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hammer of Moradin
Senior Scribe
USA
758 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Jul 2006 : 05:36:49
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Mark S. and I both posted quick comments about the release dates of the WOTC books. They are expected dates, not Strict-on-Sale(SOS) dates. Petition your stores if they say it can't go on sale until so-and-so date. It is not right! SOS's are common, but only for certain books, usually hardcovers. These are the Grishams, Rowlings, Pattersons, etc. Very few books on the Realms have SOS dates, with Salvatore being one.
Now, with that off my chest, back to the 'Staff. |
"Hurling himself upon his enemies, he terrified them with slaughter!"
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium
Candlekeep proverb: If a thing is said often enough, fools aplenty will believe it to be true. |
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warlockco
Master of Realmslore
USA
1695 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 19:04:42
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quote:
Originally posted by SirUrza
Good read. I'd say there were 3 major events in this novel, not 2. See my notes in the Chapter 40 bookclub scroll.
Sounds about right... |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 21:14:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Let's just leave it that I'm in love with this novel. :) I've read a quarter to half of it in 3 hours.
3 hours? That's slow  I'd finished it by then. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2006 : 22:03:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Kajehase
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Let's just leave it that I'm in love with this novel. :) I've read a quarter to half of it in 3 hours.
3 hours? That's slow I'd finished it by then.
I had other things to do between that, like answer emails, write, etc. :) |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2006 : 16:55:32
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| Wow, I finished this a couple of days ago and it was absolutely incredible. So much Realmslore it warrants a second (and probably third) read, plus it is exciting, fun, humorous, touching, and just plain cool. This tome definitely takes its place among my all-time favorite Realms novels. |
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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36797 Posts |
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Mazrim_Taim
Learned Scribe
341 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2006 : 22:00:11
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This had to have been one of my favorite FR novels of all time. I especially liked the appearance and continued mention of Sememmon and Ashemmi. As well as many other Realms classics. The novel opened up many avenues of Realmslore for me that are now, much to my delight, going to have to be explored thoroughly. 
A question. What exactly did Khelben mean when he said that Sememmon and Ashemmi were bound for far more than this gambit? Does this imply a future novel about them? |
And if the PCs DO win their ways through all the liches to Larloch, “he” will almost certainly be just another lich (loaded with explosive spells) set up as a decoy, with dozens of hidden liches waiting to pounce on any surviving PCs who ‘celebrate’ after they take Larloch down. As the REAL Larloch watches (magical scrying) from afar. Myself, as DM, I’d be wondering: “Such a glorious game, so many opportunities laid out before your PCs to devote your time to, and THIS fixation is the best you can come up with? Are you SURE you’re adventurers?” -Ed Greenwood
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Edited by - Mazrim_Taim on 31 Jul 2006 22:01:44 |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 13:01:43
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It was a good book, but Khelben`s death hit me in the face like an armored fist. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Ethriel
Learned Scribe
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 17:47:18
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I was surprised how well it was handled. And I also liked hints about Semmy and Ashemmi...Semm's a far from the raving megalomaniac Knightsbridge smacked around in the Avatar trilogy now.
I do wish something'd be substantiated on why Ashemmi, apparently totally devoted to Sememmon decided to cuckold him... |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 02:12:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
And now we have a character profile for Tsarra, written by friend Steven, of course!
Character Profile: Tsarra Chaadren
Awesome profile--it helps shed some light on why the character thinks and acts the way she does (which aren't fully explained in the novel). |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 02:14:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Mazrim_Taim
A question. What exactly did Khelben mean when he said that Sememmon and Ashemmi were bound for far more than this gambit? Does this imply a future novel about them?
I think it just implies that they are bound for other, not-so-evil deeds. Maybe another novel is forthcoming, but who knows? |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 03:20:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
And now we have a character profile for Tsarra, written by friend Steven, of course!
Character Profile: Tsarra Chaadren
Interesting I have a question though
quote:
Short months after she arrived at the Tower, Tsarra learned to hate undead even more as Myrkul's Horde attacked the city
Im assuming Steven this refers to the battle in the streets of Waterdeep in the closing days of the Time of Troubles.
But wasnt Myrkuls Horde/legion made up of Outsiders from Mykruls homeplane? The Denizen write up in Waterdeep (The module) doesnt say anything about them being Undead... |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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Jagou
Acolyte
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2006 : 03:32:58
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Blackstaff is great. The best I have read in quite some time.
Epic and humorous.
No doubt that I will be looking forward to another book by Mr.Schend.
Thanks. |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2006 : 03:46:40
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| The Avatar series is second only to RotA for making me break out in hives at the mere mention, but I do remember that there were significant numbers of undead shambling around in certain parts of the Waterdeep novel. For one thing, they killed Kelemvor (maybe that's why he hates undead...) Since Myrkul was the god of the dead and undead, I'd expect his horde would be mostly undead, supplemented by fiends. But it's been years since I've read those books, so I can't say for certain. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Kalin Agrivar
Senior Scribe
Canada
956 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2006 : 04:05:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
[brBut wasnt Myrkuls Horde/legion made up of Outsiders from Mykruls homeplane? The Denizen write up in Waterdeep (The module) doesnt say anything about them being Undead...
I own the module, but don't have it with me...my memory says that the "dezien" was an (in 3E terms) outsider (I think similiar to a hordling) but there was also undead in the Horde too, like those undead horsement with the gaunts and life-draining scythes (can't remember their name  ) |
Kalin Xorell El'Agrivar
- High Mage of the Arcane Assembly
- Lore Keeper of the Vault of Ancestors
- 3rd Son of the Lord of the Stand |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36797 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2006 : 05:12:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
The Avatar series is second only to RotA for making me break out in hives at the mere mention, but I do remember that there were significant numbers of undead shambling around in certain parts of the Waterdeep novel. For one thing, they killed Kelemvor (maybe that's why he hates undead...) Since Myrkul was the god of the dead and undead, I'd expect his horde would be mostly undead, supplemented by fiends. But it's been years since I've read those books, so I can't say for certain.
No, Cyric killed Kelemvor. If Kel had fallen to the denizens, then the events of later books would have happened differently. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 14:49:31
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I finished the book some time ago. Loooooooooots of information lorewise! Most certainly! However, it doesn't sit wellwith me - the realms without Khelben! that will be a canon development I will forever leave out of MY realms most definitly!
However, I wonder, is Tsarra now the owner of Blackstaff tower? and a chosen of mystra as well? and what happens to Laeral I wonder?
Ergdusch
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"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31726 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 15:43:59
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Basically,
[Note SPOILERS]
Tsarra has assumed the guise of the Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun. This means that right after the events of the novel, she is a Lord of Waterdeep, head of the Moonstars and mage teacher at Blackstaff Tower. We don't know what happens subsequent to that.
What is likely is that she might relinquish one or both of the first two offices. It's a crime to masquerade as a Lord of Waterdeep, so she may reveal herself to Peirgeiron who may decide to keep her on as a Lord. Or not. I doubt she'd get far trying to masquerade as one - although if that suits your Realms and campaign, that's fine as well.
She may have a better chance of masquerading as Khelben in terms of his leadership of the Moonstars, but canny members such as Malchor may soon find her out. This one is up in the air at present.
She will definitely continue 'being Khelben' in terms of a presence in Waterdeep and a presence in his wizard school in Blackstaff Tower.
She is not a Chosen of Mystra.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 15:59:10
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Dear Sage!
As always, I am astonished as to what lore thou are able to share with us here at candlekeep.
Would thou be so kind to enlighten me of thy source, oh most honorable one?
Ergdusch |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31726 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 16:22:42
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Sure thing. Sources include the Blackstaff novel, and select pickings from the brains of both Steven Schend and George Krashos.
Mmmmm... Realmslore-filled brains. It's what gets me going each and every morning!
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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 01 Aug 2007 16:24:29 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31726 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 16:32:43
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And regarding Laeral, this bit comes from Steven, back in Sep. '06:-
"Oh, and Laeral's not going off anywhere; I thought I left it clear that she's staying in Rhymanthiin, at least until the twins are born."
And this, also from Sep. '06:-
"FIrst, I have to acknowledge that I've got no control over what WotC or another author does with Laeral. That said, I assume she'll have some minimal contact with Blackstaff Tower, if only to claim some of her things sent over to the new Blackstaff Tower (whose elven name I'm blanking on, as I've not had coffee yet) in Rhymanthiin. If it were up to me, Laeral wouldn't set foot in Blackstaff Tower for the next 5-10 years at the least--the pain's too raw (and as another example, reread how she reacted to his death in Stornanter). But I've learned to never say never.....especially since I don't get to write the Adventures of Laeral and the Blackstaff's Babies."
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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 01 Aug 2007 16:33:32 |
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Na-Gang
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
348 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 17:40:25
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| Did anyone keep the profile of Tsarra? I can't, for the life of me, locate it on the Wizards' site anymore. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36797 Posts |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36797 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 18:26:49
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Or you could notate, as I just did (after the fact, obviously!) that the link to that Character Profile was in the first post on this page.  |
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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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 21:45:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Xysma
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Or you could notate, as I just did (after the fact, obviously!) that the link to that Character Profile was in the first post on this page.
Actually, that link is broken, the one you just posted works.
I had the same difficulties, so thanks for the new and working link!
@ Sage: thanks again! Great infos, all! Now, all we need is a sourcebook on the new city of Rhymanthiin! |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6662 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2007 : 11:31:37
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Mmmmm... Realmslore-filled brains. It's what gets me going each and every morning!
Imagine the round table discussion in two weeks time ...
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2007 : 17:03:33
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Mmmmm... Realmslore-filled brains. It's what gets me going each and every morning!
Imagine the round table discussion in two weeks time ...
-- George Krashos
Oh, a Mindflayer's feast! |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1714 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2007 : 12:17:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Ergdusch
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Mmmmm... Realmslore-filled brains. It's what gets me going each and every morning!
Imagine the round table discussion in two weeks time ...
-- George Krashos
That depends entirely on how late we were all out the night before and what was imbibed. Hm, I'll have to come to that, if my schedule allows and lurk in the audience.
Oh, a Mindflayer's feast!
SES |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Blackstaff (Contains Spoilers)
