Creative Corner

@Disillusionist Hey, it's all good! Notifications are so easy to lose lately. And thanks! Things are halfway decent over here, even if I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to write things. Whoops? And awwwww, that makes me so happy to hear! You know I will be all too glad to write more for you next time I've got short story slots open! And as for lore updates, let's just cross our fingers and see what happens, huh? [emoji=guardian winking size=1]

[right][color=#BBBABF][size=1][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_2323941][b]CONTENTS[/b][/url][/size] • [size=1][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507373][b]O/PC Hub[/b][/url][/size][/color][/right] [columns][center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/1985777][img]https://i.imgur.com/VLeaTn8.png[/img][/url][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][color=#C18E1B][font=garamond][size=7][size=4][b]commerce[/b][/size][/size][/font][/color] [font=sylfaen][size=6][color=#556979]{ overview + possible connections pt. 1 }[/color][/size][/font][/columns] [b][size=4][font=cambria][color=#BEA55D]»[/color] [color=#90532B]OVERVIEW[/color][/font][/size][/b] Man, I’m not gonna lie, the Disillusionists are tremendous money-grubbing machines. From that [i]very erudite[/i] opening statement, it’s safe to assume that all the other fields highlighted in the [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507373]Possible Connections[/url] hub (and all dragons linked in those other posts) are connected to moneymaking in [i]some[/i] way. This post will focus largely on dragons who have moneymaking as a day job — e.g. Aloysius isn’t included here because even though his glassmaking gigs bring in money, he hasn’t got a shop or regular working hours, plus his chief responsibility is as a Fire Ambassador. There isn’t really a hard-and-fast rule for how the Disillusionists conduct business, since they make money in a wide variety of ways. Pretty much the only thing they keep in mind is, “Don’t do anything stupid or illegal” (though then again I suppose that could be applied to everything they do outside of business). Most commerce-oriented Disillusionists have shops or offices in the clan’s Commercial Wing. The rest might have establishments elsewhere or conduct business on the road. At the end of a set period (it varies from dragon to dragon, based on their work or earnings), each dragon is expected to give a percentage of what they earn to the clan, for use in the communal coffers. These are used for lair upkeep, helping out clanmates who have fallen on hard times (sort of like insurance), buying supplies for general clan use, etc. The percentage each dragon must contribute is based on a system so complicated that I haven’t actually thought it through yet. [size=2]Please don’t ask me to work it out; I’m really bad at numbers,[/size] [size=1]plus why would I wrangle finances when I can play with pixel dragons all day long, amirite[/size] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2257922][img]https://i.postimg.cc/26jhdY8r/Hor-divider-640.png[/img][/url] [b][size=4][font=cambria][color=#90532B]»[/color] [color=#8A3220]POSSIBLE CONNECTIONS[/color][/font][/size][/b] A [i]lot[/i] of my dergs love making money, so I had to separate this list into two parts. This one is for dragons whose names start with A-L. Click [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/81#post_45921822]here[/url] for names starting with M-Z.[list] [*][size=2][i][b]Keywords:[/b] alchemy, apparel, food, machinery, magic, ornaments, sales, services, sundry goods, trades[/i][/size][/list] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=73976885][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/739769/73976885.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url= http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=73976885]bio[/url] • [url=LINK]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]AGATHA • Spice Merchant[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]food, sales, trades[/i][/font] A spice merchant, often found as a passenger aboard the [i]Exaudi[/i]. Agatha is an enthusiastic purveyor of spices and herbs, and in addition to selling and trading wares, she also enjoys learning new recipes, which she will often pass on to the clan's kitchen and restaurant staff.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=62153696][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/621537/62153696.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url= http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=62153696]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/79#post_45680430]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]AMBROSE • Beekeeper, Honey Seller[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]food, sales[/i][/font] This former hunter has a modest stall, where he sells jars of honey, harvested from his own hives. He may also sell beekeeping supplies such as suits and hives, though these tend to be in short supply.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33007024][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/330071/33007024.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33007024]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/19#post_34811369]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]CAMILLUS • Appraiser, Pawn Shop Owner[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, services, sundry goods[/i][/font] Camillus runs a small, rather dingy and cluttered shop. His chief focus is appraisal: People bring things that they think might be valuable, and he gives a price estimate. A lot of customers tend to be disappointed upon learning that their goods aren’t as valuable as originally thought, and Camillus may purchase these if they’re offered to him. These wares sit in the shop for a while, rather haphazardly arranged and advertised. If not purchased by other customers, they are passed on to other clanmates, who may sell them as-is, give them glow-ups, or break them down into parts. • [i]Camillus also has entries under the following fields: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/26#post_34811547]Art[/url][/i][/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=64805433][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/648055/64805433.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=64805433]bio[/url] • [url=LINK]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]CHARLOTTE • Milliner[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]apparel, sales[/i][/font] Owner of a small boutique, specializing in hats. I’m ignoring the “milliner = sells women’s hats” definition here; Charlotte sells hats for everybody, regardless of gender. Her shop also carries other accessories such as gloves, purses, and scarves, albeit in smaller quantities.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=58610470][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/586105/58610470.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=58610470]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/71#post_45644411]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]DAHLIA • Glassmaker[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]magic, ornaments, sales[/i][/font] Dahlia sells small glass ornaments: statuettes of animals, vases, buttons for clothes, and so on. Most of her goods are simple baubles, but for more substantial prices, she can imbue these ornaments with spells of the customer’s choosing. She is also one of [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=34898612]Aloysius’[/url] business partners, and will pass on information or requests from customers wishing to do business with him, or they can also pick up completed commissions directly from her shop.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=59541236][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/595413/59541236.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=59541236]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/73#post_45647907]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]DAWNBLOOD • Winemaker[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]food, sales[/i][/font] Dawnblood maintains a few small but carefully cultivated vineyards, and bottles of his red wine can typically be purchased at the [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28592608]Crispy Phoenix[/url] restaurant. He lacks a shop of his own, but customers who’d like to order more from him can let Melqart or [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=35952195]Celandine[/url] know, and they will pass the details on to Dawnblood or one of his employees.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=57089639][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/570897/57089639.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=57089639]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/68#post_45636331]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]DUSK • Weaver[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]apparel, magic, sales[/i][/font] Dusk’s shop is typically run by hired sales reps; Dusk himself spends a great deal of his time weaving the textiles that are his main wares. He doesn’t sell finished articles of clothing, but his fabrics are chiefly used to make these. Products include both ordinary and magical cloth: enchantments cast on the latter tend to be basic, simple spells, such as for durability and cleanliness. He is open to casting more powerful spells, but is picky about clients, and reviews requests on a case-by-case basis.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=59140577][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/591406/59140577.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=59140577]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/72#post_45644664]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]ELIXIR • Alchemist[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]alchemy, magic, sales[/i][/font] A somewhat flamboyant alchemist. A lot of customers consider his shop to be very pretty, and so it’s also one of the most visited. Elixir’s wares are mostly simple potions relating to physical appearance: weak glamours, temporary dye, scale and talon polish, the works. They’re intended to be harmless and fun things (a lot like art supplies or face paint for kids’ parties) that he can whip up quickly and in great quantities. He occasionally gets requests for “serious” alchemy, but isn’t too interested in these, and will funnel these requests to [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=36760362]Elan[/url] the alchemist instead.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=46582614][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/465827/46582614.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=46582614]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/34#post_37953563]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]EUROPA • Clockmaker[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]machinery, sales, services[/i][/font] Europa creates clocks and other clockwork machines, mostly small and fun things such as toys or music boxes. She doesn’t have a shop of her own; instead, her creations can be seen for sale in Faustino’s hardware store. Europa herself is often out and about, doing repair work for clans she encounters or fulfilling commissions she’s received. • [i]Europa also has entries under the following fields: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/53#post_40892432]Science & Engineering[/url][/i][/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33029109][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/330292/33029109.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33029109]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/19#post_34811373]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]FAUSTINO DYEUS • Master Craftsdrake[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]machinery, ornaments, sales, services, sundry goods[/i][/font] The clan’s Master Craftsdrake has his own shop/office/workshop combo in the Commercial Wing. The shop’s goods can be roughly divided into two categories: hardware (e.g. metal sheets, nuts and bolts, tools) and housewares (clocks, lamps, small and simple appliances, etc.). These can be created by Faustino himself, other clanmates, or dragons in other lands and clans. Faust’s office is where he keeps paperwork and holds business discussions with clients or employees; it’s not really very exciting. He spends most of his day in the underground workshop, creating more things to sell, while the rest of the establishment is staffed by employees. He accepts a wide variety of orders and transactions and will try creating, repairing, or tinkering with just about anything. • [i]Faustino also has entries under the following fields: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/26#post_34811547]Art[/url], [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/53#post_40892432]Science & Engineering[/url][/i][/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=42356273][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/423563/42356273.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=42356273]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/29#post_37070749]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]IDUNA • Traveling Merchant[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, sundry goods, trades[/i][/font] This merchant has her own barge with which she plies Sornieth’s inland waterways. Like [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33548824]Mara[/url] the Master Merchant, she deals in a wide variety of goods and will buy, sell, and trade almost anything, provided it’s legal. Unlike Mara, however, she is less accommodating of passengers and doesn’t really like having other dragons aboard her barge, even if they’re paying her.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=57905142][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/579052/57905142.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=57905142]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/70#post_45636731]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]JOLYON • Sweets Maker[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]food, sales[/i][/font] A mellow, friendly sweets maker with a popular shop. Unlike many of his commercial clanmates, he can usually be seen behind the counter of his store. He specializes in sugar-based sweets, and his sales always spike during NotN. He will sometimes accept bulk orders; aside from his shop, some of his goods can also be found for sale in the [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28592608][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28592608]Crispy Phoenix[/url][/url] or in partnered establishments.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=61002055][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/610021/61002055.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=61002055]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/75#post_45680181]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]JYNE • Sundry Goods Merchant[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, sundry goods[/i][/font] Jyne doesn’t actually have her own shop, nor does she create goods or offer services of her own. Instead, she manages a clan-owned section of the Commercial Wing, where sundry goods by clanmates and partnered lairs are put up for sale. It’s a lot like a department store inside a shopping mall. Although she oversees a small staff of sales reps, who are in charge of entertaining the customers, it’s Jyne herself who manages the counter, and all sales pass through her claws. (She [i]can[/i] render services of a rather specialized and [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/drs/2538686]lethal[/url] sort, but this isn’t really the place to talk about that.)[/columns] [right][color=#BBBABF][size=1][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_2323941][b]CONTENTS[/b][/url][/size] • [size=1][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507373][b]O/PC Hub[/b][/url][/size][/color][/right] -----

[right][color=#BBBABF][size=1][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_2323941][b]CONTENTS[/b][/url][/size] • [size=1][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507373][b]O/PC Hub[/b][/url][/size][/color][/right] [columns][center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/1985777][img]https://i.imgur.com/VLeaTn8.png[/img][/url][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][color=#C18E1B][font=garamond][size=7][size=4][b]commerce[/b][/size][/size][/font][/color] [font=sylfaen][size=6][color=#556979]{ possible connections pt. 2 }[/color][/size][/font][/columns] [b][size=4][font=cambria][color=#90532B]»[/color] [color=#8A3220]POSSIBLE CONNECTIONS[/color][/font][/size][/b] This is Part 2 of my list of commerce-oriented dragons, featuring names M-Z. Click [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/81#post_45921819]here[/url] for an overview of how my clan handles commerce, plus dragons starting with A-L.[list] [*][size=2][i][b]Keywords:[/b] apparel, employment, food, leasing, machinery, magic, medicine, ornaments, sales, services, sundry goods, trades[/i][/size][/list] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33548824][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/335489/33548824.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33548824]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/20#post_34811400]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]MARA ELTANIN • Master Merchant[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, services, sundry goods, trades[/i][/font] Master Merchant of the clan, and owner and captain of the trading ship [i]Exaudi[/i]. She buys, sells, and trades with all clans, including Beasts, provided dealings are strictly legit. She deals in almost all available products, including things found under these Hoard tabs: food, materials, apparel, battle, other. She will [i]not[/i], however, deal in familiars or unhatched eggs. For a fee, she will also accept passengers aboard her ship. ([url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/drs/2419680/10#post_32773850]read more here[/url]) • [i]Mara also has entries under the following fields: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507371]Lore Connections[/url][/i][/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28592608][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/285927/28592608.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28592608]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/12#post_32803776]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]MELQART • Restaurateur[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]food, sales, services[/i][/font] Owner of the Crispy Phoenix restaurant. He’s always happy to have customers, and is just as often on the lookout for entertainers and workers to join his staff. Both diners and job applicants are welcome. In addition to what’s on the menu, Melqart will also sell food and drinks produced by clanmates and business partners, albeit in limited quantities. His restaurant is also available as an event venue, and he’s always open to partnering with other dragons and advertising their own wares and establishments. ([url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/drs/2419680/24#post_33085117]read more here[/url]) • [i]Melqart also has entries under the following fields: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507371]Lore Connections[/url][/i][/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=60689938][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/606900/60689938.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=60689938]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/78#post_45680358]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]NACRE • Jeweler[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]apparel, ornaments, sales[/i][/font] A jeweler who hails from the Tangled Wood. He runs his own pearl farm and buys and trades gems with which to create his pieces; he also sometimes sells jewelry created by clanmates (like [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33007024]Camillus[/url]) or purchased by the merchants. He is a rather severe dragon whom many customers find intimidating, though he does produce excellent work.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=49365187][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/493652/49365187.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=49365187]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/37#post_38481902]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]POMELO • Herbalist[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]food, medicine, sales[/i][/font] This herbalist works closely with the clan’s gatherers and often has first pick of their findings; as a result, his modest-sized shop is frequently overflowing with edible and medicinal herbs. But despite the brightly colored sign above it, which reads “Pomelo’s Herbs”, he occasionally gets asked about “Herb’s Pomelos” instead. Pomelo doesn’t let that stop him, however, and he does a brisk trade; his shelves are nearly always cleaned out by the end of the day.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=43634405][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/436345/43634405.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=43634405]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/30#post_37333726]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]RHAPLANCA • Commercial Director[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]employment, leasing[/i][/font] Rhaplanca doesn’t have a shop, but she is nonetheless indispensable to the Commercial Wing: she is its manager, overseeing all operations inside the building. Her office can be found inside the panopticon at the center of the Wing. In addition to handling paperwork, she sets aside time to interview new tenants (whether they’re leasing or about to join the clan) and employees.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=50972879][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/509729/50972879.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=50972879]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/43#post_40040235]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]SEASTAR • Lantern Seller[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, sundry goods[/i][/font] A lantern seller who got into her trade by making lanterns for night-fishing drakes. Although she still makes more utilitarian models, nowadays her most popular creations are ornamental lanterns used for decoration or festivals. She employs a small group of helpers, but nearly every lantern in her shop is inspected by her personally before being put up for sale.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=63179735][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/631798/63179735.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=63179735]bio[/url] • [url=LINK]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]SUZANNAH • Stationery Seller[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, sundry goods[/i][/font] Runs a stationery shop together with Velveteen. Suzannah is usually the one who attends to the customers, answering their questions and helping them choose what they need, and her cheerful attitude and engaging speech often result in plenty of sales. When she isn’t on sales duty, she can be found in the clan’s workshops, preparing more goods for sale. She specializes in writing supplies such as ink and pens.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=47957929][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/479580/47957929.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=47957929]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/34#post_37953588]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]TOBIAS • Travel Agent[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]magic, services[/i][/font] A travel agent with a rather interesting gimmick: Dragons drink tea in his shop, and he interprets the leaves and makes tour recommendations based on that. His services are fairly popular, though he does struggle a bit with customers who don’t want to drink any tea. For more adventurous customers, he may coordinate with [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51632710]Zastruga[/url] and the rest of the [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/56#post_40895025]DAGGERs[/url].[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=770523][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/7706/770523.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=770523]bio[/url] • [url=LINK]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]UMBERTO • Bar Owner[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]food, sales, services[/i][/font] Owner of the bar [i]Sangri-La[/i]. Unlike Melqart, Umberto doesn't seem as focused on turning a profit. His casual attitude seems to have pervaded his establishment, though, and it still gets plenty of visitors, usually off-duty or night-shift workers. Umberto himself can regularly be seen tending the bar, though he sometimes leaves it to trusted employees.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=50865101][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/508652/50865101.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=50865101]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/43#post_40040240]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]VELVETEEN • Stationery Seller[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, sundry goods[/i][/font] Runs a stationery shop together with Suzannah. Velveteen is a quiet, efficient dragoness and usually runs the counter. She will also take over for Suzannah if the latter is away on errands. On her days off, Velveteen actually prefers to spend time in her workshop, where she prepares paper products, such as journals and parchment, for sale.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=31015705][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/310158/31015705.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=31015705]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/16#post_32803897]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]VRITRA • Traveling Merchant[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, sundry goods, trades[/i][/font] Another of the clan’s traveling merchants, though Vritra’s sales operations are much smaller than either Mara’s or [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=42356273]Iduna’s[/url]. He’s more like a peddler in that regard. Most of his goods aren’t really useful, usually just snacks or novelty products, but due to the “curse” placed upon him at his hatching, Vritra can make even these seem like priceless treasures. He doesn’t stay in one place for long, largely because the effects of his silver-tongued speech wear off after a while.[/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=36348118][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/363482/36348118.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=36348118]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/24#post_34811493]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]XIALANTHE • Recycle/Junk Shop Owner[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]machinery, ornaments, sales, sundry goods, trades[/i][/font] Xialanthe’s shop is attached to [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33007024]Camillus’[/url], and sometimes goods that he appraises are handed over to her. She specializes in recycling old objects, often giving them makeovers that make them far more appealing to a wider range of customers. She will also purchase or trade broken objects, things that not even Camillus would buy, which are further broken down into useful parts. • [i]Xialanthe also has entries under the following fields: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/26#post_34811547]Art[/url][/i][/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51632710][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/516328/51632710.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51632710]bio[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/45#post_40040391]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]ZASTRUGA • Faction Head: DAGGERs[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]employment, services[/i][/font] Head and manager of the DAGGERs, a group of guides-for-hire who specialize in different elemental regions. Zastruga is the one with whom clients will first make contact with; he assesses the feasibility of their requests and will serve as the middleman between them and the most suitable guide. He is also always on the lookout for experienced travelers he can recruit into his staff. • [i]Zastruga also has entries under the following fields: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/56#post_40895025]DAGGERs[/url][/i][/columns] [columns][center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=56267628][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/562677/56267628.png[/img][/url] [size=2][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=56267628]bio[/url] • [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/65#post_45633527]main post[/url][/size][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][font=cambria][color=#C18E1B][size=4][b]ZOPHAR • Cosmetics Maker, Bathhouse Manager[/b][/size][/color] [b]Keywords:[/b] [i]sales, sundry goods, services[/i][/font] This dragon is based in E-Den, in the Shifting Expanse, but shipments of the cosmetics he makes regularly arrive at the clan and are put up for sale in [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=61002055]Jyne’s[/url] department store. He also runs a bathhouse, and travelers wishing to visit can consult his representatives in the Commercial Wing.[/columns] [right][color=#BBBABF][size=1][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_2323941][b]CONTENTS[/b][/url][/size] • [size=1][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507373][b]O/PC Hub[/b][/url][/size][/color][/right] -----

[right][size=1][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_2323941][b]CONTENTS[/b][/url][/size] • [size=1][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507375][b]HC Hub[/b][/url][/size][/right] [columns][center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/1985777][img]https://i.imgur.com/BFwkQq1.png[/img][/url][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][color=#BEA55D][font=garamond][size=7][size=3]{ headcanon } [b]i see dead people (and you can, too!)[/b][/size][/size][/font][/color] [font=sylfaen][size=6][color=#556979]necromancy and the afterlife[/color][/size][/font][/columns] [b][size=4][font=cambria][color=#BEA55D]»[/color] [color=#808080]NECROMANCY[/color][/font][/size][/b] In my lore, this is a broad term, and is appended to magic that is connected to death, ghosts ([i]not[/i] elementals and other spirits, which are a whole ’nother can of horrible magical worms), and the afterlife. It’s also pretty much just a useful plot device, so rather than go into all the possible ways it could be applied, I’ll just go over some stuff that appears in my own lore. [b]Sight:[/b] Being able to see ghosts or a person’s approaching death could best be described as passive necromancy, in that the dragon, more often than not, has no control over this ability. (Heck, [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=37284866]Osmanthus[/url] got his eyes gouged out, but he [i]still[/i] sees dead people.) Necrovision™ does not automatically ensure the dragon who has it will become a necromancer, but it helps. [b]Raising & Resurrecting:[/b] I group these together because they involve bringing dead stuff back to life, but there’s a key difference: [i]raising[/i] involves creating undead (e.g. zombies, vampires), whereas [i]resurrecting[/i] involves actually bringing the person back to life. Raised beings are tough to kill; pretty powerful magic is usually required. On the other hand, a being, once resurrected, can be killed again by mundane means. Resurrection is not recommended if the injuries that killed the subject have not been patched up. If they died because of getting stabbed through the heart and you resurrect them [i]while the sword’s still there[/i], you done goofed. [b]Communicating:[/b] The deceased’s spirit is brought back (putting them in a vessel isn’t necessary [size=1]and would probably be considered rude[/size]) to chat with the necromancer or any other people in attendance. Handy when learning about past events, though some spirits are wilier than most, or just huge pains in the butt, and not very helpful. The spells and materials required are also difficult to master and use, as well as time-consuming to cast and sustain, which is why investigators aren’t just going around solving mysteries with spooky spirit sidekicks. [b]Binding:[/b] The deceased’s spirit is brought back, bound to the necromancer’s will, and has to do whatever the necromancer commands. Most spirits are fine and dandy with being waved about like a balloon on a string and haha no, I’m kidding, they really hate it and will absolutely try to bite the binder’s head off if given the chance. There are plenty of strictures involved in binding spirits, and while a rare few acquiesce voluntarily, the majority of them are always on the lookout for loopholes which they can use to break free. Ghosts who manage to break free usually get violent and kill their former binders, thereby converting [i]them[/i] into ghosts as well, in which case I think the relationship gets even [i]more[/i] awkward for a while. [b]Banishing:[/b] Exorcism, ghostbusting, kicking those darn pesky phantoms out of whatever abode or object they’re haunting. Methods vary based on [s]whatever the lore demands[/s] how strong the spirit is, what kind of haunting it’s flaunting, and how much clout the necromancer has. Banishment can result in the spirit being destroyed, the spirit moving on peacefully into the afterlife, or the spirit just going somewhere else. [b]Crossing Over:[/b] The necromancer can go into a trance, create a portal, find a certain place to “pass through”, or any combination of these (plus a few more I haven’t thought of). Which brings us to... [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=2177898][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/uau4yamn96qep5a/earthmid.png[/img][/url][/center] [b][size=4][font=cambria][color=#BEA55D]»[/color] [color=#808080]THE AFTERLIFE[/color][/font][/size][/b] The realm of the afterlife varies pretty wildly, and necromantic scholars posit it’s based on many possible factors, including the nature of the spirits being contacted, the nature of the necromancer’s mission, the nature of the necromancer themselves, and the place they are crossing over from. Common “versions” of the afterlife include a misty riverbank, peaceful meadows, and starry voids. For the purposes of my lore, “the afterlife” isn’t the status of a being after it dies. It’s a place, a plane of existence. So if a ghost chooses to hang around on Sornieth, where people live, it isn’t in the afterlife. It’s just [i]dead[/i], and the afterlife is just somewhere else it can go to, where it can hang out with other ghosts and where the living typically aren’t allowed. The afterlife is often referred to as “the Great Beyond”, but it’s more accurately woven through and around Sornieth. Most ghosts can pop in and out at any time. Entry points to necromancers are more restricted, and a crossing-over spell that might work in one place might not work in another place — or it might work, if a different necromancer casts it. For other classes of beings, such as spirits and gods, passage is a lot easier. It’s normally as simple as the spirit/deity just thinking they want to go there and then actually appearing there. If we’re thinking of it in terms of sizes, the afterlife is a really huge place, populated by myriad ghostly beings. More powerful spirits may be revered as “gods”, but there are so many of them that it isn’t really accurate to tag just one as “the Ruler of the Afterlife”. It’s probably more accurate to think of the afterlife as a huge continent, with each of those minor deities being in charge of a specific county or province. As for Sornieth’s Eleven, I like to think that they are more concerned with things on the material plane, since that’s where they were born (being made from raw elemental energy) and where they dwell, and that they don’t take a significant interest in the afterlife. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=2177898][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/uau4yamn96qep5a/earthmid.png[/img][/url][/center] [b][size=4][font=cambria][color=#BEA55D]»[/color] [color=#808080]DEATHBREAKERS[/color][/font][/size][/b] I really like to think of these people as “crosser-overs”. [i]Anyway[/i], these are known classes of beings who can cross back and forth between life and the afterlife: [b]Necromancers:[/b] Practitioners of necromantic magic. Crossing over is generally the purview of more experienced mages, but ones of lesser talent may also be allowed on the other side in extraordinary circumstances. All necromancers, regardless of level, are of course allowed to cross over once they die. There’s usually no coming back when [i]that[/i] happens, though. [b]Spirits:[/b] Not just ghosts but also fairies, kitsune, certain types of elementals, and so on. Crossing over is easier for them due to their inherent magic, plus the fact that they aren’t always physical beings. (more on spirits [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/52#post_40406398]here[/url]) [b]Psychopomps:[/b] Sort of a mix of the above two groups. Probably the smallest of the three classes, but also the most diverse, as it can include minor deities, mortal dragons, animals, and more. All psychopomps are united by a common factor: they are tasked with guiding souls to the afterlife. Exorcists aren’t really included in this group, since they don’t so much guide spirits as [i]expel[/i] them. Psychopomps can be [i]mobile[/i] or [i]bound[/i]. Mobile psychopomps are out and about, actively searching for and escorting newly-dead souls to the great beyond. They are also commonly referred to as “reapers” or “shepherds”. Bound psychopomps (also called “fettered” or “rooted”) are confined to single locations, which often come to be known as gateways for deceased souls. These places can be accessed from the material plane, though not by everybody, and necromantic magic is usually at its strongest here. I’ll probably work further on this as more concepts and characters pop up, but that’ll be all for now. Thanks for coming to my [s]dead[/s] TED talk! [right][size=1][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_2323941][b]CONTENTS[/b][/url][/size] • [size=1][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/2#post_30507375][b]HC Hub[/b][/url][/size][/right] -----

@Disillusionist

AAAAAAAA OH MY GOODNESS THAT WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFULLY TRAGIC LOVE STORY!!! I love your depiction of the shade, it's a lot scarier than I've always imagined it!

@Petall Hey, it's great to see you here again! Glad you liked Velveteen's story; I've always been interested in how the Shade can more subtly manipulate or impact other dragons. I'm hoping to continue Velveteen's story in the future, or at least follow her daughter's adventures. Thanks for stopping by! [emoji=coatl love]

[center][color=#BBBABF][size=1][b]PREV.[/b][/size] [size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/79#post_45680442]Dragon[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_2323941]Contents[/url] • Characters [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_30507351]A-M[/url] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_30507353]N-Z[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_30507366]Stories Pt. 5[/url] | [/size][size=1][b]NEXT[/b][/size] [size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/81#post_49087151]Dragon[/url][/color][/size][/center] ----- [columns][color=transparent]......[/color][nextcol][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=62452986][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/battlesprites/624530/62452986.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=transparent]...[/color][nextcol][font=Garamond][size=7][size=5][color=#AA0025]qutaibah[/color][/size] [color=#BBBABF]|[/color] #26546969[/size][/font] [b]Bio:[/b] Yes [color=#BBBABF]|[/color] [b]Lore:[/b] Yes [color=#BBBABF]|[/color] [b]Art:[/b] No [b]Jump to lore:[/b] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/81#post_49087149]Love and Second Sight[/url] [b]Factions:[/b] Witchborne and Kin [b]Possible Connections in:[/b] (none yet)[/columns] [list][*] [/list] ----- [center][color=#BBBABF][size=1][b]PREV.[/b][/size] [size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/79#post_45680442]Dragon[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_2323941]Contents[/url] • Characters [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_30507351]A-M[/url] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_30507353]N-Z[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_30507366]Stories Pt. 5[/url] | [/size][size=1][b]NEXT[/b][/size] [size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/81#post_49087151]Dragon[/url][/color][/size][/center]

[center][color=#BBBABF][size=1][b]PREV.[/b][/size] [size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/79#post_45680442]Dragon[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_2323941]Contents[/url] • Characters [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_30507351]A-M[/url] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_30507353]N-Z[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_30507366]Stories Pt. 5[/url] | [/size][size=1][b]NEXT[/b][/size] [size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/81#post_49087151]Dragon[/url][/color][/size][/center] ----- [right][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=62452986][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/624530/62452986.png[/img][/url] [size=2][color=#9494A9][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=62452986]profile[/url] • back to[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/81#post_49087147]main post[/url][/right] [columns][center][item=sakura moss][/center][nextcol][color=transparent]..[/color][nextcol][color=#AA0025][font=garamond][size=7][size=4][b]love and second sight[/b][/size][/size][/font][/color] [size=2]written by Disillusionist [color=#9494A9]3,038 words[/color][/size][/columns] [color=#3B2F45]The first nest of [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/drs/2607219/1#post_2607219]Witchborne[/url] in the Disillusionists’ lair hatched under the [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/drs/2607219/1#post_37129974]Thunder Moon[/url]. Only two eggs, but the birth was a long-awaited one, and the clan greeted the new children with plenty of rejoicing. When the children were old enough to travel, they were whisked to the founders’ lair. There, their abilities would be assessed; it was the clan’s hope that the hatchlings would be as powerful as their ancestors—and would one day join the fight against Child Eaters, the Shade, and other menaces plaguing dragonkind. The son had inherited the magic of his bloodline and was pronounced a full Witchborne, and he quickly found a new home elsewhere. His sister, however, was judged to not be as powerful. Her shimmering scales marked her only as Witchkin—if she had descendants of her own, perhaps they would be eligible for the birthright of their line, but the title of [i]Witchborne[/i] was not hers to claim. Young though she was, the Pearlcatcher was keen and already had a little understanding of what was going on around her. She didn’t understand the nuances of all these rituals and pronouncements, only that she had been measured and found wanting, somehow. Perhaps this was why she developed a decidedly prickly personality. Impatient and irritable—thus she was named [i]Qutaibah[/i]. The name stuck; Qutaibah’s irritability, fortunately, did not. Witchborne or not, she was still very much loved by her parents, and by extension the whole clan. Magic, once a sour topic for her, slowly began to interest her again, and she came to understand that there were [i]other[/i] forms of it that were still open to her. It seemed only natural, then, that she would delve into her father’s familial history instead. [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=49449251]Khonsu[/url] was a moonlight spirit with a rather colorful and harrowing past, and once she was old enough to understand, Qutaibah listened, wide-eyed, to his tales of seductive [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/52783531]spirits[/url], malevolent potions, and dark [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/29764440]guardians[/url] from other worlds. And when [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/48720638]Netanya[/url] showed her the empty bottle that had held a nearly-fatal spell, Qutaibah found herself gasping in awe. “It can’t hurt you, love. The hatred it held burned away long before you were born,” Khonsu reassured her. He extended a smoky wing, and Qutaibah relaxed as its warmth enveloped her like a cloak. Netanya nodded in agreement. “In time, it might be turned into a more beneficial tool, but that’s a task for one who is yet to come.” [i]“Not me, then?”[/i] Qutaibah couldn’t help thinking. The bottle gleamed in its cushioned box. It was so small, and completely empty; surely it wouldn’t be difficult to work with.... “But it looks so...ordinary. It was really brought here by a vengeful spirit? How did you defeat it?” A warm smile passed between Qutaibah’s parents. “We had help,” Khonsu admitted. “We were blessed,” Netanya said. She leaned against her mate and took one of Qutaibah’s paws, and together, they told her the rest of the story: how the curse that would have killed Netanya had been broken, the worst of the evil spell neutralized. [i]True love.[/i] It sounded like something out of a fairy tale. Qutaibah, with adolescent skepticism, was not sure she could believe it. [i]“Something’s weird about that bottle. ‘A tool’...Maybe I can make something out of it?”[/i] And at the back of that thought was the voice that had never really gone away: [i]“Oh, to be a full-fledged Witchborne...”[/i] The cabinet the bottle was kept in was not locked. There was no reason for it to be: The potion it’d held had drained away, and it had been pronounced safe by several experienced magic-users, including Qutaibah’s Witchborne grandparents. The residue that clung to it was quiescent. As Netanya had said, certain kinds of magic might react with it and cause it to become beneficial...or dangerous...but Qutaibah had been judged to not have these abilities. Indeed, when she crept into the workshop later and lifted the bottle out, it sat lightly in her paw. She could barely even feel its weight. She peered at it closely with her bright yellow eyes, but it did seem completely unremarkable. [i]“Mama and Papa talked about some sort of residue. Should I be able to feel it?”[/i] She concentrated hard on it, squinting so fiercely that she felt the pressure between her eyes— —and a weird [i]tick![/i] as if a thread had suddenly snapped. Qutaibah blinked and jerked back. [i]“What was that? But it didn’t hurt—”[/i] And then the world went dark.[/color] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2257922][img]https://i.postimg.cc/tT31cCDL/Divider-Horizontal.png[/img][/url][/center] [color=#3B2F45]The first thing Qutaibah saw when she regained consciousness was her father frowning down at her. His hide, normally smoky gray, now shone with brilliant silver radiance, like the full moon. It didn’t quite mask the frown on his scarred face, however. The young Pearlcatcher groaned and hid her head under one wing. “Pa, it’s so bright.” The radiance dimmed. “As well it should be. What on Sornieth were you doing, child?” “Uh, I was...looking?” Having been raised by a witch and an elemental spirit, Qutaibah knew there wasn’t any point in lying. Khonsu was silent for a long moment, obviously peeling apart that response and comparing it with what he knew so far. Qutaibah suddenly realized she wasn’t sure what was wrong. “How long have I been out?” “Perhaps only a few minutes. Your mother heard you and thought you might have dropped something. But she found you collapsed on the floor...” “I was looking at the bottle.” Her head still hidden, the young Pearlcatcher began to tremble, in shame this time. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—” Khonsu sighed. “No, Qutaibah, that should not have happened. The bottle was examined closely; it shouldn’t have affected you adversely....What [i]did[/i] happen, anyway?” Nothing, really: Qutaibah had felt the strange, painless [i]snap[/i] between her eyes, and then she’d lost consciousness and woken up in the infirmary. As she explained this, a couple of the resident physicians filed in: There was [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=19148364]Pyrea[/url] the Chief Healer, looking sterner and more disapproving than either of Netanya’s parents ever could; and [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=31031765]Tiferet[/url] the hydrotherapist, whose concerned expression was an infinitely more welcome sight. A squeak at the door heralded the approach of [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=32435509]Minuit[/url] the receptionist; he was polite enough not to trundle all the way inside, and instead waited patiently with his papers atop the wheelchair table. Pyrea sniffed at her patient’s explanation. “Probably something inside her instead, reacting to the residue on the bottle.” She bent down, and with a flick of one talon, projected a bright beam of light into Qutaibah’s eyes. She watched the pupils slowly contract and then leaned back. “Perhaps some inborn defensive magic. She’s at that age where it’s common for unusual powers to manifest. Wouldn’t be surprised, frankly, with a bloodline like that.” She exchanged a few more words with Khonsu and Tiferet and then left the room. Khonsu relaxed noticeably. “We’d probably better get some thaumaturges to examine you further, just in case.” And then Netanya was there, still resplendent in her red cloak, her face deeply etched with worry. There were no words between mother and daughter; they merely embraced each other. Qutaibah snuggled close, her face pressed against the soft red cloak. She would remain overnight in the infirmary for further observation; her parents would look into asking other magic-users about what had happened. She was currently the only patient in the infirmary, so come nightfall, her doting parents were allowed to remain nearby. Minuit and Tiferet were on night duty, and shortly before midnight, they came in to check on things. “And how are we feeling now, dear?” Tiferet asked softly. Qutaibah smiled shyly back. “Not too tired yet. Um, it’s way past my bedtime, isn’t it?” “Probably. But then, you’ve had an exciting day.” Minuit had been rolling around the room, doing his usual checkup. His wheelchair had been oiled, and fortunately it didn’t squeak as he rolled past Qutaibah’s sleeping parents. She was glad of that; she had the feeling they would have sat bolt upright otherwise. She suddenly had to stifle a yawn. Tiferet noticed. “There, you’ll be drifting off to dreamland soon. Plenty of friends for you to see there.” “Probably Mama, too,” Qutaibah mumbled—Netanya was, after all, a [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/61#post_43649197]Dreamwalker[/url]. “Well, she’ll be glad to know that you’ve finally gone to sleep. Get some rest, dear. Everything all right, Minuit?” “Yes, love. Nothing to worry about.” Minuit smiled up at his mate. Qutaibah, who was blinking sleepily, couldn’t help squinting at him for a moment. “Taibah, dear, we’ll be in the next room if you need anything.” “Yes. Um, thank you.” The Pearlcatcher lowered her head, frowning at the wall as she did so. Her eyes were tired, but she had seen something strange in those last moments when Minuit and Tiferet had been smiling at each other. Something flowing between them, shimmering in the moonlight...[/color] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2257922][img]https://i.postimg.cc/tT31cCDL/Divider-Horizontal.png[/img][/url][/center] [color=#3B2F45]Next day, when she was feeling energetic enough, Qutaibah found herself under the concerned scrutiny of a few of the clan’s leading thaumaturges. They soon came to the conclusion that nothing untoward had happened to her— “So maybe Pyrea was right. Maybe it was some sort of inborn defensive magic kicking in,” [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=26635401]Jubilant[/url] said. His huge pink eyes blinked curiously at Qutaibah; just beneath his hood, his third eye sparkled, sending brief glints of gold bouncing across the walls. “Don’t smell any Shade on her,” [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=44293151]Legrasse[/url] rumbled. His fur smoothened noticeably. “Maybe this is a Witchborne thing.” “That would be nice,” Qutaibah said, and they laughed along with her. The third examiner, [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=32490478]Rajin[/url] the Water Ambassador, was a bit more reserved in her judgment. She looked at Qutaibah with calm blue eyes and murmured, “Perhaps, perhaps so.” Qutaibah was discharged from the infirmary, and indeed, she felt no ill effects. About the only odd thing that happened over the next few nights was that from time to time, she would see...something... They looked like spider’s threads: thin, shimmering lines, only a few at a time, connecting pairs of her clanmates to each other. Sometimes they were there, sometimes they weren’t. It seemed easier to see them out of the corners of her eyes, and they were especially bright in moonlight. Out of curiosity, she posted herself by the door of the main lair one night, as the tenants of the Commercial Wing were filing back inside. Master Craftsdrake [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33029109]Faustino[/url] and Master Merchant [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33548824]Mara[/url] soon lumbered in, necks arched to keep their heads clear of the crowd. Qutaibah turned to eyeball the space between them, and in the light from outside, she saw that strange shimmer.... “Something wrong with your eyes, young lady?” “Oh! Um...fine, thanks. I’m just sleepy.” Mara smiled indulgently, but Faustino’s face remained skeptical. He frowned down at the Pearlcatcher a moment longer, just to show who was boss, and muttered, “You probably need another check-up.” “No, I’m fine! I was just...” Qutaibah trailed off sheepishly. She heard a low chuckle from behind her and turned in time to glimpse Rajin scuttling off around the corner. After a few days, Qutaibah realized she could no longer see the strings. Even when she concentrated (earning some strange looks from her clanmates in the process), they didn’t reappear. She was a little bit disappointed: [i]“Darn it, and I thought I was onto something, too. Maybe my eyes really [/i]were[i] just tired.”[/i] She decided to let it go. And perhaps the matter would have ended there— But several weeks later, it happened again. It was a warm evening. Qutaibah was out in the gardens, lounging on one of the stone benches and idly watching dragons go by. As the crescent moon rose, a cool breeze blew— And there it was again! Faint, spiderweb-thin filaments, stretching between pairs of dragons. She stared, bug-eyed, as a couple of them trotted past her, on the way back to the main lair. As the threads vanished, she muttered, “What was that?” and rubbed her eyes. When she lowered her paw, she jumped: Rajin was now crouched before her, peering into her face. The old Bogsneak’s mouth curled up in a knowing smile. “Happened again, did it? I rather thought it might. You Witchborne, your powers are closely tied to the phases of the moon.” “Um, I’m not really Witchborne. What are you talking about?” “With Khonsu’s spirit blood flowing through you, it probably doesn’t matter whether you’re Witchborne or Witchkin. Lots of us aren’t—those of us with Second Sight, anyway.” Qutaibah’s heart skipped a beat. “Second Sight?”[/color] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2257922][img]https://i.postimg.cc/tT31cCDL/Divider-Horizontal.png[/img][/url][/center] [color=#3B2F45]With Khonsu’s and Netanya’s permission, Rajin ran a few simple tests on Qutaibah. She also asked several questions, and her familiar, perched in the corner, wrote down the Pearlcatcher’s answers. “Well, you can see [i]something[/i] the rest of us can’t.” “What is it?” “I have some suspicions. Let’s run a few more experiments, shall we?” The “experiments” weren’t as exciting as they sounded. Rajin led Qutaibah to a window that overlooked the lair entrance and told her to name the clanmates whom the threads were attached to. Her wandering Surgepriest, Ajisai, took down the names again. “I’m seeing a pattern here.” “So am I,” Rajin drawled. The tengu flipped around her clipboard so that Qutaibah could see the names: [i][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/31033001]Laurant[/url] and [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/33209964]Aidan[/url], [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/26091954]Afterglow[/url] and [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/28262591]Amrita[/url], [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/25176822]Headsman[/url] and [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/25113812]Deune[/url]...[/i] The young Witchkin felt her skin prickle. “I’m seeing the bonds between...mates?” “At the moment, it looks that way. With careful training, it might become possible for you to see the bonds even between strangers, without prior knowledge of their relationship to one another. Perhaps you’ll even be able to see different kinds of emotions, or bonds between more than two dragons at once...” “I see.” Qutaibah suddenly felt a bit light-headed. She allowed Rajin to lead her back to the Water Ambassador’s Office while Ajisai fluttered behind. [i]“I should be excited,”[/i] she told herself—at last, here was proof that she had unique magical abilities! But the possibilities Rajin had described were whirling about in her head, closely tailed by the question: [i]What do I do with this talent?[/i] Rajin looked kindly at her. “It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?” “Um...I guess so.” In the office, Qutaibah sank down onto a divan. She stared blankly at the papers on Rajin’s desk. “Ah, that faraway look. It brings back memories.” “It does?” “Aye, I wasn’t much older than you were when my Second Sight made itself known,” Rajin said. “Oh, and it was a troublesome thing. My visions were too short, too fragmented....It didn’t help that there were no experienced seers in my birth clan. I didn’t get the training I was looking for. But I’d tussled with various beasties, while I was out gathering and such, and I figured it would be easier to capitalize on that instead. And so,” she said with a wry smile, “off to exaltation I went.” “But you’re here now.” “The Eleven had other plans for me, yes. I was granted another vision, and it led me here. And here I am.” A common Bogsneak, just another face in a crowd of hopeful travelers...and now one of the clan’s finest combat trainers, not to mention their Water Ambassador. Qutaibah looked at her with new respect. “Whatever your lineage is, Taibah, that’s an interesting talent you’ve got there, and it’d be a waste not to sharpen it. I daresay your parents will agree.” “Isn’t it dangerous?” She thought of the bottle again, her parents looking worriedly at her in the infirmary. “Inherently? I doubt it. Looking at your background, I’d say it was inside you all along. It just got woken up, so to speak, when you prodded your third eye a little too hard while trying to analyze that bottle.” Rajin chuckled, tapped the space between Qutaibah’s eyes. “As for whether it can [i]cause[/i] damage...well, that’ll be up to you.” The Bogsneak’s face grew solemn. “Magic’s no different from any other physical weapon. What you use it on, and [i]how[/i] you use it, determines how much good or bad you’ll cause.” [i]True love.[/i] Again, Qutaibah remembered her parents—their soft voices telling her their story, the warmth of their affection as they’d leaned closer to her. She thought of the bottle, drained of rage and hate— “In time, it might become beneficial...” And another memory, from much further back, when she’d been only a few days out of the egg. Her many relatives, smiling down at her with the joy of welcome, while they recited the Witchborne vow— “For we, as the guardians of the light and the dark, Protect, save and deliver, until our dying day We are the blood of the Witches...” Qutaibah straightened up. Witch[i]kin[/i]. And what was [i]kin[/i] but another word for [i]family[/i]? [i]“We are the blood of the Witches...”[/i] “I understand, Rajin. Thank you. I will do my best.”[/color] [right][font=Copperplate Gothic Light][color=#AA0025][size=5][b]~ The End[/b][/color][/size][/font][/right] ----- [center][color=#BBBABF][size=1][b]PREV.[/b][/size] [size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/79#post_45680442]Dragon[/url] | [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_2323941]Contents[/url] • Characters [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_30507351]A-M[/url] [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/1#post_30507353]N-Z[/url] • [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941#post_30507366]Stories Pt. 5[/url] | [/size][size=1][b]NEXT[/b][/size] [size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2323941/81#post_49087151]Dragon[/url][/color][/size][/center]

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