GROUND RULES
1). Only bring up Forgotten Realms issues here.
Issues involving other settings don't belong on these forums. They just add to the confusion in what is already a very popular series of threads that get very long very fast.
2). Stay On-topic.
This type of thread has proved to be incredibly useful to a large number of members. However previous threads were long enough as it is, and pretty daunting to a newcomer. Posting off topic makes this worse. There is no point having a thread solely devoted to asking a specific people questions if it gets sidetracked. Any discussions that spring up from the answers provided can be discussed here.
3). Follow the "Golden Rule".
Feel free to disagree with Paul or any other poster but remember “It is OK to attack the ideas written by a poster. It is not OK to attack the person writing the ideas. If you can’t tell the difference, then perhaps you shouldn’t post on that theme.”
4). BEHAVE!
There is no obligation for any of the authors to respond to these questions. Don't get angry if your question isn't answered. Stay polite to those authors who do answer, and don't chase them away!
Are you and ED Greenwood co-working the last novel of your series? The reason I ask, is, I was under the impression that Elminster is near the area, and you had even gave a show of apperance through the introduction in shadowbred. One would think he would try stop the shadowstorm and shade enclave from it's onslaught.
Will the Most High be given a chance to appear in some sort of battle or another? Not that I am asking of a spoiler, but if I remember correctly, it was mentioned that Rivalen could not match his father, even if he was near a chosen of Shar. I would very much be intrested in some sort of detail of his fathers strength/combat/battle/spells or anything that protains to his power.
I was wondering if you could explain the 4E version of Angharradh. In older editions, she was formed when 3 goddesses merged. Now that 2 of the goddesses have been revealed to actually be Sune and Akadi, who is Angharradh??
Where is Sehanine? Is she the new Angharradh?
Thanks Paul
Thank you for allowing us to ask you some questions. My question is this: As an author, do you have anyone working with you to ensure that the information in your books follows the existing canon? I am not saying I have found any errors, just wondered if Wizards works closely with authors to ensure compatibility.
-Please, keep in mind that Paul is an author, and not a designer, Askani.
Yeah i know but I was hoping it might be common knowledge at WOTC so there might be a chance he knows. :D
In your new series The Twilight Wars, Shar is bound to accomplish everyones death including her own. Now that she has entered the mortal realm, is AO obliged to step in as he did with the time of troubles?
Are you and ED Greenwood co-working the last novel of your series? The reason I ask, is, I was under the impression that Elminster is near the area, and you had even gave a show of apperance through the introduction in shadowbred. One would think he would try stop the shadowstorm and shade enclave from it's onslaught.
Will the Most High be given a chance to appear in some sort of battle or another? Not that I am asking of a spoiler, but if I remember correctly, it was mentioned that Rivalen could not match his father, even if he was near a chosen of Shar. I would very much be intrested in some sort of detail of his fathers strength/combat/battle/spells or anything that protains to his power.
How many guises do you have, Extinction?
No, AO will not step in. The motives of the Overgod are inscrutable.
Ed and I have not collaborated on Shadowrealm, though I understand he read it (and I think enjoyed it, to judge from something he said at GenCon). I do throw questions Ed's way (either directly or through another) on certain questions of lore that only Ed can answer.
As for Elminister, he has his own concerns. Keep in mind that events portrayed in novels are only a snapshot of the many and multifarious things going on in the Realms at any one time. It seems like the novel events are the biggest thing going, but that's really misleading. Lots of other things/plots/events that go unrepresented in the novels are also occurring at the same time.
Telemont has a couple important scenes in Shadowrealm and yes, I think you get a sense (indirectly at least) of his power.
Yeah i know but I was hoping it might be common knowledge at WOTC so there might be a chance he knows. :D
Sorry, Askani. I don't know.
Hello,
Thank you for allowing us to ask you some questions. My question is this: As an author, do you have anyone working with you to ensure that the information in your books follows the existing canon? I am not saying I have found any errors, just wondered if Wizards works closely with authors to ensure compatibility.
Karazhan,
All of us work pretty hard to maintain continuity. I do research, the line's editor/manager (Phil Athans) keeps a sharp eye out and does research, I often run a manuscript by Eric Boyd, or a lore question by George Krashos or Ed himself. It's really a team effort. There's no one person of whom I'm aware with the title of Continuity Guru.
I just bought Shadowbred the other day, and will start reading it, soon. So my question is, will it kick my ass, or will it knee me in the groin? Thanks.
Actually, it will spank your ass and call you Sally.
Just sayin'.
Actually, it will spank your ass and call you Sally.
Just sayin'.
-Best...quote...ever.
Just wanted to say that I always appreciated you frequenting these boards, and answering all our questions. Now on to my questions!
1. Have the staff at WOtC given you any recomondations to write differently for 4th Edition? I.E. to avoid RSE's or to avoid certain areas, etc...?
2. Does the WOtC have an official Forgotten Realms bible for the writers and developers to follow and use as a resource? Especially regarding the new 4th edition Realms? If they don't, you should recomend that they compile one.
3. I always wondered, how much freedom did you have when writing the War of the Spider Queen? It seems to me that they essentially gave you the characters, told you the bullet points they want covered, and you had to get the story from point A to B to C, etc... While I liked the basic story and characters, I felt that the after the first few books things started falling apart a little. This is not a criticism of the authors specifically. It's just that each author tends to focus on certain characters more, and each character is portrayed slightly differently by each author. This kind of led to an inconsistant feel for the reader as they may like how one auther portrays their character, but dislike how another does. That, and the fact that the storyline seemed to be predetermined, it sometimes felt like some of the plotline was a little forced. What are your thoughts on the experience?
How many guises do you have, Extinction?
4 currently active. Why? Do you have a favorite? You know these names are bad ass.
No, AO will not step in. The motives of the Overgod are inscrutable.
Ok, so in theory, if you were to pull off a Goerge R.R. Martin and kill everyone off. AO would just say: "Sucks to be them?" I promise I am not baiting you Kemp, many people asked the same thing throughout the forums. I just find it contridictory that AO only makes a apperance directly/indirectly when one of ED's novels are causing the problem. If find the Shadowrealm much more threatning than the Time of troubles. Everyone dying is a bigger problem than not being able to use magic. Oh, and if you don't mind, what did you think of A song of ice and fire? I'm sure you read it. Wasn't it refreshing to see a new style of outcome? Bad guys ftw!
As for Elminister, he has his own concerns. Keep in mind that events portrayed in novels are only a snapshot of the many and multifarious things going on in the Realms at any one time. It seems like the novel events are the biggest thing going, but that's really misleading. Lots of other things/plots/events that go unrepresented in the novels are also occurring at the same time.
Please man, can you guys just give me one good novel of a few well known characters interacting with each other? Or at the very least just passing by?
Example: As Cale shadowstepped out of the alley way, his attention was drawn to an unusual sight of what appeared to be a Drow tipping a large brim feathered hat in a greeting formailty with a grin smile. His thoughts distracted to what a dark elf might be wandering so freely onto the surface. He dismissed the notion and kept on about his way soon after.
It's just, you guys have this huge rich world full of many uniqe characters and areas. Why not just give every author their own world to write in if they never interact with one another? If WoTc does it because of the money for DnD, wouldn't you think they would make more money for collaberation? Drizzt and Cale join forces?(Just an example, that team up would get me upset actually).
Telemont has a couple important scenes in Shadowrealm and yes, I think you get a sense (indirectly at least) of his power.
Yeah thanks, even if it's only a sense indirectly. The reason I asked this, was because I liked how much Richard Lee Byars involved one of his villans Szass Tam, and showed how bad ass a bad guy could be. I like how at the very least you get Rivalen quite a few chapters here and there. I just get sick of reading about the good guys 24/7. That's why I was quite pleased when RAS released Artemis and Jarlaxel's own series. If Telemont doesn't kill Rivalen (which I'm sure he will, because you like to leave hints in your novels of upcomming events: Rivalens mother wanted to be the downfall of him, which now that his brother found her item in the short story, she will be just that), he could develop into his own character such as Artemis did from the legend of Drizzt novels.
The reason I am bugging you with these questions is, in a way, we share the same delima. You are not a game designer, and I am not a game player. I read the novels only as you write the novels only. Peace
How many guises do you have, Extinction?
I counted 5 already :D
Q: Do you plan on giving Cale and the group 4E stats?
With new books apearing (3.5 and 4E) have you ever second guessed about a character build?
(I don't particulary care or mind just really curious)
Were Tanthul and the princes of Shade your creation or Wizards?
-Lord Shadow was introduced in Netheril: Empire of Magic. When Shade returned in the Return of the Archwizards trilogy, Lord Shadow had been retconned into Telamont Tanthul, and mentions of his Twelve Princes were made. In the FRCS, the identities of all but one of the Twelve Princes were revealed.
1. In your short story Continuum in Realms of War, you introduce tangible evidence of Rivalen murdering his mother and discovered by his brother Brennus. This paired with Telamont's cryptic mentioning of Rivalen's mother for the first time in a century out of now where makes me wonder how much the family drama will play out in Shadowrealm.
2. I've looked through the 4th ed Forgotten Realm campaign guide and there is no mention of Mask, will we find out why in the new book?
3. What would be wrong with a Drizzt / Cale tagteam? Both characters are iconic, both characters kick ass and both sell books. Sounds like a trifecta to me
Hello Paul.
Just wanted to say that I always appreciated you frequenting these boards, and answering all our questions. Now on to my questions!
1. Have the staff at WOtC given you any recomondations to write differently for 4th Edition? I.E. to avoid RSE's or to avoid certain areas, etc...?
2. Does the WOtC have an official Forgotten Realms bible for the writers and developers to follow and use as a resource? Especially regarding the new 4th edition Realms? If they don't, you should recomend that they compile one.
3. I always wondered, how much freedom did you have when writing the War of the Spider Queen? It seems to me that they essentially gave you the characters, told you the bullet points they want covered, and you had to get the story from point A to B to C, etc... While I liked the basic story and characters, I felt that the after the first few books things started falling apart a little. This is not a criticism of the authors specifically. It's just that each author tends to focus on certain characters more, and each character is portrayed slightly differently by each author. This kind of led to an inconsistant feel for the reader as they may like how one auther portrays their character, but dislike how another does. That, and the fact that the storyline seemed to be predetermined, it sometimes felt like some of the plotline was a little forced. What are your thoughts on the experience?
1. No. My editor and I have discussed the subject matter of my next FR trilogy, though.
2. Yes.
3. Very little. One major plot point needed to be covered. The rest was my call. WotSQ was a great experience, really, and I'm proud to have been part of it. It's interesting -- I sometimes wonder whether, if one author had written all six books, the "changes" in the characters would be interpreted as character complexity, growth and evolution, as opposed to the case we actually have, where different authors wrote each book, and differences are seen as inconsistency.
I counted 5 already :D
Q: Do you plan on giving Cale and the group 4E stats?
With new books apearing (3.5 and 4E) have you ever second guessed about a character build?
(I don't particulary care or mind just really curious)
Probably not. I think of the characters only secondarily (and a distant second at that) in game terms. Heck, I'm not even familiar enough with 4E rules yet to even know where they would fit.
And know, I've never second guessed a build, because I never really had one in mind. Rudiments, yes (class, even maybe a feat or two) but that's about it.
Currently, the shades are working on rebuilding the shadow weave. Based on the current trends in 4e (new magic system), do you see this as possibly succeeding?
Karazhan,
Anything's possible, I suppose.
Please man, can you guys just give me one good novel of a few well known characters interacting with each other? Or at the very least just passing by?
I cannot speak for other authors, but in the case of my work, almost certainly not. For every person who'd like to see this, there are just as many who would see that kind of forced interaction as contrived and gimmicky. And to have them "just passing by" would rarely be in service to the story, and if it's not, then what's the point? I suppose I can imagine a time when a mention or a brief cameo might be fitting, but those situations would be the rare exception that proves the rule.
Paul, first off, I love your books, keep up the truely awesome work!
1. In your short story Continuum in Realms of War, you introduce tangible evidence of Rivalen murdering his mother and discovered by his brother Brennus. This paired with Telamont's cryptic mentioning of Rivalen's mother for the first time in a century out of now where makes me wonder how much the family drama will play out in Shadowrealm.
2. I've looked through the 4th ed Forgotten Realm campaign guide and there is no mention of Mask, will we find out why in the new book?
3. What would be wrong with a Drizzt / Cale tagteam? Both characters are iconic, both characters kick ass and both sell books. Sounds like a trifecta to me
1. Shadowrealm answers that question.
2. Indeed.
3. Same thing I mentioned to EB/Whatever my handle is today/Mr. Manyname. I think it would seem contrived, forced, and even silly. Faerun's plenty large enough for Cale and Drizzt and Dorn and the Simbul and everyone else to rarely, if ever, cross paths.
1. Shadowrealm answers that question.
Rock!
2. Indeed.
Rock on!
3. Same thing I mentioned to EB/Whatever my handle is today/Mr. Manyname. I think it would seem contrived, forced, and even silly. Faerun's plenty large enough for Cale and Drizzt and Dorn and the Simbul and everyone else to rarely, if ever, cross paths.
(blows snot)
--
Paul, I already told you how you make me fart and turn purple, so I'll save the appraise this time around.
My question concerns the Five Chosen of Mask.
You have two already and one in the making. Do you plan to reveal the other two in this series (is Cale's honey and poptart part of the plan?), or is this something that will come after. And, if so, how do you plan to do so with Mask out of the picture?
Uh...one...one...two. Yeah. Two questions. Or is that three....
Sorry, Askani. I don't know.
Thanks Paul for answering - thanks also for answering our questions on the boards :D we appreciate it!
Actually, it will spank your ass and call you Sally.
Just sayin'.
That is a hot sauce ya know.;)
Will Erevis and/or Riven's genealogy be revealed or at least hinted at in Shadowrealm?
P.S. What ever happened to Azzrim(the surviving slaad)?
P.S. What ever happened to Azzrim(the surviving slaad)?
Seconded. Cale needs some vengeance, after all.
And uh, 1 last question if you will. Does Mask know that Cale screwed him over with his Deal to the Arch-Devil?
My question concerns the Five Chosen of Mask.
You have two already and one in the making. Do you plan to reveal the other two in this series (is Cale's honey and poptart part of the plan?), or is this something that will come after. And, if so, how do you plan to do so with Mask out of the picture?
-The Chosen of Mask are:
Kesson Rel
Avner of Heartsdale*
Erevis Cale
Drasek Riven
?
*Avner is often forgotten. As the Seraph of Thieves in 2e, he is a Chosen in 3e.
1. Good
2. Awesome! (sigh of relief)
3. I agree, I generally dislike crossovers and I'm glad the Realms authors have avoided that in any cheesy way (in the books I've read anyways).
I've been wanting to get my grubby little hands on Shadowrealm since the last page of Shadowstorm... (tapping fingers inpatiently...)
Would you consider a book on the early days of Cale and Jak Fleet
and Jak Fleet
NO! I'm sick of halfings, gnomes, dwarfs, kenders, gully dwarfs. Nothing that is under 4Ft tall. Jak is dead. Good riddance.
If he needs to make a another novel not uncluding Cale. He has all the characters he needs from the Shade Enclave. Why not those 12 princes? Or even do a side story for those Lathander followers.
Do you have have any current plans to step out of the Erevis Cale business for a book or 2 in the Realms?
Would you consider a book on the early days of Cale and Jak Fleet
I'd love to do some prequel stories featuring Fleet and Cale (or Riven, for that matter). At this point, that doesn't seem likely.
But you never know.
Paul,
Will Erevis and/or Riven's genealogy be revealed or at least hinted at in Shadowrealm?
P.S. What ever happened to Azzrim(the surviving slaad)?
You know, I am very much against cross overs in the Realms novels, but one that piques even my interest would be Azzrim and Jarlaxle. Some how I see them getting on.
Paul,
Will Erevis and/or Riven's genealogy be revealed or at least hinted at in Shadowrealm?
P.S. What ever happened to Azzrim(the surviving slaad)?
1. What are YOU hinting at?
2. Azriim runs a silk shop in Sigil.
(or, he doesn't and may return for a story at some time in the future).Do you have have any current plans to step out of the Erevis Cale business for a book or 2 in the Realms?
Would you consider a book on the early days of Cale and Jak Fleet
Well, my next trilogy builds off of events from the TWilight War but will be different in tone and focus.
I would love to do an "origins" series of books for Cale, Jak, Riven, and Mags.
Shar seems to be dominating every story written about Shades. But with the coming Spellplague and the onslaught of the Shadowstorm, will her brighter half, Selune, step in to thwart (or try to) her eternal nemesis? Selune was an intermediate level deity in 3E, but became a greater in 4E. Does the events in Shadowrealm shed [moon]light on this?
AO,
Selune and/or her followers do not feature in Shadowrealm. Sorry.
Well, my next trilogy builds off of events from the TWilight War but will be different in tone and focus.
Will it be set in the Year of the Ageless One?
Cause, I've got Plans...
Gomez
AO,
Selune and/or her followers do not feature in Shadowrealm. Sorry.
As you can clearly see, many people share the same perspective as me. Someone would step in, but forwhatever reason, it's trying to be justified.
Will it be set in the Year of the Ageless One?
Cause, I've got Plans...
Gomez
It will be set in the 4E timeline, yes.
Well, my next trilogy builds off of events from the TWilight War but will be different in tone and focus.
will they be paperbacks?
will they be paperbacks?
They will be released initially as trade paperbacks (the hardcover sized paperbacks; I know you know this, but someone else reading might not know what I mean by trade) then a subsequent release in mass market paperback.
They will be released initially as trade paperbacks (the hardcover sized paperbacks; I know you know this, but someone else reading might not know what I mean by trade) then a subsequent release in mass market paperback.
Interesting. Is this a new pattern for WoTC books that a popular?
Interesting. Is this a new pattern for WoTC books that a popular?
I don't know, to be honest. Hope so.
1) Does Wizards encourage authors to follow the mechanics of the current D & D setting when writing? For example, with the death of Mystra the magic system is now completely different. Do they encourage you to write wizard characters as following the new system? Do you have the freedom to not follow the new system in favor of the old?
2) Did the Netherese use the weave to power their magics? I am assuming they did as their enclaves fell with the death/reincarnation of Mystryl. If they did not, then their empire would never have fallen if they had an independent source of power. What is your understanding of the issue?
Thanks for fielding our questions.
1) Does Wizards encourage authors to follow the mechanics of the current D & D setting when writing? For example, with the death of Mystra the magic system is now completely different. Do they encourage you to write wizard characters as following the new system? Do you have the freedom to not follow the new system in favor of the old?
2) Did the Netherese use the weave to power their magics? I am assuming they did as their enclaves fell with the death/reincarnation of Mystryl. If they did not, then their empire would never have fallen if they had an independent source of power. What is your understanding of the issue?
1. Oh, sure. If you write in a shared world setting based on a game, you need to try to stay reasonably consistent with the underlying rules. But, as I've said in other forums, I see the rules as guidelines, not shackles.
2. My understanding of the issue is that the vast majority of Netherese drew on the Weave. Some pursued alternative paths, including Shade Enclave, which, at some point in its history, turned to the Shadow Weave, in full or part.
There was this neat short story in Realms of War anmd my questio would be whether the events mentioned in there will have any "fallout" in the upcoming novel(s), since one of Rivalen's little plots got more or less revealed and one wonders where Cale's wife went to.
Methinks I tried once before with a question about the identity of the chap who assisted Cale's wife when the Shadowstorm et al were nigh upon her? Will he make a reappearance?
Hello Mr. Kemp!
There was this neat short story in Realms of War anmd my questio would be whether the events mentioned in there will have any "fallout" in the upcoming novel(s), since one of Rivalen's little plots got more or less revealed and one wonders where Cale's wife went to.
Methinks I tried once before with a question about the identity of the chap who assisted Cale's wife when the Shadowstorm et al were nigh upon her? Will he make a reappearance?
1. Yes.
2. Yes (i.e., the fate of Varra)
3. Yes.
So which book(s) would you suggest someone who wants to start reading the whole story?
Well Mr Kemp I am really impressed by your fanservice here and now I am really curious about your work. I am just not sure where to start reading, I already read Return of the Archwizards, Realms of War and Halls or Stormweather.
So which book(s) would you suggest someone who wants to start reading the whole story?
Banpai,
You read my Realms of War story out of order, which must have made for odd reading.
Anyway, the Cale stories go like this:
"Resurrection" in The Halls of Stormweather.
Shadow's Witness, book two of the Sembia Series.
Then the three books of the Erevis Cale Trilogy, which are:
Twilight Falling
Dawn of Night
Midnight's Mask
Then the three books of the Twilight War, which are:
Shadowbred
Shadowstorm
Shadowrealm
My short story in Realms of Dragons, entitled "Soulbound," fits between Dawn of Night and Midnight's Mask, but is not required reading.
My short story in Realms of War, "Continuum," fits between Shadowstorm and Shadowrealm. It's fairly important reading, but not absolutely necessary.
I've had two other Cale short stories published in Dragon Magazine, neither are necessary reading, but for the completists:
"Another Name for Dawn" appeared in Dragon 277. It is Cale's "origin story" and fits into the timeline as the first Cale tale, telling of his break from the Night Masks and flight from Westgate.
"All the Sinner Saints" appeared in Dragon 297 and fits between Shadow's Witness and Twilight Falling. It explains how Cale and Riven come to understand one another well enough to work together.
That's a lot of stuff, now that I write it out.
In truth, only the novels are truly necessary. The various short stories are for the true Cale afficionados who want all the nuance. ;) Hope that helps.
Banpai,
You read my Realms of War story out of order, which must have made for odd reading.
Anyway, the Cale stories go like this:
"Resurrection" in The Halls of Stormweather.
Shadow's Witness, book two of the Sembia Series.
Then the three books of the Erevis Cale Trilogy, which are:
Twilight Falling
Dawn of Night
Midnight's Mask
Then the three books of the Twilight War, which are:
Shadowbred
Shadowstorm
Shadowrealm
My short story in Realms of Dragons, entitled "Soulbound," fits between Dawn of Night and Midnight's Mask, but is not required reading.
My short story in Realms of War, "Continuum," fits between Shadowstorm and Shadowrealm. It's fairly important reading, but not absolutely necessary.
I've had two other Cale short stories published in Dragon Magazine, neither are necessary reading, but for the completists:
"Another Name for Dawn" appeared in Dragon 277. It is Cale's "origin story" and fits into the timeline as the first Cale tale, telling of his break from the Night Masks and flight from Westgate.
"All the Sinner Saints" appeared in Dragon 297 and fits between Shadow's Witness and Twilight Falling. It explains how Cale and Riven come to understand one another well enough to work together.
That's a lot of stuff, now that I write it out.
Hope that helps.
Thank you very much for this long response, I enjoyed Continuum and Resurrection (had to book already
) greatly and I ordered the other 7 books today, so I will be a Cale expert very soon :D And I have to say that I often considered to pick up one of the books but was never shure where to start, so your response helped a lot :D
-The Chosen of Mask are:
Kesson Rel
Avner of Heartsdale*
Erevis Cale
Drasek Riven
?
*Avner is often forgotten. As the Seraph of Thieves in 2e, he is a Chosen in 3e.
OK. After a Google search, I see you actually gave this same answer in another thread that got buried and lost to me a few weeks ago. Sorry for the forced reiteration.
My assumption was that there were supposed to be Five Chosen of Mask at the same time. I never counted Kesson Rel, as he flipped sides and became a punk.
As for Avner of Heartsdale—Avner of the Twilight Giants trilogy? Wha’ you talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?
---
Paul…going forward into 4e, do you plan on keeping Rivalen as sort of a core character in your stories, or was he just handed over to you as a plot tool for the current trilogy?
Paul…going forward into 4e, do you plan on keeping Rivalen as sort of a core character in your stories, or was he just handed over to you as a plot tool for the current trilogy?
JD,
No Rivalen was not handed off. I received no instruction on protags/antags for the Twilight War (other than using Cale).
True, Rivalen existed in the lore prior to the Twilight War, but he'd had little development (he has a role in Denning's Return of the Archwizards trilogy, but Troy didn't focus on him, instead focusing on Melegaunt and using the rest of the Princes more or less as a background group). I deliberately chose Rivalen (because I enjoy characters with strong religious ties) and have (I like to think) given him substantial development.
Will he appear in later trilogies? Well, that depends on a host of things, including what happens to him in Shadowrealm
Man, I can't wait for that novel to hit shelves.
Man, I can't wait for that novel to hit shelves.
-True so true! ;)
-Lurk mode on.
18DELTA
Will he appear in later trilogies? Well, that depends on a host of things, including what happens to him in Shadowrealm
Yeah, pull off a Artemis, make the anti-hero a character with his own series. I for one like Rivalen more than Cale, because Cale reminds me too much of the usual good guy with a dark backround trying to make amends for himself (honestly, overused). Also, as you can see, many people have been intrested in Rivalen as well. More questions have been concerning him rather than Cale (at least in this forum)
Man, I can't wait for that novel to hit shelves.
Why did you delay it from the previous date August? (Kill Cale off while you still have time, don't turn him into another Drizzt)
Why did you delay it from the previous date August? (Kill Cale off while you still have time, don't turn him into another Drizzt)
-As Mr. Kemp has said in the past, he didn't have control over the released date (WotC does), but he thinks that it was pushed back to avoid people being "overloaded" with products, being as that the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide came out in August, and the Forgotten Realms Player's Guide is coming out like, next week, or something.
-I know I, for one, however, would have preferred the novel sooner than later. Something else could have gotten pushed back.
Do you have plans to write any books (Cale or otherwise) in the Spellplague era or beyond into the new "modern" realms?
As for Avner of Heartsdale—Avner of the Twilight Giants trilogy? Wha’ you talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?
-See either Prince of Lies, or Crucible: Trial of Cyric the Mad.
Do you have plans to write any books (Cale or otherwise) in the Spellplague era or beyond into the new "modern" realms?
-Mr. Kemp already said that he will be writing books in the new era, yes.
JD,
No Rivalen was not handed off. I received no instruction on protags/antags for the Twilight War (other than using Cale).
True, Rivalen existed in the lore prior to the Twilight War, but he'd had little development (he has a role in Denning's Return of the Archwizards trilogy, but Troy didn't focus on him, instead focusing on Melegaunt and using the rest of the Princes more or less as a background group). I deliberately chose Rivalen (because I enjoy characters with strong religious ties) and have (I like to think) given him substantial development.
Good deal. The very reason I asked is that I thought you did an excellent job with his character. Few are the “bad guys” I enjoy reading about, simply because they are made out to be power hungry/sadistic/thug-like idiots.
The development in character is grand.
Now, keep it up or I’ll chuck a potato at your pet hamster, Pippy, and put gum in her hair. I’ve been gunnin’ for that rodent for sometime now anyway.
Will he appear in later trilogies? Well, that depends on a host of things, including what happens to him in Shadowrealm
Don’t give me that suspense crap!! We all know he survives!!
And if he ends up like some Manshoon clone/Jackie Chan freakshow, we’re over!!!
Man, I can't wait for that novel to hit shelves.
You can’t wait? I waited to buy the first two thinkin’ I’d only have to wait a few months for the last! What now? I’m hoping my sister will buy it for me for Christmas. This SUX!
-See either Prince of Lies, or Crucible: Trial of Cyric the Mad.
Sweet Bejebuz cuddling with a porcupine.
Its been nearly 14 years since I read those. You mean, I actually have to read them again?!
(P.S. Avner of Hartsvale. Dumb-de-dumb-dumb-dumb)
Do you have plans to write any books (Cale or otherwise) in the Spellplague era or beyond into the new "modern" realms?
MM,
I have signed a contract for a new FR trilogy. It will be set in the post-Spellplague realms but will build off of events set in motion in the Twilight War.
Just one major question, do you have any plans for novels or novel series focusing on Riven? Though I do like Cale as the misguided good guy, Riven's personality just seem to fit more into that bad guy that was willing to help the good guys once in a while as long as it suited his goals feel to me and well honestly (since I started playing back in 2e) it just fit more with the style of characters I liked playing.
Deama,
Plans, no, though I've indicated to my editor that I'd love to do some "prequel" stories at some point, perhaps a novel each focusing on Cale, Riven, and Mags, with Jak appearing in them. I doubt much will come of my offer in this case (WotC seems disinclined to do books that occur pre-Spellplague), but you never know.
Might it be possible to get a timeline of sorts for the sembian civil war (as much as is known about it nowadays)? I'm starting a campaign in The Hundred Years Between just now and it might be useful...
-AGHotR has a month-by-month breakdown of the events of 1374, including the Sembian Civil War.
-AGHotR has a month-by-month breakdown of the events of 1374, including the Sembian Civil War.
And the detail there was just extraordinary.
And the detail there was just extraordinary.
It is just enough for someone with a decent imagination to work with I would think. ;)
It is just enough for someone with a decent imagination to work with I would think. ;)
Is this the point where I get banned for saying that there are certain individuals here that don't have that type of imagination? :whatsthis
But, staying on topic, I've been scanning what few brain cells I have left and have come up with nothing. Was there mention on how Riven lost his eye?
Was there mention on how Riven lost his eye?
-Where was this mentioned? The FRCG?
-Where was this mentioned? The FRCG?
Um...I don't know. That's why I am asking.
Did I miss a beat here?
-Geeze...Just wondering if I missed a detail somewhere in my reading.
You...? You!!?
Was there mention on how Riven lost his eye?
Yes. I think it's in book 2 of the Cale trilogy, but I'm not completely sure about that...it may be on one of the other Cale books, or possibly in the Twilight War books somewhere...
Yes. I think it's in book 2 of the Cale trilogy, but I'm not completely sure about that...
Book 2 or 3 (I think!). Anyway, Riven lost the eye thanks to the abuse of his "master" when he was a child.
Book 2 or 3 (I think!). Anyway, Riven lost the eye thanks to the abuse of his "master" when he was a child.
First book (i only know because I just finally got a chance to start reading this trilogy and finished the first book over the weekend, starting the second today) of the Cale trilogy. It's somewhere in the middle or towards the last 1/3rd of the book.
Riven did lose the eye in his youth as a result of a beating by an abusive master, though most of his colleagues and enemies think he lost it on a job as an adult (and Riven has done nothing to dispel that notion, keeping the pain of his past to himself).Correct one and all, and thanks for answering.
Speaking of which--what's up with the dogs? I mean, you come up with a pretty hardcore character, then make him a puppy for puppies.
Why not cats--or squids or something?
I'm particularly fond of the tortoise, but that's just me.
Cats = good, too, but they aren't as solid as dogs.
No...Riven is a panzy because of this. If he wanted to be bad ass, he should have been like Rivalen's brother with his created creatures. Er, I forget his name. Bruen..something..
Speaking of which--what's up with the dogs?
Riven was a kennel boy when he was young. Hence his affinity for dogs.
-Because dogs = good, and I'm sure Paul can attest to this. Cats = good, too, but they aren't as solid as dogs.
They are very cuddly though.
-That was Riven we were talking about, with the one eye. I thought we were talking about Rivalen. Just realized that...
if memory serves it actually explains his affinity for "The Girls" in the Cale Trilogy as well, they were basically beat down homeless dogs and it reminded him of himself so he took care of them, when he finally got the temple at the end of the trilogy he took them there to live with him.
That makes some sense (though I don’t recall the “reminded him of himself” part--perhaps implied), but, if so, what about Paul…
Riven was a kennel boy when he was young. Hence his affinity for dogs.
Come on, Paul!! When I was a teen, I was forced to live on my uncles farm and shovel pig feces. That doesn’t mean I have Darma the Potbelly at home to cuddle with.
I don’t think you know who you’re writing about any more. I’m siding with Deama on this one.
Deama, please consult with Mr. Kemp on how to proceed with Riven’s character going forward.
Nothing personal Paul. Still love your work. ;)
-That was Riven we were talking about, with the one eye. I thought we were talking about Rivalen. Just realized that...
Infallibility strikes again. :rolleye2:
I wish you would detail your meele battle discriptions. I don't like reading about "Riven was slashing a blur of flashes with his 2 blades". RAS has it down pretty nice. If I wanted to use my imagination, I wouldn't read books.
Shame. I thought Cale violently bashing a slaads brain in would have gotten you sticky.
------
Yes, Paul, I agree. I want more severed arms, sliced tendons and overall blood. Descriptively.
Can we please have some postmortem goods?
I wish you would detail your meele battle discriptions. I don't like reading about "Riven was slashing a blur of flashes with his 2 blades". RAS has it down pretty nice. If I wanted to use my imagination, I wouldn't read books.
And if I wanted "detailed melee battle discriptions" (or as I called it "action porn") I would read books from RAS.
Every writer has his/her style, why as a writer would you wnt to do the same thing another writer does? specially when it might come more natural for one than another.
Lurk mode on
-Mr. Kemp, Elaine recently made mention of a Star Wars book that you'll be having published sometime next year...Can you mention anything about it? Anything? As I've mentioned, I gave up reading Star Wars books, because of certain things that happened in the last series- I am a big fan of Jacen Solo, and was very happy with the direction the character was taken in, and the efforts of other authors to make certain aspects of the universe more realistic, and less black and white, and gave up reading the novels upon finishing the novel Invincible. I'm going to be making an exception for Elaine's novel, so I am thinking, perhaps I should make an exception for yours as well?
LK,
My SW novel will be a standalone story, set post-Legacy of the Force, and will feature Jaden Korr and a few other characters of my own creation. I developed the story/plot (i.e., no one at Del Rey said "write about thus and so or do thus and so").
That's about all I can say at this point.
LK,
My SW novel will be a standalone story, set post-Legacy of the Force, and will feature Jaden Korr and a few other characters of my own creation. I developed the story/plot (i.e., no one at Del Rey said "write about thus and so or do thus and so").
That's about all I can say at this point.
Any news about when it's schedueled to be out? Spring, Summer, Fall?
Any news about when it's schedueled to be out? Spring, Summer, Fall?
Early 2010.
Mr Paul Kemp how did you get your job as a FR writer?
Dave,
Years ago WotC had an open submissions policy, pursuant to which prospective writers could submit either a short story or a sample chapter from a novel for consideration. I submitted sample chapter from a novel I was writing at the time, WotC liked it, and asked me to participate in a closed call for what would later become the Sembia Series. I submitted an idea for Erevis Cale, butler/spy/assassin, and off things went.
I really wont to know who killed mystra, all the details of it - who helps and who my have looked the other way while she was beening killed. and what was with the quote that elmenster gave in the beginning of the 4e FRCG.
did he say anything about a novel that had alot of info on the changed to the gods in general.
Well, the ongoing series by Thomas M. Reid will likely have information to that effect. Shadowrealm will supposedly involve Mask's fate, as well. The Lady Penitent trilogy explains what happened to the drow gods.
Mr Paul Kemp how did you get your job as a FR writer?
Hey!! That was my question!
Dave,
Years ago WotC had an open submissions policy, pursuant to which prospective writers could submit either a short story or a sample chapter from a novel for consideration. I submitted sample chapter from a novel I was writing at the time, WotC liked it, and asked me to participate in a closed call for what would later become the Sembia Series. I submitted an idea for Erevis Cale, butler/spy/assassin, and off things went.
That works?
--------
Paul, I notice that there is often some serious time between releases in novels. How long does it normally take from when you start writing a book to the point where it actually hits the shelves? Also, how long after you've actually submitted a novel does it take before WotC gets through with editing and decides to release it? I mean, this last novel has been pushed back at least twice already....
Thank you for answering.
Welcome.
You are now free to return to playing Mortal Kombat. :D
Welcome.
You are now free to return to playing Mortal Kombat. :D
I'll give you some Mortal Kombat
(sorry, I missed getting on your case) :P(sorry, I missed getting on your case) :P
Me, too, you muffinhead!! How can I properly degrade people without my Ody? :D
BTW...aren't you supposed to be scrubbin' latrines and such?
Slacker!
-----
Regardless of the fact that Ody makes me so childish (secret giggle), my question still stands Paul. Don't make me visit your blog!!
in the new forgotten realms campaign guide i was reminded of a certain promise cale made to jak. does this happen in your forthcoming novel or will you deal with it in the next series.
lastly in the wotsq series there was an orgaization of vhaeraunite assassins who had a headquarters on the plane of shadow. and after reading of the death of the masked lord i thought these would obviously be people that could be converted to the service of Mask. just curious to your thoughts on the matter.
if i got too close to anything feel free to give me the robert jordan answer
The towers of the Eclipse - they were made of magically-enhanced granite, right? It just seems a bit 'clunky' the way you handled that. You say that the Sojourer was looking for some of this 'special stone' which only exists in space but occassionally falls to Toril.
Thats just fine and dandy, and I like it... but then why did you go out-of-your-way to say the meteorite was destroyed, but it's energies became infused in the local granite?
Then you further the awkwardness by saying that two evil gods didn't even notice what their temples were made of. Thats really pushing it, I think - you are making the Sojourner out to be more powerful then a god, and yet mortals can beat him (Munchkinism, much?)
My question to you is why couldn't you just say that Bane and/or his clergy recognized the value of the meteoric ore (NOT the local granite) and used THAT?
Even if older lore says the towers were built from local granite - so what. You could have said that the foundations were laid with the meteoric metal/ore/whatever, or that only that one tower had some of it incorporated into the construction (because the priesthood didn't find enough for both towers and were only able to use it here or there on one). It just seems a huge coincidental stretch that Bane's priesthood just so happened to use that 'infused granite' in their construction - and then Cyric later makes a special point of holding onto these temples - and yet neither god nor their clergy realized the potential of the rock?
Wouldn't it have been much less convoluted to say they used the meteorite material itself and that the Higher-Ups of the church new exactly what they were doing, on Bane's own orders? He is THE Tyrant, and building a temple out of something that enhances magic just seems like something he would most certainly do.
I'm just saying two temples, so close together, that two gods have made a special point of having, and you just left the whole thing up to a quirk of fate.
I'm not being a pain-in-the-ass here, but it just seems to me so much MORE could have been done with that, and I was wondering if it is because you had something particualr in-mind when you spun the whole thing that way.
Thanks - Mark
in the new forgotten realms campaign guide i was reminded of a certain promise cale made to jak. does this happen in your forthcoming novel or will you deal with it in the next series.
lastly in the wotsq series there was an orgaization of vhaeraunite assassins who had a headquarters on the plane of shadow. and after reading of the death of the masked lord i thought these would obviously be people that could be converted to the service of Mask. just curious to your thoughts on the matter.
if i got too close to anything feel free to give me the robert jordan answer
RedX,
Cale's promise to Jak (if you mean the one about Skullport), is not dealt with in the Twilight War. As for the next series, I have to remain mum.
Honestly, I haven't thought at all about the fate of Vharaun's faithful vis a vis Mask. That's really more a question for the designers than a novelist. I agree with you, though, that the two faiths have some interesting overlaps.
Mr Kemp if you could pick a story to write anywhere what would it be? I mean, if your editors came up to you and asked what kind of story you want to write and where what would you pick? In the FR of course.
Dave,
I'm already writing them.
Hello everyone, it's been a while!I would like to ask a question to Paul if he can answer it.With only about a month before Shadow Realm is released will you please tell me what are the stats of Mephistopheles that you are using in the novels(If you're using, if not and you can't answer that's ok!)?Did you use the original stats from BoVD or the FC2 and then advanced him as described in the book? would like to know if that's the case 'cause i'm interested in using him as a villain like you did.So, Paul if you can please answer me!
Dankan,
I generally don't consider stats as such when I'm using an entity like Mephistopheles. I did reference the BoVD, but more for the "current state of affairs" in the Hells than for stats.
I'm just saying two temples, so close together, that two gods have made a special point of having, and you just left the whole thing up to a quirk of fate.
I enjoy quirks of fate. If that works for you great. If not, not as great, but so it goes.
I just thought you had something more in mind there, is all. Reading back through my post it sounds a bit harsh, so sorry for that - I am a big fan.
Okay, thanks.
I just thought you had something more in mind there, is all. Reading back through my post it sounds a bit harsh, so sorry for that - I am a big fan.
Markus,
No worries. I didn't perceive it as harsh. As always, I appreciate your interest and close reading.
I am eagerly awaiting the 2nd of December Mr. Kemp.
You and me both, brother.
EXCELLENT suggestion! We've even had Oriental (Kara-Turan) characters feature prominently in the Realms, but I can't recall a single person of Tasho-Faerûnian descentbeing a main character.
You and me both, brother.
Oh yeah!
Here, here!
EXCELLENT suggestion! We've even had Oriental (Kara-Turan) characters feature prominently in the Realms, but I can't recall a single person of Tasho-Faerûnian descentbeing a main character.
Kwalu was a prominent Chultan character (if not the protagonist) of Ring of Winter. Said novel featured many other Chultan characters in good roles, and it even had a "biracial" character as the protagonist's love interest.
The House of Serpents trilogy featured a part-yuanti love interest from Chult.
im back with more
1) jak sort of played the role of the conscience of the party. with him absent do you worry about not really having a good guy? while "not all darkness serves shade" "without light there is no shadow,only darkness"
2) i really like the dynamic of cale (the bad guy on the road to redemption) and abelar (hero on the path of dmnation) can i look forward to further interaction between them?
3) while the fifth chosen still remains a mystery are there any plans to unite cale or riven with avner of hartsdale or perhaps a shortstory encounter involving avner and kessen rell? id really like to see an interaction of your characters and the other chosen of mask.
3b) we as readers know of him but are riven and cale even aware of avner? is rell?
Thx
Ok, Hey i'm very new to the whole D & D world. So, I have lots of questions and this thread is active. I just started playing today. My friend who is a long time player said he would allow me to catch up to the others in their local game by letting me "free play" in Waterdeep with him as the boss 'god guy'. So i'm in waterdeep as a very unskilled youth at 15 and I wanted tips of where I should go what I should do to earn money and skills. What should I ask and where should I go in this city? A "plot hook" that i have is this green copper dagger that has some association with augma (i think).
Thx
Perhaps you should post this question in the Running the Realms forum. This thread may be "active", but it's for asking questions for the author Paul Kemp regarding his works, not general gaming questions.
paul thanx for the reply
im back with more
1) jak sort of played the role of the conscience of the party. with him absent do you worry about not really having a good guy? while "not all darkness serves shade" "without light there is no shadow,only darkness"
2) i really like the dynamic of cale (the bad guy on the road to redemption) and abelar (hero on the path of dmnation) can i look forward to further interaction between them?
3) while the fifth chosen still remains a mystery are there any plans to unite cale or riven with avner of hartsdale or perhaps a shortstory encounter involving avner and kessen rell? id really like to see an interaction of your characters and the other chosen of mask.
3b) we as readers know of him but are riven and cale even aware of avner? is rell?
RedX, good questions.
1. You know, I don't worry too much about it. As someone said to Jak in Midnight's Mask, "memories haunt better than ghosts." Cale's whole task, his whole journey, in the Twilight War is an effort to keep a promise to a dead friend. So Jak remains his conscience, perhaps moreso now than before. And while I don't generally conceptualize the various characters in terms of good guy/bad guy (as opposed to "complicated guy with this motivation, which happens to run afoul of this complicated guy with that motivation"), I think Cale in the Twilight War is about as "good" as he has ever been, at least on the surface. He feels like he owes it to Jak to become a hero (and he also feels, though he doesn't process it consciously, that in becoming a hero he can fully and finally save himself), so he's at least acting the part for much of the first two books. You'll know by the end of Shadowrealm how all of that turns out.
2. I like the Abelar/Cale contrast, too. In fact, Abelar has become one of my favorite characters to write. His story arc reaches catharsis in Shadowrealm. I won't spoil anything by hinting at which way it goes.
3. Cale is aware of Avner (in Dawn of Night he goes through a list of Mask's "special someones"). Whether Riven is remains an open question. Kesson Rel certainly would be aware of him.
18DELTA (Chosen of Cyric)
These questions contain spoilers.
Here are my problems
1) Does Redemption NEED to equal DEATH for every fallen character ever?
2) Can't ANYONE actually KILL one of the shades and get away with it?
3) Is it REALLY necessary to use Time Travel as a plot hook, a plot hook which isn't even included in these novels, but instead, in Realms of War. Without this interlude, which should have been printed with the book, the book doesn't even begin to make sense.
4) Why wasn't Erevis more daring? He should have stolen Amaunator's Eternal Sun and dropped it on Sembia. Or, better yet, the Lathanderites should have stolen it from Daegloth Orndeir. It's a Miracle! 5000 XP later, and the Shades are toast! Kind of hard to live in darkness when it's sunny all the time. Sure, Erevis wouldn't have shade powers, and he'd only have one hand, but let me tell you, it would have been extremely unpleasant for Rivalen and his cronies.
5) Why such a bad plan for dealing with Mephistopheles? If I knew that was the situation, I would have thought of every trick I could come up with to isolate that situation and remove the problem with the "Hostage" from play. Sure, I'd probably still get whipped, but really, a scroll of Wall of Force costs not quite so much, and with all that god power on the battlefield, no one's going to notice one of those lackey guys sneaking across Caina waiting for his moment. SOMEONE'S gotta know Use Magic Device. Someone's GOT to know Orb of Electricity. Mephistopheles isn't totally undefeatable. Just cast your divination spells, find out where his soul object is, and hold THAT hostage. Sure, you'll have to fight tons of really powerful stuff, but you're Erevis Cale and you can cast CLERIC spells. Who cares? THAT'S the stuff of legends. This was pretty whiny.
6) Not another Hundred Year Time Jump Epilogue. Things like that make me not care about the characters at all. The assumption of the arbitrary subjugation of Sembia without assuming that other powerful characters exist that might interfere because it has little to no relevance to the novel is just flat out wrong. The lack of an explanation of exactly HOW the Shadovar subjugate this nation, get their troops into position and where those troops are located pains me. Outside of Selgaunt, it doesn't seem they're located anywhere, except on their giant floating island. I would have rather read about that than about the characters in the book.
7) I have no idea as to why there was a useless staredown. That wasn't worth the paper it was printed on, even though the writing was excellent. I don't want to read about a promised showdown that doesn't come. I wanted to SEE that big fight, the one that ACTUALLY mattered, and in the end, we were cheated out of it by Wizards and their bad editorial cronies.
I really would have liked a map of what Sembia looked like after the dust settled, and who controlled what.
The map of Daerlun, by contrast, was pretty unhelpful.
Now I have to wing it all. I can do it, but I'd rather not have to.
As much as I LOATHE the 4e Realms, this novel, regardless of how well it is written (And it is written well), does a better job than any other of defining the characteristics of a nation.
Good job, Paul. Despite my gripes, and my hatred of 4th edition, this was an excellent book, and you deserve a gold star for writing it. There were no run-on sentences or other embarrassments to the English Language for me to cry about, and I was actually moved by the last few pages despite not feeling anything for any of the major players.
Paul
-That was a good story.
-So when does your next set of Novel come out? :D
18DELTA (Chosen of
Show
Lessinor
-I'm no author (established or otherwise), but I find that writing is often my only creative outlet, lacking decent art skills. It mostly manifests itself in D&D world building, and stemming from that, occasionally prose. Passive scenes, I don't have any problems transcribing into text. Battle scenes, however, I've never been able to "figure out". Again, if you don't mind me asking, how do you do it? You're- obviously- pretty successful at it. ;)
-Paul, as an author who has some pretty "fast paced" battle scenes, I was wondering, what is the best way to pull that sort of thing off? Do you imagine the scenes in your head, and then just try to, as accurately as possible, tell them using words? Does it just kind of flow, and make itself up as you begin typing/writing it? How does that process work?
-I'm no author (established or otherwise), but I find that writing is often my only creative outlet, lacking decent art skills. It mostly manifests itself in D&D world building, and stemming from that, occasionally prose. Passive scenes, I don't have any problems transcribing into text. Battle scenes, however, I've never been able to "figure out". Again, if you don't mind me asking, how do you do it? You're- obviously- pretty successful at it. ;)
LK,
I don't visualize entire battles. Instead, I usually visualize a "hook" for any given action scene, where the hook is some unusual aspect to the action (e.g., Cale putting down Azriim in MM by forcing open his jaws until they snap). Then I simply build around that hook (sometimes there are multiple hooks in a given action scene and its just a matter of building around each, then fitting each into a larger structure). I don't chronicle every thrust, parry, and whatnot, but instead try to provide a handful of moments and word cues around which the reader can create the combat in their own mind. I'll also use different sentence structure, depending upon what I'm trying to convey about the action. Short, punchy sentences for a rapid fire effect. Longer sentences with lots of clauses for a more fluid, graceful effect. A one or two or three word sentence to provide a period or stopping point (should it be appropriate). And so on.
Paul
having just finished Shadowrealm, can you give any vague hints as to what is next? Are you done with these characters or will you expand on the little dangling plot lines you left at the end of Shadowrealm? And do you have any plans on expanding on Abelar and the Lathanders?
First, I'm pleased you've enjoyed the Cale stories.
Second, what's next is a new FR trilogy, set in the post-Spellplague era, and released in trade paperback (the hardcover sized paperbacks) and mass market paperback (the regular paperbacks). The trilogy will be entitled The Cycle of Night and will build on events from the Twilight War. We haven't settled on individual titles yet. The first book of the new trilogy will release in 2010 (month undetermined).
Semi-spoiler for Shadowrealm:
Show
It will feature Cale's son.
Craghack,
First, I'm pleased you've enjoyed the Cale stories.
Second, what's next is a new FR trilogy, set in the post-Spellplague era, and released in trade paperback (the hardcover sized paperbacks) and mass market paperback (the regular paperbacks). The trilogy will be entitled The Cycle of Night and will build on events from the Twilight War. We haven't settled on individual titles yet. The first book of the new trilogy will release in 2010 (month undetermined).
Semi-spoiler for Shadowrealm:ShowIt will feature Cale's son.
LK,
I don't visualize entire battles. Instead, I usually visualize a "hook" for any given action scene, where the hook is some unusual aspect to the action (e.g., Cale putting down Azriim in MM by forcing open his jaws until they snap). Then I simply build around that hook (sometimes there are multiple hooks in a given action scene and its just a matter of building around each, then fitting each into a larger structure). I don't chronicle every thrust, parry, and whatnot, but instead try to provide a handful of moments and word cues around which the reader can create the combat in their own mind. I'll also use different sentence structure, depending upon what I'm trying to convey about the action. Short, punchy sentences for a rapid fire effect. Longer sentences with lots of clauses for a more fluid, graceful effect. A one or two or three word sentence to provide a period or stopping point (should it be appropriate). And so on.
Paul
-Hmm, thanks for the tips.
one question though
i may be inferring too much here but i couldnt help but think of thousands of payer characters waiting around in inns untill they could be ported from 3.5 to fourth edition. was this an intentional jab or just an amusing little irony?
first i ask sorry, for im a newbie to novels and your work at this moment
just start to read some of your books
but im a lover of FR and i would like to ask, besides that new series post-spellplague, there are any plans to still do books with 3.5 lore in mind?
yes, i dont liked 4th edition Forgotten setting
I would be hard for me to enumerate the many pages I've read over the years, but I can say that Shadowrealm ranks with the best of its kind. I read all six of the above-mentioned novels in the span of four days. This allowed me an interesting perspective on your growth as a writer. I enjoyed every bit of the six, and it seemed obvious to me that the writing grew better and better with each.
I'm definitely fully aboard the "Paul Kemp Bandwagon", sir. Thanks for sharing your creations with us. As long as you're sharing, I'm buying.
This is not so much an "Ask Paul" post as an expression of appreciation for your work. I'd read so many fine things said about your work that I recently purchased both the Erevis Cale Trilogy and the Shadow War Trilogy. Wow.
Thank you, TK. I appreciate that.
Paul
Thank you, TK. I appreciate that.
Paul
Would've been great if I had gotten the name of the "Twilight War Trilogy" correct.
It was gracious of you not to "call me out" on that. Would've been great if I had gotten the name of the "Twilight War Trilogy" correct.
Ha! No worries. Lots of readers still call Cale "Everis." Matters not at all to me, as long as folks enjoy.
Minor edit: Would also like to know, with the Shadovar seeming to rise in power Post Spellplague, are we going to see more Shade villains/heroes? We definitely have a larger population for races such as genasi and dragonborn, does it look like shades will get the same treatment?
I have to say that while I still love Salvatore's books, since he did introduce me to the Realms and DnD in general, once I started reading the Erevis Cale books I simply had to read more. Drizzt was like your more traditional hack and slash everyone on the good guy side wins, but with Cale, there was always more of a....human element. I felt like I could understand his thoughts, his feelings, where he was at the time. Awesome character and awesome writing Mr. Kemp
Minor edit: Would also like to know, with the Shadovar seeming to rise in power Post Spellplague, are we going to see more Shade villains/heroes? We definitely have a larger population for races such as genasi and dragonborn, does it look like shades will get the same treatment?
Thanks for the kind words, HA.
You know, I'm not sure if the novel line will feature more shade characters. I know what I intend to do in my next trilogy, but that isn't necessarily representative of anything in the line overall.
Thanks for the kind words, HA.
You know, I'm not sure if the novel line will feature more shade characters. I know what I intend to do in my next trilogy, but that isn't necessarily representative of anything in the line overall.
Thanks for the reply
Kind of adding on to Karsus' comment, how much freedom overall do you have when it comes to story concepts, especially ones that are considered canon?
Do you have to get certain things ok'ed, or do you have major freedom in the respect?
Thanks for the reply
Kind of adding on to Karsus' comment, how much freedom overall do you have when it comes to story concepts, especially ones that are considered canon?
Do you have to get certain things ok'ed, or do you have major freedom in the respect?
I've had a lot of freedom, generally speaking.
Hi Mr Kemp,
Another big fan here saying thank you for your incredile work. After having bought and read your entire collection, I am always eager for new stories and looking forward to a Star Wars novel I heard rumors about...
Concerning the latest Erevis Cale installment, ( SPOILER HERE ), I was wondering if Mask's, let's say, disappearance, was warranted by a third party, maybe Wizards editors, or if the idea was yours? Not that I have any gripe towards it, I am just curious. And I especially like the continuity you put there and the bit of info you brought regarding Mask's past bio.
Sorry for my spelling or english, a five-star award to you from Québec.
King_Obould_IV
-- WARNING -- very big spoilers.
Concerning the latest Erevis Cale installment, ( SPOILER HERE ), I was wondering if Mask's, let's say, disappearance, was warranted by a third party, maybe Wizards editors, or if the idea was yours? Not that I have any gripe towards it, I am just curious. And I especially like the continuity you put there and the bit of info you brought regarding Mask's past bio.
Thanks, KO. Mask's fate was left to me. I worked with my editor, of course, as I do on every aspect of the novel, but the idea was mine.
I just finished Shadowrealm, and it was impressive. An excellent ending to the trilogy, and an excellent story overall. It's probably the last Realms novel I'll buy, because I despise what the designers have imposed on the setting in 4E (and that's all I'll say on that matter), but this novel and the series: truly excellent. Five-star work, truly. Please keep us advised of non-D&D books you write in the future as well, you definitely have the gift.
Mr. Kemp,
I just finished Shadowrealm, and it was impressive. An excellent ending to the trilogy, and an excellent story overall. It's probably the last Realms novel I'll buy, because I despise what the designers have imposed on the setting in 4E (and that's all I'll say on that matter), but this novel and the series: truly excellent. Five-star work, truly. Please keep us advised of non-D&D books you write in the future as well, you definitely have the gift.
Thanks, Therise. I appreciate that.
Paul
..your last book made me pee my pants and slap a dolphin.
As usual, I loved the story—but was completely surprised by the way things turned out in several aspects.
Is this how you actually envisioned things, or do editors and the readers you see posting here have an affect on what you actually write? I mean, normally, the crowd here can usually peg what’s coming next to some degree. But it seems that this last novel went completely opposite from some of the opinions I’ve heard prior.
Is there some sort of diabolical reverse psychology taking place here that I am not aware of?
So you could probably introduce a bipedal anthropomorphic shadow-pig of cuteness without WotC blinking much then? I'd appreciate it if you could stick that in somewhere... :D
Always looking to stick it somewhere, you freaky-deak narcissist.
Cheerio! :D
I am just getting back into D&D after about 25 years and will soon start a Forgotten Realms campaign. To prepare, I've been reading various old products, and the occasional Forgotten Realms novel that I find at the Book Thing:
http://www.bookthing.org/
I just finished Twilight Falling, and found it very helpful. While many of your fans are talking about your characters, I'd like to give you a thumbs up for your settings. I enjoyed a much richer view of your settings than I did in the other FR novel that I read. As a DM, my players and I will profit from this.
Cheers,
Keith
Paul
WHEN WILL BOOK 1 BE AVAILABLE? :D
Hmm. I am unsure if I am ready for another god-focused trilogy.
Ah well, I still have to read Shadowrealm...
Gomez
Since reading the First Erevis Cale book, Shadow's Witness I've totally enjoyed your books!! :D
I really loved Shadowrealm and while the ending wasn't what I hoped would happen it really left me wanting for more, So I gotta say that the book/trilogy was excellent!!
I can't wait for the next one. :D
As usual, I loved the story—but was completely surprised by the way things turned out in several aspects.
Is this how you actually envisioned things, or do editors and the readers you see posting here have an affect on what you actually write? I mean, normally, the crowd here can usually peg what’s coming next to some degree. But it seems that this last novel went completely opposite from some of the opinions I’ve heard prior.
It's a good thing that the novel surprised you. I'm certainly glad it did, anyway.
And no, the discussion on this message board and others doesn't influence my decisionmaking (in truth, novels are outlined/plotted so far in advance that by the time it's announced and discussed, matters are already decided).
I just finished Twilight Falling, and found it very helpful. While many of your fans are talking about your characters, I'd like to give you a thumbs up for your settings. I enjoyed a much richer view of your settings than I did in the other FR novel that I read. As a DM, my players and I will profit from this.
I'm glad TF was helpful for you, Keith. I hope the rest of the trilogy proves likewise. If nothing else, I think Dawn of Night gives a fair accounting of some aspects of Skullport.
Paul[/b]
WHEN WILL BOOK 1 BE AVAILABLE? :D
Ody,
2010 in trade paperback and mass market paperback.
Hello Paul Kemp.
Since reading the First Erevis Cale book, Shadow's Witness I've totally enjoyed your books!! :D
I really loved Shadowrealm and while the ending wasn't what I hoped would happen it really left me wanting for more, So I gotta say that the book/trilogy was excellent!!
I can't wait for the next one. :D
I appreciate that, Tyriel. I particularly enjoy hearing from readers who've been along for the whole ride from Sembia through the Twilight War.
Ody,
2010 in trade paperback and mass market paperback.
Thanks Mr. Kemp! :D
....Is really freaky seen people refer to you as OdyIt's a good thing that the novel surprised you. I'm certainly glad it did, anyway.
A good thing, huh? A good thing?!!
“Hey, look, I’m Paul Kemp, The Magic Man, here to surprise you! Boo!”
Next time write something inglorious and lame. This “surprise” crap screws up my sleeping habits. Not to mention my bowel movements.
And no, the discussion on this message board and others doesn't influence my decisionmaking (in truth, novels are outlined/plotted so far in advance that by the time it's announced and discussed, matters are already decided).
So you admit that editors and developers do have an affect on what you write!
Ah-ha!
Tell us. Do they affect you 10%. 25%. 100!!? Tell us!!
(BTW--thanx for the reply...and...stuff)
Must I settle this for you!!
Ody_Seraph_of_Cyric is 18D.
When 10,000+ smileys weren’t enough personality for him, he created another (and probably a few more).
EDIT: And it has become my assumption that he is probably the Drizztmanchildthing running around these boards.
Do you understand his stress level at this point?
Paul, you are free to answer. Just take your time and be careful.
Don't hurt yourself and stuff.
sorry for crashing your board Mr. Kemp
Sorry to disappoint you Judge but there is only one "Manthing" here and he is I and I am him. Must be all that whiskey;)
sorry for crashing your board Mr. Kemp
I'll berate you someplace else.
Back to Paul...and his amazing magic show. Thank Bejebuz he has a hot assistant.
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Either Kesson was holding back for some unknown reasons or the newly empowered trio were overestimating their new abilities.
Given how Cale and Riven could treat Mephistopheles leaves one wondering why the archedevils have not long since been replaced by some homeless demigod looking for a new place. Kesson was only barely a deity and Riven was merely a third of what little Kesson was. If he could hurt Mephistopheles that much, any true demigod could kill him with a glance. A third of a minor part of Mask can push around Mephistopheles? He really had guts to make a statement about Mask not being god in Cania like he did in book 2 (as Mask could have surely crushed him from wherever he was at that moment).
From how Mephistopheles acted in the second book I was really impressed with the obvious change in how the archfiend was portrayed compared with to a deity (as opposed from how easily Vhaerun pushed the archyugoloth around). But then getting beaten up by someone who is only a mere third of someone who was already less than a demigod makes one wonder how Mephistopheles could hold his office as lord of Cania for so long.
Given how Cale and Riven could treat Mephistopheles leaves one wondering why the archedevils have not long since been replaced by some homeless demigod looking for a new place. Kesson was only barely a deity and Riven was merely a third of what little Kesson was. If he could hurt Mephistopheles that much, any true demigod could kill him with a glance. A third of a minor part of Mask can push around Mephistopheles? He really had guts to make a statement about Mask not being god in Cania like he did in book 2 (as Mask could have surely crushed him from wherever he was at that moment).
From how Mephistopheles acted in the second book I was really impressed with the obvious change in how the archfiend was portrayed compared with to a deity (as opposed from how easily Vhaerun pushed the archyugoloth around). But then getting beaten up by someone who is only a mere third of someone who was already less than a demigod makes one wonder how Mephistopheles could hold his office as lord of Cania for so long.
Ody,
2010 in trade paperback and mass market paperback.
Will the new book also be set (or roughly revolve) around Sembia?
Man I just got finished reading the last book (and when I can figure out how to do spoiler blocks I will) but I really liked it. I can't wait to see how future series will pan out, because the Twilight War was amazing
http://forums.gleemax.com/misc.php?do=bbcode
Will the new book also be set (or roughly revolve) around Sembia?
A lot of it will, AK.
Man I just got finished reading the last book (and when I can figure out how to do spoiler blocks I will) but I really liked it. I can't wait to see how future series will pan out, because the Twilight War was amazing
I appreciate that, HA.
-Mr. Kemp, I, personally, am hesitant to ascribe the status of 'Leads up to the 1,479 DR Forgotten Realms' to your Twilight War trilogy, because of it's content, and when it began. Since you were the author, when the draft of everything was first approved, were you given a peek at the 1,479 DR Forgotten Realms, and told by whoever it was to write your story such that Sembia goes from Point A to Point B? Or, is it the other way around, and that the designers who were drafting the 1,479 DR Forgotten Realms use what was in your trilogy, and go from there to get Sembia from Point A to Point B?
LK,
I was supplied with an early draft of the 4E FRCG and was to show how the Shadovar took over Sembia. The means by which they did that was left to me. I opted to go with a quiet infiltration (hence, "The Twilight War," which was meant to suggest a "war" occurring in the background/shadows) and to focus more on the individual character arcs, with the takeover occurring as a kind of background/side plot that flowed out of the resolution of those character arcs (Tamlin's arc, obviously, was the lynchpin for that).
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I had heard that Mask died in the last book before I read it, so I was mad to say the least. Mask had been one of my fav deities even though I don't tend to be the thiefy evil type. There was something about him that made him....human. That is something I really like about all of your characters Mr. Kemp is that they all have very clear and human reasons for their actions. Tamlin for example grew from a worthless heir to a man of power who didn't quite know what he had gotten himself into.
I really liked how the book ended, and I can't wait to see how Cale's son will turn out. (Wouldn't him being an invoker be neat :P Armed with a shard of Mask's divinity, watch this crazy man do crazy things ^_^) I especially liked how you potrayed Riven at the end. I hated him when I first met him in your books, but now I really like the character. Man I could go on and on, but definitely loved the last book of the Twilight War.
I really liked how the book ended, and I can't wait to see how Cale's son will turn out. (Wouldn't him being an invoker be neat :P Armed with a shard of Mask's divinity, watch this crazy man do crazy things ^_^) I especially liked how you potrayed Riven at the end. I hated him when I first met him in your books, but now I really like the character. Man I could go on and on, but definitely loved the last book of the Twilight War.
I was supplied with an early draft of the 4E FRCG and was to show how the Shadovar took over Sembia. The means by which they did that was left to me. I opted to go with a quiet infiltration (hence, "The Twilight War," which was meant to suggest a "war" occurring in the background/shadows) and to focus more on the individual character arcs, with the takeover occurring as a kind of background/side plot that flowed out of the resolution of those character arcs (Tamlin's arc, obviously, was the lynchpin for that).
Just a note, not a question... I really liked the way in which you accomplished this. The subtle shift in Tamlin was very appropriate to his character, and the slow infiltration of the Shadowvar was very well done. It kept the theme of the shadow war between Cale and the shade princes particularly well, and tied in nicely also with the Sharran philosophy of "the inevitability of entropy"... in this case, the erosion of Sembia and its fall.
2. I like the Abelar/Cale contrast, too. In fact, Abelar has become one of my favorite characters to write. His story arc reaches catharsis in Shadowrealm. I won't spoil anything by hinting at which way it goes.
Very cathartic moment, nicely done.
I started a little ways into the Cale series with Shadowbred but when I finished it I immediately went back and got all the previous Cale books and read them before going on with The Twilight War, which I finished reading today. All of them were quite good, so my only question now is.....do you have a mailing list for novels you write? I'd like to go ahead and pre-order anything you're planning to publish.
Particularly liked this :
I opted to go with a quiet infiltration (hence, "The Twilight War," which was meant to suggest a "war" occurring in the background/shadows) and to focus more on the individual character arcs, with the takeover occurring as a kind of background/side plot that flowed out of the resolution of those character arcs (Tamlin's arc, obviously, was the lynchpin for that).
I think you pulled it off wonderfully, I've always liked more of the manipulative and intelligent evil characters over the blatantly powerful and nigh unstoppable. (Far prefer Rivalen to The Sojourner, because even though the Sojourner was implied to be intelligent and manipulative I just always got the impression that he was doing it all a bit too blunt force trauma.)
All of them were quite good, so my only question now is.....do you have a mailing list for novels you write? I'd like to go ahead and pre-order anything you're planning to publish.
Galphanore,
I'm pleased you enjoyed the novel. Thank you kindly.
I don't have a mailing list, as such, but I do keep everyone apprised of my various projects through my livejournal and my Myspace page.
This year, The Twilight War will be released in a boxed gift set. In January of next year, my Star Wars novel, Crosscurrent, will hit shelves.
Sometime next year (date tbd) the first book of my next Realms trilogy will hit shelves. The novel is entitled Godborn and builds on events from The Twilight War (it features Cale's son, Vasen).
This year, The Twilight War will be released in a boxed gift set. In January of next year, my Star Wars novel, Crosscurrent, will hit shelves.
-Is there any particular reason why so many D&D authors seem to also be Star Wars authors? You, Elaine Cunningham, R.A. Salvatore, Troy Denning...Just wondering.
Just a note, not a question... I really liked the way in which you accomplished this. The subtle shift in Tamlin was very appropriate to his character, and the slow infiltration of the Shadowvar was very well done.
While I am in agreement with the way Mr. Paul-Dude accomplished this, I think it could have been tragically different had one of the other authors attempted to do the same. While Tamlin always seemed to hold a “foolish” factor when portrayed, I don’t think the feeling of true inadequacy came in until Paul took the reins.
Galphanore,
… and my Myspace page.
I won’t even ask if we can be friends.
This year, The Twilight War will be released in a boxed gift set.
Paul, my man, if you tell me that this boxed set is going to include the short story from Realms of War, then I am going to poke my butt with a dart.
And that’s going to hurt.
What hurts worse is that I just told a buddy I had turned on to the novels that there wouldn’t be such a set—nor, an inclusion of that story for at least some time to come.
I’ll send you a bill for his new Christmas present. :D
-Is there any particular reason why so many D&D authors seem to also be Star Wars authors? You, Elaine Cunningham, R.A. Salvatore, Troy Denning...Just wondering.
They’re into fantasy, have the connections, and get paid for it.
It’s what I would do, baby!! Paul is just cashin' in!
Also, on the new series - God*, will you be modifying the way people participate in combat to more closely reflect the 4th Edition rules, or does that not factor into the way the characters fight?
Also, on the new series - God*, will you be modifying the way people participate in combat to more closely reflect the 4th Edition rules, or does that not factor into the way the characters fight?
If Rich Baker's novels are any indication, it 'flows' just as nicely as older books. You might notice the difference in rituals (as they take more then just casting a quick spell, but it (IMO) is a non-factor otherwise.
Err, well, not really. Now when you have characters that can cast spells (read at-wills) any number of times, it doesn't read as uber-power that PC's can't hope to achieve.
Of course, it depends of the writer, but I think Paul Kemp is one of the better ones.
I just finished reading the free PDF Wizards put out of "Twilight Falling", very nice work! I'll be getting that trilogy for sure - likely the follow-up as well.
Also, on the new series - God*, will you be modifying the way people participate in combat to more closely reflect the 4th Edition rules, or does that not factor into the way the characters fight?
Atras,
I'm pleased you enjoyed Twilight Falling. It is the first book of The Erevis Cale Trilogy. The gift set coming out this year is The Twilight War, which is the trilogy that follows after The Erevis Cale Trilogy.
As for your question: I may have to make some modifications to better reflect the underlying rule set, but I imagine they will be minor.
-Is there any particular reason why so many D&D authors seem to also be Star Wars authors? You, Elaine Cunningham, R.A. Salvatore, Troy Denning...Just wondering.
No particular reason that I'm aware of. For my part, I just like Star Wars and was pleased to have an opportunity to contribute something to the EU.
Also, on the new series - God*, will you be modifying the way people participate in combat to more closely reflect the 4th Edition rules, or does that not factor into the way the characters fight?
God?
God?
The new series he will be working on.
Starts with Godborn, stays with 'god' theme, I believe...
The new series he will be working on.
Starts with Godborn, stays with 'god' theme, I believe...
OK, that makes a lot more sense, thank you.
No particular reason that I'm aware of. For my part, I just like Star Wars and was pleased to have an opportunity to contribute something to the EU.
-OK, just wondering. It's just too coincidental.
Just finished the Twilight Wars books, awesome BTW, and I have a few questions;
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1) As of 1479, is Cale's son born yet or still 'set aside' in his mom?
2) I see Mags is running a Tavern... so this is most likely incorrect, but I was wondering if it was Mags calling himself the 'Son of the Eighth', with a cult in Skyclave (High Imaskar)?
1) As of 1479, is Cale's son born yet or still 'set aside' in his mom?
2) I see Mags is running a Tavern... so this is most likely incorrect, but I was wondering if it was Mags calling himself the 'Son of the Eighth', with a cult in Skyclave (High Imaskar)?
1) As of 1479, is Cale's son born yet or still 'set aside' in his mom?
[/sblock]
The new book (Godborn, noted above) features Cale's son, so if he is, it won't be long...
Paul,
Just finished the Twilight Wars books, awesome BTW, and I have a few questions;Show
1) As of 1479, is Cale's son born yet or still 'set aside' in his mom?
2) I see Mags is running a Tavern... so this is most likely incorrect, but I was wondering if it was Mags calling himself the 'Son of the Eighth', with a cult in Skyclave (High Imaskar)?
Paul...let me rephrase: Is the short story from Realms of War going to be in the gift set? Please tell me soon
JD,
I do not think so, unfortunately. I made the case for its inclusion, but not persuasively enough. To include it, Wizards would have to re-typeset one of The Twilight War novels to squeeze in the the short story, and that costs time and money.
On the other hand, I think there's a greater likelihood (though not a guarantee) that we might see some of the early Cale short stories from Dragon Magazine (say, "Another Name for Dawn" and "All the Sinners Saints") included in the forthcoming omnibus of The Erevis Cale Trilogy. Since an omnibus has to be re-typeset anyway (to fit all three mmpbs into one, large trade paperback), including the short stories would not be such a hassle. We'll see and I'll keep everyone posted.
KH,
Cale's son is born sometime after the Spellplague (which occurs in 1385) and before the "now" of the Realms (which is 1479). At the beginning of Godborn, he'll be in his early twenties, so he'd have been born in the 1450s.
Cool, I was mostly wondering if the next book would be him as a child or older. Now, however, I need to see if Shades breed true or if it is only from magic... Ehh, regardless, he will be semi-divine (or more), but that might be dormant at first. Lots to speculate about.
Mags is running a tavern in Daerlun, so he's not the "Son of the Eighth." An intriguing thought, though.
Yeah, I figured he wouldn't be in two places at once.
Thank you for answering my questions.
...On the other hand, I think there's a greater likelihood (though not a guarantee) that we might see some of the early Cale short stories from Dragon Magazine (say, "Another Name for Dawn" and "All the Sinners Saints") included in the forthcoming omnibus of The Erevis Cale Trilogy. Since an omnibus has to be re-typeset anyway (to fit all three mmpbs into one, large trade paperback), including the short stories would not be such a hassle. We'll see and I'll keep everyone posted.
That would be lovely, I would definitely buy that.
JD,
I do not think so, unfortunately. I made the case for its inclusion, but not persuasively enough. To include it, Wizards would have to re-typeset one of The Twilight War novels to squeeze in the the short story, and that costs time and money.
On the other hand, I think there's a greater likelihood (though not a guarantee) that we might see some of the early Cale short stories from Dragon Magazine (say, "Another Name for Dawn" and "All the Sinners Saints") included in the forthcoming omnibus of The Erevis Cale Trilogy. Since an omnibus has to be re-typeset anyway (to fit all three mmpbs into one, large trade paperback), including the short stories would not be such a hassle. We'll see and I'll keep everyone posted.
Well, that both sux and rox. I've yet to read the earlier Cale stories, so that's cool. But leaving out key info regarding the trilogy is a bit half-ass to me.
Oh, well. I'm just a Dookie. What do I know.
Do you plan on doing anything special with the gift set? I mean, give a bit of a prelude to the upcoming series in any way?
Question; was there books on Cale before the Erevis Cale trilogy?
Actually, there's a few books besides Shadow's Witness in the Sembia series that have Cale in them--just not as the focal character and only briefly. All the same, it gives you a different aspect on how he is perceived and felt towards by others. Though, if Paul agrees with the other authors viewpoints, I don't know.
Ooh!! I have an idea!!
Lets ask Paul!!
Hey, Paul!! Did you agree with the way the other authors in the series depicted Erevis? Did/do you have any say--then, now, or in the future--of how he is used, should Wizards so choose so?
In old Netheril, the arch-wizards sought to be gods or god-like beings themselves and didn't think too highly of gods.
With Shade enclave back on Toril, can we expect to see any people who retain the old beliefs of Netheril and don't want to work for Shar? Telamont may have been the archwizard of his enclave but that doesn't mean that he and his sons would've been the only powerful and capable wizards on that enclave, and that other people wouldn't have grown considerably over thousands of years.
There's also the fact that Sakors is functioning, and any number of Netherese wizards should want to have an enclave of their own if they know about it and have the power to take it.
Shade enclave seems to be a collection of evil to me, but really, not everyone should be the same, and these are still Netherese descendents.
So... is there hope for interesting stuff going on in Netheril? Internal strife and political games now that they don't have to stick together as hard to survive? Might Netherese that left Toril after the fall, or from Shade because of trouble with the leaders, not come back or try to exert influence? Seems like you should be able to have an epic story with lots of intrigue along those lines (without really involving gods or shaking up the realms as a whole much)