By R.A. Salvatore
Book I, The Transitions
-Early on in my Forgotten Realms novel reading career, I was a big fan of Drizzt. Like so many others, he was my gateway into the Forgotten Realms, via the Dark Elf trilogy. Since my debut into the Forgotten Realms, and my increasing familiarity with the setting as a whole, my enthusiasm for Drizzt has lessened and lessened. I still pick up the Drizzt novels, however, and I waited until The Orc King was in paperback before picking it up.
-I normally think that buying hardcover books- barring certain special circumstances- is a rip off, and had I purchased the hardcover copy of this book, I’d be very angry. As it is, I feel that the book, as a whole, wasn’t worth the $7.99 I paid for it.
-The most important- I feel- part of the book is the prologue and the epilogue. For the longest time, until the preview excerpts of the FRCG and the FRPG began funneling out- this was our only glimpse into the world of the Forgotten Realms after the Spellplague. After having read the FRCG, and seeing how the Silver Marches are more at odds with the Kingdom of Many-Arrows, we have another R.A. Salvatore continuity gaffe here. What’s new?
-The plot of the book, overall, was, to put it bluntly, very poor. The entire part of the book in which Bruenor and friends go looking for what he though to be Gauntlgrym is unnecessary. The entire point of that entire plot was for Bruenor and friends to find the manuscripts of the infamous Orc philosopher (were it not for someone telling me in advance, I might have thrown the book across the room at that point!). Having the protagonists find the manuscripts elsewhere, tied up neatly in a few pages, would have freed Mr. Salvatore a whole bunch of pages to further develop other storylines. For example, had there been more in-depth discussion about the dissent in the camps of the Orcs, the book would have benefited a great deal. I’m still wondering what the point of “Jack the Gnome” was. The character was completely unnecessary, and being dead, will serve no more purpose. What was the point? All of the time and pages spent on Wulfgar returning Colton to her real mother? Again, unnecessarily long. Could have seen less of that, and more development on other, more important issues.
-Much of the book just seemed too “heavy handed”, in my opinion. For example, the reason of Alustriel appearing in the novel only seemed to be to turn Cattie-Brie into a magician. The entire point of “Jack the Gnome”- perhaps the worst character I’ve ever read in a Forgotten Realms novel, if I do say so myself- only seemed to be to turn Cattie-Brie into a magician. There was way too much of that going on, for my tastes.
-Overall, I’d give this novel, out of a possible Five Beholders, Two Beholders, and One Chicken.
And those aren't beholders. They're beholderkin. Beholders are just too good in this case.
“Jack the Gnome”- perhaps the worst character I’ve ever read in a Forgotten Realms novel
He was the reason why they dropped gnomes as player races in 4e :D
Drizzt's shift in acceptance that you see in the pro-log was the most jarringly heavy handed thing to me. Decades of battling orcs, who haven't done anything but cause him grief really. Hurt his friends, invaded the lands of their home and when they decide to settle them down on captured territory, Drizzt shrugs and lets the Orcs have their terriroty and do what they want. A forced and blatently PCed(I know, I know over used term) change in Drizzt where all beings are equals and the people and elves(who have way more history than Drizzt can concieve of being attacked and losing people/lands) still fighting Orcs are too young and foolish to really get what real war was about. Cue up the dramatic music as the grizzled vet who knows more than you changes your young, war mongering ways.
Though, I haven't gotten to magic being introduced to Cattie-Brie in the book yet. I'm on a loaned copy from a fellow Realms fan, and can only get by in short bursts of reading. Cattie-Brie learning magic, fine, she can't fight the way she used to. Since RA has avoided using magic on the side of the good guys and it's a flat fighting group, she'll want to contribute, i can see it happening. I just don't know if the set up(haven't got there yet) worked. After a time and seeing her new limitations, she tries to learn a new way to be useful.
And with the whole side treck with Wulfgar and Colson is nothing mroe than a way to have Wulfgar in the book and still not have him do something, that's sad. I like his character the most. He's got more potential for developement and good stories than the rest at this point and he just doesn't get used. I swear I think RA is afraid that working with Wulfgar and making the character grow and giving him something meaningful to do,other than hit something in the hammer to make Drizzt look good, would drowned out or take the spot light off the Drow lead.
Okay, enough grumping from me. I have a book to finish I guess, just so I can know what's going to happen next.
However, I do agree with LK here. This book was, well, very dull. Really nothing happened. I almost think the whole point of the book was the Prologue and Epilogue, which were troublesome enough.
Oh well, I still like the Devils Due comics.
I find myself being a much bigger fan of RAS then most other "regulars" here. I still very much enjoy the saga of Drizzt, though even I grow a bit weary with the monologues that begin each Part.
However, I do agree with LK here. This book was, well, very dull. Really nothing happened. I almost think the whole point of the book was the Prologue and Epilogue, which were troublesome enough.
Oh well, I still like the Devils Due comics.
Do you like Artemis better than Drizzt Merrik since your a big fan of RAS?
Artemis/Frank Castle> Drizzt/Steve Rogers
The more important thing is this. What kind of chicken are we talking? baked or fried?
Hopefully not half-baked. ;)
Drizzt's shift in acceptance that you see in the pro-log was the most jarringly heavy handed thing to me. Decades of battling orcs, who haven't done anything but cause him grief really. Hurt his friends, invaded the lands of their home and when they decide to settle them down on captured territory, Drizzt shrugs and lets the Orcs have their terriroty and do what they want. A forced and blatently PCed(I know, I know over used term) change in Drizzt where all beings are equals and the people and elves(who have way more history than Drizzt can concieve of being attacked and losing people/lands) still fighting Orcs are too young and foolish to really get what real war was about. Cue up the dramatic music as the grizzled vet who knows more than you changes your young, war mongering ways.
I have to say, I've only seen the prologue and haven't read the entire book, but I agree that this is disappointing for the character of Drizzt. I might've believed something more along the lines of Drizzt being resigned to having an (evil) new Orc kingdom on their doorsteep (perhaps simply because of sheer numbers and a kind of standstill when fighting them). But the radical shift in his perception of the orcs is rather jarring considering his prior history. The only way for me to have really believed it would have been a really convincing and fully fleshed-out story where we see Drizzt making the shift and his reasons for doing so.
...Cattie-Brie learning magic, fine, she can't fight the way she used to. (...)
I'm not entirely sure why, but Cattie-Brie becoming a mage just doesn't seem right for her. Seems like RAS could've taken a different route for her. I started losing interest in Drizzt once he was tied almost completely to Innovindil's hip. At this point, I'm not really sure I'll buy the book.
1. Wulfgar: With the 100 year jump, it was pretty much a given that he would not survive it. So that was the author's attempt to cram in some closure to a popular character that has several decades worth of issues to be resolved. There was no time to give him his own book, so he ended things as best he could, and let Wulfgar walk off into the sunset.
2. Cattie Brie: Again, the 100 year jump was coming. If he wanted to preserve Drizzt's primary love interest, she was going to need magical assistance. Besides... the party needed a caster anyways :P
3. Drizzt: Again, the developers from on high passed down their vision of what 4.0 Realms where, and he had to mold his story to fit into it. So now Drizzt is pro orc, and defending them against human and elven scum. :D
Kidding aside, he has plenty of experience of being discriminated against due to his race. I am sure that it isn't hard for him to experience a little empathy towards them.
4. Jack the Gnome: With gnomes no longer being a playable race, he must have figured that it was his last chance for a while to squeeze one in as a character. From now on, they're monsters (Raaarr!).
Do you like Artemis better than Drizzt Merrik since your a big fan of RAS?
Artemis/Frank Castle> Drizzt/Steve Rogers
Artemis is OK, but I prefer Drizzt
and Steve Rogers is 1000 times more interesting than that 80s has been Frank Castle
Do you like Artemis better than Drizzt Merrik since your a big fan of RAS?
Artemis/Frank Castle> Drizzt/Steve Rogers
Off topic, but Frank Castle, even when Ennis is writing, has nothing on a good Waid or Brubaker Steve Rogers. Frank Castle is a horrible character.
Off topic, but Frank Castle, even when Ennis is writing, has nothing on a good Waid or Brubaker Steve Rogers. Frank Castle is a horrible character.
word
[-The plot of the book, overall, was, to put it bluntly, very poor. The entire part of the book in which Bruenor and friends go looking for what he though to be Gauntlgrym is unnecessary. The entire point of that entire plot was for Bruenor and friends to find the manuscripts of the infamous Orc philosopher (were it not for someone telling me in advance, I might have thrown the book across the room at that point!).
I’m still wondering what the point of “Jack the Gnome” was.
Who's that?
Oh yeah, that guy. I had forgotten about him. That should say something in itself.
-Overall, I’d give this novel, out of a possible Five Beholders, Two Beholders, and One Chicken.
Like JK I actually think that's quite the generous score.
I LOVED Drizzt and all the books he's in. But now, after reading this horrible book, I can't stand Drizzt anymore. I mean seriously, I just went from loving Drizzt for 13 years to not being able to read another book he's in. I can't stand what RAS has done with him. Killing elves and humans to defend Orcs and goblins?
Someone should tell RAS to stop before Drizz't gets any worse. Just stay with Entreri and Jarlaxle. Unless RAS turns Entreri into a Paladin or Tyr or something foolish.
Artemis is OK, but I prefer Drizzt
and Steve Rogers is 1000 times more interesting than that 80s has been Frank Castle
Yeah right. Because that underwear Steve wears on the outside of his pants as a costume is so in the new era of style.
I don't know if you were aware, but not so long ago The Punisher was a movie. Did Captain America have a recent one? No? Is he even alive?
Off topic, but Frank Castle, even when Ennis is writing, has nothing on a good Waid or Brubaker Steve Rogers. Frank Castle is a horrible character.
I find it more intresting a anti-hero that was made because his family was killed in NY at a park and he wanted vengence, rather than some lame overused story of "a super-soilder good guy that can do no wrong!"(Drizzt? Cale? Elminster?). Learn to alter your taste a bit, get some variety, read Goerge R.R. Martin. Guns>No guns. Frank Castle is in no way enchanced bio-logicly or super nautrally. And he still takes everyone out. Just like Artemis, he is just a human, who fights this Drow with globe of darkness, super retarded dark vision, and 1 billion allies. You should have some respect for fiction characters that do amazing things without the use of help/upgrades/enchancments. Imagine if they had what your characters did.
word
If the entire world is insane except for you, doesn't that make you the crazy one?
Just stay with Entreri and Jarlaxle. Unless RAS turns Entreri into a Paladin or Tyr or something foolish.
He's already on the way of becoming one. And just seperating from Jarlaxle won't be enough, there.
I don't know if you were aware, but not so long ago The Punisher was a movie. Did Captain America have a recent one? No? Is he even alive? GG K THX YW NO RE
hmmmm.....I am not sure if you were aware that the Punisher movie was a major bomb and that Cap has 2 movies coming out including a solo movie and an Avengers movie in 2010
hmmmm.....I am not sure if you were aware that the Punisher movie was a major bomb and that Cap has 2 movies coming out including a solo movie and an Avengers movie in 2010
Yeah, I'm sure if Castle died off then he would get new scripts as well. Ever play final fantasy 7? Areis (Areith), was a terrible character that I could care less about, yet the fact that she died made her a martyr. Btw, did you like how Steve was killed by a nobody sniper and backed down out of a fight he was winning even though it went agaisn't his own ideals? Who picked up his mask? (Castle did ;) )
The more important thing is this. What kind of chicken are we talking? baked or fried?
Drizzt's shift in acceptance that you see in the pro-log was the most jarringly heavy handed thing to me. Decades of battling orcs, who haven't done anything but cause him grief really. Hurt his friends, invaded the lands of their home and when they decide to settle them down on captured territory, Drizzt shrugs and lets the Orcs have their terriroty and do what they want. A forced and blatently PCed(I know, I know over used term) change in Drizzt where all beings are equals and the people and elves(who have way more history than Drizzt can concieve of being attacked and losing people/lands) still fighting Orcs are too young and foolish to really get what real war was about. Cue up the dramatic music as the grizzled vet who knows more than you changes your young, war mongering ways.
Though, I haven't gotten to magic being introduced to Cattie-Brie in the book yet. I'm on a loaned copy from a fellow Realms fan, and can only get by in short bursts of reading. Cattie-Brie learning magic, fine, she can't fight the way she used to. Since RA has avoided using magic on the side of the good guys and it's a flat fighting group, she'll want to contribute, i can see it happening. I just don't know if the set up(haven't got there yet) worked. After a time and seeing her new limitations, she tries to learn a new way to be useful.
And with the whole side treck with Wulfgar and Colson is nothing mroe than a way to have Wulfgar in the book and still not have him do something, that's sad. I like his character the most. He's got more potential for developement and good stories than the rest at this point and he just doesn't get used. I swear I think RA is afraid that working with Wulfgar and making the character grow and giving him something meaningful to do,other than hit something in the hammer to make Drizzt look good, would drowned out or take the spot light off the Drow lead.
Okay, enough grumping from me. I have a book to finish I guess, just so I can know what's going to happen next.
I believe you miss a very important part of Drizzt's past and personality: a strong belief in his desire to protect innocent children. For instance, in Exile he was determined to protect the deep gnome children. In Sojourn, he discovered some goblinoids were going to battle with humans. Watching the love and cameraderie of a human family and their children is what made his decision for him. When you compare this to the elf attack on the orc village, it is easy to see that Drizzit would begin to see the shift in morality. You can second this with the prologue where he was angered by people butchering families of orc farmer/ranchers. Finally, in a short story compilaton taking place prior to the OrcKing, Drizzt was musing over the potential of the orcs, as a culture, beginning to throw off their evil ways.
About the Orc King in general, I believe that the 100 year gap of 4th edition squashed any hopes he had of truly developing plots for Wulfgar, his baby, and the injured Cattie-Brie. Plus, any ideas he had to develop the orc kingdom, were crushed by 4th editions Points of light garbage which was so expansive as to exclude half-orcs from the FR list of standard player races.
Yeah, I'm sure if Castle died off then he would get new scripts as well. Ever play final fantasy 7? Areis (Areith), was a terrible character that I could care less about, yet the fact that she died made her a martyr. Btw, did you like how Steve was killed by a nobody sniper and backed down out of a fight he was winning even though it went agaisn't his own ideals? Who picked up his mask? (Castle did ;) )
I have never played Final Fantasy 7. Never played 1 thru 6 either
Castle did pick up the mask, that is true. I did like the way they bumped off Cap. A very non-traditional way for a comic book hero. Cap is all about ideals. Castle is about ammo. Ideals is much more interesting
I have never played Final Fantasy 7. Never played 1 thru 6 either
Castle did pick up the mask, that is true. I did like the way they bumped off Cap. A very non-traditional way for a comic book hero. Cap is all about ideals. Castle is about ammo. Ideals is much more interesting
And now Bucky/Winter Soldier is running around as Cap, and doing a pretty kick-***** job of it too I think.
Castle did pick up the mask, that is true. I did like the way they bumped off Cap. A very non-traditional way for a comic book hero. Cap is all about ideals. Castle is about ammo. Ideals is much more interesting
Actually, ideals? Castle is all about that. It doesn't matter if your his best friend/family or w/e. If you break some moral code, he will be all over your ass. He doesn't just go Rambo style blazing the first person he sees. He does go after "bad guys". All though, he beat the hell out of spider-man and dare devil for trying to stop him since they thought his ways of handling the law were too harsh.
Do you know why Castle was brough out of the last fight? Think of it this way. Whenever you watch superhero cartoons, and they shoot lazers, or some super blast attack. It's equivilent to a punch. Kinda dumb imo, but it doesn't do damage just to make the story drag on. But when you use bullets, they can't overlook it's leathalness. He would have been snipering everyone out on the field, blowing Starks side to hell.
And now Bucky/Winter Soldier is running around as Cap, and doing a pretty kick-***** job of it too I think.
That's pretty sad. He can't get a name of his own. Has to live in someone elses shadow. And in my perspective, that's an insult to Steve Rogers. Let's just forget everything he died for and make a new Captain America!
I am confused by your rating system LK....I mean what book would be one beholder? What book would be a five beholders?
-One Beholder would be the worst rating something could get. Five Beholders would be the best rating something could get. As for specific examples, I don't know.
The book made some significant hints about Cattie-Brie's future, but since 4th is now out and a 100 years has passed do we know anything for certain. Also, about Drizzt's alluding to a friend dying at Luskan, will that be covered in one of the other 2 transitions books? Any ideas?
Some how I have a feeling that the Luskan "Friend" Wulfgar's Daughter, or perhaps even Grand Daughter. Just a hunch though.
-One Beholder would be the worst rating something could get. Five Beholders would be the best rating something could get. As for specific examples, I don't know.
Do two chickens = one beholder? ;) :D ;)
Do two chickens = one beholder? ;) :D ;)
-Yes, yes they do. I can't cut a Beholder in half, so a chicken is the best I've got.
Also, about Drizzt's alluding to a friend dying at Luskan, will that be covered in one of the other 2 transitions books?
Probably, but until the books come out we don't have any way of knowing for sure.
I'm not entirely sure why, but Cattie-Brie becoming a mage just doesn't seem right for her. Seems like RAS could've taken a different route for her. I started losing interest in Drizzt once he was tied almost completely to Innovindil's hip. At this point, I'm not really sure I'll buy the book.
Well, we do know you have issues with male companionship.
2. Cattie Brie: Again, the 100 year jump was coming. If he wanted to preserve Drizzt's primary love interest, she was going to need magical assistance.
Ditto. Gonna love her as a GGGILF in a hundred years. :D
-The most important- I feel- part of the book is the prologue and the epilogue.
Of course it is. What did you expect? They sat down with R.A.S. right when they decided to move on 4e. Did you think he wasn’t expected to help bring it in?
The Orc King is not anything I would promote for reading until the following two books come out. The three as a whole are meant to end one tale and start another. You have to read them all in succession to fully grasp the story.
It’s like The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions. Neither can sustain or entertain properly without the other.
Now, have you ever given anything a 1?
Now, have you ever given anything a 1?
The majority--the first time around anyways.
1: Who is Jack the Gnome? It just seemed like he was dropped in there for no real reason. (wait a minute, he was placed in so Catti-Brie could wear his robe as a miniskirt thing)
2: Going to Gauntylgrym. It seemed. . . meh. Unessecary. Nothing really interesting happened.
HOWEVER, Thibbledorf Pwent is in it, so it's not ALL bad. And if I remember correctly, Drizzt wasn't a whiny ***** anymore. I'd give it a 2 out of 5.
Yeah, the orc king wasn't as good as it should be. It just seemed bland to me. But, I am picky when it comes to my reading material. I guess my main problems are the following
1: Who is Jack the Gnome? It just seemed like he was dropped in there for no real reason. (wait a minute, he was placed in so Catti-Brie could wear his robe as a miniskirt thing)
2: Going to Gauntylgrym. It seemed. . . meh. Unessecary.
HOWEVER, Thibbledorf Pwent is in it, so it's not ALL bad. And if I remember correctly, Drizzt wasn't a whiny ***** anymore. I'd give it a 2 out of 5.
2 for 2.
I think I get LK's review system. He gravitates towards the medium of three, rather than rating things towards the top down. Three's acceptably decent if not really special, two's wallowing in mediocrity.
-Right. If I read the novel, and I feel "eh", that's about three Beholders. If I feel a little less than "eh", that's fewer than three Beholders, and if I feel a little more than "eh", that's more Beholders.
Now, have you ever given anything a 1?
-Not as of yet. I'm only reviewing books that I've read within the past couple of weeks, but the lowest scoring Forgotten Realms book that I think I've read would probably be Beyond the High Road, or The Howling Delve. I did not like those books at all.
1: Who is Jack the Gnome? It just seemed like he was dropped in there for no real reason. (wait a minute, he was placed in so Catti-Brie could wear his robe as a miniskirt thing)
2: Going to Gauntylgrym. It seemed. . . meh. Unessecary. Nothing really interesting happened.
-Geeze, it's as if...you read my review, or something...:D :P
-Right. If I read the novel, and I feel "eh", that's about three Beholders. If I feel a little less than "eh", that's fewer than three Beholders, and if I feel a little more than "eh", that's more Beholders.
-Not as of yet. I'm only reviewing books that I've read within the past couple of weeks, but the lowest scoring Forgotten Realms book that I think I've read would probably be Beyond the High Road, or The Howling Delve. I did not like those books at all.
-Geeze, it's as if...you read my review, or something...:D :P
*sniffle* I was just stating what I thought. I wasn't copying you. *sniflle* WAAAAAAAAAAH! I HATE YOU *begins flailing at you impotently while crying* I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! WAAAH! (hahaha just kidding. I had to do that. I just skimmed your review, I didn't see the part concerning Gauntylgrym. I know, I'm lazy)
4. Jack the Gnome: With gnomes no longer being a playable race, he must have figured that it was his last chance for a while to squeeze one in as a character. From now on, they're monsters (Raaarr!).
Actually, there WAS Namfoodle the alchemist out of the Hunter's Blades trilogy, so he already got a gnome in
(wait a minute, he was placed in so Catti-Brie could wear his robe as a miniskirt thing)
Aah, high-fantasy physics. They can be wondrous at times.
Actually, there WAS Namfoodle the alchemist out of the Hunter's Blades trilogy, so he already got a gnome in
True, but this time he got to use one as a fearsome villian.
True, but this time he got to use one as a fearsome villian.
I have a lair! I have a minion! I'm a MONSTER, RAAAAWR! :D
Also on another note about the quality of the book. I noticed i dont read books and critique them on the basis of what the author should have done instead or focused on instead. I see him as the creator of the world, and i read it as he presents it, I never even consider the authors motivation but instead try to see it as a seperate world with unique, uncreated characters. I know that they are indeed created, but I think viewing the book in terms of R.A. Salvatore's motives is already putting an obvious stint on anything he may produce. Like if I made a book, would it be a bad book if you knew i killed a character because I ran out fo ideas? I wouldn't think so, be cause weather or not that may be the case, there is no rule saying a character can't do something totally boring or die in the prime of his life if that's what the author has him doing. Just my thoughts, and I'll tell you I really enjoyed this book when I read it the way i did because I hadn't even considered standards of writing style or RAS's real life motivations. Cheers.
I just realized, i would make a terrible book reviewer...
-Not as of yet. I'm only reviewing books that I've read within the past couple of weeks, but the lowest scoring Forgotten Realms book that I think I've read would probably be Beyond the High Road, or The Howling Delve. I did not like those books at all.
Um…dude…you read Stardeep a long while back and you…uh…did a book review on it.
*sniffle* I was just stating what I thought. I wasn't copying you. *sniflle* WAAAAAAAAAAH! I HATE YOU *begins flailing at you impotently while crying* I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! WAAAH! (hahaha just kidding. I had to do that. I just skimmed your review, I didn't see the part concerning Gauntylgrym. I know, I'm lazy)
There, there. Have a tissue.
Now go have a Coke and a smile and shut the
up! (sigh)
Sorry. You sensitive types always get me around here.
Um…dude…you read Stardeep a long while back and you…uh…did a book review on it.
-True. I'd amend that to a couple of months, since Stardeep was...March? And Ascendancy of the Last was...June? Where does the time go?
-You know what? I'll just amend it to the catch-all 'recently', and call it a day.
-True. I'd amend that to a couple of months, since Stardeep was...March? And Ascendancy of the Last was...June? Where does the time go?
-You know what? I'll just amend it to the catch-all 'recently', and call it a day.
Well...I'll call that a pretty decent victory. I pointed out your infallibility and almost--almost--got you to accept it straight out and without retort.
I'll say you're maturing, my man.
I'm almost proud.
Almost, Mr. Dude Lord Guy Thing.
There, there. Have a tissue.
Now go have a Coke and a smile and shut the
(sigh)
Sorry. You sensitive types always get me around here.
haha, no I'm not the sensitive type. I'm just messing with LK. :D takes a lot to get me upsetWell, we do know you have issues with male companionship.
I think you've been off the leash too long, grumpycupcake.
Just kidding... I can't be mad at mon doudou. ;) *pinch*
And if I remember correctly, Drizzt wasn't a whiny ***** anymore.
He still is, going by the prologue. If anything, 100 years have made him even more whiny!
Like if I made a book, would it be a bad book if you knew i killed a character because I ran out fo ideas? I wouldn't think so, be cause weather or not that may be the case, there is no rule saying a character can't do something totally boring or die in the prime of his life if that's what the author has him doing.
No, there's no rule like that, but the important question is whether or not the story will be better for having boring characters, or a character dying in the prime of his life.
He still is, going by the prologue. If anything, 100 years have made him even more whiny!
:hoppingma :headexplo Why can't he just die? that's it! In my next 3.5 FR game, my character will have a dark elf head on a platter! Guess whose it will be. . .I can see Drizzt 100 years from now
Oh, my life is suffering, anguish and pain. I'm so dark and conflicted and deep, but people say I'm emo. I'm going to cut myself now, to releive my emotional pain. Blech. Hopefully Entreri is still alive and can finish him off. Cuz Entreri's a badass
Why can't he just die? that's it! In my next 3.5 FR game, my character will have a dark elf head on a platter! Guess whose it will be. . .
You sound pretty worked up about this. What is it about Drizzt that has personally angered you so?
At this point, anyone oughtta realize that if you don't like him, just don't by the books. He's a total non-factor in FR game material now, anyway, so there's not even that excuse.
And I also want to kill each famous NPC in FR once. It's a goal of mine.
-Why?
-Why?
Seemed like the thing to do. Actually, the fact that most of the NPC's are super powerful and KNOW combat really well provides an excellent challenge for me. It's the challenge mainly. And then me and my brother made a bet on it, he thinks I'll lose interest first. If I get 'em all, he has to do something very embarrasing. And I'll leave it at that.
Wait, you mean no one else has had this goal?
Wait, you mean no one else has had this goal?
Nah. I've yet to really run into someone, in a good 15-odd years playing FR on and off, that wasn't more interested in a game involving a smidgen of actual DM creativity than sitting around passionately hating content from FR novels, and doing it with dice rolls as well as basic uninspiration.
I wouldn't even be saying anything at all, but it's not so much being bothered by Realms NPCs than the noisiness of those who are so bothered that can make the setting tedious at times.
actually, my desire to kill off the NPC's was for the challenge of it. I didn't mean to annoy everyone, so ummm. . .sorry! ( I think I'm gonna go hide now :hides
'cept, why worry about the NPCs when there are far more interesting, challenging things to kill (who probably deserve it more), such as, say, Demogorgon?
Wait, you mean no one else has had this goal?
-Not me, no. My current character goal is to actually start a Thieves' Guild in Darromar, Tethyr.
And those fragments? They've all manifested as tattoos somewhere on the bodies of setting-prominent female elves.
Of all sub-races.
(Yep. Have fun with the one on Quenthel Baenre.)
Do it.
Wait, you mean no one else has had this goal?
Not me.
Remember also that player knowledge should not equal character knowledge. The FR does not have a modern media system, and "famous" NPCs are not worldwide celebrities that your character would know all about.'Strong hero' ugh. makes me wanna vomit
Well, there's no confusion there. I love 'em. Strong Hero is STRONG!
Well, there's no confusion there. I love 'em. Strong Hero is STRONG!
Yes, but is he pretty*?!
*To truly get this, one must play City of Heroes/Villains. Only then can one know the Suck that is Energy Aura and War Mace, but together, they are Strong and Pretty!
Good. ‘Cause you try that crap with me, I smacking you with pig testies. Trust me, I stole a jar of ‘em….
I think you've been off the leash too long, grumpycupcake.
Just kidding... I can't be mad at mon doudou. ;) *pinch*
What did I tell you about that!! NOT IN PUBLIC!!
I gave you my Ten Rools of the DooDoo. Obey them!
Hotel PM. 10 o’clock. Be there!
He still is, going by the prologue. If anything, 100 years have made him even more whiny!
I’d say he has gone a bit beyond whiny and grown some balls in this one. In the previous novels he always sat there going, “Oh, what do I do?” At least now he simply states or does (except in the
memoir’s, that is).It’s not the return of The Hunter I wanted, but it is a bit of progress.
actually, my desire to kill off the NPC's was for the challenge of it. I didn't mean to annoy everyone, so ummm. . .sorry! ( I think I'm gonna go hide now :hides
Creative. We're all at a loss.
Not me.
well, basically we were hired to go kill *insert name* by a shady guy. That cleared up most problems. 80% of the time, our characters had no idea of who they were killing
Well, there's no confusion there. I love 'em. Strong Hero is STRONG!
Well, I did make two other classes for d20 modern.
Obnoxious Hero: he pretty much taunts into attacking him
Metrosexual Hero: This one was a complete joke. Saving the world with his fashion sense.
Good. ‘Cause you try that crap with me, I smacking you with pig testies. Trust me, I stole a jar of ‘em….
Creative. We're all at a loss.
1: Where did you get the pig testies from? I know people that need to get smacked by them. . .
2: You're at a loss? Err, why? It's fairly obvious that I have no life outside D&D.
1: Where did you get the pig testies from? I know people that need to get smacked by them. . .
This pseudo-French hottie I know with perky eyes. She has this thing for storing mammal parts.
Don't ask.
2: You're at a loss? Err, why? It's fairly obvious that I have no life outside D&D.
Lucky, aren't you? What about me? Why can't I have a life of D&D!!? Why do I have to work, pay bills, and function in society!!!? It's unfair!!!
Damn you! Damn you!!!
This pseudo-French hottie I know with perky eyes. She has this thing for storing mammal parts.
Don't ask.
These days, I only accept body parts of major deities. Policy.Lucky, aren't you? What about me? Why can't I have a life of D&D!!? Why do I have to work, pay bills, and function in society!!!? It's unfair!!!
All can be traced back to a certain event when you were 17. But I have said too much! :evillaugh
And, of course, like most women, she means only deities with major....
All can be traced back to a certain event when you were 17. But I have said too much! :evillaugh
Fortunately, I was playing D&D nearly 24-7 during my 17th year, thank you very much! It was only when I had to stop did my life completely fall into the Abyss.
And, of course, like most women, she means only deities with major....
"Power", yes. :P
Fortunately, I was playing D&D nearly 24-7 during my 17th year, thank you very much! It was only when I had to stop did my life completely fall into the Abyss.
Come mon doudou, I will run The Orc and the Pie for you. All will be well.
To both.
I'll deal with you in private.
Now back to The Orc King and why it has transformed a nation.
I'm Judge Dookie, and I won't be here with you all night to report the breaking news.
Whatever.
To both.
I'll deal with you in private.
Now back to The Orc King and why it has transformed a nation.
I'm Judge Dookie, and I won't be here with you all night to report the breaking news.
Oh yeah... did I mention that this "Orc and the Pie" will be run in 1479? The orc will be friendly, and you'll need to roleplay to get the pie. Have some silver coins ready, is all I'm saying. If you kill him, the orc national guard will arrest you for terrorizing their border outposts and you'll rot in jail. At that point, you'll need to seek the assistance of the Luruar chapter of Amnesty International in order to regain your freedom. 'Cause it's the new Realms, yo!
Yo!And stuff...
This pseudo-French hottie I know with perky eyes. She has this thing for storing mammal parts.
Don't ask.
Lucky, aren't you? What about me? Why can't I have a life of D&D!!? Why do I have to work, pay bills, and function in society!!!? It's unfair!!!
Damn you! Damn you!!!
1: Okaay, that's a little disturbing. *shudder* I'm staying on her good side
2: JD: first, I'm 16. I live in the middle of the woods on a mountain. i can only play D&D once a week AT MOST. I haven't been able to keep up with the news for the past 4 years, since we have no TV. For 9 months, I lived in a tent. (No flushing toilets or baths - well, baths 1/week I won't go into that anymore) Only recently have we gotten internet. My neighbors are all old people, the young people that did live here were ****ing insane. (they left) BUT on the upside, I do have awesome toys (rifle, crossbow) So are you still so jealous?
And if you didn't work, you wouldn't have money for food, gas, bills, D&D books, stuff like that. I'll eventually be in your situation, but not yet. :P
I’d say he has gone a bit beyond whiny and grown some balls in this one. In the previous novels he always sat there going, “Oh, what do I do?” At least now he simply states or does (except in the
It’s not the return of The Hunter I wanted, but it is a bit of progress.
Well, when you look at it that way...:P
2: JD: first, I'm 16. I live in the middle of the woods on a mountain. i can only play D&D once a week AT MOST. I haven't been able to keep up with the news for the past 4 years, since we have no TV. For 9 months, I lived in a tent. (No flushing toilets or baths - well, baths 1/week I won't go into that anymore) Only recently have we gotten internet. My neighbors are all old people, the young people that did live here were ****ing insane. (they left) BUT on the upside, I do have awesome toys (rifle, crossbow) So are you still so jealous?
Where do you live? Just curious.
In theory, if the "game table" part of DDI works out really well, you could game online with people all over the states. (Personally, I'm waiting for people to review it before I commit money to something like that, but it may be a way for you to get gaming more regularly). Plus, clean air, mountains and crossbows are big positives IMO.
1: Okaay, that's a little disturbing. *shudder* I'm staying on her good side
You best. I’m on her good side and still suffer.
2: JD: first, I'm 16. I live in the middle of the woods on a mountain. i can only play D&D once a week AT MOST. I haven't been able to keep up with the news for the past 4 years, since we have no TV. For 9 months, I lived in a tent. (No flushing toilets or baths - well, baths 1/week I won't go into that anymore) Only recently have we gotten internet. My neighbors are all old people, the young people that did live here were ****ing insane. (they left) BUT on the upside, I do have awesome toys (rifle, crossbow) So are you still so jealous?
And if you didn't work, you wouldn't have money for food, gas, bills, D&D books, stuff like that. I'll eventually be in your situation, but not yet. :P
Man up, weasel!! When I was 17 I was playing in a mobile home with no heat and no water in the middle of winter. My buds had to pee on the outside shed and we were forced to drink pop in our sessions!!! Life—real and imagined—was hard!!!
Wait…I was 20 at that time.
Damn, kid. Your life sux.
Well, when you look at it that way...:P
What way?! Which way!? Where?!
Where do you live? Just curious.
Brooklyn. ;)
I live past a town full of hicks called big bend. Basically, you start in Redding (CA) you head toward burney. halfway there, you see a road off to the side "big bend road' you go down that road. Eventually, you get to big bend. Don't blink, you might not see it if you do that. small town. very small. You go past big bend, onto the logging roads. Eventually, the logging roads end. there is a dirt road. you go on the dirt road. if you make the right turns, you get to my house. a wrong turn gets you to either an ***hole's house, or a drug addict's. What I love about up here is the scenery provides inspiration for when I'm writing. But yeah, that's how remote I am. Living up here has caused me to appreciate certain things some more: flushing tiolets, bathtubs, a roof over your head, and a half decent bed. So I'm a whole helluva lot tougher than I used to be. AND I gots weapon skillz (crossbow and rifle ftw!)
Sweet jive funky Bejebuz. I feel for ya, kid.But those "weapon skillz" aren't gonna help you too much in the days ahead.
Unless, that is, you've spotted bigfoot in your times secluded.
You best. I’m on her good side and still suffer.
Man up, weasel!! When I was 17 I was playing in a mobile home with no heat and no water in the middle of winter. My buds had to pee on the outside shed and we were forced to drink pop in our sessions!!! Life—real and imagined—was hard!!!
Wait…I was 20 at that time.
Damn, kid. Your life sux.
My life does not suck. I can have a frikking adventure if I just go for a walk in the woods. And I was 12 when I lived in the tent for a year. So you need to man up. wuss. Besides, do you got mad weapon skillz with guns and crossbowz like me? nah, didn't think so. I killed a BEAR! Yeah! real intimidated now ain't ya?
But those "weapon skillz" aren't gonna help you too much in the days ahead.
Unless, that is, you've spotted bigfoot in your times secluded.
Did I mention that there are ****ing insane crackheads up here? Weapon skill WILL come in handy. And I have a social life. I'm not a secluded hermit. Just cuz I'm remote doesn't mean I'm like those wierd old men with long beards that talk to the trees.
Did I mention that there are ****ing insane crackheads up here? Weapon skill WILL come in handy. And I have a social life. I'm not a secluded hermit. Just cuz I'm remote doesn't mean I'm like those wierd old men with long beards that talk to the trees.
No. You are like those young gang bangers I do my best to avoid on the south side. The only difference is that I can dodge an arrow better than a bullet.
;)
*sigh* no, I'm not a ********er. I spend most of my free time doing D&D related stuff. Do ********ers do that? NO. And besides, I think the whole 'gangster' thing is just ****ing stupid. Two guys I know get in jail every 1-2 months and think they're badass. They're just dumb. I'm too smart to be a gangster. And I also find the acts they do to be repulsive. Unlike them, I have a strong moral code that I'm not willing to break except for extremely unusual circumstances. Gangsters are true stupid in alignment. I'm neutral good.
Relax, my man. Just crackin' stupidity. Not saying anything about you.
Just be careful with that weaponry of yours. ;)
I am careful with my weaponry. I don't want to hurt anyone (well there ARE some, but I'm not getting into that) so I always have the safety on. (I also have bluff as a trained skill. tricked some people into thinking that the gun was loaded and safety was off. NAT 20!)
About to go father figure, so here I quit.
Now, back to The Orc King.
I'm not your host, Judge Dookie.
I am careful with my weaponry. I don't want to hurt anyone (well there ARE some, but I'm not getting into that) so I always have the safety on. (I also have bluff as a trained skill. tricked some people into thinking that the gun was loaded and safety was off. NAT 20!)
I hope the next time you throw that 20, your opponent isn't packin' heat, he may not bluff.
Did anyone think that the peace made at the end of the big battle appeared to forced, considering the heroes really were in the middle of a few thousand orcs? I could see a treaty happening, just not under those circumstances.
I hope the next time you throw that 20, your opponent isn't packin' heat, he may not bluff.
Did anyone think that the peace made at the end of the big battle appeared to forced, considering the heroes really were in the middle of a few thousand orcs? I could see a treaty happening, just not under those circumstances.
You missed the posts stripped by WiZo's.
Trust me. His feedback isn't worth it.
In fact, maybe not yours, as well.
-Well, at least we learned one interesting thing after all of this tangent.
Umm... How many licks it takes to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?
Yeah... I got nothing...
-Well, at least we learned one interesting thing after all of this tangent.
What someone would do for a Klondike Bar?
As for the Gnome, considering his character was strange and had a out-of-nowhere approach, I'm glad to see something other than the happy-go-lucky gnomes that are usually standard in the D&D mix.
I would like to point out that there is an evil gnome in Son of Thunder.
As for the "manuscripts of the infamous Orc philosopher", I don't really see a big deal here.
-Of course, Orc culture frowns on such pursuits, and it's placement is obvious pandering and such, but...
I would like to point out that there is an evil gnome in Son of Thunder.
-It's been a while, but wasn't that Gnome an illusion? A certain someone else wearing the guise of a Gnome, to not be noticed?
Umm... How many licks it takes to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?
Yeah... I got nothing...
What someone would do for a Klondike Bar?
-No, no...That EB goes above and beyond.
(I'm sorry, but by the time I discovered the Realms for what they are, not the extremely bastardized version my former DM fed me, I had grown to loathe the very concept of drow, and trust me when I say there's only so many Drizz't clones a woman can tolerate, y'know? After sitting through four years of various 'CG dark elves throwing off the chains of their never-seen dark society', my first Drizz't novel reduced me to incoherent obscenety. The pity is, if I'd found him beforehand, I dare say I would have liked the character.)
(As an aside, I bought the book from a second-hand bookstore for AUS$3, and just as well, cause within an hour of my finishing it and throwing it across the room in frustration, my cat had shredded it. :P I love that cat.)
(My previous post makes me sound bitter. I am. I really think I could have liked the character if I hadn't had to deal with all that drow crap from both GM and other players.)
Chronologically it is the first book. There are more than enough non-good drow with intersting personalities. I suggest trying it if you haven't read it.
-It's been a while, but wasn't that Gnome an illusion? A certain someone else wearing the guise of a Gnome, to not be noticed?
Naw. The gnome was real. He just kept wearing the illusion of the wizard he served. Name escapes me.
-That was a good book.
*sigh* I was never the biggest fan of Salvatore to begin with, nor was I ever a Drizz't fan, and the reviews of this latest book has just solidifed my complete and utter distaste for him as an author.
(I'm sorry, but by the time I discovered the Realms for what they are, not the extremely bastardized version my former DM fed me, I had grown to loathe the very concept of drow, and trust me when I say there's only so many Drizz't clones a woman can tolerate, y'know? After sitting through four years of various 'CG dark elves throwing off the chains of their never-seen dark society', my first Drizz't novel reduced me to incoherent obscenety. The pity is, if I'd found him beforehand, I dare say I would have liked the character.)
(As an aside, I bought the book from a second-hand bookstore for AUS$3, and just as well, cause within an hour of my finishing it and throwing it across the room in frustration, my cat had shredded it. :P I love that cat.)
Go read any story about Liriel Baenre by Elaine Cunningham. As far as Drow go, I really do like Elaine Cunningham's Drow over R.A.'s... That is not however to say, that he hasn't put out any novels that I haven't liked... His Crimson Shadow series I found enjoyable.
I just wish it hadn't taken place in the Realms.
This book was very well written, much more so than any book since the original trilogy.
Unfortunately, the problems with the plot were that it really lay outside the realm of the Heroes to affect. Quite frankly, I think Bruenor should have killed Obould anyway. It would have been MUCH more effective as a storytelling tactic if he REFUSED his god's will, or what he believed his god's will to be, and did the right thing instead.
Unfortunately, the problems with the plot were that it really lay outside the realm of the Heroes to affect. Quite frankly, I think Bruenor should have killed Obould anyway. It would have been MUCH more effective as a storytelling tactic if he REFUSED his god's will, or what he believed his god's will to be, and did the right thing instead.
-Given the circumstances, the history, and the amount of time, Bruenor's "revelations" and such seemed very unrealistic.
I think that is just a cheesy way to get 3e fans to read 4e novels, and I'm not buying into it. I don't care for the 4e changes to FR, and will vote with my wallet. I'm sure that won't effect WotC in the least, but a man has to have his convictions (wheather right or wrong), and stand by them.
Otherwise he is just a sheep... or a lemming.
*As a side note, I would have only been reading those books for the historic lore, and I can obviously get all of that here and elsewhere, without having to give Hasbro my money.
-It's been a while, but wasn't that Gnome an illusion? A certain someone else wearing the guise of a Gnome, to not be noticed?
I could have sworn there was actually a gnome involved, although like you it's been a while since I read the book.
EDIT: Okay, I see someone cleared this up already.
(As an aside, I bought the book from a second-hand bookstore for AUS$3, and just as well, cause within an hour of my finishing it and throwing it across the room in frustration, my cat had shredded it. :P I love that cat.)
That's cute.
As much as I love Orcs, I've decided to boycott ALL 4e books. This wil be the first RAS FR novel I don't have. Sadly, that means passing up Steven and Ed's books as well, even though they are supposed to be filled with 'flash-backs' to earlier times.
Just so you know, the next Greenwood book coming out is still set in the past (it's the final Knights of Myth Drannor book).
Do two chickens = one beholder? ;) :D ;)
-Yup.
Thats probably what Beholders think of when they think of 'Aberrations'. :P
Thats probably what Beholders think of when they think of 'Aberrations'. :P
-Actually, a Beholder would probably think of anything that is not themselves as an Aberration, since Beholders are extremely vein, and consider themselves to be the pinnacle of...Beholderness.
All can be traced back to a certain event when you were 17. But I have said too much! :evillaugh
Testes of Vecna?
I live past a town full of hicks called big bend. Basically, you start in Redding (CA) you head toward burney. halfway there, you see a road off to the side "big bend road' you go down that road. Eventually, you get to big bend. Don't blink, you might not see it if you do that. small town. very small. You go past big bend, onto the logging roads. Eventually, the logging roads end. there is a dirt road. you go on the dirt road. if you make the right turns, you get to my house. a wrong turn gets you to either an ***hole's house, or a drug addict's. What I love about up here is the scenery provides inspiration for when I'm writing. But yeah, that's how remote I am. Living up here has caused me to appreciate certain things some more: flushing tiolets, bathtubs, a roof over your head, and a half decent bed. So I'm a whole helluva lot tougher than I used to be. AND I gots weapon skillz (crossbow and rifle ftw!)
Holy crap, Big Bend? You poor thing. =(
-Sememmon. I wasn't sure if the Gnome was wearing a Sememmon illusion, or if it was Sememmon wearing a Gnome illusion. Guess it's the first one, then.
-That was a good book.
Naw. ‘Cause Sememmon would have got his ass kicked in the end and I don’t see that happening.
Holy crap, Big Bend? You poor thing. =(
Eh. Pity for another is for the weak. Pity for oneself is even worse.
I live past a town full of hicks called big bend. Basically, you start in Redding (CA) you head toward burney. halfway there, you see a road off to the side "big bend road' you go down that road. Eventually, you get to big bend. Don't blink, you might not see it if you do that. small town. very small. You go past big bend, onto the logging roads. Eventually, the logging roads end. there is a dirt road. you go on the dirt road. if you make the right turns, you get to my house. a wrong turn gets you to either an ***hole's house, or a drug addict's. What I love about up here is the scenery provides inspiration for when I'm writing. But yeah, that's how remote I am. Living up here has caused me to appreciate certain things some more: flushing tiolets, bathtubs, a roof over your head, and a half decent bed. So I'm a whole helluva lot tougher than I used to be. AND I gots weapon skillz (crossbow and rifle ftw!)
Chicks dig guys with skillz, it's true! And they might be needed sooner than later if the stock market crashes completely!
Second has anyone asked RAS why it seems his character never changes? If so can someone tell me or direct me to the link?
Third even if RAS were to kill or drastically change Drizzt would Wotc or his fans who like Drizzt the way he his allow him to? Face it(and I'm only making a point here not ranting so no one take this as a personal attack please)Drizzt won't change until his popularity drops.
This is RAS's attempt to adjust his characters to the surprise(at least i was surprised) @ the 100 yr jump between ages. I'm ok with it and like Mr. LK Drizzt is who got me into the realms and i look forward to future novels. i do wish he will close up plotlines with his characters before fully delving into 4e with Drizzt.
To each his own and just stating my opinion here.
Second has anyone asked RAS why it seems his character never changes? If so can someone tell me or direct me to the link?
I don't know if anyone's asked him, but I have to assume that it has something to do with his elven lifespan. We, as humans, expect change to occur very quickly. 10 years would be a long time to us. But in respect to elven outlook and philosophy, 100 years is spent in 'childhood'. Change does not occur quickly (if at all) in elves and drow. Looking at his other characters (Bruenor, Regis, Wulfgar and Catti-brie), there's a lot of change in each of these other characters as live and grow older. Even so, I would still say that Drizzt has change a lot over the years. In some of his earliest adventures, he was more apt to leap without looking, especially in battle. But in more recent times, his introspective nature has taken over and he's begun to look at all sides of a situation before judging it.
A key example would be Longsaddle. In Pirate King, he does not judge the Harpells harshly on their decision because he realizes that the situation is more complex than it appears. Whereas, if the Drizzt from IWT came across the situation, he'd probably be more indignant to the Harpells and throw himself without considering the implications. As for Luskan, a friend asked his help on the situation, and he did help, giving advice as well as his scimitar.
First the "friend" that died is announced in the second book in this trilogy"The Pirate King". Which takes place in 3.5e.
-Who dies?
Second has anyone asked RAS why it seems his character never changes? If so can someone tell me or direct me to the link?
-The most obvious "metagame" reason is because he has a formula that is successful. You don't want to make it not successful anymore by changing things too much. If Drizzt became a pacifist, and Cattie-Brie married Wulfgar and the two settled down in Mithral Hall to raise their children, do you think the Drizzt novels would be as successful as they have in the past?
Third even if RAS were to kill or drastically change Drizzt would Wotc or his fans who like Drizzt the way he his allow him to? Face it(and I'm only making a point here not ranting so no one take this as a personal attack please)Drizzt won't change until his popularity drops.
-Probably not. Though, let's remember, George Lucas did allow for Chewbacca to be killed. Drizzt is the main protagonist of all of his books, unlike Chewbacca, but, in theory, he could be written off.
Thanks for the answer to the second point.Makes a lot of sense to stay with what works.
-The most obvious "metagame" reason is because he has a formula that is successful. You don't want to make it not successful anymore by changing things too much. If Drizzt became a pacifist, and Cattie-Brie married Wulfgar and the two settled down in Mithral Hall to raise their children, do you think the Drizzt novels would be as successful as they have in the past?
Also, to ask a question like that to RAS (in so many words) would likely be considered rude, as it kind of implies finding fault with him as an author.
Also, to ask a question like that to RAS (in so many words) would likely be considered rude, as it kind of implies finding fault with him as an author.
-People have such thin skin. Especially when you get all "famous" and "successful". :P