Greetings, I am Eagen and this blog is supposed to be all about me, but to be quite honest, I’m not one to really enjoy talking about myself. I never have. So instead, I thought I would use this opportunity to tell you a little bit about the wonderful event that’s truly helped bring not only the city of Furtayman together, but the whole world of Val’Terra – The Frugg’al Games. I hope Jeremy is okay with that.

The games have been taking place for precisely one thousand years, and in recognition of this triumphant feat, they’re being hosted in the birthplace of these very games – the great city of Furtayman. The games are held every ten years in a different location and the last time they were hosted by Furtayman was eighty years ago. Now most of you think that’s a lifetime, and for Nequams you’d be correct. But the magic flowing in our bodies allows us Val’Terrans to live longer than Nequams…much longer to be exact.

Forgive me. I appear to have gotten a bit off track. The Frugg’al Games consist of several events where each race has nominated a representative to compete on their behalf. Some of the more popular events are the Ro’koren Match, Lokay Tournaments, Baldrick Races, and the Dragonian Challenge. There are many, but these are just to name a few.

The Frugg’al Games are always kicked-off with the fan-favorite Ro’koren Match, which in its simplest form, is basically an underwater race. The contestants race down their respective lanes and along the way place large boulders on specified podiums for points. The first to cross the finish line gets a time bonus which it tabulated along with their boulder points. The accumulation of total points determines the Match winner.

The Lokay Tournaments are similar to what you Nequams call Football. It’s similar in rules, except the Special Challenge portion, which tends to be the most exciting part. That’s where each team elects one player to try and run the Lokay ball the length of the field while other tries to stop him in a one-on-one matchup.  Doesn’t sound like much, but the rest of the team is on the field forming barriers for each player to run around. Between you and me, let’s just say it’s a good thing we have those on hand magically equipped to handle nasty injuries, because this part of the game lends itself to some of the worst injuries I’ve ever seen. I’m not talking just broken limbs. I’m talking broken bodies…whole bodies.

The Baldrick Races are more commonly known as The Banshee Run. Each contestant is released into a heavily wooded arena where they’re tasked with locating any of the fifty hidden golden rings, which serve as one point. The real danger here is that five banshees are released onto the course, so each competitor must avoid the perils that come with such a hazard. This is one of only two events where the contenders are allowed to use magic, and it’s for defense against the banshees only. This race is typically won by those daring enough to take the banshees head-on in attempt to snare the diamond ring dangling from its neck; they’re worth twenty-five points.

The final event of the Games is the most perilous; the Dragonian Challenge. This is the other event where the contestants are allowed to use magic. It’s my personal favorite as it harkens back to the mythical fables of demigods, dragons, and magic from your world, the Constant World. Each entrant in the timed event is tasked with the daunting task of overcoming a series of complex puzzles to unlock three pieces of magical equipment; Merlin’s Wand, the Shield of Lancelot, and King Arthur’s Excalibur. Things are made ever more perilous as they must evade the worst of the dragon races, the ferocious Romanian Basaltrock (only dragon known to breathe both fire and ice, and is actually from your world – yes, we get many things from your world and dragons are one of them). After obtaining all three items, they must conquer the beast (only in metaphor really – they simply put it to sleep). Truly is an amazing event if I may say so.

All-in-all, there’s absolutely nothing like the Frugg’al Games. They usher in a time of prosperity and peace, and above all else, they serve as a moment of respite from the problems and issues that may be occurring at the time.

I do feel that’s enough for now, and I thank you for your time.

Good tidings.

Eagen

Click Here for Eagen’s Bio on the Characters Page.

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: CoreyLeopold cc and gentlebird cc and ieliduke cc  via photopin

Hello ssstupid Nequamsss. I’m Hortwangler, and I’m a Fangtooth from Furtayman. When I wasss firssst approached about writing a blog about myssself, I sssaid, “Go find sssomeone else, becaussse Hortwangler don’t write, and he certainly don’t do it jussst for fun.” But then the invitation came with a lil coin, and that’sss enough to sssway me. You sssee, money controlsss all thingsss and makesss our lil worldsss go round. I’ll do anything for a little money, and I do mean anything.

To be truthful, I really jussst wanted the conssstant begging and pleading to ssstop. Every day and night came another requessst. I’m too old for it. But then came the quessstion of time. When could I, sssuch a busssy man, find the time to write? Well ssso luck would have it, I’ve recently quit my day job at Grummel’sss Potion Shoppe. Now I’ve got a lil extra time on my handsss. I met sssomeone who promisssed to take care of me if I did a few odd jobsss for him. They were easssy tasssksss, and the reward wasss nice. I probably shouldn’t be sssayin’ nothin’ about it, but oh well. At leassst now I can sssay good riddance to Chessster Grummel. I’ve never met a dumber man. I mean I ssspent yearsss stealing from him…right from under hisss nose and he never noticed. I really dessspise that man. I hope sssomething bad happensss to him one day.

If I can give you one piece of advice, it would be to alwayssse look out for number one…you! No one caresss about you. No one really lovesss you. They’re all empty emotionsss that fade in time. But you know who’ll be there through everything? The good timesss and the bad? Who’ll alwayssse be there through thick and thin? You! Ssso do yourssself a favor and leave everyone behind. Go it alone and only call on people when you need to exploit them for your own gain. Trussst me, if you don’t do it firssst, they will.

You might be thinking, “Oh Hortwangler, you’re ssso harsh!” Well life isss harsh. I only allow two thingsss to control my life; me and money. Nothing and definitely no one elssse.

That’sss all I got to sssay. Happy hunting…you sssilly foolsss!

Hortwangler

 

Click Here for Hortwangler’s Bio on the Characters Page.

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: TruShu cc and Karen Roe cc via photopin

 

Hello there. I am Orion Martins, a fourteen (soon to be fifteen) year-old boy that was born and raised in Gilford, New Hampshire. That’s just south of Lake Winnipesauke for any of you who’ve seen the movie What About Bob? We see our fair share of tourists come to town for the summer and during the Pumpkin Festival in the fall, staying around the lake. I don’t really get out of the house much, so I really can’t say what all they do. My dad was always pretty strict about when and where I could go.

Since his passing a few weeks ago, I haven’t really felt the desire to go anywhere anyways. He was my hero…literally the strongest and coolest man I ever knew. I still think there’s something strange about his death. And I promise if it was because of something someone did, then I will get revenge. They deserve it for taking him out of this world! 

Sorry, about that. My dad meant everything to me. I never knew my mom, Physasha. She passed away shortly after I was born. The only thing I know about her are from stories my dad would tell me.

I’ve been pretty sheltered my whole life. I’m home schooled by my butler, Eagen. He’s a decent guy, but a little tough. He’s the most skeptical person in the world. According to him, no one is who they seem. But he’s alright. I like Eagen. I consider him part of our family.It’s not all bad hanging around this giant house though. There’s enough to keep me busy I guess between the garden, my dad’s antique car collection, hangin’ with my nanny, Francine, and the woods in the back. I learned how to track animals and swim in those woods. And when I get some down time, I’m usually watching some sorta sports. What has two thumbs and is big fan of the New England Patriots? This guy!

I’m a pretty big kid for my age. Shoot, I’m almost as tall as old man Eagen now. Most people can’t believe I’m only fourteen. They assume I’m at least seventeen. Gosh, I wish I was that old. Then I’d have my license and I’d just go for a drive whenever I wanted. Ugh. But Eagen promised to let me get my learners permit as soon as I turn fifteen, so I’m almost there…only another week and a half.

I’ll say the really crappy part about being as sheltered as I am is that I don’t get a whole lot of chances to meet girls. I’d really like to get out there and meet some. I’m at that age right? I mean a girlfriend sounds like a good thing…someone to talk to all the time, someone to hang with, someone to kiss. What? I didn’t say that. Haha.

I like to think I have a pretty decent sense of humor…especially when it comes to potty humor. But I learned some of my best fart pranks from my dad. He used to let one rip behind Eagen and then say, “Goodness, Eagen! What’d you eat?” Heh, yeah…

Well I guess that’s all for now. I’m gonna head out and play hide-and-seek with Francine. It’s the first time out of the house since my dad passed. Guess we’ll see what kind of adventures the woods have in store for me today…probably nothing too exciting.

Bye,

Orion

Click Here for Orion’s Bio on the Characters Page.

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: CoreyLeopold cc and cjzurcher cc and isthisREALLYmylife? cc  via photopin

Hello, my name is Rodin Constantine. I’m not a man of many words, but what I say usually carries a lot of weight. You can simply ask my men and they will confirm this. My current rank and title within the F.L.E.A.R. organization is Captain. Maybe one day, when Chief Eagramen decides to hang up his cloak, I’ll be tabbed as the next chief.

I have spent most of my life within F.L.E.A.R. and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have grown up as a person thanks to this organization just as much as I have grown through the ranks of it. Chief Eagramen took me into his F.L.E.A.R. family when I was nothing but a struggling adolescence, looking to make things work for my brother and me. I have looked to him as a father figure ever since. I literally owe my life to that man, and I will remain his most staunch supporter until I take my last breath.

I have a lovely wife, Cadence, who I could not be where I am without her support. She gave me the single most important thing in my life, my daughter Zora. These two mean more to me than anything else in life, and because of them I will always do everything in my power to ensure these streets remain safe. I don’t know what I would do if I lost either one of them. And if you’re wondering, yes that’s a threat!

To me life is simple; there is only one code a man must abide by –It’s better to be respected and feared than to be endeared and charming. I only got where I am today because my men respect me, not because I’m their friend. I am their Captain, their superior, their leader. I give orders and they abide by them. End of story.

That’s all I have to say. Stay safe…we’re watching you.

Rodin

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: daisee cc   via photopin

Well ‘ello, dere, Mon Amis. We are Kane an’ Boudreaux Lamont. Now I know what y’all be dinkin’. You be dinkin’ we’re jus’ a couple good ol’ boys from backwoods Loozianna. Probably dinkin’ we know dem bearded fellas from dat one TV show ‘bout duck huntin’ dynaties. Well, you’d be wrong. Us Lamont boys are from Barbonus…from Val’Derra. We ain’t no fools, an’ we sho ain’t no Nequams. No, we a couple of Paranormals jus’ lookin’ da make da best uh what we gots.

We wasn’ always Paranormals dough. Nah, you gots da have someding bad happen to ya to become a Paranormal, like be murdered. And dat’s jus’ what happened to us; we was murdered. We was originally a couple Sandshiftuhs born into a decent family. Our papa owned a lil furniture boutique an’ our mamma helped him run it. Dat is until bod dey mysteriously died in dere sleep. Dunno what caused it, but had to be natural since dey never came back. Next ding you know, me and my brodda end up in a children’s home. One not equipped enough to handle da numbuh of kids in dere. So we jus’ bought our time ‘til we could make it on our own.

After a few years, we left and started wanderin’ da land. You know, makin’ do. We used to sell potions along da way. Anyding we came across from cidy to cidy, we’d buy up and den sell it for twice da price to dose in the countryside widout da means of makin’ it into da cidy. Sure it was a dakin’ advantage of ‘em a lil, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Every once in awhile we’d make it over to da Constant Worl’ an’ pick up some dings unique to your world an’ sell dem for a high price.  Always people in dis worl’ dat crave contraptions from your wol’.  Personally, we don’ get it. Ain’t nuttin’ in your worl’ dat we can’t use some magic for.

Before long we done found our way to dis cidy, Furtayman. A few days lada, we in a poka game playin’ against some Razorbacks, an’ dey accuse me and my brodda of bein’ cheats. Dere’s one ding you should know about me an’ my brodda; you can call us jus’ ‘bout any name in da book an’ it won’ bodder us, but don’t call us a cheat! We don’ like bein’ called a cheat now. So we up and quit da game…wit all dere money. Next ding we know, we was shanked an’ left for dead in da alley.

Dat’s where Mizayla comes in. She saved us. She showed us how to get revenge, an’ revenge is what we got. We made dem scream…beg for the quick deaths we had. You see, no one, and I mean no one crosses da Lamont twins. We get even. You best remember dat.

Kane and Boudreaux Lamont

Click Here for Kane and Boudreaux’s Bio on the Characters Page.

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: Thinkingjosh cc and Insight Imaging: John A Ryan cc  via photopin

When I was first asked to write a blog about myself, I jumped at the opportunity before the request was even complete. I mean between all the laundry needing to be picked up, all the lunches and dinners to be cooked, and cleaning this monstrous house, it can be a feat all in its own just to find some time for myself.  I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better break as that stuff can be absolutely exhausting. (Really I’d prefer to be knitting a new afghan, or sewing some new wall-hanging.)

Oh, where are my manners? I’m sorry. Let me introduce myself. I am Francine Millicent Willastride; close friend to the Martins, and personal nanny to Orion. I’ve known the Martins family for almost as long as I can remember. I was even there for Orion’s birth…all 9 lbs 2 oz of him.

Yeah, he was a big boy. Still is actually. I look at him and I don’t see a boy only one week away from turning fifteen. No, I see a young man wise beyond his years.  Although, every time I make him his favorite snack (Cold Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich-putting the jar of peanut butter in the fridge really does take things to the next level, trust me), or each time he asks me to go play hide & seek, I’m reminded just how young and innocent he is. He doesn’t know how evil the world can be. But that’s where we come in…Eagen and me. We swore to protect him, and that’s just what we’ll do (even if that means continuing to keep the world of Val’Terra a secret.)

But that’s enough about Orion. This blog is supposed to be about me. I was born and raised in Val’Terra in the bustling metropolis of Furtayman. When I was born, there was a great divide amongst the various races in the city, but things were beginning to turn around through the efforts of Chief Eagramen and the boys of F.L.E.A.R. As I grew up, things continued to get better. So much so that races began to move out of their specified districts and began to integrate. In fact when I was a teenager, a nice Razorback family moved in next door and their daughter became my best friend of all time; her name was Physasha.

Despite the advancements made in breaking down the racial barriers, there was still a ban on races mixing. And I guess that’s kinda how I ended up here. Physasha wed a Spellcaster named Bynam, and instead of keeping their love a secret, they decided to move to the only place where their love could blossom – the Constant World. When she found out she was pregnant, Physasha asked me to join them and help her raise the child. At first, I was reluctant. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Bynam and Physasha was the closest thing to family I had left. You see, both my parents had passed away (they had me at a very old age) and my brother, Pollack, left when I turned twenty never to look back. So it only made sense to leave.

When Physasha passed away during Orion’s birth, I stepped up. My natural motherly instincts kicked in and I’ve never been the same since. But you know what, other than losing my best friend, I don’t think I would change anything about my path to this point. It’s made me who I am – Momma Francine.

Well I think that’s enough for now. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go slip into my Snuggie and make myself one of those Cold PB&J sandwiches I was talking about.

Farewell.

Click Here for Francine’s Bio on the Characters Page.

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: Sappymoosetree cc and Nomadic Lass cc and Shawn Allen cc via photopin

Howdy. I am Cremmel Veloria, or probably better known as one half of the Gruesome Twosome (my best friend Grayson is the other half).  You’ll have to forgive me as I’m not really into this whole blogging thing. Nah, I’d much rather have my nose in a book (well not when I’m hanging with my super hot girlfriend, Zora, of course). I enjoy reading and studying. Probably haven’t heard too many fifteen year olds say that huh? My best friend Grayson calls me a nerd because of it, but I don’t care. I love being well-versed in things. I consider myself a bit of an intellect. I think the ladies like that about me…of course my toned body doesn’t hurt either.  Haha.

Animals are kinda my passion. I’m all about ‘em…especially the ones in your world. You Nequams don’t know how many amazing creatures you really have in your world. You name it, you guys have it; Dragons, Sharks, Dogs, Gerbils, Lions. We have kind of a running joke here in Val’Terra about you Nequams and your Monster Hunts. You guys spend so much time hunting for Big Foot and Nessie (yes I know what you call them – see I told ya I knew a lot about animals from your world) that you don’t realize you just have to let ‘em come to you. We have similar creatures, and that’s how we catch ‘em.

Speaking of creatures in our world, we have some pretty neat ones here too. Ever heard of a Hawdrac? Sunbirds? Conigma Imps? Didn’t think so.

A hawdrac is equal parts lion, hawk, and dragon, and they live in Hawdrac Lake outside our city. They’re super aggressive, and have a bad temper.

Now sunbirds, these guys are pretty docile, but super dangerous. The best way I can describe them is if you take a Phoenix (yes, they really exist in your world in the Mountains of South America) and a Thunderbird (found in the desserts of North America) got together and had a baby – that would be a Sunbird. As a baby, it’s mostly yellow in color, but the older it gets, it begins sprouting red and orange feathers on its wings and body. The really old ones have dark blue tips on their feathers. They’re pretty cool to see, kinda majestic-looking. They burst into flames when they feel threatened.

Finally, Conigma Imps (or Wall Imps). These guys…they’re something else. They’re about six inches tall, and they look like miniature furry people with wide mouths full of sharp teeth. Each of ‘em have their own unique hairdo, and they’re all different colors; red, blue, green, yellow, purple. They live in the walls of people’s homes (hence the name Wall Imps), and are mostly harmless. They can be very sneaky though, and they will take your stuff. But they usually return it to you after some time…like when you need it least. But for the most part, they’re pretty cool little creatures, and some of them are really funny. Like Garvin, who lives in Grayson’s house, that little dude is so funny. One time, he stole every pair of Grayson’s underwear and didn’t give them back for a whole week. It was hilarious.

Well, I guess that’s enough for now. I didn’t really tell you much about me, but I think you get the gist; I’m a bookworm with a passion for animals.

See ya around.
Cremmel

Click Here for Cremmel’s Bio on the Characters Page.

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: luvi cc via photopin

Oh hello there. My name is Chester. Chester Grummel. I’m Grayson’s father. You may know him. Or maybe not. I dunno. Either way, I am a Master Potioneer, and I run Grummel’s Potion Shop in the heart of the Spellcaster District.

Things have been a little crazy for me recently with the Frugg’al Games coming to town. Everyone wants an Eagle Eye potion, or an Aqua Breath, or a Spending Mending potion to curb their urge of snatching up all the Frugg’al memorabilia (I believe vendors have raised their prices only because of the event being in town, those sniveling weebles). Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to talk so foul. Anyways, the orders keep piling in so fast it’s getting hard to keep up. And if there’s one thing anyone who knows me will tell ya, it’s that I’m not organized. Nope. Not even in the least bit. I know I should get organized one of these days, but it’s just not me. I kinda thrive on the chaos that is disorganization. Keeps me on my toes I guess.

But I’m not complaining. The money’s good. Especially since I’m trying to save up for a pair of those new Multi-Plane Observation Optics (MPO2) for my boy. The way they zoom in on the playing field, allowing you to see things from the player’s perspective is just…is just…well magical. He’s had his eye on a pair of those for awhile now. And if I know my son, he and his friends will find some way of getting into the Lokay Tournaments, so they could get some early use.

That reminds me, I need to swing by The Meats Meet and pick up a couple hams for my wife Delilah’s dinner party tomorrow night. They have this one ham that’s soaked in a lemon-curry sauce for two days and then fried for a few moments to give it a little crunch. Oh man! There’s nothing better.

And while I’m at it, let me just add…two bottles of glacier mist…and phantom extract. Sorry about that. I’m compiling a list of ingredients I need for the giant order of Eagle Eye potions I just got. I’ll probably have to send my shop hand Hortwangler up to Hargraves Market for them. I’ll tell ya, that Hortwangler…he’s a good man. He always does as he’s asked and I never hear a peep from him. He’s like a mouse with how quiet he is around the shop. Heh, sometimes I don’t even think he’s here with how quiet he is. He’s been working for me for years now though. I don’t think I could run this place without him.

Yeah the ol’ potion shop wasn’t where I always envisioned myself. No, when I was growing up, I wanted to be a Charmer. You know, put spells and enchantments on objects. Back in the day it used to be a lucrative business. But things got all…commercialized thanks to the Specialized Enchantments Division (SED). By the time I was powerful enough to actually use my abilities, most of the Charming business had closed up and the few remaining enchantment jobs went to the SED. But it’s alright. I enjoy being a potioneer. At least I know I’ll never have to worry about getting sick…I’ll just whip up a Horngrape Salve (mostly a concoction of Horngrapes and firefly thorax) to fight off whatever it is.

Well my apologies, but I really must get back to these potion orders. I just got an order for…oh goodness…thirty one Aqua Breath potions for Daniel Benson. Yeesh.

Goodbye,
Chester

Click Here for Zora’s Bio on the Characters Page.

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: Jaako cc and Meanest Indian cc via photopin

Hello, I’m Zora. I guess you could say I’m just your typical Fangtooth teenage girl; I like to read, hang out with my friends (especially my boyfriend, Cremmel), and playing Screbak wherever I can. My favorite places to eat are Caskets and Lucky Shot Stake House (like the play on words there…Hehe). Oh man, they make the best Flying Grizzly Boar. It’s smothered in a special garlic-rosemary sauce. You just have to try it to know what I’m talking about.

But anyways, I consider myself a hopeless romantic with a huge heart. In fact I’ve even found my way over into the Constant World a few times to catch a few movies…I believe they’re called Rom-Coms, or Romantic Comedies. My faves are How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Friends With Benefits.  I’m a big fan of Justin Timberlake and Matthew McConaughey. Mmmm. But that’s probably something for another blog.

That reminds me, I need to tell Lelani about this cute boy I met the other day. He’d be perfect for her.

Sorry, about that. I’m always trying to hook her up. I like to play match-maker. I guess it’s just because I have something special with Cremmel and I kinda want everyone to enjoy the same thing.

So as a Fangtooth, you probably think I’m this big blood-sucking vampire that turns into a flying animal with garlic allergies. Well I’m here to tell you those theories are not true. In fact, Cremmel and I laugh all the time about how Nequams came up with these really far-fetched concepts on what a vampire is. I guess it kinda makes sense when you have movies like Twilight shoved in your face. But I’m here to tell you they have it all wrong. We’re not like that, and we don’t go around in shiny skin looking to bite someone’s neck. Just the thought of doing that creeps me out. Honestly, we’re no different than you other than the fact we can levitate and we do grow pointy fangs. But we put our pants on just like you – one leg at a time. We too have bad hair days, and times when we need a friend’s help regarding boy problems.

Well I’ve spilled the beans enough for now. I gotta get going so I can see if I can offer some advice to my friend Elle (she’s having some trouble with her little brothers always tagging along when she goes out.) Time to go fix another problem in the world.

Tata.

Zora

Click Here for Zora’s Bio on the Characters Page.

Jeremy Shory
@JeremyShory
Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com

photo credit: natu cc and DruryDrama via photopin cc