DacOdiseea Shanti Draco DacOdissey

First, Happy New Year, then let me disclose a project I've been carrying on my mind for quite a while and made a plan to make it real. It's a novel taking place in the Dacian era.

Varianta în limba română pe FaṭăCarte Meta Zamolxis.

• I discuss the primacy of fiction over reality.
• Why is the novel premise I am proposing a good answer to the dacologists / danopaths schism
• Various AIs are enlisted in creating a novel outline

The biggest problem I see with Dacology believers is their insistence that their interpretation of Dacian history is objectively true. To my mind, that belongs to a work of fiction. If well written, such a work becomes “true” for its “consumers”, volens nolens, the “syntax of things” be damned!

Does it matter whether riding flying dragons was possible? I’m sure it doesn’t to the millions of GoT fans. Those scenes were real in their mind, history or science notwithstanding.

One is wise to recall that George RR, the GoT’s author, started as a SF author, awed by Frank Herbert’s Dune. The detailed world either created is what helps fiction transgress reality in readers’ minds.

So my answer to all this “conflict”, is to write a novel with the premise of a motley crew of Dacians taking the Latin language to Latin America by ship. This has to be a journey following the general contours of the Hero w/ 1000 Faces and it should “work” for both of the aforementioned belligerent clans – i.e., it should be believable and engaging as both satire as well as “Dacology Bible”. The heroes will discover a lot about the world and themselves, while the reader will find out that even though much as changed, quite a few things are the same; more technical details in dedo.

Prompt: create a detailed novel outline based on the premise of a group of Dacians traveling by ship to Latin America. this is ancient or historical fiction / adventure

LE:Click immediately under the heading to expand the text.

llama

Title: The Dacian Voyage: A Journey to the New World

Setting: 1st century AD, during the reign of King Decebalus of Dacia (modern-day Romania)

Plot Idea:

A group of Dacian warriors, led by a young and ambitious chieftain named Thracius, embark on a perilous journey to the New World, driven by rumors of a land of gold and riches. They set sail from the Black Sea, navigating through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic, facing numerous challenges and dangers along the way. As they reach the shores of Latin America, they encounter indigenous tribes, exotic landscapes, and untold wonders, but also fierce battles and unexpected alliances.

Detailed Outline:

Act I: Preparation and Departure

- Introduce Thracius, a young and charismatic Dacian chieftain, who becomes obsessed with the idea of reaching the New World
- Show the daily life of the Dacian tribe, their struggles and traditions
- Thracius convinces a group of trusted warriors to join him on the journey, including his loyal friend and advisor, Marcus
- The group prepares for departure, gathering supplies, building a sturdy ship, and studying the stars and navigation
- The Dacian Draco flag is raised, and the ship sets sail from the Black Sea

Act II: The Journey

- The Dacians face numerous challenges at sea, including storms, sea monsters, and encounters with other ships
- They stop at various ports and islands, trading goods and gathering information about the New World
- Thracius and his men encounter other cultures, including Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians, who provide them with valuable knowledge and advice
- The group faces internal conflicts and power struggles, as some members begin to question Thracius' leadership and the wisdom of their quest

Act III: Arrival in the New World

- The Dacians reach the shores of Latin America, marveling at the exotic landscapes and encountering indigenous tribes
- They establish trade relationships with the locals, exchanging goods and learning about the native customs and traditions
- Thracius and his men discover gold and other precious resources, but also face fierce battles with rival tribes and wild beasts
- The group becomes embroiled in local politics, forming alliances and rivalries with various tribes and leaders

Act IV: Conquest and Discovery

- Thracius and his men launch a series of conquests, expanding their territory and establishing a Dacian presence in the New World
- They discover new wonders, including ancient ruins, hidden temples, and mysterious artifacts
- The group faces internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, as they grapple with the consequences of their actions and the impact on the native populations
- Thracius must navigate the complexities of leadership, balancing his ambition with his sense of justice and compassion

Act V: Return and Legacy

- Thracius and his men prepare to return to Dacia, but not before establishing a lasting legacy in the New World
- They leave behind a group of settlers, who will establish a permanent Dacian presence in the New World
- The group sets sail for home, reflecting on their experiences and the lessons they have learned
- Thracius returns to Dacia, hailed as a hero and a visionary, but also forever changed by his journey to the New World

Themes:

- The allure of adventure and discovery
- The complexities of leadership and power
- The impact of cultural exchange and colonization
- The struggle to balance ambition with compassion and justice

Historical and Cultural Accuracy:

- The novel will draw heavily from historical records and archaeological evidence, incorporating accurate details about Dacian culture, traditions, and daily life
- The story will also incorporate elements of Latin American history and culture, including the traditions and customs of the indigenous tribes encountered by the Dacians
- The novel will strive to avoid stereotypes and cultural appropriation, instead seeking to create a nuanced and respectful portrayal of the Dacian and Latin American cultures.

gemini

Novel Outline: The Dacian Voyage

Logline: A band of displaced Dacians, fleeing Roman conquest, embark on a perilous sea voyage, seeking refuge in the mysterious and alluring lands of the West. Their journey will test their courage, their faith, and their very survival as they confront treacherous storms, treacherous pirates, and the enigmatic cultures of the New World.

Part 1: The Shadows of Rome

• Chapter 1: Introduce the main characters:
  • Decius: A young, ambitious warrior, yearning for glory and a new life.
  • Costia: A skilled healer and herbalist, Decius's childhood friend and confidante.
  • Burebista: An elder, a wise shaman with deep knowledge of Dacian traditions.
  • Aulus: A Roman soldier, captured and now a reluctant ally, possessing knowledge of navigation.
• Chapter 2: Depict the devastation of the Dacian Wars. Show the Roman legions sweeping across the land, destroying villages and enslaving the people.
• Chapter 3: The decision to flee. Explore the desperation and the hope that drives the Dacians to seek a new home. The challenges of gathering supplies, finding a ship, and navigating the unknown.
• Chapter 4: The initial voyage. Portray the fear and excitement of leaving the known world. Encountering storms, navigating treacherous currents, and the first glimpses of the vast ocean.

Part 2: The Western Winds

• Chapter 5: The first landfall. A brief encounter with a small, isolated island inhabited by a peaceful tribe. Cultural exchange and initial observations of the New World.
• Chapter 6: The open sea. Days of monotonous sailing, punctuated by fishing, storytelling, and the ever-present fear of pirates.
• Chapter 7: A pirate attack. A thrilling action sequence, showcasing the Dacians' fighting skills and Aulus's knowledge of naval tactics. The capture of the pirate ship and the possibility of a new direction.
• Chapter 8: The Caribbean. The first glimpses of the lush, vibrant islands. Encounters with indigenous peoples: the Taino, the Carib. Initial observations of their cultures, their beliefs, and their technologies.

Part 3: The Heart of the New World

• Chapter 9: The journey inland. Navigating unknown rivers, encountering dense jungles and exotic wildlife. The challenges of disease and the unfamiliar environment.
• Chapter 10: First contact with a Mesoamerican civilization. Witnessing the grandeur of a Mayan city, its architecture, its astronomy, and its complex social hierarchy.
• Chapter 11: Cultural exchange and misunderstandings. Attempts to communicate, to build trust, and to learn from the indigenous people.
• Chapter 12: Conflict and cooperation. A clash of cultures, leading to initial hostilities but ultimately evolving into a tentative alliance.

Part 4: Finding a New Home

• Chapter 13: Decius's ambition. Torn between loyalty to his people and his own desire for power and recognition. He seeks to forge his own destiny in this new land.
• Chapter 14: Costia's healing. Using her knowledge of herbal medicine to help the indigenous people, gaining their respect and trust.
• Chapter 15: Burebista's wisdom. The elder's role as a spiritual guide, helping the Dacians adapt to their new surroundings while preserving their own traditions.
• Chapter 16: The future. The Dacians begin to establish themselves in the New World, facing new challenges and new opportunities. The birth of a new civilization, a blend of Dacian and indigenous cultures.

Themes:

• Survival: The challenges of adapting to a new environment, overcoming adversity, and finding a way to thrive.
• Cultural exchange: The encounters with other cultures, the learning and the misunderstandings, the potential for both conflict and cooperation.
• Identity: The struggle to maintain one's identity while adapting to a new world, the search for belonging and a sense of purpose.
• Hope: The enduring human spirit, the ability to find hope even in the face of despair, the belief in a better future.

Note: This is just a basic outline. You can expand on these plot points, add new characters and subplots, and delve deeper into the historical and cultural aspects of the story.

This framework provides a foundation for your novel. Remember to infuse it with vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and a sense of adventure to create a truly captivating story.

copilot

Here's a detailed outline for your novel, set in ancient times where a group of Dacians embark on an adventurous journey to Latin America:

Title: The Dragon's Voyage

Genre: Historical Fiction / Adventure

Prologue:

• Introduction to Dacia: A glimpse into the rich and mystical land of Dacia, highlighting the Draco symbol.
• Foretelling the Journey: A prophecy spoken by a revered Dacian oracle about a distant land across the great ocean that holds secrets and treasures.

Part One: The Departure

• Chapter 1: The Call to Adventure

  • Introduction to the main protagonist, Dakina, a young warrior with a thirst for adventure.

  • The gathering of the chosen group: warriors, shamans, and craftsmen.

  • Preparation for the journey, crafting a sturdy ship inspired by their Draco symbol.

• Chapter 2: Farewell to Dacia

  • Emotional goodbyes with families.

  • Setting sail from the Black Sea, navigating through dangerous waters.

Part Two: The Voyage

• Chapter 3: Perils of the Sea

  • Encounters with treacherous storms and mythical sea creatures.

  • The strength of their Draco ship, inspiring both hope and fear.

• Chapter 4: Islands of Mystery

  • Discovery of unknown islands inhabited by different tribes.

  • Initial conflicts and eventual alliances, learning new seafaring techniques.

• Chapter 5: Whispers of the Ancestors

  • Visions and dreams guided by their ancestors, hinting at the direction to the new land.

  • The crew’s bonding, overcoming internal conflicts.

Part Three: The New World

• Chapter 6: First Glimpse of Land

  • Arrival at the mysterious coast of Latin America.

  • Initial exploration and the beauty of the new world.

• Chapter 7: Encounters with the Native Tribes

  • Interaction with indigenous tribes, learning about their customs and culture.

  • Sharing knowledge and the exchange of goods.

Part Four: The Hidden Treasures

• Chapter 8: In Search of the Prophesied Treasure

  • Following the oracle's prophecy, the group embarks on an inland expedition.

  • Trials and challenges in the dense forests and mountain ranges.

• Chapter 9: Discovery and Deception

  • Unearthing ancient artifacts and treasures.

  • Facing betrayal within their ranks and conflicts with rival factions.

• Chapter 10: The Return of the Draco

  • The group's realization of the true treasure: unity and the blend of cultures.

  • The decision to establish a settlement and maintain contact with Dacia.

Epilogue:

• Legacy of the Dacian Voyagers

  • The enduring impact of the Dacians' journey on both their homeland and the new world.

  • The Draco flag flying high in a land far from home, symbolizing bravery and adventure.

I hope this outline sparks your imagination and helps you on your writing journey! If you need any more details or want to discuss specific chapters, feel free to ask. 🌍📖

As for some public, necessary details, this cannot be an effort shared by many, as in this exquisite corpse. Rather, this would work best with 2 more partners (though it could also be one or three more). We should agree on characters, plot and whatever else we want by the end of February 2025, then start working on the first draft. We could then even participate in NaNoWriMo!

Let me end with a challenge. Here’s a joke in Romanian.

Dan Alexe, as self-assured and ignorant as always, is on a fact-finding mission at Burebista’s court. He’s being paid to do some documentary on a completely different topic, but details such as those have never stopped an artist from creating. With a dissing smile in the corner of his mouth, he tells the great Dacian king: “Stiu ca Decebal era a lu’ Scorilo, da’ tu? A lu’ cine?”. Burebista il priveste amuzat, negrabindu-se cu raspunsul. Planteaza niste cozi de seminte, cu bolta, la piciorul lui Dan Alexe si raspunde calm, apasat: “A lu’ Pigus.”

Can you translate the “untranslatable” part?

Sources / More info: Shanti Draco @ NaNoWriMo, sg-how2, nvsw-how2, rds-how2, Ggl Ss

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