Here it is!

Here's the Christmas present!

Screenshots galore!
Digital Viginette 4: Meeting Dorian LeMaire
Digital Viginette 5: Lafisavia

Sneak Peek of Christmas Present

Take a look here

The Christmas Present is Coming!

Direct from my partner:

The holidays is finally here, and Christmas is not far around the corner, which means that Gemsinger progress is picking up!

That also means that the Gemsinger Chronicles "Christmas Package" (Or winter package) will be released on Christmas Week! (approximately December 24)

Here's what to expect (Alterations may occur):

-Various Screenshots
-A new Digital Viginette
-A new progress video

More stuff may be added later.

The State of the Chronicles: November 2011

Progress was slow this month, but we at least got a few new screenshots out.

I'm hoping we have a playable demo ready for you very soon. In the meantime, we hope to show you guys more of the game over the holidays.

Just a little progress...

Here's just a little taste of Sayamir Caverns: here

Belated State of the Chronicles: October 2011

I would've had this up sooner, but USB port issues forced me offline at the end of the month.

Anyway, work on The Video Game is going very well--we've introduced many new characters and locations, coming ever so closer to a demo release date

This coming month, we hope to have more viginettes up and sneak peeks of the digital Shokiyu

Some of Dorian's Verses

At the beginning of the game:

The world of Shokiyu cries once again
For the demon lord rises and casts a great stain
The Eight Holy Ladies try to hold him back
As at the light barrier, he slashes and hacks

This harrowing scene plays out in a girl's dream
As the Holy Ladies call to her, she hears not their scream
That the hour has come for the Gemsinger to rise
She knows not of her destiny as she opens her eyes....

Receiving the letter to Leria:

How will a quest help us?" the girl did protest
As they walked to the mayor's at her fairy's behest
"Maybe we will find something valuable." she was told
"Such as a rare item, fine jewels, or some gold."

But alas, when they got there, the mayor's request
Was to deliver a letter, the girl was distressed
But they set out for the palace far to the east...
The girl she complained, and wasn't pleased in the least

When Miresa accidentally burns a rare vase with an errant fire spell:

A fire spell cast to amaze and astound
A family heirloom was burned to the ground
The girl was heartbroken, it had been there for years
And her parents would have no sympathy for her tears

But all was not lost! her fairy did say
A traveling merchant has come here today
Maybe he'll have a vase like the one burned?
So the girl grabbed her coins, for a new vase she yearned!

Video Game Update: Dorian LaMaire

See Dorian in action!

Note that what he says here is a temporary script.

Digital Viginette #3: Meet Dorian LaMaire

Dorian LaMaire is one of the more well known Shokiyan minstrels--in The Video Game, he keeps track of what you've done previously, reminds you of what you need to be doing, and notifies you of any sidequests in the area. If you were to actually meet him, he would probably say this:

Welcome! Welcome, traveler! I am Dorian LaMaire, a pearl rank minstrel of the Fellowship of Singers. As with others of my trade, I make a living wandering about Shokiyu, telling tales and singing songs about great heroes, cunning tricksters, fair ladies, terrifying monsters, and other figures of Shokiyan lore.

Right now, I'm in the process of writing the tale of the Sixth Gemsinger--so if you find me on your travels, I will be happy to tell you what I have of the tale so far, in exchange for a coin or two in the harp case.

When to Expect a Demo

My partner on a timeframe for a demo:

"The answer is simply...

I really don't know yet.

I was thinking of making a demo for Gemsinger Chronicles: The Video Game. However there's still much more I need to do before a demo is ready. I have many incomplete and unmade sidequests. I want to be able to get the Halliwen sidequest developed and the underwater sea sidequest finished. I also need to start upgrading the scenes and do some tinkering with the battle system. I also want to get more gameplay before a demo is released.

My goal is to finish the Ice Sigil and get the Fire and Wind Sigils done as well. Then a demo will be made. Progress is increasing on that. I have to finish the Isilia Mountains and make the Ice area (Unnamed Ice Dungeon) so that the Ice Sigil will be complete. Then I can move onto Fire and Wind. (I have something special for those two. However I won't spoil that yet)

After that I will have done 5/8 of the main quest completed. (8 gems, and I would've had 5 out of 8 gems)

Then I will most likely have a demo ready. However, this won't be something that will be released in a day. It will take quite a while for this to be ready.

So stay tuned for Video Game updates."

The State of the Chronicles: September 2011

Viginettes returned in full force, and even my Video Game partner got in on the writing by contributing a few written sneak peeks of the digital version of Shokiyu.

I'm looking foward to the day when we can get a playable version of The Video Game to you. (even if it is just a quick demo)

That said, is there anything you'd like to see "cross over" from one version to the other, or have a prompt for a viginette? Let me know in the comments.

Video Game Update: Ice area and Magia Points

Some footage of the mountains and a new feature: Magia points. Check it out

Digital Viginette #2: Sudden Occurrence

Another digital viginette, courtesy of my partner:

"We've finally made it to the Forest of Dawn!" Bradlin exclaimed. Miresa, Arune, and Bradlin observed the area around them. The three had been given a quest by the mayor of Telrain. They would act as messangers and deliver a letter to Queen Leria of Selance.

"This forest is gigantic. I want to deliver the letter to Her Majesty before the end of today, so we should make sure we manage our time well," Miresa explained. The forest was huge, and filled with monsters. If they moved at a fast enough pace, they would make it before nightfall.

"You're right. It's best for us to make it to Selance. Important messages like this should be delivered as soon as possible. Maybe we could sleep at a nice inn when we get there," Arune nodded. As the capital city of the east continent of Shokiyu, Selance had many nice shops to go to. The inns were no different.

"We should probably get moving then," Miresa said. The other two nodded and the group began their journey through the Forest of Dawn. The time was still at full day, so the sunlight shone through the trees and combined with the sparkling butterflies to create a beautiful view. Arune seemed to admire the lush, green forestry and Bradlin seemed to occasionally stare at the sky. They slowly approached a creek up ahead.

"Thank goodness for the bridge," Miresa sighed of relief. Things would've been more difficult for her and Bradlin if there wasn't the bridge for them to cross. Arune would've been able to flutter across. Miresa began to walk through the connected, wooden planks. She slowly began to feel tired as if unconsciousness was pulling onto her.

"Miresa, is there something wrong?" Arune asked. But Miresa didn't seem to hear her. Miresa was slowly losing consciousness and she could hear a voice speaking to her. But only Miresa could hear it.

"The sigils are disappearing. A new gemsinger must arise…" spoke the whispering voice in Miresa's head. A few moments later she collapsed on the bridge.

"Oh no! She's lost consciousness!" Arune fluttered up to her and tried to shove her, despite their size differences, as if to try and wake her. Bradlin came running up shortly.

"Miresa! Can you hear me!?" He shoved her as well. "It's no use! She won't respond," Bradlin's voice was filled with urgency.

"We're going to have to take her to Lady Galia back in Telrain," Arune explained. "Do you think you can carry her?" she asked.

"Yes, let's hurry!" Bradlin wasted no time and swung Miresa over his shoulder. He began to run in the direction of Telrain with Arune hustling in the air at his side. Arune looked at her Other with worry.

"Please be alright," Arune said.

Digital Viginette #1: Encounter at the Earth Sigil

So my partner (the head designer of The Video Game) decided to give you guys a sneak peek of Shokiyu's digital form--enjoy!

"Miresa, are you ready?" Galia asked as the group stood at the entrance to the peak of the Earthly Crags. They had been on their journey for a while, and had heard rumors that the "Gemsinger" had come to the Earthly Crags. This was all wrong of course. The true gemsinger was Miresa herself.

"Yes, I'm ready to sing at the sigil to summon Goddess Terre. We've worked hard to get this far, and I won't let Goddess Meikon down," Miresa calmly replied. She turned around to face her group. "Everyone, please wish me luck." Miresa closed her eyes as if to say a prayer to Meikon.

"Don't worry. I'll be by your side!" Miresa's Other, Arune fluttered by her side. The fairy held both her mini sword and her shield with the pride of a Wingblade, while Bradlin gave Miresa an approving look. Miresa nodded her head silently. She was ready to summon Terre and protect the Gaia Emerald from the rumored Gemsinger.

"Thank you, everyone, for your support. Let us go!" Miresa turned around and faced the opening once again. The group slowly walked through the giant exit of the cave and entered the Earth Shrine. Miresa looked to her sides. They were high on the small mountain that resided by Brightleaf. She could see the village below.

Ahead of the group were a few steps. They walked up the short stairs and onto flat ground again. "I can really see the view from here!" Bradlin remarked. He looked over the edge of the rocky wall of the summit of the mountain. But their admiration was short lived.

"It's the false Gemsinger! I thought it would be you, Lytas!" Miresa yelled through the sound of the harsh mountain wind. Just ahead of the group were many soldiers of Katva's army, and Lytas, one of the admins.

The female demon chuckled. "Of course! We, of Lord Katva's army, need the power of the Earth Sigil!" Lytas turned around to face the group, with a sly smirk on her face. She looked at the elves from Brightleaf that had taken her here to the Earth Sigil. "All of you are a bunch of fools. I will admit, I was never the Gemsinger. And now that you lead our army to the location of the Gaia Emerald, you can go back and tell your little village that it's all your fault the world will be destroyed."

"Silence!" Lytas turned around at the voice of Miresa. "This new world of yours is not going to be created. I, the sixth Gemsinger, will stop you at all costs!" Miresa drew her sword and readied for battle.

"Like that's a stone of power!" Lytas let out a laugh. "You cannot defeat me. All of you inferior beings will perish before the might of Lord Katva's army!" Lytas flapped her wings and rose to the air.

"We have to be careful. This isn't going to be an easy battle." Galia warned. The other party members headed her words and the battle to save the Gaia Emerald had begun!

Viginette: Anticipation

Done in dialogue, Miresa and Arune:

"Did you hear? Did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"The great storyteller Yeline Rowata is coming to Telrain!"

"Like THAT's a Stone of Power! Yeline's a high ranking storyteller at that--what would make her want to come all the way out here?"

"Storytellers are like minstrels, Arune--they go where the wind takes them."

"So they do...have you heard Yeline perform before?"

"Yes, she told 'The Ungrateful Dragon', and "The Brave Seer..."

"Isn't that the one where a seer foretells demons crashing a mage's tournament, and helps a mage defeat the demons?"

"That's it!"

"Interesting...what other tales does she know?"

"Well...I don't remember the names of these, but she told one about a wizard whose friendship with the High Goddess helped him reveal that a legendary sword did not belong to a bandit, and the one about how Leria's uncle, Duke Siarl, outwitted a traitorous advisor with a swordsman's help..."

"I bet that one was funny!"

"Oh, it was! I was laughing so hard at how the captain of the guard kept refusing to believe him."

New Viginette: Anticipation

So I'm going to write more viginettes of Shokiyu, and my next prompt is "anticipation--so what's the best way to approach this?

Birthdays/festivals are the most obvious route, but what would be another feasible thing for Miresa to anticipate?

The Problem with Pacing

While this mainly has to do with pacing in games, a lot of what is said here can also be applied to stories too Extra Credits: Pacing

Video Game Update: Weather

Check it out here.

The State of the Chronicles: August 2011 and Plans for September

After a bit of a vacation, we continued working on The Video Game in earnest.

It's already shaping up to be an epic adventure, but there's still a lot of work to be done tweaking both versions of the world--so if there's a topic you want me to discuss, please tell me.

Another video

Part 2 of the Ocean Sapphire scene

Bear in mind that the dungeons will not be this small when the final game releases

New Gameplay Video

Ten minute update

I'll have another one tomorrow.

Currently, the whole game runs 3 hours

A Tale of Two Games

After a bit of a vacation from the blog, I now have a dillema concerning the Video Game...which version would you want the final game based off of?

A. The Project S draft
B. The newly revived Project R draft (details here
or C. Some combination of the two?

A Quick Tour of Telrain

Telrain is built around a town square, with some of the market and shops filling the west side. Going north will take you to the temple, the school house, and the council's houses. Southward leads to the entrance, and going east will take you to the entertainment district (it has a theater and a concert hall)

Video Game Update: Battle Arena

Check it out here

The State of the Chronicles and my vision for The Video Game

This month, we got a little worldbuilding done, started yet another draft of The Video Game, and started a series on combating writer's block.

When we do get a playable version of The Video Game out to you, I'm planning on it to be a good, long adventure with tons of things to do (eg. huge dungeons to explore, secrets and side quests, mini games, etc.) That said, it won't be too easy, but it won't be tear your hair out hard, either. (about Zelda caliber puzzles)

Thoughts: Lord of the Gemsinger

So I watched the Lord of the Rings movies for the first time in a long time, and one piece in the special features stood out to me.

It is said that Tolkien wanted his world of Middle-earth to feel like a real place. Likewise, I hope Shokiyu (in both its written and digital forms) is shaping up to be the same way.

If there's any topic you want to see discussed for either form of Shokiyu, please drop a line in the comments.

The Video Game lives!

Take a look at the first (short and sweet) look at the new version of The Video Game: Here

Writer's Block Resource #1: Chaotic Shiny

One of my favorite things to do when I'm stuck on a story is to use a generator (and there are plenty of them out there)

Seventh Sanctum is the definitive site when it comes to generators, but another favorite I like is Chaotic Shiny--you can generate an entire fantastic town, to the world its set in and even generate songs for your minstrels to sing.

If you want to check it out, head here

How to Deal With Writer's Block--An Intro

We all go through it at some point as writers--you're before the page (or screen) and the words don't come. Or many ideas are coming at once and you don't know where to begin. Whatever it is, we know it by one name--writer's block.

But you don't have to let writer's block get the best of you--over the next few days I will share some things I do to combat writer's block in hopes they too will inspire some other budding writers

Shokiyan Language, Day 4

◦What are the variations in speech patterns, syntax, and slang from one social class to another?

--The use of contractions lessens the further up the ladder you go
--Different classes have different slang for the same expression (so a miner might refer to a streak of luck as a "crown jewel", while a merchant would refer to that as a "great deal")
--plus some I don't want to give away yet

Shokiyan Language, Day 3

Are there “secret” languages or codes known only by priests, soldiers, wizards, guild members, etc.? Why were they developed?

There are secret codes on Shokiyu--they are mainly used to protect the rulers (akin to the US Secret Service)

Shokiyan Language, Day 2

◦Are some or all people bilingual?

Most Shokiyans know at least 2 (the Alweld and the holy tongue), but those that know three or more is not unheard of

The Language of Shokiyu, Day 1

I don't know if we've discussed this topic or not, but just in case...

◦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?

English (or as my beings call it, the All-wielder's Tongue, or the Alweld for short) is considered the common tongue. Like English in our world, it has borrowed words from the other languages present. (and they have borrowed words from the Alweld in turn)

Shokiyan History, Day 6

◦How many languages are there?

There are many languages in Shokiyu, but the most common ones are the Alweld (their name for English), Ruhar (the elven tongue, which is a mixture of Spanish, Japanese, and Gaelic) and the holy tongue (which very few have heard besides priests and Seers)

Shokiyan History, Day 5

◦Where did civilization begin? What directions did it spread?

The first pairs of all the races appeared at different points in the regions they now call home. For the humans (as an example), the first man and woman appeared at a point exactly in the center of the world--where an obelisk named "The Point of Awakening" stands.

No matter where they first appeared, the five races immediately spread out across Shokiyu in every direction.

Shokiyan History, Day 4

◦Which peoples/countries/races have traditionally fought, allied, traded, or been rivals?

The humans and the elves have had alternating periods of good and bad relations until non-human prejudices died out about 1000 years ago. Nowadays, the elves and the avris are the humans' top trade partners. While the elves and the dwarves are not sworn enemies, they do maintain a friendly rivalry in weapon and artifact making

Shokiyan 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 else?

People (non-humans included) have exisited on Shokiyu for about 5000 years (give or take a millenium). While they were all created by Meikon and the Twelve Stones, over time, they all migrated to where you find them today

The History of Shokiyu, Day 2

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

Shokiyans are very respectful in the old tales, since one of them (the Gemsinger legend) will save their world in its darkest hour

The History of Shokiyu, Day 1

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

Accounts and records go back to 5000 years before the First Appearing, but the earliest people talk about is 3000 years BFA (Before the First Appearing), because not much is known about the earliest accounts of Shokiyu

Welcome Back

Now that we're all rested from the long weekend, what topic should we discuss next?

Break time

With the holiday weekend coming up, I'm taking a break for the Fourth of July

The State of the Chronicles and Something Fun

After covering topics such is school and the calendar this month, I'm considering going through and providing commentary in some of my favorite fantasies, akin to what gamers do with Let's Plays.

Look for a list of choices for the Let's Read soon--suggestions are always welcome

How a Let's Read would work

--I would read a chapter a day
--There would be commentary, insteresting bits, trivia, speculation on what happens next, etc.
--if anyone else has read the book in question before, they can add their .02

Idea: Let's Read?

Game fans have what is called a Let's Play--where someone will play through a game and give (hopefully) interesting commentary on the way.

So why not take a break from worldbuilding and do the same thing with some fantasy books--a Let's Read--for fun?

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 6

◦What are the names of months, and how many days in each?

The Shokiyan year is five days shorter than an Earth year. Each month is named for one of the Twelve Stones:

Grana (January)
Aimiti (February)
Panna (March)
Hira (April)
Meral (May)
Moti (June)
Kuni (July)
Ranseki (August)
Firi (September)
Pali (October)
Haladi (November)
Topasi (December)

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 5

◦Which days are general holidays or festival times? What do they celebrate?

To name a few Shokiyan holidays:

Lafisavia (elven for 'the night of love and light')--the Shokiyan answer to Christmas
Day of the Appearing-commemorates the appearing of the First Gemsinger
Day of First Blooms--the spring festival
Day of Gathering--the harvest time

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 4

◦What event(s) do people use to date years?

Years are dated based on a Gemsinger's appearing (so to them, 2011 would mean eleven years after the Second Gemsinger's Appearing)

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 3

◦How do people tell what time it is?

Sundials do exist on Shokiyu (including a wearable one), but most of the time, the temples ring the hour and the half hour

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 2

◦How is the day divided into smaller time units?

Hours are named after the Twelve Stones--so 8 am would be the Hour of Day's Peridot, for example

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 1

◦Is there a single, generally accepted calendar (including time measurements), or do different countries or peoples or races have different ones?

Shokiyu is like Earth in that there are still 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour and 24 hours in a day. It deviates slightly when the year length is considered--their year is five days shorter than an Earth year (so "thirty days hath September" doesn't apply)

Having said that, the calendar has differing names depending on who you talk to--an elf would refer to it as the Circle of Magic, while an avri would call it the Circle of the Clans

What next?

What shall we talk about next?

School on Shokiyu, Day 9

Is there an apprenticeship system, or are there wizard schools, or is it one-on-one tutoring/mentoring?

Most magical training involves a group lesson (either with the Seer or in a school buiilding--some schools relegate magical training to the Seer anyway), but if you want to train for a specialized magical career, you go to your trade's lodge or a magical academy

School on Shokiyu, Day 8

◦If magic requires study, where do you go to learn about it?

It is part of the required curriculum, effectively replacing science as we know it (those that can't sense magical power use the period to train in their desired trade

School on Shokiyu, Day 7

◦How respected are teachers and scholars? Who supports them?

Teachers, scholars, and Seers that teach are respected--all are supported by the scholar's guild

School on Shokiyu, Day 6

◦Who are the teachers? How are they trained? Who pays them?

Usually, the teachers are members of the scholar's guild. They receive a weekly stipend (that may or my not be supplemented with food) Seers that teach can apply to receive this stipend as well (it works like a scholarship in that it is given to those that need it most)

School in Shokiyu, Day 5

How common are books? How are they produced?

While the printing press does not exist per se on Shokiyu, books are plentiful because they are (usually) magically printed

5 Year Celebration

And now for something a little different...

Yesterday marked my YouTube channel's fifth birthday--I had no clue when I began filming game walkthroughs how much craziness (both good and bad) it would bring.

So to all my fans and viewers: Thank you!

School in Shokiyu, Day 4

◦What is the level of literacy in the general population?

Most Shokiyans can read at about a sixth or seventh grade reading level. Those with higher reading levels either A. plan to teach, or B. are involved in a specialized career that requires high reading levels

School in Shokiyu, Day 3

Are there schoolhouses in every town, or do ordinary people have to travel if they want to be educated?

Most towns have a school building (the rural areas are usually taught by a Seer), and if someone does have to travel to get to school, it isn't far

School on Shokiyu, Day 2

◦Is there an organized system of education? If so, who provides it: government, churches, private persons? How is it supported? Is magic considered part of the general college curriculum, or do you have to study it privately?

There is a system of education, mainly provided and funded by the guild of scholars (but the leaders and Seers pitch in too)

Basic magic is considered one of the subjects (those who can't tap into magical power use this peiod to train in their desired trade instead. You study in the magic academies if you want to hone your skills or choose a specialized trade

School on Shokiyu, Day 1

◦How much does it cost to get various levels of education?

School is mostly free on Shokiyu (as kids are usually taught by the Seer until they are old enough to learn a trade), but if you plan on attending an academy, you my be plunking down thousands of pearls. Fortunately, there are scholarships availiable.

Next Topic?

What shall we talk about next?

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 13

Do people tend to like highly spiced food or not?

Most Shokiyans will eat something if it is a. not too hot, or b. not too overwhelming in flavor.

Taking a break

With E3 coming up, I'm takinga quick break from worldbuilding...

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 12

What herbs and spices are readily available, and what must be imported?

Mint, oregano, cinnamon, thyme, cilantro and basil are a few herbs available, while sage, rosemary, saffron, and dill are some of what have to be imported

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 11

◦What is the food like?

Savory and full of flavor would describe Shokiyan food--and they do it with very minimal salt/spice (but just enough for someone to taste it)

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 10

What foods are staples, commonly eaten every day?

Bread, fruits/berries, and veggies are the staple foods. Meat is usually limited to pork, beef and chicken, with wild game as a treat

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 9

◦What dishes or seasonings would be considered typical of this area?

Herbs are enjoyed all across Shokiyu, but which herbs depend on where you are--elves like the "fresh" spices and flavors (i.e. mint, vanilla, etc), while dwarves enjoy spicy stuff (but not ghost chile caliber hot--they have mild dishes for those sensitive to heat)

The State of the Chronicles and the Shokiyan Diet, Day 8

Are certain foods (e.g., eggs and bacon) reserved mainly for a particular meal?

No--it is perfectly normal on Shokiyu to have cereal at 7 PM (so to speak) or a sandwich at 8 AM, if that's what the person craves.

The world building continued in May with a look at travel, the arts, and diet--thanks to all that read and support the blog.

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 7

When are meals typically served? Which are substantial and which are smaller?

Breakfast is usually served around 7-8 AM, lunch around noon, and dinner around 6-7 PM, although depending on where you live, this might be earlier or later.

Dinner is usually the biggest of the three, but some families choose to make lunch the bigggest meal

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 6

◦How many meals are considered normal in a day?

Shokiyans have three square meals a day with a smaller snack in between

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 5

If farm production is based on magic, how many urban residents are going to starve if the spells supporting farming (weather, land fertility, etc.) fail suddenly?

No one, because most Shokiyans keep a stsah of food for just such an emergency

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 4

◦Given the magical/technological level of this society, what is an appropriate ratio of farmers or food producers to urban residents?

The ratio is 2 to 1, so there is usually plenty of food

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 3

◦Is sanitation good enough for untreated water to be safe to drink? If not, what do people drink instead?

Water is plentiful and clean on Shokiyu, but juices are usually the drink of choice at mealtime

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 2

◦When a guest arrives, is food or drink offered immediately, after an interval, or only on request?

A Shokiyan will ask if you are hungry or thirsty when you first arrive, but the guest has the option to refuse either (eg. s/he ate on the way and is still full, been drinking a lot on the road, etc.)

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 1

◦What dishes are considered holiday food? What foods/drinks are associated with particular holidays, events (e.g., funerals, weddings) or times of the year?

One particular holiday food is tysal, or "sweet crystal", a type of rock candy that looks like glass. It can be consumed any time of year, but it is most often eaten at Lafisavia (the Shokiyan answer to Christmas), weddings and funerals (at funerals, a piece is buried with the corpse to wish it a sweet afterlife)

Shokiyan Arts and Entertainment, Day 15

◦Do non-human races have their own games and leisure pastimes? How do they differ from human games? How do they reflect the physiology and/or particular magical talents of the various non-human races?

The other races do have their own games--and many of them involve magic. One example is sproutball, a game popular in the fairy realm. It is similar to the Earth game of soccer--if a soccer ball had a mind of its own and players didn't mind the rules being almost Calvinball-like in nature.

Video Game Update: Battle Music

We interrupt this worldbuilding for an update on The Video Game:

Currently, we're in the process of rebuilding the soundtrack, and need a new battle theme--so what sort of battle theme(s) do you suggest we use?

The only rule is to try and keep them somewhat in a fantasy feel (so electric guitars and techno-ish stuff should be kept to a minimum)

Shokiyan Arts and Entertainment, Day 14

◦Are there non-human races who tend to be naturally talented painters, dancers, etc.? How does this affect human practitioners of these arts?

Elves are more agile than humans, so they are great dancers. Human dancers look up to and train under an elven master, so a human is capable of pulling off an elf's moves

Shokiyan Arts and Entertainment, day 13

◦What things are considered appropriate subjects for representational arts such as painting and sculpture? Which are not?

The human figure is fine to sculpt or paint (nudity is okay if it is tasteful), as are representations of the other races. Demons are off limits, as are scenes of death (because Shokiyans believe that painting a scene of someone dead or dying disrespects the subject)

Shokiyan Arts and entertainment, Day 12

◦What games are commonly known — chess, dice, poker?

Card games and dice games are well known on Shokiyu, many of them with a role playing aspect

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 11

◦Have paper-making and the printing press been invented, or are books and scrolls rare, expensive, handwritten items?

While papermaking exists on Shokiyu, books are magically printed, not by a printing press

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, day 10

◦Is magic a profession, an art, or just a job? What is the status accorded to magicians in this society?

Magic is both a profession and an art--and great mages have rockstar status.

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 9

◦What sports or pastimes are common (hawking, hunting, skiing, baseball)?

Hunting, fishing, ball games, games of chance, card and dice games, and some board games are common. Archery and training creatures for non-lethal duels are some of the more effort reqiring pastimes

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 8

Is there a separate branch of purely magical art, such as illusion?

Magic as we know it on Earth (eg. sleight of hand) is also on Shokiyu, but Shokiyan magic tricks are usually more elaborate.

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, day 7

How do “normal” artists feel about this?

"normal" artists have no problem with magic in art itself, but try to work to make sure that it does not upstage the art being created.

Shokiyan Arts and Entertainment, Day 6

◦Can magic be used in the arts, and if so, how?

Pictures can move, creating something similar to movies, brushes can paint on their own, instruments can play themselves, and provide special effects for plays and dancing

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 5

◦What do people at various levels of society do for fun?

Ball games, card games, and dice games are common, as are some board games (but they are not like any board games on Earth) The upper class will also enjoy races and nonlethal duels

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, day 4

Are there also traveling troupes of players/musicians/dancers?

Traveling troupes do exist alongside minstrels, but unlike minstrels, traveling troupes mainly perform in rural areas and smaller cities (but they will visit larger cities if asked)

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 3

◦Are there permanent theaters or concert halls for the performing arts?

There are plenty of theaters and concert halls around Shokiyu--many are maintained by the various performers' guilds. Others are run by wealthy patrons, and still more are maintained by fans of a particular art

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 2

Which arts are most highly valued and why?

Storytelling and music are the most prominent arts--because Shokiyans are proud of their stories, and music connects them to magic.

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 1

◦What is the status of the arts (dance, music, theater, etc.) in this society? Are artists revered or mistrusted?

The arts are loved and enjoyed on Shokiyu, and artists revered along with them

Travel and communication on Shokiyu, Day 15

Last question on this topic:

Where are the great libraries or collections of books/scrolls/manuscripts? How accessible are they to scholars, wizards, the general public? Who supports them?

The main libraries are in the capital cities, with affiliates in larger cities. They are open to all, and supported by wealthy patrons and public donations

Travel and communication on Shokiyu, Day 14

◦How are books produced?

While the printing press does not exist on Shokiyu per se, books are mass produced magically, so every Shokiyan has at least one or two books

Travel and communication in Shokiyu, Day 13

Is there freedom of the press? If not, who controls/censors it and by what means?

The Shokiyan press is somewhat free, depending on who currently sits on the Council of Order (a group of five mages that acts as a ratings board. If the five members believe in freedom of expression, the least that can happen is the obejectionable content being edited. At the other extreme, "objectionable" content has been magically erased or the item is just plain not released when hardliner mages sit on the council.

Travel and communication in Shokiyu, Day 12

How slanted is the news they get, and in what direction?

Many minstrels will have their own opinions about the news they sing about, and this is reflected in their songs. Notice board messages try to keep the news balanced, but depending on who posted the message, it may be slanted.

Travel and communication in Shokiyu, Day 11

◦How do people find out what is happening in the world — rumor, town crier, newspapers, TV and radio?

Rumors are common, and minstrels will often sing about newsworthy events. In addition, every town has a message board that notices can be posted on.

Travel and communication in Shokiyu, Day 10

◦Are some classes of people (slaves, peasants) not expected to travel at all? Are some (heralds, messengers) expected to travel constantly?

Anyone is free to travel (slaves just go with their masters), but messengers and minstrels are always on the go (some larger cities have a minstrel in residence)

Belated State of the Chronicles and travel and comunication in Shokiyu

The new worldbuilding is coming along well, but on we go with more Shokiyan travel and communication:

◦Where would a traveler stay at night? Are there enough travelers to support inns, or do people have to stay at some equivalent of medieval monasteries?

There are inns all around Shokiyu, with varying rates per night depending on where the inn was (so a well traveled route would have a cheap rate, while an iin off the beaten path would be more expensive)

Travel and Communication in Shokiyu, Day 8

◦What is the fastest means of traveling long distances over land? Over water? Which methods are safest?

Deerback is the fastest way to travel on land, while wyvern rides are the fastest way across water. Carriages and ships are the safest

Travel and Communication on Shokiyu, Day 7

◦How common is travel (for any reason)? Does the concept of travel “to see the world” or for fun, even exist? How dangerous is travel?

Shokiyans love to travel, and many have often left on journeys to see the world. Most routes are relatively safe, but people do take precautions against bandits just in case

Travel and Communication on Shokiyu, Day 6

◦How available is water transportation? How reliable? How dangerous? How expensive?

Ships are plentiful, but very pricey when carrying people. (ships are generally used to carry items) They are reliable and reasonably safe (the main worry is the weather, not pirates--the crew does practice what to do if pirates attack just in case)

Travel and Communication on Shokiyu, Day 5

Is there a public/private postal system, or does everyone of importance have to send messengers? How fast can news get from A to B?

There is a very reliable postal system, but very important messages are hand delivered. Letters get from Point A to Point B in two to five days if conditions are good

Travel and Communication on Shokiyu, Day 4

◦How are messages sent when necessary?

Most of the time, messengers or messenger animals are sent to deliver messages, but some mages and Seers can send messages telepathically

Travel and Communication in Shokiyu, 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?

Most Shokiyans prefer to walk, but taxi carriages are offered if your destination is nowhere near any teleport crystals

Traveling and Communication on Shokiyu, Day 2

◦Are there magical means of transportation (teleport spells, magic carpets, dragon-riding)?

Teleportation and dragon riding are the most common magical means of transport. Teleportation is usually used for shipping items, but is occassionally used on people. However, the spell becomes more likely to fail the more people you try to teleport. A clever mage got around this by confining the spell inside a crystal, allowing large groups to be teleported without the risk of the spell failing (since they are in essence, touching the spell itself rather than trying to cast it themselves) Large cities will often have a network of teleportation crystals (so Crystal A at the entrance takes you to Crystal B in the town square which takes you to Crystal C by the marketplace, etc.)

Dragon and wyvern rides are the more common way to transport people, but it can get pricey, as each dragon master/mistress charges their own rate

Travel and Communication on Shokiyu, Day 1

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


Horses and oxen are most often seen in the valley, camels in the desert, and rams and deer in the mountains

Shokiyan Medicine, Day 8

◦What kinds of treatments are available — herbal brews, vaccinations, acupuncture, spells, etc.? How effective are they?

There are spells and potions for preventative measures (eg. vitamins), vaccinations, and treatment--some will cure maladies completely, while others just help the healing process along.

Shokiyan Medicine, Day 7

◦How much do the physical differences between humans and non-humans affect their medical treatment?

While there are a few noticable differences between non-humans and humans (eg. dwarves being more sensitive to the sun, for example), the biggest difference is in the avris--since their anatomy is a blend of a bird's and a humans, they are also suspectable to some diseases birds can catch.

Shokiyan Medicine, Day 6

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

There is a revive spell, but you need to cast it quickly (no later than 20 minutes after death for the best chance of it working. Even then, it still may not work

Shokiyan Medicine, Day 5

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

Aspiring healers train under a master healer at a young age (around age 12 or 13), and can practice on their own by age 18

Shokiyan 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?

Healers have an idea about how the different bodies of the five races and their processes work, which is quite helpful in determining what Sapphire Light shows. However, they are not as detailed or advanced as we are

Shokiyan Medicine, Day 3

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

Illnesses are diagnosed by both observation of symptoms and the spell Sapphire Light, which can tel two maladies with similar symptoms apart. For those sensitive to magical power, there is a diagnostic potion that can be drank to diagnose the problem

Shokiyan Medicine, Day 2

◦What kinds of treatments are available — herbal brews, vaccinations, acupuncture, spells, etc.? How effective are they?

Potions and healing spells are the most common kinds of treatments (for both healing and vaccination purposes. Usually, they have little risk of side effects, but potions made by untrained healers are more likely to not work/cause side effects

Shokiyan Medicine, Day 1

◦How expensive is a healer? How available are such services to ordinary people?

Shokiyan healers are common, and much cheaper than doctors on Earth. Seers even heal for free in the rural areas

What next?

What topic would you like to discuss next?

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 16

◦Who can make or repeal laws — a group (an elected Senate, an appointed Council, or an hereditary House of Lords), or only the ruler or head of state? How much can the nobility, middle class tradesmen, etc. influence the laws that are made?

Each race has its own lawmaking council in their capital city that are appointed by the rulers. People can come before the council and make their case for and against laws, but swaying the council is relatively rare

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 15

◦Are highwaymen, muggers, and pirates common or rare?

Bandits and pirates are uncommon, but large enough of a threat to be watched. The average Shokiyan does take precautionary steps against them.

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 14

◦Are wizards above or below the law — i.e., do they have full rights as citizens, no rights, or can they do as they like without regard to anyone else’s rights?

Mages have the same rights as any other Shokiyan, plus the promise to protect and guard the magic

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 13

◦Are there sumptuary laws regulating what different classes/races may wear? Do judges and lawyers wear special clothes (robes, wigs) to indicate their calling?

There are no laws dictating what people can and cannot wear, BUT judges do wear robes as they do on Earth

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 12

◦Are people guilty until proven innocent, innocent until proven guilty, or does it depend on the mood the lord is in when they bring the case before him?

All suspects are assumed innocent before being proven guilty to prevent a lords knee jerk reaction

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 11

Are there lawyers or advocates? Who can afford them? Who trains/certifies them?

There are advocates on Shokiyu, and unlike lawyers on Earth, they are trained via apprenticeship rather than taking a bar exam. Their prices are fairly reasonable compared to lawyers on Earth, and some will even accept food as payment if the person they are defending is poor

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 10

◦Who is responsible for catching criminals? Who pays the crook-catchers — the ruler, the city government, a consortium of merchants, somebody else? How are they organized — into independent police precincts, or into overlapping districts, or just according to whoever wants to hire them? Are they full-time, part-time, or volunteers? Private or public? What sort of facilities do they have? What arms are they allowed to carry?

Each town has its own guard--in rural areas, this may just be townsfolk that happen to be good with a weapon, while in most places it is its own job. They are usually paid in pearls, which can be supplemented or replaced with food if the town leaders don't have much in the way of pearls. The guard is further divided into units, and each unit watches over a specific area of town. Usually, there is a guard's quarters, where off duty guards can relax and all guards can train. Most guards typically wield a sword, but all forms of polearms, axes, and bows are not unheard of.

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 9

◦What are the normal punishments for serious vs. minor crimes? Are there prisons, or are people punished and released? Are there degrees of punishment — branding vs. cutting off ears vs. cutting off a hand vs. decapitation — or do they just hang everybody?

Retribution or prison time await you for the majority of crimes--torture and/or death are saved for the most serious cases.

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 8

◦What things are considered truly serious crimes and why?

--Murder, torture, rape, and the like (Shokiyans believe life is precious)
--Mishandling of money (because honesty and humilty are valued)
--Abuse of magic (out of respect for magic)

Law and Order in Shokiyu, Day 7

Is evidence obtained by magic acceptable in court?

Magically obtained evidence by divination spells (eg. a spell showing a victim's last moments) is fine, but anything obtained by a truth telling spell (a form of coercion) or by zapping with condition/offensive spells (as a form of torture) is not

Vive le blog!

Wonder where all these hits from France are coming from? (or if they're even legit?)

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 6

Are judges or other court officials required/forbidden to know magic?

Judges and court officials don't HAVE to know magic, but knowing time/divination magic does help

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 5

◦Are there separate civil and criminal courts? Human and non-human courts? Is there a separate court or procedure for magical crimes?

Magical and non-magical crimes are tried under the same system. Non-humans do have their own courts, but they are tried in the realm where the crime took place (so an elf accused of a crime in the human lands would be tried in the human realm.

While magical crimes are subject to the same rules as non-magical crimes, they are often tried in temples in a place known as the Room of Trials

The State of the Chronicles, March 2011

We discovered how Shokiyu held up against some new cliches, then covered greetings, politics, and law and order on Shokiyu.

Rest assured, I will not be pulling any jokes tomorrow--we will continue discussing Shokiyan law and order into April.

Law and Order in Shokiyu, Day 4

◦Are certain spells (as opposed to magic generally) illegal?

--Instant death spells, unless you have a very good reason
--Disease inducing spells/curses, unless in self defense
--Spells that affect time and the weather (so you can't rewrite history) Weather affecting spells are only cast in emergencies

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 3

◦Is forensic magic possible? Commonly used? Used only for certain types of crimes (and if so, what)? Are the results of forensic spells admissible in court as evidence? Is it something any wizard can do, or do you have to specialize?


Magic of the Time variety is often used to help solve crimes (eg. conjure a time loop of a victim's last moments, show what a weapon was used for, etc.) if the guard has no leads or needs help finding clues. Only those that can use time magic can do this

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 2

◦What are considered normal and legal ways of gathering evidence and determining guilt? Is torture allowed? Are arbitrary judgments by the lord or landowner allowed, or is there an independent standard of justice?

Questioning and gathering evidence are the main ways of determining guilt. Torture, meanwhile, can be used as a punishment, but not as a way of forcing someone to confess (Shokiyans also believe in the innocent until proven guilty rule). There is a standard of justice, so if a lord made an arbitrary judgement, the only way the person would be punished is if the judge agreed with the lord

Law and Order on Shokiyu, Day 1

◦How has the presence of magic and magicians affected law and government? Are wizards barred from certain kinds of government jobs or offices (judge, jury, police)? Do some government jobs require that their holder be a wizard?

Magic has provided an edge to solving cold cases, and helping with evidence (but forcing a confession is a no-no). Magic is not required to hold a goverment position, but it does help

The Politics of Shokiyu, Day 3

◦What are the easiest/most common ways to advance in status — amass more money, marry well, get the ruler’s eye, etc.? How much resistance is there to someone advancing in social status?

Working hard and having the right connections are the best way to move up--how much resistance you'll have depends on the size of the jump

The Politics of Shokiyu, Day 2

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

Shokiyans usually use the amount of trade going into and out of a realm to measure power, (because a good ruler provides for the people, and a balance of quality stuff going out to materials coming in signals that the ruler is seeing to the needs of his/her people.)

The Politics of Shokiyu, 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 the wizard’s guild knee-deep in court intrigue?

Magic is both a profession and an art on Shokiyu, and mages are generally respected and revered. The only time they watch politics is when something concerning magic (i.e. a noble knowing some kind of forbidden magic, a new type of spell discovered, etc.) comes up

Meeting and Greeting in Shokiyu, Day 9

Last question on this topic:

How does someone acknowledge seeing an acquaintance at a distance?

Usually, someone will call their name and wave. Sometimes they will also include the peace sign (which has the connotation of a sprout, symbolizing a growing relationship)

Meeting and Greeting in Shokiyu, Day 8

◦Is there any difference in the way you greet someone you already know, compared to greeting a stranger?

Strangers will just say hello as they walk by, but those that know each other will do anything from pat each other's shoulder to hug, depending on how close they are. (the hug by itself is reserved for a very close friendship/familial relationship, a hug with a kiss implies a close romantic relationship)

Meeting and Greeting in Shokiyu, Day 7

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

If someone has many titles, only the most prominent ones are named, and even then at the first meeting--any time after that, the person is referred to by name only

Meeting and greeting in Shokiyu, Day 6

◦Are there classes of people/beings who are never introduced to other classes of people/beings?

Deities and demons are never introduced to other beings--if one has to be introduced, they take an assumed name and use that for the introduction

Meeting and Greeting in Shokiyu, Day 5

What is the order of precedence when there are several people of differing sex or social status present, all of whom need to be introduced to each other?

The highest rank goes first, and goes down the line from there

Meeting and Greeting in Shokiyu, day 4

◦How are two people who have never met normally introduced to each other?

Person A states their name and/or most prominent title. Person B does likewise. Then both parties link thumbs to form a V shape--a sign of a growing friendship.

Meeting and Greeting on Shokiyu, Day 3

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

Addressing a superior as an inferior is the most common way of insulting an unpopular official

Meeting and Greeting on Shokiyu, Day 2

◦Is there a difference between the greeting offered to an equal and that offered to a superior or inferior? Is there a difference between the greeting offered a man or a woman? Human/non-human?

When greeting an equal or inferior, the person being greeted is referred to by name (or by "sir" or "lady" if the person's name isn't known) Superiors are greeted by adding "sir" or lady" to their title. (so Galia would be addressed as "Lady Seer" by most people.) If you know a superior well, you can add "sir" or "lady" to their name (so Miresa would say "Lady Galia"

Meeting and Greeting on Shokiyu, Day 1

◦When meeting someone, how are they greeted — wave, handshake, bow, some other gesture? 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?

The handshake is still retained on Shokiyu, but some classes will add on a finger positioning to signal a greeting "from one to another" in the same class. For example, two mages shaking hands will bend their index finger to mimic a staff (the most common weapon for a mage.)

How Gemsinger Holds: Gimmicks

1. I will be mindful of size and travel time

2. I know my idea is not entering an empty world.

3. Anything interacting with the gimmick will also interact among themselves

4. Gimmicks will affect the characters

5. I will know what isn't worth keeping and what is

6. There are differences among how the gimmick is handled

7. There will be things equal or stronger than the gimmick

How Gemsinger Holds: The Average Hero

1. Miresa can't nor does she want to win everything

2. She has worked and will work to master her power

3. "The only" syndrome has no place on Shokiyu

4. I will have her respect be earned

5. I will have negative as will as positive reactions to her

6. Miresa has friends that support her

7. She knows how to pick herself up again when things go bad

How Gemsinger Holds: Animal companions

1. I will be careful to do the research, especially if creating a creature.

2. I will keep sounds/song and senses in mind

3. Any pets will be fed and watered accordingly

4. I will remember that even nature is flawed

5. Shokiyan animals DO adapt to humans--sometimes for better and sometimes for worse

How Gemsinger Holds: Mentors

1. Mentors have lives and personalities outside of mentoring

2. There is no set plan or structure for Miresa's training

3. Miresa's mentors are not Yodas, absent-minded professors, or neglectful of great students--they have flaws as well.

4. Mentors on Shokiyu do not keep secrets without a very good reason (no, Miresa not being "ready" isn't one of them)

5. I will remember why the mentor is teaching

6. We will get a glimpse in to how mentors learned their knowledge and skills

How Gemsinger Holds: East Meets West

1. I have been and will be careful to write what I know and research what I don't

2. I will be careful to avoid stereotypes.

3. Yes, I confess that Shokiyu is influenced by typical European style worlds

4. That said, I don't think they mirror any real culture comepletely

5. I will be mindful of the power structure and respectful of other faiths

How Gemsinger Holds: Possession

1. I will understand how Shokiyan minds work

2. Possession can be fought and broken

3. I will know where possession fits within my magical hiearchy

4. I will write mental struggles realistically

How the Measurements of Shokiyu Hold

1. The measurements will have wiggle room

2. Fantastic lengths will be explained by how long it is about in Earth time

3. Different cultures have their own measurements (but it is possible to convert between them

4. Nonhuman measurements are tweaked accordingly

5. Some measurements have a story behind them

6. I will trust my readers (and fix any problem they spot)

How the Avris hold up

1. I will take biology and culture into account when designing the avris

2. Avri wings are actually very strong, considering that avris are skilled warriors that fight on land and in the air.

3. Some avris fly only when they have to, others are constantly airborne. They deeply respect the sky and all things in it. (Losi, for example, is a low flyer because of her slight fear of heights)

4. Avris share a little anatomy with birds--their bodies are streamlined, their bones are hollow, and they do have flight muscles

Next topic?

What topic should we discuss next?

How Gemsinger Holds: The Justice System

1. I will be careful when designing my laws

2. Magic will integrate with the laws and still make sense

3. The treatment of criminals and their punishments fit the crime

How Gemsinger Holds: The Anti Hero

1. Most anti-hero characters the party encounters will be morally ambiguous

2. Anti-heroes will be like any other Shokiyan

3. You will aee another perspective from the party

How Gemsinger Holds: Heroic Mistakes

1. I will keep tabs on how much info the party has at any one time

2. Miresa does have some mistakes in her personality

3. There will be conflicting reactions to what the party does

How Gemsinger Holds: Character Clashes

1. The thing the characters have in common doesn't necessarily have to be a person

2. I will know what my characters want

3. Character's minds will change

4. When blindsided by a stunning revalation, characters won't just sit there brooding

5. I will build on similar characters

How Gemsinger Holds: Villianous Confessions

1. The party will likely learn info about the bad guys from a defector.

2. At one point, the party figures out a plot on their own.

3. If I HAVE to include a villianous monologue, Miresa won't initially believe it

4. If the party does overhear the plot, they have a good reason to overhear it

5. I will remember why the bad guys keep plots a secret

The State of the Chronicles: February 2011

We concluded the ultimate character profile, looked at food and language, and began examining more cliches

Thanks to all that read and support the blog.

How Gemsinger Holds: Flaws and Characters

1. I understand that not everyone will see my cast like I do

2. I will try not to repeat endlessly

3. I will change up how a flaw is displayed

4. The cast has no "interview flaws" that I know of.

5. They won't be overloaded with flaws either

How Gemsinger Holds: Loyalty

1. Loyalty won't always mean a good guy

2. Traitors will be motivated by more than greed and/or hatred

3. Defectors from the bad side will earn their trust like everyone else.

4. Loyalty is not and will not be the highest virtue

5. Loyalty will come in different flavors

6. Loyalty will affecct the politicking in Shokiyu

Coming up

I found new rants to respond to so look to see how Shokiyu holds up against new cliches...

Shokiyan Language, Day 7

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

"By Meikon" or "By the Twelve Stones" are the most common oaths--"By Meikon" can also be used for a swear. Referring to someone as a dog is another common swear (eg. "Why, you dog!)

Shokiyan Language, Day 6

◦What things would the people of this culture not have a name for, or have one word that covers numerous variations?

Naming a demon is considered bad luck, so every demon mentioned in legend is mentioned by their title if they have to mention a specific one (with "The Fallen Mage", "Greedy Prince" and "Black Oracle" being a few of the more prominent ones)

Shokiyan Language, Day 5

◦What things in this culture would their language have many specific words for?

Magic--especially in the elven culture. They have words for each type of elemental and words describing magical energy.

Shokiyan Language, Day 4

What kinds of colorful turns of phrase do people use?

"Has your power to (whatever) been locked?"--Have you lost the ability to do what you used to do well?

"Can you control the magic of darkness?"--Are you sure you know what you're doing/saying?

"Like THAT's a Stone of Power!"--I don't believe you

and those are just for starters.

Shokiyan Language, Day 3

◦What are the variations in speech patterns, syntax, and slang from one social class to another?

Contractions appear less and less the further you go up the ladder. The lower class also tends to cut words short or drop them altogether

Shokiyan Language, Day 2

Are there “secret” languages or codes known only by priests, soldiers, wizards, guild members, etc.? Why were they developed?

Secret codes were mainly developed to protect the rulers of the races--what they are is different for every race--for example, the code for Leria's arrival somewhere is "Shining Bastion" while the same code for Fion is "Great Tree"

Shokiyan Language, Day 1

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

Many Shokiyans know both the Alweld (or the All-Wielder's tongue, as English is called) and at least a little Ruhar or the holy tongue

Shokiyan Food, Day 7

◦Is sanitation good enough for untreated water to be safe to drink? If not, what do people drink instead?

Shokiyan water is clean and drinkable, but juices are not unheard of

Sidequest ideas

Should any sidequests appear in Chapter 2 of The Video Game? If so, what kind of sidequests would you want to see?

Geography of The Video Game

Check it out here

Shokiyan Food, Day 6

◦Are special arrangements necessary for entertaining guests of different races/species?

Dwarves do get taller chairs, and avri chairs have holes in the back to acommodate the wings

Shokiyan Food, Day 5

◦What is the order of a typical upper-class meal — do they start with wine, then a sweet, then a stew, then a salad, or do they bring everything in at once?

It depends on who you are eating with--avri and elven meals are served family style (meaning everything is brought in at once and everyone helps themselves. Human, dwarven, and fairy meals have seperate courses, but the order of courses is different

Shokiyan Food, Day 4

◦What eating utensils are used, if any? Forks, eating knife, spoons, chopsticks?

Forks, knives and spoons exist on Shokiyu, but they are different from their Terran counterparts:

Shokiyan forks have only two prongs instead of three
Shokiyan spoons are smaller than Terran ones

Shokiyan Food, Day 3

◦What distinguishes a formal, high-court dinner from an ordinary meal, besides quantity and variety of food? How do high-court manners differ from everyday ones?

There are many different courses in a high/royal meal, making it last several hours (rather than being served all at once and having the household/patrons help themselves, as in the lower classes)

Aside from the obvious manners, the host (or the royal guest) dictates what everyone else can do--you are not allowed to be seated until s/he has taken his/her place; and you do not begin eating until everyone has been served and the host/royal has taken the first bite of the course

Video Game Update

The first chapter of the game (The Terra Emerald) is complete--whether a playable demo is coming, I'm not sure yet

Shokiyan Food, day 2

◦What dishes are considered holiday food?

One dish you'll hear about a lot is a candy known as tysal (Ruhar for "sweet crystal"), usually eaten at Lafisavia (the Shokiyan answer to Christmas), but can be enjoyed any time of year. It comes in a variety of flavors, with mint often reserved for weddings and funerals

Shokiyan Food, Day 1

And now for a little worldbuilding:

◦Do men and women, parents and children, servants and master, eat separately, or does everyone eat together? How is status displayed at the table (seating above or below the salt, near or far from the head, etc.)?


Everyone eats together, with the head of the house seated to the right of the left end of the table (which is seen as the guest's seat--if the family has no guest, it is left empty under the assumption that Meikon is the guest)

Ultimate Character Profile: Miresa (part 6)

Do you hold grudges?

No, I would rather make amends

Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?

Sometimes, when I feel confident enough to lead

Do you like interacting with large groups of people?

Usually, if it's not too large a crowd.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would change my magical skill level.

Are you generally introverted or extroverted?

Mostly extroverted

Next topic?

What shall we discuss when we finish the Ultimate Character Profile for the whole party?

Ultimate Character Profile: Miresa (part 5)

How close are you to your family?

She, Lyri and Joda are very close

Do you want a marriage, family, and/or children?

She thinks starting a family would be nice, but that is not the first priority at the moment.

Do you tend to argue with people or avoid conflict?

She would prefer to work the conflict out.

Are you a listener or a talker?

She tries to listen and talk equally

How long does it take for you to trust others?

She tends to give most people the benefit of the doubt, so maybe a few days to a week.

Do you hold grudges?

No, she would rather apologize and make up.
Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?

Ultimate Character Profile: Miresa (part 4)

Do you have any magic abilities? If so, what are they?

I have a little power, but I'm not good at controlling it yet

If you have magic abilities, how have they affected you? Do you accept them as what they are and strive to improve them, or do you refuse to accept them and wish you didn’t have them?

I train to improve them despite my accidents with them.

How do others in your life view your magic abilities? Are they accepting or fearful?

Most people I ask are supportive, but the High Mage wishes I controlled them better

Does the society you live in accept magic, or are they fearful of it? How are magic users generally viewed?

Magic and mages are accepted and supported--most mages want to do good things with their power.

Ultimate Character Profile: Miresa (part 3)

DIGGING A LITTLE DEEPER:

20. How would you describe your childhood in general?

It was filled with laughter, a little tears, hugs, and "I love you"s

21. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor/relative? Does that affect you?

No--my family have just been merchants for a very long time

22. What do you consider the most important event in your life so far?

Being accepted into the Blademage Academy

23. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Winning the Grand Exhibition last year

24. What is your biggest regret?

Taking one of Halliwen's challenges that was over my head

Ultimate Character Profile: Miresa (part 2)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
12. Do you have any scars? Tattoos? Birthmarks? Other unique physical features?

Nope--no markings here

13. Do you have any physical strengths/weaknesses? If so, what are they?

She is a very good swordfighter, and quite agile. Despite her agility, she has two left feet.

14. Do you have any mental strengths/weaknesses? If so, what are they?

While she enjoys watching a well done performance, she is terrified of getting up onstage herself, unless it is to play music.

15. Are you right or left handed?

She is right handed

PERSONALITY AND LIFE

16. List three quirks or defining characteristics

She knows how to bounce back from a bad situation, cannot cast a spell to save her life, and is never without a smile.

17. Do you have a commonly used phrase?

She does not have a catchphrase

18. What is your earliest memory?

Hearing the story of the Gemsinger for the first time from Lyri

19. How much schooling have you had? Did you enjoy it?

She has the equivalent of an eighth or ninth grade education, and generally enjoyed it

Ultimate Character Profile: Miresa (part 1)

Using the template from here:

1. NAME (include full name, nicknames, aliases, etc):

Miresa Selvan

2. AGE: 13


3. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

-HEIGHT: 5'7"

-WEIGHT: about 135-140 lbs

-BODY TYPE: Thin yet muscular, especially in her torso and legs

-EYES (color, look, etc): Green

-CLOTHING: If training, white shirt, red jerkin with gold and silver trim, black leggings, if not, simple deep blue tunic, white shirt underneath, black leggings and deep brown shoes

-HAIR (color, style, length) Auburn, shoulder length, usually down, but tied back when training

-PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION PARAGRAPH

4. RACE (human, Halfling, elf, dwarf, etc): Human

5. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW? She has lived all her life in Telrain, a medium sized town about 50 miles south of Selance, the human royal capital on the Eastern Continent

6. FAMILY

-MOTHER (name, what’s your relationship like?): Lyri, very close and loving

-FATHER (name, what’s your relationship like?): Joda, very close and loving, yet respectful.

-SIBLINGS (names, what’s your relationship with them like?) She is an only child

-OTHER RELATIVES (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. Names, what’s your relationship with them like?): She does have extended family, but as of right now, they do not play an important role in the story yet

7. FRIENDS (names; what’s your relationship with them like?): Arune (her guardian fairy, they occasionally argue), Bradlin (her closest friend who is training to be a warrior) Kunsta (the bookworm that seemingly knows everything about Shokiyu), Taelin (the aspiring minstrel who thinks learning to focus magic through weapons would be a nice defense), to name only a few

8. ENEMIES (names; why are you enemies and how strongly are you enemies?): Halliwen (the stuck up rival that takes pleasure in getting Miresa in trouble so she can look good)

9. OCCUPATION: Apprentice Blademage

The Lore of Shokiyu

Would you want to learn more of the stories and lore of Shokiyu besides the Gemsinger story?

The State of the Chronicles, January 2011

We continued the viginettes and did a little more worldbuilding in preparation for a character profile overhaul.

Thank you to all that read and support the blog.

Why new profiles?

The world of Shokiyu has been through a lot lately--and the characters have likely changed as well.

So, it's only fair to revisit the characters and see what, if anything, has changed.

Coming up: New Profiles

It's been a while since I updated the cast's profiles, so look for some new, detailed profiles next week

The Arts on Shokiyu, Day 1

◦What is the status of the arts (dance, music, theater, etc.) in this society?

The arts are enjoyed and flourish on Shokiyu, with many of the top artists, dancers, musicians, actors, and storytellers enjoying rock star status

Life on Shokiyu, Day 6

◦How is garbage and other waste material disposed of?

It is gathered up and teleported to the appropriate facility, or recycled

Life on Shokiyu, day 5

◦What are accepted norms of personal hygiene? Do most people bathe regularly, or is bathing considered a health hazard?

Shokiyans are like Earthlings concerning hygiene--but they tend to bathe at least once a day (if not a bath in the morning, then a bath in the evening) They also have a floss-like material that comes from a specific herb that doubles as both a toothbrush and floss

Life on Shokiyu, Day 4

◦What do people generally look like? Would a blonde (redhead, brunette) stand out in a crowd? Someone 5′ 10″ tall? Do non-humans stand out in a crowd, or are there enough of them around that they’re considered ordinary?

Humans on Shokiyu typically stand 5'5-5'8, and usually have black, red, brown, or darker blonde shades, so the paler blonde shades would stick out, but they are not completely unheard of. Height wise, Avris do tend to stick out in a crowd because their wings make them so tall. Losi is an exception to this--she is about the size of a human Shokiyan on the tall side.

Life on Shokiyu, Day 3

◦What items or foods or materials are luxuries — chocolate, coffee, silk, spices, flush toilets? Why?

Jewels and jewelry--because jewels occassionally have magic power inside
Silk, velvet, and other fancy materials--these are usually only worn by the upper class
Gold, silver, and other precious metals--again, usually only seen in the upper class
Exotic game meat--because bear, deer, and fantastic creatures are typically hunted by the upper class

plus some I don't want to give away

Life on Shokiyu, Day 2

◦How much social mobility is there? Is it easy or hard for a person born a peasant to advance to the middle class, or a middle class person to the upper class or nobility? How much resistance would there be? Would such a person ever be accepted socially?

There is some social mobility on Shokiyu--but it usually depends on your connections, hard work, or a combination of the two. a huge jump between classes would meet resistance, but would earn acceptance if the person worked well

Life on Shokiyu, Day 1

◦How do ordinary people feel about foreigners? Non-humans? How ready are they to accept different ideas?

Shokiyans are a little more trusting than Earthlings when it comes to foreigners, as they give most people the benefit of the doubt. They are (usually) tolerant of non-humans because they interact with them every day (There are still pockets of thoose that don't, however.

They will at least hear out an idea before making a decision.

Fifth character

A fifth character in the party is not official yet, but should I decide to include one, look for details on him soon

Gemsinger meets TV Tropes, part 1

After doing some research on TV Tropes last night, I toyed with the idea of another party member to make a Five Man Band--since four is typically suited for drama; not what I'm aiming for.

Mind you, I'm still ironing out the details, but so far, it looks like this:

The Hero--Miresa

The Lancer--Bradlin (she's a go with the flow type, he is methodical and likes to plan everything to a tee)

The Smart Guy--Galia

The Big Guy--New Character (may be a tank, but probably won't be dumb or mute

The Chick--Arune

Et tu, writer's block?

I can't seem to get a good idea to write today, so maybe tomorrow.

Viginette #51: Luck

"Is it really?

"It's clear and sparkles in many colors...I believe we have a genuine diamond on our hands, Miresa."

"How lucky! It's rare to have diamonds appear in the river around here..."

"Would you want me to take it to the jewelry maker to confirm this is a real diamond?

"Of course!

Viginette #50: Caution

Last pre-overhaul viginette!

"Here we are, everyone...the Earth Shrine." Galia began as the group approached a small stone building that could have easily been passed off as a house.

"Doesn't look like a shrine to me..." Bradlin sighed.

"Despite its small and humble appearance, this place is where the Earth Sigil has been guarded by time immemorial by all numbers of beasts and creatures that bear the power of the Emerald." Galia explained. "In addition, we need to be prepared for traps as well--in addition to things like spikes in the floor and arrow traps, there are some traps that no Shokiyan has yet seen before."

Viginette #49: Solitude

When life goes crazy and I'm feeling down
(as I'm sure you feel sometimes too)
There's a special place where I like to relax
Just outside of town

It isn't much, just a large hill
That overlooks the square
But when I am resting there under a tree
I can see it all

And lose myself in a daydream
Of a life that may never be
And not be interuppted
By a thousand different pleas

Viginette #48: Confinement

"Miresa, why do you always cause these accidents?"

"But Master, a lot of them are not my fault..."

"And I suppose you claim this one is not your fault either?"

"Master, it wasn't!"

"Very well--tell me your account of why the library looks like it was ransacked by a windstorm and I may be inclined to show you mercy."

"I was organizing the books like you asked me to, and I thought that casting a spell would get the work done faster--but I was one word off from the spell I wanted to name, making that mess."

"Miresa...you understand that a good blademage is sure that the spell is named correctly before casting it?"

"Yes, Master."

"Then we wouldn't have these accidents--so I charge you with three hour's confinement as punishment--an hour if you clean this mess up."

Viginette #47: Freedom

"So did you hear about the protest?"

"What protest?"

"Well, first you know that particular quest where the High Mage asks an apprentice to find the Pendant of Colors?"

"Isn't that the one where any apprentice sent on it never returns?"

"That's the one!"

"But I thought no one knew where the pendant was, not even the High Goddess!"

"You speak true, Miresa...while eventually every apprentice was found and returned to the lodge, I'm afraid that the next time an apprentice goes on that quest, they may not return."

"Are you saying there's something sinister afoot, then?

"Can you control darkness magia, Miresa? That's quite a bold claim to make when we have no evidence suggesting something evil is abound in the lodge."

"I admit I was out on a limb..."

At any rate, we need to protest to let the High Mage give us a fairer quest rather than sending apprentices out on a fool's erand."

"I'm all for the freedom to choose what sort of quest you can go on."

Viginette #46: Pride

She graduated today
Having completed the quest
That all blademages must take

In her case, she was asked
To brave a rogue dragon's lair
And bring back a mystical pendant

Just seeing her there
in the blademage's ceremonial robes
colored in deep green (her innate color)

Makes me realize
That for all the trouble I seem to cause
I'm actually glad to be a blademage

And one day
I will wear that robe
And receive a blade for my service.

The Viginettes

I'm glad you're enjoying the viginettes thus far--many of them are pre-overhaul. When I finish posting them, I'll write new ones

Viginette #45: Passion

"Okay, Miresa, try to protect me with Magma Glass." a girl asked as she took her place among a few drummers ready to unleash Frost Arrow on whoever was standing in the middle of the room.

Miresa sighed and spoke "Magma Glass" as a low drumbeat begain to fill the air, sending glowing blue white arrows of ice at the woman standing in the center. She joined in with a reel seconds before the arrows impacted, making then melt on a box seemingly made of red glass.

As the last Frost Arrow fizzled out, the teacher approached. "Well done, Miresa--keep practicing your timing and you'll make a fine bladmage."

Miresa couldn't believe her ears. "YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" she screeched, and ran to embrace her teacher.

Viginette #44: Vengance

So she's awakened...how can she? She knows full well that we, the dark ones, also know the legend that protects this world...but I will personally see to it that it does not come true! Once all twelve Sigils are in my hands, then this world will be destroyed, and a new world shall rise--a world in which I rule supreme, and there is no Gemsinger that will be able to save the people--I swear it!

Viginette #43: Humility

"Here we are, Lady Avri...this is the temple in Telrain."

"Wow...the hall of my clan could fit in here and there would still be room left over!"

"Really?"

"Now that I think about it, just the meeting hall would fit in this room--the Sapphire Clan, despite having a small clan hall, is actually quite respected."

"Then what brings you here to human and elven lands?"

"The chief of my clan bade me seek out a Seer to train under."

"Would you like to enter my service, then?"

"You would accept me as your apprentice? I am in your debt, Lady Elf."

"The pleasure is all mine--and what name are you called?"

"I am Losi Jiatan, of the Sapphire Clan."

"I am Galileth Moonblade of Coraira--but you may call me Galia for short."

"I am honored to be under your command, Lady Galia."

Viginette #42: Understanding

"So dragons weren't always revered?" Bradlin gasped.

"Unfortunately no..." Glorian sighed as she gently wrapped Bradlin in her tail to shield him from the wind whistling through a crack in the wall. "Before the dragoons' orders were formed, humans saw dragons as creatures to be feared, and many were slain by knights, adventurers, and commoners alike. It took the formation of the first dragoon order for humans to understand that dragons could be friendly to others."

"Has your kind ever forgiven the humans for the wrongs they did years before?" Bradlin was curious now.

"For the most part, many dragons have--and a lot of them choose to serve a dragoon as I have." Glorian replied. "However, some hold a grudge against the humans, and it is these dragons that are now slain in the error of their ways."

Viginette #41: Confusion

So you didn't know about the picnic?"

"No, Miresa--not a thing."

"Are you sure?"

"Now that I think about it, I do remember you sending an invitation some days ago, but was not sure if the event was this week or the next."

"I sent the picnic invites last week, and I wanted to host it this week."

"Funny, Miresa, I could've sworn the invite said next week..."

"Has your power to read my handwriting been locked, Bradlin?"

"I didn't say your writing was bad!"

"Oh boy, I have a bad feeling about this..."

"Everyone, please! It appears we have had some miscommunication on the day Miresa wanted to host a picnic, so let us try and sort this out in a peaceful manner."

"Fair enough."

"Now, when exactly did you send the invitations, Miresa?"

"Last week, and I specifically stated on them it was to happen this week...so where is Bradlin getting the idea that it is next week?"

"Oh, now I remember! I was mixing up the day of our picnic with a training session all dragoons are required to participate in."

"So you didn't read my writing wrong after all."

Viginette #40: Awe

This is it..." Bradlin smiled as he opened the stall door with a creak. "The stall of Eldor's dragon." He took a moment just to admire the deep red scales that pulsed with strength and power. "She's beautiful...."

The dragon perked up at Bradlin's comment. "I'm glad you think so, little one."

Bradlin was confused. "Uh...thanks, I guess?" he stammered, at the same time awed that a dragon had actually spoken to him. "What's this 'little one' thing about?"

"You're a lot smaller than most humans that come here to care for me, and it is odd my master would ask for an apprentice to come here, but as the humans say, 'beggars can't be choosers'" the dragon explained.

"So what do you and Eldor do together?" Bradlin was curious now.

"We fly around the world, keeping watch over the various cities and towns." the dragon explained. "If a city is in danger, those that bid the city harm are burnt with a dragon's flame."

"So you wouldn't hurt me?" Bradlin shook at the thought of being scorched, frozen, or shocked by a dragon's breath.

"Not at all--you are a friend, and I would never harm those that came in peace."

Bradlin smiled as he began laying down some fresh straw and bundling up the old bedding. "Well, as long as the dragonmaster bids me to care for you, I would at least like to know your name..."

"And I likewise." the dragon agreed.

"My name is Bradlin..." Bralin stammered. "Bradlin Paramine."

"A pleasure to meet you, Bradlin." the dragon purred. "I am Glorian."

"Glorian..." Bradlin mused. "That's such a mouthful for me to say...so may I call you Glory for short?"

"Why Glory?"

"Well...you're a beautiful dragon, enough to strike fear in even the heart of the demon lord!" Bradlin explained.

The dragon chuckled a little. "Since you put it so nicely, I rather like that pet name--and you may call me as such, if you wish."

Viginette #39: Resentment

"Why do you cry so, human girl?"

"I've been punished for something I didn't do."

"And who was it that did this to you?"

"Her name is Halliwen, and she always does things like this to me."

"Is that so? I have a way to cure the resentment you feel..."

"Really?"

"Yes--do something and blame it on her."

"But that would be lying!"

"Oh, but it would give your rival a taste of what she does to you, plus it would be revenge for you."

"But once it was discovered that I had really done the deed, I would be in a lot more trouble than this."

"Don't you even want a little payback?"

"I don't really like what Halliwen does to me, but I would never stoop to her level."

"Tch...you humans and your standards...."

Viginette #38: Appriciation

What's the matter?" Arune asked as she flitted into the chamber, where Miresa was sitting on the bed, sobbing softly. It was rare to see her Other crying, and judging from the tears streaming down her face, this was serious.

"I caused another accident..." Miresa explained in between sobs. "How was i supposed to know that the name of the book I was asked to retrieve for the High Mage also shared the name of a spell?" All I did was name the book to be sure I had the right title, then just is I retrieved my whistle and started a tune, a wave came crashing into the room, flooding the library."

"Were any books salvageable?" Arune asked.

"Yes--an apprentice with Holy magia came and healed the damage and the books, but Halliwen tattled on me, and here I am, confined here without supper." Miresa continued before wiping away another tear. Sometimes I wonder if I am meant to even be here with all the accidents I cause."

"Nonsense, Miresa--you do more good things here than people credit you for." Arune assured Miresa. "You help younger apprentices with their studies, you train hard with your blade each day, you create wonderful music, and most importantly, you know how to comfort someone when they are feeling down."

Miresa dried her eyes. "Now that I think about it, maybe I have good for something here after all..."

"Furthermore, leaving here would be giving up on your dream of becoming a blademage. So don't give up." Arune replied as she offered some small purple berries with a white marking on them to Miresa. "Here...I brought you something to eat."

"Wild starberries! Thank you!" Miresa smiled as she took one of the berries and popped it in her mouth, savoring the sweet and tangy juice inside

Viginette #37: Regret

It's been a long time since my dad disappeared
I know not where he was going that day
But how was I to know I would never see him again
So he could share in the accomplishments I've earned since then.

I wish he could see me receive my Dragon Star
In another year or two
And I really miss his smile
And assurances things would be okay
When times were hard

Although I could have done nothing to prevent his disappearance
And what is past is past
I still keep the dragon wing pendant he gave to me
In rememberance of him

Epic New Year's special!

Here's the first hour of The Video Game: Caution: Long video ahead