MALHAVOK and the original NWN

[rounser]

If you click through the "Hall of Fame" link on this page on the old Neverwinter Nights, you'll notice a character with a name very similar to one we know from the 3E DMG. The original NWN lasted from 91 to 97, predating 3E by some time.

Does this mean that Monte Cook played MALHAVOK in Neverwinter Nights, or it was played by one of his friends, or that he heard the name and borrowed it? Then again, maybe it's just a coincidence. Monte?

 

[RangerWickett]

On a related note, look in the artifacts section of the DM's Guide (the book Monte wrote). The Shadowstaff mentions the name Malhavoc.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Is is "MAHL-HA-VOK" or "MAL-HA-VIK"?

 

[Katerek]

This is going to date me I am sure.

Malhavoc was a villain from the Superfriends Cartoon in the 70's or 80's time frime. I do not remember exactly the spelling, but I do remember the name. I t may have been one of the later incarnations of DC's cartoon adventures.

Not that it is any big deal or anything, I am just pointing out that it would be possible for someone other than Monte to have used the name. It's a cool name.

 

[Monte At Home]

Do an internet search, and the word comes up a fair bit (considering it's not even a word). There's even a heavy metal band with the name.

Obviously, I think it's a cool name, but I can't claim that taking "Mal" for "evil" and "havoc" for "chaos" and combining them is all that innovative.

However, it's a name that means something to me from my own gaming past, and that's why it's my studio name.

 

[Henry]

Monte, If you don't mind answering two more questions:

1) So I take it that wasn't you in that AOL NWN hall of fame list?

2) Have you had a chance yet to see the new Neverwinter Nights? If so, do you plan to write an op-ed piece on it?

 

[Monte At Home]

1. Nope. Not me.

2. Haven't tried it yet. I've just been too busy. Sorry.

 

[Ashy]

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one that has not yet had time to try that time-slurping monstrosity....

Not saying I would not WANT to, mind ya. ;P

 

[Henry]

time-slurping monstrosity is not too far off - but trying to quit is like stopping a make-out session with a succubus.

 

[AGGEMAM]

1. Nope. Not me.

2. Haven't tried it yet. I've just been too busy. Sorry.

Since you've already answered the original question allow me to ask another of you.

That name, Malhavoc, where does that come from anyway?

I seem to recall that Malhavoc was a wizard in Greyhawk and was mentioned in the 1 ed AD&D PHB/DMG, is this correct?

I also seem to recall Malhavoc was play by Gary Gygax originally as an NPC, does this hold true?