Lore and Things

Here you will find my notes and findings on the world of Itar, sorted into five categories. This is the collection known as ‘The Thornlands,’ and the many voices found within – whose records make our knowledge of Itar possible – are called ‘Thorns.’

Up to this point, my research has focused on a certain period of Itar’s history called ‘Leiltar,’ and for that reason many entries will, explicitly or not, confine themselves to that period. These entries likely will expand over time to reflect my ever-broadening studies.

Within ‘Times,’ you can find a a narrative on Itarian history. Be careful with articles in this section though – with this site still in its early stages, it can be difficult to explain every mentioned detail properly.

Within ‘Places,’ you can receive a ground tour of the world’s features, from cities to countries and from seas to mountains.

Within ‘Cultures and Factions,’ you can learn about the people who live on this world, their histories, and perhaps even a few words from their languages.

Within ‘Characters,’ you can read about individual inhabitants of Itar. Some articles will introduce you to characters encountered within the novel, others to important historical figures.

Within ‘Stories,’ you can read… stories! Short stories offer a chance to see Itaria up close. Plus they’re all kinds of fun to write.

So, why ‘The Thornlands?’ In fact, the term does not originate from this collection; it refers to a modern-era Itarin meta-philosophy which posits the lifespan of an Itarin is, metaphorically speaking, a trial in a land of thorns. He is free to think and to account for himself, but any thoughts or feelings he or his peers create are the thorns, and to navigate among them is his purpose. Rather broad and pessimistic in my opinion. Nevertheless, because this collection looks out at Itar’s history from this modern context, it is only fitting to adopt this as our theme. After all, these stories will follow people – and their struggles with themselves. Thus, these are ‘Tales from the Thornlands,’ each story a thorn from the vine.