Saturday, December 31, 2011

What races inhabit Kinyn? - The Sespin


The figure leapt over the waves, shining in the moonlight. The whole top half looked like a shapely woman, with flowing blue-green hair and scales covering her chest. Instead of legs she had a shimmering tail. She dove into the water, sending up a splash of water from her huge back fin. Nessa leaned out even farther, wanting to see her again.
--from The Healer and the Pirate

We've already spoken of the Elves and the Eaml. Here is the third of the four high races.

Of all the high races, the Sespin are the only ones who still guard their domain; the ocean. Silvery scales cover the Sespin from their fish tails to the napes of their necks. Both males and females have long shiny hair that can be any color found in the coral reefs. Their scale-like ears lay flat against their heads. The native tongue is sung, not spoken, and their voices are musical, often enchanting to sailors. On Earth they would be known as Mermaids or Sirens.

Before they fell, the Sespin were able to shift into human form. However, that ability has been lost. They have no innate magic but rely on potions and artifacts they’ve devised. They stay young until they reach about 100 years, when they start to age. Eventually, they plant themselves as coral on the ocean floor. The stories of the Savior have spread even into their undersea realms, though most Sespin instead serve the sea god Girgul.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

How is Christmas celebrated in Kinyn?

Luke 2:11-14
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

There are several festivals and holidays in Kinyn, but the one most reminiscent of Christmas is simply called “The Lights.”

A spectacular light show marks the start of winter in Kinyn. These brilliant lights dance across the sky in waves of blue, purple, and pink for three nights before fading into the dark. Across Kinyn, all races, from the Elves to the fairies to the Sespin in the sea, gather each night to celebrate the Creation with shared meals and dancing.

To the Redeemed, the Lights take on a special meaning. It is said that during the Lights, hundreds of years ago, a human from another world spoke to an Elf of a Savior who died to save those who put their faith in Him. During the Lights, the Redeemed remember this good news that changed their whole world. They meet with other believers and share a rich supper.

After the meal and fellowship, the Redeemed dance under the lights, singing praises to the Savior and thanking Him for His blessings. On the third night, when the lights fade, the believers gather around the fire. If any of the Redeemed have received a Scene in the last year, they will recite them. A few others share as they feel led, and then a town elder tells the story of the Savior’s birth. The festivities close with a prayer for their loved ones and all those around them.

May you enjoy this season with your loved ones, whatever you celebrate.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

What races inhabit Kinyn? - The Eaml

Last week we talked about the Elves in Kinyn. But this week, we present a never-before-heard-of race. A race that is unique only to Kinyn. 
The Eaml:
Former guardians of the land, the Eaml look mostly like sturdy, attractive, tan humans but they have clawed hands and lions’ tails. They are able to take the form of winged lions and lionesses.  


Each Eaml is born with a various innate ability to affect or transform others. They were the first race to fall to greed and corruption, and were so cursed by the Elves that few Eaml survive.  
We hope to see you next week when we reveal another new race, one you've likely only heard of if you've read The Healer and the Pirate.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

What races inhabit Kinyn? - The Elves



What races inhabit Kinyn? This is a HUGE topic--so huge we will split it up.

When the God over all created Kinyn, He formed the four high races to guard the world and its inhabitants: the Asri for the sky, the Eaml for the land, the Sespin for the sea; and the Elves to watch over all. The high races grew arrogant and fell, and even among the Elves, few remained pure. As darkness tainted all of Kinyn, a Fallen Elf brought news of a humble Savior from another world. Through faith, the Fallen can be redeemed...

The Elves:
The Elves are ruled by a queen, and were charged with the task of tending to the mortal races. As the races fell, the Elves withdrew from their duties, cloaking themselves in the forests. The Fallen among the Elves lost their immortality and were cast from the clan. While some of the Fallen took on a normal life, many turned to thieving, and some even posed as gods.

Many Elves have innate telepathy, and are gifted with magic. They often use this magic to create countless magical artifacts, both for their own use, and to use to bless the lesser races. Most of the Fallen have lost their telepathic ability and have resorted to concocting dust magic or artifacts used to do more harm than good.

Elves are tall and strong, with earth-toned hair. Their skin ranges from pale to dark, and anything in-between. They have long, pointed ears. The High Elves have a faint glow about them.

Check back next week! There are plenty of races to cover...and maybe some you haven't heard of!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Topic: What are the religions of Kinyn?

 
1 Corinthians 8:5-6 (NASB):
For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

Ages ago, an Elf brought news of a Savior to Kinyn. This Savior, the only son of the God over all, died for any who would believe, whether human or Elf, fairy or goblin. Believers who have put their faith in the Savior are called the Redeemed. Those who are able make a pilgrimage to a Reclaimed temple and learn more from the Mitsans, monks and nuns who have dedicated their lives to the Savior.

Sadly, most of the people of Kinyn believe in false gods, such as the gods of the sea and the sky, or even the leader or god of a town. The Redeemed know that some of these gods are imaginary. Others are real in the sense that they have magic and have asserted their authority. None have the power to save creatures from their wrongdoing, nor can they grant eternal life.