#wip: twotb

[sondials]

my fav protags are probably Howard Roark (the fountainhead), Eragon (the inheritance cycle), and Frodo (lotr). I loved how Roark never lost in faith in himself (he was arrogant, but in a way that he just never gave up; he believed in his potential/work too much to doubt), and the inheritance cycle is just my favorite series ever so I’ve been very attached to Eragon from a young age. Frodo also is kind of a “runt” and I think I just love how he was exposed to the world just like we were, and he was oddly brave about it.

I don’t think this has affected my antagonists as much as my main characters, and I do think the latter two have a lot to do with them now. I’m not a big fan of main characters being “naturally good” at whatever they did, and like Eragon and frodo, they did struggle—and lose, and get hurt, and they had to train and learn to be better. Just like with Reís, he legit had no experience with a sword and so he isn’t going to win all his matches or stick it to the better bullies because he can’t; it will only take time and training by the third book to be at his best. As for Roark’s influence, it changed my viewpoint a lot. I hope that in Reís, I can capture that he knows he isn’t good and won’t ever be the best, but he should never give on himself. I want Reís to be a very self-assured character that just keeps trying. Both of these are really important to me so I hope it shines through !

tagging anyone who wants to do this!

Every Thursday, we purpose to learn more about one another as humans and how our passions, preferences, and experiences shape us as artists. From simple pleasures to deep truths, we all share one aspect of ourselves each week in the hopes that it unites us as a community all the more.

___

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: Who is your favorite protagonist of all time and how have they influenced the way you create and write villains now? If you can’t pick just one, go ahead and name a few. If you can’t pick a favorite? Just pick any!

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Want to participate in Author Thursday? Reblog this post with your answer to the above question and be sure to tag your friends so that they join in too!

Want to suggest a future question? Feel free to DM me (@homesteadchronicles) with any comments, questions or feedback about this project! My inbox is always open.

Want to meet other authors in a welcoming community? Join our Discord server, “The Homestead”, to find a casual collection of likeminded artists of every kind. Message me for an invite code!

[noloumna]

hello ma’am!! I’d like to be added to the pen&dagger if that’s okay. stephanie, she/her, @sondials, wip: twotb, fantasy/ya(?), quote: “do not let pride cloud your judgment; take help when you need it, do not let confidence become arrogance.” thank you, love!

hello, hello! of course, thank you so much for joining, lovely! x

you’ve been added here, stephanie! remember to tag your original posts w/ #thepen&dagger.

join the family!

[thewriteblrcafe]

Hi, i'd like my wip added to the bookshelf! "the way of the blade" ya fantasy, "the Gods of the Blade take on one champion each every ten years, and in a competition of skill and bravery, only the worthiest will prevail." my wip page is my url + '/wips' & the tag is 'wip: twotb'. thank you! (it won't let me send links, im sorry!)

thanks for your submission! your project has been added to our bookshelf here :)

[sondials]

a character introduction (twotb)

the way of the blade — amira zuleid

the haladie | the moralist | 26 y/o

❝Get up!❞ Amira snarled and threw the scythe back down before Yvette. ❝Stop making excuses! The gods chose you for a reason.❞

Yvette’s eyes began to water and her hands tightened into fists. ❝I can’t—❞

❝You can,❞ Amira’s eyes narrowed to slits. ❝And you will.❞

AMIRA had officially trained for four years before the competition began, but she had trained with the staff through her whole childhood. She works especially well with other warriors, because she easily adapts to their weaknesses to protect them both. Her sense of self is unwavering, as well as her belief in honor, nobility, and balance. There is no give if there is no take, no victory without any loss; balance is the height of all things, like both ends of her haladie staying even.

— send and ask to be +/- from this taglist

@writeblrfantasy, @sautrns, @tarttisms, @4kidsopfan, @kespada, @caelum-writes, @vanzhuo, @hiraethas, @tormentings, @viviuyn, @noloumna, @scioltezza, @thedoesystem, @medusaswrites, @sirbeaumains, @leftover-starlight, @adaparkwrites, @overlap, @acrimoneous, @mahalii, @marewriteblr, @inkingfireplace, @sprigofbasil, @writing-in-rain, @wrenstarlight, @treesandwords, @dreamerwriternstargazer.

[sondials]

a character introduction (twotb)

the way of the blade — ivani anzer

unaffiliated | the mage | 28 y/o

❝Is...is Selena a mage as well?❞

Ivani froze in lighting the fire with her magic. She dragged her dark eyes up to Reís, and he flushed. ❝I cannot explain it, but she looks at me and I am unable to think; I am entranced by her. Is it an enchantment?❞

Ivani stared at his earnest expression for another moment before she snorted, returning her attention to the flames. ❝I believe magic is the least of your worries, if that is it.❞

IVANI had been studying magic and sheltering from the vengeful parts of the kingdom when she received a sign: the kingdom was in danger. She tracked the vision across villages and plains before she stumbled onto the group of champions. And even though she wasn’t particularly fond of the group (nor were they of her), she demanded she be allowed to see them through to the end.

[ introduced in book two ]

— send an ask to be +/- from this taglist

@writeblrfantasy, @sautrns, @tarttisms, @4kidsopfan, @kespada, @caelum-writes, @vanzhuo, @hiraethas, @tormentings, @viviuyn, @scioltezza, @thedoesystem, @medusaswrites, @sirbeaumains, @leftover-starlight, @adaparkwrites, @overlap, @acrimoneous, @mahalii, @marewriteblr, @inkingfireplace, @sprigofbasil, @writing-in-rain, @wrenstarlight, @treesandwords, @dreamerwriternstargazer, @scripturientworld.

[sondials]

a wip introduction

the way of the blade — champion (book one)

❝Let me tell you one thing,❞ The blond didn’t reply, for any words he would utter were lodged in his throat. The goddess before him only smirked and tapped his chin. ❝Many of my heroes have possessed shields, and it has saved their lives on several occasions; it is only weak to deny help when you need it most.❞

genre fantasy, adventure, na

point of view third person, past tense

themes competition, battles, romantic & platonic relationships, desperation, betrayal, death, gods, weapons, royalty, magic, finding strength & passion, lgbt, despair, pride, friends become family, enemies to friends/lovers, folklore, banter, desire for glory, secrets, distrust, a willingness to do whatever it takes, becoming honorable & strong, personal growth.

THE gods of the blade had taken their place as the major gods long ago; their home was Rezaghur, and all warriors desired to reawaken there after their final breath. It was tradition that these gods would take on a hero, a chosen, a champion, to be their will on earth and to represent their strength in battle. It was of the highest honor, and many of the major cities of the kingdom placed the most importance upon this culture. Though, choosing these champions was the most challenging part. Many desire glory, and competitors come from all over, but in a test of honor, loyalty, and bravery, only a few will pass. After all, there is only one chosen for each weapon. And with the resolve these challengers possess, it truly becomes a tournament for the ages—may the worthiest of warriors win.

— send an ask to be +/- from this taglist

@writeblrfantasy. @scioltezza. @noloumna. @thedoesystem.

[sondials]

a character introduction (twotb)

the way of the blade — yvette tolamil

the scythe | the coward | 24 y/o

The knife dragged along Amira’s jaw and split the skin, but she only glared fiercely up at the man before her. Yvette watched her in horror. Just give in, please, Gods, just stop fighting and he’ll stop.

But something in her was burning. It grew in her chest, scorched her lungs till she couldn’t breath, and seared its way up her throat, behind her eyes—she was trembling now, but not out of fear. It was pure rage, but she had never felt it so strongly before, especially not for herself.

YVETTE had only been training for a year before the competition. She came from a small farming village, but she only traveled so far as to get away from her family. Now that she is being put to the test, all of her fears and doubts are coming back to haunt her, and she is crumbling to the ground. She doesn’t deserve to be here. She can never be a hero.

— send an ask to be +/- from this taglist

@writeblrfantasy, @sautrns, @tarttisms, @4kidsopfan, @kespada, @caelum-writes, @vanzhuo, @hiraethas, @tormentings, @viviuyn, @noloumna, @scioltezza, @thedoesystem, @medusaswrites, @sirbeaumains, @leftover-starlight, @adaparkwrites, @imalee, @acrimoneous, @mahalii, @marewriteblr, @inkingfireplace, @sprigofbasil, @writing-in-rain, @wrenstarlight, @treesandwords, @dreamerwriternstargazer.

[sondials]

a character introduction (twotb)

the way of the blade — reis cedarle

the sword | the protagonist | 24 y/o

Reis gasped for the air that had been knocked out of him as he stumbled back into a kneeling position. His gaze trailed up the boots before him to the smirk on Dariyan’s tanned face, and his own eyes narrowed into a glare. ❝If you are not fit for this, turn back. Where be your strength?❞ The brunette taunted, and Reis gritted his teeth before he lunged forward, his short sword pulled back ready to strike.

REIS was from a humble village, and he had never thought much about what would become of him; he always assumed that he’d work in the fields like his parents. It’s only when he hears of the Chosen Competition’s re-emergence after ten years that he remembered how those heroes would ride through his town as a child, how he always looked up to them. It was only then that Reis seemed to care about who he’d be: he’d be a champion, even if no one else could see it.

— send an ask to be +/- from this taglist

@writeblrfantasy. @sautrns. @tarttisms. @4kidsopfan. @kespada. @caelum-writes. @vanzhuo. @stargirlsaga. @tormentings. @noloumna. @scioltezza. @thedoesystem. @medusaswrites. @sirbeaumains.

[sondials]

for the soft headcanons meme: my fav, vera!! 💘

what they smell like

pine, sweat, lemongrass, jasmine. Very earthy, “masculine” scents but that slight flowery scent seems persistent.

what their favorite smells in the world are

loves the smell of burning metal because of Vaush. He constantly smelled like it when she would come to his parents’ forge when they were younger, and since he holds such a large part of her heart, she can’t help but be fond of it.

what pajamas they wear/what they wear to sleep in

quite honestly she wears what she wore the day before. She takes off her armor/coat and boots and sleeps in her pants and tunic—if it’s hot though, she takes off her pants too. And when she’s traveling with the other champions and she does it they’re like?? Have you no shame?? And she’s just like ‘no, I do not’ and goes to sleep.

my favorite ship (if applicable) and a cute hc about them

(I’ll tell you both shh) so Vera’s bi and her and Vaush have the CUTEST f2l because they’ve been such steadfast friends for so long, and Vaush refuses to let her go through trouble alone, and even though Vera always flirts with other girls, she knows she’d settle down with Vaush faster than anyone else. Her and Ivani on the other hand have a great e2l bc mage v. warrior you know, and Vera is like she’s hot yeah but she’s annoying, but they come to respect and understand each other :,)

my favorite friendship (if applicable) and a cute hc about them

(again I’ll say two lol) so Vera and Amira didn’t get along at first because Amira was “too uptight” but Vera ended up realizing how sarcastic and strong Amira was; Amira is also the one to pull Vera back from a fight with Dariyan (who Adoran pulls back), and it’s impressive because anyone else would get pummeled by Vera for interfering. Vera and Lexis are also a shallow but cute friendship because he’s young and kind of confident/flirty but Vera entertains him the most out of the group and they kind of have a sibling vibe.

a song that reminds me of them

“Boots” by Greyson Chance

what animal i think they would be if they were an animal

I’d say a wolverine! There’s something about that I think fits her strong yet fun persona. If not that, maybe a bear or a jaguar.

what position they sleep in

starfish or soldier, no in between; it’s absolutely terrible if you’re stuck sleeping beside her.

their favorite drink

God if you put any pint of beer in front of her she will love you for life.

a gift i would give them if i could

a new pair of boots because they are so WORN and the straps are about to rip.

[sondials]

— wip introductions

i. the way of the blade main wip. first trilogy. high fantasy. Not only do challengers compete to be one of the champions of the weapon gods, but there is still a war to be won.

ii. the way of the soul prequel trilogy. high fantasy. Those who study in the field of magic were never truly informed of the horrors of the heavens; a select few take on the journey to stop another mage from becoming a god.

iii. the way of the betrayed sequel trilogy. high fantasy. The major gods of the blade had silenced the old gods long before, and their representations have long been forgotten. A woman seeking revenge, a young orphan, and a man who shelters a god in his mind decide to either bring the betrayed back, or tear the heavens down.

iv. heart of gold single. dystopian/moral. Having a heart of gold is no longer a phrase, and the good and bad are separated by this factor. The greedy and immoral hunt down the innocent for the 24 carat ore in their chests, and it’s the good who go into hiding who know the sins they must commit.

v. the sundial single. dark/paranormal. She had always tried to ignore the wild-eyed woman who would talk to herself, but she finds herself following the woman into the forest to a large sundial. The woman won’t tell her it’s meaning, but a sinking feeling in her gut tells her it’s ticking down, and it won’t be anything good.

vi. wonderings collection of short stories. Ranging from two strangers meeting at a train station to a royal and his escort bickering on a quest, this story holds any scene caught in time and torn from finished thoughts.

— send an ask to be +/- from this taglist

@writeblrfantasy. @sautrns. @tarttisms. @4kidsopfan. @kespada. @caelum-writes. @vanzhuo. @stargirlsaga. @tormentings. @noloumna. @scioltezza. @thedoesystem. @medusaswrites. @sirbeaumains. @leftover-starlight. @acrimoneous. @vioaeon. @adaparkwrites. @viviuyn. @mahalii. @atelierwriting.

[sondials]

Hi can you add me to your taglist for that brilliant WIP, TWOTB? I love it and I'm so excited to see a story featuring an Asian woman as the main protagonist!

Omg thank you so much for your kind words!! And technically Reis is the main protagonist, but the story follows a cast of ten diverse adults, so selena is pretty much a main character lol! I’ll add you now, I’m so glad you’re excited about it!

[noloumna]

The way you hit dariyan right on the DOT!! Because even his best friend will be nicer to reis/shuts up dariyan bc!! Dariyan can be such an ass?? Like you CAN rely on him and he’ll always be there to help or save you, but he has to say something to slight you while he helps, whether that’s just his personality or he doesn’t want you thinking he’s kind, we’ll never know :,) thank you so much for your tags underneath! (Also your “slaughter of finches” is my FAV wip! I! Can’t get enough!)

of course! i absolutely adore dariyan! those are the types of characters i vibe best with, tbh. i just can’t help but loving the snarky, but amazing, assholes, ya know?? the best.

also, thank you so much?? that literally made my heart burst, aw!! you’re so sweet, i’m gonna CRY. twotb is a fav as well. :’)