So, I wanted to share with you a little bit of what goes into making Koeleth, from a technical standpoint. I have created many magical worlds, and I love my fantasy stories.  Koeleth is fundamentally different from most of them in regards to the fact that magic is harshly limited. I’ve shown you all many characters with magic and arcane power, but that’s only a small slice of the people of Eirmoda, the world that Koeleth belongs to; the majority of the denizens of Eirmoda have no magic to speak of, which makes it interesting when it comes to confronting magical problems. As you are aware, there are only two ways to obtain magic in Koeleth: obtain the blessings of a guardian, or be born a freak of nature. As such, when a problem arises involving magic, I have limited options for fixing it. Solving the problem without breaking my own rules or muddying the water too much is both challenging and intriguing. The obvious solutions are to either simply remove the problem (what fun is that) or to create a new character who has the magic to deal with it (which creates its own problems). I can’t just simply have a character learn a spell that will fix it. Magic is far too restrictive in this world for that. The core nature of a person’s power is largely out of their control, be it a blessing from a god or a curse of nature. So it forces me to work with real world solutions or to develop the world further to accommodate the solution without it being too convenient. This doesn’t always lead to a complete solution, but it makes the fantastical nature of magic in general much more human and “realistic,” if you will. In Tesgrand or Zandalaria, two other worlds I’ve created, I can just whip out a spell from nowhere and say, “Bam! Problem fixed,” but that’s not the case with Koeleth, and I love it.

Here it is, folks. The first chapter of the legend of the Warden and the Mage Knight is here. I hope you enjoy it, as I’ll be continuing to do it alongside my regular chapters. I must give special thanks to Sorin for rewriting my legend. He took the rough, choppy mess that I presented to him and refined it into what is is now. I hope you enjoy my legend, and I hope it captivates you in the same way it captivated me as I wrote it.

Of Heroes and Villains: The Legends of Koeleth

The West Warden and the Mage Knight

(Or the Legend of the Tainted King)

Chapter I: The Legend

 

The first of the tales I will cover is that of the Warden of the West and the elven Mage Knight, the inseparable duo that fought and vanquished the Tainted King, the grotesque monster that once threatened all of Koeleth. Though not as famous as the other tales I have mentioned, it nevertheless serves an important role in the history of Koeleth. The most notable feature, other than its focus on two–rather than one–heroes, is its historical accuracy. I must also add that it is one of the few occasions in which we find true heroes, whose selfless endeavors are just as noble in truth as they are in the legend.  The greatest extent of its change is in the personification of one of the titular characters. Beyond that, the true events of the story unfolded largely the same as the legend tells. It also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, tolerance and open-mindedness, all of which were necessary to ensure the success of the Warden’s quest. Now, let us begin.

Continue reading Swords and Sorcery

Well, I have a bonus profile for you. It’s not a character profile, per se, though one could be described as a character. Enjoy!

Matthew Matherne

Real Name: Wouldn’t you like to know?

Known Aliases: Johann, Keldrigg Farigrimm, Valroan

Age: 20 Something

Birthdate: Sometime between January 1 and December 31, 1990 something

Birthplace: Small town in the United States Midwest

Current Residence: Aforementioned Small Town

Parents: Potentially scientists who created me in a lab from canine DNA, though they might have just used traditional methods to make me. Who can know these things?

Siblings: Two half brothers with the whitest names ever: Jon and David

Significant Others: Not yet, but there is hope! Not much, but hope.

Pets: Chuy, a Pomeranian/Maltese mutt that barks too much, and Whisper, an old, cranky Maine Coone cat who likes broccoli

Hair: Business Cut, Dark Brown

Facial Hair: Full beard, Dark Brown but with flecks from the entire spectrum

Eyes: Dark Brown (Sensing a theme here?)

Height: 5’6ish”

Weight: Too high

Tattoos: Perhaps some day

Notable Features: Left-handed

Clothing: T-Shirt, Jeans/Shorts, Sometimes a ballcap, Sandals/Skater shoes

Armor: I wish!

Occupation: Caretaker, Amateur Author, College Student

Associations: Verbal Realms

Koeleth Standard Warrior Rank: E probably, but I do low blows

Weapon of Choice: Middle Finger

Blessed Weapon: None

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Cheese, Bacon, A Wide Array of Fruits

Favorite Drinks: Green Tea, Black Tea, Milk, Mountain Dew, Root Beer

Favorite Flavor of Pie: Pumpkin, Pecan

Least Favorite Food: Tuna, Green Beans, Coconut, Liver

Hobbies: Video Game (Favors RPGs), Reading (Fantasy and Sci-Fi typically, but also Philosophy and Religion), Daydreaming, Writing, Watching YouTube videos, Hanging with my Two Friends (Sorin and Jack, Sad, I know), Playing one Not-Famous MMO, Wallowing in Negativity and Lack of Self-Esteem

Favorite Animal: Old Dogs, Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Basically all things dog

Favorite Gifts: Food (I’m a fatty)

Unique Talents: Is very loyal, is brutally honest, can make any dog his friend in no more than two days, regardless of aggression, can lose his train of thought in a fraction of a second, can be spontaneously inspirational, can talk your ear off

Other Notes: The happiest pessimist you’ll ever meet, when poked will laugh like the Pillsbury Doughboy, has never been on a date ever, cares for everyone even if he claims not to, consistently fails to ask out girls he’s interested in and then bitterly regrets it for a day or two after they get a new boyfriend, loves all animals except humans and mosquitoes, desperately wants you to like his writing

Hello, faithful readers. I present you with another piece of writing that was promised. Because of schedules and priorities, it was delayed longer than it was supposed to have been, but I have not forgotten my promises. This is the preface to the book of legends that I mentioned. In a few days I will have the first legend for you. You should also be seeing a great increase in productivity this month. I have chapters 12 and 13 almost ready to send out for editing and I have three or four chapters of the legend in the works too.

 

Of Heroes and Villains: The Legends of Koeleth

Preface

 

Hello, dear readers. In my travels I have come across countless myths and legends surrounding the history and culture of Koeleth. At the urging of my compatriots and

Continue reading Legends and Whatnot

Quotable Moments

Tom

“So what are you doing here, Mister?”-a bartender

“Don’t you think ‘Hold my beer’ is a better way to start a fight than ‘Hold my water skin?’ By the way, hold my beer.”-Tom, shortly before starting a bar fight

Aaron

“Look over there! The king’s in a dress and doing the cancan!”-Aaron, to a guard who caught him stealing from the royal palace

“Not again! My lord, this is most unbecoming!”-the guard

“Again? What?”

“What?”

Cleo and Tom

“You harm a hair on her head, and you’re dead!”-Tom, to a villain

“Oh, Tom, I knew you cared!”-Cleo

“Well, yeah. You’re a friend. I can’t just let you die. That would be awful.”-Tom

“How romantic.”-Cleo, sarcastically

“Hey, I’m saving your life. You could at least pretend to be thankful.”-Tom

Tom and his unintentional interactions with the breasts of women

“Aw, dammit.”-Tom, after each and every accidental boob grab incident

“How dare you!”-Kristin, shortly before slugging him in the face

“Tom, this is not the way to woo me.”-Cleo

“Ummm…this doesn’t seem right.”-Catalina

“So, you like the goods?”-Alice

“I know, man. Boobs are great.”-Mei

Dustin

“What’s the matter? You don’t have any friends? That’s not right.”-Dustin, to a lonely child

“But aren’t you the paragon of isolation, Dustin? Don’t thrive on loneliness?”-a traveling companion

“I fail to see how that’s relevant.”

 

The title says it all.

Cleopatra Iris Horsekeep (Beginning of Story)

Known Aliases: None

Age: 21

Birthdate: Summerset (July) 6, 7066

Continue reading New Profile, As Promised

Hello, faithful readers. As promised, I have a chapter to give to you today. Isn’t it nice? After so long going without. You’ll still be getting all the bonus stuff I promised soon too.

 

Chronicles of Koeleth

Chapter XI

Night Vision

“Oh, that?” Theo answered. “Well, pay close attention, folks. Only Tom knows this.” He blinked and his eyes dilated and started reflecting the light of the fire. His smile took on a more sinister appearance as his canines became sharp and fanglike. “I’m a freak of nature just like the rest of you. It’s just a little harder to notice. Wonder why they call me ‘Nightprowler?’ It’s because these bad boys can see in the dark.”

Suren nervously played with her hair.

“He is right,” Gabriel said weakly, still recovering from his earlier incapacitation. “It assuaged some of my mistrust to see that he was an abomination. I also—hesitantly—have placed my complete trust in Mr. Riversedge.”

Continue reading Chapter 11 and Stuff

Hello, faithful readers, if I have any of those left. I wanted to let you know that I am not dead yet. A couple weeks ago my grandmother passed away, and, needless to say, that has occupied most of my attention as of late. I will be back in business soon, and you all have much to look forward to when I am. I’m going to tell you what you’ll have to look forward to, too! I’m going to start on a new short series of chapters revolving around one of Koeleth’s legends. In the first chapter, I will introduce the legend, and then throughout the rest of the series I will be telling the true story. I will also be posting a drawing of some of the weapons you’ll see later on in the main story. Full disclosure, I am neither a blacksmith nor an artist, so the drawings are not great. I’ll also have at least one extra chapter and a profile or two to share. So, look forward to that.

I know it’s been awhile since I posted a new chapter, and I apologize. That should be changing soon, however, so just be patient a little longer, and I promise you will be rewarded. See, I have a few bonus things to give you with the chapter. Anyways, as is my tradition, I will not simply leave you with an update; I will also give you a bonus gift to hopefully appease you. Enjoy.

Tom’s Combat Techniques

Though known for his use of an Arilese monk halberd technique, Tom is actually accomplished in a wide variety of sword styles and combat techniques. This is why, despite his reluctance to kill, most informed individuals consider him a lethal A-rank warrior.

Koeleth Shield and Sword Technique

Tom learned this technique from his father when he was young. It is the most common combat technique in Koeleth, as it is used by the main body of the Koeleth military. It is noted for being more aggressive than most sword and shield techniques, with the shield being almost as much of a weapon as the sword. The guard of the Royal City affectionately adopted the term “Slash and Bash” to describe the technique, and the name stuck. While a relatively basic technique, a soldier who masters the form is arguably more dangerous than most skilled duelists. An aggressive subset of the technique was developed by elite soldiers that emphasizes the shield as the main weapon and the sword as a sidearm, known colloquially as the “Block and Clock.”

Koeleth Dueling Technique

Tom was taught this as a young teenager by a traveling mercenary who lodged in Lilly Pond for a few months while on a mission. It finds its use not in the hands of the rank and file soldier, but of the skilled elite swordsman. Oftentimes, the Koeleth duelist uses a single double-edged longsword and alternates between one-handed and two-handed attacks. At the cost of reduced defensive capabilities, the duelist gains greater speed and power. Duelists have proved their worth time and again, with major battles often hinging on the presence of no greater than 20 or 30 duelists in an entire army. This also means that duelists often feel the greatest loss in times of war. The nature of the style requires a duelist to use less armor than a common soldier and leaves no room for a typical military formation, so a well-trained cavalry could tear through their ranks if the duelists aren’t prepared.

Ekoalreich Dueling Technique

Tom learned this technique from his uncle who was visiting while on leave from military service. His uncle, though a born Cradler like Tom and his father, lives in Ekoalreich in Koeleth’s south, where he learned the technique when he signed up for the local militia. It is distinct from the Koeleth dueling technique in the sense that it is far less elegant. Despite its lack of finesse, however, it is just as effective. The differences are readily apparent: the weapon of choice in the Ekoalreich form is a shortsword or broadsword, and the technique makes use of the empty hand for combat purposes. The sword movements are quick and efficient while the empty hand, often armored with a leather glove or a light gauntlet, punches, slaps, jabs, grabs shields, blocks swinging arms, and does a slew of other things. It requires a great deal of speed and skill to master this art and has all the weakness of the Koeleth form. It is not uncommon to see Ekoalreich duelists fighting side by side with Koeleth duelists, the speed and resourcefulness of the former complimenting the power and skill of the latter. Tom adapted the style to his own tastes, using a longsword or a heavier broadsword instead of lighter blades.

Ariluo Monk Halberd Technique

Tom learned this one from his mentor in the Adventurer’s Guild. His blessed weapon demanded that he learn how to wield a halberd. It has become his primary style of combat. Unlike most halberdiers, the halberd-wielding monks of certain Arilese temples focus on a defensive, close-combat technique, rather than an offensive technique. The technique requires shorter halberds than the norm, but it makes up for it by being relatively fast and versatile. The actions resemble those of a staff or pole wielder’s technique, but with added benefit of having a deadly metal spear/axe at one end. The defensive technique requires a great deal of stamina to use for extended periods of time, but if done correctly, the enemy will be driven off before that point is reached. The monks wear no armor, so they can usually outlast their heavily armored opponents. Tom’s already strong body aides him in using this technique while wearing armor, a wholly unique characteristic among the users of this style.

Ariluo  Jackrabbit Technique

Tom learned this one from his mentor in the Adventurer’s Guild. The Arilese have a wide variety of weaponless martial arts that they practice, making them deadly with or without a weapon in hand. For those whose hands are often preoccupied or unusable, there are several foot-based styles, such as the Jackrabbit. As the name suggests, the technique relies on quick, powerful kicks in rapid succession. The technique is very athletic, requiring the combatant to continually stay in motion. It is designed to oppose the vandals who frequently attack Arilese temples and altars. Tom uses this technique as last resort, because it requires him to remove his armor.

Ariluo Flying Feet Technique

Tom learned this one from his mentor in the Adventurer’s Guild. Another foot-based martial technique, the Flying Feet technique is not as much about attacking as it is about disabling. The technique, as the name implies, sees the user in the air most of the time. Flying kicks, high kicks, jumping maneuvers, even wrapping your legs around the opponent’s head to bring them to the ground, are used in this style. The hands become feet for some of the maneuvers, a prime example of the importance of feet in this technique. Tom uses this technique as a last resort, because it requires him to remove his armor.

Danagir Dueling Technique

After much begging and swearing an oath to never pass the style on to anyone of a non-Danagir descent, Tom convinced Theo to teach him this traditional sword technique from Danagir. The denizens of Danagir take great pride in the history and ancestry, and their fighting styles are no exception. The Danagir are known for a unique two sword dueling technique. The Danagir duelist uses two falchions in perfect harmony to cut their opponent to shreds. To accommodate this technique, the duelist only wears lightweight, mobile leather armor. The technique is as beautiful as it is lethal, consisting of twirling blades, spinning motions and an almost dance-like fluidity about it. Its showiness does nothing to hurt its deadliness. A skilled Danagir duelist is worth ten lesser warriors.

Koeleth Dual Wielding Technique

Tom learned this technique from a Valiant Blade he was traveling with. This technique is famous for being developed by a legendary “Block and Clock” warrior, known as the Black Death for the vengeful trail of destruction he left in his wake, when his family was murdered and he was left for dead. Those responsible for the tragedy stole everything of value from him, including his family shield. A traveling cleric restored him to health before continuing on his journey. The warrior returned to his devastated home, where all he found were two blades, one a shattered longsword from one of his foes, and the other his own bloodied shortsword, left behind for reasons unknown. Vowing vengeance, he took up both blades and hunted down the vandals who slew his family. The resulting style of combat reflected the nature of the “Block and Clock,” but, making use of a pair of shortswords, obviously lacking the defensive elements, therefore making it a fiercer, more powerful technique, if a bit reckless.

Freelance Brawling Technique

Tom created this “technique” from bits and pieces of the other techniques he knows and a few simple barroom brawl techniques, like punching someone in the nose. It is useful for all sorts of situations, and it allows him much more freedom and adaptability than a pure technique.

Demon in the Mist Technique

Tom did not learn or create this technique, per se. It is a berserk, reckless style that he uses when he is pushed beyond his breaking point. He aggressively attacks his foes, getting up close and striking with powerful blows. With unrivaled speed and heightened reflexes, he crashes into his enemy’s line, ignoring what few lucky strikes do hit him. The adrenaline coursing through his veins pushes him on until his rage is sated.