They all go like this:
Poor peasant boy lives humble medieval existence amongst other pov types with unpronouncable names. Evil rich dark lord oppresses humble poor peasants. Otherwise unremarkable poor peasant boy discovers magical artefact/leet skillz/prophecy, attains wisdom and is powerful but still humble, defeats evil dark lord (but not totally as energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed from one state to another, and there has to be the possibility of at least a trilogy). Add at least one of the following: dragon/quest/dragonquest/older wiser wizard/elf queen/feisty sword-wielding love interest who eventually succumbs to heteronormative influence.

Oh, and the cover (elaborate drawings of at least one figure in flowing robes and/or a sword) will say "A tale to rival Tolkien".
( crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet, Wed 1 Jun 2011, 13:34, 2 replies, latest was 15 years ago)

Shut up David Gemmell was brilliant.

(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 1 Jun 2011, 13:40, Reply)

yes his book was very entertaining each time he wrote it

( Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 1 Jun 2011, 13:46, Reply)

How dare you!
You're thinking of Eddings.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 1 Jun 2011, 13:50, Reply)

well he's better than Eddings admittedly
but, still..
( Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 1 Jun 2011, 13:51, Reply)

pretty much.
like the standard role play character background...

"I was born in [poor village] where we lived a mostly peaceful existence until [name of bad guy/race] came and destroyed [poor village]. I was the only one to escape, I found myself in the forest, lost and alone until I met a mysterious [character class] who taught me all be knew. I trained for years and I am now the best [character class] ever. I have returned to get revenge and retrieve [magic item/weapon].
( Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 1 Jun 2011, 13:45, Reply)