Corporal James Farmer (Atlas) Atlas stumbled through the dark hallway, brushing dried up bits of vines off of his shoulders. A large crack had opened up in the roof of the structure – no doubt from the commotion on the outside – which let in a large swath of light. When he had come to, he found that neither Pyree nor the summoner were on the balcony. The strange monstrous creature was also nowhere to be seen. “Next time, I’ll just shoot all of them and ask questions later,” Atlas muttered to himself as he turned the corner. But what he saw next caused him to whip back around the corner and thumb his rifle’s safety. Atlas waited for a moment as the figures he had spotted spoke to each other. He couldn’t make out what exactly they were saying, but the tones of their voices indicated hostilities. Then he cautiously turned the corner with his rifle at the ready. Ahead of him stood a strange woman-like figure, with equally strange clothing. Her skin was an unnatural dark-blue colour, and she was wearing what looked like a blindfold around her eyes. In her hand was a long, deadly looking sword, and at the tip of the sword was the summoner from the balcony. "Ele xuat udos ragar nindel doeb whol zhaunus.” It took Atlas a moment to realise that the utterance had come from the woman. He didn’t understand a single word. Then he raised his rifle, with the barrel pinpointed on the summoner’s head. Despite what he had muttered before, he didn’t fire his gun quite yet. “Remember me old man?” he said, watching the summoner, but also keeping an eye out for the woman as well. “Remember what this does?” Atlas pulled the trigger once, causing a bullet to just barely miss the man’s head. It was a fair warning. “If you know what’s good for your health, you won’t be trying any funny business.”
Grand Magister Zaca'reb ________________________ Zaca’reb marched along the castle walls, the winds of the night howling at his face as the cold drops of rain cut into his cheeks. His shadowy robe charred with blood red trimmings battled against the elements as he made his way to the keep, escorted by eight heavily armoured spearmen. The blackened clouds shifted above them, revealing small slivers of moonlight. A soothing calm warmed Zaca’reb’s body, with the glow of the night sky travelling across his face. Destiny awaits. The front guardsmen pushed open the hulking oak doors, which let out a mighty groan. The aroma of candle wax and leather bound books greeted them as they stepped from the dreary night into the grand hall. The ceiling rose high above them, with haunting arches shackled together at the top. Long, faded windows with mosaic patterns stretched downwards along the stone walls, and dark ashwood bookcases littered the borders. Mages turned from their work with muted curiosity before continuing their research. Zaca’reb’s troop marched further into the Council Hall of the Seven Masters, and soon reached the end of the room, free from the clutter of tomes. They were met with seven thrones of dark twisted steel, each rising to form the pyramid shape, with the Grand Master’s seat in the middle. Aged wizards filled the chairs, each possessing unbridled wisdom – none more so than the Grand Master. She slowly rose from her chair, causing the spearmen to kneel. “Grand Magister Zaca’reb, you are to be condemned for mass murder within all five kingdoms of Glendrel. The Council have conversed over your behaviour and have found your actions heinous and vile. We, the Magi of Doraleth, will allow you your final comments before you are sentenced. Speak.” Zaca’reb took a long deep breath, gazing at the iron shackles around his wrist. They were connected by a thin purple energy, supposedly subduing all of his power. He gave a silent chuckle before amusing himself, crossing his legs and hovering slowly above the ground. The other six masters sat forward, fear creeping into their minds. “What I did was necessary to combat the evils of this oppressed world, and I have no hesitation for what I have done. Murderers. Rapists. Thugs. Sinners. They must die to purify our world and bring peace.” The Grand Master quickly retorted, “And what of the simple soldiers, defending their lands? Or the children living on the streets? How did they sin?” Zaca’reb stared at her, his focus unnerving. “The soldiers fight for greed, killing each other for the same land, all claimed by different kings. Children of the poor fester with disease and plague the world with their stunted intelli-” “Enough!” The Grand Master slammed their staff into the ground. Shockwaves rippled through the entire hall with parchment and books scattered across the cold marble floor. “Your hateful crimes have sealed your fate, Grand Magister Zaca’reb. You are too powerful to banish to the Outer Reaches, yet we do not wish to destroy one of our own.” She paused, saddened by her thoughts. “However… it must be done.” Zaca’reb searched his emotions, prying for the answer fate had bestowed upon him. Visions flickered in his mind like a dying candle and suddenly he released a small smile. “Killing me will prove my justice, as I have cleansed the world of evil, so too do you cleanse the world of me. All you stand for will be in ruins.” Murmurs rumbled throughout the lesser Masters. “I have a far better solution. A gateway is opening up; I feel it’s presence nearby and the magic calls to me. My fate lies within. Whether I am to be torn apart mercilessly or stranded forever in a world of torment, I do not know.” Zaca’reb stopped, relishing in the attention. All the Magi had put down their quills, hanging onto his every word. “However one thing is for certain. Glendrel will be free to bloat itself with greed, wrath and lust, until it chokes on its own corruption.”
Magnafire and Eslana 'Dragon Speaker, help!' The Magnan's smile quickly faded, he heard Eslana, and to her own dismay she was being pulled into the portal. He reached through to her mind, and was nearly totally consumed by her pain, but he didn't recoil from it. There was cold kind of resistance that left him hollow inside because he felt like he was refusing to feel anything, but he still sought to reasure her. Don't resist, it may make it worse. Listen I'm right behind you. He approached her as the dragon's head had nearly completely disappeared. He wanted to reach out. To touch the raw power of the portal but he held back. I have succumb to my greed. I'm them. I'm the true representation of my race, therefore, power is merely a means to an end. Eslana was nearly gone, he smiled down at her, and with confidence. He two stepped into the breach. I will find away to heal you on the otherside. We Magnans are very unique. See you on the otherside.
Taliza "Beast, do you understand me? And are you the native race here?" Taliza turned her head to look at the human who dared address her as "beast." The human was sitting on the ground holding a tiny weapon of sorts at her. Like it would do anything to the scales of dragon. She turned her body and observed his face more closely. He had strange yellow eyes and scars above each of his eyes, causing her to wonder what put them there. This yellow-eyed human reminded her of a cat for some reason. Taliza entered the fore-front of his mind and spoke, being carefull that the connection went only one way. "I'm am no beast, ignorant human. I am Taliza the Dragoness." A puff of smoke exited her nostrils. "Your weapon will have no effect against my scales. Thankfully for you, I am one of the few of my kind that doesn't look at humans as ants. So, I will let your addressing of me pass this time. In answer to your question; no. This is not my home. I was brought here by a hole in the sky." She looked up trying to see if she could find it, but it was no where to be found. "And you yellow eyed human, is this your home? Can you explain to me the reason why the air is so light in some places?" Surprise passed over the human's face before he chuckled, vanishing as a voice spoke from behind her. "This isn't a normal weapon dragon and who said I was human? This isn't my home either." Taliza paused before speaking into his mind again. "So if you're not human what are you?" "I'm not sure. I'm not even sure I properly exist." He said vanishing again. He reappeared sitting at the edge of a cliff off to her side. "I'm Marcus by the way.” He looked to the side suddenly and Taliza followed his gaze. A black hole of sorts had just opened up in the middle of a field below them. “Want go say hello?” He asked, then without waiting for an answer he began teleporting down the cliff-face. Taliza spread her wings and jumped into the air towards the strange hole. It was similar to the one she had fallen through and she wondered who had been unfortunate enough to fall into this one. Taliza landed several feet from the portal and stood next to Marcus. First a tail, with a blade on the end, appeared. Then the hind quarters of what appeared to be a dragon. Next to appear was one set of wings, then oddly enough a second set. Taliza stepped back. This dragon was definitely not part of her race. She had never seen one of her kind with four wings instead of two. She wondered how much faster it flew because of the extra set. Taliza studied the wings and realized almost immediately something was wrong. They were bent in places they shouldn’t bend. This poor dragon’s wings were broken and badly so. It must have been in quite a battle before it fell through this strange phenomenon. The rest of the dragon finally slipped through and Taliza stepped forward to see if she could help somehow.
Lan-Sarabi Lan stepped out of the portal and out into his new surroundings. The brightness of light startled him for a moment but it quickly went away as he adjusted to the light. It wasn't hard as he was already half blind anyway. The ground beneath him was hard and rocky, the shifting of the rocks reminded him how slate felt so he deduced that he was probably in a canyon or quarry for stone. He took a couple more steps forward, feeling very light. Lan moved carefully, afraid that any misstep could cause him to go flying. He prayed hoped fervently that any wind would stay far away. All of a sudden her heard a scream and his head snapped upwards. Above him was a dark shadow of a human, falling. As the figure plummeted towards him he couldn't help but think that the scream, and the figure, were very familiar. "Lan!" Dras-Morna Dras almost couldn't follow the action as suddenly a man appeared with a very loud weapon and the winged-tailed hominid shouldered his way through them all. Dras stumbled as the winged-tailed hominid past her and fell through the portal. She landed hard on the other side only to be shot into the air. A scream escaped her lips as she flew through the air, terrified. Suddenly she stopped several feet above the ground and started a downwards plummet, another scream tearing itself from her. All she could see was the rapidly approaching ground and another blue-skinned Drow. Her first thought was that the priestess had finally sent her minions to drag her back to the Below and punish her for leaving. Then she saw the white eyes. "Lan!" She said, surprised. She momentarily forgot her predicament and smiled so wide she thought her face would split, but then quickly slammed back to reality. She flailed in the air trying to slow her descent. Dras-Morna & Lan-Sarabi Lan moved quickly and stood beneath Dras as she fell, holding out his arms to catch her. When he caught her they both went down hard on the ground. Lan felt the sharp slate create bruises on his back. Dras laid on his chest for a moment then quickly scurried off of him. She held out her hands, "Are you alright?" she asked worriedly in Drow. She helped him up to his feet and he rubbed his back to try and get some of the pain to go away. "Just bruised. I thought it would take longer to find you," he told her, also in Drow."The priestess paid me a visit before I left. She has learned of your absence though I doubt she will send anyone after you." "Does she now also know that you betrayed her? That you allowed me my life and freedom?" "She knows, If she took the message right." Dras smiled wryly, "Then I also assume that she is down one guard dog." "You grow wiser, jalil," He played with a stray strand of her hair. "I had to. But lessons learned in the below will seem contradicted here. Or, at least, it was that way in the previous world." she frowned. "I believe we must seek an Orb, a Power Orb, in order to get home. The last I saw of it was at the fingertip of an old friend of mine. When she touched it, she and the Orb vanished. I can only assume the new location is here, somewhere." Lan looked at her quizzically, "You think the Orb can do more then transportation." "I have battled monsters that resonated with Orb power, created by Orb power. I think it can also destroy those creatures and others like them." "I see. I will join you, we can seek this Orb together. I believe I may have a scroll with me about such Orbs, I can try and read it as we travel." "Again with packing a library!" She exclaimed exasperatedly. Lan gave her a playful shove, "It may just save your life someday. 'Lan, What is this creature that is trying to eat me?' you would say, and I would let you know so you can kill it." he told her, smiling smugly. Dras just threw her hands in the air and started walking away. Lan laughed and went to catch up to her.
Eslana Forcanus Eslana was glad to hear the Dragon Speaker would be following her; at least someone had followed her. If anyone, she was glad it was him. He'd proven to be a faithful ally to her, and his connection with the dragons made her comfortable as she went through this difficult time. Coming through the portal, something was definitely different about this new world. She felt lighter, like she might be able to fly without flapping her wings. That would be a great advantage at this point. She looked around frantically, trying to locate the Dragon Speaker. However, she could not see him in range. She did, however, find two beings staring at her as she emerged. One was a purple colored dragon, with beautiful shiny scales. It was much smaller than Eslana herself, but she knew that size didn't matter with dragons. The other being was human, with yellow eyes. She'd never seen a human with yellow eyes before. The dragon was eyeing her up, staring at her broken wings. Eslana felt a deep sense of fear, as she was now vulnerable to attack. And she had no idea what sort of abilities the dragon had. Purple scales could have a variety of abilities on her world. In addition to the dragon, she didn't know what powers the human had. Back before the Orb, she would have simply guessed he could readily use a sword or other simple, metal weapons. Now, she had met people from all other worlds, who had abilities she'd never even dreamed of. She worried that her life was in danger, laying limp and damaged in front of these two new beings. Dragon Speaker, where are you?
The Magnan, and Eslana Ft Marcus and Taliza Dragon Speaker, where are you? --- His mind was hurtling forward, Gods above and below. Ambushed! He was caught between the portal, and fabric tear of Vulk Grulain, and Erif was using that to attack him. A single slice from Provenance Edge, and Drake barely avoided it, but it still sunk deep into his arm. He was searching now, the blue portal rippled suddenly, and he was pulled into another world. He landed rather slowly next to Eslana, his sword Blade Edge barely clattered at the ground, he then wondered about that. Weary eyed he got his knees, and looked up to see another dragon, and a yellow eyed man… “No more, please” he gasped seeing dark red blood trickle down his arm. It stung painfully. That was close, how do you feel? – said Blade Edge in his thoughts. “Not good at all,” this time the Magnan kept this thought to himself He then finally heard Eslana, and answered out loud, “Right next you. Side by…” He coughed, and got to his feet. The damage to his dragon companion was far more significant; sadly, he had no power that could heal her but these two, they possibly could. “Can either of you heal?” he asked. “I’m the Magnan and this… I don’t think I learnt her name.” Still avoiding destiny, the Magnan– said Blade Edge. “No, I just see the world in a new light,” replied Drake in his thoughts. Blade Edge subsided.
Greywind Raven-Ryder / Magnalian the Summoner Greywind Raven-Ryder A peculiar star dotted sky that glared with sunlight forced Greywind to squint when his eyes finally opened. Sitting up he found himself in a grassy clearing surrounded by lush woodland. For a brief moment he thought he was home in the forests of Palendel, but the unusual sky told him otherwise. That is when the flood of memories returned to him. Magnalian had survived, and the dark goddess Aveila had sent him after the Orb. But there was more, she had kept the Tol-ha wolf with her. She had some knowledge of it, she said it was special somehow. Greywind wasn’t sure he could trust her, but if she could get him home and end the madness created by the Orb then he would work beside her. Rising to his feet he saw the box she had given him. Raef glided suddenly out of the forest carrying with him, a branch of blue colored berries. “A favor returned, thanks my friend,” said Greywind as he gladly shared the berries with his Tol-ha. Once finished Raef hopped from Greywind’s shoulder to the ground beside the box and pecked it quizzically with his beak. The dark bird hopped back and let out a guttural squawk of displeasure. Greywind picked up the box, and placed it safely in his satchel. “There are many things we don’t understand here Raef. We cannot afford to disdain any gift. Come, we must find the Orb, perhaps it is with Pyree will have forgiven us.” Greywind took two steps and froze at the sight on the ground before him. A large foot had left a track in the soft earth before him. Stooping he saw claw marks at the end of each of the four toes. It looked somewhat like a canine’s print. Perhaps the Tol-ha wolf had arrived in the same place in this world he thought. No, that couldn’t be. This creature walked on two legs instead of four. Greywind had seen many bizarre creatures since being summoned by Magnalian, but something about the tracks seemed familiar to him. He looked through the ether with wisp veiled eyes but saw nothing nearby. The tracks headed down the ridge, and into a valley but then vanished. Greywind had had a great deal of experience in tracking in his home world little esc aped his attention. He had only encountered one race that could vanish quite like that. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Magnalian the Summoner “If you know what’s good for your health, you won’t be trying any funny business.” Every move Magnalian made sent pain through his aching body, but he suppressed it all and maintained his facade of limitless confidence. Despite appearances however, a maelstrom of confusion swirled through his mind. The winged one who had defeated his phoenix, had fallen through the portal in the midst of his attempt to mark his soul. If Magnalian had been successful he would have been able to summon the mighty warrior at his beckoned call, and more importantly banish him to the far side of the world. But the creature had fallen through the portal in the midst of the spell. Magnalian was unsure if he had been successful and didn’t want to summon him back just at this moment. The dark elf had gone through the portal as well, and now all that was left was the armed human and the mysterious newcomer who crouched over the wolf. The WOLF! A chilling fear rose up Magnalian’s spine. His foot bumped something soft as he carefully backed away from the weapon aimed at his head. A quick glance down showed the hairy silhouette of a dead canine on the floor. His fears began to rise, the dead creature was not one of his summoned minions, but had more likely done away with his own minions before being eliminated by the heroes that snuck onto his balcony. It could mean only one thing HE had returned. Now he understood how he had been saved from the falling dragons. But such salvation would only be for the sake of later revenge. If he was correct, Magnalian the weapon pointed at him by Atlas was a far smaller threat than what was lurking somewhere waiting to exact its revenge. He had every reason to be fearful. Without his Orb he would have no hope of winning again. His only hope now was to retrieve the Orb. ‘KITZA, COME QUICKY!’ he spoke through his thoughts to his creation. Fearless of the projectile weapon still aimed at him Magnalian threw himself through the portal and vanished.
Kitza "Kitza, come quickly! So, his Master was still alive. That was good news to hear. He knew exactly where his Master was, given the powers from his Master's highest creation. He could even see him through the walls, near several other beings. Ignoring the dragon that had fallen through the portal, Kitza rushed at top speed to his Master, who had just jumped through a portal in the room. As he rushed into the room, Kitza turned quickly and backhanded the man with the gun, to stop him from attacking Master. Then, Kitza turned back around and dove in through the portal. On the other side, Kitza felt differently. The world they had entered was very different, and Kitza had to add weight to himself to compensate for the difference in the gravity. Looking around, he found they were near a lake, with no other beings in sight. The Orb was distant from them for now, Kitza knew that. With his powers connected to the Orb, he could feel the strain and the distance between them. They would be travelling for some time to find and reclaim the Orb. "Master, you are injured," Kitza said, walking over to his Master, who was kneeling on the ground. Kitza placed a hand on him, and a bright white light shone from Kitza's palm. His Master had several wounds that were sure to be sore for a few days, but Kitza was able to heal the majority of the problem wounds, as well as some cuts and scrapes. He was only glad he hadn't needed to try and revive his Master, after having thought he was squished. After healing his Master, Kitza bowed on one knee, still significantly taller. He shrank his body to a smaller size, adjusting his density in order to keep a similar weight. "What is your next order my Master?" Kitza was ready to serve, ready to destroy all of the enemies his Master had made, and attempted to destroy. As he sat, waiting for his next command, his shoulder twitched, though he was sure his Master hadn't seen it. Something was bothering him, trying to get to him. But what?
Magnalian the Summoner "What is your next order my Master?" Magnalian looked out across the lake. He was fortunate for Kitza’s presence and his healing. But where were the others that had passed through the portal? How had only Kitza arrived in the same place? Of course, each soul that passed through the portal on Pyritus would arrive from a portal that corresponded to the world from which that soul belonged. Kitza was created on Pyritus, Magnalian’s birthplace, hence they arrived together. But the others would be scattered across the landscape surrounding the Orb. Magnalian looked up at the bowed head of Kitza. It was rare for the Summoner to ever show any expression other than absolute confidence. But inside he knew that Kitza was far more powerful than he, and for the first time since creating the Orb, Magnalian felt vulnerable. “For now, we rest. I must enter the dreaming and prepare. You will guard my body while my soul wanders the dreamscape.” Magnalian sat cross legged on the shore of the lake and began to meditate. As his mind and soul drifted away into the realm of the dreamscape he began to ponder his best course of action. He needed the Orb, but even in the dreamscape searching the planet for a specific soul or object was a monumental task, it would be better to summon something to seek it out. Despite having the mighty Kitza by his side he also felt the need to protect himself from that dark threat that had aided him in the Orb’s creation, not to mention the other competitors for the Orb entering through portals of their own.
Corporal James Farmer (Atlas) Before he could fire another shot, the summoner jumped straight through the swirling abyss and disappeared into it. Atlas remained frozen in firing position for a few seconds, still unsure about what had happened. His hesitation proved to be a mistake however, when something large and bulky crashed through the small doorway and into the room. Atlas managed to recognise it as the creature he encountered on the balcony, before it lashed out at him with one of its limbs. Foreseeing the attack beforehand, he managed to duck away from the swing with a grunt, the grotesque limb grazing the top of his helmet. And before he could retaliate, the creature jumped in through the portal after the summoner. Atlas cursed out loud. Both of his targets were out of his reach again, and he hadn’t so much as scraped them. “Not so fast, you goddamn freak of nature!” he called after the creature. Without giving any sort of rational thought into the idea, Atlas jumped after the monster and into the portal. He figured that he would be able to catch the two by surprise if he appeared after them. But any sort of plan he had created out of his own anger were quickly forgotten once he realised where he had ended up. Above him was a dim, dull-red sky, as if it were dawn. A single, unnaturally small sun hung directly overhead, and was coloured orange-red instead of yellow. More notably, the sun didn’t emit nearly as much light as it should have, and the daylight sky was littered with stars. A group of light, wispy clouds floated nearby. And below him – 12 000 feet below to be exact – was the unrecognisable ground, which Atlas was now rushing down towards. “Shit!” Atlas shouted out in surprise, and flailed his arms around uselessly for a moment. He was falling with his back towards the ground, and his flailing only managed to twist him so that he was positioned upside down. After the initial shock, Atlas quickly snapped back into action, putting focus on his situation. He managed to shift his body so that it was facing downwards, and he assumed a free-fall position that he remembered learning in his training. Not that it would help without some sort of parachute. “Shit shit shit!” Atlas carefully steered himself to the side towards what looked like soft ground, although at this height he could hardly tell. He didn’t think it actually mattered, since any fall from this sort of height probably meant certain death. In his panicked state, it took a while for him to notice that he could no longer feel the wind whipping by him – something that had been driving him senseless at the beginning. In fact it felt almost as if he wasn’t falling at all. “Ah crap. Now I’ve seen everything.”
Grand Magister Zaca'reb _________________________ Moonlight flooded the forest, exposing the twisted and leafless deadwood trees. As the group moved through the woods, the trees creaked ever closer, and the wind screamed at them, bringing a chill to their bones. Fallen leaves gathered on Zaca’reb’s robe, dirtying the blackened cloth. The Grand Master led the way, holding her staff high with a dim light leaking from its tip, forcing the shadowy trees to recoil from its presence. She loosened her grip and the end of the staff shook the ground, forcing the group to stop. “It is there.” She pointed up ahead to a small clearing which dipped under the horizon. A faint purple glow rose across the hill as dark ethereal shapes floated into the air and dissipated. The group cautiously approached, with many guards trembling at the thought of cruel abominations and haunting shades. “This is surely his dark magic.” “Such evil has no place in this world.” More fearful warnings spread through the ranks, while Zaca’reb mocked their panicked anarchy. The Grand Master turned to the group. “You will all remain here.” She said, calming the soldiers. “Your eyes do not deserve such darkness.” Zaca’reb let out a cold laugh. “I believe they do deserve it. The whole realm deserves it.” He knelt down, forcing his shackled palm to the ground. “I feel nothing in this barren land. No grass roots, no seeds of vivid flowers, no living organisms. Your greedy ways have sucked the beauty from this world, leaving an empty husk.” He rose, staring into the Grand Master’s eyes with a fierce gaze. “If I survive, I shall return and free this realm from its wicked bonds.” Zaca’reb and the Grand Master moved towards the purple glow. The swirling void began to rise from the horizon until they stood a few feet from the edge. The ethereal whirlwind pushed them back, forcing the pair to stand their ground. The Grand Master stepped away, watching Zaca’reb. He turned, surprised to met her tender gaze. “Why, Zaca’reb... Why?” A single tear trickled down her soft cheek, giving into her emotions. “You were like a son to me; such an insightful and bright little boy. But evil has stolen your heart.” Finally, as his eyes sympathised with hers, she let a small smile. “May Dranin, Tark and Qualik, have mercy on your soul.” With that, the Grand Master looked on as Zaca’reb fell into the void. For a moment, he felt nothing. He was an entity floating in the darkest abyss. No thoughts were able to transcend as he glided through the unknown. Then, finally, a reddish orange glow beckoned him forward. Zaca’reb shot out of the portal at great speed, blinded by the piercing light. He slid along the ground, flipping and turning while being buffeted by small rocks. He did not realise that the rocks began to increase in size. He did not realise that he was hurtling towards a cliff edge. And he did not realise the massive drop that awaited him. Zaca’reb flicked over the edge, with his bearings shattered like his ribs. He looked down, seeing an assortment of sharp rocks glistening in the bright red light. A glorious lake sat a few paces away, enveloped in the richest blue he had ever seen. He felt peculiar as the intensity of the colours blurred his vision, and though he fell towards certain death, it felt… slow. Zaca’reb thrust his shackled hands towards the ground, attempting to cast a shockwave and push him towards the water. The sharp rocks mocked his gesture, calling him closer. He tried again. And again. How could these pathetic iron shackles be my undoing!? Constantly driving his hands down, his desperation was rewarded. Zaca’reb pushed one more time and released a jolt of force, blasting the rocks into dust. He flew upwards slightly, before tumbling into the vast lake. Zaca’reb quickly rose to the surface, paddling there with his feet. The reddish orange burned into his eyes, but he loved every second of it. Such beauty was rare to see. Soon though, he began to focus, as two silhouettes invaded the light. A man in crimson robes rested in front of him, mediating. The other... thing stood there. Alert. Staring at Zaca’reb, with daggers in its eyes.
Taliza “Can either of you heal?” he asked. “I’m the Magnan and this… I don’t think I learnt her name.” Taliza stepped forward and lay down beside the injured dragon placing her right wing over the other dragon's wings. "I can. However I have only healed once and the injury was not nearly as severe as this. I don’t believe I will be able to do that much." She replied, addressing the minds of those around her. Her wing covered only half of the other dragon’s two wings, but it would have to do. After a moment of thinking Magnan spoke, "I once possessed a dragon spirit, a guardian that I could summon. A fire elemental... if I have retained its essence then it could accelerate the healing." The words of this Magnan confused her. How could a human embody the spirit of a dragon? Surely he would have been overwhelmed and lost his own essence. However there wasn’t enough time to ask him to explain. There was a high possibility that this dragon was starting to bleed inside. “Very well. Place your hand on the spot between my wings and we will see how much we can do with combined energy.” Magnan did as she said placing his hand on the most vulnerable spot of her body. Between her wings her scales were thin and smaller. Though most humans couldn’t tell the difference, she could feel the lack of protection; though, it would still take a very strong person to injure her there. Suddenly she felt a burst of energy from Magnan enter her body. She in turn concentrated on guiding her healing energy through her wing and into the other dragon. She felt energy leave in a heat wave and, with satisfaction, watched as the bones in the other dragon’s wings began to put themselves back together. When she felt that they were mostly healed she got up, walked to other side of her, with Magnan following, and repeated the process. The entire healing took several minutes but the wings were finally mended enough that the other dragon could use them. Magnan stood and sighed tiredly. Taliza attempted to stand but was unable as most of her strength was gone. So instead she tucked her wings by her body and waited for the other dragon to introduce herself.
Eslana Forcanus Eslana watched as the other dragon connected with the Dragon Speaker and walked around her, healing her wings. The energy going through her wings felt so warm, Eslana hadn't felt something like that in years. She felt her wings smoothly heal themselves, not like some other healing spells she had experienced where you, despite the lack of pain, she could feel her bones cracking back into place, or the grinding of the joints. No, this dragon knew what she was doing. It was a very smooth healing spell. After she had finished, the other dragon lay down on the ground, plopping her head down lazily. Eslana stood up, filled with new energy, though she was still tired. Thank you my cousin, she said, speaking to both the dragon and the Dragon Speaker. And thank you Dragon Speaker, for assisting her. She looked at the other dragon. My name is Eslana. I am certain you are not from my world, as a dragon of your color would not have healing powers there. Despite that, you were in the right place at the right time. Eslana looked around at their new, strange surroundings. Which, by the way, do you have any idea where this place is?
Taliza "No." Taliza replied. "However I have found out the hardway that the air is lazy in some places and volitile in others, making flying hazardous for us." She lifted her head slightly. "I am Taliza of Galetea and this is Marcus. We too have only just met." She nodded her head in the direction of the man with yellow eyes.
Marcus Schroedinger I watched as Taliza healed the other beast that had just appeared infront of us. It had been an odd day for me. First I had come to a strange world, now strange injured beasts were appearing out of nowhere. I wondered if I would have been better doing things with just myself. "I am Taliza of Galetea and this is Marcus. We too have only just met." Taliza said nodding her head in my direction. I smiled waving my gun hello. "You scaled beasts are an odd bunch. I'm guessing none of you are the native race to this place either." Past the hill off to the side of us I took a look around. The land seemed to be nothing but endless rolling hills of grass. Mabye this was paradise? But that would make me dead. Being dead required you to be alive first. Was I alive? I walked. Then I spotted it. By what looked like a lake was a large encampment. Humans milled about with golems following in tow. I could tell it wasn't a peaceful camp; Each human was armed and coverd in armour. Their camp was to primitive to make them invaders, they must be the native race. Or brought here by the portal. I stood inside the gate looking about. It was definately geared for war. Inside the building next to me were the hollow husks of golems yet to be animated. About to look further inside I was interupted by a shout. One of the guards in the watch tower had drawn his bow. He took aim and fired as another ran towards me. I looked down remembering my legion armour before stepping out the way of the arrow. I raised my gun blowing the man out of his tower before grabbing the other and blowing his head off. "Just thought I let you know I'm being attacked by a village." I said to the dragons dodging as another guard ran at me. Being in two places at once had its advantages. Might aswell make it three I though as I appeared next to myself. We raised our guns, pointing the towards the guards as the golems came out. We pulled the trigger, gun not firing. Sighing I raised my hand sparking lightning towards them as I pulled my knife and ran towards them. Back at the dragons I spoke again before starting to run. "If you could follow me it would help. I'm sure giant scaled beast would intimidate them into submission."
Grand Magister Zaca'reb _____________________ Zaca’reb stepped out of the lake, his garments waterlogged and heavy. The evening sun cast an orange hue over the water, just cutting above the nearby oak trees. He stood there silently in the warmth, water glistening on his jet black mane; his eyes transfixed with the two figures. Their long silhouettes flew across the lake, almost touching the nearby cliffs he had found himself tumbling from. The other wizard had been unmoved by Zaca’reb’s presence, parked in a state of deep meditation. The beast on the other hand had no such calmness of mind. Seething eyes stabbed at Zaca’reb’s heart, and the creature bore bloody, uneven teeth. Its disfigured frame shook with rage, slime protruding from…everywhere. Zaca’reb slowly raised his shackled hands in a futile attempt to signal his passiveness. It did not go down well. The creature burst from its line, charging ferociously at Zaca’reb. Its three short legs grabbed at the earth, throwing itself forward towards the Master’s threat. Zaca’reb cursed the gods before bolting for the treeline. Just as he reached the first oak tree it exploded violently, and thousands of wooded shards filled the air. The blast pushed Zaca’reb into the woods, forcing him to stumble into the hard ground. He turned around just in time to see the creature standing a few paces away, its stubby arm pointed out towards another tree. The oak buckled inwards before sending out a barrage of splinters, cutting into its neighbours. Zaca’reb sprinted deeper into the forest, not needing another hint. He dashed into the darkness, with sawdust filling his lungs. Small rays of light popped through the thick foliage, leading Zaca’reb away from the beast. The trees had stopped spontaneously exploding now, but a familiar thumping sound was renewed as the creature returned to the chase. Panicked thoughts entered Zaca’reb’s mind, searching for ways to exit this dire situation. His heart pounded in his throat and air evaded his lungs as he darted through the wilderness, dodging trunks and stumps. From out of nowhere an intense ringing invaded Zaca’reb’s ears, distracting him from his run. Suddenly a thick beam of vibrant red whizzed past him, before cutting across him. Luckily, Zaca’reb threw himself to the ground just in time to feel the searing heat pass over his back. The beam blazed through the forest, slicing the oaks in half and leaving trails of dirty red flames everywhere. Large, leafy oak trees vanished into brittle husks, and the aroma of sweet lilies and fresh earth was replaced by the smell of burning and death. Zaca’reb’s eyes streamed with tears as smoke filled the air. He got back to his feet and looked over his shoulder into the thick smog, where two glowing red eyes met his gaze. The beast dragged its arms from behind and smashed them into Zaca’reb, throttling him upwards through the broken foliage. He just managed to clear the treeline, skidding across the lakeside before stopping face down in the watery mud. The robe was in tatters, revealing deep cuts and bruises on Zaca’reb’s body. After a moment he gingerly lifted his face from the mud, cuts oozing from his forehead. Only a few paces away, sitting calmly in front of the woodland inferno, was the meditating wizard. It took all of the strength in Zaca’reb’s body to crawl forward, putting hand over hand. Each motion sent a surge of pain through his body before finally, he reached the mage. Zaca’reb lumped his shackled hand onto the wizard’s shoulder before whispering, “Please… in the name of the three divines… tell your dog to heel.” With that he rolled onto his back next to the calm figure, staring at the stars in the twilight.
Magnalian the Summoner / Greywind Magnalian A mournful call broke the calm of the forest causing small birds to take flight. The howl carried for miles across the land, from the battle in the militant camp, to the lake shore where Magnalian sat. “Please… in the name of the three divines… tell your dog to heel.” Magnalian rose instantly to his feet while continuing to stare at the horizon, unaware of the injured wizard next to him. That call, he knew from whence it came. Fear gripped the heart of the summoner, he looked down at prostrate man who looked back at him in agony and pain. “Kitza! Cease your attack,” he raised his hand in a gesture of forbidding without removing his eyes from the man on the ground. The howl resounded again, this time joined by impossibly deep replies that joined it from across the woodland. “Save your strength, you will certainly need it.” “As for you,” he finally addressed the man in his gaze, “What is your name and purpose here, tell me now, or I will have your very soul extracted by my servant.” --------------------------------------- Greywind Miles away Greywind's raven Raef cawed excitedly at the sound. Greywind's eyes furrowed, despite his pet's rejoicing. The sound was almost certainly from a Hoi. The tracks he'd seen earlier made sense also. But a Hoi from his home world would never seek the Orb. The Hoi were pure and noble creatures, most of them at least. The Ana-Hoi on the other hand, rare rogue Hoi that had abandoned the ways of their ancestors, were unpredictable and capable of almost anything. “Raef, we must fly,” Greywind beckoned the raven. Raef, immediately exuded a light mist and tranformed into a much larger and darker bird. Greywind leapt onto his back and the pair took to the sky. As they broke above the tree tops the second call resounded, pleading again for its kin, and was answered by the strong base voices from the forest. Greywind searched the area far and wide by looking through the etherverse, but he could not find the source of the original call. The accompanying voices rose from creatures throughout the forests of this world, small bands of animals that were now on the move toward the source of their beckoning. But there, in a nearby valley, he finally saw something familiar! A familiar dark skinned elf walked with a like-colored man. Friends at last! rejoiced Greywind, as he remembered the dressings given by Dras still wrapped around his arm. But there was more just on the other side of the ridge from them was the soldier Atlas. What good fortune! Greywind directed Raef down into the ravine where Lan and Dras walked. Landing lightly in front of them Greywind dismounted and addressed Dras. “My lady, it is a relief to find you in this foreign land, although I am sorry that you too are caught in this eternal chase. There are other of our allies nearby, but tell me, did you or your friend hear the voice that called just now?”
Taliza "If you could follow me it would help. I'm sure giant scaled beast would intimidate them into submission." Taliza heaved a deep sigh as she struggled to her feet. <I will do what I can, though do not expect any fire from me for the time being.> She launched into the air, glad that the gravity on this planet was much lighter, and started to fly in circles around Marcus as the other dragon, Eslana, flew around his copies. She roared loudly as the tiny humans pointed their weapons of her but they didn't venture any closer. She landed next to him, breathing heavily and spat sparks in the direction of any human trying to get within a few hundred feet. <If you climb upon my back, I can fly you a short distance to saftey. If they attempt to attack with their full force, I will not be able to help you fight in my current state.>
Grand Magister Zaca'reb _____________________ “What is your name and purpose here, tell me now, or I will have your very soul extracted by my servant.” Breathing long and hard, Zaca’reb rolled his eyes at the wizard. He delicately picked himself up, drunk with pain. “Quiet yourself.” He said in a dull drone. “Your empty threats do not scare me.” The wizard’s face tightened, eyebrows furrowed and mouth twisted. “You would do well to answer my question; most fools die when I have to ask twice.” The wizard said sternly. Zaca’reb forced a sarcastic smile, before giving a short bow and introducing himself, “I am Grand Magister Zaca’reb Baaltar of Doraleth, Warden of East Highlands...” He expected some sort of recognition from the fellow magi, but instead a blank, impatient expression greeted him. “…or at least I was, until I was banished here through a strange portal. Now I have filled my obligation – please enlighten me, O’ powerful one. Who are you?” The wizard disregarded the final snide comment; his interest peaked to Zaca’reb’s purpose here. “Banished through a portal? A little extreme. Surely you could have just been exiled from the land?” said the wizard. Zaca’reb’s interest had waned from the other magi, and he now proceeded to inspect his injuries along his arm. Looking down at the cuts he replied, “They deemed me too dangerous, it was either this or death… and I do very much like living.” At that moment memories shook within his head and he gazed around at the beautiful scenery, saddened. “This place reminds me of Glendrel – before evil corrupted it. The colours shine so brightly here, unlike the dull grey barrens of my home.” A vengeful fire arose inside. “I must return to my time, or world, and cleanse the land of all evil. Those who would resist me will face more pain than a thousand deaths, and I will burn every corrupted man, woman and child to make my home pure again. You will help me get back to Glendrel.” The wizard revealed a slender smirk, before letting out a chuckle. “You are in no position to make demands.” he said, hinting at Zaca’reb’s shackles and wounds. “I on the other hand, am. You may accompany me and Kitza for now, or feel more pain than ten thousand deaths.” The wizard began marching, signalling Kitza to escort their new companion. “We may have use for you yet, Zaca’reb of Doraleth.”
Kitza Kitza could not believe his Master would trust to bring this stranger along with them, but the man had no idea of true power. Kitza knew true power. Even his Master, well, he didn't know true power either. He had touched it, felt it, created it, but he didn't KNOW true power. Kitza knew true power. Kitza WAS true power. It flowed through him, was him, he had unlimited possibilities, understood everything around him. The Orb was part of him, and he was part of the Orb. Yes, if it had not been for his Master, though, he would not have this power. Master was the only one he would tolerate taking orders from. He walked behind the man, watching him carefully. The man spoke of empty threats by his Master, of some grand title of his home world, of being "too dangerous." Kitza smiled. Too dangerous... he did not know danger. Well, now he did. The man had run like a scared mouse running from a tiger as Kitza chased him. If not for Master, he would have finished him off. If the man was dangerous, surely he could have killed Kitza. No, he was not dangerous. Kitza knew that, and clearly, Master did as well. Following behind them, Kitza began wondering about the world they had entered. Upon entering through the portal, he had needed to change his density to compensate for the change in gravity. He could feel fluctuations in the gravity, and continued changing his density to compensate for those changes. It was an odd world, but the Orb was definitely here. Kitza could feel it. As they walked, Kitza began to feel a peculiar, yet familiar feeling. It was someone's scent. Someone he knew, or had been around. And his hearing was picking up noises, of a fight. The adrenaline inside him began pumping. "Master, a fight is nearby. Ten miles ahead. There is... someone we know there."
Eslana Forcanus Eslana flew next to the other dragon, Taliza, heading towards the battle. As they came upon it, she saw the other Marcuses protecting themselves. Taliza was tired, exhausted from healing Eslana. As the purple dragon landed, she offered to fly the humans out of the battle. Eslana, on the other hand, was feeling much better. While Taliza hung back, Eslana charged straight in at the humans, who were busy aiming their weapons at the smaller dragon. She dove in, and she came within twenty feet of them before shifting her wings and making a tight turn, swinging her tail out and using the blade on the end to wipe out a dozen of the humans. She landed quickly, and turned her neck, aiming her head over her back. She opened her might jaws and generated a ball of lightning. The humans turned, running out of the way of the much larger and fully energized dragons. Yes, run and leave us be! She fired the blast at the humans, but missed intentionally. She was a protector, not a killer. After watching the humans run away, she turned back to the others. No need to fly away now, she said to the rest of the group. I doubt they'll be coming back, unless they have reinforcements. In that case, we'll see them long before they get here.
The Magnan and Tom Wilde The General watched needing to do nothing, with two dragons on his side, they may as well have been a thunderstorm. Unassailable. He was now after so long, able to fully recuperate, and really get an understanding of his problem. The Burnt are on their own, I'm in another damn dimension, and more importantly the warren of Vulk Grulain refuses to listen to me. I'm in control of it, but it's running scared. It's answers I need. I miss home. I do too, but I can't give you them, not yet, said Blade Edge bluntly. So much for your guidance, muttered the Magnan. I don't have a means to answer what has happened so far. But it's all drawing back to the orb. Get the Orb and just maybe we will have an understanding of all this, said Blade Edge. You make it sound easy. We got doppelgangers, I think that's what he is or something like that, and of course Dragons. We are OUTMATCHED. I would need to become Erif to stand a chance. And no I won't become him. We are just the underdogs. Don't worry I'll think of something, Blade then faded from his thoughts. Surveying the terror tactics used, he was impressed by Eslana's ability, but even so he did not doubt Taliza's power. They were dragons, ancient, and unyielding their voices could shatter anything. He only really understood the Black Dragon's tongue, his time of servitude, had brought into the contact with the Ascendant former emperor Syen Grunth the Magnan who could veer in many ways like Eslana. It was a complex language if he was honest. No need to fly away now, she said to them. I doubt they'll be coming back, unless they have reinforcements. In that case, we'll see them long before they get here. The Magnan nodded, aye, but after that demonstration, I doubt they will come back any time soon. --- The Black Widow, Shuttle #12 The low gravity was easily compensated for, Division Leader Wilde, and two other soldiers, were admittedly cramped in the small compartment, but very soon, they would touch down upon the surface. And be able to explore the region. Commander Tamara had been instructed to relay any communication through Wilde, in case ships got in contact. One of the soldiers, was looking out of the window, his attention, on figures, in the distance, two were massive. They were stuff of legend. In his mind, he prayed that the landing point was far away. Tom was busy calculating, as always, the possibilities of how friendly these people would be. He had lightly armed himself, dual quantum pistols, and a holster machine, that held automatic weapons on his back, the least he needed now, was a hostile engagement
The calling of the Children of the Flame 'I doubt they'll be coming back, unless they have reinforcements. In that case, we'll see them long before they get here.' An underground tremor rippled through the area, causing many of the humans who fled the dragon to stumble and fall. The silent stone golems abandoned by their fearful masters toppled, and the ground beneath them began to glow red hot while black smoke began to escape from the earth all around. Like hot wax the stones began to melt from the energy erupting beneath the golems. The earths shaking rumbling climaxed as a mound of black stone, still oozing with lava, erupted between the victorious dragons and the fleeing humans. What were once stone golems flowed as liquid lava to join the rivers the glided down the mound. When it rose the miniature volcano was empty, but without being seen there suddenly appeared a figure standing on the top of the fiery hill. His features were obscured by the distortion of heat vapors, that seemed most dense and turbulent around his body. But it was clear that the humanoid was tall, well over 2 meters, and scarcely garbed. Its broad masculine form stood silent and still as it faced the intruding band. “Will you join in the summoning of the pack, children of the flame?” The sudden voice was deep and resonant. As it spoke the creature gestured to the group with a large hand. Though the gesturing arm was thick and strong, the other limb, and indeed one of its legs were disproportionately thin. It was most apparent on the arm where the entire hand and arm up the shoulder appeared to be little more than a scraps of flesh clinging to long cruel bone. The figure stood still and silent waiting for a response. ------------------ After greeting the dark elves, Greywind gave a nod of silent communication to his companion the horse sized raven. Raef leapt to the skies, and soard over the ridge where it dropped abruptly in front of the soldier Atlas. The oversized bird squawked loudly and peered at him sideway, first with one eye, then the other as though it were puzzling over how to communicate with the man
Corporal James Farmer (Atlas) Atlas tried to reach for his rifle – which was floating a good few meters away from him – when he spotted the oversized raven-like creature heading towards him. In his situation however, the best he could do was wave his arms around uselessly. He wasn’t completely weightless under the effects of the strange defiance of gravity, but he was falling at what must have been a foot per minute. “Damn it all!” He stopped straining for his rifle, and decided to try and pull his sword from his back. But by the time he had gripped the handle; the bird had stopped, and was hovering a few feet away, staring at him intently. It let out a loud screech, startling him, but otherwise didn’t seem to be hostile. Although things like that had the tendency to change. “Whoa, now,” Atlas slowly put both of his hands out in front of him in a non-threatening pose. “Good birdy, don’t get any ideas.” The bird continued to stare at him and started flapping its wings more, as if it were growing impatient. Atlas watched it carefully, keeping his arms out. What the hell do I do now? Suddenly, the bird let out a frustrated squawk and flew up and out of view. Atlas tried to tilt his head over his shoulder to see it, but only managed to notice that a large shadow had blocked out what little sunlight there was. And two large clawed talons had embedded themselves into his army rucksack. “Hey!” Atlas called out in surprise, and tried to twist himself out of its grip. “Put me down you goddamn bird!” Instead, the raven soared off even higher into the sky than Atlas had been, seemingly unaffected by whatever was holding him up before. His attempts at releasing himself were futile. And even if he did, wouldn't he just fall if he were dropped? Where was the bird taking him? To its nest? “Well isn’t this just great?” spat Atlas.
