Creative Corner

Back in the First Clan,hatchlings and children were referred to as *Lyfes Nwer or New Life because they-the hatchlings and children are the young blood,the future generation,the clan`s new life.
Due to that a hatchling`s name holds a majour meaning and represents them along with their identity-who they are.
Like Bloodclaw and her mate often say:

''Your name is your greatest honor that should be warded at all costs.''
So you must earn your name instead of it being given to you,otherwise it may hold a meaning to your parents but it holds no honor or actual meaning to the clan.
And because of this every hatchling has to go through a journey on their own,showing their most dominant personality traits while they venture and explore the land that is their home,of course their parents are lurking nearby in case their young gets in danger that it can`t handle alone.

On their seventh day,the now adolescent dragon finally gets their name and are considered mature enough to be allowed in the clan activities such as gathering,digging and fishing.
On that day they get a new title that reflects their current stage of growth-*Frellyn Brolltrenh and are given the chance to create their own mask.
This is a very important stage because on their seventh day,they cross into teenagehood and take a closer step towards maturity,speaking of which:
When a dragon reaches teenagehood,they are ''exiled'' to find themselves a companion with whom they have to bond with and bring back to the clan.
This is the most difficult,intimate and important part of their life because it can take years if not longer to find a companion that`s willing to bond.
There is a very strict rule in the clan that applies for a dragon`s companion and mate-

''You shouldn`t choose your companion-they should choose you.
If they don`t want to bond-they are not meant for you and you aren`t meant for them.''
Forcing your will on whatever creature you stubbornly try to bond with and dragg back to the clan is seen as a disgrace and insult to both your honor as well as that of the creature.
This will result in others loosing respect in you until eventually you get shunned out and isolated as a punishment for your deed.
Such dragons are called *Nanezgany
The only way to somewhat clear your name is to let go of the creature that your forcefully bonding with,resume your search and willingly bond with another creature then bring them back to the clan.

When a dragon has finally found and bonded with their companion,they are allowed the privillages to hunt and scavenge alongside their clan mates,as well as get their armor-material depends on their rank and where they are in the hierarchy.
At that point the dragon is considered a fully matured and responsible adult,thus are also allowed to find a mate-bringing their journey to an end.
As such that dragon is given a new title-*Adararnyn or *Adarernym depending on their gender.

''Strenghts is only a shell-the mind,heart and soul are what trully matters.''

[center][item=aged tome][item=book of urban legends][item=tallow candle][item=intact parchment][item=shadow runestone] [center][size=5][u]Who are the______?[/u][/size] A quick summary of each clan history. [/center] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [center][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/kjnrefucyff3bhg/arcane.png[/img][size=5]First clan[/size][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/arcane_0.png[/img] The First clan were actually a tribe who lived hundred decades ago in the Arcanist`s domain in Crystalspine reaches. They worshiped multiple deities known and reffered to as ''The Ancients'',who lived before the current eleven deities,tough it is unknown whether these deities are real indeed or just well-tought myths,there are strange occurances recorded throughout history. Many of the peculiar happenings can`t be explained by science and are subject of intense research as well as interest,those who still worship the seven former gods are claiming that the goddess named Ulthernyr is awake and is constantly watching over Sornienth,punishing those who are doing ill deeds. The tribal clan used to perform various rituals aside from seeking guidience from their gods,such rituals being The journey of growth and Eye of truth wich is rumored to be revealing a newcomer`s true intentions. Their relationship with Beastfolk is unknown however it is believed that they were on fairly good terms with them or at least neutral. There was one minor food crisis that occured during Bloodclaw and Graytail`s ruling however it was swiftly taken care of. They ruled until Seraph came and eliminated them as well as their children,cutting off their bloodline and bringing the end of their era.Rumors has it that the two rulers had recently returned from their graves and are once again amongst the living,or rather in deep slumber and waiting to awaken. [img]http://i.imgur.com/D0XSHAN.png[/img] [img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3bqybpi1ealtmxd/shadow.png[/img][size=5]Neuma clan[/size][img]http://flightrising.com/images/map/icons/shadow_0.png[/img] It was only after Seraph claimed the throne that the tribe gradually began taking the form of an actual clan with modern traditions and the seven deities were forgotten as many of the remaining tribe members were eliminated. His tyrannical ways of ruling were widely disagreed with yet very few at the time were brave enough to voice their dislike as they would be swiftly taken care of in front of everyone in the most brutal ways imaginable that would ensure an extremely slow and agonizing death.This was done so as a way of showing the consequence of rebellion,disobedience and disloyalty to the ruler,making the others follow his commands out of fear for ending up like the rebels. However at some point something happened to the tyranic ruler that resulted in his demise,tough it is still unknown how and when to this day. There is a ridiculous amount of versions of how it happened-some speaking of a curse,some of illness,others of assassination. After his passing,Seraph`s elderst child Moon took the throne,during her time of ruling the clan for the very first time got a name-Neuma wich in lating actually means ''spirit'',a mistake she made as she believed the word means ''shadow''. Moon ruled for ten decades until a vital illness with unknown origins rose and wiped out all clan members save for the ones who had fled to the Ashfall Wastes to wait out the virus. It appears that something there had given them a strange condition that gives eternal youth but not immortality,tough it certainly expands their lives greatly,going up to a few hundred years. A condition known as ''Phoenix". The Neuman era lasted for about a century until the sickness and exhaustion caused it to collapse-giving in to the dark times that followed. [img]http://i.imgur.com/D0XSHAN.png[/img] [img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/y24d2eqrplu438x/shadowshieldl.png[/img][size=5]Shadow Survivors[/size][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/wo30jllx8gtixq8/shadowshieldr.png[/img] When the illness struck and raved the collapsing Neuma clan,a single survivor made their way to the nesting grounds and took the three remaining healthy eggs then fled the territory while remaining in their birth flight. The first to hatch were Lumineryn and Arriner who gradually grew apart with the elder brother believing the Beastclans are equal to Dragonkind while the younger sibling firmly believed the contrary.In the end they ended up creating two subclans to the already existing one. The first was pacifist and welcomed all,named Harmonious Wings and the other only sought war while firmly refusing to accept any beasts in their ranks,going as far as chasing them away hence their name-The Glorious claws. It lasted for a period of time until the virus dubbed as ''the curse'' returned in full swing,worse than ever and erased all who once lived in that patch of the Shadow forest-only the ones wise enough to flee-to another flight far from shadow would`ve been recommended-lived. The clan was later pitifully labelled as ''Dead men`s clan'' and the era-"The silent plague'' [img]http://i.imgur.com/D0XSHAN.png[/img] [img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2rcl5ru7nd9pt4q/shadowshade.png[/img][size=5]Divina Serpenta cult[/size] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/map/icons/shadow_0.png[/img] Divina Serpenta was a cult worshiping the Serthis race and was created by a Lithetail Assassin named Latoth as a means of idirectly ''reclaiming'' the lands that rightfully belong to the Beastclans. Surprisingly,the dragons who lived during that time remember it with fondness and slight bittersweetness,claiming that the divine counsil still looked after them and made sure that no hatchling was left alone or without education,home or needed resourses. Still,it crumbled when an Archivist revealed the truth behind the leader`s or rather creator`s actions.Regardless,these two Serthises have indeed left a print in history with Xembrus being the hero and Latoth-the sinister villanous manipulator. [img]http://i.imgur.com/D0XSHAN.png[/img] [img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/thqlubs0dv6c1dp/beastclanshieldl.png[/img][size=5]Umbral Protectors[/size][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/wo30jllx8gtixq8/shadowshieldr.png[/img] The Umbral Protectors used to be a clan with tribal tendencies,founded by a wildclaw named Aurum-child of Pirum from the long gone Neuma and adoptive sibling to a Serthis Potions master. The dragon restored the festivals,rituals and traditions of the First clan then devided the clan into two separate tribes: Daragonim the dragon tribe who stuck to the outskirts of the Tangled wood and Mythosim,the beast tribe who lived in the much denser and hard to reach forest parts of the forest in a small ''village''. He and his mate led the first tribe mentioned while his companion became Second in command and leader of the beast tribe. The clan lived for long,sirprisingly for once unbothered by the sickness that had tained so many of the previous clans until tensions gradually began to rise and a coup was yet again comitted against Aurum and his family. His heirs went down first,his mate being in excile and finally-the fair chief`s turn came when someone poisoned him. As for the heirs,the princess had been also poisoned when she took her mother`s place as a queen and the prince had hanged himself out of desperation,unable to handle the pressure,ultimately comitting suicide that rattled the clan and eventually led to its untimely fall. [img]http://i.imgur.com/DNJ518h.png[/img]

The Wispwillow was silent as the cold night claimed the sky throne,a thick veil of fog gradually enveloping the Shadowbinder's domain.
Further into the forest,on the outskirts of the tribal clan-a Skydancer with garnet colored fur and sanguine butterfly feathers roamed restlessly,his tail swishing nerviously.
The winds that night were ruthless with the young Oracle as they ruffled his feathers and nearly blew away the sage clothing that are on his tense shivering frame.
The dragon looked around,his gem glowing brightly like a flashlight in the dark night,antennas swaying and swinging as he felt the energies around him.

Bloodflame had a worried,uncertain and nervious grimace,not liking the harsh weather in the slightest then slowly turned his head to look at his companion who was struggling as she could barely stand against the furious freezing air that were trying to blow her away.
The Serthis was clinging to a nearby tree with her carmine scaled tail while holding onto her oracle robes with her shaky hands,her hair flying in all directions as the winds kept hitting her form.Kavas-ever loyal and caring,an assistant that has never left his side,all the while neglecting her own wellbeing and issues.

The male sighed softly,almost sadly as he shook his head in disapproval and trotted over to the Beast.
If it was few years ago,he would just carry on,knowing that the serpent will make it just fine but now? No.
Now she's old and...sadly doesn't have much time left.Still from what the last dragon from the Neuma clan has told him before leaving-The Carmine lady must be around hundred years old if not even older.

Even her unusual condition can only do so much for her but everything comes to an end. Bloodflame sighed for a second time before picking up the old lady and slinging her on his back then flew up to where Beyamo`s sanctuary is-where mystics meet.
He entered the old shrine,the sight of familiar dimly lit long halls lined up with statues of shamans and oracles greeted his eyes.
At the hall`s end sits a throne with some stairs,at its sides lined up potted bonsai trees,sage lanterns lighting up the place softly as the night winds blew from the large window,streacks of moonlight reaching in and giving the temple an air of eerieness and mystery at the same time.

The oracle walked a few steps then took a turn to the left,reaching a large room with imperial-sized life like statues of all seven Ancients each having a round table at their feet with various item that represent them-Myrralem had many seer`s crystals,jars of vapors and clocks (even some smoke gyres were perched on her shoulders and were peering down curiously),Rugarn had bones,jars of embers (and of course some snappish steam gyres that had just left their jars) and an agite.

The time watcher was hunched over with her hands covering her weeping face,tail holding a healing staff while the Sun holder had a stoic frown on his face,one of his hands holding an ebon-edged spear.
Next to him was Sprynhfur calmly sitting with his wings folded loosely by his sides,a wise smile on his lips as he gazes down wistfully at those who enter the sacret room,a bowl of clear water and many wreaths before his talons.It was like he was inviting them to come-have aseat and rest peacefully or share their worries so that he would tell them one of his wise stories.Bloodflame smiled up fondly at the sage-a wise old one he is,tranquility and clear thinking is what the visitors would turn to him for.
Of course the clan rarely allows visitors as the place is quite sacret yet these days are a thing nevertheless.

Next were Henna and Hosfry,the Spiral looping carelessly with his head turned to peer down at the visitors with nearly childish glee and interest,his large wings spreaded widely as he seemed to be offering some of the musical instruments piled in the bowl that he holds-bells,chimes,chess pieces,dolls of all kinds and basically anything that a hatchling and child would desire-so no wonder why children liked him so much. After all,he is the god of joy.
Henna was standing proudly with her hands holding long grass and her tail was holding a sycle,eyes closed in a blissful expression.

The Skydancer grinned at the two,in all honestly the goddess of harvesting wasn`t too different than her brother-sure she`s definately more serious but she still could joke around.It`s been a long while since he had last seen them in his dreams,perhaps now is a convinient time to see and speak to them in his meditation? He looked over at the last two deities,pursing his lips in a pained grimace as he looks at Ulthernyr then shook his head lightly.

The mirror was in a hunting stance,spine curved like a bridge and her tail positioned on the ground partially,curling in an S shape with the tip pointing at him,her neck crained and her eyes cutting right trough him with her wings flared.
Her judging sharp and knowing look was a clear reminder to any who dare to face her,that they can`t hide their ill deeds and punishment will come to them,be it sooner or later. She is,the harsh arbiter and her nickname is not Karma for no reason.
Still he doesn`t quite understand her judging when it comes to his assistant-Kavas is such a sweet and mellow lady who has done nothing but good deeds for both the clan and others,always humble and caring.So why punish her in such way?
Then he remembered: She had abandoned her only child far in the Delta.

But it was done with good intentions-to keep him safe from harm and away from the carnage.The dragon shook his head sardonically then looked at Deraden who had the appearance of an elderly tundra,laying calmly with one wing folded in a protective manner as if to shield you of your troubling thoughts while the other was folded at her side,her eyes gazing down at you lovingly with understanding and sympathy a mother has for her children.One can easily fit a few adult dragons and hatchlings under her wing.
On her table were placed soft things-sakura moss,sakura owl feathers,sweetpuff feathers and really anything soft.
Bloodflame gently lowered the Serthis off his back and sat in the center of the half circle the statues formed then closed his eyes from under the vibrant fabric of his outfit.

Suddenly his antennae perked straight up,his gem glew like a sun as a rush of powerful raw force of magic hit him like a tsunami wave-the feeling was incredible.
Soon it turned into a low sound of sea waves gently washing over a none existent shore and as he fell into a deeper trance,he finally reached the Second realm.

And there they stood-all seven deities were before him in their true forms or at least the ones they had taken before the eleven had created their dragons-they were gigantic wyverns with glistening scales of spectacular vibrant colors and their eyes were glowing without pupils. Of all seven only the Time watcher and the Denmother had soft fur around their neck and on their tails while the Harvester and Jolly god had feathers running down their bodies from head to the tip of the tail,as well as Sprynhfur. Only Rugarn had a fin running from his neck down to the tip of his tail.

The skydancer smiled and bowed lowly in respect but was quickly snatched from his meditation and smacked back into reality when the elderly Carmine serpent`s voice spoke up,sending chills down his spine.
Her voice was eerily blank with an echo to it and it was like multiple beings were talking instead of one-the ancients.

''Old blood is returning...And ancient shall clash with new..eleven.The dark shall arrive to sweep all-world shall reset itself...it might not heal quickly-it might heal never again..Time is coming,it shall begin-one is already gone-however they are still here,we know,we know..they are still here..'' The voices blended into one,hissing irritatedly at the mention of the eleven gods. However that quickly changed as one single stood out from the rest,shriecking and furious making it evident who excatly is speaking-The sun holder.

''The self proclaimed master of waters. He is not watching over his followers-he is seeking us! He is seeking to find and warn his siblings! He desires to seal us once more in the core! We shall reunite,we shall face them all and free Sornienth! We Ancients are not afraid-shall not ever be!''
At this the Oracle frowned worriedly,if the eleven meet with the orginal deities who have recovered thier magics to full potential-then a titanic clash will follow and bring colossal destruction.The god`s voice boomed loudly,echoing throughout the shrine and making the steam birds crow as if agreeing while flapping their wings.

After that a soft and angelic yet still rumbling voice spoke,drowning out the screeching one of the ever wrathful deity as Deraden took over the lead.
''We are still recovering,still healing from wounds...However I am afraid brother Rugarn is correct for there shall come time when we shall come out...shall face them in a fray Sornienth has not ever seen in history...I am worried for little ones,you cannot halt nor delay-you can only observe...if still on Sornienth..''

Bloodflame sighed sadly,knowing the sage was truly saddened and didn`t want to wage another war as she can see that this one is devastating and destructive enough without their interference.He turned to the sun holder and the arbiter then asked faintly: ''Can`t you solve the feud with reason? The current storm is devastating enough alone on itself...''

Both deities looked at him with sympathy and apologetic grimaces as they ruefully shook their heads,speacking quietly.
''We see,Oracle,we know..yet the storm cannot be evaded we are afraid.-Eleven shall not listen even if we do reach out to reason.They shall turn deaf ears to our words,shall refuse and rain their anger on innocents...Ancients must take down eleven.''With a sigh the dragon noded in understanding,a sense of dread filling him as he bowed to the seven statues again in respect and standing up then he left the sanctuary.

A shaky gentle voice called out to him and he turned to face the elderly serpent who was smiling..sadly? It bothered him but didn`t need to voice his question.
''It has been a while Bloodflame..I`m tired and I fear that I can`t return to the quarters.Thank you for your kindness and may the Ancients watch over you,farewell..'' The dragon`s eyes widened in shock as he watched her turn into dust-''No!''-He had yelled as he dashed to try and catch her but in vain..it was over.

Condition Phoenix couldn`t keep her bound for too long and nothing could have been done to save her,a grim smile curled on the skydancer`s lips as he spared one last look at the room where the deities were.
It was for the best,she was exhausted and unstable.Besides what could the systems do to help? She was just put out of her miseries..No longer having to suffer being an Unmentionable.

---

Once there was nothing more than the wide cosmos and powerful,untamed magics of the world before Sornienth.
These magics are the result of human actions and it wasn't long until they bagan shifting,forming an all powerful entitity only known as "All Mother" or how her children began referring-Unyra wich translates to "universe".She was the very first Ancient to spring to life,the very first deity to appear into existence.

When humanity was wiped away and the new gods began rising,Unyra fell in a state of sadness that caused her to tear herself to pieces-pieces that were at first shapeless things,absorbing the enegy around them.
Each one of these pieces started to take form,bringing to life a deity.

First formed her sorrow and deeply hidden fury-a weeping seafoam Pearlcather and a sanguine fierce Wildclaw-both holding a tiny remnant of the piece they were born from,remnant of the All Mother.They gave themselves names and titles-Rugarn the Sun holder and Myrralem the Time watcher.

After them formed her deep wisdom and knowledge that now seems cryptid to any form on Sornienth aside from the other deities,all taking the form of a single one-a Forest Skydancer who named himself Sprynhfur the Compassionate.

Next formed All Mother's hope and joy,absorbing the surrounding magics that the newly born elements were subconsiously giving and emitting.
They took the forms of a grape Fae and a sunshine Spiral,both naming themselves Henna the hopeful and Hosfry the jolly.

At last formed Unyra's worst,most fearsome side as well as her best,most gentle one-taking the form of a pitch black snarling Mirror and her counter part-a blush Tundra.
That Tundra was a tender mother to all,caring and fair in a gentle way unlike her dark sister who was later nicknamed Karma due to her harsh swift ways of bringing justice.

The Blush furred dragoness called herself Deraden the Loving and the Mirror-Ulthernyr the Spiteful.

All seven ruled over Sornienth in peace with beastfolk,aiding them with their problems with taming and healing the lands while the new deities were still sleeping in their pillar.
This went on for decades and the still peaceful beasts fondly named the seven deities The Ancients,looking up to them with genuine admiration.

However the eleven grew up into powerful gods and overthrew the Ancient titans,sealing them deep into the world`s Core and creating their dragons-the ones we know today.
But before they sealed Ulthernyr,she warned them of great evil rising and promised to raise back from the cores-all eleven elements laughed at that as they tought the Sage is just bluffing...She wasn`t-not at all.

Of all seven sealed and forced in slumber-three were still awake and were gradually making their ways back to the surface: Ulthernyr,Rugarn and Deraden.
They separated,scattered throughout Sornienth and shapeshifted into animals or beastfolk.

As time went on and the War broke out for the very first time,in a last ditch attempt-some of the Beastclans turned to the Ancients once again.
Talonoks,Harpies and Longnecks built a small totem of the seven deities and hid it from anyone`s sight,taking it to the secret Serthis labyrinth where it shall be safe.
Maren and Centaurs made their own small totems tough nobody knows where they are-only the beasts do.

And so the various beasts prayed for the Ancients to return-called out to them,why you ask?
Because they were the ones who guided them in difficult times,gave them their blessings without even demanding sacrifices and shared knowledge.
In the eyes of most Beastclans-the Ancients are equal to Talona.

Henna,Hosfry and Sprynhfur heard the prayers,groggily woke in the cores and gradually became more aware of the changes around them.They dug through the layers from the fiery core to the surface and returned tough still weak with their powers slowly coming back.
They followed their siblings`example and disguised themselves then began roaming the world looking for them to reunite-bringing luck,hope and fortune to whoever they come across or simply pass by.

Green fresh herbs,stunning flowers,strong and towering trees as well as other plant life followed Sprynhfur wherever he went-thus bringing in the Spring.
He himself had taken the form of an elderly wise Longneck Magist with vines resting around his neck like a necklace,his eyes lacking pupils.
Many who witness him passing by,the flora blooming after him would stop and watch the odd miracle happen with awe and curiousity-others will smile knowingly as they watch the Ancient saunter past.

Only those who still believe in the Ancients shall hear their voices,understand their words and if they cross paths-see through their disguise...

[columns] [item=aged tome][size=5][u]Introduction[/u][/size] According to tradition,when a child-be it a dragon or beast,reaches teenagehood-the elders of the tribes provide them with materials that range from wide bones,short planks to feathers,fur and paints. The teens must make themselves their own mask,according to their rank in the clan and of course-a touch of personality! [item=Mystic Bark Mask][size=5][b]The Leaders[/b][/size] The most elite ranked wear a mask-be it of wood or bone and bracelets that can be made of bone or colorful clay beads. They also have strings with feathers and small skulls draped on them eighter on their wings-if they are a dragon or on their chest in a cross if they are a beast. It also isn't uncommon for the leaders to have fur trims on their bracelets,anklets and masks. [item=Rambra horn][size=5][b]Guards and Hunters[/b][/size] First we'll take a look at the Guards since Daragonim and Mythosymh have different...tendencies so to say from one another. Each mask varies but they all have one thing in common: The fiery red paint and the dark markings painted ontop of the red. A necklace of bones can be often seen on elite Guards and Hunters of both tribes. A [i]Daragonim[/i] Guard is first granted a shield by the clan Chief-this is meant to teach them humbleness,patience and strategic thinking on the field. When they reach adulthood and are considered responsibe,and mature enough-the Shaman grants them their weapon. It fits their style of fighting while still reminding others that they are looking at a guard-not a hunter! Because of that a Daragonim guard can be seen carrying a much better shield or ranged weapons like bow and arrows. A [i]Mythosymh[/i] Guard however first learns how to defend themselves against the attacks of more experienced guards and less experienced hunters of the tribe without helping tools like shields or weapons. This is the first stage of their training. When they grow older and gain more experience,move to a higher rank-their training gets more serious. The tribe oracle also grants them a wooden shield. Do note that the attacks get more persistent,aggressive and if the young Guard has nothing on them-they will be deadly injured. During their second stage of training-they face off against more experienced hunters instead of Guards in order to learn new tactics-how they can defend themselves and use them to their advantage. When they reach adulthood they finally trade their old shield for a better one,better armor and a ranged weapon. Both Guards are taught in combat with defense being their primary focus. [item=Warbeast tusk][size=5][b]Hunters[/b][/size] Hunters are something bit different than the Guards: They eighter carve themselves a wooden or bone tribal mask,use a bird skull mask or the skull of their prey/enemy. They decorate it with feathers,fur,colorful clay beads then paint it with red and paint on dark markings. Dragons who are hunters get their weapons a bit later than the beasts. This why the day when they reach adulthood and are given their weapon by the Shaman holds great meaning for the hunter. Mythosymh hunters on the other hand-their tribe Oracle give them a long sharp stick in the very beginning then once the hunters had completed training and reached Adulthood-they take it back to give an actual weapon be it a spear,sword,dual blades,etc. The type of weapon the hunter has depends on their personality and battle tactics they've shown throughout their trainings and mock sparrings. Hunters of both tribes are taught in the arts of combat with stealth,agility,speed,strength and durability being the main focus. [item=Mender's Healing Staff][size=5][b]Healers[/b][/size] Healers,specifically the ones of Mythosymh,have a white silk scarf with red painted at the edges draped around their shoulders like a poncho or mantle. They also have a large bag that primarily contains balms,gels,antidotes,bandages and various healing herbs-strapped to their back or attached to their belt. Elite healers carry around a wooden staff with small crystals embedded in it and a larger crystal in the middle-Think of the Guardian's staff from Shazam. Less experienced oracles carry a simple wooden staff-like a hunter's weapon,an oracle's staff matches their personality. [item=seeker orb][size=5][b]Oracles[/b][/size] Oracles wear an outfit colorful fabrics with patterns on them-Sage clothing. An elite Daragonim oracle commonly wears Celebration Sage robes while a Mythosymh-Mystic. Less experienced Daragonim Oracles have Charming Sage outfits while those of the other tribe commonly wear Lucky Sage clothes. Both tribes could be seen wearing either porcelain or clay masks,adorned with feathers,for those who like dramatic flare and shiny things-even small gems. [item=Tallow Candle][size=5][b]Shamans[/b][/size] Shamans of both tribes wear Golden Sage outfit,a red bird skull necklace and a mask. They always have a belt with a sacrifice dagger and a harvesting sycle strapped to their waist. It is worth to note that the Shamans have different dual colored markings on their faces and bodies-Daragonim Shamans have marks that resemble downwards pointing arrows that are orange and green in color. On the other hand,Shamans of tribe Mythosymh have swirly white and black markings. [item=Red birdskull necklace][size=5][b]Old chives[/b][/size] The Old chives are first generation dragons exclusively for tribe Daragonim. They can be often seen calmly roaming the clan territories,adorned with bone jewelry,colorful clay beads,feathers affixed to their tails and wrists or red silks and simple gold jewelry.They are something like Shaman substitutes that take on two positions-the leading and the spiritual. [item=Dusty Pauper Ovalcrown][size=5][b]Civilians[/b][/size] Civilians can be bare but that's not recommended at all. Instead they can be seen wearing druid outfits and other apparels along with tribal clothing. They live on the outskirts of Dragons' nest. Their masks are often of their familiar,totem creature,zodiac creature or other fauna-it varies. [item=Prairie Polearm][size=5][b]Newcomers[/b][/size] Newcomers can technically be counted as Civilians-[I]technically[/I].They don't really go trough any other rituals save for the Eye of Truth and maybe,Temporary reset. Even tough tribe Daragonim has accepted and welcomed them into the clan-the other tribe Mythosymh are still very wary and cautious around them. Newcomers can participate in Hosfry Vorryh and the some of the clan's activities.

All posts that have stories of this type will be linked here,the post will be linked to the main post.

• The return of the ancients

[center][img]https://imgur.com/PYUqpoS.png[/img][/center] [font=times new roman][color=#3f1e54]Who are the Tainted shadows and their origins |Introduction|[/color] [font=Times new roman]The Tainted shadows are a large group of dragons and beastfolk that shares common interests or at the very least,beliefs regarding the ongoing war between the two sides,living in harmony and symbiosis without hostility towards one another. The clan has a somewhat perhaps flexible hierarchy where the leader or founder of the clan is at the highest level and has the title of either “chief” or “Emperor”. The chief can be either a humanoid or a dragon. Below them is a duo of council members whose opinions hold a small amount of influence over the leader’s final decision. Lower down the hierarchy are the citizens or clan residents. The clan has tribal origins that haven’t been fully abandoned to this day and are honoured once every year in the winter.[/Columns] [center][size=7][font=times new roman][color=#a66333]Clan council[/color][/size] -------------- The clan council is something akin to a court in the clan,with the difference that it divides or 'splits' into subcategories-each performing its own set of tasks. [u]The Judgements or jokingly reffered to as "The executors"[/u] This is one of the highest council ranks,also rarely known as Major Council. The Judgements,specifically having to bear by far the heaviest burden of pronouncing a fellow clan mate either as innocent or guilty when giving a verdict during a clan trial. When a clan member commits a wrongdoing, they are put on a clan trial where the judgements evaluate the severity of their wrong then come to a verdict- ultimately deciding that member's fate. Smaller crimes like fraud and theft are punished with an amount of years in the dungeons. More severe crimes like violation of another member's rights in one way or another will result in permanent exile. If that clan member had committed murder,they are sent to death sentence. If one wishes to become part of this rank,they must be rational,calm natured,knowledgeable,observant and a good listener. Having a strong sense of justice is most highly valued. A Judgement councelor can't ever allow themselves to be brash,dishonest,manipulative and shifty,even less-abuse the system or their reputation and position. Remember,a member's life is technically on the line here,if declared guilty-at best they get exiled depending on how heavy is their crime and even exalted at worst. Hypocrisy is prohibited. Hence the reason there are three Judgement councelors-one always a long term veteran who is required to keep a watchful eye on his or her subordinates. The Head judgement is the one who declares the verdicts. The second councilor is Accusitive Judgment, something equal to a Prosecutor in court. And the final councilor is the Pleading Judgment, the secondary's counterpart. ——————- ———————- Lower down the ladder are the [u]Advisors[/u] who divide into two categories-offense and defense. Each side has only one member to avoid over complexity. Advisors are also Major Council but are often considered to be a middle class rather than high. To be an Advisor,one must be highly knowledgeable,be able to sift through information,have high diplomacy and communication skills as well as pretty high intelligence. Both sides must always know what is going on with the case they're leading and can't afford to give the wrong information. Their primary job is to discuss or rather,debate an idea and show both its pros and cons,so having some semblance of honesty is recommended. ————————— ————————— Surprisingly,each [u]order leader[/u] is technically falling into the Council territory but they're Minor Council members. The order leaders are oftentimes the very founders of their order and have the responsibility of keeping the rest of the clan in line-i.e their followers,organise order gatherings. They are usually highly regarded. The qualities one must have to even consider signing up for being an Order leader are-Responsibility,Resourcefulness,Fairness,Strictness,Confidence and the capability of leading others. A counselor of this rank can't ever be naive and oblivious,easily manipulated and even less lazy and ignorant. Of all council members, they have to be most flexible and quick to adapt to changes. Their job is to teach their followers,not be led by the nose. ------------------ [size=7][font=times new roman][color=#a66333]The clan orders [/color][/size] The orders haven't changed much since the Umbral Protectors. [columns][item=Airborne Warrior Belt][item=Battered Shields][item=Sharpened Serthis Lance][item=Expertly-Crafted Spear][nextcol][size=4][font=book antiqua][color=#e6560e]Order of the Warriors[/color][/size] The Order is well known within the clan for their rather fiery passion, incredible bravery and near savage ferocity on the battlefield, capability of quick access of a situation and adapting to it as well as their skill of tracking down targets with remarkable ease. Some become dutiful and unwavering guards,some unrelenting mercenaries and hunters,or bounty hunters-others join the arena for the thrill,sheer adrenaline and fun as mighty gladiators. They all are ready to shed blood if needed be for their cause or leader. And they all know pain,embrace it and don't fear it. Those within the ranks of the order know that there's no way of avoiding getting harmed,especially in a fray. The order of the Warriors primarily focuses on combat and ensures that the clan is safe from thieves,invasors and other possible threaths. Discipline and training are tight with little to no mercy for their foes..Or trainees for that matter. Members of this order are: [list] [*]warriors [*]guards [*]scouts [*]hunters [*]gladiators [*]mercenaries [*]bounty hunters [*]warlocks [/list][/columns] [columns][center][item=Large Stone Collar][item=Enchanted candle][item=Crystal ball][item=starlight cloak][item=Long Form Poetry][nextcol] [size=4][font=book antiqua][color=#b282e8]Order of the Artistic pantheon[/size][/color] The order of the Artistic pantheon is focused on arts that require mind,deep tought and keen eyes for details. Therefore,clan members within this order have a great imagination,creativity,passion for arts and craftsmanship,or simply have a more artistic talent. They're most often ambiverted-not as extroverted as the Warrior's Order but not as introverted as the other orders. Members of this order are: [list] [*]philosophers [*]oracles [*]crafters [*]mages [*]divianators [*]fortune readers [*]jewelers [*]stargazer [*]musicians [*]singers [*]dancers [*]poets and writers [*]painters and weavers [*]storytellers [/list][/font][/center][/columns] [columns][item=Leafy Impression][item=intact parchment][item=empty inkwell][item=Shattered Reading Spectacles][item=aged tome][nextcol] [size=4][font=book antiqua][color=#9e9651]Order of the Seeking minds[/size][/color] Known for their vast knowledge and wisdom,the order of the Seeking minds is focused on gathering and providing knowldege as well as education. Members who are within the ranks of this order are usually very keen and passionate on knowledge,very nerdy and geeky,wise,smart,introverted,strong-willed,resourceful and rational with a keen critical eye and a good amount of natural tendency for constantly questioning everything that surrounds them,hardly taking another's word right away without seeing for themselves-skepticism is part of their nature. Members of this order are: [list] [*]archivists [*]scholars [*]healers {Might overlap with the Pacific serpents} [*]scientists {might overlap with the Pacific serpents} [*]researchers [*]historians [*]archeologists [*]paleontologists [*]zoologists [*]diplomats [*]ambassadors [*]teachers [/font][/center][/columns] [columns][center][item=Night Flame][item=ghostly aura][item=conjurer's hat][item=conjurer's staff][nextcol] [size=4][font=book antiqua][color=#52403b]Order of the Grey mists[/size][/color] Perhaps one of the most intimidating and enigmatic of the bunch- The order of the Grey mists is focused on slightly unusual practices like burials,spirit channeling,spirit communication,rituals and what is widely perceived by others as 'dark arts.' Members within it are highly secretive,cautious,quirky fellows who aren't afraid of delving deep into the unknown and mysterious-going as far as practically covering themselves with it,becoming an enigma as well. Most rarely speak to strangers and prefer to keep to themselves in solitude but there are others who don't mind outside company,however often have the habit of talking in a vague or cryptic manner. Determined and patient,they proudly strive onwards. Members of this order are: [list] [*]witches [*]grave keepers [*]spirit mediums [*]Spirit channelers [*]necromancers [*]curse identifiers [*]Dream deciphers [/center][/columns] [columns][center][item=serpenta][item=onyx cobra][item=Unstable Serthis Concoction][nextcol] [size=4][font=book antiqua][color=#8f321f]Order of the Pacific Serpents[/size][/color] The order of the Pacific Serpents is focused on the arts of potions making strictly and are known for their strong antidotes,poisons,potions and other brews that healers might need. The irony is that not every member of this order is actually a serpent. A small in-clan joke that takes a bit of explaining to understand. This order mostly has very persistent,ambitious,opportunistic and sometimes stubborn individuals who love experimenting and are really fascinated by chemicals. They can sometimes also get carried away or absorbed into their work,looking like mad scientists a little but somehow manage to pull themselves back together. Members of this order are: [list] [*]Alchemists [*]Potions masters [*]toxin observers [*]witches [*]healers [*]antidote makers [/center][/columns]

[img]https://imgur.com/gTP8MNp.png[/img]

Since this is a newly risen clan, they slightly copy the previous clan's hierarchy structure with the exception that it's an idea more flexible than that of the Umbral Protectors.
The Chief is highest on the ranking ladder and right below are the Second in command.
The clan leader
The leader is tasked with watching over his/her clan and make sure that everyone is safe and in good condition, as well as making decisions for the clan's future- Implementing, removing and changing rules, assign or remove members from a certain high position and keep track of the clan resources. A leader is also required to attend clan trials to give the final verdict after the Head judgement has declared theirs.
This is why the leader often has to go to the archives and retrieve a folder containing the accused member's records as well as biography in order to make the right decision at the end of the trial.

"...A leader comes from a royal lineage,or at least that is most common,there are cases of civilians climbing up to the top and becoming a figure of authority but these are extremely rare.
It's also very important for them to have a skill- strength,intelligence,wisdom..."
However, as with this clan, the authoritarian figure isn't always from a royal lineage and since the end of the Protectors- the two tribes had been essentially merged back into one whole clan.

Furthermore, unlike the leading duos that ruled the predecessor clan, the Leader can only retire upon reaching elderly age...unless they pass away untimely and/or have mental health issues or disabilities. In those instances the Second in command takes their place automatically, rendering them a civilian. And what if the Second in command has the same conditions?

Then two of the residents can become the leaders after being put through a specific trial to determine whether they really are meant for the position or not. But that's in the most extreme cases. A new leader is being chosen- someone who is either related to the previous one or is very close to them, same trial.

Second in command leaders
A pair who are the main leader's eyes and ears- they are responsible for carefully moderating the clan and directly reporting to the leader, as well as writing report letters. Overall they are meant to keep an eye on the clan's whereabouts and what's going on, keeping the clan leader on track with what's happening. Basically the Leader is the admin and they are the clan Moderators.

Also, should something happen to the leader, the Second in command can automatically step up to take the position- usually one of them while the other remains. They technically can assign members to different positions but have to discuss it with the leader first.

The leader heirs
The heirs of the leaders, when they reach childhood, are being prepared by their parents and/or personal advisors to perform their duties to the clan that they would be ruling over after the retirement of their father/mother.

They are given clan reports and are being properly educated by the finest tutors in an array of differing subjects and a plethora of varying disciplines. They are also invited to mockup clan trials, and clan meetings where they have to make a decision, are put in different situations to test their skills, character...And on top of all that they are being ruthlessly trained in combat- close ups, ranged, physical, magical...
Overall all being a leader isn't easy. Good thing that most of the things aforementioned are made an idea lighter and become more serious gradually as they grow up closer to maturity, with their advisors always being around to help when they most need it.


The Second in command heirs
They are trained to keep the clan discipline,order and watch over them.
It would be also in their duty to directly report to the leader the whereabouts of the followers or write several report letters regarding the overall state of the clan, the presence of newcomers, Hoard and Vault records, alert of upcoming trials and/or Council meeting...Now add to that monstrous pile of tasks, also their combat training and general education. Just because they're a Second in command doesn't mean they can slack off and be incompetent.

The Offense and Defense counselors
Compared to the Second in command and their offsprings, these councillors don't possess much actual power over the ranks mentioned above, although they can have influence on them.
"...Lower down the ladder are the Advisors who divide into two categories-offense and defense.
Each side has only one member to avoid over complexity.
Advisors are also Major Council but are often considered to be a middle class rather than high."

Their job is to debate a brought up suggestion with the first pointing out the flaws and downsides of the suggestion- the latter doing the contrary.
"Both sides must always know what is going on with the case they're leading and can't afford to give the wrong information. Their primary job is to discuss or rather,debate an idea and show both its pros and cons,so having some semblance of honesty is recommended."

In the end, the final decision is up to the leader or Second in command- they can ignore the whole discussion, but also take it into account or consideration.

The three judgements
"The Judgements,specifically having to bear by far the heaviest burden of pronouncing a fellow clan mate either as innocent or guilty when giving a verdict during a clan trial.
When a clan member commits a wrongdoing, they are put on a clan trial where the judgements evaluate the severity of their wrong then come to a verdict- ultimately deciding that member's fate.

Smaller crimes like fraud and theft are punished with an amount of years in the dungeons. More severe crimes like violation of another member's rights in one way or another will result in permanent exile.
If that clan member had committed murder,they are sent to death sentence."

The three judgements or Three judgement councilors are standing on a higher step within the hierarchy rank ladder as well as the Council rankings. They are always present in clan trials.

• The first judgement councilor is known as Accusitive, and much like an Offense councilor, has to count the crimes that the member in question has committed and provide clear evidence to the Head judgement councilor.

• The second is known as Pleading, their task is to disprove the other's accusations. Playing in the accused member's defense, technically being their advocate.

• The Head judgement is always a long- term veteran counselor who has been through countless of trials and has significant amount of experience. He/she often questions the other two's claims, requiring factual evidence before declaring the verdict and the punishment after evaluating the misdeed's severity.

It is this veteran who also keeps an eye on his/her subordinates, capable of punishing them as well should he/she think that they're committing a fraud. You may be wondering: Can the Head judgement councilor judge the Accusitive and Pleading Judgments? Can that individual put them on trial alongside the one being put on clan trial in the first place?

The answer is a definitive yes.
But that opens up a whole different can of worms, doesn't it? What if the Head judgement is committing fraud themselves? What if they have done other crimes themselves? Can they be put on trial? Are they put on trial?
As much as I wish I could just toss a simple and definitive answer like I did with the previous question, I'm afraid that this is where matters get complicated and can get really complex.
So for a short reply I'll say 'Technically' and 'Maybe' instead of simply 'yes' or 'no'.

To accuse a Head judgement and really, any member from the Major Council is a really delicate thing that could swiftly get dangerous for the accuser, should they handle the matter wrongly.
One has to have solid, factual evidence that can't be dismissed, disproved and debunked or played off against them by anyone- be it the other councilors or the accused themselves.

Next, having someone to back you up with the case is a really good thing, especially if that someone also has a good amount of experience in the field. Whatever is going on, you must always have a significant edge over your opponents and have the upper hand.

Now add some witnesses and you should be pretty good to go. While these things seem like a small amount of tasks, acquiring them is fairly tough alone.
Another thing to have is a really durable and strong physique because things are certainly going to be really heated,hard and tense.

During such cases, the leader has to draw the final conclusions and verdict.
This kind of clan trial is long and lasts for a week at maximum- four days minimum.

The five Order leaders
"Surprisingly,each order leader is technically falling into the Council territory but they're Minor Council members.

The order leaders are oftentimes the very founders of their order and have the responsibility of keeping the rest of the clan in line-i.e their followers,organise order gatherings. They are usually highly regarded."

Each of the five clan Orders has a leader that is tasked with watching over their group.
Think of each of them as mini Second in command, except instead of being in charge for the entire clan they are in charge solely for their group- The Order of the Warrior leader is responsible only for his/her group of followers, not everyone. Unless the entire clan is part of that order, then that leader's duties overlap greatly with Second in command's. ..

Buuut that's unlikely to happen.

So,why are they in the Minor Council? Because their opinions hold absolutely no power or influence over the choices of the leaders, both directly and indirectly. Something that I forgot to clarify while talking about the councillors from the Major Council but you probably figured out, simply by reading about their tasks.
But just in case, allow me to say it once again: The Major Council holds some kind of influence and/or power over the leaders' decisions, either directly or indirectly, or both ways.

The Order leaders have to host a gathering once every week, inviting the veterans along for help, training and teaching the new members the arts of their corresponding order.

Order veterans
The veterans of each order aren't necessarily tasked with anything major, but are-or should be, are expected to be- armed with more experience and knowledge in their fields. They can alert each other and the junior members of upcoming weekly Order gatherings, as well as offer a helping hand to them if the 'newbies' are struggling along with some tips and tricks of their own.