Tales of a Gemsinger

A New Draft Arrives

2012-01-14T21:52:00.002-06:00

From my partner:

Obviously, you can tell from the title that Gemsinger Chronicles: The Video Game is getting a new draft. This will be called "Gemsinger Chronicles E".

Reason for this?

I've been making RPG Maker VX games since June 2009, and It's been 2 and a half years since then. The particular draft, called "Gemsinger R", that I was working on was started in the summer of 2010. It's been a year and a half since I started that specific draft. I know I have gotten a lot done on that draft, but since a lot of it was made a year ago, I've improved a lot from that draft. I know I can do more on the video game, and there's a lot of things that I wanted changed in Gemsinger Chronicles R, but since I have improved and I'm capable of much more, I think it's time to start from scratch again. Since I'm starting from scratch, I'm able to rework everything. I'm able to have a fresh, new start on the video game. And with that, I'll be able to make a better game than before. So, that said, I think it's time for Gemsinger R to go, and Gemsinger E to arrive. I'm going to do many things differently in the new edition, and I'll be able to use my improved abilities to make a fun experience for everyone!

I know that I have had many, many drafts of Gemsinger Chronicles so far. I know it's been 2 years since the first ever draft on Gemsinger. Why is it taking the game so long? Well, that's how making an RPG Maker VX game is. It's very common for people to restart their games to make them better. I've been improving on RPG Maker this whole time, and in each draft, it gets better. Will Gemsinger Chronicles E be the final draft? Yes, most likely. But if it's not? Well, then I'll make something better. But you don't need to worry, I'm confident that Gemsinger Chronicles E will be the last draft.

So, that's all I have to say. Look forward for new updates and videos.

Plans for 2012

2012-01-01T09:24:00.002-06:00

First off all, Happy New Year to all that support the blog.

As for my plans for the year, expect more work on both the story and The Video Game. I hope that we will have a playable demo out this year for you to enjoy. Plus, I also hope to write out a novelization of the digital Shokiyu and post it here serially.

Here it is!

2011-12-26T08:05:00.003-06:00

Here's the Christmas present!

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

Sneak Peek of Christmas Present

2011-12-20T19:44:00.000-06:00

Take a look here

The Christmas Present is Coming!

2011-12-15T14:03:00.001-06:00

Direct from my partner:

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

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

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

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

More stuff may be added later.

The State of the Chronicles: November 2011

2011-12-01T08:09:00.002-06:00

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

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

Just a little progress...

2011-11-25T13:07:00.002-06:00

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

Belated State of the Chronicles: October 2011

2011-11-01T13:07:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

Some of Dorian's Verses

2011-10-22T15:53:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of the game:

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

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

Receiving the letter to Leria:

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

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

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

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

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

Video Game Update: Dorian LaMaire

2011-10-06T21:11:00.001-05:00

See Dorian in action!

Note that what he says here is a temporary script.

Digital Viginette #3: Meet Dorian LaMaire

2011-10-06T10:43:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

When to Expect a Demo

2011-10-01T13:25:00.001-05:00

My partner on a timeframe for a demo:

"The answer is simply...

I really don't know yet.

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

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

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

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

So stay tuned for Video Game updates."

The State of the Chronicles: September 2011

2011-09-30T22:05:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

Video Game Update: Ice area and Magia Points

2011-09-28T21:45:00.003-05:00

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

Digital Viginette #2: Sudden Occurrence

2011-09-26T21:00:00.002-05:00

Another digital viginette, courtesy of my partner:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Please be alright," Arune said.

Digital Viginette #1: Encounter at the Earth Sigil

2011-09-23T17:39:00.003-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viginette: Anticipation

2011-09-23T09:11:00.002-05:00

Done in dialogue, Miresa and Arune:

"Did you hear? Did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That's it!"

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

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

"I bet that one was funny!"

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

New Viginette: Anticipation

2011-09-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

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

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

The Problem with Pacing

2011-09-07T12:42:00.002-05:00

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

Video Game Update: Weather

2011-09-04T16:41:00.000-05:00

Check it out here.

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

2011-08-31T10:31:00.002-05:00

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

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

Another video

2011-08-29T08:07:00.001-05:00

Part 2 of the Ocean Sapphire scene

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

New Gameplay Video

2011-08-28T18:31:00.002-05:00

Ten minute update

I'll have another one tomorrow.

Currently, the whole game runs 3 hours

A Tale of Two Games

2011-08-27T11:31:00.002-05:00

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

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

A Quick Tour of Telrain

2011-08-09T10:13:00.002-05:00

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

Video Game Update: Battle Arena

2011-08-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

Check it out here

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

2011-07-31T11:21:00.002-05:00

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

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

Thoughts: Lord of the Gemsinger

2011-07-30T18:23:00.000-05:00

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

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

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

The Video Game lives!

2011-07-27T15:34:00.001-05:00

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

Writer's Block Resource #1: Chaotic Shiny

2011-07-22T08:45:00.002-05:00

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

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

If you want to check it out, head here

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

2011-07-19T08:23:00.003-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan Language, Day 4

2011-07-17T19:31:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan Language, Day 3

2011-07-16T20:10:00.001-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan Language, Day 2

2011-07-15T08:22:00.001-05:00

◦Are some or all people bilingual?

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

The Language of Shokiyu, Day 1

2011-07-14T08:43:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

Shokiyan History, Day 6

2011-07-13T10:41:00.002-05:00

◦How many languages are there?

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

Shokiyan History, Day 5

2011-07-12T08:25:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

Shokiyan History, Day 4

2011-07-11T07:34:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan History, Day 3

2011-07-10T09:08:00.002-05:00

◦How long have there been people on this world? Did they evolve, were they created by the gods, or did they migrate from somewhere else?

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

The History of Shokiyu, Day 2

2011-07-09T08:02:00.002-05:00

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

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

The History of Shokiyu, Day 1

2011-07-08T08:18:00.003-05:00

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

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

Welcome Back

2011-07-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

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

Break time

2011-07-01T08:08:00.000-05:00

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

The State of the Chronicles and Something Fun

2011-06-30T08:31:00.002-05:00

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

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

How a Let's Read would work

2011-06-29T07:44:00.001-05:00

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

Idea: Let's Read?

2011-06-28T08:03:00.000-05:00

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

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

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 6

2011-06-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 5

2011-06-26T08:52:00.001-05:00

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

To name a few Shokiyan holidays:

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

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 4

2011-06-25T08:02:00.002-05:00

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

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

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 3

2011-06-24T08:35:00.001-05:00

◦How do people tell what time it is?

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

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 2

2011-06-23T08:16:00.002-05:00

◦How is the day divided into smaller time units?

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

The Shokiyan Calendar, Day 1

2011-06-22T08:22:00.001-05:00

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

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

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

What next?

2011-06-21T08:06:00.000-05:00

What shall we talk about next?

School on Shokiyu, Day 9

2011-06-20T08:03:00.001-05:00

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

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

School on Shokiyu, Day 8

2011-06-19T08:36:00.001-05:00

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

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

School on Shokiyu, Day 7

2011-06-18T07:59:00.001-05:00

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

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

School on Shokiyu, Day 6

2011-06-17T08:06:00.002-05:00

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

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

School in Shokiyu, Day 5

2011-06-16T08:21:00.001-05:00

How common are books? How are they produced?

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

5 Year Celebration

2011-06-15T07:57:00.002-05:00

And now for something a little different...

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

So to all my fans and viewers: Thank you!

School in Shokiyu, Day 4

2011-06-13T08:01:00.001-05:00

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

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

School in Shokiyu, Day 3

2011-06-12T08:45:00.002-05:00

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

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

School on Shokiyu, Day 2

2011-06-11T08:16:00.003-05:00

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

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

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

School on Shokiyu, Day 1

2011-06-10T07:59:00.002-05:00

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

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

Next Topic?

2011-06-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

What shall we talk about next?

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 13

2011-06-08T08:31:00.001-05:00

Do people tend to like highly spiced food or not?

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

Taking a break

2011-06-06T08:15:00.000-05:00

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 12

2011-06-05T08:46:00.002-05:00

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

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 11

2011-06-04T07:40:00.001-05:00

◦What is the food like?

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 10

2011-06-03T09:14:00.002-05:00

What foods are staples, commonly eaten every day?

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 9

2011-06-02T09:03:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

2011-06-01T08:46:00.003-05:00

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

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

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 7

2011-05-31T06:33:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 6

2011-05-30T07:47:00.001-05:00

◦How many meals are considered normal in a day?

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 5

2011-05-29T08:24:00.001-05:00

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

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 4

2011-05-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

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

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 3

2011-05-27T07:53:00.001-05:00

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

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 2

2011-05-26T08:23:00.002-05:00

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

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

The Shokiyan Diet, Day 1

2011-05-25T08:33:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan Arts and Entertainment, Day 15

2011-05-24T08:10:00.003-05:00

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

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

Video Game Update: Battle Music

2011-05-23T08:31:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

Shokiyan Arts and Entertainment, Day 14

2011-05-22T08:21:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan Arts and Entertainment, day 13

2011-05-21T08:15:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan Arts and entertainment, Day 12

2011-05-20T08:32:00.001-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 11

2011-05-19T07:35:00.001-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, day 10

2011-05-18T07:55:00.003-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 9

2011-05-17T08:13:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 8

2011-05-16T07:47:00.001-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, day 7

2011-05-15T08:23:00.001-05:00

How do “normal” artists feel about this?

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

Shokiyan Arts and Entertainment, Day 6

2011-05-14T10:12:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 5

2011-05-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, day 4

2011-05-11T07:20:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 3

2011-05-10T08:22:00.002-05:00

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

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 2

2011-05-09T08:15:00.001-05:00

Which arts are most highly valued and why?

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

Shokiyan arts and entertainment, Day 1

2011-05-08T09:31:00.001-05:00

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

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

Travel and communication on Shokiyu, Day 15

2011-05-07T08:32:00.001-05:00

Last question on this topic:

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

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

Travel and communication on Shokiyu, Day 14

2011-05-06T07:57:00.001-05:00

◦How are books produced?

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

Travel and communication in Shokiyu, Day 13

2011-05-05T07:48:00.002-05:00

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

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

Travel and communication in Shokiyu, Day 12

2011-05-04T08:17:00.002-05:00

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

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

Travel and communication in Shokiyu, Day 11

2011-05-03T08:25:00.003-05:00

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

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

Travel and communication in Shokiyu, Day 10

2011-05-02T08:24:00.002-05:00

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

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