The Siege and the Survivor
Here we are with Week 2. The ink is still wet on the page—technically it is still December 8th where I sit—but the release is live, now. We don't intend to make a habit of such a late (even late in the day) release. But this content is important and was worth the extra polish.
What is there to see this week? Two things.
First, I’ve opened the Prologue of Book 1: Legend of the Silver Blade to the public. For those ready to step beyond the Preface, the serial continues into the deep and cavernous Saga.
Second, I’ve tackled a major beast in the lore: The Siege of Ciermanuinn.
Why only one article? I focused solely on the portrayal of the Siege this week instead of rushing out multiple pages. The Prologue deals with the aftermath, but the Siege itself is the inciting incident of the era.
In the earliest drafts—from more years ago than I care to admit—the Prologue was actually the story of Krysaalis’s last moments during the Siege. I still believe the fall of the city is a story worth telling. I have a draft of it from Seeven’s perspective, but it reveals secrets that aren't meant to be understood until after Legend concludes. (Perhaps a short story for the future?)
Instead, for this week's lore article, I decided to bring you the perspectives of supporting characters who were also there. It is a chance to feel the weight of the Fall while holding at bay the specific, spoiler-heavy experience Krysaalis brings.
To maintain the standard of quality I’ve established—and because I insist on making relevant custom images for every page—I am sticking to one major lore article per week. I have ideas to speed this up, but I prioritize depth over speed.
(Let me know in the comments: Would you prefer more frequent, rougher notes, or are you happy with the slower, polished deep-dives?)
Enjoy the Siege, and welcome to the Prologue.
Until next week,
-VS
What is there to see this week? Two things.
First, I’ve opened the Prologue of Book 1: Legend of the Silver Blade to the public. For those ready to step beyond the Preface, the serial continues into the deep and cavernous Saga.
Second, I’ve tackled a major beast in the lore: The Siege of Ciermanuinn.
Why only one article? I focused solely on the portrayal of the Siege this week instead of rushing out multiple pages. The Prologue deals with the aftermath, but the Siege itself is the inciting incident of the era.
In the earliest drafts—from more years ago than I care to admit—the Prologue was actually the story of Krysaalis’s last moments during the Siege. I still believe the fall of the city is a story worth telling. I have a draft of it from Seeven’s perspective, but it reveals secrets that aren't meant to be understood until after Legend concludes. (Perhaps a short story for the future?)
Instead, for this week's lore article, I decided to bring you the perspectives of supporting characters who were also there. It is a chance to feel the weight of the Fall while holding at bay the specific, spoiler-heavy experience Krysaalis brings.
The Craft of the Archive
I discovered while building the Siege page that "having lore" and "having World Anvil-ready lore" are two very different things. Stripping articles of future spoilers, creating a logical flow, and ensuring internal consistency is a meticulous process.To maintain the standard of quality I’ve established—and because I insist on making relevant custom images for every page—I am sticking to one major lore article per week. I have ideas to speed this up, but I prioritize depth over speed.
(Let me know in the comments: Would you prefer more frequent, rougher notes, or are you happy with the slower, polished deep-dives?)
Next Week :
I intend to bring a spoiler-free treatment of Krysaalis a'Ciermanuinn. This will complement the simultaneous release of Whispers from Home in Book 1: Legend of the Silver Blade which is told from her perspective.Enjoy the Siege, and welcome to the Prologue.
Until next week,
-VS
The Saga of the Silver Blade begins!
Read Excerpts
Available now!
by Val Saraven
Learn more about the Saga's development!
Read the latest in the
Behind the Scenes
Because I do a lot more work than just what is posted, I’m creating images constantly. I’ve decided to start sharing a few "Behind the Scenes" visuals in each issue of the R&Q—snapshots of the world that didn't make it into the articles (yet) but still capture the mood or were necessary for supporting content development.
The Gilded Cage. Concept art for the high society of Reimes, depicting the Torryaenen twins Ealonde and Ariel, c. 880 AV, contrasting the brutalism of the Siege. by Val Saraven
Show spoiler
The pair above are two of the grandchildren from Vesprian Princyn Cavilya, pictured below.
The Torryaenen, the Second Generation by Val Saraven
The Bookshelf
Book 1: Legend of the Silver Blade Preface and Prologue available now!The Legacy Guarantee
The Saga of the Silver Blade is planned to be a 13-book epic. I know what that number implies. In a genre famous for indefinite hiatuses, I want to offer you a different kind of promise.This story has been architected over decades. The outline is complete. The ending is written. The structure is locked. My promise to you is simple: You will get the ending.
I am currently releasing Book 1. I intend to write every word of this Saga myself. However, should life, health, or circumstance ever prevent me from finishing the prose, I have established a "Dead Man's Switch" protocol. Either, a trusted author takes up the remainder, or the full, detailed outlines for every remaining book—including the resolution of every major mystery and character arc—will be released to the public. Your emotional investment in these characters is safe here. I'm invested, too.
Welcome to Aithyris.
Comments