The rules: Find a favorite book, movie, or videogame review (Science fiction and fantasy related) that you have written, no matter where it was posted, and add it to the following list. Make sure to repost the whole list, because in doing so, we accumulate what the reviewers themselves think is their best work, and give each other some linkages, increasing everyone's rankings.
1. Grasping for the Wind - INFOQUAKE by David Louis Edelman
2. Age 30+ ... A Lifetime of Books - A COMPANION TO WOLVES by Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear
3. Dragons, Heroes and Wizards - ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE by Robin Hobb
4. Walker of Worlds - THE TEMPORAL VOID by Peter F Hamilton
5. Neth Space - TOLL THE HOUNDS by Steven Erikson
6. Dark in the Dark - GHOST STORIES OF AN ANTIQUARY by M.R. James
7. A Dribble of Ink - THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
8. Fantasy Book News & Reviews - EMPRESS by Karen Miller
9. Tales of a Gemsinger - Final Fantasy 3 DS Published by Square Enix
Friday, February 13, 2009
Let the worldbuilding begin!
To begin the world building questions, let us first examine the rules of magia in detail. Some of these answers may sound familiar if you've read my early notes.
1. What things can magic not do? What are the limits of magical power?
Magia can do a great many things, but there are a few things it cannot do:
--Bring the dead back to life (unless the Seer found the person was still needed on the mortal plane.)
--It cannot be used for evil purposes against another being (so no casting a status effect on a being unless you are in danger or the target is an evil being)
--It shouldn't be used to manipulate the weather or to travel through time
The limits of magia I have touched on before, but let's review them:
--You can only wield so many elements safely (three for humans, dwarves, and avris; and six for elves and fairies) Only one being can safely wield all twelve elements--the Gemsinger. If you were to try and wield an elemental you couldn't wield, one of two things would happen: the spell would misfire or not work at all or it would drain your energy even faster than normal.
--Magia is a very concentrated form of energy, so it usually needs to be channeled through something (typically an instrument, but this can also be a weapon or another object) to bring the energy level down to a level safe enough to be controlled. That said, it is possible to wield magia through one's voice, but it would tire the wielder out faster because they would have pure magia flowing through them, and most being's bodies cannot handle the energy of pure magia.
--Every time you cast a spell, you expend some of your own energy. The rate this happens depends on how long the user's been wielding magia (so a new mage's apprentice would tire very quickly, while a wizard that has wielded magia for years would need to cast spells constantly for several hours before the first signs of magia fatigue set in). Although you cannot die from using magia, you CAN exhaust yourself to the point where you could die. Fortunately, resting for a little while will recharge your energy. Physical fatigue and magia fatigue, however, are not the same thing.
Tomorrow: Miracles and magia
1. What things can magic not do? What are the limits of magical power?
Magia can do a great many things, but there are a few things it cannot do:
--Bring the dead back to life (unless the Seer found the person was still needed on the mortal plane.)
--It cannot be used for evil purposes against another being (so no casting a status effect on a being unless you are in danger or the target is an evil being)
--It shouldn't be used to manipulate the weather or to travel through time
The limits of magia I have touched on before, but let's review them:
--You can only wield so many elements safely (three for humans, dwarves, and avris; and six for elves and fairies) Only one being can safely wield all twelve elements--the Gemsinger. If you were to try and wield an elemental you couldn't wield, one of two things would happen: the spell would misfire or not work at all or it would drain your energy even faster than normal.
--Magia is a very concentrated form of energy, so it usually needs to be channeled through something (typically an instrument, but this can also be a weapon or another object) to bring the energy level down to a level safe enough to be controlled. That said, it is possible to wield magia through one's voice, but it would tire the wielder out faster because they would have pure magia flowing through them, and most being's bodies cannot handle the energy of pure magia.
--Every time you cast a spell, you expend some of your own energy. The rate this happens depends on how long the user's been wielding magia (so a new mage's apprentice would tire very quickly, while a wizard that has wielded magia for years would need to cast spells constantly for several hours before the first signs of magia fatigue set in). Although you cannot die from using magia, you CAN exhaust yourself to the point where you could die. Fortunately, resting for a little while will recharge your energy. Physical fatigue and magia fatigue, however, are not the same thing.
Tomorrow: Miracles and magia
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Fantasy Debut: Discovery Showcase for Self- and Unpublished Novels
Fantasy Debut: Discovery Showcase for Self- and Unpublished Novels
How bout it? Is it worth a shot to send an episode of Gemsinger once the worldbuilding questions are done?
How bout it? Is it worth a shot to send an episode of Gemsinger once the worldbuilding questions are done?
Getting to know my heroes, Day 30
Final day of this exercise!
Does she have any artistic talent (writing, drawing, music)? Are they well developed or raw? Secret or public?
Does he swear?
No, none of them swear--the closest they come to this is a deriviative of "What in Meikon's name..." or "By Meikon!"
How does she respond when unjustly accused of something
Miresa: Request a chance to defend herself.
Bradlin: Deny he did it (multiple times, if he has to)
Galia: Pick out all the flaws in the accuser's story and turn their arguments against them to defend herself
Arune: Vigorously deny that she did it
Does she have any artistic talent (writing, drawing, music)? Are they well developed or raw? Secret or public?
Miresa: She is skilled at singing and playing a number of instruments (her main one for spellcasting is the flute or the smaller whistle)
Bradlin: He's an okay writer, and learning to play the whistle thanks to Miresa (he's still learning where the notes are)
Galia: She is an expert storyteller, and will ocassionally use a lute or a harp to accompany her tales (and for spellcasting)
Arune: She's a surprisingly good poet, and usually carries a small set of chimes for spellcasting and a whistle for signaling (and spellcasting)
Does he swear?
No, none of them swear--the closest they come to this is a deriviative of "What in Meikon's name..." or "By Meikon!"
How does she respond when unjustly accused of something
Miresa: Request a chance to defend herself.
Bradlin: Deny he did it (multiple times, if he has to)
Galia: Pick out all the flaws in the accuser's story and turn their arguments against them to defend herself
Arune: Vigorously deny that she did it
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The world building begins...
Tomorrow is the last day of character questions--and I'll also be starting the worldbuilding questions tomorrow too.
Getting to know my heroes, Day 29
One more day to go of this exercise!
What trait most annoys him when he encounters it in others?
Does she feel responsible for anyone besides herself?
Miresa: Yes, keeping Arune out of trouble
Bradlin: Yes, each dragoon is responsible for caring for the dragons
Galia: Yes, she is responsible for providing religious and mystical leadership to Telrain
Arune: Yes, keeping Miresa safe
How well does he handle change?
Miresa: She sees change as a possibility for new adventures and surprises.
Bradlin: It depends on the size of the change--little ones he eases right into, but large ones take a while to get used to.
Galia: She eases into each change (big and small) gracefully.
Arune: She needs time to ease into it.
What trait most annoys him when he encounters it in others?
Miresa: Selfishness
Bradlin: Cruelty
Galia: Greed
Arune: Cowardice (she does know the difference between legitimate fear and cowardice)
Does she feel responsible for anyone besides herself?
Miresa: Yes, keeping Arune out of trouble
Bradlin: Yes, each dragoon is responsible for caring for the dragons
Galia: Yes, she is responsible for providing religious and mystical leadership to Telrain
Arune: Yes, keeping Miresa safe
How well does he handle change?
Miresa: She sees change as a possibility for new adventures and surprises.
Bradlin: It depends on the size of the change--little ones he eases right into, but large ones take a while to get used to.
Galia: She eases into each change (big and small) gracefully.
Arune: She needs time to ease into it.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Getting to know my heroes, Day 28
What does she think is the most beautiful thing she’s ever seen?
Miresa: The rainbow robes that high ranking storytellers wear
Bradlin: Baby dragons that have newly hatched
Galia: Making the enchanted flowers outside Coraira and Telrain bloom each year on the first day of spring--these flowers only bloom when the Seer casts a very specific spell
Arune: The cave filled with gems nearby Moondancer Ridge
What does he think is the ugliest thing he’s ever seen?
What does she think is her purpose in life?
All four believe their purpose is to serve the High Goddess and better the world around them
Miresa: The rainbow robes that high ranking storytellers wear
Bradlin: Baby dragons that have newly hatched
Galia: Making the enchanted flowers outside Coraira and Telrain bloom each year on the first day of spring--these flowers only bloom when the Seer casts a very specific spell
Arune: The cave filled with gems nearby Moondancer Ridge
What does he think is the ugliest thing he’s ever seen?
Miresa: An earthlizard, a reptile that tunnels underground eating worms, bugs, and rodents.
Bradlin: Fights that break out in pubs--one reason he never goes to a pub
Galia: Darkshroud, a form of black mist that can assume the shape of other beings and things
Arune: Bats
What does she think is her purpose in life?
All four believe their purpose is to serve the High Goddess and better the world around them
Monday, February 9, 2009
Getting to know my heroes, Day 27
Who were his heroes as a child?
What was the biggest lie she ever told?
Miresa: That she isn't the Gemsinger (this saves the party on a few occasions)
Bradlin: That a roof cave-in was a dragon attack (when it was really him and a few friends playing too rough)
Galia: She has had to pass herself off as human before (but no one saw through the lie)
Arune: That her Other is actually sick (when the headaches Miresa gets are really the Twelve Stones talking to her
Miresa: The Fourth and Fifth Gemsingers--although their names were lost to time, she was, and is, still fascinated by the deeds they did.
Bradin: The dragoon Aseith, who was said to have carried the Fifth Gemsinger into battle against the demon lord
Galia: The storyteller Valebrina, who always came for the summer festival
Arune: The Starwings--Wingblades that had great heroes as their Others
What was the biggest lie she ever told?
Miresa: That she isn't the Gemsinger (this saves the party on a few occasions)
Bradlin: That a roof cave-in was a dragon attack (when it was really him and a few friends playing too rough)
Galia: She has had to pass herself off as human before (but no one saw through the lie)
Arune: That her Other is actually sick (when the headaches Miresa gets are really the Twelve Stones talking to her
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Getting to know my heroes, Day 26
What would she like written on her tombstone?
What person has most influenced her development as an adult?
Miresa: Her mother and father, who gave her a love of learning
Bradlin: The dragonmaster, as he has served as a father figure to him
Galia: The elder of Telrain, as he allowed her to remain there to teach the villagers tolerance
Arune: Miresa, as she has taught her about what lies beyond the fairy realm
Miresa: Here lies a blademage that yearned to know the Goddess the most
Bradlin: Here rests one who lived with the honor and devotion of a dragon (the epitaph given to great dragoons)
Galia: May the knowledge of the one entombed here continue to touch the world (the epitaph used on a Seer's tomb)
Arune: Here lies a Wingblade that served her Other with love and honor (a variant on the Wingblade epitaph for those Wingblades that have Others)
What person has most influenced her development as an adult?
Miresa: Her mother and father, who gave her a love of learning
Bradlin: The dragonmaster, as he has served as a father figure to him
Galia: The elder of Telrain, as he allowed her to remain there to teach the villagers tolerance
Arune: Miresa, as she has taught her about what lies beyond the fairy realm
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Getting to know everyone, Day 25
What three adjectives best describe his outer nature?
Miresa: Beautiful, agile, strong
Bradlin: Tough, lithe, stocky
Galia: Slender, swift, strong
Arune: Wiry, thin, tough
What sort of legacy does he wish to leave behind?
Miresa: She wants to use the power of magia to help people
Bradlin: He wants to uphold the honor of the dragoons
Galia: She wishes to keep Sekiya's folk tradition alive
Arune: She wishes to be a great Wingblade
Miresa: Beautiful, agile, strong
Bradlin: Tough, lithe, stocky
Galia: Slender, swift, strong
Arune: Wiry, thin, tough
What sort of legacy does he wish to leave behind?
Miresa: She wants to use the power of magia to help people
Bradlin: He wants to uphold the honor of the dragoons
Galia: She wishes to keep Sekiya's folk tradition alive
Arune: She wishes to be a great Wingblade
Friday, February 6, 2009
Don't miss Episode whatever on this blog next week?
How would you guys feel if I actually serialized "The Gemsinger Chronicles" here on the blog after all the planning and worldbuilding is done?
Getting to know my heroes, Day 24
Six more days to go before we start the worldbuilding questions....
If she could be someone else, who would she be?
Miresa: She'd be one of the blademages on the lodge's wall of fame
Bradlin: He'd be the dragoon that founded the Dragon Order
Galia: She'd be the storyteller that always comes for the summer festival
Arune: She'd like to be queen of the fairies
Describe the nature and intensity of his religious feelings?
Miresa: She's not devout, but she does say prayers and attend worship services
Bradlin: He does pray and read the holy writings of Meikon, but only goes to services beacause he has to
Galia: Being a Seer, she has a very deep respect for the High Goddess Meikon--yet she tolerates other faiths too
Arune: She knows a deity exists, but the whole concept of worshipping said deity is strange to her
What three adjectives best describe her inner nature?
Miresa: Friendly, intelligent, outgoing
Bradlin: Strong-willed, curious, sad
Galia: Compassionate, wise, respectful
Arune: Curious, weird, devoted
If she could be someone else, who would she be?
Miresa: She'd be one of the blademages on the lodge's wall of fame
Bradlin: He'd be the dragoon that founded the Dragon Order
Galia: She'd be the storyteller that always comes for the summer festival
Arune: She'd like to be queen of the fairies
Describe the nature and intensity of his religious feelings?
Miresa: She's not devout, but she does say prayers and attend worship services
Bradlin: He does pray and read the holy writings of Meikon, but only goes to services beacause he has to
Galia: Being a Seer, she has a very deep respect for the High Goddess Meikon--yet she tolerates other faiths too
Arune: She knows a deity exists, but the whole concept of worshipping said deity is strange to her
What three adjectives best describe her inner nature?
Miresa: Friendly, intelligent, outgoing
Bradlin: Strong-willed, curious, sad
Galia: Compassionate, wise, respectful
Arune: Curious, weird, devoted
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Fantasy Book News & Reviews: Does (Lots of) Profanity Belong in Reviews?
If you've ever been unnerved by four-letter words (so to speack) in reviews, this is the post for you:
Fantasy Book News & Reviews: Does (Lots of) Profanity Belong in Reviews?
Fantasy Book News & Reviews: Does (Lots of) Profanity Belong in Reviews?
What do you want to know about Sekiya?
When I finish the character questions and begin answering the worldbuilding questions, what kinds of questions do you want me to answer first? Do you want to learn more about magia? Curious about the cities and towns? What the Twelve Stones are and how they relate to the overarching plot? Whether you want these or other questions answered, I'd love to hear just what questions you have about the world of Sekiya
Getting to know my characters, Day 23
What’s the luckiest thing that ever happened to him?
If she had unlimited wealth, what would she spend it on?
Miresa: A large house, which she would turn into her own mage's lodge.
Bradlin: His own dragon hatchling
Galia: Supplies to start her own troupe of storytellers
Arune: Seeds of exotic plants to sow in her garden
If he was a writer, what would he write?
Miresa: Essays about the stranger side of Sekiya
Bradlin: Essays about his travels
Galia: Her interpretations of Sekiyan folktales
Arune: Eassys about the other races of Sekiya
Miresa: Meeting Arune
Bradlin: Befriending the dragon Glorian
Galia: Becoming Seer of Telrain against incredible odds
Arune: Gaining an Other (Miresa)
If she had unlimited wealth, what would she spend it on?
Miresa: A large house, which she would turn into her own mage's lodge.
Bradlin: His own dragon hatchling
Galia: Supplies to start her own troupe of storytellers
Arune: Seeds of exotic plants to sow in her garden
If he was a writer, what would he write?
Miresa: Essays about the stranger side of Sekiya
Bradlin: Essays about his travels
Galia: Her interpretations of Sekiyan folktales
Arune: Eassys about the other races of Sekiya
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Getting to know everyone, Day 22
If a spell turned him into the animal that most resembles his heart, what would he turn into?
Miresa: An eagle
Bradlin: A wolf
Galia: A cat
Arune: A dove
Miresa: An eagle
Bradlin: A wolf
Galia: A cat
Arune: A dove
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Getting to know everyone, Day 21
What is his romantic history? Best? Worst?
What about her annoys others?
Miresa: She can and will annoy you with talking about all she has seen
Bradlin: He appears to be a slacker to many people, but he goes the extra mile to prove them wrong
Galia: She can be perceived as fussy
Arune: She has an odd sense of humor
Does he like poetry?
Miresa: She likes listening to a well written poem, but can't write it
Bradlin: No, he prefers stories
Galia: Yes, and can write it
Arune: Yes, and enjoys writing it
Miresa: She has no interest in love at the moment.
Bradlin: He'd like to meet a girl, but doesn't feel Miresa is the right one for him
Galia: She's had a few crushes, but none of them panned out into a relationship
Arune: She herself hasn't fallen in love yet, but she has cast a love spell on others.
What about her annoys others?
Miresa: She can and will annoy you with talking about all she has seen
Bradlin: He appears to be a slacker to many people, but he goes the extra mile to prove them wrong
Galia: She can be perceived as fussy
Arune: She has an odd sense of humor
Does he like poetry?
Miresa: She likes listening to a well written poem, but can't write it
Bradlin: No, he prefers stories
Galia: Yes, and can write it
Arune: Yes, and enjoys writing it
Monday, February 2, 2009
Getting to know my heroes, day 20
She has just received an envelope. It fills her with dread. What’s in it?
List 5 things that could motivate him to violence.
All four would attack if: losing her family or friends, Telrain being attacked, demons on the move, innocent people being attacked
Miresa: A notice calling her to battle
Bradlin: A letter confirming his father is alive
Galia: A letter begging her to return to Coraira
Arune: A notice summoning her to battle
List 5 things that could motivate him to violence.
All four would attack if: losing her family or friends, Telrain being attacked, demons on the move, innocent people being attacked
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The State of the Chronicles: January
Since I started the blog, I've gotten two fans, and made quite a lot of progress on the characters. To everyone that's read the blog so far, thank you!
To do list for February:
--Finish the 30 day character exercise
--Flesh out the world of Sekiya
--Actually post some writing practice.
To do list for February:
--Finish the 30 day character exercise
--Flesh out the world of Sekiya
--Actually post some writing practice.
Getting to know everyone, Day 19
Write about his worst birthday (or favorite holiday that went badly.)
Miresa: Her 9th, when it rained all day; effectively ruining her party
Bradlin: His 11th, when he got sick and couldn't have a party
Galia: Her 10th, when every spell went wrong and almost destroyed the house
Arune: Her 8th, when she had to entertain about 50 other apprentices while the guildmaster was away. (she got a little cake in the end)
Miresa: If you believe you can do anything, you'll go far
Bradlin: In everything you do, do it well
Galia: You accomplish more if you abstain from force
Arune: Cherish life while you have it
Is there anyone he despises?
Miresa: No
Bradlin: While he and Merakor are not on speaking terms, he doesn't hate him
Galia: The councilman that lobbied to drive her, and later Losi, out of town all because they were not human
Arune: No, she would rather forgive than hold a grudge
Miresa: Her 9th, when it rained all day; effectively ruining her party
Bradlin: His 11th, when he got sick and couldn't have a party
Galia: Her 10th, when every spell went wrong and almost destroyed the house
Arune: Her 8th, when she had to entertain about 50 other apprentices while the guildmaster was away. (she got a little cake in the end)
What rule would she say is the most important to live by?
Miresa: If you believe you can do anything, you'll go far
Bradlin: In everything you do, do it well
Galia: You accomplish more if you abstain from force
Arune: Cherish life while you have it
Is there anyone he despises?
Miresa: No
Bradlin: While he and Merakor are not on speaking terms, he doesn't hate him
Galia: The councilman that lobbied to drive her, and later Losi, out of town all because they were not human
Arune: No, she would rather forgive than hold a grudge
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