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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Apr 2009 : 15:36:46
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Paul, I am curious about how you usually gather the "lore" necessary for your characters and settings?
I like very much your sense for details and I guess, that requires quite a lot of research.
So how do you usually proceed?
How did you for instance stumble over Telflammar and decided to integrate some characters from there?
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"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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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2009 : 17:55:40
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quote:
Originally posted by skychrome
Paul, I am curious about how you usually gather the "lore" necessary for your characters and settings?
I like very much your sense for details and I guess, that requires quite a lot of research.
So how do you usually proceed?
How did you for instance stumble over Telflammar and decided to integrate some characters from there?
Well, it varies. Obviously I consult relevant sourcebooks and novels, but I also usually throw a query or two Ed's way (I try to keep down on those, knowing how busy he is), and Eric Boyd and George Krashos have been a big help to me over the years.
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edappel
Learned Scribe
Brazil
211 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2009 : 19:59:07
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Another one, Mr. Kemp.
I would like to understand, why Cale's "shadowstep" sometimes has a restricted range, and sometimes he can travel all over the world.
(The first, I checked on the fight Vs Forrin's at Shadowbred)
Thanks! |
--- Ed Appel
*** I'm a brazilian FR fan. So, feel free to correct my writing mistakes to improve my english. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2009 : 20:03:53
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quote:
Originally posted by edappel
Another one, Mr. Kemp.
I would like to understand, why Cale's "shadowstep" sometimes has a restricted range, and sometimes he can travel all over the world.
(The first, I checked on the fight Vs Forrin's at Shadowbred)
Ed,
His ability to shadowstep is limited to line of sight, from one area of shadow/darkness to another and has no possibility of error. His ability to teleport between worlds or across the world (by pulling the darkness around him and feeling the correspondence with the darkness in some distant locale) is a different ability. For this latter ability, he doesn't need line of sight but there is a possibility he could "miss" his desired location (and there are some other restrictions, too; e.g., the same things that could block/fould a teleport spell would also block/foul this ability). |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2009 : 20:21:59
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Paul, if I understood correctly, in 4e there is no scrying magic anymore...
So, Brennus would have to dedicate his time to a different "industry" in the Cycle of Night Trilogy? 
I guess you won't have him open up "Brennus' Golem and constructs repair shop" in a mall on Sakkors, right? |
"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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VEDSICA
Senior Scribe
USA
466 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2009 : 03:29:14
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| Well Met Paul.Haven't spoken to you in a long long time.I just caught wind that you have another trilogy coming next year.Is that true??I have seen the titles of the novels,and to be honest I am very intrigued.Any info at your leisure would be very much appreciated...Oh and congrats on receiving this opportunity.I am sure that you are very excited about it,and will bring a smashing new and exciting trilogy for us all to enjoy.. |
LIFE,BIRTH,BLOOD,DOOM---THE HOLE IN THE GROUND IS COMING ROUND SOON----BLS |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 28 Apr 2009 : 13:39:46
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quote:
Originally posted by VEDSICA
Well Met Paul.Haven't spoken to you in a long long time.I just caught wind that you have another trilogy coming next year.Is that true??I have seen the titles of the novels,and to be honest I am very intrigued.Any info at your leisure would be very much appreciated...Oh and congrats on receiving this opportunity.I am sure that you are very excited about it,and will bring a smashing new and exciting trilogy for us all to enjoy..
Ved,
It has been a long while. Good to see you.
I am writing another trilogy in FR, one that builds off the events of the Twilight War. The trilogy is entitled The Cycle of Night and the first novel, Godborn, will be released around the middle of next year (I believe). It will feature Cale's son, Vasen, as well as some familiar faces.
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2009 : 22:34:06
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Hi Paul, how's the writing on Godborn doing? I can't wait to read it!
I recently read all your FR books again. I especially liked the middle books of your trilogies. The scenes in Skullport and the Adumbral Calyx have been probably the best I have read in fantasy literature since Tolkien. In terms of visualizing these great great settings, you really did an incredible job!
I have two questions regarding these parts:
1) When you introduced Vara, did you have already in mind that she would be the mother of Vasen?
After all it felt a bit as if Vara also had some kind of epic destiny to fulfill just as Cale.
2) I loved Gobitran and the female elf who were with Kesson!
Any villain is much more interesting with more individualistic and interesting fellows instead of all the uniform lackeys. This made an enormous difference.
Now, since you base your writing generally around well developped characters, I was wondering how much more background you had on your mind regarding the gnome and the elf?
Can you tell a bit more about them? How did they come to your mind? Were did they come from? What were their motives?
Thank you very much in advance for your answers! 
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"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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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jun 2009 : 19:05:57
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Skychrome,
Godborn is coming along well.
As for Varra, yes, I had in mind for her something special, should a later book arise and give me the opportunity (as indeed it did). I try to do this often -- seeding my current book with small, inconspicious plot seeds that I intend to develop later on, if and as opportunities arise.
As for Gobitran and the elf, both are mentioned in Faiths and Pantheons in the Adumbryl Calyx sidebar. I had to flesh them out some, but the structure was already there, so we can both thank Erik Mona for that (he wrote the Adumbral Calyx sidebar). While I did modify Volumvax from the entry in F&P to suit the Kesson Rel/Mask/Shar storyline, I tried to stay true to it otherwise as best I could (and that included using Gobitran and the elf). |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 17 Jun 2009 19:06:46 |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jun 2009 : 00:25:29
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Paul, thank you very much!
I will check out F&P then. Anyways I was just wondering if you gave them both some more background in your mind, which you then did not put in the book...?
Keep on the great writing! |
"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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Jakk
Great Reader
Canada
2165 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2009 : 20:19:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
CHAPTERS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alisttair, I can't actually say that right now (but I've certainly been able to agree with you in the past); Chapters.ca was the only place I was able to find the Shadow War trilogy... and yes, that was my purpose in posting here today.
I had heard so many rave reviews from other scribes here that this was a trilogy that I had to read... and it's the first Realms trilogy marketed as a trilogy that I've read since the Drizzt prequel trilogy (Homeland/Exile/Sojourn). I just drifted away from reading Realms novels, partly because the novels seemed to be the prime movers of the campaign setting timeline, so I knew I would get a summary of the novels in the next timeline update.
With the new edition, I have generally tried to stay as far away from canon as possible, largely because following canon would completely shatter my campaign storyline... and I'm not using 4e rules anyway. I am, however, interested in what the Shades have been up to in Sembia, and particularly in the canon fate of Mask. Not that I'll be adopting it into my campaign... Mask is one of my three favourite deities, along with Bhaal and Myrkul, so I didn't like the ToT much, either. I'll return when I've finished reading the trilogy in question... I suspect to post another rave review.  |
Playing in the Realms since the Old Grey Box (1987)... and *still* having fun with material published before 2008, despite the NDA'd lore.
If it's comparable in power with non-magical abilities, it's not magic. |
Edited by - Jakk on 19 Aug 2009 20:22:14 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2009 : 15:45:27
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Jakk,
I hope you enjoy. |
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Lauzoril
Seeker
Finland
71 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2009 : 22:35:37
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Greetings, Paul
I enjoyed the Twilight War Trilogy and especially the Shadowrealm, it concluded things more or less dramatically. Out of all the stories told in there, one nags me.
*Spoiler*
Tamlin got what he deserved but what about the rest of Uskevren. The moment they learned that Shadovar were now in full control of Selgaunt, let alone Sembia. Did they just remained idle or left the city, if not even the whole country? I doubt they wanted to remain living under Shadovar rule.
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"Death to the enemies of Bane."
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2009 : 00:44:39
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| Paul, I'm just curious whether you are yet in a position to share any further particular tidbits about your upcoming Crosscurrent release for the "Star Wars" line? |
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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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2009 : 04:05:06
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Plus: Paul just announced that he will be writing another Star Wars novel!
I just hope, that The Cycle of Night Trilogy will not suffer because of this!  Waiting time is already tough enough...    |
"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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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2009 : 19:08:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Lauzoril
Greetings, Paul
I enjoyed the Twilight War Trilogy and especially the Shadowrealm, it concluded things more or less dramatically. Out of all the stories told in there, one nags me.
*Spoiler*
Tamlin got what he deserved but what about the rest of Uskevren. The moment they learned that Shadovar were now in full control of Selgaunt, let alone Sembia. Did they just remained idle or left the city, if not even the whole country? I doubt they wanted to remain living under Shadovar rule.
Lauz,
The remaining Uskevren are mentioned in (I believe) Shadowrealm as being "guests" of the ruler of Daerlun, which put them right at the geographical edge of then-Sembia. While I don't tell their story in The Twilight War, I'd guess that they ultimately moved into neighboring Cormyr to escape the political upheaval taking place in Sembia. Whether any subsequently tried to make contact with Tamlin is a matter of conjecture. Maybe someone will tell that story sometime. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2009 : 19:10:17
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Paul, I'm just curious whether you are yet in a position to share any further particular tidbits about your upcoming Crosscurrent release for the "Star Wars" line?
Sage,
Unfortunately I'm not. Del Rey/Lucasfilm is a bit more demanding than WotC when it comes to details about forthcoming books, so what I've said previously is about all I'm able to say at this point.
As Skychrome mentions, I will be writing another novel in the SW that builds off the events of Crosscurrent.
HOpefully, Del Rey will post an excerpt from the novel before too long. |
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Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Seeker
Canada
92 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2009 : 17:35:18
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| Paul, I just saw the cover to Godborn on your blog site. WOW! Vasen Cale looks like an interesting character. I can't wait to read about him. The cover is awesome. I cannot wait to get my hands on this novel! Here's the link for those of you who haven't had a chance to see this yet. http://pics.livejournal.com/paulskemp/pic/0000xzbk/ |
"Jarlaxle's grin disappeared as he turned his attention to Drizzt. He watched the fury of the drow unleashed. Jarlaxle had seen Drizzt in action many times before, but never like that".
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2009 : 18:00:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Paul, I just saw the cover to Godborn on your blog site. WOW! Vasen Cale looks like an interesting character. I can't wait to read about him. The cover is awesome. I cannot wait to get my hands on this novel! Here's the link for those of you who haven't had a chance to see this yet. http://pics.livejournal.com/paulskemp/pic/0000xzbk/
SLD,
I agree completely. I've been lucky enough to have some great covers from WotC, but I think this is the best. |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2009 : 22:09:34
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| Awesome! I did not like the covers from the Twilight War too much to be honest, but this one looks like a real evolution to me! Love it! |
"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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Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Seeker
Canada
92 Posts |
Posted - 08 Oct 2009 : 15:46:18
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| Well, I for one was sad to see the demise of Erevis as he quickly became one of my favorite characters in the Realms. I am very intrigued with what you have planned next and Vasen looks like an interesting character. Can you give us some hints as to whether his personality is like Erevis' or is he totally different? |
"Jarlaxle's grin disappeared as he turned his attention to Drizzt. He watched the fury of the drow unleashed. Jarlaxle had seen Drizzt in action many times before, but never like that".
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gomez
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
254 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2009 : 16:23:43
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Heya Paul,
Is it known when the Cycle of Nigth trilogy is planned? It wasn't mentioned at Gencon, so I guess it is not this or next year?
I am personally interested if the new series will involve the Shadovar, especially as I am using them in my own plotlines as well, though I guess that is info that isn't available yet.
Gomez
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Edited by - gomez on 13 Oct 2009 16:24:08 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2009 : 18:39:14
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quote:
Originally posted by gomez
Heya Paul,
Is it known when the Cycle of Nigth trilogy is planned? It wasn't mentioned at Gencon, so I guess it is not this or next year?
I am personally interested if the new series will involve the Shadovar, especially as I am using them in my own plotlines as well, though I guess that is info that isn't available yet.
Gomez
Gomez,
Godborn, which is book one of THe Cycle of Night, is to be released in July '10. SLD linked to the cover art in a post above and I'm just blown away by Swanland's interpretation of Vasen. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2009 : 18:40:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Well, I for one was sad to see the demise of Erevis as he quickly became one of my favorite characters in the Realms. I am very intrigued with what you have planned next and Vasen looks like an interesting character. Can you give us some hints as to whether his personality is like Erevis' or is he totally different?
SLD,
That's very tough to answer at this point. I'd say some similarities and some differences, but that's so vague as to be useless. Honestly, I don't really want to color folks interpretation of him when the books hit. Can I ask you to wait for the release? Then YOU can tell ME. |
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Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Seeker
Canada
92 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2009 : 21:59:25
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Sith_Lord_Drizzt
Well, I for one was sad to see the demise of Erevis as he quickly became one of my favorite characters in the Realms. I am very intrigued with what you have planned next and Vasen looks like an interesting character. Can you give us some hints as to whether his personality is like Erevis' or is he totally different?
SLD,
That's very tough to answer at this point. I'd say some similarities and some differences, but that's so vague as to be useless. Honestly, I don't really want to color folks interpretation of him when the books hit. Can I ask you to wait for the release? Then YOU can tell ME.
Fair enough! I can't wait! |
"Jarlaxle's grin disappeared as he turned his attention to Drizzt. He watched the fury of the drow unleashed. Jarlaxle had seen Drizzt in action many times before, but never like that".
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gomez
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
254 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2009 : 10:00:31
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
Godborn, which is book one of THe Cycle of Night, is to be released in July '10.
Thanks. I look forward to reading it.
Gomez |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 02 Nov 2009 : 03:36:23
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Hi Paul,
I just read the teaser excerpt of Vasen's birth on your blog.
Poor Vara, I always liked her, but crossing Cale's path did not really improve life for her...
And I also wondered what happened between her an Derreg?
Anyway, made me kind of sad... and of course hungry for the rest of the book... |
"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 - 04 Nov 2009 : 10:58:47
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I heard you ended your relationship to wotc.
sorry to hear that, was looking foward to godborn....
I really wish you and they would of left mask |
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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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2009 : 08:50:30
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quote:
Originally posted by sfdragon
I heard you ended your relationship to wotc.
sorry to hear that, was looking foward to godborn....
I really wish you and they would of left mask
There are a lot of scribes that shared their thoughts on this in a separate thread here.
These things happen, as sad as this may be. None the less I wish you all the best for your future projects, Paul.
And, I believe I speek for all of us here at Candlekeep:
We would be glad to see you here at the Keep every now and than. There most certainly is still lots of information you need to share with us about your FR-books and all the unique characters you created for the setting so far.
Hope to see you around!
Ergdusch |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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Darth KTrava
Learned Scribe
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2009 : 23:53:20
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| That was an awesome book cover! Too bad it won't see print.... |
Evil will be dealt with swiftly as it is my duty to remove such evil from my presence.
-Rozhena, Cleric/Divine Champion of Torm |
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Questions for Paul S Kemp
