Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Added example(s)
Added DiffLines:
* PowerPerversionPotential: Dylan conjures a low electrical charge which he uses on his lovers' genitals to stimulate them while having sex.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 139 (click to see context) from:
* PornWithPlot: The books have some long, very explicit sex scenes (mostly between Tracker and Dylan), but the plot is definitely not secondary or non-existent, with these having amble set up rather than just being [[SexStartsStoryStops plunked in]]. Both of them also have explicit sex with other people too, and some supporting characters get in on too. Many of these sex scenes last entire chapters or nearly that long.
to:
* PornWithPlot: The books have some long, very explicit sex scenes (mostly between Tracker and Dylan), but the plot is definitely not secondary or non-existent, with these having amble set up rather than just being [[SexStartsStoryStops plunked in]]. Both of them also have explicit sex with other people too, and some supporting characters get in on too.it also. Many of these sex scenes last entire chapters or nearly that long.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 81 (click to see context) from:
* ForcedOutOfTheCloset: Early on Ceri, a female trainee, is outed as being bisexual, which results in her [[GayngstInducedSuicide killing herself]]. Being outed however in a straight relationship is as bad, as the administration forbids relationships among the trainees generally.
to:
* ForcedOutOfTheCloset: Early on in ''In Pain and Blood'' Ceri, a female trainee, is outed as being bisexual, which results in her [[GayngstInducedSuicide killing herself]]. Being outed however in a straight relationship is as bad, as the administration forbids relationships among the trainees generally.
Changed line(s) 84 (click to see context) from:
* GayngstInducedSuicide: Ceri, a bisexual trainee, kills herself after [[ForcedOutOfTheCloset she's outed]] to the administration toward the beginning of ''In Pain and Blood".
to:
* GayngstInducedSuicide: Ceri, a bisexual trainee, kills herself after [[ForcedOutOfTheCloset she's outed]] to the administration toward the beginning of ''In Pain and Blood".Blood''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 18,20 (click to see context) from:
Additionally, the short stories ''The Leap to Freedom" and "Willow" are set in the same universe but follow different characters, as does the novella ''Someone Else's Shoes", a take off of ''Literature/{{Cinderella}}''.
to:
Additionally, the short stories ''The "The Leap to Freedom" and "Willow" are set in the same universe but follow different characters, as does the novella ''Someone "Someone Else's Shoes", a take off of ''Literature/{{Cinderella}}''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 182 (click to see context) from:
* WoundThatWouldNotHeal: Blades made from infitialis metal cannot be magically healed, since it [[PowerNullifier blocks magic]]. Even minor wounds inflicted with them will continue bleeding until the person expires.
to:
* WoundThatWouldNotHeal: WoundThatWillNotHeal: Blades made from infitialis metal cannot be magically healed, since it [[PowerNullifier blocks magic]]. Even minor wounds inflicted with them will continue bleeding until the person expires.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 166 (click to see context) from:
* SupernaturalSensitivity: King's Hounds can sense magic and they track spellsters as a result.
to:
* SupernaturalSensitivity: King's Hounds can sense magic and they track spellsters as a result.using this.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 144 (click to see context) from:
** Tracker is shown early on as attracted to people irrespective or gender, with his preference being for ones with penises. He doesn't care what their gender is however besides that, and is shown being with trans women or cis men mostly.
to:
** Tracker is shown early on as attracted to people irrespective or of gender, with his preference being for ones with penises. He doesn't care what their gender is however besides that, and is shown being with trans women or cis men mostly.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 114 (click to see context) from:
* MilitaryMage: The best spellsters of the tower in Damarn are selected for military service, controlled by their superior officer with [[RestrainingBolt a collar]]. If ordered to, they can use their magic on the enemy. The enemy also has spellsters in its ranks.
to:
* MilitaryMage: The best spellsters of the tower in Damarn are selected for military service, controlled by their superior officer with [[RestrainingBolt a collar]]. If ordered to, they can use their magic on the enemy. The enemy Undyeans, their enemies. Undyeans also has have many spellsters in its their ranks.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 114 (click to see context) from:
* MilitaryMage: The best spellsters of the tower in Damare are selected for military service, controlled by their superior officer with [[RestrainingBolt a collar]]. If ordered to, they can use their magic on the enemy. The enemy also has spellsters in its ranks.
to:
* MilitaryMage: The best spellsters of the tower in Damare Damarn are selected for military service, controlled by their superior officer with [[RestrainingBolt a collar]]. If ordered to, they can use their magic on the enemy. The enemy also has spellsters in its ranks.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 88 (click to see context) from:
* HealingHands: Magical healing requirest touching a patient's body. The exact spot isn't important.
to:
* HealingHands: Magical healing requirest requires touching a patient's body. The exact spot isn't important.important though.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 81 (click to see context) from:
* ForcedOutOfTheCloset: Early on Ceri, a female trainee, is outed as being bisexual, which results in her [[GaygnstInducedSuicide killing herself]]. Being outed however in a straight relationship is as bad, as the administration forbids relationships among the trainees generally.
to:
* ForcedOutOfTheCloset: Early on Ceri, a female trainee, is outed as being bisexual, which results in her [[GaygnstInducedSuicide [[GayngstInducedSuicide killing herself]]. Being outed however in a straight relationship is as bad, as the administration forbids relationships among the trainees generally.
Changed line(s) 84 (click to see context) from:
* GaygnstInducedSuicide: Ceri, a bisexual trainee, kills herself after [[ForcedOutOfTheCloset she's outed]] to the administration toward the beginning of ''In Pain and Blood".
to:
* GaygnstInducedSuicide: GayngstInducedSuicide: Ceri, a bisexual trainee, kills herself after [[ForcedOutOfTheCloset she's outed]] to the administration toward the beginning of ''In Pain and Blood".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 79 (click to see context) from:
* FieryRedhead: Authril is a spunky, quick-tempered elven woman with light red hair.
to:
* FieryRedhead: Authril Tracker has russet hair. Authril's is an orangy-red. Marin is described as being a spunky, quick-tempered elven woman with light dark red hair.auburn. All of them are HotBlooded and have their separate outbursts throughout ''In Pain and Blood''.
Changed line(s) 81 (click to see context) from:
* ForcedOutOfTheCloset: Early on Ceri, a female trainee, is outed as being bisexual, which results in her [[GaygnsInducedSuicide killing herself]]. Being outed however in a straight relationship is as bad, as the administration forbids relationships among the trainees generally.
to:
* ForcedOutOfTheCloset: Early on Ceri, a female trainee, is outed as being bisexual, which results in her [[GaygnsInducedSuicide [[GaygnstInducedSuicide killing herself]]. Being outed however in a straight relationship is as bad, as the administration forbids relationships among the trainees generally.
Changed line(s) 84 (click to see context) from:
* GaygnsInducedSuicide: Ceri, a bisexual trainee, kills herself after [[ForcedOutOfTheCloset she's outed]] to the administration toward the beginning of ''In Pain and Blood".
to:
* GaygnsInducedSuicide: GaygnstInducedSuicide: Ceri, a bisexual trainee, kills herself after [[ForcedOutOfTheCloset she's outed]] to the administration toward the beginning of ''In Pain and Blood".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 74 (click to see context) from:
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do anything, but he has some standards. It's just a very low bar. He is very observant of consent, always telling partners he'll never do anything except with them willing, while also being ever concerned for their comfort.
to:
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do anything, but he has some standards. It's just a very low bar. He is very observant of consent, always telling partners he'll never do anything except with them willing, while also being ever concerned for their comfort. He also doesn't use whips, as he's been [[ATasteOfTheLash whipped in the past as punishment]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Not enough context (ZCE)
Changed line(s) 71 (click to see context) from:
* DysfunctionJunction: Whilst Dylan is mostly in a state of gaining this, Tracker's busy looping himself around.
to:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 36 (click to see context) from:
* BiWildered: Bisexuals are called “indecisives” and mostly mocked among the trainees, who generally don't get bisexuality at all.
to:
* BiWildered: Bisexuals are called “indecisives” "indecisives" and mostly mocked among the trainees, who generally don't get bisexuality at all.all, seeing them as confused.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
* BattleCouple: Tracker, being an assassin-type, and the mage, Dylan, become one over time, fighting against enemies together. Authril and Dylan could also count before Tracker appears, as she's a soldier as well.
to:
* BattleCouple: Tracker, being an assassin-type, a skiller fighter and hunter, along with the mage, mage Dylan, become one over time, time while fighting against enemies together. Authril and Dylan could also count before Tracker appears, as she's a soldier as well.well, and they had been sleeping together (but are more FriendsWithBenefits).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es)
Changed line(s) 28 (click to see context) from:
* ArrowCatch: Multiple times Tracker plucks arrow loosed his way from right out of the air.
to:
* ArrowCatch: Multiple times Tracker plucks arrow arrows which are loosed his way from right out of the air.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Added example(s)
Added DiffLines:
* PornWithPlot: The books have some long, very explicit sex scenes (mostly between Tracker and Dylan), but the plot is definitely not secondary or non-existent, with these having amble set up rather than just being [[SexStartsStoryStops plunked in]]. Both of them also have explicit sex with other people too, and some supporting characters get in on too. Many of these sex scenes last entire chapters or nearly that long.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling/grammar fix(es), Added example(s), Alphabetizing example(s), Not enough context (ZCE), Fixing indentation
* GaygnsInducedSuicide: Ceri, a bisexual trainee, kills herself after [[ForcedOutOfTheCloset she's outed]] to the administration toward the beginning of ''In Pain and Blood".
Changed line(s) 86,88 (click to see context) from:
* HealingFactor: Through his training, Dylan is capable of patching a variety of wounds.
* HealItWithBooze: Whilst performing an AfterActionPatchup, Dylan pours whiskey on the wound.
** Tracker then proceeds to drink the rest.
* HealItWithBooze: Whilst performing an AfterActionPatchup, Dylan pours whiskey on the wound.
** Tracker then proceeds to drink the rest.
to:
* HealingFactor: Through his training, Dylan is capable of patching a variety of Spellsters have innate healing abilities that repair wounds.
* HealingHands: Magical healing requirest touching a patient's body. The exact spot isn't important.
* HealItWithBooze: Whilst performing an AfterActionPatchup, Dylan pours whiskey on thewound.
**wound. Tracker then proceeds to drink the rest.
* HealingHands: Magical healing requirest touching a patient's body. The exact spot isn't important.
* HealItWithBooze: Whilst performing an AfterActionPatchup, Dylan pours whiskey on the
**
Changed line(s) 90 (click to see context) from:
* HotBlooded: Tracker's a pretty laid back guy, but he's just as likely to skewer whoever pushes the wrong button.
to:
* HotBlooded: HotBlooded:
** Tracker's a pretty laid back guy, but he's just as likely to skewer whoever pushes the wrong button.
** Tracker's a pretty laid back guy, but he's just as likely to skewer whoever pushes the wrong button.
* TheImmodestOrgasm: Dylan and later Tracker both yell in pleasure as they climax when they're finally having sex together.
* InappropriatelyCloseComrades: The administration of the tower forbids relationships between their trainees, a rule which is broken all the time. However, being reported for it results in punishment.
* InappropriatelyCloseComrades: The administration of the tower forbids relationships between their trainees, a rule which is broken all the time. However, being reported for it results in punishment.
Changed line(s) 94,96 (click to see context) from:
** Only way out of the King's Hounds is through death.
* InterruptedDeclarationOfLove: Tracker. So many times.
* InvoluntaryBattleToTheDeath: Dylan and the group face a number of these throughout the story, from highwaymen to people actually out to kill them.
* InterruptedDeclarationOfLove: Tracker. So many times.
* InvoluntaryBattleToTheDeath: Dylan and the group face a number of these throughout the story, from highwaymen to people actually out to kill them.
to:
** Only The only way out of the King's Hounds is through death.
* InternalReveal: The reader knows early on that hounds like Tracker have AntiMagic. Dylan doesn't learn it until late during ''In Pain and Blood'' though.
%%* InterruptedDeclarationOfLove: Tracker. So many times.
*InvoluntaryBattleToTheDeath: IntimateMarks: Tracker is heavily tattooed, which includes over both his thighs and hips near his penis, as Dylan can't help but note when he's naked near him.
* InvoluntaryBattleToTheDeath:
** Dylan and the group face a number of these throughout the story, from highwaymen to people actually out to kill them.
* InternalReveal: The reader knows early on that hounds like Tracker have AntiMagic. Dylan doesn't learn it until late during ''In Pain and Blood'' though.
%%* InterruptedDeclarationOfLove: Tracker. So many times.
*
* InvoluntaryBattleToTheDeath:
** Dylan and the group face a number of these throughout the story, from highwaymen to people actually out to kill them.
Changed line(s) 102,103 (click to see context) from:
* LongHairedPrettyBoy: Tracker's braid reaches his waist.
* MageKiller: Pretty much what the King's Hounds are trained to do if their target cannot be coerced into the spellster tower.
* MageKiller: Pretty much what the King's Hounds are trained to do if their target cannot be coerced into the spellster tower.
to:
* MageKiller:
* MageTower: All of the spellster
* MagicalAbortion: It's mentioned that abortion can be induced by a spell, however it's very unpleasant to everyone. Dylan once did this for his former lover Nestria (presumably after impregnating her) but never wants to go through that again. Given this, he carefully practices withdrawal while having sex with Authril so as not to get her pregnant.
* MilitaryMage: The best spellsters of the tower in Damare are selected for military service, controlled by their superior officer with [[RestrainingBolt a collar]]. If ordered to, they can use their magic on the enemy. The enemy also has spellsters in its ranks.
* MuggingTheMonster: Tracker, a very skilled warrior, is attacked by angry drunks unaware of this on multiple occasions. He beats them with ease of course.
* MuggingTheMonster: Tracker, a very skilled warrior, is attacked by angry drunks unaware of this on multiple occasions. He beats them with ease of course.
* MundaneUtility: Spellsters sometimes do things like make cooking fires with magic, though spells are generally used for more pressing matters.
* MutantDraftBoard: Spellsters in Demarn must be under control of the government by law. Most are taken as babies for training. However, others who don't get detected or escape later are hunted down by the King's Hounds, a group of elite hunters with AntiMagic, to be killed or else brought back.
* MutantDraftBoard: Spellsters in Demarn must be under control of the government by law. Most are taken as babies for training. However, others who don't get detected or escape later are hunted down by the King's Hounds, a group of elite hunters with AntiMagic, to be killed or else brought back.
* NonHeteronormativeSociety: Demarner society entirely accepts LGBT+ citizens and relationships. Although there's some biphobia from spellsters who view bisexuals as "indecisives", gay or trans people aren't shown as having problems. There are people casually revealed as gay or trans multiple times, which no one thinks is wrong or even unusual. Multiple times people are also mentioned as being married to someone of their gender too.
* NoPeriodsPeriod: Dylan realizes Authril is having menstrual cramps, and cures them [[HealingHands with magic]]. He had previously learned to for his former lover Nestria, who'd suffered terrible ones.
* NoPeriodsPeriod: Dylan realizes Authril is having menstrual cramps, and cures them [[HealingHands with magic]]. He had previously learned to for his former lover Nestria, who'd suffered terrible ones.
Changed line(s) 108,109 (click to see context) from:
* OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame: Inverted in that the dwarves are arboreal, nature-loving beings.
* ParentalAbandonment: A lot of the main cast suffer from this. Dylan through the tower's separation policy. Authril through poverty. Tracker through his birth.
* ParentalAbandonment: A lot of the main cast suffer from this. Dylan through the tower's separation policy. Authril through poverty. Tracker through his birth.
to:
* OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame: Inverted OnlyOneName:
** Spellsters aren't given last names in the tower, only first ones. Dylan has only had thatthe dwarves one for all his life.
** The King's Hounds name themselves, since originally they're only [[YouAreNumberSix given a number]], and none is shown with a last name.
* OurDwarvesAreDifferent: Dwarves are arboreal, nature-lovingbeings.
beings here. Further, they're not actually described as looking different from humans, or even shorter than them. Authril wonders at this to Dylan. He explains this is due to dwarves having interbred with humans so long that most look just the same. They also have much better eyesight than most humans.
* OurElvesAreDifferent: They have the usual long pointed ears, but here their fingers also are far longer than humans'. Also, they have fangs and enhanced eyesight too. Males also [[PermaShave cannot grow beards]], as is typical.
* ParentalAbandonment: A lot of the main castsuffer from this. suffered this.
** Dylan through the tower's separationpolicy. policy.
** Authril throughpoverty. poverty.
** Tracker through his birth.
** Spellsters aren't given last names in the tower, only first ones. Dylan has only had that
** The King's Hounds name themselves, since originally they're only [[YouAreNumberSix given a number]], and none is shown with a last name.
* OurDwarvesAreDifferent: Dwarves are arboreal, nature-loving
* OurElvesAreDifferent: They have the usual long pointed ears, but here their fingers also are far longer than humans'. Also, they have fangs and enhanced eyesight too. Males also [[PermaShave cannot grow beards]], as is typical.
* ParentalAbandonment: A lot of the main cast
** Dylan through the tower's separation
** Authril through
** Tracker through his birth.
Changed line(s) 111 (click to see context) from:
** But not before Authril, Marin and Katarina wreck the tavern.
to:
* PlayingWithFire: Spellsters can easily generate fire, though the larger ones take more energy. It's one of the first spells which they learn usually. This can be used as a weapon, but also for [[MundaneUtility ordinary things such as lighting camp fires]].
* {{Polyamory}}: Tracker once was in a relationship with three other people.
* PowerIncontinence: Tracker attempted to aid a very young girl [[ChildMage with magic]], but when the caravan she had been with was raided by bandits her ability erupted accidentally, killing both her and nearby people. Stopping such occurrences is one reason spellsters are obligated to stay in the tower as they're trained.
* PowerNullifier: Infitialis metal blocks all use of magic. Cells to hold spellsters are those made using it.
* ProtectiveCharm: Spellsters often create magical shields to stop offensive spells. Dylan uses them multiple times to protect himself or other people.
* QueerEstablishingMoment:
** Tracker is shown early on as attracted to people irrespective or gender, with his preference being for ones with penises. He doesn't care what their gender is however besides that, and is shown being with trans women or cis men mostly.
** Authril later turns out to be bisexual when after having had sex with Dylan she beds a woman.
** Marin tells Dylan she is a lesbian [[SorryImGay when he makes a pass at her]].
* {{Polyamory}}: Tracker once was in a relationship with three other people.
* PowerIncontinence: Tracker attempted to aid a very young girl [[ChildMage with magic]], but when the caravan she had been with was raided by bandits her ability erupted accidentally, killing both her and nearby people. Stopping such occurrences is one reason spellsters are obligated to stay in the tower as they're trained.
* PowerNullifier: Infitialis metal blocks all use of magic. Cells to hold spellsters are those made using it.
* ProtectiveCharm: Spellsters often create magical shields to stop offensive spells. Dylan uses them multiple times to protect himself or other people.
* QueerEstablishingMoment:
** Tracker is shown early on as attracted to people irrespective or gender, with his preference being for ones with penises. He doesn't care what their gender is however besides that, and is shown being with trans women or cis men mostly.
** Authril later turns out to be bisexual when after having had sex with Dylan she beds a woman.
** Marin tells Dylan she is a lesbian [[SorryImGay when he makes a pass at her]].
Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* ResignationsNotAccepted: The King's Hounds are forever. Leaving whilst alive is not an option.
to:
* ResignationsNotAccepted: The King's Hounds are enlisted forever. Leaving whilst alive is not an option.
* {{Seme}}: Tracker states he prefers to be the top during sex. He isn't completely averse to bottoming though, doing so with Dylan and also mentions it as well with his previous trans lover Rhiannon. He's more masculine than Dylan, though the contrast isn't huge.
* SexGod: Tracker is quite skilled at sex, especially with people who have penises (which he prefers, whether cis men or trans women), making Dylan climax easily more than once in succession when the two have sex.
* SexSlave: Tracker visits a brothel where it's soon revealed the prostitutes are all held against their will through threats by the madam, who has armed thugs to enforce her rules. After he easily kills the thugs who attack him when Tracker says he'll report it, the city guard is called and they're liberated. It's made clear most brothels are not like this, and the situation's quite illegal. The madam is later hanged for her crimes too.
* ShockAndAwe: Lighthing bolts are the most common battle spell that Dylan uses, and other spellsters do also.
* SexGod: Tracker is quite skilled at sex, especially with people who have penises (which he prefers, whether cis men or trans women), making Dylan climax easily more than once in succession when the two have sex.
* SexSlave: Tracker visits a brothel where it's soon revealed the prostitutes are all held against their will through threats by the madam, who has armed thugs to enforce her rules. After he easily kills the thugs who attack him when Tracker says he'll report it, the city guard is called and they're liberated. It's made clear most brothels are not like this, and the situation's quite illegal. The madam is later hanged for her crimes too.
* ShockAndAwe: Lighthing bolts are the most common battle spell that Dylan uses, and other spellsters do also.
Changed line(s) 122 (click to see context) from:
** And Katarina, to a lesser extent.
to:
* SlaveCollar: Collars are the most logical method to apply the RestrainingBolt to mages in the army.
* SorryImGay: Marin politely tells Dylan she's a lesbian when he hits on her.
* SorryImGay: Marin politely tells Dylan she's a lesbian when he hits on her.
Deleted line(s) 126 (click to see context) :
* SlaveCollar: Collars are the most logical method to apply the RestrainingBolt to mages in the army.
Changed line(s) 128,130 (click to see context) from:
* StopDrowningAndStandUp: Dylan during his first ever attempt to swim.
** To be fair, before then, the deepest water he'd ever seen was a bathtub.
* ATasteOfTheLash: Tracker reveals to have been beaten and whipped multiple times during his childhood.
** To be fair, before then, the deepest water he'd ever seen was a bathtub.
* ATasteOfTheLash: Tracker reveals to have been beaten and whipped multiple times during his childhood.
to:
* StopDrowningAndStandUp: Dylan during his first ever attempt to swim.
**swim. To be fair, before then, the deepest water he'd ever seen was a bathtub.
* SupernaturalSensitivity: King's Hounds can sense magic and they track spellsters as a result.
* SuperpowerfulGenetics: Magical ability is usually hereditary, and spellsters have at least one parent who also had it in most cases. [[spoiler:Hounds are also born from one spellster parent too, and though they can't do magic they have natural AntiMagic as a result.]]
* ATasteOfTheLash: Tracker revealsto have been he was beaten and whipped multiple times during his childhood.childhood as punishment.
**
* SupernaturalSensitivity: King's Hounds can sense magic and they track spellsters as a result.
* SuperpowerfulGenetics: Magical ability is usually hereditary, and spellsters have at least one parent who also had it in most cases. [[spoiler:Hounds are also born from one spellster parent too, and though they can't do magic they have natural AntiMagic as a result.]]
* ATasteOfTheLash: Tracker reveals
* AThreesomeIsHot: Tracker briefly has sex with Treasure, with them inviting Authril to join in. She accepts, and has much lengthier sex with Treasure after this.
Changed line(s) 133 (click to see context) from:
* UnderestimatingBadassery: Given Tracker and Authril's short stature and pointed ears, a lot of folk underestimate their abilities until they taste their own spine.
to:
* UnderestimatingBadassery: UnderestimatingBadassery:
** Given Tracker and Authril's short stature and pointed ears, a lot of folk underestimate their abilities until they taste their own spine.
** Given Tracker and Authril's short stature and pointed ears, a lot of folk underestimate their abilities until they taste their own spine.
* {{UST}}: For much of ''In Pain and Blood'' after meeting him Dylan is shown increasingly attracted to Tracker, whose flirting spurs him on. He resists it for a long time however, partly as he's in denial about finding a man attractive, until they finally have sex near the end of the book and enjoy this greatly.
* VerbalTic: Tracker often ends his sentences with "Yes?" even when they aren't meant as questions.
* VerbalTic: Tracker often ends his sentences with "Yes?" even when they aren't meant as questions.
Changed line(s) 139 (click to see context) from:
to:
* WizardingSchool: The tower is the training facility for spellsters, who are raised there too.
* WoundThatWouldNotHeal: Blades made from infitialis metal cannot be magically healed, since it [[PowerNullifier blocks magic]]. Even minor wounds inflicted with them will continue bleeding until the person expires.
* WoundThatWouldNotHeal: Blades made from infitialis metal cannot be magically healed, since it [[PowerNullifier blocks magic]]. Even minor wounds inflicted with them will continue bleeding until the person expires.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Added example(s), Alphabetizing example(s), Not enough context (ZCE)
Changed line(s) 4,5 (click to see context) from:
''Spellster'' is a fantasy/LGBT romance series by Aldrea Alien. The first book is ''In Pain and Blood''.
to:
''Spellster'' is a fantasy/LGBT romance series by Aldrea Alien. The first book is ''In Pain and Blood''.\n
The main works are:
''In Pain and Blood'' (2022, revised edition)
''Tracking Trouble'' (2022) a prequel about Tracker
''And The World Crumbled'' (2023) a sequel which picks up where ''In Pain and Blood" left off
"In Love and Death" (2024, upcoming)
Additionally, the short stories ''The Leap to Freedom" and "Willow" are set in the same universe but follow different characters, as does the novella ''Someone Else's Shoes", a take off of ''Literature/{{Cinderella}}''.
''In Pain and Blood'' (2022, revised edition)
''Tracking Trouble'' (2022) a prequel about Tracker
''And The World Crumbled'' (2023) a sequel which picks up where ''In Pain and Blood" left off
"In Love and Death" (2024, upcoming)
Additionally, the short stories ''The Leap to Freedom" and "Willow" are set in the same universe but follow different characters, as does the novella ''Someone Else's Shoes", a take off of ''Literature/{{Cinderella}}''.
Changed line(s) 10 (click to see context) from:
to:
* ActionGirl: Authril is a female soldier whom Dylan connects with. They are joined by Marin, who's a very skilled archer. Other minor female characters are also soldiers and guards.
Changed line(s) 15 (click to see context) from:
%%* ArcherArchetype: Marin.
to:
Changed line(s) 20,23 (click to see context) from:
* BathtubBonding: Tracker and Dylan. Once in a pond. Another time in an actual bath.
* BattleCouple: Tracker, being an assassin-type, and the mage, Dylan.
** Although Authril and Dylan could also count before a certain elven man appears.
%%* BloodSplatteredWarrior: Dylan, although not by choice.
* BattleCouple: Tracker, being an assassin-type, and the mage, Dylan.
** Although Authril and Dylan could also count before a certain elven man appears.
%%* BloodSplatteredWarrior: Dylan, although not by choice.
to:
* BathtubBonding: Tracker and Dylan. Once in a pond. Another time in an actual bath.
bath. They grow closer as a result of this, before having sex.
* BattleCouple: Tracker, being an assassin-type, and the mage,Dylan.
** AlthoughDylan, become one over time, fighting against enemies together. Authril and Dylan could also count before Tracker appears, as she's a certain elven man appears.
soldier as well.
* BiggerIsBetterInBed: A prostitute refuses to have sex with Tracker as he's an elf, whom she believes have small penises that wouldn't please her. He flirts back by saying that his is the same girth as hers, since the prostitute's trans, although they don't end up having sex.
* BiWildered: Bisexuals are called “indecisives” and mostly mocked among the trainees, who generally don't get bisexuality at all.
%%* BloodSplatteredWarrior: Dylan, although not by choice.
* BookBurning: [[spoiler:Dylan sets the tower's library on fire to start a pyre for those murdered inside at the end of ''In Pain and Blood''. He regrets it due to the books destroyed, but this works the best as it's very flammable. A few books are saved, but he's well aware they can't take them all.]]
* BattleCouple: Tracker, being an assassin-type, and the mage,
** Although
* BiggerIsBetterInBed: A prostitute refuses to have sex with Tracker as he's an elf, whom she believes have small penises that wouldn't please her. He flirts back by saying that his is the same girth as hers, since the prostitute's trans, although they don't end up having sex.
* BiWildered: Bisexuals are called “indecisives” and mostly mocked among the trainees, who generally don't get bisexuality at all.
%%* BloodSplatteredWarrior: Dylan, although not by choice.
* BookBurning: [[spoiler:Dylan sets the tower's library on fire to start a pyre for those murdered inside at the end of ''In Pain and Blood''. He regrets it due to the books destroyed, but this works the best as it's very flammable. A few books are saved, but he's well aware they can't take them all.]]
Changed line(s) 25 (click to see context) from:
* BraidsOfAction: Tracker's hair is described as being in one long, thick braid.
to:
* BraidsOfAction: Tracker's hair is described as being in one long, thick braid. He is a very skilled fighter.
* BrawnHilda: Izzy is a very large, muscular woman who's a bouncer at a brothel which Tracker visits.
* BrawnHilda: Izzy is a very large, muscular woman who's a bouncer at a brothel which Tracker visits.
Changed line(s) 28,30 (click to see context) from:
* CasualKink: Tracker with practically anything involving sex.
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: Dylan is described as having black hair and dark eyes. Katarina has brown hair and eyes.
** Apart from whips. He draws the line at those.
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: Dylan is described as having black hair and dark eyes. Katarina has brown hair and eyes.
** Apart from whips. He draws the line at those.
to:
* CastFullOfGay: ''In Pain and Blood'' has a mostly LGBT+ cast.
** Dylan's journey of self-discovery to realizing that he's bisexual forms a long arc.
** Tracker is openly bisexual meanwhile.
** Authril also turns out to be bisexual, sleeping with Dylan and also a female prostitute.
** Marin is a lesbian.
* CasualKink: Tracker with practically anything involvingsex.
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: Dylan is described as having black hair and dark eyes. Katarina has brown hair and eyes.
** Apart from whips. Hesex except for whips-he draws the line at those.those.
* ChildMage: Spellsters can start to use magic even while young children. It's one reason they're put in the tower, as this can lead to [[PowerIncontinence inadvertently killing them and other people]].
** Dylan's journey of self-discovery to realizing that he's bisexual forms a long arc.
** Tracker is openly bisexual meanwhile.
** Authril also turns out to be bisexual, sleeping with Dylan and also a female prostitute.
** Marin is a lesbian.
* CasualKink: Tracker with practically anything involving
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: Dylan is described as having black hair and dark eyes. Katarina has brown hair and eyes.
** Apart from whips. He
* ChildMage: Spellsters can start to use magic even while young children. It's one reason they're put in the tower, as this can lead to [[PowerIncontinence inadvertently killing them and other people]].
Changed line(s) 32 (click to see context) from:
%%* ClosetKey: Tracker is this for Dylan.
to:
* CoitusUninterruptus: Treasure talks with Tracker to give him information even as Authril is
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: Dylan is described as having black hair and dark eyes. Katarina has brown hair and eyes.
* DeaderThanDead: Tracker kills an enemy mage, then beheads him too because this insures he can't be resurrected either. It's said burning their bodies also serves the same purpose.
* DistressedDude: Dylan is at the mercy of Tracker when his female companions Authril and Marin intervene to help him. After clearing things up, later he also is rescued by Tracker from an assassin in the tower.
Changed line(s) 48 (click to see context) from:
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do anything, but he has some standards. It's just a very low bar.
to:
* EatingTheEyeCandy: Dylan can't help but look at Tracker's nude, muscular body repeatedly when he's washing nearby in the same pool. Tracker notices this and flirts about it, to Dylan's dismay. Even when he accepts that he's attracted to Tracker and has sex with him, Dylan is still drawn by his naked body.
* TheEmpire: The Undyean Empire is the enemy of Demarn, the country where the story is set. For centuries their forces have attacked others, trying to conquer them. They enslave elves as well.
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do anything, but he has some standards. It's just a very low bar. He is very observant of consent, always telling partners he'll never do anything except with them willing, while also being ever concerned for their comfort.
* TheEmpire: The Undyean Empire is the enemy of Demarn, the country where the story is set. For centuries their forces have attacked others, trying to conquer them. They enslave elves as well.
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do anything, but he has some standards. It's just a very low bar. He is very observant of consent, always telling partners he'll never do anything except with them willing, while also being ever concerned for their comfort.
* FakingTheDead: Tracker helped a ChildMage to escape by faking her death. It didn't last long however as she [[PowerIncontinence killed herself accidentally with her uncontrolled magic]].
Changed line(s) 52 (click to see context) from:
* FieryRedhead: Tracker has russet hair. Authril's is an orangy-red. Marin is described as being a dark red auburn. All of them have their separate outbursts throughout the novel.
to:
* FieryRedhead: Tracker has russet hair. Authril's Authril is an orangy-red. Marin is described as being a dark spunky, quick-tempered elven woman with light red auburn. All of them have their separate outbursts throughout the novel.hair.
* ForcedOutOfTheCloset: Early on Ceri, a female trainee, is outed as being bisexual, which results in her [[GaygnsInducedSuicide killing herself]]. Being outed however in a straight relationship is as bad, as the administration forbids relationships among the trainees generally.
Changed line(s) 55 (click to see context) from:
%%* FriendsWithBenefits: Most of the spellster tower seems to run on a covert version of this.
to:
Added DiffLines:
* MasterArcher: Marin is an expert archer.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Anything That Moves is a disambiguation
Deleted line(s) 15 (click to see context) :
%%* AnythingThatMoves: Tracker.
Changed line(s) 49 (click to see context) from:
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do AnythingThatMoves, he has some standards. It's just a very low bar.
to:
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do AnythingThatMoves, anything, but he has some standards. It's just a very low bar.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 17,18 (click to see context) from:
* BadassBookworm: Dylan, what with being locked away and with little do but read and practice magic.
Also Katarina, being an archaeologist type character more than capable of fending for herself.
Also Katarina, being an archaeologist type character more than capable of fending for herself.
to:
* BadassBookworm: BadassBookworm:
** Dylan, what with being locked away and with little do but read and practice magic.
** Also Katarina, being an archaeologist type character more than capable of fending for herself.
** Dylan, what with being locked away and with little do but read and practice magic.
** Also Katarina, being an archaeologist type character more than capable of fending for herself.
Changed line(s) 25 (click to see context) from:
* BraidsofAction: Tracker's hair is described as being in one long, thick braid.
to:
* BraidsofAction: BraidsOfAction: Tracker's hair is described as being in one long, thick braid.
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
** More a "coming out to self".
to:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Commented out ZC Es.
Added line(s) 9 (click to see context) :
%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample entries are not allowed on wiki pages. All such entries have been commented out. Add context to the entries before uncommenting them.
Changed line(s) 9 (click to see context) from:
* AlmostKiss: This is initiated several times throughout the book by Dylan and Tracker.
to:
Changed line(s) 13,14 (click to see context) from:
* AnythingThatMoves: Tracker.
* ArcherArchetype: Marin.
* ArcherArchetype: Marin.
to:
Changed line(s) 21,22 (click to see context) from:
* BloodSplatteredWarrior: Dylan, although not by choice.
* BreakUpMakeUpScenario: [[spoilers:Dylan and Tracker towards the end when the former accuses the other of being a FalseFriend]].
* BreakUpMakeUpScenario: [[spoilers:Dylan and Tracker towards the end when the former accuses the other of being a FalseFriend]].
to:
Changed line(s) 30,31 (click to see context) from:
* ClosetKey: Tracker is this for Dylan.
* ComingOutStory: The core of Dylan's story.
* ComingOutStory: The core of Dylan's story.
to:
Changed line(s) 33 (click to see context) from:
* CoveredWithScars: Not only does Tracker have a StoryboardBody, but has a multitude of scars from his Hound training.
to:
* CoveredWithScars: CoveredWithScars:
** Not only does Tracker have a StoryboardBody, but has a multitude of scars from his Hound training.
** Not only does Tracker have a StoryboardBody, but has a multitude of scars from his Hound training.
Changed line(s) 35,36 (click to see context) from:
* CuteBruiser: Authril.
* DanceOfRomance: Dylan and Tracker in the fishing village.
* DanceOfRomance: Dylan and Tracker in the fishing village.
to:
Changed line(s) 41,42 (click to see context) from:
* TheDogBitesBack: [[Tracker against his fellow King's Hounds]].
* DoubleEntendre: Tracker and Marin are the guilty parties in a lot of these.
* DoubleEntendre: Tracker and Marin are the guilty parties in a lot of these.
to:
Changed line(s) 47 (click to see context) from:
* FalseFriend: [[spoiler:Tracker is accused of this towards the end.]]
to:
Changed line(s) 51,52 (click to see context) from:
* ForcedPrizeFight: Tracker is forced into this as a teenager.
* FriendsWithBenefits: Most of the spellster tower seems to run on a covert version of this.
* FriendsWithBenefits: Most of the spellster tower seems to run on a covert version of this.
to:
Changed line(s) 61 (click to see context) from:
* InItForLife: Being a spellster means Dylan cannot leave the tower without being leashed. Even then, his only chance is being a weapon in the army.
to:
* InItForLife: InItForLife:
** Being a spellster means Dylan cannot leave the tower without being leashed. Even then, his only chance is being a weapon in the army.
** Being a spellster means Dylan cannot leave the tower without being leashed. Even then, his only chance is being a weapon in the army.
Changed line(s) 69 (click to see context) from:
* LightningBruiser: Tracker.
to:
Changed line(s) 72,73 (click to see context) from:
* MultiMeleeMaster: The King's Hounds are taught proficiency in a variety of weapons and Tracker's no exception.
** He's only marginal in archery, though.
** He's only marginal in archery, though.
to:
* MultiMeleeMaster: The King's Hounds are taught proficiency in a variety of weapons and Tracker's no exception.
**exception. He's only marginal in archery, though.
**
Changed line(s) 78 (click to see context) from:
* PayingForTheActionScene: Tracker after he kicks a guy in the face.
to:
Changed line(s) 88,89 (click to see context) from:
* SecondLove: [[spoiler: Tracker with Dylan]].
* SkinnyDipping: Dylan and Tracker, whilst the former learns to swim.
* SkinnyDipping: Dylan and Tracker, whilst the former learns to swim.
to:
Changed line(s) 91,92 (click to see context) from:
* SlaveBrand: The King's Hound tattoo is essentially this.
* StepfordSmiler: Tracker.
* StepfordSmiler: Tracker.
to:
Changed line(s) 95 (click to see context) from:
* TheSneakyGuy: Tracker.
to:
Changed line(s) 105 (click to see context) from:
* WakeUpFighting: Tracker.
to:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Deleted line(s) 51 (click to see context) :
* FlowerInHerHair: Dylan constructs himself a flower crown when he finds a field of lavender.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Dewicking per TRS decision.
Deleted line(s) 21 (click to see context) :
* BiTheWay: Authril has had past relationships with men and is attracted to a woman prostitue. Not much is made about it.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ipab1_medium.jpg]]
''Spellster'' is a fantasy/LGBT romance series by Aldrea Alien. The first book is ''In Pain and Blood''.
The story revolves around the magic-wielder Dylan, who joins the King's Army as a leashed weapon only to have things go horribly wrong when an ambush leaves him unleashed and at the risk of being branded a deserter. In order to return to his old life before the crown discovers his unleashed status, Dylan must rely on the elven man, Tracker, to protect him even when the man’s very presence awakens Dylan’s long-repressed desire.
----
!!Tropes in the ''Spellster'' series:
* AlmostKiss: This is initiated several times throughout the book by Dylan and Tracker.
* AcquiredPoisonImmunity: The King's Hounds, along with Tracker, are dosed from the age of five until they gain this trait.
* AfterActionPatchup: When [[spoiler:Tracker is cut across the arm during a skirmish]], Dylan tends to the man's wound.
* AntiMagic: The King's Hounds are immune to magic. Even the beneficial kind.
* AnythingThatMoves: Tracker.
* ArcherArchetype: Marin.
* BadassBookworm: Dylan, what with being locked away and with little do but read and practice magic.
Also Katarina, being an archaeologist type character more than capable of fending for herself.
* BarrierWarrior: A lot of the mages in the story are this, but Dylan is amongst the more competent.
* BathtubBonding: Tracker and Dylan. Once in a pond. Another time in an actual bath.
* BattleCouple: Tracker, being an assassin-type, and the mage, Dylan.
** Although Authril and Dylan could also count before a certain elven man appears.
* BiTheWay: Authril has had past relationships with men and is attracted to a woman prostitue. Not much is made about it.
* BloodSplatteredWarrior: Dylan, although not by choice.
* BreakUpMakeUpScenario: [[spoilers:Dylan and Tracker towards the end when the former accuses the other of being a FalseFriend]].
* BraidsofAction: Tracker's hair is described as being in one long, thick braid.
* BroughtDownToNormal: The collars spellsters in the story are leashed with strips them of the ability to use their magic.
* CanNotSpitItOut: Definitely describes Tracker's inability to tell Dylan how he feels.
* CasualKink: Tracker with practically anything involving sex.
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: Dylan is described as having black hair and dark eyes. Katarina has brown hair and eyes.
** Apart from whips. He draws the line at those.
* ChildrenForcedToKill: The King's Hounds are trained to fight and kill any mage they deem dangerous. Or each other if ordered.
* ClosetKey: Tracker is this for Dylan.
* ComingOutStory: The core of Dylan's story.
** More a "coming out to self".
* CoveredWithScars: Not only does Tracker have a StoryboardBody, but has a multitude of scars from his Hound training.
** Authril, too, is shown to have her fair share of them.
* CuteBruiser: Authril.
* DanceOfRomance: Dylan and Tracker in the fishing village.
* DarkAndTroubledPast: Tracker was torn from his mother at birth, trained to kill, poisoned, beaten, made to kill his past lovers and then whored out. All before he hits his twenties.
* DeadpanSnarker: A lot of the characters are guilty of this, but Tracker's likely the worst.
* DeathGlare: Quite a number of the cast is fond of these. Dylan and Authril being the more notable.
* DistinguishingMark: Tracker's pawprint tattoo is a symbol of the King's Hounds, who are the kingdom's foremost assassins and trackers of all things magical.
* TheDogBitesBack: [[Tracker against his fellow King's Hounds]].
* DoubleEntendre: Tracker and Marin are the guilty parties in a lot of these.
* DualWielding: Tracker, with his sabre and dagger.
* DysfunctionJunction: Whilst Dylan is mostly in a state of gaining this, Tracker's busy looping himself around.
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do AnythingThatMoves, he has some standards. It's just a very low bar.
* ExoticWeaponSupremacy: Tracker's sabre is shown to be better than most of the local swords.
* FalseFriend: [[spoiler:Tracker is accused of this towards the end.]]
* FantasyMetals: Infitialis is a rare, semi-unstable purple metal capable of nullifying magic.
* FieryRedhead: Tracker has russet hair. Authril's is an orangy-red. Marin is described as being a dark red auburn. All of them have their separate outbursts throughout the novel.
* FireForgedFriends: Dylan only really starts to trust Tracker after [[spoiler: his home is destroyed]].
* FlowerInHerHair: Dylan constructs himself a flower crown when he finds a field of lavender.
* ForcedPrizeFight: Tracker is forced into this as a teenager.
* FriendsWithBenefits: Most of the spellster tower seems to run on a covert version of this.
* GlassCannon: Dylan's magic is battlemage strong, but he's physically very weak.
* HandsOnApproach: Tracker with teaching Dylan how to properly hold a sword.
* HealingFactor: Through his training, Dylan is capable of patching a variety of wounds.
* HealItWithBooze: Whilst performing an AfterActionPatchup, Dylan pours whiskey on the wound.
** Tracker then proceeds to drink the rest.
* HiddenDepths: Tracker seems to be all about in-the-moment pleasure. We later learn this is due to a DarkAndTroubledPast.
* HotBlooded: Tracker's a pretty laid back guy, but he's just as likely to skewer whoever pushes the wrong button.
** Also don't remind Authril she's an elf. Or hit on her.
* InItForLife: Being a spellster means Dylan cannot leave the tower without being leashed. Even then, his only chance is being a weapon in the army.
** Only way out of the King's Hounds is through death.
* InterruptedDeclarationOfLove: Tracker. So many times.
* InvoluntaryBattleToTheDeath: Dylan and the group face a number of these throughout the story, from highwaymen to people actually out to kill them.
** Tracker in his teens. Fighting your equally-reluctant lovers will do that.
* ItsAllMyFault: Dylan in his belief that he's to blame for the death of his scouting party.
* JumpedAtTheCall: When the spellster tower requested people to join the army, Dylan couldn't wait for the chance.
* KillTheOnesYouLove: The King's Hounds aren't allowed to form romantic attachments, so when they do amongst themselves, only the strongest can survive.
* LightningBruiser: Tracker.
* LongHairedPrettyBoy: Tracker's braid reaches his waist.
* MageKiller: Pretty much what the King's Hounds are trained to do if their target cannot be coerced into the spellster tower.
* MultiMeleeMaster: The King's Hounds are taught proficiency in a variety of weapons and Tracker's no exception.
** He's only marginal in archery, though.
* MyGreatestFailure: What Dylan considers his inability to warn the army encampment [[spoiler:in time to halt their destruction]].
* NonNudeBathing: Dylan's first experience of BathtubBonding leads to him keeping his underwear on.
* OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame: Inverted in that the dwarves are arboreal, nature-loving beings.
* ParentalAbandonment: A lot of the main cast suffer from this. Dylan through the tower's separation policy. Authril through poverty. Tracker through his birth.
* PayingForTheActionScene: Tracker after he kicks a guy in the face.
** But not before Authril, Marin and Katarina wreck the tavern.
* PermaShave: None of the elven men can grow beards.
* PhysicalScarsPsychologicalScars: Both Tracker and Authril. One is CoveredWithScars, whilst the other is mainly on one shoulder.
* PillowPistol: Tracker sleeps with a dagger at his side.
* TheRedMage: Unlike most of the mages sent into the army, Dylan is equally capable of healing and fighting.
* ResignationsNotAccepted: The King's Hounds are forever. Leaving whilst alive is not an option.
* RestrainingBolt: Dylan's collar permits him to use magic only at the behest of his handler.
* ScarilyCompetentTracker: Each member of the King's Hounds is named for their talent. Tracker is very good at finding people.
* ScrewYouElves: Whilst the elves in the kingdom aren't enslaved like in other lands, they're largely considered lesser than the humans and dwarves.
* SecondLove: [[spoiler: Tracker with Dylan]].
* SkinnyDipping: Dylan and Tracker, whilst the former learns to swim.
** And Katarina, to a lesser extent.
* SlaveBrand: The King's Hound tattoo is essentially this.
* StepfordSmiler: Tracker.
* StoryboardBody: Tracker is described as having multiple types of tattoos on both arms, a sword running down his spine and a pawprint behind his ear.
* SlaveCollar: Collars are the most logical method to apply the RestrainingBolt to mages in the army.
* TheSneakyGuy: Tracker.
* StopDrowningAndStandUp: Dylan during his first ever attempt to swim.
** To be fair, before then, the deepest water he'd ever seen was a bathtub.
* ATasteOfTheLash: Tracker reveals to have been beaten and whipped multiple times during his childhood.
%%* TechnicolorBlade: Some of the weaker mages craft a dagger from a magical metal.
* TortureAlwaysWorks: Slightly subverted in that Tracker doesn't believe the guy he tortures. [[spoiler: Until he gains extra information from a more reliable source.]]
* UnderestimatingBadassery: Given Tracker and Authril's short stature and pointed ears, a lot of folk underestimate their abilities until they taste their own spine.
** Dylan, too, being that the mage is often mistaken for a priest.
* UnderstandingBoyfriend: Considering his DarkAndTroubledPast, Tracker is more than understanding when things go south for Dylan.
* ViolenceIsTheOnlyOption: The group will do their best to talk their way through, but that often leads them right back to cracking skulls.
* WakeUpFighting: Tracker.
* WhatBeautifulEyes: Elven eyes are often described in words such as sea-green and honey-coloured.
----
''Spellster'' is a fantasy/LGBT romance series by Aldrea Alien. The first book is ''In Pain and Blood''.
The story revolves around the magic-wielder Dylan, who joins the King's Army as a leashed weapon only to have things go horribly wrong when an ambush leaves him unleashed and at the risk of being branded a deserter. In order to return to his old life before the crown discovers his unleashed status, Dylan must rely on the elven man, Tracker, to protect him even when the man’s very presence awakens Dylan’s long-repressed desire.
----
!!Tropes in the ''Spellster'' series:
* AlmostKiss: This is initiated several times throughout the book by Dylan and Tracker.
* AcquiredPoisonImmunity: The King's Hounds, along with Tracker, are dosed from the age of five until they gain this trait.
* AfterActionPatchup: When [[spoiler:Tracker is cut across the arm during a skirmish]], Dylan tends to the man's wound.
* AntiMagic: The King's Hounds are immune to magic. Even the beneficial kind.
* AnythingThatMoves: Tracker.
* ArcherArchetype: Marin.
* BadassBookworm: Dylan, what with being locked away and with little do but read and practice magic.
Also Katarina, being an archaeologist type character more than capable of fending for herself.
* BarrierWarrior: A lot of the mages in the story are this, but Dylan is amongst the more competent.
* BathtubBonding: Tracker and Dylan. Once in a pond. Another time in an actual bath.
* BattleCouple: Tracker, being an assassin-type, and the mage, Dylan.
** Although Authril and Dylan could also count before a certain elven man appears.
* BiTheWay: Authril has had past relationships with men and is attracted to a woman prostitue. Not much is made about it.
* BloodSplatteredWarrior: Dylan, although not by choice.
* BreakUpMakeUpScenario: [[spoilers:Dylan and Tracker towards the end when the former accuses the other of being a FalseFriend]].
* BraidsofAction: Tracker's hair is described as being in one long, thick braid.
* BroughtDownToNormal: The collars spellsters in the story are leashed with strips them of the ability to use their magic.
* CanNotSpitItOut: Definitely describes Tracker's inability to tell Dylan how he feels.
* CasualKink: Tracker with practically anything involving sex.
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: Dylan is described as having black hair and dark eyes. Katarina has brown hair and eyes.
** Apart from whips. He draws the line at those.
* ChildrenForcedToKill: The King's Hounds are trained to fight and kill any mage they deem dangerous. Or each other if ordered.
* ClosetKey: Tracker is this for Dylan.
* ComingOutStory: The core of Dylan's story.
** More a "coming out to self".
* CoveredWithScars: Not only does Tracker have a StoryboardBody, but has a multitude of scars from his Hound training.
** Authril, too, is shown to have her fair share of them.
* CuteBruiser: Authril.
* DanceOfRomance: Dylan and Tracker in the fishing village.
* DarkAndTroubledPast: Tracker was torn from his mother at birth, trained to kill, poisoned, beaten, made to kill his past lovers and then whored out. All before he hits his twenties.
* DeadpanSnarker: A lot of the characters are guilty of this, but Tracker's likely the worst.
* DeathGlare: Quite a number of the cast is fond of these. Dylan and Authril being the more notable.
* DistinguishingMark: Tracker's pawprint tattoo is a symbol of the King's Hounds, who are the kingdom's foremost assassins and trackers of all things magical.
* TheDogBitesBack: [[Tracker against his fellow King's Hounds]].
* DoubleEntendre: Tracker and Marin are the guilty parties in a lot of these.
* DualWielding: Tracker, with his sabre and dagger.
* DysfunctionJunction: Whilst Dylan is mostly in a state of gaining this, Tracker's busy looping himself around.
* EthicalSlut: Tracker might do AnythingThatMoves, he has some standards. It's just a very low bar.
* ExoticWeaponSupremacy: Tracker's sabre is shown to be better than most of the local swords.
* FalseFriend: [[spoiler:Tracker is accused of this towards the end.]]
* FantasyMetals: Infitialis is a rare, semi-unstable purple metal capable of nullifying magic.
* FieryRedhead: Tracker has russet hair. Authril's is an orangy-red. Marin is described as being a dark red auburn. All of them have their separate outbursts throughout the novel.
* FireForgedFriends: Dylan only really starts to trust Tracker after [[spoiler: his home is destroyed]].
* FlowerInHerHair: Dylan constructs himself a flower crown when he finds a field of lavender.
* ForcedPrizeFight: Tracker is forced into this as a teenager.
* FriendsWithBenefits: Most of the spellster tower seems to run on a covert version of this.
* GlassCannon: Dylan's magic is battlemage strong, but he's physically very weak.
* HandsOnApproach: Tracker with teaching Dylan how to properly hold a sword.
* HealingFactor: Through his training, Dylan is capable of patching a variety of wounds.
* HealItWithBooze: Whilst performing an AfterActionPatchup, Dylan pours whiskey on the wound.
** Tracker then proceeds to drink the rest.
* HiddenDepths: Tracker seems to be all about in-the-moment pleasure. We later learn this is due to a DarkAndTroubledPast.
* HotBlooded: Tracker's a pretty laid back guy, but he's just as likely to skewer whoever pushes the wrong button.
** Also don't remind Authril she's an elf. Or hit on her.
* InItForLife: Being a spellster means Dylan cannot leave the tower without being leashed. Even then, his only chance is being a weapon in the army.
** Only way out of the King's Hounds is through death.
* InterruptedDeclarationOfLove: Tracker. So many times.
* InvoluntaryBattleToTheDeath: Dylan and the group face a number of these throughout the story, from highwaymen to people actually out to kill them.
** Tracker in his teens. Fighting your equally-reluctant lovers will do that.
* ItsAllMyFault: Dylan in his belief that he's to blame for the death of his scouting party.
* JumpedAtTheCall: When the spellster tower requested people to join the army, Dylan couldn't wait for the chance.
* KillTheOnesYouLove: The King's Hounds aren't allowed to form romantic attachments, so when they do amongst themselves, only the strongest can survive.
* LightningBruiser: Tracker.
* LongHairedPrettyBoy: Tracker's braid reaches his waist.
* MageKiller: Pretty much what the King's Hounds are trained to do if their target cannot be coerced into the spellster tower.
* MultiMeleeMaster: The King's Hounds are taught proficiency in a variety of weapons and Tracker's no exception.
** He's only marginal in archery, though.
* MyGreatestFailure: What Dylan considers his inability to warn the army encampment [[spoiler:in time to halt their destruction]].
* NonNudeBathing: Dylan's first experience of BathtubBonding leads to him keeping his underwear on.
* OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame: Inverted in that the dwarves are arboreal, nature-loving beings.
* ParentalAbandonment: A lot of the main cast suffer from this. Dylan through the tower's separation policy. Authril through poverty. Tracker through his birth.
* PayingForTheActionScene: Tracker after he kicks a guy in the face.
** But not before Authril, Marin and Katarina wreck the tavern.
* PermaShave: None of the elven men can grow beards.
* PhysicalScarsPsychologicalScars: Both Tracker and Authril. One is CoveredWithScars, whilst the other is mainly on one shoulder.
* PillowPistol: Tracker sleeps with a dagger at his side.
* TheRedMage: Unlike most of the mages sent into the army, Dylan is equally capable of healing and fighting.
* ResignationsNotAccepted: The King's Hounds are forever. Leaving whilst alive is not an option.
* RestrainingBolt: Dylan's collar permits him to use magic only at the behest of his handler.
* ScarilyCompetentTracker: Each member of the King's Hounds is named for their talent. Tracker is very good at finding people.
* ScrewYouElves: Whilst the elves in the kingdom aren't enslaved like in other lands, they're largely considered lesser than the humans and dwarves.
* SecondLove: [[spoiler: Tracker with Dylan]].
* SkinnyDipping: Dylan and Tracker, whilst the former learns to swim.
** And Katarina, to a lesser extent.
* SlaveBrand: The King's Hound tattoo is essentially this.
* StepfordSmiler: Tracker.
* StoryboardBody: Tracker is described as having multiple types of tattoos on both arms, a sword running down his spine and a pawprint behind his ear.
* SlaveCollar: Collars are the most logical method to apply the RestrainingBolt to mages in the army.
* TheSneakyGuy: Tracker.
* StopDrowningAndStandUp: Dylan during his first ever attempt to swim.
** To be fair, before then, the deepest water he'd ever seen was a bathtub.
* ATasteOfTheLash: Tracker reveals to have been beaten and whipped multiple times during his childhood.
%%* TechnicolorBlade: Some of the weaker mages craft a dagger from a magical metal.
* TortureAlwaysWorks: Slightly subverted in that Tracker doesn't believe the guy he tortures. [[spoiler: Until he gains extra information from a more reliable source.]]
* UnderestimatingBadassery: Given Tracker and Authril's short stature and pointed ears, a lot of folk underestimate their abilities until they taste their own spine.
** Dylan, too, being that the mage is often mistaken for a priest.
* UnderstandingBoyfriend: Considering his DarkAndTroubledPast, Tracker is more than understanding when things go south for Dylan.
* ViolenceIsTheOnlyOption: The group will do their best to talk their way through, but that often leads them right back to cracking skulls.
* WakeUpFighting: Tracker.
* WhatBeautifulEyes: Elven eyes are often described in words such as sea-green and honey-coloured.
----
