Katsuokai » Lair » Apollo

Apollo

(#44639445)

The Light's Archer

Galileo

Shining Goblin

Energy: 0/50

Personal Style

Apparel

Skin

Scene

Physical Attributes

Battle Stats

Measurements

Length

29.82 m

Wingspan

17.7 m

Weight

8739.35 kg

Genetics

Metals
Iridescent

Saffron
Shimmer

Gold
Runes

Hatchday

Aug 26, 2018
(5 years)

Breed

Adult
Imperial

Eye Type

Light
Common

Level 25 Imperial

Max Level

STR

111

AGI

DEF

QCK

INT

VIT

MND

Lineage

Parents

Offspring

none

Biography

Dawnlight Coronas

Thanks, Saronai, 2018 Design Your Own Light Rep Winner, for gifting me one of Minuialrin's hatchlings!

Katsuokai wrote on 2018-06-24 21:21:34:

Add me to the pinglist, please! ;D

I got a bit carried away with this challenge. /haha Oh well, even if I don't win him, at the end of this event I'll have fleshed-out lore for a cool Light Rep that I can use for some other dragon if need be. ;P

xxxxxx

Challenge #1: Scry

dragon?age=1&body=140&bodygene=1&breed=10&element=8&eyetype=0&gender=0&tert=43&tertgene=14&winggene=20&wings=84&auth=61c9a9b888677b34bb9eb9e1cfcd79b51ce6eb77&dummyext=prev.png

Iridescent - Metals

I think that Iridescent in this colour resembles the Light Festival items really well, with their light golden colours and their shimmering pearly orbs decorating them.

The contrast of the light silvery belly and the sun-illuminated body is also reminiscent of the landscape you can see in the Mirrorlight Promenade, with its white pillars that I can picture almost glistening in the sun-soaked ruins.

Bee - Saffron

An obvious choice, since they so clearly resembles the stained glass windows that so majestically decorate the most opulent of buildings. Stained glass windows are also used to play with light-effects, the sun passing through the coloured glass painting beautiful patterns in the interior of the building they're placed on.

Not only that, but they also look like the sky during sunset, when the brightest stars have just started to be observable despite the sun's last lingering moments before nightfall.

Runes - Banana

This gene resembles sunlight so well, it accentuates some body parts, like the Wildclaw's horns, while not standing out too much since in some places it also almost flawlessly blends into his Iridescent body.

I also chose it since the Runes are reminiscent of either enchantments a Light Representative could have engraved in their body thanks to magic, an eternal blessing by the Light or wise words to live by. Light Dragons are Philosophers and Scholars, and rune-engraved scrolls are one of their signature marks.

Aside from that, I picture this Wildclaw as a talented dragon well-versed in the Fine Arts, such as painting, so masterfully decorating his body with runic letters is something he could do without an issue. However, I do think that the Runes gene can manifest itself naturally, with either no real meaning to the runes, or as message from the Light itself. The message could be a calling for a chosen dragon to don the robes of a Scholar and embark on a journey to preach the virtuous qualities of Light to every living being in Sornieth and beyond.

Breed - Wildclaw

I first thought about choosing a more obvious breed, namely, the Pearlcatcher, since they're one of the Lightweaver's breeds. However, after some thought, I decided to choose a Wildclaw. Why? Well, I picture this Wildclaw as, aside from a Light Representative, an artist.

Wildclaws are known for their hierarchical and competitive societies, so it'd be fitting to have him be part of a society of haughty Light Wildclaws. Just as Light itself usually represents superiority in morals, aesthetic and virtues (angels, god, etc. not necessarily FR themed only), many of these Light Wildclaws think of themselves as superior to even the Lightweaver's first creation, Imperials.

This Light Rep, however, wouldn't be a dragon that was graced with the highest of ranks in Wildclaw society; he's not particularly strong and he is calm and gentle, not at all as fierce and competitive nor haughty as the other Wildclaws.

Before becoming a Light Rep, he dedicated his life to painting beautiful artworks during his free time, while the rest of his time was spent working as an Interior and Architectural Designer for whoever the most high-ranking Wildclaw family happened to be at the moment.

Wildclaw artists are known for their skills and their eye for detail, since as their official lore states, the constant changes in leadership have them redecorating their superior's lairs all too-often from top to bottom.

I imagine that his Clan has, obviously, encouraged him to pursue a better social standing, so him putting down effort to become a good Light Rep is something they have wholeheartedly supported him in, even if this meant losing one of the most skilled artists they had to offer to the powers-at-be.

Eye Type - Common

The eyes are beautiful as is, no need to make them Glowing since I, lore-wise, prefer to have his eyes glowing sporadically due to intense use of magic.

The Common eyes are a nice gilded shade and thanks to the fact that they have pupils, something the Glowing eyes do not depict, he seems attentive, alert and awake, perfect for a Designer with an eye for detail. ;)

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Quote:

Challenge #2: Name

...

Story - The Ceremony

..,.

It was an early morning in the Mirrorlight Promenade, the
sun rising in the horizon washing
over the pillar-filled landscape
and the rolling hills.

In a central part of the
Promenade, a pathway with
beautiful pillars, some of them
restored, guided the way
towards the newly built
Lesser Sundial Terrace, where
a small gathering of
Light Wildclaws
stood watching, somewhat impatiently
waiting for a small
delegation of dragons
and the little child
they were carrying with them
to arrive soon.

The Clan of the Forenoon's small group of dragons hurried their steps when they saw the Lesser Light Oracle and some members of Lightclaws, the reigning Wildclaw family that so generously allowed them to work reverently for them, impatiently looking at them afar.

The little child they were carrying was a runt, a tiny Wildclaw with bright Light eyes, sparkling crystalline wings tinted like stained glass glistening in the sun awkwardly folded over his body, and a body with iridescent hide and shining marks over his small frame. The Runes gene was not quite fully manifested, the wings not quite as strong as they should be, and his eyes not quite as awake as they could be.

You’re late, said The Lightclaw’s 15th Heiress to the Clan.

The Forenoon’s clanmembers nodded their head awkwardly, while bowing in reverence towards the Lightclaws, almost not looking them in the eye for having left their Superiors waiting.

Let’s start the Ceremony now, your Highness, before the sun goes up completely, the 15th Heiress said to the Lesser Oracle standing by the Ceremonial Sundial.

The Oracle made a welcoming motion for the Forenoon family to come forward with the child. He did not speak, nor did he see them since his eyes were covered with a flowing Veil, as it was traditional during the Namegiving Ceremony for the Oracle to not uncover his eyes until after the Ceremony was over.

One of the Forenoon Wildclaws carried the child and laid him down on the Sundial, while another one gave the Oracle a decorated leather pouch containing different items representing their child, for the Oracle may not be able to see the little one, but he could get an idea of how he looks like thanks to the mementos his Clan had gathered.

The contents of the pouch was a small piece of impure metal, but with one polished side representing the Iridescent, a piece of tinted glass meticulously framed and decorated with the Light Flight’s Emblem in its center, and some enchanted Light Runes, glowing gently when the sun touched them. Among these items, were also three antique gold coins from a bygone-era, representing their wishes for their child to be prosperous.

The Lesser Light Oracle heard the items clink on the Sundial, swiped them gently towards him in one precise motion of his claws, then smiled and nodded towards the little child in front of him, almost as if he could see him, or maybe because he was already so used to performing ceremonies like these he already knew where on the Sundial they must have placed the child.

x

The Heiress and the other Lightclaws accompanying her tapped the ground with their claws, their impatience growing stronger, despite the fact that they had just been there for 10 minutes.

Let’s name that little runt already, said a teenage Wildclaw, another Heir to the Lightclaw Clan that had been dragged along to the Ceremony. Someone had to represent the Lightclaws, someone had to show how generous they were to their lesser Clans serving them, someone usually meant low-ranking, low-ranking among the Lightclaw that is, but clearly superior to the family in front of them.

The Oracle grimaced, he overheard what the impertinent teenage Heir said, but had to keep his mouth shut as it was tradition to not speak until the end of the Ceremony.

He was supposed to let the Light bless the child with a fitting name, free from outside influence, with at most some mementos to represent the child, but in classic Wildclaw tradition where hierarchy is paramount and the families wished for their children to climb the social ladder, most would present items that represented their well-wishes for the child’s bright future, like a sharp arrow for a skilled Hunter or a gilded fountain pen for their wish for the child to become a renowned Scholar.

The Oracle had to keep in a sigh, a runt would have a harsh future in this Wildclaw Society he briefly thought to himself, before successfully pushing aside his thoughts and focusing on the task at hand.

The Oracle raised his claws to the sky, the sun coming up just behind him, casting the Oracle’s shadow, first over items, then the child, then as the sun raised higher in the sky the shadow diminished, and finally, once the sun was aligned in such a way that it appeared clasped in the Oracle’s claws, he used his Light magic, illuminating the entirety of the Sundial in front of him. The child’s runic markings shined brightly, his eyes now bright open looking straight towards the Light.

As soon as it all had started, the Light spell was dispersed and everything was calm again.

The Light Oracle looked towards the dragons here gathered, gently put back the mentos in the pouch, and proudly proclaimed: ''The Light has blessed you with a name, and this name is Apollo, since I can feel the Light living strongly inside you. Carry this name proudly, let it inspire you in your brightest days, and bolster your strength when darkness tries to overshadow your Light. May the Light be with you, always, for time eternal.''

''Isn’t that an ancient name for a God?'' said the young Heir in a low voice to the Heiress.

''The God of Light and Arts? Yes… . What do that Oracle think of himself, and think of that child?'' the Heiress scoffed.

''Who knows, maybe our Scholars are wrong and Apollo was some lowly shepherd who became famous for his shenanigans or something'', the Heir snickered, with the Heiress just slightly suppressing a high pitched giggle of her own.

Apollo’s family overheard the ill-concealed mocking laughter, as was to be expected, since their Superiors weren’t really that keen on being truly righteous and kind. They sighed, slightly disappointed, but decided to focus on their child’s new name, a truly gorgeous one, hopefully a sign that a bright future awaited their new clanmember.

They thanked the Oracle, the Lightclaw Heirs and the other Lightclaws members, and went on their way. Who knows, maybe this little scrawny child was truly blessed by the Light, their innate strength just not having blossomed quite yet?

x

The Name - Meaning

Apollo, the God of Light, Art, Knowledge, Archery, and more, is one of the most well-known and loved Gods of Greek Mythology. He was a cheerful God, appreciated by his people, well-versed in the Arts.

Just like our Wildclaw protagonist, Light Rep-to-be, Apollo the Wildclaw is a gentle dragon interested in the Fine Arts, talented in his artistic pursuits and cheerful despite the adversities he faces in the cutthroat Wildclaw Society he lives in. Starting life as a runt was hard, not being skilled in hunting and fighting very much a disgrace in Wildclaw Society, but thankfully he finds his calling in the Arts, and later, by spreading the true virtuous values of the Light as its Representative.

Despite being quite physically weak, thanks to his dexterity and sharp eye, in his teenage years he took up Archery and became quite skilled in that as well, another discipline the God he’s named after was good at.

Thanks to his precise shots as an Archer and beautiful artistic abilities as a Painter for the Lightclaws, he managed to avoid some of the incessant dunking and mockery his peers subjected him to, helping his confidence grow and giving him some much needed peace of mind, peace he could use to further his study of the Light and gaining enough knowledge to one day, maybe, becoming a respected Representative of the Light.

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Free to use bio buttons by Serpenta.

P.S. Why does my layout not work? The forum posts are too narrow and the coding itself breaks. T-T

P.P.S. I think I fixed it, yay! ;D

Quote:

Challenge #3: Apparel

Apollo Forenoon

Apollo has always loved art. As a little hatchling, instead of attempting to play with the other hatchlings who mocked him for being a runt, scribbling on any piece of paper he could get his claws on became his biggest pastime. Roughhousing wasn’t for him, but the colourful paints and the unique scent of parchment became his best friends.

A Wildclaw that isn’t strong, or brilliant and rich enough to spend their life studying instead of hunting, can always try to get a living as an artist. The higher echelons of Wildclaw Society are always seeking the most skilled Artists and Interior Designers available to decorate their lairs.

The Forenoon Clan saw how happy Apollo seemed when painting, so they made sure to provide him with any art supplies he needed, new tomes to sketch in a staple when planning their monthly budget.

Nowadays Apollo is a Light Representative, but he has never ceased to love art. His Light Tome is filled with notes from his studies, to-do lists, and sketches galore of the beautiful places, creatures and peoples he meets during his travels around Sornieth as an Official Representative of the Light.

As a young fledgling and young teenager, it was clear that Apollo would never grow up to become a physically strong Wildclaw, so learning how to fight, hunt and fend for himself in the wild was barred from him. This, in Wildclaw Society, where the physically strong were praised and the frail ridiculed and looked down, was a disgrace. No matter how good he was at studying and how much of a gifted artist he was, he would never quite be good enough in the eyes of his Superiors.

His best friend, a Shining Goblin that worked as a Historian of Ancient Civilizations, one day brought him a book. He would always bring books with him for Apollo to read, but this one was special, as it talked about ancient sports that the people who lived before the Third Age had practiced, among others: Archery. Archery had been a popular sport in many ancient Pre-Third Age cultures and, apparently, even his namesake God was thought to have been known as a skilled Archer.

Apollo thought this was interesting, so he decided to try his claw at shooting arrows. He was good, his precise artistic eye and dexterous claws allowing his arrows to come pretty near the bulls-eye despite being a beginner with a not-so-great bow. His first bow and set of arrows were very worn, he and his Goblin friend had looked through various Second-hand Markets to see if they had any reasonably priced equipment for sale; a Historian and a young Wildclaw weren’t the richest people in the Sunbeam Ruins, after all.

As Apollo’s interest in Archery continued to grow, the Historian decided that his friend deserved a proper bow and arrow, so he sought the help of Apollo’s clanmates. Among them were a skilled Weaponsmith who made weapons and bows for the Lightclaw Clan, and with the Historian’s blueprints of traditional bows and arrows from how the Pre-Third Age Era, plus some money and materials that Apollo’s clanmates chipped in with, they manage to make him a traditional light bow, sleek arrows and resistant quiver.

Apollo was ecstatic with his gifts, and set out to train even more than he already had now that he had some proper equipment. This also made him able to learn how to hunt with the other, stronger, Wildclaws that otherwise would have mocked him for being too small and weak; now he could prove to them that you don’t have to be big and strong to be a good Hunter.

x

In his teenage years Apollo divided his time among painting for the Lightclaws, practicing Archery and spending time reading together with his best friend. His interest in the History of Art was a topic the two friends spent a lot of time speaking about, so when the Historian proposed to him that he should attempt to become a Scholar he, too, thought it was a good idea. His Clan supported his decision as well; he was a studious young Wildclaw, so they were confident that he would be successful in his studies.

When he was admitted into The Radiant Eye University, the enrolled students were supposed to don a traditional shawl with the University’s colours. And, in Apollo’s case, his family decided to craft this Shawl themselves, as both a heartfelt gift and a memento of how far he had come. The Shawl was beautifully crafted, even better than those the University provided to their students, the textile was soft to the touch, resistant to tear, and its colours appeared brilliant when the sun shone on the embroidered details made with gilded threads.

Even nowadays, long after having graduated, he still wears this Shawl as both the student body and the Scholars of the University dons this shawl as part of their day-to-day attire. The only difference being that the Scholars have tassels and decorative orbs sewn onto their shawls, while the students’ shawls lack those decorative elements and are plainer as they have less embroidered details.

After he Graduated he continued to pursue his study of not only the History of Art, but he also grew an interest in study the History of Light itself, both Pre-Third Age and current era representations of it. His former teachers and now fellow Scholars had noticed his interest, and also payed notice to his natural skill employing Light spells, so they encouraged him to focus more on his study of the Light. This, eventually, led him on his way to become a Light representative.

The Scholars told him to present himself as a Candidate for the Light Representative position, they backed him up and his Clan and best friend also cheered him on. There are many Light Representatives, but to be allowed to become one you had to prove yourself worthy of it, which he managed to do.

The day he was welcomed into the ranks of the Light representatives, they taught him a spell, a spell that only his fellow Representatives knew how to use. Thanks to this spell, he can now invoke a radiant Luminous Halo over his head, an embodiment of the Light crowning him as its true Representative. No matter where he is, no matter what he’s wearing, this spell would always be with him, allowing him to make clear that he truly is a Representative and not an impostor that spreads lies and discord.

Of course, his ascent in the Scholarly and Diplomatic domains did not go unnoticed by The Lightclaws. They made sure to welcome him with open arms to their clique, the higher echelons of Wildclaw Society.

By now, some seemed completely unaware that he had previously been a runt from a lowly Clan ignored by all, while others boasted about how they had always believed in him and supported him economically by allowing him to decorate their lairs and paint portraits, his artistic works now proudly on display in every lair of the families he had ever worked in. Some, however, had not forgotten who he was, but begrudgingly welcomed him anyway; it would have been a social faux-pas to not do. Disrespecting a Light Representative could also carry with it the very real risk of being demoted to a lower rank or even disowned.

To signify his social ascent in Wildclaw Society, a ceremony was held in his honour where they publicly welcomed him into the highest ranks of Wildclaw Society. The ceremony was grand, Wildclaws, and many other dragon breeds and creatures were all invited to the event. During it, to signify this social ascent, the 3rd Heiress to The Lightclaw Clan, under the watchful eyes of the Lightclwaw Patriarch and Matriarch, donned him with a Golden Wreath, symbol of new social status.

With this simple gesture, he was now an equal to them, and in some situations, their Superior, at least when it came to their relationship with The Light Flight as whole as he ultimately is supposed to represent The Lightweaver’s commands for her people.

His family, the Forenoon Clan, were also now welcomed into the higher echelons, at least to mingle. They were no longer to be disrespected and made to work all too hard for their Superiors, which his clanmates thanked and celebrated him for. They couldn’t be prouder, but Apollo was a humble dragon, and has ever since made sure to remind them that he would not have come as far as he did without their and his best friend’s help.

Apollo, too, was happy about now far he had come and all that he had achieved, and he was excited about everything that he had yet to experience. He also decided that he now would use his social position to change the mind of the Lightclaws and other Clans with a similar elitist mentality. He would make them understand the true values and virtues of the Light, such as truth, honesty, gracefulness and humility. He believed that truth and knowledge will make dragonkind equal, beyond breeds, their physical ability or even Elemental Alignment.

With the unending support of his loved ones, he was sure that his efforts to improve society, even if it was just a little, couldn't be in vain nor a failure, since with their support and the Light bolstering his resolve, he knew he wouldn't falter.

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P.S. I got carried away again. lmao If only all my others dragons were given this much care and attention from my part. /haha

P.P.S. Fixed some grammar and spelling mistakes. :X

Katsuokai wrote on 2018-06-27 21:26:07:

Please note when reading this that I headcanon most dragon breeds and familiars as not having massive size differences between them, so Apollo, as a fledgling, is just about as big as Galileo. ^^

@ Judges: I got carried away again, once I started to write I couldn't stop. Hopefully it's all readable, but feel free to jump directly to the section called ''The Familiar - Facts'' if you only want to read why I chose a Shining Goblin as Apollo's familiar. ;)

Free to use dividers and icons by osiem.
Free to use bio buttons by Serpenta and DeadBattery.
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Free to use Shining Goblin Orb by me, Katsuokai. If you use it, link back to my profile if you credit me, and remember to download it in case I ever were to delete it!

Challenge #4: Familiar

Apollo Forenoon

..,.
Galileo the Historian

Get up!

Come on, it's not that hard!!!

Hahaha, he can't even stand up.

Nor take a punch

True. What a pathethic weakling. Even his wing broke.

- Apollo sobs while trying to pick up the shards of his broken wing. -

How can you even shatter a wing with one tiny rock?

Dunno, he's a teeny-weeny runt, and whiny too... look how's he's crying. Want me to shatter your other wing too?

Hey! Stop that right now. - The voice came from a Shining Goblin standing in the distance. -

Let's go guys, not worth the trouble picking up a fight with one of those Goblins.

- The Goblin hurries his steps, but is slowed down a bit by the very heavy satchel hanging from his shoulder and the books he's carrying in his arms. Once he reaches the young fledgling, he puts down his books on top of a dilapidated column before tending to the Wildclaw's wounds. -

You OK? Let me see.

- Sobs - They broke it.

I know, but don't worry, it'll be OK.

Try to extend your wing a little. It'll hurt, but that's because you're tense. Your wings are supposed to be fold-able, their hardness controlled subconsciously by your instincts, but since you're young and frightened, I understand that it was probably that what caused them to break when those kids hit you.

I'm useless and weak. - Apollo says while wiping a tear off his face. -

You're not useless, a bit frail, maybe, but definitely not useless. You'll learn how to control the hardness of your wings at will once you grow older, just you see!

Now, let's see... it only broke one windowed pane, so it should be an easy fix.

- As he finished saying that, he cupped together his claws and in it, an orb formed. Soon light started to fill the orb, a gently glowing Light core now floating in its center. He then lifted up the orb in the air with his right claw, while laying his left paw on the broken part of Apollo's wing. The orb started to absorb the rays of Light from the sky, making its core glow brighter than a light bulb. The Goblin's whole body started to glow in a glistening gilded hue, his left paw shined intensely, and in a sudden flash, Apollo's wing was now healed. -

...Woah. How, - sniffle - ...how did you do that?

The Light did. - The Goblin said while smiling gently at the fledgling. -

The Light did?

The Weaver have gifted us Shining Goblins with that spell, it's innate.

...The Weaver? You mean, The Lightweaver?

Yes, of course.

You don't call Her by Her full name?

Oh, no, I guess that since we Goblins are more closely in contact with Her we usually just call Her The Weaver among ourselves.

That's so cool! I'd love to meet Her.

You don't have to, as we are Her eyes out in the world. If there's something She must know, we will tell Her. We usually work as Scouts, but many of us take up other roles as well, like me, that of a Historian, but even then, it's not for nothing that we're called The Eyes of The Lightweaver.

...Uhm, does that mean... that She can see me through your eyes?

- The Goblin looks at the fledgling, amused by the question, and looks straight at him. -

Maybe She does see you. - The Goblin replied while smiling warmly. -

- Apollo could have sworn that the Goblins eyes flickered with a sudden flash of Light, but he wasn't sure. Did The Lightweaver just answer that question, through him? -

Oh.. ! Well, then, tell Weaver, I hope I can call You that, thank you so much for helping him heal my wing! And, and ...for creating all the beautiful sunlight that soaks the landscapes that I love to paint!!! - Apollo hugged the Goblin, and the Goblin allowed him to snuggle his head into his mane. -

x

I want to learn how to do that.

Healing? Since it's an innate spell we Shining Goblins have been gifted by The Weaver, I'm not sure you can learn it. But who knows, maybe if you're gifted enough in Light magic I could be able to teach you... hm... how do you teach someone a spell you're born with... . - He trails off in thought. -

Hehe, I'd love to try to, at least, if you don't mind.

I'll try my best to be a good teacher, then. What's your name? I almost forgot to ask.

Apollo, Apollo from the Forenoon Clan. ... You?

Leonardo Galileo, I'm a Historian of Ancient Civilizations, more precisely, I'm studying the artistic depictions of the Deities during the Pre-Third Age Eras.

You're studying ancient artworks? I love art!

So you do, I see. Landscapes was it, right?

Yes, but I love drawing everything. Tell me more about your job, Sir, please!

- The Goblin chuckles. - You don't have to call me Sir, simply call me Galileo. I'm not that old, see my horns? They're still pretty small. - The Goblin points at his horns, they are are small and have just slightly begun growing inwards in a spiraling motion. -

You're a teenager?

Er, I guess by Wildclaw standards, yes, I would have been a older teenager; I'm 17 years old, but I'm a full-fledged adult. I was created by The Weaver Herself, so I've always been an adult. The only obvious sign of age among those of us that have been created directly by Her is the growth of our horns, the bigger they are, the older the Goblin is!

Although some like to trim them and use charms to modify their shape and size, so I suppose it's not really that useful to use the horns to determine their age... . If you live here in The Sunbeam Ruins long enough, I suppose a little vanity isn't beyond even a humble Goblin worker.

It's natural to want to feel beautiful, as an Art Historian you should know that, silly!

True, true, I suppose a little vanity isn't bad. - He chuckles. -

So... you've never been a kid?

Never, why would I need to? When The Weaver creates a Goblin, it's because she needs us to start working ASAP, so no, I've had no childhood.

Don't you miss not having been a child, play and stuff?

Not really, no, and who's to say that an adult can't play like a child at heart? - The Goblin tickles Apollo with his finned tail, getting a heartfelt giggle in response. -

x

Back to what I was saying earlier, of course I can speak to you about my job, but let's get you home first, OK? I see that you still have some bruises and scratches.

It's OK. Really. It doesn't hurt anymore, I'm just a bit tired, that's all. Your healing spell patched me up really well! - Apollo said, beaming with happiness. -

Oy, I almost forgot my books. - Galileo picks them up from where he left them, but huffs a bit when lifting them up. -

Those must be heavy. Hey, why don't I carry you? You can ride on my back.

You're too small, these books, and myself, are too heavy, and you've just been beaten up!

I'm not small! Look, I'm as tall as you! - Apollo stands up, his face now eye to eye with the Goblin. Galileo chuckles at the Wildclaw's determined face, he really thinks himself big enough to carry him. -

Plus I've already said that I'm not hurt anymore... !

Sigh. You can take one book or two, but not more than that. Understood? - But before he got a reply, the fledgling bowed down and in a swift motion ducked under the Goblin and managed to pull him up on his back, the books Galileo was carrying almost falling down to ground as he lost grip of them for a moment. -

See... ? - Huff... uff... - ...I can do this... ! - And so, Apollo waddled away, for 30 meters before giving up, defeated. -

- Galileo laughed. - I told you I was too heavy, I mean, the books are too heavy!

Hehe, you're funny.

I always try to be an entertaining conversationalist.

I'll take two books, OK?

Good. Now let's get you home and I'll tell you what all these heavy books are about on the way.

- From that day onward, the two of them would become the very best of friends and live through many exciting events together. -

x

The Familiar - Facts

I chose a Shining Goblin as Apollo's familiar for multiple reasons, aesthetics being the most obvious one. Another reason being that he's a Representative of the Light, so what better option than one of The Light Flight's official familiars, made in the Flight's image and representing their Deity's values? None, I say.

Aside from those reasons, since Goblins are supposed to be the Eyes of their Deities, that is, Scouts, as their sturdy body build implies, I thought the Shining Goblin would be a fitting familiar for an Archer and Light Rep, someone who travels the world a lot. Anyone who spends at least some of their free time outdoors needs a familiar that can keep up with that dragon's pace.

Another interesting fact to know about this familiar, is why I chose his name: Leonardo Galileo. His preferred name is Galileo, and Leo is an acceptable nickname.

Here on Earth, Galileo and Leonardo are both renowned polymaths, famous for their multiple contributions to Science and the Fine Arts, which I think fits our Goblin nicely since I wanted him to be both artistically and technically skilled. Our friendly Historian is truly devoted to his studies, working tirelessly for The Lightweaver. He's precise, knowledgeable, and he knows how to draw technical drawings, as was hinted at by the fact that he managed to make a bow blueprint for the Forenoon's Weaponsmith. Although he likes to study other things as well, he spends most of his time studying the depictions of the Deities in ancient art, and his devotion to his field of study is unquestionable.

He might not be a famous gifted polymath himself, but that's not to say he can't become one. I think that Goblins can live for a very long time thanks to their Deities' magic, so he could very well eventually become skilled in many different fields of study and disciplines.

During his free time, he loves to spend time reading or painting with Apollo. Galileo was pretty much Apollo's mentor throughout his youth, and even as an adult, Apollo always confides in his friend when he needs advice. They share a very deep bond with each other, and their friendship is unbreakable.

Katsuokai wrote on 2018-06-28 21:29:35:

This is partially based on the Bounty of the Elements lore, so I recommend that you read that first, then this. ^^

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Challenge #5: Lore

Apollo Forenoon

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Galileo the Historian

Apollo was exhausted today, as he had been having nightmares for three days straight. He was visibly tired, and Galileo had started to getting really worried about his friend's well-being.

You’ve been working too hard lately, you should put down the books and spend some time relaxing and painting instead. If there are any Light Rep duties of vital importance, do those, but cancel everything else. I’m worried about you.

The dream feels so real, so vivid. I can feel my body ache when I wake up.

You’ve spent so much time studying Pre-Third Age Dream and Nightmare-related mythos, it’s normal that the events those stories tell get mixed into your dreams.

But they’re horrible, I’ve never had nightmares from reading gruesome mythos, not even recounts of horrific historical events get to me like this.

It’s stress, trust me. You’ve been working so much these past years since you became a Rep, you need to rest. Take a vacation, you deserve it!

Hm… but it doesn’t even feel completely related to what I’ve been reading? Nor to the stress of meeting, I’m persecuted in these dreams… !

Stress can make you feel like you have no escape, it’s normal. The Goblin started to be exasperated by the situation, this had now been going on for too many days, so his voice sounded unusually harsh instead of his usual gentle and reassuring tone.

x

It’s always the same scenario… I’m running through the streets and some humble abodes in a frenzied and almost dazed state… .

Then a powerful gust of Wind throws me of my feet, I feel a slash against my skin. I look down, my feet aren’t draconic, they’re Beastclan-like. When I try to get up, I look up, but am blinded by a burst of pure Light. I can’t see, I can’t hear, the screams from the people living there muffled, the deafening Wind drowning out their voices.

It’s hot, awfully hot, and I try to get up and run, but fall to my knees again. I can’t feel my left leg, do I even have a leg anymore? Is it gone? I crawl up against a wall and once again, I try to run, but am instead engulfed in a ball of scorching Fire.

Then, I wake up. Paralyzed by fear, crying, my body aching as if I had been ripped to pieces for real.

…

Galileo didn’t answer, he had heard his friend retell this story every day, but each time he was able to recall more details.

It feels as if I’ve been cursed.

Hm… we did recover some strange objects from that ancient temple, and it said on those tablets we found that they were cursed. But I doubt that they’re truly are cursed. It also might just be that unusual disturbance of the ley lines that making you not rest well, magical disturbances can alter anybody’s peace of mind.

I suppose you might be right, but still… .

But if it’ll ease your mind, I can ask around and see if other people working on the digging site or or near the main ley lines been having nightmares, OK? He now sounded like his usual self, calm, gentle and very reassuring.

Yes, thank you… .

Now, let’s go to that Fundraiser Gala. It might be boring, but we need to gather funds if we are to continue this project.

At this point I almost wish that we don’t succeed in getting more Benefactors, that supposed God of Dreams, Phobetor, must have cursed that temple.

Now, now, the place isn’t cursed, you’re just stressed. The pain you feel when waking up, is because you tense your muscles. And the fact that you’re paralyzed in the morning is called ''sleep paralysis''. Look it up in a medicine book, I have one I can give you. But now, we must go, we’re running late already.

x

The Gala was held in The Beacon of The Radiant Eye, where many Light Reps, Scholars and Benefactors came together every a year to discuss both their missions, successes, sought advice, help, and financial support if they needed it for their projects.

They had been mingling with various guests for some time, and Apollo kept getting worried looks and glances from other guests since they could see his clearly exhaustion expression.

Suddenly, a Light Representative accompanied by a Luminous Ambassador, both living in an Arcane Clan, introduced herself and her companion to them, someone they both recognized despite never having had the opportunity to talk to her before.

Her name was Clarity, and she was known for having formed a union of 11 Pearlcatcher Flight Representatives that closely collaborated with each other to strengthen the diplomatic bonds between their Flights. It was a huge success, as together they had managed to keep more than one important conflict from esclating, which made Apollo all the more surprised when it seemed like she knew who he was.

Hello, I’ve been wanting to talk to you.

Oh.. ? Apollo said, surprised, completely forgetting to introduce himself.

Yes. She smiled. My name is Clarity, and this is Krotus who is The Beastclans' Representative and a Luminous Ambassador; he's our newest member to the Council of the Eleven, now needing a name change since we’re twelve. I’m still so used to us only being eleven, but I’ll soon remember to say it right next time we introduce ourselves. She smiled at Krotus, who smiled back. We live in The Dreamkeepers’ Clan in The Starfall Isles, where I work as a Representative of the Light, among other roles I fulfill in the Clan I now live in.

Right, I forgot, my name is Apollo Forenoon… uh, but you already know that, it seems, and this is Galileo, a Historian.

Pleased to meet you. Galileo said, while politely not forgetting to properly salute the Ambassador with her. Which in turn reminded the bewildered Apollo to salute him as well. Krotus nod in acknowledgement.

Clarity begun speaking again from where she left. I’ve heard you study ancient depictions of dream-related demigods. Isn’t that so?

Yes, that’s mostly true. Me and Galileo have been tasked with studying Pre-Third Age Lore and Prophecies about Dream Gods, be they demigods, myths, or anything… really. For the most part we want to figure out if they’re depictions of our Deities or something else entirely.

Exactly. Galileo added. Did these ancient cultures know that there were draconic gods slumbering inside The World Pillar? Did they know how to use oneiromancy? No one knows for sure, but our preliminary research data seems to point that they weren’t always depictions of the deities, and they did know how to employ some Oneiromantic magic.

x

Do you know how they used Dream Magic?

Not yet, no, we're trying to recover and decipher more ancient artifacts from that era that contains their writing, but to little success. We have started to come a long way of deciphering the lore of one of their dream gods, Phobetor, God of Dreams and Nightmares. But not much more than that… .

A God of Nightmares? I’ve only ever heard of Phobos, the Ancient God of Terror, are they the same?

We aren’t sure, yet, it might just be that they share a similar name.

I see. Well, I guess that explains why you look so tired, you must have angered him. She said jokingly, and giggled sweetly.

Ah.. haha… yeah… . Apollo seemed a bit uneasy by the joke.

Oh, I hope I didn’t offend you. You looked so tired, I just hoped you wasn’t sick… I’m terribly sorry of I made you uncomfortable, that wasn’t very polite of me.

No, it’s OK… I guess, it’s just, I really think I’ve been cursed, you know? Crazy.

Galileo poked Apollo slightly, leaned in towards him and told him to tone it down a little, lest he wanted to be remembered as the quirky Rep for years to come.

Don’t mind him, he’s just very tired. The Goblin smiles awkwardly while frowning, confused by his friends demeanor.

Those nightmares must have been horrible for you to look this tired... .

Yeah, dreaming that you’re being burned alive by some monster that can use Fire, Light and Wind magic is truly something else, I almost having slept at all… ! In three days! Apollo looked frazzled when saying this, almost… excited, but not in a good way.

Before the three persons with him could stop looking shocked by his sudden outburst of honesty and tell him to go home and rest, they’re suddenly interrupted, as a Guardian and a Ridgeback rushes through the ballroom together with what seems to be some Hewn City Guards.

The unexpected guests ran straight to to the closed entrance that leads to a closed-off part of The Beacon that only The Lightweaver and those nearest to her can access, with very few exceptions like the one that was happening in front of them right now.

x

People started to murmur. They were perplexed, what was happening? Soon, rumours start to spread, there was talk of multiple Beatclan casualties, a fire, a deranged imperial causing havoc, an Emperor someone else said.

An Emperor. Galileo scoffed, he’s not one to succumb to panic and outrageous rumours. How far are they willing to let these rumours go before they adress what’s happening?

My people… . Said the Faun who looked very worried, but no one knew anything so he couldn’t get answers himself.

Galileo is right, just now it’s just rumours and it’s said to be some events happening in The Hewn City, so I think your kin are OK. Said Clarity as reassuring as she could be in such an uncertain situation.

… I do hope so, I really do.

Let’s not succumb to panic, not now, not before we have concrete information. Said Galileo with a firm voice, trying his best to not have everyone succumb to panic.

Apollo didn’t know what to say, he had never been in a crisis situation before, at least not like this one, and not having slept properly in days didn’t help. He laid his claw on Krotus' shoulder, to show him his support, which seemed to relax the Ambassador, just a little bit, while he let out an exhausted sigh.

x

Almost two hours went by, but then, finally, a group of three dragons with armour walked out of the Closed entrance, but the impression they gave just made the guests pale; these were no ordinary guards, it was The Marshal of the Light Flight’s Military Forces, The Head of the Light Representatives, who is also known as The Lightweaver’s Representative, and finally, The Headmaster of the Beacon of the Radiant Eye’s Research Institute.

The situation must have been dire, since that meant that the three most influential and powerful beings of The Sunbeam Ruins were before them, no other being having a higher rank than them, other than the Lightweaver herself.

The silence was deafening, and the news, the worse that they could have ever been told, something no dragon wished to hear in their lifetime.

An Emperor was on the loose, a three-headed monstrosity had been sighted in The Hewn City, breaking havoc along his path.

I… take back what I said earlier. Now even Galileo looked as pale as a ghost, his confidence and calmness all but gone in an instant.

Wasn’t that, ...didn’t you said you had dreamed of a monster attacking you in your dream… ? Clarity said, her fear, worry and confusion palpable by her now trembling voice.

I… I ...yes, but, I… this can’t be. it can’t be true.

You had a premonitory dream! You must tell them, immediately.

Apollo looked completely baffled, which the Krotus noticed and so, he decided to speak up in Apollo’s place.

Does this monstrosity happen to breath Wind, Fire and Light?

How did you know that! Explain yourself, Beastclan Representative! The Marshal barked backed at him.

The rest of the day would prove to be very long, as Apollo were asked to retell his story again, and all guests were ordered to keep their mouths shut until matters were resolved. Panic were not to be spread over The Sunbeam Ruins, nor were the other Flights be made aware of what’s happening, at least not now, not yet.

The chaotic events this gruesome discovery had unfolded would take some time to play out, the resolution, not one I will be telling here to you today, dear reader. What you must know, however, is that it was this event that lead Apollo to be invited to The Dreamkeepers Clan, a Clan whose Founders established it with the purpose of studying Dream Magic.

Apollo was brought there by Clarity, and with him, Galileo followed. Apollo would now dedicate his life to combining his role of a Light Rep in The Starfall Isles with that of even further burying himself in the study of ancient oneiromantic techniques and their history.

Just like that, thanks his expertise and knowledge of ancient cultures, he became an invaluable resource to the Dreamkeepers, and his newfound potential to wield Dream Magic, together with Galileo’s extensive knowledge of ancient dead tongues and history, they both became an invaluable resource to the Dreamkeepers.

Their new adventure had just begun, and who’s to say not even more exciting events than fighting an Emperor is in their future? Only time and the truth hidden in their dreams will tell.

Katsuokai wrote on 2018-06-29 20:39:38:

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Galileo and Apollo art made by me, Katsuokai.

Challenge #6: Brightshine Bakery

Apollo Forenoon

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Galileo the Historian

The two friends now lived in The Starfall Isles, where they had joined the Dreamkeepers' Clan. They were happy in their new home, they had gotten new good friends, and lived through many adventures together.

However, despite their incredibly busy work schedule, and the long travel distance, they made sure to always visit The Sunbeam Ruins at least once a year, and that one time of the year being always during The Brightshine Jubilee. As much as the Arcane Isles were pretty, the feeling of celebrating the Jubilee with your old clanmates back at your home Flight just wasn't the same as celebrating it in The Isles.

It was an early morning, and as every year since the Brightshine Bakery first opened its doors, they had made sure to visit it. No one made better cupcakes than Baker Ming! And his hot chocolate with vanilla recipe was insuperable.

During Brightshine Jubilee the Bakery was always pretty full, but this year it was almost impossible to get a seat without standing in a lengthy queue, so to avoid that, they made sure to get up early just to get their favourite treats.

Not everything in this life has to be an adventure, sometimes, it's the simple things that matters the most.

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