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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Aug 2007 : 10:32:18
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Its too hard for me to go back and figure out what came from what chapter. Ill just post my final review here since it won;t be spoiling it for anybody.
Just bought the book and finished it in one sitting. HOLY CRAP. Did I ever enjoy this book. I love your work Mr.Kemp
Begin spoilers.
"Welcome to Cania". What can I say. I was a little overwhelmed with the fact that Magadon tricked Cale into teleporting to the nine hells, and more so with the fact that Mephistopheles engineered the whole thing.
Just having an archdevil powerful enough to take out several Elminsters at once in the novel struck me as odd because I know there is no way Cale and company could ever defeat him. In any case. Promising Mask's divine essence to Mephisto despite already having promised it to mask? Hehehehe.
Well, I won;t go over the whole book, ill just mention characters.
Rivalen Tanthul was excellent. I mean excellent. Im a little surprised he finds Tamlin to have "Potential", and has taken a fondness to him, but living in his fathers shadow would cast some empathy to the situation. Speaking of his father. Speculation on whether Telamont Tanthul knows Rivalen killed his wife? This could get real ugly. Rivalen is powerful as heck but I wouldn't place a bet against his father.
His role in the battle with the dragon was SUPER.
Tamlin. Sigh. He always annoys me, but I was hoping for some sort of Redemption. The truth is, under Rivalen's guidance, casting his morality aside, he might actually amount to a powerful character. Since it seems he is about to become a shade and swear loyalty to Shar, this could get interesting. Totally caught me off guard. I figured Rivalen would just use him for a pawn, but it seems he wants to take him under his wing.
Cale/Riven/Magadon. Magadon turning slowly evil....God I hope we can save him. I loved having Jak Fleet die(Mostly because I felt he held Cale back), but Magadon is much more interesting...Cale and Riven didn;t have much character development, but they were their usualy great selves. Magadon's development into evil is working so well with the story.
Kesson Rel. Nice twists. I figured Kesson for a Shar follower(Since he betrayed mask), but the way it was handled, the history, Kesson's power simply through his simulacrum image, and the Dragon furlinastis, combined with Kesson actually being the half god Elyril follows like a puppy(Volumvrax). Im still comparing her little mastiff to maybe being the chaos hound in disguise lol, but I guess not.
I still wonder how people can worship a goddess whose ultimate goal is to kill everything, including her own worshipers.
In either case, I can't wait to see what the unleashed Shadowstorm will do.
Abelar. Nice character development. Looks like he is on the way to being a chosen of Lathander. Then BOOM, his need for revenge taints him. Loved every minute of the buildup.
I was a little confused with the monks from wayrock. They seemed to have shade powers in this book, but I could have sworn they used "different methods" last book.
Watching a floating city in action in that battle was totally unexpected to me.
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2007 : 14:09:07
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Firestorm,
I'm obvously delighted you enjoyed the novel. I had a fun time writing it. I can speak to a few of your points/questions below.
quote:
Rivalen Tanthul was excellent. I mean excellent. Im a little surprised he finds Tamlin to have "Potential", and has taken a fondness to him, but living in his fathers shadow would cast some empathy to the situation.
You hit on my thinking exactly. Rivalen, despite his personal accomplishments, still stands in the shadow of his father. In Tamlin, Rivalen sees a bit of himself. Perhaps he also sees the ability to act as a father figure, which may appeal to him given his own lack of children.
quote:
I still wonder how people can worship a goddess whose ultimate goal is to kill everything, including her own worshipers.
In either case, I can't wait to see what the unleashed Shadowstorm will do.
I've always looked at it more as an acceptance/resignation by the worshipper that nothingness/entropy is the ultimate fate of men/women and the multiverse. As Rivalen tries to explain to Tamlin, with that recognition/acceptance comes a certain freedom (in his mind) and, ultimately, power (which becomes its own end in this paradigm).
quote:
Abelar. Nice character development. Looks like he is on the way to being a chosen of Lathander. Then BOOM, his need for revenge taints him. Loved every minute of the buildup.
I really like Abelar and I'm pleased with his scenes in the novel. He goes through a wringer, though. 
quote:
I was a little confused with the monks from wayrock. They seemed to have shade powers in this book, but I could have sworn they used "different methods" last book.
Not sure I know what you mean here. I've had them pegged as shadowwalkers from the get go, and have tried to portray them as such. Can you give me some examples?
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Thunderstrike37
Acolyte
1 Posts |
Posted - 30 Aug 2007 : 20:35:49
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SPOILERS
Paul,
I bought a copy of Shadowstorm yesterday, and simply devoured it, finishing it this morning on the train. Great work.
I have really enjoyed seeing the growth and journey of Erevis Cale as a character, and the changes in his relationship with Riven. That they have gone from enemies to steadfast allies is an interesting transformation, and one that you really have depicted very well. There is a depth to these (and your other) characters that is surprising and wonderful for the reader.
One concern I have had in your past works was that in making Cale and his enemies (the slaadi, Rivalen, etc.) so powerful, it would be hard to write convincing and interesting battles/conflicts. I mean, how do you hurt people that can almost instantaneously regenerate wounds? And with Cale, adding Weaveshear to the mix, it's hard to imagine adversaries that would pose a threat to him. That issue was handled masterfully in Shadowstorm: enter a Lord of Hell, two dragons and a demigod. I mean, where do you from there?!?
There are a number of scenes in Shadowstorm that made my all time favorite list, which, up until now, had been comprised solely of the death (and attempted resurrection) of Jak Fleet and the end of Terry Brooks' The Elf Queen of Shannara (MORE SPOILERS, DIFFERENT BOOK) where Garth asks Wren to kill him to save him from transforming into a demon. They are, in no particular order:
- They are many, we are few
- Abelar's rejection of Lathander and subsequent battle with Forrin
- Elyrill's death (incidentally, I thought she had imagined Kefil altogether, until this book where Kalton can see him.)
Anyway, what I meant to say, in case it hasn't come through, it to congratulate you on a job very well done. I can't believe that I now have to wait for the conclusion of the Twilight War! When is the final installment scheduled to come out? |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2007 : 02:56:15
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quote:
You hit on my thinking exactly. Rivalen, despite his personal accomplishments, still stands in the shadow of his father. In Tamlin, Rivalen sees a bit of himself. Perhaps he also sees the ability to act as a father figure, which may appeal to him given his own lack of children.
Hehe. Its kind of funny in a way. I have a feeling Tamlin will go from a bumbling fool to an actual decently powerful character because he is finally giving in to his true alignment. He was holding himself back trying to stay on a path he was not meant for.
In a small way, I keep thinking of Elauth Craulnobur from Elaine Cunningham's books. Not because they are anything alike, but because of the situation. Elauth tried all his life to be someone he was not, until his moonblade sensed his dishonorable nature and rejected him, causing him to exile himself and finally fall into the alignment he was meant for. He became quite a power.
Tamlin, to me, is giving in to his true nature, and thus, might actually under Rivalen's tutelage become a force to be reckoned with.(in my mind anyways)
quote:
I've always looked at it more as an acceptance/resignation by the worshipper that nothingness/entropy is the ultimate fate of men/women and the multiverse. As Rivalen tries to explain to Tamlin, with that recognition/acceptance comes a certain freedom (in his mind) and, ultimately, power (which becomes its own end in this paradigm).
I understand. However, some of them obviously bear delusions of grandeur. Elyril for one. It seems Shar's Clerics do not understand the price or that they are all expendable to the Lady.
Even Rivalen grew uneasy when Shar said eventually, he will have served his purpose. I have to wonder exactly how many of her clerics understand the shadowstorm, or what it will do. Heck, I don't understand it, but it seems to be a weapon of mass destruction that will kill indiscriminately.
quote:
I really like Abelar and I'm pleased with his scenes in the novel. He goes through a wringer, though
Likewise. His character turn was a nice twist.
quote:
Not sure I know what you mean here. I've had them pegged as shadowwalkers from the get go, and have tried to portray them as such. Can you give me some examples?
Go to Top of Page
Im just being difficult:P I was tired when I wrote that review(Just read the whole book in one sitting). I just remembered "They are not shades" but they seem to move like them.
Hehehe. I can't wait for the next book. I have a few far fetched theories. Kesson rel really being Mask having fooled everyone, including his own faithful to keep the ruse up, making a grab for a more powerful portfolio(That being why he is not answering the prayers of all his faithful except his chosen, because he is too busy keeping up the ruse). Shar being deposed. hehe, how I would love for Mask to become a greater power. Doubt it. its just my crazy mind working since Mask is more than capable of it as god of intrigue. But heck, he fooled Cyric:) Rivalen is getting annoyed that Cale gets gifts from mask, and wants the power of a chosen after seeing the chosen of M in action. Maybe he will be masks 3rd of 5? lol
I'm almost certain that the Shadovar have permanently taken over Sembia. Tamlin on his way to being a shade seems to support this. I can't see anyone routing them out at this point unless their own shadowstorm kills them. I just hope Telamont Tanthul makes some fighting scenes. The guy can bend the will of an ancient dracolich with ease, and he is up there with Elminster and Larloch in his power.
Ill post more of my looney theories later:P |
Edited by - Firestorm on 03 Sep 2007 23:06:06 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 31 Aug 2007 : 14:02:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Thunderstrike37
Paul, I bought a copy of Shadowstorm yesterday, and simply devoured it, finishing it this morning on the train. Great work.
Thank you, Thunderstrike. You know (and this shows my age) I cannot read your online name without AC-DC's "Thunderstruck" playing in my head. Sad, really.
THUN-DER!
quote:
Originally posted by Thunderstrike37
One concern I have had in your past works was that in making Cale and his enemies (the slaadi, Rivalen, etc.) so powerful, it would be hard to write convincing and interesting battles/conflicts. I mean, how do you hurt people that can almost instantaneously regenerate wounds? And with Cale, adding Weaveshear to the mix, it's hard to imagine adversaries that would pose a threat to him. That issue was handled masterfully in Shadowstorm: enter a Lord of Hell, two dragons and a demigod. I mean, where do you from there?!?
You're right. It is an issue. Making the stakes high but not silly gets more difficult as your characters become increasingly powerful. Hopefully I can keep it interesting for a while longer yet.
quote:
Originally posted by Thunderstrike37
There are a number of scenes in Shadowstorm that made my all time favorite list.... They are, in no particular order:
- They are many, we are few
- Abelar's rejection of Lathander and subsequent battle with Forrin
- Elyrill's death (incidentally, I thought she had imagined Kefil altogether, until this book where Kalton can see him.)
Anyway, what I meant to say, in case it hasn't come through, it to congratulate you on a job very well done. I can't believe that I now have to wait for the conclusion of the Twilight War! When is the final installment scheduled to come out?
The two Abelar scenes you mention are among my favorites, too (especially the "They are many. We are few." I've long wanted to write a paladin leading soldiers into battle). In some ways, I regarded this as Abelar's book more than any other character.
Shadowrealm is scheduled (I believe) for a May '08 release.
Thanks again, Thunderstrike. |
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Pasta Fzoul
Seeker
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 02 Sep 2007 : 04:59:00
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
You're right. It is an issue. Making the stakes high but not silly gets more difficult as your characters become increasingly powerful. Hopefully I can keep it interesting for a while longer yet.
Hi Paul I quite enjoyed Shadowbred, and although I've yet to read Shadowstorm (though it's sitting here next to me!), I'm looking forward to seeing the characters' interaction with Meph.
The best strategy I've seen for dealing with "power creep" actually showed up in a retelling of an actual campaign in a "storyhour" on another messageboard - the key was using villains that are just as intelligent and prepared (if not moreso) as the heroes  |
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Proc
Acolyte
Canada
32 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2007 : 03:51:37
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Paul,
This was a very enjoyable setup for the finale.
The villans were competent, (I especially liked Kesson Rel's bait and switch) and effective.
Abelar's charge felt like the scenes in the epic films where the commander gives his rousing speech and his men charge the fields. In such a high-magic setting, it was a bit of a different feel to have just a little magic being used on either side in the battle.
Cale and Riven working together is a treat, the "I'll go high", "I'll go low" exchanges show how they think alike, complement each other and think on their feet.
My only question (and I'm hoping it will be answered in the 3rd book,) is why Mephistopheles gave the book Eyril. I would have thought that he would hoard such an artifact. I had always thought that the Lords of the Nine wanted nothing to do with the gods (they thought themselves equal) and would only help if there was something in it for them.
All in all, you wiped out a major Faerunian city, had the second direct appearance of a diety in two books, had a paladin fall from grace and racked up the largest body count in the Realms since I can remember.
Oh, and you also worked the word s*** into the book. Nice. |
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
- George Carlin |
Edited by - Proc on 03 Sep 2007 03:54:06 |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2007 : 05:22:05
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
You hit on my thinking exactly. Rivalen, despite his personal accomplishments, still stands in the shadow of his father. In Tamlin, Rivalen sees a bit of himself. Perhaps he also sees the ability to act as a father figure, which may appeal to him given his own lack of children.
I am glad to hear this. Although I know Rivalen is a black-hearted worshipper of Shar, I found myself hoping throughout that Tamlin was more than just a pawn. It adds an element of depth to Rivalen. |
War to slay, not to fight long and glorious.
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Iliphar1
Learned Scribe
Austria
133 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2007 : 15:37:32
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Dear Paul,
I loved the book very much and also had a sleepless night because of it. I'd say, this was the best FR book, I have read in quite a while!
I have some questions about it:
Since Shar's Masterplan should result in the total destruction of everything (including herself), why should she support Rivalen's plans of rebuilding Netheril?
Rivalen took quite some pride in Shadowbred, when his father anounces the foundation of the new kingdom.
I would think, that his reaction should be at least not-interested, since the foundation of a kingdom should contradict the destruction-teachings of Shar. Rivalen seemed to put his family and heritage above the doctrines of Shar.
What would be Thalos' role in the event? Surely he would take some action when such destruction threatens Faerun (either preventing it, because he wants to cause the destruction himself - or embracing it)
Abelar seemed to have a very weak faith, after all these miracles and divine interventions from his God, he abandoned his faith at the very first difficulty. I was constantly wondering, why Lathander intervened so often in the book. How could Abelar learn to trust in his God, even if it (seemingly) wouldn't pay out - especially since his God does everything for him anyway? (I had to think about Hiob in the Bible, who still trusted in the Lord, even after losing everything, then I was was a bit disapointed at Abelar's faith)
Why did he actually lose faith - he knew, that the situation was not lost. His son was still alive, and he even came up with a plan (asking Cale for help). He still had something to hope for. |
'You see dead bones? ... I see an army!' Ezechiel 37 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2007 : 19:31:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Proc
My only question (and I'm hoping it will be answered in the 3rd book,) is why Mephistopheles gave the book Eyril. I would have thought that he would hoard such an artifact. I had always thought that the Lords of the Nine wanted nothing to do with the gods (they thought themselves equal) and would only help if there was something in it for them.
Proc,
It should become crystal clear in Shadowrealm, but the answer is tied to Cale's promise to Meph. It turns out that it's really not all that convuluted in this case. Meph is just helping move the ball down the field. |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 03 Sep 2007 19:32:45 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2007 : 19:44:59
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Iliphar, thank you kindly. I'll answer as I can.
quote:
Originally posted by Iliphar1
Since Shar's Masterplan should result in the total destruction of everything (including herself), why should she support Rivalen's plans of rebuilding Netheril?....Rivalen seemed to put his family and heritage above the doctrines of Shar.
This is really an issue of divine perspective v. mortal perspective. Rivalen has convinced himself that Shar's plan will occur far, far into the future. He accepts that entropy is the end state of existence, but figures he can serve himself, his family, and his city in the meanwhile. Those obligations are starting to come into conflict with his faith these days, though. Should be interesting to see how he responds.
Incidentally, his take on the Shadowstorm will be shown in my short story, "Continuum," which will appear in Realms of War, the tie-in anthology for the Twilight War. That might illustrate his thinking a bit more. Can I ask you to wait for that and come back?
quote:
Originally posted by Iliphar1
Abelar seemed to have a very weak faith, after all these miracles and divine interventions from his God, he abandoned his faith at the very first difficulty. I was constantly wondering, why Lathander intervened so often in the book. How could Abelar learn to trust in his God, even if it (seemingly) wouldn't pay out - especially since his God does everything for him anyway? Why did he actually lose faith - he knew, that the situation was not lost. His son was still alive, and he even came up with a plan (asking Cale for help). He still had something to hope for.
Well, Lathander intervened only once, in healing the villagers and freeing Abelar to pursue the captors of his son (this is why I'm a bit puzzled at the comment that "his god does everything for him anyway"). But here's the problem with that from Abelar's perspective -- his god took an active hand, which Abelar took to mean that his son would be safe. Else what was the point?
Well, what was the point indeed? Abelar's belief turned out to be exactly wrong. His son was not safe. And the fact that Abelar ultimately saw his son returned to him (but only after his son goes through much suffering) did nothing to mitigate his anger at his god. I don't see Abelar's faith as weak. It simply reached a crisis point when his son was put at risk. He believes that Lathander failed him. Giving him half-a-miracle by saving the village, only to have his son yanked away by enemies, felt like a betrayal.
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Edited by - PaulSKemp on 03 Sep 2007 19:50:10 |
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Iliphar1
Learned Scribe
Austria
133 Posts |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 14:54:57
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thx a lot for your answer, I'm really looking forward in reading the short story!
Rivalen having to pay the price for following his dark deity, that really sounds exiting. Even Rivalen having a crisis of faith sounds even greater (I always disliked the fact, that in the FR Books only follower of good deities experience crisis of their faith)
About the relationship of Abelar and Lathander (and to answer your puzzeling): The Deity did reveal himself twice in a very short time to Abelar (giving him the sign, that his son is alive and where he is was - at least I'd say so - an intervention as well)
That was, why I was wondering, why he couldn't accept the fact, that Cale helped him could maybe have also been Lathanders plan. (Why not include followers of other deities for your own plans? )
While reading the novel I also wondered, if Abelar wouln't be willing to pay the price of letting go his son for the greater good of Lathander. Cale was willing to pay every price for his God (he stated that to the dragon after resurrecting him!)
Your answer has made the point clear! Thx for it!
All in all I would like to say, that I enjoyed your books about Cale very much! Authors like you really did greatly enhance the Forgotten Realms novels! Thanks for your work and thus having such a great time in reading your books!
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'You see dead bones? ... I see an army!' Ezechiel 37 |
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ywhtptgtfo
Seeker
89 Posts |
Posted - 05 Sep 2007 : 06:10:44
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quote:
Well, what was the point indeed? Abelar's belief turned out to be exactly wrong. His son was not safe. And the fact that Abelar ultimately saw his son returned to him (but only after his son goes through much suffering) did nothing to mitigate his anger at his god. I don't see Abelar's faith as weak. It simply reached a crisis point when his son was put at risk. He believes that Lathander failed him. Giving him half-a-miracle by saving the village, only to have his son yanked away by enemies, felt like a betrayal.
I observed three things:
1) Abelar claims to despise his brothers in faith for their dependence on their god to make the world better. Ironically, he himself suffers from this same flaw and throws a fit when it wasn't done immediately and his son took a beating. It's so hard to please a mortal in FR.
2) Gods work in mysterious ways and Abelar's son was still alive (at the moment of his moaning and crying). He has given up on his god too soon.
3) Compared to Rivalen, Abelar appears to be less willing to sacrifice for the cause of his deity. While the former can kill his family to further the goals of Shar, the latter freaks out when Lathander doesn't take an immediate interest in removing his son from danger (as a priest of Lathander, Abelar should know his god did this for a purpose).
Abelar is rather reflective of the attitudes shown by many Christians and Catholics these days. |
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Iliphar1
Learned Scribe
Austria
133 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2007 : 23:02:59
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quote:
Abelar is rather reflective of the attitudes shown by many Christians and Catholics these days.
... and I thought, that Catholics are Christians as well
Your observation seems to be often true, there are some faithful people (I wouldn't attribute that only to Christians though!) who believe, they know, how their God acts, and when things happen, that shouldn't happen according to their own teachings, they angrily reject God.
In that sense, Abelar's crisis of faith might be a way to more closer understanding of his deity (if he returns to his faith of course)
I'm indeed very curious about Abelar's future! It's good to know, that good deities practice Grace and Forgivness  |
'You see dead bones? ... I see an army!' Ezechiel 37 |
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Arkhaedun
Senior Scribe
869 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 02:21:52
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Ahem . . . little friendly reminder time. Nobody has really done anything over the line at this point, but lets avoid discussing any real world religions or politics, as is the standard way we do things here at Candlekeep. Such discussions can easily get heated and go in directions not intended, and hurt feelings not meant to be inflamed.
Thanks all. |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 02:31:07
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I didn't want to jump straight to Abelar, but on the theme of Abelar and his faith, there are a couple of interesting aspects to this. You could argue that a faith never tested really isn't faith. As far as Rivalen's faith, I would say that his biggest test was killing his mother to convert his father. Abelar, if he does return to Lathander, might end up having a stronger faith than ever. And if he doesn't, then he needs to find what will fulfill him in his life.
I do think its kind of interesting that a lot of people in this book do seem to run smack dab into a crisis of faith. Rivalen runs into this when he wonders about his father knowing about his murder of his mother. Elyril runs into it when it comes to the Nightseer turning on her, and in a away, Tamlin's "crisis" of lack of faith, feeling that he should have some faith, kind of falls into this category.
I didn't think I would, and I kind of saw it coming, and yet Tamlin's "moment of choice" really was, even moreso than Abelar's was a point of no return. Abelar may never be a pure servant of Lathander, being able to strike without questioning his motives, but Tamlin actively tore into what he was and sacrificed people to Shar. In a way, its really sad, and I almost hope that his family doesn't have to see him in this manner.
I really liked Rivalen's fight with the dragon. On one hand it reinforced how powerful he was and how much of a force of nature a dragon is at the same time. The scene would have been easy to ruin with Rivalen overpowering the dragon easily, but it would have been equally bad to have seen Rivalen as completely ineffective against it. It struck me as just right.
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 11:12:39
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
I do think its kind of interesting that a lot of people in this book do seem to run smack dab into a crisis of faith. Rivalen runs into this when he wonders about his father knowing about his murder of his mother. Elyril runs into it when it comes to the Nightseer turning on her, and in a away, Tamlin's "crisis" of lack of faith, feeling that he should have some faith, kind of falls into this category.
KeJr,
I do enjoy raising matters of faith with my characters. I hope it works for the readers. This whole matter gets framed by Cale and Riven back in Shadowbred: "What kind of faith never doubts, Riven?" "What kind of faith always doubts, Cale?"
Those are interesting questions, I think. |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 17:35:59
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As far as Abelar and his son's abduction causing him to loose faith, I'd argue that its not just his son's abduction. That was the catalyst. He was already starting to question it a little when he was pondering why the Risen Sun Heretics still got their abilities from Lathander. He got away from wondering about this when duty called, and especially when he was provided with miracles from Lathander to bolster his faith, but all of that came crashing down when his son was taken from him.
I think that the miracles were just a sort of "band aid" to his faith, and that the infection had already started when he realized that Lathander may not be more inclined to agree with the "traditional" Latherderites over the heretics.
Had these events taken place over a longer stretch of time, he may have had no problem reconciling his beleifs to what he had been presented with. Taken all together within a few days of one another, its a lot to assume that any man will be able to deal with.
We don't know that he is forever a man who has lost his faith. He may return yet to Lathander (though he may never have the outlook to be a paladin again) or he may find that his true path is along a different way. But I woulndn't call it a failing on his part that his faith lapsed when tested. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 17:53:49
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
but Tamlin actively tore into what he was and sacrificed people to Shar. In a way, its really sad, and I almost hope that his family doesn't have to see him in this manner.
It is sad, but foreseeable, I think. The essential core of Tamlin's character was/is his need for approval from a powerful, competent father figure. That's why his father's quiet disappointment hurt him so much, and why Cale's sometimes less than quiet contempt for him hurt just as badly (this, incidentally, reflects a failure of Cale's character, too, in that he could have done more to bring Tamlin along than just offer censure). Tamlin's falling under Rivalen's sway (and Rivalen's qualified fondness for him) was more or less inevitable, given the context.
And Rivalen is a persuasive dude, after all (Palpatine's got nothing on him ). |
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ywhtptgtfo
Seeker
89 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 23:29:51
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quote:
He was already starting to question it a little when he was pondering why the Risen Sun Heretics still got their abilities from Lathander. He got away from wondering about this when duty called, and especially when he was provided with miracles from Lathander to bolster his faith, but all of that came crashing down when his son was taken from him.
Interestingly enough, the same issue has been brought up in "Mistress of the Night" (also features Variance and her fellow Sharrans!) where heretics of Selune are also given the same treatment. I guess we'll wait to find out if the rationale behind this is the same or not (although, I kind of have the feeling that those guys may not be heretics at all... due to the rumoured 4th ed pantheon-revamping).
One question for Mr. Kemp btw: Did someone cast a resurrection spell on Rivalen after the events of "Return of the Archwizards" trilogy or did he simply survive the encounter? |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 08 Sep 2007 : 20:08:09
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quote:
Originally posted by ywhtptgtfo
[quote]One question for Mr. Kemp btw: Did someone cast a resurrection spell on Rivalen after the events of "Return of the Archwizards" trilogy or did he simply survive the encounter?
ywhtptgtfo,
That is being left deliberately unanswered at the moment. Sorry about that. |
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Braveheart
Learned Scribe
Austria
159 Posts |
Posted - 09 Sep 2007 : 20:12:15
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A very interesting read and certainly one of the best FR novels (so far ). It was interesting to witness how Abelar continually doubts his faith and finally giving in to his doubts when presented with his son's abduction. His despair was certainly a sweet gift for Shar.
I'm not sure how to interpret Rivens comment after Abelar killed Forrin, but it seems to me that Abelar may turn to Mask, witnessing which great deeds Mask's Chosen can achieve. Quite the same actually as happened with Tamlin and Shar: only wanting to see the bright side of the coin. Continuing this Star-Wars-analogy, would Tamlin then become Darth Vader, the servant of Rivalen who redeems himself in the end?
The battle between Rivalen and the green dragon was fun to read, are we going the see more of the Cult in Shadowrealm? The dragon certainly won't forget the encounter...
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Jarlaxle: "Do keep ever present in your thoughts, my friend, that an illusion can kill you if you believe in it."
Entreri: "And the real thing can kill you whether you believe in it or not." |
Edited by - Braveheart on 09 Sep 2007 20:13:16 |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 10 Sep 2007 : 19:24:35
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Great Work once again Paul.
I loved what you did with Ablar.
He was almost too good. Then they took his son and killed his people.
It was interesting to see what he went through, decide what he needed to do about it, then realize what it could cost him.
Then he just decided that he didn't give a damn what the cost was, he had to do it. Because he couldn't face his son if he didn't.....even if he wasn't sure he could face him after he did!
Great stuff!!! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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ywhtptgtfo
Seeker
89 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 00:53:57
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| Ok, I finally finished the book (I only skimmed through it the first time). I think it is one of the best FR books I've read this year. I hope there will be a cat-fight between Selune and Shar in the third book. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 10:53:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
The battle between Rivalen and the green dragon was fun to read, are we going the see more of the Cult in Shadowrealm? The dragon certainly won't forget the encounter...
Fun is good. As for whether those of the Scaly Way will once more rear their heads, well...you'll have to wait and see.
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 10:54:32
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quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Great Work once again Paul.
I loved what you did with Ablar.
He was almost too good. Then they took his son and killed his people.
It was interesting to see what he went through, decide what he needed to do about it, then realize what it could cost him.
Then he just decided that he didn't give a damn what the cost was, he had to do it. Because he couldn't face his son if he didn't.....even if he wasn't sure he could face him after he did!
Great stuff!!!
I'm really pleased Abelar's story worked for you, Red Walker. I enjoyed writing his whole arc.
Paul |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 20:51:32
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
I'm really pleased Abelar's story worked for you, Red Walker. I enjoyed writing his whole arc.
Paul
It shows in your work. I would think it would be hard to do writing of that quality without really enjoying your characters. |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Braveheart
Learned Scribe
Austria
159 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2007 : 09:12:57
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
The battle between Rivalen and the green dragon was fun to read, are we going the see more of the Cult in Shadowrealm? The dragon certainly won't forget the encounter...
Fun is good. As for whether those of the Scaly Way will once more rear their heads, well...you'll have to wait and see.
 - but it's nearly a year until Shadowrealm is going to be available.. *whine*
I was flipping through "Powers of Faerun" today and noticed that it mentions a conflict between the Risen Sun heresy and the shades. Is this canon (and therefore does it correlate with your storyline?) or is it just some plotline for DM? |
Jarlaxle: "Do keep ever present in your thoughts, my friend, that an illusion can kill you if you believe in it."
Entreri: "And the real thing can kill you whether you believe in it or not." |
Edited by - Braveheart on 12 Sep 2007 09:28:35 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2007 : 14:19:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
[quote]
I was flipping through "Powers of Faerun" today and noticed that it mentions a conflict between the Risen Sun heresy and the shades. Is this canon (and therefore does it correlate with your storyline?) or is it just some plotline for DM?
Braveheart,
Eric Boyd read a draft of Shadowstorm (and Shadowbred, too) well before their respective releases. I'm not entirely sure if the reference you mentioned reflects him incorporating something he read in one of those drafts, or if it's just an instance of the FR hivemind.
There is a reference in either Powers or the 3.5 EQuivalent of Lords of Darkness (why the name escapes me I don't know) which, when discussing the Church of Shar, mentions a mysterious High Priest who was organizing the various Sharran cells in Sembia under his leadership. That was a reference to Rivalen and the events of the coming Twilight War, if I recall correctly. |
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Braveheart
Learned Scribe
Austria
159 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2007 : 08:59:08
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
[quote]
I was flipping through "Powers of Faerun" today and noticed that it mentions a conflict between the Risen Sun heresy and the shades. Is this canon (and therefore does it correlate with your storyline?) or is it just some plotline for DM?
Braveheart,
Eric Boyd read a draft of Shadowstorm (and Shadowbred, too) well before their respective releases. I'm not entirely sure if the reference you mentioned reflects him incorporating something he read in one of those drafts, or if it's just an instance of the FR hivemind.
There is a reference in either Powers or the 3.5 EQuivalent of Lords of Darkness (why the name escapes me I don't know) which, when discussing the Church of Shar, mentions a mysterious High Priest who was organizing the various Sharran cells in Sembia under his leadership. That was a reference to Rivalen and the events of the coming Twilight War, if I recall correctly.
There's a timeline for the Risen Sun heresy (RSH( in "Powers of Faerun" describing events that are taking place in 1374 DR. It mentions that Brennus Tanthul is severely wounded as some clercis of the RSH attack a shade camp near the ruins of Karse. A few months later three princes of Shade attack the RHS in their stronghold and are driven off. The leader of the RHS then performs a "miracle" bei resurrecting most of the fallen.
This probably occurs before Shadowbred and Shadowstorm, I'm not sure which year exactly they are set in. |
Jarlaxle: "Do keep ever present in your thoughts, my friend, that an illusion can kill you if you believe in it."
Entreri: "And the real thing can kill you whether you believe in it or not." |
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Shadowstorm: Chapters 13 - 17
