This thought came to mind when I was reading another post on this board. Some members stated that Tas was cool, others that he was average. And that comment stemmed from whether or not Fewmaster Toade is “cool” or not. So I thought I’d do my own take on the “fellowship” that runs through the chronicles. I’m going to write this in order of most favorite to least favorite. The last one I write about is what I’m most curious to get other perspectives from, but if the mood strikes you, feel free to add your points on any.
Sturm – My favorite. Hands down. And not just because he’s the closest thing to a paladin in this world. In my opinion, Sturm faced true adversity (well, perhaps Caramon in the end but I think even he saw that coming). In the face of the crumbling of his brotherhood of knights, when the value system he so long revered was crumbling down around him, he bravely stood fast to what was right. He was a beacon of justice and courage in the most desperate of hours. Sturm da man.
Caramon – Next to Sturm, Caramon faced the most difficult trial – the betrayal of his brother. His steadfast support of his brother, while outwardly noble, was actually naïve. But his prowess in battle and his strength was unquestionable. What clinches the 2nd place spot for me though was his ability to keep himself in check when it came to Tika. Suffice to say, I wouldn’t have the willpower to keep myself off a hot redhead who wanted me. :D
Flint – Flint captures number three for two reasons: First, he adds some actual maturity and level-headed thinking which I think the party as a whole was lacking. Second, he constantly berated Tasselhoff. No matter how much you might think some of that was just part of their friendship, you can’t tell me he didn’t mean some of his insults. I respect that.
Laurana – I really like who Laurana transformed into by the end of the chronicles. She was thrust into a position of leadership and a hero spotlight she never wanted or dreamed to have, yet resolutely accepted the responsibility that came with it. Although she wanted nothing more than to be with the one she loved, she put aside the childhood whims to do what was necessary to thwart evil. Though some of her decision may have been questionable, she at least understood the ramifications of her actions. The only drawback is that I think the change from selfish, inward-thinking girl to mature, thoughtful woman was too forced. It was too much of a change too quickly.
Goldmoon – I applaud Goldmoon for her faith. In a world of the faithless, she brought the faith back. Despite all opposition and against daunting odds, people drew courage from her example. And her love with Riverwind was something to be admired, for it, again, was a mature love. They knew what to expect from one another and knew how to rely on one another as adults. I respect that.
Tika – Tika is a hot redhead. But I like the way she became adept at using a frying pan in battle. What really gave her points in my book though was how she dealt with her marriage with Caramon in the beginning of the Twins trilogy (which, admittedly, I haven’t finished reading yet).
Riverwind – I’ve never been a big “barbarian” fan, per se. Not as a class, anyways. However Riverwind was alright. He’s just kind of the average guy, so I’m rather Riverwind indifferent.
Raistlin – I put Raistlin way down here towards the bottom simply because the man is too damn overrated. I don’t think people like “Raistlin” as a person as much as they like the idea of a super-powerful mage. Granted I like the forthright one-purpose goal of getting more power… but that in itself seems predictable and cliché. People like Gandalf too. Not necessarily because of who he is but just because of the power he wields. My opinion may change upon finishing the Twins trilogy, but I’m going to have to be really impressed.
Kitiara – Kitiara is a well-written character because I don’t like her at all. She’s arrogant and conniving and evil. I don’t know what Tanis saw in her. I say she is a well written character because I have these kinds of feelings towards her. I think she was written to be an antagonist and definitely came out as one.
Tas – If you had your stuff constantly stolen from, you wouldn’t think Tas is nearly as adorable. I don’t know why so many people find him amusing. I find him annoying. He acts like a five year old. I swear to god I can’t wait for the day when someone doesn’t by the “oh you must have dropped this” routine and Tas gets a backhand across the jaw… with a sledgehammer.
Tanis – Tanis is a whiney is *****. I’m sorry but there’s really no other way to say this nicely and be accurate enough to describe it. Oh I love Laurana! Oh no I love Kitiara! I mean Laurana! I mean Kitiara! SHUT UP! You would think that the moment he finds out Kitiara is.. oh.. hmm.. a dragon friggin’ highlord he would get over his infatuation. But no.. he has to whine and complain and be confused some more and almost ends up killing the whole party. If I was on that boat in the blood sea I would have dumped him overboard.
So that’s my ramblings. Think of it what you will. I’ll expect my sentencing and hanging on the ‘morrow. Tell my roommate he can have my playstation 2.
...by writing this post I will be subjecting myself to further ridicule, “flaming”, and disparaging marks at my expense...
Nah. It's just your opinion, and a lot more pleasing to the eye than the million posts about how Raistlin r000lZ.
I don’t think people like “Raistlin” as a person as much as they like the idea of a super-powerful mage. Granted I like the forthright one-purpose goal of getting more power… but that in itself seems predictable and cliché.
It wasn't all that cliché when the Chronicles came out. It became that after the millionth Raist fanboy. He's an interesting character who's been reduced to a representation of the sort of character people model after him. Which is sort of backwards. Or something. :D
So that’s my ramblings. Think of it what you will. I’ll expect my sentencing and hanging on the ‘morrow. Tell my roommate he can have my playstation 2.
Why can't I have it.
Excellent overview! Keep up the good work.
Gustibus non est disputatae.
I think you mean, "de gustibus non disputandum est". And no, there isn't.
Cheers,
Cam
Alright, fine. VictorC gets my Playstation 2.
Ahhh sweet
IMO Chronicles was good, but Legends destroyed the mold. Yeah I know you can tell by his name, that hes a Raist fan-boy. But serious the story goes much deeper then the same ol' good vs. evil. It deals with a brother faced with the cold reality that he may have to kill his own flesh and blood if he can't turn his brother away.
Well thats just my opinion
No wonder he's such a hit with the younger crowd. I grew out of worshipping him about 1990.
Oggie
Actually, I meant what I said. Latin does not function the way that English does so verbs and nouns do not have to be in the same English order, as any scholar of the language would know.
Yes, I know, which is why I corrected your noun and verb order.
Latin is one of the most regulated languages in history. It likes to work the way it works.Cheers,
Cam
Gustibus non est disputatae.
Ok, since I started the thread, I'll be the first to admit this (and I KNOW there are others of you out there)...
I have NO idea what this means.
Cheers,
Cam
He's trying to say there's no accounting for taste.
Cheers,
Cam
and to that i say - pshaw.
sorry no offense ....but Tas rocks....and he dosnt STEAL anything, he just picks up what you drop
Dude, sorry, no. That's exactly my point (as I believe I stated in this and other posts). That's what he always SAYS but not the truth and reality of the situation. I will give you an example. As per people's advice, I have been reading the Legends trilogy. I believe it was when Raistlin was going through the "trial" in the Abyss. Tas was his "defense attorney" and almost immediately Raistlin was holding out his hand, Tas had taken one of his little spell component bags. His response? Oh this must have dropped on the floor, good thing I found it, here let me give this back.
That is a huge steaming load of BS. I don't care what you think of Raistlin, I doubt anyone on these boards would think he is the kind of man who would accidentally drop one of his precious and closely guarded bags. Obviously Tas took it - as he has in practically every other situation. Whether he is conscious of this theft or not is debatable but there is no mistaking that he DOES steal.
Needless to say, they are the two most banned types in DL games. You can work around it (I did), but they are aggravating nevertheless.
And personally I'd put Caramon way down on the list, but then I don't like addicts whether booze, drugs or power.
Oggie
1. Raistlin and Goldmoon (raistlin overcame his physical 'problems' to become the master of past and present and Goldmoon single handedly brought back the word of the true gods to Krynn, well she did have some help, I know that)
2. Sturm and Caramon (Both of these had major issues in their lives that they fought against and beat: the knights crumbling to nothing and being dumped by one of their siblings respectively)
3. Tanis and Riverwind (Both able to defend all in combat but did not have major roles in the war of the lance I personally think {but yes before someone says something I do know that it is Tanis that kills Ariakas, with Raistlins help though})
4. Flint and Tas: I never really like the comedy characeters because once the joke is over its just a bore, flint was good but never had chance to prove himself fully because of his death
I suppose I am a Raistlin devotee though as he is my favourite DL character I have played, well I played Caramon at the same time and he was great. :p