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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Jan 2010 : 23:42:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Thanks for thinking of me, folks.
One week ago, I failed my Dex check while rushing out to my car for some work materials I needed for a meeting that day. Slipped on the ice at the bottom of the steps, fell back onto the steps, and broke both radius & ulna in my left arm. Surgery on Wednesday reset the bones and set them permanently to a metal plate in my arm; now I'm -5 vs. metal detectors as well.
Here's hoping the 1-handed method & MacSpeechDictate help me keep ahead of work so I can take the time to enjoy our impending arrival....
Did you make it to the meeting on time?   |
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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2010 : 00:07:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Thanks for thinking of me, folks.
One week ago, I failed my Dex check while rushing out to my car for some work materials I needed for a meeting that day. Slipped on the ice at the bottom of the steps, fell back onto the steps, and broke both radius & ulna in my left arm. Surgery on Wednesday reset the bones and set them permanently to a metal plate in my arm; now I'm -5 vs. metal detectors as well.
Here's hoping the 1-handed method & MacSpeechDictate help me keep ahead of work so I can take the time to enjoy our impending arrival....
Ouch! Sounds extraordinarily painful. Here's to a speedy recovery.
And I wouldn't worry too much about MacSpeechDictate. That program is a amazing! I had the opportunity to look over some of the internal code not too long ago. I'm impressed with just how sophisticated it is. Microsoft has a looong way to go...
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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 |
Edited by - The Sage on 19 Jan 2010 00:08:23 |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6666 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jan 2010 : 12:55:35
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Congratulations to Steven and his wife Sarah on the birth of their baby boy. Name as yet unknown so he remains Nameless - how apt.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jan 2010 : 17:10:54
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| Congratulations Steve! As you've brought him ino this world, so may you get to bring him to adulthood, marriage, and children! |
"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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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jan 2010 : 21:19:38
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| Congratulations to all three of you! And might I suggest starting to prepare the Mentzer's red Basic as his introduction to the game?It never hurts to be prepared. |
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bladeinAmn
Learned Scribe
199 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2010 : 04:20:03
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Congratulations!!!!
One of these days, the kid'll grow up and understand that pops wrote "Lands of Intrigue"! |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2010 : 23:52:58
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Steven....
It was very cool to see Rich Baker mention Gamalon Idogyr and his "flying ship" over Waterdeep, by a Sorceror in Corsair.
Was just wondering how much of his story you wanted to tell, but never had the chance.......and are there any other tidbits about him you can share?
Thanks! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2010 : 22:44:03
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Quick note to say thanks for all the kind words. Oscar Joseph Schend is now 9 days old and swiftly fattening up like any proper baby. I'll come back and answer more questions when I'm less sleep deprived....
Steven
who won't bring Oscar to Gen Con for a few years, most likely |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2010 : 00:19:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Quick note to say thanks for all the kind words. Oscar Joseph Schend is now 9 days old and swiftly fattening up like any proper baby. I'll come back and answer more questions when I'm less sleep deprived....
Steven
who won't bring Oscar to Gen Con for a few years, most likely
Congratulations, Steven! Although I'm a bit disappointed you didn't name him Gamalon Blackstaff Schend, or something like it! 
(just kidding! ) |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Joran Nobleheart
Senior Scribe
USA
495 Posts |
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Matthus
Senior Scribe
Germany
393 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2010 : 14:45:22
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Hello to the new little one! And congrats to the rest of the family!
As I recall you never can be sure that the sleeplees nights will be over soon  - but they are worth it at the end |
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Snowblood
Senior Scribe
Australia
388 Posts |
Posted - 13 Feb 2010 : 14:28:45
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| Hi Steven...I hope Oscar is well & the arm is healing nicely...and you are starting to get some sleep....its been a heck of a time for you....I have a simple question.......what did Faer'tel'miir look like???????? Oh and while I am here who was Isalmyth and what was so special about her/his bracer?????? |
Aryvandaar, Ilythiir, Arnothoi, Orva, Sarphil, Anauria/Asram/Hlondath, Uvaeren, Braceldaur, Ilodhar, Lisenaar, Imaskar, Miyeritar, Orishaar, Shantel Othrieir, Keltormir, Eaerlann, Ammarindar, Siluvanede, Sharrven, Illefarn, Ardeep, Rystal Wood, Evereska are all available here for download:http://phasai.deviantart.com/gallery/
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Edited by - Snowblood on 22 Feb 2010 12:48:59 |
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althen artren
Senior Scribe
USA
780 Posts |
Posted - 28 Feb 2010 : 22:34:49
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Less sleep deprived?
Dude, that won't happen in years. Took my 4 year old 2+ years to sleep
through the night. |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2010 : 06:42:15
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Well, I recently started rereading Blackstaff, finally managing to get my hands on it. Since when I last read it, I was in 6th grade, ther'll probably be lots of questions. Just so you have fair warning.
So, what can you tell us (anything? everything?) about Ashemmi, Sememmon and (I think) their son, Ashemmon? Also, are they the 'black-haired man straining against chains, his elf lover tortured before him by a shorter man in a mask' seen in Khelben's vision as he was Chosen?
What are the 'three truths, seven secrets, nine soulnames and thirteen omens' Mystra imparted on Khleben when he was Chosen?
Lastly, who were the others in Khelben's vision - the bald man with an emerald in his eyesocket is probably Gamalon, and I assume the two I mentioned above are Ashemmi and Sememmon - but who're the 'white-bearded wizard with a red streak of hair at his lower lip, the dark skinned man with a dead right eye and a gold brand on his left temple,and the toothless old woman awash in the filth of the gutters despite her rich robes'? |
"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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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2010 : 14:46:43
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Just a few questions gathered quickly, since I'm hurrying. I'll add the rest later:
What secrets are there between Ilbaereth and Maerdrym that Tsarra couldn't hear?
What was the story of the widow at Lord Raventree's funeral?
Why wasn't Malchor Blackstaff in the end?
Why are fireflies considered a sign from Oacneth/Corellon?
What is the prophecy mentioned by Elminster of the Three becoming Many?
What were the contortions placed on Ashemmi by Manshoon, and why?
Who were Araermal Phyalandrar's byblows? And is his name a refrence to 'philanderer'?
That's all I can do right now. i'll add the rest once I've gone over them. |
"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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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2010 : 10:50:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Snowblood
Hi Steven...I hope Oscar is well & the arm is healing nicely...and you are starting to get some sleep....its been a heck of a time for you....I have a simple question.......what did Faer'tel'miir look like???????? Oh and while I am here who was Isalmyth and what was so special about her/his bracer??????
Faertelmiir looks, at least from the air, identical to its ancient form--concentric circular streets intersected by radial roads out to the outer watchtowers. What's changed with the current version are the styles of architecture, the colors, etc. There's now more than simply the elven building styles--there's dwarven stonework, halfling-sized areas & homes, appropriate dwellings for centaurs, etc.
As for Issylmyth and his bracer, I'm afraid that's NDA.
Steven |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2010 : 20:30:33
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| Hi Steven, How's Life treating you these days?? |
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 |
Edited by - sfdragon on 20 Mar 2010 20:31:12 |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 07 Apr 2010 : 08:19:59
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Finally managed to organize my last questions regarding Blackstaff:
Who are the 6 Argent Guardians, the 9 Who Remain, and the 12 Mysteries?
Who is Asraf yn Malik el Kahaman yi Manshaka? How does Tsarra know him? And what do 'yn', 'el' and 'yi' mean? Son of? From?
What can you tell us more of the Chapel of the First Magister?
What can you tell us of Myaaklyr's 4th Sermon From Myrjala to the Arathenes? When was it given? What were those before it? Who was Myaaklyr? Who were the Arathenes?
That is truly all the questions I've managed to think of. |
"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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Dalmar Amad
Seeker
Germany
56 Posts |
Posted - 08 Apr 2010 : 01:10:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
And what do 'yn', 'el' and 'yi' mean? Son of? From?
Quite right, according to Empires of the Shinig Sea, a great second edition source btw, 'yn' means son of. 'El' means of family or house, while 'yi' refers to this person's birthplace or residence.
Edit:
Dalmar yn Rashid el Djenispool yi Calimport would be Dalmar, son of Rashid, of House Djenispool, living in Calimport. |
Edited by - Dalmar Amad on 08 Apr 2010 01:18:08 |
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Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2010 : 16:24:00
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Steven, scribes.
I was wondering about a spell that Khelben cast in 'Blackstaff', as Malek. In the spell duel with Varret Tryshaln, where Khelben cast one of his 'simplest and newer spells', the spell that manipulated the cloth of Varret's robes, cloak and hood, thus constricting him. Is this spell to be found in any rulebooks, or have you jutted it down elsewhere? I would love to know the stats and name of that particular spell.
-Stig- |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2010 : 03:51:20
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Hey Steven, I've got a quick question on something from your amazing Sea of Fallen Stars book. Specifically, I'm wondering about the Laws of Battle. I think they're one of the most interesting thing about Seros, but the more I try to put them into practice, the more headaches I get. I'd like to ask for some of your thoughts, mostly on the Law of Heralds.
It seems the primary purpose of the Law of Heralds is to nullify sneak attacks of all sorts. My question is, how does this apply in practice? Obviously, if you've got two full-scale armies that come at each other, it's easy to send out the Heralds, air grievances, glare at each other for a few minutes, then start the fighting. But what if one army is much smaller than the other? Can the smaller army use the time required by the Law of Heralds to essentially say, "Screw it, we're out of here?" And if they turn and flee, can the other army immediately pursue?
Also, how does the Law of Heralds apply to scouts? (And, by extension, adventurers) Say you have two armies maneuvering in the open space between nations. Each one knows in general where the other is, but they're trying to find an advantageous position, so they maneuver and send out scouts. Those scouts, as part of the army, would technically be required to follow the Law of Heralds. But it seems both rather ridiculous and completely cross-purposes to have lone scouts in the vastness between armies to suddenly pop up and say, "Hi, I see you, now hold still for a few minutes so I can kill you."
Is there a "threshold" below which you can attack without giving warning? And how does this extend to adventurers? I would imagine some groups would get bad reputations for "not upholding the Laws of Battle," but I'd rather not stigmatize all adventurers for just attacking in a more "surface" manner at all times. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this and anything else you came up with about the Laws of Battle but that never made it into SoFS. Many thanks. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Jakk
Great Reader
Canada
2165 Posts |
Posted - 27 May 2010 : 22:05:39
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Funny coincidence, that... my question is also regarding Sea of Fallen Stars (and it really is a brilliant piece of work). I'm working on a sahuagin realm off the shores of Osse (see the "Project Isle" scroll) and while browsing through that title, I found the name Keryth Adofaer, a young High Mage of Selu'Maraar... just wondering if that clan name has anything to do with the High Forest mythal city of the same (or similar) name, and if so, if anything more can be said other than "NDA"... 
Thanks!
Edit: Added link. |
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 27 May 2010 22:17:24 |
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 04:59:43
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| any advice to share of 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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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2010 : 15:49:37
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I'm not Steven, but to mention a few basics:
Read a lot of other peoples' stories, especially ones in the genre you wish to work in.
Write a lot of your own stories. (Practice makes perfect and all that.)
Outlines are good.
Almost always avoid alliterations.
Show your stuff to others, preferrably ones who aren't afraid to tell you what was good, but also what sucked, and can do so in a nice and constructive manner (I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm a lot more likely to listen to someone who says "this bit here doesn't really work," than someone who claims to have become nauseated by my prose) |
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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Rhewtani
Senior Scribe
USA
508 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jun 2010 : 21:52:55
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| Finished Blackstaff Tower last night. Thank you Steven, I enjoyed it a lot. Please write another. :) |
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Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2010 : 11:54:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Rhewtani
Finished Blackstaff Tower last night. Thank you Steven, I enjoyed it a lot. Please write another. :)
I concur. More novels Steven! |
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Rhewtani
Senior Scribe
USA
508 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2010 : 18:02:58
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| Elfinblade - You know, I've since read 4 Dresden Files books. And I'm enjoying each on and simultaneously thinking ... man, I could use some more Blackstaff. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2010 : 02:44:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Rhewtani
Elfinblade - You know, I've since read 4 Dresden Files books. And I'm enjoying each on and simultaneously thinking ... man, I could use some more Blackstaff.
There's a wizard in the Dresden Files who bears the title Blackstaff. That character has little to do with Khelben, though.  |
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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Questions for Steven Schend
