Dominus tecum

No, they were descended from from dinosaurs. Jon's amulet is an ancestral form, used for combat.

Ahh, gotcha.

They couldn't have been extinct for millions of years simply because there literally would be no artifacts or ruins left over, everything would be dust. Fifteen thousand years is at the outside of what I'd think that the tougher monuments and artifacts could last, but it's possible.

Don't forget that strong enchantments preserve things against decay. The Journal of Anef the First dates back to the Kingdom of the Nine (ca. -11,000 CR) and Elemacil was forged during the War of the Great Darkness (ca. -5,000 CR), and both are still in excellent condition with no hints at their extreme age.

They couldn't have been extinct for millions of years simply because there literally would be no artifacts or ruins left over, everything would be dust. Fifteen thousand years is at the outside of what I'd think that the tougher monuments and artifacts could last, but it's possible.

I always got the impression that Jon's reptile-folk were supposed to be actual dinosaurs. If that's the case, then the Tened probably lived millions of years ago, and were wiped out before humans were even walking erect.

Dominus tecum

Though I sometimes fear that I might be over-reaching beyond my skills.

The reason is that I think it's going to take me a while to get through all of this. I've had very little time to write in the last month, and the next couple of weeks aren't that promising either.

This goes for those who've asked for my help on their tales too. I'm really sorry, but I'm not going to get to any of those for a while.

Dominus tecum

Charles will need to deal with the fact that his child born with the Sondeck died while he was gone. What will irk him is that after hearing it described, he'll know exactly what it was and if he'd been here could have healed him. Garigan, if he'd been trained, would have known too. So this will set up a bit of a conflict between them because Garigan demands that he be fully trained, but Charles is too wrapped up in his sorrow and darkness of desire to pay the ferret any mind.

Jessica will briefly have the power that the Marquis did, being able to graft the Curse onto people temporarily. She cannot undo the curse, but what she can do will be frightening enough.

Dupré will begin rebuilding the fortifications at the Dike, the main one being a Wall that will stretch across the entire pass and rising to a height beyond the reach of common seige engines. He won't see it finished in his lifetime, but at least he'll start the work.

Calephas's death… well, suffice it to say it'll be satisfying.

Merai's corruption… I started a thread on the subject specifically, but nobody posted there, so I'm still just going by what Raven suggested for that.

Glad you're interested in this stuff! I hope that when I do write it that it satisfies!

Dominus tecum

Based on what I can gather from these short synopses, a good part of this cycle seems to be a sort-of epilogue from you latest one (Those who took part of the Marzak fall having to deal with the remnant corruption within themselves), while the rest being new plots and events (The future of the Ecclesia on the Valley, Elvmere's present situation, Calepha's death, etc)

I'm most interested on Charles and Jessica's part, Dupré's plans, Merai's corruption, Calepha's death, and I'm really curious about the reaction the Sondecki will have when receiving a man-sized ferret as a pupil :P

Since I am in the middle of an adoption and cannot vouch for the amount of time I'm going to have to give to my writing, I thought I'd share my plans with everyone so they know what I'm going to be up to. I'm only giving brief descriptions of the stories; if you would like a more thorough explanation, please ask.

And if I've set any dates that will interfere with other event, let me know. I did my best to avoid the Plague and Quarantine at Metamor (early to middle of March), and to accommodate Drift's Bogus Journey.

Without further ado, here we go:

Landing in a New Age (Dec 27 - Jan 1) - William Dupré arrives at Metamor

Lament of the Kangaroo (mid Jan) - Charles & co. arrive in Sutthaivasse. Lindsey must face a horrible temptation from the remnants of the evil they found at Marzac.

Kendrick's Quandary (end of Jan) - Kendrick's little sister catches him returning from a thieving. Kendrick now has to protect his family and the rats at the same time.

Keeper's Return (~ Feb 10) - Charles & co. return to Metamor Charles learns of his son's death. Kayla will overcome the evil when she gives up all she gained back to Rickkter.

Julian's Plan (~ Feb 14) - Julian reveals his plan to corner the market on transporting goods through the cursed valley, and sets it into motion.

Jessica's Power (~ Feb 21) - Jessica discovers that she can temporarily attach the curse to others in the way the Marquis once did.

Invigorating Faith (~ Feb 28) - Bishop Tyrion Verdane arrives in Metamor for a brief inspection of the Ecclesia faithful. Accompanying him is Father Felsah, assigned to Metamor. He will eventually ask Duke Thomas for aid with his brother Jaime.

Investigating Calamity (~ Mar 14) - Father Akaleth & Sir Czestadt arrive in Marigund to reveal to the mage guild what they know of the fight against Marzac. Folks won't be happy with a Questioner there.

Illicit Acts (~ Mar 21) - Charles succumbs to the darkness within himself with Baerle.

Healing Wounds in Arabarb (~ Apr 1) - Lindsey is sent to Arabarb to kill Baron Garadan Calephas

Heading to All Tomorrows (~ Mar - Apr) - Andares returns to Ava-shavåis and there must face a difficult choice.

Hawk's Jealous Prize (~ Apr 14) - Weyden confronts Jessica with how darkened she has become due to her power. In the end, as she nearly tries to harm him, she lets it go and is preserved from the evil.

Grappling Between Stone and Sky (~ Mar - May) - Abafouq and Guernef return to the Tabinoq. Abafouq gives up going back to Qorfuu, while Guernef gives up his desire to see Abafouq walk the Path of the Sky as he did. Instead, Guernef will take Abafouq back to Metamor before returning to his mountain home.

Gazing Through a Barred Window (~ Apr 16) - Jaime in prison, plotting by Thomas and Andwyn about what to do.

Felsah's Little School (~ Apr 20) - Father Akaleth visits Metamor and plants the seen in Felsah's mind about what he can do to help at Metamor.

Farewell to Unrequited Love (~ Apr 24) - James tries to get Baerle to love him, but she is still smitten by Charles despite the growing darkness in him. James will give her up, healing her in the process.

Fall of Rising Stars (end of Apr) - Merai's corruption.

Elvmere's Unsung Talent (end of Apr) - Elvmere has spent months working the foulest and meanest of jobs without complaint. Raven will notice something in him that will shock her.

Economic Gambits (~ May 1) - Julian's venture is a growing success, but the means by which he got there may end up unravelling everything. Kendrick's conscience is growing more insistent.

Divine Travails of Rats (~ May 2) - Charles finally gives in to the darkness within, seeks Malger's aid, and by it, obtains access to the afterlife in search of his son. A familiar guide leads him through the afterlife, but when he finds his son, he learns a terrible truth that destroys the darkness in him and gives him the courage to face his past.

Designing a New Valley (~ May 4) - William Dupré decides upon a course of action that will take years, but will forever after change the face of the Metamor Valley.

Delivering a Ferret (~ May 7 - 21) - Charles, Jerome, and Garigan head to Sondeshara by dragon!

Cenobitical Joys (~ Jun 1) - Tugal is faced with questions about why she wants to be a Nun on the even of her being accepted as a Full Sister.

Catapulting a new House at Metamor (~ Jun 21) - After Charles's return, Duke Thomas grants him the contested land between Glen Avery and Lake Barnhardt after investing him into the nobility.

Anyway, that's what I have planned. Already finished the first story and am currently working on the next two. Some of these will be very short, others will be longer. Nothing LToY or WTW long at least!

Dominus vobiscum

The invasion dealt a serious blow to the Fellowship and its members. The Hall was burned to the ground, and nearly half of the membership gave their lives in a futile effort to protect the two dozen eggs that were being incubated inside.