One of the beautiful things about the creation of The Great Sea is that it allows for a myriad of stories which have absolutely nothing to do with the Main Saga, which is Madatar's struggle to take possession of what was promised him.
There is a Troll story I want to tell, but that is probably going to become part of the Saga. There are tales from the Kingdom of Azua, but they indirectly point to the Saga, too.
But there are other worlds. Other creatures. Did you know that the Deltumler live in the ocean, and that their most hated enemy are the Sharogues? Both actually made an appearance in the original sequel to The Prophecies of Madatar, which was one of the Saga's earliest manifestations.
There are the Centaurs, the Pennans, the Nomads, and the orginal Men who populated the first giant world. And what of the Dragons and the Unicorns? At one time I thought about doing stories for all of these beings. Only I put it all on hold because I deemed the stories without a base if I could not get the Saga published.
The truth is, Apprentice and Quest could very easily take place on The Great Sea. Neither story has anything to do with Madatar.
Renaming this blog has reminded me that I have a host of stories to tell which are not based in any fashion or form upon the epic fantasy of my life's work.
The problem I have is I don't really understand online publishing at all, and that appears to be where short stories are going to have to be submitted in order to receive publication. Perhaps I should continue my Kiahva stories in hopes of finding a place for her. At the same time I could include a story or two about Dragons, Dwarfs, communities of Men on other worlds. All of this would build a base from which even the Saga could rise.
It's something to think about.
Showing posts with label Dragons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dragons. Show all posts
Monday, June 1, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Giant Cats: Friend or Foe
In Swords of Fire: Traitor there are only a few references to animals. We know about horses. Mostly, those are used for pulling plows and wagons, although there are a few bred for speed. Avalina is an apprentice horse trainer, and according to the story earns good money at that.
Oxen are used to pull heavy loads, particularly of ore. There is a reference to beef cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. Don't recall if I mention chickens and geese, but they're there. There are (or were) references to cats and dogs. Those may have been cut from the story as I sought desperately for ways to reduce word count. Entire characters had their sub-stories cut.
Regarding wild animals, deer are mentioned, as are eagles, wolves (I think - if not in Traitor certainly in Prophecies of Madatar, where they play an important role), squirrels, fish, and small birds. Maybe I reference dragons. Can't remember. So much was deleted in the last edit.
There are also a couple of references to Giant Cats.
Surprisingly, I have said very little about Giant Cats on this blog. Where more is said is in Tavaar's Backstory - and some place else I can't find right now. The portion where they are discussed in Tavaar's Backstory has not been posted at this time. However, in that portion, Khaiu delivers an infodump about Giant Cats.
“Shadow Cats are ancient creatures from the Beginning,” said Khaiu. “There are three kinds: Fire Cats, Shadow Cats, and Sphinx. All are gifted in speech and knowledge. Their quest is for knowledge. The Fire Cats are perhaps the wisest, able to take in and understand knowledge better than the others. They are mountain and forest dwellers. Their strength is in their ability to focus on an idea. Their weakness is tied to their strength. Because they focus on an idea, their knowledge is more limited. Unlike the Shadow Cats and Sphinx. The Shadow Cars are the balance of Fire Cats. Maybe that is why the two are generally found together. But whereas Fire Cats focus intently on certain areas of knowledge, Shadow Cats are curious about everything. Thus, Shadow Cats are gifted with more knowledge, but less understanding. I do not say this to offend.” This last was spoken to Shadow Mother, who was listening intently. She smiled.
“You only speak the truth, little one. Go on. You are doing well. Tell them of the Sphinx.”
“The Sphinx are between the two. They are less wise, but more knowledgeable than Fire Cats, and more wise and less knowledgeable than Shadow Cats. Also, they do not appear to get along with the others, and so shun the forests and mountains. In fact, they do not appear to care much for anyone or anything.”
“They do not,” said Shadow Mother. “They threaten and bully. They love to torment. Unlike us, they are ever loth to reveal their knowledge. They couch what they know in riddles and deception, misleading the well intended.”
“And you do not?” asked Sashwa.
As you can see, Khaiu is not alone. At least Sashwa is with him. Not only that, but they are in the presence of a Giant Cat. I'll let you know now that there were seven present: Khaiu and Tura, Shello and Klarissa, Tavaar and Wheylen, and Sashwa. This scene is critical in explaining some of what is to come.
Oxen are used to pull heavy loads, particularly of ore. There is a reference to beef cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. Don't recall if I mention chickens and geese, but they're there. There are (or were) references to cats and dogs. Those may have been cut from the story as I sought desperately for ways to reduce word count. Entire characters had their sub-stories cut.
Regarding wild animals, deer are mentioned, as are eagles, wolves (I think - if not in Traitor certainly in Prophecies of Madatar, where they play an important role), squirrels, fish, and small birds. Maybe I reference dragons. Can't remember. So much was deleted in the last edit.
There are also a couple of references to Giant Cats.
Surprisingly, I have said very little about Giant Cats on this blog. Where more is said is in Tavaar's Backstory - and some place else I can't find right now. The portion where they are discussed in Tavaar's Backstory has not been posted at this time. However, in that portion, Khaiu delivers an infodump about Giant Cats.
“Shadow Cats are ancient creatures from the Beginning,” said Khaiu. “There are three kinds: Fire Cats, Shadow Cats, and Sphinx. All are gifted in speech and knowledge. Their quest is for knowledge. The Fire Cats are perhaps the wisest, able to take in and understand knowledge better than the others. They are mountain and forest dwellers. Their strength is in their ability to focus on an idea. Their weakness is tied to their strength. Because they focus on an idea, their knowledge is more limited. Unlike the Shadow Cats and Sphinx. The Shadow Cars are the balance of Fire Cats. Maybe that is why the two are generally found together. But whereas Fire Cats focus intently on certain areas of knowledge, Shadow Cats are curious about everything. Thus, Shadow Cats are gifted with more knowledge, but less understanding. I do not say this to offend.” This last was spoken to Shadow Mother, who was listening intently. She smiled.
“You only speak the truth, little one. Go on. You are doing well. Tell them of the Sphinx.”
“The Sphinx are between the two. They are less wise, but more knowledgeable than Fire Cats, and more wise and less knowledgeable than Shadow Cats. Also, they do not appear to get along with the others, and so shun the forests and mountains. In fact, they do not appear to care much for anyone or anything.”
“They do not,” said Shadow Mother. “They threaten and bully. They love to torment. Unlike us, they are ever loth to reveal their knowledge. They couch what they know in riddles and deception, misleading the well intended.”
“And you do not?” asked Sashwa.
As you can see, Khaiu is not alone. At least Sashwa is with him. Not only that, but they are in the presence of a Giant Cat. I'll let you know now that there were seven present: Khaiu and Tura, Shello and Klarissa, Tavaar and Wheylen, and Sashwa. This scene is critical in explaining some of what is to come.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Where are the Creatures
Swords of Fire contains plenty of mythical creatures. Unfortunately, Book I contains none of them. There are dragons. I even have a couple of dragon stories. But they are not part of the main Saga. Same with Unicorns, Gryphons, and other such creatures.
It's a pity, because I like these creatures. But putting cool creatures into a story simply because they are cool creatures only ruins the story and anything the writer wishes to say about the creatures. They have to fit. They have to be part of the story and, unfortunately, they aren't part of Book I's story. In fact, it's hard to bring them into the Saga at all.
I've seen movies where this is done. The hero/heroine comes across one unusual creature after another, but none really moves the story along. It's almost like little museum stops along the way. Say, boys and girls, look at this dinosaur. You thought they were extinct, but here is one alive. And look at the flying lizard/bird/antelope creature. I bet you never seen or heard of one of those again. Oh, well. Back to the story.
It's kind of like infodump, only worse, because the information has nothing to do with the story. At least with background information the reader learns why characters behave as they do. They're completely bored, but they know.
Mythical creatures are cool, and when they are part of a story they can make an interesting story even more intriguing. But when they are not part of the story they should be left out. They won't mind. They have their own stories.
It's a pity, because I like these creatures. But putting cool creatures into a story simply because they are cool creatures only ruins the story and anything the writer wishes to say about the creatures. They have to fit. They have to be part of the story and, unfortunately, they aren't part of Book I's story. In fact, it's hard to bring them into the Saga at all.
I've seen movies where this is done. The hero/heroine comes across one unusual creature after another, but none really moves the story along. It's almost like little museum stops along the way. Say, boys and girls, look at this dinosaur. You thought they were extinct, but here is one alive. And look at the flying lizard/bird/antelope creature. I bet you never seen or heard of one of those again. Oh, well. Back to the story.
It's kind of like infodump, only worse, because the information has nothing to do with the story. At least with background information the reader learns why characters behave as they do. They're completely bored, but they know.
Mythical creatures are cool, and when they are part of a story they can make an interesting story even more intriguing. But when they are not part of the story they should be left out. They won't mind. They have their own stories.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lords #1
The role of the Children of Fire changed over time. Originally, control of the Sea was to be given to one of the Three Lords. That plan ended when the Lords initiated the War which nearly destroyed the Sea. Then the Children of Fire became regents for the Free People, who would be granted final dominion.
That was the original concept. Subsequent exploration shows it to be inaccurate. The Great Sea was always meant for Madatar and Ardora.
There is not a lot written about the Three Lords at this time. Most of what is known about them is still in my head. I did come across some archival records, written nearly thirty years ago, which sheds some light on who the Lords were, and what their role was. The following is the result of combining several documents into one record. Please forgive the overly dramatic prose.
There were three (3): Kensington, Draem and Zenophone. They were the first of the Children of Fire to come to the Great Sea. They were also the most powerful of those who came. That there were more powerful members of their order seems to be implied by means of their limited abilities. However, on the Great Sea there were only two (2) powers mightier: Madatar - when joined with Ardora; the High King himself.
"Kensington, Draem and Zenophone were ever known by the Free Peoples as The Lords. These were chosen for the powers which they represented.
Kensington cherished wisdom and understanding above all else. His delight was in the search for knowledge and truth.
Draem loved beauty and order. She believed in the good of existence and purpose. To Draem, nothing was ugly and nothing was meaningless.
Zenophone believed in strength. Without strength, mortal beings could not survive. Their wisdom would fade, their beauty abandon them, and their purpose be short-lived."
Kensington is credited with bringing the first land to the surface.
"And the Three came to the Great Sea together. They saw it and marveled at its wonder and beauty. Then Kensington stepped upon the still melting ice, and his step caused the ice to flee, and land, freed from its prison, rose in its place. This would be where they would begin."
Each of the Three Lords is credited with the creation of certain mythological creatures, although they all had a part in the creation of all. The following list is NOT all-inclusive.
Kensington's creatures: Phoenix, Winged Horses, Gryphons
Draem's creatures: Golden Sheep, Giant Cats, Unicorns
Zenophone's creatures: Dragons, Centaurs
That was the original concept. Subsequent exploration shows it to be inaccurate. The Great Sea was always meant for Madatar and Ardora.
There is not a lot written about the Three Lords at this time. Most of what is known about them is still in my head. I did come across some archival records, written nearly thirty years ago, which sheds some light on who the Lords were, and what their role was. The following is the result of combining several documents into one record. Please forgive the overly dramatic prose.
There were three (3): Kensington, Draem and Zenophone. They were the first of the Children of Fire to come to the Great Sea. They were also the most powerful of those who came. That there were more powerful members of their order seems to be implied by means of their limited abilities. However, on the Great Sea there were only two (2) powers mightier: Madatar - when joined with Ardora; the High King himself.
"Kensington, Draem and Zenophone were ever known by the Free Peoples as The Lords. These were chosen for the powers which they represented.
Kensington cherished wisdom and understanding above all else. His delight was in the search for knowledge and truth.
Draem loved beauty and order. She believed in the good of existence and purpose. To Draem, nothing was ugly and nothing was meaningless.
Zenophone believed in strength. Without strength, mortal beings could not survive. Their wisdom would fade, their beauty abandon them, and their purpose be short-lived."
Kensington is credited with bringing the first land to the surface.
"And the Three came to the Great Sea together. They saw it and marveled at its wonder and beauty. Then Kensington stepped upon the still melting ice, and his step caused the ice to flee, and land, freed from its prison, rose in its place. This would be where they would begin."
Each of the Three Lords is credited with the creation of certain mythological creatures, although they all had a part in the creation of all. The following list is NOT all-inclusive.
Kensington's creatures: Phoenix, Winged Horses, Gryphons
Draem's creatures: Golden Sheep, Giant Cats, Unicorns
Zenophone's creatures: Dragons, Centaurs
Friday, November 7, 2008
Dragons
I was just looking at my Dragons Geneology. It's one of my older documents, dating back into the 1980s. It's an unfinished document. I haven't worked on it in years. The intent was to list every dragon every made/born on The Great Sea. I have slots open for names, but very few dragons actually received their name. Originally, there would be 2,544 dragons divided equally over 12 breeds. I'm sure I will return to this document and actually finish it, but probably not until I finish with the family archives. That could be a while.
Dragons were conceived by Zenophone, but created as a collaberative effort with Kensington and Draem. They were the mightiest, and most intelligent, of the Children of Fire (COF) creations. They were made from the elements found within the Great Sea, but also imbued with the Fire, which burned in the center. That the dragons should be intelligent with wills of their own was unexpected. But then, the COF didn't fully comprehend the Fire they used to help make their creations.
Zenephone's purpose in creating the dragons became clear when he made his move to take control of the Great Sea to himself. It had been his plan that the dragons would come to his aid, and many did. But not all. The Wyth and Byth dragons refused him, concerning themselves more with protecting the Pennell people. Other breeds did join in the war, but it wasn't always clear which side they fought for. Only a few were completely under Zenophone's control.
Each dragon breed was different in appearance, strength and wisdom, but they all shared certain traits. They could all fly, although some were better at it than others. They all possessed tremendous strength, and were impervious to disease. They lived forever, unless killed. That could be done, but few were capable of it. Each began with a single pair. Females would lay seven eggs, over a period of years. The second egg would not come until the first hatchling had left the nest. The first was always a male, and it would be the largest and strongest of the seven. The next two would always be female, each slightly smaller than its predecessor. The fourth would be male. The first male would eventually mate with the first female (these are not people, so it isn't sick), and the second female with the second male. The last three would not mate. They also lacked the intelligence of the first four. Basically, they were giant beasts, acting on instinct rather than thought. Although not nearly so powerful as their older siblings, these were the dangerous dragons, the beasts which were most often found hoarding gems and jewelry. They could talk, and they believed themselves to be all-powerful and wise, but they were deluded.
Wyth Dragons
Wyth Dragons were white. Along with the Byth Dragons, they were the largest and wisest of the twelve breeds. They were also the most difficult to find. Wyth dragons were most often found in the high reaches of mountains. Their color allowed them to blend in seemlessly with the snow which surrounded them. When they flew it was generally within clouds. Their piercing awareness allowed them to see through the mists. They took their life energy from the Fire, which poured light and life upon all worlds. They were especially friendly to the Pennells.
Byth Dragons
Byth Dragons were black. Apart from pigment, there was little difference between the Byth and the Wyth. Byth dragons lived in shadows, where their dark color camouflaged them. They could be found in mountain caves or thick forests. They were most active at night.
Rath Dragons
Rath Dragons were red, rubies being a major part of their scales. They were impatient with the lesser beings and creatures of the Sea and often inflicted harm on others. They feared nothing, except Wyths, Byths and sometimes Gaths.
Gath Dragons
Gath Dragons were green. They were like a twin to the Rath, holding all other creatures in disdain. Like their Rath cousins, they tended to avoid Wyths and Byths - and Raths.
Bourn Dragons
Bourn Dragons were blue, like azure. They were the first of the Third Level Dragons. Less in stature then the Wyths and Byths, and the Raths and Gaths, they were still formidable. They were usually found near water. They were probably the most tolerant of the Free Peoples.
Gourn Dragons
Gourn Dragons were gold, and they were attracted to places rich in gold. Although not exactly tolerant of the Free People, Gourns did tend to ignore them - as long as they left the gold alone.
Sourn Dragons
Sourn Dragons were bluish silver. They liked to travel and seldom remained in any area long. They had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed testing their wisdom against the Free Peoples.
B'Lei Dragons
B'Lei Dragons were bronze. They were a desert dragon, though not sandy desert. They preferred pack clay, burnt orange from the sun. They were one of several breeds which gave themselves wholly to Zenephone during the Great War.
Y'Lei Dragons
Y'Lei Dragons were yellow, like sulfer. They were also a desert dragon, although they could be found in grassy plains as well. Like the B'Lei, they were eager to join to Zenephone when he attempted to take control of the Sea to himself.
P'Lei Dragons
P'Lei Dragons were one of the more beautiful dragons. Their color ranged from lavender to violet, depending on age. As they grew older, they darkened. Like their cousins, the B'Lei and Y'Lei, P'Lei dragons bent toward supporting Zenephone in his quest for domination.
Grond Dragons
Grond Dragons were grey, and they belonged to the final tier of dragons. They preferred rocky terrains in any climate. When laying still they tended to look like a large pile of rocks. They were observant, paying attention to all within their scope. It is said they so looked like the rocks which hid them, that it was not unheard of that the Free Peoples should actually camp within their reach and never know it. Grond Dragons were slow to act.
Brond Dragons
Brond Dragons were brown. They were not keen on the Free Peoples, but they loved the other creature made by the COF. It is also said they protected the herds of hoofed animals which roamed grassy plains. They proved to be less of an aid to Zenophone than planned. They mostly concerned themselves with the care of beasts.
Dragons were conceived by Zenophone, but created as a collaberative effort with Kensington and Draem. They were the mightiest, and most intelligent, of the Children of Fire (COF) creations. They were made from the elements found within the Great Sea, but also imbued with the Fire, which burned in the center. That the dragons should be intelligent with wills of their own was unexpected. But then, the COF didn't fully comprehend the Fire they used to help make their creations.
Zenephone's purpose in creating the dragons became clear when he made his move to take control of the Great Sea to himself. It had been his plan that the dragons would come to his aid, and many did. But not all. The Wyth and Byth dragons refused him, concerning themselves more with protecting the Pennell people. Other breeds did join in the war, but it wasn't always clear which side they fought for. Only a few were completely under Zenophone's control.
Each dragon breed was different in appearance, strength and wisdom, but they all shared certain traits. They could all fly, although some were better at it than others. They all possessed tremendous strength, and were impervious to disease. They lived forever, unless killed. That could be done, but few were capable of it. Each began with a single pair. Females would lay seven eggs, over a period of years. The second egg would not come until the first hatchling had left the nest. The first was always a male, and it would be the largest and strongest of the seven. The next two would always be female, each slightly smaller than its predecessor. The fourth would be male. The first male would eventually mate with the first female (these are not people, so it isn't sick), and the second female with the second male. The last three would not mate. They also lacked the intelligence of the first four. Basically, they were giant beasts, acting on instinct rather than thought. Although not nearly so powerful as their older siblings, these were the dangerous dragons, the beasts which were most often found hoarding gems and jewelry. They could talk, and they believed themselves to be all-powerful and wise, but they were deluded.
Wyth Dragons
Wyth Dragons were white. Along with the Byth Dragons, they were the largest and wisest of the twelve breeds. They were also the most difficult to find. Wyth dragons were most often found in the high reaches of mountains. Their color allowed them to blend in seemlessly with the snow which surrounded them. When they flew it was generally within clouds. Their piercing awareness allowed them to see through the mists. They took their life energy from the Fire, which poured light and life upon all worlds. They were especially friendly to the Pennells.
Byth Dragons
Byth Dragons were black. Apart from pigment, there was little difference between the Byth and the Wyth. Byth dragons lived in shadows, where their dark color camouflaged them. They could be found in mountain caves or thick forests. They were most active at night.
Rath Dragons
Rath Dragons were red, rubies being a major part of their scales. They were impatient with the lesser beings and creatures of the Sea and often inflicted harm on others. They feared nothing, except Wyths, Byths and sometimes Gaths.
Gath Dragons
Gath Dragons were green. They were like a twin to the Rath, holding all other creatures in disdain. Like their Rath cousins, they tended to avoid Wyths and Byths - and Raths.
Bourn Dragons
Bourn Dragons were blue, like azure. They were the first of the Third Level Dragons. Less in stature then the Wyths and Byths, and the Raths and Gaths, they were still formidable. They were usually found near water. They were probably the most tolerant of the Free Peoples.
Gourn Dragons
Gourn Dragons were gold, and they were attracted to places rich in gold. Although not exactly tolerant of the Free People, Gourns did tend to ignore them - as long as they left the gold alone.
Sourn Dragons
Sourn Dragons were bluish silver. They liked to travel and seldom remained in any area long. They had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed testing their wisdom against the Free Peoples.
B'Lei Dragons
B'Lei Dragons were bronze. They were a desert dragon, though not sandy desert. They preferred pack clay, burnt orange from the sun. They were one of several breeds which gave themselves wholly to Zenephone during the Great War.
Y'Lei Dragons
Y'Lei Dragons were yellow, like sulfer. They were also a desert dragon, although they could be found in grassy plains as well. Like the B'Lei, they were eager to join to Zenephone when he attempted to take control of the Sea to himself.
P'Lei Dragons
P'Lei Dragons were one of the more beautiful dragons. Their color ranged from lavender to violet, depending on age. As they grew older, they darkened. Like their cousins, the B'Lei and Y'Lei, P'Lei dragons bent toward supporting Zenephone in his quest for domination.
Grond Dragons
Grond Dragons were grey, and they belonged to the final tier of dragons. They preferred rocky terrains in any climate. When laying still they tended to look like a large pile of rocks. They were observant, paying attention to all within their scope. It is said they so looked like the rocks which hid them, that it was not unheard of that the Free Peoples should actually camp within their reach and never know it. Grond Dragons were slow to act.
Brond Dragons
Brond Dragons were brown. They were not keen on the Free Peoples, but they loved the other creature made by the COF. It is also said they protected the herds of hoofed animals which roamed grassy plains. They proved to be less of an aid to Zenophone than planned. They mostly concerned themselves with the care of beasts.
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