R.A. Baker's Blog, page 3

June 19, 2013

Psi-Botany, The Ultimate Green Thumb

Image being able to revive a wilting squash plant with a mere thought, or causing a previously stunted tree to soar as tall as its tallest leafy neighbors. A skilled psi-botanist can do all of these things and more. The practical applications of this ability are obvious, though the very West Taren regions that would benefit most from this power shun psi-magic. In fact, West Tareners not only prohibit the practice of psi-botany, they also refuse any goods they suspect were the beneficiaries of such practices. So pumpkin-sized tomatoes wouldn’t sell very well there. Nevertheless, psi-botanists can find work easily enough in East Taren, growing grapes for wine—quite a feat, considering East Taren’s frigid weather. In my book, The Beast at the Gate, some of the Soren monks use psi-botany to create beautiful flower gardens in the snow-covered Soren Woods. 
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Published on June 19, 2013 10:58

June 5, 2013

Systems of Magic

My next blog topics will cover the magic system used in the world of Taren. Many Tareners (especially the Eastern variety) possess a specialized psychic ability they call “psi-magic”. There are twelve schools of psi-magic and each one has a different focus and effect. Few Tareners are born with psi-magic ability strong enough in one school to earn the designation “high mage”, and those rare individuals who have mastered more than one school of psi-magic—they are called “master mages.” Coincidentally, the two main villains in the book, Aric and Nephredom are both master mages, while the Red Robes who serve them are high mages.

Well, that’s the background—now the magic. The first school of psi-magic is Psi-aquatic. It’s the ability to manipulate water and control its motion and various states. A powerful and practical psi-magic, Psi-aquatics in Taren can make good money freezing large blocks of water and selling the ice to the hot lands of Argat. The truly skilled psi-mages in this art are sometimes employed as assassins for their ability to harden blood still flowing in the veins of their victims. Next time, I'll cover another school of psi-magic...until all twelve are done. For even more about the schools of psi-magic, and the wondrous world of Taren, I invite you to pick up a copy of The Beast at the Gatehttp://www.amazon.com/Beast-Gate-Rayna-Nightwind-ebook/dp/B00AQ8WON2


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Published on June 05, 2013 17:19

May 20, 2013

The Unknown Territories


Sometimes referred to by the locals as “Outer Taren”, the Unknown Territories is land that lies beyond the Band. Any attempt to cross the deadly Band into the Unknown Territories is tantamount to suicide. And so, that territory remains unexplored by Tareners.  It is speculated that the Unknown Territories is home to unspeakable horrors, and is best left unknown.
Much of my upcoming novel, Beyond the Band of Death, takes place in the The Unknown Territories. If you enjoyed reading The Beast at the Gate, the next novel in the series will be sure to please! 
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Published on May 20, 2013 18:31

May 11, 2013

Jerel: The Crown Jewel of East Taren


Jerel is the territory where the capital of East Taren is located. Jerel is a beautiful place, full of opulent buildings and dazzling displays of wealth. Jerel citizens consider themselves privileged and perhaps more refined and cultured than those of the other provinces—especially West Taren. Pomp and circumstance abounds here, with prideful gentlemen and ladies in their finery, and the smell of spices and perfumes filing the air. It’s ironic that this is the same place where Nephredom, the Subjugator of Joy rules. Like a deadly serpent in a lovely garden, Nephredom sits on his great throne in the palace, and waits for the right time to strike…
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Published on May 11, 2013 19:09

May 3, 2013

Dosk is for Booklovers (and scroll lovers too)


Dosk is a great place to be in if you’re a lover of books and all things academic. This is where schools and academies are practically on every corner, and bards sing passionate odes to libraries.  Founded by two stern scholars, the province of Dosk certainly favors the sage over the warrior. Ironically, science is dismissed as worthless folly here, so Rayna’s insistence on seeking out the Science Guild in Dosk is treated more as a punch line to a bad joke than a serious objective. Nevertheless, Dosk has a solid reputation as the place to go if you thirst for knowledge.  If you want to immerse yourself further in Dosk, or any of the other interesting places in Taren, pick up a copy of The Beast at the Gate:  http://www.amazon.com/Beast-Gate-Rayna-Nightwind-ebook/dp/B00AQ8WON2
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Published on May 03, 2013 18:59

April 29, 2013

The City of Walls


Known locally as the “City of Walls”, Soren is a holy region, and Soren City is a place of meditation, prayer and religious training.  It is where the world-weary traveler goes for  spiritual reflection, calm and peace. Ironically, Ciredor—a former soldier and war hero—was appointed by Nephredom himself to govern this province.  Ciredor is none too pleased with his new job, but to oppose his position would give Nephredom the excuse he needs to arrest and execute him.

Soren is the place that Keris desperately wants to go, but not because she's eager to attend church.  She believes Ciredor can help her win back her throne. Populated almost exclusively by monks and priests, all worldly temptations, including strong drink, gambling, and women are forbidden here. Order a copy of The Beast at the Gate to see how Rayna and Keris managed to sneak into this somber city.
 http://www.amazon.com/R.-A.-Baker/e/B002MNYE9G
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Published on April 29, 2013 19:38

April 20, 2013

Zuran the Great...Province


 Zuran is seldom referenced in The Beast at the Gate, but expect that to change in the upcoming sequels. Zuran is the last of the West Taren territories and home to that region’s governor.  Following its defeat in the War of Kings, West Taren was no longer allowed to have a King and the governorship was the highest political office a West Tarener could hold.  Zuran became the new capital of West Taren following the fall of Lamec, and its streets are filled with busy bureaucrats,  minor politicians and the like. Depending on whom you ask, the governor is either seen as a competent representative of the people, or a worthless, fat figurehead and puppet of Nephredom—regent of East Taren.  Some say, if there ever will be a rebellion against East Taren, it will start in Zuran. 
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Published on April 20, 2013 19:20

April 5, 2013

Big City Living: Argat

Argat is a West Taren province; it has a bustling city by the same name, which is known for its crowded streets and tireless vendors peddling their wares. One might think of Argat as the New York City of Taren.  This is the place to go if you are into lively music, parties and lots of company. It is in Argat that Rayna cheats death and meets Quan and Emawin—two pivotal supporting characters in the story. This is also the city where “prospectors” prey on the weak, and thieving jesters are no laughing matter to their victims.  To say that Rayna experiences culture shock while in Argat is an understatement.  Luckily, Keris and Quan are there to keep her out of (much) trouble.  You can read more about Rayna and her adventures in The Beast at the Gate. Order a copy and be amazed.
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Published on April 05, 2013 18:59

March 26, 2013

Lamec—A Beastly Place


Why not cut to the chase? The fallen city of Lamec is where my novel The Beast at the Gate gets its namesake.  The city is in ruins and populated by hordes of vicious, humanoid creatures that are rumored to have once been men.   These are the “Beasts”. No one really knows how the once great West Taren capital became a den for the Beasts, except that it had something to do with the Lake stone in the center of the city. 
The good news is that the city is gated off from the general populace—preventing the Beasts from getting out. The bad news is that the  gate is failing, and the Beasts are literally drooling at the chance of escape(green, acidic drool to be exact). 
Here is an excerpt from the book—a scene where our heroine Rayna Powell finds herself in the unfortunate situation of wandering into the city:

Taking heed to her watch’s warning, Rayna quickly hid herself behind the corner of a brick wall and shoved her glowing hand in her pocket. Then she saw it.
It stood over eight feet tall, and oozed a dripping, green ichor from every part of its scaly body. Its face resembled a nightmarish hybrid of boar, and lizard—creased and knotted—like heavy clay molded into monstrosity.

Its bulging eyes had lids that closed horizontally, and as the creature squinted in the daylight sun, only its elongated red pupils showed through. It was an undeniable rendition of evil personified. Its pointed-toothed mouth opened and closed repeatedly, as if rehearsing for its next meal. Rayna dared not breathe; she feared the sound of her own pounding heart would give her away…

Needless to say, the city of Lamec doesn't get many tourists.
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Published on March 26, 2013 16:26

Lamec


Why not cut to the chase? The fallen city of Lamec is where my novel The Beast at the Gate gets its namesake.  The city is in ruins and populated by hordes of vicious, humanoid creatures that are rumored to have once been men.   These are the “Beasts”. No one really knows how the once great West Taren capital became a den for the Beasts, except that it had something to do with the Lake stone in the center of the city. 
The good news is that the city is gated off from the general populace—preventing the Beasts from getting out. The bad news is that the  gate is failing, and the Beasts are literally drooling at the chance of escape(green, acidic drool to be exact). 
Here is an excerpt from the book—a scene where our heroine Rayna Powell finds herself in the unfortunate situation of wandering into the city:

Taking heed to her watch’s warning, Rayna quickly hid herself behind the corner of a brick wall and shoved her glowing hand in her pocket. Then she saw it.
It stood over eight feet tall, and oozed a dripping, green ichor from every part of its scaly body. Its face resembled a nightmarish hybrid of boar, and lizard—creased and knotted—like heavy clay molded into monstrosity.

Its bulging eyes had lids that closed horizontally, and as the creature squinted in the daylight sun, only its elongated red pupils showed through. It was an undeniable rendition of evil personified. Its pointed-toothed mouth opened and closed repeatedly, as if rehearsing for its next meal. Rayna dared not breathe; she feared the sound of her own pounding heart would give her away…

Needless to say, the city of Lamec doesn't get many tourists.
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Published on March 26, 2013 16:26