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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Jan 2005 : 23:35:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Queen of the Depths is set in and around the Sea of Fallen Stars.
George: Thanks for the tip.
Really? In the Sea of Fallen Stars, as in underwater? |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2005 : 09:02:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Queen of the Depths is set in and around the Sea of Fallen Stars.
George: Thanks for the tip.
Really? In the Sea of Fallen Stars, as in underwater?
I would expect so. Umberlee is from the depths, as we know, so I would think there would be some underwater involvement as well as above water. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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BrokenRulz
Acolyte
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2005 : 18:33:11
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BrokenRulz is back with his infrequent 2 cents about yet another Forgotten Realms book, specifically the one entitled The Rite.
With this review come both a realization and an apology. The realization being that I have been going about this all wrong-this way of rating books by comparison of other FR books we’ve all read throughout the years.
So let me say I’m sorry. Whoah! Wait a sec! What are you sorry for, you ask me? What exactly is this realization you speak of? Let me explain.
It all came to me the other night while flipping through channels just after I had finished the Rite. A guy by the name of Henry Rollins (former rockstar and actor) was on, speaking on a talk show he has on some cable channel about how he had once won a Grammy and how he had gotten so disgusted by awards and everything they stood for, mainly, competition amongst artists.
“Art is Art!” Henry yelled defiantly. “Let these Artists practice their talents for art’s sake and let’s put aside this yearly competition that is a complete sham! I once won a Grammy and gave the (bleepin) thing away!”
So this made me think. Are the FR author’s any different? It’s not like Richard Lee Byers is going to win an award or anything for writing yet another spectacular book, but even if he did, would he care? He’s doing what he wants to do, who cares what others think!
Especially some random web dude.
I’ve made a practice of taking every single FR novel I’ve read and lumped them all into a sort of ‘stars’ category, best being 10. Well no more! First of all, the novels by the newer author’s are different in their set up and character development, with some exceptions and they keep getting better at telling a story. So you know what? Let me say this about the Rite and I hope all of you who get to read it take this to heart: “The Rite brings great entertainment and is not a waste of your time.” There. That’s it. That’s all I’m going to say. No stars. No awards. Just plain fact.
Okay, okay! I’ll develop it just a bit.
Damara is a much harder core country than most other places. You’ll like that.
There are dragons in this book I ain’t never even heard of yo!
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2005 : 20:57:44
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Glad you liked it, Broken!
Wooly: Yes, Queen of the Depths will have some underwater stuff. After all, it is called Queen of the DEPTHS. I believe in truth in advertising! |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2005 : 21:35:42
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I seem to recall that Umberlee spent the Time of Troubles in the Sea of Fallen stars
Hmmm I wonder if we'll find out what happaned to the House on the Cliff in Queen of the Depth |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
Edited by - Dargoth on 25 Jan 2005 21:59:59 |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2005 : 22:38:35
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Well said, BrokenRulz. The novel styles are very different today than that earlier FR novels, and I enjoy both  Different authors have different writing styles and flavors and it just makes the Realms more varied and wonderful!
Back to The Rite... I loved the scenes in Damara, especially the initial taking of the Gates etc. I thought the trick Brimstone played with the skeletal rider to fool the goblin army into believing it were Zhenghi was great.
Looking forward to The Ruin! I hope all hell breaks loose and we see devastation all over Faerun  As mentioned before, that was the only thing I would have liked more of in The Rite - more random scenes of dragon rage across the land, as the story was quite localised around the party, whereas the first book did venture to other areas a little more. Both excellent books, regardless! |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2005 : 22:50:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Glad you liked it, Broken!
Wooly: Yes, Queen of the Depths will have some underwater stuff. After all, it is called Queen of the DEPTHS. I believe in truth in advertising!
Awesome! I look forward to it!  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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VEDSICA
Senior Scribe
USA
466 Posts |
Posted - 01 Feb 2005 : 23:48:52
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Richard,as always.Fantastic work on The Rite.I really enjoyed the addition of Gareth and Co.I enjoyed paladins when I gamed.So I would have liked to have seen a little more about them,but the trilogy isn't about them.It was nice though.Very ironic as well.Meaning that a group of paladins would team up with Brimstone.Who I really like.
Now I don't want to spoil,but what I would have liked to have seen is.That the twist that Taegen went through.Hopefully you get what I am meaning.I would have liked to have seen that played out a little more.I think that ended too quick.No matter!It was a great read,and I can't wait for The Ruin.Great Work RLB!!!!!!!! |
LIFE,BIRTH,BLOOD,DOOM---THE HOLE IN THE GROUND IS COMING ROUND SOON----BLS |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2005 : 22:34:25
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| Rad, Vedsica, thanks for the kind words. Glad you liked it. |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2005 : 17:14:45
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| I finished half of the rite yesterday and will probably finish it up around 2 am or so this eve....Thanks, the action scenes are great, thanks again... |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2005 : 17:25:27
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| Glad to hear you liked the first part, Octa. Hope you'll like the end, also. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2005 : 17:36:24
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Richard, obviously there are signs of your hobby of fencing in the character Taegan (from the Year of Rogue Dragons trilogy for those who don't know)... but are there any other character\personality similarities which you see between yourself and Taegan, or any of the characters for that matter.
Also, I have just read The Silverfish from Dragon magazine:
1) Were you approached by Dragon for this or was it your idea?
2) Why did you choose to write about Pavel?
3) When does this tale take place in relation to The Rage?
4) Is it difficult to write a short story for Dragon (I'd expect that the word count is even less than that of a short story for a novel anthology), being as you have to build up so much, run the story and wrap it up pretty well is such tight measures.
Not knowing how the Rogue Dragons trilogy ends up, and who pulls through... which other character would you like to write about from these novels if WotC were to offer you a dedicated trilogy to ONE of them, such as how The Erevis Cale trilogy was spawned from the Sembia series.
Many thanks for your time. Looking forward to book 3 |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Edited by - Lord Rad on 14 Feb 2005 17:37:07 |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 15 Feb 2005 : 23:04:32
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Hi, Rad.
Generally speaking, I'd feel a bit egotistical and foolish trying to list ways in which I imagine I'm similar to my epic heroes, who are, after all, extraordinarily brave, resourceful, tough, etc. I guess I'm willing to say that the sense of humor and unabashed desire to enjoy life Will, Taegan, and Pavel display are qualities that I certainly hope I share. I'd also like to think I have some of Pavel's intellectual curiosity.
The numbered questions:
1. I approached Dragon.
2. Why not? I like Pavel. I also think his backstory is worth exploring. Because, if you're reading the trilogy, you've probably picked up on the fact that the guy's a genius, even though he doesn't claim it for himself nor do others generally come right out and claim it for him. Now generally, a young man like that, studying for the priesthood, would be steered into a life of scholarship and/or administrative responsibility. So how come Pavel runs around the Moonsea as part of a team of scruffy monster hunters? It seems kind of odd on the face of it, so I thought I'd tell about the pivotal moment when he acquired his thirst for adventure.
3. The story is a prequel to The Rage. Pavel has not yet finished his studies or been ordained as a priest.
4. No more intrinsically different than writing for many another market. Most markets want stories no shorter than X words and no longer than Y words, and you learn to work within whatever the limits are.
I'm hesitant to answer your final question because I don't want to shed any light on the question of who lives and who might be kicking the oxygen habit. I'll just say that I'm fond of all my protagonists, and I think that anybody who makes it out of Book Three is worthy of further exploration.
Although, you know, there's always a lot to be said for starting from scratch with new heroes. The reader doesn't know what to expect, and you don't have to worry about making up all-new problems for a hero who solved all his old problems the last time around without it seeming arbitrary or cheesy. |
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Phantom_Lord
Seeker
Pakistan
92 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2005 : 07:14:25
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Dear Mr. Byers,
I have a question (in regard, somewhat, to Good 'Ol Sammaster).
In the year of the many mists (DR circa I forget) a lich rises in the Desertsmouth mountains which claims to be Sammaster. After the initial confusion, cult members determine that the lich is indeed Sammaster and they all gather around him.
A few years later a company of paladins, namely The Twelve, ride out and face this evil.
What I would like to know are the identities of each of these twelve paladins if they have ever been explored, named, or even seen in any novels or games.
And if said Paladins have never been mentioned, is it safe for the DM to go ahead and make em their own.
I'm guessing they'd be mostly Lathanderites since he had issues with the Mad Chosen.
Thanks for your time.
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Ponka! Kaddu! |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2005 : 22:07:09
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Phantom Lord: To the best of my knowledge, the paladins in question have not been identified, but my knowledge is not all-inclusive. Somebody may have named them or even dealt with them extensively in one reference or another. If so, maybe one of the folks who reads these boards can point you to the right source material.
Of course, even if the Twelve have been identified, a DM need not feel constrained by this if it would get in the way of an adventure he wants to run. Each DM is the final arbiter of truth in his own campaign's version of the Realms, right? |
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Phantom_Lord
Seeker
Pakistan
92 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2005 : 07:27:10
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| Thank you! |
Ponka! Kaddu! |
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monch9
Seeker
Poland
67 Posts |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 07:27:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Pavel has around eight levels in cleric, enough mojo to throw fourth-level spells, but not fifth. He may have levels in sage, also, considering all the knowledge he's acquired in the course of his studies.
Sorry, this quote has been bugging me of late. In which book do I find the Sage class? (Is it something like a bard?)
Monch |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 14:00:06
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A sage is a scholar. An expert in one field of academic study or another. Pavel has extensive knowledge of a great many subjects.
I'm pretty sure there used to be a sage NPC class in 2nd Edition. Is there not in 3rd? Is there something that corresponds to it? Maybe someone who's up on all the fine points of the game system can help us out here. |
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Chosen of Bane
Senior Scribe
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 14:24:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
A sage is a scholar. An expert in one field of academic study or another. Pavel has extensive knowledge of a great many subjects.
I'm pretty sure there used to be a sage NPC class in 2nd Edition. Is there not in 3rd? Is there something that corresponds to it? Maybe someone who's up on all the fine points of the game system can help us out here.
There is an "Expert" NPC class in 3rd edition. it would fit in nicely with what your are describing for Pavel. |
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monch9
Seeker
Poland
67 Posts |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 15:57:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
A sage is a scholar. An expert in one field of academic study or another. Pavel has extensive knowledge of a great many subjects.
I'm pretty sure there used to be a sage NPC class in 2nd Edition. Is there not in 3rd? Is there something that corresponds to it? Maybe someone who's up on all the fine points of the game system can help us out here.
Ok, I thought I missed some sourcebook. I did find a cleric variant in the Unearthed Arcana which suits Pavel a little. It's called the Cloistered Cleric, it's somewhat of a cleric with bardic knowledge. He probably would have dipped a few levels here.
Thanks for the response.
Monch |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 17:11:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
A sage is a scholar. An expert in one field of academic study or another. Pavel has extensive knowledge of a great many subjects.
I'm pretty sure there used to be a sage NPC class in 2nd Edition. Is there not in 3rd? Is there something that corresponds to it? Maybe someone who's up on all the fine points of the game system can help us out here.
Yeah there is a Sage NPC class in 2e, it was also written up in Dragon. :) It would be basically, as the other poster said, an expert in 3/3.5. |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 06:08:06
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quote:
Originally posted by monch9
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Pavel has around eight levels in cleric, enough mojo to throw fourth-level spells, but not fifth. He may have levels in sage, also, considering all the knowledge he's acquired in the course of his studies.
Sorry, this quote has been bugging me of late. In which book do I find the Sage class? (Is it something like a bard?)
Monch
Why look in a book when I'm right here...  .
Seriously, aside from the details Mr Byrers and Kuje already provided, there's another three interpretations in 3e of the Sage class, one of which is designed as a core-class derivative of the Loremaster. The other two interpretations are from third-party resources, although I do believe the Sage class from one of them is previewed on the publisher's website.
I'll send you the details privately, along with a little project I worked on with some old members of the WotC message boards. I'm sure you'll find it interesting.
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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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monch9
Seeker
Poland
67 Posts |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 08:01:05
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quote:
Why look in a book when I'm right here... .
Seriously, aside from the details Mr Byrers and Kuje already provided, there's another three interpretations in 3e of the Sage class, one of which is designed as a core-class derivative of the Loremaster. The other two interpretations are from third-party resources, although I do believe the Sage class from one of them is previewed on the publisher's website.
I'll send you the details privately, along with a little project I worked on with some old members of the WotC message boards. I'm sure you'll find it interesting.
Thanks please do. I've been looking at the Unearthed Arcana cloistered cleric variant class and it kinda fits the mold I was looking for Pavel. (He gets some bardic knowledge stuff as well as all the knowledge skills at the expense of some martial skills. But that can be offset by some multiclassing.) I haven't gotten the Dragon Magazine which features the Pavel story, so I'm really curious how that fits.
Monch |
Edited by - monch9 on 13 Apr 2005 12:17:48 |
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elven_songstress
Learned Scribe
126 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2005 : 22:12:50
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| Richard I know your writing the Rogue Dragon Series but I am curious of all Dragon's which one is your favorite ? |
We need to be reminded sometimes that a sunrise lasts but a few minutes,but its beauty can burnin our hearts eternally." |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 19 Apr 2005 : 03:21:24
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| Elven: I'm not sure I understand the question. Do you mean my favorite dragon character in my trilogy, my favorite subtype of dragon in D&D, my favorite dragon in all literature and mythology, or what? |
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elven_songstress
Learned Scribe
126 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2005 : 19:46:21
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| Oh I meant just in general you write dragon's like you understand them ^_^ I think Vercevoran has to be one of my favorites. Though for various reasons my favorite Dragon is a Deep Dragon. Thats all I meant sorry to be confusing. |
We need to be reminded sometimes that a sunrise lasts but a few minutes,but its beauty can burnin our hearts eternally." |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2005 : 20:09:52
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| My alltime favorite is silver dragons. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2005 : 13:58:38
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Now that you, Elven, have clarified your question, I find that I'm still having trouble deciding on an answer. I just like all dragons, I guess.
I do agree with you, khorne, that silvers are very cool. I'm quite fond of my Azhaq character (although he doesn't actually have a very silvery personality.) |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2005 : 15:51:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Now that you, Elven, have clarified your question, I find that I'm still having trouble deciding on an answer. I just like all dragons, I guess.
I do agree with you, khorne, that silvers are very cool. I'm quite fond of my Azhaq character (although he doesn't actually have a very silvery personality.)
Thanks. Silvers are my favorite because evil dragons tend to be either very stupid or so arrogant that it amounts to the same thing, Shadow dragons are a bit to much of the:"MUAHAHAAA,I`m evil!" brand, copper and bronzes are a bit to frivolous for me, and golds practically drip arrogant goodness. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
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Questions for Richard Lee Byers
