The Orc King/Grand History of the Realms [Archive] - Wizards Community

The Orc King/Grand History of the Realms [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Duedaine
10-08-07, 06:17 PM I just got The Orc King. After reading the prelude, I'm wondering if it's even worth it. Anybody want to let me know?

Also, from what I hear GHotR sucked. Is it worth it?
selunatic2397
10-08-07, 07:30 PM It [the GHoTR] was worth it for me...but I discarded the last 10 years due to it conflicting with the history, both past and planned future, of my own 1st edition game.

I even bought two of my gamers a copy each! :)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
10-08-07, 07:33 PM I just got The Orc King. After reading the prelude, I'm wondering if it's even worth it. Anybody want to let me know?

You're wondering if what's worth it? The novel, or the Realms setting?

I've made my opinions known regarding the controversial revelations in the prologue. As for the novel itself, I just started reading it, but my main concern is how orcs are being set up (or so it seems) as the new politically correct race. It's just hard to read Drizzt's journal entry and NOT think that, with Drizzt saying stuff to the effect of, "it's time to end the cycle of violence that has harmed us all" (that is, the unending wars between orcs and...everybody else).

Also, from what I hear GHotR sucked. Is it worth it?

GHotR does NOT suck. I recommend picking it up, but remember that it is mainly a timeline and doesn't go into extreme depth about any one subject. Look at it as a starting point, not an end point.
Xaean
10-08-07, 07:34 PM For the first part of the question: Read the rest of book and you will find out.

For the second part: While having a complete timeline in one book with historical maps and lists of Faerunian monarchs is certainly useful, it's no necessity. The glimpses into the future presented in the book are already discussed in this forums and will be stated in more detail in a 4E FRCS. All artwork except for the cover was recycled from older books wether appropriate or not.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
10-08-07, 07:35 PM It [the GHoTR] was worth it for me...but I discarded the last 10 years due to it conflicting with the history, both past ans planned future, of my own 1st edition game.

Same here. Heck, I've discarded some lorebits going back even further than that.:)
Mr_Miscellany
10-08-07, 07:44 PM I don't own the Orc King, but this advice I think is sound: Go read it and make up your own mind.

Then you can tell us what you thought about it (just be sneaky about it so a WizO doesn't smack you).

As for the later: I own it and have read about 1/2 of it. It's proven **very** useful to me as a reference for talking on these here boards, as well as for my own (totally awesome) FR campaign.

Lots and lots and lots of useful bits in that book.
Faraer
10-08-07, 07:48 PM Also, from what I hear GHotR sucked. Is it worth it?Where did you hear that?

My copy is a postal strike captive.
Mr_Miscellany
10-08-07, 07:55 PM My copy is a postal strike captive. That sucks!

If I'd won the lottery as planned last week I'd already be buying up a copy for you to ship by FedEx or UPS for Global Overnight/Insanely Expensive delivery next day to your doorstep.

...but as it is all I can do is wish on your behalf that the postal-types get their act together ASAP.

:weep:
johnkretzer
10-08-07, 08:58 PM I just got The Orc King. After reading the prelude, I'm wondering if it's even worth it. Anybody want to let me know?

I haven't read it yet but I heard from a friend that it was a very good book...just not a good FR's book.

Also, from what I hear GHotR sucked. Is it worth it?

Except for some ommisions(Like completely ignoring the fact the the lythari and the avarial arrived with the green elves and the fact the Dragons nearly wiped out the avariel has me worried that these races will just be mysteriously forgotten in 4th Editon Realms yet they have something like 9(that is what I am up to so it might be more) Seros wars???) and the last ten years.

It is a very good book for a start and it make picking out things that are not lore in you game easy...I have been tempted to read it with a black magic marker but I think I will wait till I can get a second copy.
MarkusTay63
10-08-07, 09:02 PM Weather you are a fan of 4e or not, or even care about the coming changes, the GHotR is a MUST for any TRUE Realms fan.

And please don't ask me to define a 'True' Realms fan - we've been down that road already recently. :P
johnkretzer
10-08-07, 10:18 PM Weather you are a fan of 4e or not, or even care about the coming changes, the GHotR is a MUST for any TRUE Realms fan.

And please don't ask me to define a 'True' Realms fan - we've been down that road already recently. :P

Ok we won't ask you to define 'true' fan...we'll just ask you to define true? :evillaugh
Lord Karsus
10-09-07, 12:04 AM Ok we won't ask you to define 'true' fan...we'll just ask you to define true? :evillaugh

-Pledging loyalty to me...

Except for some ommisions(Like completely ignoring the fact the the lythari and the avarial arrived with the green elves and the fact the Dragons nearly wiped out the avariel...

-I was a bit disturbed that those specific events were omitted too- especially the first one, about the arrival of the Lythari and Avariel.

That sucks!

If I'd won the lottery as planned last week...

-You know, same thing happened to me.
Mr_Miscellany
10-09-07, 02:37 AM My budy has read the Orc King. This evening after game he told me that the prologue and epilogue are both set in the future, but the body of the book itself is in the current Realms.
johnkretzer
10-09-07, 03:21 AM My budy has read the Orc King. This evening after game he told me that the prologue and epilogue are both set in the future, but the body of the book itself is in the current Realms.

Actualy that depends when you set your campaign if it is after '71 or '73 it is set in the past...also that is nothing new..

Can anybody give spoilers of the epilogue by the way..it will be atleast a coule days before I can steal it from my friend.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
10-09-07, 02:49 PM I've complained a bit about some disparities in the GHotR entries, myself (ie. there are Drizzt-centric entries that don't seem that important for a timeline, like "Wulfgar returns to Icewind Dale"). But overall, the book does NOT suck. Warts and all, odds are you'll enjoy it if you enjoy Realmslore.
Xaean
10-09-07, 07:14 PM As far as GHotR goes, I think the expectations were too high. I don't say, it sucks, but it is not the great conclusion or transition many people thought it to be. Without this hype it would have been one more among many FR books. But those who were looking forward to it too eagerly, were dissappointed after all. And some new artwork certainly would have made it more attractive too.
Keahi19
10-11-07, 12:11 AM So the GHotR is a must grab then? Alright.
Lord Karsus
10-11-07, 11:47 PM So the GHotR is a must grab then? Alright.

-I'd say so, yes. Out of a possible 100, I'd give it a 91.
ADSKINNER
10-12-07, 02:20 PM I am he formerly known as Duedaine (for some reason, I had to make a new account...). I finished the Orc King, and I must say that Mr. Salvatore continues to enthrall me with his stories. I've never read anything by him that I haven't loved, and this is no exception. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but I will say that I will be extremely dissapointed if there are no mpre forthcoming novels to tell the tales of the companions of the hall, even if they are not together.

Does anyone know what the Pirate King is supposed to be bout, or the other book in the transitions series? Will they be written by R.A. Salvatore?
Iakhovas
10-12-07, 03:39 PM -I'd say so, yes. Out of a possible 100, I'd give it a 91.The check is in the mail LK.
Lord Karsus
10-12-07, 05:08 PM The check is in the mail LK.

-Shh! You weren't supposed to say that outloud!

-Nothing to see here, folks. Move along...:shifty:
johnkretzer
10-13-07, 12:51 AM The check is in the mail LK.

:doh: If I knew I could have gotten money for praising your work....sigh.

Well maybe your next work...know my praise can be for hire...:D
msatran
10-13-07, 01:09 AM Well, the Pirate King will be a good book because Drizzt and Pirates beating each other up is a fine departure from the usual stuff, and I'm completely okay with it.
Lord Karsus
10-13-07, 01:10 PM Well, the Pirate King will be a good book because Drizzt and Pirates beating each other up is a fine departure from the usual stuff, and I'm completely okay with it.

-Didn't he do battle with pirates in one of the earlier novels? Don't remember.

-I find that any novel that takes place on the high seas is a nice change of pace. I enjoyed the Starlight and Shadows trilogy so much because of this reason.

If I knew I could have gotten money for praising your work....sigh.

Well maybe your next work...know my praise can be for hire...

-Is that so? How much praise do you think this can get me:

:twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents:

-And, there's always more where that came from.
johnkretzer
10-13-07, 01:44 PM -Is that so? How much praise do you think this can get me:

:twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents:

-And, there's always more where that came from.

Lots so much that I'll convince my friends to sing it's praises...
Lord Karsus
10-13-07, 01:53 PM Lots so much that I'll convince my friends to sing it's praises...

-Excellent. Well, you keep all of that, while I think of something to be a-praised!

:rimshot:

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Duedaine 10-08-07, 06:17 PM	I just got The Orc King. After reading the prelude, I'm wondering if it's even worth it. Anybody want to let me know? Also, from what I hear GHotR sucked. Is it worth it?
selunatic2397 10-08-07, 07:30 PM	It [the GHoTR] was worth it for me...but I discarded the last 10 years due to it conflicting with the history, both past and planned future, of my own 1st edition game. I even bought two of my gamers a copy each! :)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 10-08-07, 07:33 PM	I just got The Orc King. After reading the prelude, I'm wondering if it's even worth it. Anybody want to let me know? You're wondering if what's worth it? The novel, or the Realms setting? I've made my opinions known regarding the controversial revelations in the prologue. As for the novel itself, I just started reading it, but my main concern is how orcs are being set up (or so it seems) as the new politically correct race. It's just hard to read Drizzt's journal entry and NOT think that, with Drizzt saying stuff to the effect of, "it's time to end the cycle of violence that has harmed us all" (that is, the unending wars between orcs and...everybody else). Also, from what I hear GHotR sucked. Is it worth it? GHotR does NOT suck. I recommend picking it up, but remember that it is mainly a timeline and doesn't go into extreme depth about any one subject. Look at it as a starting point, not an end point.
Xaean 10-08-07, 07:34 PM	For the first part of the question: Read the rest of book and you will find out. For the second part: While having a complete timeline in one book with historical maps and lists of Faerunian monarchs is certainly useful, it's no necessity. The glimpses into the future presented in the book are already discussed in this forums and will be stated in more detail in a 4E FRCS. All artwork except for the cover was recycled from older books wether appropriate or not.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 10-08-07, 07:35 PM	It [the GHoTR] was worth it for me...but I discarded the last 10 years due to it conflicting with the history, both past ans planned future, of my own 1st edition game. Same here. Heck, I've discarded some lorebits going back even further than that.:)
Mr_Miscellany 10-08-07, 07:44 PM	I don't own the Orc King, but this advice I think is sound: Go read it and make up your own mind. Then you can tell us what you thought about it (just be sneaky about it so a WizO doesn't smack you). As for the later: I own it and have read about 1/2 of it. It's proven very useful to me as a reference for talking on these here boards, as well as for my own (totally awesome) FR campaign. Lots and lots and lots of useful bits in that book.
Faraer 10-08-07, 07:48 PM	Also, from what I hear GHotR sucked. Is it worth it?Where did you hear that? My copy is a postal strike captive.
Mr_Miscellany 10-08-07, 07:55 PM	My copy is a postal strike captive. That sucks! If I'd won the lottery as planned last week I'd already be buying up a copy for you to ship by FedEx or UPS for Global Overnight/Insanely Expensive delivery next day to your doorstep. ...but as it is all I can do is wish on your behalf that the postal-types get their act together ASAP. :weep:
johnkretzer 10-08-07, 08:58 PM	I just got The Orc King. After reading the prelude, I'm wondering if it's even worth it. Anybody want to let me know? I haven't read it yet but I heard from a friend that it was a very good book...just not a good FR's book. Also, from what I hear GHotR sucked. Is it worth it? Except for some ommisions(Like completely ignoring the fact the the lythari and the avarial arrived with the green elves and the fact the Dragons nearly wiped out the avariel has me worried that these races will just be mysteriously forgotten in 4th Editon Realms yet they have something like 9(that is what I am up to so it might be more) Seros wars???) and the last ten years. It is a very good book for a start and it make picking out things that are not lore in you game easy...I have been tempted to read it with a black magic marker but I think I will wait till I can get a second copy.
MarkusTay63 10-08-07, 09:02 PM	Weather you are a fan of 4e or not, or even care about the coming changes, the GHotR is a MUST for any TRUE Realms fan. And please don't ask me to define a 'True' Realms fan - we've been down that road already recently. :P
johnkretzer 10-08-07, 10:18 PM	Weather you are a fan of 4e or not, or even care about the coming changes, the GHotR is a MUST for any TRUE Realms fan. And please don't ask me to define a 'True' Realms fan - we've been down that road already recently. :P Ok we won't ask you to define 'true' fan...we'll just ask you to define true? :evillaugh
Lord Karsus 10-09-07, 12:04 AM	Ok we won't ask you to define 'true' fan...we'll just ask you to define true? :evillaugh -Pledging loyalty to me... Except for some ommisions(Like completely ignoring the fact the the lythari and the avarial arrived with the green elves and the fact the Dragons nearly wiped out the avariel... -I was a bit disturbed that those specific events were omitted too- especially the first one, about the arrival of the Lythari and Avariel. That sucks! If I'd won the lottery as planned last week... -You know, same thing happened to me.
Mr_Miscellany 10-09-07, 02:37 AM	My budy has read the Orc King. This evening after game he told me that the prologue and epilogue are both set in the future, but the body of the book itself is in the current Realms.
johnkretzer 10-09-07, 03:21 AM	My budy has read the Orc King. This evening after game he told me that the prologue and epilogue are both set in the future, but the body of the book itself is in the current Realms. Actualy that depends when you set your campaign if it is after '71 or '73 it is set in the past...also that is nothing new.. Can anybody give spoilers of the epilogue by the way..it will be atleast a coule days before I can steal it from my friend.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 10-09-07, 02:49 PM	I've complained a bit about some disparities in the GHotR entries, myself (ie. there are Drizzt-centric entries that don't seem that important for a timeline, like "Wulfgar returns to Icewind Dale"). But overall, the book does NOT suck. Warts and all, odds are you'll enjoy it if you enjoy Realmslore.
Xaean 10-09-07, 07:14 PM	As far as GHotR goes, I think the expectations were too high. I don't say, it sucks, but it is not the great conclusion or transition many people thought it to be. Without this hype it would have been one more among many FR books. But those who were looking forward to it too eagerly, were dissappointed after all. And some new artwork certainly would have made it more attractive too.
Keahi19 10-11-07, 12:11 AM	So the GHotR is a must grab then? Alright.
Lord Karsus 10-11-07, 11:47 PM	So the GHotR is a must grab then? Alright. -I'd say so, yes. Out of a possible 100, I'd give it a 91.
ADSKINNER 10-12-07, 02:20 PM	I am he formerly known as Duedaine (for some reason, I had to make a new account...). I finished the Orc King, and I must say that Mr. Salvatore continues to enthrall me with his stories. I've never read anything by him that I haven't loved, and this is no exception. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but I will say that I will be extremely dissapointed if there are no mpre forthcoming novels to tell the tales of the companions of the hall, even if they are not together. Does anyone know what the Pirate King is supposed to be bout, or the other book in the transitions series? Will they be written by R.A. Salvatore?
Iakhovas 10-12-07, 03:39 PM	-I'd say so, yes. Out of a possible 100, I'd give it a 91.The check is in the mail LK.
Lord Karsus 10-12-07, 05:08 PM	The check is in the mail LK. -Shh! You weren't supposed to say that outloud! -Nothing to see here, folks. Move along...:shifty:
johnkretzer 10-13-07, 12:51 AM	The check is in the mail LK. :doh: If I knew I could have gotten money for praising your work....sigh. Well maybe your next work...know my praise can be for hire...:D
msatran 10-13-07, 01:09 AM	Well, the Pirate King will be a good book because Drizzt and Pirates beating each other up is a fine departure from the usual stuff, and I'm completely okay with it.
Lord Karsus 10-13-07, 01:10 PM	Well, the Pirate King will be a good book because Drizzt and Pirates beating each other up is a fine departure from the usual stuff, and I'm completely okay with it. -Didn't he do battle with pirates in one of the earlier novels? Don't remember. -I find that any novel that takes place on the high seas is a nice change of pace. I enjoyed the Starlight and Shadows trilogy so much because of this reason. If I knew I could have gotten money for praising your work....sigh. Well maybe your next work...know my praise can be for hire... -Is that so? How much praise do you think this can get me: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: -And, there's always more where that came from.
johnkretzer 10-13-07, 01:44 PM	-Is that so? How much praise do you think this can get me: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: :twocents::twocents::twocents::twocents: -And, there's always more where that came from. Lots so much that I'll convince my friends to sing it's praises...
Lord Karsus 10-13-07, 01:53 PM	Lots so much that I'll convince my friends to sing it's praises... -Excellent. Well, you keep all of that, while I think of something to be a-praised! :rimshot: