Monday, January 31, 2011

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.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

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.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

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

Friday, January 28, 2011

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

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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.

Monday, January 24, 2011

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

Sunday, January 23, 2011

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

Saturday, January 22, 2011

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.

Friday, January 21, 2011

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

Thursday, January 20, 2011

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

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Et tu, writer's block?

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

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

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!

Monday, January 17, 2011

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."

Sunday, January 16, 2011

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

Saturday, January 15, 2011

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."

Friday, January 14, 2011

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."

Thursday, January 13, 2011

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.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

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.

Monday, January 10, 2011

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!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

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."

Saturday, January 8, 2011

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."

Friday, January 7, 2011

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."

Thursday, January 6, 2011

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."

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

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...."

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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

Sunday, January 2, 2011

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

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Epic New Year's special!

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

Adventurers