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Braveheart
Learned Scribe
Austria
159 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2005 : 10:01:14
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Yeah, it's just the first book I've (knowingly) encountered. Considering, that the Catholic Church is publicly condemning fantasy as a form of witchcraft (as for example is the case with the Harry Potter books), it's hard to believe WotC didn't get any complaints from some religious fanatics. And yes, it does fit and enhances the feeling of being in a medieval environment a lot I think (especially with the Old Englisch words on it, that's quite fun if you live in Austria and someone tries to read the back cover whilest your reading the book, they get quite confused after a few seconds ). I was just astonished, that's all. |
Jarlaxle: "Do keep ever present in your thoughts, my friend, that an illusion can kill you if you believe in it." Entreri: "And the real thing can kill you whether you believe in it or not." |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2005 : 10:24:16
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quote: Originally posted by Braveheart
Yeah, it's just the first book I've (knowingly) encountered. Considering, that the Catholic Church is publicly condemning fantasy as a form of witchcraft (as for example is the case with the Harry Potter books), it's hard to believe WotC didn't get any complaints from some religious fanatics. And yes, it does fit and enhances the feeling of being in a medieval environment a lot I think (especially with the Old Englisch words on it, that's quite fun if you live in Austria and someone tries to read the back cover whilest your reading the book, they get quite confused after a few seconds ). I was just astonished, that's all.
Harry Potter condemnded by the catholic church? Are you serious? |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 29 Oct 2005 : 17:37:19
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Actually, the late Pope John Paul II said he had no problem with the Harry Potter books, because they emphasized good over evil...
The current Pope doesn't seem to like them, though.
However, this is going a bit off-topic. |
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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Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 23:29:55
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Vendui Mr. Franklin!
I'll revise Maiden of Pain for the German DnD-Gate* and would like to ask a few question beforehand ... if I may?
Did you write the book "on the fly" or did you actually have statblocks for some of the main culprits and protagonist (Ythnel) ready at hand? If so, would you share her level with us? (Those of House Karanok have been listed in Lords of Darkness.)
Going by the rules (not that many seem to be interested in this beforehand) Loviatans such as Ythnel could be either LN, LE or NE ... where would you place Ythnel?
Aluve, Zanan!
*http://www.dnd-gate.de/gate3/page/index.php?id=31 |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
Edited by - Zanan on 08 Jan 2007 23:34:46 |
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Kameron M. Franklin
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2007 : 00:31:12
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Hi, Zanan. I didn't completely stat out Ythnel, but I put her power level around 3rd or 4th level. As for alignment, she was LN. Thanks for your interest and I hope you liked the book. |
"You keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." --Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride |
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Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2007 : 09:25:25
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quote: Originally posted by Kameron M. Franklin
Hi, Zanan. I didn't completely stat out Ythnel, but I put her power level around 3rd or 4th level. As for alignment, she was LN. Thanks for your interest and I hope you liked the book.
Well, I did, and this will obviously reflect in the revision. Regarding the stats, I'd have expected her to be about (at least) twice that level, since she took on the Karanok lass (14th level) and ... well, that would spoil the reading. I have noted a tendency amongst novel authors to view their heroes as being weaker (level-wise) than they c/should be - relative to their novel actions. Well, the WotSQ characters were one exception to that observation. Ahem ... no critique of you or any other author reading along! My entry's villainess had 15 levels to draw upon for in-novel stunts, spells and what have you. But that is of no concern here.
Aluve, Zanan. |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
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Kameron M. Franklin
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2007 : 16:36:04
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Her success against Kaestra Karanok was due mainly to strategic use of her domain powers, a minor protection spell against the abishai and the fact that Kaestra was unarmored. If you'd like, I'll check my notes and provide you with a specific list of spells cast, spell domains and feats used. That's pretty much the extent to which I developed Ythnel from a game mechanics standpoint. |
"You keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." --Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride |
Edited by - Kameron M. Franklin on 09 Jan 2007 16:37:02 |
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Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jan 2007 : 11:26:33
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Vendui!
DMs and players alike have a special craving for original characters of novels, games and et al. Generally, if you go for a NPC write-up of hers, you'd see dozens of people commenting on her and start to debate all the little (or grand) things she did and whether or not it will be possible with regard to her statblock. Several dozen alternatives will be presented, not least due to the umpteen new books that have seen the light of day after the publishing of Maiden of Pain. Best - some may call it worst - example here is that scimitar-wielding drow no D&D-board can go without. So ... while I'd appreciate the work, you will see no end of discussions about a published character in game terms which so easily create havoc amongst otherwise sensible boarders. Keeping her a bit of a mystery will IMHO suit your cause better, especially if she makes an appearance in any future novel or sourcebook.
Thanks for all the info,
Zanan! |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
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Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2007 : 09:24:06
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While reviewing that book for a revision, I noted the peculiar mentioning of Yenael's meeting with Aznar Thurl and the timespan which passed since the current events. Was it intentionally, i.e. suggesting that Yenael's affair with Aznar actually resulted in fair Ythnel, a maid that was told she was an orphan?
Thanks, Zanan! |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
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Kameron M. Franklin
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2007 : 18:11:19
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Good catch, Zanan. Yes, that was the intention and inference. |
"You keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." --Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride |
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Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2007 : 09:47:34
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quote: Originally posted by Kameron M. Franklin
Good catch, Zanan. Yes, that was the intention and inference.
Well, might easily escape the eye on first read, but as with all good books, a second or third read reveals soooo much more
So hark all those of you who are interested, not only Elminster has daughters running about in the Realms! |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
Edited by - Zanan on 21 Aug 2007 09:48:15 |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2008 : 14:20:30
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Hey I've been wondering, is Kameron currently writing, or under contract to write, another realms novel?? |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me: http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Kameron M. Franklin
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2008 : 16:57:21
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The answer to both is an unfortunate "no". Wizards has not solicited me for a proposal since they were planning the Dungeons and Citadels series, and the unsolicited proposal I sent them just before the announcement of 4E did not lead to anything. I intend to submit one more unsolicited proposal after I have read through the 4E FR sourcebook, but I won't hold my breath. Because the managing editors plan their lines out a year or more in advance, it's pretty rare that something a work-for-hire author proposes doesn't conflict with directions and contracts already in the pipeline.
In the mean time, I'm working on projects of my own. Thanks for your interest. |
"You keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." --Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2008 : 18:28:20
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quote: Originally posted by Kameron M. Franklin
The answer to both is an unfortunate "no". Wizards has not solicited me for a proposal since they were planning the Dungeons and Citadels series, and the unsolicited proposal I sent them just before the announcement of 4E did not lead to anything. I intend to submit one more unsolicited proposal after I have read through the 4E FR sourcebook, but I won't hold my breath. Because the managing editors plan their lines out a year or more in advance, it's pretty rare that something a work-for-hire author proposes doesn't conflict with directions and contracts already in the pipeline.
In the mean time, I'm working on projects of my own. Thanks for your interest.
Man that's too bad. I thought the whole point of the Maiden of Pain competition was to find an Author to write realms novels on a regular basis, not to find a "one hit wonder" so to speak (not saying you are, just saying it seems like that's the way its being handled by Wizards). I for one would definately enjoy another realms novel written by you. Good luck with the unsolicited proposal. As long as you don't propose to destroy anything, you should have a chance (having written Maiden of Pain should help you more than a no name writer I imagine)....maybe if your proposal takes place in a remote location in Abeir you would have a better shot?? |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me: http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Kameron M. Franklin
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2008 : 19:39:23
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quote: Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Any information on your current projects?
I post info about current projects, and my thoughts on fantasy fiction in general, on my blog. I'd encourage people interested to visit, rather than go off-topic here.
quote: Originally posted by Alisttair
Man that's too bad. I thought the whole point of the Maiden of Pain competition was to find an Author to write realms novels on a regular basis, not to find a "one hit wonder" so to speak (not saying you are, just saying it seems like that's the way its being handled by Wizards). I for one would definately enjoy another realms novel written by you. Good luck with the unsolicited proposal. As long as you don't propose to destroy anything, you should have a chance (having written Maiden of Pain should help you more than a no name writer I imagine)....maybe if your proposal takes place in a remote location in Abeir you would have a better shot??
Heh, I've reconciled myself to the definite possibility I may in fact be a "one-hit wonder" with regards to the Realms. I appreciate your support. |
"You keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." --Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride |
Edited by - Kameron M. Franklin on 04 Dec 2008 19:40:08 |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2008 : 04:40:05
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I surprised to hear this as well. I found Maiden of Pain to be a fantastic read. Best of luck to you Kameron! |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Jakk
Great Reader
Canada
2165 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2008 : 06:42:02
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quote: Originally posted by Alisttair
<snip> As long as you don't propose to destroy anything, you should have a chance <snip>
Heh... after the Spellplague, my logic would run in the opposite direction, but I'd still be interested in more Realms fiction from you, Kameron, even if it is post-Spellplague. |
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 10 Dec 2008 06:42:40 |
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