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* AboveGoodAndEvil: The Four Gods, who patronise both good and bad things (e.g. Illior/Aura gives light and knowledge but is a patron of thieves and madness; Sakor guards the hearth and brings the sun but favours [[BloodKnight Blood Knights]] etc). Also how rulership in Skala is decided: the Immortals only cares that it's a Queen from Thelamios bloodline, not whether she's a good or bad leader. Even if a man usurps a throne for good reasons, Bad Things will happen.
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* BloodMagic: Necromancy, practiced by the Plenimaran elite. Mild variations (e.g. tracking people using their blood) are practiced by Oreska wizards though it's generally frown upon and the Aurënfaie completely shun blood magic.
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* TheSpymaster: Nysander and later [[spoiler: Thero]], who manages an intelligence network known as the "Watchers". It's a hereditary post pass from master to disciple and the Watchers are active well beyond Skala borders. They work not only to uncover political plots but also to collect scholarly knowledge.
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* TheSpymaster: Nysander and later [[spoiler: Magyarna (for a short while) and Thero]], who manages an intelligence network known as the "Watchers". It's a hereditary post pass from master to disciple and the Watchers are active well beyond Skala borders. They work not only to uncover political plots but also to collect scholarly knowledge.
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* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Queen Idrilain, who executes traitors without mercy but would listen to advice and petition. Likewise, her eldest son Prince Korathan, despite being very loyal to his twin sister Phoria, does recognise and employ people who genuinely want to work for the good of Skala.
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* RescueRomance: Alec and Seregil.
* RichIdiotWithNoDayJob: Lord Seregil and Sir Alec of Ivywell.
* TheRival: Thero to Seregil.
* RichIdiotWithNoDayJob: Lord Seregil and Sir Alec of Ivywell.
* TheRival: Thero to Seregil.
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* RescueRomance: Alec and Seregil.
Seregil. The rescuing is mutual.
* RichIdiotWithNoDayJob: Lord Seregil and Sir Alec ofIvywell.
Ivywell, the personas used for moving among nobles.
* TheRival: Thero toSeregil.Seregil, for Nysander's affection and recognition.
* RichIdiotWithNoDayJob: Lord Seregil and Sir Alec of
* TheRival: Thero to
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* TheSpymaster: Nysander and later [[spoiler: Thero]], who manages an intelligence network known as the "Watchers". It's a hereditary post pass from master to disciple and the Watchers are active well beyond Skala borders. They work not only to uncover political plots but also to collect scholarly knowledge.
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* NoBiologicalSex: Sebrahn. Also, the Four Gods, who are each said to be either or both genders.
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* WiseBeyondTheirYears: Seregil, by Aurenenfaie standard. The faie typically not only live long but also mature slower than human. However, Seregil's life in Skala, especially his spy career, has gained him lots of life experiences.
* WizardingSchool: The Orëska, of course.
* WizardingSchool: The Orëska, of course.
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* WiseBeyondTheirYears: Seregil, by Aurenenfaie standard. Aurënfaie standards. The faie typically not only live long but also mature slower more slowly than human.humans. At around 60 years-old, Seregil would normally be considered only a young adult in Aurënen. However, Seregil's life in Skala, especially his spy career, has gained him lots of life experiences. \n Likewise, Alec is advised not to talk about his actual age when visiting Aurënen, since he would literally be regarded as a child despite being almost an adult by Skalan standards.
* WizardingSchool: TheOrëska, Orëska House, of course.
* WizardingSchool: The
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* CulturedBadass: Seregil to a tee. Can fight like a demon and is a well know patron of arts, is well versed in gourmet food, and speaks a multitude of languages. He trains Alec to be the same. Also the Skalan nobles and royalty that are in the army. They have the education that befits their status and plenty of badass skills.
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* CulturedBadass: Seregil to a tee. Can fight like a demon and is a well know known patron of arts, is well versed in gourmet food, and speaks a multitude of languages. He trains Alec to be the same. Also the Skalan nobles and royalty that are in the army. They have the education that befits their status and plenty of badass skills.
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* OurGodsAreGreater: Lots of differences of opinion here. The Four: Astellus, Dalna, Illior and Sakor are the traditional deities of the Three Lands. However, Illior and Sakor are definitely favored in Skala, whereas people in the northern regions prefer Astellus and Dalna. The ruling class of Plenimar, a nation in which most people worship the Four as well, instead favor the foreign god Seriamaius because of the power he promises. Meanwhile, the Aurënfaie exclusively worship Aura (Illior) and it appears to vary from person to person whether or not they even believe in the other gods.
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* OurGodsAreGreater: Lots of differences of opinion here. The Four: Astellus, Dalna, Illior and Sakor are the traditional deities of the Three Lands. However, Illior and Sakor are definitely favored in Skala, whereas people in the northern regions prefer Astellus and Dalna. The ruling class of Plenimar, a nation in which most people worship the Four as well, instead favor the foreign god Seriamaius because of the power he promises. Meanwhile, the Aurënfaie exclusively worship Aura (Illior) and it appears to vary from person to person whether or not they even believe in the other gods. At the same time, the Retha'noi are quite adamant that their moon goddess is ''not'' the same deity as Aura/Illior.
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* HealingMagicIsTheHardest: The FunctionalMagic levels in this world are fairly high and magic can be readily used to, for example, transform people into animals or even inanimate objects. But healing is rarely a quick fix affair. In particular it is not always affective at curing the effects of diseases or poisons.
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* HealingMagicIsTheHardest: The FunctionalMagic levels in this world are fairly high and magic can be readily used to, for example, transform people into animals or even inanimate objects. But healing is rarely a quick fix affair. In particular it is not always affective at curing the effects of diseases or poisons. Hence the incredible value of a successfully created ''rhekaro''.
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* GoingNative: Seregil, an Aurenenfaie, can blend in almost anywhere in human territory, and is particularly knowledgeable about Rhiminee life. He's also completely adapted to the human way of thinking and action to the point that other 'faie in Aurenen find him strange.
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* GoingNative: Seregil, an Aurenenfaie, Aurënfaie, can blend in almost anywhere in human territory, and is particularly knowledgeable about Rhiminee life. He's also completely adapted to the human way of thinking and action to the point that other 'faie in Aurenen Aurënen find him strange.
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* GreenEyedEpiphany: Slightly undermined. Seregil already HAS an eye on Alec at that point and is very aware of it. Still, him being jealous when a male prostitute gets touchy-feely to Alec is new (but then it again takes a good while for Seregil to admit that he IS in love and not just in lust.) However, during this scene Alec finds himself jealous of the men around Seregil and start to confront his feelings for Seregil.
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* GreenEyedEpiphany: Slightly undermined. subverted. Seregil already HAS ''has'' an eye on Alec at that point and is very aware of it. it, but too concerned about exploiting Alec to act on his attraction. Still, him being jealous when a male prostitute gets touchy-feely to with Alec is new (but then it again takes a good while for Seregil to admit that he IS ''is'' in love and not just in lust.) lust). However, during this same scene Alec likewise finds himself jealous of the men around Seregil and start starts to confront question his feelings for Seregil.own feelings.
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Just consider the politicking in Traitor\'s Moon over opening a second port. Now try to imagine getting them to agree to raise a national army/navy!
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* NotSoOmniscientCouncilOfBickering: The Iia'sidra. As a fairly large nation where a significant chunk of the population can use magic, they could easily be the dominant power in the region, eclipsing any or all of the Three Lands. But the many clan divisions and the contentious politics of the Iia'sidra tend to prevent the Aurënfaie from acting as a unified nation.
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Six books have been published so far. The second book is a sequel to the first, and the remaining are standalone:
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Six books have been published so far. The second book is a sequel to the first, and the remaining are standalone:standalone. A seventh (and supposedly final) book is scheduled to be published in 2014:
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Flewelling has also written a spinoff, the Tamír Trilogy, set in the same universe during a different time period.
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Flewelling has also written a spinoff, the Tamír
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* LongLived[=/=]WizardsLiveLonger: Aurënfaie and Orëska wizards (who have Aurënfaie ancestry anyway). It is unclear if other magic users have extended lifespans as well, although Necromancers may become undead.
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* AbsurdlySpaciousSewer: In ''Stalking Darkness''. "Why did they build it so big?" "So that the poisonous humours that can collect do so overhead, and the air down here is good." (Paraphrased, natch.)
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* AbsurdlySpaciousSewer: The sewage system of Rhiminee, according to the design of Queen Tamir the Great. In ''Stalking Darkness''. "Why did they build it so big?" "So that the poisonous humours that can collect do so overhead, and the air down here is good." (Paraphrased, natch.)
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* BigDamnKiss: Twice. First short before the climax of ''Stalking darkness'', resolving the long lingering [[UnresolvedSexualTension UST]], second in ''Shadows Return'' [[spoiler: just before Alec gets killed.]]
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* BigDamnKiss: Twice. First short before the climax of ''Stalking darkness'', Darkness'', resolving the long lingering [[UnresolvedSexualTension UST]], second in ''Shadows Return'' [[spoiler: just before Alec gets killed.]]
* TheGloriousWarOfSisterlyRivalry: Amusingly, Seregil and Thero have this dynamic. Seregil is good-looking and sociable whereas Thero is serious and bookish. They compete for Nysander's attention and always try to one-up each other.
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* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: [[spoiler:Phoria]] seems to be a mild version of one. She loves war, hates her sister, bullies her weaker siblings, does not listen to perfectly sound advice if it goes against her perceptions. Also seems unable to see the bigger picture and long term consequences.
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* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: [[spoiler:Phoria]] seems to be a mild version of one. She loves war, hates the sister by a different father who rivals her sister, in popularity and thus can aim for the throne, bullies her weaker siblings, does not listen to perfectly sound advice if it goes against her perceptions. Also seems unable to see the bigger picture and long term consequences.consequences.
* GoingNative: Seregil, an Aurenenfaie, can blend in almost anywhere in human territory, and is particularly knowledgeable about Rhiminee life. He's also completely adapted to the human way of thinking and action to the point that other 'faie in Aurenen find him strange.
* GoingNative: Seregil, an Aurenenfaie, can blend in almost anywhere in human territory, and is particularly knowledgeable about Rhiminee life. He's also completely adapted to the human way of thinking and action to the point that other 'faie in Aurenen find him strange.
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** Seregil himself isn't too pleased that his beloved mentor Nysander is very cagey about [[spoiler: the meaning of the symbol on the disc that nearly gets him and Alec killed]], going as far as threatening to kill him if he tries to learn what it is. Later Seregil has an even nastier shock when it turns out that [[spoiler: Nysander plans to get himself killed by Seregil's hand to permanently destroy the Helm]].
to:
** Seregil himself isn't too pleased that his beloved mentor Nysander is very cagey about [[spoiler: the meaning of the symbol on the disc that nearly gets him and Alec killed]], going as far as threatening to kill him if he tries to learn what it is.uncover the mystery. Later Seregil has an even nastier shock when it turns out that [[spoiler: Nysander plans to get himself killed by Seregil's hand to permanently destroy the Helm]].
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* SquishyWizard: Subverted. [[spoiler: Nysander]] survives an all-out assault on his home to take part in the final battle of the second book, although he is badly weakened.
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* SquishyWizard: Subverted. [[spoiler: Nysander]] survives an all-out assault on his home to take part in the final battle of the second book, although he is badly weakened. [[spoiler: Thero]] survives a deadly poison almost all by his own power. He even says it to the effect of "Why do you think wizards live so long? Because we're hard to destroy".
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* WellDoneSonGuy: As a child, Seregil always tries to please his father who he thinks blames him for his mother's death and thus is always cold and critical toward him. It proves to have disastrous consequences. Seregil retains a bit of this trait in his affection for Nysander.
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* WellDoneSonGuy: As a child, Seregil always tries to please his father who he thinks blames him for his mother's death and thus is always cold and critical toward him. It proves to have disastrous consequences. Seregil retains a bit of this trait in his affection for Nysander. Nysander.
* WiseBeyondTheirYears: Seregil, by Aurenenfaie standard. The faie typically not only live long but also mature slower than human. However, Seregil's life in Skala, especially his spy career, has gained him lots of life experiences.
* WiseBeyondTheirYears: Seregil, by Aurenenfaie standard. The faie typically not only live long but also mature slower than human. However, Seregil's life in Skala, especially his spy career, has gained him lots of life experiences.
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* CoolBigSis: Adzriel to Seregil. Beka takes this role for Alec too and it#s implied her little sister Illia looks up to her that way.
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* CoolBigSis: Adzriel to Seregil. Beka takes this role for Alec too and it#s it's implied her little sister Illia looks up to her that way.
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* MasterOfDisguise: Seregil.
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* MasterOfDisguise: Seregil. The wizards also have a nifty spell that changes people's appearances.
* NeverMyFault: Ilar blames ''Seregil'' for him being enslaved because [[spoiler: Seregil inadvertently killed someone instead of just causing an embarrassment for his clan as planned]]. Nevermind that Seregil was very young and naive and manipulated into the whole thing by Ilar himself and that [[spoiler: the slavery was orchestrated by Ulan, the person behind the plot to cause scandal for Seregil's clan]].
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* RageAgainstTheMentor: Alec is incensed when he discovers that the first house Seregil has him burgle [[spoiler: is Seregil's own]].
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* RageAgainstTheMentor: Alec is incensed when he discovers that the first house Seregil has him burgle [[spoiler: is Seregil's own]].
** Seregil himself isn't too pleased that his beloved mentor Nysander is very cagey about [[spoiler: the meaning of the symbol on the disc that nearly gets him and Alec killed]], going as far as threatening to kill him if he tries to learn what it is. Later Seregil has an even nastier shock when it turns out that [[spoiler: Nysander plans to get himself killed by Seregil's hand to permanently destroy the Helm]].
** Seregil himself isn't too pleased that his beloved mentor Nysander is very cagey about [[spoiler: the meaning of the symbol on the disc that nearly gets him and Alec killed]], going as far as threatening to kill him if he tries to learn what it is. Later Seregil has an even nastier shock when it turns out that [[spoiler: Nysander plans to get himself killed by Seregil's hand to permanently destroy the Helm]].
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* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: The entire Skalan royal family. The Queen is also a general, as is the Princess Royal. In fact, each of her six children (bar one) is in the Army, and two of them die on the field of battle.
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* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: The entire Skalan royal family. The Queen is also a general, as is the Princess Royal. In fact, each of her six children (bar one) is in the Army, and two half of them die on the field of battle.
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* WellDoneSonGuy: As a child, Seregil always tries to please his father who he thinks blames him for his mother's death and thus is always cold and critical toward him. It proves to have disastrous consequences. Seregil retains a bit of this trait in his affection for Nysander.
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* OurGodsAreGreater: Lots of differences of opinion here. The Four: Astellus, Dalna, Illior and Sakor are the traditional deities of the Three Lands. However, Illior and Sakor are definitely favored in Skala, whereas people in the northern regions prefer Astellus and Dalna. The ruling class of Plenimar, a nation in which most people worship the Four as well, instead favor the foreign god Seriamaius because of the power he promises. Meanwhile, the Aurënfaie exclusively worship Aura (Illior) and it appears to vary from person to person whether or not they even believe in the other gods.
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* PunctuationShaker
* RageAgainstTheMentor
* RedPillBluePill
* RageAgainstTheMentor
* RedPillBluePill
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* PunctuationShaker
PunctuationShaker: Aurënfaie, Aurënen, Orëska, Rhui'auros, etc.
*RageAgainstTheMentor
RageAgainstTheMentor: Alec is incensed when he discovers that the first house Seregil has him burgle [[spoiler: is Seregil's own]].
*RedPillBluePillRedPillBluePill: The choice Seregil gives Alec at the very beginning.
*
*
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* YouAllMeetInACell
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* YouAllMeetInACellYouAllMeetInACell: Book one, chapter one.
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* IncurableCoughOfDeath
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* IncurableCoughOfDeathIncurableCoughOfDeath: [[spoiler: Ulan í Sathil develops this, and it motivates his involvement with a Plenimaran alchemist who is working to create a ''rhekaro'', a magical creature with extraordinary healing powers. The experiment is a success, but Ulan never manages to benefit from it]].
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* ObfuscatingStupidity
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* ObfuscatingStupidityObfuscatingStupidity: Seregil and Alec pretend to be cultured nobles who are nonetheless naive about politics as part of their cover.
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* OurDragonsAreDifferent
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* OurDragonsAreDifferentOurDragonsAreDifferent: The young ones are as common as lizards in Aurënen, and roughly as intelligent. They do not become intelligent or develop magical powers until they reach a very large size and age, which only a few do.
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* {{Patronymic}}
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* {{Patronymic}}{{Patronymic}}: The standard naming system in Aurënen and Skala. Women use matronymics.
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Changed line(s) 22,23 (click to see context) from:
* {{Animorphism}}
* AnnoyingArrows
* AnnoyingArrows
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* {{Animorphism}}
{{Animorphism}}: Nysander in particular is fond of this kind of magic. His Intrinsic Nature spell changes a person into the animal that most reflects their personality. He also changes Alec and Seregil into owls at one point to save them from falling to their deaths.
*AnnoyingArrowsAnnoyingArrows: Averted. Alec in particular proves just how lethal a skilled archer can be. Also, the Plenimarans dip their arrowheads in feces, specifically with the intent of causing infected wounds. [[spoiler: This is what leads to Queen Idrilain's death]].
*
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* FantasyPantheon: The Four: Astellus the Traveler, Dalna the Maker, Illior the Lightbearer and Sakor of the Flame are the primary deities worshiped by the peoples of the Three Lands. However, many Plenimarans have taken to following a foreign god, Seriamaius, the Eater of Death and patron of Necromancers, in the hopes that he will bring their nation victory over Skala and Mycena. There are also minor gods, such as Bilairy, who guards the gate to the afterlife. The Aurënfaie are either henotheistic or monotheistic, worshiping only Aura (Illior) and none of the other gods.
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* GodOfEvil: Seriamainus. Worshiped with torture and human sacrifice. His eventual goal is to strip the bones of the world.
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* GodOfEvil: Seriamainus.Seriamaius. Worshiped with torture and human sacrifice. His eventual goal is to strip the bones of the world.
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* ThinkingUpPortals: The most common use of the Translocation spell works this way, creating a portal through which people and object can move. This is because it is based on an older spell that created a "window" between two distant locations for the purposes of remote viewing and communication.
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* ThinkingUpPortals: The most common use of the Translocation spell works this way, creating a portal through which people and object objects can move. This is because it is based on an older spell that created a "window" between two distant locations for the purposes of remote viewing and communication.
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* Thinking Up Portals: The most common use of the Translocation spell works this way, creating a portal through which people and object can move. This is because it is based on an older spell that created a "window" between two distant locations for the purposes of remote viewing and communication.
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* Thinking Up Portals: ThinkingUpPortals: The most common use of the Translocation spell works this way, creating a portal through which people and object can move. This is because it is based on an older spell that created a "window" between two distant locations for the purposes of remote viewing and communication.
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* Thinking Up Portals: The most common use of the Translocation spell works this way, creating a portal through which people and object can move. This is because it is based on an older spell that created a "window" between two distant locations for the purposes of remote viewing and communication.
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* CainAndAbel: Phoria and Klia may be headed toward this.
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* CulturedBadass: Seregil to a tee. Can fight like a demon and is a well know patron of arts, is well versed in gourmet food and speaks a multitude of languages. He trains Alec to be the same. Also the Scalan nobles and royalty that are in the army. They have the education that befits their status and plenty of badass skills.
* DeadpanSnarker: It would be easier to list the ones that do not indulge in this. Even high queen type Idrilain can not help herself when two forgers declare their loyalty to her after they had been linked to the Lerans. Seregil and Thero engage in SnarkToSnarkCombat any time they are in proximity to each other. One person who never snarks is the eternally good natured Nysander.
* DeadpanSnarker: It would be easier to list the ones that do not indulge in this. Even high queen type Idrilain can not help herself when two forgers declare their loyalty to her after they had been linked to the Lerans. Seregil and Thero engage in SnarkToSnarkCombat any time they are in proximity to each other. One person who never snarks is the eternally good natured Nysander.
to:
* CulturedBadass: Seregil to a tee. Can fight like a demon and is a well know patron of arts, is well versed in gourmet food food, and speaks a multitude of languages. He trains Alec to be the same. Also the Scalan Skalan nobles and royalty that are in the army. They have the education that befits their status and plenty of badass skills.
* DeadpanSnarker: It would be easier to list the ones that do not indulge in this. Even high queen type Idrilaincan not cannot help herself when two forgers declare their loyalty to her after they had been linked to the Lerans. Seregil and Thero engage in SnarkToSnarkCombat any time they are in proximity to each other. One person who never snarks is the eternally good natured Nysander.
* DeadpanSnarker: It would be easier to list the ones that do not indulge in this. Even high queen type Idrilain
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* DisguisedInDrag: Seregil in his Lady Gwethelyn persona is very convincing. Captain Rhal is very taken, Alec also even though he knows that Seregil is a man.
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* DisguisedInDrag: Seregil in his Lady Gwethelyn persona is very convincing. Captain Rhal is very taken, and Alec also finds him appealing even though he knows that Seregil is a man.
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* EatingTheEyeCandy: Seregil. Frequently. Apparently Alec is distractingly pretty without realizing it.
* EveryoneIsBi: Well, almost everyone, to a certain extent.
* FantasticRacism: Many Aurënfaie consider themselves superior to Tirfaie (humans), in some parts of Aurënen [[HalfHumanHybrid half-breeds]] are treated with disdain, though this is not true of all clans. Conversely, the Plenimarans prize the Aurënfaie as slaves (and sacrifices for necromantic rites) and conduct slaving raids into Aurënen as well as breeding 'faie slaves much as they would horses. Also the Leran plots are based on the fact that the Skalan royal line has Aurënfaie blood. The Hâzadriëlfaie though take the cake on racism, although it is revealed that [[spoiler: this is because they have more dragon blood than other Aurënfaie and can be used for some seriously messed up magic]], hence they studiously avoid most other peoples, including other Aurënfaie.
* EveryoneIsBi: Well, almost everyone, to a certain extent.
* FantasticRacism: Many Aurënfaie consider themselves superior to Tirfaie (humans), in some parts of Aurënen [[HalfHumanHybrid half-breeds]] are treated with disdain, though this is not true of all clans. Conversely, the Plenimarans prize the Aurënfaie as slaves (and sacrifices for necromantic rites) and conduct slaving raids into Aurënen as well as breeding 'faie slaves much as they would horses. Also the Leran plots are based on the fact that the Skalan royal line has Aurënfaie blood. The Hâzadriëlfaie though take the cake on racism, although it is revealed that [[spoiler: this is because they have more dragon blood than other Aurënfaie and can be used for some seriously messed up magic]], hence they studiously avoid most other peoples, including other Aurënfaie.
to:
* EatingTheEyeCandy: Seregil. Frequently. Apparently Alec is distractingly pretty without realizing it.
Generally focused on Alec.
* EveryoneIsBi: Well, almosteveryone, to a certain extent.
everyone.
* FantasticRacism: Many Aurënfaie consider themselves superior to Tirfaie (humans), in some parts of Aurënen [[HalfHumanHybrid half-breeds]] are treated with disdain, though this is not true of all clans. Conversely, the Plenimarans prize the Aurënfaie as slaves (and sacrifices for necromantic rites) and conduct slaving raids into Aurënen as well as breeding 'faie slaves much as they would horses.Also Also, the Leran plots are based on the fact that the Skalan royal line has Aurënfaie blood. The Hâzadriëlfaie though take the cake on racism, although it is revealed that [[spoiler: this is because they have more dragon blood than other Aurënfaie and can be used for some seriously messed up magic]], hence they studiously avoid most other peoples, including other Aurënfaie.
* EveryoneIsBi: Well, almost
* FantasticRacism: Many Aurënfaie consider themselves superior to Tirfaie (humans), in some parts of Aurënen [[HalfHumanHybrid half-breeds]] are treated with disdain, though this is not true of all clans. Conversely, the Plenimarans prize the Aurënfaie as slaves (and sacrifices for necromantic rites) and conduct slaving raids into Aurënen as well as breeding 'faie slaves much as they would horses.
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* HappilyMarried: Micum and Kari, Seregil and Alec (or well, happily talímeníos-bonded), [[spoiler:Beka and Nyal]] and probably soon Thero and Klia.
to:
* HappilyMarried: Micum and Kari, Seregil and Alec (or (or, well, happily talímeníos-bonded), [[spoiler:Beka and Nyal]] and probably soon Thero and Klia.
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* LongHairedPrettyBoy: Seregil and Alec. Most Aurënfaie really.
to:
* LongHairedPrettyBoy: Seregil and Alec. Most Aurënfaie Aurënfaie, really.
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* MayflyDecemberRomance: Beka and Nyal.
to:
* MayflyDecemberRomance: Beka and Nyal. Thero and Klia.
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* OurElvesAreBetter: The Aurënfaie are typically beautiful, live for several hundred years, and were the first beings to possess magic. However, Flewelling herself has expressed distaste for stereotypical elves. Thus, while the Aurënfaie are an entire race of {{Pretty Boy}}s and Beautiful Girls, they do not possess such features as pointy ears and can pass for human with little effort. They also have a more diverse culture based on clans, many of which favor interests that in no way resemble "classic" elves. This can surprise some people...
to:
* OurElvesAreBetter: The Aurënfaie are typically beautiful, live for several hundred years, and were the first beings to possess magic. However, Flewelling herself has expressed distaste for stereotypical elves. Thus, while the Aurënfaie are an entire race of {{Pretty Boy}}s and Beautiful Girls, they do not possess such features as pointy ears and can pass for human with little effort. They also have a more diverse culture based on clans, many of which favor interests that in no way resemble "classic" elves. elves, and even the clans appear to have some diversity. This can surprise surprises even some people...characters.
Changed line(s) 103 (click to see context) from:
* OverlyLongName: In the south a highborn person's name includes the given name, the names of parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, and place of birth, much to Alec's perplexity. The standard way of politely referring to someone would be e.g. ''Seregil i Korit'' or ''Klia a Idrilain''.
to:
* OverlyLongName: In the south a highborn person's name includes the given name, the names of same-sex parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, and place of birth, much to Alec's perplexity. The standard way of politely referring to someone would be e.g. ''Seregil i Korit'' or ''Klia a Idrilain''. Alex has the abbreviated name of "Alec i Amasa Kerry" as he doesn't know all the names.
Changed line(s) 108,109 (click to see context) from:
* TheProphecy: A few actually. One is the reason Skala is ruled by a line of warrior queens. Then there's the prophecy of Seriamaius's return that drives the plot of the first two books. And though they've never actually given a prophecy about him, it's clear the oracles at Sarikali have at least some knowledge of Seregil's future. [[spoiler: And info about Sebrahn.]]
* PsychicDreamsForEveryone
* PsychicDreamsForEveryone
to:
* TheProphecy: A few actually.few. One is the reason Skala is ruled by a line of warrior queens. Then there's the prophecy of Seriamaius's return that drives the plot of the first two books. And though they've never actually given a prophecy about him, it's clear the oracles at Sarikali have at least some knowledge of Seregil's future. [[spoiler: And info the prediction about Sebrahn.Sebrahn that Alec misinterprets.]]
*PsychicDreamsForEveryonePsychicDreamsForEveryone: Well, almost everyone. Micum seems immune.
*
Changed line(s) 114,116 (click to see context) from:
** Takes two books for [[spoiler: Seregil and Alec]]
** Takes four books for [[spoiler: Beka and Nyal]]
** Takes a whopping six books for [[spoiler: Klia and Thero]]
** Takes four books for [[spoiler: Beka and Nyal]]
** Takes a whopping six books for [[spoiler: Klia and Thero]]
to:
** Takes two books for Book two: [[spoiler: Seregil and Alec]]
**Takes four books for Book four: [[spoiler: Beka and Nyal]]
**Takes a whopping six books for Book six: [[spoiler: Klia and Thero]]
**
**
Changed line(s) 123 (click to see context) from:
** Alec and Seregil use this to their advantage when playing different personas.
to:
** Alec and Seregil use this trope to their advantage when playing different personas.
Changed line(s) 126,127 (click to see context) from:
* SquishyWizard: Subverted. [[spoiler: Nysander]] survives an all-out assault on his home to take part in the final battle of the second book, although he is badly weakened by it.
* StarCrossedLovers: Alec's parents Iriya a Shaar and Amasa of Kerry.
* StarCrossedLovers: Alec's parents Iriya a Shaar and Amasa of Kerry.
to:
* SquishyWizard: Subverted. [[spoiler: Nysander]] survives an all-out assault on his home to take part in the final battle of the second book, although he is badly weakened by it.
weakened.
* StarCrossedLovers: Alec'sparents parents, Iriya a Shaar and Amasa of Kerry.
* StarCrossedLovers: Alec's
Changed line(s) 132 (click to see context) from:
* StupidSexyFlanders
to:
* StupidSexyFlandersStupidSexyFlanders: ''Seregil''.
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* EatingTheEyeCandy: Seregil. Frequently.
to:
* EatingTheEyeCandy: Seregil. Frequently. Apparently Alec is distractingly pretty without realizing it.
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* GodOfEvil: Seriamainus. Worshiped with torture and human sacrifice. His eventual goal is to strip the bones of the world.
to:
* GodOfEvil: Seriamainus. Worshiped with torture and human sacrifice. His eventual goal is to strip the bones of the world.
Changed line(s) 59 (click to see context) from:
* GreenEyedEpiphany: Slightly undermined. Seregil already HAS an eye on Alec at that point and is very aware of it. Still, him being jealous when a male prostitute gets touchy-feely to Alec is a new one to him (but then it again takes a good while for him to admit that he IS in love and not just in lust.) However, during this scene Alec himself finds himself jealous of the men around Seregil and start to confront his feelings for Seregil.
to:
* GreenEyedEpiphany: Slightly undermined. Seregil already HAS an eye on Alec at that point and is very aware of it. Still, him being jealous when a male prostitute gets touchy-feely to Alec is a new one to him (but then it again takes a good while for him Seregil to admit that he IS in love and not just in lust.) However, during this scene Alec himself finds himself jealous of the men around Seregil and start to confront his feelings for Seregil.
Changed line(s) 61 (click to see context) from:
* HappilyMarried: Micum and Kari, Seregil and Alec (or well, happily talímeníos-bonded) and probably soon [[spoiler: Thero and Klia]]
to:
* HappilyMarried: Micum and Kari, Seregil and Alec (or well, happily talímeníos-bonded) talímeníos-bonded), [[spoiler:Beka and Nyal]] and probably soon [[spoiler: Thero and Klia]]Klia.
Deleted line(s) 67 (click to see context) :
* HoYay: Lots for Alec and Seregil, [[spoiler:before they are upgraded to OfficialCouple]]. Also Seregil and Micum.
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** "Ilior's Finger!"
to:
** "Ilior's "Illior's Finger!"
Changed line(s) 108,109 (click to see context) from:
* PrettyBoy: Seregil is slender with long wavy hair and fine features, and he can pass as a beautiful woman with just a dress and some makeup.
* TheProphecy: A few actually. One is the reason Skala is ruled by a line of warrior queens. Then there's the prophecy of Seriamaius's return that drives the plot of the first two books. And though they've never actually given a prophecy about him, it's clear the oracles at Sarikali have at least some knowledge of Seregil's future.
* TheProphecy: A few actually. One is the reason Skala is ruled by a line of warrior queens. Then there's the prophecy of Seriamaius's return that drives the plot of the first two books. And though they've never actually given a prophecy about him, it's clear the oracles at Sarikali have at least some knowledge of Seregil's future.
to:
* PrettyBoy: Seregil is slender with long wavy hair and fine features, and he can pass as a beautiful woman with just a dress and some makeup.
makeup. Also Alec, and most 'faie.
* TheProphecy: A few actually. One is the reason Skala is ruled by a line of warrior queens. Then there's the prophecy of Seriamaius's return that drives the plot of the first two books. And though they've never actually given a prophecy about him, it's clear the oracles at Sarikali have at least some knowledge of Seregil's future. [[spoiler: And info about Sebrahn.]]
* TheProphecy: A few actually. One is the reason Skala is ruled by a line of warrior queens. Then there's the prophecy of Seriamaius's return that drives the plot of the first two books. And though they've never actually given a prophecy about him, it's clear the oracles at Sarikali have at least some knowledge of Seregil's future. [[spoiler: And info about Sebrahn.]]
Changed line(s) 118 (click to see context) from:
* RescueRomance: Hey, it fits with Alec and Seregil.
to:
* RescueRomance: Hey, it fits with Alec and Seregil.
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Changed line(s) 59 (click to see context) from:
* GreenEyedEpiphany: Slightly undermined. Seregil already HAS an eye on Alec at that point and is very aware of it. Still, him being jealous when a male prostitute gets touchy-feely to Alec is a new one to him. (but then it again takes a good while for him to admit that he IS in love and not just in lust.)
to:
* GreenEyedEpiphany: Slightly undermined. Seregil already HAS an eye on Alec at that point and is very aware of it. Still, him being jealous when a male prostitute gets touchy-feely to Alec is a new one to him. him (but then it again takes a good while for him to admit that he IS in love and not just in lust.)) However, during this scene Alec himself finds himself jealous of the men around Seregil and start to confront his feelings for Seregil.
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* AwesomeMomentofCrowning: It is not the proper investiture but the scene at the end of ''Hidden Warrior'', where the main character declares her name (''I am Tamír!'') definitely counts. (though she refuses being called "Queen" for a while, following the proper ritual. However, she accepts after being called queen by the ghost of one ancestor of hers.)
* ComfortingComforter: Seregil to Alec.
* EatingTheEyeCandy: Seregil. Frequently.
** "Ilior's Finger!"
Deleted line(s) 133,134 (click to see context) :
* TookALevelInBadass: Seregil, [[spoiler:in Shadows Return when facing down Mardus.]]
--> [[spoiler:'''Seregil''': Hell, I'll kill you for the sheer un of it. Come on, Lord Eater of Shit. Let's get this over with.]]
--> [[spoiler:'''Seregil''': Hell, I'll kill you for the sheer un of it. Come on, Lord Eater of Shit. Let's get this over with.]]
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* DeadpanSnarker: It would be easier to list the ones that do not indulge in this. Even high queen type Idrilain can not help herself when two forgers declare their loyalty to her after they had been linked to the Lerans. One person who never snarks is the eternally good natured Nysander.
to:
* DeadpanSnarker: It would be easier to list the ones that do not indulge in this. Even high queen type Idrilain can not help herself when two forgers declare their loyalty to her after they had been linked to the Lerans. Seregil and Thero engage in SnarkToSnarkCombat any time they are in proximity to each other. One person who never snarks is the eternally good natured Nysander.
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* BackFromTheDead: [[spoiler: Alec, courtesy of Sebrahn]].
* BattleCouple: [[spoiler: Seregil and Alec. Beka and Nyal. Some others among the minor characters, such as Mirn and Steb]].
Changed line(s) 84 (click to see context) from:
* ModestRoyalty: UpToEleven none of the royals that get screen time seem to wear finery.
to:
* ModestRoyalty: UpToEleven none UpToEleven, only one of the royals that get gets screen time seem seems to wear finery.finery. The rest have a strong preference for military uniform.
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* TheObiWan Nysander.
to:
* TheObiWan TheObiWan: Nysander.
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* RelationshipUpgrade: Let's see now...
** Takes two books for [[spoiler: Seregil and Alec]]
** Takes four books for [[spoiler: Beka and Nyal]]
** Takes a whopping six books for [[spoiler: Klia and Thero]]
** Takes two books for [[spoiler: Seregil and Alec]]
** Takes four books for [[spoiler: Beka and Nyal]]
** Takes a whopping six books for [[spoiler: Klia and Thero]]
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* MadOracle
to:
* MadOracleMadOracle: The human Oracle of Illior and the Aurënfaie Rhui'auros, both of whom follow the same god of magic, knowledge and madness.
Added DiffLines:
* {{Mangst}}: Seregil, oh gods, Seregil! It drives Alec, and pretty much everyone else, crazy at times.
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* FunctionalMagic: Multiple varieties. Inherent Gift magic is standard with the Aurënfaie. The human Third Orëska wizards combine this with Rule Magic. Theurgy is employed by the Drysians and the Rhui'auros. Necromancy is popular in Plenimar. Alchemy is studied by some wizards, and there are also dedicated specialists to this magical discipline. MagicMusic is practiced by centaurs and the human Retha'noi mountain people.
to:
* FunctionalMagic: Multiple varieties. Inherent Gift magic is standard with the Aurënfaie. The human Third Orëska wizards combine this with Rule Magic. Theurgy [[ReligionIsMagic Theurgy]] is employed by the Drysians and the Rhui'auros. Necromancy is [[{{Necromancer}} Necromantic]] [[BloodMagic Arts]] are popular in Plenimar. Alchemy [[AlchemyIsMagic Alchemy]] is studied by some wizards, and there are also dedicated specialists to this magical discipline. MagicMusic is practiced by centaurs and the human Retha'noi mountain people.
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* HonorBeforeReason: Of all people ''Seregil'' throughout almost all of ''Traitor's moon'' - granted he acts this way to prove to the Aurefaie that he does have honor, unlike what they think of him and hopes to get his exile lifted - but damn when it includes letting himself being beaten up by a hostile party without even defending himself [[spoiler: or returning to face an almost certain death sentence after running away - to do the RIGHT thing and prevent a war -]] because his honor says so - we really are with Alec and Nyal and all the folks who call Seregil out on it. And they are many.
to:
* HonorBeforeReason: Of all people ''Seregil'' throughout almost all of ''Traitor's moon'' - granted he acts this way to prove to the Aurefaie Aurënfaie that he does have honor, unlike what they think of him and hopes to get his exile lifted - but damn when it includes letting himself being beaten up by a hostile party without even defending himself [[spoiler: or returning to face an almost certain death sentence after running away - to do the RIGHT thing and prevent a war -]] because his honor says so - we really are with Alec and Nyal and all the folks who call Seregil out on it. And they are many.
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* LongHairedPrettyBoy: Seregil and Alec. Most Aurënfaie really.
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* HealingMagicIsTheHardest: The FunctionalMagic levels in this world are fairly high and magic can be readily used to, for example, transform people into animals or even inanimate objects. But healing is rarely a quick fix affair. In particular it is not always affective at curing the effects of diseases or poisons.
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A series of HeroicFantasy novels by Lynn Flewelling that follows the adventures of two {{Loveable Rogue}}s and their friends and allies.
A 16-year-old orphan named Alec is imprisoned and tortured for a crime he didn't commit. But just as he's starting to welcome the idea of his inevitable death, he is made to share his cell with the ''real'' criminal -- a man named Seregil, who breaks them both out of their prison. Seregil, a spy/thief for hire, recognizes the innate thieving skills Alec possesses, and offers to take him on as his apprentice. Alec accepts, and is immediately drawn into deadly intrigues, an impending war, and a secret society of spies and wizards.
Six books have been published so far. The second book is a sequel to the first, and the remaining are standalone:
* ''Luck in the Shadows'' (1996)
* ''Stalking Darkness'' (1997)
* ''Traitor's Moon'' (1998)
* ''Shadows Return'' (2008)
* ''The White Road'' (2010)
* ''Casket of Souls'' (2012)
Flewelling has also written a spinoff, the Tamír Trilogy, set in the same universe during a different time period.
This series is not to be confused with the more recent ''Night Runner'', which is about vampires.
----
!!This series provides examples of:
* AbsurdlySpaciousSewer: In ''Stalking Darkness''. "Why did they build it so big?" "So that the poisonous humours that can collect do so overhead, and the air down here is good." (Paraphrased, natch.)
* ActionGirl: Beka, Princess Klia and many others. Being one is actually a requirement to be Queen of Skala to the point where one princess is not actually in the line of succession because she lacks military prowess.
* AwesomeMomentofCrowning: It is not the proper investiture but the scene at the end of ''Hidden Warrior'', where the main character declares her name (''I am Tamír!'') definitely counts. (though she refuses being called "Queen" for a while, following the proper ritual. However, she accepts after being called queen by the ghost of one ancestor of hers.)
* AncientConspiracy: The Lerans, the Guardian.
* {{Animorphism}}
* AnnoyingArrows
* BadMoonRising: The comet, called a plague star.
* BecauseDestinySaysSo: The prophecy of the Guardian, the Shaft, the Vanguard, and the Guide
* BigBrotherMentor: Seregil for Alec
* BigDamnKiss: Twice. First short before the climax of ''Stalking darkness'', resolving the long lingering [[UnresolvedSexualTension UST]], second in ''Shadows Return'' [[spoiler: just before Alec gets killed.]]
* BiTheWay: Seregil, Alec (after he gets over his Dalnan prudery), and a couple minor characters. Appears to be quite normal in Skalan and Aurënfaie society.
* BlackSpeech: The language of Plenimar is reminiscent of this.
* BloodKnight: In Skala they are considered to be Sakor touched. Many characters have mild elements of this trope like Beka, Klia, Myrhini, and even Micum.
* CainAndAbel: Phoria and Klia may be headed toward this.
* CanNotSpitItOut: Seregil has this as a chronic condition.
* ChekhovsGun: The Akhendi charm bracelets.
* TheClan: The various Aurënfaie clans, complete with [[PlanetOfHats hats]] in the form of headscarves.
* ColonelBadass: Princess Klia, of course. She loves battle and is *very* good at it.
* CoolBigSis: Adzriel to Seregil. Beka takes this role for Alec too and it#s implied her little sister Illia looks up to her that way.
* CombatPragmatist: Nightrunning as well as being a Watcher cannot afford honourable fights. Seregil manages to instill this fighting philosophy to those he teaches (Alec and Beka).
* CreepyChild: Sebrahn. [[spoiler: He lives off Alec's blood, can cure any illness or injury and even bring people back from death, and kills men just by singing.]]
* CulturedBadass: Seregil to a tee. Can fight like a demon and is a well know patron of arts, is well versed in gourmet food and speaks a multitude of languages. He trains Alec to be the same. Also the Scalan nobles and royalty that are in the army. They have the education that befits their status and plenty of badass skills.
* DeadpanSnarker: It would be easier to list the ones that do not indulge in this. Even high queen type Idrilain can not help herself when two forgers declare their loyalty to her after they had been linked to the Lerans. One person who never snarks is the eternally good natured Nysander.
* DefeatMeansFriendship: Tym the thief has a healthy dose of respect and a smidge of loyalty toward Seregil after being defeated by him.
* DisguisedInDrag: Seregil in his Lady Gwethelyn persona is very convincing. Captain Rhal is very taken, Alec also even though he knows that Seregil is a man.
* TheDragon: Vargûl Ashnazai for Duke Mardus
* DoubleEntendre: At one point in the second novel [[CanNotSpitItOut Seregil]] is asked by Alec why he is heading to a brothel specializing in males for males, after having just spent time in one of a more traditional variety. He replies by saying that "Fowl never tastes as savory when you're hungry for venison." Given that Alec's animal form is a deer...
* DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnMale: Ylinestra puts Alec (a sixteen year old boy) under a spell and has sex with him while he is under the influence. And yet everyone seems to treat it lightly. Seregil even debates whether he should tease Alec about it. Nysander is annoyed that Ylinestra would use magic on an unwilling subject. Alec is a bit upset, but gets over it in no time.
* EveryoneIsBi: Well, almost everyone, to a certain extent.
* FantasticRacism: Many Aurënfaie consider themselves superior to Tirfaie (humans), in some parts of Aurënen [[HalfHumanHybrid half-breeds]] are treated with disdain, though this is not true of all clans. Conversely, the Plenimarans prize the Aurënfaie as slaves (and sacrifices for necromantic rites) and conduct slaving raids into Aurënen as well as breeding 'faie slaves much as they would horses. Also the Leran plots are based on the fact that the Skalan royal line has Aurënfaie blood. The Hâzadriëlfaie though take the cake on racism, although it is revealed that [[spoiler: this is because they have more dragon blood than other Aurënfaie and can be used for some seriously messed up magic]], hence they studiously avoid most other peoples, including other Aurënfaie.
* FreakyFriday: Seregil and Thero
* FriendToAllChildren: Alec all over the place. Micum too has a very soft spot for children, thanks to being a father of five.
* FunctionalMagic: Multiple varieties. Inherent Gift magic is standard with the Aurënfaie. The human Third Orëska wizards combine this with Rule Magic. Theurgy is employed by the Drysians and the Rhui'auros. Necromancy is popular in Plenimar. Alchemy is studied by some wizards, and there are also dedicated specialists to this magical discipline. MagicMusic is practiced by centaurs and the human Retha'noi mountain people.
* GentlemanThief: Seregil
* GodOfEvil: Seriamainus. Worshiped with torture and human sacrifice. His eventual goal is to strip the bones of the world.
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: [[spoiler:Phoria]] seems to be a mild version of one. She loves war, hates her sister, bullies her weaker siblings, does not listen to perfectly sound advice if it goes against her perceptions. Also seems unable to see the bigger picture and long term consequences.
* GoodScarsEvilScars
* GreenEyedEpiphany: Slightly undermined. Seregil already HAS an eye on Alec at that point and is very aware of it. Still, him being jealous when a male prostitute gets touchy-feely to Alec is a new one to him. (but then it again takes a good while for him to admit that he IS in love and not just in lust.)
* HalfHumanHybrid: [[spoiler:Alec, half 'faie]]
* HappilyMarried: Micum and Kari, Seregil and Alec (or well, happily talímeníos-bonded) and probably soon [[spoiler: Thero and Klia]]
* HelpingHands: The Dyrmagnos
* HeroicBSOD: Happens to Seregil after [[spoiler:Nysander's death]].
* TheHighQueen: Gherilain the First, Tamir, Idrilain the Second during the series, Princess Klia also has shades of this.
* HonorBeforeReason: Of all people ''Seregil'' throughout almost all of ''Traitor's moon'' - granted he acts this way to prove to the Aurefaie that he does have honor, unlike what they think of him and hopes to get his exile lifted - but damn when it includes letting himself being beaten up by a hostile party without even defending himself [[spoiler: or returning to face an almost certain death sentence after running away - to do the RIGHT thing and prevent a war -]] because his honor says so - we really are with Alec and Nyal and all the folks who call Seregil out on it. And they are many.
* HoYay: Lots for Alec and Seregil, [[spoiler:before they are upgraded to OfficialCouple]]. Also Seregil and Micum.
* HonorRelatedAbuse: Alec's mother Iriya a Shaar was murdered by her own brothers for breaking the law and becoming pregnant with a half human child. Alec's father Amasa kills them in revenge later.
* KissingUnderTheInfluence: Alec and Ylinestra.
* IncurableCoughOfDeath
* InnocentBlueEyes: Alec, to underline his innocence despite his aptitude to be a spy.
* InfantImmortality: Both averted early on and later played straight in ''Stalking Darkness''.
* ItsAllMyFault: Seregil. Often.
* LeftJustifiedFantasyMap: Averted.
* LovePotion: The enchantment spell Ylinestra uses on Alec in the second book. She also wears at all times a magically alluring perfume. It is enthralling to men and sickening to women.
* LoveableRogue: The whole idea behind the series.
* LoverAndBeloved: The relationship between Seregil and Alec. It causes Seregil a good amount of angst.
* MacGuffin: The various items that make up [[spoiler:the Helm]].
* MadOracle
* MagicPants: Averted frequently, much to Alec's embarrassment.
* ManipulativeBastard: Ilar.
* MasterOfDisguise: Seregil.
* MayflyDecemberRomance: Beka and Nyal.
* MindRape: Vargûl Ashnazai's preferred method of torture.
* ModestRoyalty: UpToEleven none of the royals that get screen time seem to wear finery.
* NaiveNewcomer: Alec.
* NoOntologicalInertia: When [[spoiler:Ashnazai]] is killed, the magical barriers he put in place are weakened.
* NoSenseOfDirection: Though being an expert tracker in the wood, Alec tends to get lost in big cities. However, he will learn the way after enough time.
* ObfuscatingStupidity
* TheObiWan Nysander.
* OhMyGods:
** "Sakor's fist!"
** "Bilairy's balls!"
** "By the Maker!"
* OldRetainer: Runcer, Seregil's butler counts. Also Lady Kassarie's servants.
* OlderThanTheyLook / ReallySevenHundredYearsOld: The 'faie, and wizards.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent
* OurElvesAreBetter: The Aurënfaie are typically beautiful, live for several hundred years, and were the first beings to possess magic. However, Flewelling herself has expressed distaste for stereotypical elves. Thus, while the Aurënfaie are an entire race of {{Pretty Boy}}s and Beautiful Girls, they do not possess such features as pointy ears and can pass for human with little effort. They also have a more diverse culture based on clans, many of which favor interests that in no way resemble "classic" elves. This can surprise some people...
--> '''Seregil''': You seemed to think we were all great mages or nectar-sipping fairy folk.
* OurLichesAreDifferent: The ''dyrmagnos'' are undead evil necromancers.
* OverlyLongName: In the south a highborn person's name includes the given name, the names of parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, and place of birth, much to Alec's perplexity. The standard way of politely referring to someone would be e.g. ''Seregil i Korit'' or ''Klia a Idrilain''.
* ParentalFavoritism: Queen Idrilain clearly favored Klia over Phoria, a fact Phoria is very aware of.
* ParentalAbandonment
* {{Patronymic}}
* PrettyBoy: Seregil is slender with long wavy hair and fine features, and he can pass as a beautiful woman with just a dress and some makeup.
* TheProphecy: A few actually. One is the reason Skala is ruled by a line of warrior queens. Then there's the prophecy of Seriamaius's return that drives the plot of the first two books. And though they've never actually given a prophecy about him, it's clear the oracles at Sarikali have at least some knowledge of Seregil's future.
* PsychicDreamsForEveryone
* PunctuationShaker
* RageAgainstTheMentor
* RedPillBluePill
* RescueRomance: Hey, it fits with Alec and Seregil.
* RichIdiotWithNoDayJob: Lord Seregil and Sir Alec of Ivywell.
* TheRival: Thero to Seregil.
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: The entire Skalan royal family. The Queen is also a general, as is the Princess Royal. In fact, each of her six children (bar one) is in the Army, and two of them die on the field of battle.
* SheCleansUpNicely:
** Beka looks pretty in a dress.
** Alec and Seregil use this to their advantage when playing different personas.
* ShootTheDog: [[spoiler:Nysander]]'s death.
* SpyFiction: Mostly of the Stale Beer flavor.
* SquishyWizard: Subverted. [[spoiler: Nysander]] survives an all-out assault on his home to take part in the final battle of the second book, although he is badly weakened by it.
* StarCrossedLovers: Alec's parents Iriya a Shaar and Amasa of Kerry.
* SternChase: The first half of ''Luck in the Shadows''.
* TheStoic: Riesel the Hazad is a hardcore stoic.
* StreetUrchin: A network of them in Rhíminee.
* StuffedIntoTheFridge: [[spoiler:Thryis and her family]].
* StupidSexyFlanders
* TakingTheBullet: Or rather, the arrow: near the end of ''Shadows Return''.
* TookALevelInBadass: Seregil, [[spoiler:in Shadows Return when facing down Mardus.]]
--> [[spoiler:'''Seregil''': Hell, I'll kill you for the sheer un of it. Come on, Lord Eater of Shit. Let's get this over with.]]
* UnproblematicProstitution: Most of the prostitutes/courtesans from the Street of Lights fit this trope. They make rather a lot in terms of cash and gifts from their patrons, who are mostly nobles or rich merchants and are free to selectively pick and choose who they will take as clients. There are, however, regular prostitutes patronized by the lower classes who do not fit this trope.
* TheVamp: Ylinestra.
* WizardingSchool: The Orëska, of course.
* YouAllMeetInACell
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A 16-year-old orphan named Alec is imprisoned and tortured for a crime he didn't commit. But just as he's starting to welcome the idea of his inevitable death, he is made to share his cell with the ''real'' criminal -- a man named Seregil, who breaks them both out of their prison. Seregil, a spy/thief for hire, recognizes the innate thieving skills Alec possesses, and offers to take him on as his apprentice. Alec accepts, and is immediately drawn into deadly intrigues, an impending war, and a secret society of spies and wizards.
Six books have been published so far. The second book is a sequel to the first, and the remaining are standalone:
* ''Luck in the Shadows'' (1996)
* ''Stalking Darkness'' (1997)
* ''Traitor's Moon'' (1998)
* ''Shadows Return'' (2008)
* ''The White Road'' (2010)
* ''Casket of Souls'' (2012)
Flewelling has also written a spinoff, the Tamír Trilogy, set in the same universe during a different time period.
This series is not to be confused with the more recent ''Night Runner'', which is about vampires.
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!!This series provides examples of:
* AbsurdlySpaciousSewer: In ''Stalking Darkness''. "Why did they build it so big?" "So that the poisonous humours that can collect do so overhead, and the air down here is good." (Paraphrased, natch.)
* ActionGirl: Beka, Princess Klia and many others. Being one is actually a requirement to be Queen of Skala to the point where one princess is not actually in the line of succession because she lacks military prowess.
* AwesomeMomentofCrowning: It is not the proper investiture but the scene at the end of ''Hidden Warrior'', where the main character declares her name (''I am Tamír!'') definitely counts. (though she refuses being called "Queen" for a while, following the proper ritual. However, she accepts after being called queen by the ghost of one ancestor of hers.)
* AncientConspiracy: The Lerans, the Guardian.
* {{Animorphism}}
* AnnoyingArrows
* BadMoonRising: The comet, called a plague star.
* BecauseDestinySaysSo: The prophecy of the Guardian, the Shaft, the Vanguard, and the Guide
* BigBrotherMentor: Seregil for Alec
* BigDamnKiss: Twice. First short before the climax of ''Stalking darkness'', resolving the long lingering [[UnresolvedSexualTension UST]], second in ''Shadows Return'' [[spoiler: just before Alec gets killed.]]
* BiTheWay: Seregil, Alec (after he gets over his Dalnan prudery), and a couple minor characters. Appears to be quite normal in Skalan and Aurënfaie society.
* BlackSpeech: The language of Plenimar is reminiscent of this.
* BloodKnight: In Skala they are considered to be Sakor touched. Many characters have mild elements of this trope like Beka, Klia, Myrhini, and even Micum.
* CainAndAbel: Phoria and Klia may be headed toward this.
* CanNotSpitItOut: Seregil has this as a chronic condition.
* ChekhovsGun: The Akhendi charm bracelets.
* TheClan: The various Aurënfaie clans, complete with [[PlanetOfHats hats]] in the form of headscarves.
* ColonelBadass: Princess Klia, of course. She loves battle and is *very* good at it.
* CoolBigSis: Adzriel to Seregil. Beka takes this role for Alec too and it#s implied her little sister Illia looks up to her that way.
* CombatPragmatist: Nightrunning as well as being a Watcher cannot afford honourable fights. Seregil manages to instill this fighting philosophy to those he teaches (Alec and Beka).
* CreepyChild: Sebrahn. [[spoiler: He lives off Alec's blood, can cure any illness or injury and even bring people back from death, and kills men just by singing.]]
* CulturedBadass: Seregil to a tee. Can fight like a demon and is a well know patron of arts, is well versed in gourmet food and speaks a multitude of languages. He trains Alec to be the same. Also the Scalan nobles and royalty that are in the army. They have the education that befits their status and plenty of badass skills.
* DeadpanSnarker: It would be easier to list the ones that do not indulge in this. Even high queen type Idrilain can not help herself when two forgers declare their loyalty to her after they had been linked to the Lerans. One person who never snarks is the eternally good natured Nysander.
* DefeatMeansFriendship: Tym the thief has a healthy dose of respect and a smidge of loyalty toward Seregil after being defeated by him.
* DisguisedInDrag: Seregil in his Lady Gwethelyn persona is very convincing. Captain Rhal is very taken, Alec also even though he knows that Seregil is a man.
* TheDragon: Vargûl Ashnazai for Duke Mardus
* DoubleEntendre: At one point in the second novel [[CanNotSpitItOut Seregil]] is asked by Alec why he is heading to a brothel specializing in males for males, after having just spent time in one of a more traditional variety. He replies by saying that "Fowl never tastes as savory when you're hungry for venison." Given that Alec's animal form is a deer...
* DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnMale: Ylinestra puts Alec (a sixteen year old boy) under a spell and has sex with him while he is under the influence. And yet everyone seems to treat it lightly. Seregil even debates whether he should tease Alec about it. Nysander is annoyed that Ylinestra would use magic on an unwilling subject. Alec is a bit upset, but gets over it in no time.
* EveryoneIsBi: Well, almost everyone, to a certain extent.
* FantasticRacism: Many Aurënfaie consider themselves superior to Tirfaie (humans), in some parts of Aurënen [[HalfHumanHybrid half-breeds]] are treated with disdain, though this is not true of all clans. Conversely, the Plenimarans prize the Aurënfaie as slaves (and sacrifices for necromantic rites) and conduct slaving raids into Aurënen as well as breeding 'faie slaves much as they would horses. Also the Leran plots are based on the fact that the Skalan royal line has Aurënfaie blood. The Hâzadriëlfaie though take the cake on racism, although it is revealed that [[spoiler: this is because they have more dragon blood than other Aurënfaie and can be used for some seriously messed up magic]], hence they studiously avoid most other peoples, including other Aurënfaie.
* FreakyFriday: Seregil and Thero
* FriendToAllChildren: Alec all over the place. Micum too has a very soft spot for children, thanks to being a father of five.
* FunctionalMagic: Multiple varieties. Inherent Gift magic is standard with the Aurënfaie. The human Third Orëska wizards combine this with Rule Magic. Theurgy is employed by the Drysians and the Rhui'auros. Necromancy is popular in Plenimar. Alchemy is studied by some wizards, and there are also dedicated specialists to this magical discipline. MagicMusic is practiced by centaurs and the human Retha'noi mountain people.
* GentlemanThief: Seregil
* GodOfEvil: Seriamainus. Worshiped with torture and human sacrifice. His eventual goal is to strip the bones of the world.
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: [[spoiler:Phoria]] seems to be a mild version of one. She loves war, hates her sister, bullies her weaker siblings, does not listen to perfectly sound advice if it goes against her perceptions. Also seems unable to see the bigger picture and long term consequences.
* GoodScarsEvilScars
* GreenEyedEpiphany: Slightly undermined. Seregil already HAS an eye on Alec at that point and is very aware of it. Still, him being jealous when a male prostitute gets touchy-feely to Alec is a new one to him. (but then it again takes a good while for him to admit that he IS in love and not just in lust.)
* HalfHumanHybrid: [[spoiler:Alec, half 'faie]]
* HappilyMarried: Micum and Kari, Seregil and Alec (or well, happily talímeníos-bonded) and probably soon [[spoiler: Thero and Klia]]
* HelpingHands: The Dyrmagnos
* HeroicBSOD: Happens to Seregil after [[spoiler:Nysander's death]].
* TheHighQueen: Gherilain the First, Tamir, Idrilain the Second during the series, Princess Klia also has shades of this.
* HonorBeforeReason: Of all people ''Seregil'' throughout almost all of ''Traitor's moon'' - granted he acts this way to prove to the Aurefaie that he does have honor, unlike what they think of him and hopes to get his exile lifted - but damn when it includes letting himself being beaten up by a hostile party without even defending himself [[spoiler: or returning to face an almost certain death sentence after running away - to do the RIGHT thing and prevent a war -]] because his honor says so - we really are with Alec and Nyal and all the folks who call Seregil out on it. And they are many.
* HoYay: Lots for Alec and Seregil, [[spoiler:before they are upgraded to OfficialCouple]]. Also Seregil and Micum.
* HonorRelatedAbuse: Alec's mother Iriya a Shaar was murdered by her own brothers for breaking the law and becoming pregnant with a half human child. Alec's father Amasa kills them in revenge later.
* KissingUnderTheInfluence: Alec and Ylinestra.
* IncurableCoughOfDeath
* InnocentBlueEyes: Alec, to underline his innocence despite his aptitude to be a spy.
* InfantImmortality: Both averted early on and later played straight in ''Stalking Darkness''.
* ItsAllMyFault: Seregil. Often.
* LeftJustifiedFantasyMap: Averted.
* LovePotion: The enchantment spell Ylinestra uses on Alec in the second book. She also wears at all times a magically alluring perfume. It is enthralling to men and sickening to women.
* LoveableRogue: The whole idea behind the series.
* LoverAndBeloved: The relationship between Seregil and Alec. It causes Seregil a good amount of angst.
* MacGuffin: The various items that make up [[spoiler:the Helm]].
* MadOracle
* MagicPants: Averted frequently, much to Alec's embarrassment.
* ManipulativeBastard: Ilar.
* MasterOfDisguise: Seregil.
* MayflyDecemberRomance: Beka and Nyal.
* MindRape: Vargûl Ashnazai's preferred method of torture.
* ModestRoyalty: UpToEleven none of the royals that get screen time seem to wear finery.
* NaiveNewcomer: Alec.
* NoOntologicalInertia: When [[spoiler:Ashnazai]] is killed, the magical barriers he put in place are weakened.
* NoSenseOfDirection: Though being an expert tracker in the wood, Alec tends to get lost in big cities. However, he will learn the way after enough time.
* ObfuscatingStupidity
* TheObiWan Nysander.
* OhMyGods:
** "Sakor's fist!"
** "Bilairy's balls!"
** "By the Maker!"
* OldRetainer: Runcer, Seregil's butler counts. Also Lady Kassarie's servants.
* OlderThanTheyLook / ReallySevenHundredYearsOld: The 'faie, and wizards.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent
* OurElvesAreBetter: The Aurënfaie are typically beautiful, live for several hundred years, and were the first beings to possess magic. However, Flewelling herself has expressed distaste for stereotypical elves. Thus, while the Aurënfaie are an entire race of {{Pretty Boy}}s and Beautiful Girls, they do not possess such features as pointy ears and can pass for human with little effort. They also have a more diverse culture based on clans, many of which favor interests that in no way resemble "classic" elves. This can surprise some people...
--> '''Seregil''': You seemed to think we were all great mages or nectar-sipping fairy folk.
* OurLichesAreDifferent: The ''dyrmagnos'' are undead evil necromancers.
* OverlyLongName: In the south a highborn person's name includes the given name, the names of parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, and place of birth, much to Alec's perplexity. The standard way of politely referring to someone would be e.g. ''Seregil i Korit'' or ''Klia a Idrilain''.
* ParentalFavoritism: Queen Idrilain clearly favored Klia over Phoria, a fact Phoria is very aware of.
* ParentalAbandonment
* {{Patronymic}}
* PrettyBoy: Seregil is slender with long wavy hair and fine features, and he can pass as a beautiful woman with just a dress and some makeup.
* TheProphecy: A few actually. One is the reason Skala is ruled by a line of warrior queens. Then there's the prophecy of Seriamaius's return that drives the plot of the first two books. And though they've never actually given a prophecy about him, it's clear the oracles at Sarikali have at least some knowledge of Seregil's future.
* PsychicDreamsForEveryone
* PunctuationShaker
* RageAgainstTheMentor
* RedPillBluePill
* RescueRomance: Hey, it fits with Alec and Seregil.
* RichIdiotWithNoDayJob: Lord Seregil and Sir Alec of Ivywell.
* TheRival: Thero to Seregil.
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: The entire Skalan royal family. The Queen is also a general, as is the Princess Royal. In fact, each of her six children (bar one) is in the Army, and two of them die on the field of battle.
* SheCleansUpNicely:
** Beka looks pretty in a dress.
** Alec and Seregil use this to their advantage when playing different personas.
* ShootTheDog: [[spoiler:Nysander]]'s death.
* SpyFiction: Mostly of the Stale Beer flavor.
* SquishyWizard: Subverted. [[spoiler: Nysander]] survives an all-out assault on his home to take part in the final battle of the second book, although he is badly weakened by it.
* StarCrossedLovers: Alec's parents Iriya a Shaar and Amasa of Kerry.
* SternChase: The first half of ''Luck in the Shadows''.
* TheStoic: Riesel the Hazad is a hardcore stoic.
* StreetUrchin: A network of them in Rhíminee.
* StuffedIntoTheFridge: [[spoiler:Thryis and her family]].
* StupidSexyFlanders
* TakingTheBullet: Or rather, the arrow: near the end of ''Shadows Return''.
* TookALevelInBadass: Seregil, [[spoiler:in Shadows Return when facing down Mardus.]]
--> [[spoiler:'''Seregil''': Hell, I'll kill you for the sheer un of it. Come on, Lord Eater of Shit. Let's get this over with.]]
* UnproblematicProstitution: Most of the prostitutes/courtesans from the Street of Lights fit this trope. They make rather a lot in terms of cash and gifts from their patrons, who are mostly nobles or rich merchants and are free to selectively pick and choose who they will take as clients. There are, however, regular prostitutes patronized by the lower classes who do not fit this trope.
* TheVamp: Ylinestra.
* WizardingSchool: The Orëska, of course.
* YouAllMeetInACell
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