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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Jul 2006 : 01:12:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Yup. Miss my two cats terribly, but they've a good home with Jeff Grubb and Kate Novak since I had to leave them in Washington when I moved. But yeah, a lot of Nameless' attitude came from having cats for a few years...
Steven
Hah, I knew it! Sorry to hear you miss your cats. I'd suggest you adopt more (I wouldn't want to be "catless" for long, myself), but you likely have enough on your plate right now. |
"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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Reefy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
892 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2006 : 02:48:17
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| You're quite welcome to my cat for a while. As lovely as she is, it's just me and her currently while my family are away and she's the most attention seeking cat I've ever met at the best of times. Currently I'm struggling to type as she insists on lying on the keyboard. |
Life is either daring adventure or nothing. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2006 : 10:28:45
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Just finished this section of the book... loving it!! 
The way Steven is depicting Waterdeep is the best i've read! The naming of locations and establishments is perfect and really makes the city come to life. I like all the little additions too, like the nobles racing wagons through the streets etc.
The end of one particular chapter made me smile too when Tsarra and Khelben were walking along and Tsarra said "what's the rush, she's not going to die before we get there, is she?" and Khelben responded "doubtful, she's been bead for seven score years" 
I liked how Raegar (love this character) saw the new disguised patrons arrive in the tavern. hehehe. No fooling this guy.
Brrrrrr! eerie when Raegar went to pick up the sword from the "tar" and the hands came up to seize it, an eye appearing on the back of the hand too! Made me shiver.
Also regarding disguises, the scene was good too when Tsarra and Khelben were walking down the street and arguing through the Kiira.
I really enjoyed the flashback too when Khelben went to visit Syndra in her tower. Very tense and atmospheric when he was approaching the tower and first saw Rakesk. Nice fight too! |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2006 : 10:32:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Crust
I like Raegar's character in that he's a classic rogue in a sense, but he's not a "shadowy death dealer" like Riven or Entreri. He seems rather clueless, but in a way that creates affection in the reader, I think. He's a bit of a bumbling rogue, but a very skilled bumbling rogue.
I agree. Raegar is turning out to be one of my favorite characters in this book. He's really fun to read and as you said above, has a different feel to him than Cale and Riven (who are outstanding characters!)
quote:
Another thing I really enjoy is the play with the familiars. Very nice touch (and something that I haven't seen recently in the FR novels I've been reading).
Yeah, I think this adds a very nice touch to the book. I love Nameless, he's great
quote:
Lastly, the grand tour of Waterdeep is incredible.
The best view of Waterdeep i've read yet! Perfect! |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2006 : 13:38:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
Just finished this section of the book... loving it!!
The way Steven is depicting Waterdeep is the best i've read! The naming of locations and establishments is perfect and really makes the city come to life. I like all the little additions too, like the nobles racing wagons through the streets etc.
I'm only looking that good by standing on the shoulders of giants like Ed & Elaine.
quote:
The end of one particular chapter made me smile too when Tsarra and Khelben were walking along and Tsarra said "what's the rush, she's not going to die before we get there, is she?" and Khelben responded "doubtful, she's been bead for seven score years"
I liked how Raegar (love this character) saw the new disguised patrons arrive in the tavern. hehehe. No fooling this guy.
Brrrrrr! eerie when Raegar went to pick up the sword from the "tar" and the hands came up to seize it, an eye appearing on the back of the hand too! Made me shiver.
Also regarding disguises, the scene was good too when Tsarra and Khelben were walking down the street and arguing through the Kiira.
I really enjoyed the flashback too when Khelben went to visit Syndra in her tower. Very tense and atmospheric when he was approaching the tower and first saw Rakesk. Nice fight too!
Now here's an author wondering about how to better setup suspense--did that flashback tip my hand too soon re: the villain of the piece, or were you left guessing until he was identified on page 213/Chapter 23?
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 - 31 Jul 2006 : 13:40:19
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Query from the author--Did anyone catch the reappearance of the little elf girl from the prologue in the final ritual? Or did I softpedal that too much because I hate writing that needs to explain everything ad nauseum to its readers?
Steven
PS: Her first name is used in both Prologue and Chapter 35. |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Edited by - Steven Schend on 01 Aug 2006 04:34:47 |
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Conlon
Learned Scribe
Canada
132 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 02:37:31
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| Perhaps it was because I was voraciously reading onwards, eager to find out what in the name of the Abyss was going to happen next, but I didn't catch it. Perhaps on a re-read I'll pick out more of the subtleties in this truly gripping tome! |
My hopes are ashes, my dreams are dust. All my intentions mean nothing unless they are followed by action. |
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hammer of Moradin
Senior Scribe
USA
758 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 16:30:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Query from the author--Did anyone catch the reappearance of the little elf girl from the prologue in the final ritual? Or did I softpedal that too much because I hate writing that needs to explain everything ad nauseum to its readers?
Steven
PS: Her first name is used in both Prologue and Chapter 35.
With the introduction she gets in the beginning, being related to Arun's son, I knew she would return. I didn't think about her again, though, since many, many wizards and characters appear in this tome. In the final chapters, I tried to look up as many names as I could, to see who they were, and a few sounded familiar. I did not equate the elf child with any of the names of the wizards from the ritual, however. Nice touch, just hard to spot. Maybe an exchanged greeting, quick hug, or some other nicety could have been used. Or, did I miss that also? |
"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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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 18:22:14
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quote:
Originally posted by hammer of Moradin
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Query from the author--Did anyone catch the reappearance of the little elf girl from the prologue in the final ritual? Or did I softpedal that too much because I hate writing that needs to explain everything ad nauseum to its readers?
Steven
PS: Her first name is used in both Prologue and Chapter 35.
With the introduction she gets in the beginning, being related to Arun's son, I knew she would return. I didn't think about her again, though, since many, many wizards and characters appear in this tome. In the final chapters, I tried to look up as many names as I could, to see who they were, and a few sounded familiar. I did not equate the elf child with any of the names of the wizards from the ritual, however. Nice touch, just hard to spot. Maybe an exchanged greeting, quick hug, or some other nicety could have been used. Or, did I miss that also?
Planned but no room for execution for Khelben to embrace an elderly elf woman and call her little sister. <shrug> |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Bakra
Senior Scribe
628 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 18:30:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
Just finished this section of the book... loving it!!
The way Steven is depicting Waterdeep is the best i've read! The naming of locations and establishments is perfect and really makes the city come to life. I like all the little additions too, like the nobles racing wagons through the streets etc.
I'm only looking that good by standing on the shoulders of giants like Ed & Elaine.
quote:
The end of one particular chapter made me smile too when Tsarra and Khelben were walking along and Tsarra said "what's the rush, she's not going to die before we get there, is she?" and Khelben responded "doubtful, she's been bead for seven score years"
I liked how Raegar (love this character) saw the new disguised patrons arrive in the tavern. hehehe. No fooling this guy.
Brrrrrr! eerie when Raegar went to pick up the sword from the "tar" and the hands came up to seize it, an eye appearing on the back of the hand too! Made me shiver.
Also regarding disguises, the scene was good too when Tsarra and Khelben were walking down the street and arguing through the Kiira.
I really enjoyed the flashback too when Khelben went to visit Syndra in her tower. Very tense and atmospheric when he was approaching the tower and first saw Rakesk. Nice fight too!
Now here's an author wondering about how to better setup suspense--did that flashback tip my hand too soon re: the villain of the piece, or were you left guessing until he was identified on page 213/Chapter 23?
Steven
I have no problem saying it, I deduced who the villian was before Chapter 23. The flashback did give it away for me but I was really happy to see that I was correct. |
I hope Candlekeep continues to be the friendly forum of fellow Realms-lovers that it has always been, as we all go through this together. If you don’t want to move to the “new” Realms, that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with either you or the “old” Realms. Goodness knows Candlekeep, and the hearts of its scribes, are both big enough to accommodate both. If we want them to be.
(Strikes dramatic pose, raises sword to gleam in the sunset, and hopes breeches won’t fall down.)
Enough for now. The Realms lives! I have spoken! Ale and light wines half price, served by a smiling Storm Silverhand fetchingly clad in thigh-high boots and naught else! Ahem . .
So saith Ed. <snip>
love to all,
THO
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Lameth
Learned Scribe
Germany
196 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 19:22:52
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quote:
The best view of Waterdeep i've read yet! Perfect!
And I thought this would say someone about "The City of Splendors".
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 01:18:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Now here's an author wondering about how to better setup suspense--did that flashback tip my hand too soon re: the villain of the piece, or were you left guessing until he was identified on page 213/Chapter 23?
Steven
I figured out who the villain was long before that, thanks to the flashback scene. I do pay attention while I read.
Not saying you tipped your hand too soon or anything, though.  I didn't consider the villain to be a major part of the book, anyway. He certainly didn't feel like more than a plot device to me, as well as an interesting way of showing that some of Khelben's apprentices come back to bite him in the you-know-what. |
"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 : 01:19:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Lameth
quote:
The best view of Waterdeep i've read yet! Perfect!
And I thought this would say someone about "The City of Splendors".
Actually, to be honest that novel probably takes the cake for me, as far as "views of Waterdeep" go. But Blackstaff excells in its own right. |
"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) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 02 Aug 2006 01:20:08 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 01:21:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Query from the author--Did anyone catch the reappearance of the little elf girl from the prologue in the final ritual? Or did I softpedal that too much because I hate writing that needs to explain everything ad nauseum to its readers?
I caught that one too. Again, I do pay attention. |
"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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Dhomal
Senior Scribe
USA
565 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2006 : 02:15:32
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Hello-
I just managed to start this book - and have made my way through Chapter 9 - so here I am!
I agree with basically everyting that has been stated about the book. Its a great piece of writing, though I will say that at the beginning - I did think to myslef that there were too many people runnig around - and my trying to keep them all straight. However - I kept going, re-reading when necessary - and got past that. It seems now - we will probably only have to deal with a couple of characters at a time - which makes things easier!
I particularly liked the comment that was made praising her group of fast-thinking apprentices for using the floating disc and some salt against the Nishruu! I always like things like that - and it fit so well.
I will also admit that I am SURE that I am missing Many of the references made to other events/places etc in the book. I hope sincerely that if someone Does compile a list of such references - that it is keyed at least by chapter - so that I could do a re-read with that nearby!
I'm looking forward very much to reading the next chunk - and then coming back here to read the comments on it!
I feel like I am very lucky to have met you briefly at GenCon 06 to have you sign DoF! And already - I can say - I'm looking forward to both more novels, as well as supplements!
Well Done!
Dhomal
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I am collecting the D&D Minis. I would be more than willing to trade with people. You can send me a PM here with your email listed - and I can send you my minis list. Thanks!
Successfully traded with Xysma! |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2006 : 04:32:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Dhomal
Hello-
I just managed to start this book - and have made my way through Chapter 9 - so here I am!
I agree with basically everyting that has been stated about the book. Its a great piece of writing, though I will say that at the beginning - I did think to myslef that there were too many people runnig around - and my trying to keep them all straight. However - I kept going, re-reading when necessary - and got past that. It seems now - we will probably only have to deal with a couple of characters at a time - which makes things easier!
I particularly liked the comment that was made praising her group of fast-thinking apprentices for using the floating disc and some salt against the Nishruu! I always like things like that - and it fit so well.
I will also admit that I am SURE that I am missing Many of the references made to other events/places etc in the book. I hope sincerely that if someone Does compile a list of such references - that it is keyed at least by chapter - so that I could do a re-read with that nearby!
I'm looking forward very much to reading the next chunk - and then coming back here to read the comments on it!
I feel like I am very lucky to have met you briefly at GenCon 06 to have you sign DoF! And already - I can say - I'm looking forward to both more novels, as well as supplements!
Well Done!
Dhomal
Glad you're enjoying the book; do stop in and tell us what worked and what didn't work for you, as I'm a novice author who needs all the help he can get to write better.
And was your DoF the one I jokingly signed in honor of Purlokanthis, the Royal Familiar of King Haedrak?
SES |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Dhomal
Senior Scribe
USA
565 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2006 : 04:48:15
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quote:
Glad you're enjoying the book; do stop in and tell us what worked and what didn't work for you, as I'm a novice author who needs all the help he can get to write better.
And was your DoF the one I jokingly signed in honor of Purlokanthis, the Royal Familiar of King Haedrak?
SES
Hello-
I hang my head in shame. :)
Sometimes - the proliferation of abreviations is astounding. It was Not DoF that I had you sign, but rather the actual book I'm reading! Sometimes I think I get far less rest than I should!
And no - that was not the inscription. YOu simply wrote:
"Glad you could escape the Halls of Candlekeep to meet at GenCon!"
Ahem. Alaundo - keep in mind - *I* did not write that!
Dhomal |
I am collecting the D&D Minis. I would be more than willing to trade with people. You can send me a PM here with your email listed - and I can send you my minis list. Thanks!
Successfully traded with Xysma! |
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Marc
Senior Scribe
658 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2006 : 18:38:37
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| I finally got the book, currently I'm on pg. 64, the tressym is so funny, I like the description of elven tavern, the history of making the magical belt and Waterdeep, it's again my favourite city (along with Myth Nantar) |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 18:53:41
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
Tsarra is an interesting character, and it seems fairly apparent that she is going to be nearly as much of a main character as Khelben.
I disagree. While this book is one of my favorites, it shows some characters that are so under-developed they become uninteresting. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Topic |
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Blackstaff: Prologue and Chapters 1 - 9
