Update: Congrats to jprdrizzt and bourgaultnation! Please check your inboxes!
As you know, R.A. Salvatore signed two copies of his new book Archmage on stream – it was his first time doing something like that! We also said we would be holding a contest to see who gets those prized copies and that contest is here. We want only the truest of Salvatore fans to own them, so here’s how it’ll work: simply tell us how his stories have inspired your own life.
Here are the rules:
- Only adventurers in the continental U.S. can win a copy.
- It must be at least two paragraphs longs (at least twelve sentences total).
- All entries must be on the official forum topic below.
- Entries will be accepted until October 16, 2015 at 11:59PM PDT.
- Winners will be announced on October 20, 2015.
Thank you for continuing to support not only Neverwinter, but R.A. Salvatore himself. We look forward to seeing how he’s inspired you in one way or another.
http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/neverwinter/news/detail/9567243
Call me Andy (or Strum, or Spider-Man)!
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Any of my comments not posted in orange are based on my own personal opinion and not official.
Any messages written in orange are official moderation messages. Signature images are now fixed!
Any of my comments not posted in orange are based on my own personal opinion and not official.
Any messages written in orange are official moderation messages. Signature images are now fixed!
One thought is that if this is a US first edition not yet available outside the States, then the Publishers might have vetoed shipping copies overseas. I cannot believe Cryptic are so strapped for cash that the shipping costs would have posed a real problem.
Now I am a full time musician and music video director who has been fortunate through hard work to achieve a level of success that has freed me from having to submit to the pressures of pursuing something that was not within my own heart. Through Drizzt Do'Urden own stories I found some common bond that I could relate to that inspired me, that you never give up the fight no matter how bad the odds, you have to continue to follow your heart and keep going until you reach your destination.
opalsunsParagon Gaming
Convincing some high school friends (we were around the age of 13-14) to try this out with me, a few of us pitched in together to buy a Player's Handbook, a Dungeon Master's Guide, and a campaign setting to work with: The Bloodstone Lands.
As the one with the most drive to start up our own gaming group, I took the initiative to read all of the rules and really dive into the Bloodstone Lands. A few days later, we all sat down for our very first adventure.... and despite some drawbacks, a few deaths (oops), and much hilarity, we were all thoroughly hooked.
27 years later, we still occasionally get together to game, and are all still very close friends, having been together and seen each other through high school, university, weddings, the birth of children, and even go through the loss of some of our friends and co-workers, and struggle alongside one of our gamer's battle with cancer a few years back. And through it all, it was Bob's wonderful writing of that 2nd edition campaign setting that gave us that initial spark that started us on our own little sojourn
Blades high, Bob.
PS - Canadian here, so ineligible for the contest, but wanted to share this nonetheless.
I also learned as I entered adulthood that no matter how badly we want something, no matter how much we have a dream, or a vision of our life, it doesn't always work out that way. And I remember reading that first trilogy, and being able to relate, knowing I could compare a lot of it to my own past. As I discovered more of Mr. Salvatore's books, I read them, often voraciously, and always more than once. And just as Drizzt, Bruenor, and even Zaknafein experienced life altering changes, and became better versions of themselves in some way, I too discovered joyful change. I now work in a field that I honestly never envisioned myself in, yet I love nonetheless.
Regardless of whether I win or lose, I tip my hat to Mr. Salvatore. And I thank him for so many fond memories. I have started perhaps 20 or 30 novels of my own over the years, but never seem to be able to finish them. Perhaps I will begin reading his books again, and perhaps I will find the inspiration to push forward, and actually try to see one published. Regardless, I thank you, sir.
One way around those rules (for some countries) are to make it a competition, by having the participants answer a question correctly to be eligble to win, no matter how easy it is...
So yes, I would say that Salvatore influenced my life, by giving me something to look to, and regain faith that life can be fantastic.
His characters inspired me to take a few more chances, and it was partially due to one of R.A. Salvatore's quotes that a big part of my life changed. I'd been in my high school marching band for 3 years, and one of my pipe dreams was to be drum major. My junior year, my director held tryouts, and a pre-requisite for these tryouts was to write a paper, including a quote that inspires us. I used one of Salvatore's quotes in my paper, and my explanation of how he's affected my life helped me to win drum major - it was an absolutely amazing feeling, and Salvatore's characters helped give me the courage to actually try out. The morning before the audition I finished the Icewind Dale Trilogy for the second time, and I strode in confidently, recalling the strengths in even the most unlikely of heroes.
Salvatore's works have certainly influenced my life for the better - I even have more to talk to my mother about!
As far as how they've influenced me and my life I have been taught much about friendship and what it means to be a friend. They have shown me that being true to one's self is always the best way and the love and respect you get from people is more genuine because of it. They have helped me to accept people for who they are, all of their greatness and faults. They have shown me the power of a selfless heart and that the actions of a just hero can influence and change things. These books have influenced me and have help mold me into a man I am proud to be. In fact I have bought several copies of these books and passed them on to friends and family, not only because of the great writing and awesome stories in them but more so for the hope I have of them influencing the people I give them to the way they have influenced me
This brings me to the next thing you should know about me, my faith. I spent many (if not most) of my younger years (20's) researching, and learning about all the varies religious beliefs found through out the world. I was attempting to figure out what religion (if any) was most inline with my personal beliefs (in order to validate them, as well as, to bring them more into focus), and was backed by factual (not theoretical) scientific evidence. This exhaustive search has yielded to me invaluable knowledge/insight about the entire world and everything on it. However, I will not go into what I discovered as it is a journey that each of us much embark on for ourselves.
Another big part of who I am comes from those that are closest to me, my friends and family. I have 5 children (4 daughters, and a son), and an amazing wife. My father was and still is my hero. He is a true bona fide cowboy in every sense of the word. He taught me how to be tough (to get back up when I've been knocked down), how to rope/ride (literally), and how important it is to keep your word (your word is your bond). My mother was the glue that held my entire family together. We moved around a lot as a result of my father being a cowboy, and no matter where we moved my mother always made it feel like home. She taught me the importance of family. Finally there are my many friends. If it wasn't for my friends I never would have read any of R.A. Salvatore's books. Nor would I have been able to relate to so many of the characters within those books. Needless to say, all of my friends/family have helped to mold me into a far better person that I believe I ever could have been without them. They taught me patience, compassion, respect, understanding, forgiveness, and greatest of all "LOVE"!
Finally, prior to joining the military (and just after high school) I attended college full time while working a full time job. Unfortunately, at the time I just didn't know myself well enough to determine what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. That realization came almost 14 years later (and in case you are wondering, no it has nothing to do with the military). Oh how I envy those lucky few who, at a young age, were granted the gift of knowing who they were, and where they fit in life.
When I first started reading R.A. Salvatore's "The Dark Elf Trilogy" (which was the very first one I read) I felt like I was looking into a mirror (metaphorically speaking). Like his character "Drizzt" I felt like things just weren't right in my life. Like I wasn't where I needed to be (in mind or body). So as I continued to read certain truths became clear to me. Of course, being in the military at the time (and having signed on the proverbial dotted line) I couldn't just simply leave as Drizzt had done. Though I was able to make certain choices for myself that ultimately changed my life's entire trajectory. I was able to (via a journey not unlike that of Drizzt) discover my true self, and where I fit in life. It was hard at times, and I still have a long way to go (hopefully!), but I wouldn't trade it for the world. That being said, thank you Mr. Salvatore for all the many stories (aka. ideas, truths, life lessons, experiences, ect...) that you have written over the years. Whether you intended to or not you have bolstered my personal beliefs, and have helped to bring clarity into a world that so desperately needs it. Your books may be labeled as fantasy, but they are clearly based on reality.
Call me Andy (or Strum, or Spider-Man)!
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After I moved, it was very hard to stay in contact with my friends, but we still had Salvatore's books in common. It was what tied us together across the miles, what held our friendship together, at least for me. A few months ago, I found out that one of those friends, Clint, the one who had first lent me these wonderful books, had died. He was in a marine boot camp, not to be a soldier, but to be a combat journalist. Unfortunately, something went wrong during a live fire drill, and he was killed. It was really hard for me for a while, but I had Salvatore's books to fall back on, the things that tied me and my friend Clint together. These books, this writing, helped me get through one of the most difficult periods of my life, and I will be forever thankful for them, and for Salvatore himself.
SW - Lanfear, GWF - Krivnaar, OP - K'aathorn, DC - Allegria, CW - Mierin Eronaille
jhp
Thru the works of R.A.S. and the universe of forgotten realms the creative part of my mind was awoken. I had something to connect with, and once others saw me reading we had something to talk about. It was the gateway to meeting some of the people whom I still know to this day from my high school experience. I found a girl who is strong and independent like Catti-brie, but not too good with a bow (yet ; P). And we have a common bond in literature, trading books back and forth. Without the background from books like these from my younger years, I don't know who I may have become... But I can say, im happy with who I am now.
Thank you,
-Quazakaharet
I would like to acknowledge the place that R.A. Salvatore's books have made in my life and book collection (and the adverse effect on my wallet!).
As a Sci-Fi and fantasy genre fan, I always looked for new and exciting authors. And found The Crystal Shard back in '88 - it was so enjoyable as a heroic (& moral) tale and the characters so vivid it was a real wrench to have to wait for the 2nd in the trilogy. And that has been the pattern ever since, eagerly leaping on the next book out, read in a couple of days and start scanning when the next one is due out.
His books have been a constant background to my life over the last 27 years, and I reread as often as I can (this year from start to current book). It's a familiar and comforting thing to return to and now I have ebooks my copy of the Crystal Shard may survive without finally falling apart!
Friendship, perseverance and sheer stubborn minded refusal to take the easy path. Heroic acts, deaths, rebirths and cities falling - who couldn't love that? And want that level of interaction and love between friends in their own lives?
Characters other than the main ones whose motives are clear (if not altogether good or even neutral) and feel a vital cog in the world around them. Oh, and Dark Elves in all their twisted glory - superb.
My world of entertainment and imagination has been vastly enriched by his books, enough that I have attempted my own writings and poetry - salute and thank you.
I am still in the process of reading all of his books. I started reading them at the end of last year. Like I said I never was into reading before reading the few books I have of Salvatore's. But the few I have read have influenced my life and I hope the more I read the they influence my life. I am so grateful that my dad had introduced me to these books and for R.A. Salvatore writing such wonderful books.
1.The Customs Duty on books from the USA to most European countries is 0%. Since each country can have different taxes i would advise to check for the TARIC information, there one can find more detailed information, it varies on a broad range. VAT is the lowest for books! (International agreements)
2. They can see if their costs are better, if sent directly to the recipient or to an EU HQ.
3. I would also advise to post it as "Gift".
Best advise, check TARIC and you can keep costs nearly as low as you would send it to a US citizen.
Sorry that's all i could say from my location.
Robert E. Lee
I only believe in statistics that I doctored myself.
Winston Churchill
The human race is a herd. Here we are, unique, eternal aspects of consciousness with an infinity of potential, and we have allowed ourselves to become an unthinking, unquestioning blob of conformity and uniformity. A herd. Once we concede to the herd mentality, we can be controlled and directed by a tiny few. And we are.
David Icke
Then his introspection sections at the beginning of chapters/sections from the viewpoint of Drizzt are unexpectedly philosophical and thought provoking. Not many books I can think of about elves and dwarves have made me step back and think about who I am and what I want to be.
Finally, his characters and their personalities. The range of his characters, from the main companions, to the stereotypical Dward Thibbledorf and the anti-stereotypical Pikel and everyone else in between has inspired me to attempt to write my own tales. I have a rough outline of my story and characters and while I've avoided outright copying the works of R.A., I've pulled some of the broader ideas about breaking characters out of their shells and having them be unexpected to hopefully help me write my own tale.
I've always dreamed of being a writer since I was young; I would dream and think of characters in my head and write them on paper, however they never stuck out to me. I read novels to find inspiration; many characters have stood out and left an impression on my mind, but none more so than Bruenor Battlehammer of Mithral Hall. After reading one of Salvatore's novels (mind it was my first novel from Forgotten Realms) I found traits that I wanted my own characters to have and myself to have in life. Passion, loyalty, faith in self and others, these are the traits I admired most and I have found that my characters in these times take after Bruenor quite a bit. For example my latest character Eric who spends most of his time playing games and staying inside for most of his life: has found people he cares for and will stand by them no matter what befalls himself. I've found a new passion for my work and now have my own want and courage to have my work become a reality, and I owe it to R.A. Salvatore.
As the sons of military men are want to do, I enlisted about a year out of high school. As I soon discovered, life as an Infantryman in the Army was much different than that of a Mechanic in the Air Force. When my unit deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in ’00-’01, I brought my copies of “The Legacy” and “Starless Nights” with me. On those occasions when we would have a little down time, a few of my fellow soldiers and I would meet up and play D&D. One such evening, the books I had tucked away were brought up in conversation. Marsoleck not only urged me to read them, but also gifted me a copy of “The Halflings Gem.” Naturally, I finally gave them a read.
When I returned from Bosnia-Herzegovina, I deployed to South Korea for a year. Afterwards, I was assigned to Ft. Benning, Ga. It was when I arrived at Ft. Benning when I began buying one of the collectors’ volumes of Drizzts’ tales each month, as well as “The Cleric’s Quintet.” I devoured them as quickly as I brought them home, burning through each entire collectors’ tome in three days. Afterwards, they would get filed away on the shelves to collect dust once more.
It wasn’t until after the Army, (when I found myself sitting in a world I didn’t recognize or understand anymore) that I found myself desiring a new book to read, but no money to buy one. My wife looked at me and said, “You should reread an old book.” I gave her a look like she had a hole in her lip that was leaking something I couldn’t identify. “Why would I wanna do that?” I asked her incredulously. She simply returned the look coupled with a sly smile and went on with her day. After stewing for a while, I grudgingly picked up my copy of “The Dark Elf Trilogy” and cracked her open, taking care not to allow the cobwebs to fall into my coffee. The spirit invaded my body and took up residence; I read urgently until I finished the book, and went right into “The Icewind Dale” Trilogy. I kept reading, day after day, all the way up to “The Two Swords” (as it was the newest at the time). I had to go purchase that one in order to continue reading. I laughed. I cried. I could hear the ring of steel on steel and taste the coppery blood and smell the musty air and mushroom spores of the Underdark and see the battles raging in my mind’s eye… But most of all, I could relate.
I can relate to the pain Drizzt must have felt growing up in an abusive home with those few beacons of hope to let him know his conscious was guiding him on the right path. I can relate to the frustrations of being a stranger and an outsider in a foreign land (unable to even speak the language) and the feeling of not having a place in the world; that forever quest to find home. I can relate to the turmoil and rage Wulfgar experienced upon his return from the Abyss. And to the solace he found in the bottom of a bottle. And to the struggle to climb out of that bottle. And to the sense of victory when you realize you cannot climb out, but must break the bottle. I can also relate to how those trials and tribulations can be positively overwhelmed by the sheer power of the bond between men and women that are united not just in mind, but in heart; family and blood are not synonymous. If these tales have inspired anything in me, it is to keep going. Especially when the odds are stacked against you. If not for them, I probably wouldn’t be here to write this. Thanks, Mr. Salvatore.
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.