Damn, I thought today of him making a mental note to check for his books in local library.
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:(
I feel for your loss, Kirth.
Rest in peace. Jack Vance was my favorite fantasy author.
When I heard he died, I was shocked he was still alive. I hadn't realized. He lived a really cool life, even apart from the great stories he gave us.
May he rest in peace and enjoy his final reward.
:( Truly one of the greats.
Terrible news. It's impossible to overstate Vance's influence. His influence on DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS is probably greater than any other single author, not just in his DYING EARTH magic system (which Gygax stole, hook, line and sinker, including some spell names) but in the pulpy variety of the stories and how astonishing creatures are treated nonchalantly because of their familiarity.
Vance also wrote THE LYONESSE TRILOGY, which in its omnibus edition may be one of the greatest one-volume works of fantasy of the 20th Century (rivalled only by LORD OF THE RINGS, BOOK OF THE NEW SUN and GORMENGHAST). His influence on other writers was massive: Neil Gaiman was a huge fan, and Vance allowed Gaiman to pen the final story of what happened when the sun finally went out in SONGS OF THE DYING EARTH. George R.R. Martin cites Vance as his favourite author, and the size of his planet was influenced by BIG PLANET (though Westeros's world isn't quite as gargantuan). There's a House Vance in A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE named for him. Gene Wolfe also pretty much nicked Vance's setting, dialled down and the humour and dialled up the literary intensity for THE BOOK OF THE NEW SUN.
Sad news. :(
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Rest in peace.
I may not have been the biggest fan of Jack Vance - I only ever tried to read on of his book, and gave up on it after about 20 pages - but the influence he had on so many of today's finest authors is unquestionable. I regret his passing and celebrate the time that he lived.
RIP
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I felt compelled to post in memorium over at Foreverness:
"More important than his obvious wit and mastery of language, Mr. Vance's breadth of vision -- and nearly limitless sense of the power of the human spirit -- were contagious to generations of readers. He was a truly great man."
Terrible news. It's impossible to overstate Vance's influence. His influence on DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS is probably greater than any other single author, not just in his DYING EARTH magic system (which Gygax stole, hook, line and sinker, including some spell names) but in the pulpy variety of the stories and how astonishing creatures are treated nonchalantly because of their familiarity.
Correct me if I'm wrong, everybody, but:
The irony is that, in the world of Vancian spellcasting, the most powercful wizard in the world can only memorize four spells at the same time.
Homework assignment: Go look up all the spells cast in The Dying Earth books, compare with Paizo rules, and see what level Rhialto the Magnificent was.
Oh, and, hey Grimmy!
Terrible news. It's impossible to overstate Vance's influence. His influence on DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS is probably greater than any other single author, not just in his DYING EARTH magic system (which Gygax stole, hook, line and sinker, including some spell names) but in the pulpy variety of the stories and how astonishing creatures are treated nonchalantly because of their familiarity.Correct me if I'm wrong, everybody, but:
The irony is that, in the world of Vancian spellcasting, the most powercful wizard in the world can only memorize four spells at the same time.
Homework assignment: Go look up all the spells cast in The Dying Earth books, compare with Paizo rules, and see what level Rhialto the Magnificent was.
But they are much more powerful than spells available to D&D wizard tht could prepare 4 spells. Closer to prismatic spray and death spell.
My players have never gotten past 10th level, so, um, what level spells are those?
[Back from the PRD]
Okay, fine, never mind.
[Hides face in nerdshame]
My condolences to his family and friends. His influence on fantasy will be felt for years to come. R.I.P. Jack Vance.
