A project.

[Everblight]

Well, I'm planning on writing a book. It's very optimistic and ambitious but I think that if I pace myself, and write piece by piece I might just get through it. I have a plot and I've been working on it here and there for the past couple of days.

I'm going to be posting my installments here, most likely a post will compose of a page book wise. But that might change from time to time. Anyway I would much appreciate any thoughts, criticisms or ideas for me to include into this book and it's story, most of all I think I would want people to tell me how they perceive the story so far. I do actually reveal the ending and some important points below so if you don't want to know don't read beyond, however if your particularly good at separating pretending the story hasn't been spoiled for you I want to know if you can obviously see the twists coming and if it's engaging ect. And of course if not, how I can make it so.

I hope everyone who reads on enjoys! below is my current story plan and such if you want to see the story and what it entails, however I will write a synopsis of the storyline so you don't have to read the plan and spoil stuff before you get to know the actual storyline. That will probably be up tomorrow.

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Pariah's & Paragon's

Antagonist - Pannan The Necromancer

-Name-
Pannan Ashborn
-Age-
Fifty Seven. However he appears to be in his mid twenties.
-Gender-
Male
-Race-
Human
-Class/Job/Profession-
Necromancer
--Appearance--
Pannan looks like a noble born of a great house, well kept hair and very fine clothes he is generally received well because of his appearance.



However Pannan has another side, when he calls upon his sinful powers and ungodly abilities his form changes to a wraith like being. Wherever he walks the souls trapped in his cerebral prison fall away from his shadow giving him a most evil appearance.

-Personality-
Pannan is of noble birth, however he was neglected and as such he educated himself. This has made him incredibly self centered and selfish. He looks down on the common man using his intelligence and ingenuity as an explanation of why he is more worthy.
His humor doesn't stretch far either, the casual sarcastic comment might be heard from him but he largely stays serious. Like anyone else Pannan has the tendency to lose his temper, and when he does he gets very vicious and starts to do rash things. However when he is clear of mind and most primarily when he is using his abilities as a necromancer, Pannan is a horrifyingly attentive and psychological pursuer.

He isn't fond of the many races that inhabit the planet, with his upbringing he sees them more as books to explore, read and then discard when he gets bored with them. He generally chases things that interest him and his ultimate goal is to become world renown and of course more powerful.

-Background-
"Sit, If you want to know the man behind the name you would do well to stay quiet. My name, is Pannan Ashborn. You might have heard of my family, such a high and mighty affair it is to be part of their little conclave of kings and queens. I was the second born, second to my brother, Kagan. As I'm sure none of you would know what it is to be of noble birth I shall divulge, it is a lonely existence. Kagan well, he got all of the attention. People lined up to gain the good graces of the next head of the household. The noble house of Ashborn would be controlled one day, by this child and as such he was courted, treated well and above all else was loved. I on the other hand, was neglected.

I spent many days shadowed by my brother, left to spend my childhood in my dark room as I played with the solitary toy I owned. Kagan though, oh he had a room full of wonder to explore anything he wanted would line the walls and as people say children can be cruel. I was an outcast, deemed unworthy for being born a mere year later. My childhood passed by and I was soon of age to make my own decisions, Kagan was still the high child he had always been but my parents had failed to see, as would be expected when they showed no interest in me, that I had spent my youth in the library.

Reading age old books from cover to cover was my only solace, in a fight for attention I became intelligent, articulate, cerebral. Of course no one took notice of my accomplishments as brother had just learnt to ride a horse. But it did not bother me, for in my struggle to better myself I found the realization that my efforts although correct, were for the wrong reason. I wanted to impress my parents, my family but no I was thinking small. I wanted, no I needed to impress the world.

Many more years passed as I locked myself with the books of our grand library, being noble does have some perks even if your ignored. I happened to fall upon one such volume however, brown and damaged the leather back almost creaked with age when I opened it's pages. The title of the book? 'Ex Inferis' that's Latin my man, for 'From Hell'. It intrigued me, I had not seen books like this before. Books of Science, Math, History and more but none of the...religious kind. I read on disbelieving the words and legends the book spoke of naturally, who would believe a man capable of such things?

It was here that I found my, idea. My calling you might say, my legend. This book taught me many dark tricks, so much so your eyes would roll into the back of your head in disbelief. But know this, my name will become known, I will be feared and my face will become synonymous with the understandings of power."

-Equipment/Possessions-
Sword
Pannan always has his blade strapped to his side, it is an elegant blade that reaks of higher living. However this blade is not normal, as told to Pannan by the Ex Inferis volume, Pannan was able to create his personal Relic. His choice was an old sword hung on the wall in the library. He has poured part of his soul into the blade and as such it acts as a pathway into himself.
When he kills a living creature with this blade, it traps the soul and adds it to Pannan's collection ready to be used by his hellish powers. He has named the blade 'Nemesis'.

Royal Clothes
There is more to clothes than meets the eye, it is because of Pannan's regal appearance that he is revered by most, many peasants stay out of his way and he is treated differently that most because of what seems to be his social standing.

Money
Although he was not the first born Pannan's parents have always given him the means to fend for himself, fortunately for him that included a healthy bank balance. He is quite rich and has no problems using his weight in gold to persuade others.

The 'Ex inferis' Volume II
His most prized possession. Pannan carries the Ex inferis volume with him, not trusting a bank nor anyone else with it's safe keeping. No one knows of it's true nature and that is a secret he is keen to keep to make sure no one goes lurking and searching for it. However one thing has Pannan unsettled, for in the introduction to the book it states 'Volume II'.

-Abilities/Talents-
Very intelligent
Pannan is an incredibly well educated individual, he is able to solve problems and discern meanings that would confuse most.

Swordsmanship
One thing Pannan lacked during his childhood was proper training in swordsmanship, it was something his brother was taught whilst he stayed in the library. As such it is something he has been trying to develop for a while now, and whilst he is no where near an expert he has some skill.

Oratory
Coupled with his intelligence Pannan is a great Orator, he is able to persuade and use such beguiling language that he can change the hearts of men. He often uses this to his advantage, especially in dire situations he needs an escape route from.

As a Necromancer Pannan obviously has some magical ability. Contrary to popular belief the most effective source of energy in the world, is the human soul. Pannan has the ability to trap the souls of people and creatures he kills in his own soul, and through that he can use them much like an energy source to preform magical feats and superhuman abilities.

-Magical abilities-

Regeneration
Pannan has the ability to regenerate his human body by using the souls he has. He is able to heal grave wounds in minutes however when he does so he is somewhat vulnerable as he has to concentrate. It is also the most taxing of his abilities, it uses the most energy out of his techniques and so he is not always able, or willing to do it.

Aperation
He is also able to create aperations, visions and objects using his power. Generally what he creates can only stay around for a matter of seconds but he uses them to good effect. Able to create solid items that glow blue is a dangerous trick he uses to maim many people, hammers and sharp bolts that he can throw through the air. He is also able to sustain an aperation if he concentrates on it, his favorite is creating ghostly chains to restrain his prey before he takes their soul.

Passive abilities
Whilst Pannan is in his necromantic form he also has some general boosts, he is able to move faster more of a glide than a walk but it makes him faster than an average human. His appearance is also quite useful as it invokes fear and can generally turn away some of the most brave men. Lastly whilst in this form his body itself is so cold it will burn anyone or anything that touches him. Freezing it quickly to grab him would cause almost instantaneous frostbite.

Protagonist - Kagan the Warrior Priest

-Name-
Brother Kagan the Vigilant
-Age-
32
-Gender-
Male
-Race-
Human
-Class/Job/Profession-
He is of noble birth and in the tradition of his family he has become a Warrior Priest, tasked with dispatching the sinners of the world.
-Appearance-

Kagan is quite a handsome man, his blonde locks contrast his ice blue pupils both of which bore into a square almost marble cut face. He bears a scar across his right eye and cheek, a sign of past discrepancies.

-Personality-

Kagan is quite forward and honest. Even if something would unsettle another he does not think twice about stating it. He has the snobbery of a noble upbringing with the self righteous workings of a priesthood, a combination that has seen Kagan in confrontations all his life.

His father educated him, and educated him well he is fluent in approximately four different languages and can read and write Latin. Whilst this upbringing has catapulted him through life Kagan has noticed the void of friendship around him, he does not make friends easy and has always had trouble opening himself to others.

-Background-

"Come, sit and listen if you wish to know me better. I had the upbringing most would dream for, born into a wealthy family I was loved and cared for all my life. Father was a powerful Warrior priest, he was obsessed with the line of pious men his family had a tradition of and he would have staved off death itself to pass it onto me!

As a young boy I was like any other, I had a brother who I hardly played with in such a big house it was hard to find anyone. He wasn't up to much and I've never liked his lack of ambition. But I, I was the first born, my fathers heir to the household. I started training at seven, father taught me little tricks and started to teach me language and math. I had a particular affinity for language, Latin became a friend and good it is to when reading all these religious scriptures!

It wasn't long before father had finished preparing me. He had the building blocks aligned as he had trained my mind somewhat, but at age eleven was the training for my body. I remember many hard hours or practice, the pain and anguish. But it was necessary. A priest cannot fight if his body is not willing! I learnt how to ride, how to spar with swords and spears but my friend, my choice of weapon was the Mace. An altar in itself it punishes unlike anything else, no trickery is needed, no fancy swordplay or technique it is pure force.
I had quite the mind for such a weapon and when I turned fifteen father gave me my most prized possession, a Mace of my own, my Relic, my altar, my Defaeco. That's Latin, for Purify.

Father had trained my body, he had focused my mind but he had to once more open it. It is the right of a Priest to have divine powers. Abilities like no other that allow him to smite the demons of this world and the next. My father passed on his gift to me, Exsilium Diabolus. Exile of the devil. My father taught me this divine power and it is my shield against the darkness.

I am forever grateful to my family for the upbringing they have given me, and I intend to repay them by taking this task upon myself and if needs be, sacrifice myself in gods name. I, am Kagan Ashborn, and I shall rid this world of the devil's embraces.

-Equipment/Possessions-

Defaeco
Meaning 'Purify' in Latin Defaeco is Kagan's personal weapon. A mace of pious might that can be swung to devastating effect. It can purify the souls of the damned if Kagan wishes it, glowing blue he can absolve the sins of an individual, alive or dead.

Armour
Kagan wears the grand, golden armour that has been passed down the Ashborn family for generations. Plates of golden steel blessed in by holy water have the properties to channel Kagan's magical abilities, allowing him to properly control his divine magics. It has seen him through many a harsh night.

Money
Being born from a wealthy family Kagan is no stranger to money, he was gifted with a supremely large bank account to help him along his travels by his mother and father, a departing present almost.

-Abilities/Talents-

Exsilium Diabolus
The magics of the Priesthood are Kagan's to command. He is able to summon ghostly apparitions of weapons under his control, able to guide them through the air like arrows it makes him a most indomitable opponent. However using this ability saps his stamina and strength, he can use it roughly five or six times in a single day.

Kagan is also not a master of this technique. The armour he wears channels his magics into channels and allows him to control his ghostly weapons. However if he does not wear his armour when he tries to uses Exsilium Diabolus the vicious, untamed power at his fingertips will be unleashed giving him incredible abilities for a short while before nearly killing him.

Very intelligent
Being taught by his father has gifted Kagan the intelligence many crave. He he is able to solve problems and discern meanings that would confuse most.

Insurmountable strength
Primarily in battle Kagan is prone to fits of superhuman strength, swinging his mace he can crush boulders and fell trees. Some say it is a gift from god but his impressive physique and years of bodily preparation would be a more likely cause.

Side Character - The head of the local noble house

Side Character - A homeless man with disdain for the townsfolk and especially the Noble house who is willing to help the Necromancer.

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A town is disturbed by ghostly figures ect, one night it goes to far and a carriage escorting the lady of a local house is stopped in the marshes outside the town. The necromancer attacks, killing both the driver and the Lady of the house. The townsfolk find her body but have no idea what it is that killed her, they tell the head of the family, a noble man who is terrified by the news. He sends for a Priest to join the town to help them find out the culprit. They get Kagan, a Warrior priest. Unsettled by the priest the town reluctantly use his help and tell him everything. The priest knows exactly what the problem is, a Necromancer. Who is looking for another of the Ex-Inferis volumes.

Horrified by the fact the townspeople become very selfish and scared. Kagan vows to do his best to get rid of the Necromancer, despite the fact he has never dealt with one before.

Pannan has Volume 2 of Ex inferis, whilst Kagan knows about Necromancers because he read the first Volume. Pannan is obsessed with finding the other volumes because he believes they will increase his power. At some point the two meet and converse, Pannan asks how the Priest knows so much about Necromancers and he replies that he had read Ex inferis. Laughing Pannan asks how the tales of power and the allure of being a bridge between life and death did not persuade the Priest to become a Necromancer himself. He replies that it is not his destiny, he read it to know his enemy because he knew he would meet a Necromancer one day. Finally Kagan states that it didn't matter anyway, the book did not tell of how to become a Necromancer, only what they are, how they do it and...their weakness.

The Priest attacks the Necromancer, a large fight ensues whilst in the library, wrecking the whole building. They finally reach a standstill, with Pannan panting he exclaims that none of what the Priest has said is in the Ex inferis volume. Wide-eyed the Necromancer joins the dots and quietly asks the priest "What Volume of Ex inferis?" The priest not realizing the danger quickly answers 'The First of course!" The Necromancer Once more unleashes his power, but this time with no restraint. "Where is it!!" he yells as he brings the priest to his knees, "Where is the first Volume!" The fight ends, the Priest nearly dead and on his last legs, the Necromancer out of energy and dead on his feet himself after using so much of his power.

Many days pass, allowing the both of them to rest. Kagan, who has the volume on his person is now a direct target and wherever he stays will be targeted by the necromancer. As such he decides that it would be best if he leaves the town so save it's occupants from the crossfire.

Beginning

The attack near the town + the Priest, Kagan, coming to the town to try and help out with the Necromancer

Middle

The confrontations of the Priest and the Necromancer and the development of their characters and the plot. 3 Main developments.

End

The two are thrown into confusion when it is revealed that they are in fact, brothers. Pannan read and took the second Ex inferis volume when he was young after Kagan was given the first to read. In here the Homeless man, who had become a good friend of Pannan's dies at the hands of the Priest, solidifying the Necromancers hate and disdain for his brother.

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24 Chapters (4(5-6-5)4) Roughly 20 pages per Chapter 480 pages

Beggining portion of the book, 4 Chapters that encapsulate the Necromancer and his search for the book which quickly evolves into a confrontation with the Priest.

1) The Attack on the cart in which the lady of the noble house is killed. This marks the arrival of the Necromancer.

2) The townspeople are worried about the deaths and so pressure the head of the noble household to act and involve the Church, they agree and send for one of the higher ranking Priests of the order to arrive from the Capital.

3) This marks the arrival of the Protagonist, Kagan the Warrior Priest. Coming to the town he is told the situation and immediately reveals that a Necromancer is at work. Realizing that this could be his moment he prepares himself to combat the evil at work. At the same time Pannan, the necromancer makes an ally of a homeless man on the street. Willing to help him he shows disdain for the noble house.

4) Pannan's past is revealed somewhat and he explains his purpose at being in the town in depth, he is in search of a book. An ancient volume of the 'Ex inferis' series, using his homeless friend Pannan searches the library but he is told that any book of value would most likely be stored in the personal Library of the noble family that runs the town, all the while he is leaving clues to which the Priest picks up on.

-------------------------- Middle of the book, split into three sections. The first is the encounter between the Necromancer and the Priest. And Pannan traveling back home to learn the origin of the books and why his father had them.

5) Pannan breaks into the library of the noble house, there he is frustrated with the fact he cannot find any books of relevance. The priest who had taken his time to find the necromancer finally shows up at the library and confronts Pannan.

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2) The other two Volumes come into play as Pannan finds the third but the priest get's to the fourth first. With the power of the third Volume the Necromancer is running rampant with new rejuvenating power, but the fourth volume, now in the hands of the priest tells a dark secret that will lead to the ultimate showdown and the fall of the Necromancer

3) At the last, Pannan has been dragged to his knee's by the priest and the power of the last Ex inferis volume. But Pannan searches for the answer to the question he had never asked, why did his father have the Ex-Inferis Volumes. He thought it would be for his training as a Priest, to research his opponent but with all the information in the first Volume what would be the use in the last three? Meanwhile Kagan fights over himself with the allure of the books, alluring him to the powers that he could gain if he used the anthology to become the most powerful Necromancer the world has ever known.


The family of the two brothers.

Father used to be a Priest however he did own the Ex inferis volumes, how did he get them and why did he have them?