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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Apr 2006 : 09:50:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
quote:
I respected Cythara in the beginning, but now I can`t help but despise her. I`m sorry Erik, but I simply detest those who would willingly become the servants of demons.
Well. . . .
If it raised such hackles, I guess it worked, then. 
Glad you enjoyed. What aspect/scene/bit worked best, do you think?
Cheers
The one where Twilight said her mark was from Erevan Ilesere and that she had been his lover. My reaction was totally: |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2006 : 17:02:14
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quote:
Originally posted by khorne
The one where Twilight said her mark was from Erevan Ilesere and that she had been his lover. My reaction was totally:
Not, of course, that that's necessarily true. Twilight is, after all, a pathological liar. We don't really have any reason to believe anything she says, particularly considering her tendency to take advantage of Yldar's tiny little brain.
Cheers
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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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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 26 May 2006 : 05:39:20
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For the record, I figured out exactly why Yldar was out treasure seeking. But then again, I've had Ynoleth's bracer and swords pop up in my campaign a few times, so I knew that part of the backstory.
As for the story itself, I haven't formed an opinion of it. That's somewhat odd, since I've done so quickly for all of the other stories. I guess I just need to read it once or twice more and digest it some.
The one thing that actively bugged me, though, was that no one knew that Waukeen had been captured by Graz'zt until she actually got rescued. Having tanar'ri-worshippers was a nice twist, I just really wish that one line didn't exist. It didn't further the plot and served to mess up continuity. (and yes, I guess I'm that big of a geek that *that* is what jumped out at me) |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 26 May 2006 : 15:54:53
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Ah. That was me being heavy-handed. Gotta avoid doing that.
That line isn't meant to imply that Marthul *knows* that or would even appreciate the irony. He may be modestly intelligent, but he's still a simple man -- and a grunt. Not like anyone would tell him why the temple exists there, nor would he really care.
(Written as it is from his perspective, it would indeed seem to be his thought. That's the damnable thing about slipping into telling, not showing.)
I, as the semi-omniscent narrator, was just pointing it out for the benefit of Realms readers who didn't automatically make the connection or who would think I was doing it by accident, and for those readers who didn't have that kind of information.
Excellent point and excellent catch!
And I should also make it clear -- for the sake of folks who use the bracer in their campaigns and whatnot, if this matters -- that Yldar hasn't necessarily found THE bracer. The one he found could be fake. It could be a copy. Since the bracer's only a wondrous item, not an artifact, it isn't necessarily unique anyway. I'm sure there was an original, but its powers could have been duplicated.
Or perhaps it's totally a fake, and won't work when Yldar shatters the swords. And more than that, maybe Twilight knows it. Hmm -- now doesn't THAT change one's perspective? 
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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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 26 May 2006 : 22:42:26
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| Ah, ok. I see what you were trying to do there, but it didn't quite work. Oh well. Overall, the story worked fairly well. And I'm really glad someone in fiction finally just came out and said that Yanseldara and Vaerana were lovers. Considering how circumspect Ed and others have had to be in the past, did you run into any trouble with that bit? |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 27 May 2006 : 00:09:54
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Heh. Nope. Phil was cool with it. I figured it was there, in the FRCS, so why not in an anthology? Continuity, my friend.
Just to be sure, I did ask, WAY back (on these very forums -- Ask Ed scroll ) as to sexuality and the Yanseldara/Vaerana relationship (I believe it was, "am I right to read 'consort' as 'lover'?") and Ed did indeed clarify it. Just hasn't shown up in Realms fiction, I guess.
Until, I suppose, WotSQ, in which it was still rather tame, I think.
Still, rather minor in this story, mostly because I didn't focus on Yanseldara and Vaerana other than as a sort of frame (the story taking place in a time of upheaval and throwing down of old, established order).
Now the possibilities for a Twilight / Cythara romance. . . well. Anyway.
Sorry the story didn't work better for you, and that line ended up being distracting.
Cheers
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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 28 May 2006 00:50:10 |
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TobyKikami
Learned Scribe
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2006 : 20:11:49
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This is about three months late, but I guess it's better than never saying anything - especially since this was such a laugh. I do enjoy reading about divine shenanigans, and I particularly liked the "Moonbow" bit - certainly says something about Erevan or Twilight's imagination/sense of humor.
quote:
She's definitely an agent of his, as much a servant as such a being could have, but that she hates him with a burning passion sets her a bit apart from your average godly devotee. More than that, I shall say not. I'll leave you to guess why.
Did he yell "Sehanine" at the wrong moment, or what? |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 29 May 2006 : 01:13:48
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Glad you enjoyed!
quote:
Originally posted by TobyKikami
Did he yell "Sehanine" at the wrong moment, or what?
Quite possibly.
Then again, as you implied, that could simply be a considerably creative falsehood. It's hard to tell with Twilight.
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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dannyfu
Learned Scribe
USA
108 Posts |
Posted - 29 May 2006 : 03:24:19
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| does everyone see this? i know i have talked this story up numerous times, but here it is months later still receiving this kind of attention. i said it before and i'll say it again- wizards has got to let erik do more with these characters! |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 29 May 2006 : 04:02:42
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I can't speak for anyone else, but for me it's simply that it's taken me this long to actually buy the book (it was never in stock when I had money), and I wanted to talk about the stories. I've posted in most of the Book Club threads on Realms of Elves, not just this one.
I am, however, very gratified at the response I've gotten from Erik. Now I'm going to have to go find this "Ghostwalker" everyone's been talking about... |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 29 May 2006 : 04:04:06
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| So far Erik has been a very satisfying author to follow, so I can only hope that after his next book he ends up with a trilogy or at the very least another book deal, so long as he continues to provide the quality he has so far. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 29 May 2006 : 23:18:37
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Hey, thanks guys. That's really gratifying to hear. Thanks very much for the votes of confidence. It's been great interacting with you all as well.
Hoondatha -- Great! I hope you enjoy Ghostwalker, and (to speak practicalities, in re: RotE) Tymora smile on your quest to find it in stock at the right time!
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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naluoyssimi
Acolyte
China
1 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jun 2006 : 15:38:10
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I like this book very much
But i am just a Chinese fan of D&D,especilly Forgotten Realms,so it's very difficult for me to read all the products of forgotten realms
What a pitty! |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jun 2006 : 19:30:00
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Well, I'm glad you enjoyed!
Here's hoping we get more shipments out to those fans in the east.
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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Jindael
Senior Scribe
USA
357 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2006 : 16:02:23
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I just finished reading this story on my break at work. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the demon shrine; it had a great sense of evil that I could nearly taste. But my favorite part was, like so many others here, Twilight.
Even if you ignored the fact that I have a thing for elves and for trickster gods, I would still love this character. Sure, the mystery of ‘Why is she who she is’ is enticing, but just her general personality is entertaining and fun to read about.
Double kudos for not only mentioning the forgotten god of the Seldarine, but for having a character that is actually a devotee of sorts. I second (or third, or fifth, I wasn’t counting) the call for a novel(s) about this character. I’d love to see more clearly into her mind, so the best thing to me would be to have the book have her as the primary character.
The only hard thing for me would be putting together what I’ve had to make up about Erevan over the years with what you’ve put together.
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"You don't have a Soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
-- C.S. Lewis |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2006 : 18:19:37
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Glad you liked it, Jindael!
quote:
Originally posted by Jindael
I just finished reading this story on my break at work. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the demon shrine; it had a great sense of evil that I could nearly taste.
'Twas one of my favorite scenes to describe. I have this thing about demon shrines -- comes from my first ever AD&D thing (accessory, book, etc) being Planes of Chaos.
quote:
But my favorite part was, like so many others here, Twilight.
Even if you ignored the fact that I have a thing for elves and for trickster gods, I would still love this character. Sure, the mystery of ‘Why is she who she is’ is enticing, but just her general personality is entertaining and fun to read about.
And believe you me, she's a peach to write about as well.
quote:
Double kudos for not only mentioning the forgotten god of the Seldarine, but for having a character that is actually a devotee of sorts.
Definitely "of sorts," there. Well said.
quote:
I second (or third, or fifth, I wasn’t counting) the call for a novel(s) about this character. I’d love to see more clearly into her mind, so the best thing to me would be to have the book have her as the primary character.
I'm very glad you feel that way. I myself would be overjoyed to write thousands of pages about Twilight. She's a fully developed character in my mind, and I've got at least two trilogies about her I can write just by channeling out what's in my head, of her unfolding mystery, history, and life.
And as much as you think you know now, it doesn't even scratch the surface.
quote:
The only hard thing for me would be putting together what I’ve had to make up about Erevan over the years with what you’ve put together.
Well, Erevan's a trickster, so as many truths as there are out there about him, there are twice as many lies.
And what have I really said, definitively, about Erevan? Whatever observations have been advanced about his character or his methods have all been simply claims by Twilight, and we know she's a compulsive liar. . . . Is 'Light really a former lover of his, or was that just yanking Yldar's chain? Is she some sort of Chosen, or just inflating her own apparent importance?
Maybe we'll find out.
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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hammer of Moradin
Senior Scribe
USA
758 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 07:19:35
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Erik, Erik, Erik. You know, I do love your work. I am grateful for your interaction, nay, interest in what the masses have to say. I even appreciate the humor you put in your stories. I just didn't get any motive from any of these characters!
Reading your explanation in these threads, I get, now, that Cynthara had motivations, survival, for converting, yet the story did not portray this. Too quick with the action, I think.
The enigma that is wrapped in a conun... Twilight, that is, is just too much of an enigma. Too much information. Give me the basics in this short. She is likable, so much so you just want to pinch her... ah, cheek. Yeah. We get too much background, however. If you continue with this character, which I hope you are given the chance, then you know you'll have to rehash these mysteries for the benefit of those not privy to this fine collection of Elven lore. So, then, some of this mystery is unwarranted in a short story with possibly no continuation.
Pretty boy. Ok, got that one. No real caring one way or the other about him, but he's an easy one to figure out. Or is he? I'm guessing that there is some kind of history you want to play out with him, given the chance.
Again, good story, but it just had more in it than we need to know, while not giving me a reason why everyone did what they did. |
"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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 17:14:50
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*Ahem* Ware the SPOILERS, but you knew that, dear reader!
Hammer!
Thank you for the reaction -- I value your opinion very highly. Sorry the story didn't work out more to your liking.
Your argument (implicit about Cythara, and, more overt, about Twilight) -- that mystery swells larger than one can necessarily contain in a short or any other form of writing for that matter -- is very much right. There's only so much one can do in a short story, or a novella for that matter. And I apologize if you felt I bit off more than I could chew here, or that the novella expands beyond its breeches.
Since we're talking motivation, let's talk MY motivation in writing this story the way I did: my intention was simply to give a snapshot of complex characters, and not give readers all the keys to all the doors to figure them out. A taste, perhaps, of each one, to whet the appetite. I meant to make readers think and wonder, rather than force them to watch me put together a jigsaw puzzle all by my lonesome. They don't have the pieces (and neither do I, necessarily, for that matter), so they can only guess and reason what it might look like.
A number of things about this novella (Cythara's back history with Yldar, her purposes for doing what she does) are not explicitly stated -- they're meant to be the subject of suspicion and conjecture. The Realms are a complex place, and I don't feel that I have to tell everything, in exhaustive detail, about a complex character. I leave lots to the imagination. . . and to discussion, of course, which is exactly what's going on here. Even so, if you didn't find the keys you needed to theorize characters' motivations, then that's regrettable.
About Twilight:
You raise an excellent point about her and having to set up her mysteries again, should she reappear in my work. But remember: everything that she says is subject to the "BS" test. She's a pathological liar. It should not necessarily be taken that the mysteries raised by this story are at all relevant to her character. Some are real, some are red herrings, some are complete dead-ends. If she reappears (and that's a substantial IF), I may rehash her mysteries (to use your phrase) in part, and ignore others.
My intention in this story, basically, was to introduce her and let you get a taste of her (as it were *ahem*). As you say, "give me the basics," and that was my goal. She moves fast, she's too clever by more than half and far too lovely to be anything but a cruel fate inflicted on hapless male characters, fences, shadowdances, "serves" Erevan, and lies her tight little ass off at whim. Everything else is just legend.
I think we agree that she's a character with potential for more words. Guess it depends on Wizards.
About Yldar:
I'll go out on a pretty thick limb and say that he's my simplest, least complex character. He's a braggart without much to show for it (flunked out of wizard college, dismissed from the Bladesingers for lack of discipline, wandering aimlessly for a number of years), a fool, and a sucker for a pretty face and a witty word. But he's not entirely unsympathetic -- once he's got his mind straight, he's intensely loyal to his sister (ad absurdem: after Cythara dumps him totally and threatens to kill him if he comes after her, and while the ungodly-sexy Twilight wants him to stay, still Yldar resolves to go after his sister to try and save her). There's a certain bull-headed, self-effacing, duty-bound honor in such irrationality, and I think that's the most (or only) redeeming bit about Yldar.
Now, whether you sympathize with him or not is totally up to you. Up until the very last sentence of the novella, I hated him myself. Then, after that moment, I wasn't so sure.
As for Twilight: far superior to Yldar in almost every way, but a lying, teasing, manipulative bitch in a sense. But then she leaves the bracer. Why? A spark of nobility, perhaps? Whim? Did he really touch her (*ahem*) on a deeper level?
I see what you're saying about mystery, there. But, then, I think it's justified.
Again, thank you very much for your opinion, Hammer. I hope I don't seem to be arguing with you, or even defending my own work. I'm merely answering the two questions you seemed to ask and addressing those you implied, and I relish the chance to think about these characters and a story I ended up very happy with.
Cheers
P.S. Incidentally: I promise, Hammer -- someday, I'll break my addiction to all these smarmy, sickly-thin elfy types, and there will be a dwarf in my writing. Eventually.
P.P.S. Come to think of it, I might've made Mucky a dwarf. Bother.
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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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hammer of Moradin
Senior Scribe
USA
758 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 19:09:45
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Thanks for the reply, Erik!
I understand, mostly, where you were going with the characters. It was a given not to take Twilight at face value, in words or actions, yet it was just a feeling of being overwhelmed by a group of characters that I know you have given a wide and varied background to. Just saying that in this novella, less would have sufficed while possibly making the characters even more intriguing. No silver platter for me, but at the same time you have to lift that veil a bit.
I'm glad, in a way, that all of these stories kept to elves, mostly, with humans and other creatures filling in. Dwarves just have too much personality, and would have overshadowed all of the other characters. We can't have that in an anthology of elvish lore, can we?   |
"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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 19:55:17
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And thank you for your reply as well. I really truly appreciate your opinion and take these kinds of considerations most seriously.
And rest assured, when I write my perfect dwarf, he shall exceed all expectations of dwarfy coolness and put Twilight -- who is just awesome -- to shame, I'm sure.
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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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2006 : 02:25:17
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You know, I really liked this story. I think the whole turned out to be more than the some of it's parts. And to be honest, I really resisted Twilight at first. Number one, I'm not that fond of characters who are so "protected" (or at least favored) by a deity that they are saved from death by that in the story (yes, it *could* have been an item she had that saved her, but let's be honest--that's grasping at straws, given the way the scene was written). Number two, these "ungodly-sexy" female rogues who are incredibly skilled and manipulative...I'm sorry, but I'm a bit jaded here as I've seen many of these types of characters, and my initial impression is usually going to be "You're a dime a dozen, dear."
But in spite of all those feelings, I actually rather liked her. I actually felt sorry for her at the end of the story when Yldar "stuck to his guns" to go after someone who didn't even want his attention. "Manipulative bitch" or not, it was Yldar who let Twilight down, not the other way around. I think the story does nicely show Yldar loosening up a bit just by being around Twilight (that kind of says something about both characters, doesn't it?). I very much enjoyed the "sexy" scenes, even the one involving Cythara and Graz'zt (that scene in particular was also very well written). There's some great humor in the story, and it was definitely refreshing for a story to finally acknowledge that Yanseldara and Vaerana are lesbians. No coyness whatsoever--good.
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"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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GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2006 : 02:50:31
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| Well, Rino, with that criticism (from someone I happen to share many opinions with).... I think Erik is going to end up being my favorite "new" Realms author, once I get around to having the time to read his stuff after school starts. ;) |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2006 : 02:59:24
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| I'm happy to hear that, and I'm sure Erik will be too. |
"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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2006 : 03:46:35
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Thanks, Rin! Good to hear you enjoyed the story. And Dan, I appreciate the vote of confidence.
I'm also rather glad, Rin, that you came around to Twilight. . . not because I'm invested in you liking her, but because you disliked her initially. I'm glad you disliked her!
Let me explain: I take it as high praise that you found your opinion toward a character shifting based on the events in the story (and the handling thereof). I knew that when I wrote Twilight, some people weren't going to like her. They were going to go "Eighth Sister Wannabe!" or just roll their eyes and go "Oh, not again." But I tried, from that point, to bring you into her perspective, so you get a fuller view than just the surface. That's what I tried with all three of these characters.
I like it that you mentioned the Graz'zt sex scene -- myself, that was one of my favorite (and, indeed, the FIRST) scene that I wrote of the story. In my initial draft, it was a fair bit more explicit as well, and I said to myself, "PG-13, Erik -- PG-13." I think I kept it as sexy and smoldering as I needed it, without being gratuitous.
About Yanseldara and Vaerana: I suppose one could say that that's just the innkeeper's opinion, as one might form of celebrities (kinda like, "O.J. totally shot his wife," or "Tom Cruise is a robot"). But as far as I'm concerned, consulted with and backed by Ed, until Wizards prints different, Y. and V. are very much lovers.
(I was considering a love scene between Twilight and Cythara as well, but word limits being as they are. . . . )
And, finally, to comment on the "patron god intervening and saving favored servant" bit: In game terms, Twilight is part Divine Seeker, and one of the abilities of the class is called "Divine Perseverence," where once per day, when you're about to be hit by a fatal blow, you're healed a bit -- kind of a random injection of the deity's power. It's more a matter of a connection with a deity (i.e. a priest's connection) than of a personal relationship. It's not a *direct* intervention, more like a contingent healing spell. Erevan wouldn't -- whatever Twilight says -- save her just because he thinks she's pretty. . .
(OR WOULD HE? Dun dun dun!)
Anyway. The connection between Erevan and Twilight, which may or may not be as Twilight describes it, may or may not be further clarified when she reappears.
. . . .
Which is to say, it's pretty certain it'll be "discussed," at least, when the fox reappears -- we'll see if it's "clarified."
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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GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2006 : 03:57:55
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quote:
I like it that you mentioned the Graz'zt sex scene -- myself, that was one of my favorite (and, indeed, the FIRST) scene that I wrote of the story. In my initial draft, it was a fair bit more explicit as well, and I said to myself, "PG-13, Erik -- PG-13." I think I kept it as sexy and smoldering as I needed it, without being gratuitous.
That's both amusing, amazing, and impressive. :) |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2006 : 20:16:17
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I should also note -- and I can say this, post GenCon -- that SOMETHING about this story will be relevant to Depths of Madness, my next novel.
And now, before the interrogation begins, I'm fleeing back to the Chamber.
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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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2006 : 01:09:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Thanks, Rin! Good to hear you enjoyed the story. And Dan, I appreciate the vote of confidence.
I'm also rather glad, Rin, that you came around to Twilight. . . not because I'm invested in you liking her, but because you disliked her initially. I'm glad you disliked her!
Let me explain: I take it as high praise that you found your opinion toward a character shifting based on the events in the story (and the handling thereof). I knew that when I wrote Twilight, some people weren't going to like her. They were going to go "Eighth Sister Wannabe!" or just roll their eyes and go "Oh, not again." But I tried, from that point, to bring you into her perspective, so you get a fuller view than just the surface. That's what I tried with all three of these characters.
In that respect, my opinion is definitely that you were successful. Again, good job.
quote:
I like it that you mentioned the Graz'zt sex scene -- myself, that was one of my favorite (and, indeed, the FIRST) scene that I wrote of the story. In my initial draft, it was a fair bit more explicit as well, and I said to myself, "PG-13, Erik -- PG-13." I think I kept it as sexy and smoldering as I needed it, without being gratuitous.
And again, I think the scene worked well, not to mention was quite fun to read.
quote:
About Yanseldara and Vaerana: I suppose one could say that that's just the innkeeper's opinion, as one might form of celebrities (kinda like, "O.J. totally shot his wife," or "Tom Cruise is a robot"). But as far as I'm concerned, consulted with and backed by Ed, until Wizards prints different, Y. and V. are very much lovers.
(I was considering a love scene between Twilight and Cythara as well, but word limits being as they are. . . . )
Heh, so you're serious about that? I have to admit, that's not something I would have expected...
quote:
And, finally, to comment on the "patron god intervening and saving favored servant" bit: In game terms, Twilight is part Divine Seeker, and one of the abilities of the class is called "Divine Perseverence," where once per day, when you're about to be hit by a fatal blow, you're healed a bit -- kind of a random injection of the deity's power. It's more a matter of a connection with a deity (i.e. a priest's connection) than of a personal relationship. It's not a *direct* intervention, more like a contingent healing spell. Erevan wouldn't -- whatever Twilight says -- save her just because he thinks she's pretty. . .
Ah, all right--I didn't know about that class ability. Anyway, I'm VERY happy to know she wasn't just saved on a whim or anything. No matter how much I like a character, I don't feel that their path should be any easier because a god likes them, and let's face it--how "heroic" is it if you are saved from trouble without having to do anything? Not very, in my opinion.
I have to admit, Twilight does remind me just a little of one of my own moon elven characters. Also, I do find it intriguing that you say that she hates Erevan (perhaps not strongly), although I will say I did not discern that from the story.
quote:
Anyway. The connection between Erevan and Twilight, which may or may not be as Twilight describes it, may or may not be further clarified when she reappears.
. . . .
Which is to say, it's pretty certain it'll be "discussed," at least, when the fox reappears -- we'll see if it's "clarified."
Cheers
Glad to hear that's a "when" and not an "if". And no, I won't bug you about your upcoming novel!
Take care,
RF |
"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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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2006 : 03:03:06
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Bug me! Bug me!
Yes -- Twilight knows exactly her abilities and limitations, and would never go into something expecting divine aid, which she would LOATHE anyway.
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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Elven Avenger
Acolyte
Brazil
27 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2006 : 04:33:48
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Warning , Bad English ahead.
Since I'm Brazilian and speak more portuguese than english, it's hard to read an english novel without letting some details escape, but even with some difficult on translation issues I've finished Realms of the Elves last week and now for sure I have the opinion that this tale was my favorite one.
Twilight is an awesome character and I agree with the opinion already posted in here that it was very good to See Erevan, a not very easy too read about god, being used in a novel about elves.
Congratulations for this story Mr. Erik, you really did a good job. |
Edited by - Elven Avenger on 16 Aug 2006 04:36:29 |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2006 : 15:00:01
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Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
If you liked Twilight, she's also the star of my next novel, Depths of Madness, coming out in March 2007.
And please -- call me Erik.
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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Realms of the Elves: "The Greater Treasure"
