The Drindrian Age

[BobGreenwade]

I was paging through some of the various sections of The Valdorian Age, and I came across some very interesting elements in the period of time between the Turakian and Valdorian eras, during a time that probably could only be called the Drindrian Age.

When I see fantasy stories, whether in book or movie form, my favorite elements are usually:


Fantastical beasts that, while not commonplace, are easily recognized by the protagonists.

Exactly one magician in the protagonist group -- perhaps two, if the group is large and the two are either related (such as brother/sister or master/apprentice) or deeply contrasted in some way.

Inhuman races exist in their own communities, sometimes interacting with Humans but almost never living in their cities and intermingling with them.

The most feared and impressive warriors ride flying beasts (dragons, griffins, rocs, and so forth) in formation.

Magic is less often cast than stored in mystical items and artifacts.

The usual quest is along the lines of liberating free-thinking people from oppressive regimes.


In short, what I think of as "great fantasy tales" often splits the difference between the extreme "high fantasy" of the Turakian Age, and the classic "swords and sorcery" of the Valdorian Age.

Is there anyone besides me who'd love to see a book on the Drindrian Age for 2009?

[Comic]

My own favorite fantasy elements:

o Chainmail bikinis are commonplace
o Magic that makes no sense, either internally to itself or with the mix of other types of magic, or in the setting as a whole.
o Inhuman races avoid humans at all costs, complaining of the smell.
o The most feared and impressive warriors are dinner for flying beasts.
o Magic is contrary and backfires on anyone attempting to gain from it.
o The usual quest encounters too much loot to carry.

Though, I admit, Bob's list is likely more playable.

[AmadanNaBriona]

I was paging through some of the various sections of The Valdorian Age, and I came across some very interesting elements in the period of time between the Turakian and Valdorian eras, during a time that probably could only be called the Drindrian Age.

When I see fantasy stories, whether in book or movie form, my favorite elements are usually:


Fantastical beasts that, while not commonplace, are easily recognized by the protagonists.

Exactly one magician in the protagonist group -- perhaps two, if the group is large and the two are either related (such as brother/sister or master/apprentice) or deeply contrasted in some way.

Inhuman races exist in their own communities, sometimes interacting with Humans but almost never living in their cities and intermingling with them.

The most feared and impressive warriors ride flying beasts (dragons, griffins, rocs, and so forth) in formation.

Magic is less often cast than stored in mystical items and artifacts.

The usual quest is along the lines of liberating free-thinking people from oppressive regimes.


In short, what I think of as "great fantasy tales" often splits the difference between the extreme "high fantasy" of the Turakian Age, and the classic "swords and sorcery" of the Valdorian Age.

Is there anyone besides me who'd love to see a book on the Drindrian Age for 2009?

I can't disagree with your list... the mid point between high fantasy & swords and sorcery is where I tend to be most comfortable myself.

[Captain Obvious]

I think between Turakian Age and Valdorian Age, there would be too much overlap to make a Drindrian Age book worthwhile. As a Digital Hero article, or even series of articles, it would rock.

Looks like you've got some pretty good ideas already, Bob. When can we expect to see it in DH?

[BobGreenwade]

I think between Turakian Age and Valdorian Age, there would be too much overlap to make a Drindrian Age book worthwhile. As a Digital Hero article, or even series of articles, it would rock.

Looks like you've got some pretty good ideas already, Bob. When can we expect to see it in DH?

Whenever my Star Heroe ideas run out, and Space Wizards is finished... meaning probably a year and a half on the inside.

[PhilFleischmann]

I agree. The fantasy settings I like best are what you might call "low, but wide" fantasy. Magic is less flashy that the deendee fireballs, but does exist and is fairly well known. There are magical critters about, and non-human races.

[Curufea]

Makes me think of Eragon, actually.

[Steve]

The Drindrian Age suggests to me something like the Elric stories, with bored, corrupt Elves playing games with the human lands or what they might also call the Young Kingdoms in Drindrish. ;)

[BobGreenwade]

Makes me think of Eragon, actually.

Eragon was one of two movies I'd just seen that reminded me of this ethic of fantasy stories (the other being Dragon (http://imdb.com/title/tt0858436/), an easy-to-underrate -- and underestimate -- B-movie).