Saphira Released as Third Playable Character on “Inheritance Quest”!

By Mike Macauley August 8, 2011 Inheritance Quest 122 Comments

Inheritance Quest has officially launched its third playable character this week: Saphira! Players can now experience life in Alagaesia through the eyes of their favorite dragon, following in the footsteps of the game’s first two playable characters — Angela and Murtagh.

Inheritance Quest is a text-driven Inheritance Cycle Facebook game produced by Christopher Paolini’s publisher, Random House. The game allows you to play as five popular Inheritance Cycle characters — Angela, Murtagh and Saphira so far — going on quests, adventures, and tasks all in the shoes of each character. Our very own Mike Macauley played a large role in the game’s development as a creative consultant and co-writer and wrote a majority of the storyline and quest text you’ll see in the game.

Want to learn more about this week’s character addition, including some behind-the-scenes information and a refresher on Saphira’s character? Keep reading!

Need a refresher on Saphira? Here’s an excerpt from The Inheritance Almanac:

The dragon who hatched under the watchful eye of Eragon. Her sire was Iormûngr and her dam Vervada. Saphira’s egg, one of the three known dragon eggs in existence, was in the posession of the elf princess Arya when the Shade Durza and his Urgal agents almost recaptured it in an ambush. Arya succeeded in magically transporting the precious egg to a wild area of the Spine, where Eragon, alone on a hunting expedition, discovered it. Eragon had trouble naming his blue-scaled dragon until he realized that the hatchling was female; as he went through the names the storyteller Brom suggested, the dragon herself indicated her name: Saphira.

As with all dragons and Riders, Saphira and Eragon communicate telepathically and their bond is a deep and everlasting one. Saphira carries the wisdom of her race, and Eragon often turns to her for guidance and comfort.

Saphira was an incredibly fun, exciting and unique character to write for the Inheritance Quest. Her quests offer readers a glimpse through her perspective during events throughout the first three books, including her time spent within the Empire’s control, her “kidnapping” of Eragon during the Ra’zac’s first invasion of Carvahall, her work in evading the Urgals hot on her tail during their run through the Beor Mountains, preparations for battle via training with Eragon and Arya, ancient messages of old, and more! Several of Saphira’s quests offer glimpses at stories not available in the first three books.

Dragonhatchling

What’s the answer to Saphira #9? I translated it to Math Breaker but is says it’s wrong… I tried Oath Breaker and got the same thing… I also tried the plurals of both of those… help!!!
- Atkinson Rachel
  
  its oathbreaker (all one word)
Dragonhatchling

What’s the answer to Saphira #9? I translated it to Math Breaker but is says it’s wrong… I tried Oath Breaker and got the same thing… I also tried the plurals of both of those… help!!!
Dragonhatchling

What’s the answer to Saphira #9? I translated it to Math Breaker but is says it’s wrong… I tried Oath Breaker and got the same thing… I also tried the plurals of both of those… help!!!
Valdor

Just to point out…Saphira’s second question about a town Southeast of Carvahall… if you look at a map (I googled “map of alagaesia” because I forgot the town name) the town is actually south WEST of Carvahall
Valdor

Just to point out…Saphira’s second question about a town Southeast of Carvahall… if you look at a map (I googled “map of alagaesia” because I forgot the town name) the town is actually south WEST of Carvahall
Valdor

Just to point out…Saphira’s second question about a town Southeast of Carvahall… if you look at a map (I googled “map of alagaesia” because I forgot the town name) the town is actually south WEST of Carvahall
Striderwinter

its oath breaker not oath breakers.
You

i’m sorry, but 9 is neither oath breakers or math breakers
- TwilightFan
  
  I know! In morse code, it translates to Math Breaker. WRONG. Stupid hard questions >.<
- TwilightFan
  
  I know! In morse code, it translates to Math Breaker. WRONG. Stupid hard questions >.<
- TwilightFan
  
  I know! In morse code, it translates to Math Breaker. WRONG. Stupid hard questions >.<
- TwilightFan
  
  Actually, looking carefully, they left off the extra – at the end. M is — but O is — so they left off the third dash on accident. EPIC FAIL.
Emma

oath breaker
- Emma
  
  to saphira #9
Typhon

I liked the game, But I was dissapointed that once I earned the Quest card I couldn’t play the quests again.
Typhon

I liked the game, But I was dissapointed that once I earned the Quest card I couldn’t play the quests again.
Guest

Does anyone know the answer to saphira question 3 ??
Btw these questions are to hard!! 🙂
- guest
  
  it is firefly
Und’Bitr

9th question? anyone?
Kaseylenortracing

does anybody know the 3rd question?
Rblax

whats number 9?
Mr. Anonymous

Cool. One of my favorite characters.
Ratliffkyle117

Just thought I’d mention that the morse code for Saphira’s 9th quest is incorrect. It does not translate to oath breakers. Instead it says math breakers.
- Ratliffkyle117
  
  Oops, 8th quest.
- guest
  
  im typing that in but it says its not it
- Swimpixie
  
  OKAY thats what i thought but it said it was wrong thx :3
Aa

the add banners on this website are completely out of control
Eldunari

What is no. 8???
- Elphiebelphie
  
  Ueah, I can’t figure that out either. HELPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  - guest
    
    a rock
gran_i_schatz

What is 2???
Colin

I am stuck on Question #7 does anyone know the answer?
- I LOVE ARG
  
  im stuck in that one too
- Anonymous
  
  It’s fairth! I had the name on the tip of my tongue for so long!! I just flipped through the the Almanac for a few minutes till I saw it! Thanks Mike, the Almanac has been so helpful!! 🙂
Guest

For some reason I can’t seem to get on to Inheritance Quest on Facebook. I have been able to previously, when Angela and Murtagh came out, but now when I try to go on to play Saphira, it says the web page isn’t available. I have tried to access it from multiple computers, but I keep on getting the same result. Strangely enough, it was less than a week ago I was playing Murtagh. Am I the only one experiencing this? If so, why?
Ber-nice1010

i can’t figure out 2
Ttristan skinner

Now you see me, now you don’t. I’ll light your path when the sun and moon won’t. Fleeing from danger or running to fight, I’m a sign of life in blackest night. What am I?
- Frownifdown
  
  Firefly
- Frownifdown
  
  Firefly
- Frownifdown
  
  Firefly
Anonymous

Ok this is just a question about something Glaedr “told” (that isnt really the right word for it but) Saphira. When Saphira asked Glaedr about a certain Dragon from the past, Glaedr said that it didnt have a name and instead showed her feelings, pictures and thoughts to convey its “name” what dragon was Glaedr talking about?
- Tim G.
  
  One of the Foresworn’s dragons obviously, but I don’t believe that it specifies which one.
  - Anonymous
    
    i dont think that was it
    - Corynrocks
      
      Bid’daum. The first Eragon’s dragon.
      - I LOVE ARG
        
        no, big’daum is more recent than the dragon he’s saying daniela is right that is the dargon
      - I LOVE ARG
        
        no, big’daum is more recent than the dragon he’s saying daniela is right that is the dargon
      - I LOVE ARG
        
        no, big’daum is more recent than the dragon he’s saying daniela is right that is the dargon
  - Anonymous
    
    i dont think that was it
- Tim G.
  
  One of the Foresworn’s dragons obviously, but I don’t believe that it specifies which one.
- Daniela
  
  It was the dragon who had been chosen to represent the dragon race in the contract with the elves after Du Fyrn Skulblaka.
- Daniela
  
  It was the dragon who had been chosen to represent the dragon race in the contract with the elves after Du Fyrn Skulblaka.
- T Pevehouse3
  
  Before the bod happend between the dragons and the elves, dragons had no use of language. Instead they used pictures, images, and other things (fights won fights lost) to communicate and what not.
HideInSight

I appreciate all the effort with promoting the Cycle, but when will the Comic-con Q&A be released??
- Mike Macauley
  
  I’ve answered this many times now. Please stop asking, especially where it is not appropriate. We have a feedback and question form for a reason.
- Mike Macauley
  
  I’ve answered this many times now. Please stop asking, especially where it is not appropriate. We have a feedback and question form for a reason.
Exodus

WHat is number 7
JJ

What is number 4
Cyrax

Mike, I think you should extend the game from five playable characters to seven! My vote for the two extra characters? Thorn and the Ra’zac! I pick Thorn because, although he hasn’t spoken yet, he has the worst life out of any character because he was forced into slavery the moment he hatched! And plus, he gets the least amount of joy and freedom, even less than Shruikan! And I pick the Ra’zac because it never says why or how they are inherently evil, and because I think Galbatorix really just forced them into service, like all of his other servants! And to get less negative comments, I think you should try to give the game a Skyrim-like atmosphere, with side-quests to take from locals, loot to grab, and enemies to slay, so then the fun can be extended and there won’t be complaints about the game being too short! I hope you take in my suggestions, Mike! Thank you!
- Mike Macauley
  
  This game was not created or funded by me, Cyrax. This is a Random House effort and I was just one of a dozen people who worked on the project. I simply wrote the story and offered creative ideas and feedback — I did not program or do the art for the game. Because of this I have little sway over what happens with the game in the future.
- Mike Macauley
  
  This game was not created or funded by me, Cyrax. This is a Random House effort and I was just one of a dozen people who worked on the project. I simply wrote the story and offered creative ideas and feedback — I did not program or do the art for the game. Because of this I have little sway over what happens with the game in the future.
  - Cyrax
    
    I was not necessarily saying that I wanted you to add more characters, Mike! After learning that about a dozen people worked on the game, perhaps you could stand up and allow your voice to be heard and ask the other game creators to allow fan suggestions to build a better game rather than just let negative comments derail the game! A piece of work that does not let at least some fan suggestions in simply sucks! And why can’t Random House at least allow some spoilers from Inheritance in the game? Not all of us are patient enough to wait for November!
    - Mike Macauley
      
      I’ve explained both of these points but I’ll try to elaborate:
      
      Expanding the game is not as simple as having my voice heard or having others “just do it”. These games have long-worked-on plans, budgets, schedules, and more. The game met all of these things and was delivered bigger and better than what I ever expected. The game is incredibly fun, gorgeous, and impressive. The game you’re describing is a FULL ON video game, not a marketing story-driven Facebook app. It’s two entirely different things.
      
      For more information on the massive differences, check out Google and look into things such as game development vs. Facebook app development. The money involved is substantially different (we’re talking tens of millions of dollars to develop Skyrim-like games). This game was intended as a small-scale text-based Inheritance app and it accomplished that goal.
      
      Why would Random House want to spoil Book 4? It’s one of the most anticipated book releases of the year. While you may want the book spoiled for you, I can guarantee that thousands or even millions of fans disagree.
      
      As for your accusation that a game that “doesn’t take fan suggestions simply sucks” — I’ve worked with the brilliant team behind the game since day one and was a VERY loud voice for the fans. Fan suggestions WERE incorporated.
      - Cyrax
        
        Well, could you at least make some DLC(downloadable content) for the game, or should I say, “Facebook app”? Because let’s face it, every modern game has DLC and some people would think you’re crazy for not adding some extra content in the future! And you still are not addressing the issue of of side-quest taking, even in text form…gamers like me are attracted by monster slaying and magic spell learning! Perhaps you could introduce the concept of dark magic when we get to play as Galbatorix? Just asking!
      - Tarkus
        
        It would be fun to see some DLC for players who want to still play the game but decide to play it after all the other characters have been released, but like all of your other ideas, Cyrax, Mike is going to dismiss it! But hey, side-quest taking is fun and always keep the adventure fresh! And there are plenty of monsters to slay in the Cycle, like lethrblakas, Shades, evil dragons, the dwarven creatures in the Beor Mountains!
      - Cyrax
        
        Sorry, I accidentally replied to myself for some stupid reason!
      - Cyrax
        
        Sorry, I accidentally replied to myself for some stupid reason!
      - Mike Macauley
        
        I’m discussing your ideas because you are incredibly mistaken and confused with what you are talking about, and unfortunately you are unwilling to listen to reason or explanations.
        
        I have very, very politely that this is a *FACEBOOK APP* which is different from a *VIDEO GAME*. You have the two confused, which is okay — but I’ve explained the difference and am hoping you would begin to understand that.
        
        This was a smaller budget, small scale text-based app that met all of its goals. It was designed to offer five playable characters with ten quests each. This was text-based and a way to introduce new readers to the books.
        
        The things you are asking us to include are things that game development companies with tens of millions of dollars in their pockets develop in their games — not what small-scale Facebook apps include.
        
        I play and enjoy real video games however I understand and am able to differentiate between those and this text-based Facebook app.
      - Cyrax
        
        You still have not brought up the concept of monster slaying for the next two characters! If you’re going to reply to my comment and say rude stuff, at least nicely discuss the topic I’m talking about! Don’t just say stuff like, “oh, it’s a Facebook app, we don’t have that kind of money”! Boo-hoo! Bring some DLC for future players, man! We can’t all play at the early time!!
      - guest
        
        you sir, are very dumb.
      - Cyrax
        
        And you, sir, are probably just another stupid American with no manners and you probably are 30 yrs old yet still live in your moms basement! You probably also still play the Atari 2600!
      - Cyrax
        
        Well, at least I have good friends and a family!
      - LeitonGrey
        
        I’d hate to be one of those “friends” and family…
      - Anonymous
        
        I hope you know that you are being the rude one here. Mike has told you why your ideas can’t work, yet you insist on pestering him for a hopeless cause.
      - Cyrax
        
        Oh, grow up! You are such a pointless hypocrite! You’re saying rude **** just as well!
      - Cyrax
        
        Oh, grow up! You are such a pointless hypocrite! You’re saying rude **** just as well!
      - Cyrax
        
        Oh, grow up! You are such a pointless hypocrite! You’re saying rude **** just as well!
      - jd397
        
        You are going to the wrong person for input for the game. Mike has no position in how the game is going to be made, and couldn’t do anything about it, even if you didn’t act like a jerk. He already told you that he can’t do anything about it, and that the app makers can’t do it either. You are the one being rude and not listening. Learn to listen to people when they aren’t only telling you exactly what you want to be told. Mike has been incredibly respectful in his responses, certainly more than I could have been.
      - Cyrax
        
        Sorry, but all I heard was, “blah, blah, blah”.
      - Cyrax
        
        Sorry, but all I heard was, “blah, blah, blah”.
      - jd397
        
        You know, we’re not surprised that you don’t hear anything else. You clearly don’t care to pay any attention to what other people say, yet demand that your every whim is satisfied. It’s sad that you can claim to be the respectful one, and yet be insulting people, and claiming that they have no friends or family. Really classy.
      - Cyrax
        
        Sorry, but all I heard was, “blah, blah, blah”.
      - Tarkus
        
        It would be fun to see some DLC for players who want to still play the game but decide to play it after all the other characters have been released, but like all of your other ideas, Cyrax, Mike is going to dismiss it! But hey, side-quest taking is fun and always keep the adventure fresh! And there are plenty of monsters to slay in the Cycle, like lethrblakas, Shades, evil dragons, the dwarven creatures in the Beor Mountains!
    - Mike Macauley
      
      I’ve explained both of these points but I’ll try to elaborate:
      
      Expanding the game is not as simple as having my voice heard or having others “just do it”. These games have long-worked-on plans, budgets, schedules, and more. The game met all of these things and was delivered bigger and better than what I ever expected. The game is incredibly fun, gorgeous, and impressive. The game you’re describing is a FULL ON video game, not a marketing story-driven Facebook app. It’s two entirely different things.
      
      For more information on the massive differences, check out Google and look into things such as game development vs. Facebook app development. The money involved is substantially different (we’re talking tens of millions of dollars to develop Skyrim-like games). This game was intended as a small-scale text-based Inheritance app and it accomplished that goal.
      
      Why would Random House want to spoil Book 4? It’s one of the most anticipated book releases of the year. While you may want the book spoiled for you, I can guarantee that thousands or even millions of fans disagree.
      
      As for your accusation that a game that “doesn’t take fan suggestions simply sucks” — I’ve worked with the brilliant team behind the game since day one and was a VERY loud voice for the fans. Fan suggestions WERE incorporated.
mchl_andrew

MIKE

why do you always delete my comments? they are never offensive or inappropriate. i’m not even one who complains, just asks questions. is it something personal, because if so, thats really immature, i’m a dedicated fan like you are.
- Mike Macauley
  
  I delete your comments because constantly replying to completely offtopic posts with your questions which I’ve already answered multiple times is not proper. Find the right place to do so or use the feedback form.
  - Mchl_Andrew
    
    There are tons of off topic posts all over the comment feeds, some are even about batman. I believe you do it because you see “Mchl_Andrew” and think I’m a jerk. I understand I used to use the internets anonymity as an excuse to be rude, but that was months ago. why would I want to continue visiting this sight when my voice is always deemed “not proper” enough to even be heard. I have questions that other fans could possibly answer, even though I address it to you most of the time. So please, leave my words up. They may not be important to you, but they are to me.
    - Mike Macauley
      
      You read my mind. Out of all of the things I have to do in the day, I personally follow you around to delete your comments.
      
      Very realistic.
      - davinci
        
        you should delete these comments just to rattle him
- Mike Macauley
  
  I delete your comments because constantly replying to completely offtopic posts with your questions which I’ve already answered multiple times is not proper. Find the right place to do so or use the feedback form.
Crystal

Oh, cool! <3
Anonymous

OK, Mike, I think that you should make a shurtugal iPhone/Android app for the last 3 month of waiting! That would be sooooo awesome!!!! If people agree with me like this!
- Robert Cox
  
  I wish…but…
  
  That is more difficult than you could imagine!
  - Anonymous
    
    yeah. ur right it probably is but it would still be really awesome!
- Mike Macauley
  
  There’s also no real purpose for one. We’re working on a mobile version of the site, but beyond that we do not have the ability to launch actual apps. They are very expensive and Shur’tugal simply doesn’t have the budget for something like that.
- Mike Macauley
  
  There’s also no real purpose for one. We’re working on a mobile version of the site, but beyond that we do not have the ability to launch actual apps. They are very expensive and Shur’tugal simply doesn’t have the budget for something like that.
Swordebrithil12

Two
things I’d like to say: for number two, it says the city is southEAST
of Carvahall. Therinsford is southWEST of it. Second, #9 is Morse Code. I
practice it and instead of “O” in “Oath” it said “M”. I thought it was Math Breaker but I could guess the real word. Was this done on purpose to throw us off or something, or were they just mistakes.
- Anonymous
  
  yeah ik. thats what happened to me but i figured it out
- Tim G.
  
  Yeah, ‘math breaker’ didn’t make much sense, but I hadn’t noticed that they got the location of Therinsford wrong. I’m guessing that they were mistakes.
firemonkey

Only 3 months until Inheritance releases!!!
Brisingrraudr

Does anyone know the answer to Saphira #9, I’m completely stuck on that one
- Anonymous
  
  it is morse code.
  - Eva G.
    
    easy on for assassin’s creed players 😛
Hrothgar

i like this one alot. but personally the murtagh one was my favorite because it talked about his original escape from Galbatorix. Looking forward to the next ones!
Ben98lalonde

Whether you’re building a home on a hill or have a man to kill, I’m your oldest friend, and a servant of your will. ???
- NightLock
  
  Rock
Gilles

9????
- Roran
  
  oath breaker
  - firemonkey
    
    how were you able to solve it?
- HROTHGAR
  
  it is morse code
Ceth

Meh. Still disappointing in that it’s far too short and the difficulty range varies to much, but that’s a huge fault with the game in itself – I honestly think that if one had gone in the direction of the RPG route, you would have had a better reception for all this, although I understand RPGs are horribly time intensive things to create.

As for Saphira, I’m disappointed that like Murtagh, there is nothing at all post-Eldest! No Brisingr storylines or future storylines? I was hoping for more meat here in terms of information and tidbits.
- Mike Macauley
  
  As I’ve explained before, this game was geared toward bringing new players into the cycle. Because of this I took care to avoid major storyline spoilers, such as Murtagh being the red Rider. It wouldn’t be much of a marketing tool if it ruined the future books for new readers, would it?
  
  I hope one day to look in the comments of a news post and see zero complaints. I know that day will never come.
  - Mchl_Andrew
    
    Interview from comic-con?
  - Du Skulblaka Ebrithil
    
    Don’t fret MIke! I enjoy the challenges that this game poses and I’m what you call a veteran reader. I don’t remember every single detail in the books like some people do or pretend to, so it’s a nice challenge to search for the answers. Some people (for some unknown reason) feel the reason to be negative all the time and I guess that’s their choice, but it must be a awfully sad life to dwell on the negative side of things. Don’t worry, I as well as many others enjoy this game and most of us don’t feel the need to complain at every chance we get.
    - Anonymous
      
      yeah seriously some of those questions are kinda hard.
- Mike Macauley
  
  Figured I’d add on to this for anyone interested. Why wasn’t this developed as an actual game, such as an RPG? The budget for such a game is well out of the means of marketing for one book. An RPG would have to be taken on by an actual game development company, requiring ridiculous amounts of time and money.
  
  The goal here was to create an immersive experience within the Alagaesia universe to introduce new readers to the world of Alagaesia and its main characters. I kept this in mind while developing the quests for each. New readers will want a good feel for the characters. They will want basic information that does not spoil key plots from future books. They will want to experience the characters they will be reading. Inheritance Quest allows new readers to do all of these things.
  
  But what do veteran readers get out of this? A new perspective on several events from the book. Fun trivia, puzzles, and riddles. And possibly a little bit more in the coming weeks. 😉
Roran

I can’t figure out 3
- Ceth
  
  It’s Firefly ;D
  - Roran
    
    thank you
firemonkey

I can’t figure out 8 🙁
firemonkey

I can’t figure out 8 🙁
- Ceth
  
  And this one is ‘Rock’! 😀

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