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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Aug 2005 : 23:43:45
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Well met
This being a collective scroll of any questions the Scribes and visitors of Candlekeep wish to put to a reknowned author of the Realms, namely - Jess Lebow, author of the upcoming novel for the new Fighters Series - Master of Chains. In addition, Jess has also written "The Topaz Dragon" for the Realms of the Dragons anthology and "Assassin's Shadow" from Realms of Shadow (which was also featured in The Best of the Realms, book 1 anthology
Present your questions herein and check back to see what news may also come forth from the quill of this author.
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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
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2005 : 00:52:52
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Aside from Alaundo, lemme be the first to put his feet up on the table, slam down a frothy mug, and wish Jess a hale-and-hearty greeting to the Beer Golem Tavern!
Welcome to the Realms, ye olde comrade! No one here bites unless specifically requested, and you'll get to like The Hooded One soon enough for that very reason. 
Seriously, congrats on the novel and I hope all else is good with you.
Steven |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2005 : 01:51:47
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Yes, let me join with Sage Schend in welcoming you to Candlekeep Jess Lebow. I've greatly enjoyed your work with the Lot5R fiction and I am looking forward to seeing your take on characters and places in the Realms with Master of Chains.
I hope you enjoy your stay here within these humble halls... .
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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 26 Aug 2005 02:15:10 |
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The Twin Scimitars
Seeker
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2005 : 02:08:17
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| Jess Lebow does FR? I didn't know that but I enjoyed his books in the MTG series so Im sure his books for FR will be equally good if not better. You did a good job with The Darksteel Eye Jess! |
Endure, in enduring we grow strong.
-Dak'kon, Planescape Torment |
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Strahd Von Zarovich
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
135 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2005 : 10:18:46
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And let me be the first to tell you that we will be running a book club for the first novel in The Fighters series by Jess.
Jess will be there to answer your questions as we read through the novel too! Please drop by and take part!
Regards
Strahd |
Strahd Von Zarovich
Alaundo and I invite fans of everything D&D to join us!
http://www.worldsofdnd.com |
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Celebrant Moonflower
Acolyte
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2005 : 11:44:25
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Wonderful  I really enjoyed the first chapter of Master of Chains. A gripping introduction and I fell in love with the characters instantly.
Welcome to Candlekeep, Mr Lebow. I enjoyed your Legend of the Five Rings writing too and i'm overjoyed to see you writing for the Forgotten Realms.
I just wondered if you based the chapter of Master on anything personal to you. Do you have any brothers yourself? There was a lot of feeling in what I read, I just wondered if you had an elder sibling?  |
When has truth been utterly devoid of paradox? |
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Jess Lebow
Forgotten Realms Author
43 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2005 : 23:06:47
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Hey, everyone,
Thanks for the warm welcome. I've spent many an hour in libraries of Candlekeep ;) but never have I met a finer group to share an ale with.
Steven, how are you my old friend? It's been some time. I'm glad to see you here.
Alaundo, thanks for your gracious invitation. It's very nice to be here.
Celebrant, thank you. I do in fact have a younger brother. At first, I had intended very much to parallel in Master of Chains the relationship he and I have had over the years. But while writing I discovered, as I'm sure many others before me have, that it's impossible to get outside of your own head (at least not by conventional means). So, in the end, I think the two brothers in this book are really just distinct parts of my own twisted self (with a very healthy dose of fiction tossed on top).
Scimitars, thanks for the kind words. I really think Master of Chains is the best book I've written. So, I hope you enjoy it as much as the others.
Sage, you are a gracious host. I'm sure I will find the accomodations to my liking. Thanks for letting me be part of this community.
I'm looking forward to the rousing conversations.
-Jess |
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The Twin Scimitars
Seeker
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2005 : 03:28:57
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| Who knew that one day I would be talking(so to speak) with Jess Lebow? |
Endure, in enduring we grow strong.
-Dak'kon, Planescape Torment |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
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Paec_djinn
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2005 : 10:03:24
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Welcome to Candlekeep! I was a fan of your Realms of Shadows story and I am still contemplating whether I want to buy it or not.
To help things, can you give us a brief overview of the novel? |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2005 : 10:34:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Xysma
Let me just say WOW! I couldn't put Master of Chains down, this was the first book I've read in one sitting in a long time. The only problem I had with it is that I didn't want it to end! I hope we get to see more of this cast of characters in the future.
Well met
Tell me, Xysma, what in particular did ye like about the book. Any stand-out moments ye wish to mention? Please post thy comments over in the Master of Chains thread, so as to avoid spoilers herein  Thank ye. |
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
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The Twin Scimitars
Seeker
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2005 : 22:26:04
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| Are you doing anymore MTG novels Jess? And do you know what the next MTG cycle is gonna be? |
Endure, in enduring we grow strong.
-Dak'kon, Planescape Torment |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 29 Aug 2005 : 15:43:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by Xysma
Let me just say WOW! I couldn't put Master of Chains down, this was the first book I've read in one sitting in a long time. The only problem I had with it is that I didn't want it to end! I hope we get to see more of this cast of characters in the future.
Well met
Tell me, Xysma, what in particular did ye like about the book. Any stand-out moments ye wish to mention? Please post thy comments over in the Master of Chains thread, so as to avoid spoilers herein Thank ye.
I've ben trying not to rave too much about this book, as there are many spoilers that I don't want to give away. So, let me just say this, great Realmslore, wonderful characters that are fully developed and very human, and a really good story make this a very promising start to the Fighters series. If the other books in this series can match the quality of this book, we are in for an excellent ride indeed. |
War to slay, not to fight long and glorious.
Aermhar of the Tangletrees
Year of the Hooded Falcon
Xysma's Gallery
Guide to the Tomes and Tales of the Realms download from Candlekeep
Anthologies and Tales Overviews
Check out my custom action figures, hand-painted miniatures, gaming products, and other stuff on eBay.
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 29 Aug 2005 : 18:47:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Xysma
I've ben trying not to rave too much about this book, as there are many spoilers that I don't want to give away. So, let me just say this, great Realmslore, wonderful characters that are fully developed and very human, and a really good story make this a very promising start to the Fighters series. If the other books in this series can match the quality of this book, we are in for an excellent ride indeed.
Well met
Worry not, Xysma, this scroll is warned of spoilers and thy comments will be safe therein |
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
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Jess Lebow
Forgotten Realms Author
43 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2005 : 20:24:11
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Hey,
Xysma: Thank you for your glowing review. I'm truly humbled. 
Paec_Djinn: Thanks. Master of Chains is a tale of two brothers and their struggle against a feudal lord who owns the land their family has worked for several generations. Over the course of the book, the two take separate paths on their journey to bring justice to their family and home--but sometimes the best-laid plans don't always come out the way you would like them to.
Scimitars: I don't currently have any plans to write another MTG book. Right now I'm writing for an online RPG called Guild Wars, and that takes most of my time. I do, however, have a pitch in for a Citadel's book, so you may see me again telling tales in the Realms in the near future. As for the new cycle of MTG books, I'm afraid I don't know any of the story past the Kamagama books. If I hear any good gossip I'll pass it along ;)
-Jess
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2005 : 23:05:11
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Hi Jess
I'm certainly looking forward to Master of Chains. I read the excerpt a few months ago and loved it! That's the problem with excerpts, they leave you wanting more! 
I'm currently reading Baldur's Gate, by Philip Athans. I noticed in the dedication for this book that Phil mentions you as editor. I was quite surprised by this as I always thought on Phil as sole editor for FR (although I guess when an editor writes a book, he himself needs an editor  ). Apologies for my ignorance, but have you been a long-standing editor for WotC\TSR or was this a one-off role for when Mr Athans was taking on a bit of writing?
Are we to see more from you on the FR front, after Master of Chains? 
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Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Jess Lebow
Forgotten Realms Author
43 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2005 : 02:15:34
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Hi, Lord Rad,
Sorry to have left you hanging for so long with that excerpt. But your wait has come to an end.
I did indeed edit the first two Baldur's Gate novels. And yes, even an editor as mighty as Phil needs an editor when he writes. I was the Magic: The Gathering and D&D line editor at WotC for around 4 years. I edited the BG stuff, as you have guessed, because Phil couldn't edit himself. I haven't done any editing for them in some time, though, obviously, I continue to write for them.
I do hope to continue to write in FR in the future. I don't currently have anything in the pipeline, but I do have a proposal on a desk (not my desk) for the Citadel's series. So, perhaps I'll be putting pen to paper for that endeavor soon.
-Jess
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Paec_djinn
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2005 : 06:16:06
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quote:
I do hope to continue to write in FR in the future. I don't currently have anything in the pipeline, but I do have a proposal on a desk (not my desk) for the Citadel's series. So, perhaps I'll be putting pen to paper for that endeavor soon.
Good luck on that! |
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The Twin Scimitars
Seeker
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2005 : 15:46:08
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| Wow you write for Guild Wars. I have that game but it doesn't work on my computer. How many books have you written? |
Endure, in enduring we grow strong.
-Dak'kon, Planescape Torment |
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Jess Lebow
Forgotten Realms Author
43 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2005 : 22:29:16
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Yes, I'm the World Designer for Guild Wars (which means I created the story and wrote most of the dialogue). I'm sorry to hear it doesn't work on your computer. If you ever get it running, look me up online. We'll go adventure together.
Master of Chains is my 4th novel.
-Jess |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 01 Sep 2005 : 13:45:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Jess Lebow
Yes, I'm the World Designer for Guild Wars (which means I created the story and wrote most of the dialogue). I'm sorry to hear it doesn't work on your computer. If you ever get it running, look me up online. We'll go adventure together.
Master of Chains is my 4th novel.
-Jess
Well, after hearing how much work it was, I'm glad you got that job instead of me, pal. Still haven't had the chance to check out Guild Wars but hope to before the year is out.
When you get the chance, bounce me your email, would you please? Or I could try and get yours via your name link here.....
Steven without caffeine is hardly Steven at all.... |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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The Twin Scimitars
Seeker
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - 01 Sep 2005 : 18:10:24
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| Well Guild Wars SHOULD work on my computer. I have all the maximum requirements but my display driver keeps crashing. It also doesnt help that I haven't had any power for 4 days and alot of the phone lines are down after Hurricane Katrina. |
Endure, in enduring we grow strong.
-Dak'kon, Planescape Torment |
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Jess Lebow
Forgotten Realms Author
43 Posts |
Posted - 02 Sep 2005 : 17:08:11
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Steven: Email address away! Talk to you soon.
Scimitars: Are you close to all the heavy devestation? That must be pretty scary. We were just talking about what we'd do in Seattle if there were a major disaster, and I'm afraid most people are woefully unprepared.
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The Twin Scimitars
Seeker
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - 10 Sep 2005 : 03:51:13
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So...are you working on any big projects?
Mods edit: I removed the hurricane part, sorry but it is off topic. :) Jess has his email address posted or you can take it to PM's. |
Endure, in enduring we grow strong.
-Dak'kon, Planescape Torment |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 10 Sep 2005 05:33:56 |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2005 : 14:00:50
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Well, damn you, Jess Lebow!
Not getting enough sleep because I'm reading your damned book and can't put it down! |
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 - 13 Sep 2005 : 18:30:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Well, damn you, Jess Lebow!
Not getting enough sleep because I'm reading your damned book and can't put it down!
It is gripping, isn't it? Took me like two or three days.
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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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2005 : 19:25:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Well, damn you, Jess Lebow!
Not getting enough sleep because I'm reading your damned book and can't put it down!
It is gripping, isn't it? Took me like two or three days.
Cheers
Yeah, but I've got a weird investment in it as well, since the setting is my old campaign area. Worst thing is I've forgotten a lot about it as we've not used that in a game since 1988 or so.....
Still, figure I'll finish it tonight, assuming it keeps me from doing my revisions.... Enjoyable read so far....
Steven |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2005 : 13:20:12
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Done as of 4am this morning; fell asleep before finishing it last night, but the 345 am wakeup due to thunderstorm let me finish it before getting started. Good, rolicking adventure and a solid read with good characters all around. And I'm not just saying that because Jess picked up a lot of threads I'd left lying around....
My only complaints are why you didn't keep Shyressa as the belly-dancer vampire she's depicted as in LOI. She's a corpse-pale babe in the best BROM fashion. Why the decision to make such imagery illusionary and have her be much more like a corpse?
Steven
Who thanks Jess for returning him to the lands he loves and showing him new things...
PS: Why was the Princess/wife of Purdun a no-show in the book? Unless I forgot to stat her, she was his apprentice or at least a lesser wizard as well and could have backstopped him some. <shrug>
PPS: As I'm keeping up less and less with the game stuff over the novels, was this mastery of chains thing a new thing of yours or something from games? Fascinating...and I want to know more about that purple-magic chain weapon...and who made it....and why.... |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2005 : 14:11:10
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| Master of Chains is a Prc from the 3.0 Sword and Fist source book |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2005 : 14:51:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
Master of Chains is a Prc from the 3.0 Sword and Fist source book
There are few Prc`s I like but this is definitely one of them. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Questions for Jess Lebow
