Original forum post by Silithus Zerr on November 17th, 2008
(I have to rather rush the chapters of the stories as I dont have much time, but hopefully this first chapter will give some insight as to where Kael came from. Or maybe it will just raise more questions.)
Chapter 1: Exhile
Exerpt of -A history of Feladan-
"House Sintherinon is a rather new addition to Feladan. The founder, Ser`Klin`uin Sintherinon, was an arch-mage of unknown background, and had fathered only one son in his life time, the elf Kaelisorei Sintherinon. As the acorn falls not far from the tree, Kaelisorei or Kaelis for short, took an immidiate liking to the path of the arcane. Showing an adeptness at an unheard of young age, he studied long under the tutelage of his father. However, as time passed and the other houses learned of the practices, and investigated them, father and son were accused of dabbling in forebidden lore the likes would not be tolerated in a society already besieged by the recent darkness of the blight. In an unprecedanted move, every house and even the high council moved to exhile house Sintherinon in much the same manner that the humans exhiled the ancestors of the fiends. For exactly what practice, however, remains a mystery. Perhaps House Sintherinon practiced blight magic in an attempt to subterfuge the other houses and gain influence? Or perhaps something even more bizarre.. As rumors abound of secret task forces of Sintherinon pilfering the isle of Draak for undead dragon souls, or strange ripples of magick being felt from within their secret rooms. It is even rumored that the founder of house Sintherinon himself was slain in an ill fated project. However, they shall not bring any more strangeness to an already beleagured Feladan as, the High council hopes, without their resources and in exhile, they will not have the capacity to continue their strange projects."
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Kaelis coughed, stopping for a moment as he walked along the path. The pack holding all his possessions was almost unbearably heavy, and it was beginning to wear him down. It had been a struggle to avoid the massive, lumbering treants on his way out of the outskirts of Feladan's forest, and he longed to simply set the pack down and rest. However, Harton valley was just over the steep, rocky hill, and he would be able to hopefully find a tavern. As he continued his journey, he scanned his feelings around being exhiled. He had always been aware of the suspicions surrounding himself and his father, but it hurt him that the still healing society of his kin had abandoned him so simply because of what his family was doing. "Let not the acorn of the corrupted oak spread its wilting roots into our soil." the high council member had said, and his influence had swayed the others.
"Well, I will show all of them.. Even my father."
The elf practically spit in bitterness, and he felt the familiar welling of arcane warmth swell within his chest.. The only comfort he had known, was the whispering voice of the arcane. It made him strong where else he was physically frail, it lent support to him regardless, and the arcane was almost like a soft spoken mentor to him. A mentor that could just as easily teach him to ignite an inferno around his enemies, as cost him his limbs if he made a mistake.
Caught up in his thoughts, Kaelisorei was surprised at the sudden appearance of Harton valley below him. He felt his legs shaking, the muscles weak with exhaustion and bruised where he had scraped them unknowingly on rocks and debris. His storm cloud colored eyes gazed down at the valley searchingly, until they found the merry light of a tavern's windows peering back, like embers in the slowly dimming light of near-dusk. Making his shaky way down the cliff towards the promise of a warm bed, he paid more attention, to keep from falling to his death.
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Patrons of the Harton Valley Whistle tavern, came of all shapes and sizes. Enterprising Satyr's spoke lividly with Elven merchants, even as a dwarf priest argued with a gnome on the strength of ale compared to that of the up and coming Hammer's rest festival of the dwarves. A minstrel sang racuously of dragons and battles of old in one corner, the Saris' voice a strong bass that occasionally clashed with that of the shouting Sslik tavernkeeper, who was trying to stop two humans from an all out brawl.
Kaelisorei welcomed the sight as he stepped in, the warmth and merriment helping to ease his mind of his recent troubles. Following the Sslik's advice, the two humans, quite drunk, stepped outside to settle their dispute, one quite rudely brushing Kaelis aside. Ignoring this, he strode confidantly, if somewhere wearily to the Sslik.
"I would like one room for the evening, and a bowl from the stewpot."
The Sslik eyed the Feladani silver pieces he had dropped on the counter with an expert eye, and apparently satisfied with his appraisal, dipped his head in a servants manner.
"Yess masster elf. Here is room-key, you have to twissst it like this as it iss slightly broken."
Handing him a key, and quickly ducking back to a pot sitting in front of the taverns hearth, the Sslik soon returned with a warm bowl of soup.
"Leave the bowl in the room. I am tired of.. sss.. having to replace them."
With that, Kaelisorei soon departed for his room, ignoring the blatant stares of the uncharacteristically silent elven merchants.
Opening his door the way the Sslik had mentioned, he groaned with delight at being able to finally drop his pack. Setting it in a corner of the small, decently furnished room, he sprawled out on the small bed and thought over his plans. He would make his way north to Kirasanct, a very long and dangerous journey, but the only place he knew of that would not discriminate against his work, but rather provide him the resources he needed. Several of his fathers schematics and books lay nestled safely in the pack, protected by wards that drew their strength from the surrounding energy of wildlife, and leaving Kaelis to worry more about their contents then their destruction by rain or sun. Unlacing his boots, he quietly summoned his wards, devoured his soup hungrily, and quickly fell asleep.
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Over several months, Kaelisorei journied. He encountered many other adventurers, even some of the famed gifted. Everything from ravenous wildlife to malicious undead stalked his footsteps, and in some cases outright attacked him, but his wards and his spells managed to give him enough time to escape. Vast plains and dense forests were the usual fare of travel, and the dense ration bread he had saved from his time in Feladan, and the occasional rain followed by the use of his water gathering skills provided the nourishment he needed to continue. At one point he even came across a major skirmish, as tides of undead crashed against a double line of elven spearmen, some twenty of them, their elaborately decorated shields providing the barrier for Withered Aegis of all variants to raise a din against. Meanwhile human sorcerers worked to break the minds of the undead Wraith masters, trying to cause enough of a disturbance so that the ranks of elven warriors could thrust forth with a hedge of deadly Aegis Bane enchanted spears.
The clash lasted only a short while, the undead's ranks thinning rapidly once the sorcerers had done their work and destroyed the wraiths. Approaching the recent battlefield, Kaelis hailed one of the humans and discovered that the great northern mountains were only a few days away, and without further ado, he continued his march towards Kirasanct.
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Cold. It seemed as if everything required a great deal of effort, and Kaelis was wearing down. It had been a week since he had entered the valley between the towering northern peaks, snow covering everything like a white mantle of silk. The road before him only moderately visible, all he could think was to put one foot in front of the other, and keep his ice resistance wards active to deflect the bone-chilling wind of the blizzard the roared around him. Stumbling, he thought he could see a light in the gloom ahead of him. Shouting, he seemed to catch the attention of a fiendish warrior, his ornate armor decorated with symbols Kaelis couldnt recognize. Laughing ghoulishly, the fiend approached him from what seemed to be a guardshack of pure molded obsidian.
"What have we here.. A rabbit the dire wolves forgot to drag home?"
The fiends voice seemed to grate against Kaelis, unnatural both because of his race and the fact Kaelis had not heard another voice in weeks.
"I.. Have come for.. Lodging, I have coin."
The words were a struggle, and he found he couldnt feel his fingers anymore.
"Psh, the only thing that matters is that you have coin. The gate is right bloody there, elf.. Or can you not reach it? Pfagh! Weak southerners can't handle the chill. At least-"
At this point Kaelisorei blacked out as the last of his energy was depleted by the ward, leaving him defenseless against the cold. As rarely fiends do, the guard took pity on the elf and easily carried him inside the massive gate of the fortress city of Kirasanct. After all, he might be generous with a little bit of that coin.
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Kaelisorei woke in a strange, blue tinged room decorated with scrimshaw set aside in small alcoves. His bed was made of more of the shaped obsidian that seemed to be the mainstay of this place, padded by a luxurious silken bedspread. He noticed his coin pouch and his pack, the coin pouch noticably smaller. Getting up and washing himself, he checked for frostbite but thankfully had been fortunate enough to avoid that kind of damage. The packs more valuable contents had defended themselves as well.
Getting dressed, he left the room and went to explore. High above him, elegant panes of blue glass glittered as they arched dome-like, protecting the great hall from the storm of ice outside. He sensed that they were of magical nature, and would on a warmer day, fade. All around him, shaped obsidian curved in extravagant patterns to form doorways, rooms, and stairwells. Solemn, dour face fiends patrolled, some of the famed Reaver's of Moraven ensuring the peace amidst the bustle of faces, some of other races but mostly those of the commonfolk of Kirasanct, even some fiendish children.
Noticing him, a nearby fiend approached, an imposing figure wearing an elegant black cloak, his horns protruding from where they punctured his hood. Seemingly human-like in every manner except blue tinged skin, horns, and tail, his warm smile was enough to send a chill through Kaelisorei.
"Ah, Kaelisorei.. I have expected you. We of the sorcerer's sect spoke regularly with your father. You have my assurances, that should you prove yourself worthy, we will support your research. Already, there is a workshop set aside for you in the depths of great Kirasanct.."
Returning the smile, knowing full well who he spoke with as he had often overheard his fathers conversations with the fiend. Everything was going to work out just fine.
(This is the actual event that happened.)
The fiends of Kirasanct wondered at the odd duo, a large black dragon covered in teal tigerstripe, and the much smaller figure of a humanoid mage. The mage was wearing a Red Dragon Mask that seemed to be almost snarling at any viewers daring to look upon it, and elven eyes the color of storm clouds gazed outward like twin windows to a lost soul. Approaching the fiendish shrine, the fiends kept a safe, curious distance as they watched. No one thought to wonder at the duo's purpose, but all could sense the heavy veil of magic in the air. Rather, one of the fiends present had the mind to pull out a very rare, blank memory crystal. Holding it carefully, he watched events as they proceeded..
(Log)
Hraefn is fixated by the voice and her gaze snaps immediately to it. Staring unflinchingly at the source of the sound, she places a palm on the ground as if to near it. Only her willpower keeps her from moving any further.,
Kaelisorei suddenly winces. "Hraefn, the ward.. Its running thin. This voice will disrupt my casting if you dont focus.." slowly the picture within the cicle of flames becomes more descriptive. You look through as if looking through a window into a neverending blaze of molten rock, flames without end, and massive flaming shapes.. One of them seems to be moving closer, curious.
Hraefn shakes her head and quickly recasts the spell, focusing less on the voice and and details and keeping her attention on the spell.
Kaelisorei satisfied, he looks through the small portal, and more easily ignores the voice. Leaning forward, he focuses on the flaming spirit, calling on the flame elements once more.. They tear forth from his palms in the shape of claws, gripping the spirit and dragging it closer.
Kaelisorei intense heat radiates from the portal, a sheen of ice apparently shielding both from the incredible energy of the plane and holding the portal open.
Kaelisorei strains, and you hear a soft keel come from the trapped spirit.. Its voice calls in that of all hatchlings in pain, beckoning for aid before Kael drags it through the portal.. Fire erupting forth and diverting around both participants.. Kael shouts in shock at the energy drained from his body as he battles the spirit, trying to force it within the Diamond.
Hraefn worries for the spirit for a moment, it's cry striking her maternal instincts to protect and help it. Her focus on the spell wanes slightly, but it is quickly restored as she sees Kael's struggle.
Kaelisorei Hraefn's aid couldnt have been more important at that time.. Reinforced by the primal ward, he manages divert the spirit and siphon it into the black crystal behind the portal.. before it laser's down and fills the Diamond with a radiant, pure light.. Satisfied, Kael returns his gaze to the portal, an prepares to shut it.. But.. "What is that.."
Hraefn raises a brow in question to his. Looking to the portal, she squints to see what he's looking at
Kaelisorei curses, immidiately ordering the flame elements to disengage. They seem sluggish, and as he works feverishly to shut the gate, a massive, looming face gathers form.. And the humming intensifies immensely.. Twin baleful eyes gaze at the tiny portal, and you hear a voice.. -What has happened here- resounds in both of their minds.
Hraefn , startled by the voice, recoils slightly and stands. Guessing what and who that image might be, she is unable to respond- or unwilling. She simply looks toward it, a slight fear cuasing her spine to tingle, but little more. It is respect and surprise that hold her still and silent.
Kaelisorei shouts out in pain as tendrils of will snake out of the portal twisting and warping at invisible wards.. the circle at his feet flares into life, glowing deep crimson. At first a tendril seeks Hraefn as well, but as if sensing her intentions, it diverts and joins the rest in their attack. It is all Kaelis can do, to resist, but his wards being to fail rapidly.
Kaelisorei says, 'Hraefn.. Anything you can do to help.. Anything at all.. *His voice is very distant, and pained as you realize his mask is burning into his face from the ferocity of the attack.'
Hraefn Seeing the trouble and the pain these tendrils are causing, her respectful stance fails and she recasts the wards. Not waiting to see if theis helps, she quickly imbues her hands and teeth with primal and sarts trying to rip the tendrils away from the elf, a protective growl emenating from her throat..
Kaelisorei momentarily distracted, the looming face focuses on Hraefn. -Why..- Seems to resonate within your mind, you feel traces of sorrow and anger, and what seems like a fathers love. Kaelis seems to be casting something, but for now you are givin an oppurtunity to feel a vast intelligence probe at your mind..
Hraefn while she can, she responds to the question with a tear and her own mental explanation: -I.. I'm not sure-. Even so, she feels regret for her actions while at the same time feeling an overwhelming need to protect the elf and his work. Her mind is in a frenzy, but still she rips at the tendrils to allow Kaelis his moment of casting.
Kaelisorei seems almost delirious.. The extended fury of the great mind along with the immense pain, perhaps disloding him.. He growls in an almost feral manner, and calling upon the ice elements, he scythes through the magick keeping the portal open.. As it slowly begins to shrink, the great face roars with rage and rushes forth.. A great mouth opening, fangs of flame flickering.
Hraefn shifts into her ancient form, effectively shielding Kaelisorei from any birst of heat of flame or primal that might yet erupt from the slimming portal. Fangs barred ferociously and ice building in the back of her throat, she soots a jet of cold, stinging ice breath into the portal. The breath is so focused and intense, that it would have shattered the crystal behind the portal if there had +
nothing standing between the stone and the dragon.
Kaelisorei cries out in relief, as the last vestiges of mind tendril leave him.. groaning softly, not even aware of the incredible burst of heat your wing shields him from. Your breath of ice deflects the worst of the intensity however, and the last thing that is heard before the portal winks out of existance is.. -My Son-
Hraefn sighs heavily as the portal dissipates and steps back from the site. Shaking her wing gently to cool it from the heat build up, she looks down at the elf, her single eye appearing worried and weary. "Are you alright?"
Kaelisorei gently touches the enchanted mask on his face with trembling fingers, smoke gently rising like wisp-tendrils. "My.. face.. Did we succeed?"
Hraefn says, 'I don't know. But, your face..? -She lowers her head and tries to inspect it, but her visions is hazed by heat and water, she can not see details easily at the moment.-'
Kaelisorei says, 'The mask, it is burned on.. Agh. *Stops touching it, very carefully turning his gaze this way and that, testing* It was enchanted to protect me from binding will, and the intense brightness of the plane of fire.. I dont have the lenses dragon eyes do.'
Kaelisorei his voice seems muffled, as if his lips are burned and it is painful to talk.
[Hraefn churrs softly, the sound meant to comfort, though an elf might mistake it for a growl. Lifting her chest and forelimbs, she teeters on her huanches for a moment then balances and begins the casting of her strongest breeze spell, followed by a primal health placed on Kaelisorei. It's worth the try, even if it doesn't seperate the mask from his skin, it might ease the pain.
Hraefn began casting Quickening Breeze V of Purifying.
Hraefn cast Quickening Breeze V of Purifying.
Hraefn cast Quick Primal Health V of Purifying on you.
Kaelisorei heaves a sigh of relief.. Though you get the sense that the damage inflicted on him wont heal easily. "Alright.. Lets see how things turned out." He gets up, and looks down at the shining Diamond
Hraefn began casting Quick Primal Health V of Purifying on you.
Kaelisorei reaches out and tentively grasps it, the surface soft and warm in his gloved palm.
Hraefn casts another breeze to backup the first, then blinks in an effort to clear her eye and watches his movements.
Hraefn began casting Quickening Breeze V of Purifying.
Hraefn cast Quickening Breeze V of Purifying.
Hraefn settles on her stomach, still watching. Her mind is rather distant though. The fact that she defied her god - at least, she's quite certain it was Drulkar - she's left feeling stunned and confused and tired. Most of all, she's wondering just how she'll make it up to the deity.
Kaelisorei after pouring every last bit, he stoppers the phial and stows it away. Taking the diamond, he penetrates the ovoid and lets the glowing gem settle amidst the sphere of blood that pooled in the center.
Kaelisorei as his hand leaves the egg, no residue stays with him. The ovoid immidiately settles and the outer surface becomes opaque, solidifying. It seems to turn a deep crimson in color, energy swirling within. "It wont be long, but we must find a more protected location then this."
Kaelisorei says, 'I dont think I have any more energy to transport it.. *Slumps with exhaustion*'
Hraefn says, 'I have a chamber ready in my lair. We can take it - I can take it there. -As she slumps, she fixes her sentence, thus the break in wording.-'
Kaelisorei says, 'I have to come as well, to finish some things. Where is your lair? *Takes heart in the sucess, and finds the will to stand up, albeit shakily*'
Hraefn says, 'South of the silver golems, remember? I can meet you outside it's entrance, at Selen, or at Chicons. Up to you.'
Kaelisorei says, 'Right.. I will meet you in Chiconis then.'
Kaelisorei with this, he manages a recall.
At the Chiconis pad, the two converse.
Hraefn says, 'When you are ready, we shall begin the trek. If need be, I can carry you.'
Kaelisorei says, 'That may be necessary if it is a long trek. *Tired, he doesnt bother to think of the implications of riding a dragon*'
Hraefn nods gently, slightly resenting her invitation, but knowing it's necessary. "Go ahead and get on now. It's some distance from this location."
Hraefn lowering herself, she extends a wing whic can be used as a ramp to her back.
Kaelisorei looks up, and uses fickle hand holds to climb up the wing, settling onto the location just ahead of the wing-shoulders, and using a fin spike as a handhold.
securely, she starts off, keeping on her feet for this journey in case he might faint and slip from his perch.
Hraefn says, 'Off we go then.'
Hraefn says, 'Hold on now, we're in for a bit of a glide.'
Kaelisorei grips the fin spike tightly, and nods.
Hraefn says, 'Here we are.'
Hraefn lowers herself again to allow him to the ground.
Kaelisorei looks quite impressed by the grand hall, before ducking as they enter the chamber. Sliding off her back, he grunts.
Hraefn says, 'Feeling any better?'
Kaelisorei says, 'Aye, a little. I think the breeze's helped. Now then..'
And with that, the elf Kaelisorei passed out. The dragon Hraefn watched carefully over both him and the egg, the ovoid visibly growing by the minute. Soon it would hatch.. And fulfill whatever destiny it had before it, or perhaps fall beneath the weight of the world. With this, the fiend that followed them so far to record the event, quickly took his leave before the dragon or the elf sensed his presence, troubled by what the crystal in his hand had recorded.
(If there is an error, I apologize. Rather, credit for this is split between Hraefn and I, or rather Kaelisorei.)
