Crystals of Silveria Series Hub & Junihoshi Guidebook - By GamerZack7

Okay, it's time for the second part of the series premiere of Crystals of Ornoposia. I've decided to break the first episode into four chunks and spoil them one at a time, just to see how popular it becomes. Call it a test run, if you like. Okay, here we go!

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Scene 8: Zed’s House: Late Night

Zed lies in his bed, his covers pulled up to his chest. His arms lie across his pillow. An orb of light is suspended above him, illuminating the room.

Zed’s thoughts: I can hardly believe it. Soon I’ll be leaving to go on an adventure. I have no idea what I’ll be able to do, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it.

Zed reaches across to his bedside table, picking up the crystal.

Zed’s thoughts: Amethyst said I have a permanent link with this thing, but I’m still not sure what it’s for. Maybe it’s meant to give me some sort of powers, or increase my arcane abilities.

Zed places the crystal back onto his bedside table.

Zed’s thoughts: I’ll ask Amethyst in the morning.

The orb of light dispels. Zed pulls his arms under his covers and turns onto his right side. He soon drifts into a shallow sleep.

Zed walks through a mysterious forest.

Zed: Hello?! Is anybody here?!

Almost immediately, the temperature drops. Zed’s breaths become visible as frost encrusts all of the trees.

Zed: This is bad! It’s not even close to winter!

Dwarf: It’s the Winter Festival, lad! Time for us to get drunk!

Zed: Who are you?

Dwarf: Why, it’s me, D. Warf! The lovable rogue!

Zed: Uh…okay.

Dwarf: Say, that’s a pretty necklace. A pretty necklace for a pretty lass!

Zed: Uh, this is a special artefact. And I’m a guy, not a girl!

Dwarf: Of course you are, little boy!

Zed: What did you call me?!

A wall of water whirls around Zed, freezing solid. The walls stretch out, leaving Zed in a dark, icy room.

Zed: What’s going on?! This isn’t funny!

An evil cackle fills the room, echoing off the walls. Zed suddenly raises his hand in the air.

Zed: “LIGHT!”

Bright light quickly fills the room.

Zed suddenly awakens and sits up, breathing heavily.

Zed: That dream again…

Scene 9: Zed’s House: Early Morning

Zed sits in a chair, studying one of his books. A knock sounds on his door. He shifts the book, stands up and walks over to the door, opening it. Amethyst is standing there.

Zed: Oh…uh…good morning.

Amethyst: Good morning. Are you rested and ready for today?

Zed: I did my best, I guess.

Amethyst: That is good to hear. Come. We must make preparations for our journey.

Zed: Okay, I just need to get some things first.

Amethyst: Please take your time.

Zed: Okay, be right back!

Zed closes his door. A few moments later he opens it, stepping through and closing it behind him. He locks the door with his key.

Zed: Okay, I’m ready.

Amethyst: Excellent. Let us head into town to purchase supplies.

Zed: No problem.

Scene 10: Town Square: Morning

Zed and Amethyst walk up to a shop door. The sign above it reads “Silver Buckle Clothing”.

Amethyst: First, we must purchase a new outfit for you to wear.

Zed: I don’t know, this place looks expensive.

Amethyst: Never fear, Zed. A good quality outfit is just what you need.

Zed: True…

Zed and Amethyst enter the shop. A well-dressed gentleman greets them from behind the counter.

Gentleman: Welcome to Silver Buckle Clothing! I am Eduardo, your guide to the world of chic fashion. How may I help you today?

Amethyst: My apprentice is in need of a new outfit.

Eduardo examines Zed’s outfit.

Eduardo: Oh yes…I see what you mean. Hm…now, what sort of apprentice is he? Knight’s apprentice, mage’s apprentice…?

Amethyst: A mage’s apprentice.

Eduardo: Of course! I might have guessed from your lovely violet tunic! It simply screams “modern elven mage”! And it matches your eyes perfectly! Ooh, and I just love the sash!

Eduardo examines Zed’s outfit some more.

Eduardo: Hm…we need to update your look. The whole “brown-on-white” thing is too archaic. Today’s young mage needs to wear something more modern and vibrant. Hm…okay, I see you wearing something…azure.

Zed: Azure’s my favourite colour.

Eduardo: Ah! I knew it! Eduardo, you are a genius!

Eduardo looks around. He plucks a pale blue shirt from a clothes rack, giving it to Zed.

Eduardo: This would make the perfect base for your outfit.

Eduardo then plucks a pair of blue pants from another clothes rack.

Eduardo: And this will add a pleasant contrast to it. Now, into the change room you go!

Eduardo motions Zed into the change room. Zed turns around.

Zed: I don’t know about this…it seems expensive.

Eduardo: Don’t worry about price! A good outfit is an expensive outfit!

Eduardo closes the curtain on the change room.

Zed: Ooh, comfy! And it fits really well!

Eduardo: You doubt my talents for choosing an outfit?

Zed: No no no, this is great!

Zed opens the curtain. Eduardo nods with his bottom lip protruding.

Eduardo: A great improvement. I think we’ll stick with your previous look, but with modern designs and more blue. Wait here while I get your leathers.

Eduardo walks into another room.

Zed: Leathers? Aren’t they…bulky?

Amethyst: Leather armour is bulky. Leather clothing is lightweight and flexible.

Zed: Ah, good. I read that mages need mobility when casting spells.

Amethyst: My curiosity has piqued. How talented are you with casting spells?

Zed: Well, I’ve always been good at cantrips, and I can do some evocations pretty well. I’ve also learned to do a bit of other magic as well.

Eduardo returns carrying some boxes.

Eduardo: I checked your old boots for size and picked out the perfect pair for you. Try these on.

Eduardo hands a box to Zed. Zed sits down, opens the box and puts on the boots, which are made of dark blue leather. Zed stands up and takes a few steps.

Zed: These are so comfy.

Eduardo: And here are the matching gauntlets.

Eduardo hands another box to Zed. Zed opens the box, removing a pair of gauntlets made of thin, dark blue leather. He pulls them on and flexes his fingers and wrist.

Zed: These are better than my old gauntlets. They mould right to my hand!

Eduardo: I also have a belt…

Eduardo hands a black belt with a silver buckle to Zed.

Eduardo: …and a vest.

Eduardo hands an azure leather sleeveless jacket to Zed. Zed equips himself with the belt, attaching it to the buckle, then he puts on the jacket and does up the buttons.

Zed: This is awesome!

Amethyst: I think we have found a perfect outfit for you, Zed.

Eduardo: No.

Amethyst: No?

Eduardo: No. It is not yet perfect. It needs a certain…oomph that says “modern mage’s apprentice”.

Zed: Like a robe or cloak?

Eduardo: I think something more your age category would be better…oh! Wait here!

Eduardo walks away, plucking a folded piece of clothing from a shelf. He walk back and hands it to Zed. Zed unfurls it and puts it on.

Zed: A cape?!

Eduardo: Oh, yes. All the young mages in Silveria wear capes. It’s fast becoming the latest fashion trend.

Zed: Well, I guess this outfit is good. But…how much will it cost?

Eduardo: For you, I’ll give you a special deal. Just 7 gold pieces!

Zed: Well…I guess it is for my new role as an adventurer…

Zed reaches for his coin sack.

Amethyst: Wait, Zed! I will pay for your outfit.

Zed: Are you sure?

Amethyst: Of course. A mage’s duty is to pay for her apprentice’s starting equipment.

Amethyst hands 7 gold pieces to Eduardo.

Eduardo: Thank you very much! I trust you are happy with your new look?

Zed: I sure am. Thank you!

Scene 11: Street: Morning

Zed and Amethyst walk down a street.

Zed: Thank you for buying my new clothes.

Amethyst: It is my pleasure, Zed. Now, we need to buy you the most important piece of equipment for any mage.

Zed: An implement?

Amethyst: Indeed.

Zed: I know just the place!

Zed leads Amethyst to another door. The sign above the door reads “The Budding Alchemist”. Zed opens the door, motioning Amethyst to enter. Amethyst nods once and enters the building, followed by Zed. An elderly gentleman with a long white beard greets them.

Gentleman: Well, if it isn’t young Zed. Why, I haven’t seen you in here since the Astral Festival.

Zed: Sorry, Mr. Newt. I’ve been busy for the past couple of weeks.

Newt: How are your dreams?

Zed: Getting even weirder. I had the ice forest one again last night.

Newt: You’ve had that one more often in recent days, haven’t you?

Zed: Yep. It seemed even more real last night.

Newt: Well, I’m sure you will learn the secret behind it eventually.

Mr. Newt notices Amethyst.

Newt: And you must be Amethyst.

Amethyst: I am. Please excuse my bluntness, but how did you know my name?

Newt: Why, the lovely Mrs. Taylor told me last night over a cup of tea.

Zed: News sure travels fast in this town.

Newt: Thank you so much for taking the time to instruct Zed in the art of magic. I would myself, but I’m too old. I’ll leave it up to the younger generation.

Zed: Remember when I first came in here?

Newt: Like it was yesterday. You picked up a book of cantrips out of curiosity.

Zed: I was interested in magic but thought I was too old to learn it.

Newt: Then you started to read the cover, and turned your hair blue!

Zed: It caught your attention, but I had no idea what was going on cause I couldn’t see the top of my own head!

Mr. Newt chuckles.

Newt: Oh, I laughed for two minutes. I finally managed to tell you that you are a naturally-gifted mage, but you were too busy panicking about your hair.

Zed: Good times…oh, that’s right! Mr. Newt, I was wondering if you could help me choose my implement.

Newt: Of course, lad. Do you know what kind of implement suits you best?

Zed: Hm…I’ve never given it much thought.

Newt: Might I suggest a wand? It’s portable and lightweight, and easy to equip in a pinch.

Zed: Sounds good.

Newt: The wands are right over here.

Mr. Newt leads Zed to a display containing a selection of wands.

Zed: How will I know which one is the right one for me?

Newt: You will know as soon as your eyes meet with it.

Zed looks around. He spots a silver wand adorned with a carving of a dragon at its far end. He walks over to it and picks it up. Almost immediately, a bright blue glow surrounds him. He reaches into his shirt and pulls out the crystal, which is also glowing with a bright blue light.

Newt: No…it cannot be!

The light dissipates. Mr. Newt walks over to Zed.

Newt: Zed! You did not tell me you had an artefact of the Silverian Empire!

Zed: The Silverian Empire?

Zed looks over at Amethyst.

Amethyst: I have not heard of such an empire.

Newt: Then there is much you both must learn. Come. We will discuss it further in my house.

The three people step out of the shop. A mysterious figure lurks in the shadows.

Figure: So it is true. I must tell my mistress at once.

The figure turns and steps back into the shadows.

**********

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**********

I'll work on the third part as soon as I can. Once the whole episode is finished and previewed, I'll then work on the series itself. I should then be able to upload some on a regular basis. The first season should be about twelve episodes in length, with later seasons each having a similar number. Well, I hope you liked this sample. As always, shout out your comments below!

Whoa!!! That scene 8 was just like in a SciFi movie. Incredible!... That was great! "Winter Festival"? I think I'd love that!

I think I'm gonna re-read all the episodes again. This is fun! It's not hard to imagine once you're in the story and feel the full power of it.

Although it's like a movie script and some scenes just don't link up that well when writing it into a book format (scenes 8 and 9), it just places the reader into the right mindset with every one of them, every time. Very well done!

Scene 10:
This quote: "Amethyst: Never fear, Zed.", reminded me of a 1967 SciFi series called "Lost in Space". In those series, there was a character called Dr. Zachary Smith. One of his trademark lines was "Never fear, Smith is here". And then again, everytime I read such a scene, it seems to take me back in time, like a pirate's adventure scene. Maybe it's because of the detailed conversations, maybe it's just me imagining an old 18th century village.

Scene 11:
And then I just snap out of that dream because of the word "Astral" again. Zed closes the door (and the tailor scene) and I'm in a kinda different world again. The only thing holding me back from totally going back into SciFi again is the presence of Amethyst...

I wonder what the next episodes will hold...

Well, I can give you a clue without ruining too much: Mr. Newt explains to Amethyst and Zed about the Silverian Crystals. You'll have to wait for the finer details.

And now, just for fun, a list of spells that Zed uses in the first episode:

CANTRIPS
Prestidigitation
A spell that does a variety of simple tricks; also the first spell that Zed ever cast.

Light
This spell creates an orb of light that floods the immediate area; Zed uses this spell before going to sleep every night in place of a lamp or torch.

Ghost Sound
An illusory cantrip which creates a sound to fool enemies; Zed uses this in the fourth part of episode 1.

Magic Missile
The one spell known by every mage, it creates tiny projectiles of energy which almost always hit the target, trading power for accuracy.

ENCHANTMENTS
Sleep
A basic enchantment which lulls the target to sleep; Zed uses this spell in an unexpected way during episode 1.

Oh, darn. I guess I'll just have to wait I left you a message on GXT.

I read the message.

I wonder if I should rename the show Crystals of Silveria, due to the recent addition to the series. It sounds very fantasy-inspired, right?

By the way, Silveria is the capital of Ornoposia.

I understand. "Crystals of Silveria" would sound better

EDIT: "Crystals of Silveria" sounds better. Thanks for changing it

I like your new show

Another fan! Thank you!!!

The third act should be coming soon.

Keep up the good work.

Thank you Gozaimasu. ^_^

Okay, this post will contain the sample quotes from my signature. Enjoy!

Quote #01 (from the episode "My Sister's Footsteps")
Zed: Hey, what happened to my clothes?!
Gazzo: That drink I gave you? A Potion of Banish Clothes!
Zed: My clothes have vanished?!
Gazzo: No, banished! To the Ethereal Plane! It's the ultimate party gag!
Zed: BRYN, HOW COULD YOU?!

Quote #02 (from the episode "My Sister's Footsteps")
Brocc: Kaley!
Kaley: Broccoli?! Is that you?!
Bryn nose-laughs.
Bryn: Your name's Broccoli?!
Brocc: Not. One. Word.
Bryn: Or else what, Green Boy?
Brocc: I'll tell Zed about the potion!
Bryn: So?
Brocc: Let me reiterate. I'll tell ZED about the POTION!
Bryn: ... Point taken.

And now it's time to talk about a few of the races featured in Crystals of Silveria.

Humans are by far the most common race found in the world of Junihoshi, native to every continent and nation except Archaelia and the Southern Wastes. Humans are an adaptable breed, with different cultures and customs on each continent, and even a vastly-diverse assortment of skin tones, hair and eye colours and accents. More humans seem to live on the continent of Ornoposia than in each other part of the world, though many of them are mixed-race such as elfborn and orcborn. The primary language of the human race is Common, which is spoken by every other race on Junihoshi as the primary trade language.

High elves, colloquially referred to by humans as simply "elves", are one of the three elven people of Junihoshi. They are naturally suited for becoming mages, with individuals who study the arcane arts even more talented than those of any other race without question. The eyes of high elves are glowing orbs of a bright colour such as yellow, green, cyan or purple, and their skin and hair are fair in tone. They are slender, and they have long, pointy ears. High elves are most commonly found on the continent of Lumidelvum, where they live in cities with doorways only accessible by members of their race.

Orcborn are the result of a union between two parents: one human, one orc. They take on the best qualities of both races, with the physique and constitution of orcs combined with the adaptability and resolve of humans. Many orcborn are considered "unintelligent" by human standards, though they are still more intelligent than pure orcs; however, a few orcborn are just as intelligent as humans, albeit with a few orcish personality traits. Pure orcs see orcborn as physically weaker than them, though they see their human-like resolve as a strength to make up for it. A few communities of true-breeding orcborn exist in the world, with most living on the continent of Kobelia.

Next time: information on the dwarves and elfborn!

@GamerZack7 You're an amazing author.

Rukiafan wrote:@GamerZack7 You're an amazing author.

I can confirm that Thank you Rukiafan! You're so kind!

Please, Zack, provide us with your latest.... Scene 12. This will be so good, I'm sure it will be! YAAY!

Okay, okay, settle down! I'll work on getting it done...today!

Ready for act three of the pilot? I'm sure you are! Okay, here we GO!

Scene 12: Newt’s Cottage: Morning

Amethyst and Zed are seated in armchairs surrounding a small table. Newt is looking through his bookcase. He pulls a book from the shelf.

Newt: Ah, yes. Here it is.

Newt walks over to the table and sits in an armchair. He places the heavy book onto the table and opens it, flipping through pages until he finds the right one.

Newt: This page contains all I know of the Silverian Empire.

Zed: It’s blank.

Newt: You are correct. Now…

Newt places his hand above the page.

Newt: “Houpetor irthir!”

The page begins to glow. As it does so, words and images appear on the page.

Zed: Incredible…

Amethyst: Indeed.

Newt: The Silverian Empire stretched beyond the borders of Ornoposia all the way to Granrelm, Tundwaldun, Gnomsland, Verdelvum, Lumidelvum and Kobelia, with smaller settlements in most other continents.

Amethyst: They must have been well-known then.

Newt: Oh, they were. The empire was made up almost entirely of Ornoposian humans, who spread their culture and customs, and indeed the Common tongue, to all corners of Junihoshi.

Zed: So what happened to it?

Newt: Like all good things it came to an end, but not without leaving behind its legacy.

Amethyst holds her crystal within her delicate fingers.

Amethyst: The crystals…

Newt: A mere fragment of a much larger collection of artefacts, many of which remain concealed within ancient ruins and other places ravaged by monsters.

Zed: So the city-state of Silveria was the capital of the empire?

Newt: That is most likely. It would have been the last bastion of the empire left in a world teeming with chaos.

Zed: Chaos?

Newt: Indeed. War had broken out across the empire as factions began to emerge, each claiming ownership of the dominion. They fought for decades, civilisation crumbling away, until only the Kingdom of Silveria remained.

Zed: So what could have protected Silveria from the chaos?

Newt: My guess is it was the Astral Beings themselves who ceased the bloodshed, restoring order to Junihoshi.

Amethyst: Could they be allowed to interact directly with mortals?

Newt: In times of crisis they have been said to descend and lay aid to the peoples of Junihoshi. Their direct involvement was obviously the only way to bring peace to a troubled world.

Zed: And the artefacts?

Newt: Nobody knows their true purpose. Indeed, few even know of their existence.

Zed: Then there’s no way of knowing what the crystals do.

Amethyst: I know of one of their functions. They each provide a small boon to their respective owners. My crystal, for example, provides a slight increase in intellect.

Newt: If that is true, then there is a much greater goal intended for them.

Zed: Will it be possible to figure it out?

Newt: In time, you will learn the full extent of your gift.

Newt smiles at Zed.

Scene 13: Town Square: Late Morning

Amethyst and Zed walk past the fountain.

Zed: Well, I guess that was slightly informative.

Amethyst: Even the littlest knowledge can change the world.

Zed: True. So, what boon does my crystal provide?

Amethyst: Alas, I know not.

Zed: Really? Whoa, that’s mysterious…

Amethyst: We have one more place to visit before we must go.

Zed: Oh, I have a toilet in my house if-

Amethyst giggles.

Amethyst: I have something else in mind. Follow me.

Amethyst walks past Zed. Zed begins to follow.

Zed: Lead on, Master Wizard!

Scene 14: Taylor’s Treasures: Late Morning

Zed and Amethyst enter Taylor’s Treasures, the little bell jingling as the door opens and closes.

Zed: Of course. There’s no better place in town to buy adventuring gear.

Amethyst: So I have seen.

Mrs. Taylor heads downstairs.

Mrs. Taylor: Ah, I wondered if you’d pop in before you left.

Zed: You heard?

Mrs. Taylor: Of course, lad. Mr. Newt tells me everything.

Zed: Wow, news travels fast in this town!

Mrs. Taylor: I took the liberty of preparing your supplies.

Mrs. Taylor heads behind the counter, reaching under it and pulling out a box containing some adventuring gear. She places the box on the counter.

Mrs. Taylor: Okay, this is your adventurer’s kit.

Mrs. Taylor pulls out a blue-coloured leather shoulder bag and places it on the counter.

Mrs. Taylor: It has a collapsible bedroll, food, a pre-filled waterskin and some other bits and bobs. It’ll come in handy.

Mrs. Taylor pulls out a bag and places it on the counter.

Mrs. Taylor: This is a breather. It’s a special mask for you to wear in case you run into a gas trap while exploring a dungeon. I’ve always thought the latest technology should be practical and useful.

Zed: Gotta love those xenoxans.

Mrs. Taylor: And this…this is a special gift from me.

Mrs. Taylor reaches into the box and pulls out a silver recorder and a navy blue velvet bag with drawstring.

Mrs. Taylor: I thought you could use a new flute. This one is supposed to make the most pleasant music, so I’ve been told.

Zed: Oh, Mrs. Taylor…

Mrs. Taylor: Come, lad. You do so much for me. This is my way of thanking you.

Mrs. Taylor smiles. Zed reaches into his pocket, pulling out the two halves of his wooden recorder. He assembles it and holds it out to Mrs. Taylor.

Zed: I want you to have my old flute. To remember me by.

Mrs. Taylor and Zed exchange recorders. Mrs. Taylor smiles.

Mrs. Taylor: I’ll treasure it every day, lad.

A tear rolls down Zed’s cheek. He holds out his hands. Mrs. Taylor steps forward and embraces Zed with a big hug.

Mrs. Taylor: Take care of yourself, lad. Find your place in the world.

Zed: I’ll try to come back one day.

Mrs. Taylor: You try your hardest, Zed Starmute.

Mrs. Taylor and Zed let go of one another. Zed walks over to the counter.

Zed: Should I pay for these?

Mrs. Taylor: Amethyst already took care of it.

Zed looks at Amethyst, a puzzled look on his face.

Amethyst: I put the money on the counter while you were saying your farewells.

Zed smiles.

Zed: Thank you.

Amethyst: Just doing my duty.

Zed removes his cape, places the satchel over his shoulder, re-dons his cape, opens a front pocket and places the breather inside. He picks up the flute, disassembles it, places it into the velvet bag, pulls the drawstring and places it into his pocket.

Zed: Thank you for everything, Mrs. Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor: It was my pleasure, lad.

Another tear rolls down Zed’s cheek as both he and Amethyst leave the shop, the bell jingling as they do so. Mrs. Taylor watches them as they disappear from view.

Mrs. Taylor: We will meet again, lad…

Scene 15: En Route to The Name Pending Tavern: Early Afternoon

Amethyst and Zed walk along a well-worn road, wooden fences separating it from some green meadows.

Amethyst: You seem to have a strong bond with Mrs. Taylor.

Zed: I don’t know where I would be without her.

Amethyst: Is she a family member?

Zed: No.

Amethyst: She treats you like a son nonetheless.

Zed: She was the first one to help me when I stumbled into town.

Amethyst: Had something happened?

Zed sighs.

Zed: I have no memory of my life prior to walking into town. It was late one night, and I was wearing some kinda weird clothes. I was confused, and I didn’t know what was happening.

Amethyst: That sounds awful.

Zed: Nothing felt right whatsoever. Then I came across Taylor’s Treasures. I walked inside and explained everything to Mrs. Taylor. She took me in and gave me a place to sleep and work.

Amethyst: No wonder you are very close to one another.

Zed: Mrs. Taylor took me to the best oracles when they came to town, but they couldn’t figure out which constellation I was born under. They called me a blank slate, which earned me the nickname “The Star Mute One”. It’s as though I hadn’t existed prior to that moment. And yet I know I’ve lived for a while before that.

Amethyst: So you wish to find the place from whence you hail.

Zed: That’s part of my goal, yes.

Zed thinks to himself.

Zed: So you’re the guardian of the crystals?

Amethyst: I am indeed. On my one-hundredth birthday I was approached by one of the Elders of my citadel, who told me that I was destined to find the secret of the crystals. The crystals glowed as the box containing them was handed to me, meaning that I had been chosen by them as their distributor. I was told to find the owners of the crystals and journey with them, and together we would find out their true purpose. It took 45 years before I found the second crystal owner.

Zed: And who was it?

Amethyst smiles at Zed.

Amethyst: Why don’t you wait until we reach the tavern? I am sure the suspense will lead to a much greater surprise.

Zed: Fair enough.

Scene 16: The Name Pending Tavern: Afternoon

Amethyst and Zed enter the tavern. Zed looks around and sees a few adventurers sitting at tables. Three human males, presumably fighters, are gathered around a short-bearded dwarf wearing silver armour. The dwarf speaks with a thick Nordic-infused Scottish accent.

Dwarf: So there we were, surrounded by twelve Elek worshippers. They outnumbered us two-to-one, and the rogue very nearly gave us the slip!

Fighter #1: Rogues’ll do that to ya if ya let ‘em!

Dwarf: Ye think I’d let the rogue abandon us like that? When facing evil, we all must stand together and help however we can! I’d never let’m avoid Alistair’s goals!

Fighter #2: So what did you do?

Dwarf: What else could we do? We showed ‘em who’s boss! They won’t be hurtin’ anyone anytime soon!

The dwarf swallows a mouthful of mead from his mug. Amethyst walks over to the dwarf. Zed follows behind.

Amethyst: Good afternoon, Thobrun. I gather you are telling stories of our exploits to these gentlemen?

Thobrun: Indeed I am, Amethyst. I’m teachin’ ‘em how to fight evil as best they can.

Thobrun sees Zed standing behind Amethyst.

Thobrun: And this must be the young wizard Amethyst believes is the seventh crystal owner.

Zed: H-Hi. I’m Zed.

Thobrun stands up. He stands at about two-thirds the height of Zed, though he is broadly-built to make up for it.

Thobrun: Good ta meet you, Zed. Thobrun Steelanvil, paladin of Alistair Goodheart.

Thobrun bows. Zed bows right back.

Thobrun: Can I buy ye a drink, Zed?

Zed: Oh, I don’t drink alcohol.

Thobrun: Oh, no problem, lad. I can respect that.

Amethyst: I was just going to introduce Zed to the others.

Thobrun: I think they’re in the den upstairs.

Amethyst: Are you ready to meet your future companions, Zed?

Zed: Yep. Lead the way.

Amethyst: Very well.

Amethyst climbs the stairs, with Zed following behind. Zed looks around, and sees a male halfling in dark blue leather armour, a male gnome with green hair and a blonde elfborn girl wearing golden-yellow chainmail.

Amethyst: Bryn? Brocc? Emily? Allow me to introduce the seventh member of our team, Zed Starmute.

Zed waves.

Zed: Hi.

Bryn speaks with what sounds like a slightly-Cockney English accent.

Bryn: Well, well, well, how did I know it’d be a human?

Bryn walks over to Zed. He stands at roughly half Zed’s height. His slick black hair curves forward at its base. He has no facial hair.

Bryn: Name’s Bryn. The Loveable Rogue.

Bryn holds out his hand. Zed bends down slightly and shakes hands with Bryn.

Bryn: Ah, so you know the Granrelmian bow. I respect that, Zed.

Brocc speaks with what sounds like a European-infused American accent which sounds slightly elevated in pitch.

Brocc: Amethyst, he’s huge! Are you sure he isn’t a giantborn?

Bryn: Of course he isn’t, Brocc! Look at his build. He’s definitely a human.

Brocc walks over to Zed and looks up at him. He is slightly taller than Bryn, though most of the added height is his tall, spiky hair.

Brocc: Oh, you’re right. Sometimes it’s hard to tell. I’m Brocc Farshot, and I’m an entertainer! A bard! A lyricist!

Bryn: You can’t sing!

Brocc: No, but I still write songs, don’t I?

Bryn: Well, I can’t argue with that logic.

Emily walks over to Zed. She smiles sweetly and speaks with a soft, feminine voice.

Emily: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zed. My name is Emily Summers, and I am a cleric of Marilina Silverblade.

Emily curtsies. Zed bows.

Zed: Is that everybody?

Amethyst: There is still one more member you must meet.

Zed: I thought so.

Bryn: He’s in the shower.

Amethyst: Really?

Bryn: I know, we were surprised as well.

A door opens, and a male orcborn steps through. He is not wearing a shirt. He rubs his black hair with a towel, then slings the towel over his right shoulder. He walks up to Amethyst and speaks with a rough American voice.

Orcborn: Amethyst. You’re back!

Amethyst: Indeed.

The orcborn looks at Zed.

Orcborn: I thought you said you were bringing back the most naturally-talented wizard in that town.

Amethyst: I have. This is Zed.

Orcborn: He can’t be more than 25 years old. That’s not experienced enough.

Amethyst: Actually, he is 27.

Orcborn: Still not experienced enough. He’s got green written all over him.

Brocc: Uh, I thought that was me.

Orcborn: Our mission is very dangerous. Who’s gonna protect this kid if he gets into trouble?

Amethyst: I believe that’s your job.

Orcborn: I don’t want to see another innocent get hurt.

Amethyst: Please! At least let him prove himself.

Orcborn: I’m sorry, but it’s too risky. First thing tomorrow, we’re taking him back to wherever he came from. I can’t put him in any danger.

Amethyst: But-

Orcborn: That’s final!

The orcborn returns to his room. A bitter sting of disappointment spreads across Zed’s face. Amethyst hangs her head and sighs.


**********
Commercial: Welcome to The Budding Alchemist. Here you may buy any manner of supplies including potions, alchemical reagents, spell components, and the largest collection of scrolls in town. We serve everybody, from the magically gifted to those who just need a scroll of Sending. We are open every day from 8AM to 10PM. The Budding Alchemist: not just for alchemists!

**********

Well, there's still one more act to come your way before the series officially begins! Are you looking forward to it? Stay tuned!

As a CoS fan, I must say this has been the most exquisite part so far...

Bloody well done, mate!

Samantha wrote:As a CoS fan, I must say this has been the most exquisite part so far...

Bloody well done, mate!

You're turning Au-Aussie! I think you're turning Au-Aussie! I really think so!

GamerZack7 wrote:You're turning Au-Aussie! I think you're turning Au-Aussie! I really think so!

You're kind of a stickybeak, aren't you, crow eater? Well, she'll be right, mate! As long as you keep those ripper dogs Angrus and LunarBas(s)e(t) as well as Mauzi the catweazle right where they're sitting in that picture of yours I won't grizzle.

PS: I might call you Boomer

And, at last, the conclusion to Crystals of Silveria Episode 1! Enjoy!

Scene 17: The Name Pending Tavern: Evening

The orcborn stands outside the tavern, watching the sun set. Amethyst steps outside and walks over to him.

Orcborn: How’s the kid doing?

Amethyst: I know not. He has yet to leave his room.

Orcborn: What’s he been doing all this time?

Amethyst: He is practising magic so he can be skilled enough to become an adventurer one day.

Orcborn: He’s got spirit, I’ll give him that.

Amethyst: Indeed.

Orcborn: But spirit alone isn’t enough for the life of an adventurer.

Amethyst: He is a naturally-gifted wizard.

Orcborn: And that‘s a good thing, right?

Amethyst: I shall attempt to clarify. Most people who aspire to be wizards must study for decades in order to master their craft. It takes skill and precision for us to even cast a basic spell before we master the arcane.

Orcborn: So how is Zed different?

Amethyst: Zed is one of the rare few wizards who uses magic naturally, without needing to spend hours memorising spells from a book. I tested his use of Magic Missile yesterday and his accuracy was surprising.

Orcborn: If you’re trying to change my mind…

Amethyst: Need I remind you that we are both leaders of this expedition?

Orcborn: I was going to say, “If you’re trying to change my mind, it’s working”. I’m still a little unsure about this…

Amethyst: The crystal responded to his touch.

Orcborn: It did?

Amethyst: It glowed the brightest shade of cyan the moment he put it around his neck.

Orcborn: You sure it wasn’t just a coincidence?

Amethyst: The crystals never make mistakes.

The orcborn thinks to himself, then sighs.

Orcborn: Alright, I’ll give the kid a chance.

Amethyst: Excellent. He will be pleased to hear the news.

Amethyst turns and starts to walk back to the door. She stops and turns around to face the orcborn again.

Amethyst: You refer to him as “kid”. You do realise that you are younger than him, do you not?

Orcborn: By adventuring standards he’s a fledgling.

Amethyst: True.

Amethyst turns around and enters the tavern.

Scene 18: The Name Pending Tavern: Early Morning

Zed opens his room door and steps into the den. Amethyst is studying her spellbook in preparation for the day. She stops reading and looks up at Zed, smiling.

Amethyst: Good morning, Zed.

Zed: Good morning.

Amethyst: How did you sleep?

Zed: Better than usual. I had the dream again, but it’s starting to make more sense. I tried trancing before going to bed, just to see if it would help.

Amethyst: Did it have any effect?

Zed: Well, I had better control of my dream. This time I held off casting Light during the ice room bit.

Amethyst: What did you see?

Zed: I saw five people at the opposite end, but it was so dark that I couldn’t make out what they looked like. They just stood there, not moving or making a sound. Then a silver dragon appeared above us and landed in front of me facing them. It roared, and the person in the middle turned into a white dragon and attacked it. They fought for what seemed like hours, although it was only mere moments. Then the white dragon grew to a massive size, and that’s when I cast Light again.

Amethyst: Perhaps next time you should let the white dragon continue to grow. There is obviously some significance.

Zed: I guess so.

Amethyst: Come. We must eat a good breakfast in preparation for the day.

The orcborn climbs up the stairs.

Orcborn: Come on, you two. Time for breakfast.

Amethyst: We will be down momentarily.

Orcborn: Okay.

The orcborn turns and climbs back down. Amethyst heads for the stairs, with Zed following behind.

Scene 19: En Route to Silveria City: Morning

The party walks along a forested path heading in the direction of Silveria City. Zed speaks to the orcborn.

Zed: Thank you for giving me a chance.

Orcborn: Amethyst says you’re great, so that’s good enough for me. Just be careful.

Zed: I will.

The orcborn smiles.

Orcborn: So you really have no idea where you came from?

Zed: That’s right. My past is a complete blank.

Orcborn: Maybe you’re from another continent.

Zed: You think so?

Orcborn: Well yes. Your accent’s definitely not Ornoposian.

Zed: So where are you from?

Orcborn: I was raised in North Keradent by my father. My best friend was a bagubear named Beet.

Zed: I’m sorry, what’s a bagubear?

Bryn: You’re joking, right?

Zed: Nope, I’m serious.

Bryn: Well, they look like a mixture of ape, bear and bolgard.

Zed: Bolgard?

Bryn: Wow, you really can’t remember who you are, can you?

Amethyst: One of Zed’s primary goals is to learn about his past.

Brocc: I could try to help him remember with a bardic song.

Bryn: No! No singing! The last time you sung, your cat ran away for days!

Brocc: She didn’t run away! I sent her to scout for the next town.

Bryn: And did she find it?

Brocc: … Well, she found somebody’s camp.

Bryn: A camp of gobbos, if I’m not mistaken? And she led them right to us.

Brocc: Well, I won’t make that mistake again, okay?

Bryn: Oh? Then where is your precious familiar right now?

Brocc: Uh…scouting ahead.

Bryn: My point.

Thobrun: Come on, you two. You should stop your bickering for once.

Zed: Is that your cat?

An orange tabby cat walks up to the team.

Brocc: Tabby! You’re back! What did you find?

Tabby meows. A look of dread spreads across Brocc’s face.

Brocc: Uh, there’s a group of scary looking thugs at the bridge.

Emily: They were not there two days ago. What business do they have with the bridge?

Bryn: That answer your question, Emmy?

Bryn points to a sign with the words “TOLL RODE” crudely written in black paint.

Thobrun: Oh, great. Barbarians.

Orcborn: Be realistic, Thobrun. No barbarian can write that good!

Emily: This is bad. Very bad.

Brocc: Emily, settle down. You’re scaring Zed.

Zed: Actually, I’m not too bad right now.

Brocc: Oh…well, in that case…

Orcborn: Just relax. We’ve been in worse situations before.

Bryn: Name one time.

Orcborn: Gobbo siege of that village two weeks ago.

Bryn: Okay, I guess that was slightly worse…

Emily: I needed to heal a quarter of the villagers.

Bryn: Whatever. The point is that barbarians are mindless, savage-

Orcborn: Bryn, shut it! We’re here.

Bryn looks up at the barbarian guarding the bridge.

Bryn: Oh…heheh…hello!

Barbarian: The toll is 5 gold each for you to cross. So…one, two, four, five, six, eight, twelve…32 gold total.

Bryn’s thoughts: And here’s the result of today’s education system!

Orcborn: We’re not paying.

Bryn: What?!

Orcborn: Why should we pay to cross a bridge that’s free for us to cross any other time?

Barbarian: Because my club says you’re giving us gold.

Orcborn: Well my sword says otherwise.

Bryn: Now come on, be reasonable!

Orcborn: I am being reasonable, Bryn.

Barbarian: Look, just pay us the money and nobody gets hurt!

Orcborn: Can you even spell “money”?

Barbarian: M…un…e?

Orcborn: Wrong answer.

Barbarian: I AM NOT UNLITERATE! Fellas, get over here and teach these guys how to spell “pain”!

Orcborn: P-A-I-N!

Barbarian: RRRRRRRRAWRRRRRRRR!!

The barbarian rushes towards the orcborn and swings his club at him. The orcborn bends backwards, unsheathes his sword and slashes the barbarian’s pectoral muscle. The barbarian roars and swings his club at the orcborn, who blocks the club with his sword.

Orcborn: All of you! Get Zed to safety!

Bryn: Uh, that’s going to be a problem, fearless leader.

Four barbarians approach the group from behind.

Barbarian #2: Where do you think you’re going?

Bryn: Uh, we were just going to head back to the tavern and have a nice relaxing bath!

Barbarian #3: Nobody’s going anywhere till we’ve dealt with your leader.

Amethyst points her staff at the other barbarians.

Amethyst: “Colour Spray!”

A ray of multicoloured light engulfs the barbarians, leaving them dazed and confused. She turns to face the barbarian leader, who is still pushing his club against the orcborn’s sword. The barbarian bellows and pushes the orcborn towards the edge of the cliff. The orcborn regains his balance, but is cornered with nowhere else to go.

Barbarian Leader: That river’s moving mighty fast. Might we be near a W-O-H-T-A-F-O-H-L?

Orcborn: A what?

Barbarian Leader: A WATERFALL!

The other barbarians regain their senses and join their leader in surrounding the orcborn.

Barbarian #4: I hope you can swim…and survive a two-foot plunge down a waterfall!

Amethyst: This is bad! We cannot attack them all at once!

Emily: But if we fail to do something he will be thrust into the river anyway!

Barbarian Leader: Say my regards to your ancestors for me!

The barbarian leader raises his club. Zed suddenly steps forward, pulls out his wand and points it at the barbarians.

Zed: STOP!

The barbarians turn around to face Zed. They take one look at his wand and start laughing.

Barbarian #5: What can you do with that thing? Poke our ribcages?

Barbarian #4: Look, he thinks he’s a big tough man with his tiny sword!

Barbarian Leader: Put your stick away, little boy. Grown-ups are talking.

Barbarian #2: Yeah, there’s nothing you can-

Zed: “SLEEP!”

As Zed’s word echoes, a wave pulses from the tip of his wand, engulfing the barbarians in a pale blue light. They collapse to the ground in a deep slumber.

Orcborn: What the…?!

Thobrun: How did you do that, lad?!

Bryn: I thought you were just an apprentice!

Amethyst: As I said to you all, Zed is a natural mage.

The orcborn steps over the barbarians and walks over to the party.

Orcborn: I guess Amethyst was right. You have talent.

The orcborn sheaths his sword and holds out his right hand. Zed grabs it and clenches. The two men release their grips.

Orcborn: Thank you for helping me.

Zed: No problem.

Orcborn: I just realised I haven’t told you my name yet. Mak Clay, fighter. And I’m happy to have you on board, buddy.

Zed: Thank you.

A woman’s voice echoes from the other side of the bridge.

Voice: Are you alright over there?

Mak: We could use some help with these barbarians over here.

Voice: We will be right over.

Bryn: We?

Four male humans and a female elfborn cross the bridge. They are wearing silver armour and helmets. The elfborn walks over to Mak.

Elfborn: Cynthia Meadows, guard-captain of Silveria City.

Cynthia looks down at the unconscious barbarians.

Cynthia: Ah, I see you succeeded in apprehending the thugs. Come. We will escort you to Silveria City to organise payment for your assistance.

Scene 20: En Route to Silveria City: Early Afternoon

The party travels with the guards across a well-worn road through an open plain. The barbarians are linked together by iron chains.

Cynthia: These thugs have been causing trouble in the region for weeks.

Amethyst: Did nobody attempt to apprehend them?

Cynthia: Most people who could help were preoccupied with other quests. The few who remained were overly cautious and chose not to assist.

Mak: Well, what was the bounty on these guys?

Zed takes a mouthful of water from his waterskin.

Cynthia: 2499 gold.

Zed turns his head and spits out the water.

Mak: I’m surprised nobody wanted the bounty.

Cynthia: Well, considering you assisted us with no desire to claim any reward money for their capture, as well as the level of skill involved…

Zed takes another mouthful of water.

Cynthia: … I am obliged to double the reward.

Zed turns his head and spits out the water again.

Bryn: Careful there, Zeddy, or you’ll have no water left till we reach the city!

Zed takes a third mouthful of water.

Cynthia: That is it over there. We should arrive within the hour.

Zed takes one look at the giant citadel and spits out his water again.

Zed: That place is huge!

Amethyst giggles.

Amethyst: It appears even bigger once you enter.

Bryn: Oh, you’re going to love it, Zed! It’s wall-to-wall shops, taverns and entertainment!

Emily: We must visit the Temple of Marilina when we enter.

Thobrun: And the Temple of Alistair.

Bryn: And a nightclub!

Mak: There’s plenty of time to explore the city once we sort out these gentlemen.

The barbarian leader spits at Mak.

Mak: Looks like Zed’s a bigger man than this guy after all!

Everybody laughs as they continue to head towards Silveria City.

Scene 21: Unknown Location: Unknown Time

The mysterious man who spied on Zed and Amethyst in The Budding Alchemist walks along a narrow blue carpet in a gigantic icy room up to a glass throne. He has tanned skin and a buzz-cut, and is wearing brown hide armour marked with black stripes. He kneels and looks up at the female figure sitting in the throne.

Man: I bring news, Mistress. The elf known as Amethyst has given the Azure Crystal to a young wizard named Zed.

Figure: So, the crystals have all found their owners. Trenton, I am sending you and Kara to retrieve Amethyst and her companions. Bring them to me.

Trent: It will be done, Mistress.

Figure: And Trenton? I want them alive. Is that understood?

Trent: Yes, Mistress.

The figure’s blue lipstick-covered lips twist into an evil smile.

Figure: Good.

**********
End Credits

**********

And that's the end of episode one! The series should officially begin soon, kicking off with a complete version of this episode containing an introduction and minor corrections. Then the adventure continues as the party faces challenges in Silveria City! Stay tuned!

So far so good, except for the twist at the end. I wonder what it all means. Thank you for sharing this with all of us, Zack. You're an outstanding writer with a lot of imagination and dedication! I'm looking forward to read the 2nd episode.

And now, the Junihoshi calendar! There are 365 days in one calendar year, with 30 days each month and seven days each week. Each month has four weeks, with a two-day festival between the second and third weeks. The days of the week are Aka, Cha, Ki, Mido, Sora, Ao and Mura. Here is the calendar:

New Year's Day

Astral Festival (2 days)

Kedakai - 1st Month - Late Autumn (N)/Late Spring (S)
-Dragon Festival (2 Days)

Duskwhisper - 2nd Month - Early Winter (N)/Early Summer (S)
-Moon Festival (2 Days)

Alistair - 3rd Month - Mid Winter (N)/Mid Summer (S)
-Winter Festival (2 Days)

Golddawn - 4th Month - Late Winter (N)/Late Summer (S)
-Magic Festival (2 Days)

Fourth Year Festival (1 day every 4 years between Golddawn and Wildtread)

Wildtread - 5th Month - Early Spring (N)/Early Autumn (S)
-Animal Festival (2 Days)

Sirbolg - 6th Month - Mid Spring (N)/Mid Autumn (S)
-Party Festival (2 Days)

Rhyanna - 7th Month - Late Spring (N)/Late Autumn (S)
-Great Festival (2 Days)

Gol - 8th Month - Early Summer (N)/Early Winter (S)
-Freedom Festival (2 Days)

Silverblade - 9th Month - Mid Summer (N)/Mid Winter (S)
-Summer Festival (2 Days)

Flora - 10th Month - Late Summer (N)/Late Winter (S)
-Nature Festival (2 Days)

Simphon - 11th Month - Early Autumn (N)/Early Spring (S)
-Muse Festival (2 Days)

Sbenmor - 12th Month - Mid Autumn (N)/Mid Spring (S)
-Trickster's Festival (2 Days)

Merchant's Festival (2 Days)

¡ɹɐpuǝןɐɔ uʍo ɹnoʎ ɥʇıʍ dn ǝɯɐɔ uǝʌǝ noʎ ¡ʍou ʎɹoʇs ʇɐɥʇ oʇuı ʎןןɐǝɹ ǝɹ,noʎ 'ʍoʍ

Samantha wrote:¡ɹɐpuǝןɐɔ uʍo ɹnoʎ ɥʇıʍ dn ǝɯɐɔ uǝʌǝ noʎ ¡ʍou ʎɹoʇs ʇɐɥʇ oʇuı ʎןןɐǝɹ ǝɹ,noʎ 'ʍoʍ

Actually, I pulled the calendar straight from the campaign guide. I created the calendar months ago.

Perhaps you could tell us more about what we should expect the coming days, weeks and months that follow Crystals of Silvaria Episode 1.

Samantha wrote:Perhaps you could tell us more about what we should expect the coming days, weeks and months that follow Crystals of Silvaria Episode 1.

Where would be the fun in ruining the surprise?

Oh, fair enough. I'll leave one little tidbit: each protagonist should get at least one spotlight episode in the first season. Zed's spotlight episode was the pilot, and Brocc's will be early on as well. I intend to make 12-14 episodes in the first season, with similar numbers in subsequent seasons.

OMG! You're gonna spam the whole site?

Samantha wrote:OMG! You're gonna spam the whole site?

What? No! Why would I do that?!

So, it's gonna be just one huge upload per episode? 12 in total? haha!

Samantha wrote:So, it's gonna be just one huge upload per episode? 12 in total? haha!

Well, each episode will be split into four chunks uploaded one after another, so you'll get the whole episode at once but spread across four posts.

Glup! That's a lot of reading at once!

And now, the full list of episodes in CoS's first season!

S1E01: The Seventh Crystal
S1E02: Bright Lights, Big Citadel
S1E03: Call of the Wild and Trained
S1E04: The Loveable Rogue
S1E05: My Sister's Footsteps
S1E06: The Other Lackeys
S1E07: Emily's Homecoming
S1E08: Of She-Orcs and Men
S1E09: Merchant's Stolen Cargo
S1E10: The Winter Festival
S1E11: The Sorceress Cometh
S1E12: Every Reason to be Bitter

Commence speculation...NOW!

Why don't you get yourself a new forum called "CoS"?

Samantha wrote: Why don't you get yourself a new forum called "CoS"?

I can't afford it...

It's free

I think I'll just stick with WiiWareWave for now.

Will you be posting CoS episodes again this weekend?

If I can write an episode by then, I will.

The second episode is called Bright Lights, Big Citadel. It features Amethyst catching up with Alek Stormshroud, an old acquaintance of hers who has become a teacher at his family's magic academy. But something is happening within the campus walls...something I still have to think up!

"Bright Lights, Big Citadel" ... referring to Silvaria, aren't you?

"... something I still have to think up!" ... you're starting to sound like Zed

Samantha wrote:"Bright Lights, Big Citadel" ... referring to Silvaria, aren't you?

Yep, Silveria City; the largest settlement in Silveria, the Nation of Silver; the Shining Capital of Ornoposia.

Samantha wrote:"... something I still have to think up!" ... you're starting to sound like Zed

Well I do know that Zed's familiar is introduced in this episode. You'll need to wait to find out what it is though.

Silver is good, white is bad. So, why should something happen in Silvaria?

Samantha wrote:Silver is good, white is bad. So, why should something happen in Silvaria?

Part of any good fantasy story is the heroes encountering some hardships and finding a way to overcome them.

True that Zack, very true. It's the kinda spirit you need in life itself, anywhere, anyday! No one will ask you to prove yourself, you just need to be yourself!

PS, I know you're super-over-dooper-excited, but please try to rest a bit, kk? No need for that next episode when your loved ones come first. You've done your very very best and we're all excited to see that next ep. Take care....

Your friend, Samantha.

GamerZack7 wrote:And now, the full list of episodes in CoS's first season!

S1E01: The Seventh Crystal
S1E02: Bright Lights, Big Citadel
S1E03: Call of the Wild and Trained
S1E04: The Loveable Rogue
S1E05: My Sister's Footsteps
S1E06: The Other Lackeys
S1E07: Emily's Homecoming
S1E08: Of She-Orcs and Men
S1E09: Merchant's Stolen Cargo
S1E10: The Winter Festival
S1E11: The Sorceress Cometh
S1E12: Every Reason to be Bitter

Commence speculation...NOW!

Anybody have any ideas about possible plots for each of these adventures? Samantha? Rukiafan? Lurker #2?

Not yet, and I doubt very much I'll be able to, but I think these are going to be my favourite reads:

S1E10: The Winter Festival
S1E11: The Sorceress Cometh

I have decided to completely revamp the popular Crystals of Silveria into a new series...Crystals of Nintendia! The series will take a decidedly-different form as Zed, Amethyst, Mak and all your favourites find themselves flung to the farthest corners of the Nintendoverse. After the apparent defeat of the Mushroom Force Rangers, the Crystal Owners find themselves charged with defending the Mushroom Kingdom from the forces of Bowser. But Mara and her lackeys have arrived as well, and the evil sorceress allies with the Koopa King, as well as a revived Cackletta, to form the Argeebee Alliance! In later episodes, other evil (and neutral) forces arrive to ruin the fun, including Black Shadow, Ganondorf, Andross, an Aurum-corrupted Viridi and even the Seven Sages of Team Plasma! The Crystal Owners soon discover that they are linked to the Seven Sages of Hyrule, who arrive to team up with them: Zed and Zelda, Sage of Time and Wisdom; Brocc and Saria, Sage of Forest and Wind; Mak and Darunia, Sage of Fire and Rock; Bryn and Ruto, Sage of Water and Ice; Amethyst and Impa, Sage of Sunshine and Lollipops; Thobrun and Nabooru, Sage of Spirit and Earth; and Emily and Kaepora "Rauru" Gaebora, Sage of Light and Owls. Together, they battle the constantly-growing threat. Episode 2: Bright Lights, Big Castle of the Summer Peach Blossom will be uploaded by week's end, so look forward to that! I hope you all enjoy this new direction for the Crystal Owners' adventures.

According to Rukiafan, who just revealed his true nature, you could better have called it Crystals of Microposia or be gone

Okay, Crystals of Nintendia was an April Fool's joke. You got me.

Now back to normality. Here's a teaser of Bright Lights, Big Citadel. Enjoy!

Scene 1: Outside Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon

Amethyst and Zed stand at the gate outside the prestigious Stormshroud Academy for Young Mages, an enormous campus nestled within Silveria City’s Mage’s District.

Amethyst: Here it is, Zed: Stormshroud Academy for Young Mages, the most prestigious magic college in all of Ornoposia.

Zed: It’s incredible…

Amethyst: Shall we enter?

Zed: Yes please!

Scene 2: Entrance Hall: Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon

The gigantic wooden doors swing open as Amethyst and Zed enter the main building. Zed marvels at the dark brown wooden architecture, which is carved into a number of intricate patterns and shapes.

Amethyst: I, too, marvelled at the architecture when I first came to this place.

Zed: It’s amazing…the attention to detail…it must have taken years to complete!

Amethyst: Indeed.

Male Voice: How did you enter this building?!

A man walks down the gigantic staircase and begins to head for Amethyst and Zed.

Man: Only students and faculty are able to enter this academy.

The man walks over to Amethyst. A smile spreads across his face.

Man: Of course, former students must know how to enter.

Amethyst smiles.

Amethyst: Alekzander Stormshroud. It has been too long.

Alekzander: Amethyst Moondew. It is good to see your sweet smile again.

Alekzander looks at Zed.

Alekzander: Is this your apprentice, Amethyst?

Amethyst: Indeed. This is Zed Starmute.

Alekzander: Good to meet you, Zed. Call me Alek. Everybody else does.

Zed: Good to meet you too.

Alek: Is there a reason you two have come here?

Amethyst: Well, I have just begun to teach Zed how to-

Voice: ALEK!

An elderly gentleman runs downstairs up to Alek.

Alek: What is the matter, Headmaster?

Headmaster: The drakes have escaped from the barn! They are running rampant around campus! They almost tackled the groundkeeper into the pool - and he cannot swim!

Alek: Then we must hurry! Amethyst? Zed? I could use your assistance.

Amethyst: We would be more than happy to assist!

Alek: Then let us go!

The three mages race out of the door.

Headmaster: Good luck to you all!

Alek: Thank you, Headmaster!

Headmaster: I certainly made the right choice by making him an academy master. Oh well, back to sorting paperwork.

The headmaster begins heading upstairs.

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OPENING CREDITS
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I've read it last night and I'm eager to see the next scenes or episode. Thanks for sharing