A Word from the Author
The Saga at a Glance
The Legacy of the Elves Classic epic fantasy. A fellowship quest against Shadow Lord Erwight and his alliance.
The Guardians of the Seven Artifacts Political high fantasy. Intrigue, betrayal, and power struggles in a fragile world.
Dear visitors & readers,
Inspiration by the Master
Let me tell you a little about the journey of "Wetherid," my contribution to modern High Fantasy. I have always been a passionate admirer of the great master J.R.R. Tolkien and have always held the greatest respect for his creations. His works have inspired and shaped me, and I carry his influence with pride while refining my own world here in Austria.
The Spark in 2002
It all began back in 2002, when I came up with a bedtime story for my girlfriend, who was ill at the time. She recognized something special in my storytelling, so I decided to put my thoughts to paper. These were the first few pages of what would grow into an epic tale.
A Journey Over Decades
Years passed, life happened, and I revised the story sporadically. In 2004, my son was born, and I began working on the second chapter. More years went by, and in 2007, my daughter was born, prompting me to revise and refine chapters one and two once again.
In 2009, my second daughter came into the world, and I made the bold decision to write seriously—writing daily until I had completed all four chapters. But honestly, when I was finished, I realized that my skills as an author… well, they needed work. Although I now had a beginning and an end, I couldn't bear the thought of anyone reading my unpolished masterpiece. So, I set it aside for a while.
Revision and Breakthrough
In 2019, I dusted off the manuscript and set about revising it, aiming to add a more artistic touch. But I realized I might need a little help in the writing department. It wasn't until 2022 that I made truly significant changes, especially in the first chapter, which—let's be honest—wasn't the strongest.
Even in 2023, after several revisions, the beginning still didn't quite hit the mark. But hey, every epic saga has to start somewhere, right? I made adjustments, polished the plot and characters, and finally thought: "You know what? This might actually be good enough for someone to enjoy—especially my children and, hopefully, fantasy fans everywhere."
The Plunge (2025)
Ultimately, "The Chronicles of Wetherid I + II" are stories born out of a love for storytelling. Through years of development and revision, they have matured into an adventure I am proud to share. I hope this journey through the fantastical world of Wetherid will captivate and inspire you as much as it did me.
So, here we are in 2025, and I have decided to take the plunge. This year, "Wetherid II" will see the light of day. It has been quite a journey, and I can't wait to share this adventure with the world.
All the best,
Christian
Featured in the Press
"From a bedtime story, a 1,500-page epic was born... a must for High Fantasy fans."Unterkärntner Nachrichten Read full article online (German) »
"The Wolfsberg author Christian Dölder transports readers into a mysterious world full of magic and adventure."Kleine Zeitung View in Press Archive (German Print) »
Author's Statement on World Affairs & Fiction
With The Chronicles of Wetherid, I deliberately address themes that directly affect humanity today. The climate crisis, global shifts in power, the unchecked consumption of resources, envy, social division, and mass migration form the backdrop of the narrated world.
The story is not intended as an escape, but as a mirror. It shows an order that comes under pressure because short-term interests are placed above responsibility and power is no longer exercised openly, but covertly. Wetherid represents a world where the consequences of such decisions have concrete and irreversible outcomes.
Central to the story is the message that no single nation, ruler, or institution can overcome these crises alone. A way out is only possible through collective action. However, this collective action requires individual decisions: the willingness to overcome fear, take responsibility, and set aside personal advantages.
The Chronicles of Wetherid make it clear that cohesion is not something that can be taken for granted. Reliable companions are not created by words, but by deeds. Only through insight, self-sacrifice, and consistent cooperation can a path out of the crisis be found.