The Story That Never Ends

(Wow! The ones you guys have posted are amazing. I will try to edit in another description later.

But for now, I wanted to say that I have posted an update of chapter 1 on page 81. Let me know what you have think. I have tried to add more descriptions and fill in a few more plot holes. :) )

(Wow! The ones you guys have posted are amazing. I will try to edit in another description later.

Ditto! I still haven't had time to come up with one but I'm goin gto work on it today. We''ll be in the car a lot today so I'm hoping to be able to do some… :)

(Thanks Emily!)
(Ok! Here's another one :D! Sorry it's so long :P)

Duke of Assen

Background: The Duke was born into a poor family of the village, A father who was a thief and much away from home, and a grieving mother who did not have much time for her seven children. The duke was the second oldest and very independent and headstrong for a young lad of ten. He and his older brother had many fights, after one of these, the Duke of Assen, whose name was Fkavin, fled further into the forest he lived in to vent his anger with some stones on some squirrels. He suddenly smelled smoke, and before he knew it, the whole forest was engulfed in flames. He rushed to find his house and his family but all was gone. He collapsed on the ground and almost stopped breathing due to the smoke. He suddenly heard the loud galloping of a horse, and the shout of a man, and felt himself dragged on to a moving horse. He remembered no more. He woke up in a rich room with a kind gentleman at his bedside. Little did Fkavian know, but this man was the Duke of Assen, one of the most influential and rich men in the kingdom of Alavaria. The Duke of Assen, on the report that the cottage had burned to the ground, and there was not evidence of the inhabitants living, promptly adopted the small child who had quickly endeared himself and his wife to the boy. Fkavin became one of the most respected and godly men due to his loving adopted father and mother. He also became one King Archen’s advisors. He and the king were very good friends and the Duke soon became a personal advisor to the king in regards to the young Prince, yet a baby. Years passed and soon the Council took over and the Duke became one of the main organizers of the movement of resistance.

Struggle: The fact that he really doesn’t deserve the title “Duke” But really deserves “peasant” The thought that he will never be as good as his adoptive father.

Special Characteristic: Always wears a dark green cloak with a pin that he had been giving long ago before he had been adopted. Expert swordsman but terrible with any other weapon that is not a blade. He also has a habit of drowning out someone’s words if he does not agree with them

(Read through chapter 1. I really like it!!! I like how you added more detail and more dialog between Sir Quinn and Gradlem and the other guard. And Sir Myles, I thought he just comes off as unlikeable though you don't really know exactly why. It was great! :D)
(@Hannah: Don't be sorry it's long!! xD It's really good! And I'm glad you're back:)

(Thanks, Emily!

@all: I wanted to know what you thought about a slight change I made in editing. It is incredibly easy for me to change, and I wanted to know what you thought so I can quickly alter it or keep it. I always thought it strange that evil was always portrayed as darkness in fantasy books. It seems always associated with black, which is often a good thing, as it forms a clear picture of evil in the readers' minds. I was thinking, though, that sometimes evil is not so obvious, in fact it often defies expectations (Satan is an angel of light). Also, evil often pretends to be good long after it ceases to appear so.

I was wondering whether we might consider an occasional theme of white/light alongside the darkness of the Council. In chapter one, for instance, I wrote that Omb is known as the City of White, and in a character description, I said that the Count of Omb appreciates beauty. I also added a bit about Sir Myles wearing white (providing a contrast to his black heart and emphasizing his spy-ness (he seems good, but he really isn't)). I was also thinking of, instead of having the Council's banner (not Lord Traius') black with a red stripe, having it black with a white dragon. I wanted to know whether you thought these things acceptable, or too confusing? They are EASY to change, if you want, and I do not want to continue this idea if you do not like it. For the most part, the Council would continue to be dark (black and red and grey, as we had before), and these changes would only be subtle and very far apart. It would just make the reader think twice about getting into a rut of black=bad, white=good. It would let them think, "nice try, Council. We all know you are actually the furthest thing from good." Again, it is only an idea.)

Lord Drakin

Background: To all appearances, Lord Drakin was an average child of the nobility. He was raised in Garakor in the arts of knighthood, and excelled at hunting with hawks. He was also entrusted early on to the care of a nurse. One day, though, the young Drakin caught a bird in a cage. As an experiment, he ripped the feathers off the bird, and it died. He felt a strange pleasure in this, but he hid what he had done from his nurse. From then on, inflicting and witnessing pain held a strange fascination for him. He held on to it, though he tried to conceal it. As he gained more power after the death of his father, who despised his son, he began to experiment in torture upon his fellow men. He was not a maniac, though. He was cold and calculating. He despised the rule of King Archen, and though up a thousand schemes to thwart him. He joined leagues with the Count of Omb, and he became a kind of second-in-command, though he never visited Omb itself.

Struggle: None. Has given himself fully to evil and does not look back.

Special Characteristics: Walks with a distinct limp that came from falling from a window. Does not eat fruit. Unlike the other villains, does not see himself as the hero. Intelligent, but makes idiotic decisions. While he began with a desire one day to betray the Count of Omb, he increasingly loved evil for its own sake. Hates his captains, especially Lord Traius, but recognizes their talent. Poor in the use of weapons.

Lord Saxon Background:
Lord Saxon was a troubled child…it was his habit to walk around looking at the corners and edges of things and muttering what degree the angels were. At the age of ten he became obsessed with trying to "solve his name". He looked at it as an algebraic equation of sa times on. However, sense there were only variables and no real numbers in this equation, he never felt that he had reached the correct solution. His servants tried to avoid him, for he found a strange delight in making them read pages and pages of the most boring, confusing mathematical essays he had written. He would cut pieces of paper into different fractions of a circle and work out their percentages. He would put different colored marbles in a bag and see how close the statistic probability was to actuality. He would flip coins till he got to 50% heads and 50% tails. He would always work his problems in the hardest possible way, no shortcuts for him. He thought finding the volume of oddly shaped objects was the most fun thing he had ever done.

Okay, I'm totally just kidding xP Lord Saxon is a Council member, right? Trying to think about some background for him but he's only mentioned in that one part so there's not much to build off of xP

(Hahahahahaha! That is awesome! :)

Edit: By the way, guys, you do not have to do backgrounds for characters that are just mentioned. Sorry about that! I will change the list on page 82 accordingly.)

LOL! :D

(ROFL, Emily, that's great!!! :D
In answer to your dark vs. light thing, Jimmy, I have to say, I had never thought about it before and it is a very good idea….kinda confuse the readers before they realize who are the bad guys! :) That's always fun…for the authors, anyway. :P lol)

That was hilarious!!! xD

(Oh, thank you for changing the list! :) About your idea, I think that's really interesting. And I think it's more realistic as well :P So I like it!:)

I like the color switch thing :)

Sir Caston
Background: Caston spent his childhood with his family in Dwenden. When he was twelve, he and his family packed up their things and moved to Jerrot, a small village. There they started a farm. They met their neighbors, who had a son about Caston's age named Bradley. Every spare moment they had, they practiced swordsmanship. Eventually the time came when they said goodbye to their families and went to serve in King Archen's army. The people there were quite surprised at how good the two were at swordsmanship, and they became one of the King's favorite soldiers. He received the title "Sir" after a valiant charge in a battle.

Struggle: He forgets often to be kind to children ever since one stole the coat he had from his mother.

Special Characteristics: Is remarkably good at swordsmanship. His courage is a little too fearless, it might be called carelessness. Learned the lute from his older sister. Has rather large feet.

(Nice work!!! :D)

(Great job! That is awesome. :) )

(Hi, all! I'll have a couple more character descriptions up shortly (we're almost there!). I just don't want this thread lost on page 2. :) )

Baron DuBatz

Background: The Baron was born to a extremely rich family, though sadly parted and distracted by the money they possessed. The young Baron himself only enjoyed the luxuries and had no mind for studies but would rather dwindle his time with Riding, and playing games such as chess with his younger brother. As he grew older, a tutor was hired to teach the boys. The tutor, whose name was Lerditian, was a follower of the Almighty and taught the boys His ways. The younger brother rejected the teaching but the young Baron embraced it. He eventually became, after his father’s death, Baron DuBatz. During the struggle for power on the part of the Council, the Baron was frequently bribed with large amounts of money to take the part of the council and to give them secret information. The baron rejected their offers and soon became high in the positions of the Nobles.

Struggles: His frequent desire for money and his rare slip into laziness. The fact that his fellow nobles might not trust him because of his earlier dealings with the council The fact that his brother rejects the Almighty

Special Characteristics: His unusually small nose. He is very tall and rather scrawny. He has a gold ring on his finger given to him by his father on his deathbed. He has a amazing ability as a ventriloquist and a mimicker of voices; He often uses his abilities for the fun of others as well a useful to fool the council’s army.

(So I have to admit, I haven't read the changes in chapter 1. I really want to but this week and next will be so busy!!! Anyway, I had some ideas for the wise fool but you don't have to use them if you don't want to. Kavel, Nomrad, Densyr (Dense, yes, I'm so brilliant),Transvyl. Idk, I just came up with those. I had some others written down but I threw them away (bad idea) so if I come up with more, I will write them down and not throw them away. :D Great job with the character backgrounds. This is turning into something really, really good. :) I love it. Thanks so much for all your work, guys (and girls)!)

(Wow! Those are great options! What do you all think? I would probably cast my vote for Kavel or Densyr, but they are all good. :) )

(Thanks!)

(I probably like Kavel best…but I agree with Jimmy, they're all really good!!)

(I probably like Kavel best...but I agree with Jimmy, they're all really good!!)

(Hey guys! Here are the descriptions I promised.

Lady Arwen

Background: Lady Arwen comes from the village of Anandale, in the south of the Kolgarriat Mountains. She was raised by her mother, who was invalid (her father had died when she was two). Her mother's incurable sickness led her to seek ability as a healer and user of medicines. Though she was never an incredible physician, she had a compassionate heart that helped comfort those whom she tried to help. She is, at the time of the story, around 25 years of age, but during her early teen years, she had known Lord Traius very well. She knew that he had bad tendencies, but her lack of other friends drew her to him in spite of his faults. They had once hoped to marry, but Lord Traius joined the Count of Omb and Lord Drakin (seven years before the story begins) and so she finally decided to end her friendship. She knows what he is capable of, and as a result of her closeness with Lord Traius has a unique and powerful perspective of the enemy, the Council. She also knew Sir Doran from earlier days, and through him came to the Order. Her knowledge of the enemy and the deep respect King Archen has for her led her to hold a high position in the order, though she never learned to use any weapons with a blade.

Struggle: Fear of failure (her failure to prevent Lord Traius' turn leads her sometimes to believe that evil will eventually triumph in spite of their efforts; often fights the desire to flee).

Special Characteristics: Knows virtually no weaponry (though she can, at a pinch, shoot a bow (not necessarily very well)). Has almost violet colored eyes. Loves the color red. Can juggle (though she keeps that talent very secret). ;)

Evron

Background: Evron was born and raised in the city of Forenton. He was a member of the castle garrison there, an he reformed good service for the commander. He cared little for who was in control of the country. All he cared for was his wife, Lara, and his three children (two girls and a boy). The Council had taken over the city, but he quickly changed his loyalty to save his life and the life of his family. One day, he was given a message to the new leader of Carivia, Lord Drakin. While he was there, however, Lord Drakin ordered that no member of the garrisons of foreign cities were allowed to leave. Instead, they were impressed into the service of Carivia. Evron could not stand this, so he endeavored to leave during the night and find a friend to pass a message on to his family (he wanted to get back into the city by morning, but as he had been attached to the personal guard of Lord Drakin, he knew that he would be missed and captured if he attempted to escape for good). He was caught, and thrown into the dungeons. He longed to return to his family, but he soon became resigned to the idea that he would die in prison.

Struggle: Anger over his imprisonment, fear of taking arms against an associate of the Council, and perhaps too much love for his wife and children (if that is possible).

Special Characteristics: Has lost all his toes through torture, has scars and marks all over his body, and is missing one ear. Is very skilled in the handling of catapults. Not very good at covertly discovering information from people. Was known all throughout Forenton as a good long-distance jumper. Is the sixth generation son named Evron.

Also, here is the list again. :)

Good guys

Rowan (Ronan) - To make sure that he is interesting, we should try to think of something REALLY unique about Rowan (I have no idea what) but that makes him really stand out in the story.
Kathryn - I think Annalysa is going to do this.
William
-Lady Arwen (Ariana)-
-Baron DuBatz-
-Sir Elviron-
-Count of Terema-
Britton - I think Annalysa is going to do this.
-Evron-
-Gradlem-
Sir Desmond
-Lady Makennah-
Sir Walter - Hannah is working on this one.
-King Archen-
-Duke of Assen-
Sir Quinn - Hannah is working on this one.
Sir Doran - Emily is working on this one.
-Sir Caston-
Aroka (you might not remember him, as he was added in the editing process. He is a charcoal burner who was part of King Archen's Council in chapter 6, and I think he will end up being a bigger character later on.)

The Council (and the bad guys who follow it)

-The Count of Omb-
-Lord Traius-
-Lord Drakin-
Lord Rolkran
Lord Telrond
Lord Arsoth
-Lord Melkior-
-Sir Denvoir-
-Sir Myles-

Only 12 to go!

(Yes, I am planning to do that. I just have to actually do it, but I will do it! :) Thanks for letting (and being patient with) me. :))

(Oh, don't worry! I just made that note because you expressed interest earlier and I was trying to make sure that if you wanted to do them, you would have the opportunity. I know that you really liked Kathryn and Britton, so I was trying to make sure you had first claim. It is in no was an obligation (just in case you might be thinking that). :) )

Lord Saxon Background: Lord Saxon was a troubled child...it was his habit to walk around looking at the corners and edges of things and muttering what degree the angels were. At the age of ten he became obsessed with trying to "solve his name". He looked at it as an algebraic equation of sa times on. However, sense there were only variables and no real numbers in this equation, he never felt that he had reached the correct solution. His servants tried to avoid him, for he found a strange delight in making them read pages and pages of the most boring, confusing mathematical essays he had written. He would cut pieces of paper into different fractions of a circle and work out their percentages. He would put different colored marbles in a bag and see how close the statistic probability was to actuality. He would flip coins till he got to 50% heads and 50% tails. He would always work his problems in the hardest possible way, no shortcuts for him. He thought finding the volume of oddly shaped objects was the most fun thing he had ever done. Okay, I'm totally just kidding xP Lord Saxon is a Council member, right? Trying to think about some background for him but he's only mentioned in that one part so there's not much to build off of xP

(LOL!!!!! That's an awesome description and I love that Lord Saxon is a bad guy. xD)

(Oh no, I didn't feel pressured or anything. I'm planning to sit down this week and skim the book, noting all the changes and write the backgrounds….. but right now, we're headed out the door! :))

Lord Trauis

Background: From the moment Lord Trauis was born he had attained the title of Lord from his dead father. From the moment of his birth he was always an angry child. Nothing could make him happy. He always had a strange feeling that he was meant for being something strange, different, and terrifying. Even as a child he would act as a tormentor to his little friends if they could be called that. He reasoned with himself with his actions, as he must fulfill his purpose as being evil as he felt it. Around the age of fifteen he met Lady Arwen. He immediately liked her and befriended her. He started acting crueler and crueler to the servants and animals and small children to impress his friend, Lady Arwen. He would do anything for his “young lady love”. Lady Arwen was afraid of his cruelty, but, because of her lack of friends and longing for attention, she decided to stay friends with Lord Trauis. Eventually when they were older Lord Trauis decided to marry Lady Arwen. They became engaged, but Lady Arwen broke it off upon her knew knowledge of the Almighty and her realization of Lord Trauis’ cruelty and of his joining the Council. Lord Trauis was crushed and his heart hardened against all life and his cruelty grew into a passionate habit. His position in the Council grew and he decided that the council was weak and that if the country was to be ruled properly he should be the one to control it.

Struggle: His broken engagement with Lady Arwen. His extreme temper that flashes out and often becomes a beating inflicted upon the person who has wronged him. He is unmerciful to human life that tries to stop him.

Special Characteristics: He is tall and broad yet everyone around him feels his angry and evil. Though the council has always tried to seem like the good guys with their streaks of white, he has refused all goodness and refuses to wear anything but black and red. He has crystal blue eyes. He usually has pessimistic views. He has always liked dead trees.

(If this contradicts anything that was already written please tell me, I probably forgot something. :) )

King Archen

Background: King Archen was born into the royal line, and had a loving mother who sadly died from a smallpox-like disease when he was young. This was something he never recovered from, but he remembered the truths that she had taught him. As a prince, he did not have many friends, and lived in comparable loneliness for a while, until he met a young knight named Sir Eliorra. They became great friends, but when Sir Eliorra's father found out that he was friends with the prince, he did not want anyone to think that the family was begging for favors from royalty, and they were separated. Sir Eliorra was killed in a fight with Lord Traius, a long time adversary, and died defending the name King Archen whom Lord Traius had insulted years after the last time he saw the prince. Later that week, devastated by the loss of his friend and hating Lord Traius, King Archen assumed the throne at twenty-five after his father died. His father was a wise and kind person, who had once pulled Alvaria out of a similar situation to what it is in now, and King Archen had always looked up to him. From him he learned to love the Lord and how to honor himself and all of Alvaria with how he ruled. Up until when the Council took over the land he ruled with a firm but gentle hand, and was greatly loved by the people . When the threat of the Council became imminent, he sent away his only son and his wife, who died from a wagon accident along the way, although the prince made it to safety. He lived in lonely solitude for many years, but turned even more toward the Lord. When he was exiled from the throne, he joined the Nobles of Alvaria, but is still waiting to see his son (Rowan,) again.

Struggles: Never got over the loss of his wife, mother, father and Sir Eliorra. Still hates Lord Traius, and feels that he and the Council are responsible for having to send his son away and more specifically, for the death of Sir Eliorra. He feels that he let his country and his father down by not being able to save Alvaria from the Council. His rule at some times was not as heavy as it should have been, for he disliked punishing anyone, which is why the Council gained control.

Special Characteristics: Is scarred by the smallpox he caught which killed his mother, and loves to spend time in his gardens and in any natural beauty, which he believes reminds him how much greater the Lord's majesty is than his own, and how the Lord watches out for everyone, even in times of trouble. Was very good with a sword when he was younger, but hates violence. Since the kingdom was overthrown, he always carries a dagger. Wears white a lot. Likes to read, fence, and listen to waterfalls.

EDIT: (Sorry that was so long!)

We should have an appendix where we put all the descriptions! :P

(We should start a private generic blog. Seriously, then everything would be organized…just a thought. Not saying I can do it, because I can't… anyway, Jimmy, do you have the entire story up to date that you could send to me thru email? Thankx)

(that would be so cool!!)

(@Jackson: We totally should. :)
@Annalysa: That would be so neat. I might look into that, if we all want. It should not be too too difficult. ;) Also, yes I have the story so far, and I will try to send it by tomorrow. It is not nearly done with editing (within the past three weeks when I have had time, I have done chapter one, part of 2, and (just because I could) 14), but I hope it is all right.)

(I don't really care about it being all edited, I just want to be able to read it when I''mnot connected to the internet, like when we're on a trip or something. Thanks so much!)

HI!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COME JOIN ME ON SC!!!!!!!!

(Hiiiiiiiii! Uh, remind me of who you are?! :))

(I just sent it to you. Enjoy! :)
@All: If you want me to send the story to any of you in word document form, please let me know, and I will be happy to do so. :) Annalysa could probably do it also, as she now has a copy as well.

Oh, and also, I don't know why that specific chapter, but I decided to edit chapter 14. :) I hope you enjoy, and let me know if I should change anything. Be as nit-picky as you can. ;) )

(Can you please send it to me as well? Thanks so much!)

(Absolutely! I just sent it. :) )

(Great!!! Thanks!!:)

(Can you send it to me? :) )

(I sent it. Sorry it took so long!

@All: only 13 or so descriptions to go. We can do it!)

(working on Sir Doran…)

Gradlem

Background: Gradlem grew up within the castle of Carivia. His parents died when he was thirteen. Ever since he was a boy, he looked with wonder at armor and weapons and longed to be one of the brave guards that stood upon the massive castle walls. In short, he wanted to be a soldier. He often shared his dreams with his friend and cousin, William, who was about his age. When he came of age, he quickly enlisted in the fortress guard and rose rapidly through the ranks. While still a low-ranking officer, his other cousin, Kathryn, was born. He often played with her, and on one occasion he, William, and Kathryn discovered Liar's Lair. When the Council overtook the country and took Carivia, Gradlem was anxious to join the order and fight for his master, Count Rowan, and the king. The Council, however, knew of his abilities (but did not know that he supported the Order) and insisted that he hold the post as chief of Lord Drakin's garrison. Gradlem felt that he could do important work for King Archen as a spy, so he remained.

Struggle: Sometimes finds unwilling to work for King Archen's cause. While most of the garrison do work for the Council, he loves the garrison as brothers and that sometimes blinds him to the bigger issue of Council vs. Order.

Special Characteristics: Has red hair and a red beard. Hates eggs. Cannot swim. Has always wanted to learn to use the bow, but has never done it. Although not much educated, he loves to read books of philosophy and logic.

(Oh, and I am continuing to work on editing. If anyone wants to help (or has any ideas or comments), please let me know.)

(I have Kathryn's background done - i just don't have it next to me at the moment. I was also thinking that I would love it if Lady Ariana could be a female knight and be able to fight well….just a little imo)

(Just to bring it to the top :). Does anyone have backstories in progress? :) :) :) :) :) )

(yes…but I haven't worked on it much lately xP :( I'm going to try to get it done soon though!!)

(Hey, so sorry I haven't been able to post mine. I tried several times and the forums won't come up for me. I don't have time to post it right now (go figure) since it's 10:44 PM right now….I"ll try to email it to you Hannah, if you don't mind…)

How did this get to the 6th page?!?!??!??!?! I'm so sory I haven't gotten the character backgrounds up that I said that I would but for a couple of months I couldn't access the forums for some reason…. :( When I find them again, I'll get them on here! :)

wishes sooooooo much she had time to re-read this whole thing