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Crossing the Streams

THANKS FOR ENTERING! The contest is complete. Winners of my drawing have been notified. The big winner will be notified soon!

Welcome to “Crossing the Streams 2014,”a huge, multi-author book giveaway! This is the post for my part of the contest. (Hi!)

Uh, you’re not supposed to cross the streams…What is this?

“Crossing the Streams 2014” is a contest where I and nearly two dozen other speculative fiction writers are running contests to win copies of our books.

Hey, I like winning copies of books! How do I enter?

Here’s how it works: Each individual author involved is running a contest on his or her own site. (The specific details vary from author to author; the contest I run on my site might be very different than the one on James’s site, or Marcy’s site, so read the rules below). Each of us will select two winners from our contest, who will receive signed copies of a book. Huzzah!

Once the contests have ended, all the authors involved will get together and choose one single “super-winner” from all the entries on all our sites combined. This one lucky individual will receive a signed book, free, from each and every one of the authors involved.

Wait. So I might win like twenty free books?

Yep.

Awesome! Anything else?

You can only enter each author’s contest once, but you may enter multiple contests. So you could enter here, on Marcy’s site, on Ari’s site, etc. You can enter on everyone’s site, if you want. (And even if you aren’t selected as the “super winner,” you might win more than one of the individual contests. You never know.) You can find a complete list of the authors involved, as well as links to their sites at the bottom.

So how do I enter your contest, Erin?

Leave a comment on this post (make sure you give your real email address so I can contact you if you win) answering this question: What four fictional characters would you want in your adventuring party?  They can be from any source and you don’t have to fill out the “classic roles,” but they must be fictional. If you pick characters from my books, you will be my favorite, but it won’t sway the random selection program I’ll use to decide a winner. You can just list names, list roles, or post a great big dissertation on why you want these people at your side–I’ll read them all. 

OMG, this is so exciting! Should I enter now? Should I take time to think of an awesome answer?

Entries must be received between February 19 and March 19, 2014.

What do I win?

Winners of my contest will receive a signed copy of The Adversary, my latest book.

Uh, I have that already.

If you already have The Adversary or if you haven’t read any of the Brimstone Angels books and want to start at the beginning, then you can choose a Brimstone Angels/Lesser Evils pack instead. 

I have those, too. 

Aren’t you sweet! Well, if none of those appeal to you, I can offer you the promise of a copy of my next book Fire in the Blood, which comes out in October 2014.

What about those other authors? Are they good? Where can I enter their contests?

You can find names and links here. Everyone involved in this contest is a great author or artist–some you probably know and some who might be new to you. Check out their sites and see. You might find something you love! (And you’ll definitely be able to throw your name in for a free book or dozen.)

Posted on Wednesday, 19 February 2014

Filed under Brimstone Angels, Contests, Lesser Evils, The Adversary, Writing

83 responses to “Crossing the Streams”

  1. […] Erin M. Evans: http://slushlush.com/2014/02/crossing-the-streams/ […]

  2. Tim Wallace says:

    I would choose Erevis Cale, Kvothe, Kylar Stern, and Khelben “Blackstaff” Arunsun.

  3. Darin Stahl says:

    This contest is awesome!

    Ok, my party:

    Tank: Beta Ray Bill (you know, powers of Thor, with the head of a horse, what’s not to love!)
    Rogue: Bilbo (young version with the One ring and Sting in his possession)
    Mage: Akiro (from Conan the Barbarian). Hedge wizard, but, full of sound advice.
    Cleric: With all this DPS, who needs healing! But, just in case we need to patch up a flesh wound, I want Lucy from Narnia with her healing flask. That thing is awesome! Plus, she’s pretty good with a dagger.

  4. Mitch Marty says:

    Kvothe, Nix Fall, Valas Hune, and Beorn.

  5. Ken Hart says:

    Great topic! Okay, for my four characters, I’ll choose:

    1) Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter (from the classic Hammer film of the same name). Reason: He DUELS his undead foes with a sword made from an iron cross. ‘Nuff said!

    2) Kerr Avon (from the British TV series “Blake’s 7”). Reason: Brilliant and ruthless. Able to think his way out of any problem. Unfortunately, he’s also amoral, so some of his solutions may include stabbing his allies in the back. Which brings us to…

    3) Farideh. (I’m only moderately sucking up here. Really!) Reason: She provides much-needed moral balance, and she possesses the holy-crap-look-out raw power to back it up. Also, I love warlocks.

    4) Meriadoc Brandybuck (from LOTR, of course). Reason: Braver than the other three put together. Bonus: Knows where the good bars are.

  6. […] Erin M. Evans: http://slushlush.com/2014/02/crossing-the-streams/ […]

  7. I’ll mix things up to be creative: Darth Vader, Drasek Riven, Saruman and The Morrigan (from Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles). It’s a dark team that can get the job done. You’ve got Saruman as the evil wizard, Vader as the over powered warrior, Riven the assassin, and The Morrigan because, well, she’s the chooser of the slain and the goddess of war. That’s got to be a win-win.

  8. John Malone says:

    1) Geralt of Rivia from Andrzej Sapkowski’s the Witcher Series. One of the greatest swordsman and he has some useful spells under his belt. Plus he’s a professional monster slayer. From Harpies, Trolls, and Stryigas to bandits, knights, and assassins, Geralt has a blade for all of them.

    2) Teclis. Tyrion’s sickly elven brother from William King’s Blood of Aenarion trilogy. Teclis doesn’t have the smarts or martial prowess of his twin brother, but he’s specially gifted in magic and knowledge. He destroyed a Greater Demon with enough time, so I think I’d have him on my team.

    3) Bellathonis. The head Heamonculus for Nyos Yllithian’s White Flames in Andy Chamber’s Path of the Renegade series. Heamonculus’ are master torturers, but for their masters and patron Kabal, they’re also skilled in augmentation and mending. He would be useful for keeping the party alive and enhancing their combat abilities.
    Plus he has a team of minions to do his bidding.

    4) Dandelion from the Witcher Series. He’s a famous bard known throughout the north, and is a good friend of Geralt. He isn’t much a fighter, but he can pull his weight around when he wants to. He would mostly be a moral boost for the group.

  9. Jonathan says:

    So who would I have in my party huh?
    Farideh for sure. Granted she can be a bit headstrong and prone to rushing through things, but she packs a lot of firepower and I think she is finally starting to learn the consequences of rushing through things.
    A certain astral panther tied to a statue named Guenhwyvar. She’s loyal, she kicks ass, she perseveres though injuries that would kill almost anyone, and where she goes a very cool Drow ranger is sure to follow, making her pretty much a two for one special.
    Catti-brea Wizard and former warrior and a twice-chosen in her own right.
    Seraphine A Succubus sorceress from my own writings who was one of the Succubi who did not change sides at the end of the Blood Wars but rather turned her back on both the Abyss AND the Hells. Not only is she a skilled sorceress, and an able warrior but she has incredible strength and compassion. While not a chosen she does have a very close friend who made the transition from Succubus to Angel and she longs to make that transition herself.

  10. Daniel Miller says:

    Well now…

    1) Drizzt (Salvatore)
    2) Sparhawk (D. Eddings)
    3) Richard Rahl (T. Goodkind)
    4) Nynaeve al’Meara (R. Jordan)

    That should just about cover it. 🙂

  11. Joe Riordan says:

    Drizzt Do’Urden
    Farideh
    Erevis Cale
    Cattie-Brie

  12. Kelly Jensen says:

    I’m going to make mine a Faerun-themed party, seeing as I want to go there. On a good day, to a friendly part.

    1) Drizzt Do’Urden. I have to have him. He will also be my love interest. 😀
    2) Dahl Peredur. I fell for him in The Adversary. I also want to see him realise his potential. What better place than at my side?
    3) Erevis Cale. I need a rogue and he’s a damned interesting one.
    4) Anton Marivaldi. He’s a newcomer to my favourites list but, you know, I just think he’d stir things up a bit. Conflict with the rest of the party, and he’d add a splash of colour.

    What, my party is all male? Well sure it is. It’s my party…

  13. Mark Walker says:

    Great question! Here is my party:

    Roland, gunslinger from Stephen King’s Dark Tower. He is my shoot first ask questions later hero

    Legolas, elf, from J.R.R. Tolkien. He is my tracker and my moral compass.

    Elminster, wizard from Ed Greenwood. My magic user who continues to learn new spells even after centuries of life

    Mara Jade Skywalker, Jedi Knight from Star Wars expanded universe. A former thief, now with knowledge of the force can still use her sneak skills to get into places that she is probably not welcome

  14. Joseph Crawford says:

    Violet from Rat Queens

    Raistlin from Dragonlance

    Kylar from the Night Angel Trilogy

    Farideh

  15. Tennora, Clytemorrenestrix, Nodwick, and Piffany.

  16. Josh Hardt says:

    Okay, now this’ll be fun.

    Party Leader: Aragorn. He’s honourable, knows a great deal about many things, and is a formidable warrior/tracker.

    Sage/Learned One: Tavi from the Codex Alera. He is compassionate, has earthly wisdom, and a lot of potential. He definitely has many clever ideas as well.

    Stealthy One: Storm Silverhand. Does more need to be said?

    The Healer: Jak Fleet. A good moral compass and potent cleric

    As a bonus, *all* of them have fair martial skill, knowledge of a great deal, and the ability to sneak…

  17. Mathieu Robichaud says:

    Yes, it will be fun.

    Funny one : Jack Sparrow, human rogue ?

    Serious one : Farideh, tiefling warlock

    Silent one : Mini-Me from Austin Powers

    Dark one : Drizzt Do’Urden

  18. Dan Whiteside says:

    Tank: Radovan (Dave Gross) – burn him and he just gets stronger.

    Rogue: Tananda (Robert Asprin) – A little thief/assassin/mage in a sweet-natured, huggable package.

    Cleric: Durkon (Order of the Stick) – Healer, vampire-dwarf? Why not?

    Mage: Belgarath (David Eddings) – I like attitude with my firepower.

  19. Jim Carstensen says:

    Fun! Going a bit non-standard in my roles, have a mad improvisation theme “we don’t need rules” theme going.

    Rogue: Locke Lamora (Lies of Locke Lamora series, Scott Lynch)
    Yes, he can fill traditional rogue duties, but also brilliant planning, improvisation, and such the party face. Oh, and he might be able to trick people, but don’t pay attention to that. Second pick would be Vlad Taltos (Vlad Taltos novels, Steven Brust).

    Mage: Gilgamesh Wulfenbach (Girl Genius, Phil & Kaja Foglio)
    Ok, mad scientist instead of mage. I adore Agatha, but Gil would work better with Locke. If I had to go for traditional mage, it would probably be Sparrowhawk/Ged (A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula K. LeGuin).

    Cleric: Damien Kilcannon Vryce (Coldfire Trilogy, C.S. Friedman)
    This was a toughie. I was really tempted to go with Dirk Provin (Second Sons trilogy, Jennifer Fallon) to keep with the brilliant planning motif, but while he becomes a member of the clergy it’s not that there is any magical power to it. Damien is a good man, willing to break the rules to go what is right, and a powerful holy caster/knight. But dang would Dirk keep up the mad genius role.

    Warrior: Bobby Shaftoe (Cryptonomicom, Neil Stephenson)
    I can hear eyes blinking. Over the internet. This isn’t because he’s the best individual warrior by far, but rather looking at the planners above he’s the one that could take them to fruition.

  20. hamdiggity says:

    Belgarath
    Logen Ninefingers
    Fiddler
    Arilyn Moonblade

  21. Mik Calow says:

    For my party I’d go for the following:

    Jarlaxle – come on, you know he’s the most entertaining drow in Fearun.

    Lorcan – if he’s not up to a particular task, he can call upon one of his “collected warlocks”.

    Hudson Hawk – best thief ever.

    Tony Stark/Iron Man – why have one ego-maniac when you can have four.

  22. Steve (Buster Asmus) says:

    For my four member companion party I would choose:

    I decided to pick a group that I think nobody else would choose.

    Indiana Jones
    Sherlock Holmes
    Nikola Tesla
    Albert Einstein

  23. Todd says:

    Tank – Druss the Legend
    Mage – Raistlin
    Rogue-Matrim Cauthon
    Cleric- Erevis Cale

    And of course since it is my party – Me in the Nodwick role

  24. The Terminator
    Drizzit
    Gandalf
    Long John Silver

  25. Réjean Rémillard says:

    Drizzt Do’Urden
    Erevis Cale
    Khelben “Blackstaff” Arunsun.
    Drasek Riven

  26. Paul Partida says:

    Wow, this is a really tough question to answer, but I’ll try my best to narrow it down to just four fictional characters in my party.

    1) Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander – From Terry Goodkind’s SoT series. This old wily wizard is not only wise, smart, and funny, but he brings with him a whole life of experience and Wizard’s Fire is something awesome to behold.

    2) Jimmy the Hand from Raymond E. Feist’s Riftwar Series – Jimmy brings with him knowledge of the streets, how to disguise himself and how to get into places most other people find impossible. He has no magical abilities or real fighting abilities, but his cleverness gets things done.

    3) Magiere the Dhampir from Barb & J.C. Hendee’s Noble Dead Saga – Magiere is strong, fast, and powerful. She kicks butt and always figures out how to get out of sticky situations. Very good to have in a pinch.

    4) Rand al’Thor – From the late great Robert Jordan’s WoT series – Rand starts out as a farm boy only to realize he’s been reborn as the greatest channeler of the One Power. Not only is he able to channel powerful magic to heal and destroy, but he’s a sword master, plus the talking to himself would be pretty funny to have with Zedd in the group egging him on.

  27. Shawn King says:

    Gotrek Gurnisson (Black Library, Warhammer: Slayer series from William King): I love dwarves and can’t think of a better fearless beast of a fighter.

    Artemis Entreri (Forgotten Realms: Drizzt series): My favorite rogue. He’s just badass, and paired with Charons Claw, there’s no stopping him.

    Sarth Khul Riizar (Forgotten Realms: Blades of the Moonsea by Richard Baker): tiefling, mage, ’nuff said.

    Erevis Cale (Forgotten Realms, by Paul S. Kemp): Not much to say here, he’s just badass—read it if you don’t know!

  28. Steven Addona says:

    Hmm, really interesting question! Let’s see…

    1) Kylar Stern (Brent Weeks, Night Angel Trilogy): An expert fighter, rogue, assassin, and alchemist all rolled into one magic-enhanced super-powered immortal bundle? Done.

    2) Erevis Cale (Paul S. Kemp, The Godborn): Another badass! Cale has some pretty impressive fighting chops and is the first Chosen of the God of Thieves. He’s got a tactical mind, and can heal his companions in a pinch. Solid.

    3) Elminster (Ed Greenwood, The Herald): Elminster is a ridiculously powerful wizard. He, like, blows stuff up, man. Also, he’s definitely a genius and could get us out of all kinds of scrapes.

    4) Roland Deschain (Stephen King, The Dark Tower): “For the Eld!” *blam blam blam blam blam*

  29. Evan Lewis says:

    For my wizard, I’d definitely pick Harry Dresden. I don’t think there’s another mortal wizard who can take the kind of beatings he does.

    (Man, this is hard…)

    Sandore Clegane would be my fighter. No explanation necessary.

    Can’t decide if I’d pick Roland Deschain or Oliver Queen for my ranger. Either way: win!

    Cleric, cleric, um… Hell with it. Faridah and Erevis.

  30. Steve (Buster Asmus) says:

    I’m sorry I didn’t follow your rules correctly. You said only fictional characters and Tesla and Einstein do not fit so I will revise my answer.

    Indiana Jones
    Sherlock Holmes
    Solomon Kane
    Roger “Verbal” Kint

    I think this group would be a hoot.

  31. Jesse Joyal says:

    My adventuring party would consist of the following four adventurers.

    First would be Wolverine. He is a fierce fighter with healing abilities. ‘nuff said.

    Next would be Elminster. He is one of the greatest wizards around. He has the power of the Goddess Mystra flowing through him and he has a smart ass sense of humor about him. He takes crap from no one.

    Third on the list would be Kinimod the Ranger. You all don’t know him yet but his story is unfolding in my head and getting ready to be put on paper. And hey a ranger is always good to have in a party.

    Last but definitely not least would be Jarlaxle. Yes he is a drow, he is very crafty and conniving but he is always looking to improve his status. He knows everyone and can get anything he needs rather quickly with his range of contacts. He is a valuable ally in any fight bringing both magic and raw skill to the combat. Also, while he only lets it be shown very little, he cares about certain people who are close to him.

  32. Katie F says:

    Hmmm tricky question:

    Belgarath the Sorcerer (David Eddings)
    Legolas from Lord of the Rings (Ranged attack)
    Sephrenia – David Eddings (Healer)
    and finally as tank
    Sparhawk – David Eddings (Tank also known as Anakha, Bhelliom’s Child, with the power to destroy the world)

  33. MrsSara says:

    Issac, from Dead Space. He’s ingenious when it comes to making weapons out of stuff. He’s tough as all get out. And he’s somewhat insane (justifiably).

    Richard Rahl, from the Sword of Truth series. He may have a tendency to get in trouble, but he’s totally awesome. He’s loyal to his friends, he’s really smart, and he’s deadly.

    The Doctor, #10. What more needs to be said? He’s the Doctor!

    Daenerys Stormborn! Mother of Dragons! I mean, she’s amazing.

    I bet the Doctor would be totally into Daenerys, hehe!

  34. Meagan says:

    It is almost impossible to keep it to a standard D&D party…

    My leader would be Commander Shepard from Mass Effect because she is a badass and her inspirational speeches are certainly better than mine.

    My controller would be Elizabeth from Bioshock because her abilities would be crazy useful in turning the tide of battle our way.

    My striker would be Penny from RWBY because she’s a robot and robots are the best.

    My defender would be a Master Chief/Cortana combo because Master Chief can take a lot of punishment, and he and Cortana make a ridiculously good team.

  35. Anthony Caryl says:

    For a fighter I’d have to go for the original and best Conan of Cimmaria, as created by Robert E Howard.

    For a mage I’ll pick Pug from Magician by Raymond E Feist

    For a thief lets have Harley Quinn from the Batman comics, because she’s under used where she is

    Finally the brains of the party would be Irene Addler from the Sherlock Holmes tales

  36. James Copeland says:

    In no particular order
    Raistlin Majere
    The Justicar
    Joscelin Verreuil
    Rachel Morgan

  37. P.F. Bruns says:

    I would choose Captain Malcolm Reynolds, Dr. Ray Stantz, Arsene Lupin III, and Master Chief from HALO.

  38. Jeff Hotchkiss says:

    Red Sonja
    Luke Skywalker
    Gambit
    Jean Grey

  39. Isis says:

    I have been pondering this since you announced it. I have at least 10 different groups. Some outright nuts (Galatus anyone?), some tame. But I think I would invite these folks to my adventuring party:
    My warrior would be Conan because he is pretty darn awesome with a sword, has his own sense of honor and is not weak willed like some fighters.
    My “face” would be Lorcan because he is handy with a sword and spell, and charismatic as hell (pun intended).
    My mage would be The Simbul. I was going to pick Larloche, but he is a bit ummm, scary.
    My thief would be Betty from Rat Queens, because I love smidgeons.

    And I would take the role of cleric/med pack.

    For fun, another was: Galactus, Mystra, Mask, and Superman. 🙂

  40. Elli Bonia says:

    Life is full of difficult decisions…
    Let’s see:

    1- Matthew, the raven in the Dreaming (from ‘The Sandman’ by Neil Gaiman) -as my clever and resourceful familiar.
    2- Dak’kon, the githzerai fighter/mage (from Planescape: Torment CRPG) -for ‘knowing’ the ways of the mind and of steel.
    3- Vasen Cale, the half-shade paladin of Amaunator (from ‘The Godborn’ by Paul S. Kemp) -a sword of light to rely upon.
    4- Vin, the cunning mistborn (from ‘The Mistborn’ trilogy by Brandon Sanderson) -for quick planning and quicker acting.

    Cheers!

  41. My party would consist of:

    Drizzt Do’Urden (Mega badass and has morals, cute in such a brutal world like Faerun)
    Farideh (She is so cute and amazing!)
    Kyler Stern (oh man just so good….)
    Erevis Cale ( all the badassness of Mask plus some goodlyness stuffed in there)

    They are all so amazing!

  42. Ryan Hayman says:

    Drizzt Do’urden

    Araris Valerian, from Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera

    Kelsier, from Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn

    Aoth Fezim, from Richard Byers Brotherhood of the Gryphon

  43. JDM says:

    Conan, James Bond, Luke Skywalker, Jirel of Joiry

  44. […] jQuery(function($) { function switchBooks(){ if( $(this).hasClass('hide')){ $('.show').addClass('hide').removeClass('show'); $(this).addClass('show').removeClass('hide'); var clickId = $(this).attr('id'); $('.readme').addClass('hideme').removeClass('readme'); $('#' + clickId + 'text').addClass('readme').removeClass('hideme'); } } $('.booklink').click(switchBooks); }); ← Crossing the Streams […]

  45. Derp says:

    Conan as my muscle/swordsman

    Tyrion Lannister as my support/brains/negotiator. He’ll find a way out of any situation, or he’ll always pay his debt.

    Hershel Greene from The Walking Dead as my high wisdom/knowledgeable/cleric

    Harry Dresden as my hard-hitting, no nonsense, can-take-a-shit-kicking-and-be-fine Wizard.

  46. Yoss says:

    Yossarian (Catch-22)
    Spongebob Squarepants

    To keep me entertained in the most opposite sort of ways

    Darth Vader
    Artemis Entreri

    To handle all the force choking and dagger-stabbing.

    And after Entreri kills Spongebob (cos he will), we’ll pick up Dragonbait to heal us.

  47. Matt says:

    1. Liriel Banere (Drow Mage/Cleric)
    2. Athrogate (Dwarf Fighter)
    3. Imoen (Human Rogue/Mage)
    4. Deekin Scalesinger (Kobold Bard)

  48. Theodore Ladas says:

    My choice of companions might seem a bit… strange at first, but be assured, I do plan on justifying my selection:

    I would certainly start with Granny Weatherwax(from Terry Pratchet’s Discworld series) for securing invincibility and the necessary amount of explosiveness
    I would then add Tasslehof Burfoot(Dragonlance Series) for eliminating any chance of predictability for the team
    finally, I would include Havilar (no flattery intended!) in the mix for extra flavor and volatility

    Since it is now obvious that the purpose of this explosive mix of a group would be no other than to destroy the world and find unique and imaginative ways to reduce everything and everyone unwise enough to cross its path into dust, I would choose a priest of Shar to accompany them. Probably a secret one. And who would fit better than….

    Marvin the Paranoid Android, from “The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy”! Yes, I realize that you probably had no clue about this, but come on, even Rivalen Tanthul would be considered the epitome of optimism compared to Marvin! So there is no chance he is NOT a Sharran(and don’t forget she is the godess of secrets, too!)

    KaBoom!!!!

  49. Karl Kloeden says:

    Hi Erin,
    My picks are:
    1. Yomiko “The Paper” Readman from Read or Die – A bibliophile her ability to manipulate paper to various ends (bulletproof shields, weapons, transport, constructs), limited only by her imagination, makes her a good defensive character able to adapt to the situation and protect the group. On top of this she can extreme speed read, and the ability to memorise every word she has read make her a good knowledge resource.
    2. Nightcrawler – His ability to teleport and being able to blend into shadows, coupled with his great agility and flexibility, make him an ideal stealth/ranged character. Good for hit and run tactics.
    3. Shan Frankland from The Wess’har Wars by Karen Traviss – a formidable woman with strong personal principles, she would be a strong leader and diplomat with the addition of military training, and she’s pretty much invincible with her body adapting to any environment or condition at high speed.
    4. Mortimer “Morte” Rictusgrin from Planescape: Torment – A wisecracking floating skull, who is able to assist well in combat with bites and taunts

  50. Micha says:

    Well, my all star team comes from a couple of unusual places, though they all are from some of my favorite books. So, I present to you my own idea of Charlie’s Angels below.

    Now, there’s not a lot of roguish characters that make my list; however, there is a rather awesome character I think could fit the role, though drawn from an urban fantasy story; in fact, she was my number one pick for the contest. In the place of the party’s rogue comes Ivy Tamwood, from The Hallows Series by Kim Harrison. This poor vampiress was trained from birth to exist as an older and abusive undead ancestor, who twisted and tainted everyone around him. He was especially known for inflicting horrible twisted physical and psychological addictions on his favorites, all in an attempt to get them to say “No.” Some perverse Pygmalion idea of breeding an equal. Through the course of the stories, she grows from being a pawn, to overcoming her addiction, to eventually becoming a strength for everyone else trapped in the system to get out. It doesn’t hurt either that she’s a wickedly clever detective and, at times, a complete geek. She has this delightful contrast of being a leashed savage warrior at times struggling with powerful emotions, a growing idealism, obsessive need to plan out nearly everything, and geeking out over some new tech or procedure.

    The party fighter is another character drawn from modern fantasy stories, one Kate Daniels, from her namesake novel series by Ilona Andrews. Vampire slayer, bounty hunter, and spell blade, Kate spent most of her adult life in a state of paranoia, thanks to a reasonable fear of her dear father being an insane Overlord wannabe with a tendency to kill his children, and her being raised to eventually slay him. Priorites skew when she meets close friends, adopts a young child, and eventually, runs into a situation where she faces a choice – risk exposure, or fight for her friends. Well, she decided to go one step further, and literally throw herself on the magical equivalent of a massive grenade in sword form to save her family and friends. She recovers, but soon after has to spend two weeks fighting off constant assassination attempts on her fiance’s life while he was in a coma, practically destroying her knee for life, even with magical healing. She risks sanity and life in an insane ritual to save the life of her adopted daughter, her mind being shattered by a lycanthropy disease on steroids. Kate Daniels makes the cut, not only for her skill with blade and magic in a fight, but her insane loyalty to friends and obsessive protectiveness to her family.

    Turning to a more traditional fantasy story for the role of cleric, we come upon Sophie from The School of Good and Evil, by Soman Chainani. While this is actually a book meant for young adults, its actually very cleverly written and twists upon the old traditional evil witch, and the princess / price stories we’re all familiar with from fairy tales and Disney movies. Sophie is a girl pulled from her life and forced to attend a school, where witches and princes and princesses are raised. Though she wanted to be a witch, and seemed to have the temperment for it, she was chosen to be trained as a “princess.” Still, she came to realize that she really didn’t have the natural darkness one needed to be a witch, and actually learned a number of tricks to become a “princess.” She came to realize, to her horror, that a lot of the things princesses did were actually horrific, involving enslavement and trapped spirits, and worse. And then disaster struck, and when no one listened, got pissed, ran off to try and fix things on her own, and ended up in the role of prince to save the “evil witch,” whom she regarded as a friend. Its only the first book, and there’s much to go, but for the white-magic-using-girl who broke thousand years of horrible traditions, I think that she has a lot of potential to shine in the future.

    And lastly, in the role of party mage, comes everyone’s favorite warlock, yes, Farideh, the Lady of Black Magic. Yes, I know that our esteemed author had said that she didn’t see Farideh fitting into any trope but Hero, but I think LoBM fits her really well, especially post-Adversary. So, what about Farideh makes her such an attractive choice, over someone else? As many of you readers may have noticed, should you have come thus far, its not the magical or physical strength that I’ve chosen these powerful women for, but rather their character. In Farideh’s case, its her hope, for lack of a better word. Her power is as dark as they come. She’d become convinced that she’s owned, body and soul, by the God of Evil. Certain her friends called her betrayer. And, yet, when faced with absolute despair, her words? “I’m sorry I cannot save you.” She is her own light in the darkness.

  51. Christos Pipinikas says:

    Hey Erin, congratulations on your work!
    I’ll try to keep this short-ish, I wouldn’t want to spend extra time reading entries when you could be writing. After all, the sooner you finish a novel, the sooner I’ll get to read it.

    I’d start with Ari Marmell’s portrayal of the planeswalker Jace Beleren. Who wouldn’t want a mindmage on their corner?

    The group’s core could be no other than Stephen King’s Roland Descain. Hero or anti-hero? Whichever of the two, I’d rather have him on my corner than not.

    Every group needs a comic relief, and mine would be another hero from the MtG universe. Squee, the immortal goblin cabin-hand!

    Finally, you’ll allow me to include a young heroine of my own conception. She’s called Stine, she’s an engineer and she really needs to take some time off. It would be harsh to exclude her from an adventure!

  52. Stefan Gore says:

    1.) Farideh (Because she rocks!)
    2.) Drizzt Do’Urden (Scimitars high!)
    3.) Gerald Tarrant (my favorite anti-hero from C.S. Friedman’s Cold Fire Trilogy)
    4.) Locke Lamora (the Gentleman Bastard himself)

  53. Jason Lutman says:

    Elminster (Pre-Spellplague!)

    Jarlaxle (Hey this dude has a solution to everything!!)

    Tam- (Who doesn’t love a smart ass witty cleric?)

    Luke Skywalker (Cause damnit I like lightsabers!)

  54. Arch says:

    Wow…just 4??? Ummmm

    Ok 1) Batman – do I really have explain why?
    2) Durzo Blint (Night Angel Trilogy) – the man is inexplicably explicable. That make sense to anybody else? He’s seen so much and still never saw it all. An enigma at best but fun to be around. Also, I kind of picture Tom Hiddleston playing him in a movie.
    3) Hermoine Granger – yup. No it’s not just because she was portrayed by Emma Watson, she’s just a badass female protagonist.
    4) Peter Venkman just to lighten the mood.

  55. Steven Wilber says:

    That’s a tough one:

    1. Raistlin Majere (Magic User who does what needs to be done and damn the consequences)
    2. Drizzt do’Urden (Fighter and all-around bad ass. Since I’d likely slice off my own toes if I ever got into a sword fight, I’d need some muscle around to pretect me on this junket).
    3. Erevis Cale (Just because he’s one of my all-time favorite characters and not to bad in a fight. Also the whole shadow walking thing could be useful to get into and out of some interesting places and situations…)
    4. Mat Cauthon (from the Wheel of Time Series, but perhaps from the early books because every group needs a joker to lighten the mood. Of course it doesn’t hurt that he develops into a fine general)
    4.

  56. Wayne Sklow says:

    The four fictional characters I would want in my adventuring party are as follows:

    1) Elminster (if your going to adventure, might as well with someone who can scorch the heavens)
    2) Jarlaxle Baenre (adds that bit of mystery and intrigue to the party; not to mention almost every magic item known in the Realms)
    3) Mehen (ass kicking dragonborn, no need to say anything else)
    4) Gimli (how can you not adventure without a dwarf)

    Thank you for your consideration.

  57. I’d like submit my insane concept for an adventuring party for the “Crossing the Streams” contest and let you know that I’ve been posting links and information regarding the project on LinkedIn and twitter to show my support for many of my favorite writers and creators.
    As I have read Brimstone Angels, Lesser Evils, and I am currently reading The Adversary, I would be open to a mere letter from you or an endorsement on Linkin.com 😉
    The Coalition of the Unwilling:
    Elric of Melnibone, Sorcerer, KinSlayer, Dragonlord, Exiled King of the Dreaming City, from the works of Michael Moorcock
    Jack Half-a-Prayer, infamous New Crobuzon criminal/terrorist, from China Mieville’s work
    Count Strahd von Zarovich, vampire-lord of Castle Ravenloft, based on the work of Tracy and Laura Hickman, as well as Bruce R. Cordell and James Wyatt
    And Dhavibashta, Rakshasa Raja from Eberron Campaign Setting and “In The Claws of the Tiger” by James Wyatt
    Not exactly aspects of the Champion Eternal but guaranteed to strike terror into even the most insidious creatures from the realms of fantasy!

  58. Julian says:

    1. Bud Abbott
    2. Lou Costello
    3. Frankenstein
    4. Werewolf.

    I mean you really have to ask. The comedy alone would kill most people.
    I’m sorry, I’m old.

  59. Rechan says:

    1) Drizzt Du’Urden – he has epic level plot armor. WotC would never let such a cash cow die.

    2) Batman. A filthy rich brilliant ninja with a gadget for every occasion.

    3) Harry Dresden. We need a wizard, and a smartass.

    4) T1000. Because come on. That’s freaking cool.

  60. Cheyne Allen says:

    1. John Carter of Mars (Barsoom) – He didn’t even need a spaceship.
    2. Tarl Cabot of Gor- Giant rideable hawks, nuff said.
    3. Harry Potter of Gryffindor-You never know when a good Patronus charm is needed.
    4. Yoda of Dagobah- An explanation, you need?

  61. bn100 says:

    1) Hermione Granger
    2) Robinson Crusoe
    3) Sherlock Holmes
    4) Batman

  62. 1) Melisande Shahrizai from the Kushiel’s Legacy series by Jacqueline Carey. She’s an evil mastermind, and I figure I need someone who can play the long game.

    2) Mara Jade from Star Wars. Butt kicking female Jedi, ’nuff said.

    3) JK Rowling. We need someone to write down the adventures in case we lose all the gold.

    4) Mehen! I have a soft spot for him.

    email: maurapedia @ gmail.com

  63. My four picks:

    Raistlin, because no adventuring party can ever be complete without his ascerbic attitude and sarcasm.
    Pug, because he is one of my favourite fantasy characters ever.
    Erevis Cale, for when you need that shadow assassin.
    Havilar, because she is just too damn awesome 😀

  64. Travis Weigel says:

    Jarlaxle Baenre – well connected and always seems to have the right tools for the job
    Pharaun Mizzrym – skilled wizard and a likable rascal
    Erevis Cale – loyal rogue who can do a bit of healing when needed
    Elaith Craulnober – well connected and good with a sword, not to mention dabbles in magic

    Well at least you would never have a dull moment with this witty, sarcastic lot…

  65. My evil horror party :

    1. Randall Flagg
    2. Candyman
    3. Jason Voorhees
    4. Gabriel Belmont (now known as Dracula)

  66. kyle shutt says:

    I’d take Farideh and Havilar mostly because I’m sucking up, but also because I really enjoy they way they interact with each other (also if I have those two there’s a good chance more of the crew will show up)
    Drizzt because he was in the first Forgotten Realms book I read and one of my favorite characters.
    Lastly, Jack Ravenwild because he was such a fun character.

  67. turkishproverb says:

    Adventuring Party? Well…

    Hrm… assuming we’re going with the traditional 4 man party, I’d probably go with 1. Vanyel (Last Herald-Mage) as a Caster equivalent, since it’s nice to have one that doesn’t bug out during the job (glares at half the fictional wizards ever).
    2. Samuel Vimes (Discworld) would probably be a good figure for his relative common-sense attitude in the face of magical and general fantasy weirdness, and certainly could fill most of the holes the traditional thief does.
    3. Alexia Tarabotti (Parasol Protectorate), would be good as an ally in general, and her experience fighting superior foes would compliment the part well.
    4. Abhaydatta (The Conch Bearer) comes to mind as a nice Healer, and the additional unusual, and quite seasoned perspective would be welcome.

  68. Four characters I’d like in my adventuring party. That’s hard. I think I’d like Katniss Everdeen, Varis, Daenarys (she’s got dragons), and Arya Stark.

    (I haven’t read any of your books but they sound interesting.)

  69. Logan Moline says:

    Down to the wire! I hadn’t checked back here in a while and what do I find but an incredibly fun contest! Tough to decide who to pick for my fearsome foursome, but I guess I would go with:

    1. Karrin Murphy (Dresden Files). Tiny, but fierce!

    2. Sorry/Not Apsalar (Malazan Book of the Fallen). She’s pretty as an icicle and as warm to the touch.

    3. Gaius Octavian (Codex Alera). Every party needs a great problem solver! It also helps when they can command the elements 🙂

    4. Dassem Ultor (Malazan Book of the Fallen). Just in case we need a little sword work done.

    In my opinion this team would be tough to beat, and stupid to cross.

  70. david cleary says:

    Drizzt Do’Urden…. simple because he is awesome. Also with Gwenhwyvar at his side, we have a secret weapon.
    Erevis Cale…. currently finishing the godborn and about to start brimstones. Erevis could use his healing powers, protection spells to protect the group and he can travel through shadow/dark areas.
    Druss the Legend by david gemmell… thanks to his books I got into fantasy. Druss and Drizzt would make the perfect team. They both have big hearts and would do everything to protect my final charactor.
    Artemis Fowl by eoin colfer….. his irish like myself. He is a boy genius. While my team is full of leaders, I think Artemis adds something different. He would thrive under pressure but would need alot of protection from the others. He could solve any mystery and would definitely wind up and annoy the team.

  71. Frank O'Sullivan says:

    Hi,
    Han Solo, from….Need I expand on this. His first plan to get you out of trouble may not work, but he’ll think on his feet, improvise, and save the day in the end.
    Jarlaxle from R.A. Salvatore Drizzt novels set in Forgotten Realms. The loveable, charismatic drow. A bag of tricks to get out of any situation.
    Wulfgar the Barbarian, again from R.A. Salvatore Drizzt novels set in the Forgotten Realms. Standing at seven foot and with Aegis-fang in hand, a formidable foe, and a vital ally.
    Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones. The adventure road may not always be eventful. Never a dull moment if Ser Lannister was a member of the party.

    Thanks,

    Frank

  72. Anthony Soto says:

    Artemis Entreri
    Boba Fett
    Deadpool
    Harley Quinn

    My party would probably implode upon itself, but I think it’s pretty cool.

  73. Debbie Nelson says:

    What four fictional characters would I want in my adventuring party?
    1. Drizzt Do’Urden from R.A. Salvatore’s Forgotten Realms books, because he brings his magical panther Gwenhwyvar, is great in a fight and follows a moral code.
    2. Batman (or Jarlaxle Baenre by R.A. Salvatore) because he has connections, has money, is smart, and has lots of gadgets & toys.
    3. Endora from Bewitched TV show because a red-headed witch who casts spells and doesn’t tolerate stupid mortals but loves her family would benefit the party.
    4. Bruenor Battlehammer from R.A. Salvatore’s Forgotten Realms books (again) because this group needs a plain-speaking, charge in dwarf who is good hearted, loyal, and can provide comedic touches to lighten the mood.
    I know it is heavily slanted toward R.A. Salvatore’s characters, but his stories in the Forgotten Realms got me started reading the genre again!

  74. Tom Smith says:

    My 4 to adventure with:
    1) Drizz’t Do’Urden
    2) Allanon the Druid (Terry Brooks)
    3) Erevis Cale
    4) Atticus O’Sullivan – for comic relief (Kevin Hearne)

    What can I say? I like druids and dark heroes….

    TS

  75. erin says:

    Added from mis-post:

    Tom Kelly
    1. Elminster Aumar
    As far as magic support goes, I’ll take the chosen of Mystra.

    2. Drizzt Do’Urden
    Expert tracker, swordsman, and archer. Plus you know a skirmish might start just for travelling with a drow

    3. Erevis Cale (I’m having a tough time not taking Artemis Enteri)
    One word: Infiltration

    4. Cadderly Bonaduce
    Healer extraordinare, morale compass

  76. erin says:

    Added from mis-post

    jesse rodriguez

    Answer One:
    The characters I would choose are pulled from different books, movies and video games that I have played, viewed or read.

    Panamon Creel (Thief, Gypsy) A one handed thief that still has a shred of honor. He traveled with a mute troll and his ancestors helped forge a sword of truth.

    Nakor the blue rider (Gambler, Magician and Cheat) A chosen of Kalkin, god of pranksters. Nakor has always been enigmatic and interesting. He has an endless supply of oranges.

    Minsc and Boo (Berserker and miniature giant space hamster) Although a berserker, Minsc has a strong desire to uphold good and be heroic, though with a fervor that causes those around him to regard him as possibly insane. He consults Boo for advice and his battle cry urges Boo to go for the eyes.

    Friar Tuck (Robin Hood: Prince of thieves) Fat, Jovial and a lover of ale, he is also a skilled swordsman and archer in some tales. He fills in as cleric because of ale’s curative properties and this quote, “This is grain, which any fool can eat, but for which the Lord intended a more divine means of consumption. Let us give praise to our maker and glory to his bounty by learning about… BEER.”

  77. erin says:

    Added from mis-post

    Graham:

    1. Elminster – his ability to cast amazing magic that damages foes, causes obstacles, or fills in with other support functions is the ultimate go to guy. Come on now, he is a chosen of Mystra, which means get to play with the Silverfire. Pew pew anyone?
    2. Jarlaxle – he is a Jack of All Trades, and one badass fighter to boot. His connections across the world above and below would be invaluable. He has connections with the legitimate communities and with the not so legitimate communities. He can be morally ambiguous, but he isn’t pure evil. He reminds me of Batman with all his magical items.
    3. Pharaun – I know I already have Elminster for a caster, but I like Pharaun too. He has a lot of skills as a wizard, but most of all he is smart. (I like to think he has a high wisdom score too.) He is good at looking a situation, figuring out what is really going on, and then coming up with an answer that isn’t over the top.
    4. Jon Snow – Tapping into the Song of Fire and Ice series to round off the group. So far I am pretty damage and caster heavy, and with this sort of group you really don’t need a meatshield, but I still like to have a quasi-meatshield in place. Jon has a sweet sword, and knows how to use it. He also comes with a really cool animal companion. (Extra creature for killing, and most importantly Jon can slip into his skin and view through his eyes. Some scouting when the magical sorts of divination won’t do.) Despite Jon Snow “knowing nothing”, he has a lot of common sense, and is developing into a good leader. Having to handle the men of the Night’s Watch, and Stannis, I think he can keep the above characters together. He isn’t too bent on the moral good of everything, but he does stick with his convictions to do the right thing.

  78. Alex says:

    1. Aoth Fezim – Warmage/Griffon Ride of course he does not go anywhere without Jet.
    2. Zaltys Serrat was a yuan-ti pureblood ranger
    3. Qilué Veladorn – Drow Cleric
    4. Askok is a Shadar-kai, Chosen of Tempest