Over the hills and far away, a misty mountain hop. Photos by michal karckz
Hello inspiration for the Northern Wilds, Ashtalon, etc in RoLaS. *stares*
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Over the hills and far away, a misty mountain hop. Photos by michal karckz
Hello inspiration for the Northern Wilds, Ashtalon, etc in RoLaS. *stares*
Cascade City - City of Gardens, City of Rainbows
So, talking with my friend Elemei about my previous post on Elden, I found some inspiration for another of my favorite cities in RoLaS, Cascade City. I think it’s one of the cities I’ve given the most thought to (so sorry Eardras and Ardor… *pat*).
Cascade City! City of Gardens, Water, and Rainbows. Where the Sea of Storms reaches north, meeting the confluence of the Baer’dun River and Thunderfoam River at a great chasm. Some ancient cataclysm split the land, and where once the confluence entered a lazy delta as it entered the sea, now is a deep, extensive canyon. The two rivers charge over the cliffs on either side in a series of cascades.
It is here that the Drakhyr built their southernmost city, a place, like Ashtalon, where they can fly through, over and under, the city. A city designed specifically for mighty creatures of flight. On either side of the canyon they built their city using magic and skill alike. From the walls the city grew, narrowly winding terraces of white and red stone flowing from the stone. The two sides are connected by a network of graceful bridges arching over the expanse. Some are wide enough to support buildings and grand plazas.
Cascade City is renowned for its grand hanging gardens, as well as regular ones. Despite its birth from stone, it is a green city as well, lush and vibrant with plants from all over the kingdoms. These are supported by the city’s namesake, the magnificent falls. Water soars overhead, along walls, even artfully captured by stone sculptures to flow in and around the city, enchanted so the stone will never wear under the constant deluge. Despite the myriad cascades the roar is not deafening, due to the craftsmanship of the city’s design.
Like a flower growing from a crevice in the ground, the city sprawls over the rim of the canyon until it reaches the outer walls. Spires and towers adorn the canyon’s edge or reach up from the canyon. The city is also carved into the sides of the chasm, forming a network of elegant caves with balconies and windows overlooking the Thunderfoam river below.
Many is the traveler who reaches Cascade City for the first time only to be taken by surprise as he looks over the edge of the canyon and sees an entire city spread out below, almost as if it were floating in the air, bedecked in emerald gardens, veiled in mist and rainbows.
So I’ve always thought of Cascade City as the Drakhyr’s second capital, where part of their dragon rider training is done. Here they can be comfortable in their wing forms, able to fly and land as they please. In the current time of the EoA saga, thousands of years after the Fading, it’s the border city between Talor and Shrikaan Waste, a trader city but it still holds a place in everyone’s mind as a city of legend where the Ancients once walked.
Thoughts? Feedback? All are welcome! :D
RoLaS & all content (c) to me (Realms-Master)
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
Elden - Ancient City of Spirals
So, I’m trying to get back into the swing of things, mainly, writing. So I’ve been thinking a LOT about Elden, the grandest city in the mortal realm. I’ve resolved to make the realm much richer in history, geography, and design. I think it needs more of…well, everything. Right now it feels pretty bland.
Elden! The once-great city of unity, where all of the Races met in harmony. Ages ago there were only 5 great kingdoms; one for each Race. The borders of Juna, Raihu, and Man met at Elden, which was common ground. Surrounding the city is a barrier wall built in a perfect circle. The land within is not owned by any race. Instead of a wall in the normal sense, it is made of grand arches that tower above the ground so that it feels very airy. Not so much a barrier but a border. The top of the wall is connected to Elden by three ramps which swirl inwards from the outer circle. There are towers at the four main points of the compass, and a parapet encircling the top of the wall. This is patrolled by an elite guard (need a name for it) which used to consist of all 5 races, but is now mostly human.
I’ve been contemplating making Elden a seaport as well, built on the delta of the Syrain (going to rename this) river where it meets the sea. I’d love to have a city with a grand harbor/port, so I’m thinking of making Elden that city. This would make it THE hub of all trade, commerce and travel, as well as the center for ruling.
The Triumvirate was the ruling body here before the War of Races (WoR). A member of each of the 3 Remnant Races chosen by the gods, each specializing in either war, magic, or commerce.The Shimmerspire - a magnificent spiraling tower crafted from crystal and marble, with accents of moonsilver and sunsteel - was the center of the city, and also the ruling seat of the Triumvirate. A great chamber at the very pinnacle of the tower gave them a 360 degree view of the city and lands, thanks to the crystal windows which formed the walls.
However, after the WoR the humans pushed out the Raihu and Juna, and the borders shifted so that only the kingdoms of men touched Elden. The Stormhawk King built his own throne in the Shimmerspire, but the room at the top remains sealed.
I also love a city with canals (Venice is on my bucket list!) so I’m thinking of giving Elden some canals. The river flows into the city from the north, south towards the sea, so what if it is channeled into various canals, grand and small, on its way there? The central part of the city is built on a huge hill (maybe small mountain?) with a great avenue which spirals up the slope to the Shimmerspire at its peak.
Since the spiral is a central symbol of power in RoLaS, it - and sun/moon - is a central motif in the city’s design.
So, what do you think? I’d love comments, constructive critiques, suggestions, or even questions to help me flesh out the city. What aspect of a city do you think is most important or interesting? Cheers!
RoLaS (c) my face
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
Raihu - Physiology in discussion
So, Aeo and I were talking about Raihu physiology. It got to be pretty interesting! After all, they’re based off of a velociraptor-type design, they’re warm-blooded, but they live in the desert. So how do they keep cool?
One idea is to add a small ridge or spine on the back that can provide a way to get rid of excess heat, sort of like how a fennec fox has super large ears to dissipate heat.
Another thing I’m going to change is that their hearts are much larger, and more powerful. After all, raihu are powerhouses. They’re built for strength and endurance. So to aid in this, they have large lungs and hearts, with 3 extra chambers in the heart.
I’m thinking that somehow maybe their horns could play a role in dissipating heat, since the resonance chambers inside could potentially cool blood flow. But there’s no blood in their horns (which are super strong, despite being hollow due to the material being similar to carbon fiber).
This is one of the things I love the most about being a writer - world design!!! Ever since I opened Rolas 6 years ago, I’ve been taken on a journey to discover this world. Every question a member asked prompted me to delve deeper into the world in order to provide an answer. It’s a challenging, but exciting thing to do.
So how would a raihu look with a small spinal ridge? Any thoughts? I think maybe next we’ll look at juna or lorren design. I don’t think Rolas will ever be completely finished, because it’s always expanding and growing the more we add to it.
You, the members, make it possible! o 3o
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
Random Facts: the Cleon
[[Originally I created the Cleon as messengers of Oranius (Dream god), but I’ve decided to make them messengers of all the gods/goddesses.]]
The Cleon are the messengers of the Pantheon. They are immortal entities that normally dwell in the Immortal Realm.
The Cleon (singular/plural) are a pair of spirit-like entities that appear as animals. The nature of their message, the deity that sent the message, and the intended recipients all determine what animal form they choose to take (IE: stag, wolf, horse, cat, etc). One female, one male. The female appears in a black form like the deepest night sky, scattered through with pinpoints of light. Her eyes are white with black irises. The male is the opposite, glowing white in form with black eyes and white pupils. They speak without moving their mouths, and can’t be harmed by mortals.
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
Random Facts: the Guardian of the Crossroads
Who is the Guardian of the Crossroads? A very important legendary figure in the lore of the realms, the Guardian is chosen by the Moon Sisters at the time of death and she is offered immortality over death, and the duty of guarding the Crossroads.
The Crossroads is the central hub of the Realms, it is where all pathways to and from the Five Realms meet. In appearance it is a labyrinth of vast marble halls draped in mist that is constantly moving. Any Gateway that leads from one realm to another, for example from the Mortal Realm to the Netherealm, will pass through the Crossroads.
The Guardian protects the Gateways, monitors all who pass through the Crossroads, and also watches over the Mortal Realm and its inhabitants. When a Guardian passes the mantle of the position on to another, she is allowed to pass on peacefully to the Realm of the Dead/The Beyond to a well-earned rest.
Several things are consistent in who is chosen. They must be female, noble and pure of heart, and lived their life in the service of others.
Line of Succession (WIP):
—Riaidra Eversong (Juna matriarch during the Betrayal War)
—Luane Silvereyes (Captain Commander of the Silver Companies, a group of rangers in Ardor who defended the kingdoms against the dangers of the Northern Wilds)
—???
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
How to Start a Saga?
So, my biggest hurdle right now for polishing up SC (Shattered Crown, first book in the trilogy) is the beginning. It’s the bane of all writers, I think. When you start out a book, the beginning is cursory, done quickly, and by the time you reach the ending, your characters have changed, events have altered, and sometimes even the whole path of the story has shifted. Plus you’ve grown as a writer, so the beginning is drab and needs to be repainted.
I worry that the beginning to SC is too generic and boring. So I ask you, the reader: what’s the best way to start a book?
I know I’m going to put in a prologue, but for the actual first chapter, I’m thinking of going two ways:
—-Option 1: Begin at a slower pace, taking time to paint the setting, introduce characters, and start from where Gettrey wakes Auren and Kipsett in the middle of the night and tells them to leave the village, without giving any reason. They leave and head for Pinespring, starting out on their journey alone.
—-Option 2: Start with action. I’d start where, in the second draft, it’s a chapter or two into the book where darklings attack the Pinespring market where Auren and Kipsett are, and the first layering of spellweave on Auren unravels, nearly killing him. So in this version, the reader will be thrust into the middle of chaos, then the narration will take a look back at the events leading up to the attack (Auren and Kipsett leaving their home village).
I’d love your thoughts on this, the beginning really has me stuck at the moment!
Cheers,
RM
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
(Still taking feedback on this btw!)
“Where have the dragons flown to?
Their watchful gaze has turned from this land,
Where have the Lorren faded to?
Their songs have dimmed in the river of Time,
Where should we look?
For the glory and peace of old has deserted these lands,
All is encroached by darkness, and the watchposts stand abandoned,
Would that we could see the banners of the Triad flying above the citadel,
And rejoice as we cry ‘All is not lost!’
The old alliances are reborn, the Great Balance restored…”
- Excerpt from This Forsaken Land by the hand of Minaeris, scholar of Taliss
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
Assuming the three races regularly conduct trade, what are common exports and imports of each?
As each kingdom has a wide variety of exports to offer, here are the common ones that they export to other kingdoms.
Ardor: Known mainly for wool and Ardorian horses. Wool, livestock, hard stone such as granite, and Ardorian horses, weapons.
Shrikaan Waste: Known mainly for desert livestock, blacksmith products. Yaxon products (wool, meat, milk, livestock), herbs, sandstone, weapons (especially polearms/plate armor), Dolon hide and milk.
Talor: Known mainly for agriculture. Produce (grain, fruit), livestock (sheep, cows, horses, etc), marble, limestone, paper.
Eardras: Known mainly for wood, ore, fish. Wood, herbs, berries/fruit, stone/minerals/ore, freshwater fish, sheep/goats.
Durgael: Known mainly for fish, agriculture. Seafood, grain, wine, livestock, softwoods (and magebane from Nashar’belon).
Icefall Barrens: Known mainly for hardy livestock, salt, geologic exports. Salt/minerals, livestock, geologic (stone, ore).
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
Do the governments of the Realms require taxes?
A: Yes, in different ways. There are trade taxes that are mostly standard across the kingdoms. Each kingdom has a variety of taxes, but nothing too heavy.
—Shrikaan Waste: taxes aren’t so much monetary, as the division of water rights. Those tribes who hold better wells are taxed more heavily, they must contribute stock of water to other, less-well of tribes, and all tribes must pay a tax of their yaxon herds/products to the stationary herd at Landu’serrai.
—Talor: Property taxes for large land holdings, and agricultural taxes to support the kingdom’s stockpiles. Some cities/towns charge a traveling tax to help maintain roads.
—Eardras: Property taxes for land, city taxes for maintaining Silverain, and agriculture taxes. The roads leading out of the kingdom have a small tax/fee for passage.
—Ardor: Each Ruling House is in charge of taxing those in their boundaries for land and livestock.
—Durgael: Pays taxes to Talor.
—Icefall Barrens: No taxes.
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
The Shattered Crown - prologue sample
A sample from the new (rough) draft of the prologue from SC.
"The Dragon Queen wept, for a nameless sorrow burdened her soul, something lost and forgotten. She wept, and her tears were forged by the dragonsmiths into a sword, a blade of sorrows. It was a talisman of remembrance for something no one could remember. It was their symbol of steadfastness, their burden of regret.
And so Ashaelyr, Sword of a Thousand Sorrows, was guarded by the Dragonkind through these eons, waiting to sunder all things.”
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
Here’s more of the same thing, Raihu calls are similar to this parasaurolophus, but their vocal (non-spoken) language is much more complex, ranging from roars and bugles (like in this video) to tones, hoots, whistles, growls and even chirps. It’s an integral part of their speech.
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
What I imagine the Mistwind Mountains to look like. The lowlands of Ellesmere Forest are huge old growth trees, but up in the slopes of the mountains it gives way to arid pine forests.
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
Random Facts: Raihu
Of the three Races, the Raihu are the most solitary and mistrusting. When tribes meet, the customary way of getting acquainted is through mock battles or duels - essentially, two opponents beat the heck outta each other until they gain respect for one another.
When Kerael and Suhrii first meet, Suhrii strongly dislikes Kerael and suspects her of murdering the Talorian king. Needless to say, there’s tension between them. Kerael solves this by challenging Suhrii to a duel.
A challenge is issued by knocking the person's food to the ground while they’re eating, then insulting them. First they fight with weapons, then when one is disarmed, both close in hand-to-hand combat.
After Kerael pins Suhrii (not easy, seeing as she’s a burly Raihu), they become close friends and Suhrii highly respects her.
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
RoLaS (c) Realms-Master aka Me :)
In a high fantasy book, is it better to have more formal, flowery narration and speech, or better to speak more to the reader’s level with a common style of writing? I guess it can work good in either instance, depending on the book, the writer, and the characters. Too flowery, and the book feels...
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
The Books (in a nutshell)
Known collectively as the End of Ages saga, the three books are:
-The Shattered Crown (finished, in final polishing stage)
-Blade of Sorrows (in progress)
-Key of Sun & Shadow (planned)
Moved from my old writing blog to here.
Author
I am a writer.
For me, it’s something that’s in your soul. No matter how out of practice I feel, whenever I return to put thoughts onto paper, it’s still there, that key, that knack, that very essence of writing. It’s like a loveable stray, that even when I neglect it, forget to air it out in the fresh air or give it a nice scrub, it still returns to me.
And even though I’m not yet published,
I am an Author.
It’s a dream, a goal, a way of being that I’ll never abandon.
And someday I’ll see that book with my name on it, my title, my world and my characters, perched at the edge of a bookshelf in a store, eagerly awaiting the reader who will pick it up and delve into its pages.
Because that’s what writing is all about for me: inviting others into the world I’ve created/stumbled into/discovered, watched come to life. I want to share those vistas and epic adventures with other people and watch their eyes light up as they are carried into the story and cheer on the good guys, boo the bad guys, weep and laugh and finally close the book with a promise to return to the adventure again.
Some people write for money, or fame.
I write for the adventure.
I write for the readers.
I totally forgot to include this in the new ROLAS blog! I wish I could put it at the beginning, since this is how it started.
Anyways, enjoy! Reblogged from my old writing blog.