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No one in Obliterate's fantasy world is a full blooded wizard. Wizards are actually a dying race. Over thousands of years only five magic families survived extinction by breeding with commoners. As a result of the genetic mixing their powers became dormant.
Genesis Ransteed however has discovered a way to unlock magical powers called magus alchemy. Potions made from ingredients with magical properties can be consumed by someone with magus blood to unlock certain powers within. The mixtures are very precise and without all the right ingredients nothing will happen. The downside of this is wizards can no longer conjure anything at will. They must drink a potion which will react negatively with their non-magical genetics causing immense pain. The powers each potion unlocks are not permanent. Once the body breaks down the potion, the wizard will revert back to normal.
Additionally because of magus alchemy's power the King of Tyrinia has outlawed all outside use of it aside from what is studied at the Tyrinian Academy. Cadman must go undercover as a Tyrinian citizen in order to learn how to unlock his powers.
The first draft of Obliterate was initially way too long. In order to shorten it plot lines and ideas had to be cut. Before the screenplay there was a short piece of fiction written which explained how Tyrinia was lifted from the ground and the importance of dementium. Although characters such as Artemis Lyle were cut, Eric Colmac carries out the task of lifting Tyrinia from the ground instead.
"We're here." Menitres said.
They had finally reached their destination. Cadman gazed upon an old moss covered cottage. Cadman wondered why they had detoured all the way to this old structure. Who could dwell here and provide answers to the travelers' predicament? Menitres noticed Cadman's puzzled look, and responded. "Whenever you have a task to do, it is best to research the problem first. Find out what you're dealing with, before you begin your work. The destruction of Tyrinia is no different. The inner most workings are always most important in these tasks. Without knowledge of them, you charge in blindly. This is the home of Sidar. He played a role in the beginning of Tyrinia."
"What type of role?" Cadman asked.
"He helped create it." Menitres turned towards the old oak door, raised his hand and knocked. "Sidar its Menitres. Are you awake?"
Muffled feeble words from within the cottage leaked out. "Yes, come in old friend."
Turning towards Cadman, Menitres spoke. "This man is very old and sick. What he says however is truthful. So listen well, you'll learn much you can use towards the task at hand."
The two entered the tiny cottage. Inside was a cluttered surrounding of books and gadgets. Parchment was scattered about upon a small wooden table. At the corner of the table was a metallic machine, resembling a miniature windmill. Cadman observed the front of the device which sported two blades spinning simultaneously at a fast yet steady speed. As he went in for a closer inspection, he felt a cool breeze on his face.
"That my lad is a perpetual fan." Cadman glanced up towards the corner of the room. A frail wrinkled man with a gray mustache and bushy eyebrows sat in his bed. His eyes were deep in his skull and he had a pale sickly look in his face. "It's meant to circulate the air around the room. The gears and weights inside have been perfectly balanced. When they are set in motion they will not stop. Constructed of pure dementium, the fan will receive no wear through time or use."
"It'll never be damaged or break?" Cadman questioned.
"Not without extreme force that is, and this is only a small model. You could however stop it by jamming a large stick in between the blades. There isn't enough power behind them, and they aren't sharp enough to chop the stick in half and continue in motion, so it comes to a halt." responded Sadir,
"This is part of the reason why we've came Sadir." Menitres interrupted politely. "This is Cadman. I've brought him here to learn about Tyrinia from you." Sidar looked at Cadman. "So he is the one you found to carry out the task?"
"Yes." replied Menitres.
"Very well, sit down Cadman. I don't know why my colleague has confidence in you, but he has made many correct choices in the past. Looking at you I see nothing in particular that would suit you for this job, but Menitres always seems to find something special in everyone. That being said I'll bestow upon you all the information I can in order to help you. However before I begin I must tell you that your task will most certainly not be easy. Many thoughts and details went into the construction and improvement of Tyrinia."
"I'll listen well then." Cadman replied.
Letting out a short laugh Sadir continued, "Good I want you to know exactly what you're up against. I'll start as where most people should, the beginning."
"Several years ago, there was a war involving the three great kingdoms of the west. Mildrya and Silthisar had invaded the lands of Tyrinia, in an effort to increase their holdings of the western lands. The war lasted 13 years and although Tyrinia prevailed over the other kingdoms it was left in a state of ruin. Much repair was needed, and it wouldn't be long, before Mildrya or Silthisar once again tried to take over.
"King Logan knew if something wasn't done about his defenses the next attack he faced would certainly be their final one. All of the royal engineers were called to the castle in an effort to find a way to strengthen their defenses. Many brought plans of reinforced walls and towers, Artemis Lyle, however proposed a different solution, 'Why not build a civilization in the sky?' The idea was immediately dismissed after Artemis said his sentence.
"However Artemis Lyle was ambitious and wished to be taken seriously. A month later he returned in the King's chamber holding a small wooden box. From inside this box Artemis withdrew a miniature model which he placed on the ground. The King and his counselors gazed at the creation, it was a castle built upon a clump of earth. Underneath the earth there were 4 blades evenly spaced forming a cross.
"Artemis began his speech. 'You laughed at my idea for the future of this kingdom before. You thought I was jesting, and believed it couldn't be done. I have proof otherwise. Now I don't make claims that this will be easy but it is fully possible so observe.'
"Artemis picked his device slightly off the ground and spun the blades at the base with a flick of his wrist. Everyone watched as the blade not only continued to spin but actually gained speed. It was at this point that Artemis released the model from his grasp, and took a step backwards. The model hung in place for a second then it began to ascend. The audience gasped and looked on in shock as it stopped at eye level and continued to hover there.
"Artemis passed his hand over and under the model to show that it was actually supporting itself. He broke the excited mumbled words with prideful words. 'The fan blade acts as the key. Its motion brings to life the series of gears, balances, and magnets within this patch of earth. They are made of the strongest element, dementium. This guarantees they will never wear or break. Since they will never deteriorate, they will never cease to move keeping this castle in the sky a float. Within it there are balances which can be adjusted to ascend or descend in altitude. No matter how much weight is added to the island it will recognize the change and rebalance to be at the appropriate set altitude.'
"Artemis once again reached into the wooden box and withdrew a large book. He placed the book on the miniature walls of the castle. The model sank the length of Lyle's head where it rested for a second, but as Lyle had said it once again rose back to its original height.
"Artemis spoke once more to the room of amazed people. 'My Lord, and his distinguished advisors, this is the ultimate defensive position. In the sky you will be completely unbothered by anything other then the occasional song bird. No one will be able to reach you. This is fully capable of being mastered and you can soar over the tallest mountains to engage in combat with your enemies. Tyrinia could rain fire and boulders, down from the clouds upon its foes. The world would be at its mercy. In short my king you would be a God, and Tyrinia, a Heaven.'
"The decision was immediate, and agreed upon by all advisors present. Artemis Lyle would be given all the resources he needed to bring this vision to life. He began without delay.
"Upon completion of the blue prints Artemis needed to find suitable land, which could be used as a base. He sought out the most fertile land, in hopes of creating a greener floating island. The eastern Knoll region proved to be more then suitable so he sent request for Masons.
"The beginning which was to be the easiest part was to build a new castle on the land that was chosen. The castle was to include a barracks, astronomy tower, blacksmith, and royal gardens. A stable was unnecessary, given the short amount of space. Outside the castle a prestigious academy was to be built to train upcoming scholars. There would also be a small prison. Nothing could be underground due to the mechanical parts that would be operating keeping the castle a float. All major construction had to be completed while still stationary on the ground. Transporting supplies and building material to the sky would not be an easy task after all.
"The whole area was to be half a mile wide in diameter. At the front entrance of the castle a narrow arm stretching a quarter mile would reach out. This was the Arm of Welcoming. Artemis had the masons construct two beautiful stone arches which crossed with one another at their central point. Hanging from the arches was a large flat platform with railings. It had strong chains holding it up. Another machine was nearby to raise and lower the platform, using similar mechanics and leverage as a drawbridge does. The chain had enough length so that they would still be able to lower the platform from three miles up.
"The Arm of War was placed near the barracks entrance of the castle, at the far corner. The arm was equipped with catapults and ballista. At the very end there was a huge steel trap door. From here the Tyrinian soldiers would be able to drop large objects down upon their foes. The Arm of War was to be their primary siege tool, safely above the dangers of battle.
"The third and final arm was constructed at the back adjacent side to the arm of war. This was the Arm of Unity. It was decorated with beautiful walls, trees, and statues. At the end was a masterfully forged dementium bridge, which led nowhere. Artemis already had plans for future floating cities and islands..
"Artemis supervised the completion of construction on all these structures. King Logan was astounded by the final product. The palace was truly meant to be home to a king. Never before had such detail and precision gone into the construction of a throne room. The rest of the castle was equally remarkable. He could hardly wait to spend his leisure time within the gardens which played host to some of the most beautiful fountains, trees, floras, and sculptures known to the world.
"Artemis however knew his work was far from complete. He marveled at the castle but knew if it was not among the clouds where it should be it wouldn't be long till it faced its destruction. Mildrya once again after only a year and a half rest, begin to harass the outside provinces of Tyrinia. It wouldn't take much to bring these down so Artemis pressed to work faster.
"Around the designated land that would become the floating base Artemis had hundred of towers built. From the surrounding towers extensive bulky Chains were fastened tightly to the land mass, causing the castle to appear as if it were entangled in a spider web. The land mass was also drilled into and hollowed out. Within this empty area the clockwork of parts were set up. The outside provinces fell and Silthisar provided soldiers so that Mildrya could push further inland.
"The purpose of the chains was to support the land mass keeping it elevated while miners dug around it breaking it free from the world it was attached it. The weight of the island they were digging was great and mini towers were constructed to help support the large mass. The large fan blade, or as it became known, key was soon added underneath the island. It stretched half a mile in diameter and required ten thousand men to tend pulleys in order to hoist it up and attach it. The flying fortress was complete. All it needed was the force to start the inner workings. Silthisar and Mildrya men were now laying siege to the king's old castle, Gresku.
"Artemis gazed at his creation in delight. This once grassy region looked more like a comet had struck the earth leaving an enormous crater. Within the center hundreds of towers suspended an oasis, the greatest architectural achievement known to man. Artemis was ready to launch his creation. Determined to be one of the first men to fly he climbed to the top of the astronomy tower. With him on the island, were a thousand wary soldiers, the royal guard, and countless nervous castle servants. The king himself preferred to watch and see if Artemis's masterpiece really did work, rather then risk it.
"With the help of the ten thousand men pulling with ropes and oxen, the giant cross fan blade began to move. Slow at first, the men were ordered to stop pulling. To a lot of their amazement the blade started to pick up speed, rapidly. From underneath the oasis came a great dust storm pushed out by the gigantic blades. As if propelled by the clouds of dust, the island was rising on its own. A howling wind of great force blew down upon those observing. The chains which were still attached from the island to the towers were pulled taut. The castle hovered for a moment and with a mighty crash pulled the towers apart, breaking free from its bondage which had at one point supported it. Smoothly the castle rose to great heights until it was two miles above, where it stayed suspended in air among the clouds. Down on the ground the people looked up in utter amazement.
"Artemis surveyed the castle and grounds making sure everything was in order, it was. He glanced out over at the Arm of Unity, wondering what great structures would soon be hovering next to this new mighty civilization. To see if movement was possible Artemis claimed he would fly to Gresku Castle and back. The island moved smoothly and was at its destination in a very short time. Never before had man moved this fast. Noticing the siege which was being laid to their former castle Artemis tried the military power of his flying fortress out. The soldiers rained flaming arrows upon the Silthisar and Mildrya base camps. It didn't take long before the invaders were retreating rapidly from the Kingdom of Tyrinia. Artemis redirected the Island back to the construction site. Smiling he walked over to the Arm of Welcoming and ordered the platform be lowered so that the king may see his new kingdom.
"The platform was lowered effortlessly towards the ground. The king and his advisors stood in awe when it came down and 2 members of the royal guard stepped off. They claimed the intruders had been driven from the lands of Tyrinia. Everything was in order, safe, and Artemis beckoned for them to join him. King Logan wondered if it was possible that Mildrya and Silthisar had fled under the mighty power of this island. He stepped on the platform and held on tightly to the railing. To his surprise when they begin to ascend there were no sharp jerks and they were not speeded up to the top. Instead he and his advisors enjoyed a nice slow climbing trip away from earth. They gazed upon the world below and around them. Logan was so captivated by his surroundings that even the whirling of the blade did not stir him as he entered the floating island of Tyrinia. When they reached the top there stood Artemis Lyle, grinning he spoke, 'Welcome to Heaven.'
"Upon the King's request he was taken to his former castle. There he gazed upon the destruction his enemies had caused. He saw the abandoned tents and bodies left behind by the two other kingdoms. Looking down he sighed and spoke. 'That is no longer Tyrinia. Tyrinia is now in the sky. Castle Gresku is no longer my home. From now on I will live in Castle Artemis. All will respect and bow down before us. Artemis, begin the designs for our new capital city!'
"The following days more soldiers, servants, and the rest of the advisors were brought up to Castle Artemis. Artemis slaved on the designs for the new city, which was to be called Tyrinia. The completed design would prove to be much more difficult to construct and get a float then Castle Artemis. The base was to be 5 miles wide, with 12 arms spreading from it for future extensions. A new larger barracks was to be added per the king's request. Among the other projects were a cathedral, arena, marketplace, parks, shops, sentry towers, and ample housing. Artemis made sure there was enough room for 50,000 people. Tyrinia would still be more elegant then any other city.
"It was already a requirement that the men of Tyrinia serve in the military for a minimum of seven years. Following this servitude they could take up jobs as servants, traders, or work on construction of future attachments. Everyone was to be taxed to keep the streets of Tyrinia from degrading. However to keep the kingdom profitable, other kingdoms would have to pay homage in exchange for protection. King Logan had to show the world he was serious by making an example.
"Artemis was called to the royal chambers once again. Upon inspection of Artemis Lyle's designs the King was pleased. He had something else to talk about though.
'Can you show someone how to fly this to Mildrya?' King Logan asked.
'Yes it would be simple my lord, but why bring more terror to them? They can tell that they are far outmatched. You shouldn't have trouble with them anymore.' Artemis replied.
'I want the world to know how outmatched they are. Steer us to Mildrya's capital Hennesy.'
'As you wish.'
"Within a day they were at Hennesy. The armies of Mildrya had just returned from their retreat not long before. When the shadow passed over their city and they gazed up at the very cause of their hasty retreat, a new fear gripping them. Artemis beseeched the King to not attack. 'Their army was weakened and terrified, and the citizens below were innocent.' The King looked at Artemis then gave his pre planned order of complete destruction. 'I have to make an example of them.'
"Few survived the mass wreckage Castle Artemis caused. Artemis Lyle went into seclusion, and the King sent troops down to kill the remaining survivors. Most were killed. A few were captured and given orders to travel to Silthisar and tell the tale of what had happened to their homeland.
"King Logan was successful in striking fear in the rest of the world. Castle Artemis was soon hovering over Silthisar. The King sent down soldiers and homage was paid immediately.
"Artemis was horrified by the way his creation was being used, despite himself making it fully possible to be used in such a manner. He wanted to go to the king and demand him to stop, however he knew if he did that he would be marked as a liability. King Logan might then consider that Artemis would commit treason. There would be no reason to keep him around any longer since the other engineers now knew how to construct similar structures. The simple answer would be to kill him. Possibly even throw him from the very thing he worked so hard to get off the ground.
"So instead Artemis approached the king and apologized for his earlier behavior, 'he realized that King Logan was right and just in his decisions.' He asked eagerly instead to begin construction on Tyrinia. King Logan was overjoyed and permitted Artemis to leave. Artemis suggested homage be collected from others, because the construction would most defiantly be costly. He was dropped off at the origin of Castle Artemis, where many workers and engineers still waited. He took a day leave to go for a walk in the woods. Artemis Lyle was never seen again."
"Perhaps he thought that if he disappeared he could make things right. Regardless Tyrinia was completed, by other engineers. It had grown into a great civilization and is still using its power to bully other kingdoms." There was a long silence, Sadir had finished his story.
"Thank you Sadir." Menitres said gratefully. Sadir's eyes were focused on Cadman though.
"My guess is that you are not from Tyrinia originally. Is this correct?" Menitres stared at both of them.
"No." was Cadman's simple reply.
"Then, what are your origins?"
"Mildrya."
There was a short silence as Sadir reflected. "That explains a lot. It always has seemed to be in the Mildryans blood to want to bring destruction to Tyrinia. Now for the first time I think the few who remain have just cause for this rage. However you must understand that now, it is impossible. If you could throw a mighty tree in between the fan blades it would not stop their motion, it would do nothing other then be sliced in half. Even if you breeched the heavily guarded control room it wouldn't matter. Everything is made of solid dementium nothing can destroy it and nothing can off set the inner-workings. No one now dares upset Tyrinia, for if they must face each other in battle it is impossible for anyone other then Tyrinia to win."
"Couldn't whoever adjusted the altitude just drop it into an ocean?" Cadman questioned.
"No, it's not that simple. Tyrinia can not never hover below half a mile. The other end of the question would be then couldn't it be crashed into a mountain? Well yes, but once again the control room is nearly impossible to get into. Even if you did cause it to crash, the dementium workings would still be in working order. It would only be a matter of time till it would be off the ground once again. If you had an army of millions waiting at where it crashed they could easily take over, saying they'll bring about change. But it wouldn't take long for them to also abuse the power that comes with Tyrinia."
"So what matters if King Logan is in charge or if someone else is? Anyone would collect homage and bring fear to the rest of the world. The only difference is King Logan already knows and has used the power of Tyrinia. Should someone new take over, they would want to establish themselves as the dominant ruler of the world. Another country like Mildrya would be destroyed." Sidar stopped talking momentarily then continued. "I am sorry you were born in a kingdom doomed for destruction. But more will come if someone else takes over. At least King Logan is now respected as the dominant ruler, so there is no cause for him to destroy any other kingdoms. We just have to live with his tyranny. Now leave an old sick man to rest."
Cadman and Menitres thanked Sidar for his time and walked out of the small musty cottage back into the dark woods. They walked a long time in silence until Menitres spoke. "Now you know the history of that civilization. I wanted you to know what you were up against, before you tried to bring it down."
Cadman looking puzzled, "I thought Sidar said it would be impossible to destroy Tyrinia. Is he wrong?"
"Yes Cadman, but its going to be very difficult."
As they walked on one more question seeped into his mind. "Menitres, what part did Sidar play in the creation of Tyrinia?"
"Sidar played no part in the construction he has been dead for years. However one stormy day while sitting in his forest cabin there was a knock on the door. An engineer named Artemis asked for food and shelter. Sidar took him in. Wishing to do the world no more harm Artemis went into seclusion in the forest cabin. I was probably one of Sidar's only friends, and he told me this secret. When he died Artemis took on his name."
"That weak old man was Artemis Lyle?"
Menitres nodded and said, "He wanted to create a heaven and instead he brought hell to everywhere else."
"How can I destroy this hell? I thought Sid-Artemis said it was impossible." Cadman questioned.
"Artemis is only thinking in his science and engineering of perpetual motion. There are other more powerful sciences out there Cadman."
The two walked on in silence.