Euthora-Roul ~ Kel en Miir

Three dragons, including Ira, had bore down on this single human and here he still stood. Not to mention the same technique Ira had used to greatly cripple the boulder-dragon hadn't outright obliterated the dragon slayer? Either humans were much more resilient than she'd remembered them being or rocks are losing their reputation. Then again rocks don't have bones and organs, which mayhaps she had simply made a lucky strike on one of those? Regardless, this human was irritating her and she sought to put an end to him.

But then the dragon slayers were on the move. The injured and a second flanked the crippled mountain with their ridiculous-looking human weapons, which barely made headway through the stones protecting the injured dragon. And of course, just deep enough for lasting injury. With the punishment the dragon had taken so far, it was obvious this would prove fatal to him. Glancing rapidly between the panting human and the dragon blood, she realized she had to make a decision.

Ireísed made a growling sound that could only be taken as a groan and healed the dragon.

Ira moves to H5. Ira casts Lifebond on Akensken! [6+1 LA] 7 Int HP Healing!

-6 MP, 1/33 MP

 

Stiria casts Wane on Dorian! Chance of Deshell!
Remaining MP: 3/25

Though the dragons stood strong against the humans, practically smiting one of their foes where he stood, it seemed that the dragonslayers were able to flank the mountainous wyvern and, despite not dealing him direct damage, had managed to wound him. The foolish coralwing that had healed him earlier set about mending his severe injuries. A faint flicker of desire to barrage the larger dragon filled Stiria for the moment before she turned her attention on the human that had dared approach and put up a defensive stance. Her compatriot would be a tough one to deal with but trying to end her now would lead to trouble that the Ethereal Guardian likely would not escape from alive. She shook her head at the dragonslayer, releasing another distorted growl which caused the man's very soul to shudder––he would make the perfect medium through which to vent her frustrations.

Stiria moves to E6!

 

This was it then. The scene was unambiguously a fight now. If nothing else, it comforted him knowing that he had the other dragons on his side for a moment as they handled the common enemy. Chaneak channeled mana into the ground once more, and a similar attack went after another page, the other one flanking the rocky titan. They came from behind him, away from Akensken, where he did not expect it. Twirling spires came up from the earth and shoved themselves into the hunter’s back. They lightly drilled their way into his armor, leaving mucky glowing stains behind them. The Shadow Phantasm let out a triumphant roar from the background. Deep down however, Chaneak knew this was the last of it. From this point forward the Illusion was all bark and no bite.

A lie would have to be fabricated to justify its existence later. Seeing as how none of the other dragons deemed it more important that their current concerns, he could be left aside for now. First, the scaleless intruders needed to be dealt with. This place won’t be of much value anyway if they report back. He hadn’t acted for himself yet in this dispute, and it was clear he had to now.

He leapt forward awkwardly; his frail wings barely keeping him in the air. It was at this point that his quirks became most prominent. His quilt fluttered between his wings as he barreled past the Coral Dragon. The gauntlet around his foreleg was brought to attention more so than before as he intentionally threw it before him.

”Tellar! Open!”

The bronze contraption snapped loudly and fell apart; various bronze panels unhinged and entire sections shot out from where they were. What was left was a mass of red chains surrounding and exploding out from his now exposed right foreleg. They twisted around worn and rusty cogs and shot of in random directions around Chaneak. At a momentary glance they were unmistakable as scarlet chains, but any attempts to observe it as a whole had more of the appearance of a red miasma. They trailed off past the eye and seemed to fade away through time rather than end in a particular space. Chaneak slammed these chains down on the wounded Dragon Hunter, but rather than hit him, the chains wrapped and strangled the tendrils of darkness. Awoken by the chains, the shadows were given new life, as if they had realized their fate was not yet fulfilled. ”Raitsél!” the Firedrake Shouted as the soiled limbs erupted for the man in a violent twist of darkness.


(Chaneak opens Tellar! All single targets skill also selectively effect adjacent targets this turn)
(14/25 MP remaining)
(Chaneak moves to cell H6)
(F6 > G6 > H6)
(Chaneak uses +Command Soiled Ground on Tythus)
(6-2 = 4 total Dark Int damage)
(Tythus’s Spr is lowered by 20%)
(6/25 MP remaining)
(Tellar’s effect activates!)
(Jan is affected by +Command Soiled Ground)
(6-1 = 5 total Dark Int damage)
(The Spr lowering cannot stack)


+Command Soiled Ground: Chaneak pretends to dodge out of the way as the corrupted domain of the Shadow Phantasm lashes out at the target. 120% Int damage. Dark Element. Lowers target Spr by 20% for two turns. (unstackable.) 3 Cells. 8 MP.

Skill forgotten at end of Phase.

 

Indomitable as the Crag is disabled for 3 Turns.

{Akensken moves to G5 (I5 - H5 - G5).}
{Akensken casts [tip id=1 content=Creates a Mound Cell after a delay of 1 Turn, which has an Indefinite Duration. Mound Cells passively increase the Damage Output of Ally Units Occupying them by 10%. Range: Self (Cell the User is Occupying) or Adjacent. 4 MP]Earth, Arise[/tip] on Cell G5.}
Current MP: 11/15

The great Armored Wyvern lets out a growl of annoyance when the dragonslayers attack him, their swords managing to cleave through the rocks he had amassed on his body. Out of anger, he again raised his wing to club one of the nearby adversaries, but restrained himself from acting brashly. He had seen the onslaught his fellow dragons had conducted on the human-- and how his own attack had barely rattled the dragonslayer in comparison. The Armored drake snorted on acknowledging this, bemused but also irked that the younger dragons were more powerful than him. It didn't strike him as right, but he knew it was also not right to dwell on such feelings. He resolved to turn both mind and body to finding a way to be more useful in the fight; their lives were at risk, and the matured wyvern didn't want another massacre of their kind because emotions had interfered with rational thinking.

As he turned to take a more advantageous position, he saw the Firedrake rush into the middle of the fight. Just as the Armored Wyvern was about to reconsider deeming the dragon a coward, the oddly-garbed creature loosed an ostentatious show of magic at the opponents. The craggy drake almost scoffed aloud. 'A coward employing the tactics of a trickster. Components for a common backbiter.' Some part of him knew his judgment of the smaller being was unfair, however, and acquiesced it was a valid method of survival. The Observer of the Mountain found he inherently disliked such characters, though. They were usually dishonorable and unsavory. He strode forward recognizing it was nevertheless unjust to assume the Firedrake adhered to this stereotype. As he passed the Coralwing, he rumbled quietly, "Thank you, again." He knew the cerulean female had healed him once more recently, as he felt stronger than he had a minute ago.

When the Armored Wyvern arrived in position, he gazed around what had been made a battlefield in a matter of moments. A territory dispute between these dragons whose paths had happened to intersect on this day had morphed into a microcosm of the state of the land they inhabited; humans ignorantly trying to slaughter dragons. The large crystal which was embedded in the hulking drake's chest shone as he briefly pondered these events. Faced with the conflict members of their kin all over suffered-- and died, tragically-- from, they were forced to unite, and act in the interested of their race as a whole. As the drake infused the land below him with Mana, a phrase he was fond of and often turned over in his mind rose to his consciousness.

'The glory of a mountain lies in its many peaks.'

 

Stiria moves to F5!

Stiria attacks Dorian! 6 Int Damage! 10% Additional MP Damage! [Energy Void]

Foolish human, Stiria thought as she flew closer to the immediate action. He hadn't even sensed that something was terribly wrong with him! Boy was he in for a surprise. Releasing a mighty roar, Stiria threw her head up to the skies and then shot her gaze back at the dragonslayer. "Perish, human, for this is the fate you've chosen!" she cried out, sending an incredibly vicious, albeit normal, surge of ethereal energies at the man. Instantly the effect she had placed upon him from before seemed to spark up, the burst of energy piercing through his mortal flesh and searing a mystical mark upon him. The brand shone with the same purple that swirled upon Stiria's own body and she exhaled smugly. That very mark would be his doom––very soon at that. The Stellar Wyvern turned her head in the direction of the Coralwing Glider to say, "attack him now while that mark yet lingers and he shall fall."

 

The mobile mountain spared no time in taking action, but did offer a quick note of gratitude for the restoration. Ira nodded a response, half relishing in her own power, half curious of herself as to why she cared whether he lived or died in the first place. Then again, regardless of their previous hostilities, they were both dragons with equal goals for survival. Despite her pride, she would be grateful for the service should the situation be reversed. Not that she would ever find herself in such a situation. Especially not with such tiny humans as her opponents. They could barely swing those weapons of theirs.

A roar of pain split the sky as something heavy and sharp bit through the Coralwing's scales, spilling hot blood- her blood- onto the blades and the ground. Instinct shattered her thoughts and filled her entire being. It was nowhere near as deep or impressive as that of the earthen dragon's, but Ireísed let out a roar of ferocity at the humans as she reflexively hovered backward. Accompanying her outburst was a familiar stream of brilliant golden light which streaked at one of the humans. She would rip them apart and feast on their flesh!

Ira attacks Dorian! 6 Int damage! Ira moves to G6.

 

--Akensken's MP expands by 10% for 2 Turns (Land Raiser I).
Current MP: 12/17

Indomitable as the Crag is disabled for 2 more Turns.

{Akensken casts [tip id=1 content=Creates a Mound Cell after a delay of 1 Turn, which has an Indefinite Duration. Mound Cells passively increase the Damage Output of Ally Units Occupying them by 10%. Range: Self (Cell the User is Occupying) or Adjacent. 4 MP]Earth, Arise[/tip] on Cell H5.}
Current MP: 8/17
{Akensken moves to H5 (G5 - H5).}

Craggy eyes narrowed as the large wyvern saw the dragonslayers target and maim the Coralwing. A dangerous growl began brewing in his throat, his animosity for these humans only intensifying. Despite the cerulean dragon having been the one to injure him so greatly before, she had already proved herself to be compassionate by healing the wounds she herself had inflicted. The Armored Wyvern wanted to protect that quality, for it was already so scarce and precious in this world. When the Glider retreated from direct confrontation with her attackers, the stony drake directed a flow of Mana to the crystal embedded in his chest once more. "You should stay back for now," he spoke to the brilliant blue dragon, a touch of concern evident in his rumbling voice. The Wyvern's gem shone ephemerally, and the ground where the Coralwing had previously stood shifted, like a beast gradually being roused from slumber. "I will guard you," the older dragon stated, stepping forward and into melee range of the dragonslayers again.

 

”Woops! Coming through!”

Chaneak comically bounced off of his now slain opponent. Scarlet chains whisked him into the sky and threw him into a spin. Tellar was quite an unwieldy thing. Hitting something with talons is a natural thing to understand. Even casting a spell is a very controlled process. This weapon on the other hand simply unleashes a zephyr of fate to do as it pleases. Chaneak spun past the Coralwing who flew backwards far more gracefully than him, and over the armored wyvern, who was far sturdier than him. He eventually came to land directly in front of the far page. The dust settled as the remaining chains were sucked back into the weapons which closed its hatches with a satisfying “KUR-THUNK.”

His positioning was no mistake however. He landed perfectly on his three free legs and slowly peeked up and the wannabe knights with a shit eating grin. "Woo! Again!" he gleefully cheered. He swung his brass armament about and the panel flew open and pulsed out its illusionary chains. Learning from his mistake, he kept his feet planted firmly on the ground, keeping him in place as slung the chains forward. Without an airborne body to throw about, the chains bounced off each other and faded out of normal space. The attack took on a crimson rush through the sky as it slammed down atop his enemies.



(Chaneak opens Tellar! All single targets skills also selectively effect adjacent targets this turn)
(3/25 MP remaining)
(Chaneak moves to cell G4)
(H6 > G6 > G5 > G4)
(Chaneak attacks Tythus!)
(5-1 = 4 total Int damage!) 
(Tellar’s effect activates!)
(Dorian is also attacked!)
(5-2 = 3 total Int damage!) 
(Deshell activates! 6 Damage total!)

 

Somewhere within the melded emotional state of instinct and consciousness, Ireísed was beginning to recognize something she hadn't seen before. Four great territorial creatures of vastly different origin working as a unit to rid this region of the human menace. Dazzling concentrations of golden light found itself gathering about Ira as she glanced between her temporary comrades. The Firedrake that seemed to be malnourished proved himself a reasonably capable fighter with the bizarre machination that adorned his foreleg. There was the stunningly beautiful wyvern that gave off the feel a rogue strip of the night sky peeled free from the heavens. And of course the mobile mountain, noteably the eldest of the four; as unmoving as he was massive. Despite their violent introductory meeting with eachother, here they were. Perhaps She was putting too much thought into it. Perhaps they would return to being enemies when this was over. Perhaps Ira was only projecting her own longing onto the ones around her. Regardless, Ireísed felt that she belonged to something again.

And it terrified her.

Focusing her mind to free it from the subconscious panic that was beginning to well up within, Ira channeled the light and released it with more power than any human arrow could muster. And much more flair.

Ira attacks Tythus! 6 Int damage! Ira moves to H6.

 

Stiria attacks Tythus! 6 Int Damage! 10% Additional MP Damage! Energy Void!!

As the last of their foes trembled before the assembled dragons, Stiria felt an energy shift within her. The others certainly didn't look much worse for wear, save the mountain which had taken a particularly heavy amount of attacks and still managed to stand upright. Perhaps turning on them would not yield her the outcome she so desired––mayhap there was a more peaceful way to come to the best possible outcome for herself. She mulled the thought over, lazily shooting an indifferent burst of ether at the man. The right words, proper phrasing, and delivery would all be more important.

 

Chaneak stood there as the dust settled on the final opponent desperately wailing into the armored wyvern as his last stand. It was essentially over now. The lone page could not hope to defeat the rest of the dragons. His element of surprise was lost and his cornered rat routine proved he had no more tricks up his sleeve.

Chaneak felt bad for the man; in a sense. He knew all too well how unfair it was to be overpowered. His sympathy was measured though. This isn’t how he would act in this situation, and he’s better off for that. There’s nothing to be gained in attacking your betters head on. And so, as all the other dragons readied their attacks, Chaneak threw a thin wave of light through his enemy; a fracture in the sky refracting light. Not a spell in its own right but the precursor to one. Anything this pathetic deserves nothing further.


(Chaneak attacks Tythus!)
(5-1 = 4 total Int damage!)

 

”Stay down!“ Chaneak screeched in drakine. ”Get out of here! I can’t stand to look at you!“ He stared down the man with furious eyes. He saw too much of himself in him. He scratched and clawed at the air and slung a flurry of frustrated bolts of sloppy light.


(Chaneak attacks Tythus!)
(5-1 = 4 total Int damage!)

 

Wisps of light danced around the coralwing as she hovered in place for a moment. The rythmic beat of her double wings held her suspended perfectly with little to no thought in the act. Ira hated being on the ground ever since she were a hatchling. The earth was binding like a tether of lifeless rock seeking to usurp the happiness of those it grasps. It was the sky where she belonged; free to move and act as she pleased. Free from any care that cold world below could offer. Even if it were mere feet of aerial suspension it was enough to raise an imagined weight like a boulder nestled on her back rolling free when she spreads her wings. Ira would cling to this freedom no matter the cost.

And that cost may be soon.

Her mental relief at the end of the conflict matched her physical relief from the wisps meting her wounds. Carefully she hovered backward to have a sure view of each of the other dragons. Ira had no idea what would happen now and she didn't want to be caught in the middle of a fight. Glancing from wyvern to firedrake to mountain she resigned that despite the earlier happenings, the mobile mountain would be her safest bet for an ally should she need one. How she hated the anxiety welling within her; her tail would wiggle about uncontrollably and her claws twitched. Finally Ira had enough and words simply came without her commanding such.

"I am Ireísed of the Roiling Tides!" Her declaration was followed by a triumphant roar, albeit softer than she'd like it to be. Ira wasn't entirely sure herself who she was directing her voice to; as a cry of victory over the battle or a challenge to the other dragons to dare oppose her. Regardless, she held firm. Did I just invent a title for myself...?

 

As soon as Chaneak could be sure that his opponent was down, he scampered back to site of the shadow phantasm. It had subtlety faded as the fight went on, and so he used that as an excuse to go to work “resealing” it. He began wiping the area down and drawing simple runes to cleanse away some of the soiled ground.

"I am Ireísed of the Roiling Tides!" he heard his lightkeeping kin roar. He turned weakly around, brushing his quilt to the side. “Keep it down please.” he said in a polite tone. “You’re going to attract more half-baked adventurers.” He quickly finished up the last of his work and turned around fully. He left various magical tools lying about as if he already decided he lived there.

“Actually I apologize. My name is Chaneak.” He gestured to the purifying runes on the wall, as if this somehow proved the importance of his name or that his name carried some importance to begin with. “I am a holy drake tasked with cleansing evil.” It was a strange claim for him to make, and it was certainly not true, but there was nothing in particular worth refuting about it. His strange attire, gear and behavior could easily suggest he was part of some kind self-righteous sect, if not that he was insane.

“Please do be careful you three. It’s not as safe here as you might like to believe.” He said with a look of concern in his eye. “I would hate to see you get picked on by lesser races again because you were infighting.” He was a good actor, but the sharper of the cast might hear the slightest bit of sarcasm in his tone.

 

The battle ended quickly. With a metaphorical whimper, the last rookie dragonslayer succumbed to the onslaught of magical attacks and fell. The Armored Wyvern eyed the corpses before him with disdain-- part anger, and part pity. Even in victory against them, he loathed humans like these... and yet, the sight of their cadavers ignited sorrow in him. It was just more senseless death in the compounding conflict between humans and dragons. He regretted their foolishness and the necessity to defend against them on this day, but did not regret killing them.

Turning his mind from the matter for now, the elder drake looked around at his kind. Some were backing away, seemingly uncertain of how to regard their fellows now that their mutual enemy was eliminated. The Coralwing suddenly proclaimed her name, and the Firedrake fussed at her from the corner he had retreated to. The Armored Wyvern found himself disinterested in the oddly-garbed dragons' spiel, bothering only to catch his name; he spoke wisps of clouds, words light and flowing enough to please the fancy of more foolish drakes, but ultimately lacking substance. Waiting until he wouldn't be interrupting the younger dragon, the large wyvern took a step towards the Glider and offered his own introduction. "I am Akensken. You fight well, Ireísed. I am humbled by your magic, and also your compassion." Akensken briefly bowed his head to the younger dragon, sincere in his compliments. "I hope you bode well in future travels, and that we meet again in better circumstances." His gaze skated over the other dragons as he looked up, and in a slightly louder voice he expressed, "And I hope you all avoid falling prey to the human menace." Quieter but still definitely audible, he added in a somewhat mournful tone, "We've already lost too many."

 

When the last of the humans fell before their combined might, Stiria redirected her attention at the mountainous dragon––now that he had the light-wielding Coralwing at his side it would be a losing battle. This less-than-definite haven could not be hers if the others had formed alliances. Strong she may have been, but invincible she was not. The realization would have been enough to elicit a growl from the Stellar Wyvern, but she merely beat her wings just a tad harder. The situation frustrated her. She had no back up plan to come out of this on top.

She had no time to think when the Coralwing introduced herself with sudden roar. Stiria blinked. Ireísed of the Rolling Tides? The wyvern had never heard the name and its presentation left little to respect––the larger dragon didn't seem to know what saying her name was accomplishing. Of course, this was quickly followed by the other two who introduced themselves pretty rapidly in turn. The first of the two, the Firedrake, Chaneak, beat against her nerves. Although he expounded on his supposed past and current living, the Ethereal Guardian could hear the sarcasm dripping from his scaly lips. Untruths told imperfectly were designed to be punished.

Stiria would have taken the joy of enacting that punishment, but who was to say that the others would not come to this "Holy Drake's" aid. The mountain speaking out also prevented her from doing so. She paid him little mind save for his name. The wyvern had not heard of any of these dragons and, despite the relevant point the mountain had made, she cared not for them. She deigned not to follow suit and speak her name. She simply wanted what was rightfully hers! Still, with the odds against her, she stood little chance of acquiring it. She would have to give, but on her own terms as much as possible.

"Stiria," she breathed steadily. They would get no more than that from her.