Lore Posts to Continue

Summer may be over, but the posts of lore will continue, to make up for missing a lot of days. I also hope to have some updates on The Video Game, as well.

New Spellsong!

An eighth spellsong echoes through Shokiyu... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-VN3QYb__U

I have transcribed it as "Seios, higarima laisido..."

Who this spellsong belongs to is currently unknown.

New Spellsong!

t's a "blink and you'll miss it" moment, but here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHumTOqQ4wQ I have transcribed it as "Leishu shun ji, lei si..."

Summer of Lore #74: A Song for Miresa

"Hear ye, people of Telrain! The lady Miresa Selvan has reached her thirteenth year!" a blonde haired minstrel announced, making the guests present cheer as a cake was set before Miresa with thirteen candles adorning its chocolate frosting.

"What is your wish for this year?" Arune asked her Other.

"The same thing I wish for every year." Miresa smiled before addressing the guests. "I wish for peace for all Shokiyu." With that, she blew out the candles, to cheers, applause and a triumphant chord from the minstrel's harp.

"A song for the young lady?" the minstrel grinned--he knew as well as the other guests that when it was someone's birthday, the guest of honor chose the first song of the party.

Miresa thought for a moment, then told the minstrel "I would like to hear 'Oh Soldier, Soldier'"

The minstrel nodded, then started the familiar melody. Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you
For I have no stockings to put on

So she went to the shop, as quick as she could run,
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
And she bought him a pair of the very very best
Saying 'Here, my good man, put these on...'

Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you
For I have no leather boots to put on

So she went to the shop, as quick as she could run,
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
And she bought him a pair of the very very best
Saying 'Here, my good man, put these on...'

Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you
For I have no bracers to put on

So she went to the shop, as quick as she could run,
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
And she bought him a pair of the very very best
Saying 'Here, my good man, put these on...'

Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you
For I have diamond ring to put on

So she went to the shop, as quick as she could run,
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
And she bought him a ring of the very very best
Saying 'Here, my good man, put this on...'

After a brief interlude, the minstrel continued Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you
For I have no trousers to put on

So she went to the shop, as quick as she could run,
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
And she bought him a pair of the very very best
Saying 'Here, my good man, put these on...'

Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you
For I have no linen shirt to put on

So she went to the shop, as quick as she could run,
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
And she bought him a shirt of the very very best
Saying 'Here, my good man, put this on...'

Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you
For I have no feather cap to put on

So she went to the shop, as quick as she could run,
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
And she bought him a cap of the very very best
Saying 'Here, my good man, put this on...'

Miresa grinned as the minstrel began the final verse. Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you...

He played a sad little flourish over his last line. For I have a wife of my own...

The room exploded in laughter and applauded as they pictured the lady's reaction to the news, drowning out the song's ending. "That last verse gets me every time!" Arune wheezed in between giggles.

"Is it any wonder it's Dorian's signature song?" Miresa smiled as she flipped a gold coin into the harp case...
 

Summer of Lore #73: Shokiyan Birthdays

In honor of my own birthday, today I want to tell you about a Shokiyan birthday.

In Shokiyu, someone's birthday is a cause for celebration, no matter how old they are turning. If it is a child's first birthday, they are taken to the Seer, where the Seer foretells their future (and if they have any developing magic power) by reading their hearts.

Bear in mind the spell used for this is different than Gem's Knowing!

Different colors mean both what kinds of magic they will develop (if any) and possible talents the child has.

For example, Miresa's heart glowed red (for the ruby) and light green (for the peridot), leading many people into thinking she would develop fire and wind magic (but it also symbolized her bravery and fighting skill and her musical and storytelling ability), which made it all the more surprising when she became infamous for magical accidents.

Like Earth birthdays, there is still a cake and presents, and tysal stands in for ice cream. The guest of honor also receives a new item of clothing, which they are expected to wear to the festivities. There is no birthday song per se, but a minstrel is usually on hand to perform anything the honoree wants to hear 

Summer of Lore #72: The City of Wenjia and the Avri Clans

Losi's hometown, Wenjia is one of the largest cities on the eastern plains of the avri lands. Avri society is based on a clan, with one of the twelve gems (eight in the video game) as their icon, and even the cities reflect this. For our purposes, we will be focusing on the game version of Wenjia and an eight clan system.

Losi is part of the Sapphire Clan, which is in charge of sacred matters, healing, and teaching. As Wenjia is a city of the Sapphire Clan, sapphires are everywhere in the city and on the clothing of the avris that live there. All avris, regardless of their clan, can learn to use a bow (this is what Losi wields, even though the Peridot clan specializes in archery), but the Sapphire Clan specializes in magical fighting, which amazes city leader Wuzhou when he finds Losi can spellsing. (a rare talent among the clan)

The other seven clans and their domains (and what weapons and fighting styles they teach, if any):

Amethyst Clan--focuses on espionage and intelligence, they usually tend to wield shurikens, chakrams, and nonlethal stunning darts (killing someone is the ultimate disgrace to an Amethyst avri)
Aquamarine Clan--focuses on trade--these avris are usually the ones traveling from place to place selling their wares. They don't have a specific style, but they will have a bow and maybe a dagger to protect themselves
Diamond Clan--focuses on defense and protection--it is usually this clan that guards cities and towns. As such, they tend to wield heavy weaponry, such as pikes, maces, and spears
Emerald Clan--focuses on farming and caring for young avris, they tend to focus on martial arts and other styles of physical fighting
Pearl Clan--focuses on wisdom and study, many great scholars came from this clan. They tend to gravitate towards weapons and martial arts that rely on very precise aim and an eye for detail
Peridot Clan--focuses on the arts and exploration, avris from this clan are famous for their archery skills, as well as skills in music, dance, theater,  and storytelling. They also tend to serve as scouts, observing the world as they patrol the land, the sea, and the air
Ruby Clan--focuses on martial arts and defense, they work with the Diamond Clan to protect the avri lands 
Topaz Clan--focuses on crafting and mining--avris from this clan make their keep crafting weapons, artifacts, and other items, as well as repairing broken items.

New Spellsong!

A new spellsong has appeared in Shokiyu!

I have transcribed it as "Furiya, shuru shamato..."

Who this spellsong belongs to is unknown at this time.

Summer of Lore #71: Calitan Laryan

Natiliene's elder brother, Calitan is very charismatic, but this is offset by a huge ego. When it came time for a successor to Taraka to be chosen, Calitan had every belief that he would be the one--only to be stunned when his sister was chosen over him.

In his jealous rage, he tracked down the leader of the Blue Wolves and asked if they would kill his sister and have it look like an accident so he would ascend to the mayorial seat. But he didn't count on Miresa and co. to intervene, much less Natiliene gaining a spellsong of her own! 

Summer of Lore #70: Gem Mining

Gem mining is a popular pastime in Shokiyu, and an easy way to get money and means to craft weapons. If digging through dirt isn't your fancy, you can buy gemdust (dirt with gems and minerals hidden inside) and do it in a river or stream with a screened box (the easier and most common way)

On your journey, earth based enemies may drop one or more bags of gemdust (which have about 20-50 uses apiece depending on the size, which you can use to mine gems at rivers and streams. Depending on the quality of the gemdust, you are more likely to find mythril shards and diamonds

Turning a Dreadknight to a Hero

Would you want to see one of the yet to be unveiled dreadknights join the side of the heroes? If so, why? If not, why not?

Board Games and How They Can help Create Video Games

Something to think about: Board games can actually be a big help in making video games--here's how

Sci fi/Fantasy movies I've seen

And now, a  little something different, taken from here.

Bold means I've seen it

1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (cried all the way through)
2. Pan's Labyrinth
3. Moon
4. The Fellowship of the Ring (and own it on DVD)
5. The Two Towers (and own it on DVD)
6. The Return of the King (and own it on DVD)
7. The Princess Bride (not all the way through)
8. Labyrinth
9. Men in Black (had nightmares about Edgar's true form for a week afterwards)
10. Edward Scissorhands
11. Mad Max
12. Princess Mononoke
13. Spirited Away (but I really really want to see this!)
14. Gattaca
15. Primer
16. Blade Runner
17. Fantastic Planet
18. The Wizard of Oz (the Wicked Witch of the West STILL scares me to this day!)
19. The Secret of Roan Inish (really want to see this, if only for the Celtic music!)
20. Dark City
21. The Matrix
22. Time Bandits
23. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (have seen Temple of Doom and Last Crusade too--would love to own the classic Indy trilogy on DVD)
24. La Jetée
25. Brazil
26. Metropolis
27. Big Fish
28. Solaris (original)
29. Jurassic Park (just the opening segment on DNA)
30. Alien
31. Aliens
32. Orpheus
33. Dark Star
34. 2001:  A Space Odyssey
35. Avatar (not completely--got bored an hour in, and it came off as too preachy to me)
36. Back to the Future (I really want to see this)
37. Star Wars IV:  A New Hope (seen this and the next two more times than I care to count)
38. Star Wars V:  The Empire Strikes Back
39. Star Wars VI:  The Return of the Jedi
40. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
41. A Clockwork Orange
42. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
43. The Fountain
44. Sleeper
45. City of Lost Children
46. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
47. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
48. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
49. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
50. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
51. Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince
52. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt.1 (would love to see the other movies)
53. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt.2
54. The Day the Earth Stood Still (original)
55. Donnie Darko
56. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (original)
57. Ghostbusters (love the theme song, but the movie scares me to this day)
58. Being John Malkovich
59. Akira
60. The Terminator
61. Terminator 2 (in bits and pieces)
62. Strange Days
63. Serenity

Total: 20/63

Summer of Lore #69: Differences between Shokiyan casino games and their Earth counterparts

Slot machines

The slot machine counterpart in Shokiyu as known as an onnihata (from a word in the ancient elven tongue meaning "lucky banners") To play, the player inserts however many pearls they wish to bet, then press a button that locks in their bet, which automatically sets a row of banners with symbols on them spinning and then stopping after a few seconds, with the player winning pearls depending on how many of a certain symbol are lined up when the banners stop. Like slot machines on Earth, an onnihata can have multiple paylines, including some in Taraka that have hundreds, thousands, or even millions of paylines

Roulette

Shokiyan roulette is harder to win than on Earth because of extra colors besides red and black, but if someone does win, they win big.

For beginners, the easiest bet to win is what is known as the rainbow bet--have the ball land on any color of the wheel. A proven strategy for winning big is to start slow with some rainbow bets, and then venture into the riskier (and more rewarding) bets.

Playing cards

Playing cards reflect the jewels of the colors of magic, with the face cards depicting heroes and creatures from Shokiyan lore. Some mages can actually call creatures from the cards with a certain spell, but it takes many years of practice before a mage can do this.   

Summer of Lore #68: The Red Crows

The rivals to the Blue Wolves, the Red Crows focus more on stealing treasure, but they are not adverse to kidnapping someone if offered enough. They tend to keep any living items alive when working (According to their leader, "What good is a rare creature if it is dead?)

But if they are cornered, they tend to use ninja/rogue-like tactics, confusing or distracting their opponent to get away with their ill gotten goods. But if pursued by a Blue Wolf, they can and will fight back, and woe be anyone caught in the crossfire when the two sides clash.

A Red Crow is usually identified by the stylized crow embroidered in red on their outfits (which they conceal when on a mission to avoid detection)

Summer of Lore #67: The Blue Wolves

The Blue Wolves are one of the two most feared gangs of thieves in Shokiyu. Unlike their rivals, the Red Crows, they prefer to kill any in the path to what they want (making them feared assassins all over Shokiyu)

The group gets their name from the outline of a wolf's head in blue on their tunics and on the handles of the daggers often used to carry out the kill. (guards all over Shokiyu know to look for this wolf head on the weapon if they have a suspicion a Blue Wolf was behind a crime.) While many Blue Wolves prefer to use blades, bows and maces are not unheard of.

But when a jealous Laryan hires them in an attempt to kill Natiliene and take Taraka for himself, the Blue Wolves don't count on encountering the Gemsinger!

Summer of Lore #66: Touring the Kukidama Workshop

"...and here is the workroom, where up to ten danevalas may be working at one time." a maroon haired guide explained, gesturing to a small semicircle of six boys and girls in pale green robes blowing into large metal tubes far below the catwalk the group was watching from, making a large round crystal grow larger and more colorful. "The speed and strength of each breath affect the color of the finished kukidama."

"What if the kukidama needs glitter or something?" someone asked.

"The danevala applies a special lip balm before they start--the heavier the layer applied, the more sparkles the finished kukidama will have." the guide replied, gesturing to a seventh apprentice walking down towards the semicircle. As the seventh apprentice knelt down before an empty tube with a large mouthpiece at the end of it, her master swabbed a clear glittery goo on her lips.

The group oohed and ahhed as the seventh apprentice started blowing a deep green kukidama with gold sparkles into existence. "Now then...let's move on to the kukidama gallery." the guide instructed before leading the group across the catwalk to the gallery foyer.

More awed chatter went up when they saw the hundreds of kukidamas on display. "As one of the top kukidama makers in all Shokiyu, our work is in high demand everywhere." the guide began before gesturing to a pale green kukidama with a faint white swirl. "This is our signature pattern, Goddess' Breath--every temple to the wind goddess with a kukidama workshop has their own unique pattern that is not blown anywhere else.

"What's this one?" Miresa asked, gesturing to a royal blue and white kukidama with silver sparkles.

"That one is 'Gemsinger's Hope'" the guide replied. "It will be presented to the winner of the tournament here in a few days, so it is being kept here for safekeeping."   

Summer of Lore #65: The Ichidou Aeris

NOTE: Most of the material today is story exclusive, and does not appear in the game

Commissioned as Natiliene's first major building project as ruler, the Ichidou Aeris is a sight to behold. Made from enchanted peridot, it is the first building you see when you enter the Jeweled District.

(story exclusive)

Central to the worship of the wind goddess is the kukidama, a special type of crystal that is inflatable like a balloon. When inflated, a kukidama's colors will often change depending on the strength of the denevala's (devotees of the wind goddess that have dedicated themselves to inflating kukidamas) blows, then harden into a jewel that resembles a huge marble when it is completely inflated.

Kukidamas are often displayed in the common rooms of houses and from the roofs of prominent officials in trade cities like Taraka, as thanks to the wind goddess. However, kukidamas are also in high demand as collectibles, with certain patterns being very valuable. An apprentice denevala will have to learn to blow 500 unique patterns as part of their training. Of these, three are often blown as part of ceremonies--Peridot's Luster (a pattern blown during prayers--an apprentice's final task is to blow this pattern as part of a special ceremony), Stardust (a beautiful sparkling pattern blown on holidays) and Windsong (blown to open and close ceremonies)

An apprentice will blow most of the patterns as part of selling kukidamas--a good danevala can blow up to 10 kukidamas a day. Natiliene receives three specially designed kukidamas from the Ichidou Aeris a year--one on her birthday, one on the anniversary of Taraka's founding, and one on Lafisavia.

The weak of lung and those that are not danevalas need not attempt to inflate a kukidama--the inflation process is a long and tedious process (about 3-5 hours--a good danevala can usually finish in 1-2 hours) done strictly by mouth. The huge mouthpiece (which is slightly larger than a tuba mouthpiece--it is custom made to suit each individual danevala's mouth shape) used in this process is attached to a long metallic tube that is in turn attached to the bottom of the kukidama, which pops out on its own when the kukidama hardens.

Since the Ichidou Aeris is one of the top producers of kukidamas in Shokiyu, their work is in high demand. One of the prizes in the tournament Miresa and co. participate in is a "Gemsinger's Hope" kukidama, one of the harder patterns to create  

  

Summer of Lore #64: The Schola Aqua

After having a bit of writer's block yesterday, I have some more information on Taraka:

Located not far from the Crystal Arena and the Ichidou Aeris (a great shrine to the wind goddess made completely out of peridot), the Schola Aqua ("the school of water") is usually where aquatic competitions are held, should a tournament have them on the schedule. If no competition is being held, you can be taught everything from basic swimming lessons to how to battle in water.

Devotees of the water goddess in Taraka often come here to meditate, although thousands of acolytes will descend on Taraka at the start of the rainy season to be fully initiated as priests and priestesses. The ceremony culminates in each acolyte being completely doused in the first storm of the rainy season as a sign of their devotion

Summer of Lore #63: The Jeweled District

Located in the heart of Taraka, the Jeweled District is where most Shokiyans come to to both try their luck in the opulent casinos or catch a show in one of the theaters, all built out of a type of gemstone or crystal.

Inside a Shokiyan casino, there's both the familiar (a counterpart to a slot machine exists, and many Earth games, such as 5 card and  hi/lo stud poker, blackjack, and roulette, have Shokiyan variants--the suits on Shokiyan cards are different, and roulette has many different colors besides red and black), plus games that are unique to Shokiyu.

Summer of Lore #62: The Crystal Arena

Built entirely out of crystal from the nearby quarries, the Crystal Arena is as beautiful to look at as it is to watch some of the competitions that take place inside. While it is mainly used for athletic events, it is not unheard of for it to be used as a concert or speech venue.

No matter where you sit in the arena, there's not a bad seat in the house. Natiliene has her own private box near the top seats, but only guests of hers are the only ones allowed in besides her, her entourage, and other Laryans.

The average tournament usually lasts one or two weeks, and typically involves racing, non-lethal duels, and tests of skill, although longer tournaments with a different schedule of events are not unheard of. Water events have their own facility, so as not to damage the delicate crystal (it can tolerate a rare hard rainstorm, but not an outright flood)

Summer of Lore #61: Mini Games in Taraka

Here's just a few of  the mini games and sidequests you will find in Taraka

--The Crystal Arena will be open for competition even after the required tournament.

--You can initiate a challenge dungeon

--Play in the casinos of the Jeweled District

Summer of Lore #60: Natiliene Laryan

The current ruler of Taraka, Natiliene is well loved and well liked among the people for her wisdom, kindness, and a razor sharp wit. Like many of her family before her, she earned her fortune through hard work and honest dealings--she is renowned throughout Shokiyu for her skill as an artist and art appraiser.

Very thorough in all she does, her keen eye for detail means she can tell a con or scam a mile away. She has already left her mark by continuing her father's mission of rooting out corruption and abuse within the city--every Tarakan knows that it is near impossible to pull a fast one on her.

But being part of a rich family has its dangers--when Miresa and co. try to save her from the Blue Wolves (acting on a sinister request from a jealous brother), she discovers a power she didn't know she had!

Summer of Lore #59: The City of Taraka

All over Shokiyu, the city of Taraka stands out as a shining symbol of the world's trade and culture, with some of its nicknames being "the glittering rainbow city" and "the jewel of the desert" Built by one of the famous Laryan family years ago as a gift to a kind daughter, Taraka has grown and flourished as a center of trade, research, and art.

Nestled inside a rare river basin (not unlike Egypt and the Nile in our world), Tarakans are more than happy to share their immense wealth--in their words, "even the poor deserve a taste of the royal life."

Ever since the city was built, a member of the Laryan family has served as its ruler. While most of the Laryans have been wise and just rulers, there have been some that were not so great, and it is these Laryans that are publicly shamed so that their mistakes are not repeated. Thankfully, the current Laryan, Natiliene, is well loved and well liked for her kindness, wisdom, and wit. Though young, she has made her mark on the city, continuing her father's legacy of stamping out corruption and making it very clear that abusing the city's wealth and mistreating the poor will not be tolerated.

Among the many attractions in Taraka:

--The Royal Theater of Shokiyu--one of Shokiyu's oldest theaters, Natiliene spearheaded a campaign to have it restored. It still hosts daily performances of some of the most loved plays in the Shokiyan repertoire and the hottest new plays. It is a tradition for a new play to receive its hundredth performance here--a sign that it has been formally accepted into the canon of great plays.

--The Crystal Arena--One of Natiliene's favorite places to visit, this spacious arena is made entirely from crystal mined from the nearby desert quarries, and tournaments of all stripes are held daily

--The Jeweled District--Home to many casinos and other wonders, many of the buildings here were carved from jewels

--The Great Hall--Another one of Natiliene's favorite spots to visit, this beautiful palace carved from diamond (its full name is The Great Hall of Performance Art) hosts concerts, dance troupes, comedians, and storytellers of every stripe. 

We're back!

This week, we'll talk about an upcoming arc in The Video Game--the tournament of Taraka. We'll also discover who owns that fifth spellsong

Break Time!

The Summer of Lore is taking a week-long break, so I can think up some more lore for you guys to read

Summer of Lore #58: Special Effects

Like most Shokiyan plays, "The Song of Magic is not without special effects. In addition to show spells, it also has:

--stage combat
--creatures as live actors (including rare instances of canine and feline live actors.  Larger creatures, such as bears, remain puppets.
--aerial combat (this is usually done by avri actors or actors trained in aerial combat)
--water performances (done by a group of female actors trained to do this--it is not unlike synchronized swimming in our world, only with more emphasis on time spent underwater                                                                                                                                                                             

Summer of Lore #57: A Night at the Theater

A digital viginette showing Miresa and co. seeing "The Song of Magic" in Taraka, done in dialogue:

"Wow! This is beautiful!"

"Plays are a grand spectacle, Arune, so even the theaters are a sight to behold."

"What play are we going to see?

"Today we're seeing 'The Song of Magic'--Dorian's performed in this one."

"Really?"

"He has narrated and played the lead role in addition to playing in the chorus."

"But I thought the minstrel was a girl..."

"Some directors feel the part is best played as a boy, Arune. But no matter what the title character's gender is, it is a thrilling story all the same."

"Is Dorian performing this time?"

"Yes--he is narrating the story."

"Quiet down! The show's starting!"

Summer of Lore #56: The Chorus

In addition to the orchestra, the dramatic adaptation of "The Song of Magic" is notable for having a chorus that also plays instruments as well. Among the 20 chorus members (4 of each type of voice), there is

--a flute (used to mimic birds, the female voice, ghosts and spirits)
--drums
--the narrator's harp (some plays will have more than one harp in the chorus besides the narrator's

A general percussionist is also part of the chorus (handling small drums and rhythm instruments for sound effects)

Summer of Lore #55: The Orchestra

When performing "The Song of Magic", a theater requires a small orchestra and a chorus of about 20 speakers and singers (this includes the speaker for the large puppets if the puppeteers nor the minstrel that narrates are performing the voices.

At the very least, the orchestra for this play will have about 30 performers (most of them percussionists), but an orchestra with up to 70 performers is not unheard of.

For our purposes, the orchestra has 60 performers:

--half of that is percussion (eg. drums, bells, small rhythm instruments, and various tuned percussion)
--Of the remaining 30, 15 are strings (fiddles, harps, lutes, etc.) and the other 15 are wind instruments (flutes,whistles, horns, and an okina pair)

Summer of Lore #54: The Main Roles

Here are the main roles of "The Song of Magic"

Kere (pronounced Care)--the heroine of the story, she is a soprano voice. The actress playing her should know how to sing, play a variety of instruments, use a bow, and cast some show spells. If the character is being played as a male, the male name is Kern (kurn), and the actor should be a tenor.  For our purposes, the character is being written as a female.

Dagan-A renowned wizard who wrote 80% of all that is currently known about spellsong. He serves as Kere's  teacher. He is a baritone voice on the bass side, and the actor playing him should know some show spells.

Mithar-A teamed wildcat that serves as Kere's companion. He is portrayed as a large puppet big enough for a person to sit on. He is one of the more complex common creature puppets to operate, requiring six puppeteers to operate--two of these support a rider. He is a tenor voice, and his lead puppeteer should know how to cast some show spells

King Anduin-The human king in charge of Selance--Leria's distant ancestor. He is a baritone voice on the tenor side 

Meikon-The guardian of Shokiyu, this is one of the rare plays where she is portrayed as a live actor (many plays portray her as a puppet) She is a mezzo soprano on the alto side, and the actress playing her should know how to use a variety of weapons, martial arts, and show spells.

Katva-The demon lord, he (and other demons) are always portrayed as a puppet (as Shokiyans believe it is bad luck to portray a demon as a live actor) Katva puppets may range in complexity from a simple hand puppet to (as he is in this play) a large puppet requiring at least three puppeteers to operate.

Summer of Lore #53: About the Play

"The Song of Magic" is about an average length for a Shokiyan play (about 3-4 hours) However, versions exist that are longer than this.

While the main character is written as a girl, it is not unheard of for the character to be written male. Usually, if the main character is written male, it is usually made a britches role for a female. The role has, however, been played by a male (with Dorian being one of the more memorable male performers)

The main character's instrument differs with the actor--usually something the actor can play (in Dorian's performance, it was a harp) If the actor can't play the instrument for real, they pantomime playing it while someone in the orchestra provides the sound.

Summer of Lore #52: The Song of Magic, The Play

As I mentioned in a previous post, the story "The Song of Magic" has been adapted for the Shokiyan stage,and Dorian has played a role. For the next few weeks, you will get to see the cast, staging info,and even the script of the play

Summer of Lore #51: The Hidden Lover

The song tells the story of a young warrior desperately searching for his beloved, who has been hidden away (some versions say she was kidnapped or went into hiding of her own will)

It has become a never ender because of the many verses that have been added describing where the warrior has looked in vain. (Dorian's record is 40 verses in one sitting, many of them audience suggestions)

The rarely sung final verse reveals where the beloved is--hidden in the back room of the shop the whole time he was looking, oblivious to her clues.  

Summer of Lore #50: The Windsinger's Guardian

This song is an episode from Cadessa's sisters' adventures--she had quite a few adventures in her own right in addition to her elder sister.

In this particular song, she stands up and protects Cadessa from a treacherous soldier that wants to kill Cadessa (usually by hanging), and take the throne for himself. He does not count on Cadessa's sister fighting back, eventually driving him off.

A few sample verses:

"So you want to rule Selance yourself?
I will not allow one who sheds pure blood
To take the throne and rule!"

A silence fell within the room
As the rogue pondered what the princess said
If he really wanted to complete his plot,
Both her and Cadessa had to be dead!

But the princess had her weapon drawn,
Ready to stand and fight!
She was not about to see her kingdom fall,
She would protect its holy light!
 

Summer of Lore #49: My Precious Treasure Mine

This song tells the story about a fathers favor to his son (who he is teaching to mine jewels) to take a certain jewel (what jewel this is differs between minstrels--Dorian likes making it a diamond) to town to appraise it. On the way, a thief meets the boy by a river and tries various ways to get the boy to part with his jewel, only to be thwarted every time.

A sample verse:

"Then won't you let me," the rogue did say
"Fashion this jewel  into a ring that will sparkle and shine?"
"I know you plan to steal this,
My precious treasure mine...  

Summer of Lore #48: The Lion's Share of Bravery

This song tells the story of a young elven hero (though some minstrels make it the Third Gemsinger) that slays a lion monster using her skill at the bow. After a long battle, some of the loot she finds the monster has been hoarding is a  pair of swords, so she keeps one for herself and one for her mother.

Today, these swords are in the royal treasure vault,and they are only brought out for display three times a year

Summer of Lore #47: The Proof is My Song

This song tells an episode from the Third Gemsinger's story--while on the run from a treacherous noble that wishes to have the Gemsinger's powers for himself,  she arrives at the shrine in a nearby town. The Seer, however, doesn't believe her, and asks her to prove herself in various ways (what they are vary among  minstrels), culminating in her inadvertently singing the Gemsinger's spellsong to drive her pursuer away. The Seer finally believes her and grants her shelter for the night.

Summer of Lore #46: The Night Taijin Was Freed

A song about the great avri heroine Taijin, many stories have been passed down (and subsequently collected by minstrels of other races) about her many adventures. Together, her adventures create what is known as the Taijin Cycle, which is required learning for any avri--an avri will be more than happy to tell you about Taijin upon request. With over a thousand (and counting) tales known, and with new tales being written and discovered every day, it is very unlikely, if not impossible, to read or perform the whole cycle in one sitting!

This particular episode tells the story of how Taijin escaped from a notorious prison where it was said no  one could escape from (she was put in there because that region's inhabitants had never seen an avri before, and believed her to be a monster.)  How long it takes for her to break free and how she does it differs from teller to teller.

Losi has long admired Taijin for her courage, and will happily tell a Taijin tale on request--she has read and told about 300 tales, and has even written a few contributions to the cycle.

Summer of Lore #45: The Lucky Chain

One of Dorian's favorite songs to play, and one Miresa enjoys as well, because it features a mage prone to accidents like her.

The song tells the story of a young mage wanting to hone his magical skill,as he is prone to accidents with his spells. He befriends a minstrel, who tells him that a certain count is plotting to overthrow the king and queen that night. The mage takes it upon himself to save the kingdom, with the minstrel's help.

That night, the two of them sneak in the castle and mage successfully binds up the treacherous count in  magical chains, while the minstrel warns the king and queen in a song.

The count is executed, and the mage and the minstrel are hailed as heroes

Summer of Lore #44: A Soldier's Aid

A romantic story about Bradlin's father--this is one of the most common stories his mother told him to keep his memory alive.

The basic bones of the story (as Bradlin's mother tells it):

When Haldan was Bradlin's age, his father (Bradlin's grandfather) believed that adventuring and questing was too dangerous, and wanted him to stay at home and learn to be a smithy. But Haldan didn't want to just make weapons--he wanted to wield them like the many heroes the minstrels sang about.

So one day, while he was in another land making a delivery, he heard a rumor that the princess of that land favored a certain soldier. He disguised himself as a squire and got access to the barracks,where the soldier told him the king would only allow him to marry the princess if he slew a great monster that had brought terror on the land (what this is differs from teller to teller, but Bradlin's mother usually made it a troll)

So after a long journey and many other adventures (which are stories in themselves), the monster was slain,  and the soldier and the princess were married--although they never found out who the squire really was, and Bradlin's grandfather never knew what had really happened while Haldan was away.

Coming Up: The Week of Song

First of all, I hope you are enjoying the Summer of Lore.

But this upcoming week, the Summer of Lore takes a musical turn as we explore Shokiyan songs all week long

Summer of Lore #43: The Flaming Wings That Saved the Crown

This funny song tells the story about how Leria almost wasn't the queen of the humans, thanks to a scheming lord and the baby phoenixes that thwarted the plot.

The song's humor comes from all the places the lord looks for the royal crown, unaware that the two guardian phoenixes that guard the royal family have taken the crown and flown it back to Selance so Leria can be crowned. Audiences eagerly join in on the simple chorus:

Oh, the fire burned inside his heart.
As he turned the city upside down,
But little did the schemer know
Of the flaming wings that saved the crown!  

Summer of Lore #42: The Sleeping Lovers

A tragic reversal of the "Sleeping Beauty" story we know on Earth, this story is meant to teach that cheating in any form or fashion is not good.
The basic bones of the story (as Dorian performs it):

Two princesses are in town for a tournament, with the winner marrying the prince. Although both princesses admire the prince, the prince favors Princess A, which makes Princess B jealous.

The night before the tournament begins, Princess B talks the prince into putting Princess A to sleep so she can't compete. Of course, Princess B wins every event, but before Princess B can be declared the winner, Meikon speaks from the heavens and decrees that Princess B won by cheating. As punishment, both she and the prince are to suffer what they did to Princess A--eternally.

There are several interpretations of what becomes of Princess A--some say she never wakes up either, some say she does, and has many more adventures (this is Dorian's approach)

Summer of Lore #41: My Searching for a Shoe

This funny song tells about how a hero accidentally left a shoe behind, and the lengths his sister goes to to return it. The chorus gets longer every verse listing all the places she travels to (with no luck). It can become a never ender, because audiences can and do suggest ideas for the innkeeper to send the sister to. Dorian's record is 60 verses.

Summer of Lore #40: Meikon's Portrait

This funny story aims to teach the lesson "Things aren't always what they seem".

The basic bones of the story (as performed by Dorian):

A down on his luck artist gets the idea to try and paint a portrait for the king. But when asked who he wants a portrait of, the king asks that the artist paint the High Goddess! Not one to let an impossible task get him down, the artist puts out a call for models, but not one remotely resembles Meikon.

One night, a beautiful cleric asks if she can serve as his model. The artist agrees, but the cleric challenges him with three seemingly impossible tasks before she will pose (what these are and the spellsongs that solve them differ from minstrel to minstrel)

After completing all three tasks, the cleric reveals herself as Meikon in disguise, saying she wanted to test his faithfulness and resolve, and seeing as he passed all three of her tests with flying colors, she poses for his portrait.

The king is stunned by the portrait and throws a huge banquet in the artist's honor. He eventually goes on to be world famous, but he never forgets what he went through to paint the High Goddess

Summer of Lore #39: The Magic in My Heart Is Sealed

A tragic ballad told from the perspective of a mage whose lady (or in some cases, the genders are reversed and the beloved becomes a man) has left him. Although the mage lists off all the stupid things he did to cause the relationship to derail, he is still in denial, believing his beloved left him for no apparent reason

The most recognizable part of this song is the chorus:

Though the rowan tree will bloom again,
And the spring returns anew
The magic in my heart is sealed,
Since my beloved said adieu.

Summer of Lore #38: Araniel and the Battle for Coraira

Another one of Araniel's adventures, this story tells of how she helped the Fourth Gemsinger save Coraira from attack.

The basic bones of the story (as Fion tells it)

Araniel was returning from a journey when she was informed that drow were marching on Coraira. They had asked the Fourth Gemsinger to help them, but he had been delayed. Araniel went and warned the magistrate that the drow armies were coming,and they needed help.The magistrate, being a proud and arrogant person, refused, as he believed Coraira had plenty of troops.

The Fourth Gemsinger arrived that night,and Araniel told him what had happened. Thankfully, the Fourth Gemsinger had summoned plenty of troops with his spellsong

It was a long and drawn out battle, but just when it seemed the drow would take Coraira, Araniel sang her own spellsong (drawing on the Fourth Gemsinger's power) to drive the drow away

Summer of Lore #37: The Treasure of the Sky

This song tells the story about how a humble carpenter defeats invaders with a spellsong given to him from a jewel, fulfilling a prophecy. However, this was not always the song's storyline--originally, it was a romantic ballad with the carpenter going to any lengths to get the jewel for his beloved, but this version didn't prove popular, so over time, it evolved into the adventurous storyline Shokiyans know today.

Summer of Lore #36: The Legend of the Dragon Star

This tale tells the story of the first dragoon that was marked with a Dragon Star--this was always Bradlin's favorite bedtime story when he was younger

The basic bones of the story (as Bradlin tells it):

A knight's dragoon companion on the run from mercenaries sent to kill them finds shelter with a noblewoman one night. As they sleep, the woman dreams that "one with the mark of a dragon will defeat the mercenaries" (as they have been terrorizing her realm too.

The next morning, the knight arrives, and the noblewoman tells him about her dream. The knight explains he once heard of a protective pendant made from dragon magic, and spend most of the morning making the pendant.

Just then, the mercenaries catch up to them, and the knight and the dragoon flee into the mountains, which are renowned for dragon caves. One dragon (his color differs from teller to teller) offers to protect them, and the dragoon agrees.

The mercenary king threatens that he will kill any dragon found to be hiding our heroes. The dragoon reveals  himself, saying he will not allow anyone to harm the dragons. In the ensuing battle, some of the red dragon's enchanted fire burns the pendant's design (a star inside a circle, the traditional Dragon Star design) into his hand, granting him magic. Inspired, the dragoon uses his newfound power to drive the mercenaries away.

The dragon pledges its loyalty to the dragoon, in return for his marking any apprentices he takes with the star marking when they come of age, as a reminder of how human and dragon fought side by side--a practice continued in Shokiyu to this day

Summer of Lore #35: The Reluctant Warrior

One of Dorian's favorite funny songs, this song tells the story of a thief who inadvertently winds up a competitor in a tournament (what kind varies from singer to singer) after stealing a key.

Dorian likes making it a tournament of magic, but he has also made it a warrior's tournament and an archer's tournament. Whatever type it is, most of the humor comes from the thief's lack of skill in the chosen area.

A few sample verses (from the tournament of magic version):

As each of the mages sang their song
The rogue's poor heat did race
"How can I compete with any of them?
I cannot keep the pace!"

More spellsongs echoed through the air
When he was called, the rogue did freeze
He prepped the lights in his gloves
And sang
Gran zirtan vin fangan miti...

Summer of Lore #34: Shokiyan Fireworks

To all my fellow American readers, Happy Independence Day!

If you're curious, Shokiyu does have fireworks--but they are magical in nature, instead of explosives like we see on Earth.

Shokiyan fireworks are made with special crystals called volida that explode when they come in contact with certain frequencies--so a spellsinger (or even the Gemsinger) is required to set them off if a band can't play. Different colors (and even multiple colors) are achieved with different colors of volida

Luckily, volida is a fast growing crystal, so it is very rare for a volida cave to run out. Just don't sing inside the cave, unless you want to be a part of a massive fireworks display!

Summer of Lore #33: The Knight of the Guiding Spirit

This story explains the origin of the knight statue in a certain town's square, commemorating how the ghost of a fellow knight's sister helped him reunite with his beloved.

The basic bones of the story, as Dorian performs it:

A regiment of knights is told that a rival king is threatening to invade, and they need to prepare for battle. The hero of our story, being a new recruit, is excited to see battle for the first time. That night, the ghost of one of his fellows' sister appears to him and (believing our hero to be her brother) warns him that the rival king is not all he appears to be, and teaches him how to spellsing.

As preparations for the battle mount, odd misfortunes befall the troops (the rival king's demonic scouts), but our hero sets things right every time with his spellsong. (what these are and how many depends on Dorian's mood.)

These misfortunes culminate in the princess of that kingdom (who our hero secretly loves) being kidnapped. But the ghost helps our hero save her (this section of the story is often told as a story in itself)

In the end,the rival king is defeated, our hero and the princess are married, and our hero gets the statue erected in his honor, which you can still see in that city today.

Summer of Lore #32: The Windsinger's Wisdom

Another episode from the adventures of the Windsinger Queen Cadessa, this song tells a Shokiyan version of the Sphinx myth in our world, with a dragon standing in for the Sphinx. However, many verses of the original song have been lost or forgotten, so the song has essentially become a never ender because of how many riddles and responses have been written over the years. (Dorian will usually sing about 10-12 verses in one sitting)

Summer of Lore #31: The Pendant of Spirits

First, Happy Canada Day to my Canadian readers!

This is a tale of romance against incredible odds--why the priestess is sad and why her father doesn't want her to marry the servant varies from teller to teller, as is the item the hero must retrieve. While the story is often told in one sitting, so many episodes of the servant's journey have been written down and told that it is considered a story in itself.

The basic bones of the story, as Dorian tells it:

A servant to a wealthy lord notices that the priestess of the town has suddenly gotten depressed and refuses to come out of her chamber, save for her duties at the temple.

The servant has known the priestess for a long time, so the two of them are as close as brother and sister. When he questions her father about it, he is ran out of the house, saying she is due to marry a rich man (who she has never loved)

Later the Seer of the temple says that he can still prevent the priestess from being married to someone she has never loved, if he finds one of the strongest pendants a priestess of her rank can wear--the Pendant of Spirits  (Dorian prefers the servant to find the pendant itself, while other minstrels may have him find pieces  of the pendant)

After a long journey, he presents the pendant to her as a sign of his love. Her father reluctantly agrees to let them  marry, and they all live happily ever after.

Summer of Lore #30: The Angelic Horn

This song tells the story of a curious young griffon that finds a magical horn from the heavens, and a fairy's attempt to tell him about some of the wondrous things it does when sounded. It is a never ender, with new verses being added every time Meikon appears to give it to a new hero

Summer of Lore #29: The Arrow that Sang

Another example of someone other than the Gemsinger that sang magic (which is more common in Shokiyan lore than real Shokiyan life, just to clarify) this is a popular tale told to inspire legions of archers and at graduations of new archers, although the general public loves it too.

The basic bones of the story:

An archer has been charged to find an enchanted arrow, which is said to be strong enough to defeat demons,because his (some minstrels make it a her) kingdom is under threat from a powerful demon. He befriends a cleric who is a bit of a scaredy cat (but wants to learn to be brave), and the two embark on their journey together (which is a story in itself)

They return and discover the demon and his forces are on the move. Despite the royal army's best efforts, they are no match for the demon armies.

Just when all hope seems lost, the archer steps up to battle the demon himself as his companion looks on in terror. The archer's courage awakens the ability to sing magic in him,which he uses in a long and drawn out battle.

In the end, the demons are defeated, the archer is hailed as a hero, and the young cleric learns what it really means to be brave.

Summer of Lore #28: An Actor, I am Not

One of Dorian's funny songs that is popular with kids, there's so many variations as to what happens to the swordswoman who finds an instrument (usually a harp or lute, when Dorian sings it) and gets subsequently roped into a play (and the hilarity that ensues) that Dorian never sings the same version twice. Audiences are also known to suggest verses as well, making this song a never ender.

Summer of Lore #27: A Forbidden Song

This story serves as a cautionary tale to minstrels to not be hasty about acquiring powerful magic (as some magic instruments are very powerful)

The basic bones of the story:

A young minstrel close to graduating befriends a druid who tries to get him to try and use a powerful instrument (what this is differs from telling to telling) When the apprentice finally gets his hands on the instrument, he can't control the magic, which gets Meikon's attention. She banishes the young apprentice to serve as a warning to other minstrels who might try to get their hands on more powerful magic than they can handle

Summer of Lore #26: The Phoenix Lights the Way

Surprisingly enough, Leria is not the only human royal to adopt the phoenix as part of their heraldry--many of her ancestors did as well.

This song tells the story of her father when he was young, how he brought back a mystical lamp said to be lit by the fires of a phoenix rising anew, and used it to thwart an evil duke's plot to take the throne for himself.

While it is often sung a capella (or using a drum to provide a beat), playing it with instruments is not unheard of. It is often sung on Phoenix day, which commemorates Selance's establishment as the human capital the the east continent

Summer of Lore #25: The Rainbow Orb

This tale is about a legendary crystal orb known as the Rainbow Orb--a Seer's, mystic's or enchantress' dream weapon

The basic bones of the story:

An enchantress decides to seek the Rainbow Orb as a chance to avenge her mentor, who perished at the hand of a monster (what monster this is depends on the storyteller) Along the way she meets an older enchantress infamous for her tricks, and ends up falling for a few of them (what they are, again, depend on who's telling the story. When she finally gets the Rainbow Orb, she first uses it to punish the old enchantress for tricking her.  

Summer of Lore #24: The Quest for the Diamond Shield

This song tells the story about a young warrior's final test before graduating from the warrior's academy. Not only is it a never ender (it can go on forever if you let it), it is also notable for the refrain in nonsense Ruhar (the elven tongue) that serves as the audience's response: 

Hi rì him bò i yò bha rò ha
Hi rì him bò, hìrì ri ri yù,
Hi rì him bo i yo bha rò ha....

The song is sung a cappella (but versions with instruments are not unheard of) in a call and response fashion--the minstrel sings a two line verse, and the audience replies by singing along with the response.  If the audience is not familiar with the song, the minstrel will teach the audience the response before s/he performs it.

Because of its popularity, many other songs are also set to this tune, complete with the same response. 

Summer of Lore #23: The Power of Dragons

This tale tells the story about a Seer that wanted to tap into the magical power of dragons (despite the Seer's oath saying that a Seer should not seek power), and pays the ultimate price

The basic bones of the story:

A seer decides he wants to strengthen his magical power, and sets out on a journey to find a willing mage to teach him, despite the High Seer's objections. While in a tavern, he learns from a patron playing a game of chance that a dragon's magical power is strong, but only the best mages can tap into it.

He eventually finds a dragon's cave, but the dragon is appalled that a Seer would come asking to strengthen his power, and kills him right there.

At the funeral, he is remembered as "the Seer that sought the heart of a dragon and lost."

Summer of Lore #22: The Song of Magic

 About the story:

This is a tale of one of the rare magic users that could sing magic outside of the Gemsinger and his/her companions--a minstrel (one of Dorian's ancestors) that led a human army to victory against the demon lord. This tale has been adapted as a play, and Dorian has played the title role

The basic bones of the story:

A minstrel (the name and gender differ depending on who is telling the story) discovers she can sing magic when she graduates from the minstrel's hall. After she spends some time honing her power, a thief sweet talks her into giving her instrument to him. When she realizes her mistake, she discovers after getting her instrument back (what it is varies from minstrel to minstrel) that the thief was in the service of the demon lord--and had the demon lord played it, he would have wiped out entire cities with it.

The minstrel warns the king, and the two sides meet for a climatic battle. In the end, her spellsong defeats him.

Summer of Lore #21: Song of the Guardian

Taking a break from the Shokiyan play to offer more songs and stories!

About the song:

"Song of the Guardian" tells the story of a sorceror who angered an assassin's guild by saving some captives,and now he fears their best assassin is coming to kill him. A minstrel that can spellsing (normal magic users can spellsing, but it is a fairly rare talent outside of the Gemsinger and his/her companions) arrives and offers to protect him.

A few days go by, and sure enough, the assassin comes. But no matter what he does to try and kill the sorcerer, the minstrel's spellsong protects him. Eventually the assassin gives up and flees after a barrage of spellsong enchanted arrows goes flying at him, and the sorcerer is saved.

Dorian prefers to make this song upbeat, as opposed to the slower tempo other minstrels prefer.

Summer of Lore #20: "The Royal Singer"'s Cast List (part 1)

These are some of the more prominent roles in "The Royal Singer"

Merneth Royagorn-The hero of the story, he is a tenor voice. The actor playing him should know how to fight with various weapons, dance, cast some show spells, and play the harp (one of the rare times a character other than the narrator gets to play a harp)

Amara Royagorn--Merneth's wife, she is an alto voice. The actor playing her should know how to dance and use a bow

Dylan and Lyria, their children

The King--the villain of the story, he is a baritone on the bass side. The actor playing him should know how to fight using various weapons

Prince Fermaine--The King's son, he is actually kinder than his father, and vows that he will be a kind, wise, and just ruler when he ascends the throne, unlike his father. He is a tenor voice, and the actor playing him must know how to fight with various weapons

Miriara-Prince Fermaine's guardian, she is very wise, and the first one to suspect what the King is REALLY doing. She is a soprano voice, and the actor playing her should know some basic show spells (spells that stand in for actual spells in the play--they look cool, but don't actually do anything)

Padern--the minstrel that narrates the story and interacts with the characters onstage. He is a tenor voice, and should know how to play a variety of instruments.

The Dark Conquerer--the demon the King is trying to summon (he is a bass voice); he is portrayed as a large puppet that resembles a knight in black armor (he requires three people to perform--one to do the voice, one to work the left arm and leg, and a third to work the right arm and leg

Summer of Lore #19: The Theater Orchestra in Shokiyu

The orchestra meant for the theater in Shokiyu is much smaller than orchestras in our world, and is heavily based on wind instruments. They will typically have about 20-40 performers (although large productions will often have more)

A typical makeup includes drums and percussion, fiddles, flutes of all sizes, both side blown and end blown (from the tiny whistle on up to the Shokiyan equivalent of a subcontrabass recorder) and horns (this includes the mighty okina a giant tuba-like instrument that requires two people to play)

Summer of Lore #18: "The Royal Singer", a Play of Shokiyu

One of Dorian's most memorable moments on stage was not even a character in the play, but rather narrating an adaptation of the first episode of the Second Gemsinger's story--one of the most popular Shokiyan plays.

Some adaptations do add a speaking minstrel role to the story, but for our purposes, this adaptation does not. It is also one of the longer Shokiyan plays to perform, clocking in at 7-9 hours in its entirety. Luckily, abridged versions and single episodes are also available.

In addition to the main roles (the noble, his family, the king, the Seer, and thousands of extras), fish, birds, fairies, and elves are involved in the plot.

Summer of Lore #17a: Conventions of the Shokiyan Stage

--Actors need to do more than just say lines--their roles often require them to sing (or play an instrument), dance, fight (either unarmed or with a weapon) and any other feats of skill

--In addition to the speaking roles, there is sometimes a chorus comprised of speakers and singers that comment on the action (or serve as a group narrator)

--Animal and other creature roles are typically played by puppets, but sometimes a live actor will play the role (birds, butterflies, and fish are the most common animals played by live actors, but felines and canines are not unheard of) Bird and butterfly actors usually perform acrobatics and aerial martial arts, while fish actors (always cast in groups of females) occasionally perform a water dance not unlike synchronized swimming (only with a lot  more time spent underwater--the tank they perform in is visible to the audience unless it is required to be hidden by the script)

--Larger puppets (such as large animals, monsters, and occasionally gods) are performed by at least two people (who often work in plain view of the audience), and voiced by the narrator (or a designated chorus member). Smaller puppets work like puppets in our world, and voiced by the puppeteer (a skilled puppeteer will often know how to do thousands of voices)

--Like in the Asian theater--anyone in black, be they musician, stagehand, or puppeteer, is a shadow,and unseen to the audience (even the puppeteers hidden from the audience are completely in black

--While there is a basic background set on the stage, the stagehands will bring on props to add detail to the scene

--A Shokiyan play can run for a long time, but the average length is two to five acts long.

Summer of Lore #16: Going to the Shokiyan Theater (part 1)

The theater of Shokiyu is a lavish spectacle, combining the conventions of the Western theater with elements of Chinese opera and Japanese kabuki theater. Elaborate sets, colorful costumes, music (both sung and played), dancing, puppets, acrobatics, stage combat,and magical special effects are par for the course in any Shokiyan play.

The stage itself is very large and spacious, with trapdoors for descents to the underworld, platforms up above for gods, spirits, fairies, and birds to "fly" over the audience, and large enough to accommodate even the biggest of puppets (which require multiple people to operate.)

Most of the time, the theater's actors in residence will play the roles, but sometimes a casting call is put out to everyone. (Telrain is large enough to have its own theater and actors)

Minstrels usually serve as narrators of the action (they also explain some of the conventions of the theater before the play begins if told there are visitors from other lands in attendance), but them playing a role is not unheard of (usually as a minstrel  in the play)

Summer of Lore #15 (belated): Colors of Battle

About the song:

This song tells the story of how a father seeking to save his son (although some versions make it a daughter) from a thieves guild battles the guild's best fighter on a bridge overlooking a river (where the mists make a rainbow)

Originally, the song had seven verses and a definite ending (the father wins), but as time went on, so many verses were added that it is now considered a "never-ender", and it is only rarely the ending verse is ever sung.

Summer of Lore #14: Araniel's Victory

 About the story:

A tale from Fion's family history, his sister Araniel is a renowned adventurer, and like any proud brother, Fion likes to brag about her adventures. He is very careful to get the details right, so it annoys him when minstrels and other tellers alter any of the details  (but he acknowledges that if the tales don't evolve, the art of storytelling is pretty much dead)

The basic bones of the story(as Fion tells it):

One day, Araniel is on the run from wildcats in the forest and stumbles on a village about to have a tournament. A minstrel sees her arguing with the guards about signing up, and convinces the guards that she too can sign up.The guards buy the minstrel's story, and allow her to compete. She ends up handily winning the tournament!

Summer of Lore #13: A Cloak From the Windsinger

About the song:

This song tells the story of how Cadessa and her mercenary companion encounter a beggar one cold night, and how she works through the night to give the beggar a cloak to keep warm.

Some sample verses:

"I know not where he came from,
Nor do I know why he is here,
But of all of those that Meikon loves
It is the poor She holds most dear."

The swordsman needed no time to think
He knew what he had to do
He hurried to the market
And bought many kinds of cloth

When she saw the cloth he'd bought
Cadessa gasped with such surprise
But she knew just what her friend wanted to do
By the twinkle in his eyes 

Summer of Lore #12: The Promise of the Royal Singer

About the story:

This tale explains the origin of one of the most important summer festivals for the elves, which commemorates the Third Gemsinger's Appearing (a source of great pride for the elves), which they call Tiamil, or "magic's promise".

Tiamil is marked by minstrel performances, other musical and storytelling performances (Galia has participated in these in the past), plays depicting episodes of the Third Gemsinger's journey (including this tale), athletic competitions and exhibitions, and games of chance, to name a few things.

The high point of the festival is a lavish play telling a selection of episodes from the Third Gemsinger's journey (which Galia has played roles in in the past--she still would like to play the lead role one day), and a re-enactment of the Third Gemsinger's charging (with a girl that has come of age that year playing the role of the Third Gemsinger)

The basic bones of the story:

A monster is threatening the elven lands (what this monster is differs from teller to teller), and rumors fly that it may be time for another Appearing. The Third Gemsinger is brave princess, but knows that her sister the crown princess would never let her go fight the monster. So after putting the crown princess to sleep (via a sleeping potion), she sneaks out of the palace in disguise as a commoner. She befriends a mercenary who has a feared reputation, but in actuality, he has a heart of gold.

The two of them travel to a high  mountain cave where a mythical prism dragon (eg. a dragon that comes in many colors--they are very rare) is said to live. The prism dragon opens her heart, where he is surprised to see that it shines in every color.

The Third Gemsinger hones her power before returning to her homeland, where she learns the monster is about to attack the royal city! She demonstrates her full power in front of the whole city, and defeats the monster.

She is charged with the Gemsinger's quest after a week of celebration,  and the mercenary swears his loyalty to her.   

Summer of Lore #11: The Windsinger's Treasure

About the story:

This lighthearted tale tells of one of the adventures of Leria's ancestor, Cadessa, the Windsinger Queen, who had a penchant for adventuring.

The basic bones of the tale:

When Cadessa was still a princess, her mother wished her sister to inherit the throne. Fearing that she would be killed, Cadessa escapes the castle one night (despite arguing with the guards and a few other mishaps) and settles into a mining town, claiming she is a gem miner (not telling anyone who she really is)

She befriends many in the town, including one boy who serves as a scout for the town. One day, they go explore an abandoned gem mine, and find plenty of treasure and plenty of adventures.

When they return with their haul, a royal messenger arrives informing her her sister has been sent into exile (because of her unpopularity with the nobles of Selance) It is only then she reveals to the townsfolk who she really is, and why she had to disguise herself.

The entire townsfolk turn out for Cadessa's coronation, and she goes on to become one of the great rulers of the humans of Shokiyu

Summer of Lore #10: Oh Soldier, Soldier (Would You Marry Me Now?)

A rare example of an Earth song appearing in Shokiyu, the song "Oh Soldier, Soldier" (its full title is "Oh Soldier, Soldier (Would You Marry Me Now?) is a popular song among kids, but also loved by adults.It's also one of Dorian's favorites to perform (the kids get a kick out of how he reveals that the soldier is already married at the end)

The basic structure of the song is simple(using the first verse as an example):

Oh soldier, soldier, would you marry me now?
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
Oh no, fair maid, I cannot marry you
For I have no stockings to put on

So she went to the shop, as quick as she could run,
With a hey, and a ho, and the sound of a drum...
And she bought him a pair of the very very best
Saying 'Here, my good man, put these on...'

Other items the soldier will ask for include shoes, gloves, pants, a shirt, and a cap, but some minstrels will  include gloves, coats, and accessories as well.

When Dorian performs it, he usually goes in this order:

--stockings
--shoes
--bracers
--a ring
--pants
--a shirt
--a cap

An example of the song as it is performed on Earth: Oh Solder, Soldier (Would You Marry Me Now?)

Summer of Lore #9: The Fairy's Ride

About the song:

This song is known as a "never ender" because there are so many verses, it is very difficult (if not impossible) to sing it in one sitting. Dorian's limit is 30 verses in one sitting.

The song tall of a fairy that befriends a falcon, and every day,the falcon visits her and tells her of the places he's seen as he flies around the world. He offers to take the fairy on a trip around the world, and she agrees--the majority of the verses list a place that exists (or once existed) on Shokiyu

Summer of Lore #8: The Second Appearing

About the story:

This is the first episode of the Second Gemsinger's adventure, detailing his awakening and how he overthrew a cruel king with his newfound power. It is generally agreed that the Second Gemsinger was of noble birth, but his ranking depends on whoever is telling the story. It is one of the longer stories, so it is itself often split into several episodes.

When Dorian tells it, he prefers to make him a lord of the court

The basic bones of the story:

A long time ago, the humans of Shokiyu cried under the oppression of a cruel king. A lord of the court (the noble's ranking differs depending on who is telling) hears the rumors of the king trying to summon a demon and vows to tell the people what is really going on under the guise of magical research. He finds out the rumors are true, but when he tells the Seer what he discovered, he learns of a prophecy that "a royal Gemsinger will topple the demon summoner, bringing  Shokiyu to peace."

The king figures out that someone knows about his plot, captures the noble's family, and holds them hostage. The noble, meanwhile, busts them out during the night, but when he confronts the prison guards, he actually sings a spell in his anger

Once his family is safe, the Seer opens his heart and discovers it glows with every color of magic (twelve in the novel, eight in the game)

After honing his power and several more adventures, the noble and the king meat for a final climatic battle, and the newly awakened Second Gemsinger wins, putting a kind and just ruler on the throne. He is then charged with the Quest from his new king.

Summer of Lore #7: The Song Within the Waterfall

About the song:

One of Dorian's signature songs, this song tells the story of an artist that seeks to paint a picture of a waterfall, but the rainbows reflecting from the water lead him to an enchanted instrument that belonged to an elven hero (what this instrument is differs from minstrel to minstrel, and even between performances)

Dorian prefers to make the discovered instrument a lute or a harp (as those two are what he can play), but on one occasion when Miresa was roped into the show, he made it a flute so she could play the solo at a pivotal point where the instrument is played.

Summer of Lore #6: The Legend of the Spellsong

About the Story:

This tale tells how the art of spellsinging came to be, thanks to a mage that discovered it by accident (after some trial and error), and taught it to the First Gemsinger.

The basic bones of the story:

A mage is in his lab working on new ways to cast magic when suddenly, he manages to cast a spell by singing.  After a little trial and error, (as well as some bouts of magically induced exhaustion), he learns that spellsinging takes more effort than channeling it through an instrument or weapon.

The First Gemsinger comes to him not long after, seeking information on how to defeat a monster guarding a sigil (what monster and what sigil differ depending on who is telling the story) The mage shows him the spellsong, and ask if he wants to learn. He proves to be diligent student, even using it to defend the mage's tower from demon bent on learning spellsongs themselves.

To this day, every Gemsinger (and any allies of theirs) has the art of spellsong, in memory of the First Gemsinger. 

Summer of Lore #5: Colors of Her Heart

An original novel exclusive song by Dorian, when he spots Miresa dancing to the dance tune "Red Wyvern Hunting" during a break in the Jewel Tournament.

Before the band plays "Red Wyvern Hunting", she tells him  it is her favorite tune to dance to (because the local band always played it at dances)

Not surprisingly, the song incorporates parts of "Red Wyvern Hunting" into the tune.

A sample verse:

The clearest image I remember that day
As we rested out of the arena's fray
We waited for the band to start
Her smile radiated the colors of her heart

Summer of Lore #4: The Girl Who Spoke With Dragons

About the Story:

This tale explains how dragons came to Shokiyu, thanks to a brave maiden and her companion (usually a cougar or a falcon, but foxes, unicorns, and wyverns are not unheard of)

The basic bones of the story:

One day, the heroine is informed by a great wizard about a creature said to be a giant wyvern with the strength of a hundred humans in the mountains. With the wizard's help, the heroine and her companion trvel to the mountains, and befriend the creature,  which the wizard learns is its own distinct species--in fact, the ancient word for dragon, according to this tale,  literally means "large wyvern"

While the majority of people are awed and amazed at the dragons, there are some that would kill them for their own gains, and it is one of these the heroine, the wizard, and her companion defeat, ensuring that the dragons survive on Shokiyu to this day 

Summer of Lore #3: The Arrow Rose Again

About the Song:

"The Arrow Rose Again" tells a heartwarming tale about how a swordswoman talks an archer into saving a baby phoenix, and how the phoenix helps both of them in return.

This song is especially popular among the humans of the east continent and the avris--Leria is sometimes referred  to as "The Phoenix Queen" , because of how she restored the throne to life after driving away a cruel rival. Because of this, phoenixes often appear on royal documents and heraldry.

The avris, however, see the phoenix as a god and the totem of the Ruby Clan, so when minstrels visit their lands, they often request this song.

First Look: Mt. Sayamir

Here's a first look at Mt. Sayamir, where the Ice Shrine is located...

The Summer of Lore #2: A Duel For a Daughter

About the story:

The story tells of how the legendary sword Glorious Heaven was made, as result of a father saving his  daughter from a kingdom ruled by an evil king

The basic bones:

A father has a daughter he loves very much. One day, messengers from a neighboring kingdom ask that their king take her hand in marriage. The father says no, as he knows that land's king is evil. During the night, the daughter is captured by the king's spies,  and the father sets out to rescue her. When he arrives in the neighboring kingdom, he is mistaken for the leader of a resistance movement that seeks to depose the evil king and put the rightful heir, a kind prince, on the throne/ With help from the resistance movement, the father chases down the spies, and with the help of Glorious Heaven, saves his daughter after an epic duel

In the end, the father is hailed as a hero, and the daughter marries the kind prince. 

The Mage's Appeal

Here's some info aboutone of the upcoming tournament's events--the Mage's Appeal:

In The Mage's Appeal (name is tentative for now), aspiring mages from around the world are given a chance to show off their brilliance in a contest excluded to the glittering ring of Taraka.

Objective: The objective is to hit 100 points. For each spell you use, you can a certain number of points. You will be matched up with three other mages. The other mages will use spells to take points away from you. You have 10 (maybe 20) turns to achieve your objective. The goal is to play intelligently, to save your AP, and defeat the other mages.

AP (Name can be changed): AP, or Appeal Points is what you use to cast spells. You have a set starting number of AP (Though through shopping in the Appeal shop, you can also increase your starting AP). From using spells, your AP goes down. AP is not rechargeable during a contest, so you must wisely conserve your AP while reaching for 100 points.

Appeal Spells: Appeal spells are unique to contests. Galia will be given four basic spells to start with. They will be divided into four categories. (Haven't decided what the categories are, could possibly include: Strength, Virtue, Intelligence, Spirit). Appeal spells can be bought in the Appeal shop through CP (contest points, which are earned through victory at the tournament).

The Summer of Lore #1: The Sword of the Light Goddess

About the song:

Like many songs of Shokiyu, this song tells a story.

The basic storyline goes that a wanderer loses his way in the mountains. He befriends the goddess of light, and the two become close friends, eventually falling in love. One day, a dragon threatens to destroy a shrine of the light goddess, and she charges her beloved to slay the dragon.

As with all oral tradition, no two minstrels sing exactly the same version--common variations include how the dragon was slain, and in some regions, a different monster.

The game has its own blog now!

Check it out here!

Of course, any material there will  also be cross posted here

The Summer of Lore

It's no secret that I've hardly posted anything this year--so this summer, I've decided to call the Summer of Lore.

Why?

Because Shokiyu (in both its forms), has an immense amount of lore besides the Gemsinger story, so at least once a day, I plan to introduce you to some of Shokiyu's other tales and songs that a minstrel like Dorian would know.

The quest begins June 1 and ends September 30.

She's back...

Halliwen returns in the Ice Challenge Dungeon...and thinks she is the real Gemsinger...until she tries to sing.

We're still alive!

In this quick update, see the ice challenge dungeon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PEUGFSQBuc

Mirime's Past and a New Character!

In this video, we learn about Mirime's past via a new character--a recordkeeper named Nauwyn Rivermist.

Take a look

The Evolution of Gemsinger: Draft R

This is the draft that actually made a lot of progress before our current draft: See part 1

Ability Symbols

In our latest video, we introduce Ability Symbols and a new character--Randion Firelight.

See him in action.

Things to do before Demo 2 is released

From my partner:

 Make the watchpost event
   Add NPCs to Selance (and castle)
   Finish the Selance Magic Shop
   Add new enemies to the Forest of Dawn
   Finish Neras
   Make the lighthouse
   Make the magic guild
   Finish Kythria
   Make Ability Symbols
   Create the Ice Challenge Dungeon
   Make enemies in the Water Shrine
   Add enemies to the Glace Forest
   Finish Seppen
   Finish Kinuli
   Touch up on overall maps
   Add new spells
   Finish the fishing minigame
   Make new sidequests
   Add items to the shops
   Create new accessories
   Create new items
   Create battle items
   Finish Selance
   Finish Chapter 3

So, as you can see, I've still got a lot to do left before a demo is ready. I'll update you on progress as time goes on.

New item: Firewater

In this video, we introduce a new item that essentially triggers "Berserk" when used in battle. Here in Shokiyu, the same effect is called "Enraged"

An enraged character can't be player controlled, and will randomly use their attack abilities, which do a lot more damage.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1f89Ry608Q