Author Notes on Characters and the Future of the Story

Tien Shin

Heavenly Sword of Freedom

“What’s battle if not a dance between armies? What is life if not a dance with death in the end?”

AKA: The Smiling Dragon, Xiao Long (by Mei Lin).

Class: Heavenly Sword - Blade Dancer = Rank S.

Age: 14 years of age at the start of the story.

Likes: Dancing, big battles, strong adversaries and passionate leadership.

Dislikes: Stuffy nobles, government tyranny, strict laws and impositions.

Personality: Friendly, happy-go-lucky, serious about fighting and loyal to his friends (when he stumbles upon them).

Philosophical inclinations: Freedom-before-reason, Romanticism.

Goal: Find the greatest battle in history so he can dance with his swords to his heart’s content.

Early Concept - duel-wielding swords, wild, freedom-seeker, battle junky, friendly to all on first meeting, hates it when people act against his ideals, quick to speak up, a political liability.

Tien Shin's Jian Swords (Freedom and Justice):

● Description: A pair of slender, elegant jian swords. Their blades are crafted from lightweight yet incredibly strong steel, allowing for swift and precise movements. The hilts are wrapped in smooth, dark leather for a comfortable grip. What truly sets them apart are the long, silk laces attached to their pommels. These laces, woven with silver threads, constantly flutter and dance in the air, even when there's no apparent breeze, symbolizing Tien Shin's connection to freedom and the element of wind.

● Symbolism:

● Jian Swords: Represent precision, agility, and finesse, mirroring Tien Shin's acrobatic skills and quick wit.

● Lightweight Steel: Reflects his youthful energy, speed, and adaptability.

● Silk Laces: Symbolize freedom, movement, and the ever-changing nature of life, aligning with Tien Shin's restless spirit and desire for independence. The wind element also suggests a certain unpredictability and spontaneity, traits that are part of his personality.

Kai Jin

Heavenly Sword of Order

“A Sword doesn’t care about the lives it takes. A Sword simply is.”

AKA: The True Master of the Sword, the Blade from Hell

Class: Heavenly Sword - Fast-draw Master = Rank SSS.

Age: 19 years of age at the start of the story.

Likes: His sword, training, dueling, music and intelligent leadership.

Dislikes: Disorder, rebellions, passionate people and arrogance.

Personality: Aloof, dedicated to training, direct in his comments and loyal to his lord (when he finds him/her).

Philosophical inclinations: “A Sword is only as sharp as the Hand that wields it”, Confucianism.

Goal: Find the greatest warrior of the age and slay them in a duel.

Early Concept - iaijutsu master concept, demon hiding under the steel, cold as steel exterior, soft heart for those with a beautiful soul, keeps his distance to avoid emotions, becomes a demon on the battlefield, superior to all except a Heavenly Sword, “I will pursue Lu Bu.”

Kai Jin's Curved Sword (Judgement):

● Description: A single-edged, curved sword, reminiscent of a proto-katana. It's crafted from the finest, darkest steel, giving it a sleek and imposing appearance. The blade has a dark steel color, with intricate, almost geometric designs etched along its length, representing the "perfect Order" of things. The hilt is wrapped in crimson leather, matching the color of Kai Jin's eye, creating a striking visual. The black sheath is as meticulously crafted as the sword itself, perfectly fitted and adding to the overall sense of precision and control.

● Symbolism:

● Curved Blade: Suggests a blend of cutting power and precision, reflecting Kai Jin's fighting style and his adherence to order.

● Dark Steel: Represents his stoic nature, his discipline, and his unwavering resolve.

● Intricate Designs: Symbolize the "perfect Order" that Kai Jin strives to uphold, as well as his meticulous nature and attention to detail.

● Crimson Handle: Connects the sword to Kai Jin's identity and his inner fire, the intense passion that drives his pursuit of order.

Khan Bei

Heavenly Sword of Balance

“You wish to be strong? First, learn to heal a person… Hurting them is easy.”

AKA: The Jade Tiger, Blade of the Earth.

Class: Heavenly Sword - Podao master = Rank SS.

Age: 25 years of age at the start of the story.

Likes: Helping people, studying medicine, defending the weak and wise leadership.

Dislikes: Unnecessary cruelty, brutal strategy, oppression-equals-order mentalities and hypocrisy.

Personality: Compassionate, fierce in combat, wise beyond his years and loyal to his family (when he chooses it).

Philosophical inclinations: Taoism enforcement of Balance.

Goal: Find the most worthy lord and test their resolve before serving them.

Early Concept - good-at-hurting-best-at-healing people, wise councilor, Toki-like character, badass doctor with a kind heart, family-above-all-else mentality, wisdom born from hardship, father to his men, mature vibe draws in youth.

Khan Bei's Podao (Gaia):

● Description: A large, imposing podao that requires a perfect balance of strength and technique to wield effectively. It's crafted from several "earthy" alloys, giving it a unique, mottled appearance. The handle is made of jade, cool and smooth to the touch, and adorned with jade decorations on the grip and pommel. The symbol of Yin and Yang is prominently displayed on the blade, representing the balance between opposing forces. Inscribed along the blade is the scripture: "Through Strength learn Gentleness, through Gentleness Strength shall prevail."

● Symbolism:

● Podao: Represents power, reach, and the ability to cut through obstacles, but also requires control and balance to wield properly.

● Earthy Alloys: Symbolize Khan Bei's connection to the Earth, his grounding presence, and his ability to draw strength from the natural world.

● Jade: Represents wisdom, purity, and harmony, reflecting Khan Bei's gentle nature and his desire for balance.

● Yin and Yang: Symbolizes the central theme of balance in Khan Bei's philosophy and his life.

● Scripture: Reinforces the idea that true strength lies in finding balance between power and gentleness, a core tenet of Khan Bei's beliefs.

Mei Lin

The Childhood Friend of Freedom

“Thank you kindly, my Lords, for putting up with this reckless buffoon.”

AKA: Sis, The Silk Hammer, Lady Lin.

Class: Servant, Handmaiden.

Age: 16 years of age at the start of the story.

Likes: Cleaning, proper manners, kindness and responsible thinking.

Dislikes: Posturing, arrogance, bad manners and people who behave like children.

Personality: Grounded, serene, wise, disciplined, proper and strong-when-needed.

Goal: For Tien Shin to become the man she knows he can be.

Early Concept - Big Sister type, tough love when needed, “You’re such a child…”, “Worry not my Lord, I’ll set him straight…” (kind smile-evil stare), love through the years.

Ming Yue

The Moon of Melancholy

“Sadness is my heart’s inspiration. The feeling that moves my hands…”

AKA:  Lady Ming.

Class: Fallen noblewoman, Artist.

Age: 15 years of age when she meets Kai Jin.

Likes: Music, poetry, reminiscing of better days and the company of Kai Jin.

Dislikes: The past, being unable to change things, her own weakness and seeing Kai Jin hurt.

Personality: Melancholic, lover of the arts, kind towards all, wise beyond her years and caring.

Goal: To finally be able to sing a melody in a world at peace.

Early Concept - All heart, “There is still good in you”, emotional support, “Wisdom comes from pain…”, faithful companion, gentle healing music, “I understand him”, Eye of the Soul, secret love.

What to expect in Volume 2 of The Heavenly Swords - The Three Kingdoms:

* A 5 year time skip to the events leading up to the rise of Dong Zhuo.

* Tien Shin will continue to fight besides Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei as they try to make a comeback after an incident with a corrupt government official…

* Mei Lin will officially enter the service of Liu Bei’s household at the recommendation of Tien Shin. A decision that will aid Liu Bei in directing the growing Tien Shin…

* As Liu Bei is being pulled around by stronger or more cunning warlords, Tien Shin starts to wonder if following the Three Brothers was the right choice…

* Kai Jin will continue to serve under the ambitious Cao Cao as the warlord tries to navigate the growing tensions in the Imperial Capital and Kai Jin’s growing dissatisfaction…

* Cao Cao goes head to head with perhaps the most important person outside of his inner circle: Ming Yue, the only person that truly understands Kai Jin will speak with the “hand” that wields the Blade from Hell…

* Kai Jin’s blood and hunger are finally awakened when he hears that there is one warrior who is said to stand above all others… the man known as Lu Bu…

* Khan Bei has become a valued member of Sun Jian’s power base and continues to serve as warrior, doctor and mentor to the soldiers of Changsha…

* Sun Jian, aware of the troubles brewing north, decides that he needs to prepare for the future and asks the Doctor to serve as a mentor to his three most talented children: a reckless young man, a cautious boy and a willful girl…

* Having sensed the great imbalance in the realm, Khan Bei foresees the rise of a tyrant, the fall of a God of War and Fate being violently changed, completely changing the flow and Balance of destiny…

Currently working on other projects, but I have several chapters in the works that need editing.

Thank you all for your continued support!

The Heavenly Swords will return!