Red Dawn; Prologue

[This will be a short prologue I'll put here in the beginning of the book. Afterwards will be a glossary that I intend to place at the back of the book, of course. Check it over though, because it should be chock full of handy terms, and I might add more later on.]1

Map of Aurea2

3

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/shadow4884/Aureamapsketch.jpg4

The Great Land of Aurea, a realm of beautiful scenery, feral beasts, flowering flora, sparkling waters, and diverse landscapes. Nearly every form of life is supported here, as well as many treacherous ways to die. The weather can change from sunny to rainy within moments, turning tundras into swamps within weeks. Beings both greater and lesser than humans inhabit this world, but in between is exactly where the conflict lies: the humans.5

A war is raging in Aurea, the fires of destruction clouding the sky and the heavy scent of death sickening. The current ruling faction of Aurea, self-dubbed Insignia, is nourishing the land with one hand and choking it to death with the other. It's control can be felt in nearly every part of the realm. It's leader, Supreme Chancellor Dante, has completely succumbed Aurea to his power.6

But there is hope.7

Insignia does not stand without opposition; a rebel faction called Red Mask stands strong against the new government, trying desperately to dislodge it's foothold and free Aurea. Composed of the inhabitants of the land, from farmers to mercenaries, Red Mask hopes to overthrow the new totalitarian faction. Those willing to fight for their freedom take up arms and march into battle.8

But in this world, there are an elite race of humans, evolved from an ancient bloodline. Known as the "Gifted", these humans inherit special abilities from the universe, giving them powers beyond what normal humans are capable of. Both sides of the war implement the Gifted, selecting those whose powers prove useful in combat and then training them to become warriors.9

Aurea is slowly dying under Insignia's rule. Red Mask is the people's last hope for a future of freedom. Success is the only option, and the war rages on...10

Glossary11

Institution: the training facility for the Gifted, to be recruited into the Red Mask rebel faction12

Apprentice: the Agents in training at the Insitution13

Agents: full-fledged graduates of the Institution; a special division of the Red Mask army that have the Gift. Makes of 30% of RM forces14

Scarlets: female Agents15

Capes: Red Mask spies16

Insignia: The evil totalitarian faction ruling Aurea17

Red Mask: rebel faction at war with Insignia in an attempt to free Aurea18

Regalia: the graduation weapon given at the Institution, usually complementing the reciever's skills or Gift.19

more may be added to this glossary as I write the story, so you might want to check back here every once in a while. Or not. It's up to you really.20

In a list

Did you guys get a good feeling from this, like, would it catch your interest in this story?

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Comments

  • Nightmarish Waltz
    October 22, 2008
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    Sounds interesting, and it deffinately gave me something to look forward to. I can almost feel the story playing out in my head, and its very interesting. I do hope to see an epic sword fight in this story somewhere, dont let me down. The glossary is a good idea, as well.

  • Sci
    October 22, 2008

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    Interesting

    Yep, you've got me hooked!^_^

    Although, I must admit that it's not your writing style that caught my attention, but your world lay-out/scenario. Your paras 6 & 8 read well, but otherwise there seems to be too much information in one go...for instance your mention of the "gifted"...it seems unnecessary since you've mentioned nothing special about their significance in the war except that they have powers which both sides seem to use...like they would any ordinary being.

    Then again it was your glossary as well that had be intrigued.... And I like the terms and names you have...it all sounds promising! Am looking forward to chapter 1!

    Oh!...and just one more thing...your first para of the prologue (the one about the flora and fauna) does not sit well with the following plot. It sounds rather paradoxical, and not very inspiring. It was only when I came to 'A war is raging in Aurea...'that I sat up straight and went "or, really?!" That's the line that had me continuing to read with interest. *nods*

    • Sakuto
      October 22, 2008
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      yeah, I knew I needed the para about the Gifted in there, but couldn't find a way to transition into it, so I just stuck it in there. The prologue is really the only part I haven't planned, so the next couple chapters should be much better.

      Thanks for reading!