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In the old King’s Quest Companions by Peter Spear, there was this story about a guy named Derek Karlavegan(might have the spelling wrong) who was able to contact the writer of the guidebook through the computer in Manannan’s Study. Did Roberta have anything to do with that, or did Mr. Spear write it all?
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(re: Derek Karlavegan??)
If I remember correctly (and someone will correct me if I’m wrong), Derek K. first appeared in the KQ6 manual. That means that his identity at least was created by Roberta / the KQ6 design team and supported by Roberta. As for the general creativity and add-ons by Spear, I myself wouldn’t treat it as canon Sierra material – but as the guides are authorized by Sierra, well, I guess you can consider them semi-supported by the designers. Isn’t there a quote from Roberta on the KQ companions? I’m at work so I can’t check right now. They are interesting books, though I don’t always like Spear’s writing or concepts.
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(re: Derek Karlavegan??) I could be mistaken, but I think this Derek fellow was mentioned in the companion book but not in the actual manual. And, I think he comes up in the KQ Companion for earlier games (like KQ4?), which would indicate that he was used in the KQ Companion before KQ6 was written. But I’m also at work so I can’t look right now.
Also, I’m pretty sure the KQ6 manual was written by Jane Jensen, not Roberta.
-emily
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(re: “Derek Karlavaegen”) Brandon was right – Derek is in the KQ6 manual. The version of the KQ Companion that I have came out at the same time as KQ6 (third edition?) and it does mention Derek Karlavaegen in reference to other games, but the forward refers to KQ6 and the land of the green isles, so now I’m wondering if all the Derek Karlavaegen stuff was added at around the same time KQ6 came out. Does anyone have an earlier edition of the KQ Companion?
-emily
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(re: “Derek Karlavaegen”) I have all the editions… but I’m at work once again. I might check when I get home… In the meantime, Jane worked with Roberta on KQ6 of course, so if Jane got the credit for the manual, I’d still consider anything in it canon as far as Roberta is concerned. Regardless if Spear borrowed the name from Jane / Roberta or if it was the other way around, that doesn’t make anything that Spear wrote canon. I guess I’m just a purist, I only consider the facts in the games themselves and their manuals to be the authority on what is King’s Quest. Still, as I mentioned I do remember there was a quote from Roberta on one of the Companion books… so I’ll look up that and check the different editions when I get home today, unless of course someone beats me to it.
Brandon Klassen, archivist ~ SierraGamers.com admin / dev team ~
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(re: “Derek Karlavaegen”) Alright, so Derek is used in the Companions starting with the very first edition (KQ1 – KQ4), so the character must originate from Spear. When it got around to KQ6, Jane / Roberta decided to use him as the one who wrote the guide.
As for that quote I was talking about, here it is (sorry for any typos, I just got out of bed, but yes, the “add’s” typo is on the actual book)…
First Edition: “The King’s Quest Companion is an interesting blend of fiction and helpful information for playing my games. Anyone interested in reading the story behind King’s Quest or who just needs to be ‘unstuck’ while playing the game will find this book invaluable.”
Second Edition: No quote from Roberta.
Third Edition: “…a wonderful blend of fact and fiction that brings my games to life in an exciting new way. It add’s another fascinating dimension to the entire King’s Quest experience. It is truly a pleasure to read and a must have for anyone hoping to explore the series in greater depth and detail.”
Fourth Edition: Same as Third Edition, without the “add’s” typo.
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