83. (November 2019) The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. Leguin — The Tabletop Roleplayers' Book Club

3. Magic

Michael_S_Miller — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:47:13 +0000

Magic is not just a tool in this story, or even a way of life. It is the fabric of the world. A breaking of magic breaks the world as well.
What did you think about the way magic is used in the story?

Were there any spells or effects that stood out to you?

How did you feel about the way that the breaking of magic threatens the world?

1: Arren

Michael_S_Miller — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:45:21 +0000

Like the previous two Earthsea books, this is a coming-of-age story.

What did you think of Arren as a boy-on-the-cusp-of-manhood? As a destined king?

How do you think his journey prepares him to rule?

How does he compare to other fantasy kings?

2. Ged

Michael_S_Miller — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:46:15 +0000

Ged has grown older and more powerful since the previous books.

What did you think of him as a mentor to Arren?

As an Archmage during a crisis?

As an old man nearing the end of his vocation?

How does he compare to other wizard-mentors in fantasy literature?

5. Gaming

Michael_S_Miller — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:48:37 +0000

What ideas from the story might you use at the gaming table? How would you use them?

4. Earthsea

Michael_S_Miller — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:47:46 +0000

We see several new islands of Earthsea, but also hear a lot more about the history and culture of the world than in previous books.

What locations stood out to you?

Were there any pieces of history or cultural practices that made an impression?