250 words starring my novel and the rpg

Next on the 250 words agenda. First is a small summary about the Rpg I still want to make. Only an introduction, and probably a poorly edited one at that. :)  Second is the beginning of chapter 1 of the novel I want to write. It is based in the world of the Rpg, and is called Shadow over Kushara (working title).

Kushara’s Fate (working title)

I still I want to use Fate as a starting point for the game. 

Part of the idea of the game is loosely based on Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series. In which each character is tied to an elemental  spirit. They then use the spirit to enhance their own abilities. Now, we did not want to go the route of spirits, but we did like idea of players in the game being linked to one of the four elements. Air, earth, fire, and wind. This would give each player some elemental skills that are innate, but not necessarily linked to magic. For example, someone that has the water sign can automatically breathe under water.  The elements are going to be very important. 

The other big influence is Star Wars and even Firefly. At least in sense that the players will be playing part of a resistance group trying to keep their world from being taken over. That group will be very Empire or Alliance like. Now the resistance group is broke up into different conflicting factions, so I want there to be drama coming from many different directions. 

Kushara is also a very dangerous place, mostly due to the elemental nature of the world. Disasters like: tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and volcanos are just a few of the dangers the world offers. I have always wanted this to be a huge component in the game. Yes, there will be other components, but weather is going to be a huge factor. 

Chapter 1 of Shadow over Kushara

Devin crouched quietly in the shadows of the forest.

He was trying desperately to catch his breath and listened carefully for any signs of pursuit. Seconds trickled by slowly and the forest was eerily void of sounds. Surely, they must have given up by now. I have been running in this damn forest for hours.

His destination was Orton’s Cross, the village where he grew up as a child. Word had reached him that the Fury was coming, and he had to warn his family of the danger.

If he was not too late. 

Eventually, Devin allowed himself hope that he had escaped the Guardians pursuit, but he knew they were hunting him. To make matters worse, he could feel a throbbing pain spreading down to his right knee.  There were also noticeable burns on his clothes from when the he stumbled on to a patrol of Guardians while leaving the city of Toran. Shock; quickly turned into a fight for his life. Somehow, he managed to dodge most of their attacks with fire. 

He wished he had the healing powers of his sister, but his own abilities went a different path and he would have to make do.

Still, he feared that in his haste to leave Toran, his comrades were not safe. Images of them being tortured threatened to overwhelm his exhausted mind. Shaking off the images, he knew that he could not get distracted; otherwise it could lead to his death.

Yet, things could be worse, he could be Alaris.