Lost City
Uncounted buildings had been buried hundreds of years past in a volcanic eruption. The tunnels wound through places long forgotten.
A beam of sunlight shone down from the surface, striking the walls of a vertical shaft, illuminating the black edges of rough volcanic rock; an escape from the underground labyrinth.
In the beam of light stood a lone orc, holding a wide axe. The light glistened from the orc’s skin.
The creature blocked the only exit.
When they neared, however, the orc slid the axe into a sheath on its back and waited. Reflected light glinted and sparkled in a manner most unnatural. The impossible rumors, it seemed, were true.
Across the surface of the orc’s skin clung a thick layer of clear glass.
History
Two decades ago I created the glass orcs for a short story. They had no origin story and no explanation.
When it came time to create novels that I would actually publish, the glass orcs just didn’t hold up. The idea stretched thin the suspension of belief, even for a fantasy novel.
I then ran a tabletop game using the fictional world from my books. I added glass orcs as opponents for the players. When the glass orcs showed up, player comments began to drop. My glass orcs were lampooned. The many non-workable elements of these fictional villains became running jokes in the game.
The Game:
I’ve decided to give you a swing at the glass piñata as well. You play by answering these two questions:
- What is wrong with the Glass Orcs concept? (Why wouldn’t they work? Why are they improbable or impossible?)
- How would you improve the Glass Orcs so that they work?
Legal
Sorry guys, but the following is out of legal necessity:
All answers delivered with these forms become the property of Mark Beard to be used as he sees fit. By submitting the form below you agree to release any and all rights or claims to the answers you give in these forms. You also agree to allow Mark Beard and/or Creative Assets Inc to publish the answers you submit with the form below. The Glass Orcs concept is property of Mark Beard and Creative Assets Inc and permission to use the Glass Orcs in any format or medium is not given or implied.
Have Fun!
Now that we have that out of the way, please understand that the sole reason for this exercise is fun! Submit your ideas and have a good laugh while you’re at it!
Game Results
The top rated results will be shared on April 28th, 2019, at Mark Beard’s book table at Jordan Con in Atlanta, Georgia. They will also be posted here on this page after Jordan Con ends. The name you place in the form will be published next to your answers. You may use a real name or a handle. The three top submissions will receive a free copy of book #1 in the upcoming series; Leviathan Brood by Mark Beard.
Want more?
Want to keep up with news from Mark Beard? Want to know when new book series like Leviathan Brood will be coming out? Would you like access to short stories and info available only to Mark Beard’s email list recipients?