Swordseekers

Blurb

The Eversword, the most powerful of all, is rumored to be found. In a world where magic only comes from wielding the right sword, this means war. The homes of Nimba and Harpe are thrown into chaos as the mad search continues.

Nimba’s family doesn’t want any part in the war. They sneak Nimba out to have her visit the Academia of Bewitched Blades to become a Swordseeker.

Harpe’s family would welcome the war. Harpe speaks up and is cast out. He must walk a different path towards the Eversword.

Theme

The universal truth discussed is aggression and revenge. (Sometimes aggression is necessary, oftentimes not. Sometimes taking revenge is needed, oftentimes not. These things give a temporary relief or satisfaction, but long-term loss.)

Nice font for headings / book cover = Squealer.

Structure

Each chapter starts with an image of a sword + explanation or properties.

This is from the Metal Registry. Each sword found or used, must be registered there, including all information about it. These images usually foreshadow a sword that will become important, and otherwise provide interesting details about the world.

Potentially a Series

Just write the story however I wish. But if it goes on too long, I can cut off books after major plot twists.

Plot Twists

Mentioning the different treatment of Swords, from both countries, can slowly give away plot twist 1 as well.

Twist 1

Twist 1: Nimbe and Harpe are not from the same country.

The major evil simply reported that the Eversword was found to both countries, pitting them against each other.

How to hide this? Because Nimbe moves close to the border, Harpe already lives there, and we can portray the group he tracks as if they’re from “the other, bad country”.

Yes, the “other country” must be clearly painted as bad all the time, with all sorts of examples showing how evil and weird and corrupted they are.

Twist 2

Twist 2: the sword they’ve been visiting is the same one. This is revealed when they both figure out how to get it at the same time, then have to fight over it.

How to hide this? Nimbe describes the sword visually. Harpe describes it with other senses. Nimbe describes the sword, while harpe describes the surroundings.

Most importantly, the sword can change appearance based on who sees it. When they both see it, it keeps flipping, like it’s going mad.

Twist 3

Twist 3: that history book / registry they’ve been using, is filled with false information. The one writing it made a huge profit on it, making stories more sensational or perpetuating myths.

(Need to figure out the precise role of this.)

Twist 4

Twist 4: the Swordsmith is one of the young kids and friends.

I already know the revelation scene.

They’ve been hunting the Swordsmith and reach the end. (A treasure room, last part of the forest, whatever.)
One person from the group must stay behind. This seems an emotional moment, a sacrifice. (“No, you continue. I’ll be fine. We came so far. It was your quest.”)
But they reach the location … and nothing makes sense. Somebody was there before them. Until they slowly realize: the person who stayed behind, he was the original Swordsmith.
They run back. As you expected: that person is long gone.

Possible hints/red herrings:

“When the Swordsmith” discovered what they’d done, they changed their appearance and fled. Nobody knows who they are, what they look like, or if they even still exist.
Clearly state that Swords that apply magic to people, would mean hitting or cutting them. If a sword existed that changed time or reversed age, it would probably mean sacrificing a part of your body.
Everybody looks for the Swordsmith in some old person. In truth, a little kid made the discovery and the swords. (The little kid should be introduced as having a scar, or a weird gait, or something like that.)

Twist 5 (potentially earlier)

All those swords were created explicitly for defeating this big evil. Nearing the end of the story, they realize that their evil enemy has X minions/soldiers with loads of different abilities and powers. They are overwhelmed and almost give up. This is why they think they need the Eversword—maybe it doesn’t actually exist at all?

Until they realize the swords they’ve always been collecting are exactly the counters to some of them. They have to somehow find and combine everyone with a sword, because they need them all to fight the evil in the end.

@TODO: This is an amazing twist that could set up an entire second book, turning this into a series.

Opening

The inciting incident, in both opening chapters, is the message that the Eversword was found. Notably, it was found, not captured (the one who found it wasn’t worthy or didn’t know how to get it).

First paragraph:

A blade stuck into the wooden wall behind Nimbe, the thin metal vibrating from impact, thrown by an unseen arm. Nimbe jumped and yelled for her father.
No need. This wasn’t an attack. She leaned through her glassless window to check on the other side. The sword glued a piece of Parchmys to her wall that contained a message in bold, black symbols.
Her father kicked open the door, holding his Sword.

Chapter 1: Nimbe

Image: Eversword.

Message that Eversword was found in neighbor country. Immediate call to join army.

Her parents want none of that and flee. Her father has to fight off danger, revealing he has a sword and a promise of how the magic works. Eventually, they reach a safer place.

(GOAL) There, Nimbe decides to find the sword to protect her family and never have to go through this anymore.

Next steps on route:

Finds the mysterious sword in cave.
Discovers the Swordseeker school and tries to find it.
With Harpe’s help, finds it. (Has to do a challenge to get in, with which Harpe helps as well.)
Goes there, learns all about the world, does challenges, etcetera.
Tries to figure out the mysterious sword. (While keeping it hidden. While a student at the school, any sword found is immediately property of the school.)

Chapter 2: Harpe

Image: His own useless sword, with lots of question marks.

Message that Eversword was found in neighbor country.

But his family would welcome them. They do nothing and accept any treatment from the others, basically giving up (in his eyes).

His family is an important border control. They defect and let a secret search party from the enemy in.

“Our country has done nothing for us. They ask us to protect their precious border, but they do not even give us any swords to do it!”

(GOAL) Restore the honor of his family and drive the enemy away.

(Maybe he is cast out from both his family and then the school. He betrays his family? This is how he can start with anger and vengeance.)

Next steps on route:

It’s discovered what his family did, and his father is taken away? Killed?
He tracks the secret party, meets Nimbe, helps her get to the school.
But he’s rejected.
As he tracks the secret party, he mostly becomes one of them, and it turns into an adventure across the country, as he learns Swordfighting.
(He also tries to figure out what his own useless sword does.)
(And find the swordsmith?)

Characters

Nimbe

Main character. 12 years old. Girl.

Pacifistic. Calm, diplomatic, tries to flee. Her arc is that she turns into somebody seeking revenge (the inverse of Harpe).

Dialogue: longer, weaker sentences. “We’ll see” or “Let’s just calm down and think.”

Appearance:

Other:

She carries a plush toy? A teddy bear? Secretly, knowing she has to grow out of it, but it’s soft and feels like protection?

Harpe

Main character. 12 years old. Boy.

Aggressive, active, a fighter. His arc is that he turns into somebody who’s more controlled and calm (the inverse of Nimbe).

Dialogue: short, definite statements. “I’ll fix this” and “X can’t go unpunished.”

Appearance:

Other:

He carries a sword. But he has no idea what it does. If he tries to stab somebody, nothing happens. (It disappears, isn’t sharp, does not hurt.)

The whole story he has to bluff about how dangerous the sword is, while scared somebody sees through the lie and attacks him.

He also owns lots of sword-related souvenirs.

Worldbuilding

The Two Countries

For our purposes, there are two countries: Algraham and Zaryote.

A sort of competition is going on between the two countries as to who can find the most swords. That’s why they ended up closing their borders entirely and letting the relationships turn sour. They do not want people going on vacation/expedition and stealing their precious swords. => Obviously, people still do, in secret and risking their lives.

Swordspells

I invented the swords to make magic physical and visual.

All magic, without exception, is executed through a physical movement with a magical sword. (Except perhaps the final evil: they’re extra scary if they can do it secretly or invisibly.)

Regular swords do not exist. They are somehow blunt and cannot hit anything. => @TODO: Might need a sharper rule, what “is” a sword? What about knives?

In Algraham, any sword imagery is strictly forbidden to prevent confusion.
In Zaryote, they do make loads of sword-related souvenirs. They add colors/design to those objects they never found in a sword before.

Each sword has one unique power. (No doubles.) The appearance of the sword is unique and gives a hint about what it does. (Example: a curved sword is a boomerang.)

They were made by the Swordsmith and scattered throughout the world. However, only the one to reveal their secret (or who is “worthy”) can find and grab the sword.

This means swords are not automatically given away when the owner dies. You must officially give the sword to someone else before you die, otherwise the magic is lost and it becomes a regular piece of metal.

Swordbearers

You can have any number of swords. These people are ranked above everyone else. That’s also why the leaders of both countries have always been Swordbearers (since they came into the world), as they needn’t listen to anyone and could easily depose the previous leaders.

This still is partially true. Most Swordbearers live outside the law and do their own thing, if their swords are sufficiently powerful. They flaunt their swords like trophies.

(Which can lead to plot twists for unexpected Swordbearers, simply because they don’t flaunt it.)

Academia of Bewitched Blades

A simple “magic school” idea, but with a much stronger purpose: you learn how to find and then capture/solve new blades.

They do not want anybody who is too aggressive or who’d use the sword for fighting. As such, they barely accept any boys, turning it into practically an all-girl school.

They work only with (practical) challenges. Most of them are about cutting through stuff, like a maze or room with weird walls. You’d have to find your path to the other side, using the blade you’re given?

At this school, a lot of the history and myths are uncovered. It’s build around some of the foundational myths, like the Swordsmith and Arthur/Merlin?

Metal Registry

Below is the list of all (known) swords.

Eversword => can do everything the other swords can, but at the same time (?)
Softsword => Harpe has that
?? => Nimbe’s father has it
Ghostsword => the one they both find, which can change appearance

Loose Ideas

Een land wordt ingenomen / overheerst door een ander volk. Maar de vorige leiding was eigenlijk een rotzooi, en de nieuwe zijn een grote verbetering, dus men laat het maar een beetje gebeuren.

“They believed the other country wouldn’t actually attack. They believed it when the president said it. They believed it when they dismantled their army and went to their work, whistling and free. They believed it up until the moment the other country invaded.”
De invasie van Rusland (in Oekraïne) meenemen? Dat ze het willen “capturen” (in plaats van vernielen), en dat ze simpelweg zo lang oorlog willen voeren dat mensen vergeten dat dit niet normaal is.

Het verhaal van Merlijn + Arthur en het zwaard in de steen. (In ieder geval een verhaallijn die laat zien hoe een zwaard ergens vast komt te zitten, en eentje met hoe iemand met “puur hart” ofzo die eruit kan krijgen.)

IDEE: Gedurende het verhaal refereert men steeds aan een of ander groot historisch werk. (“De Hele Historie van <land>”) Het is zo’n groot werk, vol details, en iedereen accepteert het, dat je als lezer denkt dat het allemaal sowieso waar is.

Maar dan blijkt halverwege het boek dat grote delen verzonnen zijn. (Net zoals “History of Kings of Britain” alle details van koning Arthur maar een beetje bij elkaar raapte.)

Misschien is dit boek slechts in delen beschikbaar, verspreid over verschillende plekken. Er moet in ieder geval een reden zijn dat het in het verhaal zit, iets anders raars dat aan de hand is met het boek om lezers op het verkeerde spoor te zetten.

IDEE: Een soort scholen/cursussen/systemen waarin kinderen wordt geleerd hoe ze zulke zwaarden moeten opsporen en dan ontmantelen/voor zich winnen. Maar alleen meisjes mogen het doen. De jongen, ondanks dat hij veel potentie laat zien, mag het niet.

IDEE: Een heel oud persoon die nog steeds heel sterk is en alle grote gevechten heeft overleefd en dergelijke. => “Onderschat nooit een oude zwaardvechter. Er is een reden dat ze zolang hebben overleefd.”

IDEE: “Conquerer of Hearts”. Een of andere ridder die in het ene land compleet wordt afgezworen en als aartsvijand wordt neergezet: “The Conquerer”. Maar het blijkt juist de beste persoon die ooit heeft geleefd, iemand met een groot hart die constant goede dingen heeft gedaan.

IDEE (Veritasium Video): Dat verhaal van de “cosmic rays”: onzichtbare straling daalt steeds neer uit de hemel.

Dit zorgt voor “single error events”. Ergens verandert het iets, maar het is haast niet te traceren of te begrijpen achteraf:

Een bit “flipt” in een computer
Eén stukje in ons DNA muteert
Een geheugen van ons wordt gewist, of aangepast
Onze hersenen beschadigd of juist tijdelijk verbeterd

Dit is natuurlijk geweldig voor drama: mensen die dingen vergeten of juist zéker zijn van een herinnering (die vals blijkt). Plannen die steeds opnieuw mislopen, maar ze ontdekken maar niet waarom.

Maar dan moet natuurlijk wel foreshadowing zijn naar die cosmic rays, iets van een algehele verklaring en rode draad.

IDEE (Veritasium Video): Evenzo dat verhaal van de persoon die lood in benzine stopte, en daarmee (in eerste instantie per ongeluk) miljoenen mensen heeft gedood en zelfs de algemene intelligentie naar beneden gehaald.

“You will observe with concern how long a useful truth may be known, and exist, before it is generally received and practiced upon.”

Wow, je kan een heel boek schrijven puur op basis van zijn quotes:

“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.”
“Any society that will give up a little liberty to gain a little security, will deserve neither and lose both.”
“There never was a good war or a bad peace.”
“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.”
“A new truth is a truth, and old error is an error.”
“I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion about the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it.”

Het idee is natuurlijk dat we een personage volgen dat echt goed en lief is, die hard werkt om iets uit te vinden voor de toekomst, maar per ongeluk iets uitvindt dat enorm veel schade aanricht. En daar mee moet leren leven.

Below is a fully worked out idea, plot, series, everything for a middle grade fantasy series. I was all set to write it at one point, thinking the sword theme would also make it attractive for boys to read, but I just never found the right time for it. I still think it's a good idea, but I've since pivoted to other things and decided to share my notes because I'll never execute this idea myself. ## Blurb The Eversword, the most powerful of all, is rumored to be found. In a world where magic only comes from wielding the right sword, this means war. The homes of Nimba and Harpe are thrown into chaos as the mad search continues. Nimba's family doesn't want any part in the war. They sneak Nimba out to have her visit the Academia of Bewitched Blades to become a Swordseeker. Harpe's family would welcome the war. Harpe speaks up and is cast out. He must walk a different path towards the Eversword. ## Theme The universal truth discussed is **aggression and revenge.** (Sometimes aggression is necessary, oftentimes not. Sometimes taking revenge is needed, oftentimes not. These things give a temporary relief or satisfaction, but long-term loss.) Nice font for headings / book cover = Squealer. ## Structure Each chapter starts with an **image of a sword + explanation or properties.** This is from the Metal Registry. Each sword found or used, *must* be registered there, including all information about it. These images usually foreshadow a sword that will become important, and otherwise provide interesting details about the world. ## Potentially a Series Just write the story however I wish. But if it goes on too long, I can cut off books after major plot twists. ## Plot Twists Mentioning the different treatment of Swords, from both countries, can slowly give away plot twist 1 as well. ### Twist 1 **Twist 1:** Nimbe and Harpe are *not* from the same country. The major evil simply reported that the Eversword was found to both countries, pitting them against each other. How to hide this? Because Nimbe moves close to the border, Harpe already lives there, and we can portray the group he tracks as if they're from "the other, bad country". **Yes, the "other country" must be clearly painted as bad all the time, with all sorts of examples showing how evil and weird and corrupted they are.** ### Twist 2 **Twist 2:** the sword they've been visiting is the *same one*. This is revealed when they both figure out how to get it at the same time, then have to fight over it. How to hide this? Nimbe describes the sword *visually*. Harpe describes it with other senses. Nimbe describes the *sword*, while harpe describes the *surroundings.* Most importantly, the sword can change appearance based on who sees it. When they both see it, it keeps flipping, like it's going mad. ### Twist 3 **Twist 3:** that history book / registry they've been using, is filled with false information. The one writing it made a huge profit on it, making stories more sensational or perpetuating myths. (Need to figure out the precise role of this.) ### Twist 4 **Twist 4:** the Swordsmith is one of the young kids and friends. I already know the revelation scene. * They've been hunting the Swordsmith and reach the end. (A treasure room, last part of the forest, whatever.) * One person from the group must stay behind. This seems an emotional moment, a sacrifice. ("No, you continue. I'll be fine. We came so far. It was *your* quest.") * But they reach the location ... and nothing makes sense. Somebody was there before them. Until they slowly realize: **the person who stayed behind, he *was* the original Swordsmith.** * They run back. As you expected: that person is long gone. **Possible hints/red herrings:** - "When the Swordsmith" discovered what they'd done, they changed their appearance and fled. Nobody knows who they are, what they look like, or if they even still exist. - Clearly state that Swords that apply magic to people, would mean hitting or cutting them. *If* a sword existed that changed time or reversed age, it would probably mean sacrificing a part of your body. - Everybody looks for the Swordsmith in some old person. In truth, a little kid made the discovery and the swords. (The little kid should be introduced as having a scar, or a weird gait, or something like that.) ### Twist 5 (potentially earlier) All those swords were created **explicitly** for defeating this big evil. Nearing the end of the story, they realize that their evil enemy has X minions/soldiers with loads of different abilities and powers. They are overwhelmed and almost give up. This is why they _think_ they need the Eversword---maybe it doesn't actually exist at all? Until they realize the swords they've always been collecting are _exactly_ the counters to some of them. They have to somehow find and combine _everyone_ with a sword, because they need them all to fight the evil in the end. **@TODO: This is an amazing twist that could set up an entire second book, turning this into a series.** ## Opening The inciting incident, in both opening chapters, is the message that the **Eversword** was found. Notably, it was *found*, not *captured* (the one who found it wasn't worthy or didn't know how to get it). First paragraph: > A blade stuck into the wooden wall behind Nimbe, the thin metal vibrating from impact, thrown by an unseen arm. Nimbe jumped and yelled for her father. > > No need. This wasn't an attack. She leaned through her glassless window to check on the other side. The sword glued a piece of Parchmys to her wall that contained a message in bold, black symbols. > > Her father kicked open the door, holding his Sword. ### Chapter 1: Nimbe **Image:** Eversword. Message that Eversword was found in neighbor country. Immediate call to join army. Her parents want none of that and flee. Her father has to fight off danger, revealing he has a sword *and* a promise of how the magic works. Eventually, they reach a safer place. (**GOAL**) There, Nimbe decides to find the sword to protect her family and never have to go through this anymore. **Next steps on route:** - Finds the mysterious sword in cave. - Discovers the Swordseeker school and tries to find it. - With Harpe's help, finds it. (Has to do a challenge to get in, with which Harpe helps as well.) - Goes there, learns all about the world, does challenges, etcetera. - Tries to figure out the mysterious sword. (While keeping it hidden. While a student at the school, any sword found is immediately property of the *school*.) ### Chapter 2: Harpe **Image:** His own useless sword, with lots of question marks. Message that Eversword was found in neighbor country. But his family would *welcome* them. They do nothing and accept any treatment from the others, basically giving up (in his eyes). His family is an important border control. They defect and let a secret search party from the enemy in. > "Our country has done *nothing* for us. They ask us to protect their precious border, but they do not even give us any *swords* to do it!" (**GOAL**) Restore the honor of his family and drive the enemy away. (Maybe he is cast out from both his *family* and then the *school*. He betrays his family? This is how he can start with *anger* and *vengeance*.) **Next steps on route:** - It's discovered what his family did, and his father is taken away? Killed? - He tracks the secret party, meets Nimbe, helps her get to the school. - But he's rejected. - As he tracks the secret party, he mostly becomes one of them, and it turns into an adventure across the country, as he learns Swordfighting. - (He also tries to figure out what his own useless sword does.) - (And find the swordsmith?) ## Characters ### Nimbe Main character. 12 years old. Girl. Pacifistic. Calm, diplomatic, tries to flee. Her **arc** is that she *turns into* somebody seeking revenge (the inverse of Harpe). **Dialogue:** longer, weaker sentences. "We'll see" or "Let's just calm down and think." **Appearance:** **Other:** She carries a plush toy? A teddy bear? Secretly, knowing she has to grow out of it, but it's soft and feels like protection? ### Harpe Main character. 12 years old. Boy. Aggressive, active, a fighter. His **arc** is that he *turns into* somebody who's more controlled and calm (the inverse of Nimbe). **Dialogue:** short, definite statements. "I'll fix this" and "X can't go unpunished." **Appearance:** **Other:** He carries a **sword.** But he has no idea what it does. If he tries to stab somebody, nothing happens. (It disappears, isn't sharp, does not hurt.) The whole story he has to bluff about how dangerous the sword is, while scared somebody sees through the lie and attacks him. He also owns *lots* of sword-related souvenirs. ## Worldbuilding ### The Two Countries For our purposes, there are two countries: **Algraham** and **Zaryote.** A sort of **competition** is going on between the two countries as to who can find the most swords. That's why they ended up closing their borders entirely and letting the relationships turn sour. They do not want people going on vacation/expedition and stealing their precious swords. => Obviously, people still do, in secret and risking their lives. ### Swordspells I invented the swords to make magic **physical and visual.** All magic, without exception, is executed through a *physical movement* with a *magical sword*. (Except perhaps the final evil: they're extra scary if they can do it secretly or invisibly.) Regular swords do *not* exist. They are somehow blunt and cannot hit anything. => \@TODO: Might need a sharper rule, what "is" a sword? What about knives? - In Algraham, any sword imagery is strictly forbidden to prevent confusion. - In Zaryote, they do make loads of sword-related souvenirs. They add colors/design to those objects they never found in a sword before. Each sword has **one unique power.** (No doubles.) The **appearance** of the sword is unique and gives a hint about what it does. (Example: a curved sword is a boomerang.) They were made by the **Swordsmith** and scattered throughout the world. However, only the one to reveal their secret (or who is "worthy") can find and grab the sword. This means swords **are not automatically given away** when the owner dies. You must officially give the sword to someone else before you die, otherwise the magic is lost and it becomes a regular piece of metal. ### Swordbearers You can have any number of swords. These people are ranked **above** everyone else. That's also why the leaders of both countries have always been Swordbearers (since they came into the world), as they needn't listen to anyone and could easily depose the previous leaders. This still is partially true. Most Swordbearers live outside the law and do their own thing, if their swords are sufficiently powerful. They flaunt their swords like trophies. (Which can lead to plot twists for unexpected Swordbearers, simply because they don't flaunt it.) ### Academia of Bewitched Blades A simple "magic school" idea, but with a much stronger purpose: you learn how to *find* and then *capture/solve* new blades. They do not want anybody who is too aggressive or who'd use the sword for fighting. As such, they barely accept any boys, turning it into practically an all-girl school. They work only with (practical) **challenges.** Most of them are about cutting through stuff, like a maze or room with weird walls. You'd have to find your path to the other side, using the blade you're given? At this school, a lot of the history and myths are uncovered. It's build around some of the foundational myths, like the Swordsmith and Arthur/Merlin? ## Metal Registry Below is the list of all (known) swords. - Eversword => can do *everything* the other swords can, but at the same time (?) - Softsword => Harpe has that - ?? => Nimbe's father has it - Ghostsword => the one they both find, which can change appearance ## Loose Ideas Een land wordt ingenomen / overheerst door een ander volk. Maar de vorige leiding was eigenlijk een rotzooi, en de nieuwe zijn een grote verbetering, dus men *laat het maar een beetje gebeuren*. > "They believed the other country wouldn't actually attack. They believed it when the president said it. They believed it when they dismantled their army and went to their work, whistling and free. They believed it up until the moment the other country invaded." > > De invasie van Rusland (in Oekraïne) meenemen? Dat ze het willen "capturen" (in plaats van vernielen), en dat ze simpelweg zo lang oorlog willen voeren dat mensen *vergeten* dat dit niet normaal is. Het verhaal van Merlijn + Arthur en het zwaard in de steen. (In ieder geval een verhaallijn die laat zien hoe een zwaard ergens vast komt te zitten, en eentje met hoe iemand met "puur hart" ofzo die eruit kan krijgen.) **IDEE:** Gedurende het verhaal refereert men steeds aan een of ander groot historisch werk. ("De Hele Historie van \<land>") Het is zo'n groot werk, vol details, en iedereen accepteert het, dat je als lezer denkt dat het allemaal sowieso waar is. Maar dan blijkt halverwege het boek dat grote delen verzonnen zijn. (Net zoals "History of Kings of Britain" alle details van koning Arthur maar een beetje bij elkaar raapte.) > Misschien is dit boek slechts in delen beschikbaar, verspreid over verschillende plekken. Er moet in ieder geval een *reden* zijn dat het in het verhaal zit, iets *anders raars* dat aan de hand is met het boek om lezers op het verkeerde spoor te zetten. **IDEE:** Een soort scholen/cursussen/systemen waarin kinderen wordt geleerd hoe ze zulke zwaarden moeten *opsporen* en dan *ontmantelen/voor zich winnen*. Maar alleen meisjes mogen het doen. De jongen, ondanks dat hij veel potentie laat zien, mag het niet. **IDEE:** Een heel oud persoon die nog steeds heel sterk is en alle grote gevechten heeft overleefd en dergelijke. => "Onderschat nooit een oude zwaardvechter. Er is een reden dat ze zolang hebben overleefd." **IDEE:** "Conquerer of Hearts". Een of andere ridder die in het ene land compleet wordt afgezworen en als aartsvijand wordt neergezet: "The Conquerer". Maar het blijkt juist de beste persoon die ooit heeft geleefd, iemand met een groot hart die constant goede dingen heeft gedaan. **IDEE (Veritasium Video):** Dat verhaal van de "cosmic rays": onzichtbare straling daalt steeds neer uit de hemel. Dit zorgt voor "single error events". Ergens verandert het iets, maar het is haast niet te traceren of te begrijpen achteraf: - Een bit "flipt" in een computer - Eén stukje in ons DNA muteert - Een geheugen van ons wordt gewist, of aangepast - Onze hersenen beschadigd of juist tijdelijk verbeterd Dit is natuurlijk geweldig voor drama: mensen die dingen vergeten of juist zéker zijn van een herinnering (die vals blijkt). Plannen die steeds opnieuw mislopen, maar ze ontdekken maar niet *waarom*. Maar dan moet natuurlijk wel *foreshadowing* zijn naar die cosmic rays, iets van een algehele verklaring en rode draad. **IDEE (Veritasium Video):** Evenzo dat verhaal van de persoon die lood in benzine stopte, en daarmee (in eerste instantie per ongeluk) miljoenen mensen heeft gedood en zelfs de algemene intelligentie naar beneden gehaald. "You will observe with concern how long a useful truth may be known, and exist, before it is generally received and practiced upon." **Wow, je kan een heel boek schrijven puur op basis van zijn quotes:** - "Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late." - "Any society that will give up a little liberty to gain a little security, will deserve neither and lose both." - "There never was a good war or a bad peace." - "If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing." - "A new truth is a truth, and old error is an error." - "I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion about the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it." Het idee is natuurlijk dat we een personage volgen dat echt *goed* en *lief* is, die hard werkt om iets uit te vinden voor de toekomst, maar per ongeluk iets uitvindt dat enorm veel schade aanricht. En daar mee moet leren leven.