Illustrated Fantasy novel set in the realm of the Gods. Where's Circe the Witch hiding & what is the secret she's keeping for the gods?
Help us show new readers about the mythologies and cultures of our shared past in a fascinating new way... About City of the Gods: Guardian - Forced by a mystical bond, D’Molay and Mazu must travel across the Realms of the Gods in search of Circe, one of the greatest Sorceresses of Greek myth. But finding her is only half the battle, for they must also rescue one of Circe’s victims and return her to an impatient deity.
To make matters worse, D’Molay begins to doubt his own sanity as he begins to hallucinate and becomes convinced that someone or some thing is stalking them. What is Circe’s secret task, and does D’Molay know something that threatens the very existence of the City of the Gods? Uncover more mysteries of this unique world in this second book in the series.
Why we believe in the City of the Gods The most successful movies usually have one thing in common – name recognition: Dracula, Robin Hood, Frankenstein. So how can you replicate that same approach in a fantasy book? How about writing a new epic story about gods everyone knows? We spent ten years developing a universe that ties into the history of our past and explains how and why the gods of old left Earth for a new realm of their own. One of the biggest complaints people have about fantasy books is trying to keep track of all the different races, names and cultures. In City of the Gods, most readers have already heard of Zeus, Set, Quetzalcoatl and Odin, so readers have an idea for the characters and the world. We’ve also added deeper mysteries beyond the main story, that keep you reading till the very end. So far we’ve created the first novel, an anthology, a comic and role playing book all based in the City of the Gods. Our illustrated novel uses some of the greatest art ever created -- repurposed engravings and paintings by Gustave Doré, Lord Frederick Leighton, Léon François Commerre, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Arthur Hughes, Ingres, Diego Velázquez, William Bouguereau, Botticelli, John William Waterhouse, and other works all adjusted to match the story. Its an attempt to create a new kind of novel in a unique classic style.
Funding Details We have already written and published the first novel in this series, so we have a proven track record and a growing fan base. We are seeking completion funds to help edit, print and market the book on a larger scale. Visit www.cityofthegods.com to see just how much we’ve already done to reach out and gain a following… We hope you'll help us expand this exciting new universe and help expose readers to the cultures and mythologies of our shared past.
STRETCH GOALS If we reach $2,750 - Wynn Mercere will host a live video hangout at the City of the Gods page on Google+ . Ask Wynn any question about the novels, comics and anthologies, and get a special sneak preview of a City of the Gods tabletop game that is in development. Est. delivery date August 2012.
FAQ
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Here's a very brief piece, just to give you a taste. Our heroes have taken shelter for the night, in a crumbling abandoned Temple, deep in the desert of Anagar...
Chapter 12: In the Deserted Desert
“One way to find out,” D’Molay said. He took one step outside but immediately everything felt wrong. He fell into a defensive crouch just in time to miss being hit by a spear that flew into the house and slammed against the back wall. It was almost as if an unseen force had pushed him down, but he had no time to consider how that could be the case.“Away from the doorway!” D’Molay commanded.
Quan and Mazu quickly complied, with Quan being visibly shaken. Mazu, as usual, wore a mask of calm concern.“You were right, Quan. I wonder what they want,” she said as two more spears thudded into the wall and a shout went up from the warriors outside.
“Based on those spears, they want us dead!” Quan said, trying not to hide too obviously behind Mazu’s robes.“Then I will try to change their minds,” she decided. Before D’Molay could object, Mazu quickly stepped into the opening. “Cease this saber rattling, we mean you no harm,” she said in a loud, strong voice. This offer was met with a new volley of spears.Quan screamed in horror as their points pierced Mazu and their shafts continued through her body, splattering dark liquid in their wake.
Every instinct and experience told D’Molay that Mazu ought to be dead, but still she stood, unaffected by the attack. “Mazu!” he cried out
.She glanced at him for just a second before again addressing whatever waited outside. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, perhaps we can discuss this reasonably.”
She took a few more steps forward and moved out of D’Molay’s view.He stared at the spot where Mazu had just stood, seeing only the dark puddles on the floor. Then he came to a sudden realization. “It’s not her blood. It’s water!”
Two more spears flew through the entrance as a spray of additional water followed them in.“W-water?” Quan sheepishly asked, still in shock from the attack on his beloved Mazu. But the goddess seemed to be fine.
D’Molay and Quan could hear her berating their unknown enemies. “I am not certain which will run out first, my patience or your spears. Where is your leader? Let me speak to him ere I’m forced to drown you all,” they heard Mazu say
You'll have to wait for the book to come out to see what happens next. The first book was 428 pages and had over 90 black & white illustrations. This new book will have a very similar length and balance of art. It works out to an illustration every couple of pages. Not many novels are illustrated in such a manner nowadays. So reading the novel is a bit like looking at a book that was created 150 years ago. Like the original Alice in Wonderland or Dante's Inferno. The style matches the subject matter of the novel perfectly.
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Well a chunk of the funds will go towards creating the pledge items that everyone gets with their pledge. We will have some additional art charges as we will be purchasing a few images for the book, along with some editing charges. We will also be printing copies of the new book which of cource takes up a fair amount. We plan to send out more review copies and do some marketing on Facebook and Goodreads to try to promote the book all the more. We may also take advantage of some other advertising or promotion that will help get the word out. If YOU have any ideas - we'd love to hear them!
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Funding period
Jun 29, 2012 -
Aug 28, 2012
(60 days)
- First created · 36 backed
- Steve Crompton 224 friends
- Website: cityofthegods.com
Pledge $1 or more
2 backers
A pdf of a finished chapter of the City of the Gods: Guardian will be e-mailed to you, along with our thanks.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $3 or more
2 backers
Full-color Autographed City of the Gods promotional bookmark will be mailed to you, along with our thanks.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $5 or more
6 backers Limited (94 of 100 left)
Origins Poker card deck which includes a City of the Gods card. Plus the signed bookmark, and of course our thanks .
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $10 or more
7 backers
Autographed copy of Pantheon of the Gods, a prequel to the novel, plus a signed bookmark and our grateful appreciation.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $15 or more
1 backer
Autographed copy of Mythic Tales, our anthology, starring characters from the first novel, plus a signed bookmark and our appreciation.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $20 or more
6 backers
A signed copy of the first illustrated novel the City of the Gods: Forgotten. 428 pages of epic fantasy about what happened to the gods after they left Earth... You also get the signed bookmark and the blessings of the gods.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $22 or more
2 backers Limited (34 of 36 left)
City of the Gods T-shirt. Limited edition design using the Great Seal of the Council of the Gods, plus a signed bookmark and our appreciation
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $25 or more
8 backers
Autographed copy of the new novel City of the Gods: Guardian with a special writers’ commentary insert. The first 100 will also be numbered, so pledge early and often! You also get the signed bookmark and our undying gratitude...
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $30 or more
1 backer
Jolly Rajah Drinking Stein. Direct from the main character's favorite tavern (the Jolly Rajah), an official, very limited edition ceramic drinking mug decorated with the Rajah's logo and the painting of D'Molay about to go in. And, we'll raise a toast to you in thanks.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $35 or more
1 backer
Beautiful City of the Gods Keepsake box with a special surprise inside, You also get the signed bookmark and our gracious respect
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $40 or more
5 backers
Autographed copies of BOTH the first and second City of the Gods Books. You also get 2 signed bookmarks and our glad tidings
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $60 or more
4 backers
City of the Gods 4 Pack! You get signed copies of City of the Gods: Forgotten, City of the Gods: Guardian, Mythic Tales and the Pantheon comic, plus bookmarks and a surprize gift. These are the items mentioned in update 11. (We'll ship book 2 in January 2013)
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $75 or more
2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)
You get to choose a god to appear in a scene of City of the Gods: Guardian **subject to author approval ** It must be a historically documented deity or mythical being that existed before 1 B.C. We'll also send you a signed copy of the book, so you can see what your god does...
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $100 or more
2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)
We'll put YOU in the novel! Your name will appear as a character in a scene ** subject to alteration to fit the cultural mythos ** We'll also send you a signed copy of City of the Gods: Guardian, so you can show everyone that you've been written into a novel!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $150 or more
3 backers Limited (7 of 10 left)
We'll add your picture into into one of the illustrations in the City of the Gods: Guardian Novel. We'll also send you a signed copy of the book, so you can show everyone that you've been immortalized in a novel, and we'll send you a high quality print of the image, suitable for framing.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $200 or more
1 backer Limited (2 of 3 left)
A custom 1500 word short story featuring your choice of one character from the CoG universe. We will also give you an acknowlegement for inspiring us to write a story about this character. We'll also send you a signed copy of the City of the Gods: Guardian.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $300 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
A custom 1500 - 3000 word short story featuring your own story prompt and your choice of two characters from the CoG universe ** prompt not to exceed a PG-13 rating ** We might even be persuaded to write YOU into the story! We will also give you an acknowlegement for inspiring us to write a story. We'll also send you a signed copy of City of the Gods: Guardian.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $500 or more
1 backer Limited (24 of 25 left)
Council Package: signed promotional bookmark, card deck, autographed copy of Mythic Tales, autographed copy of City of the Gods: Forgotten, autographed copy of City of the Gods: Guardian, autographed copy of City of the Gods: Map Pack, autographed copy of Pantheon of the Gods #3, acknowledgment as a God of Patronage, City Seal medallion, City of the Gods t-shirt, Jolly Rajah Tavern stein, and City of the Gods Keepsake Box with special surprise inside!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)
Artisan Package: 30 x 40 Canvas print of the Map of the Realms, 24 x 32 Canvas print of Forgotten Cover; 24 x 32 print of Guardian cover; 6x6 framed art tile featuring D'Molay and Aavi; City of the Gods spiral-bound 5x8 journal with blank pages for sketching; City of the Gods Chapbook (RARE. No longer being sold and no more will be produced.) You'll also get a copy of the new novel with a signed sketch by artist Steve Crompton on one of the pages in the book.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $2,000 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
M.Scott Verne, Wynn Mercere or Steve Crompton will help you develop your story, comic or game idea and give you the benefits of many years of experience in creating worlds, getting published, working with printers, web marketing, and breaking into gaming, comics or self-publishing your own project. Limited to 40 hours of consultation.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
