The Raymond E. Feist Internet Resource Index
http://www.unc.edu/~smrussel/Feist_Resources.html

NEWS ARCHIVE 1
8/26/98 - 2/24/99

Missing in Action
6:20 pm
Once again, just as a major event occurs (the closing of PyroTechnix), I have to be out of town for the weekend. I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon, and will be back Sunday afternoon. When I return I'll post all the current news on this sad turn of events.

Digest Unavailable
6:15 pm
Richard Williamson, who operates the FEISTFANS-L Digest Site, posted this message to the list today:

As I've just been volunteered to visit a partner's office in Nuernberg (Erlangen, actually), Germany for an extended visit, the daily Digest update is not going to happen for several (days? weeks? femtofortnights?).

More Krondor News
9:45 pm
Most of the major gaming news sites are reporting Sierra's consolidation. Among the cuts announced was the end to InterAction magazine, so all of us who were surprised to get a free subscription with the preview CD included in Krondor the Betrayal or through registering RtK, well... we're out of luck. In his usually cryptic fashion, Ray posted this to the list regarding all the turmoil:

I'll have an announcement in a couple of days.

My initial interpretation of that statement? I think the license will survive, being shipped off to another company. But that is only speculation, and we will all have to wait and hope that there will be future Krondor games.

Krondor Games in Jeopardy?
3:30 pm
Once again, it seems the curse of business instability has threatened CRPG's based in Midkemia. Desslock's RPG News and CNN are reporting that Sierra will undergo a major reorganization, with such divisions as PyroTechnix being consolidated. Here's what the CNN article says:

Pyrontechnix, a recent acquisition, produced the recent Return to Krondor, but Grenewetzki said, "We're not looking for that series to go on."

Hopefully we will soon hear from Ray some official word on all this. Until then, lets home that the license survives in one form or another.

New Return to Krondor Review
3:20 pm
GamesMania has posted its review of RtK, following the trend of mediocre reviews. It rated the game 6.5 out of 10. Here's the skinny:

They say the real fun is the journey, not the destination. This is very true of Return to Krondor. You will probably enjoy it as you play, but be stunned as that ending comes out of almost nowhere, leaving you with an inventory of wondrous goodies that don't seem to count. Up until this ending it is a good game, though weak in comparison to fare such as Baldur's Gate (which owes a little inspiration to Betrayal at Krondor) or even Sierra's own King's Quest: Mask of Eternity.

It is better than the annoying wannabe Betrayal in Antara, but not up to the new standards of Baldur's Gate. Perhaps my expectations were just a little too high. After all, we did wait for it for a long time. Or perhaps this is yet another title rushed out before its full potential was realized.

Feist Interview
3:15 pm
I was sent this note by Raechel Henderson:

[I] thought I'd let you know that a new interview with Raymond Feist is in The Goblin Market.  He talks about the D&D influence in his books and the nature of his characters. A snippet of it is online at <http://www.eggplant-productions.com/goblin/>

Poll Results
10:15 am
The results of the poll are in. 62% of you thought the Riftwar Saga had the best characters, 22% preferred the Serpentwar Saga's, and 16% thought Mara & company were the most interesting. The new poll is "Which Feist game is better?"

New Sites
10:10 am
There are two new Feist sites online. They both have general information, such as book lists, biographies, etc. The two sites are The Hall of Worlds and Sorcerer's Isle.

System Requirements for Next Game
10:00 am
Ray posted this bit about the next PC game:

As for the valatility of the console market vs. PC's, the problem stems from PC's being a "fixed" platform.  We already know what the likely minimum for the next Krondor game are going to be: 266 Mhtz PII or Celeron _with_ hardware acceleration.  By the time the game ships, people at the top of the curve will be using 450-500 mhtz machines with 64 or 128 bit acclerators, etc.  But it's going to be Windows, and the development tools are well known.

The Year in RPG's
2:05 pm
Warzone has posted an article titled The Year in Role Playing, which examines the major RPG releases of the past year, including Return to Krondor.

The Next Book
9:00 pm
Ray posted these two messages about the status of Krondor: The Assassins, the next book in the Riftwar Legacy:

No flames.  I don't know.  It was supposed to be handed in this month, but it's going to be late.  I'd say look for it in the fall.

The next book is "Krondor: The Assasins," as "Murder in Krondor" was likely to get the book racked in murder mysteries, among the less well informed vendors.

Vault Network Review
12:45 pm
This is a bit late, but the Vault Network has posted a very comprehensive review of Return to Krondor. Here's the skinny:

Although the game was shorter than I was expecting, the story was engaging and well-written. Due in large part to the talents of Feist and the chapter structure of the game, the plot moved along quickly and kept me interested the whole time. The ending will certainly come as a bit of a surprise (although one could debate whether this was the original one envisioned for the game…), and sets things up nicely for a possible sequel.

Overall, it appears to me that Return to Krondor did not benefit from its long development cycle, and that the end product is not the ambitious game the team set out to make three years ago. I suspect that when Sierra bought the license back, their primary interest was to finish it as soon as possible and to get the team working on a new Krondor game. Rushing to get the game out the door might help explain the uneven pacing in the second half of the game.

Return to Krondor is not the game I think most fans were looking forward to. It seems more a polished "work in progress" than anything else. However, I know the team that created the game is capable of bigger and better things. Here's hoping that the next Krondor game, due out in late 2000, with live up to the high standards fans expect.

Site Updates
12:25 pm
Updated the FEISTFANS-L Members Listing with all submissions received since mid-January.

PC Gameworld Review
2:05 pm
PC Gameworld has posted their review of Return to Krondor, giving it a 78% rating:

I've only been hard on this game because I know the story in and out and I expected more. Complaints aside I really liked the game and I would recommend it. The fights are fun, and it has an option that if you don't feel like thinking you can just press the C button and the computer will fight for you (nice.) The graphics are great. Great models, and great lighting make for good fights. The environment graphics are really nice as well. Lots of thought went into detail. There is a good amount of things to see (although much of it is in chapter 3 just like in Btk where you get lost in the sewers.) Above all, if you're a fan of Raymond E. Feist get this game just for the coolness factor.

Poll Results
6:10 pm
I've reset the poll. The new topic: "Which series has better characters?" The results from the previous poll were overwhelming: 88% of you enjoyed Return to Krondor..

Midkemian Age Timeline Updated
6:05 pm
Canaan Machida sent me this note about the Midkemian Age Timeline:

Just an update on my website.  I've recently updated my Character Age's page to include Ray's latest book "Krondor the Betrayal".  I'm also going throught the series again (my 10th time?) to refine my research and the page.

PC Gamer Publishes Review
6:00 pm
It took 'em a while, but PC Gamer has finally published their review of Return to Krondor. They gave it an 80%. Here's the beef:

Highs: Exciting story line; lots of items, spells, weapons, potions; great combat system.
Lows: Too short; camera angles make it difficult to navigate; inventory management gets tedious.
Bottom Line: If you're looking for a fun, quick, RPG with a good story, this is one to get.

The review is in the March 1999 issue, which hit newstands last week.

Interface Woes
10:15 pm
Computer Games Online has posted a new column by Andy Backer, which mentions several recent RPG's. Here's what he had to say about Return to Krondor:

Return to Krondor is also quite short for a CRPG (it only took me a week to play through) but Feist's story, characters and dialogue gleam with professional polish.

Krondor, however, has an interface that isn't very intuitive. Picking up objects, putting them in inventory, selecting spells, casting them and maneuvering around Krondor by using the map are tasks initially quite confusing to some players.

I called a friend who was just beginning to play Krondor and asked, "How's it going?"

She sighed, "I played an hour and quit."

"Just an hour?"

"I don't like to play games that make me feel stupid."

Adrenaline Vault Weighs In
10:30 pm
The Adrenaline Vault has posted its review of RtK, which expresses some disappointment, giving it three of five stars:

I consider Betrayal at Krondor to be one of the ten best CRPGs ever made, and it was with great anticipation that I waited for the Return. In the end the question that remains is: Have gamers been betrayed? Well I guess that depends on how you look at it. In the literal sense my final analysis is a resounding yes; this game is in no way worthy of being called a sequel. And in the fundamental sense, unfortunately there is so little of Betrayal here that if it weren't for a few of the names I'd never have known I was in Krondor.

The Next Game
2:00 pm
Ray posted this confusing bit about the future RPG's:

About 2 companies ago, that was the idea, but a lot of stuff got lost in the transition to Sierra. So there will not be a "Book 2," as originally planned.

In Absentia
10:55 am
Sorry that things have been so quiet around here this week, but as you might have guessed, SimCity 3000 was released, and it's very fun. I've spent most of my computer time playing it. I'll try to keep the pace here, too.

IGN PC Review
10:50 am
IGN PC has posted their review of Return to Krondor, giving it a 7.4. Note that the critic apparently hated BaK, but was more pleased with its older sibling:

While I don't think I'm going to rush right out and give Betrayal at Krondor another chance, Return to Krondor really delivers. I can forgive its shortcomings-the lack of any practical variety in the magic system or the characters-for the sake of its strengths-a satisfying, intelligent story and a really superb fighting system. Gameplay is frustrating at times but you'll get the hang of the interfaces soon enough. Although the story might not be any fun to read, it's a heck of a lot of fun if you're actually playing it. For those of you who might be turned off because of the poor magic system, I should say that the game offers three playing options that affect the balance between the game's emphasis on combat and magic. I was playing on the balanced level, which supposedly offers an even taste of each. You can always weight the game more or less heavily to the use of magic as you preference dictates.

Return to Krondor Strategy Guide
10:40 am
Much to my surprise, WON has posted a very complete walkthrough of RtK, complete with many pictures, that is apparently straight from the official Prima strategy guide.

A Hastily Written Editorial
10:40 am
Eysteinn Bjornsson, the webmaster of the excellent Betrayal at Krondor Help Web, wrote me a note asking me to delete the now broken links to The Betayal at Krondor Zone. Apparently, this site was a cut-and-paste copy of Eysteinn's. For those of you who are new to the internet, let me offer this advice: never, ever, copy parts of someone else's site for your own. It is incredibly bad style. Show some creativity and make your own content. If you wish something from another site was part of your own, then link to it. If you want to use a small bit of another site, ask permission from the site's webmaster to copy his work. Otherwise, respect people's intellectual property.

Contest Reminder
2:30 pm
This is just a reminder to those interested that Ray's contest will end in a few days. Here's his original post about it. Check the news archive for more information.

OK, you've been asking for it, and now you're getting it.

1) here's the deal:

We're starting preliminary discussions on a new game.  So, your mission, should you undertake it, is to create a sub-quest.

The subquest should be something that's clearly related to the larger issues of the game period, be interesting, and have a payoff beyond the obvious, I.E. get the really good sword, earn money, etc.

Is that tough enough for you?

Here's some even more perplexing limits.  You can't use ANY characters that I've created in the books.  The characters of the game, obviously, are who they are (as yet unnamed), so any NPC' you create must be new and original to you.  Also, you can't "follow up" on old story lines and themes from either the books or the games, so no "get the other great sword in Elvandar (from BaK)," or "find the other gobblin camp in the mountains," (from RtK), or "return to the Mac Mordain Cadal and see if Rhuarge left some treasure the dwarves missed (fat chance)."

2) here's the prize:

There's more than 1.

First prize will get a galley (I have to go digging to see which one's I have laying around.  I think I've got a Merchant Prince, but I'll have to go check).

Second prize will get an autographed book, either Krondor (if you already don't have it or you want it with an autograph) or the next one.

Third prizes (yes, plural) will get an autographed map of Midkemia created as a premium for RtK by Serra.  There will be at least 3 of those, if not more. (I'm feeling generious, but not too much--I've got to buy a price mailing tube to send those out. <g>).

OK, you have until January 31st to e-mail me your entry.  Do not post to the list until I say it's OK.

Here's what you have to stick at the bottom of the entry:

I hearby grant to Raymond E. Feist, Sierra Studio, it's heirs and assigns, the right to use the above material in any way they see fit, without further compensation or condition.  All character names, place names, and distinctive likenesses thereof are the exclusive property of Raymond E. Feist, The Bitter Sea Company, Midkemia Press, and/or Pyrotechnix, Inc., and/ or Sierra/Studio.

OK, there you go.  Knock yourself out.

Ray's personal email address is raymond@bittersea.com. Remember, though, that you should only send your contest entry to that address, not fan mail (keep it on the mailing list).

Haben sie eine Kelewan Sourcebook?
2:25 pm
Bücherei Lüchow has written a sourcebook for roleplaying in Kelewan. It is in german, but several internet translation services (such as the one on Altavista) might help out those interested in using it.

New Return to Krondor Reviews
7:00 pm
Desslock's RPG News, everyone's favorite RPG news site, posted about these reviews today. What? Me copy Desslock? Never!

Quandary
Although it isn't such an epic journey as Betrayal at Krondor, this journey is nevertheless very engrossing. Because there are few side quests the focus is mostly on the story and it is most enjoyable to follow through and to finally send the bad guy packing. The graphics are 3D but I can't comment on this aspect because I don't have a 3D card. Still, I was very happy with the graphics and the characterisations as the voice acting is generally very good. The dialogue itself would get top marks from me except that it isn't subtitled.

Games Domain (Second Opinion)
I personally found Return to Krondor to be a very short, sporadically interesting title. Unlike Karen, I don't mind pre-scripted events, and the feeling that the game is more of an adventure game than a true RPG game. Because of that, I had some fun while playing it, but as Karen pointed out, the game always falls short of greatness both in terms of story and interface. Some players might really enjoy this game, especially if they are fans of Feist's work. As Karen showed, not even fans of the previous game are guaranteed to like this game. The game is far too easy to recommend to hard core gamers. With all the other great titles still out there thanks to the holiday season, this one is probably one best left behind.

Online Bookstore
11:45 am
Those of you wanting to order Ray's books online might want to check out SciFan, a new science fiction and fantasy bookstore. Yes, it just links to Amazon.com, but the organization is helpful.

Return to Krondor Nominated for RPG of the Year
10:30 pm
Gamespot has posted its annual Game of the Year article, and RtK was nominated for RPG of the Year. Unfortunately, the award went to Baldur's Gate. Also, remember to vote for RtK in the Reader's Choice Awards.

Ray Talks to College Students... and you too!
10:35 pm
Ray posted this announcement to the list:

For those of you who 1) care 2) are in the Middle West and 3) are burning to hear me yank about writing and the business of such, I am going to be a featured writer at the Sophomore Literary Festival at Notre Dame University, South Bend Indiana, on February 17th.

Now, while I have no patience for Indiana in February (it's COLD!), I am honored to be included with the like of Walter Miller, Robert A. Heinlein, W.P. Kinsella, Harland Ellison, Alice Walker, and a whole bunch of other writers who's pen I'm not worthy to dip in ink.

I have no idea if non-students can attend, and it's a work/school day, but I thought I'd post the info for those among you who complain, "You never come to Elkheart, Indiana or Niles, Michigan!"

The Poll is Back!
4:25 pm
After a long absence, the Polling Booth has returned to the site. The current topic: "Did you enjoy Return to Krondor?" Each poll will run for two weeks, then the results will be posted. Please vote!

A Baldur's Gate Moment
3:00 pm
I'm not a big fan of super-complex, stat-management RPG's, but it seems that all types of gamers have been drawn to Baldur's Gate. I haven't played it (and am saving my money for Simcity 3000, so I don't expect to buy it), but if you are curious, check out Desslock's review of the game.

Intrepid
3:05 pm
Remember Intrepid, the Science Fiction/Fantasy 'zine that is published by some kids in my school? Good. They got tired of GeoCities Pop Up Window Hell, and moved the site. Be sure to check it out.

Site Updates
6:10 pm
I moved a few weeks worth of news to the News Archive, and copied my brief Return to Krondor review to this page. Finally, I removed the link to the poll until I can spend some time of fixing it.

Prize Received
6:00 pm
My signed copy of Krondor the Betrayal arrived today. It was the 'Honorable Mention' prize in the Avon Books Krondor Web Contest. Thanks to everyone who voted for the site!

Game Asylum Review
5:15 pm
Game Asylum has posted a glowing review of RtK, giving it a 97%. Here's why:

If an excellent story gets in the way of your gaming pleasure…then perhaps RtK isn’t right for you. However, if you like it both ways…stunning game-play, topped off with a grand tale of adventure, then you should definitely grab yourself a ticket and take a stroll through the streets of Krondor.

Game Revolution Review
10:40 am
You never realize how many gaming sites exist until they start posting reviews... In any event, Game Revolution has reviewed RtK, giving it a B+:

Slight bugs and lack of longevity aside, this is one of the most invigorating and addictive RPGs to come out since Diablo rocked the PC gaming world way back in 1996. In the less than stellar popular field of computer RPGs, Return to Krondor has some of the best plot, gameplay, and production values seen in a while. Now, Return to Krondor is titled Book One. If Book Two lives up to this one and the aging prequel, we very well may have a phenomenon on our hands.

Game Revolution also has a walkthrough available online.

PC Games Review
12:05 am
PC Games, as seems to be the opinion of most critics, has posted a favorable review of RtK:

Though Return doesn't retain the innovations of its predecessor, the newer game remains good fun, with attractive visuals, a solid plot, and an excellent combat system.

RiftMUSH Information
11:50 pm
Karsiss posted this lengthy bit about the current status of RiftMUSH @ Crydee:

After a year of being down, RiftMUSH @ Crydee is re-opening due to a large number of players requesting it to be so. Our address is pug.riftwar.com play in the world of Midkemia.

RiftMUSH....

The Status of Crydee....

It has been a hard winter since the death of both Prince Talan and Duke Dalton. Princess Lissandra has struggled hard to keep the population of Crydee alive during a harsh winter with little food. Only the generosity of the Eledhel allowed the larger part of the people to survive. Princess Lissandra and the new Duke of Crydee, William, has finally allowed the City to have had a season of peace between leaders....but this peace is not without troubles. The Mockers have returned to activity and only the City Watch has been able to keep the murders and thefts down in numbers, yet even they cannot be everywhere at the same time.

The farmers indicate that due to the Princess and Duke ordering their soldiers to help with the farming, the amount of crops will easily be enough to feed all of Crydee and repay the Eledhel for their help during the winter months. For the first time since The Night, Crydee will be without hunger.

It is now May and the people of Crydee are for the first time filled with hope. The hope that they will survive the aftermath of The Night.

We look forward to having you join RiftMUSH.

RiftMUSH: pug.riftwar.com 4202

TinyMUX version 1.4 patchlevel 16 #2 [6/10/98]
Build date: Sat Oct 17 17:33:53 EDT 1998

For further information, join our Player Mailing List and Email your questions.

To Subscribe, send an empty email to: rift-subscribe@pug.riftwar.com
To Post a message to the list, send your email to: rift@pug.riftwar.com

Or see our RiftMUSH Status Page at: http://www.coachtech.com/rift-status/

------------------------------------------------------------

Question: What is a Mush? What is RiftMUSH?

A Mush is a Multi User game where players log in and create characters to act out plots and events created by role playing. It is a place where people are able to enter the world created by the Admin. Sometimes a group of Admin will create a world based upon their own creations, other times it will be based upon a book or series which each Admin has read and enjoyed. Basically it's like nothing you have ever done before. :)

In our case, we have received permission from Raymond to build a Mush based upon the Riftwar Saga. We have taken a point in the Rift time line and had a global 'event' occur. This event created an environment for players to role play in.

RiftMUSH was open for a year and then was shut down due to the fact that the Admin started building a new RiftMUSH to replace the existing one. We had decided that we could do a better job and create a more enjoyable place to role play in. It's been a year since we shut down and a large number of players asked me to re-open our RiftMUSH @ Crydee database so they could continue to role play while they wait for RiftMUSH @ Krondor to open (still a number of months away). Due to the large response, I decided to re-open the Mush. Role playing has started and there are still many positions available for those people who wish to join the Mush.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Mushs in general and about RiftMUSH itself.

Q: What is the difference between a MUSH and a MUD?
A: Sorry to say but a MUSH is highly different from a MUD. There is no canned combat system which you can use to go out and battle monsters to gain experience and glory through gaining levels. Mushs are used either as a social gathering place, or a place to Role-Play a theme. You create a character concept based on the information of the MUSH, and interact with other people through TPs (Tiny Plots) and change your world in that manner.

Q: You mean I can't kill things?
A: Generally on a MUSH, the answer to that is no. Some Mushs have coded combat systems, and some don't have one at all. Others like RiftMUSH have something in between, where you compare stats and then Role-Play what should happen based on individual skill levels. It is possible to die, but usually only in a predetermined situation.

Q: How does one learn more about a MUSH?
A: Mushs are generally filled with helpful people who are available to answer questions and offer help. You may also FTP the 'mush manual' which can be found at http://www.cis.upenn.edu/~lwl/mudinfo.html

Q: How do I get started playing on RiftMUSH? It all seems so confusing.
A: Well, through reading the NEWS files you can learn a lot about your environment. After you do that, please speak with any staff (+staff to find any online) about any questions. Talk to these people, and any others you run across. Find out as much information you can before deciding your future.

Q. How do I communicate?!?
A. The commands say, pose, and page are all of use to you. Example below.

say Hello there! (help say, abbreviated by " )
Newbie says, "Hello there!"

pose laughs! (help pose, abbreviated by : )
Newbie laughs!

page Kazander=Please give me some help! (help page, abbrev. by p )
Newbie pages:Please give me some help!

Q. What does it cost to play on RiftMush?
A. There is no cost to play on RiftMUSH. All you require is a computer, internet connection, and a Mush Client. An example Mush Client is SimpleMU which can be downloaded from: http://homepages.together.net/~shae//simple.html

Q. If I want help, can I ask Raymond E. Feist on this mailing list?
A. Raymond has no connection to RiftMUSH and he will not respond to any Email directed to him or this list with regards to the Mush. His time is valuable and is not here to answer questions about the Mush but to answer questions with regards to his books and himself. Please direct your questions to myself, Karsiss, at: karsiss@home.com

I hope this information helps you, and all other interested people in your decision to try out, or join RiftMUSH. We welcome any and all players (new and experienced) and the Staff and players of RiftMUSH are very willing to help you if you have any questions when you are online.

As a final note, I'll give my personal description of what RiftMUSH is.

RiftMUSH is a place to enter into a world based upon Raymond E. Feists Riftwar Saga. In this world you are able to create a character and role play as if Raymond himself wrote the character (or at least how you believe Raymond would have written the character). Instead of reading the story, you are able to be apart of the story. Granted, there isn't anything as good as the actual series, but we give a great attempt at getting as close to it as possible.

Where Ray has Toured
11:45 pm
Ever wondered about all the places Ray has done signings at?

I doubt I can recall all the places I've visited.

Afrer only one cup of coffee. . . .

San Diego (of course), Los Angeles (many places), Orange County CA (many places), Riverside (many places), San Bernadino (many places), San Francisco/Half-Moon Bay, Santa Cruz/Aptos, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Portland, Eugene, Seattle, Tacoma, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Phoenix/Tempe/Tuscson, Las Crusis/El Paso, Dallas/Richardson/Arlington, Austin, New Orleans, Orlando, Chapel HIll, NC, Fayetteville, NC, Washington DC (suburban VA and MD), Philladelphia/Trenton/King of Prussia, Pittsburgh, New York/Long Island, Boston/Cambridge

London (many places), Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Banbury, Dublin, Belfast

Paris

Munich, Frankfort, Nurenburg

Duneden, Christ Church, Wellington, Auckland

Sydney (including suburbs), Melbourne (including suburbs), Brisbane, Toowoomba, Hobart, Adelaid, Perth, Freemantle

That's off the top of my head and I may have left a town or two out in the States.

And recognize that there are many repeat vists (especially Southern California) and sometimes two or three stores in an area.

Return to Krondor on PlayStation
1:45 pm
In response to a question about RtK's existence on the PlayStation, Ray posted this:

Not at this time.  Probably not any time in the future.  The deals between game companies and platform companies tend to fluxate at times.  Sony was very tight with Pyrotechnix before the Sierra buyout.  Now they are not.

Sony's relationship with PyroTechnix is highlighted by the fact that Sony licensed the True3D engine (used in RtK) for its soon-to-be-released, massively multiplayer RPG EverQuest.

Eledhel & Moredhel
1:45 pm
A frequent topic of conversation on the mailing list is the differences between the elves and their dark cousins. Ray posted this message to clear up any confusion:

The physical thing is more an issue of gene drift, and adaptation, over ages.  Just as there are blond Italians up in the north and dark ones in the south of Italy.

And it has no more significance than that.

I'm juggling here, as Steve and I have a basic difference on what "dark evles" are, going back to the original game.  He sees them as a separate race, which was news to me by the time I'd finished the Riftwar.  I had thought them difference branches of the same family.

So some of the stuff I wrote in Krondor: the Betrayal is an attempt to shoehorn those concepts central to Steve's feelings about the moredhel into my creation.  There were dark elves in Midkemia, very "drow-like" before we ever read about the drow.  But they were cardboard characters for players to knock down, like kobalds, orcs, and gobblins.  Writing about them required different things.

So, I have Gorath explain in passing that the changes in the races is so profound that an elven woman can't have a child with a moredhel male.  Sort of "non-human" pyschic/magic juju for making elven babies.  One can assume the reverse is true, though we all know elves would never rape a moredhel woman.

So we have what I hope is a satisfactory compromise, my view of the elves as one species separated by magic, attitude, and living apart from one another, coupled with the original idea they were different critters.

Melbourne FeistFans
1:40 pm
Johanna Latham posted this notice to the list. If anyone is interested, please email her:

about 2 years ago (I think) a group of us from Melbourne, Australia got together for lunch...

I'm thinking that it would be a mighty fine idea to do it again!!!

Any takers???

GamePower Loves Return to Krondor
2:35 pm
GamePower has posted an entirely positive review of RtK:

In fact, the entire CD-ROM exudes quality. From the Feist-crafted story through the cinematic graphics to the engaging combat, Return To Krondor is a four-lightning-bolt return to the world of Midkemia. In a time of role-playing revival, Krondor may just be remembered as one of the best.

Next Generation Online Review
2:20 pm
Next Generation Online has posted a very positive review of Return to Krondor, noting it is marred only by its brevity:

The Bottom Line: What is, in essence, a great game is marred by a far too short (if involved and exciting) story line. If it had been longer and allowed for more exploration, this RPG could have been an instant classic.

More Foreign Feist
10:50 pm
Ray posted this message detailing some recent dealings with non-english publishers:

We don't have either Spanish or Hebrew currently in print.  We had a small run of Faerie Tale in Spanish, but that publisher let it go out of print. We are currently talking to a publisher in Spain, but no announcement yet. As for Hebrew, no discussions with anyone in Isreal or with a Hebrew language publisher here in the states.

As far as new foreign language editions, we just signed up a Greek publisher and a Korean publisher.  Both are starting with _Magician_ in two volumes.

And Now for Something Completely Different...
10:45 pm
As I've conquered RtK, my rare PC gaming time will soon turn to SimCity 3000, which Maxis just announced will be in stores by February 2. Mac and BeOS versions will follow. For more SC3k news, check out the SimCity 3000 Gateway.

Healing Spells in RtK
2:05 pm
Concerned reader jdrob informed me that there is a healing spell in RtK, but it can only be used by Solon. It is Call the Healing Wind. FYI, I played through the entire game without Solon casting a single spell (Kendaric and Jazhara handle the spell side of combat very well).

Feist in French
2:00 pm
I can't speak French, so I can't verify any of this, but Rip Williamson posted this link, which leads to a site run by Ray's French publishing company. The site offers Acrobat versions of the first two chapters of Magician.

More Info on the Conclave of Shadows
10:50 pm
In his typical piecemeal fashion, Ray posted these tidbits about the next series. The first details the setting of the story, the Eastern Kingdoms:

My reasons are my own.  The simple answer is I'm bored with blowing up Krondor and rebuilding it, so I'm going to go blow up someplace else.

And on the topic of Jimmy and Dash's future:

Finished with telling their stories up-close-and-personal, but they may wander in and out of the next series a little bit.

Return to Krondor Soundtrack
10:45 pm
Chuck Mitchell from Voice of the Arts, sent me a note saying that the RtK original soundtrack CD is now available for order. Also, he included this blurb from Ray:

"I was blown away when I first heard the music for Return To Krondor. Chuck Mitchell and Voice of the Arts has taken game music to a new plateau.  It's a soundtrack in the tradition of the great adventure film scores from Captain Blood to Star Wars." -Raymond E. Feist

The CD costs $14.95 plus shipping and handling. See the website for complete ordering details, and some samples. Here's what VOTA says about their disc:

In his musical score for RTK, composer Chuck Mitchell researched the medieval time period and allowed several world cultures to influence his modern and cinamatic approach to interactive composition. The score includes several Latin choral passages, complex poly-rhythms, and a tapestry of textures that combine authentic emotion with fantasy conflict.

Intrepid 'Zine
3:45 pm
A few kids from my school publish a nice little science-fiction/fantasy 'zine called Intrepid. Issue #2 was just released. Check out their website for more info.

Return to Krondor Demo
3:40 pm
Desslock's RPG News is reporting that the Feburary 1999 issue of Computer Games Strategy Plus will include an exclusive demo of RtK, which should contain chapter zero, fully playable.

Games Domain Review
3:30 pm
Games Domain has posted what I feel is a poorly written and unfair review of Return to Krondor. In the name of fairness, however, here's their thoughts:

The title of the load screen gives a subtitle for Return to Krondor, Book 1: The Harbinger of Shadow, so unless I am really slow, it appears that this is only the first of a series Sierra is about to offer. Sadly, that means they will take $50 for this short paperback and then another $50 when Book 2 comes out. Actually, it would be much better to wait and get the whole story some years down the line when they come out with the Return to Krondor Book set or go out and buy 7 of Raymond E. Feist's paperbacks for the same price.. All in all, I was disappointed, as were a few gaming fellows that I spoke with. The novelty lasts until about the 3rd chapter, and then it fades.

Krondor Font
7:20 pm
Did you like the font used throughout Return to Krondor? If so, then go to your Krondor directory and copy the file "krondor.ttf" to your Fonts folder. You can then use the font in all sorts of documents. Enjoy!

Thoughts on Return to Krondor
7:10 pm
I lack the time to construct a full-fledged review of RtK, but having finished the game, I want to share some of my opinions on it.

Plot
RtK has a strong plot, and Ray's touches can be seen throughout. There are moral decisions to make, and although the plot is strictly linear, it has enough variety and subplots to keep the narrative interesting. The pacing is great, and the chapter format clearly divides the action from character to character and setting to setting.

Presentation
The graphics and sound in RtK are amazing, some of the best I have seen in an RPG. The True3D engine delivers great character animations, and the pre-rendered backgrounds are all beautiful. The big problem here is with camera angles, which can be very confusing in small areas like the Krondorian streets and its sewers. The musical score is at times haunting, at others envigorating, and always of the highest quality. The voice acting is also very professional, and the lip-synching within the game adds a nice touch. The interface is very usable, and only becomes ponderous when pouring through character inventories. My only complaint in this area is the entirely stupid interface for selecting "books" of saved games... The bookshelf graphic, complete with hunt-for-the-hotspot options, is a waste of time.

Combat
One of RtK's true strong suits is combat. The flawless transformation from normal exploration to combat is unique, and the graphics engine handles all the animation and spell effects beautifully. There is great strategic variety while in combat, which is helpful. I beat the game without ever using a bow, but relying on fire oil, James' combat prowess, and my magician's spellcasing abilities.

Miscellaneous
The extras in RtK, such as the lockpick and alchemy system, are also interesting. Lockpicking and disarming traps, while not used often after the first few chapters, is a fun challenge, and a twitch reflex test is nice after all that walking... As for the alchemy system, I must confess: I never even used it. I sold all alchemy supplies as soon as a got them, and was never really in need of extra potions until the last two chapters, when I ran uncomfortably low on healing supplies (in interesting sidenote: there is no magic spell for healing, an obvious oversight on the part of PyroTechnix. Leaving healing to the alchemist doesn't make sense when your mage should be able to cast a healing spell). However, the system is there if the player wants to pursue that course. The game was well made, and did not crash on my system a single time, although I was stuck in endless combat once or twice, when my lone character (Solon) was paralyzed by Goblins who could not actually hurt him. Also, it seemed too easy to make money, as about halfway through I had the best armor and weapons for my characters, and 60,000 gold left over! (However, should agents of the king ever have to worry about not being able to afford goods? Of course not.)

Conclusion
Return to Krondor will please all fans of Ray's books, as it offers a great immersion into the world of Midkemia. RtK suspends time and invites you into a colorful, beautiful world of intrigue and danger, and rewards the player with a fantastic plot. It is shorter than normal RPG's, and not a hardcore stat-management game, but it tells a wonderful story and should not be missed.

GamePen Review
4:40 pm
GamePen has posted its review of RtK, giving it three of five stars:

What's to like:
Good story, good combat engine, some interesting puzzles. Almost all character interactions are via spoken dialog rather than text. A chance to live in Mr. Feist's world.

What's not to like:
Unusual interface and poor manual make a surprisingly steep learning curve. Role-playing at a minimum. Very linear plot line with little freedom for the player to diverge or make meaningful choices. Game seems rather short.

How to Write
4:20 pm
Ray posted this intersting tidbit today, certainly tweaking the interests of all you wannabe writers:

It may be included in a book on writing I may get around to doing some day.

Game Worlds Network Review
4:20 pm
Game Worlds Network has posted a positive review of Return to Krondor:

And story is what it is all about. In truth this was a very, very short game. I managed to finish all three difficulty setting in little more than a weekend. But to fans of the books, the story will make it all worthwhile. A total of nine chapters defines our story, and a few of those are little more than a series of cuts scenes interspersed with a combat sequence. But those scenes just enhanced the overall feel of playing a story. And that is exactly how I felt - as though I was personally guiding these characters through one of Mr. Feist's novels.

It was a truly fascinating experience.

Return to Krondor Thoughts
3:10 pm
In response to the frequent criticism that RtK was too short and not challenging enough, Ray posted this:

You are not alone in your perceptions regarding RtK.  I could bore you with the horror stories associated with the evolution of the game through four years of development under a dozen producers, but I won't.  Suffice it to say 1) I'm astonished there is a game in the stores at all 2) I'm mostly pleased with the results 3) we're listening to as many people as we can on the various boards about RtK and we're making sure that in future, those things that are clearly "not good" to the majority of players are addressed.

We're trying.

On a personal note, I'm nearing the end of the game, and am thoroughly enjoying it.

Book Sales
3:10 pm
Ray posted this bit, detailing how well his books sell per capita:

Oz, number 1 absolutely. I get hundreds of people turning out in places like Toowoomba, for heaven's sake. Long lines in Penreth, Paramata, and Perth (wow, Australian alliteration and it's barely 7 am!).

England next, then the US. The market seems to be growing quickly in Germany, and I understand I'm number one in Finland.

Betrayal at Krondor Ranks High
3:05 pm
The newest PC Gamer has a fan poll, ranking the top 50 games of all time. Betrayal at Krondor secured 41st place, a very good showing.

Ray Leaves Dev Board
2:40 pm
Ray said goodbye to the RtK Development Board with this message:

First of all, thanks to those of you who took the time to share your reactions to RtK with Sinjin and myself. While we'll never make everyone happy, the feedback is valuable in planning out coming products.

And for those of you who managed to disagree with one another without resorting to name calling, thank you again, for it keeps the tone of the conversation upbeat.

As far as news, I'm working on a new novel, Krondor: the Assassins, which will be a bridging story between Krondor the Betrayal and Tear of the Gods, which is what the novel of RtK will be called.

There is also an Atlas of Midkemia in the works, authored by myself and Stephen A. Abrams, cofounder of Mikdemia

And while no official announcement is being made, plan on having another Krondor based game around before Christmas 2000.

Lastly, this is goodbye. Time doesn't permit me the luxury of continuing to visit the board to answer questions. There are enough experienced players out there now to give hints, and I think Sinjin and I have covered most of the salient points of discussion about the game. I must now turn my attention back to writing and getting on with other projects.

May the New Year be the happiest you've ever known and the worst of all those yet to come. As an old Irish blessing says, "May the wind always be at your back, may the road rise to meet your feet, and may you be in heaven an hour before the devil knows you're dead."

The Next Series
2:40 pm
Ray has made several posts recently detailing the next series of novels, which he is now calling Conclave of Shadows:

Well, then you're in the majority, because when it comes to the Conclave of Shadows (Yes, that's the title of the new series; I've finally ditched the "saga" label) I ain't talking to anyone (well, a little to Steve Abrams, but that's only natural).

The Conclave of Shadows will involved almost all new characters and those few old faces you see will be secondary or tertiary characters.  As I said, this story is set in the Eastern Kingdoms and ask yourself how many times so far those characters you listed went to the Eastern Kingdoms?

Originally, I wanted to put the Conclave of Shadows 100 years after the Serpentwar, but after I decided to move the action of the story to the Eastern Kingdoms, I decided a shorter window might be in order, something on the order of 30 years.

Unofficial Atlas Update
2:35 pm
Ralph Askren sent me this update to the Unofficial Atlas to the Worlds of Ray Feist:

Novindus has now been posted on the Unofficial Atlas. You can get there the easy way by clicking on the index page's link...or, try sailing southwest from the Bitter Sea. :-)

WarZone Reviews Return to Krondor
8:45 pm
WarZone has posted a less-than-enthusiastic review of RtK, rating it at three stars:

Return to Krondor is not a disappointment because what’s there isn’t good. It’s a disappointment because of what isn’t there. It’s far too short and combining that with completely linear gameplay leads to a title that isn’t even very replayable. Plus it has the added pressure of living up to Betrayal at Krondor’s lofty reputation. It doesn’t.

The overall gameplay is quite good. Combat is fun and addictive. The story, while it lasts, is engaging and well told. The controls are easy to get used to despite some clunky handling of inventory. What really mars the experience is a camera that switches position and angle so often you’ll feel like you just got done spinning yourself in circles for sixty seconds.

New Reviews
5:20 pm
Computer Games Online has posted a review of RtK, giving it four out of five stars:

Boot up Return to Krondor and you can expect to give up sleep, food, and meaningful interactions in the real world for at least a few days (the game is so compelling that you tend to devour it in as few bites as possible, like a great thick novel). Return is a stunning return to form for the Krondor series, and bodes spectacularly well for any future installments in the on-going tale.

GamesFirst has also offered a review, giving RtK three of five stars:

Return to Krondor is a good interactive novel brought to its knees by lousy camera angles and brevity. The expansive fully-explorable map of Betrayal at Krondor is sorely missed, and even the story is lacking by comparison. The graphics, combat system and puzzles are a step in the right direction, but Return to Krondor certainly fell short of my high expectations for a Raymond E. Feist RPG. Nonetheless, I still recommend it to Feist fans and adventure gamers who want a taste of role-playing.

Ray Explains the World
12:10 pm
But he's getting pretty upset with everyone bugging him about it on the list <g>, so read this and accept it, and leave the man alone already!

Midkemia is a planet.

Triagia is the contenent upon which the Kingdom and Kesh reside.  If you sail east, you will hit Winet or Novindus if you don't sail between them, and then you'll reach the west coast of Triagia.

Got it?

Gamecenter Reviews Return to Krondor
12:05 pm
Concerned reader Aaron Giamanco let me know that c|net's Gamecenter has posted its review of RtK, giving it four out of five stars:

Ultimately, these are small issues in a game with so much to offer. If you follow every branching path and complete every quest, you'll probably get 80 hours of play, which is really quite impressive. In a limited RPG market in which most players who love this genre already will have finished Fallout 2 and Might & Magic VI long ago, RTK will be quite a treat. If you like to work with a good high-fantasy team, there's no reason not to return to Krondor.

Future Krondor Games
11:25 pm
Ray posted this mysterious bit to the list (which BTW seems to be undergoing some technical difficulties):

Can't say anything officially, yet, but you can expect a sequel before Christmas 2000.  But I never said that.

Although I have not seen any sales figures, RtK has received good reviews, so a future title seems likely.

RiftMUSH Home Page Link
11:20 pm
The address of the RiftMUSH Home Page has changed to http://www.ptbo.igs.net/~amanley/rift/.

Been Gone...
11:15 pm
Sorry for dropping off without warning, but I was out of town over Christmas, and forgot to post a warning on the site. But I'm back, and am now working on Return to Krondor. So far, I'm impressed. It's not as engrossing as Betrayal at Krondor, but still very good.

GameOver Review of Return to Krondor
9:00 pm
GameOver has posted a very positive review, giving RtK a 94%:

I may have beaten RtK, but I am still amazed by the gripping world it created. I've gone back to various parts in the game to find there were little things I missed. This is definitely a game well worth playing for anyone that likes a good fantasy story. It is a little too linear compared to BaK, and thus it's not quite as much of a classic as BaK was. Sierra has come through with Return to Krondor and made one of the best RPG's of the year. It's without a doubt the best interactive story of the year and will keep RPG fans engrossed until they've beaten it. Return to Krondor makes my list of top ten games for 1998.

Sierra Studios Krondor Contest Ends
5:55 pm
Sierra Studios' Krondor contest ended on the 19th, and the winners have reportedly been notified.

FEISTFANS-L Holiday Update
5:50 pm
Richard Williamson, keeper of the mighty FEISTFANS-L Digest Archive, posted this holiday update to the list:

As the large portion of y'all go on break and unsubscribe or suspend delivery of list traffic during the holidays, I shall be maintaining a month's worth of traffic on my website during this period.  This means you will be able to catch up on all the gossip before resuming transmission.

I usually add the latest file and delete the oldest file in the mornings, so I'll stop the deletions between the 30th of December and the 15th of January.  On the 15th, I'll delete the two weeks' worth so try to read up before then! (or at least warn me, and I'll hold off).

I myself will be off on holiday across the new years, so there will be no updates during that week--.

Return to Krondor Therapy
6:15 pm
Gamepen's RPG Group Therapy includes a review of RtK.

Desslock Weighs In
6:10 pm
RPG heavyweight Desslock has posted his review of Return to Krondor. He gave it a 7.8 of 10:

The game's main problem, however, is clearly its brevity. Although there are a few difficulty settings and the option to make mages more or less effective at spell-casting, these alternatives are unlikely to significantly prolong the game's replayability. Most players will play through Return to Krondor in a week or two of casual gaming. Return to Krondor is certainly not a massive and open-ended role-playing game set in an expansive gaming world. With its distinctive, preset characters, scripted events, and limited geographical scope, Return to Krondor is a more linear, story-driven, and somewhat more intimate game. While Return to Krondor may not be an epic sequel to Betrayal at Krondor, its excellent graphics and immersive plot and gaming world make it an enjoyable story-driven game while it lasts.

Return to Krondor Patch
11:10 pm
Sierra has posted the 1.0.0.5 patch for RtK. You can get it with the AutoUpdate utility or here.

Altered Worlds Review of Return to Krondor
11:10 pm
Altered Worlds has posted what is easily the most comprehensive review of RtK yet. You want quotes? You got 'em:

After wandering around a bit more, it's back to the palace...to be pointed to the next page in the story. This is something that will really depend on personal taste, but you can't help feeling that the whole game is just a matter of getting from A to B. Sure you can take a side trip to C along the way, but sooner or later, you will end up at B. The story is well written...and it's definitely an engrossing ride...but you can't help the feeling that you are never really in control. A chapter will always present you the same problems, and you have to progress through those problems to arrive at a specific end before you can continue on. As I say, this is a matter of preference, but I (and a lot of other rpg'ers) prefer something a little more open ended. The fact that you are stuck with premade characters doesn't help with the feeling you are more of a spectator than a participant in the over scheme of things...

And Bowmeister's conclusion:

Overall, Return to Krondor is a winner, and a worthy successor to Betrayal at Krondor. Anyone who likes adventure games will love RtK. Avid RPG'ers are a tougher call - I thoroughly enjoyed the game, but it is lacking in the depth and freedom in many CRPG's. If you are a fan of the genre, or Feist's work, definitely pick this one up. Just remember, it's a great ride, but it may be over sooner than you would like.

Just Say No to Kelewan
10:50 pm
When asked about the possibility of a game based in Kelewan, Ray offered this response:

I can guarantee not.  There is no "there" on Kelewan.  It's a literary environment, while Midkemia is a game based environment with a huge set of resources.

Furthermore, he said this about future Mara stories:

And as I probably said many years ago (and I'm still on CompuServe), Janny and I are doing no more Mara stuff.  She's retired (Mara, not Janny).

Atlas of Midkemia Update
10:45 pm
In the event you were wondering (as I'm sure you were), Avon (US) and HarperCollins (UK) will publish the official Atlas of Midkemia, which Ray and Steve are still hammering out details on.

Site Updates
7:35 pm
I added a link to the Raymond E. Feist Board, but be warned: it is about as dignified as the newsgroup... In other words, don't let your kids view it. Also, all additions to the FEISTFANS-L Members Listing received since December 7 have been made. Finally, the Polling Booth is still broken.

More Map Updates
3:05 pm
Ralph Askren has again updated his Unoffical Atlas to the World's of Ray Feist:

Kelewan has now been added to the Unofficial Atlas. However, to get there, you will have to find the rift on the map of Midkemia. Have fun!

Impeachment...
11:30 pm
I try to keep politics off this site, but I'm something of a political animal and today's events are too important to ignore. President Clinton perjured himself before a Grand Jury, and should suffer all the penalties from his contempt for the law, including impeachment and a trial in the Senate. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...

More Map Updates
11:30 pm
Ralph Askren posted this update about the Unofficial Atlas of Midkemia:

Many had asked that I increase the size of the map of Midkemia so that place names would be more legible. Consider it done. The trade off is a slower load time, though. Check it out at http://www.shoalcreek.com/feist

If any of you have not yet taken the time to view Ralph's site... Stop wasting your time here and check it out!

Mac Return to Krondor & More
10:50 pm
Ray posted this bit to the Rtk Development Board regarding Macs:

A Mac port has been discussed (and as a Mac guy, I'm all for it). The best thing you can do is send e-mail to Sierra Studio, as enough demand will impact any decision they make. So, I'm listening, but I'm not the guy (nor is Sinjin) the guy who makes the final call.

As for BaK, we looked at it, but there were so many direct Intel hardware calls buried in the code that it wouldn't even compile in little bits on Dynamix's own Mac compiler. It would have taken a ground up rebuild and it was (in Dyanmix's judgement) not worth the bother.

BTW, I have heard some folks with G3's are running it under Virtual PC or SoftWindows. I have no idea how well it runs, but I've heard it runs.

Index Wins Krondor Website Contest!
2:45 pm
Thank you to everyone who voted for the REF Internet Resource Index in the Avon/EOS Krondor Website Contest. My site was one of the nine honorable mentions, and I will receive a signed copy of Krondor the Betrayal. The new button above links to the Winners page, so be sure to see all the other great fantasy sites on the net.

Book Signing
1:30 pm
If you cannot get to a book signing, you should know that Ray will sign and return books mailed to him, with a few stipulations. This post to the list details the rules:

Secure two padded envelopes of sufficient size and address one of them to yourself, including appropriate postage.  Fold and include with book in the 2nd envelope.  (Do not use a box as those are cut open and broken down for recycling. )

Address that envelope to:

The Bitter Sea Company
Raymond E. Feist, Owner
P. O. Box 5005-32
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067-5005

The book will be autographed and returned within 2 working days.

Please include on a slip of paper the name to whom you wish the book personalized.

Remember that if you are overseas, chances are your books will be damaged in transit, so you probably should not mail them. And no explosive devices, please.

More Contest Updates
1:30 pm
Here's a couple more updates to the contest rules from Ray. First, be sure to include "Contest" in the message header so his autoresponder doesn't catch it. He will still get the entry, but possibly a few days later. Second, remember to send it to his personal email address, raymond@bittersea.com. However, you should not send fan mail to that address, post it to the list instead. Finally, there is a limit of one entry per person. If you send in subsequent entry, the previous one(s) will be disqualified.

Unofficial Atlas of Midkemia
1:30 pm
Ralph Askren, who created the excellent Map of Midkemia, has changed his site's URL. It is now located at http://www.shoalcreek.com/feist.

Contest Clarification
11:50 pm
To clarify yesterday's subplot contest announcement, the next game would take place immediately after the events in Return to Krondor, or approximately ten years after A Darkness at Sethanon.

CONTEST!
10:40 pm
Ray posted this to the list about a new contest:

OK, you've been asking for it, and now you're getting it.

1) here's the deal:

We're starting preliminary discussions on a new game.  So, your mission, should you undertake it, is to create a sub-quest.

The subquest should be something that's clearly related to the larger issues of the game period, be interesting, and have a payoff beyond the obvious, I.E. get the really good sword, earn money, etc.

Is that tough enough for you?

Here's some even more perplexing limits.  You can't use ANY characters that I've created in the books.  The characters of the game, obviously, are who they are (as yet unnamed), so any NPC' you create must be new and original to you.  Also, you can't "follow up" on old story lines and themes from either the books or the games, so no "get the other great sword in Elvandar (from BaK)," or "find the other gobblin camp in the mountains," (from RtK), or "return to the Mac Mordain Cadal and see if Rhuarge left some treasure the dwarves missed (fat chance)."

2) here's the prize:

There's more than 1.

First prize will get a galley (I have to go digging to see which one's I have laying around.  I think I've got a Merchant Prince, but I'll have to go check).

Second prize will get an autographed book, either Krondor (if you already don't have it or you want it with an autograph) or the next one.

Third prizes (yes, plural) will get an autographed map of Midkemia created as a premium for RtK by Serra.  There will be at least 3 of those, if not more. (I'm feeling generious, but not too much--I've got to buy a price mailing tube to send those out. <g>).

OK, you have until January 31st to e-mail me your entry.  Do not post to the list until I say it's OK.

Here's what you have to stick at the bottom of the entry:

I hearby grant to Raymond E. Feist, Sierra Studio, it's heirs and assigns, the right to use the above material in any way they see fit, without further compensation or condition.  All character names, place names, and distinctive likenesses thereof are the exclusive property of Raymond E. Feist, The Bitter Sea Company, Midkemia Press, and/or Pyrotechnix, Inc., and/ or Sierra/Studio.

OK, there you go.  Knock yourself out.

FEISTFANS-L Holiday Updates
10:35 pm
Dan Lorey, the owner of the FEISTFANS-L Mailing List, posted a long message today about dealing with your list subscription over the holidays. If you are out of town, be sure to read it.

Janny Wurts Down Under
4:50 pm
John Bunting posted this bit, from Janny's Mailing List, to the list today:

Speaking of being appreciated, all of you Aussie fans will be happy  to know that Janny and her husband Don Maitz are bound for the  great land down under next April. Janny will be attending at least  one convention and a tour is hoped for. When I have more details,  I'll pass them along and post them on the webpage.

Midkemia Map
12:45 pm
Ralph Askren has created a very well done map of Midkemia. Here's how he introduced it to the list:

If you are like me, you long for an official atlas of Midkemia. I read recently on the list that this may be in the works. However, until one is available, you may want to check out this link: http://www.shoalcreek.com/midkemia.htm.

I hope you enjoy viewing this map as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Be patient while it loads as it is composed of four parts (all of which are large graphics). I have tried to combine the geographical features from the maps in the Riftwar series, Prince of the Blood, the two computer games, and the map seen as a background image at the Midkemia Press web site. This work is not intended to be the definitve map of Midkemia. It is simply a labor of love and has been a useful tool as I have explored the world of R.E.F.'s (and associates) imagination.

Everyone should definitely check it out, as the map is extremely cool. Thanks, Ralph!

Where is the Demo?
4:00 pm
Despite my hopes, the January 1999 PC Gamer does not have the RtK demo on the CD. However, there is a mention of the game in the Alternative Lives section. If any of you subscribe to other gaming magazines, please mail me and let me know if they have the demo.

Interview with Sinjin
3:45 pm
The Vault Network, everyone's favorite RPG news site, has posted a brief interview with Sinjin Bain, the studio manager at PyroTechnix, about the initial fan reaction to RtK. This tidbit is also thrown in:

Jonric: Can you tell us anything about PyroTechnix' next project? Have you started work on anything yet?

Sinjin Bain: We're working on two things, but I really can't get into details. I leave for San Diego next week with Erick Wujcik (lead game design) where I'm going to a Chargers game with Ray. Who knows what we'll talk about.

The working title of the next game is Captains of Krondor, but that is all the information I have at the time.

College Man
3:05 pm
It has nothing to do with Ray, but I thought that I'd announce my acceptance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, my top choice for college. If any of you guys go there, drop me a line sometime.

FEISTFANS-L Members Listing Updated
2:00 pm
The FEISTFANS-L Members Listing has been updated with all the submissions received in the last two weeks.

Miscellaneous
12:30 pm
I moved about 15 days worth of news to the News Archive today. Also, the polling system has stopped working for some reason.

First Major RiftMUSH Event
12:00 pm
Karsiss posted this to the list:

If you have not joined RiftMUSH yet, now is your best chance to join and get involved fast.

The Crydee Festival is set for Sunday, December 6th at 9pm EST. This is an open event for ALL PLAYERS (old and new) to join and have fun.

This is YOUR CHANCE to get involved in plots and events that will occur during this evening. There are a number of planned events that will happen and you could become involved!

If your a new player, there are may positions you can play. Examples are:
-Duke or Princess's man/woman. (Soldier, Advisor, Servant, etc)
-City Watchman (The Police of Crydee)
-Merchant
-Business person
-Mercenary
-Street Bum
-An Employee of another player
-and much much more.

You can connect to RiftMUSH at pug.riftwar.com 4202

If you do not have a Mush Client, you can obtain one at: http://homepages.together.net/~shae//simple.html

Hope to see you there!

The URL listed above does actually have two slashes in it, that is not a misprint. If you want to know more about RiftMUSH, check out its Home Page.

Sierra Studios Krondor Contest
5:05 pm
Sierra Studios has started a contest, and 100 winners will receive autographed copies of Krondor the Betrayal. To enter, you must solve a Java sliding picture-puzzle. The contest runs through December 19, so scurry on over to the site and play!

Vault Network Holiday Gift Guide
3:15 pm
Continuing the trend towards little blurbs, the Vault Network recently posted this:

Return to Krondor (Sierra) - Almost four years after the original Betrayal at Krondor arrived on store shelves, and a change in publishers, the sequel is finally here. Sporting an entirely new 3D engine and a blend between adventure and role-playing, fans of author Raymond E. Feist's work should find a whole new world to explore as they seek to uncover the mystery surrounding the Tear of the Gods.

PC Games Holiday Gift Guide
2:15 pm
PC Games posted this snippet about RtK to their site:

The Game: Fantasy author Raymond Feist crafted the setting of this follow-up to Betrayal at Krondor. You are a citizen of Midkemia, called upon by your church to return a stolen mystical artifact that's ended up in the hands of an evil magician.
The Appeal: Feist's is one of the most powerful imaginations in fantasy literature, and his creations are always sure to enthrall fans of Tolkien-style adventure.
The Red Flags: Evil-worshipping sorcerers plotting to unleash a flood of bane may be too strong a theme for some younger gamers. Hardcore RPGers may resent that they don't get to create their own character.
Sierra; 800-757-7707; $50
www.sierra.com

Correction
2:10 pm
Yesterday, I mistakingly reported that Gamer's Alliance gave RtK a 90% in their review. Actually, they gave a score of 80%. I have corrected the news post below, accordingly.

Gamer's Alliance Review of Return to Krondor
7:45 pm
Gamer's Alliance has posted a review of RtK. They gave it a 80%.

Buying or passing on this game is a tough call. If you’re not really into the whole RPG scene I suggest letting this one go by. On the other hand, if you dig roleplaying games or anything remotely involved with Feist’s work give Return to Krondor a try.

Game Length
3:45 pm
Sinjin posted this interesting bit on