This is me explaining my opinion why before the Prequel era is more interesting than after the original trilogy. Everything I am about to talk about is consider non-canon by Disney. However, these stories have been and always will be better than the empire... I mean corporation that is Disney.
So here is my number 10 for why before the Prequel era is more interesting than after the Original Trilogy:
10. The Celestials, the Ones, and Abeloth
Probably the most powerful force users in the Star Wars Galaxy, the Celestials were basically the "gods and goddesses" of the Star Wars Galaxy. (They are basically the Star Wars equivalent to the the Halo Precursors). They are supposedly the creators of different species and the architects of multiple structures. They're Empire and entire race slowly began to fade out once the Rakatan Infinite Empire began conquering the galaxy. The three who survived were known as the Ones. They were the representations of Dark Side of the Force (The Son), the Light Side of the Force (The Daughter), and just the Force (The Father). They all had a galactic impact on the galaxy with their powers. The story goes that they lived on an unnamed tropical planet that contained a Font of Power and a Pool of Knowledge. (Star Wars might be stealing from human sources here 😉).
The Children were told by the Father to not drink from the font or bathe in the Pool. Naturally they did. The Son drank from the Font of Power, basically making him the physical form of the Dark Side. The Daughter bathed in the Pool of Knowledge, making her the physical form of the Light Side. The Children then claimed areas of the Tropical Planet and began fighting each other, while the Father tried to keep the balance between the two. (Hence the keep balance to the Force thing and the constant fighting between the Light and Dark Side of the Force).
Eventually a young woman came to the Tropical Planet, who took the title The Servant. She served the Father and helped mend the relationship between the Daughter and Son. She eventually was given the title of the Mother. But she was mortal. As she grew older, she couldn't stop the Son and Daughter from fighting. To stop the fighting she went to drink from the Font of Power and bathed in the Pool of Knowledge. However, this amount of power destroyed the Mother, turning her into the creature known as Abeloth, the Bringer of Chaos.
Abeloth made the Children bow to her, but the Father stopped her, taking his Children away from the Tropical Planet. The three Celestials joined forces with other powerful force sensitive beings to create multiple stations surrounding the Tropical Planet. Eventually these stations created what is known as the Maw, which imprisoned Abeloth. Then the Father took his Children to a hidden monolith-gated planted known as Mortis. There, he kept the balance between his Children, thus keeping a balance between the Force.
Now the Father, Daughter, and Son are canon. They showed up in the Mortis arc in the Star Wars the Clone Wars tv series. The gist of these episodes was affirming Anakin was the Chosen One, and that he was supposed to take the place of the Father to keep the balance between his children. Anakin of course doesn't stay on Mortis -- When he leaves the last of the Celestials (the Father, Son, and Daughter) are all dead, leaving the Force unbalanced. There is no mention of Aebolth in these episodes, so it is hard to say if she is canon or not. I also believe that there might be some call backs to the episode arc in the 4th season of Star Wars Rebels if Ahsoka Tano returns to the series (if she is alive that is). This is because Ahsoka died on Mortis because of the Son. Before she died, the Daughter transferred the last of her life force into Ahsoka to bring her back from the dead. So I wonder if Ahsoka will return as some kind of mix between Ahsoka and the Daughter. Hard to say.
My next post will be about my number 9 reason for why before the Prequel era is more interesting than after the Original Trilogy. - Emperor Valkorion
It's been awhile, but now that I am done with my Student Teaching I should be able to get back on a regular schedule for Blog Posts.
Now this post is going to be about Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi.
I was going to wait till the start of the year to review it, but I'm just gonna do it now.
So here is my warning. SPOILERS are ahead. You've been warned.
Alight, to start off I just want to encourage you to go watch it if you haven't seen the movie yet. Don't listen to all the critics who are giving positive and negative reviews of the movie. Just go watch it and make your own opinions first.
Ok, so for starters I'm gonna say that this was not my favorite Star Wars movie, but it wasn't the worst either... I'M LOOKING AT YOU EPISODE 1 😁
Now, those of you who have been reading my blog posts probably know that I love the Prequel Trilogy as much as I love the Original Trilogy. I also think that Rogue One is probably my third favorite Star Wars movie, right after Episode 3 and 5.
Now that I've gotten through that, let me talk to you about the actual movie. Star Wars 8's opening scenes are epic. I think the opening evacuation and Space Battle between the Resistance and the First Order is awesome. Now, I really do think that it is a bit overkill for the writers to allow the First Order to have ships that basically have mini-death star guns. Now I will admit, that the first time I heard about the First Order Dreadnought I thought that it was going to be model after something similar to the Darksaber super weapon from legends. Course I was wrong. - Darksaber
The sacrifice at the beginning was pretty cool too, although I think it is odd that the Resistance decided to switch out old bomber ships, such as the Y-Wing and B-Wing for the MG-100 StarFortress SF-17, considering Y-Wings and B-Wings are faster and proven to be effective in evading other star fighters and destroying Capital Ships (they were used effectively in both the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War). Although, it seems that the Movie Creators were taking notes on Michael Bay movies and decided to put in a nice big explosion in at the beginning. 😏
It's cool how they transitioned from the Space Battle to Luke and Rey where episode 7 ended. Now this is where things get dicey. I love the character of Luke. What Disney did to him I think it is in poor taste of his characterization. Especially for what Luke was originally supposed to be and what he did according to the Legends Canon. Of course, we have to put that thought process aside because Disney killed the Expanded Universe without thinking.
Luke wants nothing to do with the Jedi and bringing it back because he screwed up once. Sure his screw up involved a replay of episode 3 -- just not on as much as an emotional level (Purge). Luke is the Grand Master of the Jedi Order. I think his reaction was right in his self-exile, but I don't believe it should have taken him that long to have recovered. Of course he does say that he cut himself off from the Force, which was an interesting way to explain his current dilemma. I still think it is in poor taste of Luke, the Jedi, and really any hero character out there. A hero character may get knocked down multiple times on their Hero Journey, but they will always get back up to confront the evil, being stronger than before because they recovered from their trial with a new revelation. Which makes me wonder if Luke has bigger part in episode 9 as a Force Ghost, doing more than what Yoda and Obi-Wan did in the Original Trilogy and Qui-Gon in the Prequel Trilogy.
The next thing. Leia has force powers. Now looking back at the other movies you already know that she has the ability to use the force. Or at least that she is force sensitive. It becomes more apparent in episode 6 towards the end. It appears in episode 8 that she had to have had some kind of training, probably from her brother Luke. Now when I first watched this scene, I was baffled. I wasn't sure if this felt right. Kinda like having a bad feeling about this. But I believe that it was awesome to see the daughter of Anakin Skywalker use the Force. Carrie Fisher did an awesome job in this film. I think all of her scenes were perfect. She still portrayed the fearlessness and hopeful Princess from the Original Trilogy perfectly. Now I did think it was kinda odd that no where towards the end of episode 7 or beginning of episode 8 that nobody talked about or made mention of Han dying. Now the end where Luke does by handing Leia the dice from the Falcon was just perfect, however. Awesome job. We will miss Carrie Fisher and her awesome performances, as well as her wisdom and leadership, especially outside of Star Wars.
Snoke. Haha. Beautiful. Snoke's powers are truly sith-like. Even though Snoke claims to not be a Sith, he certainly acts like one. He definitely is a Dark Side User. His power was awesome, from throwing General Hux around like a rag doll to using that awesome force lightning. Now comes the kicker. Snoke "died." Kylo Ren/Ben Solo cut Snoke in half using Anakin's lightsaber. It was a pretty epic scene and the fight that followed with Kylo and Rey fighting Snoke's guards was just as sweet. Now. I do wonder if Snoke figured out how to live forever as a force ghost as well. He obviously is a call back to the True Sith of Star Wars Legends Canon. Sith Lords like Marka Ragnos were able to turn into force ghost when they died. It just makes me wonder if Snoke will continue to have a role in the next movie. Which also made me wonder if Luke will have a bigger role in the next movie, especially since Carrie Fisher passed away last year and episode 9 was supposed to be focused more on Leia's character, just like 7 was Han's movie and 8 was Luke's movie. Of course, Snoke could just be permanently dead and it was a call back to what Sidious tried to make Luke do in episode 6 in the Throne room. Regardless, it's hard to say. We'll just have to wait 😊
Now comes probably my favorite cinematic visual effect of the whole movie. In probably one of my new favorite Star Wars scenes, Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo sends the Raddus through hyperspace right through Snoke's ship, cutting it in half basically. It was awesome. It probably is one of my top Star Wars scenes now. It makes me wonder if other characters have ever thought to suicide jump their ship into enemy ships to save others. Regardless, it was awesome.
Then there is the weak spot in this movie. When Finn and Rose go to Canto Bight. Now I think that those scenes may have a bigger purpose in episode 9, specifically the slave boy who actually uses the Force at the very end of episode 8. Yes, he uses the force. Watch the movie again if you don't believe me. He uses the force on the broom that he is playing with at the end of the movie. I do wonder if Temiri Blagg will return in episode 9 as a potential force sensitive student to Rey. Maybe.
I also think that DJ's character is a very pointless. However, the more I think about it the more I believe that that was probably the point. DJ was a character in Star Wars that we hardly get to see fully. Han was kind of like this in episode 4 at the beginning, not really caring about the threats of the galaxy and only wanting money. Ultimately, I think the scenes on Canto Bight were just a plot device, to break away from watching a fleet getting slowly destroyed and the training montage with Luke and Rey. It was also a good use of characterizing Finn and Rose more.
Now of course we get to the Battle of Crait. Now the thing I hate about it was the same thing from the beginning of the movie. The First Order have this Superlaser Siege Gun that literally blows up an impenetrable door... guess it's not so impenetrable then. hmm.
I really don't like the First Order having this Superlasers just lying around willy nilly. It makes them perhaps a little too overpowered. I mean, I get that they are the bad guys, but they have a lot of super weapons. It's like a maniac writer said to themselves, "Oh look an impenetrable door. Be a shame if someone had multiple cannons to blow that impenetrable door up wouldn't." Anyway, the door is blown up and just when all hope is lost, Luke "saves" the day - as all true Jedi do. Luke gets the attention of new Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, who orders his newer model of the AT-AT Walkers called an AT-M6 Walker, to fire on Luke. Luke seems to be missed by all the lasers, and begins a duel with Kylo Ren. It was a pretty good part of the movie. Though I'm sure that many wish Luke used his green lightsaber instead of Anakin's blue lightsaber. Or that Luke would actually be there in the flesh to fight...
Oh yeah, Luke wasn't actually there. He used the Force to project himself across the galaxy. Luke was talking to Yoda - who is the only force ghost to make an appearance in the movie (miss you Obi-Wan/Ewan). Yoda uses force powers that we have never seen before by actually controlling the weather. He also seemingly destroys the books that were basically the how to be a jedi and how to start your own jedi order guides. Of course at the end of the movie we find out Rey actually stole them before she left Acht-To.
Anyway, Luke did his part. He beat Kylo... well didn't kill him, but definitely bested him. Unfortunately, the use of his powers in such a way ended up killing Luke, which really makes me hope that Luke will return as a force ghost in episode 9 to explain things to and guide Rey.
The end of the Battle of Crait is seeing the Resistance retreating to the Falcon with Leia still alive. Now I have no idea what Disney has planned for Leia, since the legend, Carrie Fisher, passed away. However, I hope it is more than just a -- "Oh yeah, she died... lost the will to live..." or something like that. (Cause that would never happen in Star Wars.)
And that's pretty much Star Wars 8 in a nutshell. Resistance is on the run, the future of the Jedi is unknown (if there is a future at all that is), and Kylo Ren is becoming basically a new Sith Lord even though he doesn't call himself a Sith.
This movie left me with a couple questions and hopes. Why in the world hasn't Anakin's ghost talked to Ben Solo at all? Bigger question (that's from a book and not the movies). Why didn't Han, Leia, and Luke tell Ben that his grandfather was Darth Vader in the first place (that's just setting yourself up to fail). Will we get to see Obi-Wan's, Yoda's, Anakin's, or Luke's Force Ghost in episode 9. After all, Obi-Wan does technically talk to Rey in episode 7 in Rey's force vision. Another thing, will Rey become a Jedi Master or something like a Jedi Master in episode 9? Will she start having her own trainees. That would be cool.
The biggest thing that I am speculating is her lightsaber. She doesn't have one... well she has part of Anakin's old lightsaber - Kylo and Rey destroyed it on Snoke's ship. I really hope and wonder if Rey will be using a double bladed saber staff, like Darth Maul's lightsaber was. That would be epic. The reason why I think she would have a saber staff is because in episode 7 she uses her staff as a scavenger for a lot of things and was able to maneuver it quite easily.
Anyway that's really all I got. I'd give the movie an overall 8 out of 10. It's Star Wars. And it's awesome. Sure there were some problems. Sure as a Star Wars nerd, I was upset with a couple things. However, it was a good story overall. It wasn't the best story ever told in Star Wars lore. But it was a good story none the less. I have a few problems with Rey -- I still think she is a Mary Sue. However, maybe episode 9 will be her redeeming factor. After all, Star Wars trilogies are meant to be watched as such. A trilogy. The Heroes Journey of Rey isn't over yet. It's incomplete. We'll have to wait for episode 9 to see the grand finale of Rey's journey.
I really hope you get to go and watch Star Wars episode 8 The Last Jedi. Don't just read this and other reviews of the movie, just to decide if you should watch the movie or not. Go and watch the movie, and form your own opinion about it. There may be things that are a little bizarre, things that feel like they don't belong. But it is still Star Wars, and now it is canon. I hope you get to take the time to watch it.
If you've been following me for the past two posts then you know that I've been updating you on my story progress and have been starting to reveal to you some of the Ancient Lore of Mankind. Remember, the lore is just the bare minimum, and are not the complete stories. I plan on going back to eventually use these pieces of lore to write short stories.
So before we get into the Lore, here is my story update:
I did reach 83 pages last time I posted. However, I made the unfortunate realization that the last five pages really don't add or take away from the story. It actually takes the story in a completely different direction. So I'm gonna have to go back and cut it. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to regain my number of 83 pages and hopefully by the end of the day I'll be soaring above 100 pages.
Alright. Before we get into the lore, I encourage you to read on past the excerpt from what I wrote. Kinda like a stayed tuned thing. Haha. I'll be giving you a movie or TV show recommendation after the excerpt.
So here we go. If you didn't read yesterday's post, check it out here.
With out further ado, here is the lore for today:
(Love this picture of my Woods)
*
The Rise of the Aidis
Several years later, Lumir spoke with Kyyja, seeking to fix Mankind and Kyyja. Kyyja agreed to meet Lumir in the Playing Fields. When Lumir arrived, Kyyja used her powers to confine Lumir. Kyyja then brought Lumir before her Dark Lord, the Dark Entity that had corrupted her. The Ancient Dark Entity began corrupting Lumir’s Pure Light Spirit. Lumir began to feel his Spirit going dark. When only a glimmer of Light was left, Lumir called out the sacred name of the Lord Viius.
The Lord Viius appeared in an instant, making the Dark Entity flee before him. It screeched horribly as it fled the Realm. Kyyja became terrified and fled as well, fearing what Viius would do to her. Viius then freed Lumir, and brought him back to the surface.
Viius explained to Lumir that when the Universe was created, one of the Seven Original Creations (the Kandryls) introduced doubt and fear to the Realms. Viius explained that the Dark Entity was referred to as the Bos Tumma, forsaking his holy name. Viius then said that he gave the choice to all of creation on whether they would follow him or the later, Bos Tumma.
(I haven't really decided if this one is to be Bos Tumma or if it is Lunar)
Viius then told Lumir that he was leaving for the Eternal Realm and would not return, closing the portal to the Eternal Realm to all but three. This was because darkness had come to the world, and though Viius loved his creation, he knew that if beings corrupted by Darkness stood in the presence of a Being made of Pure Light, they would disintegrate when they looked upon his true form.
As Viius prepared to leave, Lumir begged Viius to take the darkness from his soul. Viius warned that magic can neither be created nor destroyed, meaning that the darkness he took from Lumir would have to go somewhere. He also warned that this kind of magic would come at a great price. Lumir wanted to know the details, as he was wise.
Viius told Lumir that Lumir’s soul would be split in two, Bos and Dor; the Dark and the Light. But Lumir would no longer be able to manifest a physical form, and that Lumir would have to place his spirit inside a host of a sentient-humanoid, swearing to bring balance and be the voice of Viius in the Realm.
(Vikus and Magic)
Then Viius warned of another price that came with the deal; that Lumir’s Dark Spirit, named Lunar, would be imprisoned on a newly created moon that never sets. He warned that Lunar would be released every four thousand years to unleash his evil on the Realm, and that if he succeeded in defeating Lumir, the Realm would be covered in three thousand years of Darkness.
This was the price…and Lumir accepted.
Viius pulled the Darkness out of Lumir, creating Lunar. Viius then banished Lunar onto a newly created moon. Viius then increased Lumir’s Pure Light Powers tenfold. Lumir was told about the Vikken State and the passing of his Spirit. Lumir then was told he was to first lead Mankind to unity. Viius then embedded Lumir’s Spirit into a newborn child of a lowly human tribe, near the southern part of the Great Lake.
Abda’s Birth and Calling
The child’s name was Abda, and he was the first Aidis. Abda at a young age had visions, given to him by Viius. He was also trained in hand-to-hand combat, as all members of his tribe were. He was told and taught the stories of old, and became very inquisitive with them, desiring to know more.
At the age of fourteen, Abda began to realize he had the ability to use Vikus, the magical property that connected all living things together and flowed from Viius. However, Abda’s curiosity with his powers made him accidently burn down his entire village, killing many including his Chief. Abda became terrified of the consequences, and before anyone could do anything to him, he fled to the Northwest in self-exile. He learned to live off the land early on. Eventually he ended up in Elvish Lands.
(This is what Abda will eventually become)
The Elves, being a peaceful people and wanting to keep the balance, took Abda to their capital, Shilvé, which was still under construction. The Elves, being deeply connected to Vikus and being very wise, taught Abda how to use his powers. They trained him well and eventually he learned how to use the Vikken State. Abda then had a vision from Viius.
In his vison, Viius told Abda that the time had come to return to the land of Mankind, and unite them, fulfilling the destiny of all Aidis’. Abda was at first fearful. Viius comforted Abda, saying that much has changed in the Land of Man. He explained that eight kingdoms had risen, uniting the various tribes. He also told Abda that no matter where he went or what he faced, that he would go before Abda. So Abda accepted and began his journey back to the Land of Man.
*
So from this lore we learned a few things. How the dark creature Lunar was created from Lumir, and how Lunar would return every four thousand years. We also learned why the God Viius left the Mortal Realm into his Eternal Realm in order to protect his creation from being obliterated when they looked upon him. We learned a little about Vikus and the magic of the world. Finally we were introduced to the man named Abda, who was the first of the Aidis. My next post will be about Abda and his journey to unite mankind into one Confederation of Kingdoms.
(A shadow Dragon)
So as promised, here is my Movie recommendation for today:
If you haven't seen it already, go and check out Guardians of the Galaxy 2. It was a great movie and has been out for some time now. It had a lot of funny parts and was able to throw in a lot of emotional parts as well. Overall it was surprisingly good writing. But it's Marvel, so how couldn't it have been. haha.
Don't forget to come back tomorrow and see what will become of Abda, the First Aidis.
Terms and Conditions:
The reader of this subject matter agrees to the condition that he/she shall in no way sell nor any take any part of it, nor make copies of it to distribute freely.
All Persons Fictitious Disclaimer:
This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.
Just as I promised, I am going to start sharing with you the lore of the World that I've created.
All of this Lore is canon now and I will probably go back and write some short stories based on this lore.
(Potential Series Cover?)
I thought it was kind of funny because I wanted to say that these short stories that I write will actually be books that are referenced in the big stories that I will right, like the Illum story I am working on right now.
The best part about World Building is that when I get writers block and can take a break from my story and work on another one. And if I force myself to write only short stories, then that means I will still be writing, which is always important for a writer to do.
(Some Okred Swords)
Ok, so before I get into the lore, I'm gonna give you an update on my story. I'm currently at 83 pages with 21, 560 words!!! Holy crap. I did all of that in the course of a little over a week. The story is going great, and I just hit chapter 9. The next chapter is the full explosion into the rising action. It's gonna be epic :D
Anyway, here is the first part of the story of Humanity in my Fantasy World.
Enjoy:
*
Creation:
At the center of the main continent, the creator God Viius walked. He stood upon the banks of the Great Lake. Viius reached down and grabbed some dirt. He formed the dirt into a shape. He made the shape in his image. He breathed his breath of life into the nostrils of the creature, allowing part of his spirit to reside inside of it.
The creature shook the dust off and looked up at the Lord. Viius then called the creature Man. The Lord set Man aside from all other creatures, even the Dragons. He increased the population of man by his power, making male and female. He told them to be fruitful and multiply.
(Map of the Kingdom of Man - Lake Abda was once just called the Great Lake)
Mankind began to grow under the care of Lord Viius and his Angels. Mankind spread across the land, only stopping at the mountain and water borders. Great bridges were constructed. Small family groups began to join together to form small tribes. When Viius saw his perfection prospering he went on to create other sentient-humanoid creatures, such as the Elves, Dwarves, and Saphids.
There were many human tribes in those days, numbering in the thousands. Groups of five tribes were instructed by a single Angel. The different tribes of Man began to work together within their groups of five, due to a common leadership and culture.
The Fall of Kyyja:
During this time the Goddess Kyyja came to the Playing Fields. She became corrupted by an Ancient Dark Entity that dwelled deep within a cave. Kyyja became lustful and rebellious. She grew to hate Mankind. She saw them as a way to replace the dragons, as she was a Dark Dragon Lord. This made her even hate the Lord Viius.
As Dragon Lords have the ability to morph into any intelligent creature, Kyyja morphed into a beautiful woman. She made Mankind lust for her, causing Mankind to fall into sin and stop listening to the Angels.
(Pantheon)
Kyyja hoped to make Mankind fall from grace to the point that Viius would have no choice but to destroy them. So she sent her lesser servants out to corrupt the teachings of the Angels, even convincing Mankind to drive the Angels away. Kyyja made her servants teach Mankind about war and bloodlust.
Kyyja went to her father, Ducorrbus (the Fire Dragon Lord and God of Fire and War), and tricked him into sending his servants to teach mankind how to fight wars and use fire. Mankind’s sin only grew because of this.
(Fire Dragon)
Then Kyyja approached her sister, Libris (a Phoenix and Goddess of Wisdom and Inventions). Kyyja tricked Libris into releasing her servants to teach Mankind how to make weapons. Mankind soon became masters of creating bronze weapons. Again, Mankind’s bloodlust only increased. When both Libris and Ducorrbus saw what they had a part in, they immediately recalled their servants, but the damage was already done.
Mankind continued to slaughter one another. Ducorrbus then sent his nephew, Lumir to confront Kyyja, as Lumir was an Angelic Being, and the God of Light and Hope. Lumir confronted Kyyja when she was teaching Mankind in her form as the beautiful woman. Lumir used his powers to expose Kyyja for what she was – a Dark Dragon.
This terrified Mankind because they had never seen a Dragon, let alone a Dark Dragon, before. Word of this spread like wildfire among Mankind, especially in the area around what was called the Playing Fields. However, by the time word reached the area around the Great Lake, the Story had gotten confused and lost. Mankind on the other side of the Great Lake were vile and blood thirsty. The fighting continued and soon Mankind would forget why they were fighting in the first place.
(This guy will be mentioned in the next Blog Post!!)
*
Well, there is the beginning of Mankind in my world. The Creation of Man by the God Viius, along with the corruption of the Dark Dragon Deity known as Kyyja. I even go into detail of how small groups of people start coming together to make small tribes. I make small mention of Viius creating other humanoids such as the Elves, Okreds, and Saphids. I make reference to Lumir, the Deity of Light and Hope. That's one that you should remember. I end by saying how Mankind is divided and how the tribes are constantly fighting each other.
Tomorrow I will go on to the next thing that happened with mankind. It is highly connected to the deity Lumir, so it's good to know this added context.
Until Next Time
STAY UPDATED WITH ALL THINGS ABATRAL
Don't Forget to check out my Short Story called the Morose Boy on Amazon, only $0.99 for the Kindle here.
Terms and Conditions:
The reader of this subject matter agrees to the condition that he/she shall in no way sell nor any take any part of it, nor make copies of it to distribute freely.
All Persons Fictitious Disclaimer:
This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.
I created a ton of lore for my world -- Check out my map stuff here
(Armor of the Clans across the Kingdom of Abatral)
There are tons of new short story possibilities that distracted me from the writing of my true story about Illum.
However, thanks to a long conversation with one of my Professional Writing buddies, I decided to scrap the five chapters I had written for my story and start over...
(Enochai Royal Guard - Human Kingdom of Abatral Royal Guard, with their Shield and Sword)
Yup. HAHAHA. I scrapped them all. That would be 38 pages, and 14, 256 Words. I scrapped 'em all.
The best part was my buddy gave me a new directions. So now the story starts three years after the second chapter of what I had cut. The best part is now there are real conflicts, and a whole lot more of Character Development, which I love to see.
(Ser Roland in Book 1 - Captain of the Royal Guard)
The day that I cut all that stuff (NOT DELETED -- I have a file on my computer that basically has all my scrapped material -- funny cause I've used some of that scrapped material in what I'm writing now) was last Saturday. After I cut all of it, I got to it. By the end of the day I was back up to 34 pages, and a little over 12 thousand words. That's crazy! The next day, I wrote 14 more pages, which means I wrote more in two days than I wrote in an entire year!! :)
(Ser Roland by Book 3, as the Lord of the Military and Grand General of the Army)
Now I'm on my new Chapter 5, with 58 pages and 15, 486 words. That is crazy!! And I am still on a spree for this. I keep on wanting to write, which is awesome. The story is really taking off and I'm super siked to see where it will go!
My next couple blog post will be about the lore that I've been working. This means that anything before now is considered Non-Canon in regards to the lore. There may be updated stuff, but mostly it is some new stuff. So stay up to date with my new lore things.
(Kris Dirk of Gattag, Black Hand Agent)
The new pictures on here are drawn by me and will be used in the story I currently am writing.
Below is the opening to the first chapter of my story.
Hope you enjoy:
It had been three years since I left home. Three years since I walked through those
golden gates of the Royal Palace. Three
years.
Within those years, I’ve gained friends. I’ve lost friends; and I’ve parted with
friends. The only one who remained true
was my teacher, my mentor. The only
father figure that I had after mine was killed several years ago. Yarmik.
I was only brought to the Palace to play songs for the King,
to ease his troubled mind. But I’ve
become so much more. My old teacher and
the Chief Diplomat to the King, Olbridge, taught me the art of diplomacy, as
well as how to read and write. My
closest friend, Prince Maollan, along with the Captain of his Royal Guard, Ser
Roland, have improved upon my sword and fighting skills over the years. But nothing, not even the superior training
that Yarmik had given me, could have prepared me for what was about to
come.
*
Loud thumps echoed clearly throughout the hall, as Yarmik
and myself headed to that chamber that reeked of death. I looked over at Yarmik, his scarlet robes
rippling as he continued at his hasty pace.
His face was expressionless, and his cold blue pupils were as piercing
as the blade that had left the scar next to his right eye. His neatly trimmed military style dark brown
hair was spikey and on point.
I came to a stop as we stood in front of the neatly gemmed
and decorated door. Despite its
appearance, the sickening smell of rotting corpses flowed from the chamber
door. It was time.
Yarmik looked at me and gave a slight smile before moving
towards the door and opening it. Yarmik
walked into the dimly lit room, and I followed.
The smell of death hit me like a brick.
Despite being in this chamber for three years, I never got used to the
smell. But today was different.
There in the far-right corner, next to the only candles that
lit the dark room, stood King Yurid of Abatral.
Growing up in the Bruqon Province, I remember idolizing his
majesty. After all, he was the Slayer of
the Ten-Thousand Bandits, during Hellion’s War. He saved my home from the pillaging and
destruction caused by those blood-thirsty villains. But now, the King was nothing more than a shell
of his former self.
His wife and daughter were dead.
*
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The reader of this subject matter agrees to the condition that he/she shall in no way sell nor any take any part of it, nor make copies of it to distribute freely.
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This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.
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Let me know if you think it flows alright into chapter 2 since it is a couple years after the events of chapter 1.
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Chapter 1
Illum - Protagonist
I knew what I had to do. I gripped the sword in my hand jumped onto the back of one of the saddled-up horses, swiftly maneuvering him around. I moved him at a gallop, rapidly leaving the protection of Bruqon Castle, and entering the shadowy woods.
They had killed him. They had killed my only brother. The Yu Vong Bandits.
No one seemed to care. No one did anything when he and the other Knights of Bruqon were killed. The Yu Vong came out of nowhere. They ambushed him and his patrol. They mutilated their bodies.
Yet, no one did anything!
Even my own father, who was a knight – a war hero none the less – did nothing to avenge my brother’s death. No, I had to do this for my brother!
I clinched the sword in my right hand, remembering all that my father, brother, and my best friend had taught me. All I could feel was blind rage towards the Yu Vong. My hands were shaking with anger, almost making me drop the blade.
All I could think of was my brother, Jason. He and my best friend Perseus Bruqon were the only two people in this world that I cared about. I refused to let another one that I cared about be killed.
I moved the horse along even faster. I had overheard some of the Knights of Bruqon giving a report to Lord Laehan Bruqon that the Yu Vong were holed up in an abandoned outpost near Cedarville. I knew exactly where that was because Jason and Perseus had trained me in sword combat there. Another disgraceful thing that the Yu Vong committed!
I moved my horse faster down the old path through the woods, passing the road to Cedarville. The outpost was coming up quickly. I was almost there. Almost ready to avenge my brother’s death!
Then something hard hit me from the left, knocking me clean off my horse and onto the ground. The wind got knocked out of me and I looked up dazed as someone stood over me. With my vision blurred, I couldn’t make out who it was. Surely it was the Yu Vong!
I desperately made a mad grab for my sword, which had flown out of my hand and landed a few feet away from me. But the figure moved swiftly, grabbing both my arms and placing his knee on my chest, pinning me down. I struggled to defend myself, to hit the figure. But I couldn’t move.
Then, when I least expected it, I heard the figure hiss, “Illum stop!”
I stopped moving, thinking that it was my brother’s voice. Could Jason still be alive?
My vision came back and I looked up and saw, much to my gloom, that it wasn’t Jason. Jason was dead…and he was never coming back.
The figure who stood over me was Perseus. Of course it was Percy.
Perseus Bruqon - Percy - Main Character
I stared up at him, tears filling my eyes. Much to my shame, I directed my anger at him, my only friend. I roared, “Let go of me, Percy! I have to do this. I have to kill them. They killed Jason. Let me go.”
“No damn it,” Percy yelled shaking me. Percy’s voiced softened, “No. You’re suicidal if you think that you can kill all those bandits. Listen to me Illum. Look at me in the eyes and listen to me!”
With tears leaking from my eyes, I looked up at Percy. His woeful brown eyes looked back into my own. The wind was blowing enough to make his wavy chestnut brown hair jump around on his head.
“Jason was my friend, Illum,” Percy cried. “I want revenge just as bad, but you can’t just jump into a fight without thinking of the consequences. Killing people is not what it is all cracked up to be. You shouldn’t rush into dealing out death.”
“It isn’t revenge, Percy!”
“Then what is it Illum,” he yelled. “Do you really think this is some self-righteous cause to bring your brother back? Jason is dead,” Percy mournfully growled, “and nothing can bring him back Illum! Don’t throw away your life for nothing.”
“Get off me,” I roared. “I have to do this. I have to…”
Percy stared into my eyes as if he was trying to read my mind. I could see tears beginning to form behind his woeful eyes. He whispered, “I can’t lose you too.”
My eyes locked onto his, as a tear slowly rolled down his cheek. Percy was the only friend that I listened to but this time…this time it was different. This was about my brother. I had to do something.
So I begged, “Then help me kill them. You all have taught me how to fight. I know what to do. Help me kill them. There were only a few of them who survived their attack. We could take them together.”
Percy didn’t say anything. He just shook his head, trying to hold back his tears.
“Percy, please. This isn’t for me. This is for my brother. This is for Jason.”
“You’re talking about killing people, Illum.”
“These bandits are just going to keep coming back. They are going to keep killing more and more people. When does it stop Percy? When does it stop?”
Percy sighed and gave up, “You do exactly as I say.”
Percy let go of me and stood up straight. He pulled me up from the ground and said, “Pick up your sword and let’s go.”
I grabbed my blade and started to get back on my horse, but Percy pushed me away from it saying, “They’ll see us coming. We stick to the trees.”
I nodded and followed Percy. We moved swiftly through the woods and stopped once the old outpost was in our sight. Percy instructed me to climb a tree and he followed me up.
“How many bandits do you see,” He asked.
I looked over the edge of the tree and began seeing a couple of the bandits. I saw five heavy set men, wearing very light armor, covered in fur. They each had a deadly blade. Then I saw a very tall, muscular man walk out from a tent, with a large ax strapped onto his back. He was wearing iron armor that had scarlet-red stains on it.
Then I looked over at Percy and whispered, “I count six.”
“Eight,” Percy replied, pointing out two archers that were sitting next to the balcony of the outpost. “I’ll take out the archers. You run across this branch and jump down to the balcony. They’ll come for you, so remember your basics. Use your defensive stances and you’ll be able to push them back.”
Percy skillfully pulled out his bow and drew an arrow. He was, after all, one of the best bowmen in the entire Bruqon Province since he was trained by the Elves, the best archers in the Realm.
Percy then nodded at me and ordered, “Go.”
I held my sword to my side and began quickly walking on the sturdy branch. I gripped my sword as I got to the edge of the branch. I took a deep breath, and jumped.
The balcony to the outpost was only a couple feet down, so it didn’t hurt that bad when I landed on my feet. The archer who was standing nearby stared at me, looking rather surprised. He drew his dagger and began to charge at me, but a deadly song screeched and whistled through the air, as an arrow pierced the Yu Vong Archer’s neck. The archer painfully reached for his wound, choking as he fell to his knees, with red fluid covering his neck and hands. The bandit rolled over onto his side, making a last gasp for air.
Watching the archer die both terrified me and made me want to fight all the more. I tightened my grip on my sword and ran down the balcony towards the bandits. I noticed that the other archer had been killed by another one of Percy’s arrows, as he had fallen clear off the balcony onto the ground, alerting the other bandits to my presence.
I raised my sword as I charged forward. The closest of the Yu Vong Bandits attacked me. He swung his sword and brought it down hard onto mine. I remained in a defensive stance and managed to parry his blow, making a deadly scream of metal against metal. I swung up and down, left and right, deflecting every attack that the Bandit threw at me. Jason and Percy had taught me well.
As the deadly dance continued, I started to notice some of the bandit’s weaknesses. He had the slightest hesitation in his left arm, probably some old battle wound, and every time he swung his sword it was with all his might. If he kept it up he would tire himself. However, I also noticed that two of the other bandits were closing in on me. If I fought against three, just as Percy had warned, I wouldn’t stand a chance.
Then I saw my opportune chance. The bandit I was fighting with swung hard from the left, his weak left arm leading the strike. I started to duck closer to the ground, swinging my sword with all my might from my left. I could feel the bandit’s sword swoosh right above my head, hearing the menacing piece of metal singing its shrill song.
As the bandit’s sword crossed past my head, I continued my attack, standing back up and performing an uppercut. My sword cut through the weak fur armor that the bandit was wearing, delivering a devastating blow to the bandit’s chest, causing him to roar in pain.
I brought my sword around and pulled it in close to my chest. I roared in blood-lust as I thrusted my blade forward into the bandit’s exposed chest, which made a disgusting squishing noise. Blood almost immediately began to drool out of the wound. I wanted to look the bandit in the eyes. I wanted to see him die for all that he and his people did to my brother!
Clenching my teeth in anger, I looked up glaring; but as my eyes met his, my mouth dropped and all I felt was shame. What had I done?
I had killed someone. I was no better than they were. In that moment, where my eyes were deadlocked with the bandit’s, I was petrified. I couldn’t look away. All I could see was fear in his eyes. I felt sick to my stomach. I realized that this was a mistake. I didn’t want to do this anymore.
The only thing that brought me out of my trance was Percy screaming, “Illum move!”
My vision came back and I saw that the two bandits had reached me. They were preparing to swing their swords to kill me. I tried to pull my sword out of the dying bandit’s chest, but it wouldn’t budge.
“MOVE,” Percy screamed.
I let go of my swords hilt and rolled backward. I watched as the two bandit’s swords cut into the dying bandit’s body and cut him clean in half.
I gasped and watched in horror as the body parts fell to the ground. I was terrified. I didn’t know what to do as I lay there on the ground. The bandits charged me, roaring in rage.
However, two nicely placed arrows tore into their chests, bringing them to their knees. They began to stand back up, clinging to their swords, but they were each hit by another arrow. They flopped to the ground, with a sickening smack.
I pulled at my hair anxiously. My hands were shaking as I started to breathe rapidly. I needed to get out of here. This was too much for me. I was no warrior.
Then I heard a stomping sound. I looked to my right and saw Percy running towards me.
“You alright,” he asked as he knelt down next to me, placing his hand on my shoulder.
In probably the most truthful moment I had with anyone, I shook my head no.
“I warned you,” Percy yelled. “But we can’t turn back now. We have to stop them here, or they will get more bandits and chase us. Pick up your sword and fight.”
I still couldn’t move. I just shook my head at Percy, barely making out the words, “I can’t. I can’t do this Percy.”
“Pick up your sword and fight Illum,” Percy shouted.
I took a deep breath and finally stood up, shaking as I walked forward. I found my sword still sticking out of the chest of the bandit who was sliced in two. I stared horrified at the dead bandit’s terrified face that was sprinkled with blood.
“Pull it out,” Percy yelled as two more bandits charged at us.
I nodded and gripped the hilt of my sword. Shakily, I pulled my blade out of the chest, revealing its blood covered blade. I closed my eyes and took a step back as the sound of flesh being torn from inside the man’s body gruesomely echoed in my ears. I almost vomited.
“Hold it together Illum,” Percy yelled. “We can do this together!”
Percy shouldered his bow and pulled out his sword.
“Back to back, just like we practiced,” Percy ordered.
I followed Percy’s lead. Feeling his back up against mine gave me some level of comfort, knowing that he was standing with me. That he wouldn’t leave my side.
But hearing the bandit’s approaching us, screaming war cries, I slowly became terrified. I didn’t want to die, but I didn’t want to kill either. The man who I had killed had been mutilated, just like Jason had been. I was no better than the Yu Vong.
“Steady Illum,” Percy whispered softly. His voice seemed to calm my mind somehow. “Steady.”
I took a deep breath, trying to find my center, even closing my eyes. I exhaled, feeling all the fear flow out of me with my breath. I had gotten Percy into this mess. He was like a brother to me and I refused to let him die.
That thought alone, to protect my best friend, gave me the courage to open my eyes. I gripped my sword tight as one of the bandits charged at me. I took a defensive stance as the man swung his sword with his right hand.
I swung hard, parrying his blow and swiftly swung back to the right cutting into the man’s torso. In my swing, I brought my sword up and back down, cutting across the man’s chest. Both deadly strikes made a loud slicing noise, like the ripping of clothes.
The bandit groaned in pain, but raised his sword again, trying to kill me. I quickly, almost instinctively, swung my sword to meet his. Only this time, I hit his sword stopping the attack, then I twisted my sword over his blade and thrust it forward, causing him to lose his grip and allowing his sword to fly out of his hand. My hands moved desperately to maneuver my sword and deliver a killing blow to the bandit’s heart. The bandit collapsed as I removed my sword from his chest. Breathing heavily, I turned around to see Percy had finish off the other bandit.
Percy then turned to me and asked, “You alright?”
I nodded out of breath, “I’m ok.”
“Where did their leader go,” Percy asked.
As I prepared to answer, there was a loud roar and Percy was hit so hard that it knocked him to the ground, leaving a gash on the side of his head.
I looked up in terror to see a giant of a man towering over me, with an ax in hand. He had the look of pure hatred in his dark brown eyes as he clenched his sickeningly yellow teeth evilly. The man swung his ax and I raised my blade. I was surprisingly able to parry the first blow but had to take a few steps backward to regain my balance. This happened about two more times.
The third time, however, I couldn’t hold the bandit. He swung so hard that he knocked my blade clean out of my hands. He then hit me hard with his foot, knocking me to the ground. It felt like getting kicked by a horse.
I clutched my chest in pain as the Bandit leader roared, “Fools, both of you will pay with your lives!”
He put his foot on my chest, which pushed the air out of my lungs, and he raised his ax over me. Accepting the end, realizing I was wrong for coming here and that this was my payment, I closed my eyes and looked away.
But then I heard the Bandit start growling and choking. I looked back and saw that Percy had jumped on the Bandit’s back and was squeezing the bandit’s neck with his arms. The Bandit dropped his ax and reached up, grabbing Percy’s arm and throwing him down next to me.
Percy groaned in pain. I looked up in horror as the bandit retrieved his weapon. He prepared to swing his ax on Percy roaring, “Lord Vong will be pleased to know that another Bruqon Knight was killed!”
The bandit roared and began to swing down. The world seemed to slow down. I didn’t know what to do, but this was Percy. I would rather die, then see him suffer.
I raised my hands, with tears leaking out of my closed eyes, and screamed, “No,” grasping at the air trying to somehow stop the bandit from swinging his ax onto Percy.
I heard a swift ripple of air around me followed by a sickening sound.
SNAP!
The disgusting sound echoed through my ears, followed by a loud thud and then complete silence.
I opened my eyes, seeing my hands clenched in the air, shaking terribly as though they were possessed. I leaned up and saw the bandit leader lying on the ground a few feet back from where he once stood, his neck in an awkward position. The man appeared to be dead.
Still shaking horribly, I looked over at Percy who was sitting up as well. I was breathing shakily, looking at my hands in fear, not sure what I had done. Percy stared at me, with some fear creeping into his eyes.
He then asked me, “How long have you been able to use Vikus?”
“I can’t use Vikus,” I replied terrified, tears rolling down my face, realizing that I had just used Vikus Magic.
“You just did,” Percy said. “You just snapped his neck using it.”
Still shaking, I stared at Percy absolutely petrified and pleaded, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Please…”
Percy nodded. We both looked at the dead bandit leader. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much of a monster I could be. If I had Vikus and I could do this… I didn’t want to learn how to use it. Not if it meant killing.
The snapping of the bandit’s neck freshly rippled through my head.
What if I hurt my friends with this power? No. I had to keep it hidden…
Chapter 2
Maollan Enochai - Prince of Abatral - Minor Character
“Illum!”
I jumped in my chair. Shaking my head from my daydream, I looked up at the older man who had receding gray hair and was wearing a brown cloak.
“Are you still with me,” asked the old scholar, the wrinkles on his head arching.
“I’m sorry Olbridge. I was just…thinking about something,” I replied quietly, rubbing the daze from my eyes..
Olbridge looked at me with concern, “What’s bothering you boy?”
“I’m sorry sir,” I replied truthfully. “It’s just. It’s been four years since my brother Jason was killed.”
The wise man looked at me in the eyes, “I’m sorry Illum. Shall we continue your lessons in the art of diplomacy later?”
“I’d appreciate that sir,” I answered.
“Very well. We will meet tomorrow at the same time.”
I placed my utensils back into their spots in my knapsack as Olbridge continued, “You truly are one of my best students. When you complete your lessons, you may even be a better diplomat than myself.”
Yurid Enochai - King of Abatral - Main Antagonist
“Thank you sir,” I replied, grateful that someone believed in my talents. Olbridge was a great mentor. Two years ago, Lord Laehan, the provincial governor of Bruqon, had sent Olbridge and myself to the Elvish Kingdom where I had met the Elf Leader Lord Livon. With the help of Olbridge and Lord Livon’s grandson, Waryon, I learned how to read and write in Elvish.
About a year ago, the Queen and Princess of Abatral passed away under tragic circumstances. Lord Laehan sent me to the capital of the Kingdom of Abatral, the great city of Enochai. As I was originally a court musician, Lord Laehan Bruqon believed that my music talents would help soothe the king’s broken heart.
Yarmik - Antagonist
Apparently, it worked because I have been in the Royal Palace for over a year now. King Yurid’s son, Prince Maollan has been reigning in his father’s place, since the king had locked himself in his chambers. Only the king’s right hand, Yarmik, and myself are permitted to enter his majesties chambers. It’s been, well, interesting playing music for the king.
“Illum,” Olbridge said. “I hope that you find peace on this matter. It does no good to dwell on the past my child.” Olbridge made a slight bow towards me as he said, “May the God Viius be with you.”
“Thank you Olbridge.” I returned the bow saying, “ May Viius be with you as well.”
I stood up and pushed my chair in. After I put my knapsack over my shoulders, I walked out of the Royal Library, closing the door behind me.
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