1757 AC

1758AC
   
Starfall.
   

Quote:

Victory is ours.

With the Demons losing all their alliances with cities, they march towards our many strong and reliable warriors.

And on that day, we showed them why they do not underrestimate the determination, and resolve of our people.

Through endless hordes slaughtered, Nysea and Myllenoris do not have their backs against the wall for long.

And Starfall is safe from their grubby hands, to be put towards something with much more purpose.

   

Yoshiko Taiyang had pushed their leader back, Tyranny.

Saewyn had slain one of their strongest demons, Morok.

Amalia Ghede forces another of the demons to flee, Irkalla.

And Twilly, having saved the life of Avlainn, captured Yuri.

Before Yuri is put to the blade, and slain for his actions by Aelianna rei Petrakis.

The routes between Myllenoris and Alabaster remain open, thanks to the successful defense.
But with other threats on the horizon, the demons are not 'yet' pursued back into their forests.
For now we focus on celebrating what we have won, and recouperating, while growing much stronger.

1759AC

Upon the eve of 1759, a great wave of change has overtaken Theria.

Revan orn Task has taken the title of Overlord of Theria. All final decisions go through him, he is also the de-facto Patriarch of the Fireblooded.

Raeliana is still titled High Priestess of the Fireblooded. Rumors circulate she was offered a position as Dragonlord but deferred it for the time being.

Possible talks are in progress with Myllenoris and Alabastre - what does Theria have up it's sleeve?

Demons are no longer welcome within Theria's mountains officially.

The facts are in, folks - Theria is hiring for positions within it's factory to get the ball rolling. Locate Revan to sign up!

The funeral for Dun Task, Hades Task, Valero Task and Pachua Drakos went forward as planned, with lovely speeches being offered by multiple people.

Arriving fashionably late, Barsburg General Walter pyr Docro immediately sought to challenge Revan for his fraticide. The two fought, and despite Revan's loss, Theria still retains it's single Overlord for now. Chit chat and gossip indicates the High Priestess bid Barsburg to leave the mountain immediately after the fight concluded in a bold if not sassy display. Revan's condition, while alive, remains tentative and unknown.

Excerpts from the speeches given by Revan orn Task, Raeliana and Anlaufr are as follows:

Anlaufr:

Quote:After some time preparing the Funeral, the moment had finally come. This at first would only be for Dun Task, but at Raelina's request, Anlaufr organized this to also be the funeral for Valero Task, Hades Task and Pachua, the former Patriarch of the Fireblooded.


Each body was wrapped in some cloths, resting above a fire pit and with their belongings around them. Apart from Pachua's body, where there was only a red suit in the place to symbolize him. Dun's body was in the center and the rest around him.

Anlaufr took a deep breath, trying to find the right words and then start to speak, "I appreciate the presence of everyone who is here today, on this sad day in our lives.

Today we are not just saying goodbye to important figures of Theria.. No. We are saying goodbye to great friends, members of our family! All of them were great warriors during their lives and that in the end had honorable deaths.

Their deeds will never be forgotten, where tales about such will be told to future generations, being marked in the history of our city!" He finished, lowering his arms.

His gaze briefly turned to Revan and Raelina, where then he continued, "Revan and Raelina. Would ya two like to say something to those who are here?

Where as soon as both of ye finish.. Everyone here will be able to make a farewell gesture. Leaving something near the bodies or saying some words of respect." He said, now giving space to them and stepping back.

Anlaufr had basically gathered everyone there. He was not able save his friend, Dun, but at least he would be making this gesture to say goodbye and soon help with the project for which he gave his life.

Raeliana:

Quote:The High Priestess herself had insisted upon the funeral being held for more than just Dun. For while the original Crown Prince of Theria himself had lead them for so long with his advice towards the younger generation, Valero and Hades had in addition made their mark, as well as Pachua. There's a brief moment of hesitation before Raeliana would step forward, amongst the piles of stacked logs ready to be set on fire, to destroy their bodies as the ultimate sacrifice towards Ryujin and Garljing himself.


"Dun Task held Theria within his grasp shortly after it's founding, and he found himself at it's helm even as the great Dragons from Sluthia themselves set their sights upon the Free City. Yet, even after being burned, he continued to lead - with the Dragon's blessing." She said, eyesight looking between them all. Was it that surprising the High Priestess herself would know of their history?

"Even in his old age, when his body should have failed him, he continued to push. He pushed for greatness, he pushed for Chaos, he pushed to ensure we'd always remain free. I think he succeeded, personally." She added with a dip of her head.

"Valero and Hades were akin to him, in that they were never satisfied with simply how things were. They pushed the boundaries on what it meant to be great. Some say they allowed Theria to stagnate - but I personally disagree. Everyone has their own opinion on things, in the end."

Her hands were hidden within the sleeves of her robes, as she inhaled deeply once more.

"Pachua Drakos fought his best against those who would have seen Dun Task slain after being poisoned - for he believed it was not the Dragon's way to use poison. He defended his title of Patriarch and took it by force as every Dragon would have understood. It's only now after his death can we truly appreciate his sacrifice. He gave his life for a Theria he believed in, and he died in honor.

They all died in honor."

She'd step back, eyes remaining closed.

Quote:Finding himself at the front of the service, Revan golden hues would look over each of the pyres that had been erected for the deceased. A youth that had been misguided, two of his own brothers, and his own father that he poisoned. For someone that had a hand in each of their deaths, Revan would show signs of his own grieving.


Though he stood tall, his expression neutral, his hair was rather shaggy and unkempt, his eyes were sunken and darkened from lack of sleep. He had made his own nightmare a reality, and now he would be standing at their funeral, with the judging eyes of all those around.

Yet he would still hold those fond memories of each of them, despite the things he felt he had to do, he would find something to say about each of them.

"Pachua was a good, honorable Fireblooded, his conviction was as strong a warrior as he was.. And I hold a deep respect for him. I.. Already sent him off with my own ethereal flame as I recognized his valor."

His gaze drifting to Hades, the one who had secretly always been their older brother, and it showed as both Valero and Revan adored Hades with every fiber of their being.

"I always looked up to you, Hades.. I had my doubts about Valero, as well as myself.. But I always thought that of all of us, you'd be the more successful. You only wished to push humanity forward.. But you lost touch with the people you sought to help."

A sharp inhale as he would look towards the brother he had originally challenged, his rival since birth. "Valero and I.. Never got along.. Since childhood I blamed him for being the cause of our mother's death, and his redhair was evidence of such.. Yet I think deep down.. I was truthfully jealous that he had gotten something from her.. And I didn't.. But.. It would probably make him happy for me to admit this, but my win loss ratio to him is still one to three.. So I guess I can't ever fix that.. So.. Congrats Valero, you got one last one over me."

A short huff through his nose as he would try to crack some sort of joke, perhaps hoping that the redhead would sit up to make and start to roast him, anything to stop him from talking.

Yet.. Nothing..

"And Finally.. My Father.. The man I thought to be capable of anything when I was a child.. I sought to emulate him in everything he did and was.. Yet.. I simply could never fill those clown shoes of yours, Father.. But.. I promise.. I will take care of Theria, just as you and Rinn had done.. And I will keep those embers you tended for so many years alive."

Stepping forward, Revan would ignite into his own cyan fire, and just as Dun had sent Rinn off, the Patriarch would do the same for the Father and the children of Theria.

"If anyone wishes to say any final words, there spirits will linger so long as there is an ember on their pyre."

Did you sleep well?
1760AC
 
❇ For years has the Coven been... quit. Watching, lurking, intermingling with every corner of Esshar. Presence made itself known, a proclamation made by the proclaimed Supreme, Jianyu Xi. Absence of a certain blizzard like individual may be felt by Esshar after her domination of Nysean-Myllenoris forces at Starfall. Though her efforts alone could not save the Ascended Demon Morok and Jianyu's could not save Yuri. The Dreadwoods and Coven acknowledge other losses such as the Kaor Jaeger and absences or other Kaors. Though Ascension made itself known as another broke their shell.
 x
❇ Months prior did several soldiers of rank within the combined Osrona-Barsburg military end up in the hands of Hel's most heinous. Such was a collaborative effort of witch and Ascended, Irkalla. Two cogs were taken from the Machine. Sergeant Cecilia Pitri and Lieutenant Batu. The demand of ten-thousand coin or arcanium made for the Sergeant's release. The Empire responded with retaliation and force, and for such?
 x
❇ In their raid of the Dreadwoods were the soldiers of Barsburg bested and thanks to the Ascended Irkalla, yet another cog, one shiny and valuable was plucked from the well-oiled machine, Captain Kirill pyr Orlov. Three held captive within the depths of the tainted woods and even with the Ascended Tyranny placed in the clutches of Barsburg, the Supreme made a bold declaration, be it truth or lie:
x 
❇ Like the brothers and sisters of old Covens in the past, the captives are said to be put to the stake. Though, no fires have yet to billow out of the Dreadwoods nor has Hel swept over the outskirts and surrounding areas of the jungle the woods resided in. A bluff? 'Negotiations' for the three lives of the soldiers made by General Walter pyr Docro after their failure to secure the taken cogs, but still does the Ascended and witch hold claims to the lives of the soldiers and Osrona of the proclaimed demon King Tyranny. The Coven has plans and still did that offer remain on the table....
 x
❇ But it multiples: Fifteen-thousand coin for the freedom of Sergeant. Irkalla laid claim over Lieutenant and Captain, word circles that the Ascended is willing to release either Captain or Lieutenant for the release of the King, alive. Preparations are made in the meantime. Essence will be siphoned and perhaps it is time that the Dark Lord take more claims to souls. Years prior and at the hands of the Coven did they deliver fallen Radiant Aeolus to the depths of Hel. He hungers for more souls, the valued cogs of Barsburg's Machine. The Lord can claim in more ways than death. Pressure will continue to be applied to the ranks of the military. How many more will be taken and turned? Corrupted or even given to the Lord as a gift? The worth of these soldiers lied only in their value to the Empire and abundance of essence.
x
❇ Those who feel that have any worth to offer may seek the Supreme. The Coven has bode their time for long enough, though tread at your own risk!
x

• The Grimmore Family has been seen about Achyon and the Docro manor a great deal, with rumors beginning to spread that the family is attempting to ally itself with Osrona's enemy, if they haven't already.
  

• Tensions between the family and the assorted tribes of the Moxtli are extraordinarily high, with full war surely around the corner.
  

1800AC
"Glory to the Empire."

Quote:

"My people... The Chieftains and I have been working tirelessly as of late. Though there is much we need to inform you of. Within the walls of Achyon and their already spiritless machines, they house something much worse. A foul fleshcrafter of a Razuka, one who considers themselves above the Divines as all of Achyon does... Yet this is far worse. Shambling corpses, only held together by his magic. I have seen some of them, fought them, and put them to rest.

                                                                                

We cannot let such an atrocity continue, for the sake of the balance, and the Spirits who weep in their wake we must put a stop to it. Any who ally themselves behind that man are not our allies, they are not our friends, they are nothing but our enemies. Though we are not the only ones to share this sentiment, and all who would fight for the sake of ending this evil will stand by our side.

                                       

As your Shaman, this is a call to arms, that place is infected with an unnatural disease. Until it is removed, it is our duty to ensure it spreads no further.”

• The Maloti Tribe’s shaman Gou Meztin has stepped down from his post within the tribe, his position unclear as rumours surface of some type of redemption from the spirits the Meztin is embarking on.
  

•  The spirit-dancer known as D’noxa is seeking out worthy apprentices to pass down her techniques and traditions. Word continues to spread throughout the tribes that her potential student could become the heir to her position.
  

• An assault on a prized factory within Achyon resonated throughout the tribesmen. The returning members of the assault team spoke of the spirit-less husks within the opposition that they faced, talk of magitech prototypes and a mana core within the groups spoils were spoken of loudly.
  

• Multiple tribesmen can be seen speaking to the pirates of the east known as The Deep Company at the beaches that docked the ship dubbed ‘The Pauper’s Bride’, most mentionably among them would be Gou Meztin, known for his steady relationship with their members.
  

• Leaders within the Moxtli tribes and the Osrona higher-echelons met within neutral grounds, allegedly both parties left satisfied, none of the usual fighting breaking out between the two groups as both left unharmed.
  

•  With the rallying call of the spirit-dancer D’noxa. Moxtli officially requests for Trik Gutterrunner, the crafter of such abominations to be handed over to the Moxtli, for the spirits to be appeased and such a nefarious art to be put to rest.
  

•  Moxtli activity dramatically increased in response to the aggression shown with the Achyon’s declaration of claiming the Silverwall Mines north of the tribes. It wasn’t uncommon for patrols of tribesmen to be roaming around the area in search of any Outsiders.
  

Year 1801AC
"The most tranquil place on Esshar..."
____

1801 AC

Quote:

Their cowardly ways show again; I have yet to see another race that adapts as well to fear as the dragons and their own progeny. Hiding in their numbers, isolating themselves in a false safety caused only by chance. Mark my words, drakanites- If this even reaches most of you, cowardly scaled ones who refuse to leave that city. They ring true. I will turn your scales and bones into armors and weapons, used to stab through the heart of the one you give your life to protect.

Quote:

Come back, I swear I'll treat you all very kindly.

• The Dragon Slayers, however small, have slowly laid claim to the Shadowed Desert. Intruders upon these lands have been reminded of such, even if they were not expelled instantly afterwards at first; The renewing presence of blood painting the sands, however, easily paints the image that while they are still allowing outsiders to come by and reap the desert's bountiful harvest - Especially Drakanites - They will not shy away from upholding their position as owners of the place if need be.
  

• After the recent raid by the Fireblooded on their home, their losses were cut short; None of their own numbers were impacted in the long term, and the narrow victory of the drakanites was nearly snatched away when one of their stragglers was captured, being nearly killed by Patella - And barely saved by a Dragonlord.
  

• Rumours from the Shadowed Desert start to circulate, suggesting that the Slayers have gained knowledge of a Drake’s lair as well.