roger0002

Not wanting to get involved in the individual story discussions, my favorite stories are: all of them. I have read every one of them multiple times, and I like all of them equally. However, I have noticed that nobody has mentioned Kyle's favorite, which I like pretty much on the same level as Kandric Saga - Kyle actually said many years ago that Re-Emergence was his favorite story to write, but was also one of the hardest to write, which is why it gets updated even less frequently as Kandric does. I also like Day of N, even if it is pretty much a survival story like Adventure Quest is. The entire universe of Kandric is excellent, but at times gets a tad confusing with the number of differint arcs that are currently in progress. Same with the AIM universe. Brile has 3 to 4 arcs ongoing right now, and O'Connells has 3, if you separate Robin from the Major; don't forget that Neil and his side mercs are linked up and headed on their own adventure, and I would suspect that they have a better chance in a crossover to Brile in the near future. Just my thoughts on things.

I believe the spelling of Oden is to actually distinguish the name3 of the Highman King from the god Odin, although I have also noticed that this seems to be almost interchangeable, as it has been spelled Odin in Kandric. Could just be a typo, like hoard and horde.

While I may not be the sharpest tack in the box, I started reading the stories on Caste Roland.net many, many years ago. I saw a link, and followed it and bookmarked that page. On that page was another link, to the forums here. I bookmarked that link. Guess I'm just too stupid to not read the actual text on a web site instead of just looking around for design flaws. Castle Roland in the past was based on a template that most of the story websites I read back then were also based on, so in effect, they were identical. Eventually, someone actually decided to exercise independent thought and created a distinctly different theme and layout for this site, making it easier (for me, at least) to get to the stories that I read the most often, without having to scroll through a huge list of stories that have not sparked my interest. A few of the other sites did likewise, and made my reading experiences more about reading the material rather than searching for it. Probably the best thing about both the main CR site and this forum is that there is an actual list of what updates are available so an individual can see if the stories he follows have been updated or not. Also, if you actually tag the stories you read, and get on the notification list here, you will get an email telling you when your favorite tale has something new added. In a nutshell, it really ain't that darned difficult to maneuver around the CR world. Just giving two cents worth for the offered penny for my thoughts.

As was stated in the past, the editors of the stories here don't exactly have nothing else to do. They do the editing in their spare time, and there is usually a lot more to it than just spelling and grammar. A lot of the editing process is in fact story continuity and that involves getting back with the authors to inquire about and receive approval for some things. That has a tendency to delay the release of some chapters, while other ones seem to just miraculously fly through the editing process. I've seen authors go from releasing a chapter in a matter of days to suddenly taking 6 months for an installment, then back to rather rapidly releasing chapters again. Its not something that can be planned, it just happens, and we just have to have the patience to get through the times when it takes longer.

I was just thinking that as I was reading the posts here. while it takes a lot of work for Kyle, I'm sure that if there is enough interest in this story from readers, it may be able to be continued into "The Adventures and Quests of the Explorer Corps ISTAZ Cadets" or something along that line.

I have found that unless the story is fast moving, it is better to read them from the beginning. I tend to read all of my favorites, then start over at the top of the list, chapter 1 and read them all again. It may suprise you to find out how many stories will update while you are in the process of reading them from the beginniing

You know, this seems to turning into a pissing contest. It seems to me that Talo Segura is not familiar with the fact that this website is not a pay per view website. Ergo, the people that work on it are volunteers, as in, they do the work in their spare time when they can. It is not a job to them, it is a favor done for a group of like minded persons. As such, there is no such thing as a "schedule" of updates. And by "a small number" of people, what Ken means is, it is him and a couple of others that do this. It is NOT their full time job, it is done when time is available and the necessities of life are not in conflict with getting it done. Additionally, as was mentioned, nobody is paying to read anything here. The authors are not paid to present their own intellectual property here, and in more than one case, the authors are in fact engaged in full time employment that is not related in any way, shape or form with anything remotely related to this site. Several stories are actually posted here AFTER the authors have submitted them to other sites, or posted them to their own primary sites. Kyle has stated multipe times that certain stories would not be receiving updates on a regular basis simply because the research involved tends to leave him semi comatose so he tends to delay the updates for when he can get multiple chapters researched and in draft form. It just takes too much out of him, and yet, he still manages to get things posted here for everyone's enjoyment. Also, keep in mind that most authors are appreciative of feedback, whether positive or negative. If you like their work, TELL THEM. Don't just complain that they take too long to update. These are not really "Serialized" stories. Serials intimate that there is a regular schedule, or deadline, to get them published. The stories here are more in the line of semi regular installments, with no set schedule for anything. Kyle has flat out said that certain stories will only be updated once or maybe twice a year. He has one that he has been working on for over 15 years that he updates when he is in a certain mood. It also happens to be one of he favorite stories to write. Those of us who have been following those stories from the beginning have learned to accept that updates come when they will and to be happy when they appear. Yes, we drop hints that it has been a while since an update, but it is NEVER a demand. And as Ken said, sometimes we have to find out that one of the stories will, unfortunately, never be completed as the author as passed on. I know of 2 that are in that status. It doesn't make them any less interesting, just means that there will never be another update. Sorry if it ticks someone off, but hey, that's life.

I remember that, but I thought that, with the way it was phrased, he saw something as he walked through the door after being given the test parameters. I can understand his reaction now. Thanks for the clarification.

Important. hmmm. Just a tad bit of an understatement, don't you think? I was not at all surprised with Xavier's reaction to seeing Protectors Keep. I actually expected it, from Thane's reaction and then the mention of it by Garnet. It just sort of jumped out at me. I'm just wondering why Thane started laughing when he went into the room for his test. I guess we will find that out in the next chapter or so. Keep up the great work!

Just read the latest chapter here, and all I can say is: Oh My God!!!! You have got to be kidding me!!!!! Like getting nuked because you live near a Wal Mart wasn't bad enough, you have to add that to it???? You are evil!!!!! I LOVE it!!!

Went to re-read this story onlyto find that it has been removed. I guess Kyle felt that not enough readers were showing an interest in continuing it, so he removed it. Sad, when you consider how much Kyle and all the other authors here and elsewhere provide for the entertainment of others and just ask for honest feedback and, yes, even criticism from those of us that are enjoying the fruits of their labors. I shall miss reading this story, and I was really looking forward to the next stage of the story.

I have read the latest chapter and I just have to say, "Hmmmmmm. Me thinks that Thane's comment when approaching Protector's Keep and Garnet's comments about the visit to Rovnar's Castle just might be referring to the same place." Also, Sand/Brown Hybrids???? Interesting turn, here.

Kyle once said that this is his favorite story. Unfortunately, just like Kandric and Brile, the amount of research required takes a lot out of him, so he really has to be in the proper frame of mind to write each installment. But, once he set out to do it, it always turns out to be well worth the wait.

I was just thinking, it's getting to be close to time to expect another installment here, ain't it?

Finally read it. Great story. MORE MORE MORE!!!!! While not necessarily a cliff hanger, it left me wanting another chapter or 50. I really enjoyed it. Now for the critical editor type guys comments. You made references to Lord Talborne and the Andar IX fiasco. I think, for those that read this without knowing about your other 2 stories in this Universe, you might have explained this in a little better detail. I'm thinking perhaps the Prologue from Brile, since it explains it as it happened, although it doesn't include the characters from this book in it at all. I'm thinking more along the lines of "background information" to make the readers understand this situation a little more. It would help explain why there were so many kids found out in the desert and their desperation at not being turned over to AIM. Just my thoughts, that's all.