Vanity and the Ancient: Concerning the Second Age

The civilization centered on and around Caelon we know today was built on the remains of a vibrant and ancient world, one more far-reaching and expansive than many people realize. The ancient societies of mankind were said to have spread far and wide, far beyond the reaches of modern man in his attempts to rebuild. Although the bones of their cities still stand, the knowledge they gathered and the technology they used now are lost to the ever-flowing stream of time. What hints of the past still remain are closely-guarded secrets in libraries and treasure troves kept by the rulers of the modern world. However, there are a few important discoveries that have been made in time, that give us a glimpse of what life used to be like before the Fall of Man.

Tips for Writing Your First Fantasy/Sci-Fi Novel

If you have ever wanted to write a Fantasy or Sci-Fi story, you've undoubtedly wondered when the perfect time to write the story would be. You may know the story you want to tell, but maybe you're not sure about the ins and outs of how the story will interact with the universe you hope to create. Sometimes, this can cause what some writers call "Worldbuilding Hell," a rabbit hole that many authors fall into that makes it hard to get back into the real story writing. So, how can you avoid the worldbuilding trap while still telling the story you want to tell in an appropriately designed world of your choosing? Here are some tips to consider.

The Founding of Torium

After the Gifted Wars reached their conclusion, several factors brought the remainder of the Torian Empire closer to the edge of destruction. Losing direct control over nearly half of the Torian-founded settlements on Caelon to new monarchies primed the government of the White Walled City for an eventual takeover by outside forces. For nearly 400 years, the Torian government saw decline as more and more cities came to prominence, decentralizing the trade and lowering the intrinsic value of a capital city. While the Torian forces would be ultimately conquered and removed from their home, the ancient seat of El Tor, the remnants of the once-great society still survive across the great Lago Nero, on a large stretch of land now known as Torium.

“The Old Wall Made of Stone” – A Saibhrean ‘Drinking Song’

Although the history of the Saibhrean Isles has recorded much conflict between the various settlements as the various clans have vied for superiority, there are many more aspects of the island culture that unite the people than there have been reasons to fight one another. As the old Saibhrean saying goes, "by fist I rest, by song I rise," it's not uncommon for the same people to come to blows one day and join one another in song the next. Coming from the island of Talamor, but popular throughout all of the isles, one such song is "The Old Stone Wall", a 'drinking song' sung in chorus at most weddings, almost always accompanied by clapping and cheering.

The Gifted Wars – 32 Years of Bitter Feuds (Part X)

Following the incident in the waters near Penderona that saw General Tonsior receive his first major defeat in the war, the Torian forces had no choice but to regroup back at the capital and prepare for a campaign on land. The battles up along the coast had been overwhelmingly successful until the sea battle of Penderona, which saw forces from the Saibhrean Isles come to the aid of their allies in Penderona. Even though the loss was tremendous, Tonsior's forces took back with them Baron Siabahn, the leader of Penderona as their captive. Soon, the stage would be set for the final leg of 32 years of conflict on Caelon.