I went to candlekeep and saw this scroll/thread.
I am speechless right now.
Folks lets not turn this into a bash Wizards thread...ok.
*HOLY ****ING MOTHER OF MOANDER*
What the...? I'm speechless. This is a serious blow.
Dark and Empty...
Well, I can only hope Paul finds a new nest soon. His talents shouldn't go to waste, even if I'll miss his Realms work. He was my second favorite FR author, close behind Erik and right in front of Elaine. *sigh* Well, best wishes to all his future endeavors.
Interesting read. Graceful exit if nothing else.
Dark and Empty
Mystra's Bloody bones
Cyric's spit.
Shar's teet
that just bad.... guess this is more to the fire on disliking 4e Realms.
Graceful and nicely done. I cannot, however, stop myself from voicing my sorrow at this news. Having only, so far, enjoyed Paul's short stories (and greatly enjoyed those) I was saving his novel work, in much the same way as I had saved Erik's (until 2 days ago when I started reading Depths of Madness I finished it yesterday and ordered Downshadow this morning), i.e. to be enjoyed in a group. That enjoyment will now be tinged with a sense of longing for the books that will now not be written.
I truly hope that the future brings you only good things, Mr Kemp!
Awww man.
Paul Kemp and Elain Cunningham are the best that I've read so far. I'm sorry that Paul will not continue.
Nor will Elaine...
Why is it that the FR world is, while gaining some great new talent, losing some of the best of the established talent? That probably is a rhetorical question but I still had to ask.
Some of the best inspiration and ideas I've ever gotten for my Realms campaign have come not from Realms sourcebooks, but from Realms novels.
I'm sorry to see that Mr. Kemp's work will no longer directly inform my home game.
I wish him the very best of luck and hope he finds success in whatever future endeavors he undertakes.
Heh, figures Misc, I'm precisely the other way around when it comes to inspiration. Summaries of novels more than the novels themselves maybe is as far as I'd go with that. So... yeah. Should probably read some summaries of his novels to see if anything inspires.
Wow, this is very unfortunate in a way. Although, like someone on his blog already posted, if it leads him to writing more Star Wars novels...
What a blow to WotC. Kemp must be very professional to avoid feeling bitter over this. I do hope they'll come 'round in a way so Kemp can finish his already started work.
well this just blows
I was hoping to get a bit more Paul Kemp, if only because I would like to see developments in Netheril (and I hoepd Cycle of Night would start that).
I am, by the way, surprised that wild and ridiculously far fetched speculation to the cause has not yet begun. Maybe there is hope for use yet.
Gomez
I am, by the way, surprised that wild and ridiculously far fetched speculation to the cause has not yet begun. Maybe there is hope for use yet.
Gomez
Oh Ive already begun on the wild and ridiculously far fetched speculation, but I just didnt feel the need to post it 
What a blow to WotC. Kemp must be very professional to avoid feeling bitter over this. I do hope they'll come 'round in a way so Kemp can finish his already started work.
Well somehow I can't help it to be struck by the impression that it is actually the other way around. Mr. Kemp wrote FR Novels as long as he was allowed to give them the direction he wanted them to develope into. These novels really helped him cementing his reputation in the industry. And now it seems as if someone has tried to impose foreign ideas upon Mr. Kemps work and he did the only right thing. He saved his reputation by rejecting the "project" that was offered to him. Otherwise he would have risked his name by writting novels according to the demands of someone else. Bad for the WotC, pretty good for Mr. Kemp.
P.S.: That's just wild speculation.
I am, by the way, surprised that wild and ridiculously far fetched speculation to the cause has not yet begun. Maybe there is hope for use yet.
I'm not one to wildly speculate. However, if it's bat**** crazy theories you want, I could spin up a yarn. Make WOTC Asmodeus and Paul the hero of the tale. Not that I'd do it any other way. Like I said, Paul is/was my second favorite FR author.
Hey, yeah... lets get this thread to degenerate into a blatantly anti-WotC conspiracy theory fest... excellent idea Gomez!
I'll be courteous and let you go first...
What a beautifully sunny day today, eh Stigger?
Heh, figures Misc, I'm precisely the other way around when it comes to inspiration. Summaries of novels more than the novels themselves maybe is as far as I'd go with that. So... yeah. Should probably read some summaries of his novels to see if anything inspires.
I think my favorite was Paul's short story Continuum at the start of the Realms of War Anthology.
In the story, Kemp introduces us to avenorani flowers and describes their violet color, that they change color as the seasons change and even chime in the rain. As well that if you breath in the pollen and make a dying wish upon a bed of avenorani, it might come true.
I remember thinking about my own campaign and how it would be cool to create an encounter location in the forests of Cormanthor where there would be a large glade open to the sky, filled with avenorani flowers, that was once the scene of a battle between the guardians of Myth Drannor and a hoard of fiends moving to attack the city.
The struggle between fiends and elves would create a wash of pollen as the battle raged around them. As the elves died under the claws of the fiends, would it be like The Last Sammurai in that the elves who fell were enspelled by the beauty of the glade and so transitioned peacefully into death? Or would one or more elves find the call to protect Myth Drannor too strong and make a wish as they passed?
What would a dying guardian of Myth Drannor wish for?
To protect their loved ones back home? To curse their foes in some way?
It's this last I decided upon. The elves would collectively curse the fiends who overran their position to be forever lost in the woods near Myth Drannor, always able to see the city but never able to reach it, with the avenorani glade the one fixed point in their travels.
Try as they might, the fiends would never be able to destroy the glade, whether by claw or by spell. All they would succeed in doing is to uncover the corpses of the elves that lay beneath the flowers, silently mocking the fiends from the grave.
If the fiends slew themselves, they would rise from the dead on the next sunrise in the glade.
Insert players into this maddening-for-the-fiends situation and have fun!
Maybe as the last fiend is dispatched by the player characters, the sun quickly disappears behind dark clouds and it starts to rain in the glade. Visibility is instantly reduced and the flowers start to chime a dull, discordant tone. Then the players see dark, humanoid shapes amongst the gray wash of rain, that slowly recede into the distance. As the last figure disappears, the rain stops and the sun shines again.
I never did get to run this encounter, but I certainly enjoyed the mental exercise Paul Kemp's writing inspired.
Overcast as hell here actually... very muggy, and I'm not particularly happy about it. Sunny Bay Area my left buttock... as a Khelgar might say.
Interesting encounter idea though... could make it work in several other places really. Graycloaks, maybe the fields of the dead, the High Forest near Ascalhorn... just off the top of my head anyway. Might borrow some ideas from you there, though with less fiend angst and more sinister "gods but those elves have screwed us over again with their too-clever-for-their-own-damned-good sleeping magics..."
Hrm....maybe it would be OK to create a tribute thread, where everyone posts comments about their favorite parts from Kemp's novels and stories (with spoiler tags as appropriate), and/or posts encounter ideas based off of stuff that Kemp has added to Realmslore along with the book and story the idea came from?
Ah but fiends are smarter than that, Erianthe. Much, much smarter.
Certainly not conniving like devils, but even the most rage-prone demon can see a trap for what it is, especially one that keeps a fiend just this side of gorging on elven flesh and losing itself in wanton destruction and mayhem.
Hrm....maybe it would be OK to create a tribute thread, where everyone posts comments about their favorite parts from Kemp's novels and stories (with spoiler tags as appropriate), and/or posts encounter ideas based off of stuff that Kemp has added to Realmslore along with the book and story the idea came from?
I think that'd be a lovely idea. I can honestly say Paul's inspired bits and pieces in my own game, and his novels and short stories are fantastic.
I had thought that Paul was tracking to become as popular as R.A. Salvatore in Realms fiction so this news is very startling and unfortunate. Too bad WotC didn't offer him a hardcover trilogy. I suspect things would have turned out different.
What a shock! I can't believe both Paul and Elaine are not going to write anymore...
Well, while he did write some great novels, all in all I can live with this developement as it means
a) a little less RSEs
b) a little less Cyric-bashing 
a) a little less RSEs
Oh, don't worry. If WOTC wants RSEs, they'll get RSEs. Doesn't matter much to them who writes what; it'll happen.
And now it seems as if someone has tried to impose foreign ideas upon Mr. Kemps work and he did the only right thing. He saved his reputation by rejecting the "project" that was offered to him. Otherwise he would have risked his name by writting novels according to the demands of someone else. Bad for the WotC, pretty good for Mr. Kemp.
That level of integrety is fine if you're just doing your own thing, but if you're participating in a bigger shared world environment not so much. In such a case it's the expected courtesy to make sure that your ideas fit into the determined total developement (which you can of course try to steer in your prefered direction) and from time to time this certainly means having to change or completly drop some prefered story arcs (if you're simply outvoted).
who's left now, Phil and Cordell
jesus
And now it seems as if someone has tried to impose foreign ideas upon Mr. Kemps work and he did the only right thing. He saved his reputation by rejecting the "project" that was offered to him. Otherwise he would have risked his name by writting novels according to the demands of someone else. Bad for the WotC, pretty good for Mr. Kemp.
That level of integrety is fine if you're just doing your own thing, but if you're participating in a bigger shared world environment not so much. In such a case it's the expected courtesy to make sure that your ideas fit into the determined total developement (which you can of course try to steer in your prefered direction) and from time to time this certainly means having to change or completly drop some prefered story arcs (if you're simply outvoted).
Well I agree, this is a possible way to look at it, but I believe as an artist you can only honestly contribute to something bigger, if you stay true to your own vision.
If you let others dictate how you work, impose concepts of their own on your point of view or let them define what your End-Product will be in essence, this will show up in your work and will make it look "fake". And if your part of the greater picture comes across as fake, the entire picture will come across as fake. You do not really have a choice as an artist, you must go with your heart or you will fail.
who's left now, Phil and Cordell
jesus
Better smilies have been made just for replies like this one. I like him, he didn't include Greenwood and the Salvatores. ^^
who's left now, Phil and Cordell
jesus
You seem to have forgotten the almighty Erik Scott de Bie is still around. With the departure of Paul and absence of Elaine, Erik's works form more of the backbone of the FR line (in my book). As long as Erik sticks around, and new talent is (carefully) selected, things will progress.
and by Helm's blade.
He better stick around for awhile, whe need more Foxxie at Twilight
I am indeed still around and do plan to write more FR novels, but I currently have no novels contracted from Wizards. So . . . here's hoping!
As for Paul's departure, I've said on Candlekeep and on my blog, I am sure Paul made the correct decision and I wish him all the luck in his future work. I know I for one plan to keep reading his stuff! 
Cheers
I'm sure he did too, its the otherside of the coin taht worries me....
well here is a smiley fr the situation
Well I agree, this is a possible way to look at it, but I believe as an artist you can only honestly contribute to something bigger, if you stay true to your own vision.If you let others dictate how you work, impose concepts of their own on your point of view or let them define what your End-Product will be in essence, this will show up in your work and will make it look "fake". And if your part of the greater picture comes across as fake, the entire picture will come across as fake. You do not really have a choice as an artist, you must go with your heart or you will fail.
I just have to disagree, in a shared world every individual author and designer has to make concessions to the greater whole. E.g. if Paul may have insisted on slaying Mephistopheles or Shar or letting Mephistopheles slay Asmodeus and become new overlord of hell while the entity in question is already supposed to playe a bigger role in an upcomming story arc set after Paul's novel, only one author/designer can have his/her will. That's the nature of working in an shared world environment.
hmmm... I might need to hand over my manuscript now. I can't let Erik have all the fun, can I? :p
hmmm... I might need to hand over my manuscript now. I can't let Erik have all the fun, can I? :p
Do it now, lest we badger the hell out of you for the next several months.
hmmm... I might need to hand over my manuscript now. I can't let Erik have all the fun, can I? :p
Do it now, lest we badger the hell out of you for the next several months.
what he said
I wanted to mention that Paul Kemp was one of my all-time favorite authors. hopefully we will see him return one day.
ditto...
This was a surprising thread. I've read about Paul Kemp's decision elsewhere, but this is the first time I learned of mine.
For the record, I have never stated nor implied that I will not write in the Realms again.
It is not my intention to hijack this thread. Please carry on.
well, Paizo is getting into the shared world novel business so maybe just maybe......
For the record, I have never stated nor implied that I will not write in the Realms again.
...... Care to tell us whether you've got any ideas for your next FR novel kicking around? Because even a short story would tide me over. Hells, team up with someone, like Ed or Erik.
.... All you have to do is drop whatever you're doing right now. Forget about putting bread on the table. Think of the fans.
This was a surprising thread. I've read about Paul Kemp's decision elsewhere, but this is the first time I learned of mine.
For the record, I have never stated nor implied that I will not write in the Realms again.
It is not my intention to hijack this thread. Please carry on.
I look forward to any future Realms novels you might write.
This was a surprising thread. I've read about Paul Kemp's decision elsewhere, but this is the first time I learned of mine.
For the record, I have never stated nor implied that I will not write in the Realms again.
It is not my intention to hijack this thread. Please carry on.
I wait your next novel in the REalms or Golarion.....
This was a surprising thread. I've read about Paul Kemp's decision elsewhere, but this is the first time I learned of mine.For the record, I have never stated nor implied that I will not write in the Realms again.
It is not my intention to hijack this thread. Please carry on.
Since it was my statement that was in error I offer my unreserved apologies for having an utterly incorrect understanding of the situation. I am very sorry.
I will also say that you made my day by refuting this. I dearly hope to, on day, once again enjoy the few moments (because that is about as long as I could contain myself after reading Elfshadow) of anticipation before opening a new Realms book by your good self. 
Since it was my statement that was in error I offer my unreserved apologies for having an utterly incorrect understanding of the situation. I am very sorry.
No worries.
Thanks for the kind words, folks. And now, back to Paul Kemp.
Well, I'd like to keep you around as long as possible, but since the focus is on Paul....
I can't help but wonder what was the ace Paul had in his sleeve. Based on the mysteries present in The Twilight War and that short story in RoW, I can't help but suspect that Paul knew exactly what he was going to do in the Cycle of Night. The structure he had hinted that he had things planned out well ahead of time. Maybe even some of the specifics. Now my damn curiosity is starting to creep up.
Let's get a rope for Iluvrien, just on principle... don't remember what over, but hey, does that really matter when it comes down to it?
Personally I am happy about this. Perhaps Mask can be brought back within the next year or two instead of waiting five or more years due to novel shenanigans. Messing with the gods in novels to me qualifies as "Realm Shaking" so I am glad (hoping) they are stepping away from that.
He should continue writing novels for FR , SW, or even EB. I liked Cale when he was more down to earth and less of a superhero. I really liked his antihero ways and how he was tied to the darker side of FRs criminal underworld. Another character of his set in the current FR with little to no connection to Cale would be fun for me to read.
The same goes for Elaine and other past FR authors. I pretty much liked everything that Elaine or Kemp did (except their last few novels) so I hope they will come back with some fresh ideas. I just enjoy how they make characters come to life.
Let's get a rope for Iluvrien, just on principle... don't remember what over, but hey, does that really matter when it comes down to it?
So what vile and evil things did you do to him?
. . . 
. . . 
. . . 
. . . 
I'm still stuck in stage 2 ...
oks in about 3 weeks.
I was really looking faward to catching up on some good Realms novels. So far I havent read any other that were half as good with the exception of the Haunted lands(ran thru that series)
Anyway im sure its old news now but i had to say something. Mr Kemp best wishes on all your endeavors I will be looking for your new work.
As a side note and because shes been posting here and seems real cool i feel it nessicary to add that I do not consider Eliane To be one of the new Gen, I read he books back when Rob Rhupal(spelling) made so very many bad hardback covers for my realms novels. I truely enjoyed alot of her earlier work. Just wanted to add that in as I have alot of respect for her work and time put in in one of my fav worlds.
Thanks and in closing...
Dark
Dark and empty!!!!!!!
Well I agree, this is a possible way to look at it, but I believe as an artist you can only honestly contribute to something bigger, if you stay true to your own vision.If you let others dictate how you work, impose concepts of their own on your point of view or let them define what your End-Product will be in essence, this will show up in your work and will make it look "fake". And if your part of the greater picture comes across as fake, the entire picture will come across as fake. You do not really have a choice as an artist, you must go with your heart or you will fail.
I just have to disagree, in a shared world every individual author and designer has to make concessions to the greater whole. E.g. if Paul may have insisted on slaying Mephistopheles or Shar or letting Mephistopheles slay Asmodeus and become new overlord of hell while the entity in question is already supposed to playe a bigger role in an upcomming story arc set after Paul's novel, only one author/designer can have his/her will. That's the nature of working in an shared world environment.
I have to agree with Mirtek here. It is Wizards' responsibility to make sure that everyone writing in the shared world stays within set boundaries. There simply must be things that can't be allowed. If Paul Kemp was attempting to force his way outside those bounds (and I'm not saying that he was) than I congratulate Wizards on maintaining the integrity of the Realms and putting their foot down. You simply can't have rogue authors writing whatever they please and messing up your plans for future products, especially with the complex interconnectivity between the novels, game products, and LFR.
That being said, if things progressed as this conversation seems to be suggesting (i.e. Paul stepping out of bounds), I also have to congratulate Paul Kemp. I would rather be left wondering what would have happened within the stories that will not now be published, than have read a story that the author didn't truly believe in because he was forced to work within the confines of the shared world. An author has to be behind their writing 100% for it to be worth anything.
Clearly this was the correct decision all around (we're still assuming that this is actually what happened). I congratulate Wizards' for protecting the integrity of the Realms and Paul Kemp for protecting his own integrity and not giving us a half a** novel. While I am disappointed that I will not be able to read more tales involving Paul Kemp's wonderful Realms characters, I do not hold anyone at fault.
P.S. I do apologize to anyone who might have become confused by the largely speculative nature of the above. I do not know more than anyone else regarding the circumstances of Paul Kemp's departure from Wizards, I simply commented on the discussion started in the quote. Paul Kemp's reason for leaving might have been over financial differences instead of creative ones (or any number of other things for that matter).
With the hope for that story dashed the fate of a decent thief god hangs in the ballance. The fight will be harder now to keep the call for one alive.
Erevan Ilesere is still around...
He's ok but all Elven. So not really a good option for the MANY other races around now.
They've made a move away from racial gods now, though, so it wouldn't be that whacked out to have a Dwarf wizard worship Corellon, even in FR, so a neutral/good thief worshipping Erevan Ilesere wouldn't be that odd either.
Besides, it's Erevan, I doubt he actually *cares* if you have pointy ears or not. He'll find that new Dragonborn or whateverthehell worshiper interesting for about 2 minutes and then get bored and consider it old hat and something that might as well have been going on for the last 27,000 years.
The whole Cale and Mask story kept alive strong hope for a return of a more reasonable god for rogues and thieves in the patheon. currently almost all such gods are quite evil.
Eh, Mask was evil too, yaknow.
The whole Cale and Mask story kept alive strong hope for a return of a more reasonable god for rogues and thieves in the patheon. currently almost all such gods are quite evil.
Eh, Mask was evil too, yaknow.
Evil,Yes. The cool kind of evil. The usable kind of evil. Mask was Utterly selfish but generally reasonable and not overly antagonistic in comparrison to the likes of Shar, Cyric and Asmodeus.
Mask was not trully a monster and seemingly had no desire to see the world destroyed, ruled over by him or utterly corrupted. Mask was more of a parasite, the forces of good might not like him but he isn't so dangerous that anyone (cept maybe Waukeen) would lauch a crusade or battle against him or such.
As an extension of such, the followers of Mask could usually fill the role of a very playable evil as there god did not demand things like complete domination or life sacrifices that many other faiths often wished for. His was a fairly reasonable and thus believable church in comparison with many of the greater more villainous of evil churches.
Something that, to bring it back to the sad departure of mister Kemp, was presented excellently in the Erevis Cale books. Thus i hope (foolishly perhaps) that Wizards and Paul can eventually resolve their differences and that we might see more of the darker faiths and characters.
ummm who is the god of Hope in the realms anyway???
I would say Lliira
I'd have said Rich Baker myself... he tried his best for us at least, so I guess that entitles him to the portfolio just as much as anyone else.
I'd have said Rich Baker myself... he tried his best for us at least, so I guess that entitles him to the portfolio just as much as anyone else.
so true, so true
I'd have said Rich Baker myself... he tried his best for us at least, so I guess that entitles him to the portfolio just as much as anyone else.
I stand corrected!
Maybe Kemp's books plans on ressurecting Mask....remember the last time he and Shar hugged? He held a secret from her and smiled.
4e guy: I've read ur book, and wtf! it says that Mask is going to return! I thought we're done with that stuff? Mask aint coming back...rewrite it
Kemp: But, what should I rewrite, the Cycle of Night Trilogy is all about Mask coming back. (Isn't it obvious? duh? Cycle of Night? Cycle means repeat = repeat the night/ repeat Mask.)
4e guy: No, sorry, we're gonna have to close this topic. Mask should not come back, there can't be more than 1 god/goddess of shadows/darkness. Nuff said
Kemp: But, but...
4e guy: Aaahhh...shaddupp!!
*SPOILER DUN READ*
Maybe Kemp's books plans on ressurecting Mask....remember the last time he and Shar hugged? He held a secret from her and smiled.
4e guy: I've read ur book, and wtf! it says that Mask is going to return! I thought we're done with that stuff? Mask aint coming back...rewrite it
Kemp: But, what should I rewrite, the Cycle of Night Trilogy is all about Mask coming back. (Isn't it obvious? duh? Cycle of Night? Cycle means repeat = repeat the night/ repeat Mask.)
4e guy: No, sorry, we're gonna have to close this topic. Mask should not come back, there can't be more than 1 god/goddess of shadows/darkness. Nuff said
Kemp: But, but...
4e guy: Aaahhh...shaddupp!!
-Well, we don't exactly know why he chose not to do the new book series anymore. It could be something as mundane as a relative was promoted to something important in WotC, and he doesn't want to make it look as if he is engaging in nepotism or something to that effect.
Well, I already canceled my subscription to DDI based on WoTC decisions. If they keep this up I'lll stop buying the damned novels too.
-This was Paul Kemp's decision, however.
Well, I already canceled my subscription to DDI based on WoTC decisions. If they keep this up I'lll stop buying the damned novels too.
-This was Paul Kemp's decision, however.
It appears that Mr. Kemp made this decision based on WoTC's decision to not allow him to write the story he wanted to write. WoTC is not trusting in the people who make their property sell. It's not like he just woke up someday and said "F it, I'm not writing for these damn geeks anymore".
I liked the character because he was a follower of Mask. I was hoping for Mask return somewhere down the line but did not want to wait 5 to 10 years for it to happen in novels. Perhaps the designers want Maks to return and Kemp did not like that plot or maybe it is the other way around. We probably will not know anytime soon.
Shar's Hopelessness shall not claim me :P
The biggest fear i now have is for the forgotten realms patheon. The whole Cale and Mask story kept alive strong hope for a return of a more reasonable god for rogues and thieves in the patheon. currently almost all such gods are quite evil. and not the reasonable kind either, only the world destroying kind. :C
With the hope for that story dashed the fate of a decent thief god hangs in the ballance. The fight will be harder now to keep the call for one alive.
I'm making my next character a follower of Mask, just on principle.
and because I like the idea of a shadar-kai that worships Mask. my brain is kind of broken.
I'm pretty bummed about all this, though. I'm not hugely familiar with Kemp's work, but I have been looking forward to becoming more familiar. I haven't read much SW expanded universe stuff in years, maybe his work will get me back into that.
and I always figured that Mask would come out in FR as unaligned.
Think about it. He's a perfect candidate for the "meh" set of unaligned. "Why should I care about your silly cosmic struggles? Unless of course I can gain something from them...hmm..."
Also, to get really nerdy and sad, if you make the FR gods into characters from shows by Joss Whedon, Mask is something like Spike from Buffy. Sure, he's technically evil, but even before there was a cheap trick chip in his head, he was evil in a way that made you hope he never got killed off. heck, he killed an evil guy that wanted to destroy the world because, well...world destruction would mean no more fun for him(speaking of spike here, just to be clear). Sounds like the kind of thing Mask might do in the right situation. Particularly if you've seen that episode. He just sort of says "Screw this. Die." Takes no real risk, either. It's win win for him.
that's a god an unaligned character that leans toward being a good person could just as easily worship as a backstabbing selfish bastard.
After 4e's arrival, the only FR products I had any remote interest to was Paul's books. With those gone, what else in D&D can I be looking forward to? It's kind of sad to see WotC actively forcing out things that are actually good.
I'd retain a small amount of hope that Paul and WotC will resolve their differences, but knowing WotC's tendency of destroying good ideas and concepts, I also very much doubt that'd happen.
Mebbe RAS should write Godborn? :D (I'm serious)
Well, I like a couple of RAS' books, but I am not into his work in general.
No, I am pretty sure the Cycle of Night is either written by Paul Kemp or remains dead in the water. Again, it's too bad the trilogy will not be released. After all, Paul's work has been built around the fact that Mask is planning something devious.
I went to candlekeep and saw this scroll/thread.
I am speechless right now.
Folks lets not turn this into a bash Wizards thread...ok.
This hurts. Shar must be pleased. Sweet, sweet loss and bitterness.
Whattabout Erik Scott De Bie ..
I would read anything he wrote. Big fan!
That being said, I would 100% support someone like Erik picking up where Paul left off, but would hate to see him get slammed for it like many others have in literary-past.
Well, I already canceled my subscription to DDI based on WoTC decisions. If they keep this up I'lll stop buying the damned novels too.
-This was Paul Kemp's decision, however.
It appears that Mr. Kemp made this decision based on WoTC's decision to not allow him to write the story he wanted to write. WoTC is not trusting in the people who make their property sell.
We don't know this; in fact, given everything I know about WotC and given what Paul Kemp has said of his writing experience with WotC over the years, this scenario seems very unlikely.
According to PK's facebook posts, the outline for Godsborn was completed and approved and writing was underway. He even posted an excerpt or two. Since neither PK or WotC have given the details of this decision--and there's no reason why they should--no one really knows WHY this decision was made.
But there's good news from facebook land. Apparently negotiations have reopened. PK is hinting that "the band might be getting back together" and that there may indeed be future stories about Cale et al. He has invited readers to keep an eye on his facebook site and website for upcoming announcements.
Also, could we stop with the "Elaine is gone" comments? They make me stop and check my pulse, just to make sure.
lol, I keep telling people this but no one wants to believe me.
"Elaine Cunningham is a history buff and still not dead."
Elaine should take a page out of Terry Prachet' s book and start her about me section with:
"Elaine Cunningham is a history buff and still not dead."
Not a bad idea. ::goes to profile, updates::
[/tangent, return to thread topic]
I can't speak for Erik, who is a dear friend, but picking up a character as popular as Erevis is often a brutal uphill battle. While there is a small population that would simply want the character to live, there are even more than tend to get cranky at how a new author portrays such a loved character.
That being said, I would 100% support someone like Erik picking up where Paul left off, but would hate to see him get slammed for it like many others have in literary-past.
Aww, I appreciate the support and concern guys, but I'll tell you this: while I would gladly write stuff that ties into Paul's extremely awesome work, I would never write a novel with one of his signature characters, no more than I would use Elminster, Drizzt, Arilyn, Danilo, or any of my other colleagues's chosen heroes. That just isn't something I would do as an author.
There's no judgment there--whether any author would or would not do that, it's up to them, and I'm not going to look down on any author who does what's required of him or her. It's just a line I personally would not cross.
Cheers
Good policy.
Thanks, Elaine!
I've already shown my willingness and enthusiasm for recognizing my colleagues in my own work. Downshadow contains at least one reference to Paul's Erevis Cale stories, and an even larger homage to Elaine's classic work with Danilo Thann.
Cheers
Well, I already canceled my subscription to DDI based on WoTC decisions. If they keep this up I'lll stop buying the damned novels too.
-This was Paul Kemp's decision, however.
It appears that Mr. Kemp made this decision based on WoTC's decision to not allow him to write the story he wanted to write. WoTC is not trusting in the people who make their property sell.
We don't know this; in fact, given everything I know about WotC and given what Paul Kemp has said of his writing experience with WotC over the years, this scenario seems very unlikely.
According to PK's facebook posts, the outline for Godsborn was completed and approved and writing was underway. He even posted an excerpt or two. Since neither PK or WotC have given the details of this decision--and there's no reason why they should--no one really knows WHY this decision was made.
But there's good news from facebook land. Apparently negotiations have reopened. PK is hinting that "the band might be getting back together" and that there may indeed be future stories about Cale et al. He has invited readers to keep an eye on his facebook site and website for upcoming announcements.
This is OUTSTANDING! Crosses fingers, and hopes for the best.
I can't speak for Erik, who is a dear friend, but picking up a character as popular as Erevis is often a brutal uphill battle. While there is a small population that would simply want the character to live, there are even more than tend to get cranky at how a new author portrays such a loved character.
That being said, I would 100% support someone like Erik picking up where Paul left off, but would hate to see him get slammed for it like many others have in literary-past.
Aww, I appreciate the support and concern guys, but I'll tell you this: while I would gladly write stuff that ties into Paul's extremely awesome work, I would never write a novel with one of his signature characters, no more than I would use Elminster, Drizzt, Arilyn, Danilo, or any of my other colleagues's chosen heroes. That just isn't something I would do as an author.
There's no judgment there--whether any author would or would not do that, it's up to them, and I'm not going to look down on any author who does what's required of him or her. It's just a line I personally would not cross.
Cheers
Can't say I blame ya. I figure in your shoes the thought would make me rather uncomfortable.
Also, I really need to get around to reading more of your novels. The one you did for the Fighters series was fantastic. Ghostwalker, I think was the title, right?
Is Erik taking over the novel???
What!? where did you hear that from? That would be like somebody other than RAS writing a Drizzzt novel.
No man, There are rumors that Paul and WotC may have reached an understanding.
Also, I really need to get around to reading more of your novels. The one you did for the Fighters series was fantastic. Ghostwalker, I think was the title, right?
That's the one. I've written two other novels in FR, and plan to write more. Click my name/icon over there on the left to check out my WotC profile--it'll direct you.
Is Erik taking over the novel???
Woah, no--no, I just said I would *not* do that. Ever.
I am honored if you think so highly of my abilities, but that just wouldn't happen.
No man, There are rumors that Paul and WotC may have reached an understanding.
This is definitely good news.
Let's wait for a public announcement before we do much speculating, though. I've already seen enough in this thread, and like Elaine has said, it's better to stick to what we know, lest we post something incorrect and it gets picked up and repeated as truth.
Cheers
now more Fox a ttwilight please.....
Erevan help me, I think that character has driven me mad......
Also, I really need to get around to reading more of your novels. The one you did for the Fighters series was fantastic. Ghostwalker, I think was the title, right?
That's the one. I've written two other novels in FR, and plan to write more. Click my name/icon over there on the left to check out my WotC profile--it'll direct you.Is Erik taking over the novel???
Woah, no--no, I just said I would *not* do that. Ever.
I am honored if you think so highly of my abilities, but that just wouldn't happen.No man, There are rumors that Paul and WotC may have reached an understanding.
This is definitely good news.
Let's wait for a public announcement before we do much speculating, though. I've already seen enough in this thread, and like Elaine has said, it's better to stick to what we know, lest we post something incorrect and it gets picked up and repeated as truth.
Cheers
cool. I'll do that.
oh hey...
you should write something involving Shaundakul...because...um...ok it's just because I really want Shaundakul to pop back up, and I figure you could do it right.
I just don't get how Shaudakul was left behind in 4e realms. FR seems more perfect than ever for a god like him. Not to mention that Myth Drannor is back. I mean, the thing that made him almost disapear way back when was the fall of Myth Drannor, and then he kept going to supporting people who tried to clean out MD. gah.
This is why I have no sympathy for the Mystra fans...at least they know the fate of their favorite deity. :D
They probably wanted them to conform to there dying world spellplauge junk and he revolted. Good for him.
Speculation leads to rumors, which lead to the dark side.
It's all too easy to play the "WotC is teh ebil" card. Fact: We don't know what led to the breakdown between WotC and PK. But I sincerely doubt it was because the author objected to writing in the new setting. If my memory of PK's facebook posts is accurate, the outline for Godsborn, the first novel in the cancelled trilogy, had already been submitted and approved. Since PK posted a couple of excerpts, it would seem that work on the book was well underway.
Cool!!!! Along with Elaine Cunningham and Dave Gross
Looks like it's un-cancelled:
Looks like it's un-cancelled:
Awesome! Lookin foward to reading it.
but I was looking forward to this one, and was disapointed when it was cancelled.
and now Mr. Kemp, this made my night.
now its party time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M
Or we could spam this one out.;)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=enSYlCEz5VI
be more fun to spam Ody's email with this news
Or you could spam his pm...have fun with capcha or whatever its called.
We don't.;)
Or you could spam his pm...have fun with capcha or whatever its called.
spam his PM.... na.
not worth the effort
shiny!
You can wait for my demoralized ass too get here and read this crap :p
That's great news I'm Very Very happy and BTW, I'm not going to Korea anymore but to Ft. Drum (before you ask Delta, I have no idea why) I fanally joined the 21 century and got a facebook account so we can use that too.
I'm not going to Korea anymore but to Ft. Drum (before you ask Delta, I have no idea why)
Well at least the vil wont be smelling like poop for the next 3 months.