C.S. Boyack has set up an interesting challenge/game for writers of all kinds. You create a ‘trophy case’ from your books with items found within the pages. I already see a difficulty for me because there’s a lot I would take. I’m going to try to stick with a simple list of one thing from each book:
- Beginning of a Hero– This would have to be the scroll that the messenger gave Luke Callindor to get him into Hamilton Military Academy. That little item may have started it all and it’s just sitting in one of Kevin Masterson’s cabinets.
- Prodigy of Rainbow Tower– A lot happened here, so it’s hard to pick just one item. I will have to go with a bottle that contains a fireball from Nyx and an acid energy blast from Trinity. This is where their rivalry/relationship started and I’ve hit a very interesting point with it since then.
- Allure of the Gypsies– The crystal star that Nyx gets, but I won’t say what it does due to spoilers. I’ll take a second item from here and put Sari’s magic boots in the display. I’m sure she’ll steal them back within a day or two.
- Family of the Tri-Rune– Well I don’t think taxidermy would work on a Krypter, so I’m going to opt for a bottle of Ifrit Mead.
- The Compass Key– I noticed that I’m not taking trophies that would alter the story, which is odd. Anyway, I would take the Lich’s cloak from this story. It really was the one where he got to shine again.
- Curse of the Dark Wind– There are smell enhancing crystals that get used at one point, so I’d want a few of those. Also a baby wooly tapir for my son.
- Sleeper of the Wildwood Fugue– This is going to be rather dark, so there are very few clean things I can claim as a trophy. You know, this is where I’d claim Luke’s sabers for the trophy case.
- Merchant of Nevra Coil– A full set of champion action figures.
- The Mercenary Prince– Wouldn’t you like to know? 😛
That was harder than I expected because there really is a ton of stuff I would take. Each character has a signature weapon or item as well as all the monsters, locations, and magic items that appear. I think I’d need a museum for all the stuff I’d claim.




I never thought about it before, but seeing your answers makes me want to read the books. Thanks for playing along.
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Thanks for making a fun midweek game. Though the original email had a trophy from every character. Then I realized I had disarmed nearly everybody and the adventures would have to be settled with epic slap fights.
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Mine know where to find their stuff if they ever earn a sequel.
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Brilliant idea. I would like to compile everyone’s blog post links about this challenge and blog the compilation if you guys send me your links via twitter (@authorlrh)
Reading the lists make me want to read the books big time, and I’m hoping to discover some new books to read.
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Pingback: Here is a fun challenge for authors | Leona's Blog of Shadows
Easy for me since I only have one book. Two P51 Mustangs, A container ship, a 65 foot convertible fisher boat, a 1978 Toyota fj 40. Several Glocks, AK 47’s and rocket launcher.
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I’m sure you can get all of those at the local 7-11. 😉
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Sounds like some quality stuff, John.
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Big trophy case too.
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This sounds like a fun idea! Since my stuff veers toward horror, this could get kinda messed up and would not be a trophy case to show impressionable young children. But here goes.
Visions: Travis’ balisong knife, which he’s named “Rapture”. That, or Jesse’s mask.
Retribution: Spencer’s leg, freshly hacked off by Jesse.
Destruction: The cabin in upstate New York that Jesse takes over for her plans for Travis.
Deception: Spencer’s vial of water, since he first gains it and starts learning magic here.
Apparition: Alexia’s ghost, looking very much the way she did when she died, sledgehammer-related injuries and all.
Obsession: Slade’s staff.
Protection: Lorena’s eyepatch and hook.
Reunion: Feathers from Tsaeb’s wings.
Incarceration: Beast’s clawed hand (cybernetic).
Confrontation: A scythe, the first weapon ever handled by Gemmy.
Redemption: Ivy’s sword, her blood still on the blade.
Resolution: A piece of Spencer’s roof, with splatters of blood rain on it.
Conflagration: Arsyn’s “favorite” chair, upholstered with human skin.
And overall, the various phones that have been thrown against the wall in anger.
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Sounds like a trophy case to show to bad children and leave an empty spot ‘for them’. 😀
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Now that’s some quality stuff.
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I’d visit that museum 🙂
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It’d be fun to put together. Curious what you would have, especially from the short stories.
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The time machine gadget springs to mind… or a handful of diamonds and precious stones! Although the zombies might be better suited as a conversation piece 🙂
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Zombies would be a high risk display. Maybe put them in a sealed room with a viewing window?
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Oh, absolutely. We wouldn’t want them chewing any children accidentally. The insurance costs alone would kill us!
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It would dissuade shoplifters if you place them within view of the gift shop.
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I don’t know. I can imagine the stupid kid getting too close and getting his face mauled or something.
Which would make for a great viral video, mind you. Hmm… free publicity…
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That’s why you make sure it’s an all glass wall, no doors in, and the only feeding space is a trapdoor in the ceiling big enough to dangle chicken wings from.
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Mmm… chicken wings…
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