Wednesday update time!
Our progress continues to be slow, but with a little over a month to go I’m still hoping we can reach goal. Thanks to everyone who has already ordered as well as those of you who have recommended Magus to others.
Today I’ll move the journey forward a bit to Pentaz & Buscidia’s time on the peninsula known as The Blade where Pentaz spends a few months receiving a bit of formal education in his magicking at a small academy run by the head of a Wilder Elf community. You can read about that starting here in Chapter 31.
The Wilder Elves (pronounced will-der as in wilderness) are seen as savages by most of the more "civilised" elves in the far eastern elven nation of Lanadalaria, and even their less judgemental cousins in Hanaen sometimes regard them as a bit backwards. They live as nomads in the untamed wilds, living entirely off the land and flowing with the seasons. When they do build settlements it is only temporary structures, huts of vine, wicker, and fallen tree limbs which have seen no blade.
While they tend to avoid contact with those who do not live as they do, they are not hostile to outsiders and will often aid those they see in need, albeit secretly when possible. Like all elves they have innate magical talent, though all but their shamans and priestesses use this talent only for blending in and tracking game.
That’s all I’ve got for today’s update. As always thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this bit of insight. For my fellow D&D players my prototype Wilder Elf racial option follows(as with the Dwarven options I presented this presumes you only gain what is listed below, not the standard PHB qualities as well).
Hey everyone!
I’m really excited to be able to share the next chapter, Unburdening, with you all tonight. This chapter introduces the second family in the story. They’re quite a departure from the singers that have shown up til now, though as you’ll see there’s more to them than first appearances would have you believe.
It’s been a bit of a hard road getting here, and I’m continually surprised both at how much and how little can happen on the way to a milestone. Tonight I hit 33000 words. That might not mean much to you guys, but an average novel weighs in right around 100,000 words. By those lights, 33000 is a solid representation for one third of a book.
Just as importantly, I’ve been able to write a plan for my writing going forward. I’ve only got 42 (the answer!) days left to share with you, but I’m hoping to make them the most fruitful and entertaing days you’ve seen in a good long time, and to send you new chapters a couple of times a week. By the time this contest is over (don’t forget to share this book with your friends!), at the very least you’ll be able to see the shape of things to come in the Lands.
Thanks so much for following the book, for preordering the book, and for sharing with your friends and loved ones. It makes a huge difference, and it engenders a lovely warmth in my little heart to know you’re out there somewhere, singing along.
Hope you’re well.
mgb