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Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
Norway
377 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Apr 2010 : 01:47:41
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quote:
... I'd prefer to leave that story untold for the time being, in hope of being able to address it at some time in the future. :)
Fingers crossed :) |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2010 : 06:25:28
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| Of course. I hope to read it one day. |
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.
How much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation in the dust, are crushed before the moth?" - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job IV, 17-19.
"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?" - Ecclesiastes VI, 6.
"There are no stupid questions just a bunch of inquisitive idiots."
"Let's not call it 'hijacking'. Let's call it 'Thread Drift'." |
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Seter
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2010 : 13:33:48
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Mrs. Cunningham, First of all let me say that i enjoyed your book "Evermeet: Island of the Elves" Very much. As a Roleplayer who plays Elves quite often I heard alot about the stories you described within its pages from many players.
Only when I read those myself I realised their wonder. So thank you!
I do have a question however :P
House Amarillis appears in many episodes of the book but there is so little about it. What are the house's colors for example? Are they simply Green like the Green Dolphin crest?
Thanks in advance! |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2010 : 14:04:33
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Thanks, Seter. Glad to hear you enjoyed the book.
To the best of my knowledge, the house colors for Amarillis have not been established in canon lore. If it were up to me to decide this detail, I'd say green and white. I'm too fixated on gardening to ignore the similarily to the amaryllis. :) Probably best known as "Christmas lilies," these blossoms usually come in shade of red, white, and shell pink. Of these options, white strikes me as the best choice for a house color. |
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Naeryndam
Learned Scribe
USA
115 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2010 : 17:07:04
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Ms. Cunningham,
Your Counselors and Kings trilogy make up three of my favorite books. I'm currently rereading them for just about the 8th time! Since Halruaa was destroyed in 4E, I had two questions that I'd be very grateful if you could answer.
1) I'm curious if you have any plans to return to the series or write about Tzigone or Matteo (or their descendants) in the future.
2) Since it was never covered in the official guide, or Grand History of the Realms, what in your mind happened to Tzigone and Matteo in the years leading up to and (if they survived) after the Spellplague?
I know that #2 is a loaded question, but I love your work and am very interested in what you would have happen to those characters.
Thanks you very much for your time and for writing such wonderful stories!
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Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2010 : 17:14:45
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| I would not presume to answer on behalf of Elaine, but i fear those questions about Tzigone and Matteo are covered in the dense blanket that is the dreaded what-if-NDA along with Elaith, Lamruil and all the other beloved characters that Elaine has given life to. |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2010 : 17:54:47
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Hi, Naeryndam. Thank for the kind words. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Tzigone and Matteo's tale.
I don't plan to return to their story. At this time, WotC prefers stories to be set in current time, and since both Matteo and Tzigone are human, they are no longer living in current-day Realms.
Some writers feel comfortable speculating about what might have been, but over the years I've moved to a policy of keeping within the established lore. So, unfortunately, I can't shed any light on their lives after the events of C&K. |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2010 : 03:30:08
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| Elaine, I know I already told you some time ago when we talked about the hungarian origin of Tzigone“s name, but here it comes again: C&K was really a great trilogy! I loved it! And I truly hope WoTC will assign you a new trilogy asap because then I would honestly not bother to buy a 4e novel. As long as you write again in the realms! |
"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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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2010 : 12:40:20
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quote:
Originally posted by skychrome
Elaine, I know I already told you some time ago when we talked about the hungarian origin of Tzigone“s name, but here it comes again: C&K was really a great trilogy! I loved it! And I truly hope WoTC will assign you a new trilogy asap because then I would honestly not bother to buy a 4e novel. As long as you write again in the realms!
Thanks, skychrome. :)
As much as I appreciate the thought, I'm not sure I'd want a trilogy. What I'd prefer to do is a stand-alone story with characters that have the potential to return for OTHER stand-alone stories. |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 24 May 2010 : 20:23:05
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Thanks, skychrome. :)
As much as I appreciate the thought, I'm not sure I'd want a trilogy. What I'd prefer to do is a stand-alone story with characters that have the potential to return for OTHER stand-alone stories.
I wouldn“t complain about that either!  |
"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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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 04:59:05
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| Do you have any advice on writing stories?? |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 12:53:44
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quote:
Originally posted by sfdragon
Do you have any advice on writing stories??
In general? Don't go with the first idea that comes to you. Chances are, the first thing that pops into your head will the first thing that MOST people think of. Dig deeper, try to come up with something surprising. It's a good idea to brainstorm lots of possible story ideas. Something that doesn't work as the main story thread might still lead you to just the twist you need for a secondary character or plot. |
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Dracons
Learned Scribe
USA
299 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 15:48:05
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Dear Elaine:
Your book, Elfshadow, was the very first Forgotten Realms book I ever read, (Save the campagin setting). I found it at my favorite coffee shop and the owner gave it to me. The front cover was gone, and I didn't even realize it was set in Forgotten Realms for quite a bit. I was still new to DnD, and while my first DM did run a forgotten realms game, I never was on Faerun, but a different continent. That being said, I did read a few references that took me to the larger world of Faerun. I want to thank you for the great book it was.
That being said, what was your insperation for Elaith and Arilyn?? |
I love PMs! Please send me a message. Even if its Hi. |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 15:58:13
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And don't expect to make a living out of it |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 15:58:41
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Mrs. Cunningham and everybody, nice to meet you.
I've spent the last couple of weeks reading through all of this forum, and I kinda feel like I almost know some of you already.
Mrs. Cunningham, first of all I want to say I love the books you wrote, at least the ones I could get my hands on this far.
I'm a Realms gamer and fan (although I stumbled there by accident, back in 1993), and the books I've read until now are Elfshadow, Elfsong, Evermeet and Silver Shadows, in this order (and this forum, if 91 pages of a forum can be considered as a 'netbook of Realms, music and writing lore'). 
Since I really appreciate the "normal folk turned into a hero" line of plotting, and the richness of details that turn reading - and gaming - a more vivid experience, I must thank you for the way you portrayed your characters and scenarios in the Realms.
And even if I (still) haven't read Liriel's and 'Counselours and Kings' books, now they are part of my (quite big) wish list of books.
Well, this post is already getting big: I intended just to say "hello"; soon I'll be more actively asking the questions I think - hopefully - you can answer me.
Greetings to you all, and please excuse my language limitations (English not being my first language and all that stuff you heard so many times...) |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 28 May 2010 16:36:05 |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 17:55:04
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quote:
Originally posted by sfdragon
title please???
anyway, I have a question, its an opinion question.
Arylin is likely to be dead.
Since Ed stated the fate of the moonblades are NDA.
so if the blades still exist, what dis your opinion on what Arylin's addition to her moonblade would of been??
Well, considering the moonblades are still fully functional, and if their powers weren't changed after the Spellplague, there is always the possibility of a sleeping Arilyn...  |
Edited by - Barastir on 28 May 2010 18:07:18 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 18:36:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
Mrs. Cunningham and everybody, nice to meet you.
I've spent the last couple of weeks reading through all of this forum, and I kinda feel like I almost know some of you already.
Mrs. Cunningham, first of all I want to say I love the books you wrote, at least the ones I could get my hands on this far.
I'm a Realms gamer and fan (although I stumbled there by accident, back in 1993), and the books I've read until now are Elfshadow, Elfsong, Evermeet and Silver Shadows, in this order (and this forum, if 91 pages of a forum can be considered as a 'netbook of Realms, music and writing lore').
Since I really appreciate the "normal folk turned into a hero" line of plotting, and the richness of details that turn reading - and gaming - a more vivid experience, I must thank you for the way you portrayed your characters and scenarios in the Realms.
And even if I (still) haven't read Liriel's and 'Counselours and Kings' books, now they are part of my (quite big) wish list of books.
Well, this post is already getting big: I intended just to say "hello"; soon I'll be more actively asking the questions I think - hopefully - you can answer me.
Greetings to you all, and please excuse my language limitations (English not being my first language and all that stuff you heard so many times...)
Welcome to Candlekeep, Barastir.  If you've gone through even a small fraction of the 91 pages, mostly likely many, if not most, of your questions have been answered, but I'm looking foward to hearing what else you might come up with.
Did you read the Songs & Swords books in English? To the best of my knowledge, they haven't been translated to Portuguese.
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 18:38:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by sfdragon
title please???
anyway, I have a question, its an opinion question.
Arylin is likely to be dead.
Since Ed stated the fate of the moonblades are NDA.
so if the blades still exist, what dis your opinion on what Arylin's addition to her moonblade would of been??
Well, considering the moonblades are still fully functional, and if their powers weren't changed after the Spellplague, there is always the possibility of a sleeping Arilyn...
To the best of my knowledge, the moonblade question will be answered in 2012. Unless, of course, the ancient Mayans were right, in which case moonblades are the LEAST of our concerns.... |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 19:22:33
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
Mrs. Cunningham and everybody, nice to meet you.
I've spent the last couple of weeks reading through all of this forum, and I kinda feel like I almost know some of you already.
Mrs. Cunningham, first of all I want to say I love the books you wrote, at least the ones I could get my hands on this far.
I'm a Realms gamer and fan (although I stumbled there by accident, back in 1993), and the books I've read until now are Elfshadow, Elfsong, Evermeet and Silver Shadows, in this order (and this forum, if 91 pages of a forum can be considered as a 'netbook of Realms, music and writing lore').
Since I really appreciate the "normal folk turned into a hero" line of plotting, and the richness of details that turn reading - and gaming - a more vivid experience, I must thank you for the way you portrayed your characters and scenarios in the Realms.
And even if I (still) haven't read Liriel's and 'Counselours and Kings' books, now they are part of my (quite big) wish list of books.
Well, this post is already getting big: I intended just to say "hello"; soon I'll be more actively asking the questions I think - hopefully - you can answer me.
Greetings to you all, and please excuse my language limitations (English not being my first language and all that stuff you heard so many times...)
Welcome to Candlekeep, Barastir. If you've gone through even a small fraction of the 91 pages, mostly likely many, if not most, of your questions have been answered, but I'm looking foward to hearing what else you might come up with.
Did you read the Songs & Swords books in English? To the best of my knowledge, they haven't been translated to Portuguese.
Well, I read them all, and some of my questions were surely answered. And, of course, some new questions arised!
And yes, I read the books in English... Elfshadow bought on a local store, but most of them imported through Amazon.
Actually, I prefer that way. Some terms are better "untranslated". |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 19:27:11
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by sfdragon
title please???
anyway, I have a question, its an opinion question.
Arylin is likely to be dead.
Since Ed stated the fate of the moonblades are NDA.
so if the blades still exist, what dis your opinion on what Arylin's addition to her moonblade would of been??
Well, considering the moonblades are still fully functional, and if their powers weren't changed after the Spellplague, there is always the possibility of a sleeping Arilyn...
To the best of my knowledge, the moonblade question will be answered in 2012. Unless, of course, the ancient Mayans were right, in which case moonblades are the LEAST of our concerns....
That's good news, Mrs. Cunningham. And I really hope the Mayans are wrong, otherwise I won't be able to watch "The Hobbit" on theaters...  |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 29 May 2010 : 20:06:13
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| Really? Can you tell us whether in a novel or in a gaming book? And can you tell us if you have any part in either? |
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.
How much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation in the dust, are crushed before the moth?" - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job IV, 17-19.
"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?" - Ecclesiastes VI, 6.
"There are no stupid questions just a bunch of inquisitive idiots."
"Let's not call it 'hijacking'. Let's call it 'Thread Drift'." |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 29 May 2010 : 20:10:53
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quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
Really? Can you tell us whether in a novel or in a gaming book? And can you tell us if you have any part in either?
I don't think I can give much info just yet. As soon as I can, though, I'll pass it along. :) |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 30 May 2010 : 16:12:29
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Good day, Mrs. Cunningham
Well, like many of your fans I DO have some questions about moonblades, for I am but one of those guys fascinated with swords of power. Hope none of my questions get into the terms of your Non-Disclosure Agreement.
The first question is somehow linked to another issue that was also discussed in this forum: the elven lifespan in the Realms. Considering the moonblades were created in a ritual that occurred around -9,000 DR, and that Arilyn was using the moonblade circa 1,360 DR, some 10,360 years after its creation, something puzzled me:
If there are but nine runes in her blade, each moonfighter should have used the sword for more than 1,000 years (and that's too much for an elf, considering all the four edition's elven lifespans), or Arilyn's moonblade should have been inactive at least once, and maybe in various, extensive lengths of time.
I thought maybe the answer was in the sleeping moonfighter, but if the blade wielder chooses to sleep, she (or he) must pass the blade to a heir, so it is not necessarily inactive, am I right? And if the wielder is assassinated, for example, and the blade is still active, for one of its wielders is sleeping, no elf could take the sword to Evermeet, for no one could touch the blade except an heir, right?
Just one more, for now: the moonfighter can name a sucessor, that I know. But if she (or he) doesn't name a successor, or if somehow the sword becomes unavailable until that possible successor dies, could another elf in that same lineage claim the sword? Because I think that, if the wielder named a successor, no one else (no matter its personal valor) can claim the sword as long as the successor lives, right?
That's it, for now. Hope you can shed some light on these... |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2010 : 02:52:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
The first question is somehow linked to another issue that was also discussed in this forum: the elven lifespan in the Realms. Considering the moonblades were created in a ritual that occurred around -9,000 DR, and that Arilyn was using the moonblade circa 1,360 DR, some 10,360 years after its creation, something puzzled me:
If there are but nine runes in her blade, each moonfighter should have used the sword for more than 1,000 years (and that's too much for an elf, considering all the four edition's elven lifespans), or Arilyn's moonblade should have been inactive at least once, and maybe in various, extensive lengths of time.
I thought maybe the answer was in the sleeping moonfighter, but if the blade wielder chooses to sleep, she (or he) must pass the blade to a heir, so it is not necessarily inactive, am I right? And if the wielder is assassinated, for example, and the blade is still active, for one of its wielders is sleeping, no elf could take the sword to Evermeet, for no one could touch the blade except an heir, right?
Just one more, for now: the moonfighter can name a sucessor, that I know. But if she (or he) doesn't name a successor, or if somehow the sword becomes unavailable until that possible successor dies, could another elf in that same lineage claim the sword? Because I think that, if the wielder named a successor, no one else (no matter its personal valor) can claim the sword as long as the successor lives, right?
Arilyn's sword was not "in service" without interruption. It is not uncommon for moonblades to go unclaimed for one or even several generations. As the swords gained more powers, they because more and more difficult to wield. If no elves in a particular generation had the necessary skills and strengths, there was no stigma against leaving the blade unclaimed. Say, for example, that a sword was owned by three successive generations of wizards. If there were no wizards in the next generation, most likely the elves who did NOT attempt to claim the blade encouraged their children, or their grandchildren, to develop the necessary skills. Some elves might even go so far as to marry into a family with strong aptitude for wizardry, so that any children of that union would have a better chance at claiming the blade.
The concept of the "sleeping moonfighter" is not universal. Each sword has a different set of abilities, and the elfshadow aspect of Arilyn's sword is exceedingly uncommon. Even then, an elf can't simply decide to push the pause button. I don't think this issue would be much of a concern to most moonfighters.
Regarding the successor. I like your notion that no one could claim a moonblade while the designated successor lived (or declined to claim the blade.) In cases where there is no named successor, the moonblade could pass to another elf in the family bloodline. The blades can be transported safely if they are left in their sheaths.
Once a moonblade has gone dormant, it can, technically, be used like any other sword, but doing so will earn the enmity of the elves. That's something you do not want to do, as any elf who observes you knowingly using a moonblade as a common sword is likely to take it away from you and kill you with it.
Hope that answers your questions. :) |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2010 : 03:00:59
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quote:
Originally posted by dracons
Dear Elaine:
Your book, Elfshadow, was the very first Forgotten Realms book I ever read, (Save the campagin setting). I found it at my favorite coffee shop and the owner gave it to me. The front cover was gone, and I didn't even realize it was set in Forgotten Realms for quite a bit. I was still new to DnD, and while my first DM did run a forgotten realms game, I never was on Faerun, but a different continent. That being said, I did read a few references that took me to the larger world of Faerun. I want to thank you for the great book it was.
That being said, what was your insperation for Elaith and Arilyn??
Glad to hear that you enjoyedElfshadow. :)
Inspiration. Hmm. Elaith is actually Ed Greenwood's creation. I first encountered Elaith as an NPC briefly described in the 1st edition game product Waterdeep and the North. I was intriqued by the notion of an elven crime lord in Waterdeep, particularly the contrast between people's perception of elves and Elaith's character. As for Arilyn, I started thinking of her as a window into into elven culture. She, like the readers, is on the outside looking in. That status soon came to define her. She identified with her elven heritage, she carried an elven blade, but she was always an outsider. Very early in the writing process she soon developed into a loner, someone who is a little bit prickly but very resourceful. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2010 : 14:48:37
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Arilyn's sword was not "in service" without interruption. It is not uncommon for moonblades to go unclaimed for one or even several generations. As the swords gained more powers, they because more and more difficult to wield. If no elves in a particular generation had the necessary skills and strengths, there was no stigma against leaving the blade unclaimed. Say, for example, that a sword was owned by three successive generations of wizards. If there were no wizards in the next generation, most likely the elves who did NOT attempt to claim the blade encouraged their children, or their grandchildren, to develop the necessary skills. Some elves might even go so far as to marry into a family with strong aptitude for wizardry, so that any children of that union would have a better chance at claiming the blade.
The concept of the "sleeping moonfighter" is not universal. Each sword has a different set of abilities, and the elfshadow aspect of Arilyn's sword is exceedingly uncommon. Even then, an elf can't simply decide to push the pause button. I don't think this issue would be much of a concern to most moonfighters.
Regarding the successor. I like your notion that no one could claim a moonblade while the designated successor lived (or declined to claim the blade.) In cases where there is no named successor, the moonblade could pass to another elf in the family bloodline. The blades can be transported safely if they are left in their sheaths.
Once a moonblade has gone dormant, it can, technically, be used like any other sword, but doing so will earn the enmity of the elves. That's something you do not want to do, as any elf who observes you knowingly using a moonblade as a common sword is likely to take it away from you and kill you with it.
Hope that answers your questions. :)
Thank you, Mrs. Cunningham, for your answers. I never fully grasped the 'dormant moonblade' concept, and what made them inactive forever, or determined it could be reawakened. Just to be sure, a moonblade still can judge someone not worthy, even if its current owner has named that person her (his) heir, right?
And I forgot entirely that a sheathed blade could be carried. If it is out of its sheath, can a possible carrier sheath it unharmed? And, if an elf dies wielding her (his) moonblade, it becomes instantly inactive/dormant, if there is no one there to claim it?
Besides, I always thought that, if someone tried to unsheath a moonblade - even a dormant blade - it would consider the act as a claiming attempt, and fry any unworthy would-be wielder. The claiming is a ritual, or at least must be done willingly?
Another question specifically about Arilyn's blade:
(SPOILER ALERT)
Wasn't Ethlando's life essence in her sword? After all, the first power of the blade, its 'worthiness selection' - regarding the qualities of a new monarch, not individual valor -, was given by the Seldarine, with the sacrifice of this ancient High Mage, if I got it right. Wasn't the wizard's life essence the first one to enter all of the moonblades, somehow?
I also had a question about Danilo shadow's disguise as a gold elf, in 'Silver Shadows'. At first, I thought he should know better and disguise himself as a Moon elf, but maybe the dandy didn't know it at the time (he penned 'Evermeet' some years later, as long as I recall).
Besides, the Tethyrian elves didn't strange the fact that there was a gold elf among the sword's shadow warriors... Maybe the forest elves didn't know of the moonblade's racial restriction? Or they did not associate the warrior entities with the moonblade? I am aware that the warriors look like normal elves, and are not "shadowy" or insubstantial (except for Zoastria, and only for a short time in that particular battle).
In addition to dracons' post, I also loved 'Elfshadow'. Not only it is the first of a great series, but as an individual book, it is the best I ever read in the Realms. Great characters, a good description of the scenario, it really gets you into Faerūn!
'Evermeet' is also very good, but since it carries so many different stories, some of them didn't worked for me... But those are, maybe, matters for another post... |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 31 May 2010 19:41:39 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2010 : 15:05:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
I never fully grasped the 'dormant moonblade' concept, and what made them inactive forever, or determined it could be reawakened. Just to be sure, a moonblade still can judge someone not worthy, even if its current owner has named that person her (his) heir, right?
Right.
quote:
And I forgot entirely that a sheathed blade could be carried. If it is out of its sheath, can a possible carrier sheath it unharmed? And, if an elf dies wielding her (his) moonblade, it becomes instantly inactive/dormant, if there is no one there to claim it?
Besides, I always thought that, if someone tried to unsheath a moonblade - even a dormant blade - it would consider the act as a claiming attempt, and fry any unworthy would-be wielder. The claiming is a ritual, or at least must be done willingly?
The swords possess a certain amount of sentience. It's my opinion that they would be practical about such matters as sheathing, transporting, and so on. If an elf falls in battle, it would make more sense for his comrades to respectfully shealth the blade and take it to the heir than to leave it lying on the battlefield.
As for claiming, that needs to be deliberate. Arilyn didn't fully understand what she was getting into, but she drew the sword willingly AND in a sort of dedication ritual: She was commiting herself to learning the art of the sword from a famed elven swordmaster.
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Another question specifically about Arilyn's blade:
(SPOILER ALERT)
Wasn't Ethlando's life essence in her sword? After all, the first power of the blade, its 'worthiness selection' - regarding the qualities of a new monarch, not individual valor -, was given by the Seldarine, with the sacrifice of this ancient High Mage, if I got it right. Wasn't the wizard's life essence the first one to enter all of the moonblades, somehow?
Yes. The elven mage devoted his life to this cause.
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I also had a question about Danilo shadow's disguise as a gold elf, in 'Silver Shadows'. At first, I thought he should know better and disguise himself as a Moon elf, but maybe the dandy didn't know it at the time (he penned 'Evermeet' some years later, as long as I recall).
Besides, the Tethyrian elves didn't strange the fact that there was a gold elf among the sword's shadow warriors... Maybe the forest elves didn't know of the moonblade's racial restriction? Or they did not associate the warrior entities with the moonblade? I am aware that the warriors look like normal elves, and are not "shadowy" or insubstantial (except for Zoastria, and only for a short time in that particular battle).
When Arilyn's bond with Dan linked him (temporarily) to the moonblade, the resulting elfshadow reflected his personality and his heritage. There's elven blood in his background, and he self-identifies strongly with the elven people. He did not "disguise himself;" in fact, Danilo was probably unaware of the battle in Tethyr and had no conscious control over what occured or how his elfshadow appeared.
As for the forest elves, I sincerely doubt they stopped to ponder the whys and wherefores of a gold elf mage. They were fighting for their lives. As far as they were concerned, several elven fighters came to their aid through magical means. Some may have thought past that point to understand that Arilyn's moonblade was somehow involved in this, but they would have no reason to know or suspect that the warriors were incarnations of her sword's former wielders. Remember, "elfshadow" is not a power common to all moonblades.
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In addition to dracons' post, I also loved 'Elfshadow'. Not only it is the first of a great series, but as an individual book, it is the best I ever read in the Realms. Great characters, a good description of the scenario, it really gets you into Faerūn!
Thank you kindly. I fell in love with the Realms, thanks to the Old Gray Boxed Set, and I think that affection for the setting shows. But if the book were to be reprinted, I would dearly love to do a quick pass to tighten up a few things, remove some past-edition references, and sharpen the dialogue a tad.
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'Evermeet' is also very good, but since it carries so many different stories, some of them didn't worked for me... But those are, maybe, matters for another post...
Fair enough. There's quite a wide variety of storytelling in Evermeet, from the sections that were intended to be retellings of elven myth and legend to the "real time" action of the framing story. Again, I'd love to do a "director's cut" of this novel and expand the ending. |
Edited by - ElaineCunningham on 01 Jun 2010 15:08:16 |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2010 : 20:05:35
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quote:
Another question specifically about Arilyn's blade:
Wasn't Ethlando's life essence in her sword? After all, the first power of the blade, its 'worthiness selection' - regarding the qualities of a new monarch, not individual valor -, was given by the Seldarine, with the sacrifice of this ancient High Mage, if I got it right. Wasn't the wizard's life essence the first one to enter all of the moonblades, somehow?
Yes. The elven mage devoted his life to this cause.
Can I suppose was Ethlando, then, one of the two undescribed elves in the battle?
quote:
I also had a question about Danilo shadow's disguise as a gold elf, in 'Silver Shadows'. At first, I thought he should know better and disguise himself as a Moon elf, but maybe the dandy didn't know it at the time (he penned 'Evermeet' some years later, as long as I recall). Besides, the Tethyrian elves didn't strange the fact that there was a gold elf among the sword's shadow warriors...
When Arilyn's bond with Dan linked him (temporarily) to the moonblade, the resulting elfshadow reflected his personality and his heritage. There's elven blood in his background, and he self-identifies strongly with the elven people. He did not "disguise himself;" in fact, Danilo was probably unaware of the battle in Tethyr and had no conscious control over what occured or how his elfshadow appeared.
So, the "gold elf Danilo" was a shadow of an elvish version of Danilo, and the entity looked like a gold elf? I had the impression of reading later that someone saw him making a minor spell to disguise himself as an elf.
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Thank you kindly. I fell in love with the Realms, thanks to the Old Gray Boxed Set, and I think that affection for the setting shows. But if the book were to be reprinted, I would dearly love to do a quick pass to tighten up a few things, remove some past-edition references, and sharpen the dialogue a tad.
As I told before, I stumbled in the Realms by accident. When I bought the gold box, I was looking for the box where I could find the "Oriental Adventures" world, for since I was young I was fascinated by the oriental philosophy and martial arts. Even had some kung fu classes back in the end of the 80's.
I was a bit dissapointed when I learned Kara-Tur wasn't there, but fell in love with the multitude of places, cultures, races and peoples I found in the Realms. Started reading novels through Bob Salvatore's books, but your books, after years of much gaming and some reading, were the ones that catched my fancy.
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There's quite a wide variety of storytelling in Evermeet, from the sections that were intended to be retellings of elven myth and legend to the "real time" action of the framing story. Again, I'd love to do a "director's cut" of this novel and expand the ending.
Actually, I still think I must read it again, for I think I'll enjoy it better now than back then, when I read it some years ago. But here's a point: the reviews I read in Amazon show something I do recall from the book: the ending was really fast, and many readers got a bit frustrated by the sudden ending.
One of those reviews, however, brought another intriguing question, somehow concerning the Kingsword, and that is the next one I was intending to ask you about.
However, I'm filling posts and posts with my questions and didn't even questioned about your welfare an health, Mrs. Cunningham. Is you feeling fine these days? Yesterday I realized how rude I'm being, in my eagerness for your answers...  |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 01 Jun 2010 20:16:45 |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2010 : 20:13:05
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...and I think that affection for the setting shows. But if the book were to be reprinted, I would dearly love to do a quick pass to tighten up a few things, remove some past-edition references, and sharpen the dialogue a tad.
It is a great book, nonetheless. About the past edition references, no worries from my part, for I still DM in second edition, still my fave.
But I understand the desire to make some changes, sometimes I feel the same for the game scenes I designed for my players in the past... "Could have made this different", "should have put a good encounter there", "this NPC name/idea was ridiculous", "forgot to use that cool detail I so planned" ... Things that can could bring the stories into nice turns, and maybe take the characters into different places and adventures! |
Edited by - Barastir on 01 Jun 2010 20:24:12 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2010 : 20:39:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Another question specifically about Arilyn's blade:
Wasn't Ethlando's life essence in her sword? After all, the first power of the blade, its 'worthiness selection' - regarding the qualities of a new monarch, not individual valor -, was given by the Seldarine, with the sacrifice of this ancient High Mage, if I got it right. Wasn't the wizard's life essence the first one to enter all of the moonblades, somehow?
Yes. The elven mage devoted his life to this cause.
Can I suppose was Ethlando, then, one of the two undescribed elves in the battle?
No. His life was given to grant the swords a degree of sentience and judgement.
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So, the "gold elf Danilo" was a shadow of an elvish version of Danilo, and the entity looked like a gold elf? I had the impression of reading later that someone saw him making a minor spell to disguise himself as an elf.
Hmm. You may be right. It's been about 18 years since I wrote Elfsong. Regardless, the gold elf image would be the elfsong Danilo's doing, not the "real" Dan's. And it does suit him.
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One of those reviews, however, brought another intriguing question, somehow concerning the Kingsword, and that is the next one I was intending to ask you about.
I'm going to have to pass on Kingsword questions, as it's impossible to get into that issue without stepping on future moonblade revelations. |
Edited by - ElaineCunningham on 01 Jun 2010 21:33:56 |
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Questions for Elaine Cunningham
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