Sword & Witchhazel
Of every event (magically or naturally occurring) that has been documented on Corwyn, none is less understood than the Twin Town’s Phenomenon. Not magician, or sage, scholar, or scientist can tell you why the two towns—Witchhazel and Sword—behave as they do.
Whatever happens in Witchhazel, also happens in Sword. Whatever happens in Sword, also happens in Witchhazel.
Sword and Witchhazel, two towns unlike any other in symmetry and similarity, dwell within one mile from each other within the empiric territory of Tegue. To the common eye they make a fraternal pair, physically dissimilar in many ways, yet these two towns are more alike than one might expect. One to honour the sword, the other to honour the stave—like the sky’s reflection against a still pond, they are set apart, yet in an abstract sense, they are also the same.
Every resident in Witchhazel has an Echo, or similar counterpart that resides in Sword, and although they do not necessarily resemble one another physically, they are of like minds, they make similar choices when presented with like situations, and in health, wealth, and morality they are more equal than any other in the world. Yet there are laws that exist preventing one from communicating with one’s Echo without a proper government-sanctioned license, and adequate supervision, for the commune between Echoes has been deemed an egotistical venture, and an unnatural act.
SWORD
Sword resides in Tegue, a territory far to the east of Syndall, Craggmoä’s capital, at least a day’s ride away. The Twin Towns belong to The Breggin Empire, under Emperor Prius’ rule; however, each town’s government subscribes to democratic regimes.
Sword is Craggmoä’s top supplier of daggers and other blades, and it produces better sword fighters than any other town under Breggin’s rule. There are four districts, or Houses of the Blade in the town of Sword that focus on various aspects of swordsmanship.
The Adeptus specialize in one particular technique of sword fighting, and they master that technique, often following a specific mantra or creed to guide them, and to focus their lives. They make life-companions of their swords, taking excellent care of it, and never leaving it behind in battle.
If you think that you can plan a strategy to defeat a member of The Swashbucklers, think again! They are quick-witted and unconventional, and they never fall for the same trap twice. Adept in the use of many weapons, The Swashbucklers will use whatever they can get their hands on to defeat their enemies.
No one upholds empiric law like The Marshals. Having mastered the law, chivalric combat tactics, and social subjects such as diplomacy and debating, The Marshals strive to become the best defenders The Breggin Empire has ever seen.
The Blacksmiths are creators, first and foremost. Unlike the other houses, they have a deep understanding of how a sword is forged, what separates a standard sword from a superior one, and the strengths and weaknesses of different sword styles. In combat, you can count on a Blacksmith to use his wealth of knowledge to disable any sword fighter by using their enemy’s weapon against them.
WITCHHAZEL
Witchhazel resides far to the east of Syndall, Craggmoä’s capital, at least a day’s ride away. The twin towns belong to The Breggin Empire, under Emperor Prius’ rule; however, each town’s government subscribes to democratic regimes.
Witchhazel is Craggmoä’s top supplier of enchanted items and scroll books, and it produces better spell-casters, and magic users than any other town under Breggin’s rule. There are four Houses of the Stave, or districts in Witchhazel that focus on various aspects of magic.
The Magisters specialize in one particular element, or source of magic, and they master its use, often following a specific creed or mantra to guide them, and to focus their lives. The magic becomes a part of their spirit, and no other’s magic of that particular element will be as potent.
If you think that you can plan a strategy to defeat a member of The Artistes, think again! They are quick-witted and unconventional, and they never fall for the same trap twice. Adept in the use of many types of magic, The Artistes will use whatever magic suits them to defeat their enemies.
No one upholds empiric law like The Adjudicators. Having mastered the law, chivalric combat tactics, and social subjects such as diplomacy and debating, The Adjudicators strive to become the best defenders The Breggin Empire has ever seen.
The Enchanters are creators, first and foremost. Unlike the other houses, they have a deep understanding of how magic can be used and developed, and they are master enchanters of otherwise non-magical items. In combat, you can count on an Enchanter to use his wealth of knowledge to counter any spell that is hurled his or her way.
Pick up the novella, Sword & Witchhazel today!
This unique book contains two stories in one: the tale of Dinah in Witchhazel, and the tale of Pallo in Sword. Only by reading both sides will you see how incredibly difficult it is to love one's Echo.
This book explores themes of forbidden love, and whether opposites attract. Is it okay to love someone who is too similar to you? Or is that simply vanity at its best? Like Romeo & Juliet, these young lovers live in two different towns, and although these towns are not rivals, they have their rules, the first one being: Do Not Communicate with Your Echo!
If you would like a copy of Sword & Witchhazel, you may contact J.D. Dresner from the contact page. Each book costs $15 plus shipping.