Temporary Repository - Thalamyr Arc

This will be deleted, but all the relevant information for the Thalamyr Arc will be placed here.

The saga begins in Veiburnim, where many of the characters are from.

## Characters

### Thalamyr Veiburnim

INTJ

At his max height, he stands 5'7”. Dark brown hair cut short. light complexion. Lean. Baby blue eyes, just like his mother. Chiseled chin. Small nose. Thick eyebrows.

Thalamyr is a genius, gifted from a young age. He excels at both swordsmanship and studies. He continuously trains his body and his mind. His skill with a sword comes from countless hours practicing techniques. He invented his own style, from studying forms and other styles. He makes up for his lack of strength with dexterity and precision. It is still possible for him to lose in a fight, in the case that he is physically overpowered. His intelligence is enough to bring whole countries to its knees, and yet his intelligence may be his biggest weak point. He is so smart that he tends to overestimate himself, and he disregards preparing in case of a failure. When he succeeds, he wins big time. But when he fails, he loses everything. Thalamyr also likes to show off. He enjoys challenging others and proving himself better.

As a child, He wanted to invent stuff for people to use, not because he wanted to help them, but because he wanted to be the biggest impact on others' lives as well as go down in history.

After he took the throne, he decided he wanted to do something no-one had ever achieved before - uniting the entire continent.

His father, Saerus, wanted a daughter that was similar to his wife. He also wanted a daughter so he could marry her off to a prince from a nearby country. Because of that, he didn’t know how to interact with Thalamyr, and so he ignored Thalamyr and neglected showing love/affection.

**Thalamyr wants to go down in history so he’s not forgotten like his father forgot him.**

Cause of death is execution by his royal council while he was the late king of Veiburnim. He has no children himself.

### Soramyr

ENFJ

Soramyr stands at 5'11”. Shaggy, unkempt Dark brown hair. Slightly darker skin that he inherited from his mother. Slightly more muscle than Thalamyr. Green eyes that fade inward to hazel. Same chiseled chin and small nose as Thalamyr. Thin eyebrows.

While more gifted in physical strength than Thalamyr, Soramyr is no genius. But Soramyr is no idiot and is quite smart in his own right. Soramyr in his teenage years feels overwhelmed when comparing himself to Thalamyr, and feels not good enough. This passes in later years. Soramyr enjoys drawing(Not a fantastic artist, but good enough) and solving word puzzles. And he loves to challenge himself in feats of physical strength - It’s a personal competition; He avoids dragging other people into it.

He was born not knowing his royal heritage. For his younger years, he grew up in a humble house on the outer edge of Veiburnim. His mother, Makaela, used to be a personal maid for Saerus until Saerus got her pregnant. In order for their relationship to remain hidden, Saerus hid her and the child away and paid for their basic living expenses. Soramyr lived a modest lifestyle.

His name is actually a more feminine name, and he gets made fun of for it.

### Saerus Veiburnim

Father of Thalamyr and Soramyr, King of Veiburnim.

Stands at 5'9. Dark brown hair. Light complexion. Slightly muscled, all lean, has some extra fat on his bones. Hazel eyes. Chiseled chin, small nose. Thick eyebrows. Generally slightly uglier than his sons. His sons gain their beauty from their respective moms.

He is cheerful although a bit awkward. Kind of a dork. Lovable. Able to ease tensions. You would never believe he was king; not because he was unprofessional, but because he was so lighthearted. He was also quick to anger, and very emotional. As it turns out, Saerus had extreme depression, and only Miriela was able to help him. After Miriela's death, he became withdrawn and quiet. Impossible to see him with a smile. His fat begins to melt away over the years as he slowly starts eating less. Near his last days, his once chiseled cheeks are now sunken in, his once joyful eyes look hollow.

### Miriella

Mother of Thalamyr, Queen of Veiburnim

Stands at 5'3. Golden brown hair. Pale as a ghost, and as light as one too. Baby blue eyes.

A prestigious lady, Miriela is the picture of feminine charm. She is not only pretty, but she is intelligent as well. She is the main diplomat of the family. She and her husband are the perfect pair, with her keeping merchants in line while cooperating with other nations while Saerus deals with logistical support. While Saerus is king, Miriela is the true ruler of the Cit

### Makaela

The maid who Saerus had an affair with, mother of Soramyr.

Tall for a girl at 5'6”. Long black hair that always seems to be tied up. Darker skin; looks like milk chocolate. Body is stronger than most women. Beautiful green eyes behind a pair of glasses.

### Cheru

ESFJ

Cheru is the main love interest for Soramyr.

## Thalamyr's Life

Thalamyr is born as the first Prince of The Merchants City-state. His father Saerus, the king, is a numerical wizard, doing numerous high level calculations and accounting. His mother Miriela, the queen, is a diplomat and master negotiator, striking deals and keeping the peace. They reside over the City-state of Veiburnim.

**Age 0-14** Preparing for the throne.

**Age 12** Soramyr is born

**Age 12 birthday party fiasco:** At his 12th birthday, Thalamyr deals with a bully and the bully's merchant father.

**Age 13** The bully's father poisons Miriela, and she dies. Saerus falls into depression and allows Thalamyr to shadow him. Thalamyr gains firsthand experience in ruling.

**Age 16** Saerus passes away shortly after the anniversary of Miriela’s death. Some people say Saerus just faded, others say he was poisoned like his wife, and still more claim it to be suicide. The real cause remains unknown to the public. (Saerus did in fact kill himself.)

Thalamyr takes the throne.

Age 19 Thalamyr starts with his conquest. Kingdom 1 takes control of Kingdom 11

Age 19-23 Kingdoms 12-14 fall

...

Ages 36-46 - He spends 10 years ruling his empire mostly peacefully, and his empire prospers under his rule. There are a few rebellious city states, he sends a show of force (but militia goes against orders and pillages the city)

…

Watcher Bloodlust comes and tries to kill him

…

Age 46 He falls ill to some unknown disease, he suffers from nightmares and delusions, council decides he is unfit to rule. Thalamyr resists and is sentenced with treason against the council, who then decide to execute him.

## General Book Progressions

### Book 1

Thalamyr is 19 and Soramyr is 12 when the War starts

Thalamyr and Soramyr are born, parents die, Thalamyr takes the throne.

Soramyr sneaks out of the palace to hangout with friends in the city. They run into various problems and we see how young Soramyr interacts with the world. Meanwhile, Thalamyr is plotting to take over the continent with the help of 10 of the 20 nations(not including Veiburnim).

Soramyr grows up and is 16. He wants to go to a fancy school in country 15(which is not an allied nation) with all of his friends, but Thalamyr says no. Thalamyr tries to explain the dangers of such, because Thalamyr has no idea when it will become an enemy. Soramyr, who has been sheltered by Thalamyr, has no idea the horror of war. Soramyr doesn’t listen and decides to leave Veiburnim and go on his own. He realizes too late that he doesn’t have the money for tuition. He goes around the nearby town searching for a job that will allow him to earn enough money for the expensive tuition. A solution appears before Soramyr in the form adventuring. Taking requests of various degrees, from exploring, to bodyguarding, to collecting materials. Soramyr decides it will be the fastest way for him to earn money. He takes a job with a few of his friends to explore a labyrinth.

Book ends with Thalamyr at 23 years old and Soramyr is 16. Kingdom 14 conquered

### Book 2

Soramyr enters the labyrinth and discovers the Senorona. He has to fight his way through multiple traps just to enter, and then he and his group learn of the Bad Senorona. They manage to escape, with a few casualties, to the den of the Good Senorona deep within the earth. The Good Senorona are surrounded and unable to escape from the Bad Senorona, and the adventurers are trapped with them.

Soramyr is underground and presumed dead by the rest of the world. He has to help the Good Senorona win a war against the Bad Senorona if he and the other adventurers trapped ever want to get to the surface again.

Of course, Soramyr makes it to the surface. The casualties: Leo, 2 other friends, 2 veteran adventurers, and one of Cherus’ limbs.

Book ends with Thalamyr at 24 years old and Soramyr is 17. Kingdom 15 is conquered for the first time, with rebellions happening

### Book 3

Kingdom 15 was suddenly thrown into a war against religious rebellion. The war starts slightly before Soramyr rejoins the surface. Thalamyr gets Kingdom 15 to join relatively peacefully. He then imposes his laws which partly end discrimination between demon races. The cult of Aryste, which is a cult that hates and murders members of a demon race, gets pissed. The cult decides to kidnap Thalamyr when he is visiting the country. Soramyr surfaces sometime around here. Soramyr gets stuck in a hostile nation. Thalamyr escapes his kidnappers but is also stuck in the nation. Both brothers are stuck, with no knowledge of each other, and with no way of communicating with friendly forces. The two eventually run into each other, meet up, and escape.

### Book 4

Stolen body + last couple of wars

We see Thalamyr visit a few of the different nations, we get a feel for the different climates and cultures. Soramyr is sent to the frontlines to stem various rebels. The Aryste cult is back, causing troubles and rousing the religious people up, claiming Veiburnim and Co are against their religions, and wish to force their own religion upon them.

Soramyr defeats the Aryste cult, who was performing human experiments on the cult members to try and form a “perfect human”.

Partly from Bloodlusts view.

Introduces the Watcher Faction. Bloodlust goes to visit his wife in kingdom 20, which just surrendered to Thalamyr. Finds his wife murdered by naughty soldiers. Kills some people. Asks Paracosm for permission to kill Thalamyr. Paracosm agrees, but on the condition that BL does it without his powers.

Ends with Thalamyr dying.

## Book 1 Outline

### Chapter 1

Starts a few days before Thalamyr's 12th birthday. Miriela, Thalamyr’s mother, is very doting on Thalamyr. It is made clear that she showers him with praise. Even though she is a busy woman she still makes time for Thalamyr. Saerus, his father, on the other hand, has neglected showing affection for Thalamyr. Thalamyr doesn't understand why his father “doesn't love him”. Thalamyr starts to think that his mother only dotes on him *because* she is his mother. While at his party, a 14 year old boy decides to pick on Thalamyr. Bad choice. Thalamyr walks away, but decides to go back and punch the bully. On his way back towards the bully, a maid carrying a platter of champagne glasses cuts in front of him. As she passes, she whispers to Thalamyr; “That's not a good idea.” Thalamyr can only think; “*I don't recognize that maid.*” before he hears the bully’s snobbish voice. He rushes over to the bully and punches him across the face. The bully runs off. Thalamyr turns around to find the same maid staring at him with a sad face. “I pity you.” is all she says before turning and leaving. Thalamyr runs after her but she is lost in the crowd. A bit later, the bully comes back and challenges him to a duel. In an attempt to win his father's praise, Thalamyr accepts. The bully's father provided swords, with Thalamyr's being rigged to break easily. After a few exchanges, Thalamyr's sword breaks, and he drops it and grapples the bully to the ground, winning the fight. The bully's father gets angry, claiming it wasn't a fair fight. Thalamyr gets cocky and says “you're right, it wasn't fair. I doubt even someone of *your* level could best me.” With his pride on the line, the bully's father has no choice but to accept. Thalamyr, being Thalamyr, wins the fight. The boys father turned out to be a wealthy merchant. As the fight ends, some people mention stuff about difference in Magic. Saerus is disappointed in Thalamyr for ruining any future business deals with the merchant. The chapter ends as Thalamyr watches his father turn and walk away with a disappointed look on his face.

(T:12 S:5)

### Chapter 2

Time skip to the first anniversary of Miriela's death. Thalamyr is 14 and Miriela died a year ago. Saerus and Thalamyr visit her grave. After laying down flowers and saying a few words, the two head out. They leave the palace and start walking through the city towards a middle-class, unnoticeable part. Saerus knocks on the door before heading inside, Thalamyr follows close behind. As they enter the house, they are greeted by a dark skinned lady and her young son of a slightly lighter complexion. The woman has a less than happy look on her face, but she doesn't have a speck of fear. On the contrary, she looks stubborn and in control. Saerus tells Thalamyr to go play with the boy, because Saerus has to go speak with the woman. The boy introduces himself as Soramyr, and says he's 7 years old. Thalamyr gives his name and says he's 14. They sit awkwardly before the boy speaks up and begins gloating about how good he is at arm wrestling. Thalamyr doesn't like how cocky the kid is being so he challenges him to arm wrestle. Even though Soramyr put up a good fight, Thalamyr wins in the end. Saerus and the woman begin raising their voices and Thalamyr can hear his dad and the woman fighting. Thalamyr and Soramyr pause to listen, moving closer to hear better., They would be able to hear the adults talk even if they weren’t shouting. They basically talk about how Saerus wants to bring Soramyr to live in his home, because Soramyr is actually his own child that he had with the woman. Thalamyr and Soramyr quickly run away from the door to hide the fact that they were eavesdropping. Saerus walks into the room. He walks over to the two boys and crouches down beside them. He puts his hands on the boys’ shoulders and looks at Thalamyr. As their eyes meet, Saerus's expression softens and he says ;”Thalamyr, meet your younger brother. He'll be living with us in 3 years. It's going to be your job to look after him. If something happens to both of us, he'll get the throne, so you better make sure he's ready.” Saerus pulls Thalamyr into a quick, awkward hug, one that felt forced and heartless, before standing up and heading for the door. Thalamyr, stunned, stares at Soramyr for a few seconds, then back to the doorway that his father already exited, before getting up to run after his father.

(T:14 S:7)

### Chapter 3

Timeskip to shortly before Saerus’ death. Thalamyr is shown working beside his father. Thalamyr's charisma and genius begins to shine and everyone believes him to be a fitting heir. After a morning meeting, Saerus rests his hand on Thalamyr’s shoulder stating; “You are ready. You are going to make a fine king.” After a pause, Saerus says he’s not feeling well and asks Thalamyr to take over for the rest of the day. Thalamyr feels like he has finally been praised by his father. He finishes up all the appointments even better than before. Thalamyr is overjoyed, thinking his father will finally see him as an adult. After the day is over, Thalamyr rushes to his father's bedroom, hoping to make his father proud with everything he has done. At this point, it’s late at night. Thalamyr brings with him dinner, after hearing that Saerus hasn’t eaten all day. He knocks a few times on the door. No response. He knocks harder. No response. At this point, Thalamyr is worried. Saerus has always been a light sleeper. Thalamyr attempted to turn the handle to no avail. Thalamyr drops the tray of food and starts slamming his body against the door. After a few hits, the door splinters apart. Thalamyr pushes himself through the broken door into the room to reveal his dead father, a letter and a note. The outside of the letter reads “to Thalamyr”. The note simply says; “Miriela, I'm sorry”.

(T:16 S:9)

### Chapter 4

Time skip to Thalamyr's coronation. Thalamyr is waiting in the back waiting enter the main chamber to proceed with the ceremony. Thalamyr can overhear two servants talking. One servant is saying how “It's too soon”, “We only buried King Saerus yesterday”, and “what a shame”. Thalamyr tries to ignore them and focus on the coronation. During the coronation, Thalamyr's mind is completely elsewhere. While we occasionally get information on where he is and what's going on around him, he mostly spends his time thinking. Thalamyr vaguely recognizes what's going on around him while recalling the suicide letter Saerus left. The letter explains some of Saerus past.

Here's where we clarify kinda why Saerus was the way he was. Turns out, Saerus had been traumatized by being sexually harassed by his uncle from a young age. It was during this time that Saerus met Miriela. Miriela was the only person he confided in, making her promise not to tell anyone. Miriela was his pillar of support during this time, as his parents didn't seem to care. All these struggles came to an end when the uncle was murdered by one of his sex slaves that he kept in is own house. Because of this event, Saerus had extreme depression, and Miriela was the only one able to help him. Miriela is the only person Saerus is able to love, and this is why Saerus “neglected” showing pride in/loving Thalamyr. Saerus understood that he was at fault and realized in his later years that he was exactly like his parents. Chapter ends with Thalamyr snapping back to reality as the crown is being placed on his head.

(T:16 S:9)

### Chapter 5

Skip a short time away. Multiple views of the ten different kings/queens of various nations all receiving/thinking about/”responding” to a letter of invitation to a banquet hosted by Thalamyr.

Mini time skip back to Thalamyr at the banquet. Everyone has gotten food already and Thalamyr calls them into his “council room”. Everyone sits down around the table. Someone asks if Thalamyr is finally going to tell them the *real* reason Thalamyr invited them. Thalamyr opens with telling them that he intends to unite the continent, and that he requires help. (Refer to TxBk1 General).

After explaining his plans, he asks who wishes to join. Every country agrees. After that, he lays out the basic laws and asks for any suggestions or revisions. They figure something out, and rejoin the banquet with all the other guests. Throw in a young Soramyr cameo.

(T:16 S:9)

### Chapter 6

Another time skip, now from the perspective of 11 year old Soramyr. Thalamyr had just left earlier that morning for a three day trip, with Soramyr’s mother going as an attendant. Soramyr is getting ready to sneak out for the first time. He's grown accustomed to sneaking away from his lessons, but he's never left the island to visit the city. He's already scouted out the perfect place to do it. When the palace walls on the island were built, a few “storm drains" were placed along the wall at spots far from the rivers. These spots had a habit of flooding and becoming dangerous before the drains were put in. Soramyr has learned that he can pass through one of these drains as long as it's not raining too hard. Soramyr ventures out and heads down to the edge of the river. Being confident in his swimming ability, he decides to swim to the opposite shore, right onto the bank of district 3. It also helps that the water is calm, shallow, and the shore is not far off. Soramyr makes it to shore safely and pulls himself up onto the dock. Soramyr heads past the docks into “highway 3”. Soramyr stares up at the big warehouses as he passes, thinking about how fun they would be to climb. He continues past the fancy houses, reaching the general city area. He decides to rush to to a market as he wants to try stall food. As he's looking around at all the tasty things, he hears a commotion off the main road. Soramyr gets excited as he heads to the source of the noise. He looks around the corner, he spots what appears to be 2 gangs of 11ish year olds getting ready to fight. One of the group leaders appears to be protecting an 10ish year old girl. As he listens in on them, he learns that one of the “bad guys” bumped into the younger sister of the other groups leader. The two groups have always had beef with each other, and this was the last straw. The two leaders(Leo, and a boy named Tommi) are literally butting heads together when Soramyr rushes in and slugs Tommi in the face before anyone can blink. Soramyr shouts; “If you go around hurting others, then you better be ready to get your ass beat!”

(T:18 S:11)

### Chapter 7

Soramyr and the other kids are beat up after winning the tussle. The leader introduces himself as Leo, and the young girl who was with him as his sister *Cheru*. The other kids all introduce themselves. They head back to Leo's house to patch up their cuts and bruises. While there, Leo's older brother comes in. It turns out that Leo's older brother, Logan, was the one that helped Soramyr out of the water. Logan yells a bit at Leo for doing something dangerous. Logan then helps patch the boys up, albeit angrily. Soramyr and Leo are on the path to becoming best friends. Excluding Soramyr and Logan, the friends group numbers 7 people total.

(Note: out of the 7; Leo, Cheru, and 3 others join Soramyr as adventurers into the Finchat labyrinth. Leo and 2 others die, Cheru will lose an arm/hand/limb. Cheru is also in love with Soramyr, she will probably become his “first wife”. Also, Logan will die in the war after Soramyr resurfaces, leaving Cheru all alone.)

They all then decide to go back out and play. Soramyr, when asked where he lives, says he comes from across the river, and that he just came back to Veiburnim after living with relatives. They ask why he came to their side of the river, and he says he wanted to see what it's like. They decide that they will show him around, a new spot every day. They decide the first place to go is their “secret hideout”. Turns out it's by the docks on the roof of the warehouse Logan works at. They hangout for a bit, and slowly, the different friends go home as it grows closer to evening. Then, it's down to Soramyr, Leo, and Cheru. Cheru says she's tired and heads down. Commence dialogue.

(What might be said) Leo - “Don't you have to go too?” Sora - “Not really. Leo - “Won't your parents be worried?” Sora - “My dad's dead, and my mother is away on a trip with my brother. Besides, even though my brother is *supposed* to be taking care of me, he always brushes me off or ignores me. The only time he notices is to say ‘*Don't do this! Don't do that! That's not safe! Nag nag nag blah blah blah!* He doesn't think I can do anything. Leo - “Huh, I know what you mean, Logan is just the same, always telling us off for doing something “stupid”. It gets on my nerves. Sora - “Well, what about your parents?” Leo -  “Both my parents are dead. Mom died after giving birth to Cheru, and Dad died in a boating accident. I've taken to caring for Cheru. Logan can't, he's busy getting food on our table. What's more, she gets picked on a lot. Protecting her falls to me.” Sora - “Having to take care of her yourself must be tough. I can help if you want. I'd hate to see your cute little sister get hurt.” Leo - “Thanks, that means a lot to me.”

(It also turns out, Cheru was listening, her crush on Sora got even bigger).

(T:18 S:11)

### Chapter 8

Soramyr and friends have a paintball fight type deal with Tommi’s group. An adult gets hit by the crossfire, he is actually a dangerous thug. The thug thinks Tommi hit him, starts intimidating/bullying/scaring Tommi’s group. Tommi looks like he’s about to piss himself, he’s ghostly pale with tears streaming down his face. Our group comes to the rescue, Soramyr takes the blame, even though he didn't know who it was, no one does. He tries to apologize peacefully, thug isn't satisfied, starts getting physical. The thug starts forcing kids to kneel down, then proceeds to step on their heads.  Soramyr gets pissed and tries to beat the shit out of them. Kinda works, but remember, he is only a kid. Gets kicked around. During this fight, Cheru learns of her powers. After Cheru accidentally knocks out the bad guys,

(What might be said)

(Both parties visibly shaken) Tommi - *I think it was my stone that hit him. If it wasn’t for you guys, we might not have gotten out alive. Those guys were part of the Kreta Clan. They would’ve killed us*. Leo - *We were partly to blame. Thinking back on it, having a slingshot fight in a back alley was a stupid idea. Who’s idea was it even?* Random Guy From Tommi’s Group - *ehe, it was mine. I made the slingshots with spare stuff from my dad’s workshop.* Horisyne - *You made those slingshots? That’s pretty cool! Could you teach me? Mine fell apart as you can see.* (He holds up a shitty slingshot.) (Everyone begins chatting with each other. The mood lightens.) Horisyne - *I should get my Dad. He’s a Captain in the City Guard. He should be able to lock these guys up if I explain what happened to him.* Tommi (Visibly relieved.) - *I’ll feel much safer knowing he’s locked up.* Leo - *Same here.* Sora - *You know, you guys actually seem to get along quite well. Why’re you guys always fighting anyway?.* (Tommi and Leo look at each other.) Tommi - *“I’m not really sure, something about a horse?”*

(T:19 S:12)

### Chapter 9

Cheru's powers were discovered by more than just a few people. Cheru receives multiple letters from various schools asking her to attend. Cheru doesn't know what to do. She goes on a walk to think about it. During the walk, some creepy magic-scientist guys kidnap Cheru. Soramyr and Leo begin to wonder where Cheru went. The two boys explore town asking people, they get a few eyewitness statements that confirm Cheru’s kidnapping.  They attempt to break in.

(T:20 S:13)

### Chapter 10

Soramyr and friends have broken into the hideout. Soramyr saves Cheru, and Cheru’s crush on him grows. Cheru accepts an offer from one of the schools. The school agreed to help Cheru get into the advanced classes, so she can skip a “grade”. But not before making plans with the friends group to all attend this one prestigious school out of country in the next few years.

(T:20 S:13)

### Chapter 11

A chapter from Cheru's point of view. Cheru has arrived at the magic school, she attends one of the classes, here is an excellent moment to explain the magic system in more depth. Before the chapter ends, Cheru says something like “This will be difficult, but I'll tough it out, so I can be with Soramyr.”

(T:20 S:13 C:12)

### Chapter 12

Soramyr tries to get Thalamyr to pay for his tuition and to help with some of his friends' tuition, Thalamyr says no. Soramyr runs off and becomes an adventurer, along with the other poor friends. Cheru finds them and learns about their plan, and demands to go with them. They head down into the labyrinth of Finchat. The group is Soramyr, Leo, Cheru, Horisyne, 2 more friends, and 4 veteran adventurers. They head in, and all seems fine, but then a wall closes behind them and they are left trapped in the labyrinth.

## Book 2 Outline

### Chapter 1

The group heads down into the labyrinth. After heading around a few corners, they reach the first door. A large door of heavy wood is open before them, revealing a lit room. The group heads inside, studying the room before them. Inside is a great chasm, with a maze of planks no more than a foot wide. Obviously, the exit is across the chasm, with only the maze bridging the gap. After everyone has entered, they only have a glance at the room before chaos ensues. The door swings shut behind them, faster than should be possible. At the same time, the torches are quenched, fog is released, and the group is thrown into darkness. They immediately try to light their own torches, but the fog prevents them it. Magical lights didn't work either, being powerless against the thick fog. The group manages to get right by each other, and they make their way to the beginning of the maze. Soramyr volunteers to go first, and he travels slowly across the planks on his hands and knees, using a knife to create marks before paths leading to dead ends. One by one, they all make it across except for one person, named Horisyne. As they wait for Horisyne to cross, the path begins to shake. The last person shouts out in fear, before falling down the pits. There is a thunk, the sound of something being impaled, and the screaming of Horisyne. The lights relit, revealing Horisyne below. Horisyne is struggling in anguish, impaled through multiple body parts including thighs, stomach, an arm, and throat. Horisyne’s screams die down to a hellish gurgle as blood fills his lungs and throat. The team can only watch as in horror as Horisyne dies. They realize they might have bit off more than they can chew.

### Chapter 2

The group heads through towards the next room. Hanging inside the room are 10 masks, each one unique. Under each mask is a slot inside the wall. 4 slots are empty, while the other 6 each contain a metal statue, each with a mask matching it’s slot. As the door locks behind our heroes, the statues will come to life. Each robot statue has different weapons, abilities, movement styles, and attacks. It almost seems like they were all designed by different groups. After defeating the robots in an epic battle, the next door unlocks.

### Chapter 3

Inside the next room are 4 pedestals and 4 doors. An inscription on the wall states that “one mushroom grants life, the rest grant death. Eat the correct mushroom and the correct door will open.”

### Obelisk of Judgement.

The 10 Senerona Commandments and their associated trials:

**1. Darkness**

*The Sun shines light upon all with its gaze: Born from darkness, we are sworn to secrecy.*

Trial: A room with a chasm in the center, torches lining the wall, and a maze of planks leading across the gap. At the bottom of the gap is multiple spikes, made to cause pain rather than instant death. Upon entering the room, the torches are quenched, fog fills the room, and the doors slam shut, locking you inside.

**2. Masks**

Trial: Hanging inside the room are 10 masks, each one unique. Under each mask is a slot inside the wall. 4 slots are empty, while the other 6 each contain a metal statue, each with a mask matching it’s slot. The statues will come to life once the room is locked, and defeating them is the only way to proceed. Each robot statue has different weapons, abilities, movement styles, and attacks. It almost seems like they were all designed by different groups. Statues:     1. Crossbow 2. Flamethrower 3. Hammer 4. Net and Spears 5. Bladed 6. Disk Launcher

**3. Fire**

Trial:

**4. Mushroom stuff**

Trial: A room with 4 pedestals. Each pedestal contains a different mushroom/fungus. In the center of the room between the pedestals is an overgrown pedestal, covered in vines, holding an inscription. The inscription reads “on one of these pedestals is the life-giving plant. All others bring death. Partake of the correct plant, and the path forward will open.”

**5. Dynamite**

Trial: The path forward is by a number of  irregular stone blocks. Before the group is a pedestal containing a series of buttons. It is unidentifiable which button connects to what. A message also explains that each button connects to a different block. You can only hit a button once, and, when hit, a linked block will sink, revealing part of the path. However, if you many buttons are pressed, the ceiling will begin to sink, crushing anyone caught.

**6. Tools**

Trial:

**7. ?**

Trial:

**8. ?**

Trial:

**9. ?**

Trial:

**10. Gold**

*Lead will never shine as bright as gold*.

Trial:

## Book 5 Outline

### Watcher Bloodlust Perspective

Opens from Watcher Bloodlusts perspective. He is walking through the main base of the Watcher Faction. This is the first time we officially learn about WF. He makes his way into the meeting room. Introduces other members of WF. Learn that WF is ordered by Paracosm to deal with Thalamyr in some fashion. Killing him is unnecessarily the only option. Meeting over, Bloodlust asks Syndicate Tornado if BL can return to his wife, because their home is located in Kingdom 20, which just surrendered to Thalamyr without a war. BL obtains permission.

BL returns home to find his home reduced to ashes, the corpse of his wife in the rubble. BL, enraged, searches for the perpetrators. He discovers it to be the work of a few of Thalamyr's soldiers that recently stationed inside the town. BL slaughters them and vows to kill Thalamyr.

BL returns to the WF base. He seeks out Syndicate Tornado and requests permission to kill Thalamyr. Tornado has to run it through Paracosm. Paracosm says that “You have my permission, on the condition that I seal your power. We can not risk exposing this faction. Now is not the time to reveal ourselves.”

Switch to Thalamyr. He has just received the news that some of his men were attacked and killed at an outpost in Kingdom 20. He sends Soramyr to investigate. Thalamyr hopes it is not a rebel uprising that will cause another war to break out.

BL makes his way towards Thalamyr, slow and steady. Unable to use teleportation magic, BL has to rely on walking to make his way to Veiburnim. Passes by another town, sees corrupt soldiers/mercenaries hired by Thalamyr and kills them.

Back to Thalamyr. More reports of soldiers being killed come in. Soramyr contacts him to report what he’s found out. It is discovered that after the surrender, certain soldiers went pillaging. While investigating this, Soramyr discovers the burned house of BL, as well as the fresh grave. He asks the villagers nearby and they tell him that a strange man and his wife live there. They give Bl’s cover name to Soramyr. Thalamyr assumes that this man is a powerful warrior gone to take revenge, and that Thalamyr is BL’s target. Thalamyr orders Soramyr to return, if only to try and prevent any more damage. Thalamyr also orders a review to be done on soldiers not only in Kingdom 20, but the other kingdoms as well.

BL continues to make his way to Thalamyr.

## Book 1 Draft

**CHAPTER ONE**

*“Never talk first.”*

I remembered Orsa’s words. That was rule one. She made me sit through innumerable hours, observing countless deals. Father picked her to tutor and explain to me the ins and outs of dealmaking. I deserve and will get the best of the best.

I'm brought back to the present as my horse stumbles. The horse resumes its pace, I listen to the clops of the horse's hooves beat in tempo. My breathing relaxes and deepens to the rhythm, lulling me back into my thoughts. Today marks the twelfth anniversary of my “remarkable” birth, as my mother always remarked. It was very remarkable. If only Father felt the same way. Today, the deal was all I had to do, to prove to Father I was a man. This deal will be the first deal he will witness me do. Every boy in the city, upon his twelfth birthday, did the same. But mine will be the best. It was a rite of manhood that could only have been born in the city of Veiburnim, the richest trading hub in the world.

*“Body language. You always look so closed off, Thalamyr. You will never get anyone to accept with that bored stare, either,”* Orsa said, her words cutting through my memories. Those words struck me hard, if anyone turns my offers down, it will be obvious that they do not understand what they are doing.

I’ve studied for so long. I’ve watched for so long. I've practiced so much. I deserve this. Today I will finally prove to Father I am good enough. No, I'll prove I'm much better than simply ‘good enough’. I'm fit to take Father’s place. A fluttering of wings accompanied by a loud caw startled me out of my thoughts. A raven flies over me, dropping feathers. I grab one out of the air, inspecting it. There's a sheen of blue on one side, and one of red on the other. I’ve never seen the red on a raven’s feathers before, and as fast as the raven disappeared over the treetops, a gust of wind blew the feather away. It must be a sign. The gods give me signs quite often. I’ve read the more signs gods give, the greater and more powerful the ruler is. I smirk at the thought. Dismissing the bird, I direct my steed towards the palace gate.

I feel the cold wind blow through my hair as I steer my horse toward my waiting mother. It only takes me a few seconds to pass through the sprawling green orchard that makes up one of the palace isles.

*“Thalamyr! Come down from there, my handsome prince needs to get ready for your party!”*

*“Yes Mother,”* I call out as I bring the horse next to her. As I dismount the horse, my mother pulls me towards her.

*“All of this is for you! Your birthday only comes once a year, after all,”* she says, smiling warmly.

*“Mom, I’m too old for hugs, I’m already 12!”* Despite my objections, I enjoy her hugs. The warm comfort I feel is more soothing than the pelt of the great mountain lion I killed and skinned myself.

*“Alright, alright. Look at you, my young boy has grown so much! Before I know it, you’ll be off getting married.”*

*“Ew mom, gross.”*

*“I’m sure you would have more interest in women if you quit locking yourself up in your room.”*

*“I enjoy being in my room. It gives me time to think. Besides, I-”*

*“Pardon us, Sir. Best of wishes today, young master.”* A royal guard interrupts, bowing. Stepping aside to make way, I watch a few servants walk by, carrying baskets of exotic and local fruit and vegetables, and a large beast of some sort on a spit.

“I do mean all of this is for you, honey. Fresh and ripe pujoa gourds are almost two silver murua per head!”

*“You know I didn't ask for this, mom.”* Despite my words, I liked the grandeur my life provided. It was fit for someone like me.

*"You didn't need to. It's my obligation not only as a mother but also as the queen. Now, It’s time for you to act like a prince, and get on with your duties."*

*“Yes, mother.”* I bow before Mother and start towards my chambers. As I leave, a servant runs up and hands me a list.

*“Young master, these are the tasks that need to be accomplished.”*

*“Ah, thank you, I almost forgot.”* I glance over the list and sigh. I don’t like chores. They are oftentimes boring, but much like many things to the kingdom, very necessary. Important people have important tasks.

First, on the list; check on the new vault attendant. The vault is one of the most important sections of the palace grounds, and being so required a solid overseer. Father had appointed someone new after the prior one was hung for stealing murua. I discovered the missing murua when the previous attendant tried to smuggle it off the island. Her ruse was clever, but I was much more. One of the jobs the attendant has to do is to observe the murua flowing into and out of the palace: as such, there is no opportunity for error. I briefly met him when Father summoned the high council to elect a new attendant. He didn’t seem like a bad person, but he had an… interesting personality. I wasn’t looking forward to meeting with him. Hopefully, he’ll last more than a few months. The election process is long, benign, and a complete waste of my time. I recall seeing more than one corpse in the vaults, driven insane by either the silence or the incredulous workload.

While I was hung up on the new attendant, I had already made my way past the stables and into the main building. Heading down the hall, I make my way to the grand entrance. From the entrance, I head into the throne room. The vault, filled with jewels and murua, is set just past the throne room. Both are important, and guards are liberally stationed there. I proceed past the throne, nodding to the guards.

“*There’s the young prince. Careful though, that new guy will talk your ear off.”* The guard chuckles.

*“I’ll be careful. Besides, he can’t be that bad.”* I retort, heading down the staircase towards the vault. Reaching the bottom, I continue, stone walls beside me, torchlight my guide. At the end of the corridor, the vault door sits propped open. Stepping inside the doorway, a cold gust of air hits me and brings with it a searing tinge of metal. The vault contains both the riches of my family, as well as books upon books of lists and statements of every merchant and transaction. It was as much as a vault as it was a library, with countless gems and various currencies from neighboring nations.

*“Sir! I’m over here!”* Hearing a voice, I turn around. A figure in a gilded robe hurries down the staircase. I couldn’t believe it! Krutz, the new attendant, is late on his first day.

*“Krutz, You're late.”*

*“I'm dearly sorry, young master. I ran as fast as I could”* He stammered out between heavy breaths.

*“Well, if you want to keep your job and your head, you’d best be on time tomorrow.”* I snap back, rejecting his words. *“Anyway, do you understand how to document transactions in the correct format?”*

“Of course, sir. I was chosen for my speed and attention to detail.”

*“Do you know how to operate the chute for incoming documents and murua? It would be quite a tragedy for you to lose your hand today.”*

*“I came close when I was taught to operate it, but I have it down now.”*

*“You can send money up to the main deal rooms as well? Speed is everything, and if it takes even an extra minute to get a client his murua, we risk losing him.*

*“Of course.”*

*“Can you properly insert murua into storage and the proper shelving? You’ve been taught that a gold murua is twelve silver, and silver is twelve tin, tin to copper, I'm sure? ”*

*“Yes. But where I come from, we rarely see transactions involving murua greater than 14 tin. A full case of gold murua is so much heavier than one of tin! I sometimes get lost in counting and I have to restart the column. There’s so much murua in here. Oh! I also remembered! On my third day of training, I heard a massive murua deposit from the Helvar-Zenik Gem and Gold Company. It sounded like the chute was going to explode! I can't believe how much they make for the tax funds to be that much! I tried to get a custom necklace from them a few days ago, and their quote was over 9 silver! And don't get me started on-”*

I raise my hand, cutting him off. *“Good. Then I will leave you to your work”* I began to walk past him, towards the gilded steps before he could respond again. That guard was right. Best leave before he starts up again. If he can transcribe as much as he can talk, I think he’ll do fine.

Second on the list; check the blessings and pray. Luckily, it wasn't too far from the vault, as the vault leads right up into the shrine. I am where I am now because of my hard work, but the hand I was dealt with plays a good deal as well. Not only was I born into royalty, but I also received the blessing from the twin deities of Veiburnim. From Enutog, the god of fortune, I was blessed as a Divine Noble. From Delwo, the god of knowledge, I was blessed with Divine Tactician. Every one has a blessing of some sort, but only those recognized by gods are Divine. After all, blessings are how we use magic.

There are shrines and reliquaries to pray all around the city, but the most extravagant and decadent one resided in the palace, perhaps to keep the Twins’ favor here.

I walked under the golden arch, the familiar altar and idols greeting me. One day while I was studying, I recalled Mother telling me about a vision she received. The Twins prophesied that *“He will be a great ruler. His influence shall spread across the whole continent. There will be peace, if only for a short time. He will bring much pride and gold to the kingdom, but in return, a heavy cost must be paid”.* Mother always said the cost was the countless hours I kept her up when I was little, or how expensive the tutors were, but I knew there was something greater. I’ve studied the heroes of days past. They all had their own blessings, and in due time, paid for them.

Peering into the large circular room, I watch the Warden Sergeant walk out, holding what seems to be his child’s hand. The guard met my eyes and bowed immediately. The little boy awkwardly bowed as well. They rise upon my gesture.

*“Hello young master. I was just showing my son how to properly pray to the Twins.”* The guard said.

His son’s eyes sparkled, and he happily chirped, *“Delwo said I’m going to become water!”*

*“How do you suppose you’ll fulfill that?”* I say, raising my eyebrow.

*“Watch-er. Not water”* The father corrects. *“The great Twin said he is destined to become a watcher, young master. I believe he’ll be able to become an even higher ranking guard than his old man. Maybe even a Warden Captain”* He says, proudly placing a hand on his son’s shoulder.

I look into the sparkling eyes filled with optimism. Oh, how full they are. I turn towards the guard.

*“I have an important request. Meet me outside my quarters in three hours. Understood?”* I command. He nods, accepting my request.

I give them my regards and we go our separate ways. I remember when I was first taught about the Twins. Mother took me when I was about the little boy’s age, maybe even younger. She said I had Twin’s favor. I am necessary to the existence of Veiburnim. I direct my attention to the grand spectacle of the room. Two statues stand upright in the center of the well lit room. Standing tall, I eye the two of them.

Enutog, the younger twin, sits just past the arch. His solid gold figure stands 5 and a half feet tall, raised on a pedestal. His left arm holds a bouquet of Heidas flowers, while his right arm is stretched out towards the South, holding a bowl. I reached into my pocket, pulling out ten gold murua, dropping it into the bowl. Enutog’s eyes were sapphires, and as the coins clanked with each other into the bowl, his eyes shimmered. His golden smile solaced me and I smiled back. Enutog and Delwo were like friends to me. Other children in the kingdom have pets and other critters, but I always preferred a more sophisticated company. Even if the company didn't speak.

Delwo, made of the same dense gold, had a raven on his shoulder and an open tome in his hand. The shrine had embrasures, and contrary to belief, it isn't used to show the wealth off to birds. Delwo, being the god of knowledge, has his roots in the sky and wind. I knelt down and placed my hand on Delwo’s free hand, and I heard the wind whistle through the embrasure, flipping the pages of the tome. The wind stopped, and I stood up. The page that laid open read *“Take heart, for he is strong. He will bring down his hand to those that cross him, and woe unto those struck.”*

Delwo always elucidates, but everything is up to ourselves to surmise what the god of knowledge meant. I said my final invocations and start my way out of the shine.

Third, talk with Orsa. I agreed to her request to meet one last time before my party. She tutors me every day in the sprawling palace library. I can usually find her accompanied with piles of books, scripts of courtroom duels, and occasionally foreign works. Orsa is always early, and waiting for me. I tried for an entire week to get there before her each day, peaking at almost half an entire day. She told me she came early to prepare for the lesson later that day. I never see her enter the palace, or walking around. It’s odd. I watch her leave, but I never see her enter. There were guards stationed in front of the looming doors. Approaching the doors, I nod, and like well oiled clockwork, they bow in sync.

Fourth, pick up the ceremonial outfit, commissioned by Mother, custom tailored. For this, I need to head into the town. I make my way to the palace dock, where a ferry awaits. The palace sits on a set of isles in the middle of a large river. The river, being wide and shallow, requires a boat to travel to the mainland. Of course, I could always swim, but I don’t feel like getting soaked.

The trip is short, and I’m on the left shore in no time. I step off the boat and onto solid ground, a boy rushes past. As he leaps into the water, I step back to avoid the splash.

(needs to go back to castle grounds)I crumple the paper into a ball, tossing it away upon completion. It was about the time I requested the guard to meet me. I stride up the main stairwell, consciously making sure the posh outfit didn't drag.

*“Sir, what did you need me for?”* The guard says out to me as he sees me ascending the stairs. I finish clearing the stairs before forcing a smile and looking into his eyes.

*“Do you know happens today?”*

*“Today is your birthday, Sir.”*

*“Specifically, I will be doing the deal today. That deal is incredibly important, and I will not leave anything, I repeat, anything to chance.”*

*“Yes sir. I'm confident in your abilities, and I wish you the best of luck with that”*

My fake smile fades into a grimace. *“I don't need your confidence. I need assurance. It hasn’t been revealed yet, but I will be dealing with the Helvar company.”*

*“I see. The Helvar company is infamous for its one-sided deals and greedy business practices. You couldn’t have gotten a harder challenge.”*

*"I need you to join the royal guards who will escort the servants that bring out the dishes for each attendee. Figure out under which cloche will be served to the patriarch of the Antolius family. Slip this message under.”* I say as I hand him a folded piece of paper. There was simply a threat and a singular coin within the folds of the paper. The guard hesitantly looks back at me bewildered at the request.

*“I-I don't know if this is a smart idea, Sir.”*

I narrow my eyebrows, sending a cold bored stare into his eyes, contrasting my forceful smile. People think too much about the now. A little discomfort now. That's why they’re just simple folk. *“What's your son’s name?”*

*“Uhm. My son- His name is Epvard, Sir.”*

*“Very good. You must love him very much. So many expectations. If today doesn't go as planned, I'll make sure he never sees anything higher than a simple gallows boy. I can make things happen. Don't let your mistake now lock your boys future, Old man.”*

Obviously discomforted, the guard uneasily shifts and pockets the note. *“Yes Sir. I will make sure the patriarch gets your message.”* I watch him briskly walk down the stairs, presumably towards the kitchens. Guards are expendable like many other people I know, although guards typically have less resistance. They are trained to follow orders. Almost like that's the only thing they’re good for. I open the grand door which leads into my quarters.