The Order of Merlin, page 34
Ruby Court
Queen: Lady Amethyte
Diamond Court
Queen: Lady Zaire
Jade Court
Queen: Lady Kikala
The Infernal Realm – An early precursor realm that was one of the first to stabilize out of the fledgling universe. The understanding of this brutal place is limited and most scholars think, probably wrong. It is awash in demonic creatures that defy human knowledge.
The Veil – This realm exists at the barrier between life and death. Ghosts, apparitions, and otherworldly creatures sometimes pass through into other realms, causing problems and sometimes opportunities. It is rumored that the mages of the Academy of the Subtle Arts can briefly step into this realm to pass out of sight.
Harmony – A stable realm of harsh beauty, Harmony is known to few. The fearsome and explosively fast mystdrakons come from this place and its jungles hide other dangerous creatures that frighten even the most hardened explorers.
Fae – The realm most commonly portrayed in folktales and legends is the place of the seelie and unseelie. Access to this realm has become more difficult in the last century, making its influence less known than the past.
Ice Hold – A cold and inhospitable place that has become a vacation spot for the ultra-wealthy mages that wish to experience winter sports in an entirely different realm than their own. Most only visit the lodges in the mountains, though some adventurous explorers travel further than the known regions.
Montanhas – A mountainous region that was settled by Portuguese colonists a half-century ago and then again by the company Lifestone. The enormous Montas live in this realm alongside the settlers. Surprisingly little is known about the native race.
Caer Corsydd – A backwater fae realm of swamps and bogs. Its dangers are only matched by its beauty. As the home of the Gwyllion, the outcasts of Fae, it is a mix of fairy and unsettled country. The rules that apply to most fae realms do not here, because it was not their homeland.
Danir – The home to a pastural race that is quite civilized. Their extensive farmlands are surrounded by jungle. Early explorers learned about the existence of mágrithral which is commonly called magesteel, a material that can easily hold enchantments. The value of magesteel is astronomical, though the Danir no longer produce it, citing environmental issues as the cause.
Black Council – The existence of this realm has not been confirmed. Researchers claim that it's a den of malicious thievery. Serious researchers avoid this realm as a topic of scholarship due to the string of unfortunate accidents that befell their compatriots that sought to unearth the truth.
Brodaria – Home to the Brodarians, a battle-hungry people that spent their days in constant conquest. Mercenaries and fortune-hunters have been known to visit this realm to ply their dangerous trade.
Major Figures of the Hundred Halls
Invictus – The most famous mage in the world, considered to be the oldest living being. Speculation has him to be at least five hundred years old, though many consider him to be much older.
Malden Anterist – The head of Coterie of Mages keeps himself hidden from scrying and other methods of sight through the use of obfuscation enchantments. The reason for this unusual setup is the subject of much speculation.
Celesse D'Agastine – The third most famous person (after Invictus and Frank Orpheum), the head of D'Agastine Industries runs one of the largest multinational corporations in the world. Celesse is known as a fierce business woman who has destroyed those that have attempted to stand in her way.
Semyon Gray – The least vocal of the Original Five, Semyon is known for working quietly behind the scenes to guide the politics of the Hundred Halls in a more humane direction.
Priyanka Sai – The head of the Assassin's Hall is infamous across the realms.
Bannon Creed – As head of the Protectors, as well as the Blackstone Security, Bannon's mages are involved with law enforcement, and the military across the realms. It is rumored that he often plays both sides of conflicts to maximize his financial interests and accusations about drugs or other unsavory acts have often been met with unusual deaths. Journalists steer clear of any topics related to the mage, which only burgeons his untouchable reputation.
Frank Orpheum – A legendary entertainer and head of the Dramatics Hall, after Invictus, he's considered the most famous in the world. His magic tricks have defied explanation, even by those who understand his methods.
Radoslav – The reclusive owner of the Glass Cabaret is an ex-pat maetrie with ties to organized crime across the city. His jazz bar attracts tourists curious about the city fae, and those who wish a favor from him—but at a price. He is the son of the Ruby and Jade Queens, and is known as the Black Butcher for his role in the destruction of the Ebony Court.
Hemistad – The owner of Freeport Games is a curious figure that not much is known about. Mages that have visited his gaming store suggest that he is not who he appears to be, but the extent of his powers are unknown. He makes frequent trips into the Undercity for his own purposes.
The Societies
The societies were originally created to help the city protect itself from the dangers posed by the infernal realm. Their members are pulled from the top halls with the intention of providing a cross-section of skills. Each has its own location in the Undercity where it meets and initiates new members, but the four societies gather together on a yearly basis for meetings, and then again, every four years for a ceremony called the Convergence, which is meant to help gauge the threat of the infernal realm. All four societies have a role in the Convergence.
There are many other smaller societies that were created for other purposes, but these original four are what most think of when "secret societies" are brought up in the city.
Well and Stone – Dedicated to the understanding of faez and the role of the wells of power.
Snake and Tome – Dedicated to developing charisma and the cunning to change the world.
Chroma and Key – Besides Coterie of Mages, this society is a repository of demonology.
Silence – This society focused on predicting the future through the use of augury.
Timeline of Season One
2003: Invictus disappears / Nadia's Triumph
2013: The Reluctant Assassin
2014: The Sorcerous Spy / Wild Magic
2015: The Veiled Diplomat / Bane of the Hunter / The Warped Forest / Song of Siren and Blood
2016: Agent Unraveled / Mark of the Phoenix / Gladiators of Warsong / House of Snake and Tome / Trials of Magic
2017: The Webs That Bind / Arcane Mutations / Citadel of Broken Dreams / Storm of Dragon and Stone / Web of Lies
2018: Enter the Daemonpits / Untamed Destiny / Sonata of Shadow and Thorn / Alchemy of Souls
2019: Plane of Twilight / Well of Demon and Bone / Gathering of Shadows
2020: City of Sorcery
2022: The Order of Merlin / Infernal Alliances / Tower of Horn and Blood
Hundred Halls – Professors / Instructors
Arcanium – Semyon Gray (Patron)
Joanne Mali
Sebastian Longakers
Gill
Moonie
Alain Chopra
Coterie of Mages – Malden Anterist (Patron)
Augustus Trebleton
Phillip Sinclair
Isla Kingsley
Protectors – Bannon Creed (Patron)
Avani Blue
Alchemists – Celesse D'Agastine (Patron)
Alysson Cho
Assassins – Priyanka Sai (Patron)
Carron Allgood
Marilyn Pennywhistle
Maggie O'Keefe
Alliette Noyade
Percival
Matt Konig
Dionysus Minoan
Stone Singers – Ester Starwood (Patron)
Marin Zeng
Asa Lacuerda
Sven Larsen
Art Williams
Robin Leech
Animalians – Adele Montgomery (Patron)
Didi Applebrook
Kako
Cassius King
Vladmir Constantine
Ansel Park
Ernest Valentine
Dramatics – Frank Orpheum (Patron)
Lilly Hathhammer
Glossary Terms
Merlin Trials - The entrance exams to the Hundred Halls that can only be taken during the ages seventeen through nineteen. There are three stages to the trials.
Faez - The raw stuff of magic. Faez is the energy that when shaped by spell or other means creates magical effects. Faez is dangerous to humans, but a tolerance can be built up over time if somehow protected. The patronage system of the Hundred Halls is the most common method.
Patron - The founder of a hall within the Hundred Halls. The patron extends their magical protection to students, keeping them safe from faez madness, and teaching them a specific skill set within the magical world.
Faez Madness - Prolonged use of faez without protection results in irreversible damage to the user's ability to understand and interact with reality.
Second Year Contest - These games require cross-Hall teams to compete against each other for a grand prize utilizing special facilities that keep the participants from physical harm.
Maetrie – Commonly called city elves, though they have no relation to the Fae. Their home is the Eternal City, a realm closer to Invictus than any other.
Major Halls
Arcanium
Nickname: Arcanium
Patron: Semyon Gray
Est: 1867
Motto: Knowledge is Power
Description: Arcanium believes in the value of gaining knowledge, not only about the world around us, but of ourselves. Before we can master magic, we must hone the tool the magic originates from, because a poorly trained mage will not only be a danger to themselves, but society at large. Once a student is capable, they may learn the art of changing spells on the fly using lexology, or how ancient runic languages are the key to solving the world’s most difficult problems. Join Arcanium and be a part of the solution.
Coterie of Mages
Nickname: Coterie
Patron: Malden Anterist
Est: 1867
Motto: Limitless
Description: Anything is possible. Here in the Coterie of Mages, we don't believe in limits. If you can imagine it, you can do it. We push the boundaries of what magic is capable of. If this frightens you, then Coterie is not the Hall for you, but if this elicits a sense of excitement and wonder, then apply to the Coterie of Mages. We are the elite.
Academy of the Subtle Arts
Nickname: Assassins
Patron: Priyanka Sai
Est: 1867
Motto: Anyone can be persuaded
Description: Human connections make the world go round. We at the Academy of the Subtle Arts strive to bring people, companies, and countries together. Our mages are the world's most effective diplomats and heads of state. If you seek to join the interconnected world of politics, then the Academy is the right Hall for you.
The Order of Honorable Alchemists
Nickname: Alchemists
Patron: Celesse D'Agastine
Est: 1867
Motto: Perfection is Achievable
Description: The human vessel is a sacred thing. We believe in maximizing our potential through better alchemy. Our potentials cannot be met if we rely on the ordinariness of humanity.
Protectors
Nickname: Protectors
Patron: Bannon Creed
Est: 1867
Motto: To Protect and Control
Description: Order requires commitment. Protectors are committed to the value of human life. To being the shield against those that would tear down society, and create chaos. The Protector Hall teaches the ultimate defense, not only for yourself, but for the world at large. If being on the front lines of the world's conflicts appeals to you, then Protectors is your Hall
Acoustic Architectural Institute of Design
Nickname: Stone Singers
Patron: Ester Starwood
Est: 1891
Motto: Building through song
Description: A song is made up of many notes, just like a bridge is made of many stones. Society cannot function without the infrastructure to hold it together. The Acoustic Architectural institute of Design teaches how to shape the world with only a song.
Society for the Understanding of Animals
Nickname: Animalians
Patron: Adele Montgomery
Est: 1945
Motto: We Are Not Alone
Description: All life is sacred. From the industrious dung beetle to the majestic horned dragon. We at the Society believe that Earth must be shared with all her children and when we do we will truly unlock her endless possibilities.
Holistic Institute
Nickname: Aura Healers
Patron: Sir William Jenner III
Est: 1875
Motto: Health Starts in the Soul
Description: When someone gets hurt, are you the first to run to their side to tend their wounds? If so, then the Holistic Institute is for you. We'll teach you how to mend even the most grievous wounds.
Minor Halls
Gamemakers
Nickname: Gamemakers
Patron: Aldophus Dimple
Est: 1961
Motto: Life is a Game
Description: Life is a game to be perfected. We at the Gamemaker's Hall know the importance of games as the training grounds for life.
Metallum Nocturne
Nickname: Night Metal
Patron: Edward Canterbury
Est: 1908
Motto: Strike. Spark. Surpass.
Description: When the hammer hits the forge, great energies are released. Metallum Nocturn is that hammer against the forge of your soul. Join us, and find out what possibilities we can make.
The Daring Maids
Nickname: Palimaidens
Patron: Alice Hayword
Est: 1908
Motto: Stand
Description: The world is filled with unspeakable cruelty. We seek justice for those who cannot protect themselves, no matter the place. Join us in our fight against oppression.
Hundred Halls – Season One Series
Season One
THE HUNDRED HALLS
Trials of Magic
Web of Lies
Alchemy of Souls
Gathering of Shadows
City of Sorcery
THE RELUCTANT ASSASSIN
The Reluctant Assassin
The Sorcerous Spy
The Veiled Diplomat
Agent Unraveled
The Webs That Bind
GAMEMAKERS ONLINE
The Warped Forest
Gladiators of Warsong
Citadel of Broken Dreams
Enter the Daemon Pits
Plane of Twilight
ANIMALIANS HALL
Wild Magic
Bane of the Hunter
Mark of the Phoenix
Arcane Mutations
Untamed Destiny
STONE SINGERS HALL
Song of Siren and Blood
House of Snake and Tome
Storm of Dragon and Stone
Sonata of Shadow and Thorn
Well of Demon and Bone
THE ORDER OF MERLIN
The Order of Merlin
Infernal Alliances
Tower of Horn and Blood
HUNDRED HALLS SHORTS
Nadia's Triumph
The Ghostly Light of Hallow's Eve
The Ascendant Cup
The Whistling Man
Summer Spies
Fear is Forever
Balancing the Ledgers
A Slip of the Tongue
Shades of the Past
Special Thanks
I live in the beautiful town of Buena Vista, Colorado which sits on the edge of the Collegiate Peaks. These mountains, many of them named for universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia, are each over 14,000 feet tall. In Colorado speak, they are part of the "14'ers" and people take pride in climbing them. I've made a few climbs myself and the views are spectacular. But I don't bring up climbing 14'ers as a humble-brag. I bring them up because they're a great lesson in accomplishing difficult things. A writer who lives in Colorado, but I've never meet, recently said that you can climb a 14'er alone, but it's much easier and more enjoyable to do it with friends.
Completing Season One of the Hundred Halls has felt a lot like climbing a 14'er. It's been long and hard, the view from the top since I've finished has been spectacular, and I couldn't have done it without an amazing group of friends. The best part is along the way, I was able to leave my job of twenty-five years at Toyota, and do this full-time. A dream come true, and one that I thought would never arrive.
First and foremost, I must thank my wife, best friend, and business partner, Rachel, for everything she's done to help make this happen. Everyday we pinch ourselves that we're getting to live the life we worked hard to achieve. Next, I want to thank my editor Tamara Blain, who has been with me through the entire Hundred Halls, along with Ravven, who has been the brilliance behind the covers.
I also want to thank the Murder Cabin ™ for their guidance, support, advice, and a million other little things that they've helped with along the way. I couldn't ask for better friends on this publishing journey. They are: Annie Bellet, Anthea Sharp, Megan O'Keefe, Marina J. Lostetter, Tina Gower, Andrea Stewart, and Karina Rochnik. They're all wonderful and accomplished authors in their own right, so check out their books too!
In addition, I've had a wonderful beta crew that gives excellent feedback on a regular, and timely basis. This trilogy is dedicated to them: Tina Rak, Andie Alessandra Cáomhanach, Lana Turner, Alicia Manolas, Phyllis Simpson, and Melanie Coupland. For this series, since I was releasing it in a different manner than the past, a small group from the Vanguard stepped in to make sure no little nits made it to the final version: Erica Williams, Lynda, Elaine Stoker, Lynda Christensn, and Brian Busby. Thank you!!!
