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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1628 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Nov 2013 : 19:10:32
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The Advesary, review spoilers.
I loved this book. Memorable heroes and villians, great character development, awesome battles.
We really get into the meat of the Sundering with this title, we get to see alot of the Chosen in action as well.
A curious thing, we don't get to know who chose most of those people, adorable Vanji for example is obviously choosen by someone associated with Water, but weather that is Umbrelee, Istahisha, Valkur, some resurrected God from the Great School Pantheon, Isis, Azul, Sebek, Deep Sashelas, Blipdoolpoolp, Sekohlas, and who knows :D it most make prayer time confusing.
I also found the Patron vs. Deity discussion interesting, as it makes it clear that one can be chosen by just about any cosmic being, Exarchs, Demigods, Saints, full deities, archdevils and so on. (Saints was particularly interesting as is the fact that Exarch seems to confuse Erin as much as any of us).
We learn alot in this novel, but it asks many questions as well, from Dahl's soul message, whether or not the nameless died or escaped to Sakkor's ruins via portal, who is his Omnipotence is, is Havilar a chosen of Asmodeaus as Fari is and what does his Majesty have planned for them, and so on.
I also like that Mehen is gay, although that does leave me wondering how Dragonborn mate and what thier anatomy is like.
If they ever make a movie about Erin's Novels, let me suggest Canyon's star James Deen to play Lorican.
Just so much about this novel rocked I'm on overload. So many twists.
So far every novel of the Sundering series has been a home run and now I find myself looking forward to The Reaver which should be out in Feburary as well as Erin's next novel.
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1628 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2013 : 20:53:47
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Side note I'm wondering who could be protecting the twins from thier ancestor.
At first I thought the God of Knoweldge, but realized he's a God of Neutrality, not belevolance.
So I figure its most likely to be Sharess who is the only God of Light who actually prefers part fiends as servants, Sune who rescued Sharess, Selune who while not connected to redeemed fiends is know to help other dark beings like Lycanthropes find the light, small chance its one of the nice Gods from Mulhorand and Unther (I mean other then Sharess), Tymora could be a choice as well, or even Torm.
I'll be very curious to find out who is protecting the twins and why? |
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CorellonsDevout
Great Reader
USA
2708 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2013 : 03:48:52
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| How did you get an early copy? |
Sweet water and light laughter |
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe
Canada
826 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2013 : 13:59:18
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Probably advanced reader copy. I have one myself but have not read it much yet because I am reading the Brimstone angels books first since I do not know any of the characters lol.
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1628 Posts |
Posted - 03 Dec 2013 : 05:09:35
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| I bought the hard cover of The Advesary at Chapters in Canada, actually I got The Godborn and The Companions before thier official release date too. Hopefully this will continue for The Reaver, The Sentinel, and The Herald. |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2013 : 04:59:47
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(This is one of those threads...am I supposed to be here? Am I supposed to stay away? You havequestions, Gyor, so I'll answer those at least. )
(Also, I'm glad you liked it!)
*Spoilers*
1. Vanri is a Chosen of Umberlee. The clues are there, but since she’s seven and not a point-of-view character, no one can say that explicitly. But you got the “scary ocean” clue and then when Dahl carries her out of the cages she says “I don’t want to. Tell her I don’t want to.” This is Vanri asking Dahl to tell Umberlee to go away, because at the moment, Vanri is scared of her and doesn’t understand what’s happening. So goddess+ocean+scary=Umberlee or Blibdoolpoop, and I have to believe that Blibdoolpoop would stick with kuo-toa Chosen.
Almost no one gets named outright as Chosen of So-and-So for a few reasons. One, they’re generally trying to fly under the radar as much as possible in the camp. No one wants to get caught. Two, aside from Farideh, none of them are POV characters. Three, the POV characters most likely to be able to tell are Farideh—who was raised by a dragonborn and is therefore lacking in her religious studies—and Dahl—who is in a place in his life where finding out someone else is Chosen of their god feels like a personal slight, so he won’t ask.
But if you know your lore and likes a puzzle, you can probably work out who might have chosen the characters who are identified as Chosen. So if you want it, here's a Chosen Scavenger Hunt of sorts.
a.Among the secondary/tertiary characters, there is a Chosen of Chauntea, a Chosen of Torm, a Chosen of Vhaeraun, and a Chosen of Dumathoin. (And one who won't manifest until the next book)
b. Among the background characters with enough detail to let you guess are a Chosen of Bahamut, Sune, Talos, Rillifane Ralathil, Silvanus, Selûne, and…hrm, one I didn’t write down, but looking again makes me think it was either supposed to be Ilmater or Lathander.(The ones that have no real hints, I thought of gods/powers too, but there's absolutely no way to guess them.)
2. “His Omnipotence” is Szass Tam. That was the title Richard Lee Byers suggested to me.
3. As often, I like to think about how people would talk vs. how the game rules would dictate facts. So...I get exarchs, but I think people still call them other things. And I think to prove his point Adolican Rhand would list as many of those other things as possible.
4. And the rest are indeed the focus of the upcoming Farideh book. Except the Nameless One. You'll have to wait to see what happened to her.
Anyway, I hope you all like the book!
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www.slushlush.com |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2013 : 13:41:20
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Does Szass Tam play a major role here? Will I be completely lost if I jump into this novel without reading its predecessors? |
Every beginning has an end. |
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MasterGhandalf
Acolyte
3 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2013 : 16:07:43
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By predecessors, do you mean previous books in the Sundering, or previous books in the Brimstone Angels series? If the former, I was fine without having read The Godborn, but I'd definitely recommend picking up Brimstone Angels and Lesser Evils if you hadn't (both because The Adversary very much builds on the storylines they establish, and because they're just really good:)). Szass Tam himself never puts in an appearance (the main villains are the Netherese, with a rogues' gallery of scheming devils on the side), but there are some Thayan side characters including a Red Wizard enacting a plan on his behalf, which appears to have been successful by the end...
In any event, loved The Adversary; I read the whole thing on my Nook yesterday, and definitely would call it the best Brimstone Angels book so far. |
I wish that the Ring had never come to me. I wish that none of this had happened.
So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2013 : 19:38:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Does Szass Tam play a major role here? Will I be completely lost if I jump into this novel without reading its predecessors?
People have had advanced readers copies for a few months now, and have posted reviews, etc. This is what I've noticed:
1. People who have read Brimstone Angels and Lesser Evils feel you have to read those books to follow along. To have the experience they have, you do. You won't know where the characters are coming from. I'd say it'd be like jumping into Aoth Fezrim's story with Brotherhood of the Griffon. You can, but if you have the full story, you have a different experience.
2. People who have not read the previous books, who felt lost with The Adversary, generally also have two other factors
a. They don't have a lot of Realms background. So details like "shadar-kai," "Nine Hells," "Shar," "Harpers," and "Chosen" were weird and new and confusing for them. I don't think this is an issue for anyone on Candlekeep.
b. They seemed to read really fast. I think there's enough detail for you to catch up. But if you're a skimmer, you may well miss details that tell you who the characters are. Since I write pretty complex characters, that can throw you off. If you are a speedy reader, you might be better off reading the previous books.
Plenty of people who reviewed the book jumped in here and loved it. So it's definitely possible (not just because I think it should be ). |
www.slushlush.com |
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1628 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2013 : 23:26:55
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| Its a wonderful book and I agree with your assessment. And you are welcome in any thread I put up Erin. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2013 : 17:26:57
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quote:
Originally posted by MasterGhandalf
By predecessors, do you mean previous books in the Sundering, or previous books in the Brimstone Angels series? If the former, I was fine without having read The Godborn, but I'd definitely recommend picking up Brimstone Angels and Lesser Evils if you hadn't (both because The Adversary very much builds on the storylines they establish, and because they're just really good:)).
The former, as I'm well aware each Sundering novel is independent from one another, save the RSE (sundering) itself, and is a continuation of their individual past storyline (like The Godborn as continuation to the Erevis Cale and Twilight War trilogies). 'Tis also one of the reasons I didn't bother reading The Companions.
quote:
Szass Tam himself never puts in an appearance (the main villains are the Netherese, with a rogues' gallery of scheming devils on the side), but there are some Thayan side characters including a Red Wizard enacting a plan on his behalf, which appears to have been successful by the end...
Ah, I see. Thanks. I might have to pass.
And if I'm not mistaken, by Netherese, that doesn't include the Tanthuls, right? Probably they're just mentioned in passing or appeared quite briefly? |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2013 : 17:37:13
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quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Does Szass Tam play a major role here? Will I be completely lost if I jump into this novel without reading its predecessors?
People have had advanced readers copies for a few months now, and have posted reviews, etc. This is what I've noticed:
1. People who have read Brimstone Angels and Lesser Evils feel you have to read those books to follow along. To have the experience they have, you do. You won't know where the characters are coming from. I'd say it'd be like jumping into Aoth Fezrim's story with Brotherhood of the Griffon. You can, but if you have the full story, you have a different experience.
Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. Generally, though, I don't mind reading a series out of order (have done so quite a few times, not just with Realms series). |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2013 : 21:56:18
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quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans
(...)
a.Among the secondary/tertiary characters, there is... Chosen of Vhaeraun...
Hi Erin,
I am a little curious here how there could be a fully-powered Chosen of Vhaeraun, given that Vhaeraun is... well, dead. 
Unless this is an indication that V and his sister are back. When Mystra was dead, Elminster and the remaining seven sisters had their Chosen powers seriously fubarred. So is this a little hint?
Also, I did very much like The Adversary and felt that it built really well on your previous two novels.
My only disappointment is that more of the actual Sundering (i.e. what's going on with AO and the gods, the reasons and whys and wherefores) didn't unfold as metastory. But that's not just with your book - I'd have liked to have seen more of the Sundering in all three books so far, and more story connections between the novels in the series.
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2013 : 23:13:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Therise
quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans
(...)
a.Among the secondary/tertiary characters, there is... Chosen of Vhaeraun...
Hi Erin,
I am a little curious here how there could be a fully-powered Chosen of Vhaeraun, given that Vhaeraun is... well, dead.
Unless this is an indication that V and his sister are back. When Mystra was dead, Elminster and the remaining seven sisters had their Chosen powers seriously fubarred. So is this a little hint?
Wait, what? Vhaeraun is dead? Oh holy crap, why didn't anyone tell me?
(Sorry. That was funny in my head.)
Good catch!  This is what I would call one of the hints as to what is happening in the larger story. As I believe has been said elsewhere, the gods are all coming back, and here is some proof of that (among others...). And I was quick and snatched Vhaeraun.
quote:
Also, I did very much like The Adversary and felt that it built really well on your previous two novels.
My only disappointment is that more of the actual Sundering (i.e. what's going on with AO and the gods, the reasons and whys and wherefores) didn't unfold as metastory. But that's not just with your book - I'd have liked to have seen more of the Sundering in all three books so far, and more story connections between the novels in the series.
So I'm glad you liked the book, and I'm sorry it's not scratching the Sundering itch overall. Personally, I tend to take that high level stuff and slip it in. I'm terrible trying to write big, sweeping things. Here are some bits I was trying to allude to or imply:
1. There are a lot of Chosen (or really "Chosen-like folks"). They're imbued with a tiny spark of the gods' powers and are meant to serve the gods' interests on the plane, because...
2. Ao has plan in mind, but the gods don't know what those plans are so far as anyone can tell. It's clear their divinity and worshippers are at risk--maybe this is the endtimes, maybe this is just when Ao reassigns portfolios. No one's sure, but everyone has an idea. This is what Sairche is alluding to on p. 249. Asmodeus is interpreting this as the time to gather up as much solid power as possible, because "last in first out" and besides, things are not going great for him. The proliferating Chosen are part of at least some gods' attempts to navigate this--they might be to gain more worshipers, they might be to fight rivals' worshipers, or gain artifacts or even just safeguard a little of the god's divinity. Those are other stories. (And oh, so many good stories in there...)
3. Also, folks who want to get their own godhood,such as Szass Tam, are paying attention. Because if there's any time to do it, its now, when things are being shaken up. After all, it's possible that Ao's going to just lock in whatever the situation is with powers and portfolios at a certain point.
4. Which means Thay is entering the fray, and is as interested in the Chosen as Shade is.
5. Cormyr is locked in a rapidly escalating war, as are the Dalelands.
6. Dead gods are coming back to "life." (Again, there are so many good stories in here. For one, I would love to tell a story from Phalar's POV.)
7. A littler one, but the Weave beginning to be repaired and the Spellplague receding means that the magic that kept the earthmotes going is getting patchy and failing. That's something they wanted me to mention, and it only mattered a tiny bit. (The earthmote in the prologue is actually part of the top of the Lost Peak--see weird blue flowers--which is why Sairche's portal went awry.)
So that all might have been apparent, yet still not as much as you were hoping to see. The Sundering is a process that's going to take until 1487 DR to complete, so it's true the farther along you go, the more big and obvious the changes will be. I know in The Reaver you'll get more of the large-scale changes and some more of an idea about what specific gods' plans are. And The Heraldis a doozy as you might expect. During that first story summit they divided up what should happen in the larger Sundering event. I can tell you I was assigned (and I say that because they divided it up while I was home with my newborn) earthmotes falling, Harpers getting involved, the Chosen becoming more widely identified, Thay gets involved. Also they suggested I do a Chosen of Selune, but I ignored that.
I'd also point out that for most of us, the next few books we write may still be set during the Sundering. So some of these angles that aren't being as fully explored in this first sextet, will be as the individual series progress. |
www.slushlush.com |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 06 Dec 2013 : 00:04:18
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quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans
Wait, what? Vhaeraun is dead? Oh holy crap, why didn't anyone tell me?
(Sorry. That was funny in my head.)
Good catch! This is what I would call one of the hints as to what is happening in the larger story.
Yay! I was pretty sure it was a big ol' sledgehammer hint, but one can never be sure with tricksy hobbitses and clever elves!
quote:
As I believe has been said elsewhere, the gods are all coming back, and here is some proof of that (among others...). And I was quick and snatched Vhaeraun.
And it's nice to have this confirmed, too.
quote:
So I'm glad you liked the book, and I'm sorry it's not scratching the Sundering itch overall. Personally, I tend to take that high level stuff and slip it in. I'm terrible trying to write big, sweeping things. Here are some bits I was trying to allude to or imply:
1. There are a lot of Chosen (or really "Chosen-like folks"). They're imbued with a tiny spark of the gods' powers and are meant to serve the gods' interests on the plane, because...
2. Ao has plan in mind, but the gods don't know what those plans are so far as anyone can tell. It's clear their divinity and worshippers are at risk--maybe this is the endtimes, maybe this is just when Ao reassigns portfolios. No one's sure, but everyone has an idea. This is what Sairche is alluding to on p. 249. Asmodeus is interpreting this as the time to gather up as much solid power as possible, because "last in first out" and besides, things are not going great for him. The proliferating Chosen are part of at least some gods' attempts to navigate this--they might be to gain more worshipers, they might be to fight rivals' worshipers, or gain artifacts or even just safeguard a little of the god's divinity. Those are other stories. (And oh, so many good stories in there...)
3. Also, folks who want to get their own godhood,such as Szass Tam, are paying attention. Because if there's any time to do it, its now, when things are being shaken up. After all, it's possible that Ao's going to just lock in whatever the situation is with powers and portfolios at a certain point.
4. Which means Thay is entering the fray, and is as interested in the Chosen as Shade is.
5. Cormyr is locked in a rapidly escalating war, as are the Dalelands.
6. Dead gods are coming back to "life." (Again, there are so many good stories in here. For one, I would love to tell a story from Phalar's POV.)
7. A littler one, but the Weave beginning to be repaired and the Spellplague receding means that the magic that kept the earthmotes going is getting patchy and failing. That's something they wanted me to mention, and it only mattered a tiny bit. (The earthmote in the prologue is actually part of the top of the Lost Peak--see weird blue flowers--which is why Sairche's portal went awry.)
I did catch all of these except for the last one... and had my suspicions about what they all meant, but it's nice to have some clear confirmation.
quote:
So that all might have been apparent, yet still not as much as you were hoping to see. The Sundering is a process that's going to take until 1487 DR to complete, so it's true the farther along you go, the more big and obvious the changes will be. I know in The Reaver you'll get more of the large-scale changes and some more of an idea about what specific gods' plans are. And The Heraldis a doozy as you might expect. During that first story summit they divided up what should happen in the larger Sundering event. I can tell you I was assigned (and I say that because they divided it up while I was home with my newborn) earthmotes falling, Harpers getting involved, the Chosen becoming more widely identified, Thay gets involved. Also they suggested I do a Chosen of Selune, but I ignored that.
This eases my mind quite a lot, thanks. I'm very glad to know that larger-scale (Sundering-specific) things are on the way.
To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with the Sundering novels. I knew that they'd be more localized character-driven stories, but I think I had an impression that there'd be more of a thematic torch passed from book to book like a unifying element. And it's absolutely fine that it went in a different direction, of course... after all, I still loved the individual stories of each book so far. But that expectation of a unifying story was missing, I think. I'm sure I'll get over it.
quote:
I'd also point out that for most of us, the next few books we write may still be set during the Sundering. So some of these angles that aren't being as fully explored in this first sextet, will be as the individual series progress.
Can I put in a plug for Dahl to get one of these three things? (It's a dopey fangirl request, so absoultely feel free to completely ignore it... but I'm compelled to mention it because I really like Dahl).
a. I -so- SO wanted Dahl to get redeemed by Oghma. But you've left hints that something more interesting and better might happen in a later novel.
b. Dahl is a nice man, he needs a love interest. Yeah, there are sparks with Farideh. But whatever happens, please don't have it be Khochen, I constantly wanted to smack her. As much as she needled Dahl and then Mehen, UGH! 
c. More Dahl in general, please. Background, a side story, his own short story, whatever. He's dreamy. Unlike Lorcan. Okay, scratch that. Lorcan is also sort of dreamy, but bad boys never work out well. Broody, emotionally wounded nice guys who are redeemed are much better.
Plus... Mehen. A bit unexpected there, but interesting nonetheless. Is this one of those things that a character just sometimes randomly tells an author one day? Because early on in the first book, I did sort of wonder about this and I'm not entirely sure why. Weird, right?
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 06 Dec 2013 : 00:18:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Therise
Yay! I was pretty sure it was a big ol' sledgehammer hint, but one can never be sure with tricksy hobbitses and clever elves!
I'm so glad. I can remember writing that scene and being so pleased with the allusions to the mask, and his little cryptic comments about how "in certain company that's all you should say" and going, "Is anyone going to get this?" I figured if nothing else, it's there for Candlekeep-level lore-lovers.
quote:
Can I put in a plug for Dahl to get one of these three things? (It's a dopey fangirl request, so absoultely feel free to completely ignore it... but I'm compelled to mention it because I really like Dahl).
a. I -so- SO wanted Dahl to get redeemed by Oghma. But you've left hints that something more interesting and better might happen in a later novel.
b. Dahl is a nice man, he needs a love interest. Yeah, there are sparks with Farideh. But whatever happens, please don't have it be Khochen, I constantly wanted to smack her. As much as she needled Dahl and then Mehen, UGH!
c. More Dahl in general, please. Background, a side story, his own short story, whatever. He's dreamy. Unlike Lorcan. Okay, scratch that. Lorcan is also sort of dreamy, but bad boys never work out well. Broody, emotionally wounded nice guys who are redeemed are much better.
So I will confirm that Dahl remains an important character going forward. I'm glad to hear you like him--I know people have generally mixed impressions of him (and they usually like Lorcan better), but he's one of my favorites.
In my first draft I was going to have it that Dahl was sort of getting over a crush on Khochen...but she's really more of a gossipy friend who you know you shouldn't tell anything to, but then she's so good at getting you to open up. Dangerous. I don't think he'd fall for her.
quote:
Plus... Mehen. A bit unexpected there, but interesting nonetheless. Is this one of those things that a character just sometimes randomly tells an author one day? Because early on in the first book, I did sort of wonder about this and I'm not entirely sure why. Weird, right?
Actually, he has always been gay. It's just while I was writing Brimstone Angels, the powers-that-were didn't want that. So I snuck in some hints in that first book and figured I'd find a way to soften them up. I didn't have to, because the new story team said explicitly "write about a diverse range of characters."
So you must have caught a hint! |
www.slushlush.com |
Edited by - ErinMEvans on 06 Dec 2013 06:56:27 |
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Irennan
Great Reader
Italy
3811 Posts |
Posted - 06 Dec 2013 : 12:41:54
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quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans
Wait, what? Vhaeraun is dead? Oh holy crap, why didn't anyone tell me?
(Sorry. That was funny in my head.)
Good catch! This is what I would call one of the hints as to what is happening in the larger story. As I believe has been said elsewhere, the gods are all coming back, and here is some proof of that (among others...). And I was quick and snatched Vhaeraun.
I'm really glad to read this. I thought WotC had zero interest in anything drow that wasn't Lolth and wanted to keep it out of the published Realms (that was my impression, at least).
My apologies for cluttering this discussion, but do you know if a little something or hint regarding Eilistraee and her plans will make its way through the Sundering story? (since at this point it looks like Vhaeraun isn't dead anymore, I'm assuming that the same holds true for his sister, given how related the two of them and their goals are -even more so that at some point they fused into single entity-). |
Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things. |
Edited by - Irennan on 06 Dec 2013 14:00:22 |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 06 Dec 2013 : 14:41:53
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quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans
So I will confirm that Dahl remains an important character going forward. I'm glad to hear you like him--I know people have generally mixed impressions of him (and they usually like Lorcan better), but he's one of my favorites.
That's excellent! I do like Lorcan, but I'd have to say Dahl is my favorite male character in your novels.
quote:
In my first draft I was going to have it that Dahl was sort of getting over a crush on Khochen...but she's really more of a gossipy friend who you know you shouldn't tell anything to, but then she's so good at getting you to open up. Dangerous. I don't think he'd fall for her.
That fits him really well, but I'm glad you went with this version. And Khochen does seem dangerous, like she's constantly hunting for tidbits she can use against people later. She doesn't seem like a traitor or a double-agent, but she does feel a bit like a snake. What Vescaras eventually has to say about her was hilarious.
quote:
Actually, he has always been gay. It's just while I was writing Brimstone Angels, the powers-that-were didn't want that. So I snuck in some hints in that first book and figured I'd find a way to soften them up. I didn't have to, because the new story team said explicitly "write about a diverse range of characters."
So you must have caught a hint!
It's interesting how things can change, just with some changes in team members. Is there any chance of meeting Arjhani or seeing Mehen's stomping grounds before the Sundering pulls the dragonborn lands back to Abeir forever? Although he's separated and clanless now, Mehen might be even more devastated to learn he's permanently cut off. He might be holding some hope that Arjhani comes to find him someday.
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
Edited by - Therise on 06 Dec 2013 14:50:26 |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2013 : 00:00:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Irennan
My apologies for cluttering this discussion, but do you know if a little something or hint regarding Eilistraee and her plans will make its way through the Sundering story? (since at this point it looks like Vhaeraun isn't dead anymore, I'm assuming that the same holds true for his sister, given how related the two of them and their goals are -even more so that at some point they fused into single entity-).
So I can't say for sure? With the last three books, I haven't gotten to see the final draft of any of them, and not even the first on The Sentinel or The Herald. A lot can change between the outline and the final book (Case in point: There was no Chosen of Vhaeraun in my outline. Also no Nameless One. And no Fountains of Memory. Also, Lorcan was a total dork.) As well, the next books in these series will, in some cases, continue during the Sundering.
But yes, I completely agree: even watching what's happening through the experiences of the mortals who worship E &/or V has a lot of fascinating implications. This is one reason I am happy this isn't a POV character--what exactly is going on is still wide open for another story which can accommodate a lot more detail. |
www.slushlush.com |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2013 : 00:14:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Therise
[br
quote:
In my first draft I was going to have it that Dahl was sort of getting over a crush on Khochen...but she's really more of a gossipy friend who you know you shouldn't tell anything to, but then she's so good at getting you to open up. Dangerous. I don't think he'd fall for her.
That fits him really well, but I'm glad you went with this version. And Khochen does seem dangerous, like she's constantly hunting for tidbits she can use against people later. She doesn't seem like a traitor or a double-agent, but she does feel a bit like a snake. What Vescaras eventually has to say about her was hilarious.
I feel like she's less cutthroat than she seems, but yeah, she's a compulsive gossip. Which is sort of good for a Harper--she can find out all sorts of seemingly innocuous things and get people to talk to her with ease. But the flip side of that is she's all up in your business, even if she's off the clock, and you can't know what she might bring up and to whom.
I was legitimately going to make them a couple. But that occurred to me, and I think it characterizes them both better.
quote:
It's interesting how things can change, just with some changes in team members. Is there any chance of meeting Arjhani or seeing Mehen's stomping grounds before the Sundering pulls the dragonborn lands back to Abeir forever? Although he's separated and clanless now, Mehen might be even more devastated to learn he's permanently cut off. He might be holding some hope that Arjhani comes to find him someday.
We could make a deal. Would you accept a piece of Tymanther remaining behind to get that story?
I hope I do get there. I've had that reunion scene in mind for several books now. |
www.slushlush.com |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2013 : 02:22:29
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quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans
We could make a deal. Would you accept a piece of Tymanther remaining behind to get that story?
I hope I do get there. I've had that reunion scene in mind for several books now.
Well, my soul already belongs to Sune. But I'm sure someone around here might be willing to make such a pact. 
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1628 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2013 : 05:02:15
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| I'd certainly accept that, but I'm keeping my soul, it's a rental and if it gets damned I don't get the deposit on it back ;p |
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1628 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2013 : 05:07:09
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I had a feeling your dark elf was a Chosen of V, too sneaky for Lloth, to evil for E, Zinerina is too unknown, K is too into undead, and G now favours aberrations.
And the Chosen of Torm, I should have gotten that one, I actually thought he was the chosen of Helm. |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 08 Dec 2013 : 06:08:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Therise
Well, my soul already belongs to Sune. But I'm sure someone around here might be willing to make such a pact.
Who said soul? I'm just talking about a little business transaction. I get to hang onto some dragonborn, I give you a dramatic storyline that one way or another could mend a broken heart, maybe throw in a girlfriend for Dahl to even things out? Sounds like Sune would be pretty happy with you, taking advantage of a one-of-a-kind deal like this!
(Okay. Maybe I need to cool it with the devil characters for a bit...)
(And in all seriousness, yes, I do hope to have that story in the series mix, one way or another) |
www.slushlush.com |
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Gyor
Master of Realmslore
1628 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2013 : 02:54:32
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| I remember hearing about there being portals to Abier in the locations that formerly housed nations and locations that will be returning to Abier. So Unther and/or Mulhorand should have portals to Tymanther, hopefully lots of them. |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2013 : 18:36:08
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| I am dazzled by the number of rumors going around about what exactly is going to happen to the Realms post-Sundering. It's kind of wonderful. Like a mirror of what's happening in Faerun. |
www.slushlush.com |
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Therise
Master of Realmslore
1272 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2013 : 19:45:19
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quote:
Originally posted by ErinMEvans
Who said soul? I'm just talking about a little business transaction.
Heh, that sounds remarkably like some of the things said by Sairche.
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I get to hang onto some dragonborn, I give you a dramatic storyline that one way or another could mend a broken heart, maybe throw in a girlfriend for Dahl to even things out? Sounds like Sune would be pretty happy with you, taking advantage of a one-of-a-kind deal like this!
I do like a bit of pathos... and a girlfriend for Dahl... you mean like a young, pretty protege who is shy and loves him from afar, only to come into his notice after he saves her (or vice-versa)...  
WAITAMINUTE! TRICKSY!
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(Okay. Maybe I need to cool it with the devil characters for a bit...)
**starts to wonder about Erin's plane of origin**
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(And in all seriousness, yes, I do hope to have that story in the series mix, one way or another)
Yay!
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Female, 40-year DM of a homebrew-evolved 1E Realms, including a few added tidbits of 2E and 3E lore; played originally in AD&D, then in Rolemaster. Be a DM for your kids and grandkids, gaming is excellent for families! |
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Tam Zawad
Acolyte
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2013 : 19:50:44
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| im just disappointed I wasn't in the book more... I know im getting older and the Harpers need me to run things I wish I had a little more action in this book ;) other than that BRAVO!!! |
The Culler of the Fold |
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ErinMEvans
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2013 : 00:52:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Tam Zawad
im just disappointed I wasn't in the book more... I know im getting older and the Harpers need me to run things I wish I had a little more action in this book ;) other than that BRAVO!!!
Heh. You may recall () originally Sairche's ring was intended to pull both yourself and Dahl into the camp.
As is his wont as a character, Tam knows when to assert himself and when to graciously step aside and let someone else have the spotlight. |
www.slushlush.com |
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The Advesary, review spoilers.
