<![CDATA[thePlenty.net Forums - All Forums]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:10:29 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Taking stock of my life]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=198 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:55:05 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=198
I've been thinking about stuff recently. Where I am with my life, where I'm going. For the record: I am 22 years old and I have been attending university for the past four years. I now have a bachelors degree in both philosophy and religious studies. In that, at least, I have been productive. However...

One often hears people say that their college years were the best time of their life. Maybe so, but when I think back, I would have to say that high school was my Golden Age. Make no mistake: I hated school. I hated homework and I couldn't care less about most of the subjects. Thing is, I had some close friends there. I can point to six people who were close friends of mine that I saw every day. I was also a member of the chruch's youth club; two of my schoolfriends also attended the same church and club. (I actually spent more time with them at church than at school, because they were in a different class.) I had a great time there.

Anyway, after six years of high school, graduation came and we each went our seperate ways. It's amazing how fast people can drop out of your life: with three of the aforementioned friends, all contact ceased after a year. The two churchfriends went to university in different towns than I, but they kept coming to the youth club for a while, until they stopped. I then realised that, although the other youths were very nice people, I didn't really have all that much in common with them. Without those two friends, I gradually became tired of the youth club and finally stopped going there. The two churchfriends I now only see very sporadically.

Then there is one friend who attends the same university as I do. We two are still in regular contact.

So that's how life goes. People weave in and out of your life, and I sure treasure the memories of all the good times we've had. Thing is, I haven't really been able to build something new. I am a member of a student club (Am I using the right word here? I think not, but I hope you get my meaning.) and I've even had a leadership position for a while. I have certainly had good times there. Likewise, there are some fellow students that I often meet at lectures and get along well with.

But I have made no new friends. I never meet up with my fellow students outside of lectures or the club. There is no one that I feel very close to. Nobody that I would really call a friend.

At first I thought I was alone in this, but I visted one of the churchfriends yesterday and he recognised much of what I said. And the friend who goes to the same university as I do also recognizes it.

So why am I putting this up on an internet forum? Because I want to know, to hear from other people. Is this something that happens to everyone? How did you cope with changes in your life?

I don't miss school, but I sure miss the easy friendships I had there.]]>
I've been thinking about stuff recently. Where I am with my life, where I'm going. For the record: I am 22 years old and I have been attending university for the past four years. I now have a bachelors degree in both philosophy and religious studies. In that, at least, I have been productive. However...

One often hears people say that their college years were the best time of their life. Maybe so, but when I think back, I would have to say that high school was my Golden Age. Make no mistake: I hated school. I hated homework and I couldn't care less about most of the subjects. Thing is, I had some close friends there. I can point to six people who were close friends of mine that I saw every day. I was also a member of the chruch's youth club; two of my schoolfriends also attended the same church and club. (I actually spent more time with them at church than at school, because they were in a different class.) I had a great time there.

Anyway, after six years of high school, graduation came and we each went our seperate ways. It's amazing how fast people can drop out of your life: with three of the aforementioned friends, all contact ceased after a year. The two churchfriends went to university in different towns than I, but they kept coming to the youth club for a while, until they stopped. I then realised that, although the other youths were very nice people, I didn't really have all that much in common with them. Without those two friends, I gradually became tired of the youth club and finally stopped going there. The two churchfriends I now only see very sporadically.

Then there is one friend who attends the same university as I do. We two are still in regular contact.

So that's how life goes. People weave in and out of your life, and I sure treasure the memories of all the good times we've had. Thing is, I haven't really been able to build something new. I am a member of a student club (Am I using the right word here? I think not, but I hope you get my meaning.) and I've even had a leadership position for a while. I have certainly had good times there. Likewise, there are some fellow students that I often meet at lectures and get along well with.

But I have made no new friends. I never meet up with my fellow students outside of lectures or the club. There is no one that I feel very close to. Nobody that I would really call a friend.

At first I thought I was alone in this, but I visted one of the churchfriends yesterday and he recognised much of what I said. And the friend who goes to the same university as I do also recognizes it.

So why am I putting this up on an internet forum? Because I want to know, to hear from other people. Is this something that happens to everyone? How did you cope with changes in your life?

I don't miss school, but I sure miss the easy friendships I had there.]]> <![CDATA[Black Hair, Black Eyes *Spoilers all RotE Books*]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=197 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:45:06 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=197
Before I begin, I just need to warn that I will also be including characters from related short stories. Feel free to add things, or fix errors, as you please!

FitzChivalry Farseer
Woman with dragon, depicted in Kelsingra map tower
Nettle Farseer
Verity Farseer
Dutiful Farseer
Elliania Blackwater/Bloodblade (and also most of the Narcheska's family line?)
Henja
Kestrel (before she greyed)
Ephron Vestrit
Althea Vestrit
Wintrow Vestrit
Etta

Have more to add. Am fairly sure on these so far. Burrich is said to have brown eyes and black hair so, though dark, I haven't put him in the list.]]>
Before I begin, I just need to warn that I will also be including characters from related short stories. Feel free to add things, or fix errors, as you please!

FitzChivalry Farseer
Woman with dragon, depicted in Kelsingra map tower
Nettle Farseer
Verity Farseer
Dutiful Farseer
Elliania Blackwater/Bloodblade (and also most of the Narcheska's family line?)
Henja
Kestrel (before she greyed)
Ephron Vestrit
Althea Vestrit
Wintrow Vestrit
Etta

Have more to add. Am fairly sure on these so far. Burrich is said to have brown eyes and black hair so, though dark, I haven't put him in the list.]]> <![CDATA[What color was Verity's Dragon?]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=196 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:19:19 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=196 <![CDATA[Why does the fantasy genre have such a bad reputation?]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=195 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:15:59 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=195 "I like fantasy," I say.
"Garbage," he replies.
"Excuse me?"
"It's garbage."
"How do you know? Do you ever read fantasy?"
"No, because it's garbage."
"So how can you know it's garbage?"
"Because it is."

One might think that I am exceggerating (Did I spell that right?), but I'm not. This is exactly how it happened. (Well, the conversation was in Dutch, but you get what I mean.) And it's not the first time I've encountered this kind of attitude: people who just know that all fantasy (and often all science fiction too) is garbage, when they either never read it or have just read some bad Tolkien knock-off.

Just let it slide past, one might say. Those people don't know what they're missing. But I can't. I usually get along fine with my uncle, but that conversation hurt and offended me at some level, as this kind of conversation always does. Because I love the stuff. Because I want to write the stuff. And because of that elitist, condescending attitude that comes with that opinion. If he had said "It just doesn't appeal to me", fine. Not everyone has to like everything.

An aside: of course there's a lot of bad fantasy around. That's just to be expected. (Sturgeon's Law: 90% of everything is crap.) But there is so very much fantasy around these days that there are also more quality reads than ever. Surely we've moved away from endless series of LOTR-clones?

Another thought just occurred to me. The newspaper that I read has a books section on saturdays. There are a few reviews of non-fiction and "literary" novels, a small corner for a thriller review and a summary of other recent releases, both original Dutch and translated fiction. Fantasy is never included on those lists, even though a sizeable amount is being released. (Mostly translated - there are Dutch fantasy authors, but not a lot.) Why? Why is that?

My rant is getting a bit long, but I think you're getting my point. Why does fantasy (and science fiction often too) such a horrible reputation?]]> "I like fantasy," I say.
"Garbage," he replies.
"Excuse me?"
"It's garbage."
"How do you know? Do you ever read fantasy?"
"No, because it's garbage."
"So how can you know it's garbage?"
"Because it is."

One might think that I am exceggerating (Did I spell that right?), but I'm not. This is exactly how it happened. (Well, the conversation was in Dutch, but you get what I mean.) And it's not the first time I've encountered this kind of attitude: people who just know that all fantasy (and often all science fiction too) is garbage, when they either never read it or have just read some bad Tolkien knock-off.

Just let it slide past, one might say. Those people don't know what they're missing. But I can't. I usually get along fine with my uncle, but that conversation hurt and offended me at some level, as this kind of conversation always does. Because I love the stuff. Because I want to write the stuff. And because of that elitist, condescending attitude that comes with that opinion. If he had said "It just doesn't appeal to me", fine. Not everyone has to like everything.

An aside: of course there's a lot of bad fantasy around. That's just to be expected. (Sturgeon's Law: 90% of everything is crap.) But there is so very much fantasy around these days that there are also more quality reads than ever. Surely we've moved away from endless series of LOTR-clones?

Another thought just occurred to me. The newspaper that I read has a books section on saturdays. There are a few reviews of non-fiction and "literary" novels, a small corner for a thriller review and a summary of other recent releases, both original Dutch and translated fiction. Fantasy is never included on those lists, even though a sizeable amount is being released. (Mostly translated - there are Dutch fantasy authors, but not a lot.) Why? Why is that?

My rant is getting a bit long, but I think you're getting my point. Why does fantasy (and science fiction often too) such a horrible reputation?]]> <![CDATA[Small, random questions about RotE that still bother you]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=194 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:22:48 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=194

As I might have mentioned, we're (re)reading AA over at the Finnish Tolkien board I help to admin, and I've been adding things to the wiki as I browse back and forth. But I've noticed there are several small details that sort of bother me - I'm not sure we ever got answers to these, or maybe I've just forgotten. Anyway, they don't require separate threads necessarily, because there's not much to discuss. And this is not just for me, feel free to add your own unsolved mysteries! Smiling

I begin with...

- Who is the "other one" in this quote by Chade when he and Shrewd argue about testing Fitz in chapter 5:
Quote:"Break him as you broke the other one!" he'd mutter angrily. "You and your stupid tests!"

- From that same paragraph:
Quote:"Don't talk to me about blood and family. Remember who I am to you! It isn't his loyalty she's worrying about, or mine."
I'm not sure but I think it's Chade who speaks, although it could be Shrewd as well. What do you think? I'm pretty sure "she" is Queen Desire... but whose loyalty IS she worried about?

Oh, and. Since I'm still in the same chapter... do you think Fitz's mother's name is "Mere" or is that just a Mountain word for "mother"? Or something else?]]>

As I might have mentioned, we're (re)reading AA over at the Finnish Tolkien board I help to admin, and I've been adding things to the wiki as I browse back and forth. But I've noticed there are several small details that sort of bother me - I'm not sure we ever got answers to these, or maybe I've just forgotten. Anyway, they don't require separate threads necessarily, because there's not much to discuss. And this is not just for me, feel free to add your own unsolved mysteries! Smiling

I begin with...

- Who is the "other one" in this quote by Chade when he and Shrewd argue about testing Fitz in chapter 5:
Quote:"Break him as you broke the other one!" he'd mutter angrily. "You and your stupid tests!"

- From that same paragraph:
Quote:"Don't talk to me about blood and family. Remember who I am to you! It isn't his loyalty she's worrying about, or mine."
I'm not sure but I think it's Chade who speaks, although it could be Shrewd as well. What do you think? I'm pretty sure "she" is Queen Desire... but whose loyalty IS she worried about?

Oh, and. Since I'm still in the same chapter... do you think Fitz's mother's name is "Mere" or is that just a Mountain word for "mother"? Or something else?]]> <![CDATA[Suggestion: automatically generated threads]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=193 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:50:36 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=193
What do you guys (Mervi especially, of course) think? Would this be desirable on ThePlenty?

EDIT: Oh, this should have gone into that other subforum.]]>
What do you guys (Mervi especially, of course) think? Would this be desirable on ThePlenty?

EDIT: Oh, this should have gone into that other subforum.]]> <![CDATA[Internet Speed]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=192 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:44:32 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=192 I'm probably going to die when I find out, but I'm curious about the relative internet speeds of users in other parts of the world. So if anyone is willing to post their internet speed and their location I'd be interested.

Me:

Location - Tasmania, Australia.
Speed - 1.5 mbps

Type - wireless
Price - way too expensive....

Note, most people in Aus would have a landline service, not wireless. I have it because I am in a location where I can't get broadband via landline.]]> I'm probably going to die when I find out, but I'm curious about the relative internet speeds of users in other parts of the world. So if anyone is willing to post their internet speed and their location I'd be interested.

Me:

Location - Tasmania, Australia.
Speed - 1.5 mbps

Type - wireless
Price - way too expensive....

Note, most people in Aus would have a landline service, not wireless. I have it because I am in a location where I can't get broadband via landline.]]> <![CDATA[[split] What does the name "Farseer" really mean? SPOILERS ALL BOOKS]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=191 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:26:10 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=191 (04-04-2010 07:44 PM)Farseer Wrote:  I am also intrigued by a comment made by the Fool to Fitz regarding the House of Farseer, and how Farseer was a name from the future, reaching back down to the past to be gifted to Fitz himself, as opposed to a surname that he had merely inherited from his earlier ancestors eg Chivalry, Shrewd etc. It makes me think (or at least HOPE) that there's still more for Fitz to do yet, to fully earn this name of Farseer...when I find the passage Detective , I'll share it!
I finally found it, so, am sharing it Big Grin ! It's way back in RA:

"...'And all because the line of House Farseer failed. That is the future as it is woven. But wait! Farseer!' He cocked his head and peered at me, considering as a gore-crow. 'Why do they call you that, Fitz? What have your ancestors ever forseen afar to gain such a name? Shall I tell you how it comes about? The very name of your house is the future reaching back in time to you, and naming you by the name that someday your house will deserve. The Farseer. That was the clue that I took to my heart. That the future reached back to you, to your house, and named you so. I came here, and what did I discover? One Farseer, with no name at all. Unnamed in any history, past or future. But I have seen you take a name, FitzChivalry Farseer. And I shall see that you deserve it.' "

Love it Clapping AND, again, I continue to be of the opinion that, though Fitz has been through so much already, there is still much left for him to do to earn such an honour Big Grin !]]> (04-04-2010 07:44 PM)Farseer Wrote:  I am also intrigued by a comment made by the Fool to Fitz regarding the House of Farseer, and how Farseer was a name from the future, reaching back down to the past to be gifted to Fitz himself, as opposed to a surname that he had merely inherited from his earlier ancestors eg Chivalry, Shrewd etc. It makes me think (or at least HOPE) that there's still more for Fitz to do yet, to fully earn this name of Farseer...when I find the passage Detective , I'll share it!
I finally found it, so, am sharing it Big Grin ! It's way back in RA:

"...'And all because the line of House Farseer failed. That is the future as it is woven. But wait! Farseer!' He cocked his head and peered at me, considering as a gore-crow. 'Why do they call you that, Fitz? What have your ancestors ever forseen afar to gain such a name? Shall I tell you how it comes about? The very name of your house is the future reaching back in time to you, and naming you by the name that someday your house will deserve. The Farseer. That was the clue that I took to my heart. That the future reached back to you, to your house, and named you so. I came here, and what did I discover? One Farseer, with no name at all. Unnamed in any history, past or future. But I have seen you take a name, FitzChivalry Farseer. And I shall see that you deserve it.' "

Love it Clapping AND, again, I continue to be of the opinion that, though Fitz has been through so much already, there is still much left for him to do to earn such an honour Big Grin !]]> <![CDATA[So I finished Dragon Haven (Spoilers)]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=190 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:12:35 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=190
I understand that Robin Hobb loves open-ended closings but I felt the book was suddenly cut short. Some how I expected the conclusion to be more dramatic.

I believe I enjoyed Dragon Keeper more compared to Dragon Haven. I felt a lot of details of the travel were cut short in Dragon Haven, different from the kind of literary embellishments I've come to expect from journeys undertaken in Assassin's Quest, Fool's Fate and that from Soldier Son series.

Regardless I'm going to re-read both books and see if my impression changes.]]>
I understand that Robin Hobb loves open-ended closings but I felt the book was suddenly cut short. Some how I expected the conclusion to be more dramatic.

I believe I enjoyed Dragon Keeper more compared to Dragon Haven. I felt a lot of details of the travel were cut short in Dragon Haven, different from the kind of literary embellishments I've come to expect from journeys undertaken in Assassin's Quest, Fool's Fate and that from Soldier Son series.

Regardless I'm going to re-read both books and see if my impression changes.]]> <![CDATA[Elderlings are Gorgeous! (RWC Spoilers)]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=189 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:00:14 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=189 Dragon Haven when each keeper was becoming an Elderling, but in a unique way, it only added to my attraction to them! I also found it cool that Elderlings were an art for Dragons, and each one tries to make theirs more beautiful than the others! Some match themselves while others do what would be most flattering for the individual person. What an awesome concept! I think it would be so cool to become an Elderling!

So in summary, I find the Elderlings beautiful, exotic and yes, very very attractive. Anyone agree or am I alone in my infatuation?]]> Dragon Haven when each keeper was becoming an Elderling, but in a unique way, it only added to my attraction to them! I also found it cool that Elderlings were an art for Dragons, and each one tries to make theirs more beautiful than the others! Some match themselves while others do what would be most flattering for the individual person. What an awesome concept! I think it would be so cool to become an Elderling!

So in summary, I find the Elderlings beautiful, exotic and yes, very very attractive. Anyone agree or am I alone in my infatuation?]]> <![CDATA[Book cover art inaccuracy]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=188 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:40:40 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=188
'thul find that many book covers are rather nice in their vast collection of inconsistencies...

Some examples, but beware of spoilers:
Elenium/Tamuli series by david & leigh edddings: (Click to View)
Book 7-8ish of the Deverry cycle by katherine kerr (Click to View)
These beings have noticed a general tendency elsewhere that while characters in books are relatively sensibly dressed, they are on the covers quite often dressed rather senselessly... Males are generally dressed in some form or loincloth, often with some unnaturally large jewel embedded in it, while female characters have the classical chain mail bikini, or something related to that, with a practical protection of about zero... Physical details like height are often also ignored, from what 'thul can see...

Have any one else noticed the same (or similar) tendencies in the book they read/have read?]]>
'thul find that many book covers are rather nice in their vast collection of inconsistencies...

Some examples, but beware of spoilers:
Elenium/Tamuli series by david & leigh edddings: (Click to View)
Book 7-8ish of the Deverry cycle by katherine kerr (Click to View)
These beings have noticed a general tendency elsewhere that while characters in books are relatively sensibly dressed, they are on the covers quite often dressed rather senselessly... Males are generally dressed in some form or loincloth, often with some unnaturally large jewel embedded in it, while female characters have the classical chain mail bikini, or something related to that, with a practical protection of about zero... Physical details like height are often also ignored, from what 'thul can see...

Have any one else noticed the same (or similar) tendencies in the book they read/have read?]]> <![CDATA[Place names]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=187 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:40:50 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=187
The similarity between Chalcedonia and Chalced is obviously too close for mere coincidence, especially given the near-eastern flavour of the Chalcedean culture described in RotE. Has anyone spotted any other cases of place names mined from history in RotE?]]>
The similarity between Chalcedonia and Chalced is obviously too close for mere coincidence, especially given the near-eastern flavour of the Chalcedean culture described in RotE. Has anyone spotted any other cases of place names mined from history in RotE?]]> <![CDATA[The books you are most looking forward to]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=186 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:52:36 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=186
1. George R. R. Martin - A Dance With Dragons
Well, this is the book everyone in the fantasy community is looking forward to. ASOIAF is one of the best stories I've ever read and I'm sure that this book will be worth the wait.

2. R. Scott Bakker - Disciple of the Dog
While I couldn't get through The Prince of Nothing, I thought Neuropath was pure awesome. For that reason, I am eagerly awaiting Bakker's new thriller.

3. Robin Hobb - "The Next Book"
4. Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm - The Inheritance
Do I really have to explain anything here? Two RH books in one year? It's almost too good to be true.

EDIT: Fixed codes.]]>
1. George R. R. Martin - A Dance With Dragons
Well, this is the book everyone in the fantasy community is looking forward to. ASOIAF is one of the best stories I've ever read and I'm sure that this book will be worth the wait.

2. R. Scott Bakker - Disciple of the Dog
While I couldn't get through The Prince of Nothing, I thought Neuropath was pure awesome. For that reason, I am eagerly awaiting Bakker's new thriller.

3. Robin Hobb - "The Next Book"
4. Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm - The Inheritance
Do I really have to explain anything here? Two RH books in one year? It's almost too good to be true.

EDIT: Fixed codes.]]> <![CDATA[The urge to create]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=185 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:23:10 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=185
That boy was me, and recently I've attempted to write some stories again. I started trying to write a novel, but after 30 pages I gave up. I think the story has potential, but it's a too large undertaking for me now. So I've turned to short stories now and I've written a few. Are they any good? I don't know, I think they have potential, but they need a lot more polish. Anyway, I'll keep on writing and one day soon, I'll try to get a few published...

The most surprising part of it all is how vulnerable I feel when I have people read them. I mean, I wrote a story about friggin' cavemen and I feel like I'm baring my soul when people read it.

Does anyone else here feel this urge to create?]]>
That boy was me, and recently I've attempted to write some stories again. I started trying to write a novel, but after 30 pages I gave up. I think the story has potential, but it's a too large undertaking for me now. So I've turned to short stories now and I've written a few. Are they any good? I don't know, I think they have potential, but they need a lot more polish. Anyway, I'll keep on writing and one day soon, I'll try to get a few published...

The most surprising part of it all is how vulnerable I feel when I have people read them. I mean, I wrote a story about friggin' cavemen and I feel like I'm baring my soul when people read it.

Does anyone else here feel this urge to create?]]> <![CDATA[Malta *spoilers all Hobb books*]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=184 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:21:49 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=184 !

In 'The Mad Ship', two beings fought over her when she walked on Paragon's decks, right before he sailed. She was in company with Paragon and also Amber at the time of this enthralling event (below):

"Perhaps lightning struck her from the still-blue sky. She fell into a roaring black gulf. She tumbled, soundless, through endless black space. Then, from nowhere, a flash of gold appeared. It was too large a shape for her to see it all. In an instant, it loomed too close to her to be seen. Great talons seized her, wrapping around her chest and waist. They squeezed the air from her. She clawed at them, but they were armoured in scales like metal. She could not pry them loose to let herself breathe. Nor did she want to fall to her death if they let go of her. Choose a death, a dragon whispered. That's all you have left, pretty little one. The choice of your death.
No! She is mine, mine! Let her go!
Prey belongs to he who seizes it first!
You are dead. I have still a chance at life. I will not see it snatched from me!
Iridescent silver clashed suddenly with gold. Mountains collided and fought for possession for her. The talons clenched, cutting her in two. I shall kill her before I let you take her!
Malta had no breath to cry out. There was almost nothing left of her at all. These two were so immense; there was no room for her to exist in their world. She was going to blink out like a dying spark. Someone spoke for her. 'Malta is real. Malta exists. Malta is here.' As if she were being wound up like a ball of yarn, the layers of herself were gradually restored to her. Someone held her against the maelstrom of forces that tried to shred her apart. It was like being cupped in warm hands..."

Having learned this from Skill experiences with Fitz, and via the use of her Skill-imbued fingers, no doubt it is Amber who is the one telling Malta she is real and winding up her being like yarn, so she isn't lost within the Skill River. Do you agree?

Also, what are your thoughts as to the identities of the OTHER two beings? I don't believe it now but, when I first ever read it, I thought the golden dragon could actually be Amber as, in AQ, Fitz had described Fool as being like a golden carp within the Skill River and gold also seemed to match his/her colouring changes. I also had theories that made me believe Fool was as dragon-kin as Fitz, so his later taking the form of a dragon within the Skill River wasn't too far-fetched P!

I also thought that one of the dragons could have been Tintaglia but, as we came to know, Tintaglia was blue, not silver or gold (though, I have to admit, she is described as being a combination of blue and silver at times, but you would think her colouring within the Skill River would be blue, her dominant colour?!).

Could they simply be the two dragons of Paragon fighting for domination within him, as they later do (the Greater and the Lesser) OR is this too obvious, and there is instead something more for us to understand?]]> !

In 'The Mad Ship', two beings fought over her when she walked on Paragon's decks, right before he sailed. She was in company with Paragon and also Amber at the time of this enthralling event (below):

"Perhaps lightning struck her from the still-blue sky. She fell into a roaring black gulf. She tumbled, soundless, through endless black space. Then, from nowhere, a flash of gold appeared. It was too large a shape for her to see it all. In an instant, it loomed too close to her to be seen. Great talons seized her, wrapping around her chest and waist. They squeezed the air from her. She clawed at them, but they were armoured in scales like metal. She could not pry them loose to let herself breathe. Nor did she want to fall to her death if they let go of her. Choose a death, a dragon whispered. That's all you have left, pretty little one. The choice of your death.
No! She is mine, mine! Let her go!
Prey belongs to he who seizes it first!
You are dead. I have still a chance at life. I will not see it snatched from me!
Iridescent silver clashed suddenly with gold. Mountains collided and fought for possession for her. The talons clenched, cutting her in two. I shall kill her before I let you take her!
Malta had no breath to cry out. There was almost nothing left of her at all. These two were so immense; there was no room for her to exist in their world. She was going to blink out like a dying spark. Someone spoke for her. 'Malta is real. Malta exists. Malta is here.' As if she were being wound up like a ball of yarn, the layers of herself were gradually restored to her. Someone held her against the maelstrom of forces that tried to shred her apart. It was like being cupped in warm hands..."

Having learned this from Skill experiences with Fitz, and via the use of her Skill-imbued fingers, no doubt it is Amber who is the one telling Malta she is real and winding up her being like yarn, so she isn't lost within the Skill River. Do you agree?

Also, what are your thoughts as to the identities of the OTHER two beings? I don't believe it now but, when I first ever read it, I thought the golden dragon could actually be Amber as, in AQ, Fitz had described Fool as being like a golden carp within the Skill River and gold also seemed to match his/her colouring changes. I also had theories that made me believe Fool was as dragon-kin as Fitz, so his later taking the form of a dragon within the Skill River wasn't too far-fetched P!

I also thought that one of the dragons could have been Tintaglia but, as we came to know, Tintaglia was blue, not silver or gold (though, I have to admit, she is described as being a combination of blue and silver at times, but you would think her colouring within the Skill River would be blue, her dominant colour?!).

Could they simply be the two dragons of Paragon fighting for domination within him, as they later do (the Greater and the Lesser) OR is this too obvious, and there is instead something more for us to understand?]]> <![CDATA[The Rooster Crown (spoilers all RotE books)]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=183 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:59 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=183
I have lots to throw at you but I'm going to start out small and toward the end rather than the beginning! To set the scene, Fitz and Fool are near the market plaza beyond the Mountain Kingdom. Fitz has the completed crown in his hands and Fool is dead beside him...

"For a moment, my eyes lingered on the softened carvings of roosters' heads that ringed the crown....Tiny gems still winked in two of the carved eyes; the others were blank and empty."

We know that within the crown, there were five minstrels - a freckled girl/young woman, a bull-throated man, a toothless crone, a young man and a calm, husky-voiced woman. The gems can't represent them or else five gems would wink, wouldn't they, and not just two?

As an aside, the runes in the Aslevjal map tower which winked and "seemed to glow with an inner light...some bright, some dull" represented Skill-pillars.

So, what (or who Smiling !) do these gems represent? Why do only two wink and the rest do not? I have some thoughts...what are yours?!]]>
I have lots to throw at you but I'm going to start out small and toward the end rather than the beginning! To set the scene, Fitz and Fool are near the market plaza beyond the Mountain Kingdom. Fitz has the completed crown in his hands and Fool is dead beside him...

"For a moment, my eyes lingered on the softened carvings of roosters' heads that ringed the crown....Tiny gems still winked in two of the carved eyes; the others were blank and empty."

We know that within the crown, there were five minstrels - a freckled girl/young woman, a bull-throated man, a toothless crone, a young man and a calm, husky-voiced woman. The gems can't represent them or else five gems would wink, wouldn't they, and not just two?

As an aside, the runes in the Aslevjal map tower which winked and "seemed to glow with an inner light...some bright, some dull" represented Skill-pillars.

So, what (or who Smiling !) do these gems represent? Why do only two wink and the rest do not? I have some thoughts...what are yours?!]]> <![CDATA[How did you get involved with RotE]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=182 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:47:04 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=182
But I was completely hooked after chapter one of the Fitz with his encounter with Burrich. Then I subsequently bought it for myself and went from one book to the next. By my count, I should have read the entire series at least 3 to 4 times for each book. I have just recently done a lot of cleaning up in my house and I have got rid of almost all other books (by my count there should be more than 100 novels of all sorts), but I still keep the 9 books in the original 3 part trilogy.

I usually have no special feeling for any author or series of books I have ploughed through the year, but this is the only one that makes me come back for more. However, I never found any real attachment to the Soldier Son trilogy with perhaps the exception of the 1st book.

I have just completed a 5th journey in 2010 re-reading all 9 books, as well as the short story Inheritance for the 1st time, and to my delight there was a continuation with the Dragon Keeper published last year. I just about embark on Dragon Haven, so I'm sure I won't be disappointed.]]>
But I was completely hooked after chapter one of the Fitz with his encounter with Burrich. Then I subsequently bought it for myself and went from one book to the next. By my count, I should have read the entire series at least 3 to 4 times for each book. I have just recently done a lot of cleaning up in my house and I have got rid of almost all other books (by my count there should be more than 100 novels of all sorts), but I still keep the 9 books in the original 3 part trilogy.

I usually have no special feeling for any author or series of books I have ploughed through the year, but this is the only one that makes me come back for more. However, I never found any real attachment to the Soldier Son trilogy with perhaps the exception of the 1st book.

I have just completed a 5th journey in 2010 re-reading all 9 books, as well as the short story Inheritance for the 1st time, and to my delight there was a continuation with the Dragon Keeper published last year. I just about embark on Dragon Haven, so I'm sure I won't be disappointed.]]> <![CDATA[One Who Remembers]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=181 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:27:22 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=181
It has to do with She Who Remembers (or One Who Remembers). It is interesting that one particular serpent is imbued with special memories to assist in migration from The Others island to their cocooning grounds.

I found it interesting as to how this serpent was chosen among the many eggs. And how was this process by which One Who Remembers gain special memory? This is especially interesting given that dragons do not retain memories of being a serpent - this is the impression I got from reading Dragon Keeper.

Along the same line in the birthing of serpents, I wonder why were the Abominations (The Others) tolerated by dragons and not killed given their detest for anything that showed aberrance from true dragon form. In fact, I wonder why the serpents eggs were not guarded by dragons and how could She Who Remembers been kidnapped. Could it be protection of eggs to be entrusted to The Others?]]>
It has to do with She Who Remembers (or One Who Remembers). It is interesting that one particular serpent is imbued with special memories to assist in migration from The Others island to their cocooning grounds.

I found it interesting as to how this serpent was chosen among the many eggs. And how was this process by which One Who Remembers gain special memory? This is especially interesting given that dragons do not retain memories of being a serpent - this is the impression I got from reading Dragon Keeper.

Along the same line in the birthing of serpents, I wonder why were the Abominations (The Others) tolerated by dragons and not killed given their detest for anything that showed aberrance from true dragon form. In fact, I wonder why the serpents eggs were not guarded by dragons and how could She Who Remembers been kidnapped. Could it be protection of eggs to be entrusted to The Others?]]> <![CDATA[Gernia vs RotE *spoilers all Hobb books*]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=180 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:20:15 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=180
Like it or not, as I had read this series after much re-reading and study of the RotE books and short stories, I couldn't help but draw comparisons between characters, experiences, situations and themes etc as I progressed through it. These are the things I'd like to try and have us compare here, rather than which series is 'best'.

To get the ball rolling (but feel free to contribute whatever you like!):

Similarities between Nevare and Fitz

* We were introduced to them both whilst they were still young boys and were privy to their overall development into young men.

* Though they didn't always get it right, and though they were divided against themselves for a portion of their lives, they both displayed talent in their given vocations - Nevare as a soldier's son, cadet, soldier and farmer; Fitz as an assassin's apprentice, later the royal assassin and general royal lacky thereafter Smiling etc.

* While there were others involved in their training, both had an older mentor with whom they forged a solid, shared and meaningful relationship...Nevare had Sgt Durill and Fitz had Chade.

* Both took on catalytic roles that would prove to change the fates/courses of their worlds. To fulfil these roles, both were strong in their given magic/s.

* Though strong, they were both "like small boys", ignorant and untrained in their wielding of the magic - examples of this would be the frustration displayed by Olikea or Kinrove with Nevare, and Kettle with Fitz.

* Via their magic, both were able to communicate/travel within their dreams. Nevare dreamwalked and Fitz Skill-dreamed.

* Though having escaped many near-death episodes at various times, both 'died' to their old lives (after copping a beating and being accused of murder!) and also reluctantly returned. Both particularly feared that they would be recognised and made to pay for their 'crimes'.

* Despite losing their faith and way at times, both served and stayed true to their families and monarchs.

* Both took in and cared for a boy who was not their own child, but who they treated like, and came to think of as, a son - Likari and Hap.

* Both seemed to have an unsatiable desire and multiple partners (!), but still held to one main 'love' (by this I mean a love like the love Fitz had for Molly, not that which he had for Fool...let's let that debate rage elsewhere!). It could get a bit confusing here between Nevare and Soldier's Boy (as they had Amzil and Tree Woman) but it was Amzil who won out in the end for Nevare, and Molly for Fitz.

* With so many other loftier goals to strive for, they also both pined for the former lives they could not have and also longed for a life of their own...one that was founded on having a home with hearth and family.

* Both lost parts of themselves and then had to have those parts reunited (with help from an external force eg Kinrove and Fool) to be made whole again...though Nevare then unwittingly divided himself once more!

Though I have others, this will do for the time being...I expect enough debate between us all, just on these points Clapping !]]>
Like it or not, as I had read this series after much re-reading and study of the RotE books and short stories, I couldn't help but draw comparisons between characters, experiences, situations and themes etc as I progressed through it. These are the things I'd like to try and have us compare here, rather than which series is 'best'.

To get the ball rolling (but feel free to contribute whatever you like!):

Similarities between Nevare and Fitz

* We were introduced to them both whilst they were still young boys and were privy to their overall development into young men.

* Though they didn't always get it right, and though they were divided against themselves for a portion of their lives, they both displayed talent in their given vocations - Nevare as a soldier's son, cadet, soldier and farmer; Fitz as an assassin's apprentice, later the royal assassin and general royal lacky thereafter Smiling etc.

* While there were others involved in their training, both had an older mentor with whom they forged a solid, shared and meaningful relationship...Nevare had Sgt Durill and Fitz had Chade.

* Both took on catalytic roles that would prove to change the fates/courses of their worlds. To fulfil these roles, both were strong in their given magic/s.

* Though strong, they were both "like small boys", ignorant and untrained in their wielding of the magic - examples of this would be the frustration displayed by Olikea or Kinrove with Nevare, and Kettle with Fitz.

* Via their magic, both were able to communicate/travel within their dreams. Nevare dreamwalked and Fitz Skill-dreamed.

* Though having escaped many near-death episodes at various times, both 'died' to their old lives (after copping a beating and being accused of murder!) and also reluctantly returned. Both particularly feared that they would be recognised and made to pay for their 'crimes'.

* Despite losing their faith and way at times, both served and stayed true to their families and monarchs.

* Both took in and cared for a boy who was not their own child, but who they treated like, and came to think of as, a son - Likari and Hap.

* Both seemed to have an unsatiable desire and multiple partners (!), but still held to one main 'love' (by this I mean a love like the love Fitz had for Molly, not that which he had for Fool...let's let that debate rage elsewhere!). It could get a bit confusing here between Nevare and Soldier's Boy (as they had Amzil and Tree Woman) but it was Amzil who won out in the end for Nevare, and Molly for Fitz.

* With so many other loftier goals to strive for, they also both pined for the former lives they could not have and also longed for a life of their own...one that was founded on having a home with hearth and family.

* Both lost parts of themselves and then had to have those parts reunited (with help from an external force eg Kinrove and Fool) to be made whole again...though Nevare then unwittingly divided himself once more!

Though I have others, this will do for the time being...I expect enough debate between us all, just on these points Clapping !]]> <![CDATA[Your Favorite Quote/Saying?]]> http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=178 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:19:07 +0300 http://forums.theplenty.net/showthread.php?tid=178 Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. - Abraham Lincoln

Write your favourite quote here, can be from a book/tv/famous person/your mother/anything else! Even something you just picked up randomly.

If you can, make sure you provide where you got the quote from and if you want, why it means something to you.]]> Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. - Abraham Lincoln

Write your favourite quote here, can be from a book/tv/famous person/your mother/anything else! Even something you just picked up randomly.

If you can, make sure you provide where you got the quote from and if you want, why it means something to you.]]>