dev 14 - energy of dragon

The Northern Mountains of Esshar holds within it paths less traveled by far for many years. Rumors of powerful monsters and beasties inhabiting these areas, drive caravans from using them out of fear alone, making the assumption of the lurking threats ever more immement.

It mattered little to this daring group of magi and demon alike working together to uncover the past and follow a lead that they believed would lead them to meet a Dragon!

In their travels, the group would find themselves scaling hillside and skipping along rocks over a riverbed alike moving forward. Through dense brush of forest then across great lengths of plateau. The wondrous sights of Esshar sat below in all its glory, seemingly at peace from afar.

Yet there was more danger up here than they’d bargain for from the beginning!

Atop this lengthy plateau full of tall grass was the home of a pack of dire wolves. Practical observations would point to their faint tracks on the ground below. It was too late for the group to think about turning back now. Aside from being days into their exploration, the sky’s gave way to a shadow in the clouds. What would be on display for them above was a large form with beating wings soaring due further north-east, but that’s where the Wolf tracks directed them as well. It seemed all signs pointed to follow them should they want to investigate!
[Narrate]

How quaint..

For while the expected the travel to be harsh, it isn't something that would put him off too much- perhaps, it is simply a consequence of his demonic resilience, or perhaps the stamina born to the darker magics, to the curse of First Supreme Witch, and yet.. he finds himself hardly exhausted at all.

And even if he does feel slightest fatigue, the shadows are quick to carry him.

Yet, when he sees the gigantic form in the skies, far off with its wings beating.. there's only a smile- after all, it would only mean that they don't have to spend whole days, or even weeks, trying to search for the creature.. and instead, the lead that they initially had upon it was actually correct.

"Good. We won't have to waste time."

The presence of direwolves hardly concerns the demon, for he was already fully aware this area would likely frequent beasts of different kinds.. and certainly they could be dangerous. Though.. there's but one word spoken.

"We should move."

"No point beating around the bush and staying around here."
(Senevál)

It wouldn’t be long, about a few hours, until the tracks led the group to a clearing of boulders used to scale the cliffside onto higher grounds. Suddenly a boasting howl bellowed their vicinity as those dire wolves made their presence known. By the dozens, these ferocious canines climbed atop the boulders and growled down to those trespassing their territory.

Hidden within the tall grass surrounding them, they moved without restriction. The swishing sounds of the brush and pattern of their paws encircled the group. Quick decisions would be required as they were caught in the pack’s ambush!

The wolves all hopped down from the boulders to join the rest and then from the grass they jumped up to pounce. Look out!
[Narrate]

Hours upon hours.

In truth, this was perhaps the least enticing part for Senevál.. for if he had it his way, they would simply jump straight into action and get to the Dragon as soon as possible- but he understands that they're elusive creatures, often unable to be found so easily. At least, not yet..

And instead, with the howl heard, he already knows what would commence.

"Ah.. first adversary."

"Mere dogs. Though, I suppose they could make for an interesting feast.. what do you think, Halidrell?"

A single glance is given to another familiar demon, and yet.. already he finds himself steadily being coated in the shadows, the glimmer of crimson in his eye signifying the preparation of the ascended Demon. Here, it becomes rather evident..

They would not leave without a fight. But would he even have it any other way? Of course not..

"Come, beasts."

"You better have tasteful flesh."
(Senevál)

They came. They swarmed. The wolves were defeated!...but not after a arduous battle on both sides.

 Seneval found himself swarmed by the wolves and gnawed on like a chew toy! He suffered flesh wounds from the canines teeth on most of his appendages.

Abaddon himself was dragged away by the larger alpha of the pack and slammed around while doing so. He was shaken around and jarred amidst the fight! Teeth ripped into his abdomen and tore skin and flesh away. He would come back likely irritated and the worst for wear.

A’Neje succumbed to the packs attunement over wind magic! The slicing winds he fought against left slashes on their dapper attire. They were turned into a poor man's pipedream of rag. Underneath he would feel the sting of the slices that pierced his frame.

Halidrell was met by a wolf that used advanced air magic and was shocked to her core. The lasting effects would make her twitch sporadically.

Lavinia would suffer the bellowing howl of the pack. From behind the cascade of a growling awoo reverberated their core and made their ears ring!

Ryu found her tail chomped down on by some of the pack and dragged her around. Comical really, thankfully the rest of the group saved her, but her tail was still ripped into!

It was still a damned quick and responsive defense on the groups part. The remnants of the dire wolves fleeting gave away the path forward up the cliffside in their wake to get away.

After a quick assessment of their conditions themselves, should the group desire to follow where their canine assailants fled they would learn the lands easier to travel.

As this motley crew ascended through the path used by the dire wolves, they left behind them the scars of battle on the land. Over time, the land would recover thankfully.
[Narrate]

Were these guardians?

It is the only thing that he could think of.. if only due to the fact that these wolves were most unusual for the fact that they were not only this powerful, but they wielded magic as well; while he finds himself dodging their hits time and time again, evading amidst the shadows and the defenses of the dark that he was capable of..

There's only so much that he can do.

If only because of the fact that there are so many.. for he might evade one, two, even three.. but with more wolves lunging upon him, he finds himself swiftly overwhelmed, the wolves gnawing upon his appendages- the pain doesn't seem to get at the Demon too much, if only because he's a creature inhuman on his own accord, and instead..

"Ahah.. we're playing this way?"

There's so much blood. As much as the pain seems to be something he can ignore for the most part, it's difficult to deny the damage that is already done to his body- yet, suddenly, Senevál sinks into ground, promptly vanishing into shadows. And where his form disappears..

There are blackened threads, sprawling across entirety of ground.

The wolves that were onto Senevál find themselves stuck on the webbing; even if it's temporary, it is still enough for Senevál to respond- for what emerges from the shadows could hardly be called anything human, anything normal.

It's a giant spider emerging, hissing out.

"My turn."

It lunges forth- fangs drawing into flesh of the nearest wolves, and the powerful eight arms used to rip and rend apart their flesh; using the fact that they're stuck, they're handled one at a time, the Occultic magic seeping into their very essence- so much so that they're drained entirely..

And only husks are left behind.
Their lifeforce, their strength - given to Senevál.

Eventually, there's a shift back- back to his normal self, yet now coated in blood and grime alike; he wipes upon his lips, satisfied with the feast that was had.

"Ah."

"Not exactly satisfying.. but it will have to do."
(Senevál)

Following the paths along the rocky surfaces up along the side of the cliff, the group would notice some vague differences in some rocks. They were carved and on their faces held designs that mankind were capable of creating. Some of these depicted the half shifting form of Drakanites and besides them their larger counterparts. These were only some of the remnants of some ruins toppled over the edge.

As they climbed higher and made it over the edge, they may stop in awe as some structures of ruins were still erect before them. A few were still whole buildings, of course in their decrepit state. IT would be unwise for them to enter some of these buildings, but the hearts of adventurers truly wished to uncover all mysteries, did it not?

It was up to each of them to decide how they would explore the ruins in front of them. A shack to their left built of wood and creaking with just a gust of wind. Should some look to their right they would find the stone masonry of a parthenon. Within was the statue of Ryujin, the creator of the Drakanite race!
[Narrate]

"Hm, hm.."

Cleansing himself during the process of exploration, he merely looks at the options present before them, though.. already does he understand but one thing - the shadows were on his side, and this could be solved with the trickery, albeit, at least partially. When he considers this, there's one idea.

"Ah, no need.."

"Let us see if something of my own returns, yes?"

Already Senevál spurns out shadowy spiders from his hands, tied to his hands via blackened threads on the fingertips- the shadowy spiders are made to go on and scout ahead, creatures of magic summoned to check ahead.

"These can speak to me, if they've seen anything.." There's but a smile on his face, but..

"Go, go little ones.. do tell me if you see anything, hm?"

And if they do not return - then there's clearly danger ahead. Still.. as far as the spiders made out of shadows walk, the blackened threads lead towards them.

A clever trick to 'track back' the path they make, so that they can follow, provided the path is found.
(Senevál)

The spiders that entered the shack would not be met with any threat. It was a abandoned old building that had seen better times. Relics of the past littered the floor. Perhaps of those that belonged whoever lived there.

Those spiders at Seneval's behest that went into the Parthenon? They would see a somewhat stable stone masonry that had been met with the fate of time. Worn paintings and crumbling statues placed all around. A place of worship and history.
[Narrate]

"Mm. Do take a look around, Halidrell."

Though, when he finds it that the shadowy spiders only find relics of the old.. the blackened threads are spurned once more, commanding them to drag whatever it is they found back here - perhaps, there's something of interest.. or perhaps there's some junk.

Or perhaps there's a clue as to what could be waiting for them ahead. Who knows?

Nonetheless, already he proceeds to head towards Parthenon, carefully so- the Spider's senses are, after all, honed to great precision; but as much as there's caution in his movement, he understands that waiting too long in a single place will simply do nothing at all.

So instead.. he begins to look at the worn paintings, the crumbling statues ahead; what he imagines is that this is a place of worship for the Dragon, and there's a clue in his mind that sparks up.

"Mm.."

"The dragon likely had a cult around here - and perhaps, he could confuse us for his cultists, or instead, enemies of the cult. I'd imagine that it may expect a gift, an offering of sort."

"Search around, the lot of you. We'll likely need an offering to avoid battling the dragon.. unless you prefer to battle it?"

"I don't mind though, yes.. but better that way, hm?"

Still, even as he walks about.. the scouting never truly ends, shadowy spiders sent even further ahead - all while he walks on his own.

Who knows? Maybe something else will be found while they advance.
(Senevál)

[THE PARTY WAS GETTING RANDOM LOOT/ OTHER STUFF HERE]

[POSTS SKIPPED]

The group exited to find themselves with yet another remnant of the ruins that had been left behind.

For those who entered the parthenon next would find history, carved and painted along the walls. While the blue dragon, Ryujin sat in their inanimate glory dead center of the structure, the walls told a story of the first Drakanite.

From the south-western part of the room, going clockwise it would be depicted.

Green Dragon’s rained down fire as spears and arrows flew up to combat one another. There was terror on both sides with many losses. A sun passed and set then arose a new one in wake of a child approaching one. In their hand was an offering of food to none other than a blue dragon, Ryujin.

The blue dragon accepted such offering and in the next depiction along the walls would display a claw of Ryujin meeting the boy's person. A flash of light was then drawn between sets of paintings and in the next, the boy had sprouted into the half shifting form Eternia knew today as Drakanites. What came after were slightly small forms similar to the first drakanite. These were the first children! Scaley boy got it on.
[Narrate]

It had to be the history.

When Senevál observes the depictions, he can't help but tilt his head- as much as the kingdom of Atrellya was a distant land to many, full of bygones for it was mostly inhabited by the demons.. it doesn't mean that they were unaware of the history as a whole - and most certainly not the origins.

"Hm."

"The first Drakanite."

A single mutter under his breath, but.. already he has an idea- while it may be false, of course, there's something that causes him to think of entirely something else.

And he did have provision upon him, did he not?

With that said.. Senevál approaches towards the statue of Ryujin, if only to extend the preserved meat towards him- an offering of food, of course.. for perhaps he's used to the fact that Atrellya is filled with bizarre dungeons and castles with such intricate puzzles..

Maybe this here is the case too.

"This is for you."

Mere words, and yet he stands out with the offering of food. How quaint..
(Senevál)

The building was nothing more than a museum hosting the history of the people who once remained in this land. Around them would be the remants and nothing more. The statue in front of Seneval would not react to such an offering, as quaint a gesture as it was. Yet it was not in vain! There was beside the statue brazziers to accept such offerings, yet the copper was tarnished. This place could well be over centuries old.

Before them was simply a scaled down imagine of the Dragon whom once created the first Drakanite, as depicted on the walls around them. The resemblance made it quite clear. This was a statue erected directly in Ryujin's image.
[Narrate]

"I expected enchanted statue. I suppose they didn't really go that route.."

Though, Senevál understands that this could be the opportunity for the lot of them to study the place such as this- as such, there's no interruption that follows to the likes of Ryu and Lavinia, understanding that they could potentially like to explore further.

"You can take a look around if you wish so."

"We'll continue moving forward after that.. as I don't think there's much to do around here."
(Senevál)

All seemed well for the group. History was depicted for them to observe and those akin to the dragons present may have found solace in discovering a place of their own history. Though it was not all in good signs. The place was worn down and very much ready to crumble. Rubble fell in their wake as they disturbed the ancient ruins.

All would be well at the same time, had they not drawn the attention of the lands guardian.

From above soared down a grand winged beast. Certainly as their hopes had been raised through this adventure, they would discover that a dragon frequented the land! It came down overhead and with a great flap of their wings extreme winds would jar the groups attire and kick up dust.

The Dragon was dark in color and certainly scaley once it was seen up close. The scales under its maw were extended to give it the look of a goatee. Though one thing was left uncertain, what was the Dragon intending to do and why was it here? Just how old was it?

These questions and more would be answered as the dragon made its descent and landed outside of the parthenon. Would the group approach?
[Narrate]

As expected.

Though.. as Senevál observes the dragon's descent right outside of the Parthenon, there's an evident smile upon his countenance, if only due to how much intriguing he finds this. He also knows that not all dragons are capable of speaking human tongue, not by a long shot.. and that the lot of them tend to respect Demonkind.

If only because of the fact that Demons can communicate with them in telepathy.

It is precisely what Senevál intends to do when he makes his approach. He comes close, closer.. until yet another portion of offering is extended towards the dragon- preserved, albeit well cooked meat, one that could surely be considered a treat. It is given in non-hostile gesture, one that signifies that the Demon isn't here to actually harm the Dragon.

Unless, of course, there's a challenge in place to be had- still, the message is spoken in telepathy.

"Greetings. You are a guardian of this place, yes?"

"I come with several Drakanites with myself. I believe they wish to speak to you."

The message is directly transferred into Dragon's mind via telepathy- to the outsiders, however, he's entirely silent, merely looking up at the winged creature.
(Senevál)

Once the group exited the parthenon and approached the Dragon, Flayre, the majestic immortal would perch himself up on his hind legs and flapped his wings at them! Ferocious winds battered over them once more. It picked up dust and even rubble to be tossed around and blown off the cliffside.

Flayre was roughly twenty feet tall and as dark as the night. They exhaled fire as a norm and with slit iris they eyed those in front of him. He was overly cautious and otherwise feeling offended.This was the dragon’s land, so they were met with hostility!

A voice rang back in telepathy to those akin to it. Unfocused and only reaching those with the similar affinity for it.

‘You dare tread these lands of the forgotten?! Begone you wretched virus of the world!’

Their own personal strife in the world interfered with the attempt to be sated. Eternia had been cruel to this one. It was evident by the scars on his underbelly and such spots of his scales had been ruptured. This Dragon had seen war.

‘Staaaay Away!’

Claws came sweeping around towards the group, scattering them and scarring the earth. Then his fiery breath scorched the land around them. It’s been so long since they have seen anyone else up here that the dragon simply wished to preserve what remnants had been left behind….

It mattered not to him at the moment who they were. Flayre treasured this place. The attempt at a peaceful approach by Seneval was in vain...for now.
[Narrate]

"Ah."

Truthfully, he didn't expect the Dragon to be all that peaceful.. for the fact that it's all alone here, it is safe to assume that either something happened to the cult, or instead it had devoured those that worshipped it- although, despite all that, there's only a smile on his face.

And another message of telepathy.

"We've come in peace and with respect, Dragon.."

"But if you end up defeated? You will be the one showing respect to us."

Might is right. That is the philosophy that Demonkind followed- and if they were to best it, then the Dragon would have to submit to their demands, lest it would die instead. Though.. it is unwise to try and 'share the hide' of a beast that you haven't killed yet - so before them, there's a trial.

A major one.

"Prepare yourselves. This one does not wish to speak."

The shadows already cloak the Spider, and already the tormenting presence of Occult reaches out- one intended to grasp at the Dragon's very essence, to feast upon something so grand. After all, it decided to attack it..

Surely it doesn't mind to give up some of its energy in return for such transgression?
(Senevál)


Seneval was caught slacking with his mouth open and some fiery ember burned his tongue! It was only minor thankfully. Imagine the hoshashasha of overheated food.

Flayre’s spike tail bashed into A’Neje with impaled his leg then dragged him around for some duration until he was launched at some point or another to continue fighting!

Halidrell’s face was met with a gruesome hot fiyabol and dehydrated their face. They would look shriveled up for some time like an old person.

Lavinia’s own tail rested on the scorching ground while it was lit aflame and it suffered third degree burns…

Ryu was picked up like a princess….or prince in this case and squeezed in Flayre’s hand for most of the fight. Towards the end they were thrown like a boulder at Abaddon

Abbadon felt his insides heat up during the intense bursts of fire that overcame him! Thankfully the fire also singed his previous injuries to stop the bleeding. He would be suffering from hot flashes for a few months. They also had Ryu thrown at them like a ragdoll and they both collided!

Flayre’s anger had been quelled for the time being, but was far from defeated. A chip on his fang evident as it fell to the floor before him as a result of the battle. Those who stood before him fought with a purpose, yet those of his kin also made noteworthy. Slit irises would look onto Ryu and Lavinia as the dragon dropped to his posterior.

A voice would reach out to the two and in tandem to the demons present to pick up such forms of telepathy. Anyone else un-kin or not of the otherworldly would be left in the dark.

“What is it you seek returning to this place? Long abandoned and forgotten. Much like all of history. Much like myself.

Their wings would beat once more for the other frivolous beings in front of them. Their head would also pick up and look to the sky. It seemed the dragon was ready to depart at any time.

“Be quick about it. I’ve come to disengage from here after resting my wings.
[Narrate]

It becomes terribly difficult to oppose this.

For one thing is certain, Dragons are most definitely made out of entirely something else, something which wasn't exactly feasible for even the mightiest magi to easily match; if anything, he imagines that such endeavour would be one to be remembered.. for who else could actually say that they fought a dragon in such manner?

Still..

With the flow of the dark across the field, with the constant assault of shadows and more.. Senevál finds it in himself to stick upon the dragon at the most opportune times, striking out against the spots that he deems vulnerable; perhaps, those surroundings the scars and those that were wounds of the old.

All to bring it down.

For there would be no quarter given until the Dragon is made to fall and give up on his attempts of fighting; yet, in the most bizarre fashion, he finds the tongue of his own burned, of all things.. perhaps amidst the heaved breaths and exhaustion that was settling in during combat.

In the end, they made it, did they not? The telepathy stretches towards the Dragon once it's brought down, speaking out.

"--Your essence, Dragon."

"You disrespected us by assuming we are offenders. You disrespected us, assuming that we're here to bring about ruination. But you forget one rule."

"Might is right - and you lost. Surrender part of your energy, and I will let you go. Or else, try your luck of fighting again when you've been brought down already."

A huff. It seems, in such rare times.. the usually cold-blooded Spider looks agitated- and sounds agitated too, with the voice echoing in Dragon's mind.

"The others wanted to speak to you."

"But I await my payment for your transgression."
(Senevál)

Flayre was brought down by the force of enhanced gravity! The likely of which weighed heavily on the Dragon. They were forced to a standstill. How humiliating this old dragon felt!

Thrice asked for essence and such a thing percieved by lesser beings to Flayre meant little to them. A shining light emitted from the dragon and pierced through each of Seneval, Halidrell and Abaddon. The first of which settled for simply that. After all, the immortal was abundant in the stuff.

Fighting the force of gravity as they quickly recovered, like immortal beings do, Flayre sat up on their rear and looked down on the creatures before them. A voice ringing out those akin and attuned to such spells like telepathy.

"I am a far-cry from the great Ryujin young drakanite, however I will entertain your questions then take my leave."

"You wish to soar the skies with your kin, but I sense you do not know what it means. We do not hide, it is us who take to the skies for weeks on end without fatigue. Consider yourself lucky I grew tired and landed to rest."

"Your forms are lacking the purity of your blood young Drakanites. Your ancestors mated with that not of your kind and thus, your lineage fell from the pureblooded kin you see before you."

"The people here have long since migrated. Left Mu' as a whole and sought solace in a land less plagued by war. These ruins are centuries old. IT would be wise to study them while you can."

The fang that fell to Flayre's claws was pinched up and dropped beside Ryu. A parting gift? Though he was amused at the nymph Drakanite's attempt to fight their hand.

"To answer the final question. I do not know where Lord Ryujin is. Nor is it of concern to go looking for them, for your betterment. You are who you are, and that is what is important."
[Narrate]

The essence of immortality.

When the Dragon pushed the gateway for such a thing, it was quick to be accepted by the Demon, if only because of how intoxicating he knew it could be.. and where it's offered in such manner, the Occultism was readily swelling in the entirety of the area, ingested by the Demon in rather greedy manner.

His hands extend forth to the flow, basking in the offering.

One upon which the energy of the Dragon is given unto him. The lifeforce, the essence of another.. it was far too much to simply pass up in such manner; where the shadows swirl and flicker around him with the essence stolen, there's an evident smile painted over Senevál's face as that happens..

If only for the remnants of such essence to settle within him.

To an extend, it is entirely different experience of its own, one that could almost prove to be addicting, but.. Senevál doesn't let up- the payment has been done, and he sees no reason to pursue any further. Besides.. it allowed him to gain insight upon such intricate workings, did it not?

"Good.."

"I have no further quarrel with you."

With dues being paid.. now it would only be up to the others to finish whatever else they desired.

Soon enough, they would be leaving.
(Senevál)