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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 02:28:10
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And an amazing job you guys did too!
I have yet another question regarding the GHotR though:
I am only guessing when I ask this, but did you have to leave out lots of information for the purpose of a set number of pages available for publication? If you did have to leave out information about various things...is there any chance it could come to light? Specifically concerning the Moonsea, Zhentarim and other areas in and around the Moonsea like Thar?
I'm primarily curious out of a desire to have as much information available as possible before I start a 1st Edition AD&D game in Melvaunt...I don't want to conflict with the "past" of prior to 1357 DR.
Thanks again for all the great work guys! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 03:36:26
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| As George has already intimated, 376 DR is the correct date for Azoun's victory, and this did, in fact, occur while he was Crown Prince (not as king). The scene from Cormyr: A Novel--set in that same year--takes place just days before Azoun sets out on his campaign against Valashar. |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 13:20:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
And an amazing job you guys did too!
I have yet another question regarding the GHotR though:
I am only guessing when I ask this, but did you have to leave out lots of information for the purpose of a set number of pages available for publication? If you did have to leave out information about various things...is there any chance it could come to light? Specifically concerning the Moonsea, Zhentarim and other areas in and around the Moonsea like Thar?
I'm primarily curious out of a desire to have as much information available as possible before I start a 1st Edition AD&D game in Melvaunt...I don't want to conflict with the "past" of prior to 1357 DR.
Thanks again for all the great work guys!
Brian's the guru but my impression was that, if anything, the font size and word/page count was stretched to accomodate everything that we could come up with. To my knowledge there weren't any chunks of history or dates that didn't make it in the end. That said, I would have personally loved another 3-4 weeks to give the final timeline a thorough go through to catch most if not all of the inevitable snafus and fill in a few more holes. Heck, it would have been nice to know that the product was happening a year in advance so even more hitherto unrevealed history could have been put in. I guess we'll all have to wait for GHotR II.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 15:39:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
As George has already intimated, 376 DR is the correct date for Azoun's victory, and this did, in fact, occur while he was Crown Prince (not as king). The scene from Cormyr: A Novel--set in that same year--takes place just days before Azoun sets out on his campaign against Valashar.
You mean the scene where Amedahast decides that Azoun is a jerk who toys with people's hearts? |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 16:32:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
As George has already intimated, 376 DR is the correct date for Azoun's victory, and this did, in fact, occur while he was Crown Prince (not as king). The scene from Cormyr: A Novel--set in that same year--takes place just days before Azoun sets out on his campaign against Valashar.
You mean the scene where Amedahast decides that Azoun is a jerk who toys with people's hearts?
That one, indeed. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 16:45:26
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Speaking of Cormyr Reckoning and Dale Reckoning... Were those two things deliberately different, or was Cormyr Reckoning something created to fix an "oops"?
CR threw me for a while, since the family tree in The Wyvern's Spur uses CR dates, but that book is explicitly set in the Year of the Shadows, which is 1358, not 1333, as listed in the family tree. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 18:21:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Speaking of Cormyr Reckoning and Dale Reckoning... Were those two things deliberately different, or was Cormyr Reckoning something created to fix an "oops"?
CR threw me for a while, since the family tree in The Wyvern's Spur uses CR dates, but that book is explicitly set in the Year of the Shadows, which is 1358, not 1333, as listed in the family tree.
CR actually predates a lot of "oopses" ("oopsi?"), but it's a pretty handy tool for fixing lore conflicts that just involve stretching the timeline.
As for the Wyvernspur family tree, the timing had a snag (Giogi and his generation would have been far too old for the book), which CR was able to fix. An updated and corrected family tree can be found here. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2008 : 20:47:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Garen Thal
That one, indeed.
Thanks for the clarification. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 18:45:34
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I found out today that the Grand History has made it as a semifinalist for the 2008 Origin Awards. Needless to say this news is quite exciting for me. It definitely feels great to know that others appreciate your work. A great big thanks to all of you that supported the Grand History over the years, and to Candlekeep in particular. You guys rock! 
http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/2008/04/22/14028
It's nominated in the Publication, Non-fiction category. Odd eh?  |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
Edited by - Brian R. James on 24 Apr 2008 18:46:59 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 19:25:33
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As one of the first people* to spread the word to both this and the WotC forum about the original pdf, I'm quite happy to see your work get nominated for such an honor!
*and possibly the first person to spread the word! |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 24 Apr 2008 19:26:48 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 21:03:03
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| Congratulations! |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 21:41:30
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| Great! Congrats from me as well! |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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JamesLowder
Forgotten Realms Author & Game Designer
USA
310 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 22:34:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
It's nominated in the Publication, Non-fiction category. Odd eh?
I can shed some light on that. I've helped the OA people sort out the categories over the years. Grand History is not a narrative piece of fiction and not a game accessory intended primarily for use in play. It's really about the Realms and its history, so that makes it game-related non-fiction.
Oh, and congrats, sir.
Cheers,
Jim Lowder |
Edited by - JamesLowder on 24 Apr 2008 22:35:27 |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 22:47:53
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Congrats Brian...
See, folks from here in Montana can be recognized for what they do...even if lots of folks don't know WHERE Montana is! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2008 : 23:30:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
even if lots of folks don't know WHERE Montana is!
...Or care. 
I jest, of course. Montana is one of the few states in the continental US that I still need to visit. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 02:19:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
A great big thanks to all of you that supported the Grand History over the years, and to Candlekeep in particular. You guys rock!
Congratulations to you Brian.  It has been a honour to host what has become such an importance reference source for the online Realms community.
Like Wooly, I was among the few* who regularly directed interested peoples from across many different Forums, to your original PDF compilation here at Candlekeep.
I wish you the very best for all your future efforts on behalf of the Realms online community.
* though, I actually consider myself the first to spread the word, at least, beyond Candlekeep. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 25 Apr 2008 02:19:51 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 03:09:00
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
* though, I actually consider myself the first to spread the word, at least, beyond Candlekeep.
I was spreading the word on the WotC forums before I came over here! |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 04:09:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
* though, I actually consider myself the first to spread the word, at least, beyond Candlekeep.
I was spreading the word on the WotC forums before I came over here!
Suuure you were. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 04:36:58
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Thanks guys!  |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 08:40:47
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quote:
Originally posted by JamesLowder
quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
It's nominated in the Publication, Non-fiction category. Odd eh?
I can shed some light on that. I've helped the OA people sort out the categories over the years. Grand History is not a narrative piece of fiction and not a game accessory intended primarily for use in play. It's really about the Realms and its history, so that makes it game-related non-fiction.
Oh, and congrats, sir.
Cheers,
Jim Lowder
I seem to recall that this sort of reasoning has also led to "The Map of Ankh-Morpork" topping one or two non-fiction bestseller lists. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 10:06:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Kajehase
quote:
Originally posted by JamesLowder
quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
It's nominated in the Publication, Non-fiction category. Odd eh?
I can shed some light on that. I've helped the OA people sort out the categories over the years. Grand History is not a narrative piece of fiction and not a game accessory intended primarily for use in play. It's really about the Realms and its history, so that makes it game-related non-fiction.
Oh, and congrats, sir.
Cheers,
Jim Lowder
I seem to recall that this sort of reasoning has also led to "The Map of Ankh-Morpork" topping one or two non-fiction bestseller lists.
Indeed. In fact, I recall Pratchett himself expressing the same type of confusion that Brian displayed above, when he first heard the news. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 15:44:11
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Brian - Well deserved, and I hope you win. Your tome will probably be known as the 'last great Hurrah' of the Old Realms, and it is a an excellent 'finishing piece' for the setting we love.
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I jest, of course. Montana is one of the few states in the continental US that I still need to visit.
I feel the sdame way...
I've always wanted to see a "Dental Floss Tycoon" up close and personal. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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JamesLowder
Forgotten Realms Author & Game Designer
USA
310 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2008 : 17:09:31
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Indeed. In fact, I recall Pratchett himself expressing the same type of confusion that Brian displayed above, when he first heard the news.
I'm interested to hear how everyone thinks it should be classified.
As I said, the reasoning goes: Grand History doesn't have a traditional narrative line or presentation, so it isn't fiction, at least as the OAs have traditionally defined it. And the OAs tend to take the lead given by the publisher, as far as determining product intent; WotC very clearly says the product is not a game supplement. It's right there on the company web page about the book.
So Grand History appears intended as a reference book for both gamers and Realms fiction fans. Given the way the categories are defined, non-fiction's the best fit.
This has an upside. The book's not competing against The Orc King in fiction or Castlemourn in the game category, and the classification gets the Realms into another OA category.
Cheers,
Jim Lowder |
Edited by - JamesLowder on 25 Apr 2008 17:10:34 |
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Twizz Stonefist
Acolyte
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2008 : 07:19:57
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Open Grave: Secrets of the Undead (D&D Supplement) (Hardcover)
by Bruce R. Cordell (Author), Eytan Bernstein (Author), Brian R. James (Author)
This title will be released on January 20, 2009.
I love amazon for info on his Secret Project. |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2008 : 17:04:27
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You caught me!  |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5692 Posts |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jun 2008 : 14:35:49
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Officially, the product has not yet been announced by Wizards, so there is precious little I can say about it at this time. This was, however, my first big chance to get my hands dirty with the 4E ruleset and I’ll admit that it was at once both thrilling and nerve-racking (got to make those deadlines!  ) I’ll be able to reveal more in the coming weeks.
Edit: Wizards posted the cover art, which can be seen here: http://www.wizards.com/global/images/products_dndacc_9780786950690_xlgpic.jpg |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
Edited by - Brian R. James on 26 Jun 2008 19:27:21 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2008 : 21:01:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
Officially, the product has not yet been announced by Wizards, so there is precious little I can say about it at this time. This was, however, my first big chance to get my hands dirty with the 4E ruleset and I’ll admit that it was at once both thrilling and nerve-racking (got to make those deadlines! ) I’ll be able to reveal more in the coming weeks.
Edit: Wizards posted the cover art, which can be seen here: http://www.wizards.com/global/images/products_dndacc_9780786950690_xlgpic.jpg
Is that Vecna himself on the cover? |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2008 : 19:40:59
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Why yes, I believe it is. Vecna is the preeminent bad guy in Open Grave. 
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Is that Vecna himself on the cover?
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Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Questions for Brian R. James
Ye can't hide behind the NDA shield here, Brian