Realm Explorers Part XXII: Visit Destiny with S.G. Rogers

Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.

Author’s name:

S.G. Rogers

Title of book and/or series:

Tournament of Chance

Brief summary of the story:

Heather has trained hard for the Tournament of Chance archery competition, only to discover its promised rewards were a lie. After a daring escape from the king's dungeon, she joins with a trio of shape-shifting wizards who intend to spark a revolution. When a magical accident sends her back in time, Heather has the opportunity to set things right. If she saves the kingdom, however, will she face the future without the only man she could ever love?

Prince Dane has been waiting for centuries to reclaim his kingdom, wrested away from his family by treachery and deceit. Before he can succeed, he must release the magic bound up in the Dragonstone. When he discovers his fate may depend on a young green-eyed beauty with a skill for archery, he's skeptical at first. As time goes on, he finds himself increasingly attracted to her strength and character...but can he change his arrogant ways enough to win her heart?

Watch the book trailer on YouTube.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

The kingdom of Destiny (formerly Ormaria) is reminiscent of Medieval England. The island of Boravagg, on the other hand, looks (and behaves) like the island in the movie Jurassic Park.

If we were to visit Boravagg as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

I would start in the crater of the dormant volcano, and look for the lava tube opening which leads to an underground pool known as Dragonstone Lake. It’s a long walk, so wear comfortable shoes, and be sure to bring flashlights with extra batteries. Once you reach the lake, a sip of the water will prove to be restorative. And if you have any magical powers whatsoever, take one of the dragon crystals that grow there. The crystal focuses your powers and will allow you to work magic.

What dangers should we avoid in Boravagg?

All manner of wild creatures abound in Boravagg, so exercise extreme caution. Most notable are the savage trolls, but also watch for wild dragons and tigers. The flying reptiles, the boratures, should be avoided at all costs. When boratures swarm, they behave like airborne piranha.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Boravagg?

Although Boravagg is a dangerous and savage island, luscious and exotic fruit trees abound. It rains frequently, so use one of the large waxy leaves you’ll find there to funnel water into your waterskin. Also, be prepared to eat what you kill. Rumor has it, roast tiger tastes a little like chicken.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Destiny/Ormaria?

Skilled archers are held in high esteem. Wizards, of course, can bend the world for defensive purposes. It’s a wondrous sight to see a wizard shake the earth like a rug to thwart their enemies.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Destiny/Ormaria?

When the story begins, dragon are quite scarce. Back in the glory days of Ormaria, however, wizards could speak with dragons and used them like steeds. As the magic ebbed, the usual forms of transportation became more prominent, such as horses and wagons.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Ormaria that we don’t see on Earth?

The mischievous wee folk, also known as fairies, co-exist with wizards. Rainbow trees are beautiful, with their multi-hued arches of color. Lovely bluebell flowers ring with a gentle breeze. Buttercup blooms are filled with sweet, melted butter. If you’re lucky, you might stumble into a fairy ring ritual at midnight.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Ormaria? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

Magic took the place of laborers whenever possible, making the production of goods faster, easier, and less costly. Wizards also supplied certain necessities of life in an instant, such as fire and water. And of course magic was used to beautify the world, adding whimsy wherever and whenever it would bring pleasure.

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Ormaria? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.

Wizards are capable of placing themselves within their dragon crystals in a sort of suspended animation, thereby achieving an extended lifespan. In addition, certain wizards are also capable of shapeshifting into different animals, such as dragons.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Destiny?

Most notable are the annual regional archery competitions central to the Tournament of Chance. Ladies vie with one another in rigorous contests designed to produce two elite Tournament of Chance candidates. The final match is held at the castle, when the king and his court attend. Peasants are also allowed to watch on the far side of the field, and many families camp out ahead of time to get a good vantage point.

What is the political or government structure in Destiny? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

King Chance rules Destiny. He’s a shrewd, manipulative king who considers his subjects as cattle. Of course, he portrays himself as a beneficent and generous ruler. For example, his Tournament of Chance is open to commoners and royalty alike. If the winner is a commoner, she’ll be given the title of Lady and be asked to live at the castle. For some reason, however, no commoner has managed to win.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

Many of the magical locations in Tournament of Chance were inspired by the time I spent in Western North Carolina. There are beautiful waterfalls, roadways, and trails there, as well as the magnificent Biltmore Estate.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?

The concept of “royalty” has always been fascinating to me, whether it be actual European royalty, or the ruling elite in America. The parallels in Tournament of Chance on how these people may or may not view the rest of humanity might be seen as controversial.

Author Autobiography:

Currently residing in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, S.G. Rogers writes historical romance, paranormal, and fantasy tales. She’s owned by two hairless cats, Houdini and Nikita, and lives on an island populated by exotic birds, deer and the occasional gator. Tab is her beverage of choice, but when she imbibes, a cranberry vodka martini doesn’t go amiss.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?

Through October 2014, Tournament of Chance is exclusive to Amazon:

After October, the novel will be available at all the usual online retailers, including Musa Publishing’s website.

Where can readers connect with you online?

Find me on Facebook • Twitter • Blog • Pinterest

For a list of all my books on Amazon, go HERE

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Destiny. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!

Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.

Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the the Dungeons-and-Dragons-inspired world of Greyhawk in Realm Explorers Part XXIII!

-Annie Douglass Lima