Novel series-in-progress by
Dragontrapper, the Transition Series is part
High Fantasy and part
Alternate Universe. The story takes place on the planet of Erda, a name derived from the language of a culture only known as the Precursors, a ancient society whose only legacy are ruins and a few vestigial cultural features. the Planets current Calendar dates from what is suspected to have ended them - a
Massive cataclysm known as the 'Aurora Blast' (Named because of the only known description of the event), that wiped out their entire civilization. That was over 1800 years ago. Since then, societies have come and gone, technology has progressed, and the world finds itself at a crossroads - To focus on Magic, a
well understood, well defined discipline that has been is use for centuries and can only be wielded by a few, or focus on technology, which is quickly catching up in ability?
In the middle of this is Jacob Archer - the Second Prince of a small island empire, and with more interest in magic and technology then sword fighting and warfare. While he doesn't care if his older brother takes the throne in due time, the Royal Council is worried that the populous might rather have him rule - so they teleport him halfway across the continent under the guise of a 'test of mettle' to get him out of the way - Just as Jacob hoped. Now free of any political duties, he is free to gallivant across the continent, looking for whatever strikes his fancy...
Until he uncovers an evil conspiracy that threatens to destroy his homeland... Damn.
Jacob must now hunt down
seven swords of unspeakable power before the Evil Cabal can complete their plan, facing off against various
Genre Savvy enemies in the process. Joining Jacob in his quest include:
- Rachael Westland: A Fox girl and Pythian Intelligence Officer that has been looking for Jacob. Skilled with a blade, and fairly snarky most of the time
- Charles Vane: A Former Pirate and Mercenary, seems to have held a variety of jobs. He seems to have a past with Jacob's homeland.
- Sarah Medes: A Snarky, somewhat cold-shouldered Witch that the group ends up saving early on.
One of the primary points behind the series is that it avoids the usual pitfalls of a Fantasy verse - no medieval Stasis (Its more late Renaissance/early Industrial Revolution), no patchwork maps, no automaton horses and the like. the characters themselves are familiar with fantasy tropes, having read such stories themselves. The story has been in the works for the last four or five years - the background is still being developed.
Transition Series provides examples of:
- Action Girl: Rachael and Sarah
- Badass Bookworm: Not to the same extent as others, but Jacob is quite knowledgeable in fields such as alchemy and science, but is fairly capable in combat thanks to the swordfighting class his father forced him to take. He's also a pretty good shot - too bad his physique is only slight better than that of Lelouch Lamperouge.
- Fantasy Counterpart Culture: Several of the Nations are based of existing countries, including Britain, Spain, Japan and Russia.
- Fantasy Kitchen Sink: The series include Petting Zoo People, Pirates, Ninjas, Dwarves, Elves, Half Human Hybrids, Faries, Demons, Orcs, Goblins, Imps, and Anthropomorphic creatures - and that's just the bipeadal sentient species.
- Fiery Redhead: again, Rachael
- Genre Savvy: Most of the main characters, as well as most of the villains.
- Magic A is Magic A: Magic has distinct, predictable rules just like any other force of nature; its rules resemble an amalgam of the laws for light and electromagnetism.
- Punk Punk: The technology is a cross between Dungeon Punk, Steam punk, Clock Punk, and A small amount of Diesel Punk. Overall, though, the series is more of a Gaslamp Fantasy
- Unusual Ears: Several races, most notably the various types of Petting Zoo People Demi's
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