IC Section

ChoShadow · Nov 4, 2016

Earth

The Gods created this world during time immemorial. At first it was but a floating mass of molten rock. But over thousands of years the planet began to change. The heat created moisture, and the moisture gathered and created the vast oceans. From these oceans a primitive atmosphere began to emerge. From the oceans emerged bacteria which formed into larger organisms, eventually giving way to the first fish and aquatic life forms. from these life forms evolved larger and more advanced creatures of the sea who eventually made their way to the land as the first amphibians. Soon after the first reptiles were born, and then the mammals, the birds, the insects.

Such is the commonly accepted theory of the birth of this world.

The upper left continent would become the home of the Dark and High Elves respectively, a land known as Yikithran. The middle left continent would become the land of the Elves and also shared by humans, a land known as Volumur. The lower left continent would become the homes of humans, Orcs, and even a host of Dwarves in the southern mountains, a land known as Ahlndehan. The lower central continent is home to Elves, Nymphs, Faeries, and humans, a land known as Laa'hk Undra. The lowest right continent of sand is inhabited by a sparse settlement of humans, a land known as Shanne. The middle right land of bleak and barren landscape is home to Dwarves and Orcs respectively as well as a few sparse human settlements, a land known as Lok'as Ahn. The upper right continent, the largest of the bunch including its frigid northern region, is home to humans, Dwarves and Orcs, a land known as Jhoir Ehn Saak.

And the central continent comprised of several dozen small islands?... That is known as the Dragon's Circle, and in the center of those islands is a tiny spec of land which houses the Gateway to the Higher Plane. Mortals are unable to pass through its magical doorway, instead simply going from one side of the door to the other though they have continually tried throughout the ages to pass through it properly. The only ones who can use this gate are the Gods. The islands themselves remains largely uninhabited save by Dragons who have the stamina to fly out to them, or those who live on them or in the sea surrounding them.

Currently the various races live on semi-peaceful terms with one another. The humans live in mild jealousy of the Elves and Dwarves, the former being the most magically inclined race and the latter being the wealthiest race respectively. The Orcs despise the Fairies and Nymphs for their abilities of magical song and blending with nature respectively, as well as their political savvy and their being allied with the humans and Elves who protect them, though this has not stopped the Orcs from having tried more than once to burn their forests down out of spite. The Nymphs and Fairies live in seclusion deep within the forests, and though they do not fear humans they are wary of their naturally destructive behavior. And finally the Dragons, who live in seclusion, occupy almost every corner of the map though their numbers have greatly diminished over time due to the Ancient Dragon Hunt which took place eons ago.

Speaking of Dragons...

During this world's infancy, a single Goddess attempted to create life in her image. Her creations were known as the Dragons, but sadly they were doomed to perish in the fledgeling planet's lack of atmosphere. She waited millions of years to try again, but used far too little power in heir creation. They perished due to predation from larger and more advanced life forms. After waiting for several million more years and rejuvenating her life force, she tried one final time. Using a vast majority of her life force, she created the mighty Dragon Race.

At last their majesty would grace this world and they would move to dominate the land, sea, and air.

Millions of years later the humanoid races evolved and spread throughout the world, and at first there was peace. The Dragons bestowed upon the mortal races the concepts of culture, speech, and even helped them develop written languages. The humanoids spent eons living alongside the Dragons until at last the peace was shattered by the advent of the Ancient Dragon Hunt. Humanoids, jealous of the Dragon's power and dominion over this world, began using magic and weaponry to slaughter Dragons by the thousands. The Dragons fought back, but despite their size and magical power were too few in number to stand up to the hordes which hunted them.

The Dragons went into hiding by developing a technique which allowed them to disguise themselves as humanoids that they may blend with the world of humanoids and avoid destruction. And so now they live amongst the humanoids, or in isolation far away from civilization that they may live in peace and solitude.

But the winds have changed...

Darkness is approaching...

But all is not lost, for a ray of hope shines from the Heavens above. It has yet to arrive, but the world as one can feel it deep within the core of their being that it is soon to set foot upon this world.

But what form will this ray of light take?

Soviet Panda · Nov 14, 2016

Buras was not one to flaunt the fact that he was a dragon in this day in age. Most mortals did not like dragons, there was to much bad blood between them now then there ever had been in the past. Instead he chose to live in his forest as a human. With the help of nymphs and fairies, he had built himself a modest little home just big enough for him and company on the off chance he had any. And it wasn't bad to be in his human form, he still only had to eat once or twice a year and his size was just as intimidating. Even if his hair had turned white with age, he still towered over most mortal races and had enough strength to best even the strongest. That alone was enough to scare away anything that could cause harm to his forest. The few that he had shown his dragon from to had nearly died on the spot from shock. The village nearby even had a local legend of an old man that turned into a beast if provoked living in the woods, but if you were to gain his trust and allows you to enter his forest you'll find the secret to immortality. What a bunch of nonsense, the most they'd get from him is a nice pot of tea and something to eat while they talked in his cabin before politely being told to leave.

However, right now, he didn't have to worry about anything except maybe removing all the flowers from between his scales. He hummed quietly, and in his dragon form that meant it was heard quite clearly throughout the clearing, along to the tune that he had heard a thousand times by now and tapped one massive claw in time with the beat. Meanwhile fey young and old were dancing about in large circles, hand in hand and heads thrown back. Those that weren't dancing were finding or using their magic to grow brightly colored flowers and then proceeded to add them to the rest of the mural that was already on him. "Make sure you have a mirror large enough for me to see it once you're done." was all he said to them as they placed the first flower. By now he was an explosion of color. Whites and blues clashed with oranges and yellows which bumped up against reds and even greens. It had no real point to it, or deeper meaning. All that was planned was for it to be as pleasing to the eye as possible.

Scavenger · Nov 15, 2016

On the side of one of the great mountains that went down the center of Volumur stood a grey stone building spread around nearly a quarter of the circumference of the mountain. It was quite squat standing mostly at 2 stories with the occasional 'tower' stretching up until 3. The stones that made the building were beutifully smooth and obviously old, worn away by the sands of time. Inside the building there were many people moving about moving through the corridors often talking as they moved along, these people ranged in age from young children, around 6 or 7 all the way to old men with grey becoming the dominant colour in their hair. This was the Ilia Garjzla(Place of light) and had been a major place of learning for at least the last 400 years, no one quite knows when it was founded however so it could easily be older than that. It functioned as a place of learning and a repository of information for most of the central area of Volumur, many nobles would send their 2nd or 3rd offspring to be taught here and none were turned away. The population was predominantly human but there was a healthy group of elves as well, the elves were only lesser in number because many preferred to study in their own cities only ever visiting if they want a book copied or to purchase a copy. The place held many teaching and research areas from science to magic and as was to be expected in a place like this many rivalries had sprung up between different disciplines, not all of them friendly but none actively hostile. The entire complex was run by an older elf, signs of age had begun to show on his frame as his hair turned silver but his mind was still sharp as ever, often he would teach small classes of more advanced students in the ways of 'biology' and natural magic. He moved with the grace of his race and wore a long flowing robe, not unlike those worn by monks, the only out of place item was the short sword that hung by his side as the symbol of his position.

Inside one of the more quite atrium's the air became heavy and laced with energy and small sparks began to form in the air a few moments passed and the sparks became small lightning bolts and anyone present backed into the hallways. Then a large gong sound reverberated through the building at the same time as there was a large final crackle and the energy dissipated revealing a fairly tall man of slim build wearing leather armor and a sword thrown across his back. When he spoke it was in a fairly deep and slightly raspy tone "Sorry for the disturbance and the light show I hope everyone is ok" Looking around and seeing nods Avo turned and headed down one of the halls. He needed to know how long had passed in this realm since his last visit, for him it had been several years but here it could have been nearly any length of time. He made his way through the corridors nodding at people as he passed, often people would stop and stare as he approached because, while he was not very well known, all could recognize the sword on his back that marked him as the leader of the council that ran several schools like this around the world. He soon arrived in the astronomy tower and checked the record books and frowned, he had been away from this realm for about 5 years, he hoped that all of his academies were still in one piece. He left the tower and began walking to the office that housed the Islingr (lightbringer, leader) he would talk to him to catch up, the gong should have given plenty of warning of his arrival.

By the way, I'm using the ancient language from eragon as the older language (like latin today) that is used to name places and titles inside of areas that Avo has set up as such I take no credit for the language. I will try to include translations in as many of the bits as possible.

ChoShadow · Nov 16, 2016

In a world far removed from the Mortal Plane of existence, a mighty magic began to stir. Tickled by the sensation of an equal but opposite magical energy's presence, a monstrous creature began to rouse from its ancient slumber. Trapped within the Void Beyond Time and Space, the ancient creature's eyes began to twitch along with its nose and tail.

It was a creature which took the form of a massive Dragon. A creature named Maglissos.

Born as a Divine Spirit, he chose the form of a Dragon for its power and durability. As a God, Maglissos's power remains unrivaled in this world or the next. His evil and destructive nature nearly destroyed the Mortal Plane of existence eons ago before the humanoids ever came to walk the Earth, thus they have no records or knowledge of his existence.

But the Dragons remember.

Maglissos was literally the size of a large mountain. When standing on all fours his shoulders reached over 1,500m (~4,900 feet) in height. Add on his neck and head and it was just over 1,900m (~6,230 feet). His body length was just over 9,200m (~30,000 feet or 5.6 miles) and his wingspan exceeded 11,500m (~38,000 feet or 7.2 miles) in length from wingtip to wingtip.

Truly a monster among monsters, and a God among Gods. His body's sheer size alone made him impervious to magic and physical attacks alike, as his scales were just too big to take any physical or magical damage. His wingbeats could produce hurricane force winds. His roar could deafen anyone within a 4 mile radius of his mouth. And his breath attack was made of pure energy making it one of the most destructive forces in either the mortal or immortal worlds.

The only way the Gods were able to defeat him, albeit temporarily, was to seal him in the Void Beyond Time and Space where even his own tremendous evil power was proven useless and devoid of purpose. Thus he entered a state of hibernation which has persisted for eons, and now it's over. His slumber is coming to an end. His power is beginning to manifest and grow. And worse his evil power is so strong that it is permeating the Void Beyond Time and Space and beginning to taint the Mortal Plane of existence. It is affecting those susceptible to its influence, causing once pure and noble hearts to become cold and malicious. Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Nymphs, Faeries, and Orcs have all begun to turn to his evil will and are preparing for his resurrection and his escape from the Void Beyond Time and Space.

With enough loyal followers willing to sacrifice themselves to feed his evil power, he would finally be able to amass enough energy to break through the Void Beyond Time and Space and free himself from his imprisonment. If he were to escape, it would be over. The Gods no longer have the power to contain him as, despite his slumber, he has maintained his incredible power while the power of the Gods has been waning due to the approach of a multi-eon tradition of passing the torch of Godhood from one generation to another. In short, the current Gods are preparing to depart for a higher plane of existence leaving the role of observing, guiding, and maintaining their world and the Mortal Plane to a new generation.

The timing for Maglissos couldn't be better, while the timing for the Gods couldn't be worse.

All of the Dragons would be able to feel it deep in their bones that Maglissos is beginning to awaken. Thus far he has only stirred, but even that is enough to send a small burst of power through the Void Beyond Time and Space to the Mortal Plane. The other races are unable to feel its presence, as the power of a God is an entirely different from of energy than that which the mortals rely on. But the Dragons can feel it.

Even though none of the Dragons know who Maglissos is or what he did in times long past, they can feel his evil power stirring in a place unseen and would know to be cautious and fearful of what is to come.

@Scaver @Beowulf

Soviet Panda · Nov 17, 2016

Buras felt something... dark roll across him. His humming stopped, his long claw ceased tapping on the ground, and his pupils turned into long slits. He was ready to protect his forest, to protect those that lived there. And the fairies and nymphs could sense the sudden tension around him. They backed away, some quickly running into the forest while others only took a couple steps back. They had all by this point seen him protect them, whether by accident or they followed him until something happened, and so they knew the power that he had. They did not, however, know why he was suddenly like this.

After what felt like hours, Buras rumbled "Dark times are ahead of us. I can feel it." And with that he shook the flowers from his scales and took off, leaving those that remained in confused silence. What did he mean that dark times were ahead? They had never been happier. Their home was protected by that kind guardian, and the forest was growing unhindered again. What could possibly come to ruin it? But one cannot blame them for these thoughts, they were ignorant of the dark being that was stirring, wanting only absolute dominance over all the planes. Whether that meant destroying the very fabric of reality it did not care.

Buras, however, knew of this. He did not know the beings name, nor what it looked like. But he knew what it wanted to do. He had to tell others, to tell the gods. Tell them that something dark was awakening. But the gods were not as responsive as they once were, their cycle coming to a close. He had to do something, however. So he hurried home to his little cabin, and quickly entered it in his human form. He dressed himself quickly, and he dressed for travel. The nearest temple was in the town about a days travel from that spot, two if he didn't hurry. But he would hurry, his legs would carry him faster then they had ever done before.

ChoShadow · Nov 19, 2016

At the heart of the world, The Dragon's Circle, a powerful force was gathering.

The winds around the islands were starting to shift. The air was growing a few fractions of a degree warmer with each passing hour. The waters too were growing warmer forcing much of the wildlife out of the area. For many miles around the waters became desolate and devoid of life. What life existed on the islands of The Dragon's Circle hid from the world above in caves and makeshift shelters, and the final coup de grace was the fact that the mythical Gateway To the Higher Plane, which was usually just a massive, lifeless, and empty doorway, was now alive with magical energy.

The gateway sizzled and crackled with magical power the likes of which the Mortal Plane had not seen for eons... But what was it that was about to appear?

Was it a God? A Goddess? A Demon of some kind? There was no way of knowing. Magical energy was magical energy, and there was no way to tell whether it was malicious or benign without seeing the one who wielded it. The creatures living in the islands surrounding the Gateway cowered in fear as the bio-electric discharges increased in their intensity and frequency with each passing hour.

Just what was about to appear?

@Beowulf, @Scaver

Sluggodile · Nov 19, 2016

On an island in the far north, a large, horned goat-- much larger than its predecessors pounded across unpaved, rocky ground, its hooves providing traction few other creatures could ever hope to match. Few, that is, besides its pursuer. The huge, shaggy beast practically sprinted along the near-ninety degree cliff edge, his own hooves providing just as, or perhaps better traction than the poor goat's hooves could ever hope to attain. However, that same goat knew this edge of the island better than its hunter ever did. Taking what seemed to be a wild leap of faith off of the side of the cliff, almost a hundred yards away did the goat land, much farther down. Having slowed down out of confusion, the shaggy pursuer didn't have nearly enough speed to finish the chase. An audible growl emanated from the mountainside the goat had just escaped. Baa-ing in triumph, it sauntered away, confident.

Until a fist the size of a large stone smashed its face hard enough to send it reeling, and screaming in pain as its left eye went black. A perfect strike. However, before it could turn to flee, half-blind, large, yellowed fangs sunk into the creature's neck, before a crushing force snapped it completely. The death was instant, despite that neck's spinal cord being as thick around as a full grown human's arm.

CRETE - Island Minotaur Nation

Though to most other sentient beings, the seemingly uninhabited, uninhabitable island to the east of Jhoir Ehn Saak was a place of death and desolation. None had ever bothered its shores in over a hundred years, and the thought was that it was once a simple stone, but during some span of time, as the oceans gave way, and rushed west, more and more stone was revealed. An underwater mountain, if you would. However, just as many were superstitious, that this was the evil spine of some great sea leviathan, hibernating, awaiting the time when it can rear its ugly maw and devour the world...

That, though, was very, very wrong. Instead, this "uninhabited" island, going by the name "Crete" (Island, in Minotaur) was one of 3 surviving Minotaur villages, the other two similarly isolated-- one within the far north mountains of Jhoir Ehn Saak, and one in the far south, in Shanne. Though neither the island village of Crete, hidden deep within the mountains of their island, nor the village of Mutot (Mountains, in Minotaur) had ever gotten to communicate with Slicac (Desert, in Minotaur), the Minotaur were a resilient race. And, one day, they would all one day reunite, recovering from the Great Minotaur Purge of two centuries ago. Or, so thought the goat's killer as he stalked home, kill in mouth, with his old friend by his side. Though his friend was as average for a Minotaur as you could get, though a great deal shaggier than humans and the like ever depicted them, and having short, upward horns, the Minotaur who'd made the kill was a great deal different. Over five inches shorter than his seven foot four friend, the Minotaur known as Chief N'raso'gath, Successor of Kraso'gath, was... for lack of a better term, mutated.

With a lion's head where his bull's head should be, and all the normal features of the former animal's were his from his head to his navel, where he became distinctly bull. Though, from his neck down, he did have some humanoid features, his arms were much too long for even a bull's, and the claws on his hands proved he was still just as much Lion as he was human up there. Though, because of this, he could run on all fours, something no other Minotaur could do comfortably. This also meant he could fight like this, and fight efficiently, too. A pair of long, but spiraling horns curled their way out, then back towards his skull. Two smaller ones jutted out of his forehead.

As the Chieftain of the Minotaur of Crete, at all times he wore more than just the usual goatskin loincloth that his brethren wore. At all times he wore a chain mail set of undergarments, underneath which were padded leathers. Similarly, when hunting he wore a leather chest piece and matching shoulder guards, though when in battle, this is replaced with chain mail.

And as unfortunate as it was, all that was on N'raso'gath's busy mind was battle. After all, as he saw for the near hundreth time as he once again entered the village proper, the food pit, whose sides were sculpted ice, was not quite half full. And this single kill would not be enough. Though winter was coming, their hardy race could survive by rationing their food if they at least filled the food pit halfway... though at this rate it was obvious what was going to have to happen.

The electricity running through Crete was mixed with excited, hungry buzzing, as various Minotaurs mingled, one thing on all their minds. The one thing that defined their race, their Halfling race, above all others, and seared their names in the annals of Humankind's textbooks, and in the painful memories of both Orcs, Fae, and even Nymphs.

"A raid." N'raso'gath grunted, as he tossed the dead Cretian Goat into the pile. "It's the only way, isn't it Nelroque?" He questioned his old rival, now turned friend and general. "After all... the food pit is not even close... close to half full."

"That's a problem, yes." Nelroque muttered, his shaggy face scrunching up, concern written all over it. "But it looks like your people aren't worried." Of course, even as Nelroque said this, he knew that such a thought-- that raiding humans and the like had no consequences-- cut N'raso'gath deeply. He was, by selection, the most intelligent of their kind and the most powerful. HIs equal in strength was your truly, and equal in intelligence was his wife and wife alone...

And among the Minotaurs, it was rare for the husbands to think much of family. To go down in history as a war hero, instead, was seen as the most fulfilling, promising future for one's family, and one's reputation. To go down as a fallen hero was to be elevated to even greater heights. Even Nelroque understood the hopelessness of their race's situation. Hence was why N'raso'gath was so hesitant to declare a raid was to happen, and hence why he was so careful when it came to planning them. As the both of them began to climb the stairs to the Chieftain's home, N'raso'gath shivered, rubbing his arm as a frosty wind blew over the both of them. Perhaps this was the one disadvantage their Chieftain had. He was strong, and wise, but his fur was thin, as was his patience. Though not so much as their even farther north brethren, the Minotaurs of Crete were extremely resilient, with thick fur coats. 'Twas not the case for N'raso'gath.

"...Nelroque, friend." N'raso'gath turned to Nelroque, who was confused at being addressed by name. Usually by now N'raso'gath had given him orders to round up their soldiers and weapons for the raid. "Come with me. I feel it is time for you to see how things are. How we do things." Nelroque felt his heart skip a beat. It was a council of two that decided their strategy, while four generals executed it. He'd almost always been N'raso'gath's choice of general for these kinds of things, but now... was he being promoted to a new position. "You see... Klay'sora... she has almost passed on. She almost did not survive last winter, even with our medicines.... I fear her time is close." Now Nelroque knew what this was about, and he felt a humbling air radiate off of his old rival.

N'raso'gath was, by all means, a short Minotaur. But the Chieftains blood ran through him true and true. He radiated leadership, and the confidence that rolled off him subconsciously, and the warm way he looked at all of his race... even those up north respected him. He always seemed to think the most of all he met, and treated them as such. But now, Nelroque could tell just how much trust N'raso'gath felt for him, as he held open the draped scales over the entrance to his home. "Come. You, Klay'sora, and I have much to plan for."

NAMES: N'raso'gath: Mixed Gold Blood, Nelroque: Stone Ocean, Klay'sora: Burdened Heart

Scavenger · Nov 20, 2016

Avo finished his conversation with the Islingr he left the office and began heading to the library, the observations from this college backed up what he had felt in Ilalir, something big and evil was stiring and the energy and effect was powerful enough that it was bleeding into the mortal realms. It seemed that all of the races were beginning to become more violent, and the drums of war had begun beating once again. As he walked towards the library he felt a great energy being released in the west. Very few things could release so much magical energy and even fewer who spent their life on the mortal plane. Avo dropped into a meditative position in the middle of the hallway earning him some very odd looks but Avo didn't care, he remembered this evil and what it caused last time it walked freely through the realms so he hoped against all hope that this feeling was coming from the gate. While meditating he tried to follow the energy back too its source but the shear quantity of energy meant that it was like swimming up a waterfall but he managed to glimpse the bright light of Edasir and was shocked. To bring Okudir and Edasir into such close alignment would require massive energies and would be unnecessary for anything like a messenger to cross, this could only mean that something colossal in power was attempting to move between the planes.

Immediately Avo stood back up and changed his route to heading towards the tunnels into the mountain, several large areas of the library were in excavated portions of the mountain but Avo passed them without any thought. Eventually he arrived at a large metal door, the door was colossal measuring 20m high and twice that across, the metal gleamed in the low torchlight, its burnished silver appearance the only sign of its age. Engraved into the front were massive runic carvings interleaving and flowing all around the door. Avo stood infront of it and began speaking in a long forgotten language "Yoel eg-olym uo'hir, Yoel idokym oo'isim". As he spoke the runes on the door lit up and once he finished the doors soundlessly swung open. Walking though he was greeted by a large open cavern with a few bookcases at the side but mostly empty, the most significant thing however was that the open sky was visible several kilometers above. The doors swung shut behind Avo and then the room was filled with a rippling blue/purple light as Avo's form began to shimmer and grow before all that was left was a Dragon.

Avo smiled internally, he hadn't been in this form for a while and it was always more comfortable. With one sweep he brought his wings down and was sent fling upwards towards the sky, he continued climbing even after he cleared the peak, only when he could barely see the ground did he level off and begin beating his wings, he let out a roar of pleasure, he always forgot how nice it was to soar through the open air, as he flew he extended his magic and began to grip the reality around him and began to fling himself forwards at every increasing speeds, into took just under 2 hours to reach the dragon's cricle, once he arrived he descended in a large looping path landing close to the gate before sitting and using a large portion of his will to not flinch at the colossal energies pouring off the gate.

@ChoShadow @Beowulf @C O I S E

Translation: "I pass through, For I am Dragon kin" (Some translation liberties taken because otherwise it sounds dumb)

ChoShadow · Nov 21, 2016

The Gateway To The Higher Plane...

The Gateway itself was massive, standing just over 300 feet (~91m) in height and being almost 120 feet (~36.5m) in width.

On any normal day the Gateway was empty. Just a massive open stone gateway with no doors situated on a small island just large enough to house it. Occasionally sea birds would perch atop it. Sometimes sea mammals would bask on the beaches surrounding it. And sometimes even a Dragon or two would rest underneath it. Even when it was not active, the faintest hint of Divine Energy could be felt by those most sensitive to it such as Dragons.

But today was not a normal day.

The sky had gone completely dark around the Island for several hundred miles in every direction. Clouds had formed discharging lightning and bio-electricity all around. The seas were alive with dozens of raging maelstroms surrounding the island and waves over 50 feet high (~15m) splashing and crashing about. The Gateway itself was now alive with a shimmering white veil of magical energy which was also discharging bio-electricity due to the sheer volume of power that was forming. The temperature had risen over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the last hour, and it was becoming clear that whatever was coming through that gate was now in its final stages of passing through.

The Gateway began emitting low frequency rumbles as bursts of concussive energy erupted outwards in every direction. The waves were pushed back. The clouds pushed up. The very heat surrounding the Gate pushed away. This happened five times before the white veil began to burn brighter and brighter until it was far too bright to look at. With a single explosion of power, the Gateway discharged a burst of magical energy to alleviate the pressure it had built up causing hurricane force winds out in all directions for several seconds.

But once it was done, the light within the Gateway was all that remained. The waters had calmed. The air had cooled. The energy had dissipated. All that remained was the blinding light and the faintest silhouette of a humanoid figure walking out towards this world from the light's embrace.

As the figure approached from within the light's blinding embrace, the echoes of a female voice could be heard signing a slow, melancholy, yet oddly uplifting melody. All the world over this song could be heard within the minds and hearts of only one race, and it was the race she had created during time immemorial... The Dragons.

(Go to 2:48 to hear what the melody Sil is singing sounds like. It ends at 4:30 or so. We'll pretend Sill is singing in the Language of the Gods, as the words being sung here are clearly NOT in that language.)

The light began to fade from the Gateway, and slowly the figure came into focus as that of a beautiful crimson-haired maiden. Her steps were soft but purposeful and her posture erect and full of pride. Because the Gateway could not transfer material items, the woman was bare as a baby yet seemed unbothered by this reality. She looked up at the sky as the clouds vanished revealing the blue and sunny skies which had previously been in hiding.

Her eyes were a piercing yet enamoring violet, and the smile she wore could melt the thickest ice in a millisecond. Despite her slender, though voluptuous humanoid frame, her body radiated power and authority beyond that of any humanoid currently in existence. The animals of the islands and the waters did not know who or what she was, but they found themselves unafraid of her presence. A few small birds perched atop her shoulders and other small animals gathered at her feet in curiosity. She smiled at the gathering crowd of tiny creatures and gently shooed them away with a small breath of air from her mouth.

But there were those in the world who did know who this was... It was an instinctual understanding from deep within beyond most of their conscious comprehension. No matter where they were in the world, and whether or not their souls had been created by her during the First Age of Dragons, they knew her. Her physical appearance did not matter. The feeling of her magical energy did not matter. Her scent did not matter. Her voice did not matter. All that mattered was that instinctual understanding of the sensation which her very presence brought to the world around them. A calming, endearing, and warm sensation from deep within their hearts which could only come from one source.

This was their Mother.

The Mother of all Dragons.

At last she had fulfilled the promise she made to their ancestors in eons long since past.

@Beowulf, @Scaver, @Deus ex Machina, @C O I S E

Scavenger · Nov 21, 2016

As the winds began to pick up and lightning began to strike the ground around him Avo transformed back into Human form to reduce his surface area exposed to the elements and to make him shorter to reduce the chance of lightning striking him, as the elements began to get progressively worse he threw up a mystical barrier creating a small area of calm in the storm that raged all around him. He had to avert his eyes as the light emanating from the gate became blinding, but a small smile graced his face because this meant that the transference was nearly complete and only one being would ever attempt this in the first place. Finally Huriccane level winds erupted from the gate battering against Avo's barrier but it was held back even though the drain became slightly more noticeable. Finally it was over.

Avo stood there and closed his eyes allowing the magical words of power sung in that sweet voice to just wash over him. As the light began to fade and the female form began to appear Avo nearly jumped for joy, he was one of the few who currently existed who had seen her before millennia ago in the time immemorial. As Sil walked out of the doorway Avo jogged forwards until he was a few meters away, then he bowed a conservative but very deep bow.

"It is good to see you again, Mother"

@Beowulf @Deus ex Machina @C O I S E @ChoShadow

ChoShadow · Nov 21, 2016

Sil'Eph Niir, the Mother of the Dragon Race and a Goddess of extraordinary power, stood before a welcoming sight. One of the first of her Children, and a soul she remembered well.

"Yail atekan, Avo'hen Dreki. Yail eiia'ah auil eu'akeh." (My child, Avo'hen Dreki. I am happy to see you.)

She returned his bow with a nod of her head.

She then looked around and scanned the world about her with her eyes for the first time since time immemorial.

"Edau aeie'on aguros oo'isiga el-urat yail Okudir eu'akega." (It has been a long time since I have seen the Mortal Plane)

Her voice was soft and warm, but full of suppressed sadness and anxiety.

"Ikau oo'isim erau orodis yail au'egur?" (What is this evil I sense?)

Sil then realized she was speaking in the Language of the Gods, and her cheeks flushed ever so slightly.

"My apologies, Avo'hen. I forgot myself." She said with a smile.

"It is good to see you, my Child." She said pleasantly.

She then looked back out to the world.

"I sense a great evil seeping into this world from the Void... I hope the rest of our kin are all right. This evil has me greatly concerned." She said.

@Scaver, @Deus ex Machina, @Beowulf, @C O I S E

SunSmurf · Nov 21, 2016

How... dull... Human affairs haven't changed in centuries. It's the same argument, different hat every time. Guess it's true humans never learn form their mistakes. "These lands have always belong to the people of Ilfred!" shouted a man to Sorventh right. He was red from yelling, he was fair complexion with blonde hair. His bright robes and simple, but expensive jewelry recognized him as having a high social status. He was young which gave away the scene that he was lacking in experience. "Well isn't that to bad, you cheese ear people lost that when you signed!" Spat a large man to Sorventh's left. This man was larger and older, royal battle gear. Fashionable for hearing but reliable enough for battle. This man carried himself with the mentality of a soldier.

Sorventh cringed as he rubbed the spit of his hand, they continued to argue cutting one another. He had tried to maintain order during the talks, but that disintegrated quickly. "Gentleman" Sorventh spoke interrupting them " If you want my opinion on the matter, both your people ancestors have tried attempting to do what your are now doing and let me tell you... they failed every time, so my suggestion gentleman... let someone else try... good evening gentleman"

Sorventh left the loud squabbling officials in their debts as he left the city center. He had original come here to meet an old friend but he got caught up in that ramble. After a bit he knocked on a simple wooden door. After a few seconds the door was opened by a young red headed girl, her green eyes lit up as she recognized him "UNCLE OLIVER!" She yelled with delight as she jumped into his arms "Oh, I've missed you so much"

"haha, so have I, but you really must stop calling your uncle or else people will think I had an affair with your Auntie, speaking of which is she here, I've been wanting to talk to her?" The girl turned somber " Oh so you haven't heard... shortly after you left she caught disease and died about a month later"

"Oh that is bad news, well I did bring some tea all the way from the wood Elfs kingdom, it would be a crime to watch it waste away, care to join me?"

"Oh yes!" He followed her in and sat at one of the simple tables in the house. After a while she came back with a boiling tea pot and two cups "So tell me dear how have you been keeping yourself busy?" He asked, "Oh well I've mostly been helping father at the shop" she said as she poured the tea "It wasn't even two nights ago I actually saw a dwarf walk into the shop, the first one I've ever seen too"

"Oh a dwarf eh?" Sorventh said taking sip of his tea " I knew a dwa-" Sorventh dropped his tea as he felt a sudden wave of dread wash over him. Such evil, such magical power, he felt like he should know where it's from but he couldn't put his finger onto it.

"I am sorry my dear but I must go"

"What leaving already? What's wrong?"

"I am sorry, but I must leave take care" sprinted out of the house and toward forest, as fast as his small human legs could carry him. He had to check on dragon circle, he could scene a immense magic disturbance form their. When he felt like no one would see him, he transformed back into his more comfortable dragon form. Wasting no time he took speeding off into the sky, heading directly towards the island at top speed. About half away through his flight when he heard a thunderous crak come from the circle, not good. He strained his eyes, to his surprise it looked like he was flying towards a wall. No, more accurately the.. wall was coming towards.. him? "Oh not good, definitely not good" it looked to be a giant wall of air rushing towards him. He braced hiyas best he could as he took it head on. The wind hit more suddenly than expected, he was pushed back to a standstill. He got thrown upwards. Ripped to the right to the left. Being towards the ocean bellow. It felt like invisible hands where trying pull him in every direction. It was luck and skill from his past battles that made the difference, between him taking an early bath and staying in the sky.

As quickly as the wind came, it disappeared. Silence fell over Sorventh, he glided on the air. Though his destination had not changed his flying had. Before he was worried, desperate. Now he was calm, and he had a good reason to. He heard the singing, it was her... mother. He glided easy to the island, as he touched the ground he shifted back to human form. The ground was a mess due to the explosion, it also appeared that some of his own kind was here. Looking up he saw her standing there, a TRUE devine begin. While mortals aspired to come to a level of enlightenment and power the dragons had. Dragons on the other hand, aspired to reach the level of supreme being such as mother. The level of Gods. Unfortunately it was far to late for Sorventh to start the enlightenment needed to attempt such a thing. For now he was stuck trying to help the mortals. Perhaps in another life he could try to reach the levels of Gods.

@ChoShadow @Scave @Deus ex Machina @Beowulf @C O I S E

Soviet Panda · Nov 21, 2016

Buras felt the surge of power coming from Dragon's Circle, and soon after a great gust of wind that threatened to rip his cloak away. But this did not feel like the last burst of energy. It just felt like energy, though immense. That meant that he might be able to do something about the thing that caused the large burst of energy. But he was torn, go and pray to the gods and tell them of the dark energy, or go investigate the sudden burst of energy on this mortal plane? 'Bah, I'm not the only one that felt it, surely. Some other dragon is probably on their way to a temple right now to tell them.' And with that settled, he turned right around and hurried back to his cabin to prepare for the flight to Dragon's Circle. This simply meant he took of his clothes, it wouldn't do to ruin them after the fey and nymphs worked so hard to make them in the first place.

And so he transformed, turning into his true, draconic form. Launching himself into the sky, he flew towards the small cluster of islands dubbed Dragon's Circle for generations. And it appeared that he wasn't the only dragon that had decided to investigate the source of the energy. There was already one on the ground, and another was circling and looked to be ready to land any moment now. They looked familiar, the two dragons. He had no doubt seen them before in his long life, and probably fought with them at least once. But from this distance he couldn't point out any distinguishing features to give them a name. The way to rectify that was to get closer. And as he descended, he noticed a third figure. The aura she gave off was familiar, welcomingly so. "Mother." he breathed as he landed with an ungraceful thud.

Sluggodile · Nov 22, 2016

N'RASO'GATH

CRETE - Island Minotaur Nation

The discussions continued slowly, voices rarely raised. Though... today was a tenser day than most. Klay'sora was very hesitant today with Nelroque in the room, though, with reason of course. It was rare that one's rival for the title of chieftain would ever come close to them after their defeat and humiliation. But, then again, N'raso'gath had been different all his life. He never quite did thing as his father, or father before did. He had a grandiose idea for what the Minotaur could become in the eyes of the average Man, Orc, or Elf. And Nelroque, whilst once being his rival, was now a close ally. N'raso'gath had few he trusted more than the shaggy general, though Klay'sora was one of these few.

"N'raso'gath-sir... why have you brought such a-a heathen into the War Room?!" The greying Minotaur woman rumbled, her chest broad, but back bent. Her shaggy coat was grey from tip to root, and her hands shook as she held the head of her cane in hand. One of few Minotaur to ever reach old age, Klay'sora had even more spiritual influence than N'raso'gath, even though no Minotaur truly worshiped a god: instead believing that the island gave and took all.

"This heathen Klay'sora-miss, is my trusted ally. My closest confidant. Do treat him with the respect any intellect would receive." Klay'sora was visibly displeased at this juncture, but made no verbal outburst against it. Truly, she trusted her Chieftain, as all Minotaur did. Nelroque on the other hand... had no idea how to feel about the situation he was being thrust in, but a small bit of his heart felt pity for the old woman. To see her replacement in person before falling to her death bed must've truly hurt her heart. Even so, his capacity for pity for the old Minotaur diminished when she called him a... what was it... heathen? He hadn't the faintest idea of what it meant, but a part of him felt it was an insult, so he took it as such.

"Now..." N'raso'gath stabbed a wooden arrow into the large map spread out across the stonewood table before them. Its point embedded where a human settlement would be, going by the name Morgan. It was a small, walled town with great farms spreading beyond the walls, and the middle and upper class living in safety within the warm embrace of those walls, which protected from the most defiant and dangerous of animals, like dire wolves and such. However, many peasants and slaves lived in the outskirts, working day-in and day-out to serve the merchants inside the city, hoping every morning that a traveling band of merchants looking for food or extra goods would travel by. And, by design, this was perhaps the best target for the raid.

"Can you tell me why, Nelroque?" N'raso'gath questioned, after he finished his explanation.

"I-Uhh..." Nelroque grunted back, surprised to have his Chieftain questioning him so soon. Though Klay'sora rolled her eyes, muttering something about him being dimwitted under her rank breath, N'raso'gath simply smiled encouragingly, and nodded towards Nelroque. "...The Walls, right? They, uh, protect the 'Mans inside, but stop 'em from helpin' them on the outskirts... yeah?"

Smiling widely, and nodding towards Klay'sora, who simply blew air out of her nose in resignation, N'raso'gath enthusiastically responded. "Yes, yes! That is exactly it! Though raiding the inside of the settlement would be keen, as to leave no survivors, a blizzard is predicted to be coming, according to the Mountain Minos." N'raso'gath explained, as he traced red wax from their island, across the strait, and to the mainland. Then, traveling a few miles inland, the finger rested where the arrow once was, the wax pooling, and steaming. "So, instead of sacking the whole city, in the night we will silently raid their farms. Half of all they have. They will suspect the blizzard to have killed their crops, for as we leave, the blizzard will cover our behinds. Though, of course, you know what that means, that we cannot be found?"

"No lights."

"Indeed." At this, the jovial tone in N'raso'gath's voice faded, and was instead replaced with his usual grim rumble. Though his voice was slightly high for a Minotaur's, it was perhaps the most expressive. Perhaps that's what made N'raso'gath so charismatic among his people-- you could always tell what was on his mind. His voice was always honest. "This means that we'll have to set up a quick camp, as well, and signal ahead of time that we prepare to leave. We'll have to travel a whole day without rest to give ourselves enough time to outrun that blizzard and make it back to Crete.

Everything shall be rushed. I trust our men are trained for such an occurrence?" N'raso'gath questioned, eyes panning up to Nelroque.

"Of course, N'raso'gath. Uh, -sir." N'raso'gath smiled at this.

"You'll get used to it. Now, let's go over the fine details a bit. There's still a few things we need to clean up here and there..."

- - - - -

The briefings went on for a few more hours before, finally, the plan was layed out before them. Commanding that both Klay'sora, and especially Nelroque study the map and plan, N'raso'gath took his leave. He'd remember the plan perfectly, without help from either of his subordinates. Stepping out into the blustery cold, N'raso'gath was surprised to be met with one of the Mountain Minos, which had come down from the Spear. A rare, extremely so, occurrence.

"Chieftain. Come, now." There was no time for words. Following unquestioningly, N'raso'gath was led from the village, and deep, deep into the Island of Crete.

Upon reaching The Spear's Steps, N'raso'gath could feel the air grow heavier. And it wasn't just the magnitude of the climb, nor was it the aura radiating off of the Mountain Minos. Something else... something ancient... something wrong was working magic that, even here, on the fringes of the world, they could feel. A feeling of dread ran down N'raso'gath's back, along with a long trickle of sweat, despite the cold. And, after the long, painful climb, which left his legs burning and aching, the feeling only intensified. Instead of the air being thin upon the Spear, instead, it was like breathing methane. Heavy, odorous, and plaguing.

"What... why--" He coughed, lungs drowning in the heavy atmosphere. Without him finishing his thoughts, a single finger pointed to the far west. Even here, he could smell ozone. Whipping winds ravaged the mountain, plastering snow against the remaining stone and Minotaurs. Clouds blacker than the ocean on a new moon's night rolled forebodingly across the once clear sky, blue tainted and drowned out by darkness. Swallowing, N'raso'gath's eyes swung over to the Mountain Minotaur, fear embedded deep within them. Only when the complete unknown enveloped fact, did N'raso'gath ever express fear, and the Mountain Minotaurs knew this. Even so, when he came searching for answers... All they had to say...

"...This is beyond us. We do no know what lies in the west to create such a force. Or... why it is here now."

N'raso'gath could feel his stomach fall to the base of the mountain hearing those words.

@Beowulf @ChoShadow @Scave @Deus ex Machina @SunSmurf

ChoShadow · Nov 22, 2016

As Sil was addressing Avo two other Dragons descended upon the scene. One of their souls she recognized as one of her original Children. The other she did not recognize, thus she came to the conclusion that he was from a later generation than that which she had directly created on this world.

"Ah, Buras." She said with a warm smile as she saw him land, albeit rather ungracefully, nearby.

"It is good to see you my Child. I am pleased to see you well." She said.

She then looked to the other Dragon.

"..."

She was silent as she stared at him a few moments, and then closed her eyes. As she did so the air around the Dragon she was looking at could be felt warming up as her power began to reach out towards him. It surrounded him, cradled him, and searched through him. He could likely feel it coursing through his body as she seemed to be looking for something. And at last she seemed to have found it as her power began to retract leaving him as he was before and returning to her as she opened her eyes.

"Your name is Sorventh, is it not?" She asked.

"Welcome my beloved kin. I am Sil'Eph Niir, the Mother of the original Dragons who first walked this Earth in eons long past, and your great ancestor. I am greatly pleased to meet you." She said with a nod of her head.

@Scaver, @SunSmurf, @Beowulf

Scavenger · Nov 22, 2016

Avo looked around as the other two of his kin arrived, Buras he knew of and had met on occasion but his long excursions out of this plane, especially recently meant that he had not heard of lots of the newer generations of dragons, Sorventh among them. Once all three had landed and Sil had greeted them Avo turned his attention back to her deciding to answer her original query "IT stirs once again, the storms inside Ilalir worsen and it is becoming dangerous to even attempt the smallest traverses within the plane" As Avo was speaking a grim look rooted itself onto his face, it had been a long time since he had felt fear like this, fear that all of creation was threatened.

As he looked around at the other 2 and mother he pulled out a small orb with imprints resembling the continents, as Avo funneled energy into the orb small blue lights began to appear on the surface, blossoming out from Dragons Circle after another minute orange dots began appearing, some blue ones turned to orange while some orange ones appeared from no-where. Finally where dragons circle was located on the orb a exceptionally bright orange light blazed. "The orb is designed to pick up areas of intense life force around the globe, the orange dots are the life forces that I believe to be Dragons. It is not a certain count and likely misses many but it is the closest to an accurate census as to the number of Dragons that I have managed to create". He reached out the hand towards Sil as he spoke to let her see it easier.

@SunSmurf @Beowulf @ChoShadow

ChoShadow · Nov 22, 2016

Sil listened to Avo's explanation of what he believed was happening. She had a feeling he was right, but she'd have to perform a ceremony of sorts to confirm it for herself. He then handed her an orb showing where he believed the rest of the Dragons were hiding. She inspected it a moment, memorizing the pattern, and then closed her eyes.

She was silent for a long while before finally opening her eyes.

"Your words for this orb ring true Avo. I sense that it does not account for approximately 8% of the Dragons which still live in this world." She said as she handed the orb back to him.

"I shall confirm for myself very soon what is transpiring in the Void, as I cannot take further action until I know more about what is happening." She said, looking to them with a smile.

"It is fortunate that you were the first to arrive at this place to greet me, as a majority of my power was sapped during my journey to this Plane. At present I am not much more powerful than any of you, and will need time to recuperate and recover my power before I can take any further action to combat this looming threat."

She put her hands together in front of her and bowed to them.

"I ask for your strength and support, my dear Children, as I recuperate and prepare to confront the Darkness." She said, standing back up.

@Scaver, @Beowulf, @SunSmurf

Deus ex Machina · Nov 22, 2016

Syrilth crouched on a rocky outcrop that overlooked the barren valley below, observing a small group of dilapidated buildings near the dried remains of what was once a great river. Despite being nearly a mile away, Syrilth could see the stonework as clearly as if he was standing next to them. What had once been an active trading post along the Auya'ak river tens of thousands of years ago, was now the skeleton of a town. Yet the buildings still stood, a testament to the craftsmanship of a dead civilization. Syrilth had learned this and more when he had last passed through this valley, nearly ten thousand years ago as a young wyrm. This time, however, he was not here for sightseeing. His interest lay with the group of slavers that had made the ruins their base.

These slavers had been plaguing the region, assaulting villages and caravans that were not well protected, taking off with whatever goods and people they could steal. Mostly they kidnapped children, and young males and females, those that would fetch a good price for being fit and healthy. Then they would keep them here until they had enough to transport to the coast of Lok'as Ahn where the slaves would be sold to buyers, who would then sell them in cities around the world. Syrilth had become involved after a disheveled, human, woman had begged him, tears streaking her face, to save her son who had been kidnapped from their farm. Now he sat here, having tracked the gang to this location.

From his vantage, he could see four, well-hidden guards; two orcs, a human, and a dwarf. If a traveler happened to pass by the ruins, they would assume it was unoccupied. Syrilth could sense that the buildings sheltered more thugs, perhaps twenty or so, and somewhere in the center were the slaves. A few other life forms inhabited the area - some guard dogs, horses, and the occasional rodent - but otherwise, nothing for miles in any direction.

Suddenly, a wave of . . . dark power washed over Syrilth, setting the hairs on the back of his neck to rise. Startled, he scanned the area around him, searching for the source. How could he have missed something this powerful? It was an evil, oily feeling that made him want to dive into the ocean and scrub himself clean of the muck and the filth. It was an aura that could only belong to a particularly powerful and evil entity. If such a creature was in the area, he could not take the chance and reveal himself, lest he draw their attention to himself. It would be unfortunate for the slaves, but it was not a risk he was willing to take.

Minutes passed before he was sure that the power had not originated from the region. Calmer, but unsettled, he returned to his vigil of the valley. He wasn't sure if he was relieved or not at this observation. While it meant he was in no immediate danger, a burst of this magnitude could only come from a few entities; an ancient dragon or a higher being. He shuddered to think that there was a possibility that it was the work of his mother or her associates. Whatever the case, as soon as he was done here, he wanted to get as far away from it as possible.

Syrilth stood and began towards the ruins. He would rather have waited for nightfall when shadows enveloped the world, but he did not want to stay around any longer, not after this. It did not matter; even under the sun, shadows still existed. He rolled his shoulders and a slight grin began to form. It had been a while since he last killed and it always felt good to stretch his muscles. Shadows began to cover his body until nothing but a pair of glowing red eyes were left.

________________________________________________________

A few hours later . . .

Syrilth watched from his post as three horse-drawn carts trundled away from the ruins, towards the east and the nearest village. Dispatching the slavers had been pitifully easy and he hadn't even used any of his powers. In fact, it had been far more difficult convincing the slaves he wasn't there to harm them. One of the older boys had even attempted to attack him after Syrilth had freed him from his chains. He had to commend the boy's bravery if not his stupidity. After that incident, it had simply been a matter of setting a few of the older ones in charge, instructing them on how to get to the nearest village, and sending them on their way. He had no wish to spend more time in the presence of others than was necessary.

For the second time that day, as he stood there watching the dust trail float away, an alien feeling invaded his mind. This time, however, Syrilth did not recoil from a dark touch, but instead, felt a warm presence embrace him. In the back of his head, he heard the sound of a female voice, singing in a language he did not understand. Despite the invasion, he felt nothing but peace and comfort from the presence. He almost felt like he knew it, that it was at home within him. Somewhere deep within himself. Syrilth felt a yearning, a want to be with it. These were feeling he had never before felt and they confused him.

He turned to the west, towards the setting sun and where he knew the presence must be. Half of him wanted to fly towards it, to embrace it. The other half wanted to run as far and as fast as he could and not look back. He knew, without a doubt, that the appearance of this presence had to be related to the burst of power he felt earlier. Syrilth had learned long ago that there were rarely coincidences when it came to power. If he went to the presence, he would surely be involving himself with matters he did not wish to and attention he did not want. But perhaps this presence had the answers he sought and maybe it could protect him from those he feared.

Syrilth turned to look back at the valley, at the freed slaves who had a second chance in life, at the corpses he left behind that did not. He thought about all the evil and the pain and the darkness in the world he had seen. He thought about all the hurt and the wounds he had caused. He thought about the only, truly good person he had ever encountered. Perhaps, just this once, he could believe that this presence meant him no harm. Syrilth grimaced and made up his mind. He would go to this presence and observe it from the shadows. If it did not prove to be what he was looking for, he would leave and return to losing himself in the world.

Shadows once again began to envelop his body but this time, they coalesced in the form of a long, black dragon. He stretched his long, serpentine body - a hundred and twenty-five feet from the end of his tail to the tip of his snout - and reveled in the release of his form. It felt good to back in his dragon form after nearly a hundred years. He rose up into the air, his black scales faintly glowing red against a darkening sky, and dove into the shadows of the setting sun.

SunSmurf · Nov 22, 2016

Sorventh stood there gazing, the two others had joined them seemed familiar. Avo'hen as Mother addressed him was know to be quite magically inclined. He often traveled between planes or so he heard so that explains why he had no memory of meeting him. Perhaps he would be the first among them to become powerful... And the other one, Buras, he was sure he had fought at least once. This would surly be some fun.

Focusing back to Mother he felt a little sorry for her, she had come at a time when the mortals of the land where still so rebellious. They would not so easy accept or respect the kind of power Mother possessed, if pushed the mortals could strike out in fear and that was not something Mother needed to see here. She addressed each dragon's name with love, but he couldn't help but feel a twang of pain as Mother paused on his name. She closed her eyes and Sorventh could feel her great power washing through him. Very relaxing, "Yes that is correct" he responded after she found his name. Avo spoke to Mother and produced a small orb, that appeared magical in nature. It was nothing a mortal could make, their magic hadn't advanced that far. He could only assume it was an created by Avo. "I am sure we areal willing to do whatever we can for you Mother" Sorventh retuned.

@ChoShadow @Beowulf @Scaver

Soviet Panda · Nov 23, 2016

The orb did not impress him, though it did apparently show where many of the remaining dragons were. Of course there were dragons scattered around the world, and many of them had probably felt the arrival of Mother as they all had. If they were to stumble across more dragons on their task from Mother, then they would tell them of it. He would not go out of his way to tell a few dragons what that source of energy, of familiarity, had come from. The others could do that, he meanwhile would actually be doing what she had asked of them. Unless what she asks of them is that they go and tell the other dragons of her arrival on this mortal plane.

"Of course, Mother, of course." The old dragon said to the god, dipping his head to her. "My forest can take care of itself for a while. And even in this old body, I am still strong." And it was true, he had managed to best younger dragons with ease many times while protecting his forest. Oh he felt a little stiff every now and again, especially in the mornings and he became out of breath much faster then he would care to admit. But his scales still shone, his horns were sharp, and his eyes were not yet clouded by age. And he knew more of this world than most dragons, present or otherwise. He did not flit in and out of this plane like Avo, and he was far older then Sorventh. He has seen the world twice over while the youngling was still probably exploring half, and the only knowledge Avo had of the world was what was written down. Many things go unwritten, such as the places hidden from the prying eyes of any mortal race.

ChoShadow · Nov 25, 2016

Sil smiled as her Children affirmed they'd help her.

"Thank you, my dear Children." She said warmly.

She closed her eyes and clasped her hands in front of her chest.

"Yoel euuo'an oo'isim." (I am lucky) She whispered to herself.

She opened her eyes and glanced to the side.

"It seems another of our kin is interested in coming to see about the disturbance my arrival has caused..." She said.

She chuckled and closed her eyes again. Just as before her power began radiating outwards in all directions warming the air as well as the hearts of her Children whom it touched. Eventually the power reached its target, though it was difficult to pin down due to his moving through shadows in her direction. But she found him all the same and even in the shadows her power locked onto him and flowed through his body warming his soul whether he intended to let it do so or not.

"... He is young." She said quietly as her power continued to course through him.

"His name is Syrilth, and he has learned a rather interesting technique of blending with the shadows of this world." She said.

She opened her eyes.

"He'll be arriving any moment now." She said as she looked out towards the direction he was coming from.

@Deus ex Machina, @Scaver, @Beowulf, @SunSmurf

Yonsisac · Nov 26, 2016

(sorry for being late hope this is ok)

Gust of sand covered the sky like the fog of a cold night and nothing can be seen within sight. This was the perfect place to be hidden from the people that are not of his kin as the harsh barren wasteland dint allow much of other species to traverse it with such ease. In the sand storm that was lifted by the howling wind covered the red titan that was once again roaming the clouded burning sun as his claws dug deep in the loose grains as each step left a print that would be erased by the same sand it once was. Scales covered in hardened sandstone and eyes that pierce trough the roaring storm where the only things one would notice in this time but only rare occasions he was seen and as such was for the best as he has left a mark on few he wish he could forget and yet he was once the hunter and now is the hunted. Markov was his name and his destination was south of shanne towards the river tearing the continent in two. The place where most can live and the one most inhabited by the few who lived here but as such he traveled as a scaled beast making it easier to walk this storm and as well it was what any dragon would prefer. He knew a spot where is yet to be taken by civilization and such he rest there near the warm river and enjoys the shades till its time to travel once again north in to the dunes to hide from all men and woman. He would stay in his spot but he is not the only one who passes there and such only goes there at late times.

His walk wont be long as the storm began to pass slowly revealing the blue sky and the burning sun above, he shook his heavy body taking off any sand from his ashen scales and exhaled to remove any sand that manage to crawl inside his nose. Markov gave a deep paused roar as he "cough" because of the sand and once now clearing hos throat he began his walk once again and with the small sight of green in the distance it was inevitable seeing once again his "Home". But he was stopped, He felt something was wrong, something evil, nothing is feeling well at this moment, His sight turn left and right as he scanned the area wondering what was that...it was not here, there was more to it and he could not pin point it...Markov shivered slightly as he would stick around a little wondering as he looked and in such looked very alarmed. But not long after maybe minutes after such evil feeling as he looked around his eyes caught the dark clouds forming North-west from where he was...it was...no that was directly towards the sea and from where he was standing the only thing in that direction would be the island, The Dragon circle. "My eyes cant be lying me...something is happening at the circle..." he mummer to himself in his mind as he immediately began his march towards the western coast of shanne. It was far very far and he would be unable to reach the island but he would surely maybe catch slightest of look of what was going on but he might not make it in time as it would be a long walk but he was determine to know what was going on.

The march was not short and as he stared towards the distance the dark clouds could be seen no longer and all was gone but he still continued to march towards the coast anyways. But as he thought all was done he would stop at the melody, his eyes widen as he stared towards the location of where the island's should be but where still in no sight. He could hear it clear as day and such he knew "Mother...she is here" he said to himself at the conclusion of what was happening now. He began to gallop as fast as he could towards the coast and with the fact it was her...he had to make it there one way or a other, maybe he could be forgiven for what he has done or accepted at the least but even so he had to make it there. It was the one who brought them to existence, there mother. He gave a deep roar as he needed to arrive there! he could not miss it before she is gone! he was determent to be there even if was mostly impossible!. The ocean became visible and soon he was standing at the shores after a long run he walked left and right wondering how he would cross. His eyes stared at his back at the sight of his lack of wings and such he frown and growl in anger at this. With a shake of his head he would need to make it, with a sudden move he would begone to walk in the water till all he could do was peek his head out of the warm salt sea. But soon his heavy feet would paddle and paddle to swim as he began to do so as his goal was to reach it, it would take very long for him to reach such a place like this but any dragon would do such a thing to see there mother, And he was one of them.

(DOGGY PADDLE TO VICTORY!)

Sluggodile · Nov 26, 2016

N'RASO'GATH

CRETE - Island Minotaur Nation

Much time had passed-- hours-- before N'raso'gath once again entered Crete proper. He looked tired, and his fur was matted with sweat and dust. A young Minotaur boy ran up to him, eyes glittering in wonder, before shyly offering the Chieftain a towel to dry himself off with. Smiling graciously, N'raso'gath accepted, before returning it swiftly. He'd done no more than clean his face and some of his mane, but even so the boy felt blessed to touch the same fabric N'raso'gath himself had put to his face. In his mind, the boy knew he'd never let it go.

N'raso'gath, however, thought nothing of the gift, and continued like a train to make his way to his home, where he knew Nelroque and Klay'sora would still be. Though their plans had not changed for tonight, how they would go about raiding had. The storm was much, much closer. Whatever had happened to the Southwest had caused a great disturbance, and the storm, previously a week away, was now but two days from wreaking havoc. They'd no doubt be stealing the food as the storm hit the human stronghold. It was good for them, as they'd be able to steal the humans' most hardy of crops, but stealing those took time, time they didn't have. It seemed like their nation would have to go hungry this year, once again. Bitterly, N'raso'gath spit into the stones beneath him, before crushing them. All their hard work, and for what? The world to curse them? A more skeptical Minotaur would blame the very races that had nearly killed all their kind, had split them apart, and had forced them into hiding, but N'raso'gath was too optimistic. He figured it was nothing more than weather. He hoped it was nothing more than weather.

Sweeping the reptile skins away with the angry flick of a hand, N'raso'gath stormed his way in, the icy chill of wind blasting in behind him, sending his mane flaring. Surprised, Nelroque and Klay'sora stared at him, odd looks in their eyes.

"...Let us talk. We have plans to remake." He growled bitterly, the reptile skins slipping back into place behind him as he made his way into the war room.

- - - - -

"This can't be right, N'raso'gath-sir!" Nelroque growled, running a nervous hand through his fur, scratching his chest all the same. "A storm, moving ahead almost a week?! Th-that's impossible!"

"You doubt the Mountain Minos, calf?!" Klay'sora rumbled, her voice angry, and deep. Nelroque was silent. He couldn't hope to argue against he Mountain Minos. Their predictions weren't ever wrong. 'Tis the gift of the mountain.

"...You both know the plan. Take your leaves. I have... a speech to prepare." N'raso'gath muttered, running a hand through his mane, tired eyes glaring, red, at the parchment beneath them. In bright red wax, their plan was drawn out. As Nelroque and Klay'sora slipped out, he sighed, collapsing into the chair behind him, as he held his head in his hands. His head felt like it was on fire. No matter how he looked at it, if they went through with this plan, there would be people who would have to die. There wasn't going to be enough food unpicked for them to survive their own winter. They'd need to raid the storehouses too, which were guarded by the humans' tamed beasts. Dogs.

Slamming his fist upon the table, a soft groan escaped N'raso'gath, as he was made sick with anger. He wanted nothing more than peace for his kind. Was that not acceptable? Why not? They'd changed, in the past two centuries! They only raided with the utmost necessity! They only took what they needed, and tried their hardest to avoid casualties, so why...?

Feeling a hand on his back, N'raso'gath's head snapped up, and behind him. And, with the most beautiful of concerned frowns, he locked eyes with his wife. Visibly, he relaxed. It was like the knot in his stomach, that queasy feeling, had grown wings and flown away. Warmth spread throughout him, as he rested his head on her protruding stomach, and closed his eyes. The warmth from her belly and the loving embrace he fell into, helped to alleviate some of his stress.

She was a light tan colour, with fur thinner than most, and a diminutive stature, about as tall as him. Though tall for a female Minotaur of their kind, she was the perfect height for him. Her horns were longer than most, however, and curled beautifully back, and were a deep ebony, with etchings carved all the way up to the tip-- a sign of her marriage to N'raso'gath.

"What seems to be the matter, Gath?" She whispered, stroking his head, and running her hand through his fur.

"...Roq'sora..." he whispered, that warmth flooded with bitter sadness. "...The raid tonight... I doubt there won't be casualties..."

"Ah... You poor thing. You worry for us: if the humans know it is our work..." N'raso'gath could do no more than nod his head meekly. He felt like tearing up, but before his wife-- before any of their kind-- he would not show such weakness. Though he worried greatly... No. He would not cry. "Then, we must hope they blame their animals. Or others, of the wilderness, that sought refuge within their homes."

"..." He didn't respond, for what felt like hours. Finally, hoarse, he did. "Right. We must hope. Always."

- - - - -

Staring out at the Minotaurs before him, who were roaring in approval, though in a much more subdued manner than usual, N'raso'gath sighed, and stepped down from where he stood, headed for the barracks. The speech was longer than normal, and much more serious. Though he took all raids seriously, this one he handled with even greater grace. Nelroque ran up to him, eyes wide, and grin obvious.

"Genius. I don't think I tell you this enough, N'raso'gath-sir, but you're genius! Making the killings look like wolf attacks-- genius!"

"Stop. We will still have their blood on our hands." N'raso'gath sighed, resigned. "But a little compliment here and there... I suppose that is not a bad thing." He winked, and Nelroque returned one to his Chieftain. "You gather up the rowers. I have soldiers to give specific orders to. They will tell you posthaste." With that, they separated.

Still, as N'raso'gath walked, he felt a chill run down his spine, along with a dribble of sweat. That same heavy feeling washed over him as when he was atop the Spear. Something... something about this raid felt off. Supernatural. In the back of his mind, N'raso'gath could feel that something was very, very wrong. Or, rather, something was bound to go wrong. What, he couldn't know. But it was rare that his intuition was wrong.

By the gods of the island did he pray that it was wrong this time.

NAMES: Roq'sora: Ocean Heart

@ChoShadow @Yonsisac

Deus ex Machina · Nov 27, 2016

The world around Syrilth was a thousand shades of grey - ranging from almost white to pitch black - as it always was when he traveled in the shadows. It was as if he dove into the shadows and came out the other side in a dark reflection of the world. It looked as if the physical world had been drained of color and its edges were blurred and uncertain. The ocean below was of a lighter grey while the land to his back was near black. Everything had a reflection here for everything in the world casts a shadow. However, Syrilth had found that the opposite was not always true. Creatures made of shadow inhabited this world that did not have a reflection in the light. The first time his mother had brought him here, the creatures had frightened him and he hid in the shadow of his mother. He had soon learned that, much like the regular world, even shadow creatures had enough instinct to fear a creature far more powerful than themselves.

While Syrilth and the creatures could interact with the shadow world around them, the same could not be said for the reflections of those who inhabited the physical world. They would move and interact with the world around them, and the shadows here would reflect that. But if Syrilth were to come into contact with a reflection, he would pass right through them. To them, Syrilth would appear as nothing more than a shadow, as untouchable as their own. This world was his domain, and he reveled in the isolation and freedom it provided him.

Soon Syrilth had left the continent of Lak'as Ahn far behind and nothing but grey oceans of shadow could be seen in all directions. Travel here was not as limited as it was in the physical world; here he traveled near as fast as the speed of his thoughts. Right now, his thoughts were focused on his destination, which he now knew to be the Dragon's Circle. It certainly made sense that a great power would come from there; it was a land steeped in ancient magics and nature. He had only been there once, when he was young, as he traveled with his mother. They had stayed only a short while, his mother wanting to avoid interaction with the other dragons.

As the islands drew in sight, Syrilth once again felt the powerful, warm presence invade his mind and his heart. He felt the tension in his body drain away and he felt lighter than he had in centuries. For the first time in a long time he didn't feel any fear, he didn't feel any of the hate and resentment towards the world he had carried since that time in the elven prison, deep beneath the surface of the world. He felt something that he couldn't describe, something he had never felt before. And as this presence flowed through him, he saw a bright ray of white light, shining in the center of the Circle; The Gateway.

Instinct kicked in and Syrilth dove down, close to the surface of the grey waters as he approached the massive structure on the island at the center of the Dragon's Circle. He melded into the darkest shadows as he slowly approached the beacon of light. Four figures came into view an he quickly darted behind on of the pillars of the Gateway. There was little chance that they could detect him here in the shadow world, but he was dealing with a presence of great power, so he took no chances. As he peered around the corner, he could still feel the thrum of magical power emanating from the Gateway.

Three appeared as he expected them to be, a mixture of different shades of grey to give them definition, but their outlines blurred and unfocused. These three had to be dragons. Syrilth had encountered a handful of his kin throughout his life, sometimes on the other end of their claws, and these three had the same presence dragons tended to have. Grace and pride that could only come from great age and power radiated from their figures.

The fourth creature was beyond all expectations. She seemed to be made of pure white radiance, so bright it almost hurt his eyes to look at her, and her edges were clear and defined, unlike the other three. Syrilth immediately knew that this had to be the presence he had been feeling on his flight here. As he stared at her, he felt no fear and his heart wanted to approach the group. But as he thought about stepping out of the shadow world and into the physical, a feeling kept him rooted to the spot, a feeling he had not felt in a long time - inadequacy. This was not the feeling his mother had made him feel whenever he failed a mission. No, this was different. How could he, a creature who had spent his entire life in the shadows of the world, approach such a creature of light. He was impure. He was imperfect. He was inadequate.

@ChoShadow @Beowulf @Scaver @SunSmurf

ChoShadow · Nov 29, 2016

Sil had been looking towards a specific direction, but suddenly felt another change nearby. Her head veered off to the side and she could sense the presence of another of her children making his way here. She smiled and closed her eyes as her power reached out to search him.

"... Markov." She whispered.

"I see... One who lost his wings. The poor dear." She said in a saddened tone.

She took a breath and allowed her thoughts to reach out to Markov.

Markov, my dear child. Let your heart be at peace, and return to shore. I shall be moving in your direction with the rest of those who came to greet me, and I will address you when I arrive. You have my word. She thought, sending it to him as a mental message.

She opened her eyes and felt a new change in the immediate area. She smiled warmly and turned her head to look back towards the gate where she felt the presence of the child of Shadows.

"Greetings Syrilth. I have been waiting for you." She said warmly.

"Please, my Child. Come forth from the world of Shadows and let me bear witness to your current form." She asked.

@Deus ex Machina @Beowulf @Yonsisac @C O I S E @SunSmurf

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