Crystal Souls: The Unofficial Novelization

by CVPOTA

Based on the awardwinning Exile and Avernum series. A ragtag group of mercenaries got stuck between rock, rivers, and a nasty magical barrier, forcing them into a journey that could impact an epic war. Or lead to certain death. It was hard to tell.

1. Foreward

Foreward:

To You, the reader:

I'd like to start off this project with a disclaimer:
This world is not my own.
Obviously, there is a reason why I'm calling this the Unofficial Novelization.

Exile and the Nation of Avernum, Erika, the Slithzerikai, Garzahd, the Vahnatai, and virtually every other element presented are the creation of Jeff Vogel, of Spiderweb Software: an independent gaming company. The worlds, the people, the first names of the members of the party, and the majority of the plot belong to him. He created the Exile Trilogy, and Blades of Exile, which are low-tech turn-based RPGs. These games were later remade on a different engine, and called Avernum.
I would give the website, but this host site removes all hyperlinks.

This project was begun as a minor characterization exercise. Keeping in the spirit of that intent, I have only kept what I consider essential or relevant elements of the game's original plot, while twisting some areas to fit my characters' needs. To fill in the holes and find the differences, you will have to play the game yourself. I'm not letting on.

I began this journey over four years ago, working my creative muscles on a small but wonderful and engaging game that I had found in a shareware CD. Since that time, the characters that I created blossomed and evolved in ways that I could never have predicted. I had been writing on and off for about two years before I was introduced to a few months ago. Since then, forces in my life have compelled me to engage in a complete revamping of character, plot, and narrative structure. Therefore, I will warn you that this story is evolving even as I post it; and the posting will be a bit sporadic, I'm afraid.

I would also like to state that I am fully aware of Zizak-Tel's series Seeking the Light of the Sun. I am making a point not to read it until long after I am finished here.

This story is based on Exile (Avernum) II, after the escape from the Pit. As is done in the Exile/Avernum fan community, when in doubt, I have referred to Exile. Except, of course, where I simply like Avernum's data more.

Special thanks to the Spiderweb Software fan and forum communities, especially the Blades community, and the Encyclopedia Ermariana for their brilliant background support.

And my thanks to this host site for hosting. Even if they insist on removing references to them from my text.

Enjoy.

- R. Cook
3/29/06