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Post by Neo on Mar 26, 2014 11:11:44 GMT -6
Welcome, one and all, to the greatest story ever told! I am your humble host, Neo, and this my friends, is the long awaited return of UB! For those of you who are new to Asgard, I will post a few links detailing the previous journeys of Trail and Co. The Unnecessary Balance I: www.gamefaqs.com/boards/643003-fire-emblem-awakening/66054268The Unnecessary Balance II: www.gamefaqs.com/boards/643003-fire-emblem-awakening/66149423The Unnecessary Balance III: www.gamefaqs.com/boards/643003-fire-emblem-awakening/66264314The Unnecessary Balance IV: www.gamefaqs.com/boards/643003-fire-emblem-awakening/66369711The Unnecessary Balance V: www.gamefaqs.com/boards/643003-fire-emblem-awakening/66605491The Unnecessary Balance VI: www.gamefaqs.com/boards/643003-fire-emblem-awakening/67037415So there you have it! As for all my long time readers and friends, I'm sure you remember where we left off, no? It was a pretty memorable scene, if I do say so myself. In order to account for the possibility of new readers, I'm going to post a summary of the events so far and a list of the main characters we've encountered so far. So, without further ado, I'm gonna finish my lunch and get started!!! |
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Post by Neo on Mar 26, 2014 12:42:40 GMT -6
The world of Asgard. A land of extremes, of lush forests and ancient deserts, where gods still walk the earth. Giants and titans still roam the mountains. Dragons rule over the skies, and creatures better left nameless lurk in the dark. It is a world torn straight from the pages of myth and lore, a world constantly embroiled in the fires of war. The southern hemisphere is dominated by a vast archipelago and harsh seas, home to volcanoes and savages, ancient ruins and even older tribes, and untold secrets. Scattered across the Sea of Storms, the Na'am Archipelago has been both a legendary curse and a welcoming haven to sailors throughout history. North of this infamous sea is another page in the Atlas of Asgard, the largest continent in the world, known only as 'The Mainland'. The Mainland looms over the rest of the world like a lighthouse over a darkened sea, like a castle of granite over a farmer's hut. It is both the center of power in Asgard, and a beacon to all peoples across the globe. Three giant superpowers vie for dominance amidst this ever changing landscape. First is the Kingdom of Midgard, a bastion of prosperity and commerce. Second is the Theocracy of Grancelia, stronghold of worship and knowledge. Last is perhaps the greatest of all: the Empire of Drakia, an Empire that rules the entire northern mainland with both an iron fist and benevolent law. Far, far to the north of Drakia, beyond the Glacial Sea and icy peaks, is a land of eternal snow: the continent of Jotunheim, home to the People of the Gray and governed by the mighty Frost Giants. According to legend, here in this white prison, a single black tower juts out into the sky. A tower on the edge of Jotunheim, well beyond even the briefest trace of civilization, a tower said to mark the Edge of the World. To the east of the Mainland lies a cold and dark land, enshrouded in everlasting fog and old secrets. It is a land of dark intentions and of lost dreams. It is a continent forgotten by time. Even further eastward, far past the borders of this forbidden place, another continent supposedly exists. But who can truly say? For no sailor has ever ventured past the Sea of Fog and returned. Here, in this mystical world of Asgard, is where our story begins. Or, more precisely, it begins in a small cabin in the woods. It begins on the Mainland.
Enter the hero of the story. Trail, a manakete nearly two millennia old. Cut off from the outside world by tragedy and thick trees, he lives out his life as a hermit, until one fateful stroll into a nearby cluster of ruins sends his life into an uncontrollable tailspin. He stumbles, quite literally, upon an ancient manuscript, a book that was never meant to be found. On a whim, he decides to bring the book to Stonethrall, the Capital of the great Empire Drakia, in order to have it translated, as the book is written in an ancient tongue even he does not know. Now, the ancient dragon does not honestly believe he'll find a scholar more knowledgeable than he, but he is in need of supplies, and the dragon uses this reasoning to convince himself to pay the capital a visit. In Stonethrall, he meets the enigmatic Doctor Hyde and his attractive assistant, which sets into motion a spiral of events that will reshape history forever. Upon Doctor Hyde's request, Trail meets Emperor Garm of Drakia, who decides to test his strength. After a surprising clash with a giant Risen Behemoth, a messenger informs Emperor Garm of dire news: his daughter, Princess Kanis, has been abducted by Midgard, and is being held for ransom, in return for 'what Garm stole'. The sly manakete decides having the Emperor owe him would be beneficial, and volunteers to rescue her. Along the way, he meets Gawain, a Halberdier with a dark past, and Searra, a cheerful Falcoknight. After a brief clash with the forces of Midgard, Trail successfully rescues Kanis and the pair become fast friends. News of this soon reaches Midgard however, and the main forces of Midgard are swiftly dispatched. Suddenly caught between the hammer and the anvil, Trail and his newfound companions find themselves utterly outclassed and outnumbered. With their escape route to Drakia now severed, the new group of friends make the only move they can: they retreat to the Port Kingdom of Athlantia, a small free kingdom of traders and ally of Drakia.
(Part two coming next)
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Post by Neo on Mar 26, 2014 14:14:21 GMT -6
On the way to the sprawling port kingdom, Trail and co are ambushed by Midgard's advance force, and Trail is shot out of the sky by a Sniper with golden eyes and a serpentine bow. The group are then confronted by the imposing Grand General Lahar, Supreme Commander of Midgard's army, and a near-invincible warrior. Just when all hope seems lost, the group are rescued by an enigmatic swordsman in black called Azrael. The Angel of Death and the Grand General square off, but in the end Lahar retreats, and the Black Swordsman offers to lead the group to Athlantia. Along the road, the group rescue a small hamlet from bandits and meet two new companions, a young archer named Nene and her childhood friend, a blue-haired their called Cole. Trail and Kanis grow even closer, and the first sparks of love can be seen. After finally arriving in Athlantia, Azrael leaves with only a couple words and without a second look. In the city of Athlantia, the group of friends meet Sirius, Captain of the Royal Guard, and his wife Karen, along with a silver haired Sage known as Athena, who proves both helpful and dangerous. Captain Sirius escorts the group to the palace, where Trail meets Kanis' godfather, King Nemoy, and has an unexpected reunion with Doctor Hyde. Doctor Hyde gives Trail the book he translated, which turns out to be a volume of The Last Prophet's Testament, one of twelve ancient works with the power to corrupt the mind and destroy the world. Kanis and Trail meet Athena again in an Inn, and Athena convinces Trail to come along on an expedition into the old ruins beneath the city. In return for Athena's services in the inevitable war against Midgard, Trail accepts and the pair set off, accompanied by Kanis and Gawain. Beneath the city, the adventurers battle skeletons and undead, wyverns and wraiths, and in the end, they discover a legendary sword and another volume of the dreaded twelve. Upon returning from the ruins, the group finds Athlantia ablaze.
Midgard has attacked. And they've done so in force. After regrouping with their friends, Trail and Kanis join the battle, and due mostly to Trail leading a battalion of Fliers and exceptional strategy, the colossal army of Midgard is pushed back. Grand General Lahar himself joins the fray and just as the tide begins to turn once again, the dawn breaks, and reinforcements arrive. Led by Emperor Garm, the Harvester of the Battlefield, the armies of Drakia roll down the hills and crash into the Midgardian forces from behind like a tidal wave. The once invincible army of Midgard finds itself fighting a battle on two fronts, caught between the unstoppable wave of Drakia, and the hail of fire from Athlantia's airborne battalion. Grand General Lahar is forced to sound a hasty retreat. Athlantia is saved, and in the celebrations, Trail is offered the position of General of Drakia's army. After a disturbing nightmare about Kanis, he reluctantly accepts. Garm reveals more behind the war. He reveals he stole the Fire Emblem, the sacred treasure of Midgard, and he tells of the Emblem's origins. Garm assures he stole the Fire Emblem to protect it from Mad King Rufus of Midgard, but Trail begins to have misgivings about the war. Afterwards, Trail meets Gallagher, Strategist of Drakia, as well as his apprentices, Lance and Felix. King Nemoy sends Sirius and Karen to bolster the Drakkian army, as well as a battalion of fresh troops.
Stronger than ever, the Drakkian army flows across the land of Midgard, claiming victory after victory. They even manage to defeat Wyvern General Thorn, one of Midgard's four High Generals, and take her captive. Trail meets a young Rogue named Leah after the battle, and he hires her services. Kanis admits her feelings for Trail. The enigmatic and cheerful Leah guides the army along a secret path, in order to ambush Midgard's greatest fort, the last bastion of defense between the Drakkian army and Midgard's capital, Seyinzia. Trail saves Thorn's life, and she agrees to fight for him, albeit for her own reasons. The Drakkian army sets up camp just outside Midgard's last hope, their presence masked by an ocean of trees. Here, Thorn reveals she is actually the Princess of Midgard, and that she was banished by her Uncle, Mad King Rufus, after he killed her father. It is revealed that High General Grail, second in command to Grand General Lahar, is Thorn's adoptive father.Trail and Kanis admit their love for each other, and decide to wed. The great battle begins next day, and after a brilliant strategy, the fort is swiftly taken. In a tragedy of the ages, General Grail is killed by Thorn's own hand.
All too soon however, the celebrations are abruptly ended, as Midgard arrives to take back what is theirs. Led by High General Ratatosk, the Dragon General of Midgard, an army of thousands march to meet Drakia head on. In a battle for the ages, Drakia emerges victorious, and the Manakete Ratatosk flees, after recognizing Trail. Trail and his army march onward, straight to the silver gates of Seyinzia. While Gallagher leads the bulk of Drakia's forces in a frontal assault of the gates, Princess Thorn leads Trail and a dozen of Drakia's finest warriors through a secret path into the city. Emerging in the palace grounds, the group quickly marches on the throne room for the final confrontation with the Mad King of Midgard. After a truly fierce battle, Rufus is defeated by Trail. On his deathbed, Rufus reveals the true meaning behind the war. A terrible vision, a vision of fire and the end of all things, lead old friends to unthinkable depths. While Rufus sought to unite the world under one banner in hopes of preventing the catastrophe he foresaw, Garm decided no mere mortal could change the future. As such, he sought to bargain with a god. Using the Fire Emblem, Emperor Garm devised a ritual to summon the Chaos Dragon Yormungand, the Eater of Worlds. But in order to do so, he would need a truly massive amount of sacrifices. The amount of sacrifices only a Continental War could provide. In order to stop Garm's insane plan, Trail orders the unthinkable: he orders the Drakkian army to march on Drakia's capital, Stonethrall. With some help from a Great Knight named Dolin, Trail and his core group of friends invade Drakia's throne room and confront Garm. In a battle of epic proportions that bards will sing about for eons after, Garm is defeated. In a tragic scene, Garm apologizes to his daughter and dies in her arms. Yormugand is prevented from rising again.
Then, just when it seems like everything is over, Doctor Hyde appears. But he is different, and now calls himself Doctor Jeckel. Eight robed figures materialize alongside the mad doctor, seemingly out of thin air. The intimidating group call themselves The Culture, and they claim to seek a way to 'right the balance'. It is revealed that the deaths of Garm, and Thorn's father, as well as the subsequent war and near-summoning of Yormungand were all orchestrated by the Culture. Their leader, Charon, displays frightening power by incapacitating the group with a single look, leaving a wounded Trail to fight Doctor Jeckel alone. In a desperate battle, Trail is somehow victorious, and The Culture leaves for the moment. Book One ends with a foreboding glimpse of the future, and the Culture's diabolical plans.
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Post by Neo on Mar 26, 2014 19:11:05 GMT -6
(Summary Continued)
A year passes, and Book Two begins with a vision. Trail, now Emperor of Drakia and ruler of the North, receives a startling vision from a woman clothed entirely in gold. The woman calls herself Iris, and implores Trail to seek out an ancient city, the city's entrance being a familiar cave. Upon waking, Trail and his wife, Empress Kanis, meet Bishop Esmeralda, who informs Trail of his invitation to the annual Summit of Kings at Grancelia's capital, Aidenn. Meanwhile, the 31st annual Drakkian Coliseum Games are beginning. Trail decides to participate in the games and meets Freya, a young Myrmidon and member of Grancelia's Holy Guard. As the games progress, Azrael makes a rare appearance, and in a shocking scene, it is revealed that Azrael is actually Ethan, Trail's son from his first marriage. Trail's eldest daughter Rhiannon is revealed to be deathly ill, and Trail vows to save her, no matter the cost. Artemis is also introduced, a young manakete and famed dancer. After the games, while celebrating the first ever Festival of the Dragon King, Ephidel of The Culture makes a sudden appearance and orders his powerful minion, a terrifying demon called a Balrog, to destroy Stonethrall. In a desperate war of epic proportions, the giant demon is slain, though Trail and Ethan are gravely wounded in the fight, and Artemis is nearly killed. After Trail(and his city) recovers from the harrowing clash, he leaves for Grancelia with a single company of his most trusted comrades. Along the way, Trail meets Father Tom, an enigmatic old priest, and Nina, a young Taguel. At Grancelia, Trail meets Thorn's godmother, Lieutenant Reyna of the Hunter's Guild. High Pontiff Edward is introduced, and he is shown to bear an uncanny resemblance to Leah, Drakia's new Spy Mistress. Holy General Gerald, Commander Evangeline, and High Chief Dasren from Na'am are also introduced. During the summit, High Pontiff Edward informs Trail of a dangerous rebellion in the Na'am archipelago, a rebellion that could potentially threaten the Mainland. In return for access to the Floating Mountains, an area zealously guarded by the church, Trail agrees to lead the Coalition to stomp out the rebellion in the south. Later that night, Trail, Leah, Kanis, Eva, and Helga stumble upon a secret entrance to the Dragonbone Crypts, a sprawling network of old tombs spread out beneath Aidenn. The companions decide to venture down into the crypts. After many adventures, and even more close calls, the group defeats an undead dragon, escapes the wrath of the Spider Queen, meets Elrond of the Cloven Council, and help ease the passing of a tortured manakete. Leah finds the armor once worn by the Hero King Gilgamesh of lore, and proclaims herself the next King of Heroes.
Afterwards, the group leaves Grancelia, with a couple new members. Commander Eva joins the band, and Freya's best friend Carlyle is introduced. With quite a bit of time until the fleet leaves for the south, Trail decides to pay a visit to a small village, where Artemis lives. After driving off a group of bandits hired by the Culture, Trail meets Rathalos, Artemis' father, and reunites with Artemis herself. In the village, Trail rescues a young Tiger Laguz named Bryn. Thorn and Zarek profess their love for each other and are married. Bryn and Artemis join the ever growing group, andTrail leads his small army to the majestic Floating Mountains in order to save his dying daughter. Along the way, our heroes are split up. Gallagher leads one group through a secret path up the mountains, a hidden forest, while Trail and the other dragons fly a small group directly up the mountainside. Both groups encounter numerous enemies and dangerous situations. Trail rescues hostages from powerful Laguz bandits, while Gallagher's larger group tackle guardians straight from the pages of history. In the end, Gallagher finds the mythical Aum Staff and several legendary weapons, and Trail earns the support and respect of the mountain Wyvern Clans. The two groups reunite at Trail's old home, where Gallagher and Esmeralda finally admit their feelings for each other. Father Tom has a confrontation with Trail, before teaching him how to read and speak the Ancient Tongue. In his sleep, Trail has a fateful encounter with the beautiful dragon Idoun.
The next day, Trail and Co meet Phillia, a high ranking War Cleric guardian the Glistening Halls, and she joins the party as an escort. The party descends deep into the mountain, and after several harrowing ordeals, arrive at the Mountain's Heart. A Ferocious battle with a powerful Rock Dragon ensues. The Rock Dragon turns out to be Denethor, a living breathing Earth Dragon and grandson of Medeus, who was sealed in the mountain by Trail's father. After a tremendous clash, Trail emerges victorious, and on his deathbed, Denethor calls Trail 'the rightful king of the Earth Dragon Clan'. The group finally finds the herb needed to cure Rhiannon's illness, and they head back, only to run headlong into Doctor Jeckel. Jeckel slaughters Phillia's friend, and then boasts about capturing Trail's daughter. Trail and a small group of his closest friends follow Jeckel to the Culture's stronghold, the Castle of Memories. Inside, an incredible clash with Ganon, one of the Culture's nine leaders, ensues. Ganon is eventually defeated and Rhiannon is rescued. With her illness cured, she joins her father, and everyone heads back to Stonethrall to recuperate. There, Trail meets a mysterious giant known simply as Lazareth. Lazareth tells him Mount Eldritch has become active again. Trail and co decide to investigate. Inside the mountain, our heroes have a startling encounter with the Serpent God Eldritch, and they learn Lazareth's true identity. After a fierce battle and age-old ritual, the volcano is returned to slumber and Lazareth joins the party. Back at Stonethrall, Trail is attacked and almost killed by his most formidable enemy yet, the beautiful but terrible Unknown Element.
Afterwards, Trail receives an important message concerning an urgent request, and he leads his small army on the long march back to Grancelia, to Port Riverfall. Along the way, the group stops at a small village called Windbrook, which turns out to be a Ghost Town. Leah and Lazareth stay behind to investigate the strange phenomena in the town, while the rest of the forces go on ahead. Leah and Lazareth have a brief encounter with the mighty Grimclaw, a giant dragon of immense power, and they meet a spirit named Kara. With Kara's help, the pair begin to unravel the mysteries of 'The Windbrook Experiment', and their investigation leads them to another world, a world inhabited by demons and giants. Here, in this unknown world, the three friends prepare to face off with a Dark God. Our story left off with a scene from the Culture: chanting around a stone table, the Culture manage to resurrect their insidious master, and the entire world goes dark with a sudden eclipse. A lone woman, with golden hair and pointed ears, stumbles through a forest, devoid of memory....
.... And now, the conclusion.
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Post by Neo on Mar 26, 2014 23:14:02 GMT -6
Main Characters
Trail
Age: 1,972
Height: 6'5
Weight: 228
Eye Color: Dark Amber
Hair Color: Raven Black
Race: Manakete
Occupation: Emperor of Drakia
Bio: A former loner with a tragic past, he is a surprising idealist. Even though he has experienced the brutality of reality firsthand, he still yearns for an impossible dream. A dream he is prepared to give his life for.
Kanis
Age: 22
Height: 5'8
Weight: 142
Eye Color: Sky Blue
Hair Color: Snowy White
Race: ???
Occupation: Empress of Drakia
Bio: A proud and intelligent woman, she has experienced both sides of life: true tragedy, and profound joy. It is said her prowess in battle and savvy in court is second to none. She is rumored to be an excellent parent, despite her young age.
Leah
Age: 20
Height: 5'7
Weight: 138
Eye Color: Deep Brown and Forest Green
Hair Color: Midnight Black
Race: ???
Occupation: Spy Mistress of Drakia
Bio: A witty and sarcastic girl, she uses her jokester personality to conceal the vast sorrow beneath. While she may feel insecure at times, in truth, she is one of the greatest warriors to have ever lived. Her unique powers and hard earned skills make her a terror on the battlefield.
Athena
Age: ???
Height: 6'1
Weight: 154
Eye Color: Sterling Gray
Hair Color: Silver
Race: ???
Occupation: Sage and Advisor
Bio: An enigmatic woman with a fondness for drink and a love of heights, she is both a brilliant actress and a wise Sage. And yet, she is very prone to random bouts of clueless behavior. Her background is a mystery. But while her wild personality may be difficult, a saying has developed over the years: A wild Sage, kiss your liquor goodbye. A calm Sage, kiss your arse goodbye.
Ethan
Age: 1,467
Height: 6'3
Weight: 219
Eye Color: Swirling Silver
Hair Color: Raven Black
Race: Manakete
Occupation: Guardian
Bio: As Trail's firstborn son, Ethan inherited more of his father than he'd like to admit. Trained to fight and to survive from a very young age, he prefers to fight with a sword rather than claws. It is said he earned the nickname 'Azrael, Angel of Death' at the legendary battle of Hilvan Tor, where he singlehandedly slew a thousand enemies without losing a drop of blood. Cold and distant, he hides a deep sorrow and loneliness, and an even deeper secret.
Rhiannon
Age: 1,467
Height: 5'10
Weight: 135
Eye Color: Dark Amber
Hair Color: Raven Black
Race: Manakete
Occupation: N/A
Bio: The only daughter of Trail and Clair. She is fiercely loyal and utterly devoted to her father. Brilliant and cheerful, she is arguably even more powerful than her father and brother. While she may seem crazy at times, it is unknown whether she's just acting, or if she really is unhinged. But if she is, who can blame her? In truth, Rhiannon's past was far worse than her father or brother could ever imagine.
Lazareth
Age: Older than both Time and Numbers
Height: 6'8
Weight: 292
Eye Color: Burgundy
Hair Color: Fiery Red
Race: god
Occupation: Occupation? Boy, I've worked longer than stars have shined. I'm retired.
Bio: The Giver of Fire and Benefactor of Man. Worshipped long ago as a Chief Deity, now he merely works to end the Cycle. Loud and boisterous, he has a one of a kind sense of humor. It is said you'll never see him without a smile... But if you do, you better start running. Or praying. He is widely credited to be the Father of Modern Civilization.
Gawain
Age: 49
Height: 6'4
Weight: 231
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Light Brown
Race: Human
Occupation: General of Drakia's Armed Forces
Bio: A famed Lancer with a dark past. Mad with grief over the loss of his first family, he made an unbreakable Vow of Vengeance. Noble and proud, he is a kind man with a gentle heart who was dealt a bad hand in life. Due to extreme poverty, he was forced into hard labor as a boy. He joined the Midgardian Army at a mere 14 years old.
Searra
Age: 30
Height: 6'1
Weight: 149
Eye Color: Emerald Green
Hair Color: Light, Grass Green
Race: Human
Occupation: Rear Admiral of Drakia's Air Force
Bio: A cheerful woman with a bright personality, she has been called 'the personification of day' due to her uncanny ability to brighten any situation. It is said that her angelic grace in battle is matched only by her love for her Pegasus.
Gallagher
Age: 42
Height: 6'0
Weight: 182
Eye Color: Light Brown
Hair Color: Dark blond with a tinge of gray
Race: Human
Occupation: High Chancellor of Drakia
Bio: A brilliant strategist and formidable politician, it is said the wealth of knowledge High Chancellor Gallagher holds is greater than all the libraries of the ancient world combined. Still, he is a very modest person and would adamantly deny such a claim.
Thorn
Age: 24
Height: 6'0
Weight: 163
Eye Color: Gold
Hair Color: Blond
Race: Human
Occupation: Queen of Midgard
Bio: The famous Hero Queen of Midgard. Renowned for her stunning beauty and prowess on the battlefield, she has a sharp intellect and an even sharper wit. It is said the sight of her upon her throne, adorned in her glistening armor, draws tourists, painters, and suitors from across the globe. Even after she was married, the suitors still lined her doorstep like ants, and she never once was unkind or impolite.
Esmeralda
Age: ???
Height: 5'10
Weight: 140
Eye Color: Forest Green
Hair Color: Royal Blue
Race: ???
Occupation: Bishop of the Church, Teacher
Bio: A mysterious woman with a gentle heart and a warm smile. She has a particular fondness of books, history, and poetry, though not much else is known about her.
Idoun
Age: Unknown
Height: 5'9
Weight: 138
Eye Color: Bright Lavender, Emerald Green
Hair Color: Silver, with a purple hue
Race: Manakete
Occupation: ???
Bio: A figure from the distant past, she has only ever known tragedy. The few smiles in her life were too few and too infrequent, and those memories have been lost and buried beneath a cold shell devoid of emotion. Supposedly, she lost her soul and emotions countless ages ago. Although, if you spent enough time around her, you might notice the occasional twitch of her lips or glint in her eyes that suggests otherwise...
Charon
Age: Unknown
Height: 7'3
Weight: 175
Eye Color: Silver
Hair Color: White, laced with gray
Race: ???
Occupation: Leader and Founder of The Culture
Bio: A complete enigma. All that's known about 'The Ferryman' is his ruthless power, uncharacteristic wisdom, and obvious agelessness. However, he himself hints that his goal is for the greater good. What is he really after? That's a question no one may ever know, because if you found out, you likely wouldn't live very long.
Jeckel
Age: Unknown
Height: 5'1
Weight: 120
Eye Color: Dark Gray
Hair Color: Pure White
Race: ???
Occupation: Scientist and Alchemist
Bio: The Mad Doctor and Co-Founder of The Culture. While he is technically second in command, many would argue that Jeckel actually rules The Culture, not Charon. He and Charon appear to be friends, but the likelihood of that being true is slim. While Jeckel may work toward the same goal as Charon now, what twisted ambitions could such a terrifying actor be hiding?
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Post by Neo on Mar 27, 2014 10:05:20 GMT -6
"They flocked to him in droves, like sheep onto a Shepherd, desperately craving answers and prophecies. The young priest, for that is all he was at this point in time, was entirely overwhelmed. He did not know why he had been given the gift of prophecy, or why The Creator Himself deigned to speak to him.But still the people came, and they called him the Shepherd of Man. They called him the Last True Prophet."
-excerpt from the Book of a Thousand Stars
The world went dark. Not entirely, of course. Lights still flickered in the homes of fathers and mothers, and old and new lanterns still highlighted the major roads of major cities. But this night, this ruthless night, would be forever ingrained in the minds of man as the night the world went dark. And that is precisely what Charon wanted. The incomparable Ferryman smiles as he watches his master climb the sky, an ever growing shadow eclipsing the sky, longing to dominate the heavens. The circle of hands tighten, and Charon laughs, a mad cackle that echoes far into the night. The time has come! At last, the time has come!
"Welcome home, my glorious lord! Come, partake in your sweet revenge! We, your humble servants, have raised you from the abyss, and released you from your prison! It is time to fulfil your promise of old! The artifacts are gathered, the Four Shrines of Origin are shattered, and The Gate is yawning open! The Gate to everything! The stage is set for the grand finale!"
The enormous shadow booms with gleeful approval, even gratitude. And then, in a sudden flash, everything changes. Charon can only watch in shocked horror as his carefully laid stage bursts into flames. Twin explosions of starlight thunder across the sky, blanketing the land in a sudden pure white light, and a massive portal yawns open in the sky. Two gargantuan dragons emerge from the hole in the sky, each well over a thousand feet long, their bodies like twisting serpents. One dragon bears the likeness of heaven, it's body adorned with glistening rainbow scales of ever-shifting color. The second dragon bears the likeness of the abyss, it's scales both darker than the deepest shadow and brighter than fresh blood. The twin Arms of Origin are instantly recognizable, and even the mighty Charon pales. This... This should not be happening! They're... They're not supposed to interfere!
Galgarath and Yormungand collide into the massive shadow with titanic impact, spewing colossal beams of fire and almighty power, and the newly resurrected Lord of Lies howls in rage and agony. "Culture, to me!!" Charon bellows, finally breaking free of his shock induced trance. "We ride to our Master's aid!!"
Just as the Eight prepare for battle, Jeckel's hand lashes out like lightning to steady Charon's shoulder. "Wait, old friend. We can't interfere."
"What?! You would dare suggest we do nothing?!"
Jeckel gives him a pointed look, confirming he was indeed suggesting just that. "Think for a moment," Jeckel argues, surprisingly calm. "We can't hope to face both the Dragon of Order and the Dragon of Chaos. Not yet. We don't have the power. If we attempt to intervene, while our Master is not yet at full strength, all will be lost. We still have another card to play. We can force open the Gate the other way. For now, we must retreat."
The Ferryman looks out at the scene playing before him with an odd mix of resignation and wistful longing burning deep in his eyes. The giant shadow attempts to swipe at the massive serpents coiling around Him, but His efforts are in vain. The dragon gods of lore twist and twirl around their foe, encircling and binding Him like living chains. Streams of light and fire burst through the shadow's mostly incorporeal form, allowing light to pierce the shadow, and Charon realizes the good doctor is right. In but moments, their Master will be bound once more, and the Arms of Origin will then turn their wrath upon him and the rest of the Culture. For all Charon's power, he knows he can't defeat them both, not even with the aid of the other Culture members. Not yet anyway.
"... Very well. Let us leave then."
Charon turns on his heel, preparing to do just that. He only looks back once. The screams of a shadow rend the night for a few minutes afterwards, and then everything is silent. The moon slowly separates herself from the unnatural darkness binding her, bathing the world in gentle light once more. The eery landscape is silent once more, and the only entity left is the ever-present cloud of purple haze.
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Post by Neo on Mar 27, 2014 14:14:36 GMT -6
A small cabin in a sprawling forest, at the northern base of the Floating Mountains...
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POV Ratatosk
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You wake in a cold sweat, your eyes snapping open, and you bolt upright. What... What happened? Where... You try to remember what happened the day before, and it causes a sudden flare of excruciating pain in your temple. You cry out, surprised, and clutch desperately at your head. "Whoa there! Easy girl, easy. Here, drink."
You risk opening your eyes at the sound of the gentle voice. It hurts your head even worse, but you somehow manage. An elderly gentleman stands at the side of your bed, a glass of water in his hand. White wisps of hair curl around his mostly bald head, and a simple brown vest and leggings cover his small, wiry frame. The old man's gentle brown eyes glow with warmth. At the sight of him, you recover a brief glimpse of memory. Stumbling through the woods, you found a cabin... And an old hermit. You must have passed out afterwards. You try desperately to remember more, clinging to that single strand of memory like a lifeline, but the attempt sends a sudden wave of pain through your skull. You nearly pass out again, but your gracious host quickly steadies you and motions to the glass of water in his hand, the gesture clearly urgent. Understanding dawns in your silvery gaze. Medicine...? Upon closer inspection, it doesn't appear like normal water at all. Instead of being a crystal clear like most fresh water, it has a green tint to it...
Seeing your expression, the man smiles warmly. "It's a concoction made from Juniper Herb, instilled with a bit of Vulnerary. It won't taste great, but it will clear your headache right up. You have my word."
Maybe it's because he took you in when he could have left you in the cold, or maybe it's because of his warm smile and gentle eyes. You don't know. All you know is that you trust him. Your hands trembling, you reach for the glass, and he helps you drink. The cool liquid washes down your throat, and it has a surprisingly pleasant, earthy taste to it. Almost instantly the pain in your head fades to a dull ache. Dull, but easily manageable. Relief courses through you, and you sigh. "Thank you so much sir," you breathe, rewarding him with a wide smile.
He merely inclines his head to you and takes the empty glass from your hand, placing it on the lone nightstand by the bed. "Don't mention it, child. And please, call me Gregory."
Your smile widens even further. "Well then. Thank you, Gregory."
The hermit called Gregory nods and moves across the small cabin, to a very small kitchen, where he proceeds to handwash a batch of dishes in the sink. Something he was obviously doing before you woke. With your mind finally a bit clearer, you look around and take stock of your situation. The small log cabin is homey and quaint, with only a single room for living space. A small stone fireplace is set against the wall at the foot of your bed, and an old lantern hangs from the ceiling. A small sofa, worn with age, and two wood chairs dot the center of the cabin, surrounding a brown wool rug. A large bookshelf lined with quite a few books on herbs and plants and a small table lined with half filled medicine bottles and herbs are the only other pieces of furniture in the cabin. You realize with a pang of guilt that he must have given you his bed. So where did he sleep? The light streaming in from the lone window by the kitchen proves it's a different day...
Your generous host finishes his chores and walks back to your side with another glass of water. You happily drink, only now realizing just how parched you are. "I took the liberty and washed your armor for you, miss Ratta. There's a small bathhouse out back, if you would care to clean up."
You freeze mid drink, the glass still pressed against your lips. What did he call you? Ratta...? Short for... Ratatosk. Instantly, recollection slams into you so suddenly it steals your breath away. That's right... My name is Ratatosk. I'm a Manakete, a dragon. But... All your other memories still elude you. You can't remember anything else. Still, at least it's a start. You finish your drink and set it down next to the first glass. "Thank you, Gregory. I think I'll do just that."
He waves your thanks away, before hobbling back to his couch and leaving you your privacy. You pull back the blanket and slowly rise from the bed. Your legs are still a bit shaky, but thankfully, they hold. Only now do you notice the state of your clothing. Admittedly, you blush a bit. Your white shirt is torn in several places, showing more skin than you'd care to reveal, and your white leggings have seen far better days. No wonder the man gave you privacy. You look like hell.
"I laid out some clothes that should fit you," Gregory says over his shoulder, as if he read your mind. "They're in the trunk by the bed."
You notice the small wooden chest at the foot of the bed, and quickly ruffle through it. Sure enough, you find a couple pairs of clothing; a silver sleeveless shirt, and brown leggings, as well as a pair of normal traveler's garb. You pick out the silver shirt and brown leggings, and find a familiar leather pouch at the bottom of the chest. Recognizing it immediately, you frantically grab it and clutch the worn pouch to your heart. Oh, thank God... It's your Dragonstone. The warmth of your stone comforts you greatly, like the embrace of an old lover. Eager for a clean shower, you finally head outside, gripping your pouch in a white knuckled grip all the way. The glare from the sunlight momentarily blinds you as you step outside. It is late afternoon, and quite warm outside. Birdsong wafts through the dense trees. A gust of wind flows through the forest, rustling both your golden hair and the tall grass beneath your feet. You locate the bathhouse out back easily, and while it's only a single wooden tub and hose, it's still a very welcoming sight. You turn on the hose and fill the tub with warm water, quickly undressing. The water feels incredible, and even without your memory, you'd be willing to bet it's the best bath of your life.
Afterwards, dressed in clean clothes with your leather pouch attached to your new belt, you feel a million worlds better. You stride back to the front of the cabin, a new spring in your step, only to find old man Gregory on the porch outside, laying out your ornate silver armor in the sun. You give a low imperial bow of respect. "Thank you so much, Gregory. For everything."
He looks up at you then, a trace of wistfulness marring his warm gaze. "Don't worry about it, child. I was glad to help. You look good in those clothes. They were my daughter's, you know."
You find a sudden interest in your feet, not sure what to make of that. You're curious, but you don't want to intrude on his privacy... "Here," Gregory says, and you look up to see him holding a pair of brown leather boots out to you. You humbly accept his gift, and slip them on. They fit nicely. "You can stay if you want," he offers, a hint of sad resignation in his voice.
You begin to politely decline, as you need to search out your lost memories, but you stop yourself. Where would you even begin? What, would you just enter the forest and start walking? And you're not exactly back at full strength yet either...
What to do, what to do...
A: Accept Gregory's kind offer. You need more time to rest. (Ends the Ratatosk POV. POV shifts back to Leah)
B: Humbly decline. You need to find your missing past, no matter what. (Begins a small adventure, where you will play as Ratatosk. Ratatosk will start back at Level 1. All levels and items gained will transfer over when you officially recruit her in Chapter 17. Secrets may be revealed, and you may run into a familiar general.)
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Post by Neo on Mar 27, 2014 19:36:06 GMT -6
Man oh man... No votes at all in over five hours? So much for my grand return... Eh, I would have liked to write more today too. So... Bump, I guess? Hey, I know! I have a little game. Out of UB's cast, which character do you think will be most beneficial towards Asgard's future? Post your answer when you vote. If you can guess correctly, I will grant a single wish. You can ask for any prize in UB, and if it's at least somewhat reasonable, I'll grant it.
I'll only give ya one hint: Born of High Skies
Also, hurry up and vote! I want to write! Neo impatient! ;P
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Mar 27, 2014 19:50:34 GMT -6
I say A, even though I have no idea what's going on.
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Post by slykirby on Mar 27, 2014 19:53:36 GMT -6
Alright, I vote B, more time with Ratatosk should be interesting. And I'm going to hold off on the bonus question for now.
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Post by Neo on Mar 27, 2014 22:21:10 GMT -6
I say A, even though I have no idea what's going on. Quite simply, it is a choice whether to start a mini Paralogue, or jump right back into the main storyline. Option A takes you back to where UB VI left off, and Option B begins a small adventure as Ratatosk, with a few surprising rewards. Oh, and whether or not a certain Legacy Player Character joins later on depends on this choice. My long time readers will no doubt catch my meaning. |
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Post by SwordMasterEX on Mar 28, 2014 6:32:59 GMT -6
B all the way! Me wants loot.
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Post by Neo on Mar 28, 2014 8:42:31 GMT -6
I'll go ahead and lock B in, since I doubt I'll get a sudden flood of votes. And I want to update. So, yay! Welcome to Ratatosk mode!  Brief status update coming at ya. Ratatosk Lv 1 Divine Manakete HP:22 Str:5+8 Mag:9+10 Skill:7+7 Spd:6+7 Luck:10 Def:3+12 Res:8+15 Avoid 18 ATK 34 Skills: Even Rhythm, Kaleidoscope(Ratatosk only. When near death, Avoid+20, Def+10, Spd+5, and DMG+5) Weapon Level: Dragonstone -/- Items: Divine Stone -/-(Mt 15 Hit 80 Crit 5 Rng 1-2 Des- A legendary Dragonstone said to be only usable by Divine Dragons. Deals Magical damage based on MAG) Vulnerary(3/3) It's been a long while since we've seen power levels like that, eh? Not since Chapter 1. Anyway, story is next. |
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Post by Neo on Mar 28, 2014 9:45:43 GMT -6
(Continued)
In the end, it's a simple choice really. You're humbled by Gregory's kindness and concern, and you can't thank him enough for helping you when he did. In all likelihood, he saved your life. But still... You can't stay. And by the resigned look in the lonely hermit's eyes, he knows it too. You thank your savior profusely, promising to visit and thank him properly once your memory has returned, and he sends you on your way with a spare Vulnerary, a worn brown cloak, a pack of dried meat, and some directions. Apparently, the surrounding forest sits just at the base of the Floating Mountains, and the sprawling metropolis of Stonethrall is just a few days march from here, even less on a dragon's wings. Gregory recommends you begin your search there. After all, in a city of that magnitude, surely you'll find a clue to your past? You pull the cloak tight around your familiar armor and set off into the forest. According to Gregory, if you just keep following the sun, you'll arrive at the forest's edge in the span of a couple hours. You contemplate flying at first, as that would shorten the journey considerably, but something stops you. Call it instinct. But something tells you flying here wouldn't be very wise. Bright sunlight filters down through the canopy high above, bathing the forest floor in gentle beams of light. Trees of every shape and size dot the landscape for miles in every direction; ancient pine trees, giant trees with dark red bark, and great oak trees dominate the forest. Fallen logs are strewn here and there across the well worn forest path, and this morning's dew still clings to the grass at your feet. All around you, wildlife abounds. The ever-changing chorus of birdsong tickles your ears, and you can just make out more subtle sounds as well; A small band of frogs singing from an unseen pond, the occasional holler of a wild Lemur, and the constant droning of cicadas in the background fill your ears. It is warm and muggy, but not overly oppressive, and you can't help but smile. It truly felt wonderful to be alive in that moment.
You trek on for some time, only stopping briefly to drink from a small stream, until the sky begins to darken and night falls. Something in your gut, at the core of your being, the part of you that still remembers your past, cautions you against traveling through this particular forest in the dark. You heed the warning and set up camp beneath the trees. You look for some shelter, in case of a downpour, and you find a hollowed out trunk of one of the larger Redwoods. You carefully peer inside, and finding it unoccupied, you climb inside. The hollow isn't that deep, only about five feet tall and maybe a bit wider, but it is free of creatures and will definitely serve to keep you dry. You leave to gather leaves and twigs, even a few logs, and pile them up against the entrance, creating a makeshift door and slip back inside. You snack on a few pieces of dried meat, and console yourself with the idea of hunting in the morning. After your meager dinner, You pull your cloak tight around you, and lean back against the tree to sleep. Surprisingly, you don't have to wait long.
You sleep fitfully at best. Your dreams are plagued by scenes from your subconscious, events you have forgotten, yet somehow remember. You dream of fire, and of war. You dream of people you think you should know, but don't. A man, no a Manakete, with hair as dark as midnight and eyes as gold as bullions. A giant crowned from head to toe in ornate golden armor, brandishing a winged spear. And then the dream shifts again. You are flying high above the clouds as a dragon, while a fierce thunderstorm rages below you. The golden general from before rides astride your back, and the pair of you are locked in mortal combat against a giant serpent with wings. Riding on the back of the serpent is a man with pure white hair and soulless black eyes, adorned in ornate black robes. The battle is fierce beyond reckoning. In the end however, the robed figure defeats you, and casts you back down to Asgard. You fall through the dark clouds, harsh rain obscuring your blurry vision, lightning and thunder blinding and deafening you. Your rider, no your friend, is thrown wildly from your back, and you desperately try to save him. But he slips from your grasp, plummeting down, down, down to his death, and somehow, you know it's all your fault. And then lightning strikes your wings, and you spiral downward, any semblance of control lost. Then you're falling, falling, falling, and darkness overtakes you.
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Post by Neo on Mar 28, 2014 11:04:35 GMT -6
You wake screaming. The sound of your shrill cry is masked by the sound of heavy rain and booming thunder. Slowly, you manage to recover from your nightmare and regain your bearings. As you look around, you shiver. You're still tucked away in your little hole in the tree, but what time it is, you couldn't begin to guess. The temperature outside has plummeted a great deal, and your breath is visible as you breathe. The storm outside is fierce, almost an exact replica of your dream, and the slanted downpour has all but washed away your makeshift door. Cold, wet, and miserable, you whimper and curl up in your old cloak. What you wouldn't give for the warmth of Gregory's cabin right now... You clutch your leather pouch tightly to your chest, seeking whatever warmth you can find, and close your eyes. Unfortunately, sleep proves an elusive beast this time around, and your body's uncontrollable shivering doesn't help. You lay awake for what seems like hours, freezing and starving, and for a few dreadful moments, you nearly burst into tears. Thankfully, sleep claims you before you lose the only thing you have left: Your dignity.
The next morning is a new day, and you wake just after dawn, to fair weather and warm sun. You're pleasantly surprised to find your hideaway mostly dry. Apparently it didn't flood as much as you feared. While your clothes are still damp, and the remainder of your meager food supply is soggy and inedible, it could have been worse. You carefully kick out the last of your makeshift door, and soggy as they are, the logs practically dissolve beneath your boot. You climb out into the blessed sunshine, and decide your first order of business is to hunt for food. You wind your way between trees and brush, careful to remain as quiet as possible, searching for any sign of wildlife. You're so intent upon your task, that you almost miss the hushed voices coming from a nearby clearing. Almost. You can barely contain your excitement. After all, voices mean people and people mean food. Right? Maybe it was a group of nice hunters passing through, who would be happy to share their catch with a hungry dragon.
You couldn't have been more wrong had you tried. You quickly find a good hiding spot, a tree large enough to conceal you but close enough to the clearing to afford you an adequate picture of the scene. You peer around the tree, and while the three men you see are obviously hunters, they're anything but nice. The three crowd around a dead body, a dead human body, and you're shocked to see it's that of a young boy, only a child. He couldn't have been more than eight. An indescribable rage builds up within you as you notice four arrows sticking out of the boy's chest, and you completely forget about your hunger. You look over the three hunters again, sizing up their strength with a military precision. All three wear crude leather armor. One has a Longbow and quiver attached to his back, and a small dagger strapped at his waist. The second wields a simple Iron Bow, and four iron tipped arrows are missing from his quiver. The third hunter is clearly the leader of the three. An ornate Silver Bow is strapped to his back, and a jagged green sword is strapped to his belt. Upon closer inspection, the third hunter's armor is more polished with dark red embroidery. He appears to be in his mid twenties, a stark contrast to his companions, who are obviously in their late forties. A tribal necklace adorned with animal fangs and colorful beads hangs from the leader's neck. He is well muscled and tan, with long brown hair rigged in a single braid and sharp green eyes. He won't make an easy opponent, this one.
"Is it dead?" Asks one of the older men, a strange note of fear in his voice.
The leader gives a solemn nod, and bends down to retrieve a single arrow from the boy's corpse. "Yes."
Only now do you notice the boy's lifeless eyes are a deep, crimson red, and as the hunter pulls the arrow free, the body disintegrates into a shadowy mist. What... What in the name of the ancients is going on here?! You involuntarily take a step back, and as you do, you hear a sharp snap from beneath your boot. Oh crap...
The lead hunter's head snaps up, his hard green eyes darting to the tree you hide behind. "Who goes there?! Show yourself at once! Otherwise, I'll put a dozen arrows right through you!"
He reaches for his bow to make good on his threat, and you suddenly doubt this tree would be much of a hindrance to this man. With only a second to think, you...
... A: Attack! The surprise of seeing a giant dragon bursting through the woods might work to your advantage. (Value 5/10)
... B: Remain silent and slowly continue backing away. If you can just lose the two older hunters, you can probably escape the third in the air. (Value 2/10)
... C: Slowly show yourself, hands raised in a gesture of peace. They don't seem that unreasonable, and they're the first people you've come across besides Gregory. Maybe they'll be friendly and invite you home for dinner? (Value 7/10)
Figure out the correct number and win a prize! ;P Have Fun!
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Mar 28, 2014 13:55:43 GMT -6
C
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Post by Neo on Mar 28, 2014 20:20:01 GMT -6
Need more votes! Ah come on guys, I want to update. So... Anyone want to take a stab at the bonus question? Here's your second and final hint: Pink
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Post by GX1997 on Mar 28, 2014 21:00:10 GMT -6
C
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Post by SwordMasterEX on Mar 28, 2014 21:30:43 GMT -6
I would guess Artemis, but I feel that may be wrong.
And I vote A, but will switch to C if no one else votes.
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Post by ajshell1 on Mar 28, 2014 21:34:02 GMT -6
YES! My favorite CYOA is back!
Anyway, here is my reasoning form my vote. On one hand, "A tribal necklace adorned with animal fangs" seems a bit suspicious to me. However, the term used to refer to red-eyed humanoids who disintegrate when they die is "risen", so they can't be ALL bad.
I'm going to go with C.
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Brief status update coming at ya.
