The Free Company Tavern & "OOC" Thread: Book VI

[Amric]

Well, well, well...I've missed the FC terribly, to be honest. My personal opinion is to continue the FC story. With obvious adjustments. Some people, being gone, would probably have to be replaced, others still around moving up the command structure. The characters are incredibly vibrant, the interactions between them are almost like real action people. The dedication of the contributors working with each other, even when at breakneck pace was awe inspiring.

I'd be willing to go with whatever the majority wanted. Just getting to write with LD again and the others would make it worth while to me. The Captain is somewhat of a father figure/uncle figure to my Amric character. Probably why I got away with as much as I did. Ol' captain was kind of fond of him too. I think so, anyway.

I think it would be virtually impossible to do a prequel. Considering it all started in Burgundy, many of the later characters wouldn't be possible. Redoing any of the books would be a bad idea. They are excellent as they are and I don't think they can be improved, to be honest.

We tried a CK thing with Phalanx. I did a TON of research on it for the crusades. But it just never really jelled properly. I would prefer not to do stuff in the time period of HOI or HOI2. Merc groups weren't all that prevalent during the Victoria era. Which kind of leaves things for CK or EU<II> time periods, in my opinion.

Having Captain and the group back in harness would be a joy.

 

[unmerged(10971)]

Interesting. I've always felt somewhat dissatisfied about my work in the FC, but I'd love to get at it again. In any case, whatever you may have in mind, I'll be only too happy to contribute however I can.

 

[unmerged(9046)]

Err...

Didn't Captain and most of the characters, err, die at the end? I would hate to do a Dallas thing and have them come back to life (obscure American TV reference from 25 years ago). That being said and if EU2 is the period of choice, could we shift things a bit time-wise and all come up with new characters? Perhaps folks from the Catholic-Protestant wars in the 1600's? Or shift to a Turkish groups as the Ottomans grow (adventuring in the Middle East, yummy). Or shift to the East and adventure in the plains of Asia as the Czar moves east...

Lots of nice possibilities...

p.s. One of my favorites would be to shift to the messy world of Italian politics in the late 1400's.

 

[Valdemar]

Didn't we sort of do Italy with Cosimo?

I would love for Phalanx crusader to have carried on... I can't remember my char, but I love the period...

V

 

[Valdemar]

Alternatively we could do the Spanish wars in Italy or netherlands during Felipe II at least I'm well versed in the latter by now

V

 

[coz1]

Well, I must express that never having done much with the FC, something original or separate might be nice for newer folks to come aboard - less to have to investigate. But having more time on my hands now that the Gazette is over, I could certainly ply my "extra time trade" here. I like Stroph's suggestion of the religous wars - maybe France or some such.

It might take me some time to get the hang of it, but it would be fun nonetheless.

 

[unmerged(9046)]

something original or separate might be nice for newer folks to come aboard

Well, we sort of have to do that since many of the characters (especially the Captain) are dead...

And I doubt many would follow a ghost...

 

[Valdemar]

Oh I don't know, the ghost of Captain could still raise a following I wager

V

 

[stnylan]

I would have to say that my preference would be to do something CK or Mongol Empire scenario based (since it exists, might as well be an option). Also, I think not something connected to the FC, a clean slate, would be best. Something new, in other words, and not simply tied into a past effort.

If you take that time period, the what better time than 12th century Iberia? Besides, it might finally persuade LD to read Lions of Al-Rassan.

 

[Valdemar]

YOu think he would finally do that?

I suggested that book to him when we did book 4 and was stil in loconda del backwater in Florence

V

 

[stnylan]

It does sound a little unlikely I admit. But hope is a virtue after all - and I like feeling virtuous.

 

[Lord Durham]

It's kind of nice to see that the OOC thread has already generated a few hundred views. It bodes well.

I've been paying close attention to everything said, and I like a lot of the ideas presented.

Stnylan and V, I'm actually closer to reading Lions of Al-Rassan that you think. I recently finished it's unofficial sequel, The Last Light of the Sun, by Guy Gavriel Kay. In fact, you can find my review of it here: The Last Light of the Sun. Let me know what you think.

So, from what I gather, we seem to be tossed between EUII and CK.

For the history buffs, the original FC took place in the musket and pike era, so that would be familiar ground. A 'history' could be constructed if we went that route, and that would allow for the descendents of familiar faces as well as the introduction of new blood.

Personally, I think Italy has been done to death. But I admit, it's a fun place to practice intrigue.

I like Al and stnylan's idea about starting fresh, maybe do a one-off free of FC influence, and keep the writing staff small. In addition, I'd love to have coz1 join us.

I also have a couple of very detailed e-mails to pour over.

I will admit that I'm not overly comfortable with the Mongol scenario. To me it lacks the subtle intrigue of European courts, which is something that appeals to writers who wish to tackle more than one character.

Please keep the ideas coming. I'll present something or other to chew on this weekend.

 

[Amric]

Now I can see descendants of the FC still around and doing deeds...I agree with LD that Italy has been done to death. I like the idea of Iberia or France during the religious turmoil. But Germany has possibilities as well with all the little states and the intrigue that happened there as well. I also agree with LD that a small group of dedicated writers is the right ticket. We all know that some of us are definitely capable of writing for multiple characters. I also would LOVE to see Coz1 involved as well. He is a very talented writer and has proven to be able to write various characters extremely well.

 

[LordLeto]

How 'bout the Mid East during the EUII GC(or there abouts)? It would be a dramatic shift, though would require work and reseach, I doubt many of us are Moslim/Familiar with the region/era(though I never bothered asking). Ottoman conquests, wars with Persia could provide ample material.

 

[Valdemar]

Yeah I popped by over there and saw that you actually have read Guy Gavriel again, but i seem to recall that you wren't too hooked after fionavar so I figured you hadn't picked up his books in between?

Did we have muskets in the FC? I seem to remember the only true gunpowder units being the big guns? Or are you refering to the first books?

I'd prefer a European setting, or a crusade setting either which would leave amble room for minor but yet plausible characters for those not keen on in depth research into Mongolian tribal structures to play along

V

 

[Norgesvenn]

I would consider writing again.

 

[Lord Durham]

Hi Norgs! Good to hear from you. Hope you're doing well.

V, the original version of the FC from EUI took place in the musket and pike era. It was reinvented for EUII. You have a good memory. I admit I wasn't totally caught up in the Tapestry trilogy, but I certainly got caught up in The Last Light of the Sun, to the point where I'll be reading Al-Rassan, which apparently utilises the same universe. BTW, did you catch my review for Gardens of the Moon? That's another book I recommend. I have two more coming: White Wolf (liked it) and The Wayfarer Redemption (disliked it)

I'm starting to lean toward a crusade type setting, too. I'm thinking that it would involve only a small band of knights/men-at-arms, instead of a large merc company. This way we can incorporate writers as they come and go without relying on someone who ultimately vanishes from sight. This will mean that I'll probably have to handle all of the scripting efforts, like I did in the old days.

It also means a complete break from the FC, so new characters would be required.

Can I get a show of hands from those who would be on board?

 

[stnylan]

*raises hand*

 

[LordLeto]

*raises hand*

Ditto

 

[unmerged(10397)]

I'm in.