Candlekeep Forum
Candlekeep Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Realmslore
 Chamber of Sages
 Questions for James P Davis
 New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Previous Page | Next Page
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic
Page: of 6

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 11 Mar 2006 :  08:58:34  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Hi Eytan! Thanks, added you to mine as well.

Best,
--James

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 21 Apr 2006 :  08:19:29  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Posted this on my journal a few days ago, thought I'd bring it here as well. What appears to be the back-cover text for Bloodwalk...

quote:
Lady of the Order of Twilight

Witch of the Gargauthans

Blood Magus

Morgynn seethed for years under the yoke of ignorance her mother enforced. Then death came for Morgynn, and after embracing it she was reborn with frightening powers of incredible strength.

When a wandering ghostwalker and a seer’s hubris provide the perfect opening to expand her dominion, she seizes the opportunity. But the ghostwalker is proving more trouble than she had bargained for . . .

I think that's a fairly good breakdown.

Best,
--James

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 04 Jun 2006 :  08:47:49  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
'Nother quick update, the Prologue and Chaper One of Bloodwalk have been posted over at the Wizards site. Here's the link:

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/frnovel/955467400

It's not much, a definite teaser, but the nervousness of a first novel is certainly twisting my gut all the same! So anyway, I hope anyone interested will check it out and give it a shot.

Best,
--James

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

Alaundo
Head Moderator
Admin

United Kingdom
5695 Posts

Posted - 04 Jun 2006 :  12:30:35  Show Profile  Visit Alaundo's Homepage Send Alaundo a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis

'Nother quick update, the Prologue and Chaper One of Bloodwalk have been posted over at the Wizards site. Here's the link:

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/frnovel/955467400

It's not much, a definite teaser, but the nervousness of a first novel is certainly twisting my gut all the same! So anyway, I hope anyone interested will check it out and give it a shot.

Best,
--James




Well met

Splendid, thanks for letting us know, James. I'm certainly looking forward to this novel. The cover art and back cover text has drawn me in without even reading the excerpt yet

Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct


An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
Go to Top of Page

scererar
Master of Realmslore

USA
1618 Posts

Posted - 04 Jun 2006 :  17:27:49  Show Profile Send scererar a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I like it so far. The prologue is interesting and kind of leaves you hanging, and wanting to know more. Very interesting start, I look forward to learning more about Quinsareth and Bedlam.
Go to Top of Page

Swordsage
Learned Scribe

149 Posts

Posted - 05 Jun 2006 :  01:42:59  Show Profile  Visit Swordsage's Homepage Send Swordsage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Nice stuff, James. I like the little Realms references tucked in there (like the wine from the Border Kingdoms). Will be buying this as soon as it arrives in my hobby store.

The Swordsage
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 05 Jun 2006 :  07:02:56  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Thanks guys! A good shot of confidence does wonders. Hope the full book does justice to the teasers!

Best,
--James

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 06 Jun 2006 :  19:37:08  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
A ghostwalker sworn to Hoar!

Ooh -- someone's in for it.

Thanks for the read, James. Bedlam's a great name for the sword. A sonic weapon, or a collection of mad souls? I suppose we'll see.

Looking forward to it.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 07 Jun 2006 :  07:23:10  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
A ghostwalker sworn to Hoar!

Ooh -- someone's in for it.

Thanks for the read, James. Bedlam's a great name for the sword. A sonic weapon, or a collection of mad souls? I suppose we'll see.

Looking forward to it.

Cheers

Thanks Erik! Bedlam was a fun sword to play around with, an interesting mix that I hope lives up to its name for the readers.

Now if only July would hurry it up a bit...

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 27 Jul 2006 :  20:05:53  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
For those attending GenCon is just around the corner, so I thought I'd post the signings I'll be attending here along with a link for all the scheduled signings. Here goes:

Thursday 8/10: 3:00pm-3:30pm (with Steven Schend @ Wizards of the Coast booth)

Friday 8/11: 10:00am-11:30am (with "Young Dragons": Erik Scott deBie, Kameron Franklin, Ed Gentry, Harley Stroh and Jaleigh Johnson @ Authors' Alley)

Saturday 8/12: 1:00pm-2:00pm (with "Young Dragons": Erik Scott deBie, Kameron Franklin, Ed Gentry, Harley Stroh and Jaleigh Johnson @ Authors' Alley)
--2:00pm-2:30pm (with Steven Schend @ Authors' Alley)

Sunday 8/13: 2:00pm-3:00pm @ Authors' Alley

And for all the others: http://www.elainecunningham.com/

I'm looking forward to meeting some Candlekeep scribes, so don't be shy!

Best,
--James

PS: Also for anyone on MySpace, I've opened an account there recently at the advice of a friend: http://www.myspace.com/quinsareth
Warning, there may be a photo of myself there. I can only assure you that there are very few in existence. I'm quite a good camera dodger most of the time.

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 27 Jul 2006 :  20:49:54  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
:)

We do have a gencon thread on the main FR general board and most of this info has already been posted there. :)

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
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 29 Jul 2006 :  11:07:19  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

:)

We do have a gencon thread on the main FR general board and most of this info has already been posted there. :)


Oops, sorry Kuje, force of habit lately.

Best,
--James --> (Manager of the Department of Redundancy Department)

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 29 Jul 2006 :  16:42:11  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

:)

We do have a gencon thread on the main FR general board and most of this info has already been posted there. :)


Oops, sorry Kuje, force of habit lately.

Best,
--James --> (Manager of the Department of Redundancy Department)



No problem. :)

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
Go to Top of Page

Dargoth
Great Reader

Australia
4607 Posts

Posted - 20 Aug 2006 :  09:20:04  Show Profile  Visit Dargoth's Homepage Send Dargoth a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Hey James Im currently putting together a Timeline (1372-) for Candlekeep and I was wondering if you could give me the dates of the events in Bloodwalk Im mainly looking for the big stuff like battles and destruction of towns etc


Any dates you could give would be much appreciated

“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”

Emperor Sigismund

"Its good to be the King!"

Mel Brooks
Go to Top of Page

shuman
Acolyte

USA
13 Posts

Posted - 20 Aug 2006 :  16:31:52  Show Profile  Visit shuman's Homepage Send shuman a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I have just begun reading the book, and love it so far. Its good to see another style of Ghostwalker. Being a gamer, I'm already mentally putting stats to Quinsareth, Bedlam, etc. before I even get far in the book. I cant imagine that Quin is pure fighter?! Thanks for the great book. Back to reading...
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 21 Aug 2006 :  07:28:24  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
I have just begun reading the book, and love it so far. Its good to see another style of Ghostwalker. Being a gamer, I'm already mentally putting stats to Quinsareth, Bedlam, etc. before I even get far in the book. I cant imagine that Quin is pure fighter?! Thanks for the great book. Back to reading...

I appreciate the kind words, glad you're enjoying it!

I imagine Quin could have some mixed classes somewhere in his build, to be honest I had a basic idea and didn't nail down anything specific as I wrote. I'd be interested in seeing what you come up with! Thanks again!

Best,
--James

PS: Dargoth, no problem . Sent a PM your way.

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0

Edited by - James P. Davis on 21 Aug 2006 07:35:11
Go to Top of Page

shuman
Acolyte

USA
13 Posts

Posted - 27 Aug 2006 :  01:19:20  Show Profile  Visit shuman's Homepage Send shuman a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Okay. I'm guessing that Quin would have maybe one level of Barbarian (talks about his rages often) and perhaps Ranger or Rogue (very stealthy). Am I close? Bedlam seems to have the sharpness ability, or perhaps bane?
Go to Top of Page

The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 12 Sep 2006 :  02:35:03  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis
I believe I mentioned elsewhere that there is a very well hidden "easter egg" in the story that references its "true crime" inspiration. Another as of yet unsolved set of mysterious murders. Check the street names, you might catch it.



The only street name that stands out in my memory was Temple Street.

All I can guess is Jack The Ripper?

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
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 12 Sep 2006 :  07:16:28  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
The only street name that stands out in my memory was Temple Street.

All I can guess is Jack The Ripper?

Bingo!

HA! I'd just about given up on someone noticing that. Yes indeed, Ivory and Temple streets as my little allusion to the Whitechapel murders of Jack the Ripper.

To explain, my wife is a big serial-killer buff, she was watching From Hell about the time I was brainstorming for RotD2. Ol' Jack seemed like an interesting template to match a dragon to, with some major modifications of course, and I was off and running...or writing as it were.

Good catch!

Best,
--James

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 12 Sep 2006 :  12:43:30  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis

quote:
The only street name that stands out in my memory was Temple Street.

All I can guess is Jack The Ripper?

Bingo!

HA! I'd just about given up on someone noticing that. Yes indeed, Ivory and Temple streets as my little allusion to the Whitechapel murders of Jack the Ripper.

To explain, my wife is a big serial-killer buff, she was watching From Hell about the time I was brainstorming for RotD2. Ol' Jack seemed like an interesting template to match a dragon to, with some major modifications of course, and I was off and running...or writing as it were.

Good catch!

Best,
--James



Well penned by you! I don't know how I missed ivory street, but I did keep think "church Street....church...temple..hmm....chapel..."
I totally forgot Whitechapel, I too watched that with my wife with the dark penchant for all thing grisly.

What you did stand out though was your description of the bodies. I would not say that you made it obvious at all, but when you mentioned how mutilated the corpses were and had unmarked faces, the light bulb turned on.

I'm thinking that a novel about the realms most notoriuos serial killer should be on your schedule. You know....The Red Walker slayings

A Realms serial killer would be an interesting topic though with the "darkness" in writing that yourself and Erik Scott de Bie are so good at. It would be very interesting if the Realms "ripper" did not go unsolved.....but just made a rather unfortunate choice in his last target.

Looking forward to your next Realms travelogue! (The tourism biz has to be up in the region after Bloodwalk)

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

Edited by - The Red Walker on 12 Sep 2006 12:45:23
Go to Top of Page

Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author

USA
1714 Posts

Posted - 12 Sep 2006 :  14:17:55  Show Profile  Visit Steven Schend's Homepage Send Steven Schend a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis

quote:
The only street name that stands out in my memory was Temple Street.

All I can guess is Jack The Ripper?

Bingo!

HA! I'd just about given up on someone noticing that. Yes indeed, Ivory and Temple streets as my little allusion to the Whitechapel murders of Jack the Ripper.

To explain, my wife is a big serial-killer buff, she was watching From Hell about the time I was brainstorming for RotD2. Ol' Jack seemed like an interesting template to match a dragon to, with some major modifications of course, and I was off and running...or writing as it were.

Good catch!

Best,
--James



James, have you or your wife read Moore's FROM HELL graphic opus? It's vastly better than the watered-down star vehicle the movie became (seriously--Heather Graham stands out a tad too much among her comrades, hm?). Heck, it's worth it just for the final segment that analyzes the whole cult of Ripperology or the 40 pages of endnotes going into obsessive details on how the story was built. Well worth your time.

To swing this back to Realms relevance, an FR serial killer idea is tough to do as there's so few ways to stand out from the massive killers that do so for their god (Bane worshipers) or their country (Red Wizards, etc.). Serial killers are a modern phenomenon, and while not impossible, it's pretty tough to respin fantasy tropes to suit the needs of psychological thrillers (as most stories tend to wind up with serial killers).

Though an odd thought, as I mused about lone killers with distinctive methodology, one could argue that ELFSHADOW could be reexamined from another POV and have a Harper investigator convinced that the Harper Assassin is a serial killer. Hm, that puts Arilyn in a new light, dunnit? (And no, to fans of Elaine and the lady herself, I'm NOT suggesting that we look at the lovely half-elf for signs she's out to exterminate the hard-currency-girls of Waterdeep or even suggest she's a serial killer. It's just a way to point out that a slight shift in perspective brings new facets to life on that diamond of a book....)

SES

For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
Go to Top of Page

The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 12 Sep 2006 :  14:43:11  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend

To swing this back to Realms relevance, an FR serial killer idea is tough to do as there's so few ways to stand out from the massive killers that do so for their god (Bane worshipers) or their country (Red Wizards, etc.). Serial killers are a modern phenomenon, and while not impossible, it's pretty tough to respin fantasy tropes to suit the needs of psychological thrillers (as most stories tend to wind up with serial killers).

Though an odd thought, as I mused about lone killers with distinctive methodology, one could argue that ELFSHADOW could be reexamined from another POV and have a Harper investigator convinced that the Harper Assassin is a serial killer. Hm, that puts Arilyn in a new light, dunnit? (And no, to fans of Elaine and the lady herself, I'm NOT suggesting that we look at the lovely half-elf for signs she's out to exterminate the hard-currency-girls of Waterdeep or even suggest she's a serial killer. It's just a way to point out that a slight shift in perspective brings new facets to life on that diamond of a book....)

SES



Interesting thoughts Steven, thanks. I replied to this on your Chamber of sages scroll.

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
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 12 Sep 2006 :  20:53:07  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
James, have you or your wife read Moore's FROM HELL graphic opus? It's vastly better than the watered-down star vehicle the movie became (seriously--Heather Graham stands out a tad too much among her comrades, hm?). Heck, it's worth it just for the final segment that analyzes the whole cult of Ripperology or the 40 pages of endnotes going into obsessive details on how the story was built. Well worth your time.

To swing this back to Realms relevance, an FR serial killer idea is tough to do as there's so few ways to stand out from the massive killers that do so for their god (Bane worshipers) or their country (Red Wizards, etc.). Serial killers are a modern phenomenon, and while not impossible, it's pretty tough to respin fantasy tropes to suit the needs of psychological thrillers (as most stories tend to wind up with serial killers).

Though an odd thought, as I mused about lone killers with distinctive methodology, one could argue that ELFSHADOW could be reexamined from another POV and have a Harper investigator convinced that the Harper Assassin is a serial killer. Hm, that puts Arilyn in a new light, dunnit? (And no, to fans of Elaine and the lady herself, I'm NOT suggesting that we look at the lovely half-elf for signs she's out to exterminate the hard-currency-girls of Waterdeep or even suggest she's a serial killer. It's just a way to point out that a slight shift in perspective brings new facets to life on that diamond of a book....)

SES

I did read the original graphic novel some years ago, but I don't think Megan has yet...hmmm, Christmas getting closer.

And yeah, a true serial killer in the Realms would be difficult as the fantasy lives real-world s-k's imagine themselves as leading would be, well, real for the most part, which could give them an actual place in the Realms (as a dark priest, assassin, or pawn to such types). Dahmer would have taken the quickest path to an animate dead spell, Bundy possibly Loviatar (I think Loviatar might cover a few). The spiritual upbringing or social norms that are rebelled against in our world are, on the other end, mostly deified in the Realms in one way or another. It would have to be someone completely godless (bordering on athiest), infinitely twisted, practically a super-genius (for evading magical means of detection), and have motives that elude all manner of common reasoning to figure out. Imagining the difficulty of placing such a character in the Realms...actually, sounds like a helluva lot of fun!

quote:
A Realms serial killer would be an interesting topic though with the "darkness" in writing that yourself and Erik Scott de Bie are so good at. It would be very interesting if the Realms "ripper" did not go unsolved.....but just made a rather unfortunate choice in his last target.

Looking forward to your next Realms travelogue! (The tourism biz has to be up in the region after Bloodwalk)

Ah that too, the 'targets' would have to be very specific as well. A complete loony might get himself a meat-cleaver and decide he was destined to kill Elminster or Drizzt just to impress some girl that he likes and who doesn't even know he (or she) exists...suffice to say, very short story.

All that being said, I've have a certain idea in mind for a character who fits the bill in several of the 'Realms-serial-killer' categories. One of the first stories I ever imagined for the Realms in fact...but only time will tell if that one ever sees print (insert evil laugh here).

Until then, for my next tale, alas, NDA, but keep a sharp eye on Amazon. I think many may find out the news is public before I do, heh!

Best,
--James

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 13 Sep 2006 :  12:22:10  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis

And yeah, a true serial killer in the Realms would be difficult as the fantasy lives real-world s-k's imagine themselves as leading would be, well, real for the most part, which could give them an actual place in the Realms (as a dark priest, assassin, or pawn to such types). Dahmer would have taken the quickest path to an animate dead spell, Bundy possibly Loviatar (I think Loviatar might cover a few). The spiritual upbringing or social norms that are rebelled against in our world are, on the other end, mostly deified in the Realms in one way or another. It would have to be someone completely godless (bordering on athiest), infinitely twisted, practically a super-genius (for evading magical means of detection), and have motives that elude all manner of common reasoning to figure out. Imagining the difficulty of placing such a character in the Realms...actually, sounds like a helluva lot of fun!

quote:
Originallly posted by The Red WalkerA Realms serial killer would be an interesting topic though with the "darkness" in writing that yourself and Erik Scott de Bie are so good at. It would be very interesting if the Realms "ripper" did not go unsolved.....but just made a rather unfortunate choice in his last target.

Looking forward to your next Realms travelogue! (The tourism biz has to be up in the region after Bloodwalk)

Ah that too, the 'targets' would have to be very specific as well. A complete loony might get himself a meat-cleaver and decide he was destined to kill Elminster or Drizzt just to impress some girl that he likes and who doesn't even know he (or she) exists...suffice to say, very short story.

All that being said, I've have a certain idea in mind for a character who fits the bill in several of the 'Realms-serial-killer' categories. One of the first stories I ever imagined for the Realms in fact...but only time will tell if that one ever sees print (insert evil laugh here).

Until then, for my next tale, alas, NDA, but keep a sharp eye on Amazon. I think many may find out the news is public before I do, heh!

Best,
--James


Interesting that you should say they would need to be godless. That theory is close to what I replied to Steven in his scroll, since you went that direction I find it relavent in our discussion as well:

"I thought about the Gods angles, was wondering if a Realms character could be a "free agent" so to speak and kill just for killings sake.
It could be interesting to see how the rest of the Realms (and the Gods) handled that situation. If this person got enough power through fear, he(or better, she ) could threaten the Gods enough to crate quite a stir.

I could see some kind of parralel with this concept to that of Magic and Anti-Magic areas/objects.

This killer could unintentionally spark an Anti-Gods movement. When the general population realized that this killer had the whole of the Realams in an Uproar with no God on his side and , some might see the posibilities for good and bad. The Gods would be threatened much the same as Magic useres(and to lesser extent Mystra) are by these anti-magic areas and objects.


Ooooppppss.....rambling

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
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 13 Sep 2006 :  19:38:21  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Interesting that you should say they would need to be godless. That theory is close to what I replied to Steven in his scroll, since you went that direction I find it relavent in our discussion as well:

"I thought about the Gods angles, was wondering if a Realms character could be a "free agent" so to speak and kill just for killings sake.
It could be interesting to see how the rest of the Realms (and the Gods) handled that situation. If this person got enough power through fear, he(or better, she ) could threaten the Gods enough to crate quite a stir.

I could see some kind of parralel with this concept to that of Magic and Anti-Magic areas/objects.

Oh certainly, since s-k's have motivations that are almost always in some sort of opposition to social norms (and in the Realms what's more normal than belief in/worshiping the various gods?), being a godless killer would give him no greater authority (that exists, anyway) and perpetuate the loneliness and isolation that helps to make the killer what he is.

quote:
This killer could unintentionally spark an Anti-Gods movement. When the general population realized that this killer had the whole of the Realams in an Uproar with no God on his side and , some might see the posibilities for good and bad. The Gods would be threatened much the same as Magic useres(and to lesser extent Mystra) are by these anti-magic areas and objects.

The only difficult part there would be getting the entire Realms in an uproar over what's happening. Unless it were a mass-murderer (and an extremely efficient one) the news could just become like a "fairy-tale" after spreading a few hundred miles. Or if the killer eluded capture for several years, maybe even a decade, then more honest accounts of that type of infamy could perhaps spread far and wide (though still with the Krueger-esque tales mixed in).

I can see it now..."The sun sets behind a magnificent Realmsian city, torchbearers trace lit pathways through the streets and the song 'Paint it Black' begins playing as the graphic shows up on the screen--CSI: Waterdeep..."

quote:
Ooooppppss.....rambling

I hear ya', heh, at times I am one with the power of the ramble. 'Tis at times a gift and a curse...OH, new scene! "Darker city, images of demons flash over the city, violins begin playing a haunting melody, and Frank Black appears, walking down the street perhaps near Blackstaff Tower..."

Okay yeah, maybe more a curse, but a fun one!

Best,
--James

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 14 Sep 2006 :  02:51:16  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis


Oh certainly, since s-k's have motivations that are almost always in some sort of opposition to social norms (and in the Realms what's more normal than belief in/worshiping the various gods?), being a godless killer would give him no greater authority (that exists, anyway) and perpetuate the loneliness and isolation that helps to make the killer what he is.


Exactly.

quote:
The only difficult part there would be getting the entire Realms in an uproar over what's happening. Unless it were a mass-murderer (and an extremely efficient one) the news could just become like a "fairy-tale" after spreading a few hundred miles. Or if the killer eluded capture for several years, maybe even a decade, then more honest accounts of that type of infamy could perhaps spread far and wide (though still with the Krueger-esque tales mixed in).


Ok, Ok , it wouldn't have to be the "Whole Realms", I would settle for a medium sized kingdom or large city-state
'twould be a smaller pot to be stirrin'.
quote:

I can see it now..."The sun sets behind a magnificent Realmsian city, torchbearers trace lit pathways through the streets and the song 'Paint it Black' begins playing as the graphic shows up on the screen--CSI: Waterdeep..."

Interesting direction, I myself was thinking maybe Law and Order: High Justicar of Torm
quote:

I hear ya', heh, at times I am one with the power of the ramble. 'Tis at times a gift and a curse...OH, new scene! "Darker city, images of demons flash over the city, violins begin playing a haunting melody, and Frank Black appears, walking down the street perhaps near Blackstaff Tower..."

Okay yeah, maybe more a curse, but a fun one!

Best,
--James

Most assuredly not a curse, at least in your case!

P.S. Hmmm...still thinking, but not qutie sure of your Frank Black angle? Care to expound, just a tad?

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
Go to Top of Page

Murray Leeder
Forgotten Realms Author

Canada
228 Posts

Posted - 14 Sep 2006 :  03:33:09  Show Profile  Visit Murray Leeder's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I take it you mean Frank Black the protagonist of the TV show Millennium, not his talented namesake, Frank Black of The Pixies fame.
Go to Top of Page

The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 14 Sep 2006 :  03:55:19  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Murray Leeder

I take it you mean Frank Black the protagonist of the TV show Millennium, not his talented namesake, Frank Black of The Pixies fame.



Now that would make sense!
Frank Black of the Pixies was all I could come up with.

Thanks Murray.

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
Go to Top of Page

James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 14 Sep 2006 :  04:02:41  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Murray Leeder Posted - 14 Sep 2006 : 03:33:09
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I take it you mean Frank Black the protagonist of the TV show Millennium, not his talented namesake, Frank Black of The Pixies fame.

Yup!

Millennium may not mesh too well in the Realms, but I'd do anything to see a Season Four...alas, a moment of silence for two special graves in the Fox cemetary: Millennium, rest in peace and Firefly, you were so young....sniff.

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
Go to Top of Page

The Red Walker
Great Reader

USA
3567 Posts

Posted - 14 Sep 2006 :  04:33:42  Show Profile Send The Red Walker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis

quote:
Murray Leeder Posted - 14 Sep 2006 : 03:33:09
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I take it you mean Frank Black the protagonist of the TV show Millennium, not his talented namesake, Frank Black of The Pixies fame.

Yup!

Millennium may not mesh too well in the Realms, but I'd do anything to see a Season Four...alas, a moment of silence for two special graves in the Fox cemetary: Millennium, rest in peace and Firefly, you were so young....sniff.

I undestand your feelings though I think all can mesh with the realms if we try hard enough!
I 'm thinking that "Birds of Prey" deserved another year.
Hmmm. mayhaps there is a plane or Realm where such shows as these go to a well deserved afterlife. A realm with no Friends, Cosby Show, Survivor season 1 etc. to kill them off!

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
Go to Top of Page
Page: of 6 Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
Previous Page | Next Page
 New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Candlekeep Forum © 1999-2024 Candlekeep.com Go To Top Of Page
Snitz Forums 2000