The Noble Beasts
Upcoming fantasy novel!
The abandoned land of Asteros has been sealed off by the elves of the Verfaeren Archonate for centuries. Rumors spin of the wild monsters and unknown magics that run unbound just across the border, unseen by all save the elves who watch the gates.
Until now.
The Archonate has suddenly opened the frontiers of Asteros to the neighboring kingdoms, promising a new life to those willing the brave the enigmatic wilds. The elves offer fortune and glory to any that help them uncover this lost land’s secrets. Adventure awaits all who answer the call, be they hero or miscreant, wizard or bard, warrior or… chef.
Good thing frying pans make decent weapons.
Characters
Pastrami, bugbear chef extraordinaire.
Perseus ‘Pastrami’ Zanner of the Dee Clan is looking for a fresh start. It isn’t easy being an 8-foot tall bugbear in a land where people fear werecursed. His sole comforts are his family and his craft: everyone has to eat, so one might as well make the food delicious. With some prompting from his grandpa, Pastrami sets out to Asteros to hopefully find a reprieve from the werecursed accusations and to use his talents to help others like him.
Peanut Butter, goblin wizard and sugar fiend.
No one is quite sure of where this 2-foot tall talking raccoon came from, nor of what he wants. But one can’t deny PB’s skills with magic given his unique ability to sling fireballs using only a wand and playing cards; spell components are expensive after all. Whatever his motivations are for joining the Asteros expedition, as long as Pastrami provides safety and snacks, PB will be a happy ally to have.
Stradi, skychild bard and aspiring flyer.
Despite their birdlike appearances, most skychildren aren’t born with wings. But that isn’t stopping the corvid clan’s own Stradivarius Blackbird from trying to grow her own. Skychild legends speak of a time when all skychildren had wings, and these legends are as old as Asteros. Stradi joins the frontier expedition in the hopes of finding ancient secrets to help her in her quest, aided by her ability to manipulate matter with her voice.