L.L. Stephens
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L.L. Stephens
@triempery.bsky.social
1.8K followers 570 following 1.9K posts
L.L. Stephens, author of epic fantasy Triempery Revelations series and other SF&F fiction. SFWA member. Player of board games and painter of minis!
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triempery.bsky.social
L.L. Stephens @triempery.bsky.social · May 10
Five out of six books are now published! I'm hip deep in editing Book 6 for release in early 2026...

◾️Gods coming of age
◾️Transformations
◾️ Betrayals
◾️ Everything will be on the line

#epicfantasybooks #Sordaneon
Graphic shows all five published books of the Triempery Revelations series by L.L. Stephens: (from left to right) SORDANEON, THE KHELD KING, THE SECOND STONE, THE GOD SPEAR, THE WALLED CITY. The main heading says "What changes him changes EVERYTHING. The subheadings say (from left to right above each book): Dorilian inherited a god... Stefan a throne... Hans wanted to fix what they broke. He thinks maybe he did. Dorilian is about to find out.
triempery.bsky.social
#WIPSnips The word for November 11 is BURGER

Seriously? The Triempery has yet to hear of "burgers" (though Hans might make a fortune should he start up chain).

Instead, people rave about meat pies! This bit is from THE RILL LORD (2026).
#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #Triempery
Screenshot of text excerpt from THE RILL LORD, sixth and final book (April 2026) of the Triempery Revelations series by L.L. Stephens. This snip shows giant Tiflan, an affable man, taking care of an ill character and craving some delicious meat pies. “Let me take him now.” The big man rose and wrapped the thin blankets about Robdan’s unresisting form. “Now that we’ve tended the worst of his ills, we can move him—and the both of you—to the comforts of the Manor proper. This man should not sleep in a beggar’s bed, and he never will again if I have anything to say of it. You too, Master Ralfson.” Tiflan nodded to the cook. Having gathered the sleeping Robdan in his arms, he hunched and made his way back down the narrow stair. “You’re being assigned the kitchen and given full reign, including over the Manor’s cook. Dorilian has claimed to me in letters that you make the best meat pies in all the known domains—and I have a mind to eat one!”
November 11, 2025 at 12:25 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#NovemberWorldbuilders 11: MC's ethics

For all his hard reputation, Dorilian has a code of honor. He respects integrity when he encounters it and rewards loyalty and competence. He also always tells the truth (though he may attempt to avoid telling it on occasion).

He is also loyal himself.
November 11, 2025 at 12:13 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#FantasyIndiesNovember 11: What genres do I write and read?

I read EVERYTHING. Literary. Genre. Nonfiction. Indie and trad. News. Cereal boxes. 🤷‍♀️

I write fantasy and science fiction with the rare contemporary. Some M/M. Some erotic romance. Medical articles and interviews.
White lettering on a pink background bordered by books and flowers; text offers a list of daily writing prompts for authors of fantasy fiction.
November 11, 2025 at 12:05 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#WIPSnips The word for November 10 is LOCAL

Hans and Dorilian talk about military forces in THE RILL LORD. Hans draws a lot of his from local lords and militias, and Khelds of course. Dorilian has some thoughts about that.
#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #Triempery
Screenshot of text excerpt from THE RILL LORD, sixth and final book (April 2026) of the Triempery Revelations by L.L. Stephens. Snip is of a conversation between Hans and Dorilian, who has a few thoughts about Hans's Kheld troops. “We’ve got good armies. Yours and mine,” Hans pointed out. Maybe he had started out with a ragtag army, but the forces Hans commanded now were battle-hardened and sharp. “My Staubaun divisions are growing daily with the influx of local lords and their men. And the Khelds have become fierce fighters. Their victories at Dazunor-Rannuli and Trulo have given them confidence like they’ve never had before.” “They’ve never had military success on this scale. Nor have they ever had so much at stake.” “They want a Kheld King. And they see that goal in reach.” “They may prove as monstrous as Nammuor.”
November 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#NovemberWorldbuilders 10: Morally grey

Most of the events and people of my worlds are morally grey. Good for some; not good at all for others.

Marc Frederick is a good person who does many bad things toward a goal not all would celebrate.
Awakening and using the Rill is grey for many.
Meme with dark gray background. Red banner at top holds the words #NovemberWorldbuilders -- hosted by Kira of the Wind Red field below has the words: Week 2: Good and Evil 10: A morally grey act/event/historical figure that people in your world debate about
November 10, 2025 at 12:23 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#FantasyIndiesNovember 10: Favorite line I've written

“Shall I tell you about gods?” the Leur said to Amynas. “Vllyr turned a civilization to dust because it flickered in its consciousness. If a man would set a fire, a god would douse it with an avalanche.”

From THE RILL LORD, Book 6
Meme with white lettering on a pink background bordered by books and flowers; text offers a list of daily writing prompts for authors of fantasy fiction.
November 10, 2025 at 12:16 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#FantasyIndiesNovember 9: Show off your bookshelf

I have bookcases in half the rooms of my house. Here is the one with my books and, me being cluttered, some favorite books I've been reading and sharing and which have made themselves at home in my living room. 🤷‍♀️

Yes, I mix genres. And cookbooks.
November 9, 2025 at 1:05 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#WIPSnips The word for November 9 is PICTURE

Hans came to a World breaking apart into pieces; he's been putting those pieces together again ever since. Here in THE RILL LORD Hans talks with Levyathan at a crucial juncture--about a song yet to be written.
#WritingCommuniy #WriteSky #Triempery
Screenshot of text excerpt from THE RILL LORD, sixth and final book (April 2026) of the Triempery Revelations series by L.L. Stephens. This snip shows conversation between Hans and Levyathan about music and a bigger picture: “Dorilian sings when he feels like it.” Levyathan smiled. “He has a fine voice and great command of it. He and Fahme sing together sometimes. But he usually leaves the singing to me and her. I think he likes listening too.” He strummed a few notes on the instrument in his lap. The melody had a familiar cadence. Hans recognized one of the songs he had heard a year ago on his journey to Sordan, sung by bargemen upon the river. “Did you write that?” Levyathan laughed. “Me? No. This song precedes me by several years. Tutto once told me that Tiflan wrote it.” Tiflan. Hans settled back upon his cushion. The room was warmer now, as was the company. Perhaps it was Levyathan and his determination to be cheerful on the eve of all their fates. But Hans’s mind turned over and rearranged a thousand pieces, the picture within changing as crisply as a kaleidoscope image. Tiflan Morevyen. Every time Hans turned around now, it seemed, he discovered the big man ever more deeply woven into the Sordaneon fabric. That song has yet to be written, Tiflan had said once when asked about his kinsman.
November 9, 2025 at 12:56 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#NovemberWorldbuilders 9: Villains in the World's past

Vllyr is an entity opposing Leur (Life/Time/Change). Vllyr wants nothing anywhere in the Universe to change. Ever. Evil? Maybe not. But a problem.

The Deus Aryati sought to become a god. It took gods to thwart/kill him.

Vllyr's still around.
Meme with red banner with words #NovemberWorldbuilders -- hosted by Kira of the Wind Below that banner is a red box with the words: Week 2: Good and Evil 9. Villains in the world's past
November 9, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Reposted by L.L. Stephens
timhardieauthor.bsky.social
I'm working on a new section of my website which covers how you can best support authors [coughs... Patreon... coughs...]. So I'd be interested to know, fellow authors, what do you think are the most helpful things people can do to help your literary career?
November 7, 2025 at 10:01 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#WIPSnips The word for November 8 is LITTLE

This word is small but mighty. In this snip from THE RILL LORD, the conversation is momentous. Marenthro, Hans and a room full of officers and nobles prepared for war. For Hans, a "little" thing puts it in context.
#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #Triempery
Screenshot of text excerpt from THE RILL LORD, sixth and final book (April 2026) of the Triempery Revelations series by L.L. Stephens. Snip is of a pre-battle talk between Hans and Marenthro, a wizard who has been his mentor: Marenthro appraised warmly the gathered men, then turned to Hans. He looked as though he wished to say more and now would not be able to. “I see the time has come for me to go. Today you do battle against a great evil. What you have learned, and the friends you have made, will now serve you well.” “They will. I know this.” But Hans hoped would he serve them well also—or had he led them into a battle too great for them? “If we have enough time.” “Time, Handurin? You will always have enough of that. You have all that is needed to prevail.” Marenthro gave him a quick clasp on the shoulder. Upon that hand all could see the cool glow of the Leur’s Ring, colors shifting in the dim light of morning. But Hans felt something more, deep and approving, the weight of things unspoken. “All things happen in the same moment. You have but to choose.” And then Marenthro was gone. A blink would have missed it. Hans stared at the space where the wizard had stood and felt his heart pounding in his throat. The men who had bowed remained in that posture, completely awed. Arne, however, picked up the little bear from the campaign table and wiggled it at him as if to say, Just a little magic, eh? That shot of normalcy helped. Hans drew a breath as the captains, recovering their wits, now looked to him.
November 8, 2025 at 12:56 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#NovemberWorldbuilders 8: Famous heroes in a world's past

The most famous heroes are Amynas and Leur -- the man and the god who together defeated the Aryati tyrants, liberated the Exiles, and also fathered the Three (the founding gods of the Triempery) and the Highborn race. 🔥
Red highlighted text on a stormy background; text offers a list of daily worldbuilding prompts for writers of fantasy fiction. Dramatic illustration of stormy heavens around a fiery event. Two human figures in silhouette stand on rocky shore looking at the sight.
November 8, 2025 at 12:46 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#FantasyIndiesNovember 8: Saturday Snippet

Dorilian is a bit of a drama king, but if anyone has a right to be it's him. In this snip from THE SECOND STONE he reminds his Entity's "guardians" that he's the one with a connection to their god. 🤔
Left side of image is a meme with white lettering on a pink background bordered by books and flowers. The lettering presents of list of daily writing prompts for authors of fantasy fiction. Right side is a text excerpt from THE SECOND STONE, Book 3 of the Triempery Revelations series by L.L. Stephens. Snip is of Dorilian Sordaneon raging against the Epopte Quirin over who, exactly, "owns" the Rill god: “You are good for words, Hierarch of Sordan.” Quirin’s mouth played with a smile, as though he held triumph itself between his lips. “You are Highborn, yes—but what does that mean anymore? Without the Rill, what would you be but yet another petty tyrant, tied to a trade-dependent island?” The storm that had been mounting broke. “By Arya’s mighty Fall!” Dorilian thundered, full-blooded now in anger. “Without the Rill, I would be no less than that which stands before you now! Hierarch of Sordan, Derlon’s Heir, and heir by right to everything you cherish and serve. I do not need your thrice-cursed Order to make me what I am. For I, too, am an Entity, Epopte, such as you have never seen before. Let me remind you, then, that without the Rill, you—you and your entire Brotherhood—are nothing! Nothing! And because of it—I am everything.”
November 8, 2025 at 12:31 PM
triempery.bsky.social
In celebration of the fourth birthday of the first book in the Triempery Revelations series, I've put the first two chapters of SORDANEON on my website for readers to explore and, I hope, enjoy. Link to Chapter 2 in comment. ⬇️
#Triempery #Sordaneon

www.triempery.com/post/sordane...
SORDANEON, Chapter 1
This is the first chapter of the first book of the Triempery Revelations series. In short, it is the beginning.1 The Rill grieved, and Dorilian listened. Other voices drew him along ...
www.triempery.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:32 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#WIPSnips The word for November 7th is MOVEMENT

There's lots of "movement" in THE RILL LORD! I particularly like this bit in a conversation between Hans and the Dog Man Cortogh, which makes its point simply and sharply.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #Triempery
Screenshot of text excerpt from THE RILL LORD, sixth and final book (April 2026) of the Triempery Revelations series by L.L. Stephens. This snip shows a conversation between Hans and the Dog Man Cortogh, in which Hans probes the Dog Man's unique understanding of the enemy. “I knew before I ever asked for your service that I could trust you,” he assured Cortogh. “What I need to know now is the lore of your kind. Is there some means we can use to defend ourselves against this man and the artifact he wields?” Understanding, Cortogh grunted, then leaned his weight on the table. His lips parted to display curved ivory teeth, clean and polished, that so unnerved other men. Hans noted them, but what he saw most was the somber expression of intelligence being lent to his cause. “The Aryati device will shield his flesh. It hunted long to find that host and it will not readily yield the advantages it possesses through him.” “Advantages?” Hans sought clarity. Arne pulled up a chair and sat, looking up at them, drinking in every word. “Movement. It is not itself an animal.” Yes, of course. Nammuor was the Diadem’s vehicle, an interface through which the vestigial core of Vllyr could access the physical world. Hans had known all along, however, that to destroy the Diadem he must destroy Nammuor. Dorilian had known it too.
November 7, 2025 at 12:22 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#NovemberWorldbuilders 7: BLACK

Deep in the Sordaneon Serat there is a room called the Void. The Hierarchs use it for secret conversations or to interrogate enemies. The walls and floors are black with veins of green. In the center sit a single black throne. And the room is utterly soundproof.
kiraofthewind.com Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 4d
Heya #NovemberWorldbuilders!
We're talking about COLORS in our world this week. Tell me about something in your world that's BLACK. Do you use it symbolically? Do you have any special black objects or animals or magical items in your world? Tell us about them!
#NovemberWorldbuilders prompt card Hosted by Kira of the Wind Week 1: Colors Something in your world that is BLACK The image in the background is a blurred picture of a foresty/rocky landscape with lightning and a mountain in the background
November 7, 2025 at 12:10 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#FantasyIndiesNovember 7: What helps me relax?

Forget doing housework. (No way is that relaxing.) And though I like taking long beautiful walks, doing so can leave me sweaty or winded.

So mostly I relax by painting board game miniatures. Creative, non-sweaty, and fun. #miniaturepainting
Montage of painted board game miniatures from Massive Darkness 2. Across the top are the Four Horsemen: Famine, Death, War, and Plague. Across the bottom are the Undead Queen (with her iron halo, red robes, and bow/arrow); the corrupted Archangel Michael (white wings, red halo and a goose on his head); and the demon Andra (gray winger and raised sword).
November 7, 2025 at 12:04 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#WIPSnips The word for November 6 is PENULTIMATE

Yet another word that doesn't appear in the series, but I think this use of "final" suits the meaning. After all, the next to last thing to the end of the World would be the means that leads to it. 🤷‍♀️

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky
Screenshot of text excerpt from THE RILL LORD, sixth and final book (April 2026) of the Triempery Revelations series by L.L. Stephens. Snip is of a conversation between Hans and Levyathan, Dorilian's twice-born brother, about possible futures seen through the Wall Stone: “I shall fail,” Levyathan confided. “The Wall Stone showed me.” “You used it?” “I tried when I was a child. I wanted to help Dor. But I was too young and saw only myself.” “That’s more than most of us will ever see.” Hans was rather happy now that he had not grown up knowing such things as had shaped Dorilian and this child. “The Wall showed me the Diadem’s final form, what it would become… what it would do. I am that form. If I am taken, the Undying Crown will be forced upon me and the Vllyr godhead will assume its ultimate, immortal state. I am the greatest danger of all.”
November 6, 2025 at 12:10 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#NovemberWorldbuilders 6: WHITE

White often delivers coldness or serenity, as in this scene wherein a child is with his mother's corpse.

"He held his free hand into the Rill light, toward her. Between bloodstains, his hand shone as white as hers had, ghostly, drained of living brightness."
kiraofthewind.com Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 5d
Hello, #NovemberWorldbuilders friends!
We're in COLORS week! Tell me about something in your world that's WHITE. Have you used it symbolically? Any special white clothes, rocks, animals, or magical artifacts you'd like to talk about?
#NovemberWorldbuilders prompt card Hosted by Kira of the Wind Week 1: Colors Something in your world that is WHITE The image in the background is a blurred picture of a foresty/rocky landscape with lightning and a mountain in the background
November 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
triempery.bsky.social
#FantasyIndiesNovember 6: Helpful writing tools

1. Notebooks. Wonderful for scribbling notes, drawings, ideas, bits of dialogue I think of when taking a shower.

2. A good dictionary. I use the Oxford English Dictionary. Gives not only definitions of words but useful etymology. #WritingCommunity
Four spiral bound notebooks with plain pastel covers. Photo of the Oxford English dictionary in 14 volumes. One volume lies opened on the green tabletop.
November 6, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reposted by L.L. Stephens
cblansdell.bsky.social
#FantasyIndiesNovember
Day 5: Last, current and next reads

Last: Austringer's Wrath – @lyonspen.bsky.social
Current: Serpentus – @ajcalvin.bsky.social
Next: Unlucky Evans, Cursed Odds – @williamjadams3.bsky.social
and I really want to get to Daughters of Tith by @jpatriciaanderson.bsky.social
fantasyindies.bsky.social Fantasy Indies @fantasyindies.bsky.social · 11d
📚 #FantasyIndiesNovember 📚
All genres welcome! You can use the prompts for WIPs or published books.
Feel free to ask the hosts questions!

Love,
Faeries at Fantasy Indies
@lvrussell.bsky.social @chesneyinfalt.bsky.social
Fantasy Indies November prompts by @ChesneyInfalt & @LydiaVRussell 1. Introduce yourself & WIP 2. When did you start writing? 3. WIP playlist 4. Inspiring authors 5. Last, current, & next reads 6. Helpful writing tools 7. Free Friday or what helps you relax? 8. Saturday Snippet 9. Show off your bookshelf 10. Favourite line you’ve written 11. What genres do you write and read? 12. Good and bad writing advice 13. Where do you write? 14. Free Friday or post your pets 15. Saturday Snippet 16. Are you a plotter, pantser, or plantser? 17. Your hobbies 18. Favourite characters you’ve created 19. Parts of writing that challenge you 20. Where do you find inspiration 21. Free Friday or comfort movies/tv shows 22. Saturday Snippet 23. Advice for dealing with imposter syndrome 24. Do you listen to music while you write? 25. Share artwork or artist 26. How you come up with book titles 27. What are you thankful for? 28. Free Friday or do you collect anything? 29. Saturday Snippet 30. Marketing tips 31. Monthly Wrap-Up
November 6, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Reposted by L.L. Stephens
cmdebell.bsky.social
Here's a quote from The Many Shades of Midnight for the #bookqw prompt 'colour'

A plague is turning people into monsters, and it's spreading.

#writingcommunity #writesky 📚🪐💙
Front cover of The Many Shades of Midnight and quote for Book Quote Wednesday prompt 'colour' “We were in Flaeres,” Cantrell said, surprising him again. “Chasing rumours. Did you know Ado has been cut off?” Brivar shook his head. Ado was far to the northeast, hugging the farthest edges of the vast Qido Empire. It was small, poor, and of little consequence to the rulers of Ellasia since its wealth in Isyrium had dried up a century ago. What it had to do with Flaeres he didn’t know, and he was sure from Cantrell’s tone that he didn’t want to. Cantrell stared through him. He was talking, Brivar suspected, for much the same reason as Brivar was pacing. “Qido has closed its borders with Ado. Nothing gets in or out. No one knows why, or if they do, no one will say.” He blinked, pressing his knuckles to his eyes. “They came out of nowhere. I have never seen their like. Blue from their heads to their feet, naked. The colour of midnight. There were beasts with them, and it was almost impossible to tell one from the other—which was human and which was not.” He lapsed into silence, his gaze drifting. Then he said, “They went straight for him. I don’t know why. We barely got him out of there. I still have nightmares about it.”
November 5, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Reposted by L.L. Stephens
cmdebell.bsky.social
#WIPSnips 4 November 'steel'

In The Many Shades of Midnight, Alyas has a matching sword and dagger made from Isyr steel, an extremely valuable metal. If weapons were characters, these blades could be my MC. They cause so much trouble.

#writingcommunity #writesky #writingfantasy
Quote from The Many Shades of Midnight for #WIPSnips prompt 'steel' for 4 November A yawn overtook him, and he turned to pace back across the cave. His gaze snagged on the paired blades hanging on the wall, the elegant hilts the unmistakable cool blue of Isyr steel. Unable to help himself, Brivar ran his fingers over the cold metal, feeling the legendary silkiness of the steel that never lost its edge. They were weapons fit for a king—rare, priceless treasures. Irreplaceable. It had been impossible to mine pure Isyrium for decades. The rough ore that was mined these days was processed by the syndicates and used to power Ellasia’s burgeoning new industries and the work of its temples, but the purity required for Isyr steel was lost to the past. Wars had been fought over it. Even now, possession of it dictated relations between nations. Cantrell, looking up, said bitterly, “Beautiful, aren’t they? Worth as much as the whole of Lankara. They were his father’s, a gift from the Emperor of Qido. Much good they did him.”
November 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Reposted by L.L. Stephens
stephanieburgis.bsky.social
This week's Book Quote Wednesday word is "color," so here's a snippet from Lorelei and Gerard's first meeting in my fantasy rom-com Enchanting the Fae Queen, which you can preorder now: stephanieburgis.com/books/enchanting-the-fae-queen

Less than 12 weeks to wait!!! ✨💖✨

#romancelandia #bookqw
The illustrated cover for Enchanting the Fae Queen, by Stephanie Burgis, shows a mischievously grinning woman with long blonde curls, a moonstone crown, a pink dress and bare feet, sitting perched in a tree teasing the uniformed general who stands before her, his expression determined and one of his hands around her closest leg while she pokes his strong nose with one finger. Vines of leaves sweep magically out from the tree around her to draw him towards her. The tagline reads: All’s fae in love and war. The text beside and below it reads: Lorelei released his arm as if it had burned her like the magic-repelling iron rails currently being planned by Imperial engineers to crisscross the vast Empire—part of the mortal world’s endless, vicious fight to extinguish the life and color from every corner of the continent. Meanwhile, the god of war and justice who stood at the head of the Imperial pantheon, Divine Jovar, smiled in benevolence upon His chosen few . . . Including the man who loomed before her now, certain and protected in his god-touched path of conquest. Unfortunately for him, Lorelei had her own divine sponsor—and more than enough personal stubbornness to move mountains.
November 5, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Reposted by L.L. Stephens
patricksamphire.bsky.social
It's Book Quote Wednesday, and today the word is "colour" (or "color", if you prefer). Because it's only 13 days until The Dead Man is out, let's have a quote from that, and we're talking about how mages perceive magic in the Mennik Thorn series.

books2read.com/thedeadman

#BookQW #Booksky
Promo image showing the cover of The Dead Man, A Mennik Thorn Prequel Novella, by Patrick Samphire. Image includes the text: Some mages heard magic as music, some felt it as fingers drumming on skin. For myself, when I unfocused my eyes, I saw magic as patterns of different coloured lines and shapes. It was a better way than most. I had once known a mage who sensed magic as different combinations of constipation and bladder infections. Needless to say, she hadn’t lasted long. Last I’d heard, she’d left Agatos to go and live as a hermit as far from any magic as she possibly could. 13 days to go.
November 5, 2025 at 10:59 AM