An Interview with Larris
Alright... here we have Larris, of AFDL fame and fortune. Sitting down for an interview with Lady Raist
* Larris raises glass
* Lady Raist chugs her drink
Lady Raist:You're popularly known as Larris among the DL fanbase. Why the name Larris?
Larris: Ah, that is the question everybody wonders, is it not? No Raistlin or even a small Chemosh here, only a pretty nondescript, almost genderless nom de plume, Larris. Was a roguish boy antagonist (kind at heart, only rough in the edges) from a goody-two-shoes 40/50s Norwegian comic. I portrayed him once on a national TV show. And since this was about the time when I first started venturing into the digital world, I chose that. it's very versatile, actually.
Lady Raist:Versatile how? Is Larris a girl or a boy?
Larris: Oh, Larris, the name, the character, and the person (meaning myself) does carry many masculine traits. and I think there is for those willing to look closely a record of Larris having a good eye to the feminine sex.
Lady Raist:So you're not like Raistlin then? Confused with sexual identity?
Larris: Steve Miller called me Larissa once, since he was working on Carnival of Fear at the time, I think. My sexual identity? Hmm. Now you've got me thinking. Let me check. Masculine. Definitely
Lady Raist:So I doubt we'll ever see the thread in AFDL "Larris is (and was) a woman" right?
Larris: Knowing AFDL the way we do, I think the safest thing would be to not rule out ANY possibilities.
Lady Raist:True that... those AFDL people are really off the wall sometimes. Speaking of AFDL...
Larris: yes?
Lady Raist:Are you aware of how popular you are? People have asked about you many times and wonder when you will grace the hallowed halls of the newsgroup again.
Larris: See, now you made me both blush and chuckle.
Lady Raist:That's my job you know. :)
Larris: Yes, I think I'm starting to get the picture now. No, I guess I'm just an old dino. Not retired yet, that's for sure, neither from the Net nor from Dragonlance. Some people might still remember me from a certain period, which was a pretty pivotal one in DL publishing history, because it led right up to the War of Souls. Then I went on hiatus, because I was determined to read the entire trilogy in one go. Therefore I had to sacrifice my Net presence in DL communities, isolating myself from potential spoilers, because I really really really looked forward to reading that. Unfortunately my return is still a year overdue, which was never my intention, but I'm still poised for a comeback. I just don't know when. Maybe this will be the line before I really do come back.
Lady Raist:How do you feel about the title "dino"?
Larris: The title Dino, I think was not originally meant to be a distinguishing mark of honor or anything like that. More like old and grumpy hecklers, I think. Which of course may still be correct in some instances, mark my words. But I have loved dinosaurs for 25 years now and can't help but feel good about it. Besides, the other dinos I know I like to think about as friends. Grazing giants, that might be, but still friends.
Lady Raist:Do you consider yourself one of the bitter dinos?
Larris: Bitter? Me? True, it does help to keep a sharp and critical mind when dealing with Dragonlance, but I've never been absolutely put off by a Dragonlance product. (except for the Norwegian translations. I threw my copy of Dragons of Autumn Twilight repeatedly into the wall in between my sobs of anguish), but it's still out of our love for Krynn that we care so much. And as to being labeled Bitter Dino Zenicus... that I hold to be an honor.
Lady Raist:Does it disturb you that people still talk about you?
Larris: I had no idea that they did, to be honest. But no, I guess I'm too much of a vain PR hungry feedback reliant man to be disturbed by that. Of course, that does depend rather heavily on the context that I am mentioned in. In many ways it's good to know that in a itsy bitsy way I have contributed to a community and that I have meant something to someone. That I find to be a comforting thought. The ways people remember me may vary, but I hope that I haven't made too much of an ass out of myself online. Remember, everything we say or do goes right to Google to stay there forever!
Lady Raist:So other than War of the Souls, what else has been keeping you away from the world of DL fandom and AFDL?
* Larris coughs from a cigarette
Larris: Uhm. Well, what can I say? Personal issues was a major factor for some time. But that's ancient history now. I think it's more now that I couldn't keep up with the books so much as before, which brings us back to spoiler concerns, and that I wished to be able to contribute meaningfully whenever I partake in something. That, and that I moved to the city where a modicum of social life is demanded. No offense to anyone, of course.
Lady Raist:Have you been keeping up with the new material?
Larris: Not much, no. I've been trying to buy the new books as they come, but actually reading them is another issue entirely. Right now I'm reading Dalamar the Dark, so you can go figure yourself. I regret this, because I know there's still loads of the ol' DL magic and lots of my favorite new authors present among the books still on my shelf, but it's a question of managing time efficiently. Not one of my strengths, I must confess.
Lady Raist:Do you think DL is moving forward, or has it turned into a steaming pile of dragon dung?
Larris: I admit that the pulling of DL from the official Wizards game world lineup was a disappointment. Then again, maybe its acquisition by Sovereign Stone was the very best thing that could happen to it. I am an optimist, as those who know me know, and I'm eagerly awaiting the new DL game launch at GenCon!
Lady Raist:Um... GenCon was last weekend you know?
Larris: D'oh!! that's what you get for attending release parties for death metal bands - instant brain wipeout. I had forgotten! Argh! This goes to show that I really need to get into the loop again and to get myself a proper filofax.
Lady Raist:Heh heh! Well that's what you get for living way over there! I'm surprised they actually have DL over in your country! Do you have to ski to the bookstore to get new books?
Larris: Thank you very much. Only when it's winter, which is to say the nine months of the year when the sleighs don't grind against the roads. I think there are surprisingly many Scandinavian DL fans too, actually. Especially on the Net, but that might have to do with sociogeographical factors.
Lady Raist:Have you seen the new sourcebook yet?
Larris: No! I was about to cancel the interview in order to run out and get it, then I just realized the stores closed an hour ago. Honestly!
Lady Raist:You're not allowed to do that! I just cleared my schedule for the evening!
Larris: Well so did I, but certain matters just need priority, you know! Anyway, it's too late now and I might as well resign with my discontent for now. I'm getting it tomorrow, though! Have you seen it? What's it like?
Lady Raist:I'm asking the questions here! (In other words, no I don't have it! *grumble*)
Larris: Oh. Sorry. Just forgot my place. Won't happen again. Promise.
Lady Raist:Since you've now read the entire War of the Souls series, do you think it did a good thing or a bad thing for the world of Krynn?
Larris: Oh, it did a good thing, certainly. Overall, that is. I too have my reservations about the outcome of the trilogy, but it did manage to blend some rivalling lairs and schools in DL fandom as well as spark some new interest in the series. And of course, it's a good thing that old Takhy didn't get her way after all. In that respect it was a very good thing for the world. Some have claimed that the WoS series made the entire Fifth Age become a nest of lies and falsehoods, but I think it wouldn't be different from adventuring in the Dreamlands of H.P. Lovecraft. Besides, the names W&H alone appearing on the covers of new DL material are in my opinion very important to consolidate the faith of old fans who otherwise would had fallen off the planet Krynn long ago.
Lady Raist:And you call yourself a bitter dino??? I think we're going to have to pull your status. You're too optimistic.
* Larris grins
Larris: I know. But you should see the notes I was making while I read the trilogy! Pages of woe and despair and grr-ing in general.
Lady Raist:Well, based on that, what faux pas topic about DL makes you want to beat someone with a ski?
Larris: My Lady, I must ask if you are trying to lure me into a diplomatic trap here? To avoid compromising my neutrality, I have to state that the topic about Raistlin's... evilness or goodness makes me groan every time. Fact.
Lady Raist:I think every dino groans over that argument when some fanboy (or girl) brings it up.
Larris: Otherwise, who would win a duel between R. and, um, F. comes a good second. Give me fights between sovereign nation states and vegetables any day of the week. Mongolia vs. kiwi, for instance.
Lady Raist:When I say the name "Yakanoh", what do you think?
Larris: ugly beast living in a cave?
Lady Raist:That's it? No choice words for what you want to do to him?
Larris: More seriously I think about my own lack of composure. And that I might not be the guy people think they know.
Lady Raist:Or is that all the past?
Larris: It is past for me. Not one I'm particularly proud of, but I did what I felt was right at the time. Of course, after that AFDL turned into a hellhole of trolls for some months (Morten's words), but I did feel that I had to do _something_ other than just killfile over and over, again and again
Lady Raist:Ah, the sordid past of the newsgroups... What fun it was!
Larris: But I definitely have very mixed feelings about the entire business.
Lady Raist:I think everyone does.
* bows head in reverence for the past of the newsgroup *
Larris: Fun, yes. It's what often happens when somebody hurts somebody loved by somebody. Not good, but I don't believe human nature is particularly good.
Lady Raist:But enough of that.
Larris: Yes, please.
Lady Raist:Pick a god... any god.
Larris: Sargas!
Lady Raist:Is he bodaciously sexy?
Larris: Oh my god of vengeance, yes! Did you know Sargas has an aspect where he appears like an inhumanly tall, horned black male?
Lady Raist:Hmmm... that does sound bodacious.
* Lady Raist makes notes about hiring Sargas as a coffee boy in the tower
Larris: Look it up yourself. He appears in the upper levels of Dargaard Keep, the fortress otherwise being infamous for harboring the worst monster Krynn has sired... the Tarrasque!
Lady Raist:Ah yes... I do recall there being a vague mention of such a critter. Do you think he'd like the live ones?
Larris: I think he likes just about everything. Well, maybe not the kender appearing in Tales of Uncle Trapspringer, but that's the only exception. You *were* talking about the Tarrasque, aren't you?
Lady Raist:Yes I was... I got distracted by his large... ahem... frame.
Larris: speaking of which, I wonder if there are going to be published even more new monsters in the new sourcebook?
Lady Raist:I wouldn't know... I don't have the book yet. Although I've heard that Raistlhoff and Tavin have picked it up already...
Larris: You know, this actually makes me breathe faster and deeper already.
* Lady Raist likes it when the men are hot and heavy
Larris: Hm.
* Larris coughs
Larris: Yes. Have you thought about hooking up with a minotaur?
Lady Raist:Horny beasts... more beast than horn though. I believe they might be more up Raistlehoff's alley.
Larris: Don't look at me, I wouldn't know.
Lady Raist:Ahem. Let's not go there... it's scary enough as it is! So what do you think of Dragonlance Underground?
Larris: I must say that to all of us to hold Dragonlance dear, it is a veritable affront to our values.
Lady Raist:Want to pay our wages then?
Larris: If I could. Because it is also a necessary one. It's a genuine treasure trove of fandom. My sincere and heartfelt respect and compliments go out to all the Raistlins involved.
Lady Raist:No one else has even offered to pay. We're zero paid mages you know.
Larris: Mages on minimum wages. Must be tough.
Lady Raist:What do you think of us Raistlins? Are we cute in our robes and thongs?
Larris: Oh, so you do wear thongs? I'm glad to have that fact finally ascertained by a Raistlin. Of course, you're all unbelieavably sexy and possess kissable lips.
Lady Raist:Some of us do... Raist-leet is too young. Raistlicious is usually wearing nothing. That's her natural state.
Larris: The aspirations to take over the pantheon would be alright, if it weren't for the fact that Takhisis is in reality Margaret Weis.
Lady Raist:Takhisis fell to a well placed Raistlin! We have ten on staff!
Larris: Ah yes, the Staff of Mage-s
Lady Raist:Who's your favorite Raistlin out of the bunch?
Larris: My Lady, I could hardly pick anyone out from the others... you're all cute and adorable and wear the same dresses, so it's difficult to choose. But out of courtesy I'd be obliged to select the present company, naturally.
* Larris blows a kiss to Lady Raist
Lady Raist:Oh my... that wasn't quite what I was looking for, but it'll do for an answer. Want to join my harem then?
* Larris clears his throat
Lady Raist:I sometimes lend out some of my boys to Niltsiar, so that's part of the deal too. He only requires them to dress in knickers and suspenders.
Larris: Um. The prospect is truly boggling my mind right now. But, much as I'd love to, I think I recently have developed an allergy to Friends and Charm Person spells. Will a gully dwarf suffice in my stead?
Lady Raist:We only use those for foot stools and cleaning the spiders out of the attic. Although I believe Raistlame likes to practice fireball spells on them occasionally.
Larris: Does fried Aghar smell better than uncooked?
Lady Raist:Raistlame thinks so. What about kender? How do you like them? Flaming, Well Done, naked and wiling to serve, or all of the above.
Larris: Ooo, a toughie!
* Lady Raist is getting tipsy
Larris: I think I'd have to go for naked and willing to serve if you add "bound and gagged", if that's not going to be interpreted in any kinky ways. But surely you know what I mean, don't you?
Lady Raist:Of course! I like my humanoids always willing to serve.
Larris: Ah ha. Serves four to five portions, right?
Lady Raist:Depends on the size you know... gnomes and kender are just so tiny sometimes!
Larris: Exactly. Unfortunately, my digestion doesn't really allow me to sample much of those, so I'll leave that for you to decide.
Lady Raist:Heh heh heh! If you could be an DL character for a day, which one would you be and why?
Larris: Another very difficult question.
Lady Raist:Well this wasn't intended to be easy you know? I'm easy. The interview isn't.
Larris: I must confess I have had a soft spot for Tanis. That's naturally only because he got to do the hoodie-doodies with Kitiara and Laurana. I think he might have crammed both of them into one day once, so I'll go for that specufic day while I'm at it!
Lady Raist:Ah me! A man after my own desires! I'd take Laurana and Kitiara at the same time as well! Um. Ok... where were we?
Larris: More seriously, I think I do like Tanis the best. I do belong to both the Tas and Raist fan clubs, but from a mature perspective there is a lot of recognition and "real" character traits in him.
Lady Raist:Now, I recall sometime in the past, you and another well renowned dino had a duel of some sorts. What brought about that kind of blood shed between dinos?
Larris: Well thereby hangs a tale... As I recall, it started with myself expressing my admiration for Sue Cook and what she did for DL as its Brand Manager.
* Lady Raist scratches out a note "Who in the Abyss is Sue Cook?"* "and can we make fun of her somehow..."
Larris: Sue Weinlein Cook, married to Monte Cook. Terrific woman.
* Lady Raist is out of it lately
Larris: Then Morten couldn't help but commenting about her in a disrespectful manner, and I was forced to defend Mrs. Cook's honor by challenging him to a duel.
Lady Raist:Ah yes... the two men battling it out for woman... it's been that way for centuries. I'm glad to be part of the booty.
Larris: Booty is always good, but the very manner the booty was won in this instance was very fun and entertaining in itself. Steve Miller made us some really great DL trivia questions. I must thank him again someday. Especially since I won in the end.
Lady Raist:Did you really? I can't remember how that turned out. I believe it was in character too, right?
Larris: We needed a tie-breaker to resolve the issue, but in all honesty it must be mentioned that Morten was then physically removed from all material he could have perused for help, while I had most of what I needed at my disposal already, so it wasn't entirely fair. And yes, it was in character, which made for more entertaining reading in a public forum, I think.
Lady Raist:Wasn't there a charming and cute kender girly moderating it? Think she's available for my harem?
Larris: yes, that would be young Cassii. I wouldn't assume she'd go for just about anybody, though, as she always seemed to be extremely picky about who she singled out as her objects of affection. But for a Lady of your stature and beauty it's hard to imagine how she could decline.
Lady Raist:Well... we should draw this to a close soon...
Larris: So soon? Is the night not yet young and Lunitari low in the sky?
Lady Raist:It is, but Nuitari has gone down, thus draining me of power it seems. And my drink is empty as well.
Larris: Mine too. Oh well.
Lady Raist:When do you think you'll show up at AFDL? The group's been dead lately. They'd love to have some old blood back in!
Larris: Now that I know the DLCS is out I'll probably be back as soon as I have my paws on it. Hopefully. With no promises made here. But yes, I would really like to return, and I would like to state here and now that I would get cranky over lack of spoiler warnings - I'm more than a year behind on published material! But I still long to partake in the DL community again, do not doubt that. Some of the very best moments I've had in front of a computer screen were on AFDL. It's like a place I have stayed for a period of time, gettting friends, being allowed to perform a function of sorts, feeling useful and sharing our love. Because I do love DL and I love the DL community.
Lady Raist:You know what to do with those that spoil books... roast them over an open spit, and then bring then to use for sacrifice.
Larris: A good recipe, that.
Lady Raist:I like mine medium rare.
Lady Raist:Alright... with an ending like that, how else can we top it? :D
Larris: I don't know, my Lady. You are after all conducting the interview, so I take it you're dismissing me for now?
Lady Raist:Well, I think we've exhausted most of our resources at the moment...
Larris: Indeed. I'm even out of cigarettes.
Lady Raist:Well you run off for those, I'll smack the whip at one of my boys for another drink, and we'll chat some time in the future!
Larris: I'd be honored too. Thanks for your gracious company tonight, my Lady Raist.
Lady Raist:And you too Sir Larris. I hope we'll see more of you around the DL communities in the near future!
Larris: Thank you. I hope so too. Keep the magic! Goodbye!
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