Flight of the Sparrow

• Discrimination on the basis of nationality, religion or faith.
  • Exaggerated, evil cult religions will appear.

• Discrimination on the basis of fantasy race.
  • Races such as orcs and goblins are frequently discriminated against, and other fantasy races are stereotyped.

• Genocide.
  • There are frequent apocalyptic threats, which threaten to destroy the world or large areas of it. Some of these are deliberately caused.

• Self-harm.
  • Self-harm in the form of heroic self-sacrifice is likely to occur, but this will not include detailed injury descriptions

• Terrorism.
  • A succession of cartoonish villains attempt evil acts (usually involving mass murder) for various reasons, some of which may constitute terrorism.

This long-running series follows our dashing heroine Sparrow through her repeated saving the world from a succession of slightly monotonous threats. Having discovered the true meanings of all manner of emotions and aspects of her self, Sparrow and her motley crew of companions now face possibly their most apocalyptic threat yet (despite the fact that it would seem to only threaten the kingdom of Alcar, and not in fact as much of the world as, for example, the Duplicity Necklace or the End Cult's dark summoning ritual): the invasion of the Tyrant Dragon. Will they be able to track it down to its lair before its foul reign ruins the kingdom's happiness? Probably, but not quite yet.

The dramatic and varied landscape of this Vignette has grown unusually large over its long lifetime. It contains quaint rustic villages, enormous cold fjords, perilous dungons, majestic cathedrals and beautiful tall forests, all in a vaguely medieval (but nicer and cooler) fantasy style. Gratuitous worldbuilding has made even some unimportant areas accessible.

• Sparrow: Not Playable. A young, idealistic and slightly naïve hero. She has collected various accolades and favours over her carreer in the previous novels.

• Tall James: Playable. A shy sorceror companion of Sparrow. Their relationship constantly skirts the romantic in a tantalising way, but circumstances always conspire to avoid them actually getting together.

• Odilon the Wise: Playable. The wise old elf mentor, who has died and been resurrected three times already. He's always ready with a confusing word of advice that's presumably deeply wise in some way. Currently dead, definitely for real this time, seriously.

• Kiggerat Helmsmasher: Not Playable. A misunderstood orc companion of Sparrow, who has been won over by Sparrow's infectious idealism and turned her violent ways to to service of good. She has difficulty fitting in with humans, but does her best.

• The king of Alcar: Playable. The current quest-giver. Concerned for his people's welfare, and desparate for a solution.

The early parts of Flight of the Sparrow representing the previous books in the series are now finished and largely unused. These are the existing scenes of Flight of the Sparrow IX: Lord of the Air.

• 1: A missive arrives from the king of Alcar begging Sparrow for help. Sparrow et al. spend a while saying goodbye to their peaceful life and friends, then set off. Odilon's apprentice accidentally fuses Sparrow and James's clothes, trapping them together.

• 2: Dragon cultists attack but are defeated. Sparrow and James collaborate to cast a spell for the fight, sparking Sparrow's interest in both sorcery and James.

• 3: The party arrive at the court in Alcar Castle, where the council are debating what to do about the dragon threat. Odilon collapses, poisoned, and dies (again).

• 4: This scene is only partially written. Sparrow and James talk, and become closer, while Sparrow starts learning the basics of sorcery.

• 5: The party are dungeon crawling, looking for clues as to the dragon's weaknesses. Sparrow and James struggle because of their clothing situation, and end up kissing. They find an ancient scroll, and lament that if only Odilon were still with them, he would surely be able to read it.