The Unlikely Weapon of Peace
A Higher Purpose Laid Upon Rough Shoulders
In the quiet moments of writing, I often find myself reflecting on the nature of “the chosen” trope we read so often in fantasy works. We frequently see stories where the hero is born with a clear halo or an unshakable moral compass. However, the reality of the human condition and the reality of the world I am building in Morian is far more complex.
The “chosen weapon” of the old god Graeth is not a polished saint. He is rough, morally flexible, and spiritually ambivalent. At the start of his journey, he stands at a crossroads. He possesses the capacity to become a terrible destroyer, driven by self-centeredness and the darker impulses we all carry. Yet, he also holds the potential to be a mighty protector. The only thing tethering him to the light in those early days is a fierce, protective loyalty to his mother.
He is an anomaly who was born from the least likely of unions. In a previous dispatch, we discussed the duality of our nature, but here the focus is on the choice itself. It is a reminder that a higher purpose is often laid upon the shoulders of those who seem the least qualified by the world’s standards. It is the internal struggle and the decision to turn away from destruction toward sacrifice that define a true unifier.
This tension is at the very heart of my prequel novella. I want to share that origin story with you today.
A Gift for My Readers
To better understand the foundations of Morian and the beginnings of this unlikely hero, I am giving away digital copies of Divided Together. This story serves as the origin story of the figure who will eventually reunite Morian’s scattered peoples.
You can download your ePub or PDF copy using the links below:
As you read, I hope you see a bit of that universal struggle. We all have the capacity for both paths. It is simply a matter of which one we choose to walk.
Until next time,
J. James Adler