Meet Our Four Primary Characters
Jack, an Offlander from Earth, finds himself trying to figure out his presence on Eldriko:
Who is Jack Marshall, and how does he end up on Eldriko? Part of his story is simple, while more of that story is complicated. And maybe just a little of a spoiler alert is in order. Jack grew up on the old family homestead, a farm inherited by his father. Jack, as he grew up, wanted nothing more than to buy some farm land near his family homestead, and follow in his father’s footsteps. He bought the property, graduated college, joined the military as an officer, married the love of his life, and deployed in combat.
Jack was wounded in combat and returned home to spend the rest of his life with his bride. His plans, unfortunately, took an unexpected turn, when he returned to an empty farmhouse and a “Dear Jack” letter on the kitchen table. He found himself physically and emotionally wounded. He immersed himself into tending the farm and slipping out to the woods to hunt. Following one of those emotionally therapeutic hunts, and he walk back home, a slight earthquake dropped the earth from under his feet, and Jack fell to his death.
Jack’s first memory, following the fall, found him standing is a strange world of mist, rain, and fog. And a mysterious young woman offering help. Jack found himself a stranger in a strange land. Each day brought more mystery and magic into his life. He eventually found his way to a mystic race who had some answers and many more questions that only a quest for an ancient artifact could clear up for him.
Alaster, a businessman in Asher, seeks restoration following a personal tragedy:
Who is Alaster Keane? A successful businessman, a devoted husband, a loving father...and the defender of Asher society. Alaster defends the natives of Eldriko while dismissing the Offlanders, who find themselves stranded on Eldriko through no agency of their own. Alaster speaks out against this race of strangers even when his friends and neighbors are welcoming the strangers.
Raising a family while maintaining a growing business, Alaster teaches his two older children to handle the details of being successful. He instills his business sense and passion if both of these children, young adults ih their world.
Then, one night, Alaster faces the tragedy of loss, when an Offlander lashes out in violence, driving Alaster into a deep place of despair. Only after learning of a mythical amulet that could restore his loss to the intended place does Alaster embark on his own journey of discovery.
Sarah, a young women in Asher, finds herself drawn to help an Offlander fit into Eldriko society:
Who is Sarah Hess? Sarah’s father sends her to his brother’s farm close to a town with the hope of securing a match for Sarah with one of the local ranchers’ sons. Sarah finds the experience rewarding, meeting interesting people in the town and getting to know the Fairmen, a band of nomadic traders who drive the economy of Asher.
While spending an afternoon in the woods near the back of her uncle’s farm, she comes across a confused Offlander, fresh to the world. She leads him to the shelter of a hunting cabin. She introduces him to the Fairmen, and ultimately introduces him to a ranger of a mystic race of beings. Sarah finds herself swept up into a journey of intrigue and promises of training of healers.
Scott, having found a sense of belonging with a local rancher on Eldriko, discovers his former commander from Earth:
Who is Scott Boudreau? Straight from the bayous of Louisiana, by way of a combat company, Scott becomes a non-commissioned officer in the military serving with Jack Marshall. Scott’s hard work on his family farm, and on base, impressed those around him. He cared greatly for the men of his platoon, and he did what he could to keep them safe. In his last combat mission, that devotion to his men cost him that last full measure of devotion.
Scott found himself on a strange world called Eldriko, confused, but ready to make a life for himself. It wasn’t long before a local rancher hired this hard-working man, and he proved his abilities beyond any question. His boss promoted him to a crew boss. The way Scott treated his team resulted in their devotion to the Offlander. While defending the integrity of the boundaries of the ranch, Scott stumbled onto a surprising intruder--his lieutenant on Earth, Jack Marshall.
Would you like to know more?
M. Alden Phillips
#WorldBuilding #EpicFantasy #CharacterDevelopment,
