Maasai

Nine times out of ten, a fantasy novel depicts a world full of civilized people that are constantly under the threats of the war hardened, desert-tested "savages". You could say that writers are predisposed to placing these people into their work, creating some sort of extra tinder to fuel the flames of dissent, war and strife throughout their world - I can't say I blame them. These groups add mystique, create a greater feeling of the unknown and help further the validity of said universe. Furthermore, these "savages" always turn out to be far more civilized, advanced, and wise than they've been given credit for.

The Maasai warriors have always piqued my interest, from their religious beliefs to the patriarchal structure of their society. Fierce warriors, diligent cattle herders, and ceremonially strict individuals, the Maasai would be right at home in the world of Hierarchy. These brave people will serve as a model, a base mold, for the culture that I'm striving to create.

Happy new year!

Well folks, it seems as though blogging while home for the holidays was a near impossible endeavor. As you all can see... I didn't get much done. But, seeing as though I've been re-introduced to my self inflicted exile, words will soon flow from my finger tips like insults from Jeramy Clarkson's oversized British maw.

As I mentioned last post, a certain Loki Blodweud has been begging to be introduced. A peculiar fellow, and quite a mischievous one at that, his name hales from both Celtic and Norse mythology. I'm sure many of you are aware that the name Loki belongs to the Norse God of trickery, a fellow who switches his allegiances on a regular basis and can't decide which lot to throw his cards in with. As I said, quite a peculiar fellow. Blodweud isn't much better - the name hails from the Celtic/Welsh myth about a woman, made of magic and flowers, who has an affair while her husband is away and tricks her lover into murdering him. There's a bit more to the story but, in short, she's a representation of deceit.

A rabid gambler, an intelligent yet careless individual, an honor-less and morally broke thief, Loki Blodweud is about as predictable as the wind and as trustworthy as a drunken dog. Indispensable, irresponsible, and completely irrational, Loki will long stand by Zuriel, more than happy to supply ample reason for headaches and certain hypertension.