Looking ahead to 2010

So what lies ahead for the building of my world in 2010?

--Daily updates will resume after the new year
--The overhaul continues
--more progress made on The Video Game
--and maybe a few surprises!

The type chart finally worked out

Shokiyan magic works with six primary elements and six secondary elements

The primaries are Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Light and Darkness, with Nature, Chaos, Ice, Lightning, Holy, and Spirit being the secondaries

And your point is?--the themes of Gemsinger revisited and Miresa's journey

During the course of my world's overhaul, I have started thinking about the themes of the story again--I know I want the main one to be "The greatest hero is sometimes someone you least expected", and Miresa embodies this by constantly causing magical accidents when we first meet her. Her change, therefore, is a more confident mage and more confident person

Fleshing out Miresa's physical appearance

Eyes--she has medium sized green eyes that are round, lending her a friendly and playful air

Hair--Brown with a hint of red, but not quite auburn, usually tied back in a small ponytail so it is not snagged or accidently cut while sparring (blademages will typically have short to medium length hair--if it is not short already, female blademages and apprentices will tie it back)

Build--She stands about 5'6", which is about normal for a Shokiyu human. She has a slender yet muscular build, achieved through long hours of training. She does not have any visible scars or other markings. When not training, she typically wears a tunic-like outfit, black leggings, and moccasin-like shoes.

So, where is all this going?

So after studying some of the tips here, I decided to try and apply some of them to "Gemsinger"

Write the ending first--I know how I want the story to end--Miresa defeats the demon lord using the powers she has mastered over her travels. Getting to that point will a quest in itself!

Belated The State of the Chronicles: November 2009

This month, my initial notes started to receive criticism that the world was unrealistic, and I worked with some of the feedback givers to create a board for the project. In addition, the world was re-christened Shokiyu, and the magic system and its history have begun an extensive overhaul.

Thank you to all for your support--I know I haven't been giving daily updates like I have, but I'll try to get back in that routine again.

The rules of magic revisited, Day 2

Is there a difference between miracles and magic? If so, how are they distinguished?

A miracle is defined as a divine act that only Meikon can perform

The rules of magic revisited, Day 1

What things can magic not do? What are the limits of magical power?

--Every race has the possibility to wield magic, but it is more likely to appear in elves and fairies, as their culture relies on it more.

--Casting spells eventually brings on fatigue (this kind of fatigue is different from normal fatigue)

--Reviving someone is possible, but highly unlikely to work

--Since playing music is the primary means of casting magic, it will only work of you name the spell before playing something.

--Of those beings that wield magic, they have at least one type of power. Only one being can wield all twelve elements safely--and that being is the Gemsinger

Starting from the beginning again

Since the world is getting a huge overhaul, the worldbuilding questions will be revisited starting tomorrow

Working hard...

The board has gotten a few members, but it never hurts to ask for more...so come on over to to look around and join us in making The Gemsinger Chronicles a reality

Status of rebuilding

We've batted around some new ideas for the magic and religious systems, and I feel we'e making progress.

Back to the drawing board

The board is coming along nicely, but I'm starting the worldbuilding over now that I've been told that a lot of what I initially wrote will not work

Our own board

We're going to be getting our own forum soon--watch this space for details

UPDATE: The board is here

Major revisions

Patrick has brought up some great points that have caused me to think about starting completely over--redesigning the magical system from the ground up.

The world has a new name, and now its magic is about to get a major shakeup. It's pretty clear that a lot of what I initially wrote isn't going to or can't work

Reshuffling the magia system

After a little tinkering, I have a somewhat redesigned magia system.

The twelve gemstones are divided in two groups of six primaries and six secondaries.

Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Light. and Darkness are the six primaries. The secondaries, meanwhile, is where I'm having trouble:

Earth could be split into rocks/crystals and plants and animals (nature), with nature being Earth's secondary
Fire's secondary is unknown at this time
Water's secondary is ice
Wind's secondary is lightning
Light's secondary is holy
Darkness' secondary is possibly Spirit.

Viginette #21

Miresa? What brings you to the kitchen at this hour?" Arune asked as she watched her Other clang and clambor about gathering bowls and ingredients.

"Halliwen dared me to try cooking something using the magia powered stove." Miresa explained as she reached for a cookbook from the bookshelf, being extra careful not to wake the dog that snoozed nearby.

"What's a dare?" Arune was piqued, warily eying the dozing canine every so often.

"A dare is a task you do to prove yourself." Miresa explained. "They can range from harmless to very dangerous."

"And knowing Halliwen, she just gave you this one just to get you into trouble." Arune noted. "The High Mage says that no apprentices can light the stove without his permission or under supervision."

"Well, you're supervising me, right?" Miresa assured Arune. "So we should be just fine."

Arune sighed--there was no way she was going to talk her Other out of a dare. "Very well, I will supervise you. However, you are responsible for anything that goes wrong."

"Understood." Miresa replied as she focused on the stove and fumbled for one of her whistles. "Flaming Aura." With that, she just played a few tense notes on the tiny glowing red instrument, but only one tiny spark came from the fresh logs.

"Try using the bell the cook uses to call the apprentices to dinner." Arune suggested.

"Great idea!" Miresa pocketed her whistle and commanded "Flaming Aura" to the large triangle shaped chime that hung by the entryway from the eastern deck. Once the chime was glowing red with fire magia, Miresa gave it a hard smack, making flames come roaring from the stove at the resulting CLANG!

Arune gasped at the size of the flames. "I have a bad feeling about this...."

Viginette #20

"We've arrived." Galia replied as she led the party into the common room of the inn. While the other girls were admiring the elven designs of animals carved in the furniture and decor, Bradlin noticed a familiar minty smell wafting past his nose. He knew this smell: minted rum, aged for three Diamoons.

"What's the matter, Sir Dragoon?" Arune noticed the pained look on Bradlin's face.

"Some dragoons in my lodge always drank minted rum whever they could, so I can identify it and how long it has been aged by its smell." Bradlin explained. "For best results, you should drink it when it has aged at least one year past the Diamoon it was bottled."

"One year?" a patron gasped. "Minted rum gets better with age, ya shrimp!" he boasted as he gulped down the large glass filled with the dark green concotion. Miresa noticed there were gold flecks floating inside the liquid, most likely leftover sugarcane bits.

"Who are you calling a shrimp?" Bradlin was appalled at the title bestowed on him by the drunken patron. "I happen to be a dragoon in training of the Eastern Star Lodge."

"Ya hear that? The shrimp's not even a full dragoon yet!" mocked another patron, causing more drunken laughter.

"This is bad..." Arune shuddered. At this, a chair went flying, which was countered by a bar stool.

"Come on..." Miresa motioned for the others to follow her upstairs, away from the melee of bottles and furniture that were flying across the room.

"Why anyone would want to drink something that clouds your mind is beyond me." Arune sighed.

Viginette #19

Laughter and the flit of fairy wings filled the air as a group of fairies arrived in the large clearing overlooking the plains--the perfect spot for playing sproutball out of the gaze of human or elven eyes.

"Marfil, you remembered the sprout?" a fairy clad in blue asked as she began fashoning a goal net from some twigs and cobwebs.

"Of course, Susura." a fairy clad in white replied as she set a small brown seed with two small leaves peeking from it on the ground. "We can't play Sproutball without the sprout!" The seed suddenly glowed a faint green to illustrate its bearer's point.

"I'll be happy to make the other goal net." a brown haired fairy in green replied before flitting up to gather some twigs.

"Arune, be on my team!" a fairy in purple begged.

"No, be on mine!" a fairy in yellow protested.

Arune sighed. "Farfalla, Amberlyn, I'll be happy to be on either of your teams if you just say so." she assured both fairies before winding some cobwebs across the twigs to make a goal net.

Once the field was set up, the fairies met at the midpoint of their makeshift field to choose up sides. Amberlyn and Susura were named captains of the two teams, which meant they had to choose five others to complete the lineup.

Amberlyn was first. "I choose Farfalla for my team!"

"And I'll choose Gora for mine." Susura replied. This went on for a while:

"Then I'll pick Serenity for my team!"

"And I choose Arune for mine."

"I choose Vista for my team!"

"I choose Piora for mine."

Once the teams had been decided, Susura asked Arune "Which position do you want to play this time?"

"Goalkeeper." Arune replied as she flitted over to the right goal net and watched the two captains meet at midfield. The sprout then started to fly upward, but Susura whacked it away, beginning the match.

Arune watched as Susura passed the sprout to Piora, but Farfalla stole the sprout and made a mighty heave for the right goal! Arune intercepted it in the right corner and tossed it back to Marfil. Marfil passed it to Susura, but the sprout suddenly turned to ice, making her drop it and allowing Farfalla to steal it as it returned to normal.

"No fair!" Susura complained.

"Cardinal rule of sproutball: the sprout will do anything to ruin the best laid strategy." Arune assured her teammate as she intercepted the sprout again.

It's decided!

Shokiyu will be the new name for my world.

Viginette #18

Yet another viginette where I have to delete the world name....

Miresa sighed as she stared out the window. The temple's belltower had just struck the Hour of Night's Topaz, and she was still unable to sleep. Many questions about her impending quest weighed on her mind: Will the demon lord be after me? How much farther untill we get to Selance? What will Queen Leria ask me to do? Have the Twelve Stones really hidden themselves away from Katva's clutches?

"What are you doing up at this hour, Miresa?" Arune's voice snapped Miresa back to reality and gave her some assurance that she was safe. "You know we have a long way to go to get to Selance."

"I know that, but I'm just afraid of what will happen when we get there..." Miresa sighed. "I mean, I know I have to go, like it or not. But why would Meikon choose me out of the billions of beings on (unknown) as the Sixth Gemsinger?"

"She has Her own ways of doing things, and although we as mortals won't always understand why She chooses to do one thing over another; She has a plan for each mortal. Maybe this quest is part of Her plan for you."

Viginette #17

Continuing on our way to Selance
We saw we had a long way to walk
So Bradlin come up with the "brilliant" idea
To have a dragoon fly us there, so all we had to do was relax and talk

So we walked until we saw a dragoon's outpost
With Selance offered as a stop
20 pieces of gold for the trip
In less time than it takes corn to pop

I ponyed up my share of the twenty pieces
And was told when our dragon would come
Less then ten minutes time, they said
Or you can call me a bum

And so ten minutes came and went
With no dragon to be had
Everyone was getting quite antsy
And I was trying not to get mad

A lovely blue dragon came not long after
Her rider well dressed and dashing
An adventurous twinkle came into his eye
As he assured us we would not be crashing

We held on tight as we soared skyward
But before I could enjoy the ride
I looked down to see just where we were
And saw the ocean at high tide!

I told the dragoon that Selance was the other way
And we needed to be going west
But when told we had to dismount and walk that way
Galia said "Surely you jest!"

But no, it was the truth, he said
So we reluctantly climbed off
In the middle of a misty swamp
That made Arune cough

So tonight we're farther away from Selance
And 20 gold pieces less
Whether or not I ride with a dragoon again
Is up to you to guess

Viginette #16

The thunder rolls outside
My duties at the temple complete for now
And I have a few moments to spare

Siwyn hears my coming
Her deep brown fur ripples from the breeze coming in
Exposing some gold underneath
As she sits and waits

For me to choose a tale to study
While it steadily rains
And I have nothing to tend to

Some days, I choose a lighthearted romance
Of a princess seeking her love
Other days, I may choose a thrilling mystery
So I can match wits with the hero
And solve the crime before I get to the end

A day like today calls for a tale of adventure
From a time long past in our world
So I make my way to my wicker chair
And invite Siwyn nearby
To lose ourselves in another world together

Viginette #15

So we were on our way to Selance one night
When it started to get late
But a town was not far from our position
The guards let us through the gate

Where we then proceeded to find an inn
To rest up for tomorrow
But the night we spent in that little shack
Was one filled with sorrow

The innkeeper tried to make us feel at home
But I guess that can be hard
When the only food you have on hand
Consists mainly of lard

Which not long after it was consumed
Nature it did call
We spent ten minutes each in the bathing room
Ridding ourselves of it all

It didn't help that a barroom brawl
Raged not far from our location
As soon as we regained our bearings
We went to our room to avoid the altercation

But the yells and crashes of chairs and tables
Kept Arune awake for at least an hour
If I'd known a spell to quiet the noise
I'd gladly use the power

The beds were old, crusty and hard
Like sleeping on a rock
I spent most of the night
Wearily eying the clock

And silently pleading with Meikon
To make the dawn come faster
I've learned that next time, we'll sleep in a larger town
To avoid a repeat of this disaster

Viginette #14

"Here we are, everyone...my secret place." Galia smiled as she waited for Miresa, Bradlin, and Arune to arrive.

"If it is your secret place, then our knowing about it doesn't make it secret anymore." Arune interjected as she waited for Miresa to unpack her tent and the jewelry box that served as a dwelling for her.

"I choose to share it with you all because you are my friends, Lady Wingblade." Galia replied. "Only me and those I consider a friend know about the Meadow of Shining Illusion. To anyone else, it is merely a dead end in the Forest of Dawn."

"Fascinating..." With that, Bradlin gathered up some sticks and twigs and began building a campfire. "So, why are we passing through the forest when we don't even need to go to Coraira yet?"

"Miresa may have awakened as the Gemsinger, and done the three deeds the Sixth Gemsinger was foretold to do within hours of awakening, but to actually begin the journey that all Gemsingers have gone on, she must receive the Gemsinger's Quest from the ruler of her own race." Galia explained.

"So that's why we're going to Selance--Leria rules there, and she rules over the humans on this continent..." Arune noted as she watched Bradlin finish starting a hearty blaze.

"That being said, know that we are not being pursued on the journey to Selance--not yet." Galia continued.

"We're not?" Miresa asked. Usually in the stories she'd heard, the Gemsinger and the party were usually pursued to the human capital city by demons and other creatures of the dark realm, and there were plenty of near misses and adventures on the way.

"The demon lord doesn't know you've awakened as the Gemsinger yet, Miresa....but as soon as you find the first of the Twelve Stones, then he will begin his pursuit." Galia replied. "His heart is too far corrupted to shine with the light of magia, and so he cannot sense mortals that have it, even if the being is the Gemsinger. But the magia he can sense comes from the Stones themselves." She let that hang as Bradlin hung some preserved beef over the campfire.

Miresa swallowed hard at the thought of the demon lord following her every move--if she died at the hand of the demon lord, (unknown) would be destroyed!

Viginette #13

"Here we are, Arune...the sea." Miresa began as she finished making her way down a bluff. It had been a day's journey from Telrain, but Miresa felt it was worth the trip. Having a friendly costal town close by the shore didn't hurt, either.

"Wow..." Arune gasped, amazed by the clear blue water and the waves lapping against the shore. "Have you ever wondered what lies at the end of it, Miresa?"

"Well, I do know there are other continents besides where we live..." Miresa stammered. "But I haven't really been to any of them."

"Just think of it--we could discover a continent or civilization long thought to be lost." Arune mused.

"Or better, we discover a brand new civilization no one has ever seen before!" Miresa smiled as she dashed down to the sandy shore. "Imagine what Leria and Kamino both would say!"

"Adventuring would be fun, but unless you have wings or the strength of ten avris, we're not going to cross the sea that easily." Arune sighed. Miresa stopped in her tracks--swimming across the ocean was no easy task, and she barely had enough gold to travel to the beach, and chartering a ship would cost thousands, if not more. Hiring a dragoon was also out of the question, as no dragoon she knew was willing to cross the sea, and if there were, they would also ask for exorbitant fees.

Viginette #12--Prologue first draft

The low rumble of thunder echoed throughout the temple as a group of children made their way through the temple foyer, past the worship hall, and around a corner into a room filled with books of all kinds. One of them, an auburn haired girl with two braids encircling her head, was particularly excited to be there--hearing stories from the Seer was way more interesting than listening to Miss Kurial drone on for hours about kings and queens long since dead.

"Lady Seer, I entrust my class to you this afternoon--the rain and thunder are making them antsy and unwilling to pay attention." she heard Miss Kurial say to the female elf clad in the ornate white robe with colored swirls Seers wore. She clasped her hands together along with her classmates and waited for the elf's response.

After a few tense seconds, the elf also clasped her hands and pointed them at the class. "Welcome, class of Kurial Damis...I have much to tell you today."

Now that the class was officially welcomed, the children walked over to a rug in the center of the floor, and sat down facing the elf. While her classmates would chatter amongst themselves, Miresa just watched the rain that was pounding the temple window--what tale would the Seer tell today? She had learned the elf's name, Galileth Moonblade, some months before, when the elder had formally installed her as Seer of Telrain. While she wasn't sure why some townspeople were so afraid of an elf interceding before the Goddess for a town mainly consisting of humans, the elven Seer had quickly won over many families in Telrain with her soft spoken demeanor and kind heart--so much so that she had earned an affectionate nickname among the children--Galia.

The thumps of the elf organizing a few books and other supplies and another rumble of thunder snapped Miresa back to the present--Galia was about to begin class.

"I see all are present today. Good." Galia smiled as she surveyed the children seated before her. "Today we will discuss one of the world's best known legends--the legend of the one that can wield all Twelve Stones' power. Who can tell me what the popular name for this being is?"

Miresa's hand shot up before anyone else could answer. "Yes, Miresa Selvan?"

"This being is named the Gemsinger." Miresa confidently answered--almost any Sekiyan would know this, she thought.

"Very good." Galia smiled. "The story goes that when Sekiya is in great danger, the Holders that guard the Twelve Stones disappear in some way, and the Stones themselves flee to places filled with many traps and trials to deter the demon lord or other dark beings from finding them."

"But what happens if the demon lord does find them, Lady Galia?" a boy asked.

"Then the world itself feels the effects of the corrupted stone--the wind blows out of control, storms blow up on the sea, and the earth withers away, to name some examples." Galia replied. "The only one worthy of rescuing the Stones from these dungeons is the Gemsinger, whose heart shines with all twelve colors of magia." Some thunder rumbled outside to illustrate Galia's point.

Viginette #11

I depart long before the town awakens
And disappear into the forest outside of town
I feel a sense of belonging there
As I am not far from the hero's home

But that is a day's journey from here
and I don't have that much time
Before the sun rises
And I must return

It's a little cool right now
And the trees climb to the heavens
Obscuring any view
Of the brightening sky

I move quickly
With all the grace and speed of a deer
My footfalls silent to the forest creatures
They know my people are friends of their land

The world starts to gain a little color
As the sun peeks over the horizon
And I arrive in a clearing
I call my own

For only a few moments
I am at peace.

Viginette #10: Phobias

Miresa?"

"Hm?" Miresa looked away from the dusty road leading into the town square. "What is it, Arune?"

"Why are some beings afraid of the silliest things?" the chocolate haired fairy asked as she landed on her Other's shoulder.

"Now what makes you ask that?"

"I was passing by the temple this morning, and Losi was acting unusually fearful of going up to the highest tower--a very unusual fear for an avri. Usually, avris are fearless of flying."

"Well..." Miresa racked her brain for the simplest way to explain such a fear to the fairy on her shoulder. Sometimes a being will have a very unatural fear of something--healers call fears like this a phobia. In Losi's case, she is afraid of going into tall buildings or a location that is high off the ground."

'But when you fly, you go high off the ground!" Arune protested. "So does that mean Losi is afraid to fly?"

Miresa giggled. "No, Losi enjoys flying just like any other avri would--it's just that when she is on a tall cliff or a high point of a building, she is afraid." She wasn't a healer, but Miresa felt that was an easy enough explaination

Viginette #9: Mother used to say

"Not again..." Arune sighed as she ran a finger over her crystal chimes, restoring some charred books to normal. "Are you sure you really want to be a blademage, Miresa?"

"Yes..." Miresa sighed--this was the third fireball she had accidentally unleashed in the library that week.

"Well, a good blademage knows how to control the magia inside them, even if they don't know they have named a spell until too late." Arune explained as watched the newly healed books fly back on the shelf, hiding all evidence of her Other's accident. "If you don't mind my asking, why do you continue to try to harness magia even though it usually winds up being a mess for me to clean up?"

"My mother asked me that same question when I was young--but back then, I was too young to understand why I kept making things happen when I unknowingly named spells--and I said I wanted to be a blademage." Miresa explained. "But after a week went by where I inadvertantly caused an accident at least once per day, I was seriously reconsidering my childhood dream and leaving the mage's lodge. Mother took me aside and said "Set yourself as the standard". I took that to mean 'believe in yourself', so whenever someone tells me to just give up, I just remember that little proverb, and it gives me the strength to keep trying."

Viginette #8: My Idol

Had to edit out the world name in this viginette, since I don't know what the new name of the world will be yet

The day of the festival dawned warm and sunny, and all of Telrain turned out on the town square to watch the Festival Dance. Some in the crowd wore flowers in their clothing--girls and women in their hair, men and boys in the pockets of their shirts.

Galia and Losi were present, both in their ceremonial clothes, as the four members of the ensemble filed onstage with their instruments. A feather from Losi's wings was pulled free by the breeze and swirled out to land on Miresa's leggings. She blushed, but Losi gave her a reassuring look, as if wanting Miresa to take the feather.

Miresa found her seat in between Caronna and Ailina and made herself comfortable, her heart pounding like a drum creating a reel of nervousness. She could feel her hands shaking and her feet jerking a little, as if wanting to dance to the uneasy rhythm reverbrating through her.

Caronna noticed Miresa shaking and placed a reassuring hand on her. "You'll do fine--so long as you've practiced your part, nothing will go wrong."

The words did nothing to soothe the nervous rhythm inside Miresa as Aeskan--or as she was known all around (unknown), Fleetfoot--stepped onto the stage. Her jet black hair, a sign among elves that the elf had innate darkness magia, made a stark contrast between the pure white dress-like outfit and leggings she wore. In just a few short moments, Miresa realized, she and her fellow bandmates would be transforming the white outfit into one with the four primal colors of magia--dark green for earth, red for fire, light blue for water, and light green for wind.

Galia stepped out towards center stage, hushing the murmuring crowd. "People of Telrain, a special day has arrived--the day of celebration that marks the return of spring and the new life born from it..."

Miresa tried to listen to the speech, but the nervous rhythm her pounding heart had created was now quickening to a fever pitch. She didn't know why her nervousness had increased to this level--her being in the presence of one of her idols, Fleetfoot, or the fact she was now minutes away from playing in the ritual she had always dreamed of playing in. Galia's words seemed muddled in her mind, drowned out by the frantic reel seemingly pulsing through her body.

She snapped to attention as Galia finished her speech and took her leave with Losi, leaving her, her bandmates, and Aeskan the only ones onstage.

Torian waited for Losi to give the starting signal, then whispered "Magia Flower", making his instrument glow deep green as he began to play the simple, yet stately jig-like melody that made up one half of the Prayersong's tune. The deep bass notes of the lute created flowers shining with all twelve magia colors around Aeskan's feet, which she deftly tiptoed through as her outfit absorbed some of the sparkling deep green swirl creating the flowers.

Once the lute played the complete A section, Caronna whispered "Ruby Sphere" before lifting her glowing red instrument to her chin and joining the tune. No sooner had the fiddle joined in did large red balls begin to form in the air alongside the elven dancer swirling and swaying across the stage to the stately melody, bursting in showers of rubies, which Aeskan picked up and spread around her and the Magia Flowers, absorbing some of the stream of sparkling red energy into her costume. Some of the Magia Flowers burst into flames at the ruby's impact, making some in the crowd ooh and ah.

The concertina joined in with the spell Sea Rune for the B section of the tune, creating waves of sparkling light blue energy that set the Magia Flowers and remains of Ruby Spheres afloat. But Miresa knew that the "water" Aeskan was now splashing and jumping through was not water, but water magia. She swallowed hard as a wave engulfed Aeskan for a moment, making her outfit absorb some of the water magia that now drenched the stage. If this were real water, her idol would surely slip and fall; but Aeskan did not slip on the waves of water magia and the showers of rubies and flowers around her. Every step, every twirl, every jump--each of them well rehearsed and masterfully executed--affirmed to her time and time again why Aeskan had been dubbed "Fleetfoot"

The lute, the fiddle, and the concertina playing the B section a second time snapped her from her awed trance--she had been too focused on Aeskan to notice that after they finished, it would be time for her to join in at the A section! She nervously fumbled for the peridot Galia had given her and stammered "Prism Storm", making her whistle glow light green. After waiting for her cue, she gingerly joined in with the tune, making colored wind gusts out of the light green energy of wind magia, completing Aeskan's transformation from pale white form to a Magia Dancer of many colors. The melody of earth, fire, wind, and water joined with the dancer swirling among the energy to create a harmony fit for a goddess.

As she played, Miresa thought she saw Arune nodding her head to the rhythmical jig-like tune, and Bradlin flashing the sign of the sprout to her in encouragement--and it gave her more resolve to play stronger, and louder, strengthening the Prism Storm.

After several more renditions of the tune, all four instruments ended together on a D note as Aeskan struck a triumphant pose. The last of the four combined magias combined in one last explosion of color in the noonday sky before the crowd began to cheer....

Viginette #7: Holiday

"Let me see if I heard you correctly, Miresa..." Arune gasped. "Lady Galia wants you to be one of four that will play the Festival Dance Prayersong to accompany this year's Magia Dancer?"

"Yes! Yes! I can't believe it myself." Miresa replied.

"You realize that the Festival Dance is not the kind of dance tune you are accustomed to playing..." Arune started. "It's actually a slow and stately tune....also know that you are actually casting magia."

"I'll be receiving a peridot to cast the spell with and control it, don't worry." Miresa sighed. She knew full well that if the festival was ruined because of an errant wind gust, Halliwen wouldn't let her live it down.

"Then who else is playing with you?" Arune was piqued.

"Well...Caronna's playing fire again this year..." Miresa began. "Torian is also back this year, playing earth on the lute he made last year...the only other newcomer this year is Ailina, who will be playing water. So the ensemble will be a lute, a fiddle, a concertina, and me on whistle."

"And who is the Magia Dancer this year?"

"You'll probably think this is a Stone of Power, but Aeskan, the elven dancer everyone calls "Fleetfoot", is coming this year." Miresa replied.

Arune stiffled a giggle. "Like THAT's a Stone of Power! What would motivate Fleetfoot herself to come to such a small town like this?"

"Lady Galia probably asked Fleetfoot to come, I'd wager." Arune mused. "But at any rate, you'd best get practicing if you stand a chance of controlling the magia." With that, she flitted over to the empty music stand before Miresa and ran a finger over her chimes of crystal, making the book of Prayersongs lying on the bed fly up and settle before Miresa, the pages ruffling until they came to the Prayersong called Festival Dance.

Miresa studied the music for a moment--she did too play this kind of dance tune! Festival Dance was simply a slowed down jig set in common time, and the tune was fairly easy, or so she thought.

She tried to play the beginning of the tune, but the well hidden triplet in the first measure threw off her concentration and made a screech echo through the room.

Arune winced from the whistle's squawk. "Have you had your power locked, Miresa?"

"No--I've just never seen this rhythm before." Miresa explained. Arune rolled her eyes as her Other screeched and squawked through the melody--the festival would be ruined for sure if Miresa played the Prayersong as badly as she was playing it now.

More viginettes coming

I've been meaning to share some more writings, but some of them I may have to edit in the new name of the world.

Another name for your consideration

My friend (who is helping me with The Video Game) suggessted the name Shokiyu for my world--what do you think?

Is there an artist in the house?

As much as I want to draw Miresa and co. and their world, I can't draw to save my life--so if there are any artists out there that want to help bring my world to life, let me know!

Utana vs. Tiriata

Which of these names do you like better?

In case of trimming...

In the event that I have to trim some elementals, how much is enough to trim?

Rearranging magia

To start, I'm taking psychic abilities out of Time and putting them in Spirit. Pearl's possible new elemental is Ether, which manipulates the fire-like substance ghosts are made of, as well as summoning beings and items

Some new names...

Here's a list of possible new names for my world--starred names are ones I like a lot.

Utana*
Tiriata*
Agrion
Minagas
Eurion

What to rename the world and more

Since I found out that my initial name of Sekiya has inappropriate implications, I'm back to square one-naming the world.

Should I still go with combinations of real words in other languages, or should I just generate a name?

I then got criticism that I need to rework the magic system. While paring down elementals is my last resort, I decided to start by moving psychic power out of Time elemental magic and putting it in Spirit (or whatever I ultimately re-name it)

Pearl needs a new elemental, and I could change Spirit to something like Ether.

Any ideas for what Pearl's new elemental should be

A world by any other name...

Over the course of the year I have built my world, I have been careful to avoid words that could mean inappropriate things--so imagine my shock when I learned that Sekiya has an inappropriate meaning/implication in Japanese.

So that means back to the drawing board for naming my world....

Traveling in Sekiya, Day 3

For traveling short distances within a city, what are the alternatives? Can people hire a cab, a litter, a rickshaw, or do they have to walk or rely on their own servants or horses?

Besides walking, a Sekiyan can also hire a carriage (akin to cabs) or use a teleporter (which, unlike teleportation magia, is very unlikely to fail)

Traveling in Sekiya, Day 2

Are there magical means of transportation (teleport spells, magic carpets, dragon-riding)? How do they compare in speed, safety, and expense to non-magical means? How commonly are they used, and for what purposes (industrial shipping vs. travel for fun)?

Teleportation and dragon/wyvern riding are common in Sekiya, and are usually faster and safer at the cost of a slightly higher price. Teleportation is mainly used for shipping items, as the risk of teleportation failing rises with the more people you need to teleport. Dragon/wyvern riding is used for both purposes, with each dragoon charging their own rate per person

Traveling in Sekiya, Day 1

What are the common domesticated animals used for transportation at various levels of society -- e.g., oxen, horses, donkeys, camels, etc.?

Oxen and horses are generally used on the plains, but elk are occasionally used on the plains, as well as the mountains and the highlands. Camels are also used in the desert

The Sekiyan Countryside, Day 5

Last question on this topic:

Can peasants/yeomen own their own land, or does it all belong to the lord? What kinds of rights over land, crops, game, etc. does the lord/landowner have? Is poaching a problem?

Commoners do own their own land, but will occassionally allow migrant workers to work. In this case, the migrants are given room and board in exchange for a portion of what they harvest each month.

The Sekiyan Countryside, Day 4

•How are farming/food-producing areas divided up between humans/nonhumans? What kinds of conflicts are likely?

The humans and the elves usually do not intrude on one another's lands, but the elves will contact the humans if they feel a proposed farm would require clearing some of the Forest of Dawn

The Sekiyan Countryside, Day 3

What kinds of catastrophic/weird weather are common--tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, waterspouts, dust storms? How do people cope? How do non-humans cope?

Tornadoes are common on the plains, while hurricanes are more common on the coast. Blizzards will usually occur in the mountains or highlands, but a blizzard striking the valleys is not unheard of.

Dust storms usually occur in the desert, but they will also occur on the plains if it has been a unusually dry summer

Whatever the case, magia is usually used to protect crops, animals, and beings from wild weather, but everyone also knows what to do in the event of wild weather

The Sekiyan Countryside, Day 2

•How reliable is the weather from year to year -- is crop production relatively dependable, or do people have to cope with regular famines due to drought or floods?

Production is mostly reliable naturally, but when weather threatens, magia is used to protect the crops, but depending on the severity of the weather, the magia may not hold.

The Sekiyan Countryside, day 1

•Are rural areas primarily farms, forests, fields for grazing, or "waste land"? In outlying areas where there aren't many people, how many roads are there, who builds them, and who maintains them?

Rural areas are mainly plains with a number of small towns. There are a number of dirt roads that the various towns cooperate to maintain.

Sekiyan Religion, Day 16

Last question on this topic:

How do the various temples and philosophies explain the classic "problem of evil"? Do they think bad things are always a just punishment for some transgression, a character-building exercise, the result of an evil antagonist (Satan, Loki), or just something the gods can't prevent?

The Sekiyan religion teaches that evil is caused by the demon lord Katva (one of his many names) preying on mortals' weaknesses. Meikon understands that Her people are weak, and is always ready to aid them in keeping Katva away from them

Sekiyan Religion, Day 15

Do the gods have limits to what they can do? To what they will do? Can the gods make mistakes?

Meikon has no limits, but will occassionally do things that mortals interpret as mistakes--but She has her reasons for everything

Sekiyan Religion, Day 14

•Why are the gods interested in people? Are they like the Greek pantheon (quarrelsome, larger-than-life humans), or are they more transcendent and incomprehensible?

Meikon is interested in mortals because She loves them, very much like the Christian God

Sekiyan Religion, Day 13

•Are priests or philosophers full-time occupations, or do they need day jobs? If they are full-time, who supports them--the congregation, a wealthy patron, the temple's investment fund?

Being a Seer is a full time job--they get paid half by the Seer's Guild and half by the congregation they serve

Sekiyan Religion, Day 12

How much influence do their theories have on the way people actually behave?

Every philosopher has their own band of followers, but the population at large don't really care for them.

Sekiyan Religion, Day 11

Are philosophers and theologians considered academics, or do they debate in the marketplace, like Socrates?

Sekiyan philosophers and theologians are mainly academics, but they do love a good public debate on occasion

Sekiyan Religion, Day 10

How much part do various religions and philosophies play in public and private life?

There is a holy day of rest, and the people are encouraged to pray often. Plus, most every festival day, rite of passage, and holiday has a religious element

Sekiyan Religion, Day 9

What offerings are considered good, better, best?

Meikon usually prefers fragrant herbs for offerings, with different herbs used for different blessings (eg. mint for happiness and prosperity, rosemary for love, etc.) Jewels are another popular offering, especially if you want Meikon to appear to you. She will only ask for an animal sacrifice as atonement for grave sins

A meal with a side order of tension....

Losi met Miresa, Bradlin, and Arune at the door of the Seer's lodge. "Welcome--her Ladyship is expecting you."

"Now remember, Arune--while we are here mainly for a meal, also remember we are also here to discuss our options now that we know Miresa has been chosen as the Sixth Gemsinger." Bradlin whispered to the fairy on Miresa's shoulder as Losi led the group past the foyer and into the dining room, where Galia, now clad in a royal blue and purple robe rather than the ornately decorated Seer's robe, was waiting.

"Your guests have come, my lady." Losi began, clasping her hands together as she entered the room. Miresa, Bradlin, and Arune did likewise and held the reverent pose for a few seconds, awaiting the elf's response.

After a few tense seconds, Galia also clasped her hands together and pointed them at the group. "Welcome, all of you--our meal is both festive and tense tonight."

"How can a meal be both festive and tense?" Arune asked, puzzled.

"We're all eating with the Seer, which is a special occasion, and at the same time, Lady Galia likely has information about why my heart now shines with all twelve colors of magia." Miresa explained as Losi led the group around the left end of the table, past the guest of honor's chair and her mistress' seat to a chair at the middle. "Mind your manners, too." she added. Arune nodded and ran a finger across the chimes she always carried, summonng a miniature copy of the chair her Other was seated in on the table, right down to the inlay work of jewel studded vines and flowers.

Some comic verse from Sekiya

It started out like any other day
That lies in the months of spring
Until I tripped on a leg and went flying to the dirt
As a mocking voice said "Watch where you're going!"

As I looked up and saw who spoke
I felt like casting a spell of fire
An obsidian haired girl stood over me
Her confident smirk drawing my deepest ire

"Why did you have to trip me, Halliwen
And send me falling to the ground?"
(I knew full well that if we two fought
We would be matched pound by pound)

"If you must know, Miresa, at magia I'm the best
But if you think you'e better, then here is a little test:
Light the fire upon the stove
That only ignites by power
Then cook a meal by yourself
and have it ready within an hour."

Now, I know at cooking I'm not that great,
and at magia I'm even worse,
But if I succeeded at Halliwen's task,
I would currently be writing a completely different verse

But my "rival's" challenge I did accept
It was only some friendly competition
But the least of my worries came full force
When I tried the spell for ignition

First there came no fire at all
Just a few sparks among the logs of oak
But when I tried playing the spell on the dinner chime
It erupted into a tower of flame and smoke

Which proceeded to blacken all the wood inside
Before one spark leapt from a log
Bounced off some bookshelves, leaving paper singed
Then startling the guard dog

Who yelped and barked with shock and fear
From the ember that had burned him
He looked for a moment to see who had done the deed
Then eyed me--he knew I had spurned him.

I grabbed some water to douse the flames
The dog chasing me all the while
Some water splashed on him and then I wondered
Why did Halliwen pick me to beguile?

I abandoned my meal and ran outside
My challenge now forgotton
But I still needed to calm the dog
So I tried losing him in a field of cotton

The workers present had no idea
That the dog and I were coming
I colllided with one large basket full force
Leaving my mouth full of cotton that felt like it was gumming

The dog was not much better, in his pursuit through the grass
He had picked up burs that the cotton had stuck to
He now looked very much like a sheep
and considering burs were also in his feet
He could've been a duck, too

I was pretty sure an hour or more had passed
Since my misadventure began
If Halliwen knew what had just transpired
She would tell every child, woman and man

I frantically looked on the horizon
For someone that I could explain
Why there were embers all over the kitchen
and the dog was all in pain

And if someone didn't come to intercede for me
I would be in very deep trouble
I looked skyward and prayed to Meikon
"Please send someone, on the double!"

Lady Galia came not long after that
And interceded for me before the high mage
About why I should not be punished
For the kitchen's swath of damage

And although the high mage was quite mad
and Halliwen, she did gloat
I was sent to bed without supper tonight
Confined to my room overlooking the moat

So here I am, penning this verse,
and by Meikon, I am mad
Halliwen, this I promise:
The next time I get my hands on you,
What happens next will be very very bad!

Sekiyan Religion, Day 8

What are the gods' various rites like, and why?

Meikon's rites are designed more like an intimate conversation between mortal (or Seer interceding for mortals) and goddess, as part of Meikon wanting a relationship with Her people

Sekiyan Viginettes #4

Bradlin spotted Miresa reading a book under a tree as he arrived at the top of the hill. Arune was present as well, trying to get a glimpse of what her Other was reading, only to be waved away. He knew well that when Miresa was not training at the mage's lodge, she would be at this hill, playing hypnotic melodies on a flute or whistle, daydreaming, and occassionally reading.

"What book is that?" he asked--usually the books he saw Miresa reading had titles pertaining to the rich amount of lore and legend on Sekiya, especially books about past Gemsingers. But the book she held now was not as thick as the ones she usually read, and contained Ruhar glyphs as well as words in the Alweld.

"It's a spellbook--the high mage requested I study these spells and try to cast one before day's end--but he knows full well what happens if I try to cast a spell." Miresa sighed as she set the book on the grass.

Bradlin balked at this. "You mean..."

"Yes--I can't seem to wield magia at all." Miresa sighed and brushed away a tear. "Isn't it funny? I dream of being a blademage, and yet I cannot wield magia at all."

"How do you know you can't? Have you had your heart opened by Gem's Knowing?" Bradlin asked.

"She has, Sir Dragoon--and no color of magia was found in her heart." Arune replied. "That either means she cannot wield it at all, or what power she does have is very small and not able to be detected at this time."

"If I could, I would open your heart to see for myself, but what if there is power in you, power you don't even know about yet?" Bradlin mused. "I may not be able to wield magia now, but when I receive the Dragon Star in two years' time, power wil awaken within me--magia that fits the dragon I bond with...and the abilty to open others' hearts with Gem's Knowing. That's the one spell every magia wielder knows, even if they otherwise can't wield the magia of the opal."

"Well, if you really want to see if Miresa has power within her, choose a spell from the book and have her cast it." Arune suggested as she brought the book to Bradlin. "If she can control it, she likely has a small amount of that magia. Or, ask her to open your heart with Gem's Knowing, even!"

Bradlin thumbed through the book for a moment, only pausing to note a spell depicted as an arrow made of ice crystals. "Try this one...the ice spell Frost Arrow."

"Okay..." Miresa picked up the small gold-colored flute that lay by her bag and took a few steps back--if something went wrong, at least Bradlin and Arune would not be frozen. "Ready?"

"Ready!" Bradlin called back as he dashed behind a tree for protection.

"Ready!" Arune agreed.

"Here goes..." Miresa lifted her instrument to her lips, but before her lips met the mouthpiece, she spoke the spell's name. "Frost Arrow." As if responding to her naming the spell, the whistle in her hands glowed a bluish purple akin to tanzanite. With that, Miresa started the reel known in Telrain as "The Shattered Tysal", conjuring a small bluish white arrow that immediately shot for the tree! Bradlin and Arune dove to the ground as the small arrow ricocheted off the tree, freezing the point of impact and burrowing through the grass, leaving a trail of snow in its wake before fizzling out on its own.

Arune watched as the magia-produced ice melted, leaving the grass as it was just seconds earlier. "See why Miresa is so frustrated about her task?"

"Well, she at least named the spell and cast it!" Bradlin protested. "Wasn't that what she was told to do?"

"But I also have to be able to control it." Miresa interjected. "That I didn't do."

Another viginette--chores

A brown haired boy sighed as the armor-clad man before him handed him a bucket and a mop. "I want you to clean the entire floor of this room, Bradlin--you are to do nothing else until you finish. No going out with friends, no going in the dragon stables, no nothing until this floor is cleaned!" He gestured to the normally pure white tile of the assembly hall floor, which was now decorated with various browns, reds, and yellows of stains tracked in by the many apprentices that had eaten breakfast there minutes before.

Bradlin wanted to complain, but defying his dragonmaster would mean more chores that were even worse than mopping--baling hay, changing bedding in the hundreds of stalls, or cleaning the dung from the entire stable complex. He shuddered, grateful that he wasn't the apprentice that had those jobs.

He finally mustered the courage to ask "Not even seeing Glory--uh, Glorian?"

"Eldor's dragon will still be there when you finish, Bradlin--I see you with Glorian so much, I have to wonder if she should be your dragon when you receive your Dragon Star." the dragonmaster sighed. "Now, get to work!"

"Yes, Master Yorin." Bradlin muttered before wiping up the various stains that dotted the floor.

Sekiyan Religion, Day 7

If there are actual, demonstrable gods, what part does faith play in their worship? Why do they want worship?

Fath is a part of trust, which is part of a relationship--and like Christianity, Meikon wants a relationship with Her people.

Sekiyan Religion, Day 6

Where does religion fit into this society? Is there a state church? Is freedom of religion the norm? Do people generally think of the temples/churches as parasites, or as useful parts of society?

Religion is a deep part of Sekiyan life, with temples and shrines in every town. While there isn't a state religion, freedom of religion is welcomed and encouraged. Most of the time, Seers and the temples/shrines they serve in are a welcome sight, but if a scandal happens, it takes a month or two for the new Seer to earn their people's trust

Sekiyan Viginettes: Chicken Soup

"Miresa?"

The brown haired girl groaned and rolled over on her stomach, the auburn tresses nearly swatting the brown haired fairy that hovered by the girl's shoulder.

"Miresa? Are you okay?" the fairy asked again.

"I'b fide, Arude, just bery stubbed ub." the girl sniffled.

"It's only the sniffles, Arune--she'll be fine come the morning." a woman replied as she entered the room with a teacup on a tray.

"The sniffles? Is there anything I can do to help?" Arune asked--Miresa WAS her Other, after all.

"Well, if you do want to make yourself useful, you can make some chicken soup for Miresa." the woman replied as she offered the teacup to Miresa. Miresa eagerly gulped down the warm mixture of honey, mint, and chamomile, then collapsed on the pillow again with a groan

"Chicken soup?"

"That yellow broth I usually make when Miresa is sick?"

"Oh! That!" Arune giggled. "I'm pretty sure I can make that--I've seen Miresa make it too, so how hard can it be for a fairy?"

Sekiyan Religion, Day 5

Is there tension, rivalry, or outright hostility between any of the actual gods? How does this affect church politics? People's everyday lives?

As there is only one actual deity, Sekiyans don't have to worry about this too often--but Meikon will make Herself known somehow if one or more of the Twelve Stones is in danger

Sekiyan Religion, Day 4

How do various religions view non-believers? Foreigners? Non-humans?

Sekiyans believe the High Goddess wants to love all peoples--non-believers, foreigners, and non-humans included. In fact, non-humans have their own titles for Her

More from Sekiya

For post #300, I thought I would share more writing from my world...


Miresa sighed as she stared out at the vast marketplace stretching out before her. The frail looking wood stalls that lined either side of the road sold a bewildering array of items, but only one of them held the item that Losi had asked her to get: flower seeds.

She sighed and started down the left side of the dusty road, paying no heed to the calls of the merchants around her, all of them hoping she would buy this suit, buy that mystic scroll, or many other items. But she did not have time for clothes, instruments, weapons, or even mystic scrolls--not this time. Diamoon and the Newspring Festival were approaching fast, and Losi needed to plant the many flowers that would be decorating the temple soon, and there would be no festival without flowers.

She finally spotted the garden stall sandwiched between a food stall and a jewelry stall and began studying the small buckets of seeds and flowerpots with already blooming plants inside--of all the flowers and herbs for sale, which ones would Losi like arranging most?

"You here for some flowers, miss?" The gentle voice of the garden merchant snapped her from her thoughts.

"Yes--but I can't decide which of these seeds to get." she stammered.

"Take your time, good lady, I have many fine plants to choose from." the merchant assured her before going to tend to another customer.

Miresa turned her attention back to the seed holders, each one marked with a picture of what plant the seed would eventually become--some small circular ones would become morning glories. Those wouldn't work, as they would be closed at the high points of the festival. Some tiny pointed seeds next to it would become marigolds, and some rounder seeds next to them would become zinnias. So many to choose from, and I can't just buy them all--couldn't Losi had been more specific about which ones she wanted? she grumbled.

Sekiyan Religion, Day 3

•How many gods are there, and is there a hierarchy among them? Which ones are good or evil, or is this meaningless when speaking of gods?

There is one actual diety, Meikon, and the Twelve Stones are often seen as god-like beings themselves

Sekiyan Religion, Day 2

Are there actual gods/godlike beings? If so, do they take an active role in the religions that worship them? Do they take an active role in the lives of everyday people? Why?

Although the Twelve Stones can be seen as deities, Sekiya does have a deity: the High Goddess Meikon. She is a benevolent deity, and is depicted as a mother figure actively involved in the lives of Her people, because She loves them.

Sekiyan Religion, Day 1

How do various religions, if any, view magic? Do any forbid it? Require it? Why, or why not? Do any require/forbid magicians to be priests/priestesses (as opposed to members of the congregation)?

Magia is seen as a way for the High Goddess Meikon to work within the world through ordinary people. As such, Seers (the equivalent to priests) and their parishoners can (and often do) have it

Sekiyan Population, Day 3

Is population shifting from rural to urban, south to north, mountains to coast, etc.? Why--invasions, plague, job opportunities, gold rush? What effects has this had on the places being left? The places gaining people?

The population is constantly rebalancing itself--when there is an exodus to the cities, a influx of new residents in the countryside occurs shortly afterwards

Sekiyan Population, Day 2

How diverse is the population of this country--how many different races (human or non-human), creeds, cultures, etc. normally live in various cities and towns in this country? In what percentages?

Sekiya has a generous balance of its five races, but some climes tend to attract more of a particular race (i.e. forests have more elven settlements, dwarves are more common in the highlands and mountains, etc.)

A Sekiyan Blessing

If something like 9/11 ever occurred in Sekiya, this is the prayer Galia would say:

On a day like today, darkness sought to destroy us
But we have survived as a testament of the light
And may the High Goddess comfort the kin of those that died
So their loved one's memories do not fade into the night.

Sekiyan Population, Day 1

•How many people are there in this country? How does this compare with world population?

On the Eastern Continent, there are roughly 250 million beings, about a fourth of the total global population

Sekiyan Politics, Day 7

Last question on this topic:

What kinds of people are likely to face prejudice: dwarves, werewolves, merchants, women, undertakers? Is this institutionalized (i.e., a matter of law), or is it mostly a matter of public attitude?

Despite non-human discrimination being outlawed long before our story begins, there are still some pockets of people that do it still, mostly out of misunderstanding

Sekiyan Politics, Day 6

What political positions are considered conservative? Liberal? Unthinkable? How do such positions differ from what is considered conservative/liberal in your own society?

Labels such as these do not exist on Sekiya

Sekiyan Politics, Day 5

•How much influence do "special interest groups" such as merchants, wizards, or various religions, have on court politics? How do they exercise their influence--indirectly (by talking lords or council members into taking their sides) or directly (by having their own representatives on the council)?

"Special interest groups" are not what we think of them on Earth--they do not sweet talk or bribe the court into taking sides. They do, however, have seats in the legislature to represent their needs, wants, and views

Sekiyan Politics, Day 4

What are the major political factions at present? How long have they been around? Which factions are allies, which enemies? Are there any potential new forces on the political scene (e.g., a rising middle class, a university gaining unexpected power because of certain magical discoveries, etc.)?

Of the five races, only the humans and the elves have organized factions in their governing bodies--they generally keep to themselves, and do not form alliances with other factions.

One faction, the Givers, believes that magia is sacred, and unfit to be wielded by anyone but them. (so they go around locking people's hearts when they have no authorization to do so, and neither Leria nor Fion have any idea about their activities--yet) They were formed 500 years before our story begins, and while their goal is admirable, how they go about achieving it is questionable.

Another faction formed 1000 years before our story begins, the Call, believes that magia can be wielded by whoever Meikon calls (which can be anyone). They are devout believers in the Gemsinger story, whereas the Givers believe they can control the Gemsinger to their whims.

The newest faction on the political scene, the Guardians (formed 200 years before our tale begins), combines some of the beliefs of the Givers and the Call--they believe magia is sacred, but the fact that anyone can wield it is proof that Meikon wishes to use ordinary people in protecting the world, and the Gemsinger is the ultimate incarnation of a guardian

Sekiyan Politics, Day 3

Does the level of technological advancement match the level of social and political advancement?

Not always--magia may help you get inso some positions, but is not required for advancement

Sekiyan Politics, Day 2

Is there tension, rivalry, or outright hostility between any of the actual gods? How does this affect church politics? Court politics? People's everyday lives?

There is only one diety on Sekiya--and Meikon has no other competition. However, people worry when one of the Holders (the guardians of the Twelve Stones) disappear, as all twelve Holders being gone is a sign that a Gemsinger needs to appear. If the Stones themselves are taken by evil hands, then the actual world would be affected (eg. water dries up, earth wilts, wind blows uncontrollably, etc.)

Sekiyan Politics, Day 1

Is magic a profession, an art, or just a job? What is the status accorded to magicians in this society? Are they forbidden overt political action, or are wizards and/or the wizard's guild knee-deep in court intrigue?

Magia is both a profession and an art, as it is used and studied all across Sekiya. As a result, powerful magia users get rock star-like attention, but only those that have ties to the court keep tabs on the court intrigue

Returning to the Calendar of Sekiya for a moment

The months of the Sekiyan year revolve around the Twelve Stones, with each month named a "moon":

Garnemoon, the month of Time
Amethimoon, the month of Darkness
Marinmoon, the moth of Water
Diamoon, the month of Light
Emermoon, the month of Earth
Pearmoon, the month of the Moon
Rubymoon, the month of Fire
Perimoon, the month of Wind
Sapphirmoon, the month of Healing
Opalmoon, the month of Spirit
Topamoon, the month of Lightning
Zanimoon, the month of Ice

Sekiyan History, Day 4

•Which peoples/countries/races have, over the centuries, fought, been allies, traded, or traditionally been rivals? Where are such old events still important--still causing hard feelings?

The humans and the elves' relationship didn't start on the best of terms--like most of the non-humans, they were enslaved under human hands, so even after the enslavement of non-humans ended, there was still resentment and anger among the elves, until 1000 years before our story begins, when both sides began patching things up

Sekiyan History, Day 3

How long have there been people on this world? Did they evolve, were they created by the gods, or did they migrate from somewhere/when else? If there are non-humans, how long have they been around and where did they come from?

Beings have been on Sekiya for 20,000 years when our story begins--The High Goddess Meikon created the first fairies, who then created all the other non human races before Meikon created humans.

The State of the Chronicles, August 2009

We covered medicine, ethics, geography, and began covering history. In addition, this month also saw the birth of a fan video game based on the story.

Thanks to everyone that supports the blog

Sekiyan History, Day 2

•Do average people believe old tales, or do they dismiss some that have a basis in fact?

Sekiyans deeply believe in their ancient tales, as some of them recur and will recur across time--and when the world faces its darkest time, one even saves it (speaking, of course, of the legend of the Gemsinger)

Sekiyan History, Day 1

•How far back are there records or tales of historical events? How widely known are these stories?

Sekiyan legends and myths go very far back, but the first instance of some of these tales being written down dates to 5000 years before our story begins--and these ancient tales are some of the best known and well loved (the legend of the Gemsinger being one of them, but there are many more I don't want to give away yet)

Sekiyan Geography, Day 5

How much conflict has been or might be caused by these imbalances in resources? How much active, peaceful trade?

The only possibility conflict might break out over resources is if the Stone of Earth disappears (which is very unlikely), since it regenerates what was lost if the supply gets low enough. As a result, the mineral trade is a flourishing one

Sekiyan Geography, Day 4

Which resources (e.g., coal, oil, iron ore, gold, diamonds, limestone, etc.) are particularly abundant, and in which areas? Which are scarce and where? Are there places with major deposits that haven't been discovered yet, or where such deposits haven't been fully exploited?

Metals and coal are abundant in the mountains, but the highlands leading to the mountains have plenty of minerals, metals, and coal waiting to found.

Sekiyan Geography, Day 3

Which areas are the most fertile farmland? Where are mineral resources located?

Farmland is good all across the plains, but the best land is by the river. Minerals are usually found in small grottoes by rivers or in the mountains

Sekiyan Geography, Day 2

If there are non-human inhabitants, are there any areas they particularly claim as their own (e.g., dwarves in caves under mountains)?

Forests are traditionally elven realms, and the dwarves have traditionally lived in the mountains

Sekiyan Geography, Day 1

In which geographical areas will the story take place? How much ground will the story cover?

Sekiya has four continents, with the first 3 books happening on the Eastern Continent (the other three will be visited too)

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 14

What kinds of people are the rebels and outcasts of this society? How does society deal with them--prison, exile, decapitation, reformation, etc?

Those with radical ideas--they are usually reformed, but those that pose a danger are exiled.

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 13

•What kind of ideal life do people aspire to? Does everyone want to be an English country gentleperson, living out in the country, or is it the New York social whirl, or the jet-set lifestyle, that attracts most people?

The upper-class life is what most Sekiyans dream about, with all the perks and priviliges thereof

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 12

What are the standards of beauty for people? For paintings and sculpture? For clothes and furniture? How do they differ from the standards in your culture? How do they reflect the physical traits of the various people?

Sekiyan's admire strength and dexterity--which leads to even the women being muscular (There is no distinction between man's work and women's work like on Earth. Even if you are not physically strong, a Sekiyan will admire you if you are mentally or spiritually strong as well

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 11

What are the society's mores regarding courtship, marriage, and family? Is marriage primarily a civil or a religious institution?

Marriage is not something forced on either party or arranged for either party--when both the boy and the girl are in love enough to want to marry, the marriage process is set in motion. Likewise, there is no outside pressure to have kids-it is the couple's choice.

That said, marriage is seen as a religious institution (the boy and the girl's love for each other is seen as symbolic of the love Meikon has for Her people)

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 10

What are the biggest social faux pas--burping loudly at a formal banquet, drawing steel in the presence of a king/noble, asking a dwarf whether it's a male or a female? What subjects or actions cause embarrassment or discomfort?

--Asking an elf its age
--Bringing weapons into a noble's presence without a very specific reason

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 9

What are the social taboos--what things are "not done", like wearing a bathing suit to the office? What things are never talked about? What would happen if someone did? How do these taboos vary for different races?

--Naming an angel's or demon's true name
--Abusing magia or nature

If these things happened you'd have a period of bad luck at best and be put to death at worst

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 8

•What are the most controversial subjects in this culture? What things can you easily start a friendly argument about in any bar? What things will automatically start an unfriendly argument?

The rights of women and non-humans and the "correct" way to wield magia are the most pervasive hot button topics (there are others too) Wielding magia will lead to friendly banter, but bring up rights, and a brawl will likely ensue (that may or may not have injuries or casualties)

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 7

Are there certain classes of people (wizards, foreigners, children, peasants, women) who have fewer legal rights or less recourse than full citizens? Why? Are they considered mentally or morally deficient, a danger to the state, or is there some other rational?

Not currently--Sekiyans frown on prejudice of any form, but it wasn't always like this. Years before our story took place, non-humans were often discriminated against. About 300 years before our adventure happens, a different sort of king ascended to the human throne--one that was taught that non-humans deserved the same rights and respect as a human.

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 6

•Who is considered a citizen, with the rights and privileges thereof? What are those rights and privileges (voting, protection from thieves, the right to a hearing in Rome) and what responsibilities go along with them (jury duty, providing funds or knights for the lord's army)?

Anyone born within a kingdom's realm or has resided there for at least a year is considered a citizen of that kingdom. Citizens enjoy voting, health care, housing, and the right to trial by jury, among other things. In return, taxes must be paid and jury duty will be served when you are summoned, to name a few things

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 5

What are the attitudes toward ownership? What constitutes "theft" and what can be stolen--gems, gold, purses, small moveables, someone's good name? Are thieves organized in a guild, licensed by law, freelance, or what?

Ownership of an item begins when you have paid the price for the item--and once you've paid for it (or made the first payment on a large item), it is yours. If there is a dispute in who owns something, the magistrate will ask for proofs of purchase (eg. records of purchase, bills, etc.) to determine who owns the item.

Stealing is generally related to items--including one's identity (stealing of people is kidnapping and buying and selling people would be slavery, not theft)

Most thieves act alone or with a partner, but some loose bands of thieves operate throughout Sekiya

Episode 7 of The Video Game

Galia appears...

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 4

What are the acceptable limits to honor and/or honesty in this society? Is a binding oath unbreakable no matter what, or can you get out of it if the other party turns out to be evil scum or if you weren't fully informed? Are "white lies" acceptable socially, or is lying in any form unacceptable?

If it turns out that binding oath you swore turned out to be for evil scum, you can break the oath by casting the Light spell Aura Fantasy, which is one way of erasing a target's memory.

While "white lies" are not explicitly discouraged, they are still frowned on. Having said that, sometimes people will lie to protect themselves

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 3

•What things are considered shocking in this society that are not considered shocking in yours? (Examples: showing a woman's ankles, eating left-handed, reading in public.) What are the reactions of ordinary people when someone does one of these things?

--Throwing coins in fountains when it isn't a festival day (on a normal day, doing this is a sign that the thrower will fall on hard times in the future, but on festival days, it is a popular game of chance)
--Shaving a woman's legs (shaving the underarms is fine)
--Receiving medicine by injection

If you do these or other things I don't want to give away yet, you might be scolded at least, or run out of town at worst

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 2

What things are considered normal and acceptable in this society that would not be considered normal or acceptable in yours?

--Girls and women are not encouraged to be thin, many do so anyway by their own choice
--Non-lethal duels (either by the two parties or mystical creatures tamed by the two parties) are a perfectly legal way to settle disputes
--Girls and women are also not encouraged to shave--Sekiyans believe it is what's inside that counts

Episode 6 of The Video Game

And so the adventure begins...

Sekiyan Ethics, Day 1

•What are the most desired/most valuable things in this society--gold, jewels, drugs, money, furs, reindeer, oranges, etc? Why is it desired/valued? Do different races value different things? Is there a race/culture for whom non-material things (information, time) are the valuable things? How did they get that way?

Jewels and musical instruments mean a lot to Sekiyans, as they are their main connection to magia, and many Sekiyans will go to almost any lengths to find them

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 11

Last question on this topic:

How much do the physical differences between human and non-human races affect their medical treatment? Are there some diseases that only affect non-humans, or only humans? Are some treatments lethal to one species but effective in another? Do doctors have to specialize in non-human medicine in order to do a good job of it?

The differences between races and treatments are fairly small: elves respond better to natural cures, dwarves are more suspectible to heat-induced diseases (as they are not used to the sun), avris can also catch some avian diseases because of their anatomy being a blend of bird and human, and fairies need very small doses of medicine or Holy magia compared to humans.

Healers learn about how to care for non-humans as part of their training, but the decision to specialize is the choice of the healer

The Video Game, Episode 5

From the desert to the mandatory tounament

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 10

How is insanity treated? Are there asylums or treatment centers? How effective are treatments for insanity?

The insane are kept in asylums, with the more dangerous residents in the magia proof section of the asylum. Those still able to function reasonably well are given medicine to control their psycho episodes, which work quite well.

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 9

Is it possible to resurrect/resuscitate someone who has died? If so, how long is it before this becomes impossible? Before serious brain damage sets in?

It is possible to revive someone, but only in emergencies. However, it needs to be cast quickly in order to ensure the best possible chance for it to work--you have a ten minute window before damage is done, and it fails if you wait 30 minutes

The Video Game: Episode 4

We continue through the desert...

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 8

•What kinds of treatments are available--herbal brews, vaccinations, acupuncture, etc.? How effective are they?

Usually, treatment involves spellcasting--first to diagnose the disease if it isn't known, and then another spell to treat it. Having said that, there are those with adverse reactions to too much magia (akin to allergies), so potions and medical herbs are alternatives should you not be able to handle magia too well. No matter which option you pick, treatments are very safe and usually effective (adverse reactions and complications are very rare)

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 7

Who can become a healer? Are there various kinds of healers (herbalists, wisewomen, pharmacists/apothecaries, surgeons, doctors, etc.)? If so, why are distinctions made?

Anyone with Holy magia (either innately or as an influence) usually have enough power to become healers. That said, healers have some specializations among them (some heal by magia, some by potions, and others by hrbs) but they do not have distinct titles.

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 6

•Is there a reliable method of birth control? Who normally handles births--midwives, or doctors? What is the mortality rate for pregnant ladies, new mothers, and children?

Birth control in Sekiya is not a pill, but a spell: Ether Deflection, a Spirit spell. When cast on a woman, it forms a barrier around her reproductive system, preventing sperm from getting in. It works best when cast just before or immediately after sexual activity.

Midwives typically handle the birth process, but a healer is present as well in case something goes wrong. The mortality rate is about 5-9%, making it relatively rare in terms of fantasy worlds, but mothers dying in childbirth and/or babies dying is more likely in poorer areas.

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 5

How much training does a healer normally get? Where? From whom?

A healer spends three years in studies at their local branch of the healer's guild, then trains under a master healer or a Seer for another 3 years.

Seers have healing as part of their powers and training, so they do not have to study as much as someone training exclusively to be a healer

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 4

How much is known about anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc? Are treatments based on purely practical experience ("We know this works but we don't know why"), or do healers understand at least some of what they are doing?

Sekiyans have a good understanding of the body and how it works, and as such, courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and similar courses are a part of a healer's training

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 3

How expensive are healers? How available are such services to ordinary people?

Healers can run from free into the hundreds of gold pieces depending on where you are and which healer you talk to. Every town has at least one, and the Seer can heal in case of emergencies or you have nowhere else to go (healing from a Seer is one of the free options)

Episode 3 of The Video Game

We begin a desert adventure: Episode 3

The State of the Chronicles: July 2009

This month was marked by the birth of a fan video game based on the story. In addition, we are closing in on 250 posts of work, and we also finished topics on government, language, manners, and started on medicine.

Thanks for supporting the blog.

Sekiyan Medicine, day 2

How accurate is the diagnostic process? Do healers have ways of telling two diseases apart if they have similar symptoms? Do healers depend on standard physical medical tests -- reflexes, temperature, contracted pupils -- or do they normally use spells for diagnosis?

The diagnostic process--casting the spell Sapphire Light--is very accurate in the hands of a skilled healer. It can tell two diseases apart even if both maladies have similar symptoms. However, if the healer is untrained, misdiagnoses are more likely

Sekiyan Medicine, Day 1

What customs surround death and burial? Is there a special class of people (doctors, priests, funeral directors, untouchables) who deal with dead bodies?

The dead are prayed over in a private ceremony with the family, with the funeral and burial happening a day or so later. Corpses are handled by specially trained priests that prepare them for burial.

The funeral proper is not much different than an Earth funeral--only a Sekiyan funeral has a more celebratory tone.

Episode 2 of The Video Game

Bradlin appears in this episode: Episode 2

Sekiyan Manners, Day 3

Last question on this topic:

How important are "good manners" in this society? How do "good manners" differ from race to race? How do people/dwarves/elves/dragons react when someone has just been, by their standards, rude?

Good manners are encouraged on Sekiya, but the difference between races are very minor--for example, elves, unlike humans, do not shake hands with an unfamiliar person, because doing so implies familiarity.

If you do commit a faux pas, you may get everything from a gentle warning to being booted from the gathering, depending on what you did

Sekiyan Manners, Day 2

•Is there a distinction between "formal" good manners and informal, everyday manners? When and where are people expected to be on their best behavior?

Yes, there is a sort of distinction--Superiors demand more respect than equals and inferiors, and this is reflected in the manners.

People are expected to behave when a ruler or other important figure is present, and during a public performance/event

Sekiyan Manners, Day 1

•What are the rules of precedence--who gets to go through doors first? Who gets introduced first?

"Ladies first" is the rule on Sekiya, even moreso than on Earth. For introductions, superiors go first

The Language of Sekiya, Day 10

Last question on this topic...

Do wizards have a special language that is used for magic? If so, where do they learn it? Is it safe to chat in this language, or is everything said in it automatically a spell?

There is no set language to name spells, usually spell names come from the Alweld, but sometimes a spell will have a different name in the elven or dwarven tongue

The Language of Sekiya, Day 9

Are there different languages for different races (dwarves, elves, etc.), or is language based more on geography than race/species? Is there a special language you need to learn in order to talk to dragons or other magical beasts?

The dwarves and elves have their own tongue, while avris and fairies don't. Likewise, magical beasts do speak their own language, but it is heard by the listener as their own language

The Language of Sekiya, Day 8

•How many languages are there? Which ones are related (e.g., the Romance languages of Europe) and why? Which languages borrow words or phrases from other languages? Which are likely to be most widely spoken?

There are three main languages (the Alweld, Ruhar, and the dwarven tongue, which I need to name) and many different dialects of all three. Ruhar and the dwarven tongue frquently borrow words from each other, and a few words from each enter the Alweld, such as "tysal"

The Language of Sekiya, Day 7

What will people swear a binding oath by? What do people use as curse words?

Two common oaths you may hear in Sekiya are "By the Goddess Meikon" or "By the Twelve Stones", or some derivative therein. By contrast, "By Meikon's (body part)!" is a common swear, often shortened to "Meikon's (body part)!"

The Gemsinger Chronicles: The Video Game!

Over the last few months, I've been in contact with a YouTube buddy that makes RPGs using the program RPG Maker. I pitched the idea of making a game based on the world I have been building for almost a year.

This video is the first episode of said game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=743SIZhX93k

My friend has inspired me--and I have said that some game incidents may make their way into the story if I like them enough

The Language of Sekiya, Day 6

What things in this culture would their language have many specific words for (e.g., the Inuit languages that have 14+ words for different kinds of snow)? What do the people in this culture consider important enough to name?

There are a number of different words in the elven tongue for magia, which inevitably got absorbed into the Alweld. For example, each elemental has its own unique word in Ruhar, comprised of the elemental and the suffix -tia (meaning 'magic', so Vontia, the Ruhar word for ice, literally means "ice magic")

So the twelve elementals to an elf are:

Shetia-time
Firtia-darkness
Sumtia-water
Fistia-light
Koehtia-earth
Laftia-moon
Shatia-fire
Kethtia-wind
Caltia-holy
Thotia-spirit
Zaratia-lightning
Vontia-ice

The Language of Sekiya, Day 5

What areas do local slang phrases come out of? (Example: In a fishing town, referring to good luck as "a good catch"; in a farming town, as "a good harvest", etc.) What kinds of colorful turns of phrase do people use?

Since magia is an important part of Sekiyan life, this shows up in the language too:

"Have you had your power locked?"--Are you out of practice at something you used to be able to do well?

"The spirits are talkitive"--warning against giving away crucial information (similar to the Spanish proverb "The walls have eyes")

"Can you control dark magia?"--Are you sure you know what you're doing? (so created because of the twelve elements, darkness is the hardest to learn to control)

"Like THAT's a Stone of Power!"--said when you don't believe something

The Language of Sekiya, Day 4

•What are the variations in speech patterns, syntax, and slang from one social class to another? One occupation to another? One region to another?

The use of contractions lessens the further up you go on the social ladder (eg. upper class people will say do not, cannot, or will not as opposed to don't, can't, or won't)

The Language of Sekiya, Day 3

•Are there "secret" languages or codes known only by priests, soldiers, guild members, etc.? If so, why were they developed?

Most codes were built to protect those in power (for example, the code that the human queen is in danger is Shining Bastion)

The Language of Sekiya, Day 2

•Are some or all people bilingual? Is there a common second language many people know?

Elves and dwarves have their own language in addition to speaking the Alweld (the Sekiyan name for English), but of the two, the elven tongue or Ruhar (meaning "dream wisdom") is the more widely spoken. If a human is friends with an elf, or can find an elf willing to teach them, they can learn Ruhar.

Ruhar is based on a mixture of Spanish, Japanese, and Gaelic, and is fairly easy to learn, so it's not unheard of for humans to know the elven language

The Language of Sekiya, Day 1

•Is there a "trade language" that facilitates commerce between countries that don't speak the same tongue? Is there a "universal language" spoken by educated or noble persons, as Latin was in the Middle Ages?

What we know as English in our world is known as the All Wielder's Tongue, or Alweld, on Sekiya--this is commonly used as the main language for trading and daily communication.

Meeting and Greeting in Sekiya, Day 8

Last question on this topic:

Are there customs involving the way in which someone is named when being introduced?

If the person has not very many titles, they are all listed at the first meeting. If the person has many titles, only the most important titles are listed. Either way, the person is referred by their first name from then on.

Meeting and Greeting in Sekiya, Day 7

Are "true names" significant, and if so, under what circumstances would someone be given someone else's true name?

Demons' and angels' true names are never spoken before mortals, except when the Seer is speaking about them.

Meeting and Greeting in Sekiya, Day 6

•Are there people or beings who are never introduced to each other?

Traditionally, demons and other dark beings are never named, so on the rare occasion you have to introduce a friendly demon, it will usually disguise itself as another being and take an assumed name, which you use for the introduction. Introducing a demon by its real name is seen as bad luck

Meeting and Greeting in Sekiya, Day 5

How are two people who have not met before introduced to each other? What is the order of precedence when there are several people of differing sex, social status, or race/species present who must all be introduced to each other?

An intermediary will usually introduce the receiver ("Miresa, this is X) But in the occasion people of varying races, genders, and statuses are all together, the introductions start from the top and go down.

Meeting and Greeting in Sekiya, Day 4

When meeting someone for the first time, how are they greeted--wave, handshake, bow, some other gesture? Does this differ if one already knows the person? If you see someone you like on the far side of the street, how do you acknowledge them?

When two Sekiyans meet for the first time, they will first state their name and offer a handshake to prove they come in peace. If they have a companion, the companion will introduce the person (eg. "This is X")

If two Sekiyans know each other, they will greet each other by name and embrace

If you see someone you know on the opposite side of the street, you call their name to get their attention, then flash a V sign (the peace sign) The V sign is said to symbolize a growing tree, and that the giver of the gesture hopes his/her relationship with the one that sees it grows strong

Meeting and Greeting in Sekiya, Day 3

Is there a way of changing a greeting gesture to make it insulting?

Not neccesarily--some Sekiyans have protested unpopular officials by addressing them as an inferior, however

Meeting and Greeting in Sekiya, Day 2

Is there a difference between the greeting offered to an equal and that offered to a superior or inferior? Between that offered a man or a woman? (cf. the various levels of curtsey) Between that offered a human vs. a non-human?

When greeting an equal or inferior, you use the person's name if you know it (or just "Sir" or "Lady" if you don't) When greeting a superior, you usually greet them using their title (eg. Galia would be greeted with "Lady Seer", for example) If you know a superior very well, then using their title and name is okay (so Miresa, Bradlin, and Arune will call her "Lady Galia")

There are no differences between greeting genders or races

Meeting and Greeting on Sekiya, Day 1

How did the greeting gesture originate (example: shaking hands to prove one's weapon hand was empty)? Is there a special I-am-not-armed gesture for wizards?

Sekiyans also shake hands, but Singers and others dedicated to magia have special handshakes

Sekiyan Government, Day 14

Last question on this topic:

Do relations between countries depend mainly on the relations between the heads of state, or can two kings hate each others' guts without being able to just declare war and drag their countries into it?

There are times when the leaders of the different races don't get along, but work is usually done behind the scenes to resolve the conflict.

Sekiyan Government, Day 13

Who can call up men for an army, and how? Does the king ask his lords for men, who in turn draft their peasants, or can the king go straight to the bottom?

All the guards of all the world's cities and towns combined to make an army, so the ruler only summons enough guards to make the size of army s/he needs (the royal guards combined make 500,000 men and women)

Sekiyan Government: Day 12

•Is there an organized system of education? If so, who provides it: government, temples, private persons? How is it supported?

The government works with the local branch of the scholar's guild to erect a school building, which is then supported by the local scholar's guild and taxpayer money (which makes it free for most schools and provides financial aid for the magia academies)

In the case of the more rural areas, the scholar's guild will send the local Seer supplies to teach with

Taking a break....

The worldbuilding is on vacation for the Fourth of July weekend, so from one American to the rest of my American fans: Happy 4th of July.

Sekiyan Goverment: Day 11

Who is responsible for coinage: the king, local barons, merchant guilds, someone else? Are there generally acceptable standards for coins? How easy/common is counterfeiting?

Every race has their own mint, which is run with a partership beteen the merchant's guilds and the ruler. Every race has their own set of designs for different denominations, but the coins can be used anywhere. The coins have an invisible magia glyph on them that is different for each race, and can only be seen by those that have Spirit magia (or a lot of enchanted opals), so counterfeiting if difficult, but on the rare chance someone manages to erase or manipulate the glyph, a long prison term awaits

Sekiyan Government, Day 10

Who can give orders (to military, to tax collectors, to servants, to ordinary folks on the street)? How are such people chosen?

Military, tax collectors, and servants get orders from those above them, but if order needs to be spread among the people, heralds usually do this. They are usually appointed by the high chamberlain, and are charged with announcing visitors and spreading the word among the people, so enthusiasm, riding ability, and a strong voice are must haves.

Sekiyan Goverment, Day 9

Who is responsible for protecting the king or head of state? His personal guard, the Secret Service, an elite group affiliated with the regular military? What safeguards have they got against assassins, poisoning, direct assault, magical attack?

Each ruler has their own royal guard that is seperate from the normal military. While the Royal Guard is about the same size as the normal military, one company (about 100 people) is enough to protect the ruler while traveling. Most of the magia wielders in the Royal Guard have either Holy (to buff against/heal poison and other wounds) or Spirit magia (to buff against attacks of any kind)

State of the Chronicles, June 2009

And so another month comes to a close on the blog--we covered a lot again this month, and also hit 200 posts!

To everyone that reads the blog, thanks for your support

Sekiyan Goverment, Day 8

Who will take over running the government if the current head of state is incapacitated? How is this determined? Is there an heir apparent (either actual or political)? What happens if the heir is a minor?

If a ruler becomes sick and is expected to recover, the high chamberlain will serve as ruler while the rightfull ruler recovers. If a ruler dies or has to step down, the oldest child of the ruler (if the ruler has any) succeeds him/her. If the ruler has no children of ruling age (what this age is varies among the races), the head lord/lady in waiting will rule.

If the heir is a minor, the high chamberlain will serve as regent for the child until s/he is old enough to rule on his/her own.

Sekiyan Govenment, Day 7

What are the easiest/most common ways to advance in status--amass more money, marry well, get the king's eye, etc? How much resistance is there to someone advancing in social status?

The best way to move up the social ladder is to work hard and get the right people's attention. How much resistance there will be depends on the size of the advance (so a lower class person making the jump to the aristocracy will be more likely to get resistance at first)

Sekiyan Government, Day 6

Is the relative power of a country or king usually measured by the size of the army, the number and ability of the wizards, or the amount of money/trade flowing through it?

All three ways--but the primary yardstick is how much trade is flowing through a land.

Sekiyan Government, Day 5

Who provides support services for the head of state? What are they called: King's Councilors, Cabinet ministers, Secretary of State? Are these hereditary offices, appointees, career civil servants, or elected officials?

Every ruler has their circle of officers, which are usually appointed by the ruler (but the people can express their preference for one candidate or another) Their titles are not uniform--all envoys report to the High Chamberlain, while the court wizard would be caled the High or Royal Mage

Sekiyan Government, Day 4

Who has the right to levy taxes? For what purposes? On what or whom? Can taxes be paid in kind, or do certain things require money?

Only the rulers can levy taxes, usually to keep schools, the courts, and the military running. Generally, the rarer the item you are buying, the higher the tax (but they are not so exorbitant that no one can pay them) If you can't pay in coinage, you can negotiate an alternative item (usually food)

Sekiyan Government, Day 3

•What services does the government or head of state provide: schools, wells, courts, an army to protect people from the Vikings? What services are provided locally or privately?

The governments provide fair housing, schools, fair trade, a court system, and defense, which in turn have their local branches.

Sekiyan Government, Day 2

What is the basic form of government in this country--feudal aristocracy, oligarchy, absolute rulership, democracy, what? What forms of government are used in neighboring countries, and why are they the same or different?

All five races are ruled by some form of monarchy--the elves, avris, and fairies are ruled by an absolute ruler, while the humans and dwarves are ruled a by a form of constitutional monarchy.

Sekiyan Government, Day 1

How has the presence of non-human races affected law and government?

Non-humans have had to fight for sovereignity and their rights much like the humans have (only these struggles took place long before our story begins)

By request: More gestures

How is looking into a person's eyes when you talk to them viewed? (In America it's considered attentive and desirable, but in Japan it can be taken as too agressive or rude like you're trying to stare the person down.)

Sekiyans take the American view around familiar people and those in positions of respect, but the gesture gets the Japanese meaning around people you don't know well

By Request: More Gestures (part 2)

What about sticking your tongue out at someone or the little Japanese expression often seen in anime where you pull your bottom eyelid down and stick your tongue out at the same time?

Sticking one's tongue out at someone/thing means the same thing it does on Earth--the Japanese variant on Earth gains the connotation of playfulness on Sekiya. (eg. it means you're only being silly)

By Request: More gestures (part 1)

One of my writing buddies on LiveJournal had some excellent ideas for extending the gestures topic, so here they are:

Does spitting mean anything? Is it insulting to spit on a statue or in the middle of a conversation or in other context?

Sekiyans consider spitting disgusting and insulting regardless of context, and it is especially insulting if you spit on a statue of the High Goddess

Sekiyan Gestures, Day 4

Last question on this topic:

What are the different ways of showing respect (bowing, saluting, etc.)? To whom is one expected to show respect--one's elders, superiors in rank, social superiors, teachers, priests, etc.?

Bowing is saved for the rulers of the different lands. Saluting is generally used among the military, the guards, and the dragoons. How you show respect to a Seer depends on where you are--in Telrain, the gesture is to clasp your hands together when the Seer enters the room, and if s/he returns the gesture to you and points his/her hands at his/her audience after clasping them, that means the audience is welcomed in the Seer's presence.

Sekiyans usually respect formally superiors to them, their rulers, and Seers. Family members do not require formal gestures, but they do warrant some kind of respect

Sekiyan Gestures, Day 3

How do overall gestures and body language differ between countries? Are there things that don't matter in one area that are mortal insults in another (eating with the left hand, etc.)?

The size of gestures means different things to different races, but a general explanation is the size of the gesture means how much the maker care about the topic.

Like I explained yesterday, crossing ones fingers is considered an insult, but only to the dwarves and the avris. Among humans and elves, it carries its traditional meaning of hoping for luck. (and among fairies, it means you're making a wish)