Tag: fantasy

Chapter 13 is Live!

June 25th, 2024

The newest chapter of Loyalty Fallen is now live. You can read chapter 13 here.

In this chapter, Ren meets a mysterious stranger who calls himself Chance, and Kathryn and Brenin try to reunite with their friend while staying one step ahead of Xian.

If you are new to Loyalty Fallen, my serialized fantasy novel, you can read the preview here.

I upload a new chapter every Tuesday at 5:00 PM PST, so subscribe to the blog to get a reminder every time a new chapter goes live.
Chapter 12 is Live!

June 18th, 2024

The latest chapter of Loyalty Fallen has been uploaded! You can read the chapter here. I upload a new chapter every Tuesday at 5:00 PM PST, so subscribe to the blog to get a reminder every time a new chapter goes live.

In this chapter, Kathryn hears about Brenin’s past as Ren gets himself into trouble yet again.

I haven’t had much time to draw recently, but hopefully I’ll have more pictures of my characters to show you soon! In the meantime, if you’ve been reading Loyalty Fallen to this point, let me know in the comments who your favorite character is and who your least favorite character is so far. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Chapter 11 is Live

June 11th, 2024

The latest chapter of Loyalty Fallen is live! In this chapter, Kathryn, Ren, and Brenin make their escape from the castle.

Also I wanted to share the promotional art I created for Loyalty Fallen’s initial release. In the image, Kathryn has a violent outburst of verdant magic. This moment hasn’t occured in the story yet, but I’m very pleased with how the art turned out! You can see the work in progress below:

While normally I would add lighting and effects as the final step of the image, here I added them first on a separate layer and simply made that layer invisible while drawing the rest of the image. I wanted the focus of the whole image to be the verdant opal magic effects.

I always sketch out my digital art projects in red “ink” first. This is so that I can draw over it in the next step to make clean line art on a separate layer, which you can see below.

Sometimes I end up liking certain things about the work in progress more than the final image. For example, in the picture above, the “wings” around her eyes are more clearly visible, whereas they’re partially blocked by her hair in the final image. In addition, the darkness at the base of the image makes the verdant magic “vines” much more visible than they ended up being in the final image.

Still, I ended up being pretty satisfied with how the glowing effects and emotions were displayed in the final image. Plus, with the verdant magic glowing that brightly, the surroundings simply couldn’t be as dark as they were shown in the work in progress, so the lighting ended up being more accurate in the final image.

Head to my gallery page to see more of the art for Loyalty Fallen.

If you’re new to Loyalty Fallen, here’s the story:

“Princess Kathryn is determined to protect her country and her sister by marrying the former enemy of her kingdom, the second prince of Navinor. However, her life is threatened when her new husband is murdered, and she is accused of his death.”

Read the first chapters here and subscribe to get updated when a new chapter goes live each Tuesday.
Loyalty Fallen Magic System – Hirahja

May 1st, 2024
Here’s the magic system for the final kingdom mentioned in Loyalty Fallen: Hirahja. Hirahja, which some snobs call the Barbarian Kingdom, is the only country that does not use gems in its magic.

Fundamentals:
- Core Element: Iron
- Characteristics: Heavy, slow, cumbersome, unbreakable, and incredibly powerful for combat.
Source and Catalyst:
- Material Catalyst: Iron, believed to be bestowed by the mythical Iron Dragon, serves as the catalyst for magic, turning to dust after use.
- Mythological Origin: The Iron Dragon is a central figure in Hirahjan mythology, representing the source and inspiration for their iron magic.
Usage:
- Daily Life and Combat: Iron magic is integral to daily life, aiding in hunting, shelter construction, and especially in combat through weight-manipulation techniques.
- Weaponry and Shelter: Manipulation of iron to dynamically change its shape for creating weapons, shelters, and tools.
- Centuries in the future, iron would be used to create autonomous machines, and Hirahja would leap to the forefront of the world.
Practitioners:
- General Populace: Nearly everyone in Hirahja has some affinity for iron magic, making it a communal practice.
- Shamans: Claim to use iron magic for healing, though such claims are not substantiated.
Societal Integration:
- Tribal Knowledge: Iron magic is transmitted through tribal knowledge, apprenticeships, schools, and communal events, deeply ingrained in Hirahjan culture.
- Conflict and Trade: Chiefs fight over iron-rich areas, but iron magic also facilitates fur trade through the creation of sleds and transportation methods.
Limitations:
- No Known Limitations: Unique among the kingdoms, Hirahja’s magic system lacks limitations, consequences, or taboos, with iron being in plentiful supply.
Geographical and Historical Influences:
- Combat Focus: The kingdom’s history of constant conflict and the Battle of the Southern Pass highlight iron magic’s combat potential, shaping its development towards warfare and mechanization.
Inter-Kingdom Relations:
- Perception: Viewed as clunky and primitive by other kingdoms, Hirahja’s iron magic is not in high demand externally.
Magical Fauna:
- Iron Dragon: A creature with blue flame breath, melting and armoring itself with iron, revered and feared in Hirahjan mythology. Chiefs fight it to avoid a natural death.
- Snow Owl: A common yet formidable predator large enough to carry off a man, known for attacking villages in hordes.
Defensive and Offensive Capabilities:
- Final Blow Technique: Chiefs demonstrate their prowess with the devastating weight-manipulation technique in duels and ceremonies.
- Weapon Manipulation: While possible, the slow and cumbersome nature of iron magic makes real-time weapon manipulation less effective in combat.
Loyalty Fallen Magic System – Navinor

April 23rd, 2024
Summary:

As sapphires in this universe are sharp, hard, beautiful, and of course blue, the magic in Navinor is sharp, hard, beautiful, and blue. Most typically it is also cold and icy, though not always.

Fundamentals:
- Core Element: Sapphire
- Characteristics: Sharp, hard, beautiful, and primarily blue. Magic manifestations are often cold and icy.
Source and Catalyst:
- Gemstones as Catalysts: Sapphires are essential for performing magic. They lose color and become clear, worthless gemstones after use.
- Mythological Origin: Sirens, though unconfirmed to exist, are mythically credited with granting the ability to wield magic to certain humans known as mages.
Usage:
- Primary Use: Combat and warfare.
- Decorative Use: Creating long-lasting ice-like sculptures for trade and status symbols.
- Environmental Control: Control of icy weather by skilled mages (limited to ice due to its similarity in characteristics to sapphires).
Practitioners:
- Mages: Individuals thought to be gifted by mythological sirens with the ability to wield sapphire magic.
- Roles: Serve the royal family, act as mercenaries, and control environmental conditions.
Societal Integration:
- Class Symbolism: Use of sapphires for magic and decoration symbolizes high status.
- Military and Diplomatic Tool: Mage presence and abilities are leveraged in negotiations and to enhance military strength.
Limitations:
- Resource Depletion: Sapphires are consumed in the process, with quality and size (carats) dictating the power of the magic.
- Health Risks: Overuse can lead to a condition marked by bluish skin and hair, and hard nails, though cessation of magic use can reverse these effects.
Geographical and Historical Influences:
- Northern Cliffs: Known for the highest concentration of quality sapphires.
- The Treaty of Tidal Peaks: Pivotal in opening Navinor to international trade, enhancing the strategic importance of sapphire magic.
Inter-Kingdom Relations:
- Trade Negotiations: Notably with Iridalys, exchanging sapphires for opals to access different magic systems.
Magical Fauna:
- Sea Dragons, Jelly Sharks: Prominent marine life.
- Snow Wolves: Winged and visually stunning creatures, now rare and protected.
Defensive and Offensive Capabilities:
- Defensive: Creation of hard, protective barriers and shields, particularly useful in naval defense.
- Offensive: Ice storm magic capable of launching sharp, icicle-like projectiles.
Please subscribe for more info about Loyalty Fallen’s world and magic ahead of the first chapters going live on June 4th!

Featured image from Daniel Dan outsideclick on Pixabay
Character Profile: Ren Patrick

April 16th, 2024
Meet Ren, a 20-year-old powerhouse and one of the two main protagonists in Loyalty Fallen. He’s an uncomplicated soul and a cinnamon roll when he’s not killing anyone who tries to harm Princess Kathryn.

👤 Role: Bodyguard to Princess Kathryn of Iridalys

💪 Strengths:
- Physical Prowess: While Ren is naturally quite strong, his training over the years has made him an absolute beast in the battlefield.
- Unwavering Loyalty: Kathryn’s safety is his universe.
- Honest & Clear: He’s sometimes a little too straightforward.
- Resilient: Tough training shaped him into a force that withstands both physical and emotional challenges.
- Instinctual: In combat or crises, his gut instincts are often his best guide. He isn’t a big planner, and prefers to rely on other people for that.
⚠️ Weaknesses:
- Impulsive: He acts first, thinks later.
- Not a Bookworm: Academics? Not his thing. Ren can barely read, despite technically being part of the nobility, and not even Kathryn can read his writing.
- Bitterness Towards His Noble Family: Ren was sent away by his parents when he was still a child. His older brother despises him and continues to impede his progress in life.
- Overconfident: His disregard for personal safety borders on recklessness.
- Dependent on Kathryn’s Will: His dedication sometimes overshadows his own needs and conscience. In fact, it pretty much always does.
📚 Background:

Ren’s path diverted early to bodyguard training. He initially hated the idea and resisted it, but the harsh training of his mentor Brenin finally forced him into compliance. Eventually, he came to dearly love both Brenin and Kathryn.

For the most part, Ren is pretty light-hearted. He smiles often, and he can be a bit simple-minded. Unfortunately, he’s also highly stubborn, and even Kathryn has a hard time getting him to change his mind once he’s made a decision.

👫 Relationships:
- Kathryn: Kathryn ins his charge, friend, a confidante, and the person he openly loves.
- Brenin: From a rocky start to a deep bond, this relationship shaped Ren into who he is today.
Loyalty Fallen is a fantasy novel that will be serialized here starting on June 4th. Subscribe to learn more about the world and characters leading up to the novel’s release!
Loyalty Fallen Magic System – Iridalys

April 11th, 2024
In the Loyalty Fallen magic system, every kingdom has a different way of practicing magic, though all are based on the use of gemstones as catalysts. Here’s all the info on the magic system of Iridalys, also called the Opal Kingdom. Feel free to comment to offer criticism or questions below, and please like and follow if you’d like to learn more about the Loyalty Fallen novel series which will be serialized here starting June 4th.

Fundamentals:
- Core Element: Opal
- Characteristics: Smooth, deep, round, varied, unpredictable, with magic’s color reflecting the opal used.
Source and Catalyst:
- Gemstones as Catalysts: Opals are necessary for performing magic, losing their vibrancy and becoming pale after use. White opals are an exception, capable of being reused for memory storage.
- Mythological Origin: The first opals were discovered in the Whispering Woods, marking the site as the birthplace of opal magic in Iridalys.
Usage:
- Primary Use: Historically focused on forestry and agriculture, shifting to combat during the war with Navinor.
- Unique Applications: Fire and green opal magic in royal ceremonies to symbolize the king’s duty. Boulder opals in mining, blinding and black opals for warfare, white opals for record-keeping.
- Opal types: There are six types of opals in Iridalys: White opals have a unique property that allows them to contain memories, but they are the rarest type; black opals bring darkness and can cause blindness when used in large quantities by the best wardens, boulder opals bring cracking (in the earth or in weapons but not on living beings), blinding opals (what we call matrix opals in real life) bring confusion which is kind of like an illusion that distorts vision, a green opal brings life and growth (in plants) or some control of plants, and a fire opal as mentioned can be used to bring fire.
Practitioners:
- Wardens: Scholars turned soldiers, specializing in specific types of opal magic. Their powers are dedicated to serving the monarchy and the kingdom.
- Social Standing: Wardens are often ostracized by other classes due to superstitions and their exclusive service to the crown.
Societal Integration:
- Royal and Military Power: Opal magic underscores the monarchy’s authority and plays a crucial role in Iridalys’s warfare strategy.
- Trade and Diplomacy: The uniqueness and demand for opal magic and opals themselves have shaped Iridalys’s international relations, especially during times of war.
Limitations:
- Resource Scarcity: The finite nature of opals, particularly after their use in magic, poses limitations. The rarity hierarchy among opal types further complicates their application in magic. White opals are the rarest. Blinding opals are the second rarest, then black opals, then boulder opals, then fire opals, and green opals are the most common and pretty plentiful. However, the supply of opals in general has been down ever since the war, since Navinor stole many opals during its invasion.
- War-Time Depletion: The war with Navinor led to a significant loss of opals, impacting their availability for agriculture and other peaceful uses.
- Damage from overuse: White opals can cause memory loss. Blinding opals can cause semi-permanent confusion. Black opals can cause blindness, boulder opals can cause dry and cracking skin, fire opals can cause elevated temperatures, green opals only seem to cause miscoloring.
Geographical and Historical Influences:
- The Whispering Woods: The discovery of the first opal mine here is a cornerstone of Iridalys’s magical heritage.
- The Miner’s Revolt: A crucial event that led to reforms in mining practices and possibly influenced the development and application of opal magic.
Inter-Kingdom Relations:
- Opal Trade: Iridalys’s reluctance to share opals and opal magic knowledge has led to tense relations, though strategic exchanges have occurred, such as with Tephraya during the war.
Magical Fauna:
- Horned Wolves and Opal Dragons: Creatures with affinities for opals, influencing both the discovery of new opal sources and the mythology surrounding Iridalys’s magic. Horned wolves proliferate in Iridalys’ forests. However, they are savage and wild, so you have to follow them with care. Their horns look like deer antlers, and their eyes look like opals. Opal dragons live deep in mines. They are scared of humans and therefore are almost never seen; however, they are believed to take on the characteristics of the opals that they live near or possibly eat (no one is totally sure.)
Defensive and Offensive Capabilities:
- Versatile Combat Applications: Utilizing different opals for varied military strategies, including creating illusions (black opals and confusion opals), manipulating the environment (green opals, boulder opals) and direct attacks (fire opals and boulder opals).
Again, please subscribe to learn more about the magic, characters, and world of Loyalty Fallen.

– Image by freepik
Loyalty Fallen Magic System – Tephraya

April 5th, 2024
Each country in the Loyalty Fallen series has its own unique way of practicing magic. Here are the details for Tephraya, the Desert Kingdom. Comment to offer criticism or questions below!

Fundamentals:
- Core Elements: Blood Rubies and Gold
- Characteristics: Ruby magic is red, hard, and intimately linked with blood, varying from healing to causing the Ruby Death. Gold magic is golden, soft, pliable, heavy, and used for architecture and manipulation and weight-based attacks.
Source and Catalyst:
- Gemstones and Metals as Catalysts: Rubies and gold serve as the material basis for magic. Rubies lose their color after use, turning clear. Gold turns to dust after its magical application.
- Mythological Origin: Gold magic is believed to have originated from the golden city in the Desolation Dunes. Ruby magic is seen as a natural distortion, with a negative connotation as an act of heathens.
Usage:
- Combat: Ruby magic is used covertly for assassination and creating shrapnel-like weapons. It’s rarely used due to the scarcity of rubies.
- Healing: Ruby magic’s rare application in healing, including curing the Ruby Death.
- Decoration and Construction: Gold magic is employed to create statues and buildings, showcasing Tephraya’s wealth and artistry.
Practitioners:
- Ruby Magic Users: Known as forbidden practitioners, including assassins serving the crown and the legendary rebel Haim Liberus.
- Gold Magic Users (Dahab): Serve royals and work in architecture, manipulating gold for decorative purposes.
Societal Integration:
- Economy: Gold magic enhances Tephraya’s trade with far kingdoms, especially in art and architecture. Ruby magic, although rare, is sought after for its healing capabilities.
- Class System and Views: Magic, especially ruby magic, is viewed with suspicion and often considered taboo. Practitioners are marginalized or operate in secrecy.
Limitations:
- Resource Scarcity: The rarity of blood rubies severely limits the practice of ruby magic.
- Consequences: Overuse of ruby magic can lead to environmental and personal health risks, including the Ruby Death.
Geographical and Historical Influences:
- War of the Sands: This event showcased the strategic use of magic in warfare, but also reinforced the societal stigma against ruby magic.
Inter-Kingdom Relations:
- Distrust and Desire: Tephraya’s unique magic, especially healing, is coveted by other kingdoms, leading to conflicts. Its disdain for gem-based magic causes tension with Navinor and Iridalys.
Magical Fauna:
- Armored Rowl and Sand Dragon: Unique creatures of Tephraya, with the sand dragon capable of causing the Ruby Death if it consumes rubies. Tephraya’s most common animal is the armored Rowl, which looks like a mixture between an armadillo and a camel. It has long legs like camel legs, but its upper body is armored and it has a small head that looks like an armadillo’s head. It moves like a camel and has a similar temperament. It is the normal transport and pack animal of the country, but it has also been used in wars as a charge animal, since its only weakness is its legs. The other animal is a sand dragon. The sand dragon has armor and a stinging tail like a black scorpion, but also has four legs. Strangely, the sand dragon is constantly vibrating with electricity; its fast burrowing with large claws through rough sand leads to charging up static electricity that can hurt unsuspecting prey.
Defensive and Offensive Capabilities:
- Offensive: Ruby magic for covert assassinations and gold magic for creating heavy weaponry. Defensive uses of gold are inefficient due to its softness.
If you are interested in learning more about the world and characters of my upcoming romantic fantasy novel series, Loyalty Fallen, subscribe and please like this post to support my work!
The World of Loyalty Fallen – Magic

April 1st, 2024
Hello peeps! I hope you are enjoying reading about my upcoming fantasy novel. As a reminder, the first three chapters will officially be going live on June 4th.

In the meantime, here is some background lore for you about the world in which the novel series takes place. The world’s name is Korelesia. The novel primarily focuses on four kingdoms in that world. The magic system in Loyalty Fallen is based on the characteristics of various gemstones and metals in those kingdoms. Here’s a more detailed profile below.

Fundamental Basis:
- Catalyst and Affinity: Magic universally requires a catalyst, typically precious gems or metals, and the application of human will. Additionally, a natural genetic affinity in the practitioner is essential for harnessing and shaping magical energies.
- Characteristics Variability: The characteristics of magic change dramatically depending on the catalyst used. This variability extends to the magic’s appearance, effects, and applications, making each type of magic unique to its specific element and the kingdom’s culture and environment.
Source and Catalyst:
- Precious Gems and Metals: Magic draws its power from the natural world, specifically through the use of precious gems and metals, each with its own unique properties and affinities. The reason why only certain materials can act as catalysts remains a mystery, suggesting a deeper connection between the earth’s inherent magic and these special elements.
- Depletion and Consequences: The use of a catalyst often leads to its depletion, transforming it into a lesser or worthless state. This depletion highlights the finite nature of magical resources and the need for careful stewardship of these powerful elements. Overuse of gem magic leads to severe consequences, at times even killing the user, while metal magic is less powerful but has few or no consequences.
Usage:
- Combat, Healing, and Daily Life: Across the kingdoms, magic finds its application in various aspects of society, including combat, healing, and enhancing daily life. The specific uses are deeply influenced by the available catalysts within each kingdom and the cultural significance attached to those elements.
- Elemental Affinity and Effects: The elemental nature of the catalyst defines the magic’s effect — from healing and protection to destruction and manipulation. This affinity ensures a wide range of magical practices, from the weighty blows of iron magic in Hirahja to the delicate manipulations of sapphire magic in Navinor.
Practitioners:
- Widespread vs. Specialized Practitioners: While some kingdoms have a broad base of magic users, others restrict the knowledge and practice of magic to specialized individuals or classes, such as Wardens, Dahab, or shamans. This variation often reflects the kingdom’s social and political structures as well as the prevalence of the catalysts.
- Transmission of Knowledge: Magical knowledge is transmitted through a variety of means, including familial lineage, apprenticeships, and formal education. The method of transmission is often indicative of the magic’s role within the society and its perceived value.
Societal Integration:
- Integral to Kingdom Identity: Magic is a fundamental aspect of each kingdom’s identity, shaping its economy, politics, and international relations. The unique characteristics of each kingdom’s magic reflect and reinforce their cultural and environmental distinctions.
- Resource Management and Environmental Impact: The extraction and use of magical catalysts have significant environmental and societal impacts, leading to conflicts, innovations, and conservation efforts within and between kingdoms.
Inter-Kingdom Relations:
- Trade, Conflict, and Alliance: The demand for magical catalysts and the unique capabilities of different types of magic drive trade, conflict, and alliances among the kingdoms. These interactions are complicated by the varied perceptions of magic’s role and the ethical considerations surrounding its use.
Magical Fauna:
- Creatures Interwoven with Magic: The world is home to a variety of magical creatures, each connected to the magical ecosystem. These beings often embody the magical characteristics of their native kingdoms, contributing to the diversity of magical practices and beliefs.
I’ll be sharing a ton more about the magic system as it is applied in each country, and also the magical creatures in Korelesia. I can’t wait to dive deeper into the world! In the meantime, comment or ask questions below and please also subscribe for further lore and updeates leading up to the novel’s release.