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JamesLowder
Forgotten Realms Author & Game Designer
USA
310 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Aug 2013 : 04:07:36
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Thanks to Erik, Brian, and the James Bros. for inviting me to participate in the event, to the authors who made time to be there, and especially to all the people who attended. It was a lot of fun and a nice reminder of all the best things about working in the Realms.
Cheers,
Jim Lowder |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2013 : 04:22:07
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To everyone hoping to get in on the Harper pin fun: unfortunately, we made exactly 110 pins for this year's event; costs prevented us from making more than would be necessary for the maximum capacity of the event (this number included a few extra pins for panelists who might not have officially registered for the event, and certain long-time Realms stalwarts and alumni who would for sure not be in attendance). We do not really have pins to offer folks that couldn't make it.
That said, there are a handful of folks on the site here who do have pins coming to them. They should know who they are. Once I finish moving at the end of the month, I'll be getting those out--and contacting any confused parties. ;) |
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Emma Drake
Learned Scribe
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2013 : 06:19:07
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I've been to GenCon two years now and each year the Candlekeep Seminar has been my favorite. Thanks for being the highlight of my con!
xo,
Emma |
"I am always here, all about you. You are never truly alone. I flow wherever life flows, wherever winds blow and water runs and the sun and moon chase each other, for there is magic in all things."
- Mystra (Ed Greenwood, Silverfall) |
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Amedahast
Acolyte
3 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2013 : 21:57:05
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Perhaps you could post pictures of the Harper Pins?
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2013 : 17:16:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Therise
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Lastly, I offered everyone present a particular challenge, which is a semi-secret (much like the Harpers themselves): Bearing a Harper badge marks you as an agent of a semi-secret organization for the advancement of good OF (rather than IN) the Realms. If you bear a Harper Pin or wish to do so in the future, then you hold a great responsibility to go along with that power.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be an advocate for the Realms.
Speak out about what you want to see (and say why), and offer criticism of things you don't like (and saw why).
Just as a point of order: just like a Harper in the Realms, this does not mean automatically supporting the status quo or advocating for certain people or things that have authority and control.
Sometimes, being a Harper means being outspoken in a very honest way, giving critiques that people don't want to hear, and even (on rare occasions) fighting with sword and wand to restore the good. It's easy to go along with your friends until they start making serious mistakes. It's even harder when you sometimes have to point out the errors they're blind to - whether by accident or by choice.
Being a Harper isn't a "feel good" club of fast friends. It's people who want to defend the Realms and take action to repair them even when they've gone badly astray. Those currently in power, whether it's on a throne or working in an office, must remember that they are custodians of the future. And we will be watching. 
Therise, you just rolled a natural 20. Every word of what she just said is absolutely true.
Any of us are as accountable as any of the others. If you see me, the James Brothers, Garen (Brian Cortijo), or anyone else making a mistake, please point it out (respectfully and with reasoned arguments). The greater good here is the good of the realms, not the good of our feelings.
Being an advocate can be fun, because you're supporting something you dearly love, but it is not always an easy thing.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2013 : 17:31:23
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To clarify: I am not suggesting that people be generally positive, but rather generally constructive. If you love the Realms like I do, go forth and talk about it. Talk about your hopes and dreams for the future, talk about the things you like that are going on, talk about issues/confusions you see in the products. Basically, do what you do on Candlekeep, but step up your game. You--the readers, gamers, and sages--are the Realms' most powerful assets. Wield your power for good.
Regarding how to contact WotC:
I can't give you clear instructions, because what I would do is not necessarily what you would do, but here are some thoughts:
1) Forum posts: Post on the WotC community forums. They are actively monitored by WotC employees. Make yourself stand out by maintaining a reasonable, measured, cogent tone and use specific examples and documented evidence from actual published Realms sources.
2) Snail Mail: If you want to write a letter, you're going to want to send it to WotC proper and address it "c/o" (care of) to whichever of the Powers That Be that you want. Here are a couple examples:
James Wyatt, Books
Mike Mearls, D&D R&D
Greg Leads, CEO
And here's WotC's Mailing Address:
Wizards of the Coast LLC
P.O. Box 707
Renton, WA 98057
Additional WotC Contact Info: http://company.wizards.com/contactus#company
All of this information is easily obtainable through public web searches. I'm just presenting it all here for ease of access.
If you do write a letter, keep it concise (no more than one page), to the point, respectful, and reasoned. Be both positive and constructively critical. Let your love of the setting shine through.
3) Online Contact: Emails are easily deleted and ignored (unlike snail mail), but if you want to go this route, go through WotC's customer service system. http://wizards.custhelp.com/
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2013 : 17:53:03
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| I may write them a letter, then... I'm not going back to their forums until my wrongful banning is rescinded, and even if I cared enough to push it, I'm sure that it wouldn't be high on anyone's list of priorities. |
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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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2013 : 21:27:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Therise, you just rolled a natural 20. Every word of what she just said is absolutely true.
Any of us are as accountable as any of the others. If you see me, the James Brothers, Garen (Brian Cortijo), or anyone else making a mistake, please point it out (respectfully and with reasoned arguments). The greater good here is the good of the realms, not the good of our feelings.
Being an advocate can be fun, because you're supporting something you dearly love, but it is not always an easy thing.
Thanks for saying this. I know that some people on this board and others view me as being a divisive and negative person, or even a "hater" which is quite far from the truth. I have always tried to be well-reasoned and respectful, unless others try to twist my words or personally attack me (or other fans).
But I have a deep love for the Realms that began with Ed Greenwood's original Pages from the Mages in Dragon magazine so long ago. I've seen all the changes, I've been with the Realms through high spots and low, and I've seen many designers and even companies come and go.
I strongly feel that -especially now- honest, rough criticism of various problems (and not just issues in 4E Realms) must be brought forward and discussed rationally and in a civil manner. I fully believe that where we are right now is a much better place because of the strong criticism sent to WotC these past few years.
No matter how beautiful a ship one has, it can only go where it is steered. We have to help the designers, present and future, to steer it right. Not that it has to always go exactly where we personally want it to go, but more that it won't hit icebergs or run aground. At the Realms panel, Ed talked about this when he recalled turning over the Realms to have other writers share his world. For the most part, it's been exciting, wonderful and alive -and surprising- in incredibly good ways.
From this point on, having attended what I did at GenCon and experiencing the mini-adventures and play sessions, I have no doubt in my mind that WotC heard us and has righted the ship. The "fixes" are not exactly how I would've done things, nor should they be exactly what I personally want. That is for my home Realms. But I think we helped WotC right the published Realms before it ran seriously aground. The true spirit of the Realms is back, and in many ways it feels exactly like the 80s - as Ed and Salvatore and the others also seemed to feel.
I strongly feel that all of the upcoming books in the Sundering series will be as excellent and true to the Realms spirit as Salvatore's Companions was. I'm definitely looking forward to more, and again supporting the Realms and WotC with my wallet.
My love for the Realms is like a scar: sometimes ugly, but definitely permanent. And there are some good stories about it that can be shared with fellow fans.
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
Edited by - Therise on 22 Aug 2013 21:30:30 |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2013 : 21:43:32
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I'm glad you feel that way, Therise. It is very similar to how I feel.
I want you to know--I want you all to know--that I will do everything in my power to do right by the Realms in everything I do. If and when WotC consults with me or hires me to write another novel or recruits me to work on a Realms sourcebook for DnD-Next, you can bet every single copper you own that I will work my ass off for the setting. Because I simply can't do otherwise. It's like a curse and a blessing both at once.
And even if I never write a single official word about the Realms again, I will still do honor to the setting with all the time I can manage.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Krafus
Learned Scribe
246 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2013 : 23:13:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
1) Forum posts: Post on the WotC community forums. They are actively monitored by WotC employees. Make yourself stand out by maintaining a reasonable, measured, cogent tone and use specific examples and documented evidence from actual published Realms sources.
I've been trying to do this, Mr. de Bie, but I can't register an account on WotC's website. Whenever I go through the registration process, nothing happens when I click on the "I Accept" button that confirms that one has read and agrees with the User Agreement. With the kind help of other people, I've discovered that this problem only affects users of Internet Explorer - people with other browsers seem to have no difficulty registering.
I suppose could install another browser, but 1) I don't want to risk messing up my computer in any way by installing another browser, not least because I'm not computer-savvy and wouldn't know what to do if a problem arose, and 2) I find it ridiculous that WotC's maintenance staff haven't noticed and fixed this problem, especially since it's been ongoing for months. I would gladly advise WotC of this problem... but to send them a message, one first needs to be registered and have an account. Catch 22.
Something that might be pertinent is that this is the only part of Wizards' website where I've encountered a problem. As far as I can tell, I can easily navigate through all other parts of their website that are open to non-D&DI subscribers, and have had no problem with all other buttons or tabs I've clicked on. |
Edited by - Krafus on 22 Aug 2013 23:14:22 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2013 : 23:44:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Krafus
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
1) Forum posts: Post on the WotC community forums. They are actively monitored by WotC employees. Make yourself stand out by maintaining a reasonable, measured, cogent tone and use specific examples and documented evidence from actual published Realms sources.
I've been trying to do this, Mr. de Bie, but I can't register an account on WotC's website. Whenever I go through the registration process, nothing happens when I click on the "I Accept" button that confirms that one has read and agrees with the User Agreement. With the kind help of other people, I've discovered that this problem only affects users of Internet Explorer - people with other browsers seem to have no difficulty registering.
I suppose could install another browser, but 1) I don't want to risk messing up my computer in any way by installing another browser, not least because I'm not computer-savvy and wouldn't know what to do if a problem arose, and 2) I find it ridiculous that WotC's maintenance staff haven't noticed and fixed this problem, especially since it's been ongoing for months. I would gladly advise WotC of this problem... but to send them a message, one first needs to be registered and have an account. Catch 22.
Something that might be pertinent is that this is the only part of Wizards' website where I've encountered a problem. As far as I can tell, I can easily navigate through all other parts of their website that are open to non-D&DI subscribers, and have had no problem with all other buttons or tabs I've clicked on.
Some would say that having IE already risks messing up your computer.
Firefox and Chrome are good alternative browsers. |
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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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2013 : 00:08:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Krafus
I've been trying to do this, Mr. de Bie, but I can't register an account on WotC's website.
Occasionally a user can go through the registration process in the manner you described, then come back a day or two later and sign in with their new account.
A good way to test this is to click on "forgot password" and enter the email address you provided during registration. If you receive an email with a password reset link, you have an active account.
Again, no guarantee, but sometimes it works out this way. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2013 : 05:32:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
quote:
Originally posted by Krafus
I've been trying to do this, Mr. de Bie, but I can't register an account on WotC's website.
Occasionally a user can go through the registration process in the manner you described, then come back a day or two later and sign in with their new account.
A good way to test this is to click on "forgot password" and enter the email address you provided during registration. If you receive an email with a password reset link, you have an active account.
Again, no guarantee, but sometimes it works out this way.
Indeed, it does. When I set up a secondary [and, later, a tertiary] profile back in the day of Wizards STAR WARS RPG, and again earlier this year, I thought it best to have a separate user profile for that section of their message boards. I encountered a similar problem, which was later rectified using the process Jeremy describes above. |
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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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2013 : 08:13:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Be an outspoken advocate for the Realms, in whatever way you can.
Because this is a time of great change and great opportunity, and the Realms needs you now more than ever before.
The easiest way to be an advocate for the Realms is to talk about what it is in the setting that gives you the most regular enjoyment.
Since I started playing D&D again at the turn of the century, I’ve derived regular enjoyment from running 3rd and 4th Edition D&D campaigns that start out in Cormyr and then branch out.
Gaming in the Realms has led me to find inspiration from disparate sources outside of gaming. TV, books, music…sometimes even other people, are all fodder for my Realms campaigns. It’s fun and enjoyable to look at the world as a source of inspiration in this way.
As well, I like using Dragon and Dungeon magazines, third party gaming products and taking bits and pieces of various Realms products (novels, not just sourcebooks; also from Ed’s answers on this forum space) and mashing them together to create memorable Realms campaigns that leave a thirst for more with each of the good people I’ve been fortunate enough to game with over the last decade and a half.
I derive a lot of enjoyment out of sharing content from my Realms campaigns online. It’s something I do rarely, but it seems to do well vis-à-vis other users and I like it a whole bunch when they leave positive comments or inform me that they used something I wrote for the Realms in one of their campaigns.
I also like including links between websites that talk about the Realms in my posts, so that people on the WotC forums can, for example, discover places like Candlekeep or the Forgotten Realms Wiki or Loremaster, that they might not otherwise have known existed. Likewise linking to free content like the (still free to download) Backdrop: Cormyr article.
Lastly, I’ve come to greatly enjoy pestering Ed Greenwood with questions (lots and lots of questions.  ) and collecting bits of Realmslore from his novels and Eye on the Realms articles. I like it when people say, “Good question!” and are eager for Ed’s reply. I also enjoy collating his answers and including them in lore collections for others to see, to use and be inspired by.
All this enjoyment, thanks to the Realms. So by all means talk about what you enjoy and link to what you enjoy (where you can), because the Realms prospers the most when people set their D&D campaigns there, when they buy the novels and when they spend a portion of their free time talking about the Realms online.
I like to think I've helped the Realms along in my own little way, and I didn’t even need to wear a Harper pin to do it. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 23 Aug 2013 08:20:35 |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2013 : 08:52:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Any of us are as accountable as any of the others. If you see me, the James Brothers, Garen (Brian Cortijo), or anyone else making a mistake, please point it out (respectfully and with reasoned arguments). The greater good here is the good of the realms, not the good of our feelings.
With respect, there’s a dark side to the concept of accountability and I think it deserves some commentary.
Regarding Realmslore discussions and Realms fan interaction with game designers and writers (the later I prefer to call ‘Creatives’), I think Realms discussions are at their best when the discussion limits its focus to the content of a given piece of Realmslore and refrains, as much as possible, from discussing the person who created it.
Over the years, and far too often for my taste, I’ve seen passionate, well-meaning Realms fans turn to personal attacks and ad hominem (directed at Creatives, whether they’re present or not in the conversation) in the midst of Realmslore discussions for no better reason than some game designer or writer took an approach the fan found distasteful.
Even when Creatives acknowledge a fan’s point of view, I’ve seen fans with very strong opinions get angry and respond by making the discussion a personal one, instead of sticking to the topic and accepting that sometimes Creatives have a different point of view and won’t change their minds.
Because the Realms is a shared setting and what makes it fun depends a lot on whom you ask, I don’t think Creatives need any regular help to do their jobs.
Point out mistakes, of course. If a Creative brings up a topic for discussion, by all means weigh in with your opinion and thoughts.
In my experience I’ve found that people with really strong opinions about the Realms tend to have a rigid, oftentimes limited view of what the Realms is and what it should be, whereas a Creative’s job is precisely not to take a narrow, rigid approach when writing for the Realms.
I like that Creatives interact with the fans and I *do* think it can be a good thing (Erik and George come immediately to mind; Richard baker was really good at it too), just as I understand there will be the occasional, unavoidable misunderstanding.
I just want to encourage all of you reading this to treat Creatives as regular people, first, and designers second.
Criticism comes with their job, yes, but don’t forget that no matter how passionately you feel about the Realms--and by extension, how strongly you might feel that a Creative is or has positively screwed up some part of the Realms--don't ever make it personal in discussions or take the design decisions themselves personally.
For a game and a setting that's supposed to be about fun and enjoyment, making it personal is not how you hold others accountable. Taking design decisions personally makes it pretty hard to interact with the people who made those decisions.
At this point I’d like to ask a favor: because over the last two weeks I’ve been catching a healthy ration of shit in a handful of scrolls, I want to stress that none of the content of this post is intended as a rebuke or meant as a personal insult towards any one person. I am not attempting to put words in anyone’s mouth or mischaracterize anyone's ideas.
I’d appreciate it if anyone desiring to respond to my comments would please focus on the comments only, as opposed to me personally.
Even better, treat this post for what it is: one scribe’s opinion, take it or leave it.
Thanks. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
Edited by - Jeremy Grenemyer on 23 Aug 2013 11:55:47 |
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Emma Drake
Learned Scribe
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2013 : 16:06:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
With respect, there’s a dark side to the concept of accountability and I think it deserves some commentary.
Regarding Realmslore discussions and Realms fan interaction with game designers and writers (the later I prefer to call ‘Creatives’), I think Realms discussions are at their best when the discussion limits its focus to the content of a given piece of Realmslore and refrains, as much as possible, from discussing the person who created it.
Over the years, and far too often for my taste, I’ve seen passionate, well-meaning Realms fans turn to personal attacks and ad hominem (directed at Creatives, whether they’re present or not in the conversation) in the midst of Realmslore discussions for no better reason than some game designer or writer took an approach the fan found distasteful.
Well said. |
"I am always here, all about you. You are never truly alone. I flow wherever life flows, wherever winds blow and water runs and the sun and moon chase each other, for there is magic in all things."
- Mystra (Ed Greenwood, Silverfall) |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5692 Posts |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3563 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2013 : 19:19:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Hehe.
I'm still waiting to get my hands on one of the pins from last year's seminar. 
Ditto!!
Well last year I did offer to ship one down under for Sage.......maybe i should have worn my official Candlekeep robes when making the offer to boost my trustworthyness? |
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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2013 : 21:08:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Hehe.
I'm still waiting to get my hands on one of the pins from last year's seminar.
Ditto!!
I do seem to recall someone saying we'd get those, but I never heard anything else on it... |
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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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2013 : 21:09:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Hehe.
I'm still waiting to get my hands on one of the pins from last year's seminar.
Ditto!!
I do seem to recall someone saying we'd get those, but I never heard anything else on it...
Yes, that was me. I'm in the process of moving right now, but will be sending out the promised pins just as soon as we're settled. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 24 Aug 2013 : 03:36:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Hehe.
I'm still waiting to get my hands on one of the pins from last year's seminar.
Ditto!!
I do seem to recall someone saying we'd get those, but I never heard anything else on it...
Yes, that was me. I'm in the process of moving right now, but will be sending out the promised pins just as soon as we're settled.
Much appreciative of your efforts, Brian.
Know, also, that I'm prepared to provide suitable financial recompense for any shipping costs required for ensuring safe passage of this promised gift to my faraway shore. |
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 24 Aug 2013 05:02:20 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 24 Aug 2013 : 23:53:21
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Thanks Jeremy. I want to sum that up by saying there is a difference between being a legitimate critic (who points out flaws and helps make something better) and being a jerk (who launches personal attacks, derails a discussion, offers insults, or ignores constructive thoughts and opinions from others).
I personally know of a number of creatives who will not go online to discuss their thoughts (here at the Keep or elsewhere) because they are consistently attacked, ignored, or just generally treated like dirt. And that's very sad.
We are all people, we all make mistakes, and we all have opinions. Please remember this when dealing with creatives, be they writers, designers, or anything else. The second you cross the line, then whatever well-formed opinion or passionate stance you might have no longer matters, because that creative is not going to listen to you.
Generally: don't be a jerk.
And remember, when I say "call me out when I make a mistake," that's me speaking for me and me alone. Other creatives will want you to approach them differently. Please be respectful and don't push.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1621 Posts |
Posted - 25 Aug 2013 : 00:34:01
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| Very very good advice Eric, hard to remember when your angry, but worth putting the effort into remembering. Maybe it'd be a good idea to never post angry. |
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Mournblade
Master of Realmslore
USA
1287 Posts |
Posted - 25 Aug 2013 : 19:16:12
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I am running Murder in Baldur's Gate for the encounters group herei n Cedar Grove NJ. Most of these players are of the encounters culture so tospeak, i.e. show up, have a little roleplay, but ultimately the fun so to speak was the fight of the encounter.
Last wednesday, my group told me they were more immersed than they ever have been with encounters (I ran them through all the encounters since may 0f 2012, so me as the DM is an isolated variable). The reason is the FANTASTIC lore book of Murder in Baldur's Gate. I am running this adventure like I used to run my old second edition campaign because of the sheer amount of lore I have available.
one of the players asked me how i ever had time to add all of this stuff to the adventure. I told him where I embellish things of course, the information I am giving them is a function of realmslore and not necessarily my own doing. My creativity come in how I deliver that realms lore.
Suddenly the players ask me about their backgrounds. WHat family they can be from, what organizations they can be from, and they all want to embellish their characters now.
The encounters session previous to Murder in Baldur's Gate, the characters had backgrounds, but they did not play into the adventure much.
Already I have intraparty conflict (in a good way) because the majority wants to work with the Duke, while one character is a Flaming Fist seargent and does not feel like he can work for the duke and not ravengard. SO the conflict is all between characters and not players. It amounted to 45 minutes of discussion, which is par for the course in my HOME campaign, but for an encounters session that NEVER happened before.
I am actively showing them what the Realms rich in lore, can do for THEM as a play experience. One player left the session asking me about FR novels to go out and read. "I never thought the FR Novels would be worth it," he said something along those lines. "now I feel like if I read them, they might make me reflect on the character more." I suggested the Elminster series, RA SALVATORE, or Paul S Kemp, do get a good range of the lore of the realms.
I feel like I scored a goal for the Realms team. I have never walked away from an encounters session feeling like I accomplished anything other than 'running a game.' This last one, I constructed a story, and got the players interested in the setting.
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A wizard is Never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he Early. A wizard arrives precisely when he means to... |
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Mournblade
Master of Realmslore
USA
1287 Posts |
Posted - 25 Aug 2013 : 19:21:14
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I will add, as a DM in my home games not organized play, I have always constructed a story. I really never have in Encounters, and when I got that lore book, I went into the encounters session knowing it was going to be unlike any other they had.
The STRENGTH of the realms is its lore. It was a poor decision to try to limit the lore of the realms in 2008, and it is good to see the fans and creators working together to FIX that mistake.
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A wizard is Never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he Early. A wizard arrives precisely when he means to... |
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Marcus_Wands
Acolyte
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 18 Sep 2014 : 03:27:09
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| I know I'm late to the game and this is a fool's hope, but is there anywhere one might find one of the Candlekeep 2013 Harper pins? I want a Harper Pin so badly and this is the only one I've ever seen. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
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Penknight
Senior Scribe
USA
538 Posts |
Posted - 18 Sep 2014 : 05:08:33
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| The same for me. I even have at my father's house a small harp earring that I found years ago and used to actively wear everywhere as a pin on my jacket, vest, shirt, etc. If I could actually get an honest to goodness Harper pin, that would be a dream come true for me! (As well as a dream come true for a character of mine that wanted to become a Harper, but my DM told me they were a headache to RP. That always made me sad... Maybe now I'll make an NPC bard of mine a Harper, just to be able to have a character that is one. It's been fifteen years now... I think it's time, don't you? :-) |
Telethian Phoenix
Pathfinder Reference Document |
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GenCon 2013: The Harpers at Twilight
