Producers: Elizabeth STANLEY (ELIZABETH STANLEY PICTURES), Ilene Kahn POWER (KAHN POWER PICTURES)

THE WORLD OF DARKOVER

Darkover chronicles the development of a remarkable civilization – technology poor but rich in its ability to harness the psi powers of the human brain (such as telepathy and telekinesis). The absence of metal on the planet made the creation of technology almost impossible. Darkover, however, is rich in other resources such as the matrix stones and kiriseth flowers that enhance and magnify psi-powers (or laran).  The only human-habitable planet of the seven which orbit a fictional red giant star called Cottman IV; Darkover was settled by colonists from Earth when their spaceship accidentally crashed there. The crash ruined the ship and all technology on board, leaving the Terran (Earth) survivors only one choice – to make a new home on the cold and foreign planet. As a result of inter-breeding with a native species known as the Chieri, a small group of humans gained psi-powers(telepathy and telekinesis). These powers seemed to be unique to the Comyn, a red-headed bloodline that became the ruling class. Darkover’s social structure revolves around the possession of psi-powers and the harsh cycles of nature that dominate all life on the planet.

The Spell Sword and The Forbidden Tower are the basis for the film, DARKOVER: THE FORBIDDEN CIRCLE. It tells the story of four people – two men and two women – who come together to challenge the sacred traditions of Darkovan society and the ancient laws of its Matrix Towers.

The lead characters are: Ruling caste member Damon Ridenow; Ellemir, his betrothed, twin sister to Callista-the next Keeper of Arilinn Tower and Earthman Andrew Carr–in love with Callista.

Photograph by Joe Parks