Most of these works may have previously appeared in short-story anthologies and collections shared with other authors. These are all Douglas Van Dyke’s creations. The ones appearing here may be bought individually in one form or another, whether by a thin paperback or ebooks online. Feel free to enjoy these smaller creative adventures, some of which link to larger worlds.
The Pale Gunner
When Hirthak rescues a gnomish inventor from slave-takers in the marshes near Karakto, he is given a strange gift: a magic set of pistols. Unlike the kind used by the lava elves in their wars against the other races, these require neither ball shot nor powder. After stumbling upon a village being savaged by raiders, Hirthak brings his guns to bear upon his fellow goblins. Can the gunslinger rescue the sea-side town, or will he take the deal offered by the notorious Warchief Melglut and finally be accepted amongst his own kind?
This exciting, new 12-story event in the Esfah Sagas begins the Godmaker story arc and is also known as Time of the Champions. Start this epic journey today!
Douglas’ note: My friend and writing mentor, Christopher Schmitz, has license to write in the Dragon Dice World of Esfah, formerly a TSR/Wizards of the Coast product. (Bought by SFR Inc in 2000).This book is part of a hero saga in that world. It is actually book 2, but is fine as a stand-alone origin story. I was honored to get a chance to write a story in Esfah.
For Purchase…
Multiple Sites Link (Multiple stores/options for ebook from this link.
Or start the series with Book 1: “Black Dragons and Blue Elves”
These 12 stories build into a single work called “Time of Champions”. Available on Amazon July 4, 2024.
The Wooden Maiden
The Wooden Maiden
Despite the common presence of magic in Dhea Loral, tales of a witch in the vale are treated as no more than a scary story to keep children in line. Myth becomes reality when a young maiden named Evessa finds herself face to face with a captivating woman. Bound by the witch’s magical commands, Evessa is forced to march into the wilderness for the sake of magical experiments. The maiden’s life and body are transformed by the witch’s curse. Left isolated and trapped, she faces a future of despair. After many dark days, a whistling song heralds a new visitor. A loner that has forsaken civilized lands stumbles upon her exile. Can this man rekindle the hope she once thought lost?
Doug’s Note: Published in 2019, this is the free story linked on my business card. The link below takes the reader to choices of how they wish to download it. Occasionally, Amazon bumps the price up to $1, and I have to bug them to make it free again.
For Free:
Multiple Sites Link (Multiple stores/options for ebook from this link.
Video Trailer
The Wooden Maiden