New to the Forum... Need some help please [Archive] - Wizards Community

New to the Forum... Need some help please [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Parnor_Dara
08-08-04, 07:28 PM Hey guys, nice forum here. I am new to the board today.

I am wondering if perhaps I could get a little help from some of you more knowledgable folks.
I am currently writing a book....... my first...... and I have a few questions about some places and items. Without going into my plot too much here, I need to find out about a certain place and a certain magical elvin sword. Ive been doing some research on the Soldier's Blade of Cormanthyr. Here is what I know .......
"The Soldier's Blade is lost during this great battle, captured by the drow in their slaying of Lord Orym Hawksong during the fall of the Twisted Tower. The blade and the body of Lord Orym are taken down into the Underdark as spoils of war by the fleeing drow."
Do any of you know the powers of the sword and its fate after the Drow took the sword to the underdark? Also, I am looking for any information about the treasures that were stolen from the Vault of Ages in Cormanthyr in 670? Here is what I know of it so far........ "670 Entering the Vault of Ages for the first time in years due to an outbreak of drow within the northwestern forests, the Spell-Major Paeris Haladar finds it empty, the greatest and oldest treasures of Cormanthyr all gone!" SO does anyone know who took the treasures or if they were ever discovered or spent out whatever they contained .............. any info would be great.
Thanks in advance for you help guys. Perhaps I will send a free copy of the book to those who are able to help me out. :-) thanks again!
aravilar_holistacia
08-08-04, 11:57 PM You can download the Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves 2e sourcebook here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/downloads), which details the Soldier's Blade (Ary'Velahr'Kerym).

As for writing a book, you need to understand that Wizards owns the rights to pretty much everything detailed in the D&D and FR worlds:

Originally posted by WizO_BigSister
When WotC owned Dungeon magazine they had a page which gave outlines for submissions, including short stories. I am not sure if the new owners have a similar set of guidelines. I would also recommend getting advice before you spend a lot of time writing a book or short story that is not intended to be fanfiction (made available for free). The actual Forgotten Realms setting is owned by WotC and there will be copyright restrictions about using the setting. I suggest you email custserv@wizards.com for more details.

I hope this helps.
Parnor_Dara
08-09-04, 12:15 AM Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks guys. Seriously. I am pretty new to this stuff. I want to write a book to be published by WOTC in the FR setting. I guess I have a mountain before me. First I need to find out what hoops I must jump through on WOTC side of things, then I need to do a TON of research to find out what has been done where and what rules or characters or kingdoms ect. have been established. I dont want to write about something that contradicts somthing else or does not fit into the timeline correctly. It all seems so overwhelming and it would be MUCH easier just to write a fantasy book in my own world .... ala.. Terry Brooks, but I love the FR setting and it is definelty my first choice, even if I have to jump through hoops to get it done. Any help or info is SO appreciated, thanks a bunch again.
aravilar_holistacia
08-09-04, 12:19 AM No problem, Parnor. :)
AvengedMutablegenus
08-09-04, 12:23 AM What the ? Uh, i hate when people delete my posts just because i was a little harsh. And Aravilar was right, as i posted before (but got deleted) you really need to make sure you're not charging anyone for a copy of your book, or else you could get in alot of trouble for copyright stuff. And from what it seems, is this sort of a book where an object is the main character, almost similar to the LOTR trilogy?
Parnor_Dara
08-09-04, 12:30 AM NO NO NO, I think you guys got me wrong here. I am hoping to write a book, for profit, that could be published by the WOTC. I was merely asking about some objects because my characters are going on a quest in the book and I need to know what has been written about. This would not be a 'save the realms' book, but more of an epic adventure fantasy book. I am sorry if I gave anyone the wrong impressions here. I am merely on a fact finding mission and have no idea what Im doing at this point........ or at least very little. I do know this much. If I write a book and want to publish it or sale it and I have any mentioning of the FR in it, I must have permission from WOTC before doing so as per copyright restrictions. I may be slow but now that slow :D . Anyways, thanks so much for all the help guys. I have taken the liberty of contactin WOTC customer care email and asked them to send me any and all information on what it takes to get a book published under them. Thanks again for the help guys. Sorry if I rubbed anybody the wrong way with my questions but they are just questions at this point and nothing has been written or sold or anything.
AvengedMutablegenus
08-09-04, 11:15 AM Writing a real pain to get into, especially by Wizards because they pretty much have their like 15+ authors and they like to stick to them. I as well want to evenetually become a writer of some sorts. But more than likely just a journalist.
WizO_BigSister
08-09-04, 01:32 PM The Realms setting and all the characters and monsters in it legally belong to the WotC. Before you spend a lot of time and energy on this project it might be a very good idea to find out if you are allowed to actually do it, and just how you would be allowed to use your writing. I personally don't know the details.
Parnor_Dara
08-10-04, 06:55 AM http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/main/submissions
and
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/main/faq

Sent an email and got these links in reply. Sounds just about impossible. Oh well, nothing like a brick wall dead end to change your mind. I guess I will have to develop my own new world for the book to take place in. Problem will be not accidentally using a name of a place in the realms in my world too, there are so many names already taken that it is about impossible to know all of them. Also have to be careful to not use a monster that is exclusively FR. They say that you can use anything that is mythical......... something they didnt create......... but that could be hard too, since the interpretation of mythical creatures could also be considered copyright material.

This will not stop me though; I will develop my own setting for the book to take place in. If I cant use the Forgotten Realms then that is no big hairy deal I guess......... but it would have been nice.
I think I may submit some short stories to WOTC though, maybe they might like my writing and invite me to do a book........in my dreams. :( :(
AvengedMutablegenus
08-11-04, 12:51 AM Well uh, send me a copy when that fantasy world of yours is rolling off the prints with a hot new book deal send me an email at

nevergonnahappen4u@fantasyworld.com

Heh heh,sorry, i found that funny, maybe no one else did
Parnor_Dara
08-11-04, 12:13 PM Ya and perhaps Terry Brooks or Robert Jordan or any other number of fantasy writers should have never written their books since they had to develop their own fantasy world.

P.S. GFY!
Ranger REG
08-12-04, 02:28 AM You want WotC to publish your setting? You missed the Setting Search Contest more than two years ago. WotC chose Eberron, which is available now.

You want to write Forgotten Realms products for WotC? You're going to need credentials, like say write articles for Dragon or Dungeon magazines. The more you do this, the more you get noticed, if not by WotC but other companies.
Parnor_Dara
08-12-04, 10:55 AM I dont care if WOTC wants to publish My Little Pony, Im done with them. I will go through a different company. Would I have perferred it, yes, but it is not realistic at this point. I will try developing my own world and book based in it and have it published by a different company. I have nothing against WOTC, but its just not going to happen. I will prolly still submit some short stories to them in hopes that they might like my writing, but they are a tough organization to impress. I will survive.......... ;)
AvengedMutablegenus
08-12-04, 06:55 PM Just a few questions

How old are you?
What are your previous writing credentials?
What level of education do you posess?
Parnor_Dara
08-13-04, 02:32 AM Just a few answers

1. none of your buisness
2. irrelevant
3. prolly higher than yours

P. S. Have you ever read the bio on Brooks. The guy had no clue what he was doing. His first two books had to be re written; and no, the guy was not a rocket scientist. Brooks had some ideas in his head for great characters and a great plot. You obviously have a very narrow view of the possibilities that are available to people with initiative and creativity. Oh and by the way, I dont care much for you so this is for you.
Good Day
WizO_BigSister
08-13-04, 05:31 AM right people ... please remember the golden rule “It is ok to disagree with what someone has written; it is not ok to attack the person who wrote it. If you can't tell the difference then maybe you shouldn't make the post!"

No more personal remarks about other posters please :mad:

As this thread has deteriorated into flames, and all the useful information has already been given then I will close it.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Parnor_Dara 08-08-04, 07:28 PM	Hey guys, nice forum here. I am new to the board today. I am wondering if perhaps I could get a little help from some of you more knowledgable folks. I am currently writing a book....... my first...... and I have a few questions about some places and items. Without going into my plot too much here, I need to find out about a certain place and a certain magical elvin sword. Ive been doing some research on the Soldier's Blade of Cormanthyr. Here is what I know ....... "The Soldier's Blade is lost during this great battle, captured by the drow in their slaying of Lord Orym Hawksong during the fall of the Twisted Tower. The blade and the body of Lord Orym are taken down into the Underdark as spoils of war by the fleeing drow." Do any of you know the powers of the sword and its fate after the Drow took the sword to the underdark? Also, I am looking for any information about the treasures that were stolen from the Vault of Ages in Cormanthyr in 670? Here is what I know of it so far........ "670 Entering the Vault of Ages for the first time in years due to an outbreak of drow within the northwestern forests, the Spell-Major Paeris Haladar finds it empty, the greatest and oldest treasures of Cormanthyr all gone!" SO does anyone know who took the treasures or if they were ever discovered or spent out whatever they contained .............. any info would be great. Thanks in advance for you help guys. Perhaps I will send a free copy of the book to those who are able to help me out. :-) thanks again!
aravilar_holistacia 08-08-04, 11:57 PM	You can download the Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves 2e sourcebook here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/downloads), which details the Soldier's Blade (Ary'Velahr'Kerym). As for writing a book, you need to understand that Wizards owns the rights to pretty much everything detailed in the D&D and FR worlds: Originally posted by WizO_BigSister When WotC owned Dungeon magazine they had a page which gave outlines for submissions, including short stories. I am not sure if the new owners have a similar set of guidelines. I would also recommend getting advice before you spend a lot of time writing a book or short story that is not intended to be fanfiction (made available for free). The actual Forgotten Realms setting is owned by WotC and there will be copyright restrictions about using the setting. I suggest you email custserv@wizards.com for more details. I hope this helps.
Parnor_Dara 08-09-04, 12:15 AM	Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks guys. Seriously. I am pretty new to this stuff. I want to write a book to be published by WOTC in the FR setting. I guess I have a mountain before me. First I need to find out what hoops I must jump through on WOTC side of things, then I need to do a TON of research to find out what has been done where and what rules or characters or kingdoms ect. have been established. I dont want to write about something that contradicts somthing else or does not fit into the timeline correctly. It all seems so overwhelming and it would be MUCH easier just to write a fantasy book in my own world .... ala.. Terry Brooks, but I love the FR setting and it is definelty my first choice, even if I have to jump through hoops to get it done. Any help or info is SO appreciated, thanks a bunch again.
aravilar_holistacia 08-09-04, 12:19 AM	No problem, Parnor. :)
AvengedMutablegenus 08-09-04, 12:23 AM	What the ? Uh, i hate when people delete my posts just because i was a little harsh. And Aravilar was right, as i posted before (but got deleted) you really need to make sure you're not charging anyone for a copy of your book, or else you could get in alot of trouble for copyright stuff. And from what it seems, is this sort of a book where an object is the main character, almost similar to the LOTR trilogy?
Parnor_Dara 08-09-04, 12:30 AM	NO NO NO, I think you guys got me wrong here. I am hoping to write a book, for profit, that could be published by the WOTC. I was merely asking about some objects because my characters are going on a quest in the book and I need to know what has been written about. This would not be a 'save the realms' book, but more of an epic adventure fantasy book. I am sorry if I gave anyone the wrong impressions here. I am merely on a fact finding mission and have no idea what Im doing at this point........ or at least very little. I do know this much. If I write a book and want to publish it or sale it and I have any mentioning of the FR in it, I must have permission from WOTC before doing so as per copyright restrictions. I may be slow but now that slow :D . Anyways, thanks so much for all the help guys. I have taken the liberty of contactin WOTC customer care email and asked them to send me any and all information on what it takes to get a book published under them. Thanks again for the help guys. Sorry if I rubbed anybody the wrong way with my questions but they are just questions at this point and nothing has been written or sold or anything.
AvengedMutablegenus 08-09-04, 11:15 AM	Writing a real pain to get into, especially by Wizards because they pretty much have their like 15+ authors and they like to stick to them. I as well want to evenetually become a writer of some sorts. But more than likely just a journalist.
WizO_BigSister 08-09-04, 01:32 PM	The Realms setting and all the characters and monsters in it legally belong to the WotC. Before you spend a lot of time and energy on this project it might be a very good idea to find out if you are allowed to actually do it, and just how you would be allowed to use your writing. I personally don't know the details.
Parnor_Dara 08-10-04, 06:55 AM	http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/main/submissions and http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/main/faq Sent an email and got these links in reply. Sounds just about impossible. Oh well, nothing like a brick wall dead end to change your mind. I guess I will have to develop my own new world for the book to take place in. Problem will be not accidentally using a name of a place in the realms in my world too, there are so many names already taken that it is about impossible to know all of them. Also have to be careful to not use a monster that is exclusively FR. They say that you can use anything that is mythical......... something they didnt create......... but that could be hard too, since the interpretation of mythical creatures could also be considered copyright material. This will not stop me though; I will develop my own setting for the book to take place in. If I cant use the Forgotten Realms then that is no big hairy deal I guess......... but it would have been nice. I think I may submit some short stories to WOTC though, maybe they might like my writing and invite me to do a book........in my dreams. :( :(
AvengedMutablegenus 08-11-04, 12:51 AM	Well uh, send me a copy when that fantasy world of yours is rolling off the prints with a hot new book deal send me an email at nevergonnahappen4u@fantasyworld.com Heh heh,sorry, i found that funny, maybe no one else did
Parnor_Dara 08-11-04, 12:13 PM	Ya and perhaps Terry Brooks or Robert Jordan or any other number of fantasy writers should have never written their books since they had to develop their own fantasy world. P.S. GFY!
Ranger REG 08-12-04, 02:28 AM	You want WotC to publish your setting? You missed the Setting Search Contest more than two years ago. WotC chose Eberron, which is available now. You want to write Forgotten Realms products for WotC? You're going to need credentials, like say write articles for Dragon or Dungeon magazines. The more you do this, the more you get noticed, if not by WotC but other companies.
Parnor_Dara 08-12-04, 10:55 AM	I dont care if WOTC wants to publish My Little Pony, Im done with them. I will go through a different company. Would I have perferred it, yes, but it is not realistic at this point. I will try developing my own world and book based in it and have it published by a different company. I have nothing against WOTC, but its just not going to happen. I will prolly still submit some short stories to them in hopes that they might like my writing, but they are a tough organization to impress. I will survive.......... ;)
AvengedMutablegenus 08-12-04, 06:55 PM	Just a few questions How old are you? What are your previous writing credentials? What level of education do you posess?
Parnor_Dara 08-13-04, 02:32 AM	Just a few answers 1. none of your buisness 2. irrelevant 3. prolly higher than yours P. S. Have you ever read the bio on Brooks. The guy had no clue what he was doing. His first two books had to be re written; and no, the guy was not a rocket scientist. Brooks had some ideas in his head for great characters and a great plot. You obviously have a very narrow view of the possibilities that are available to people with initiative and creativity. Oh and by the way, I dont care much for you so this is for you. Good Day
WizO_BigSister 08-13-04, 05:31 AM	right people ... please remember the golden rule “It is ok to disagree with what someone has written; it is not ok to attack the person who wrote it. If you can't tell the difference then maybe you shouldn't make the post!" No more personal remarks about other posters please :mad: As this thread has deteriorated into flames, and all the useful information has already been given then I will close it.