _The Simspons_ |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36877 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 19:43:46
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Novel-wise, I'm right now reading Knight and Knave of Swords, by Fritz Leiber.
When I'm done with that one, I'll read the newest Golarion novel, then reacquaint myself with Harry Dresden.
For gaming material, I was reading Forces of Warmachine: Protectorate of Menoth, but that got interrupted by the release of the Inner Sea World Guide for Golarion. Once I'm done with the ISWG, then it's back to reading about those traitors the Menites, and then I'd read the books about Cryx and Mercs. After that will prolly be whatever the newest Pathfinder book is.  |
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Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 20:02:54
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At home, I have also been reading the Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea World Guide since my little brother's copy arrived in the mail (he is a Marine and stationed in Japan right now, so he redirected his Pathfinder subscriptions to my place for the duration  ). At work I have been reading the Battletech Warrior Trilogy. I just finished the second book today. I plan to re-read the Shannara series by Terry Brooks (starting with Running with the Demon), hopefully timing it correctly so I can finish the first of the "transition" novels (which come after the Genesis of Shannara Trilogy) just as the second one comes out. |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 20:58:42
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I finished [relatively recently] RLB's Whisper of Venom. I was so disappointed I decided to take a hiatus from reading FR fiction.
Right now I'm reading A Kingdom Besieged by Raymond E. Feist. I paid twice the price since it's a special order. But I don't mind. It's worth it. I am thoroughly entertained. I didn't expect the return of two of my favorite characters! I just wish Pug would have more action scenes, though I think that's a given in the next two [or hopefully more] books. As the leader of the Nighthawks/Black Caps said, he's the only one who can stop the Darkness that even Demon Kings fear. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe
Spain
730 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 21:20:21
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| Finished a couple of days ago Insurrection the second of the WotSQ series, and started Condemnation. |
"If you are to truly understand, then you will need the contrast, not adherence to a single ideal." - Kreia
"I THINK I JUST HAD ANOTHER NEAR-RINCEWIND EXPERIENCE"- Discworld's Death frustrated after Rincewind scapes his grasp... again.
"I am death, come for thee" - Nimbul, from Baldur's Gate I just before being badly spanked
Sapientia sola libertas est |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 22:58:20
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The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing (6E), lol. Alas, I find books about science, engineering, tech, and DIY stuff most relaxing, informative, productive. Paperback fiction is filler for time otherwise wasted in lineups and commutes.
Which brings me to a thought ... my preferences in reading might be seen as somewhat "dwarven", insofar as literate dwarves would quite likely spend much of their time reading about building and engineering. Would elves prefer reading high fantasy? Would gnomes prefer books about gadgetry? Would halflings just read whatever pulp is popular? |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 25 Mar 2011 23:01:46 |
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Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2011 : 23:04:17
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quote:
I'm also reading Shadow's Witness by Paul Kemp, Book Two in the Forgotten Realms Sembia series. I'm 2/3 through and so far it is very good. I've owned this book for years and never read it because I wanted to get the first book, Stormweather Hall in the series read first. But this week I decided what the heck and started it anyway.
You're in for a treat if you havent read the following two trilogies featuring Cale, Riven and company.
Reading Fall of Highwatch by Mark Sehestedt at the moment, and i am thoroughly enjoying it. After that i have lined up some non realms fiction and fact books, namely I, Stradh, Stalingrad and The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 00:25:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Once I'm done with the ISWG, then it's back to reading about those traitors the Menites, and then I'd read the books about Cryx and Mercs.
Heh. I'm actually thinking about switching factions, so this didn't wound me as much as it would have in the past. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 00:49:29
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Since I'm reading about thirty different books at the moment [both printed and electronic -- either on SagePhone, SagePad, or SagePuter], I think it would just be easier for me to list those that are with me right at this moment.
For fictional novel reading, I'm working my way through the first book of the "Typhon Pact" series for the Star Trek novel line -- Seize the Fire.
My non-fiction includes Martin Heidegger: A Short Biography, by Petri Liukkonen, and [on SagePhone] a sampling of Franz Liszt's letters published by Project Gutenberg.
Gaming material wise, I'm reading an old West End Games STAR WARS supplement, Tales of the Jedi, which features lore on the old Dark Horse comics series. And, also, Field Report: FWLM for BATTLETECH, which is a PDF exclusive from BattleCorps.
I'm reading a lot of different comics too, at the moment, though most prominent right now, is the first collected volume of Superman's New Krypton saga.
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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 26 Mar 2011 00:51:17 |
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Kilvan
Senior Scribe
Canada
894 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 01:21:36
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| I've just started Elfshadow a few hours ago, and now I can't stop and I'm hungry. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36877 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 02:43:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Kilvan
I've just started Elfshadow a few hours ago, and now I can't stop and I'm hungry.
The first time I read it, I read thru it one sitting. Still a fave! |
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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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Fellfire
Master of Realmslore
1965 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 05:22:14
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| Dalor just reminded me, not too long ago I read the Child Thief by Brom. A very dark take on Peter Pan, and of course, filled with phenomenal artwork. |
Misanthorpe
Love is a lie. Only hate endures. Light is blinding. Only in darkness do we see clearly.
"Oh, you think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, by then it was nothing to me but.. blinding. The shadows betray you because they belong to me." - Bane The Dark Knight Rises
Green Dragonscale Dice Bag by Crystalsidyll - check it out
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Edited by - Fellfire on 26 Mar 2011 05:26:00 |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 06:00:18
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For favorite books I'm currently reading anything Golarion related (particularly the Absalom City Book).
I'm also listening to a Digital Book of The Art of War as translated by Thomas Cleary (which is slightly different than the one I have a hard copy of; but only slightly).
I know it isn't a book...but it is relevant, but I just finished watching for the 6th time the cartoon movie about Tinker Belle and the Lost Treasure (I have to know my daughters hero better!).
Will be starting Sandstorm by C. Rowe soon (haven't found a slot for it yet!).
Also reading one of my Professor's books: "Tajikstan: Pearl of Central Asia" just to get to know my prof. better (also a Psychology Student; so I like to know what the teacher is thinking  )
I'm constantly reading religious texts of various origin (from newer translations of the King James to old and yellowed pages of an old Qur'an I have) to understand more fully the psychology of modern religious movements as they relate to politics.
I just finished reading the 1st Edition Dungeon Master's Guide for the "millionth" time...and I'm now starting in on the Player's Handbook for the same.
I've also been scouring the Forgotten Realms Archive on the WotC site for any information related to the Border Kingdom for the game I'm playing in that Kuje is running.
I'm also constantly reading the scrolls of Candlekeep!
I think that is enough for now...though it isn't a complete list. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 06:03:04
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| Ye olde 1E DMG is a fine read indeed. Provided ye can understand High Gygaxian. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 06:12:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Arik
Ye olde 1E DMG is a fine read indeed. Provided ye can understand High Gygaxian.
Aye...it is my 2nd language. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 06:36:13
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| Personally I'm a Draconis Combine fella... |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 06:44:00
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Unfortunately, the Kuritan Handbook is still in development.
Lets just add to my reading list that now I have to catch up on what has happened on Luthien and to House Kurita since the Jihad! lol |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 07:27:24
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I just finished A Kingdom Besieged and am now reading I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. I so like the movie that I was compelled to grab the novel. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 08:15:32
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| Currently I'm reading Dark Fire by C.J Sansom, after that it will be The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, then with Dance of Dragons finally on the horizon I will reread the first four books from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. Inbetween I read my own book aiming at several thousand words to be deleted. |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4460 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 12:02:18
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I just started The Black Company by Glenn Cook, whic is a different, but entertaining read. I still get the feeling that im supposed to know more about the settinng than whats described.
As for Forgotten Realms noveld, still getting through Stardeep but its taking me a while because of how Sci-Fyish Cynosure is. Very 2001: A Space Odyessy. Also I got Avenger by Richard Baker for X-Mas but I've misplaced Corsair so I dont want to read the third without finishing the second.
I also need to get myself a copy of Downshadow by Erik Scott de Bie as I love Paladins and Erik's writing. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
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GMWestermeyer
Learned Scribe
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 16:03:50
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Wow, people like this. :)
I hadn't realized so many folks would post on thier non-FR stuff, so I guess I will also.
I'm usually reading multiple books at once. One is an unabridged audiobook, which I listen to during my work commute. Right now that is High Druid of Shannara: Straken, which I am enjoying.
At work on breaks I'm reading Eugene Sledge's With the Old Breed, classic work but the HBO miniseries did the book a disservice IMO.
I finished Shadow's Witness last night. Disappointing in the end. Some short stories should be novels, some novels should be short stories. This was one of the latter. The final confrontation dragged and dragged.  I was disappointed that the beginning set up all this wonderful intrigue and then the second half was just a long, boring action sequence. And I don't think it handled priests' being 'called' very well for FR's rules. Still, Kemp showed great promise as a writer, and it implies the later books will be about the intrigue this book denied me. I'm going to find those books, Kemp shows promise as a writer.
But for my next FR book I'm returning to an old friend, Elaine Cunningham. I am rereading Daughter of the Drow.
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"Facts are meaningless. You can use facts to prove anything that is even remotely true."
Homer Simpson, _The Simspons_ |
Edited by - GMWestermeyer on 26 Mar 2011 16:04:45 |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 17:57:32
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| I did not read FR for a year or two, last few fantasy books I read in 2011 were The Dragon's Path (Abraham), A Kingdom Besieged (Feist), Wise Man's Fear (Rothfuss), The Heroes (Abercrombie), Rats and the Ruling Sea (Reddick). This will be a great year. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 02:43:29
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I'm also rereading Cate Tiernan's Sweep series. It's been 3 years since I read the last book. After which I need to write a plethora of reviews for certain mags I thought were already forgotten by time. =) |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 04:25:49
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I finished Gauntlegrym just a few weeks ago, after it FINALLY arrived here at my local library from their consortium-loan. Was only slightly disappointed- mostly at the character of Dahlia. Disliked her from the beginning, and hope she dies in the next book- horribly. Otherwise, a good read!
I'm also currently reading an interesting book called Wolf's Gambit, a fun werewolf-cop murder story. Seems there's a pack of rogue lycans roaming the northern Wisconsin woods, and the howling hero is going to be up to his furry ears in bodies before it's over.....
In similar "vein", I've got two vampire novels up next on my queue- My Wicked Vampire (cheesy title, but- ya never know), and One Bite Stand. (Okay, also cheesy title, but they're both romances, so what do you expect?) |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4460 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 05:24:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
I finished Gauntlegrym just a few weeks ago, after it FINALLY arrived here at my local library from their consortium-loan. Was only slightly disappointed- mostly at the character of Dahlia. Disliked her from the beginning, and hope she dies in the next book- horribly. Otherwise, a good read!
Hmmm, I haven't read The Ghost King yet (don't worry, I'm fairly aware of what happens in the end and who "passes on"). So I hope that book ends up being good regardless. I'm glad Gauntlegrym is good, as I look forward to reading that before the Neverwinter Campaign Guide comes out at the end of the 3rd-Quarter this year.
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
In similar "vein", I've got two vampire novels up next on my queue- My Wicked Vampire (cheesy title, but- ya never know), and One Bite Stand. (Okay, also cheesy title, but they're both romances, so what do you expect?)
Definitly sounds like a few novels my wife would read. Maybe I should tell her to check them out as she just finished up Harry Potter series and is reading one of P.C. Casts stories now. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 08:23:33
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| Well, she might have trouble finding either one, as I happened upon them in the 2$ bin at my local Wal-Mart. Don't know if that says anything..... On a higher note, if she likes vampires, I'd recommend the Vampire Journals series by P.N. Elrod. A vamp P.I. in 1930's Chicago. Fun, interesting, and has a unique take on vampire mythos! |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2011 : 08:32:50
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| I've always been inclined toward reading Elrod's "Vampire Files." I loved her work on Strahd in the two RAVENLOFT novels featuring the vampire Lord of Barovia. |
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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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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What are you Reading? 2011
Topic Locked
