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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1707 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 15:46:37
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Ahem. Apologies, Erik, for hijacking your thread here, dude. 
We'll just go talk Doc Strange over in my thread now. <where's that embarrassed smiley icon?>
SES |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2008 : 17:22:22
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Any chance I could see the whole poem? It'd actually help me to set music to the excerpt if I can imagine how it relates to the rest of the work.
Good question, Sage . . . unfortunately, I don't have it all written per se--bits and pieces are all I have. I'll PM you about it--watch for that!
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
After 18 years of being a Realms/most other TMs of TSR-WotC, I think the only setting of someone else's that I'd want to write in would be Marvel or DC--I'd love me a Doctor Strange or Doctor Fate mini-series with Charles Vess or someone like that on art. 
Good points, SS!
Self-owned universes are indeed quite awesome. Two of the three novels I've written this year have been in worlds of my own making (the third obviously being Downshadow).
I don't find writing in a self-made world all that different from a shared world--I make up/harvest the elements I want, and write exactly the sort of story I want. Never met any hurdles in FR canon--I work *with* it, not against it.
I like both styles, really. (Though of course when I want to get around the critical bias against shared world fantasy, well, sole-proprietor worlds seems the way to go.)
(And I would love to see you behind a Dr. Strange comic Steve--be it one issue or fifty! )
quote:
I'll admit, though, your reminder above that Hyboria would be an interesting setting; I'm a big Conan fan, and there's a lot to mine in that setting for sure.
Totally!
quote:
So here's another queston from an old hack, just to go a different direction--If you had the choice to take the reins of an established intellectual property (in any medium) and drive a new direction, which one do you choose and where do you go with it?
That's a very, very interesting question that invites a somewhat politic answer. But I'll try to be brutally honest instead!
The setting that I most like which I'd be excited to steer (with appropriate advisors and partnerships) is the Realms, really. Not to say I don't agree with or support the recent changes to the setting--some I really like, some I really don't, as is wont to happen whenever there's change. I wanted to seize the Realms way before 4e was announced--whenever there was a change I didn't like, I said to myself, "man, I would have done it THIS way!"
And y'all know what? I did!
My tabletop Realms is/was not nearly the same as the canonical realms. Come play in one of my games, and the setting will look a bit different from what you're used to . . . it'll be *my* Realms.
And that's the magic of a game world . . . you CAN seize it for your own purposes. Play up the aspects you want, downplay or altogether avoid those you don't.
As far as *writing* in the as-is Realms goes, I like to fancy that I've always had this ability to integrate my stuff seamlessly into the canon. I take stuff I like, avoid stuff I don't, and it's all rock and role*. All my stories in the setting grow within the existing canon, so I'm not sure it would make sense for me to want to *push* things in one direction or another. Obviously I want to be able to tell some of the stories I've got in mind, but I'm quite content to integrate them into the existing direction.
There are many things I like about the 4e FR as well as many things I don't--as I could say about previous editions of the setting, as I'm sure I'll be saying about future editions. That's just the nature of the beast when you have a setting as diverse/panoramic as the Realms.
Cheers
(*See what I did there? I'm such a geek.) |
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" |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 18 Nov 2008 : 16:01:28
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For those who are interested, here's a snippet of discussion about Twilight in Depths over at Worlds of D&D.
I figured it was only fair, since I linked a bunch from that scroll.
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" |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 18 Nov 2008 : 22:51:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
For those who are interested, here's a snippet of discussion about Twilight in Depths over at Worlds of D&D.
I figured it was only fair, since I linked a bunch from that scroll.
Cheers
Oooh! That might just be reason enough for me to dust off my profile over there and start posting again.  |
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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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 05:18:06
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| -I'll admit, I picked up Ghostwalker last week (or the week before?) when I mentioned I was going to get it. It's been sitting there collecting dust, though. I'll be honest, the autobiography of the Dalai Lama beat you out, Erik, though I'm sure you'll understand. If it makes you feel a little better, though, you did beat out Darth Bane for my next book to read. Him and his apprentice are just gonna have to wait, that's how it is. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 06:02:27
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As much as I love both DC and Marvel comics, I don't think I'd want to write for them. I think my #1 setting (if I would and could write a novel) after FR would be the World of the Young Kingdoms, from the Elric stories of Michael Moorcock.
I wouldn't want to write about Elric himself - just some of the lesser-developed regions. Hyboria would be cool too - Stygia is just TOO awesome.
And if I had to pick a Sci-Fi universe, it wouldn't be one of the 'biggies' - it would be in Larry Niven's Known Space. I'd love to do a short story in one of those Man-Kzin war anthologies. 
Sorry for the 'interlude' - just some of my random thoughts and what not.  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 19 Nov 2008 06:03:07 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 06:25:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
I'll be honest, the autobiography of the Dalai Lama beat you out, Erik, though I'm sure you'll understand.
Is that Freedom In Exile? |
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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 15:04:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
-I'll admit, I picked up Ghostwalker last week (or the week before?) when I mentioned I was going to get it.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy.
quote:
It's been sitting there collecting dust, though. I'll be honest, the autobiography of the Dalai Lama beat you out, Erik, though I'm sure you'll understand.
Aww jeez. Well, I *guess* that's ok . . .
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" |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 15:54:06
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
I'll be honest, the autobiography of the Dalai Lama beat you out, Erik, though I'm sure you'll understand.
Is that Freedom In Exile?
-My Land and My People. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2008 : 23:39:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
I'll be honest, the autobiography of the Dalai Lama beat you out, Erik, though I'm sure you'll understand.
Is that Freedom In Exile?
-My Land and My People.
Ah. That must be the more recent release. Thanks.
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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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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 04:36:08
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| Actually, looking at both of them now, Freedom In Exile seems more focused on the Dalai Lama's earlier years. My Land and My People is certainly more "recent" in terms of his autobiographical information. |
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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2008 : 15:25:09
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"Free Tibet? All right--I'll take it!!!"
[ring, ring]
"Hello, China? I have something you want, but it's gonna cost you . . . that's right--ALL the tea."
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" |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2008 : 02:40:26
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One of the most memorable jokes.
Randomness alert!
For some reason, this post reminds me of one of my favorite little witticisms I shared with my personal trainer the other day:
Q: "You know what your problem is?"
A: "I only have one?"
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" |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2008 : 06:22:37
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| I picked up "What the duece?" from Family Guy, and had a couple coworkers at my last job pick it up from me. They also got "Mother of Bob!" and "For the love of Bob!" from me, which was inspired by one of the only worthwhile bits in Mostly Harmless. |
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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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3563 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2008 : 13:34:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
One of the most memorable jokes.
Randomness alert!
For some reason, this post reminds me of one of my favorite little witticisms I shared with my personal trainer the other day:....
Ah now that was witty! |
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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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
Posted - 29 Nov 2008 : 23:30:18
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| -So far so good, concerning Ghostwalker. I'm only about 100 pages into it, but the antagonists, particularly, I like (The Lord Singer & son). One thing caught my eye, which was an interesting coincidence, because it's somewhat related to my most recent project. Page 90 mentions how Torlic was using an acrobatic fighting style that was Elven in nature to attempt to kill Walker. With that in mind, would you be willing to share more about this style, as in, does it have a name? What kind of "moves" it utilizes? How prevalent is it? Things of this nature...I am in the preplanning stages of turning some thoughts/ideas into an article about Elven fighting styles, so this piqued my interest when I read it. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2008 : 03:58:42
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Well, I'm glad you asked, as I didn't get the chance to go into it in the book, but here we go!
According to Ed, the elves were the first ones to create what we on Earth would call "fencing"--i.e., fighting side-to-side with a light rapier/smallsword/saber/what-have-you, as far back as the Crown Wars. Humans have only recently *rediscovered* what the elves had long since surpassed in favor of the more elegant and "perfect" bladesong ("recently rediscovered" as in, 300 or 400 years ago).
Fencing as a genre of fighting (as I recall according to Ed) is called in the Realms "blade-chime" or "sword-grace," albeit translated into Elvish, so it sounds cooler: kerymvian roughly means "graceful sword," and I would suggest this as a possible elven name for "fencing", or at least one possible school of fencing.
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of different elven schools of swordplay, from kerymvian to the simple keryth ("war-sword," being the sword style that elven soldiers teach to new recruits, what we'd call "basic training"), to the graceful and elegant kery'faen ("life-sword," which focuses on defense and non-lethal combat--i.e., dealing subdual damage and making your opponent defeat himself without harm), to my favorite mhaor'arkerym ("greatsword of the corruptor"--a style that utilizes two-handed swords and works to wear down an opponent stylishly and with debilitating magic channeled through one's strikes).
Note that elves rarely use two-handed weapons in conjunction with bladesong, though it is not entirely unknown as early as the 14th century. Depending on what elves you ask, two-handed sword-wielders may or may not be *true* bladesingers--most of them are members of the duskblade class. If you're looking ahead to 1479, I imagine the influx of sword-magic styles from Returned Abeir (swordmages using the aegis of assault style) have had some influence on elven bladesong (elf and eladrin swordmages, at least those who live in the mortal realms). Still, most 4e bladesingers use a single one-handed sword and the aegis of shielding style.
These are *genres* of fencing styles, and most individual schools are named after a specific master, such as Natha kerymvian, a dueling style developed by the Nathalans of Evermeet (of which Yldar Nathalan is a practitioner, albeit not a skilled one toward the beginning of his career (in 1362 ["tGT"] he's only about 5th level, though by 1374-5 he's about 16th level).
Torlic's particular style (which does not itself have a name, as it's a bastardization) is self-taught and uniquely developed, but relies heavily on two distinct but related (in that both use the rapier) sword styles:
One is the acrobatic school of sword-dance called kerym syolkiir, which means "shooting star sword," which relies on blasing fast attacks at a distance (similar to what he tries on Walker in the end of the duel). Torlic's style could *almost* be called this, but he lacks the magical element: kerym syolkiir is generally a bladesong style that relies on magic to speed one's movements and heighten one's accuracy (read: haste spell and cat's grace), and it takes a REALLY impressive duelist (like Torlic) to pull the style off unaided.
The other style from which Torlic derived a number of his tricks is called "flash-arrow" (nyr'iolaa) by humans, for its emphasis on "flashy" (Elvish: nyrrt) moves and feints to distract you and lightning fast "arrow" (Elvish: iolaa) thrusts (generally as ripostes to a missed blow) to finish you. (Point of interest: Twilight's sword style borrows largely from nyr'iolaa and her teacher Neveren was a swordmaster of one such school.)
Torlic was not raised among elves and while he picked up some wicked moves from elves he dueled (and defeated, because that's how it works), it would be conceited of him to call his style "elvish" (not that he isn't conceited). He fought duelists who followed both those schools and took the tricks he wanted. If he had actually spent the time with an elven swordmaster who would accept him (his attitude cost him more than one teacher), he would probably be a better duelist.
Tangentially related point of interest: biir-kerym ("junk-sword") is a general term elves use to describe any sword-school they consider inferior to their own (generally speaking, *any* sword-style not taught by elves), and more specifically refers to self-taught swordsmanship. If you learned how to fight by doing, rather than through instruction, your style is biir-kerym, or just generally biir, which is the elven word for "junk" or "crap."
It is considered a *massive* insult to describe your opponent's style as biir-kerym.
Cheers
P.S. I should note that I'm not strictly making up these elvish phrases, though the combinations of words is mine own. The roots come from notes provided me by none other than Steven Schend, noted Realms scholar and helluva guy. |
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" |
Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 04 Mar 2009 06:07:50 |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2008 : 22:45:34
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Flippin' dragon giblets. That was brilliant Erik. You are the  .
-- 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 Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2008 : 23:45:43
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[David Tennant voice]"Brilliant!"[/voice]
That's hot stuff Erik. And some impressive mental meanderings from Sage Schend too.
Heh. The two of you should collaborate more often.
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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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2008 : 00:48:03
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I'm sure there are hundreds if not thousands of schools of elven fighting out there, but I figure that bladesong styles follow three general genres (like we'd say foil, saber, epee in fencing), determined generally by one's weapon of choice:
- rapier/thinblade, weapon finessible: kerymvian ("graceful sword"). This bladesinger is well represented by the bladesinger PrC, focusing on spells and abilities that take advantage of his high dexterity and enhance mobility.
- longsword/broadsword/etc, not weapon finessible: keryth ("war sword"). Ditto the bladesinger PrC, except this character picks feats that take advantage of a more balanced distribution of abilities and uses spells to enhance strength and fighting prowess.
- two-handed sword (any type): arkerym--great sword. This type of bladesinger is better represented by a straight progression through the duskblade base class, as the PrC bladesinger pretty much requires use of either a longsword or a rapier (or the equivalent).
The two-handed styles limit your spellcasting abilities (because bladesingers can perform their semantic castings with the off-hand), so it is correspondingly the rarest and most difficult style of bladesong. (In mechanical terms, think of the range of spells for duskblades vs. wizard/fighters.)
A two-hander is represented by the duskblade class constructed with a two-handed sword in mind (see Tom and my writeup of Yldar and Cythara Nathalan for substitution levels for elven duskblades: http://www.candlekeep.com/downloads/greater-treasure.zip).
Generally speaking, you can pull off most of the spells a two-hander can do with a one-handed style (i.e., you can be a einhander duskblade, but you're severely hampered if you're a two-handed PrC bladesinger).
The elven courtblade (Races of the Wild) is an exception to these guidelines, and the bladesong style utilizing that particular weapon is a mix of kerymvian and arkerym styles. (The afore-mentioned mhaor'arkerym utilizes a courtblade.)
In 4e FR (for those making the jump), this transitions naturally into the swordmage. Two-handed bladesingers generally choose the aegis of assault and throw themselves entirely into offense, while one-handed bladesingers more often go the traditional path of the coronal guard, with the aegis of shielding ability.
The magic is roughly the same (all swordmages can in theory do the same magic as all other swordmages, so your two-hander isn't limited the way he was in 3e), but that's because magic is different 3e to 4e.
More about biir-kerym:
When I was in high school, my basketball coach always got on the cases of the guys who would go out and shoot hoops all the time and play informal pick-up games for their practice. He called it "jungle ball"--it's not about teamwork or style or finesse but about the individual winning by any means necessary, no matter how graceless or unpolished it looks.
It's a very undisciplined, improvised hodge-podge of skills and techniques coupled with raw enthusiasm, which is essentially what you get if you try and teach yourself to fight. You might be really good (or really lucky) but without formal training, your swordsmanship is biir-kerym. To become a student of a particular school, you'd have to unlearn all that self-taught biir and replace it.
Interestingly, the greatest swordmasters in history (in fact, ALL swordmasters in history) were once deviants who followed no particular school, or at least broke away from one school to found another. Whether your style is considered biir or one of the treasured wonders of elven swordplay depending directly on 1) how successful you are, and 2) how popular you are.
So if you're trying to start a trend or build a school of swordplay patterned after your own unique style, don't neglect that charisma stat . . . or at least befriend a bard or a few.
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" |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2008 : 01:16:49
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| Erik, that's just brilliant, seriously. |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2008 : 02:49:02
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Thanks guys.
I'm a sword enthusiast, so this stuff just rolls right out of me.
Want to know a scimitar-specific bladesong style? How about, N`vae teukerym: "dark moonsword," developed among lady bladesingers sworn to the moon goddess (whoever that happens to be in your Realms)?
Which leads, of course, to N`vae teu'arkerym: "dark moon-greatsword," which is a two-hand style that utilizes a falchion (as defined by D&D 3e+, at least--whether said weapon is really a two-handed scimitar is debatable, but I find it a reasonable approximation).
Dag, feel free to incorporate any or all of this elven swordcraft/bladesong into Elves of Faerun, as you deem appropriate.
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" |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2008 : 16:50:22
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-I finally finished Ghostwalker. I wrote a review of it here, if you'd like to read it: http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1123329
-One question: Mining for Elven terms, when Arya and the others were sprung from the dungeon they were being held captive in, the individual who freed them- I am presuming that it was Talthaliel- says "Illynthas Shara'tem" when conjuring a light in the dark, damp dungeon. Is this an Elven term (could be Draconic, for example. Don't know), and if so, do you have a translation of it? |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2008 : 21:50:52
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That's a really good point, Dags . . . I seem to recall that I had a set meaning in mind, but it was five years ago that I wrote that phrase and don't remember off the top of my head.
It's a command word Talthaliel (yup, Talthaliel) uses to finish a light spell (or activate a light on his staff? Don't remember).
Illy (ily) might be our clue: from ilythiiri, which is the elven subculture from which sprang the drow. That implies "treachery" or "obscurity" or just good-ol' "darkness" (not saying it meant that originally, but the idea is that the Elven language evolved to include that). At least one meaning of "Il" as a syllable (according to the Races of the Wild, however much you trust that source) is "mist" . . . and they define "thas" as being a word associated with harp music or harpers. Thus "Illynthas" might be something like "song in the gloom."
When it comes to "Shara'tem," you're looking at "sha" (a word for sun, quite appropriate for a light spell), "ra" (which probably came from "ran," which is a word for binding) and "tem," which is a spinner or person who weaves. Thus "Shara'tem" means "weave sun-binding."
Picture Talthy saying it in a sing-songy Elvish accent (eel-EEN-thas shah-RA-tehm), and all in all, one possible meaning of the phrase is: "by this song in the gloom, I weave a binding for the sun."
Of course, I might have been going for something else entirely.
In other news, thanks for the review! I'm glad you generally liked the novel, and I'm pleased you liked Greyt. He was one of my favorite characters as well--I particularly enjoyed writing him as fairly morally ambiguous.
Reading your review, I suspect you'll like Downshadow quite a bit. Could be wrong, but hey--that's my guess.
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" |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2008 : 21:56:55
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I read that you liked Depths a bit, Dags--have you posted a review of that one anywhere?
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" |
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