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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6645 Posts |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Nov 2005 : 00:55:15
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Oooh! Very nice  . Looks like I've got a new desktop background image hehe...  .
And it is so satisfying to see Steven's name again on another FR product.
I'm with Krash... I can't wait for Blackstaff to hit our shores.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 20 Nov 2005 00:56:47 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2005 : 03:39:21
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Eh...I wish it showed more of Khelben's face--a frontal view would have been much more intense and striking.
But nevertheless, I care more about content than the cover, and like many others here I cannot wait for this book. I like the Blackstaff and it's long past time he got his own novel. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5692 Posts |
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Lameth
Learned Scribe
Germany
196 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2005 : 14:03:04
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| Hmmm...Bloodwalk and Blackstaff are both released in July 2006? Is that right? |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5692 Posts |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1707 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2005 : 16:37:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Eh...I wish it showed more of Khelben's face--a frontal view would have been much more intense and striking.
But nevertheless, I care more about content than the cover, and like many others here I cannot wait for this book. I like the Blackstaff and it's long past time he got his own novel.
I agree on all counts, though it does what a cover is supposed to do--draw you in and leave you wanting more (which is why you'd pick up the book). 
The cover was designed and set by WotC, not me, which is fine. If it had been up to me, I'd have suggested a very tight focus shot of just Khelben's face--half of it in extreme closeup to show every ragged scar, worry line, wrinkle, and wound on his face, a very detailed look into at least one eye, and frame the shot on one side with a blackstaff crackling with power to light the scene. Probably too artistic, I know, but if I ever hit it big, I'll be trying to pay Todd Lockwood to paint that for my personal collection.
As for content, I just pray I can live up to peoples' expectations here. Those who've read it are happy with it; I'm still too close to it and want to take it back to fidget with a few chapters. I'm told this is normal behavior for new authors and they should get their noses swatted for this, and believe me, I have. 
Will this book answer all your questions on Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun? Nope, though it answers many and opens up a few new ones.
Will this answer everything you wanted to know about the blackstaff (or blackstaves)? Nope. Just adds more mysteries while closing a few older doors.
Will this reveal all the secrets of Blackstaff Tower? I'm not even sure Laeral knows all the secrets to the tower, so it's unlikely to do so. Besides, the book's about people, not stones.
And I've probably said too much, but that's what happens when the caffeine surge hits while making a short response. |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5692 Posts |
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Lameth
Learned Scribe
Germany
196 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2005 : 16:53:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by Lameth
Hmmm...Bloodwalk and Blackstaff are both released in July 2006? Is that right?
Well met
I would very much doubt it. I believe Bloodwalk was originally listed for November 2006.
I thought that too. I think Randomhouse made a mistake. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2005 : 16:53:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Will this book answer all your questions on Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun? Nope, though it answers many and opens up a few new ones.
Will this answer everything you wanted to know about the blackstaff (or blackstaves)? Nope. Just adds more mysteries while closing a few older doors.
Will this reveal all the secrets of Blackstaff Tower? I'm not even sure Laeral knows all the secrets to the tower, so it's unlikely to do so. Besides, the book's about people, not stones.
Actually Steven, I wouldn't have it any other way.
For me, part of Khelben's charm as a character in the Realms is that he, and those closest to him -- by extention Laeral, the Moonstars etc. -- are still largely unknown elements in FR. The unfolding mystery that surrounds them, especially Khelben, is what is important for me when I read about them/him.
I'm glad your book keeps to that trend. I'm already putting my gold pieces aside in anticipation for it  .
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2005 : 18:31:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
I agree on all counts, though it does what a cover is supposed to do--draw you in and leave you wanting more (which is why you'd pick up the book).
The cover was designed and set by WotC, not me, which is fine. If it had been up to me, I'd have suggested a very tight focus shot of just Khelben's face--half of it in extreme closeup to show every ragged scar, worry line, wrinkle, and wound on his face, a very detailed look into at least one eye, and frame the shot on one side with a blackstaff crackling with power to light the scene. Probably too artistic, I know, but if I ever hit it big, I'll be trying to pay Todd Lockwood to paint that for my personal collection.
Too artistic? Nah, that's exactly what I would have liked. When I see a picture of Khelben, I want to be stared down by his intense, time-worn face. That's why I love that Fireplace level picture in the Waterdeep Sourcebook more than I like the one in the FRCS (the cover of Realms of Magic is great, too!).
quote:
As for content, I just pray I can live up to peoples' expectations here. Those who've read it are happy with it; I'm still too close to it and want to take it back to fidget with a few chapters. I'm told this is normal behavior for new authors and they should get their noses swatted for this, and believe me, I have.
Will this book answer all your questions on Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun? Nope, though it answers many and opens up a few new ones.
Will this answer everything you wanted to know about the blackstaff (or blackstaves)? Nope. Just adds more mysteries while closing a few older doors.
Will this reveal all the secrets of Blackstaff Tower? I'm not even sure Laeral knows all the secrets to the tower, so it's unlikely to do so. Besides, the book's about people, not stones.
I'm with the Sage--I'm happy that you are going to keep a large part of Khelben a mystery. What I am most looking forward to is seeing how he interacts with people (that's one of the most important things about any character). |
"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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
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Wandering_mage
Senior Scribe
688 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2006 : 19:28:46
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After reading the sample chapter I can wait no longer!!!!!! Blackstaff is going to be the book to own by any one who values a great story about one cool dude. Go Khelben! Huzzah!!!!! Steve I can't wait to read this book in its entirety.
Special thanks to Wooly for updating every one. |
Illum
The Wandering Mage |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 01:27:19
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
And we now have a sample chapter of Blackstaff.
I don't know about anyone else... but I know I'm not going to read the sample chapter.
I'm just too excited about Steven's work to want to ruin even a small part of reading the book before it's released.
Funny you should say that, I started to open the zip file and then went, "Nah, I can wait till July!" |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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Swordsage
Learned Scribe
149 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 01:35:59
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It's seems to be a prologue and doesn't give you any information on the actual story. It's an event in Khelben's life when he was nameless.
The Swordsage |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 01:52:56
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I just got done reading it... It's one of few times, if not the only time, that I've read the sample chapter of a novel before it was released. And damn, does it make me more stoked about reading the novel!  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 05 Jun 2006 01:55:31 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 01:54:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Swordsage
It's seems to be a prologue and doesn't give you any information on the actual story. It's an event in Khelben's life when he was nameless.
The Swordsage
But it is a major event...
Considering that the only local bookstore is a B&N, and they never get stuff in as quickly as everyone else, I may have to order this one thru Amazon... |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Wandering_mage
Senior Scribe
688 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 19:22:23
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| I'm with ya on that Wooly! |
Illum
The Wandering Mage |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1707 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 22:50:30
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
And we now have a sample chapter of Blackstaff.
I don't know about anyone else... but I know I'm not going to read the sample chapter.
I'm just too excited about Steven's work to want to ruin even a small part of reading the book before it's released.
Oh, c'mon Sage.... you know you want to.... 
Seriously--I'm very glad they used the prologue as it sets the tone for the novel and is a seminal event in the life of he who is called Khelben the Blackstaff. That said, it doesn't spoil anything about the rest of the book...just gives you a taste of what's to come and the sorts of things he's been up to but never mentioned.....
SES |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2006 : 00:54:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Oh, c'mon Sage.... you know you want to....
That's just it... I do want... very, very much! 
And I nearly downloaded it last night. Nearly. But I want Blackstaff to be enjoyed in its entirety... and that means waiting until July.
quote:
Seriously--I'm very glad they used the prologue as it sets the tone for the novel and is a seminal event in the life of he who is called Khelben the Blackstaff. That said, it doesn't spoil anything about the rest of the book...just gives you a taste of what's to come and the sorts of things he's been up to but never mentioned.....
You're really not making my decision any easier for me, you know?
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Archwizard
Learned Scribe
USA
266 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2006 : 02:39:29
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Wow, the prologue has a wicked hook, not what I expected right off the bat at all. Khelban is such a powerful, important, and interesting character for Faerun. I am glad he is getting his own book, with more to come, hopefully, if this is the sort of storytelling we can expect.
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
If it had been up to me, I'd have suggested a very tight focus shot of just Khelben's face--half of it in extreme closeup to show every ragged scar, worry line, wrinkle, and wound on his face, a very detailed look into at least one eye, and frame the shot on one side with a blackstaff crackling with power to light the scene. Probably too artistic, I know, but if I ever hit it big, I'll be trying to pay Todd Lockwood to paint that for my personal collection.
If you do, which I hope you will, and you keep the original for yourself, could you maybe, perhaps have Todd Lockwood offer prints of that piece for us poor peasants. |
Edited by - Archwizard on 06 Jun 2006 02:40:28 |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5692 Posts |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jun 2006 : 01:35:21
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Oh, dearest Alaundo, you will . . . you will.
Ed assures me this book is going to rock Realms fans, in more ways than one.
I do believe our diligent scribes will have LOTS to say about it.
(No one say warning wasn't given, all right?)
Heh-heh.
love,
THO |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jun 2006 : 03:49:24
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| I'll be there. I have been waiting for this one. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jun 2006 : 04:06:31
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Oh, dearest Alaundo, you will . . . you will.
Ed assures me this book is going to rock Realms fans, in more ways than one.
I do believe our diligent scribes will have LOTS to say about it.
(No one say warning wasn't given, all right?)
Heh-heh.
love,
THO
Oh, my Lady... you DO know where to tickle my intellectual fancies, indeed .
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jun 2006 : 07:58:15
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quote:
Originaly posted by The Hooded One
Oh, dearest Alaundo, you will . . . you will.
Ed assures me this book is going to rock Realms fans, in more ways than one.
I do believe our diligent scribes will have LOTS to say about it.
(No one say warning wasn't given, all right?)
Heh-heh.
love,
Ok now I'm starting to get a little scared as well as exited. Then again, I've waited for years to see more of Stevens realmslore, so this book is definitely at the top of my list for this years publications. |
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Reefy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
892 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jun 2006 : 02:09:35
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| Still looking forward to this one greatly. |
Life is either daring adventure or nothing. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2006 : 04:10:23
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Yes indeed, this book is on my must-read list.
I love the Blackstaff, and find him rather sexy. |
"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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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2006 : 10:29:18
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As far as I have researched "Blackstaff" (realease in a few days. Countdown is ticking...) is the first book in a 4-book-series titled "the wizards" (as WotC did a series about fighters, priests, rouges, cities, lost empires). All not connected stories about diffent wizard in the realms, I guess.
other books:
Bloodwalk by James Davis (release july 2006)
Why do they publish two books of one series in the same month, I wonder?
(sample chapter here: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/frnovel/955467400)
Darkvision by Bruce Cordell (release sept. 2006)
Frostfell by Mark Sehestedt (release dec. 2006)
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"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2006 : 13:12:44
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| Yeah...we've pretty much known that for about six months or so now. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Blackstaff (Contains Spoilers)
