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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 11:31:55
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
No, they’re two different people, and you’re quite correct to think I named them thus to give my players more than a moment of “Hmmm” and sending their characters to do a little more delving. Makes it all seem more real, I find.
(Oh, BTW: one of the things they discovered is that the schemer has pretended to be the hut-dweller, more than once. Why this deception, they’re not quite sure. Yet.)
Good Lady, my thanks to Ed once again. Nice piece of Realmslore tidied up and filed away for future reference . I just love the fact that Neiroon's Hut made it into the FR Atlas and has never popped up again (AFAIK) in any Realmslore published article. One more question to Ed, how close are the the maps in the FR atlas to his own original drawings? Was there much 'poetic licence' involved in redrawing the Heartlands/Inner Sea areas etc to 'better fit' the published Realms? (I am discounting the Moonshaes and Vaasa/Damara as I know they were added/changed for the published Realms).
As an addedum to ED's answer:
THO can I ask how you as players kept up with all the intrigues/plots/names etc, just from memory or did one or more of you keep copious notes? I know that Ian Hunter was known as the 'First Lorelord of the Realms', did the players rely on one member to remember/write up or was it a group effort?
Thanks
Damian |
So saith Ed. I've never said he was sane, have I?
Gods, all this writing and he's running a constant fantasy version of Coronation Street in his head, too. .
shudder,
love to all,
THO
Candlekeep Forum 7 May 2005 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 16:08:48
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Hi again, all.
Damian, I can answer your maps question: Karen Wynn Fonstad (RIP) had Ed's original and very detailed maps to work with (the man could make a living as a professional cartographer; his maps are that good) to work with, so the overall maps (as opposed to the locale maps she "built" from novels written by others) are VERY close to Ed's originals. The difference is more a matter of "projection," in map parlance, than any shifting of things around (except for, as you say, the Bloodstone Lands glacier rollback shift).
As for our playing habits: we all use clipboards and make notes. Brief, occasional notes, because we all value the roleplaying (acting) over mentally "stepping out of the game" to keep records. All of us recall things from memory (more realistic, yes? In the middle of a dungeon, our characters would have to rely on their memories and perhaps a hand-drawn map, and not a failing cabinet full of notes, after all), but Andrew Dewar and Ian Hunter were the best at actually putting names, times, and other specifics onto everyone else's "We've seen this guy before, I KNOW we have" recollections. For fun, Ed wrote several trivia quizzes (to make up a hypothetical question: "You were once told who owned Tharn's Keep before the Baron. Three owners, in fact. Who was the second one, who followed the builder and first owner, and how did he gain control of the Keep? How did he lose it?") for we players to have fun with. Ian "won" all of those, hence his Lorelord title.
So saith me. 
love,
THO |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 22 Jan 2008 16:20:34 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 16:15:29
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A postscript to the above: my hypothetical question was labelled as such because it wasn't part of any of those quizzes; I drafted it to illustrate the style and depth of Ed's quiz questions.
Tharn's Keep is, however, a real place (as far as any location in the wholly imaginary Realms can be said to be real, of course). It's a tiny "protect a sheep-ranching valley" keep in the foothills of the mountains that form the northern border of Amn. One of dozens of such keeps.
love,
THO |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1707 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 17:59:20
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
A postscript to the above: my hypothetical question was labelled as such because it wasn't part of any of those quizzes; I drafted it to illustrate the style and depth of Ed's quiz questions.
Tharn's Keep is, however, a real place (as far as any location in the wholly imaginary Realms can be said to be real, of course). It's a tiny "protect a sheep-ranching valley" keep in the foothills of the mountains that form the northern border of Amn. One of dozens of such keeps.
love,
THO
Darn. If I'd known that when I was writing Lands of Intrigue, it would have been in there. Then again, I don't recall looking terrifically closely at the mountains north of Amn in much detail. Dropped a Doctor Strange homage into the Umar Hills to the south, but still..... 
Steven
who was so busy getting minutiae from other readers he may have forgotten to ask Ed for any further details on Amn and Tethyr that weren't in print.... |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3563 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 18:48:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
A postscript to the above: my hypothetical question was labelled as such because it wasn't part of any of those quizzes; I drafted it to illustrate the style and depth of Ed's quiz questions.
Tharn's Keep is, however, a real place (as far as any location in the wholly imaginary Realms can be said to be real, of course). It's a tiny "protect a sheep-ranching valley" keep in the foothills of the mountains that form the northern border of Amn. One of dozens of such keeps.
love,
THO
Darn. If I'd known that when I was writing Lands of Intrigue, it would have been in there. Then again, I don't recall looking terrifically closely at the mountains north of Amn in much detail. Dropped a Doctor Strange homage into the Umar Hills to the south, but still.....
Steven
who was so busy getting minutiae from other readers he may have forgotten to ask Ed for any further details on Amn and Tethyr that weren't in print....
Steven,
W.W.E.D.
What would Ed do? 
When in doubt Ask "The Master" as THO calls him! |
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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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 21:28:15
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Tharn's Keep is, however, a real place....
love,
THO
Thank you once again for the answer and the new Lore
Glad to see that SES can be suprised by these as well as the rest of us!
Of course, it would be great to have Steven back on board for 4E, revisiting the spellplagued wracked Lands of Intrigue (esp Tethyr) or indeed anywhere else in Faerun.
Best wishes
Damian |
So saith Ed. I've never said he was sane, have I?
Gods, all this writing and he's running a constant fantasy version of Coronation Street in his head, too. .
shudder,
love to all,
THO
Candlekeep Forum 7 May 2005 |
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Zandilar
Learned Scribe
Australia
313 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 21:49:08
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Heya,
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
For Zandilar: FR7 Hall of Heroes, p.111.
Thanks! It's fascinating to see the differences between what is written in the old source material, and the backgrounds as presented in the Knight of Myth Drannor series thus far.
(I'm sad about Pennae, but that's just the life of an adventurer for you.  ) |
Zandilar
~amor vincit omnia~
~audaces fortuna iuvat~
As the spell ends, you look up into the sky to see the sun blazing overhead like noon in a desert. Then something else in the sky catches your attention. Turning your gaze, you see a tawny furred kitten bounding across the sky towards the new sun. Her eyes glint a mischevious green as she pounces on it as if it were nothing but a colossal ball of golden yarn. With quick strokes of her paws, it is batted across the sky, back and forth. Then with a wink the kitten and the sun disappear, leaving the citizens of Elversult gazing up with amazed expressions that quickly turn into chortles and mirth.
The Sunlord left Elversult the same day in humilitation, and was never heard from again. |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 02:30:05
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Hello again, all.
Red Walker, Steven is perhaps the staff designer most practiced in and suited for knowing or asking What Would Ed Do: of them all, he's the only one (I believe) to have visited Ed's home (and cottage, where the nudity is contagious ) , and stayed over to plan Realmslore and novels. Three times, I believe!
In other news, I just received this, from Ed:
I'm rushing to plow snow right now (bad winter storm), and don't have time for a proper reply to Zandilar, yet, but I'd just like to pass on this much, for now:
I would LOVE to read your Myrmeen Lhal writing, even if unfinished.
And re. this:
Zandilar quote:
"The novel, by the way, is by no means pornographic. There's about as much romance as you'd find in a fantasy novel series, and the sexualities of these characters come up because they have partners. This is why I'm always confused when people (as you have in your post) say things like this:
Ed quote:
As I said recently, in an interview in Wolf’s excellent KOBOLD QUARTERLY, we should by and large delve into the sexuality of characters only as it relates to plot, and as we’re not publishing porn, that means a lot of ignoring or glossing over sexuality: it’s not directly germane to the tales we’re telling.
Character A and Character B are involved with each other. The outward signs you see in the story are the fact that sometimes they exchange a kiss, or they might hold hands, or they may even refer to the other with an affectionate nick name. That's what I mean by showing a character's sexuality. You don't need to get into blow by blow sex scenes to show a character's sexuality. If A and B were opposite sex partners, the kinds of things I've mentioned wouldn't even attract a raised eyebrow! But if A and B are the same sex, then all bets are off! A and B holding hands as they walk down the street may as well be as "dirty" as a full on pornographic description of them in bed together! This hand holding and kissing could even be incidental to the story, just something that occurs naturally in the scene - a way of giving extra depth to the characters. If A were in the novel on their own, and was queer, then we'd have no way to know what their sexuality is... But not every character in every novel need be single!"
Full agreement with you here, and of course that's the extent of how I usually show sexual behaviour in my Realms books. When I said "should" in the bit you quoted, I meant WITHIN THE GUIDELINES AND CONTEXT OF WOTC-PUBLISHED REALMS BOOKS (which are aimed at a hypothetical 12-year-old American male; whether they should be or not is quite another matter), not as writers of fantasy fiction in general. In short: when writing FR books under the current editorial direction, we're here to write fantasy adventure, not porn and not dwelling on romantic elements. Or as one editor once put it to me: "Ed, cut the kissing and all the TALKING. Geez, it's been 8 pages and nobody's been killed yet! Draw those swords and carve up some monsters!"
Now, that doesn't mean anyone follows that overall guideline that narrowly. Obviously, we DO delve into romance and (gingerly, fleetingly) into sex, and the books get published. Sex and lust and longing and jealousy are basic human motivators (and, in the fantasy world, motivators for intelligent characters of other races, too), and we all use them. It's just that so as not to borrow trouble (from editors as well as readers), we don't go out of our way to including anything sexual (including the little touches you mention) unless those touches have a story purpose (to show a loving relationship, or trust, or a tender side of an otherwise Rambo-like or stoic character). My "we" was FR writers, and the "should" was to deliver what is asked of us, as writers for hire.
As for your own writing, outside the Realms, "you go, girl." If it fits YOUR story, do it. Include it. Push those horizons.
In North America there's an odd double standard: people who "misbehave" with outrageous behaviour and writing and art get roundly condemned, and banned in places
- - but they also (Paris Hilton, anyone? Britney? Michael Jackson?) get all the attention.
Hmm. Perhaps if I wore skirts and no underwear . . .
Nah. Wipe THAT mental image. :}
So saith Ed. Whee! 
love to all,
THO
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3286 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 05:39:44
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| -I have a question for Ed. When and where did the God Mask first show up in the Realms? Was he apart of the old Netherese Pantheon? Or something else. Thanks! |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 06:32:55
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It's not official, but I do recall Brian once speculated on the intriguing possibility of Mask being an Imaskari deity before that civilization abandoned its gods.
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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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gomez
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
254 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 11:11:32
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quote:
It may be odd but I'm interested in the Realm's gay characters. I wanted to know more about Llirra's brief girlfriend too!
I am interested in it too. I like to add relationships (of any variety) in scenarios to add motivation, or, on occasion, political intrigue. I noticed though that people get upset as soon as you use same-gender relationships.
In one scenario, I established a love relationship between a baroness and her female advisor. The relationships was there to explain why the advisor (a suspected member of a opposing faction) was still in place. The fact that both were women however made people uncomfortable (esp as I didn't bother to imply - the local bard simply stated it).
I am happy to see that, in the Realms, it is not aberrant as it occasionally seems to be in our own world. I do, however, miss the males in the list of exposed same-gendered lovers, and it would be nice to hear about a few role models (though possibly most will be gone by 4th ed...).
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Zandilar
Learned Scribe
Australia
313 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 11:43:21
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Heya,
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
I'm rushing to plow snow right now (bad winter storm), and don't have time for a proper reply to Zandilar, yet, but I'd just like to pass on this much, for now:
I would LOVE to read your Myrmeen Lhal writing, even if unfinished.
Umm... Well, sure.  I'd be honoured. I could post it up on my live journal - Goddess Musing (actually I'm planning to put it up there at some point), or I can arrange to send it directly (via THO? In e-mail anyway, in which ever format you wanted it in, RTF, Doc (given a PC using an older version of Word), and I think I can even manage PDF)... Which ever is easiest.
quote:
Full agreement with you here, and of course that's the extent of how I usually show sexual behaviour in my Realms books. When I said "should" in the bit you quoted, I meant WITHIN THE GUIDELINES AND CONTEXT OF WOTC-PUBLISHED REALMS BOOKS (which are aimed at a hypothetical 12-year-old American male; whether they should be or not is quite another matter), not as writers of fantasy fiction in general. In short: when writing FR books under the current editorial direction, we're here to write fantasy adventure, not porn and not dwelling on romantic elements. Or as one editor once put it to me: "Ed, cut the kissing and all the TALKING. Geez, it's been 8 pages and nobody's been killed yet! Draw those swords and carve up some monsters!"
Now, that doesn't mean anyone follows that overall guideline that narrowly. Obviously, we DO delve into romance and (gingerly, fleetingly) into sex, and the books get published. Sex and lust and longing and jealousy are basic human motivators (and, in the fantasy world, motivators for intelligent characters of other races, too), and we all use them. It's just that so as not to borrow trouble (from editors as well as readers), we don't go out of our way to including anything sexual (including the little touches you mention) unless those touches have a story purpose (to show a loving relationship, or trust, or a tender side of an otherwise Rambo-like or stoic character). My "we" was FR writers, and the "should" was to deliver what is asked of us, as writers for hire.
I wonder, though... have they raised the age they're aiming things at? I mean, I can easily see some parents objecting to what was in Swords of Dragonfire, especially for their 12 year old... And I'm not referring to X's kisses, but to other scenes - like the one where two characters are, ahem, in the middle of sex and being rather enthusiastic about it. I suppose the fact that it was also a humorous scene might soften how people think about it, but it was pretty much right there and out in the open, so to speak.
quote:
As for your own writing, outside the Realms, "you go, girl." If it fits YOUR story, do it. Include it. Push those horizons.
Wow. Thanks. That means a lot to me.
quote:
In North America there's an odd double standard: people who "misbehave" with outrageous behaviour and writing and art get roundly condemned, and banned in places
- - but they also (Paris Hilton, anyone? Britney? Michael Jackson?) get all the attention.
Sometimes I wonder if it's the stars/celebrities or the paparazzi who are to blame. But that's all I'm going to say - I just caught myself going off into a tangent that has nothing to do with... well... the Realms.
The press is in its infancy in the Realms, I guess, so they wouldn't have encountered such things as super stars or paparazzi yet. Or have they?
quote:
Hmm. Perhaps if I wore skirts and no underwear . . .
Nah. Wipe THAT mental image. :}
Yeah, that might be a good idea... *finds some peroxide to wash out her eyes* |
Zandilar
~amor vincit omnia~
~audaces fortuna iuvat~
As the spell ends, you look up into the sky to see the sun blazing overhead like noon in a desert. Then something else in the sky catches your attention. Turning your gaze, you see a tawny furred kitten bounding across the sky towards the new sun. Her eyes glint a mischevious green as she pounces on it as if it were nothing but a colossal ball of golden yarn. With quick strokes of her paws, it is batted across the sky, back and forth. Then with a wink the kitten and the sun disappear, leaving the citizens of Elversult gazing up with amazed expressions that quickly turn into chortles and mirth.
The Sunlord left Elversult the same day in humilitation, and was never heard from again. |
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gomez
Learned Scribe
Netherlands
254 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 11:56:58
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A question on a total different matter:
Is Ed (or the lovely lady herself) considering playing in the upcoming Living Forgotten Realms campaign?
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3563 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 13:09:04
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Hello again, all.
Red Walker, Steven is perhaps the staff designer most practiced in and suited for knowing or asking What Would Ed Do: of them all, he's the only one (I believe) to have visited Ed's home (and cottage, where the nudity is contagious ) , and stayed over to plan Realmslore and novels. Three times, I believe!....
So saith Ed. Whee!
love to all,
THO
I know well Steven pedigree, twas just a little heckling from the peanut gallery.
No slight was intended as Steven is right after Ed on my list of who I would second guess as Realms writer/source!
Although I doubt many of us knew he has stayed at Ed's for three "clothing optional" sessions |
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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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 14:35:57
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Or as one editor once put it to me: "Ed, cut the kissing and all the TALKING. Geez, it's been 8 pages and nobody's been killed yet! Draw those swords and carve up some monsters!"
I find that sad and annoying, because I'm the type of reader who finds "all the talking" to be more interesting, usually, than the killing. |
"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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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3286 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 14:42:50
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
It's not official, but I do recall Brian once speculated on the intriguing possibility of Mask being an Imaskari deity before that civilization abandoned its gods.
-Thanks Sage!!! Is there any other info on this mysterious God out there?
BRIMSTONE |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 15:48:06
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Hello, all.
Zandilar, re. this: "It's fascinating to see the differences between what is written in the old source material, and the backgrounds as presented in the Knight of Myth Drannor series thus far."
Yes. The FR7 entries were written by an freelancer (John Nephew) using Ed's extensive notes, and have a few wrong assumptions (where John was extrapolating across "gaps" in those notes) and dating errors. More importantly, they leave a lot out because the source notes did. (Imaginary example: two countries go to war over a border, there's much bloodshed and destruction, and history books a century later describe what happened as "a small disagreement over territorial boundaries.") One of the reasons Ed wrote the trilogy was to "properly bring to life" the CHARACTERS of the Knights.
Not, I should add, an accurate blow-by-blow account of our play sessions. That would be impossible unless Wizards was willing to let Ed publish (and Ed had time to write) about a hundred full-sized hardcovers. If you think George R.R. Martin's Westara saga is complex, you've only just started to appreciate what it's like to play in Ed's campaign; it's ALL interwoven subplots, wherein we chose our own paths, not the simple linear plot of even an Ed novel (and I know many readers find Ed novels confusing, with many characters and a narrative that jumps around between them).
In short, "our" Realms was very much like real life.
love,
THO |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 23 Jan 2008 19:15:51 |
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GoCeraf
Learned Scribe
147 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 00:00:05
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Contagious nudity...
That's a question for another day.
Until then, I've got another query to add to Mr. Greenwood's already expansive queue.
What sorts of things have you got going on in the background while you pen up lore and narrative? Do you listen to music, or have a radio newscast playing, or anything of that nature?
Wishing you are well, Wolfie. |
Being sarcastic can be more telling than simply telling. |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 02:39:11
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Hi again, fellow scribes. Dearest Wooly Rupert posted this, in response to a comment made by Zandilar: “Tanalasta wasn't sidestepped in the transition... She was already dead, long before the Sellplague. And while I wonder why Alusair was no longer ruling when he turned 13, we don't know why she wasn't. She did rule for 13 years, after all... Maybe she stepped aside; she certainly seems like the type that would be itching to get her backside out of the throne and into a saddle.”
That evoked a response from Ed, and here it is:
Alusair was indeed itching to get her backside out of the throne and into a saddle; VERY well put. One of the reasons I wrote “The Long Road Home” tale (that appeared at the end of THE BEST OF THE REALMS, VOLUME 2 etc. etc.) was to show that while she made a very good Steel Regent, she was restless and chafing in the role almost from the outset.
However, I cannot comment directly on the length or details of Alusair’s regency, or say much of anything about the royal ascension that followed, due to a current NDA. Read into that, of course, what you will (and I know you all will :} ).
So saith Ed. Yes, reading away enthusiastically here!
love,
THO
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 03:01:37
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
However, I cannot comment directly on the length or details of Alusair’s regency, or say much of anything about the royal ascension that followed, due to a current NDA. Read into that, of course, what you will (and I know you all will :} ).
What's a royal ascension? 
Whatever happens to Azoun V and his son, I hope you'll have old aunt Alusair riding on the outskirts of Cormyr, forever and ever, as some sort of epic, always vigorous, female warrior of legend! Hey, the true heroes are the one giving up the trappings of mortals (read: a crown) in favor of say, demigodhood... |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 03:12:53
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Hello again, everyone. I just received this message from Ed:
Zandilar, whatever you prefer. I have found your livejournal on my surfing, and can readily read it there if you’d like, or we can use the long-suffering Ham’s e-mail route, via THO. If you’re not quite ready to let my eyeballs roll over it, that’s okay. No worries; let it be at your convenience, please, so you don’t feel any pressure to rush and “get it ready” or feel you’re plunging into some sort of royal command performance. Whenever, really.
And to GoCeraf:
When I actually write Realmslore or fiction, I now prefer quiet.
Various radios (tuned to CBC 1 or 2) are on almost all the time in various rooms of the house, so my wife misses nothing as she moves around the house working, cooking, puttering, etc. We both listen to a very eclectic variety of music (though Jen prefers opera, early British jazz and skiffle a lot more than I do; she was briefly secretary of the British Jazz Federation decades ago, in the heydays of Mick Mulligan, et al, whereas I like prog rock [Genesis, ELO, Pink Floyd, Bowie] a LOT more than she does, and harder or more modern rock much, much more than she does (example: I will listen to an Arcade Fire song to hear where it goes and what they’ll do, where she will lunge to turn off “that noise”).
Late, late at night we tend to read to harp music or Gregorian chants. When sorting or bill paying or cleaning, I like to listen to Loreena McKennitt, Blackmore’s Night, and other medieval-pop, or Bonzo Dog Band or Jethro Tull or the McGarrigle Sisters or Steeleye Span or even Enya or various classical pieces (Pictures At An Exhibition, etc.)
However, when writing, I now find that I dare not listen to much of anything (in the old days, I just tried to find instrumentals so I didn’t stop writing and start listening to the lyrics), because if the music is sad, or triumphant, or melancholy, or exciting, I find my writing is hollow because my mind starts to think those emotions are pouring out onto the page . . . but when the music’s off and I read over those pages, afterwards, the feeling isn’t there and the prose feels empty.
So, no music for this writer whilst actually writing.
When I’m drawing or mapping, however, I prefer music. And I really meant it when I said “eclectic.” Today, for instance, I listened to cuts from Feist, Barenaked Ladies, the Shakespeare In Love movie soundtrack, the Kipper Family, the Doctor Who Series One and Two Soundtrack (latest BBC TV incarnation, that is), Cirque Du Soleil, Tom Waits, Paul Robeson, Garrison Keillor, Bellowhead, The Baltimore Consort, Stanley Holloway, Spamalot, Jorane, Sarah Harmer, the Lord of the Rings Return of the King movie soundtrack (anyone know if the symphony that Howard Shore condensed out of all of his soundtracks has been released on CD yet?), the Joel Plaskett Emergency, and Anonymous 4.
And while I stood in line in the bank, I heard the Brewer & Shipley song One Toke Over The Line and quite a bit of Ravel’s Bolero, too. :}
So saith Ed. Hmm, quite the audio journey, there. What Ed failed to mention is how often he sings around the house (and sings very well, too!). G & S, mostly, these days.
love to all,
THO
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createvmind
Senior Scribe
490 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 03:15:44
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Hello All,
Ed I was rereading 'Blackstaff' and I noticed that Khelben saves Lareal's life before she is aware she has spellfire, that made me recall a story where Elminster is babysitting them as young lasses and they battle a shadow weave user in some wild magic ruin or such, I thought they used spellfire then. Did Mystra alter her memory after that fight as a teen or am I not recalling correctly? |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 03:16:50
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Purple Dragon Knight, I believe in this case Ed is trying to say that he can't say anything about Alusair's regency or how it ended, using the phrase "royal ascension" to coyly mention "who ascended the throne next" without actually saying anything about that "who" or the circumstances.
As for your vision of Alusair endlessly riding the realm: NDA. Oh, boy, NDA. Ed has thought along such lines more than once already. 
love,
THO |
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GoCeraf
Learned Scribe
147 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 03:31:19
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Wow, that's quite the plethora of tastes. Due to my unfortunately frail grasp of names, most of those artists are a bit lost on me (though I did pick up on the meaning of "eclectic" in your reply).
That being said, I recognized some here an there. If you haven't heard it, Loreena McKennitt performed a musical version of The Lady of Shalott (I think I MAY have just butchered the spelling there) that's really nice, though every bit as sad as the original poem. It makes me grin that Spamalot made it on your list, 'cause I saw it on Broadway in December of '06. Should your schedule ever allow it, I'd suggest heading south for a little while to check it out
You kind of got a preemptive strike on what my next question was leaning toward (your taste in music, which you colorfully detailed), so I guess I'll move on down the list
I'd imagine that, as an author, you've probably written a lot of narrative that you've never gotten published (and never intended to). That's just a guess, but if it's true, what sorts of thing do you write about when it's just for your own enjoyment?
Oh, and thanks for the forward, THO, as always.
All the Best, Wolfie |
Being sarcastic can be more telling than simply telling. |
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Zandilar
Learned Scribe
Australia
313 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 03:32:36
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Heya,
quote:
Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight
Whatever happens to Azoun V and his son, I hope you'll have old aunt Alusair riding on the outskirts of Cormyr, forever and ever, as some sort of epic, always vigorous, female warrior of legend! Hey, the true heroes are the one giving up the trappings of mortals (read: a crown) in favor of say, demigodhood...
Yeah, demigoddess of dereliction of duty! Just kidding! I'd have rather seen her rule until Azoun V was a realistic age - like 16 or 18. 13 is too young, IMHO. Just asking for trouble... I can't see the nobles being too happy about it, especially given how quickly he starts throwing his weight around after that.
(Personal anecdote, ignore if you like...) Something similar to that idea (a princess who preferred adventuring and fighting to ruling, ending up becoming a demigoddess (of adventurers and adventuring)) happened in one of my homebrews in the mid 90s... But I'll leave it there as it really has no relevance beyond the initial observation...
Anyway, I wouldn't be looking towards Alusair becoming a demigoddess any time soon (no matter how much the idea appeals!). They're simplifying the gods list, demoting some, merging a few, and killing others - most of the lesser powers and demigods look as if they are being demoted to saint/legendary hero status - losing their churches and worshipers into the bargain (they'll be attached to other more powerful deity's churches, and those more powerful deities will be the one accepting the worship and granting spells). So I don't think they're really considering any new deities. |
Zandilar
~amor vincit omnia~
~audaces fortuna iuvat~
As the spell ends, you look up into the sky to see the sun blazing overhead like noon in a desert. Then something else in the sky catches your attention. Turning your gaze, you see a tawny furred kitten bounding across the sky towards the new sun. Her eyes glint a mischevious green as she pounces on it as if it were nothing but a colossal ball of golden yarn. With quick strokes of her paws, it is batted across the sky, back and forth. Then with a wink the kitten and the sun disappear, leaving the citizens of Elversult gazing up with amazed expressions that quickly turn into chortles and mirth.
The Sunlord left Elversult the same day in humilitation, and was never heard from again. |
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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1419 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 04:01:56
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Okay, this is a general question for 4E.
But are you going to be drawing up whole new reams of Realmslore or is it really too divorced now from Ye Old Setting?
Just curious. |
My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
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Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1796 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 04:03:18
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Ah, but this old knight can dream, Zandilar! this old knight can dream... [thinking about a distant sunset over the Stonelands as I write this; a galloping horse at the edge of the horizon; a female rider, her riding stance perfect, sparing her old stallion... credits rolling, Pink Floyd starting "Hello! hello, hello... is there anybody out there? [...]"]
Ed, if I ever win 30 million dollars, can you promise you'd accept that I fund a kickass Realms movie, with no sparing money on the soundtrack? (of course, you'd share 50/50 of the soundtrack revenues with me, of course... young knights in training must eat! )
--yes, referring to my wife and I's soon-to-arrive young knight (or princess, we don't know and don't want to know!) in training, due at the end of March! (aside from "sleep now while you can", anyone else can offer advice? ) |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 04:04:37
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Zandilar, I agree. I doubt the ranks of the godly are going up much, these days. Down, yes.
createvmind, re. this: "Hello All, Ed I was rereading 'Blackstaff' and I noticed that Khelben saves Lareal's life before she is aware she has spellfire, that made me recall a story where Elminster is babysitting them as young lasses and they battle a shadow weave user in some wild magic ruin or such, I thought they used spellfire then. Did Mystra alter her memory after that fight as a teen or am I not recalling correctly?"
I can answer this one myself. The story you refer to, "Dark Talons Forbear Thee," appeared (for the first and thus far only time) in THE BEST OF THE REALMS Volume II: The Stories of Ed Greenwood. I'm going to avoid spoilers as much as I can, but suffice it to say that Laeral used "magefire" (Ed's word) poured through her by Mystra BECAUSE SHE WAS STANDING IN "THE PLACE" (a power node) and could tap the Weave directly. She didn't know how to do it; Mystra "did it for her." So she was using the raw energy of the Weave (like spellfire), but just as "the silver fire" is just a tad different from spellfire though they're both ways of harnessing and unleashing similar raw energy flows from the Weave, this "magefire" is a LITTLE different than spellfire - - and Laeral was overwhelmed by doing so and lost consciousness, remember?
To illustrate what I mean: lightning is different from a static electricity shock, which is different yet again from touching a live electrical wire (DON'T try this, anyone!). Yet they are all the same thing: a flow of electricity. Yet their properties, how much you can control or do with them, etc. are very different.
So, no, Laeral didn't know she could use spellfire after the events of Ed's story. She "knew" that she had a hand in getting her two sisters and Uncle El in trouble, they were attacked, everyone got hurt, and Mystra acted through her. Her memories were confused (and yes, they were limited by what Mystra wanted her to remember; she was deliberately tempering and training her Chosen by this and many other incidents).
Ed and I discussed this matter months ago. I'm sending this post of mine off to him to make sure I haven't misremembered or omitted anything; he'll certainly correct me if I have and I'll post that correction here . . . but I don't THINK I've messed up this response.
love,
THO |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 04:15:31
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PDK, Ed can't accept any Realms movie offer, because he doesn't own or control the Realms, and I believe TSR sold off the movie rights (sold, not licensed or optioned) years ago! (Again, I'll ping him on this and post any correction here.) Yet I'm sure your offer will make him smile, and thanks for making it!
As for your young one: nursery prepared? Flashlights? Breakables away from all corners, ledges, etc. you may grab in the dark or sweep a baby that's under your arm "through"? Are you in Ontario? If so, look into starting an RESP (you put money in a fund annually, that will grow tax deductible for an eventual university education for Young Prince/Princess, and the government will match your contribution, each year, up to $400 I think [there's a cap, anyway], until they change their minds about the whole program). Cloth diapers or disposables? Blankets that can be easily washed, for warmth and covering possibly dirty surfaces to put baby down on, etc.
Oh, I could go on and on, getting farther away from the Realms all the time.
So, Realms relevance time here: babies in the Realms, once weaned off the breast, are often fed sops (torn-up bread pieces soaked in goat or sheep or cow milk so they go to mush, and then "real" sops, which is the same thing only using wine or beer, which often serves as a cold morningfeast for adult and youthful commoners, too. Only in port cities are smoked fish a prominent morning meal choice.
(Note: this Realmslore comes straight from an Ed lore-note.)
Which reminds me: Charles, Ed is ALWAYS engaged in drafting reams and reams of new Realmslore. As for the 4e Realms being "too divorced" from the setting we've been seeing up until now, I don't know and Ed (NDAs, you know) can't say. Not that it wasn't worth the try, fishing, mind you.
love to all,
THO |
Edited by - The Hooded One on 24 Jan 2008 04:18:38 |
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Mkhaiwati
Learned Scribe
USA
252 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2008 : 05:46:23
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
As for your vision of Alusair endlessly riding the realm: NDA. Oh, boy, NDA. Ed has thought along such lines more than once already.
love,
THO
ummmm.... this isn't the same riding as the "Riders of the Storm" variety, is it?
and which of the Gilbert & Sullivans does Ed prefer to sing around the house, also? |
"Behold the work of the old... let your heritage not be lost but bequeath it as a memory, treasure and blessing... Gather the lost and the hidden and preserve it for thy children."
"not nale. not-nale. thog help nail not-nale, not nale. and thog knot not-nale while nale nail not-nale. nale, not not-nale, now nail not-nale by leaving not-nale, not nale, in jail." OotS #367 |
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Questions for Ed Greenwood (2008)
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