Contributor
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If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm off for a few more hours to mind chores, after which it's back to work on [redacted], a story for the glorious Wayfinder, and then Chapter Seven of [redacted], the next Radovan & the Count novel.
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1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
1) hmmm... I'm at work, I'll get back to you when I get home.
2) Team Jeggare - always liked batman more than superman too...3) Radovan's love interest(s) - they are all interesting, and they add something to the story that Radovan has that Jeggare doesn't (other than his heritage), which I think is important.
1. Pass for now - I'll have to go back and reread (or at least skim) the novel before answering.
2. I like 'em both, but if you twisted my arm, I'd pick Radovan to read about. He's funnier. (I'd pick Jeggare to hang out with, though, because he's more likely to pick restaurants I'd like and then foot the bill.)
3. This is a toughie, but I'll go with Malena (answer subject to change if someone else comes up with a better one and I feel a need to bandwagon). As for why:
Things might not turn out exactly the way she wants, either, since it seemed (in my reading) that Malena had a lot of ambition but not always a lot of insight into how others perceived her or were likely to react. So she's unpredictable on that level too, and unpredictability always makes me more curious about what characters get up to after the last page.
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Contributor
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3. This is a toughie, but I'll go with Malena (answer subject to change if someone else comes up with a better one and I feel a need to bandwagon). As for why:
** spoiler omitted **
That's a good "why," and I'll tell you the reason why should we meet at PaizoCon or Gen Con.
Picked up River King's Road this morning after dithering between hardcopy and audiobook (went with print). Can't wait to start it later this week.
Now that I've found my current car insurance slip, it's back out for the drudgery of chores.
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1. After a quick look, I would say Chapter 6. It's exciting, makes you want to know why Radovan is in this situation, and I don't think it would be too confusing. Chapter 3 is not a bad Jeggare chapter, but the letter format might make his chapters not as useful for introducing the book.
2. Hm, as far as this first book goes, I guess I would pick Radovan. Although I think Jeggare is interesting, I couldn't help but find him a little too insufferable. He doesn't, for me, have the magnetism Sherlock Holmes has. Then again, Radovan's character isn't ultimately the type I usually find easy to relate to, but he grew on me. However, given the end of the book, my feelings may change.
3. Azra. She seemed to me to be the most real, unique, and original character. I want to know who she is and how she came to her odd life. I sympathized with her, and I don't want her to just be left behind, forgotten. If the storyline moved on without her, I'd feel she'd been betrayed.
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1: I'd say chapter nine; it introduces plenty of mysteries to get people hooked without giving too much away. I also think it's pretty representative of the feel of Jeggare's story throughout the book.
2: On balance, I'm more team Jeggare than team Radovan; I like both characters, but Jeggare understandably reveals far more information about the setting though his chapters. On the other hand, I really like the contrast between the writing styles of the two characters, and reading the same scene from both perspectives is something I really enjoyed towards the end of the book.
3: The Red Carriage. Okay, perhaps it might not technically be an actual character, but I think with the emotional connection that the Count holds for it, it has a lot of potential. I think that the first true novel is a little too early to be seeing the last of the only legacy of Jeggare's father*.
*About whom I think more information shouldn't be revealed too quickly, I'd find it more interesting if that was kept ambiguous, perhaps with clues spread though future books. Radovan's heritage had a lot of exploration in Prince of Wolves, and it worked well with the story, but I like to have questions to chew on between books.
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I'll try to just keep the answers as spoiler free as possible.
1. I'll probably not get a lot of support for this from other readers, but... the last part of Chapter Eight. That chapter highlights both character development and humor--two of the first things to go in most RPG-based books. Radovan's social errors multiply nicely and in the end, you're not sure if he needs a supportive hug or a swift kick.
2. Team Radovan. I really like both characters a lot, but lets face it, without Radovan there as a foil, Jeggare is just an arrogant, self-absorbed noble. Radovan keeps him off his kilter enough that's he's often forced to come to terms with his own "humanity." Besides, being American/Italian, I relate well to the mobster type.
3. Azra. I can see her in an almost stalker (less freaky though) role to Radovan. I think she's the perfect character to use to further his moral development. If the teifling's ever going to learn the meaning of love and devotion, she seems like a prime candidate to teach him.
If you're looking for a less "structural" character, then Melena. Being Varisian, you don't really need much in the way of explaining why she shows up elsewhere in Golarian and she can work well as a villian, either intentionally or unintentionally. Of course, if you're bringing her than Cesar should probably tag along.
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RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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1. I'm too lazy to figure out which chapter it is but the one with:
2. Team Radovan - not only is he much more humorous, but the count still comes off as not likeable enough - he's too focused on his upper class roots, and wallowing in depression on and off. Just not the guy I'd like to hang out with as much, so less interested in him as a protagonist. Not saying I dislike reading his chapters, but you asked us to pick.
3. Azra - not only is she a pretty unique character (only the 2nd I've ever read about who had her tongue cut out), but I like the new dimension she gives to Radovan by making him have to deal with relationship issues instead of simply being a bad boy ladies man.
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1) Abstain. Can't pick just one. (It'd be like having to choose my favorite child. 8^)
2) Team Radovan. He comes across as a more sympathetic character. I can connect with him better than Varian.
3) Again, hard to pick just one. But, if I had to, I'd say some more of the Jeggare household servants. I always like seeing the spotlight turned on the "lower" people. The ones who keep things going in the background while the movers and shakers are out and about. 8^)
If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
Chapter Four or Chapter Six. Chapter Four is a great action chapter and early enough not to give too much away. Chapter Six has all the bang of the "How did we get here?" and if I had read it first, I'd have found the Prologue a little less confusing.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
A fan of both, but I'd have to take up the Team Jeggare pennant. I enjoy V.J.'s intelligence and sophistication, and the extent to which his social position is both a strength and a limitation. The parts of the story told from his POV have a distinctive voice I enjoy. And, okay, perhaps because I might not entirely mind it if I was a half-elf nobleman. It certainly gets him into some interesting places.
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
It would have to be Azra. She's the most fully realized of the secondary characters, she's an attractive female character, she's otherly-abled, and she spells complications for Radovan.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm off for a few more hours to mind chores, after which it's back to work on [redacted], a story for the glorious Wayfinder, and then Chapter Seven of [redacted], the next Radovan & the Count novel.
Yeah, sure, torture us. It's okay, I like to know you're working for us. As a matter-of-fact, what are you doing for us right now? ;P
Hey Paizo, maybe add [SPOILERS] to the thread title?
If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
I will answer this as soon as I get my copy, I read a friend of mines and then ordered my own copy (ok subscribed to the Tales line).
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
I am "Team Radovan". It is for sure the big smile, but also just the fact that he is a tiefling I find interesting. That and the fact that he is the one who gets his hands dirty.
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
For me it is pretty much a tie between Malena and Azra. Malena for the fortune telling aspect, I like characters that have that scary knowledge of the future. Azra is an interesting character and everything, but the biggest reason I like her is because she can/will add interesting complications to Radovan's life.
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book?
I'd go with Chapter Five. Here's why: since you're already planning on reading Chapter Two, you'll have Radovan's voice covered. Chapter Five, on the other hand, gives some insight into Varian's voice. And, it's a good chapter in terms of deepening the mystery in Prince of Wolves without giving away any of the answers. I'd recommend that one.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
I'm going to come at this question in a round about way. First, I think you have Radovan's voice, mannerisms, and tale-telling down perfectly. I thoroughly enjoy reading his perspective of things. And, you've done a great job contrasting much of what makes Radovan, Radovan...in how you've characterized Varian. And, although I enjoy the situations Radovan goes through, I believe I'm more drawn to Varian's Sherlock Holmes-ian observations and mystery reveals. So, I'm left with wanting to know more about Varian than Radovan. I feel like I know what Radovan is all about. But, much like the mysteries Varian solves, it seems like he's got more layers that I'd like to see peeled back over the course of further stories involving the two. He strikes me more as a "thinking man" and that should be seen to win out over the bodyguard who occasionally uses his smarts and blind, dumb luck to pull things off. There's a refinement to how Varian comes across in his heroics that's fun to imagine. Make sense?
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
The easy answer is Azra. Bringing the witch along and seeing how that relationship grows could be interesting. But, only if you inject some more "will they, won't they" into the story via some kind of complication. I also think Azra brings a ballast to both Radovan and Varian. She can deal with both of them on their own terms, reacting and overriding their foibles to accomplish more than the pair manages just on their own.
Otherwise, I'd actually suggest a far lesser character make another appearance. I'd really like to see Bishop Senir make a return after the trick Radovan pulled over on him. The reach of the Keepers of Secrets could be long indeed. And I'd love see something come of that complication.
My two-cents,
--Neil
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If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
Can't really answer this as I tended to read several chapters at once so which bits are in which chapter tend to blur a little.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
Team Radovan. He's a more sympathetic and engaging character. Jeggare is undoubtedly interesting, but he's also a very dry, controlled character. It's easier to get into Radovan's skin because he's more open in the internal monologue with his emotions. Jeggare is very Holmsian which for those uof us who aren't sociopathic geniuses is hard to relate to. Besides, Radovan is far more likely to get into trouble, aka adventure.
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
That's a tricky question. First blush is Azra. She provides both another perspective, has a mysterious background, rounds out both of the main characters and brings more depth (and complications) to Radovan's story. However, if you have Azra, you need MAlena or a similar figure. One who engages his baser instincts and is attractive because of that. No literary romance is spoiled by having rivals. The challenge with both of them is that they are fairly Ustalev centric characters and removing them from that mileau could prove problematic. MAlena is easier as Varisian's are more mobile, but even that is only a limited mobility.
So I'd probably go with Mr Spicer and say some of the far reaching bad guys, simply beacuase it's easier to bring them into the story without coming up with overly contrived justifications. ourse, if the Prince nad rthe Count ever head back to Ustalav, the two ladies in Radovan's life will need to make an appearance (or several).
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1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
The one with
Spoiler:the marriage proposal, where Varian fireballs the werewolf. Lots of clever characterisation, warmth, wit and plot twists.2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
I like Radovan more but sometimes I'd rather hear what Varian has to say.3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Azra, she is both awesome in herself and enhances Radovan as a character. I like her mystery.
If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
I think Chapter 6 is a good chapter. Although both Chapter 2 and 6 are Radovan chapters, Chapter 6 completes the teaser that was introduced in the Prologue, and introduces Azra; it also gives us a glimpse of Ultra-Radovan (I chose a non-spoiler term; those that have read it will know what I'm referring to).
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
Currently, I am "Team Radovan" simply because he is funnier, and the more interesting character in the short-term. His past misadventures and general way that he relates to Jeggare are amusing, but emotive. "Team Jeggare" on the other hand, has the ability to eventually become a compelling story, but we really only get his "member of the peerage, not the steerage" routine most of the time, and occasional musings on a past that includes magical training, romantic dalliances, and some superior fencing skills. Mostly, though, he's a self-absorbed, pompous ass. I deal with enough of those in real-life (I work in academia), so "Team Radovan" wins me over, easily. I think "Team Radovan" could get old, over the long-haul, however. Some interesting tidbits were introduced about Radovan's lineage, but they were also quickly snuffed out and it seems clear that he will not develop along those lines. His Ultra-Radovan schtick is interesting, but again, fairly one-dimensional, and extends a skill set where he already excels. So, for keeping me entertained in the short-term, I'm "Team Radovan," but if I am sucked into a series of books about this pair, I'm going to probably shift over to "Team Jeggare" simply because he has more layers (and years) to dig into.
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
This one is easy. Cezar. Why?
I also would like to see Count Lucinean Galdana appear again, and his estate of Willowmourn - very nice setting, and solid supporting character. He may or may not become important if future stories delve into Ustalavian politics.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm off for a few more hours to mind chores, after which it's back to work on [redacted], a story for the glorious [i]Wayfinder, and then Chapter Seven of [redacted], the next Radovan & the Count novel.[/i]
You're welcome! I'm looking forward to the next installment.
1. I'll abstain as I read the first half pretty much in one go and things blur together a bit as to what happened in which chapter; and besides the things that tends to draw me in is more a neat turn of phrase than a whole chapter.
2. Neither, to be honest. My one complaint about the book would be that I never felt enough for the narrating characters to care that much about whether they'd get through the events unblemished or not. Now...
3. ...Azra on the other hand - a mysterious, mostly benevolent (but with some tiny, tiny hints of a darker side) character who knows what she want, has a playful side, and, with her wandering-healer role, has an excellent excuse to get involved in well... anything, is someone I'd like to read more about.
2 (again). Allright, I guess I'll go for team Jeggare, fantasy-fiction need more thinking heroes.
1. Chapter 6 is a good preview chapter, I think.
2. Team Jeggare - Radovans blundering ignorance and relative simplemindedness annoyed the hell (bad pun, I know) out of me. No offense to all Radovan-lovers, just my opinion.
Plus: I bought this, thinking it would be a kind of Sherlock Holmes-like investigation-style novel and Radovan just doesn't deliver that.
3.Sorry, but for me the answer is a glaring "None." They all failed to catch my empathy. Even the scarab-headed beetle-creature love-intrest from Perdido Street Station got me to feel more emotional about her. I don't like bugs. That's a bad sign.
Overall, and my apologies to Dave Gross for this, I unfortunately regret buying & reading this book. Not because it's bad, it isn't. But because it squandered its true potential. I immediately knew about the villain when a certain info was dropped and the tangle of "conspiracies" unfolded in a rather disappointing manner. At least for me. Plus, I think that Ustalav, as Golarion's Ravenloft, deserves more horror and less Radovan-bumbling. Especially his interaction with a certain group of people. Painful to read.
(Yes, I realize that most RL-novels suck hard.)
Perhaps I went into this novel with the wrong expectations. I wanted a detective/investigation/mystery and got more or less a Hollywood action romp. *shrugs* Oh well, all the best for the future, regarding the reviews, many people seem to enjoy it.
I just hope that my sincerly well-meant criticism is helpful in one way or another.
Cheers,
Endzeitgeist
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.The easy answer is Azra. Bringing the witch along and seeing how that relationship grows could be interesting. But, only if you inject some more "will they, won't they" into the story via some kind of complication.
See, this is exactly why I wouldn't particularly want to see Azra again (unless it was in a really minor cameo). Her storyline reached its natural conclusion in the first book, leaving her relationship with Radovan fulfilled but impermanent: they hooked up, they realized that neither of them was in a position to get settled, they parted ways on a bittersweet note. We already know the answer to "will they, won't they" (they will and did), but neither character can be put into a permanent relationship without serious (and, IMO, probably detrimental) change. Injecting complications just for the sake of keeping them unsettled has a high risk of appearing artificial and showing the author's hand at work. Not that it can't be done, just that it'd be pretty tricky to pull off.
Also, putting her in a new book would pull a large part of its focus back toward her and her relationship with Radovan. Considering that a new book would probably have an entirely different plot and setting, you'd have to spend a lot of space justifying her presence, filling new readers in on the backstory, and then developing the forward progression of the relationship. It might not seem like it, but 300 pages is actually a fairly tight limit for a novel; you don't have a lot of words to spend on something not immediately related to the story you're trying to tell. It wouldn't be impossible to weave Azra into a new plot, but revisiting her would be more difficult and page-consuming than most of the other secondary characters.
I think it's awesome that so many people liked Azra and want to see more of her -- it's always great when a character succeeds in capturing people's imaginations -- but in this case, my view is that it's better to leave the readers wanting more, and leave that relationship where it ended. The core dynamic is Varian-and-Radovan, and while adding a third character to the mix keeps things complicated and interesting for a time, eventually that third character becomes a third wheel (which is one of the reasons that none of the love interests lasted long in the Sherlock Holmes stories, including the various unfortunate Mrs. Watsons).
All of this is just me babbling, though, and I'm confident that if Dave did bring Azra back he'd avoid all the obvious pitfalls. ;)
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Contributor
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See, this is exactly why I wouldn't particularly want to see Azra again (unless it was in a really minor cameo). Her storyline reached its natural conclusion in the first book, leaving her relationship with Radovan fulfilled but impermanent...3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again?...The easy answer is Azra. Bringing the witch along and seeing how that relationship grows could be interesting. But, only if you inject some more "will they, won't they" into the story via some kind of complication.
This sort of articulate disagreement gives me food for thought, not just for the characters under discussion but for every situation in which I imagine V&R in a future story. More like this, please!
+1. Or her Pathfinder's Journal, or her web fiction, etc.I wasn't necessarily calling for Azra to appear alongside Radovan and Jeggare.
I want to read her novel.
That is an excellent idea.
I'm selfish enough to want future novels to focus on Radovan and Jeggare (what can I say, Radovan makes me laugh), but seeing Azra as a central character in her own right would neatly sidestep all the concerns in my previous post. And it would be interesting to catch up with some of her solo adventures...
I wasn't necessarily calling for Azra to appear alongside Radovan and Jeggare.
I want to read her novel.
EXACTLY!
My original response cited Azra as the "easy answer"...but she's not the character I would most want to see in a future V&R novel. A spin-off or shortstory involving her in an anthology? I could totally see (and support) that. Azra was presented so well that everyone's going to say they'd like to see more of her. But, injecting her into the next novel (set in Tian Xia) would seem wrong.
In addition, I totally agree with what Liane is saying. Azra and Radovan's relationship ended in Prince of Wolves on a poignant, wistful note. Better to leave it that way than draw her back into a story as the "easy" answer. And all the better to send Radovan off on another series of (mis)adventures where he might encounter some other lady and widen his appreciation of Azra in the event their paths ever do cross again.
Hence, that's why I proposed Bishop Senir as a character to draw on again. Or Malena could make a good choice, too. Bringing back a sub-villain from a prior story can be just as worthwhile as tapping another "good" member of the "supporting" cast.
But that's just my two-cents,
--Neil
***SPOILERS***
1. I couldn't nail it down to a single chapter I liked the entire work. If I had to pick a favorite sequence it would be the inclusion of Jaggare approaching the mystery of the riffle scrolls and lost time. It stepped out of the adventure mold, intrigued me and made me think. You have reach a notable level of craftsmanship in your storytelling.
2. Jaggare - I feel more connected to him and his dense prosaic style is more familiar to me and adds a level of validity to the character and the writing. Though perhaps from a more voyeuristic stance I more of a 'fan' of Radovan and as an anti-hero invites more widespread appeal. I want more of both!
3. I would like to see more dynamic change in both of the main characters and their growth as people and their bond of friendship - I liked that at the end they were "partners" and that Radovan have inadvertently been field commisioned into the pathfinder society or so it seemed.
Also I agree that Radovan's love interests need more attention, though I don't think that Radovan should have a dedicated love interest unless she pursues him after he leaves. I think he should have a new 'bond girl' in every book.
Also I'd like to see what happened to Gruck.
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I think he should have a new 'bond girl' in every book.
See, for me, this is the kind of thing that would make me stop reading. I agree with what's been said about Azra--I'd love to read her book, and it probably wouldn't make sense for her to appear in Tian Xia.
But I like her enough and the relationship was portrayed in such a way that I'd be furious if Radovan ended up with a girl in every port. So I'd vote for her return, if just to make sure she was treated well.
On the other hand, I'm not really interested in Malena or the others. To me she filled a standard enough trope that her future is less of a draw. So taking everyone's comments about Azra into account, and deciding I should pick someone else, I'm going to agree with Calix. The carriage/Varian's father is a mystery I'd love to see gradually unfold. I feel as we learn more of those details, I, at least, will be able to see Varian as more human and a more sympathetic person.
See, for me, this is the kind of thing that would make me stop reading. I agree with what's been said about Azra--I'd love to read her book, and it probably wouldn't make sense for her to appear in Tian Xia.
What about Pavanna?
What about Pavanna?
Pathfinder #30, page 75.
Team Jeggare. Granted, both Prince of Wolves and the serialized web fiction have been more Radovan's stories than the Count's, but there've been two scenes that I and the friends I've thrust this book upon keep coming back to:
[1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
I think Chapter Eleven would be good for an audio rendition. Plenty of voices, building suspense and a temporary resolution with Varian heading off to additional adventure. Chapter 2 is also a Radovan chapter snd this is a Varian chapter.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
Team Jeggare. Radovan has little mystery and even less after this book. The reader "knows" him and can predict his actions. The reader learns information as he learns it. There is no mystery and no hint of things not fully disclosed. Jeggare is much more enigmatic and knows much that the reader will never learn. We learn only tidbits and snippets that leave us wanting more. I would expect that Jeggare is a bit tougher to write well because of the need to maintain a sense of mystery, but he is the much more enjoyable to read and discuss.
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Carmilla. I don't think you want to develop long term attachments for either of the two major characters which serves to rule out Marlena and Azra. Those two are also much more tied to the locale ofrince of Wolves. Carmilla would be much more likely to travel aboard and also highlights the sense of mystery Varian possesses and give a chance to look back in Varian's life.
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If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
Chapter Seven: The Secret Hand. Cool unravelling of mystery, the Jeggare's voice and a great cliff-hanger.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
That's not fair, both characters are great in their own way. I like that Radovan is more clever than he lets on with his roustabout attitude. While Varian is more empathetic than his upper-class façade reveals. Ultimately I like clever characters so if I had to pick Team Jeggare (only because he reminds me so much of Professor Layton and Sherlock Holmes).
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Friendly character I'd like to see again is Azra, she's really interesting, has a unique character and really embodies Varisia.
I'd like to see Bishop Senir again, philosophically he is the ultimate villain for Varian Jeggare trying to hide secrets while Varian reveals them.
Finally let me just say, this story was a fun read. I enjoyed the interplay between the two characters, the way the story unfolded and the flavour of Golarion, specifically Ustalav.
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
I like the Chapter where Radovan gets ingaged to Azra and Varian Explains it to him. The sceen where the girls are fighting over Radovan and Ezra pulls the Star knive and drops it at Malenas feet is priceless. Both women are Icons in and ove themselves, one a Varisian Witch 2 Iconic things, and the other a Varisian, Scarni, Harrower :) Epitomizing 3 Iconic things. This makes for an intreging read and makes me want to read more...
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
I cant choose witch camp I like best... I like them both equally. Radovans down to earth roughness yet basically good sensabilities is a lot of fun to be around. He gets in and out of trouble like a 30's and 40's gumshoe. He'd make a great Pathfinder only to make the others keep their heads on straight when they finly see the holy grail (Indiana Jones III).
I love Varian Jeggare, it brings in Cheliax and Corvosa family names into the story, but more importantly I love the Sherloc Holmsian character. His is a bit too Aristocratic, and a Bit too self satisfied and Radovan brings him back down to earth nicely, but he is an aristocrat and an Elf and he plays it well, but in a good naturedly way. He makes a great detective and a great ally and friend, a fine conneseur of wines and good foods and is a Venture-Captain to boot. A well written Character, Both actually. And both great fun :)
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Mmm well, I love Ezra, there is someone that I need more background on and more side adventures and more future adventures with :) How did she get those tattoo's and Star Knives :) Where did she get the wagon, how did she become a Witch, and does she have Radovans Child :) and are they still Married :) She is wonderfully written and very intregueing. And cute and freckly as far as I can remember... ;) And what did happen to her toung...
I like Malena as well, a hot Varisian Scarni Harrower is always good to have show up now and again, and Varisians can show up anywhere in Avistan :) She is a fun Fem Fatale, and good to use to ferther plotlines with her harrow deck :)
The Ultimate Villain is the Skinsaw men, the Cult of Norgorber and the head leader in the Ustalav group Bishop Senir. Now there is a man you love to hate. And Varian and Radovan both have reasons to be on his enemy list and vice versa :)
At first I wasnt sure about Radovan and Varian, reading in the Pathfinder Mags, but by the end I loved them, and then the jumping off adventure that started the novel was cool, then the novel was awesome... I hope to see much more of the Boys :)
I lived in Calgary couple of times, now I live in Lethbridge a couple of hours south... Enjoy the City :)
If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm off for a few more hours to mind chores, after which it's back to work on [redacted], a story for the glorious Wayfinder, and then Chapter Seven of [redacted], the next Radovan & the Count novel.
1. Chapter Eighteen: the star knife, as the clash between Malena and Azra is a lot of fun.
2. Though i am loathed to use the term, i am very definately a supporter of Team Radovan. I prefer the voice you have found for radovan and his humour tickles me. And I am a sucker for a rogue.
3.Malena and Azra would both be awesome to see again. As would Count Galdana, who I grew to like in only his very slim appearance. He is a character I could stand to see fleshed out a lot. But mostly, I would like to see you return to Ustalav. I have liked the country since it was first mentioned, but Prince of wolves has really started to make it live for me.
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1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
Chapter Four for an action-packed scene with a nice cliffhanger.
Chapter Five, because Radovan has already been presented in chapter 2 and because here the mystery starts.
Chapter Six because of it's humour and the introduction of the ugly little girl.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
This is a hard one. Before I read the novel I had been firmly in Camp Radovan but while Radovan makes the more obvious development (from servant to leader) Varian makes the more interesting one (from a leader to someone who is able to let others lead). I like both tremendously but the more I think about it, the more I seem to shift to Camp Jeggare.
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Characterwise, I'd love to see Azra again (not necessarily because of her relationship to Radovan but because I think we haven't learned all about her and because she's an really interesting character.
But storywise there is a certain countess with a lot of mysteries under her beautiful facade, who I would love to read more about. We already heard about Carmilla Caliphvaso in the campaign setting and while we can only guess what's her involvement in the events of "Prince of Wolves" I wouldn't wonder at all if it had something to with the little fact that Count Galdana is on really good terms with Prince Aduard Ordranti III.
Apart from that i cannot help but wonder if she's not a bit more than human (though I guess that those clues are a bit too obvious)
If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm off for a few more hours to mind chores, after which it's back to work on [redacted], a story for the glorious Wayfinder, and then Chapter Seven of [redacted], the next Radovan & the Count novel.
1. Can't remember, and I'm away from my copy of the book until this evening, at least. I'll just skip this one for now.
2. Team Radovan. I've always had a soft-spot for tieflings, and I really like the almost Chandler-esque tone that his chapters take. Radovan is more Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe while Jeggare comes across more as a combination of Nick and Nora Charles. I just like the hardboiled, jaded private eye more than the former private eye turned indolent socialite dragged back into "private eyeing" almost against his will.
Of course, that situation is somewhat changed by the end of the novel, so I don't know that it'll apply to subsequent V&R adventures.
3. I'm not sure that any of the secondary characters struck me as ones I'd care to see again, honestly. It least not immediately. There weren't any Pathfinder society "home office" type characters, like a Marcus Brody or an M, Q or Moneypenny that I remember, and a lot of the other characters seemed particularly rooted in Ustalav and the particulars of this plot and scenario, rather than the greater saga of V&R. I kind of like the idea suggested above that there almost be a succession of "Bond girl" like secondary characters that don't carry over from story to story. I think it'd also be fun to see a rival to V&R develop over time; a Belloq to their Indiana Jones, if you will. But I don't remember thinking anyone from this novel struck me as a likely candidate for that either.
1. Chapter Seven for sure
2. Hmm can't imagine the one without the other. But if i had to decide, I'd prefer Varian. I just like his strange air of nobleness - even in the wilderness.
3. I absolutely have enough of werewolves at the moment, so what about the dog? Does not count as a character? Kay, then Azra but not necessarily.
Just finished this five minutes ago.
First off, thanks for writing an enjoyable book - it was certainly a fun and entertaining read, and my first committed depth to reading any sort of Golarion based lore (other than a couple of campaign players guides) and it gave me a good feel for that particular area.
1.The Prologue, it got me in straight away.
2. Radovan, so long as he stays pretty much as is. No, I really dont want another broken hero looking for redemption, I like him dirty, just the way he is. We need more scoundrels.
3. The dog. Seriously, people underrate the comic relief and oddball moments that can be fleshed out from having a silent companion.
"Azra Azra Azra..." "Down Animal!"
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Is there any chance of us seeing more of your mystery solving duo in the near future... even maybe a trilogy or two? :)
Beau
It's so good to hear you enjoyed the book, Beau. There are three more stories in the works.
The first is a Count Jeggare story set in Sargava. That'll appear in Wayfinder #4, which you can read for free at paizo.com.
The second is a novel slated to appear in late summer of 2011. It's set in the Successor States of Tian Xia (think: fantasy China), and I bet the title and other details will be announced here in a month or two.
The third is a six-part serial slated to appear as the Pathfinder Journal in the Jade Regent Adventure Path. It's set in Minkai (think: fantasy Japan), and it's a return to the mystery-solving adventure of "Hell's Pawns" from the Council of Thieves Adventure path, which was the first appearance of Radovan & the Count.
In case you missed it, you can still read "The Lost Pathfinder" for free here under the Web Fiction tab at paizo.com. If you prefer it on an ePub file, you can buy all four chapters for a buck, also at paizo.com.
The Eric Belisle artwork alone is more than worth the price. His version of Jeggare is perfect.
The third is a six-part serial slated to appear as the Pathfinder Journal in the Jade Regent Adventure Path. It's set in Minkai (think: fantasy Japan)
Awesome!
Oh and I'm serious about the return of the Cohort dog! :)
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Contributor
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Is there any chance of us seeing more of your mystery solving duo in the near future... even maybe a trilogy or two? :)
Beau
I forgot to mention that, if you can't wait for more Pathfinder Tales, you should pick up Elaine Cunningham's Winter Witch. It features a canny Linnorm battle-maiden and a not-so-former wizard, both watched over by a heroic little drake as they fight their way north to a wintry land ruled by the children of Baba Yaga.
Winter Witch is unfolding as quite a good read.
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If you've read Prince of Wolves, please take a few minutes to answer these questions:
1. Apart from Chapter Two, which is the best chapter to read to folks who haven't yet read the book? I'd like to read a different chapter and point folks to the Chapter Two available free at paizo.com.
2. Help me settle a bet: Are you a member of "Team Radovan" or "Team Jeggare"? More importantly, why?
3. Which of the secondary characters would you most like to see again? Why? The "why" is the helpful part.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm off for a few more hours to mind chores, after which it's back to work on [redacted], a story for the glorious Wayfinder, and then Chapter Seven of [redacted], the next Radovan & the Count novel.
Dave Gross thank you, I enjoyed reading the Prince of Wolves, and the mystery in the Council of thieves adventure path.
1) I am not sure which chapter would be the best one. I’m afraid I remember the book in terms of its story rather then it's particular chapters.
2) I suppose I would be more "Team Jaggier". I suppose I can relate to the character a little better. I also like Sherlock Holmes as well.
That being said, I also liked Radovan. I liked the contrast between the two characters as well. I also liked how their relationship grew over the novel, and how Radovan grew as a character over the novel as well.
I do have one small critique of "Jaggere". I though Jaggere behaved a little petulantly at times. I think the character was a little hung up on social class and status. I think that if Jagerre was a student of human nature, deduction, etc, and more importantly a student of multiple histories and multiple cultures, as a pathfinder I think would be, I think that he would be able to see beyond the stratified confines of Chelaxian upper class noble society. I don't think Varian Jagerre would be too bothered if he or Radovan were served first particularly if he understood the dynamics of the situation. I think his experiences as a pathfinder would help to undo allot of his snobbery.
All in all I liked both characters. And I liked how they both worked well together and contrasted with each other.
3) I guess I would like to see Azra again. I think I would like to see her again, because I felt she was the most rounded of the support characters. I am curious to learn more about her, and I liked her as a character. I thought Azra was quite courageous. Also she didn’t seem to be a “typical” cleric, who saw the world in black and white, and through the confines of religious dogma.
One last thought. I do like trying to tease out what Radovan and Varian Jagerre would be in terms of character class and level in the Pathfinder Game, but on the whole it is better that there is some definition (IE casting a fire ball spell), but not too much definition. Reducing a character to meer game mechanics can be quite limiting. So i do like that there is some stuff that can't be completely described by the game mechanics of the Pathfinder game.
Again thank you for an enjoyable story,
Myles Crocker