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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2004 : 15:13:24
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quote: Originally posted by Garen Thal
And, having finished my reading of the novel in one of my fabled "between dinner and dawn" cover to cover readings, I can now reveal my delight in the storytelling, the happenings in Cormyr, and the surprises for even those of us who know the Forest Kingdom quite well-even those of us who aren't saluted and thanked as "lords of lore." ;)
Well said and good point. The book's jacket and cover may put this new novel as part of the Elminster series. However, it feels much more, to me at least, as belonging to the Cormyr series. Elminster is in it, but not as much as one might suspect. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2004 : 15:29:14
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quote: Originally posted by George Krashos
Ed's novels are the only ones I ever buy in hardcover (because I can't wait to get at the contents). At AU$70 I always wince at the cash register but forget the pain after a few pages.
-- George Krashos
I couldn't agree with you more George. Other than the WotSQ series, my only FR hardbacks are the Elminster books. I never consider the price though, afterall, it's Ed Greenwood...
Does anyone have a potential release data in Australia for Ed's new work?.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2004 : 02:47:00
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quote: Originally posted by Garen Thal
even those of us who aren't saluted and thanked as "lords of lore." ;)
Well, if I had my way Garen we'd all be thanked as "lords of lore" but you're certainly one in my book. I know what you (as you and part of we) have done for Cormyr. In the right time and place, I'm sure it won't be forgotten.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2004 : 21:06:54
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To Garen Thal, I send these words from Ed of the Greenwood:
Re. Ildool: beautiful. The old NDA problem prevents me from saying much more than this: Yes, I echo George: consider your explanation official (unless or until an in-print WotC source contradicts it). A certain soon-to-be-published project might well do just that, but I think you’ve earned the title “Lore Lord of the Realms” anyway. So, attend, gentles all, whilst I hereby bestow, for not just this matter but for the many insightful posts that precede it and may be viewed here at Candlekeep . . . Arise, Lord Garen Thal. And, hey, thanks for the kind words about the novel, too. :}
So saith Ed. Congrats, Garen Thal! If you’re in Marsember, look for me in The Leaping Eel. I’m the dancer in the painting right at the end of the bar. The one wearing the high boots and, er, the smile. Sorta like this one: THO
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 02:24:33
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One Congrats, Garen Thal! If you’re in Marsember, look for me in The Leaping Eel. I’m the dancer in the painting right at the end of the bar. The one wearing the high boots and, er, the smile. Sorta like this one: THO
Thigh high or knee high boots? Where's a good artist when you need one?
And hey, who said you could come out of Ed Greenwood's thread? |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 02:35:25
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Thigh high. And yes, I did sneak out of that thread. Naughty of me. So you can punish me...if you can catch me on a rooftop. I'll be wearing...my hood. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 04:37:53
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One
Thigh high.
The higher the better perhaps.
quote:
And yes, I did sneak out of that thread. Naughty of me. So you can punish me...if you can catch me on a rooftop. I'll be wearing...my hood.
Channeling some skills of Narnra from Elminster's Daughter. Alas, the title character is proving quite a handful to many as I near the novel's conclusion. Eighty pages from the end and I can't figure out how everything is going to be wrapped up. There is quite a bit going on in this novel.
Only wearing a hood? If so I am in the position of wishing I had greater dexterity to chase. Alas, all I have is a healthy stamina. |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 16:39:50
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One Re. Ildool: beautiful. The old NDA problem prevents me from saying much more than this: Yes, I echo George: consider your explanation official (unless or until an in-print WotC source contradicts it). A certain soon-to-be-published project might well do just that, but I think you’ve earned the title “Lore Lord of the Realms” anyway. So, attend, gentles all, whilst I hereby bestow, for not just this matter but for the many insightful posts that precede it and may be viewed here at Candlekeep . . . Arise, Lord Garen Thal. And, hey, thanks for the kind words about the novel, too. :}
So saith Ed. Congrats, Garen Thal! If you’re in Marsember, look for me in The Leaping Eel. I’m the dancer in the painting right at the end of the bar. The one wearing the high boots and, er, the smile.
I must admit: I don't rightly know what to say. It's been years since anyone called me "Lord Garen"-a far longer story than I'd care to relate here-and having Ed do it just feels a bit silly. I suppose I'll have to get back to forging even more lore, as Our Sage of the Greenwood just keeps writing (and, as a self-appointed lore-lord of Cormyr, I'm constantly playing catch-up with the man). In the meantime, here is a little treat for for our friends out there, based on a passage from FRCS3E.
Now that that piece of artwork is out of the way, I simply must learn how to properly paint a proper smile... |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 16:54:08
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quote: Originally posted by Garen Thal
In the meantime, here is a little treat for for our friends out there, based on a passage from FRCS3E.
Note: It seems that Angelfire is being evil with regards to that link (which I've encountered before). So 'twill be necessary to copy the link below and paste it into thy address bar.
http://www.angelfire.com/rpg2/garen/Cormyr/WUS2.jpg
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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! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 10 May 2004 16:55:16 |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 17:10:07
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quote: Originally posted by Wooly Rupert Note: It seems that Angelfire is being evil with regards to that link (which I've encountered before). So 'twill be necessary to copy the link below and paste it into thy address bar.
http://www.angelfire.com/rpg2/garen/Cormyr/WUS2.jpg
Thanks for the help accessing the image Wooly.
Looks great Garen Thal. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 18:43:07
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Yes, thanks to you, O Wooly One. Yes, Angelfire tends not to like direct image sharing (a problem I'd forgotten about), so I've decided to remedy everyone's headaches by constructing a little webapge for the file, complete with the appropriate quote. The whole mess can be found here.
Enjoy! |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2004 : 16:19:31
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One of my friends (not a Realms fan or gamer, but reads a lot of fantasy and sf) asked me if she should buy ELMINSTER'S DAUGHTER, and I said yes. While we were discussing it, I came up with the reason I think this book works so well: people who know nothing about the Realms can enjoy it as a fun romp with lots of character smartass word-slinging as well as fights, and those of us who're Realms fans can REALLY dig all the new lore about people we know, as well as the new faces. Ed's managed that tightrope walk: an 'insider' book that works just as well (tho differently) for non-Realms-fans. Obviously, one of Ed's best FR novels, if not THE best. El in Hell was way more ambitious, but had flaws. IMHO, of course. |
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Gerath Hoan
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
152 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2004 : 01:33:44
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I was wondering if i can ask a quick question about Elminster's Daughter... my copy is still on order but as i'm restarting my Cormyrean home campaign after a longish break i was wondering what news there is from Arabel... does this novel expand anymore on the tiny blurb in the FRCS? Or should i be looking elsewhere for info on how Arabel has been reclaimed, rebuilt/repaired and resettled? |
Knight of the Order of the Keen Eye - Granted by Ed Greenwood, 30th January 2005 |
Edited by - Gerath Hoan on 18 May 2004 01:35:26 |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2004 : 02:28:28
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quote: Originally posted by Gerath Hoan
I was wondering if i can ask a quick question about Elminster's Daughter... my copy is still on order but as i'm restarting my Cormyrean home campaign after a longish break i was wondering what news there is from Arabel... does this novel expand anymore on the tiny blurb in the FRCS? Or should i be looking elsewhere for info on how Arabel has been reclaimed, rebuilt/repaired and resettled?
Doesn't mention it. :) The only thing dealing with Arabel in the novel is Myrmeen Lhal. |
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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Gerath Hoan
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
152 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2004 : 01:57:15
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I guess this is gonna contain SPOILERS, so don't read on if you don't wanna know stuff...
i was wondering if Vangey will still roam Cormyr as a meddling mage at the end of this book? it seems to imply he might just go into more permanent retirement or he'll be unable to appear as he once was... what is everyone else's thoughts on this? |
Knight of the Order of the Keen Eye - Granted by Ed Greenwood, 30th January 2005 |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2004 : 02:18:53
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quote: Originally posted by Gerath Hoan
I guess this is gonna contain SPOILERS, so don't read on if you don't wanna know stuff...
i was wondering if Vangey will still roam Cormyr as a meddling mage at the end of this book? it seems to imply he might just go into more permanent retirement or he'll be unable to appear as he once was... what is everyone else's thoughts on this?
I thought he would just go in stasis with the other..... Might be wrong.... |
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 |
Edited by - Kuje on 20 May 2004 02:19:19 |
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Gerath Hoan
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
152 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2004 : 02:36:36
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Still SPOILERS
Whilst the "other" did state that she'd be willing to go into stasis, in El's solution there's no mention that stasis was necessary. This was an assumption on her part.
The previous idea of Vangey's required it, but this new solution, extending life and vigor as it does, might not need it. It's certainly left open in my mind.
Do you think we should ask Ed? Or should we leave the poor man alone? |
Knight of the Order of the Keen Eye - Granted by Ed Greenwood, 30th January 2005 |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2004 : 03:06:18
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quote: Originally posted by Gerath Hoan
Still SPOILERS
Whilst the "other" did state that she'd be willing to go into stasis, in El's solution there's no mention that stasis was necessary. This was an assumption on her part.
The previous idea of Vangey's required it, but this new solution, extending life and vigor as it does, might not need it. It's certainly left open in my mind.
Do you think we should ask Ed? Or should we leave the poor man alone?
Think we should leave him be at the moment since we bombarded him with questions. :) But now that you mention that, you are right it was assumed. |
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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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2004 : 03:32:48
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quote: Originally posted by Gerath Hoan Do you think we should ask Ed? Or should we leave the poor man alone?
You'll probably get one of those cryptic type author answers.
"Why Gerath Hoan, as for Vangey going into statis...well, let's just see if events coming soon to Cormyr even allow him such a choice."
Or something like that. |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2004 : 16:02:16
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Why, Sirius, how perceptive. :} That's EXACTLY what Ed said. However, he also added: "My intent was and is that Vangey and the 'other' have gone into stasis already. I'd shift to the other answer for the same reason I always make such shifts: as the Realms is a shared world, I try to promote maximum play possibilities ...and have no idea what another Realms fiction author will want to do with the characters in the future."
So there you all are. :} THO |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2004 : 16:35:54
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quote: Originally posted by The Hooded One
Why, Sirius, how perceptive. :} That's EXACTLY what Ed said.
Can I call them or wht?
quote:
However, he also added: "My intent was and is that Vangey and the 'other' have gone into stasis already. I'd shift to the other answer for the same reason I always make such shifts: as the Realms is a shared world, I try to promote maximum play possibilities ...and have no idea what another Realms fiction author will want to do with the characters in the future."
Sniff...typical guy, run off to stasis to avoid the teen years for Azoun V and someone else. |
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Gerath Hoan
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
152 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2004 : 18:13:27
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Thanks for that Lady Hooded One!
Hmmm *rubs beard*... shall i continue using Vangey as a wild card around Cormyr or not? |
Knight of the Order of the Keen Eye - Granted by Ed Greenwood, 30th January 2005 |
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Sarta
Senior Scribe
USA
505 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2004 : 08:49:13
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quote: Originally posted by SiriusBlack
Sniff...typical guy, run off to stasis to avoid the teen years for Azoun V and someone else.
Think of it as a gift to Caladnei. It shows that he trusts her to handle things in his absence. I'm sure, given his background, it was very hard for Vangey to back off his "pet project", Cormyr.
Sarta |
Edited by - Sarta on 21 May 2004 08:49:44 |
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Lauzoril
Seeker
Finland
71 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2004 : 22:40:08
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I've just recently completed the Elminster's Daughter and I must say this one of the most enjoyable books Ed has written so far. Plenty of funny and intriguing situations, interesting characters, both good and evil. Ed seems to have a talent of making the villains detailed, either you despise them or like them in some way. Ending was very satisfying. Things ended on proper note and still left things conveniently open.
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"Death to the enemies of Bane."
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2004 : 00:09:18
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quote: Originally posted by Lauzoril Things ended on proper note and still left things conveniently open.
Yes, the future for those involved and the nation of Cormyr is open to many possibilities. |
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Melfius
Senior Scribe
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2004 : 03:11:24
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Well, I suppose it is only a matter of time before someone posts a prestige class for "Child of Elminster".
Of course, it now leaves everyone asking, "Who ELSE is a Child of El?" Who knows, maybe it'd be easier to ask, "Who ISN'T a Child of El?" Hmm, maybe his kids all become Harpers? Maybe all the Harpers are his kids? I can see it now:
"So, you wanna be a Harper? Al you gotta be is a devoted follower of good. AND one of Elminster's children. But don't worry. The man's like 1,500 years old. CHances are, you are and don't even know it!"
So many plotlines, so little time... |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2004 : 03:52:14
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quote: Originally posted by Melfius Of course, it now leaves everyone asking, "Who ELSE is a Child of El?"
Well, the end of the novel did give us more insight on the answer to that question. |
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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2004 : 17:09:02
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The first amazon.com 'review' of Elminster's Daughter is a good demonstration of what's wrong with amazon.com 'reviews' -- though perhaps it might be helpful to other people who don't like the author's books but still buy them in hardback. He hits some of the usual bases for the medium, such as using the word 'boring', which means 'I was bored' and so is not criticism but autobiography, but he neglects to say he couldn't finish the book (he does manage this in a review of The Crimson Gold; ever seen a film review with 'I walked out after 20 minutes'?). And dubious subjective information presented as fact: he found it 'kinda slow' (I wished it would halt its breakneck rush), and somehow thought Narnra's was a secondary plotline. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2004 : 18:36:30
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Okay, so I finished reading the book yesterday (and I need to get it back to the library today!).
Overall, I quite enjoyed it. It was easily the best Greenwood book I've read.
However... There were a few elements I didn't like.
***SPOILERS***
The mind-ream with Caladnei and Narnra. I can see wanting to ensure the loyalty of a prospective agent. However, I'm not sure that sharing memories is the best way to do it... And even if it is, it brought to mind when Elminster's memories were being rummaged thru in Elminster in Hell -- and I thoroughly disliked that book.
The rescue of baby Azoun V. Uh, when did this happen? He was kidnapped, and then he suddenly turns up safe? Nani?
Ditto for El realizing Narnra was his daughter...
Vangerdahast and Myrmeen. I just didn't see them winding up in bed together. That didn't work for me, since it kinda came out of left field.
El's other kids. Uh, all three of them? That's pushing the bounds of believability a bit much. Two, yes, but all three of them? Too pat for me. I mean, I can see him having a lot of kids, and ditto for many of the other Chosen. It's just that finding out the Queen of Cormyr and one of the highest-ranking War Wizards were both his daughters was a bit much. Had it been Laspeera, Narnra, and someone a bit further back in Filfaeril's lineage, I coulda bought that one a lot easier. I woulda preferred it even more if Filfaeril hadn't been related to him at all, though.
What I did like:
Glarasteer chasing Narnra thru Marsember. That was a great chase sequence, and added some nice flavor to Marsember.
The Rightful Conspiracy. That one just worked for me, quite nicely.
Lady Joysil. I liked her character. The revelation that she was Narnra's mom failed to surprise me, though -- I saw that one coming as soon as it was revealed she was a song dragon. It just made too much sense.
So I liked it and will read it again, far mor readily than most of his other stuff. |
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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