The work of Eli Gray Nations
Biography
Eli Gray Nations hails from DePauw University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2023. Heis time at university awarded him with a major in Creative Writing, a minor in Theatre, and a successful completion of the Honors Program. He pursued a T2T Program at Ball State in 2024, though chose not to obtain a liscence upon the program's completion. He currently resides in Pendleton, Indiana, where he helps teaching as an instructional assistant in secondary education. He hosts a TTRPG and Board Game Club at the school.
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Eli is both a writer and an editor in fiction, ranging from short to full-length novels. He edited 14 other theses during his time at DePauw, as well as the first draft for a 200,000 word fiction novel (during which he added 20,000 words in notes). He is a professionally trained actor and singer, as well, studying under Julie Freeman and working with author Steve Berman (who later sat on his judging panel for his Honors Thesis).
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Most of Eli's time is now spent working on his Zines, which he aims to have the first edition of completed at the end of 2026. He will be styling the Zine in the format of medival illuminated manuscripts, drawing from examples such as the "Black Hours" and "Morgan Crusader Bible." The core system will revolve around choosing to shift one's ability scores around, intertwined with a traditional manuscript style.
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The study of alchemy is that of the Magnum Opus, the “Great Work.” More than just the transmutation of metals, the goal of alchemy is that of progress, of turning what is base and lowly into works of art. Storytelling is, in essence, a form of alchemy: words are granted meaning, drafted into different forms until they gain permeance in one’s mind, altering the reader forever. Base writing is transmuted into living effects in one's life. In this sense, Eli is pursuing “Citrinitas,” the alchemical step of enlightening of the soul toward endless possibility. Eli aims to write works that inspire others to create, and under the stewardship of your service, he aims to complete more than one Great Work.
