Requiem of the Forest (Kristy's NaNo 2014)
Sept 30, 2014 21:34:27 GMT -5
Sabre, ♥ Azzie, and 1 more like this
Post by Kristykimmy on Sept 30, 2014 21:34:27 GMT -5
So, we're back, with the second part of my trilogy, following on last year's NaNo, Sparrows.
Synopsis:
There is most of the important stuff to know covered in last year's NaNo thread, so check that out if you're interested.
Basic overview of the story is simple. It is a high fantasy dystopian(ish) fiction (I'm not very good at genre classing, so fantasy is yes, the others might be stretching). The setting of the story is spread across several planets, this time Avarest, Empryl (which is technically only a floating city above a dead nameless world) Midor, and potentially Numar.
The cast is largely the same as the last book, lacking a few characters who met untimely ends. (The Voice of Murder would have been so proud if she had been around for that.)
Pointless trivia, the titles are following on a legend/bed time story told within the story that will begin to have greater relevance to the story starting in this book, and which you can also find in the previous thread. Most of the Circle are named after constellations because I had three names and realized they were all the names (or part of) of constellations and ran with it because I felt like it. (and honestly, who doesn't love the names Corvus and Aquila?Bazooka blasts for anyone who doesn't.) This story actually contains the first fragment of the story I ever wrote, back when it was a half formed idea in my head inspired by another story that popped into my head, which is the aforementioned story in last year's thread.
Character Bios:
Synopsis:
A little over a year has passed since the Old Guard retook the planet of Avarest from the Empire of the Overlord. Emboldened by this display of power from the lost planets, the remaining planets of the Empire rise in rebellion against their dark lord. The power struggles of the planets turn from lord against lord to the common people fighting for their freedom. The Old Guard takes notice, and chooses to rise to answer the call.
In Empryl, the balance of power begins to shift as well. Lady Yukari, savior of Avarest, is appointed to the Circle of Fourteen, making it whole once again. Parallels between the young noblewoman and the lost monarch begin to be drawn, and those who desire a second-coming of the Empress begin to sow the seeds of such a day.
Yuka finds herself in a battle not merely for an Empire, but for her very self. As strange memories begin to surface in her own mind and ancient puppet masters try to manipulate her for their own aims, she must decide for herself what role she will play in the coming days.
In Empryl, the balance of power begins to shift as well. Lady Yukari, savior of Avarest, is appointed to the Circle of Fourteen, making it whole once again. Parallels between the young noblewoman and the lost monarch begin to be drawn, and those who desire a second-coming of the Empress begin to sow the seeds of such a day.
Yuka finds herself in a battle not merely for an Empire, but for her very self. As strange memories begin to surface in her own mind and ancient puppet masters try to manipulate her for their own aims, she must decide for herself what role she will play in the coming days.
There is most of the important stuff to know covered in last year's NaNo thread, so check that out if you're interested.
Basic overview of the story is simple. It is a high fantasy dystopian(ish) fiction (I'm not very good at genre classing, so fantasy is yes, the others might be stretching). The setting of the story is spread across several planets, this time Avarest, Empryl (which is technically only a floating city above a dead nameless world) Midor, and potentially Numar.
The cast is largely the same as the last book, lacking a few characters who met untimely ends. (The Voice of Murder would have been so proud if she had been around for that.)
Pointless trivia, the titles are following on a legend/bed time story told within the story that will begin to have greater relevance to the story starting in this book, and which you can also find in the previous thread. Most of the Circle are named after constellations because I had three names and realized they were all the names (or part of) of constellations and ran with it because I felt like it. (and honestly, who doesn't love the names Corvus and Aquila?
Character Bios:
Lady Yukari 'Yuka'
Age: 23
Occupation: Ambassador and Representative of the planet of Avarest in the House of Empryl.
Yukari was thrown into the spotlight when she rescued an infant child who would turn out to be one of the legendary Circle of Fourteen. Her efforts to liberate her planet from the Empire and unite it with the Old Guard made her something of a legend. As daughter and sole surviving heir of the Lord Protector of Avarest, she joined the council of the Old Guard as Avarest's representative.
Lord Hiram
Age: 57
Occupation: Lord Protector of Avarest.
Hiram's efforts to keep Empire control of his planet to a minimum was its saving grace. His daughter's efforts to liberate it saved his life, though it cost him half his family.
Ashram:
Age: 47
Ashram previously served as head of Hiram's bodyguard and his most trusted companion during Avarest's time in the Empire. His subsequent assistance in liberating the planet earned him a place in Yukari's diplomatic party as her right-hand man.
The Circle:
Ursa:
Leader of the Circle of Fourteen. Very formidable in appearance, but a kind and intelligent man who most enjoys reminiscing about the golden age over drinks or telling stories to the children of Empryl. His descendants live in the city as well.
Viram:
He is one of the Circle of Fourteen. Viram has been one of the Circle of Fourteen since he was a teenager in the early days of the Empire. He is close friends with Ursa, who took him under his wing when the boy came to Empryl to escape the poverty of the slums he had been born in.
Cassiopeia:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Cassiopeia's trust was shattered by Umbra's betrayal and the death of the Empress Memora. She has control issues when it comes to her rage, which often clouds her judgment and causes her to take risks and disobey orders. Despite this, and her caustic nature and apparent lack of concern for others, Cassiopeia actually has a strong set of morals and objects to plans that endanger the lives of others.
Caelum:
Caelum appears to be the most open hearted of the Circle of Fourteen. She alone does not believe that Umbra had a hand in the death of the Empress. Her true nature is much darker. She lacks concern for individual lives, believing that all should be ready to do whatever they can to bring about the greater good. She is scheming, willing to manipulate and lie to everyone around her to advance those aims.
Aquila:
The eldest of the Circle of Fourteen. He asked Memora to give him his youth without the appearance of it, and consequently looks to be in his sixties, at odds with all the others who appear to be in their late twenties. His long years and wisdom keep those not within the Circle of Fourteen grounded.
Monoceros:
Another of the Circle of Fourteen, Monoceros boasts the widest knowledge of weapons and training techniques. He willingly leads the training of the armies of the Old Guard. He is Aquila's son.
Octans:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Octans trades on having a very unremarkable face, changing his looks to suit the occasion, and working as a spy for the Old Guard wherever he can.
Pictor:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Pictor has earned the nickname of Pictor the Swift. He is usually the carrier when they need something urgent delivered. His ability to break into places, slip through security, and get to his destination in record time is legendary. He tends to wield daggers and throwing knives, and is extremely proficient in hand-to-hand combat.
Carina:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. The only two-handed sword fighter of the company. She is wife to Volans, they met and married after being chosen to become a member of the circle. She has descendants from a previous marriage. They have had no children of their own.
Volans:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Volans is an archer and husband to Carina. They met and married after they were chosen by Memora to become a member of the circle. They have had no children of their own.
Corvus:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Corvus is a quiet soul. He's always there for others to sound off of and confide in. Corvus knows the secrets of everyone in his acquaintance. He is a capable warrior and the most attentive of any of the fourteen.
Orion:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Orion and his brother Aries are identical twins. He wears his hair short. He is always paired with his brother on missions. They wield axes.
Aries:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Identical twins with Orion. He wears his hair long. He is always paired with his brother on missions. They wield axes.
Antagonists:
Overlord:
A powerful entity who rules over the Empire, spreading his dark and cruel reign to all corners. He rewards the most depraved he can find with power. He never leaves his dark world, sending Umbra and his dark army to speak for him and do his work. His true age and identity are a mystery to all.
Umbra:
Umbra is the chief servant of the Overlord, leading his armies and acting in the Overlord's stead in all his business. Umbra was one of the Circle of Fourteen, legendary heroes of the Empress Memora, until he betrayed them and sided with the Overlord. Some whisper he killed Memora himself to gain his place at the Overlord's right hand. This is a serious point of contention among the remaining members of the Circle.
Age: 23
Occupation: Ambassador and Representative of the planet of Avarest in the House of Empryl.
Yukari was thrown into the spotlight when she rescued an infant child who would turn out to be one of the legendary Circle of Fourteen. Her efforts to liberate her planet from the Empire and unite it with the Old Guard made her something of a legend. As daughter and sole surviving heir of the Lord Protector of Avarest, she joined the council of the Old Guard as Avarest's representative.
Lord Hiram
Age: 57
Occupation: Lord Protector of Avarest.
Hiram's efforts to keep Empire control of his planet to a minimum was its saving grace. His daughter's efforts to liberate it saved his life, though it cost him half his family.
Ashram:
Age: 47
Ashram previously served as head of Hiram's bodyguard and his most trusted companion during Avarest's time in the Empire. His subsequent assistance in liberating the planet earned him a place in Yukari's diplomatic party as her right-hand man.
The Circle:
Ursa:
Leader of the Circle of Fourteen. Very formidable in appearance, but a kind and intelligent man who most enjoys reminiscing about the golden age over drinks or telling stories to the children of Empryl. His descendants live in the city as well.
Viram:
He is one of the Circle of Fourteen. Viram has been one of the Circle of Fourteen since he was a teenager in the early days of the Empire. He is close friends with Ursa, who took him under his wing when the boy came to Empryl to escape the poverty of the slums he had been born in.
Cassiopeia:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Cassiopeia's trust was shattered by Umbra's betrayal and the death of the Empress Memora. She has control issues when it comes to her rage, which often clouds her judgment and causes her to take risks and disobey orders. Despite this, and her caustic nature and apparent lack of concern for others, Cassiopeia actually has a strong set of morals and objects to plans that endanger the lives of others.
Caelum:
Caelum appears to be the most open hearted of the Circle of Fourteen. She alone does not believe that Umbra had a hand in the death of the Empress. Her true nature is much darker. She lacks concern for individual lives, believing that all should be ready to do whatever they can to bring about the greater good. She is scheming, willing to manipulate and lie to everyone around her to advance those aims.
Aquila:
The eldest of the Circle of Fourteen. He asked Memora to give him his youth without the appearance of it, and consequently looks to be in his sixties, at odds with all the others who appear to be in their late twenties. His long years and wisdom keep those not within the Circle of Fourteen grounded.
Monoceros:
Another of the Circle of Fourteen, Monoceros boasts the widest knowledge of weapons and training techniques. He willingly leads the training of the armies of the Old Guard. He is Aquila's son.
Octans:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Octans trades on having a very unremarkable face, changing his looks to suit the occasion, and working as a spy for the Old Guard wherever he can.
Pictor:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Pictor has earned the nickname of Pictor the Swift. He is usually the carrier when they need something urgent delivered. His ability to break into places, slip through security, and get to his destination in record time is legendary. He tends to wield daggers and throwing knives, and is extremely proficient in hand-to-hand combat.
Carina:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. The only two-handed sword fighter of the company. She is wife to Volans, they met and married after being chosen to become a member of the circle. She has descendants from a previous marriage. They have had no children of their own.
Volans:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Volans is an archer and husband to Carina. They met and married after they were chosen by Memora to become a member of the circle. They have had no children of their own.
Corvus:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Corvus is a quiet soul. He's always there for others to sound off of and confide in. Corvus knows the secrets of everyone in his acquaintance. He is a capable warrior and the most attentive of any of the fourteen.
Orion:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Orion and his brother Aries are identical twins. He wears his hair short. He is always paired with his brother on missions. They wield axes.
Aries:
One of the Circle of Fourteen. Identical twins with Orion. He wears his hair long. He is always paired with his brother on missions. They wield axes.
Antagonists:
Overlord:
A powerful entity who rules over the Empire, spreading his dark and cruel reign to all corners. He rewards the most depraved he can find with power. He never leaves his dark world, sending Umbra and his dark army to speak for him and do his work. His true age and identity are a mystery to all.
Umbra:
Umbra is the chief servant of the Overlord, leading his armies and acting in the Overlord's stead in all his business. Umbra was one of the Circle of Fourteen, legendary heroes of the Empress Memora, until he betrayed them and sided with the Overlord. Some whisper he killed Memora himself to gain his place at the Overlord's right hand. This is a serious point of contention among the remaining members of the Circle.