I am girl who grew up in an urban neighborhood. I inevitably heard of Dungeons and dragons as a child growing up and completely dismissed it as a boring dull game for geeks and older people who weren't up in video games times. I never understood the game or the way it worked because I literally never knew anyone who played it. the closest I had ever come to it was an episode of big bang theory. lol with that said I must include that I had always played fantasy video games like the legend of dragoon and finally fantasy.
Reading has been a favorite pastime of mine for my entire life. I struggled with friends because I never liked other girls and boys only wanted me for one thing so books were my escape. I have other reasons that I don't wish to discuss but ultimately a dance at Marie Antoinette's wedding or a stroll through London in 1891 following the cold scent of a clue was my idea of a good day lol. I was always into mysteries and historical fiction. For a few years I had been going through a lot of struggles and changes in my life and wasn't able to settle down with a book. every book I tried was uninteresting and every time I sat to read one my mind would wander and I couldn't get through even my favorite books.
3 years ago I met my husband. He has brought joy and love into my life that I never thought I would find. he is a D&D GEEK!!! for the first year of our relationship I used to make fun of his d&d life because he is 14 years older than me and I like to tease that he is an old man still stuck in the 80s. He had introduced me to a game called Skyrim. I was INSTANLTY hooked. I admit to having lost 3 months of my life in Skyrim. talking to my husband about it as if I knew the characters personally. He said to me if you love Skyrim so much how do you not like D&D? I confessed that I knew nothing of it. the fact that he compared it to Skyrim was what opened my mind up to it. In that time he told me of the author R. A. Salvator. He told me he loved these books and was looking to reestablish his collection of them. As a gift I bought him the NeverWinter Trilogy. He suggested I read them.
Had someone suggested I read these books before he introduced me to the exciting world of dungeons and dragons I probably would have said no. but I decided I would try them and enter this world my husband loved so much. I became a fan right away. it was the first book I had read in years and I didn't think I would be able to remain interested. Not only was I interested but I was in love. since then I have been endeavoring to read them all. There are over 30 books and I am on exile now witch would make this my 5th Salvator book.
I am now because of R.A Salvator a HUGE fan of the underground cities of the drow. the intimate understanding of the internal battles of drizzt do'urden. the excitement of his fights and the beautiful detail of the world created for him to roam. it has opened up an entire world for me to escape to and feel like I am a part of. I now go with my husbands to conventions and we love to dress up for cosplay events. I spend a lot of time alone as a housewife and to be able to disappear into the exciting land of toril has been a way of traveling to places I could only go in my dreams. Books have always been an escape for me and this new world I get to experience has helped me to meet friends and do things I would never have thought to do before. Basically I found a piece of myself I didn't know existed. A part of my imagination i thought was lost and locked away. I credit both R.A. Salvator and my husband for introducing me to a life long love and hobby I may never have understood. Now I think I'm more of an enthusiast than he is!
I may be very far behind in the life and adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden and his companions but I have so much to look forward to and I am excited by every minute. When I get a chance to meet R.A Salvator I think I will be star struck and ill have to tell him what I'm sure he already knows. His books give us something to look forward to and friends to keep "in contact" with. My husband has been eagerly awaiting Archmage and as much as I want to read it I will wait until I catch up. But my husband is a Libra and it would make us both extremely happy if I could give him the birthday gift of the next book with the signature of his and now mine favorite author. Sorry for the long winded post lol
The works of R.A. Salvatore were first brought to my attention when I was in seventh grade, this would have been in 2002 or 2003. It was the first of "The Hunter's Blades" trilogy, "The Thousand Orcs", and up until this moment I had never heard of Dungeons and Dragons or played any games like that. The closest thing I had ever experienced was "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" on satellite.
But instantly my mind craved adventure and it craved for an escape from the ordinary and mundane world of middle school. I latched onto every word about Drizzt, Bruenor, and ever King Obould. In my mind's eye I was there among the Companions of the Hall through every twist and turn. The climax of that novel; with Drizzt watching from afar and believing his oldest friend doomed with the collapse of the tower; left me with only one thought as I waited one the follow up novels: Drizzt was a true hero to all races.
Skin color, prejudice, and stereotypes did not affect his actions or decisions. He simply did what was right, regardless of who he was helping or hurting. This struck a cord within me. Though I have never been someone to exclude and or discriminate against anyone for any reason, I was all too aware that it does occur all over the world and very often.
So I made a conscience decision to always remain open minded and to always seek to do what is right for others and not to put my own selfish desires ahead of the needs of others. If one who has undergone so many trials and hardships, and withstood so much discrimination aimed his way, can still look past ignorance and false understandings to do what is right for others then I can as well.
So now here I am, nearly thirteen years later, still following that code that was instilled into me by Drizzt so long ago. And has only grown stronger as I have read all of the other novels written by R.A. Salvatore and have learned to see things from many angles and perspectives, to know that not everyone has had the benefit of a loving family or kind friends to help them grow and learn. Whether I win the signed copy of "Archmage" or not, I simply grateful for having learned to trust in my friends and family and to live my life with the sole purpose of not bringing more harm or hate into this world but instead trying to defeat some of that hate and bring about love and kindness.
R.A. Salvatore has written many stories but my favorites included the adventures of a Drow that everyone one knows, Drizzt Do'Urden. I have to admit I was saddened when the trilogy ended. I read those books back in my younger day and am now 40 years old. I have read many books since then but those stories were the best.
The characters in that series really looked adversity in the face and never gave up. Being a D&D player since the early 80’s, these books really spoke to me about the magic in using your imagination and gaming with your friends with the old pen and paper game. But it also just deepened my love of gaming in general on consoles and pc but especially the fantasy games and more importantly D&D games like Neverwinter, which I had to become a founder back in beta days.
Why is this love of gaming deserving of a signed copy of a book from one of my most beloved authors? Because in 1993 I started college but had to drop out in my second year to take care of family. Now, 22 years after I first started college I am back in college to finish my degree that I started long ago, Software Dev/ Game Design so that I could help bring to life creations such as R.A. Salvatore’s so that people that do not read may still experience these epic tales. To those readers out there that still like to read a great book whether paper or the now days digital, (I am one heck of a techie but still love my paper books) players will get to experience tales and adventures that they fondly remember but within a rapidly advancing medium.
Without the likes of R.A. Salvatore I do not think I would have been able to do what I have done and get back into school. Adversity is out their but we can all stare it in the face and control our own destinies.
I was raised by my grandparents. My mom and dad were too into their own drama to care about me and my siblings. When I was 16 I lost my grandfather to a heart attack and two years later my grandmother died while undergoing simple outpatient surgery. I was lost and alone in the world with no one to really turn to. i had to move in with my mom in a different town so I lost all my old friends and such (way before there was anything resembling social networks). This comic book and gaming store opened up in my local mall and I soon became a mall rat. This little store had everything that i was looking for. I already had a lifelong obsession with fantasy and science fiction from the comics I read growing up. And there it was the Icewind Dale Trilogy. The cover intrigued me so i went ahead and bought it. One of the best stories I had ever read in my life and I wanted more. Then I found the Dark Elf trilogy.
That story more than any other touched me. I felt alone and out of place in the world I lived in, and Drizzt courage and perseverance showed me that nothing is impossible. These stories lead me to Dungeons and Dragons which in turn lead me to meet new people. I felt new again. I made friends with whom I enjoyed exciting adventures and great times. I have lost contact with a few of these friends over the years, however I still meet new people that share my passion.
Another character with whom I identify is Pikel. Most of my characters are druids. I have always felt a closeness with nature another way i relax is to take long walks through forests of which there are plenty where I live. And Pikel, like Drizzt, worked hard to get where he wanted to be. It all gave me hope and a way to escape the often harshness of reality and it's all thanks to Mr. Salvatore.
I have read the whole entire Drizzt Do'Urden series from book 1 Homeland to The Last Threshold and while reading all of these books they have inspired me to go after my dreams. I am currently trying to get into the military and all my co workers and major part of my family keep trying to dishearten me from going in, but I wont give up. I personally can relate to Drizzt from how he represents Honor, True Friendship, Noble and Compassionate. From reading these book on how Drizzt only friend in the beginning Guenhwyvar who helps keep his inner strength from diminishing, I have learned to not listen to those who try to prevent me from reaching my goals, and keep pushing forward, to keep chasing after my goals even if I have to do so alone. I know eventually I will reach my goal just like Drizzt when he gains his other friends who form the Companions of the Hall.
I have come from a long line of those who join and serve in the military and I have the up most respect for those who serve and protect our country. At first I was terrified of the thought of joining but I keep reminding myself that yes its scary but its worth the sacrifice to protect those who you love and cherish. People ask what are you willing to sacrifice to gain freedom, and I keep thinking of what Drizzt sacrifice to gain his freedom. He sacrifice his heritage from an evil race, he suffered being hated by all those who saw him only as a drow and not as the noble ranger he was, he tolerated those who would rather kill him instead of truly get to know him. So if a fictional character can sacrifice and suffer all that for true freedom, than I say I am willing to sacrifice years of my life I once I make it into the military to live in a country were we can have freedom from tyranny.
You asked how R.A. Salvatore books inspired our own personal life's. This is how he has inspired me never to give up on personal goals, never let anyone diminish your dreams of what you want to be and do. That there is inner strength and outer strength that everyone has but only so few know how to keep their resolve and to never let it waver. From seeing how a single drow who turned his back on his race to embrace those who would shun him, and yet he protected them, fought for them and became friends to them. I believe than anyone deserves to be seen as who they truly are on the inside than on the outside.
R. A. Salvatore’s books have influenced me as a Dungeon Master in my Advanced Dungeons & Dragons gaming group and as an illustrator. Salvatore presents dangerous and beautiful landscapes populated by fascinating characters with well-developed and surprising personalities. This inspires me in my own creative process as great works of art have. I have had great fun with my drawings and imaginings, inspired by my readings. The fantasy genre contributes to society by encouraging the use of imagination. Creative thinking is what betters the human experience and Salvatore has improved my experience with his creativity. These books have also inspired my life by enriching it. Though the companions may only exist as stories, it feels like I am visiting old friends when I read about them. Though I may only be there as an observer, I feel like I get to tag along for a journey of the self when I read about them. Following Drizzt on his path has inspired me to meet life with courage and hope, even when the road seems so dark that it may not emerge into light. Salvatore details, both externally and internally, how Drizzt’s convictions carry him through dark days and into the light to emerge stronger than before. The external struggle manifests as expertly choreographed battles and chaotic turns in the road. The internal struggle is poetically punctuated by Drizzt’s journal evoking the challenges and questions found in the heart. I am inspired to do the same as I follow the story. I feel like I struggle with the characters to cope with the ugliness that is in the world and its effects on the individual. The Companions allow me to gain valuable new perspectives as they react to challenges, grow, and find strength in one another. This story has become a treasured memory to me and I look forward to returning to Salvatore’s world for more adventures.
The team is reading over the entries now. Thanks for submitting! We'll announce the winners later today.
Call me Andy (or Strum, or Spider-Man)! Follow Neverwinter on Twitter: NeverwinterGame Like Neverwinter on Facebook: Neverwinter Follow me on Twitter: StrumSlinger
Also, sorry for not following up on the EU shipment, but I asked once again and it's still a no.
Call me Andy (or Strum, or Spider-Man)! Follow Neverwinter on Twitter: NeverwinterGame Like Neverwinter on Facebook: Neverwinter Follow me on Twitter: StrumSlinger
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Call me Andy (or Strum, or Spider-Man)! Follow Neverwinter on Twitter: NeverwinterGame Like Neverwinter on Facebook: Neverwinter Follow me on Twitter: StrumSlinger
Comments
I am girl who grew up in an urban neighborhood. I inevitably heard of Dungeons and dragons as a child growing up and completely dismissed it as a boring dull game for geeks and older people who weren't up in video games times. I never understood the game or the way it worked because I literally never knew anyone who played it. the closest I had ever come to it was an episode of big bang theory. lol with that said I must include that I had always played fantasy video games like the legend of dragoon and finally fantasy.
Reading has been a favorite pastime of mine for my entire life. I struggled with friends because I never liked other girls and boys only wanted me for one thing so books were my escape. I have other reasons that I don't wish to discuss but ultimately a dance at Marie Antoinette's wedding or a stroll through London in 1891 following the cold scent of a clue was my idea of a good day lol. I was always into mysteries and historical fiction. For a few years I had been going through a lot of struggles and changes in my life and wasn't able to settle down with a book. every book I tried was uninteresting and every time I sat to read one my mind would wander and I couldn't get through even my favorite books.
3 years ago I met my husband. He has brought joy and love into my life that I never thought I would find. he is a D&D GEEK!!! for the first year of our relationship I used to make fun of his d&d life because he is 14 years older than me and I like to tease that he is an old man still stuck in the 80s. He had introduced me to a game called Skyrim. I was INSTANLTY hooked. I admit to having lost 3 months of my life in Skyrim. talking to my husband about it as if I knew the characters personally. He said to me if you love Skyrim so much how do you not like D&D? I confessed that I knew nothing of it. the fact that he compared it to Skyrim was what opened my mind up to it. In that time he told me of the author R. A. Salvator. He told me he loved these books and was looking to reestablish his collection of them. As a gift I bought him the NeverWinter Trilogy. He suggested I read them.
Had someone suggested I read these books before he introduced me to the exciting world of dungeons and dragons I probably would have said no. but I decided I would try them and enter this world my husband loved so much. I became a fan right away. it was the first book I had read in years and I didn't think I would be able to remain interested. Not only was I interested but I was in love. since then I have been endeavoring to read them all. There are over 30 books and I am on exile now witch would make this my 5th Salvator book.
I am now because of R.A Salvator a HUGE fan of the underground cities of the drow. the intimate understanding of the internal battles of drizzt do'urden. the excitement of his fights and the beautiful detail of the world created for him to roam. it has opened up an entire world for me to escape to and feel like I am a part of. I now go with my husbands to conventions and we love to dress up for cosplay events. I spend a lot of time alone as a housewife and to be able to disappear into the exciting land of toril has been a way of traveling to places I could only go in my dreams. Books have always been an escape for me and this new world I get to experience has helped me to meet friends and do things I would never have thought to do before. Basically I found a piece of myself I didn't know existed. A part of my imagination i thought was lost and locked away. I credit both R.A. Salvator and my husband for introducing me to a life long love and hobby I may never have understood. Now I think I'm more of an enthusiast than he is!
I may be very far behind in the life and adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden and his companions but I have so much to look forward to and I am excited by every minute. When I get a chance to meet R.A Salvator I think I will be star struck and ill have to tell him what I'm sure he already knows. His books give us something to look forward to and friends to keep "in contact" with. My husband has been eagerly awaiting Archmage and as much as I want to read it I will wait until I catch up. But my husband is a Libra and it would make us both extremely happy if I could give him the birthday gift of the next book with the signature of his and now mine favorite author. Sorry for the long winded post lol
We Love R.A Salvator!
But instantly my mind craved adventure and it craved for an escape from the ordinary and mundane world of middle school. I latched onto every word about Drizzt, Bruenor, and ever King Obould. In my mind's eye I was there among the Companions of the Hall through every twist and turn. The climax of that novel; with Drizzt watching from afar and believing his oldest friend doomed with the collapse of the tower; left me with only one thought as I waited one the follow up novels: Drizzt was a true hero to all races.
Skin color, prejudice, and stereotypes did not affect his actions or decisions. He simply did what was right, regardless of who he was helping or hurting. This struck a cord within me. Though I have never been someone to exclude and or discriminate against anyone for any reason, I was all too aware that it does occur all over the world and very often.
So I made a conscience decision to always remain open minded and to always seek to do what is right for others and not to put my own selfish desires ahead of the needs of others. If one who has undergone so many trials and hardships, and withstood so much discrimination aimed his way, can still look past ignorance and false understandings to do what is right for others then I can as well.
So now here I am, nearly thirteen years later, still following that code that was instilled into me by Drizzt so long ago. And has only grown stronger as I have read all of the other novels written by R.A. Salvatore and have learned to see things from many angles and perspectives, to know that not everyone has had the benefit of a loving family or kind friends to help them grow and learn. Whether I win the signed copy of "Archmage" or not, I simply grateful for having learned to trust in my friends and family and to live my life with the sole purpose of not bringing more harm or hate into this world but instead trying to defeat some of that hate and bring about love and kindness.
The characters in that series really looked adversity in the face and never gave up. Being a D&D player since the early 80’s, these books really spoke to me about the magic in using your imagination and gaming with your friends with the old pen and paper game. But it also just deepened my love of gaming in general on consoles and pc but especially the fantasy games and more importantly D&D games like Neverwinter, which I had to become a founder back in beta days.
Why is this love of gaming deserving of a signed copy of a book from one of my most beloved authors? Because in 1993 I started college but had to drop out in my second year to take care of family. Now, 22 years after I first started college I am back in college to finish my degree that I started long ago, Software Dev/ Game Design so that I could help bring to life creations such as R.A. Salvatore’s so that people that do not read may still experience these epic tales. To those readers out there that still like to read a great book whether paper or the now days digital, (I am one heck of a techie but still love my paper books) players will get to experience tales and adventures that they fondly remember but within a rapidly advancing medium.
Without the likes of R.A. Salvatore I do not think I would have been able to do what I have done and get back into school. Adversity is out their but we can all stare it in the face and control our own destinies.
That story more than any other touched me. I felt alone and out of place in the world I lived in, and Drizzt courage and perseverance showed me that nothing is impossible. These stories lead me to Dungeons and Dragons which in turn lead me to meet new people. I felt new again. I made friends with whom I enjoyed exciting adventures and great times. I have lost contact with a few of these friends over the years, however I still meet new people that share my passion.
Another character with whom I identify is Pikel. Most of my characters are druids. I have always felt a closeness with nature another way i relax is to take long walks through forests of which there are plenty where I live. And Pikel, like Drizzt, worked hard to get where he wanted to be. It all gave me hope and a way to escape the often harshness of reality and it's all thanks to Mr. Salvatore.
I have come from a long line of those who join and serve in the military and I have the up most respect for those who serve and protect our country. At first I was terrified of the thought of joining but I keep reminding myself that yes its scary but its worth the sacrifice to protect those who you love and cherish. People ask what are you willing to sacrifice to gain freedom, and I keep thinking of what Drizzt sacrifice to gain his freedom. He sacrifice his heritage from an evil race, he suffered being hated by all those who saw him only as a drow and not as the noble ranger he was, he tolerated those who would rather kill him instead of truly get to know him. So if a fictional character can sacrifice and suffer all that for true freedom, than I say I am willing to sacrifice years of my life I once I make it into the military to live in a country were we can have freedom from tyranny.
You asked how R.A. Salvatore books inspired our own personal life's. This is how he has inspired me never to give up on personal goals, never let anyone diminish your dreams of what you want to be and do. That there is inner strength and outer strength that everyone has but only so few know how to keep their resolve and to never let it waver. From seeing how a single drow who turned his back on his race to embrace those who would shun him, and yet he protected them, fought for them and became friends to them. I believe than anyone deserves to be seen as who they truly are on the inside than on the outside.
These books have also inspired my life by enriching it. Though the companions may only exist as stories, it feels like I am visiting old friends when I read about them. Though I may only be there as an observer, I feel like I get to tag along for a journey of the self when I read about them. Following Drizzt on his path has inspired me to meet life with courage and hope, even when the road seems so dark that it may not emerge into light. Salvatore details, both externally and internally, how Drizzt’s convictions carry him through dark days and into the light to emerge stronger than before. The external struggle manifests as expertly choreographed battles and chaotic turns in the road. The internal struggle is poetically punctuated by Drizzt’s journal evoking the challenges and questions found in the heart. I am inspired to do the same as I follow the story. I feel like I struggle with the characters to cope with the ugliness that is in the world and its effects on the individual. The Companions allow me to gain valuable new perspectives as they react to challenges, grow, and find strength in one another. This story has become a treasured memory to me and I look forward to returning to Salvatore’s world for more adventures.
Call me Andy (or Strum, or Spider-Man)!
Follow Neverwinter on Twitter: NeverwinterGame
Like Neverwinter on Facebook: Neverwinter
Follow me on Twitter: StrumSlinger
Call me Andy (or Strum, or Spider-Man)!
Follow Neverwinter on Twitter: NeverwinterGame
Like Neverwinter on Facebook: Neverwinter
Follow me on Twitter: StrumSlinger
Call me Andy (or Strum, or Spider-Man)!
Follow Neverwinter on Twitter: NeverwinterGame
Like Neverwinter on Facebook: Neverwinter
Follow me on Twitter: StrumSlinger