Book Eight
Rennes Le Chateaux
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Before you get to writing one of the books in Doom Hunter, take the time to absorb the information on writing style here.
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Learn the process for submitting your story.
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Doom Hunter Overview Page Link
All writers, please go here to familiarize yourselves with the main storyline and feel for the series.
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Doom Hunter Book Outline Page Link
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If you have any questions or need help, please email me directly with your questions, suggestions, comments, etc. My email address is paul@psaudio.com
Remember Sully’s Quest
Dr. Sarah "Sully" Sullivan's mission, central to her character and crucial for every writer crafting her story, is a relentless pursuit to uncover ancient doomsday prophecies that she believes hold the key to preventing a modern Armageddon.
As a distinguished professor of Archaeology at Tufts University and an expert in symbology, and she and her father William’s revelation of the long-forgotten Prophecy of Templar Mystic, Bernard of Clairvaux (see Prologue and history section of this website), she is acutely aware of the dire warning signs in our current era: escalating climate catastrophes, emerging viral threats, the uncharted advancements in AI, and the ever-looming specter of war. Sully is convinced that the answers to these contemporary menaces lie hidden in the annals of the past. Her journey is not just an academic endeavor; it is a desperate, high-stakes quest driven by a deep-seated empathy and a commitment to knowledge.
Writers must consistently portray Sully as a character whose actions and decisions are fueled by this profound belief. Every twist in her story, every challenge she faces, must reflect her unwavering resolve to connect the forgotten wisdom of ancient civilizations with the pressing needs of the present, all in a bid to steer humanity away from the precipice of its own making and towards a path of enlightenment and preservation.
The Tricennial Nexus Cycle
In Book 9, Sully discovers the answers to her late father's notion he titled, The Tricennial Nexus Cycle. This posited that for some strange reason, natural and manmade disasters such as wars, famines, and disease were cyclical. They happened, on average, every 33 years. Why? It was/is Sully's job to find out before the next one occurs. What Sully finally uncovers (in Book 9) is an ancient codex and astrolabe that unravels the mysteries of the Tricennial Nexus Cycle. This cycle, as Sully uncovers, is primarily influenced by a comet, with ensuing ripple effects across historical, celestial, sociological, cultural, and religious domains.
The concept of the Tricennial Nexus Cycle, first proposed by Sully's late father, William the III, presents a compelling case for the interconnectedness of celestial events and earthly phenomena. Her discovery of the codex and astrolabe—ancient instruments of astronomical and navigational significance—provides key insights into the cycle's origins and effects.
Central to the hypothesis is the periodic return of a specific comet, Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, the parent body of the Leonid meteor shower, which has an orbital period of about 33 years. Identified through the codex and astrolabe and recalled by Sully from her father's incessant believe that it might have been celestial born, this comet, with a 33-year orbital cycle, aligns with historical patterns of significant global events. Sully is now convinced that this celestial body's influence extends beyond mere observation, impacting Earth's environmental and sociological patterns of wars, political shifts, and societal transformations that seem to occur in sync with this 33-year celestial rhythm. The writings in the codex echo the theories of historians like Arnold J. Toynbee regarding cyclical patterns in human civilization and the sociological theories of Karl Mannheim, suggesting a generational cycle of approximately 33 years, marked by the emergence of new societal norms and ideologies.
The codex and astrolabe, adorned with symbols from various cultures, also points to the number 33's significance across different religious and cultural contexts. In Christianity, for instance, the age of Jesus Christ at his crucifixion is traditionally considered 33, a number symbolizing transformation and rebirth—a theme recurrent in the cycle.
Environmentally, Sully realizes the Pacific Decadal Oscillation's phases also align with the comet's cycle. These phases significantly impact global weather patterns, suggesting an environmental component to the Tricennial Nexus Cycle. As well.
Prologue
In the shadowed corners of an ancient library, veiled in the dust of centuries and heavy with the echoes of history, Dr. Sarah "Sully" Sullivan and her late father, William III, made a discovery that would irrevocably change their destinies. Nestled among neglected manuscripts was a curious artifact, as substantial as a tome of ancient lore, its facade etched with arcane symbols. At its center, the Ouroboros, a serpent ceaselessly chasing its own tail, coiled around the Tree of Life, its boughs and roots interlaced with cryptic runic messages. These inscriptions hinted at catastrophic events—earthquakes, deluges, infernos—mirroring the burgeoning calamities of their era.
Beneath this veneer, however, was concealed a truth even more profound. Employing the university's advanced electron microscope, Sully and her father unveiled the long-lost Prophecy of Bernard of Clairvaux, dating back to the 12th century. This prophecy unveiled a chilling foresight of the future, uncannily akin to contemporary predicaments. It envisioned a realm ravaged by social disintegration, ethical erosion, and ecological ruin. Bernard's visionary words depicted an era overwhelmed by "Towers of Babel"—metaphors for the burgeoning internet and swiftly evolving AI, emblematic of rampant urban sprawl and technological progress, heedless of nature's equilibrium. His prescient visions painted a portrait of humanity teetering on the edge, besieged by destitution, environmental decay, and substance dependency.
Yet, within Bernard's cryptic words lay a glimmer of hope — a suggestion of a hidden key to avert the looming apocalypse, a solution buried within the annals of time, waiting for those who knew where to look.
For Sully, this revelation was more than a scholarly triumph; it was a rude awakening. A chance to uncover the ancient secrets that could save civilization from the pending apocalypse.
Story Outline
I. Introduction
Setting the Stage: Introduction to the quaint, mysterious French village of Rennes-le-Château, steeped in Templar history.
Sully's Arrival: Dr. Sarah "Sully" Sullivan arrives in Rennes-le-Château, driven by her mission to locate the seventh Codex within the ancient church.
Backstory Flashback: Recap of Sully and her late father discovering Jean de Vézelay’s Prophecy, which predicts a future of societal and environmental collapse, mirroring modern times.
II. Major Characters
Dr. Sarah "Sully" Sullivan
(see character description section of this website in the Writer’s Guide)
Description: A distinguished archaeology professor and expert in symbology, characterized by her intellectual prowess and physical agility.
Motivation: To uncover ancient secrets to prevent a modern Armageddon.
Lucien DeLacroix
Description: Charismatic French billionaire and descendant of French nobility.
Motivation: To find Templar treasures for power and to resurrect his family's lost glory.
III. Initial Exploration
Sully's Research: Sully begins her investigation in the village, analyzing Templar symbols and clues.
DeLacroix's Introduction: Sully encounters Lucien DeLacroix, who offers support for her expedition, hiding his ulterior motives.
IV. Rising Action
DeLacroix's True Intentions: Gradual revelation of DeLacroix's desire to control the Templar secrets for his own gain.
Sully's Discovery: Sully uncovers hints of the Codex's location in the church, leading to a deeper investigation.
V. Mid-Story Twists
Marguerite's Role: Introduction of Marguerite, the village librarian, who aids Sully with rare manuscripts and local Templar lore.
Isabelle's Secret Assistance: Sully receives anonymous notes guiding her, initially believed to be from Marguerite.
VI. Climax
The Hidden Chamber: Sully finds the hidden chamber beneath the church, filled with Templar symbols and artifacts.
DeLacroix's Trap: Sully is trapped in a laser-rigged chamber, orchestrated by DeLacroix.
VII. Escalating Tension and Revelation
Sully's Escape: Using her knowledge and agility, Sully navigates the laser maze, revealing her resourcefulness and determination.
Marguerite's True Identity: Revelation that Marguerite is an ageless guardian of Templar secrets.
Isabelle's Revelation: Discovery that the anonymous notes were from Isabelle, DeLacroix's daughter, leading to a tense confrontation.
VIII. Final Confrontation and Aftermath
Isabelle's Alliance: Isabelle aids Sully, leading to a temporary alliance.
DeLacroix's Downfall: DeLacroix is left trapped in his own maze, facing the consequences of his actions.
Sully's Triumph: Sully secures the Templar medallion, strengthening her belief in the Vézelay’s prophecies.
IX. Conclusion
Sully's Reflection: Sully reflects on her journey, the ethical dilemmas faced, and her evolving understanding of the prophecies.
Setting the Stage for the Next Adventure: Sully prepares for her next quest to Scotland, where the Templar medallion points her.
X. Epilogue
Sully’s Anticipation: Sully, now more determined, anticipates new challenges in Scotland, continuing her mission as the "Doom Hunter."
Tease for Future Books: Hints at future mysteries and adversaries in Scotland, setting up anticipation for the next book in the series.
Details
Book 8: "Mysteries of Rennes-le-Château"
Synopsis:
In the heart of France lies Rennes-le-Château, a village cloaked in mystery and steeped in Templar legend. Here, Dr. Sarah "Sully" Sullivan is drawn to the ancient church, rumored to house the elusive seventh Codex. This codex is believed to reveal the locations of Templar treasures, powerful enough to fund revolutions or topple empires. Sully's quest is not just for academic glory but driven by a deeper conviction: to avert the apocalyptic future foretold in the cryptic prophecies of Templar Mystic Jean de Vézelay, which she and her late father had uncovered. The prophecies, depicting societal collapse and environmental cataclysm, resonate eerily with the current global crises, spurring Sully on a race against time to unearth secrets that could save the world.
Antagonist: Lucien DeLacroix
A charismatic French billionaire, Lucien DeLacroix, descends from an ancient line of French nobility. Obsessed with resurrecting his family's lost glory, he seeks the Templar treasures hidden in Rennes-le-Château. DeLacroix's vision extends beyond mere wealth; he dreams of an empire with himself at the helm, using the Templar secrets to amplify his influence and reshape nations. He views Sully's discoveries as the final puzzle piece in his grand design.
Conflict: A Game of Wits and Will
Upon Sully's arrival in Rennes-le-Château, the village, under DeLacroix's sway, initially welcomes her. DeLacroix offers to fund her expedition, but his generosity masks a strategic ploy. As Sully delves into the village's secrets, DeLacroix's maneuvers evolve from subtle sabotage to overt hostility. Their interactions transform into a high-stakes game, with each trying to outwit the other. Sully's passion for discovery and her exceptional problem-solving skills become her greatest assets against DeLacroix's machinations.
Climactic Confrontation
The search leads Sully to a hidden chamber beneath the church, laden with Templar symbols and artifacts. As she deciphers a crucial inscription, darkness envelops the chamber. DeLacroix's voice, cold and calculated, resonates through the pitch black, revealing his trap. The chamber, now a deadly maze of lasers, becomes a test of Sully's agility and knowledge of Templar symbology. In a thrilling display of intellect and physical prowess, Sully navigates the maze, using the chamber's artifacts to manipulate the lasers.
Twist: The Unseen Allies
During her quest, Sully crosses paths with Marguerite, the village librarian, whose assistance proves invaluable. Marguerite's knowledge of local legends and Templar history, coupled with her familial connection to the village's past, provides Sully with rare manuscripts crucial to her research. However, Sully discovers a century-old photograph of a woman resembling Marguerite, unveiling her true identity as a guardian of Templar secrets, blessed with an extended lifespan through an ancient elixir.
Simultaneously, Sully receives anonymous notes guiding her to critical discoveries. These notes, initially thought to be from Marguerite, are revealed to be from Isabelle, DeLacroix's estranged daughter. Isabelle, first introduced as a rebellious artist, has been subtly aiding Sully to counter her father's ambitions. Yet, her intentions are not entirely altruistic; she seeks the Templar treasures for herself, believing it to be her birthright.
The Final Confrontation and Aftermath
In the climax, as Sully escapes the trap, Isabelle confronts her. The room, ancient yet laced with modern traps set by Lucien DeLacroix, pulses with danger.
Isabelle, torn between family loyalty and respect for Sully, stands conflicted. Her plans, leading Sully to this climax, waver in the face of Sully's resolve. Their silent standoff breaks as Isabelle chooses alliance over betrayal, helping Sully navigate the traps.
Emerging into the night, Sully grips a Templar medallion, its engravings hinting at Rosslyn Chapel's secrets. This discovery aligns with Bernard of Clairvaux's prophecies, echoing current global crises. The ancient warnings of societal and environmental collapse now seem prescient in Sully's world.
Recognizing the medallion's significance, Sully sees it as a key to understanding and averting disaster. With dawn approaching and Isabelle as her ally, she heads to Rosslyn Chapel, ready to face the mysteries ahead.
This pivot in Sully's journey cements her role as the Doom Hunter, a guardian against impending doom, led by ancient prophecy's wisdom.
Epilogue: A Path Forward
With the Templar medallion in hand and her conviction in the prophecies reinforced, Sully prepares for her next journey. She reflects on the moral and ethical dilemmas she's faced, her complex relationship with her family, and her role as the "Doom Hunter." The book concludes with Sully, more determined than ever, setting her sights on Scotland, where new mysteries and challenges await in her relentless quest to avert the prophesied apocalypse.
History and info to copy from
Rennes-le-Château
A village perched atop a hill in the Languedoc region of Southern France, is a place where history and legend intertwine, creating an atmosphere thick with mystery. The village, small and seemingly unassuming, holds a labyrinth of secrets in its ancient, narrow streets.
The landscape of Rennes-le-Château is rugged, with the Pyrenees mountains in the distance, casting long shadows over the village as the sun sets. The air is often filled with a mist that rolls in from the valleys, shrouding the village in an ethereal cloak. This mist seems to whisper tales of the past, of hidden treasures and unsolved riddles.
At the heart of the village stands the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, an edifice that dates back to the 11th century. Its architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with an austere stone façade that guards its secrets well. The church is famous for its peculiar and cryptic decorations, which some believe are clues to a hidden treasure or a deep esoteric knowledge. Intricate carvings of demons, angels, and enigmatic symbols adorn its walls and doorways, each telling a story yet to be fully understood.
Surrounding the church is a web of cobbled streets, lined with ancient stone houses. These buildings, with their weathered walls and terracotta roofs, stand as silent witnesses to the village's tumultuous history. The air is often filled with the scent of wild herbs and the distant sound of church bells, adding to the village's mystical charm.
One cannot walk far in Rennes-le-Château without encountering some reference to the Knights Templar or the Cathars, medieval groups shrouded in legend and mystery. The village's history is deeply entwined with these groups, leading to speculation about buried treasures and sacred relics hidden within its bounds.
High above the village sits the Tour Magdala, a tower built by the enigmatic priest Bérenger Saunière in the early 20th century. The tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, is a place of contemplation and speculation. Many believe Saunière discovered something monumental in Rennes-le-Château, a discovery that could alter our understanding of history.
In the village's small but fascinating museum, artifacts and documents are displayed, offering glimpses into its enigmatic past. Yet, for every question answered, more arise, as if the village itself is a puzzle, challenging those who dare to uncover its secrets.
The people of Rennes-le-Château are accustomed to the curious and the seekers who come to their village. They go about their daily lives amid the tourists and treasure hunters, guardians of their village's lore. They share tales in hushed tones in the local café, adding to the tapestry of legends that envelop the village.
As night falls, Rennes-le-Château returns to its quiet solitude. The stars shine brightly over the ancient landscape, a silent testament to the age-old mysteries that remain hidden in this mysterious village, where history and legend are forever intertwined.
The Long-Forgotten Omen of Bernard of Clairvaux
Dating back to the mid-12th century, a series of writings attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, a revered abbot and a spiritual leader of the Knights Templar, were discovered in a secluded monastery in Europe. These texts presented a haunting vision of the future, uncannily echoing concerns of contemporary times.
Bernard's Vision of the Future:
Bernard of Clairvaux, known for his zealous spirituality and influential writings, had penned a series of reflections and warnings about the future.
His texts spoke of a world grappling with societal decay and moral collapse, drawing parallels with the rampant corruption and power struggles he witnessed during his time.
Bernard foresaw environmental degradation, a consequence of humanity’s disconnect from nature, a theme resonant with his own emphasis on the sanctity of the natural world in Christian spirituality.
The Metaphor of the "Towers of Babel":
In a metaphorical sense, Bernard's writings spoke of the "Towers of Babel" - structures symbolizing the hubris of humanity. In a modern context, these could be seen as foretelling the rise of urbanization and technological advancements, such as the proliferation of the internet and AI.
These "towers" represented the dangers of losing spiritual and moral grounding in the pursuit of progress, echoing current debates on the ethical implications of AI and the impact of urbanization on the environment.
The Reflection of Contemporary Struggles:
Bernard's texts painted a grim picture of a future where humanity faced the brinks of hunger and cold, mirroring the current global issues of poverty, climate change, and addiction.
He emphasized the loss of communal harmony and spiritual decay, themes that find resonance in today's fragmented and fast-paced society.
A Glimmer of Hope:
Despite the dire warnings, Bernard's writings also offered hope - a suggestion that the key to averting such a bleak future lay in returning to spiritual and ethical values.
He proposed that this solution was not to be found in grandiose acts but in the humble pursuit of virtue and stewardship of nature.
Early Life and Background:
Born in 1090 in Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France, Bernard was the third son in a noble family.
At the age of 22, he entered the Cistercian Order, a strict monastic community founded in 1098. His entrance into the monastery at Cîteaux brought the small and struggling community into the limelight.
Rise to Prominence:
Bernard's charisma and deep devotion quickly drew attention. He was sent to found a new abbey at Clairvaux, where he became abbot in 1115.
Under his guidance, Clairvaux Abbey became a center for spirituality and attracted hundreds of monks. Bernard's influence led to the rapid expansion of the Cistercian Order.
Theological and Ecclesiastical Contributions:
Bernard was a prolific writer, theologian, and preacher. His works include treatises, sermons, and letters, many of which remain influential in Christian thought.
He emphasized a return to the strict observance of the Rule of Benedict and advocated for a balanced approach to monastic life, blending manual labor with spiritual contemplation.
His theology was marked by a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary and a focus on the human aspects of Jesus Christ, particularly his love and suffering for humanity.
Involvement in Church and Secular Politics:
Bernard played a significant role in church politics. He was involved in the schism following the election of two popes in 1130, where he supported Pope Innocent II against Antipope Anacletus II.
He is perhaps best known for his role in promoting the Second Crusade. His preaching helped to rally support for the crusade, but its eventual failure tarnished his reputation.
Legacy and Canonization:
Bernard’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping Christian mysticism and the Cistercian Order’s development.
He was canonized as a saint by Pope Alexander III in 1174, only 21 years after his death. His theological writings contributed to his later designation as a Doctor of the Church in 1830.
Bernard's legacy is one of spiritual leadership, theological depth, and influence in the broader medieval society.
Bernard of Clairvaux remains a towering figure in the history of the Christian Church. His life and work continue to be studied for their contributions to monasticism, theology, and Christian spirituality.
