Creative Corner

[center][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/588440113638539274/908033573699854396/The_First_Omen_Art_Banner_Size.png[/img] [size=6][font=Optima][b][u]The First Omen V.[/u][/b][/font][/size][/center] [columns] [color=transparent]XXXX[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/21390.png[/img] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/48456083][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/484561/48456083p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/48456083][size=4]STORMHAWKE[/size][/url] [size=3]The Warrior of Storms[/size][/font][/center] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/56649794][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/566498/56649794p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/56649794][size=4]NIVENOR[/size][/url] [size=3]The Spring Scout[/size][/font][/center] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21689968][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/216900/21689968p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21689968][size=4]AMHARA[/size][/url] [size=3]The Mentor of the Exalted[/size][/font][/center] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/3506.png[/img] [/columns] [font=Optima] Stormhawke watched the clan leaders and Spiritdawn quietly slip away from the rest of the clan. Around her, even though the clan was supposed to be settling down for the resting hours, the frenzied murmur did not cease. It had been a full day since Tanja had been brought back after she was attacked, and the leaders had yet to answer any of their questions. Marusya had also given them very little information- merely told them that Tanja was recovering but not awake yet, and not to disturb her. A general sense of restlessness and unease had settled over the clan, and Stormhawke could hardly blame them. “They’re saying it was an ice dragon who attacked Tanja.” Nivenor had sat next to Stormhawke, nursing a cup of tea. “Maybe one of the sentinels or wardens, trapping us in using the blizzard.” “If the blizzard is magically produced, are we really worth that much effort? We’re a wind clan, we’re technically neutral in these territories.” “If you call Nytus’ crew raiding up and down the coast of the Southern Icefield ‘neutral’ all summer neutral.” Nivenor snorted. “Still, you have a point- I doubt we’d be worth all that effort. Besides, they would have made a move by now while we are all huddled together in one place. Burnt the [i]Rivensong[/i] down with us all inside, or dropped a glacier on top of us.” “...How charming.” “You forget the stories I grew up with. Go to bed, or the gaolers will drag you off to their icey dungeons and you’ll never be seen again!” “Hah. I’ll take your word for it.” “Stormhawke. Nivenor.” A deep voice caused them both to turn to see Amhara approaching them. Stormhawke noted she seemed particularly grim tonight. “Can you both be ready to move in the morning?” “Of course.” Stormhawke straightened. “When do you want to head out?” “I’d like to get out on the ice before first light. We’re going to be working in teams, trying to hunt down whatever is responsible for these attacks. Gryzor will be heading out with Stratia and Black, and Nytus will be taking Sabbath and Satiran. We’ll be starting from where we found Tanja and spreading out from there. Hopefully, between the three of us, one of us will be able to track down the attacker.” Stormhawke recalled Tanja’s still body, and the blood scattered across the snow. She nodded. “We’ll be ready.” --------- --------- [font=Optima]Dawn’s new light weakly broke through the cloud cover. The snow had finally slowed to a half hearted dusting, but the wind still howled across the ice. Stormhawke led their group, and Amhara brought up the rear. All trudged through the snow in silence. Some ways back they had picked up the trail of something big moving across the landscape, but it was difficult to tell how recent they were. Stormhawke ignored the nervous static ruffling her feathers and continued on. Roughly half an hour later, Amhara came up beside Stormhawke. She walked there for a moment, before coming to a stop. “The tracks are getting fresher.” Amhara noted. She looked for a long moment between Stormhawke and Nivenor. “We must continue, and quickly. But first you must be prepared for what we might find.” Stormhawke waited in silence, feeling the cold wind ruffle her fur and feathers. Glancing at Nivenor, she seemed to be listening with equal amounts of trepidation. Amhara seemed to hesitate for yet another moment, then continued. “I believe we are tracking a gaoler.” “By the twelve, Amhara, I swear if you’ve dragged us out here because you think we’re tracking a [i]fairy tale[/i]-” Nivenor’s outburst startled Stormhawke out of her shock. “I am not making a joke.” Amhara indignantly reared her head. “The leaders have discussed this intensely. Tanja herself claimed it to be one. Now, with these tracks, I fear it to be confirmed. It is… concerning.” “Amhara… what- how are we supposed to fight a gaoler?” Stormhawke shuffled nervously. “I’m not unwilling, but they’re- legends, stories. Monsters. If they even still exist, why have they left the Icewarden’s lands? We know nothing about them.” “With fire and sword.” Nivenor spat. “As the old forgemasters used to say, if we are to pretend bedtime stories are true.” [/font] ------------------------- [size=2][font=Optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_3077472]General Information[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593743]Table of Contents[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593771]Dragons of Rank[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593788]Notes and Scrawlings[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593791]Maps and Locations[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593815]Clan Affiliates[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593832]Credits[/url][/size]

I really, really wish we could like individual posts in a thread. I will settle for this heart 'sticker' though! [emoji=familiar heart size=1]

[center][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/588440113638539274/908033573699854396/The_First_Omen_Art_Banner_Size.png[/img] [size=6][font=Optima][b][u]The First Omen VI.[/u][/b][/font][/size][/center] [columns] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/15584.png[/img] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/56649794][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/566498/56649794p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/56649794][size=4]NIVENOR[/size][/url] [size=3]The Spring Scout[/size][/font][/center] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/48456083][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/484561/48456083p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/48456083][size=4]STORMHAWKE[/size][/url] [size=3]The Warrior of Storms[/size][/font][/center] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21689968][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/216900/21689968p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21689968][size=4]AMHARA[/size][/url] [size=3]The Mentor of the Exalted[/size][/font][/center] [nextcol] [color=transparent][/color] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/47968936][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/479690/47968936p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/47968936][size=4]FROSTKEEPER[/size][/url] [size=3]The First Omen[/size][/font][/center] [nextcol] [color=transparent][/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/19258.png[/img] [/columns] [font=Optima] Nivenor, for her part, did not hesitate when they found the great dragon. The pearlcatcher fired her flaming arrows with ferocity, the gaoler roaring in surprise and pain. It was a large dragon, with thick, frosty green fur and a pale mane. Pale flowers decorated its fur and massive, black antlers. It thundered towards them, claws outstretched. Stormhawke managed to shake herself out of her stupor just in time to dart out of the way, although not before its claws grazed the side of her armor. The air around them froze and swirled into shards of ice, lashing out at them. As one, Stormhawke and Nivenor countered with fire and lightning. They fought hard, air thrumming with magic. The gaoler was powerful, clearly, but together they slowly whittled away an opening. A roaring wave of jagged ice cracked up at them. Stormhawke whirled around, lightning crackling in the air, just as Amhara came crashing into the beast. They descended into a great struggle. The gaoler was large, particularly in comparison to Nivenor or herself, but Amhara easily dwarfed him. Her golden blood scattered and congealed in the snow, alongside the gaoler’s ancient red blood. The gaoler roared, filling the air with their ancient, thrumming voice. To their credit, none of them flinched or gave ground. The gaoler was clearly powerful, but against three of the best trained warriors of clan Rivensong was little match. Amhara had easily wrapped herself around the gaoler and pinned him to the ground, claws digging into the thick fur. Snow whirled around her and caught in her whiskers as she snarled. “You have committed crimes against members of Clan Rivensong, watched over by the open sky and He Who Sings. Our voices herald the wind, and the wind heralds our wings- and claws. Speak your name, and grovel.” The gaoler stared silently up at her, then at Nivenor and Stormhawke as they approached, crackling with fire and lightning each. Their eyes were a pale, clear white, glowing softly and ominously as they peered at them from behind their mane. Those eyes made Nivenor shiver- despite their glow, they were so clear she felt like she could stare straight through them. Their antlers scraped against the ground as they moved their head slightly, still staring at them. Their nostrils flared, huffing slightly. Finally, their lips pulled back to reveal large, sharp canines and incisors as they bared their teeth in a grin. “Bold for an accolade of the Glade to invoke oaths of the sky so openly.” He chuckled, chest rumbling deeply even as Amhara growled. “Bold to invoke such oaths among the company of an iron and copper worker. Bolder still to speak so confidently towards a claw of the Warden, keeping devotion over the ice for his master.” “Silence, you filthy, mangey reindeer.” Seethed Nivenor. “I’m [i]not[/i] some forge lackey. I fight with fire and flame for Rivensong, and as far as I’m concerned, you should be put down here and now.” “No.” Amhara said stiffly. “This- attempted murderer shall receive a trial before the clan leaders.” “You won’t be able to hide a true gaoler if he’s brought before the clan.” Stormhawke finally spoke, glancing up at the huge pillars of ice that still loomed over them from the fight. “We won’t be banished if we were to pass judgement here. Say he died in the fight.” “That is not who we are. Even if this one deserves it. Besides, we need more information. Who knows if there’s others- or if this is the last living gaoler. Either way, this is more important than some fight in the snow. “Tanja deserves justice!” Stormhawke shouted, but any retort was cut off by a loud, deep laughter from the gaoler. Eventually, he trailed off. “I am Frostkeeper, one of the last of the true gaolers. My presence is no mere legend- the Warden has stirred from his silence, and I have been sent to lead the jailers out into the land once more. I will go with your clan, if only to watch you cower.” [/font] ------------------------- [size=2][font=Optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_3077472]General Information[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593743]Table of Contents[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593771]Dragons of Rank[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593788]Notes and Scrawlings[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593791]Maps and Locations[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593815]Clan Affiliates[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593832]Credits[/url][/size]

A stellar fight scene! (And snark from Frostkeeper.)

[center][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/588440113638539274/908033573699854396/The_First_Omen_Art_Banner_Size.png[/img] [size=6][font=Optima][b][u]The First Omen VII.[/u][/b][/font][/size][/center] [columns] [color=transparent]XXXXXXXXXXXX[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/8099.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/47968936][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/479690/47968936p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/47968936][size=4]FROSTKEEPER[/size][/url] [size=3]The First Omen[/size][/font][/center] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21755739][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/217558/21755739p.png[/img][/url] [center][font=optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21755739][size=4]STRUVE[/size][/url] [size=3]The Seer of High Winds[/size][/font][/center] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/8098.png[/img] [/columns] [font=Optima] Frostkeeper stood in the center of the ruins of the ship Rivensong. Heavy iron chains clasped around his legs kept him held firmly in place, although the clan had not bothered to place weights on his wings. Around him, filling in each shadowy nook or cranny sat the rest of the dragons of the clan. They stared at him as they murmured and whispered, making the shadows writhe with movement and color. There was something alien about seeing light yellow eyes set in a snapper’s face, or red eyes staring back at him from a ridgeback. Some part of him wanted to laugh. The children of the deities, mingling and born within other flights, joining together under the banner of the Windsinger? Cute. Disgusting. Unnatural. And yet they looked at him as something strange or other-worldly as he was dragged in front of the clan’s leaders- a pale fae swaddled in cloth and flowers, and a scarred tundra in battle armor- each with pale, green eyes. Despite the fae’s small size, her presence was like a rock in the stream of all nearby magical energy. It ebbed and flowed around her, bowing to her power. And yet, when it came time for his trial to begin, it was the tundra that spoke first. “Frostkeeper. Gaoler. Jailer. You have trespassed on the territory of clan Rivensong, attacked one of our members without cause, and sought to evade our charges.” The tundra’s battle claws scraped impatiently along the ground. “On behalf of the clan, I, clan leader Gryzor and Keeper of the Code bring you to trial before the clan.” “I, clan leader Struve and Seer of the Winds, second this motion.” The fae spoke with a clear, strong voice. “Defend yourself.” “I am Frostkeeper, one of the first claws of the Icewarden himself.” He waited for the murmurs that spread throughout the room to settle. “When I first walked this world as its judge, every piece of ice to the south was our domain- we were its keepers, not trespassers. I was not aware this land now belonged to a clan of the wind. Although, I would think you of all dragons would remember the territory of your creator, soft-nosed brother.” “I owe no allegiance to a flight of jailors who spend their days huddling behind walls.” Gryzor spat, leaping to his feet. “Your trespassing could have been forgiven, but you must answer for your other crimes.” “Forgive me.” Frostkeeper smirked. “I was not aware that defending what I thought was my land from an intruder could be counted as murder.” “I did nothing to provoke you!” A voice from the crowd cried out loudly, stirring the rest of the room into a frenzy. Tanja pushed herself to her feet, limping to the front of the crowd. She was still swaddled in bandages, but there was no fear on her face as she approached Frostkeeper. “I am a weather reader, not a warrior. I was searching for the source of this blizzard, and I found it- you. I had said nothing to you, I didn’t even have a chance to approach you.” Tanja snarled. “You gave no warning. Said nothing. I have been trying to keep my clan from starving, and you tried to kill me.” Frostkeeper shook his head dismissively. “And yet, here you are, speaking to me now. If I sought to kill you, you would be dead- trust me. This conversation is beneath me. I’ve come to bring the law of the Warden to this land, to enact his will. I am not bound to the laws of outsiders.” The murmurations of the crowd burst into an outright roar of indignation and anger. Tanja lunged at him, but another dragon pushed her backwards before she could claw out Frostkeeper’s eyes. Still, despite their anger, the rest of the clan kept their distance from him, whether out of fear of the living legend, or for Gryzor, who was pacing around the edge of the crowd, eyeing Frostkeeper. “Frostkeeper.” Struve’s clear, cold voice rang out through the room. “You have committed grievous crimes against the Rivensong in the name of the Icewarden. You do not belong in this world- so we will punish you as the Warden would.” This was how Frostkeeper found himself chained and warded deep within the tiny ice shrine on the island, kept close to the foot of the statue of the Warden himself. There were guards outside his door, he knew this, but Struve was the only one who stood within the shrine. It was dark, cold- but this was not unfamiliar to Frostkeeper. “Cross this boundary, and the wind will rip your wings from your body.” Struve cocked her head, fans flickering. “Not that you get much use out of them as it is.” Frostkeeper laughed. He laughed with his full chest, rattling the thick chains entwined with magical runes and filling the air with his steamy breath. His antlers scraped against the stone and ice, too big for the space he was filling. Struve stood by silently. “You flatter me.” Frostkeeper finally said. “This place- it feels like home.” Struve said nothing. She turned on her heel and headed for the door. Frostkeeper watched her go, felt her drawing all the magic in the area towards herself and taking it with her. “You can’t hide me here forever.” Frostkeeper finally said. “Your age is coming to an end. This world is changing. I am only the first.” “Maybe I can’t.” Struve said, silhouetted against the entrance. “We will see.” [center][size=6][font=Optima][b][u]End.[/u][/b][/font][/size][/center] [/font] ------------------------- [size=2][font=Optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_3077472]General Information[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593743]Table of Contents[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593771]Dragons of Rank[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593788]Notes and Scrawlings[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593791]Maps and Locations[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593815]Clan Affiliates[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593832]Credits[/url][/size]

ahhh your lore is so well laid out and organized, can't wait to read!

[center] [size=6][font=Optima][b][u]Seasons of the Welkin Isles[/u][/b][/font][/size][/center] [columns] [color=transparent]XXXXXXXXXXXX[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/193.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/10662.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/10663.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/195.png[/img] [/columns] [center][font=Optima][i]Summary taken from the notes of [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/69908022]Laeralis[/url], scholar of Flock Stormtalon. For more information, see [u]Songs on the Wind: The Legends and History of Dragon Clan Rivensong.[/u][/i][/center] [center][font=Optima][u][b]Summer[/b][/u][/center] [font=Optima]The solstice marks the longest day of the year, and the half way point of year. Summer is the height of raiding season for clan Rivensong. Supply rooms are refilled, the lands are tended, and the coiffers swell. Traders and visitors from other clans and outside the flight pass through, whether they be dragons seeking exaltation, merchants looking to make a profit, or mercenaries looking for seasonal employment on the ships. During this time the population on the island nearly triples, although many of the dragons do not stay permanently. [font=Optima]Summer is the second longest season on the isles. Winds from warmer lands support the clan’s thriving farm lands. Fishing, hunting, and foraging takes up many of the long hours of the day, and hatchlings can be seen frolicking all through clan land. The solstice is celebrated by a long day of fishing and swimming, with bonfires and fireworks on the beach that night. [center][font=Optima][u][b]Autumn[/b][/u][/center] [font=Optima]The fall starts when the first of the colder seasonal winds start to sweep up from the south, starting to turn summer into winter. The harvest season coincides with the return of raiding parties who traveled to more distant lands, particularly up along Arcane or Lightning territory. Preparation for the winter involves renovations and repairs to buildings and putting the finishing touches on storage. Visitors and temporary hires tend to start to make their way home during this time, before water ships get blocked in by the sea ice. [font=Optima]A short but incredibly vibrant season, the autumn is marked by days of working hard on repairs and chilly nights spent by campfires. The final harvest is a clan-wide effort, celebrated by a hearty meal of stew and bread in the fields, ending with a night of cool ciders and sweets shared in the clan’s great hall. [center][font=Optima][u][b]Winter[/b][/u][/center] [font=Optima]Winter is the longest season in the south. It starts off rather mild, and the early winter is marked by preparing the ships- for both water and air- for storage until the spring. Winter truly starts with the first snow of the season, which marks the day most of the clan hunkers down in their winter homes. While typically the weather allows the dragons of the clan a chance to live in their own lairs, in particularly bad stretches it’s not uncommon for the entire clan to gather in the great hall for days at a time. Ice prevents any travel in or out of the island during this season, and the population dwindles to only the year-around residents. [font=Optima]Winter is the season of spirits and mystery, and the solstice is celebrated as much. The start of the new year is preceded by two weeks of sharing small mystery gifts and playing harmless pranks. The solstice itself is celebrated by a long night of singing, dancing, and eating- particularly baked goods, hot drinks, and alcohol- that lasts from sunset to sunrise. [center][font=Optima][u][b]Spring[/b][/u][/center] [font=Optima]A short season, spring starts with the thawing of the sea ice in the harbors and preparing the ships for the raiding season. Fields are replanted, flowers begin to bloom, and raiding routes are chosen. The ships leaving the longest leave the earliest, and typically won’t return until the summer or even the fall. Spring in the Welkin Isles is associated with lean times, especially in years when the winter lasts long, the pantries empty, and the fields take longer to thaw. The first of the seasonal travelers slowly begin to arrive ahead of the summer rush, typically bringing supplies with them in preparation for the Jamboree. [font=Optima]Despite being a short season, practically the entirety of it is dedicated to the Mistral Jamboree. The dedicated festival of the Windsinger is planned for a year in advance, and the preparations themselves are a kind of celebration. A month is dedicated to trading, games, feasting, and other celebrations, with the final week being the Jamboree itself. All work is finished beforehand, as the last week of the season all dragons are expected to celebrate to their fullest. The celebration itself is worthy of its own description and notes. [/font] ------------------------- [size=2][font=Optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_3077472]General Information[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593743]Table of Contents[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593771]Dragons of Rank[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593788]Notes and Scrawlings[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593791]Maps and Locations[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593815]Clan Affiliates[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593832]Credits[/url][/size]

[center] [size=6][font=Optima][b][u]A Brief Overview of Common Worship Practices of the Welkin Isles[/u][/b][/font][/size][/center] [columns] [color=transparent]XXXXXXXXXXXX[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/1089.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/16445.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/1148.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/15590.png[/img] [/columns] [center][font=Optima][i]Text taken from the notes of [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/69908022]Laeralis[/url], scholar of Flock Stormtalon. For more information, see [u]Dancing with Dragons: Personal Experiences Among Clan Rivensong.[/u][/i][/center] [font=Optima]The welkin isles exist on the edge of wind and ice territory, but repeated dominance practices within the area as well as a growth in power of the cyclone has placed the islands firmly under the influence of the Wind flight. The local clan, Rivensong, upkeeps this territory through semi-regular ritual exaltation, a form of offering to their patron deity, the Windsinger. While shrines of all 12 deities exist, scattered throughout the islands, the shrine of Wind sits on the highest peak and is by far the largest. A statue of the Windsinger winds up the hill, starting at the base, and wraps around it until his massive stone head rears into the sky at its peak. This statue was commissioned shortly after the Rivensong established their clan permanently on the island, and blessed by Ozensa, first (and current) keeper of the shrines. There are wide, beautiful gardens and ponds on the hill surrounding the shrine, and at the top a small plaza area for events and offerings. Religious kites and prayers are often tied to the trees, bamboo, or the statue itself. The keeper of the shrine is responsible for the care and up keeping of the shrine itself, overseeing the final rites of the exalted, declaring the results of dominance, and organizing religious festivals and other celebrations. Snakes are considered deeply sacred across most of the wind flight, and Rivensong is no exception. Although several hardier species exist across the clan’s territory- due to the cyclic nature of the winds, spring and summer are warmer than one might expect of an island so close to the ice fields- the majority of snakes on the shrine are captive species from the mainland, cared for by Ozensa as part of the shrine. Snakes feature regularly as parts of rituals, particularly in hatching and bonding ceremonies. (The rituals for blessing eggs, hatchings, fledgling, first flight, apprenticeship, coming of age, bonding, death, and exaltation are both numerous and complicated- each are worthy of their own entries, and as such are only touched on briefly here.) Festivals honoring each of the deities last roughly for seven days, however, the Mistral Jamboree tends to last an entire month. Floating ‘eyes’ and ‘winks’ (glass balls filled with magical wind- see relevant entry) are a common decoration unique to the region. Streamers, kites, flower petals, and fireworks are also quite common. Dancing, racing, fighting and other performances are held throughout the month, giving all dragons a chance to prove their mettle for the sake of worship. It is the busiest month for the clan, where they have their highest density of visitors. Rivensong also participates in ritual exaltation, a peculiar practice unique to the dragons of Sornieth. Exaltation is the process of preparing an individual, typically a dragon who has just come of age, to serve a chosen deity on behalf of the clan for the rest of their life. Strangely enough, exaltees rarely come from the ranks of the clan itself. Rather the clan pays a small fee to an individual in an act of good faith and to help them settle within the clan for a time being. While there, the exaltee is trained by a skilled warrior so that they may better serve the flight’s armies in battles of dominance. After a time, the warrior is ‘exalted’ in a ceremony. They then pass from clan territory into the ranks of the flight’s army. There they fight for magical influence and territory on behalf of their deity. In exchange, the exalted send a portion of spoils back to the clan that trained them- usually netting a profit. The exalted may return to the clans if they choose to change their mind, but exalted are zealots who are eager to serve their deity of choice. If they do not choose to return, they typically eventually die in battle or take on other pilgrimages. Dominance, the rituals that influence the magic of the land, has apparently grown much more heated over the years. Amhara is in charge of training the exaltees. She imparted to me that the magics of the land have grown steadily more contentious over time due to the re-emergence of the ancients. To the dragons of the clan these ritual soldiers are not only a way to fill coiffers, but of deep religious importance as well. [/font] ------------------------- [size=2][font=Optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_3077472]General Information[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593743]Table of Contents[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593771]Dragons of Rank[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593788]Notes and Scrawlings[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593791]Maps and Locations[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593815]Clan Affiliates[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593832]Credits[/url][/size]

[center] [size=6][font=Optima][b][u]The Singing Steel of Clan Rivensong[/u][/b][/font][/size][/center] [columns] [color=transparent]XXXXXXXXXXXX[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/24504.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/24503.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/15124.png[/img] [nextcol] [color=transparent]X[/color] [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/19260.png[/img] [/columns] [center][font=Optima][i]Text taken from [u]Dancing with Dragons: Personal Experiences Among Clan Rivensong by Laeralis of Flock Stormtalon - Chapter 13: The Singing Steel, Introduction.[/u][/i][/center] [font=Optima]I have gathered that while spending time among Clan Rivensong, it is often easy to forget their true nature. As it follows, Rivensong is a clan aligned with the wind flight- a large flight known even amongst ‘beastclans’ for its easygoing and often playful nature. It is said, among dragons, that to extend hospitality to a wind traveler is to obtain good luck. To an extent, this holds equally true with the clan’s members. They are a close knit but welcoming community, this much is undeniable. They value community, exploration, and a strong sense of freedom. They share many traditions with the rest of the flight, particularly within their celebrations. I have been welcome to stay as long as I please. A cup of tea is never far at hand. And yet, it does well to remember that they are a clan that has built their reputation on raiding other clans. No singular reminder is as strong as the clan’s singing steel. Singing steel is the specialty metal forged on the Welkin Isles in secret by [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/44579828]Tyrsora[/url], the clan’s sole blacksmith and forgemaster. Throughout the entire time I spent with the clan, what little I managed to learn about the steel itself is as follows: It is created with delicate control of the air in the metal, using wind magic to cool and shape the steel. It, when used in dance or battle, creates a noise like the howling of the Twisting Crescendo through a combination of sets of holes and engravings in the blade, as well as wind magic. When dragons come of age or are inducted within the clan, they receive a unique and personalized weapon made out of singing steel. Although many of these weapons are ornamental, the general idea is that in times of great distress the leaders may call on all of the dragons to fight. Some weapons of interest: [b]The Riven Claws[/b] - Wielded by [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21755740]Gryzor[/url], The Keeper of the Guard, Leader of Clan Rivensong Large, bladed claws fitted to an armored glove, set with jade and other semi-precious wind stones. The claws themselves are sharp enough to cut bone, and engraved with the most brutal currents of the Crescendo. They are intimidating and a stark reminder of the power and authority of the clan's leader. [b]The Whispering Blade[/b] - Wielded by [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/20575822]Spiritdawn[/url], The Head Ambassador A small, delicate rapier with an ornate hilt. Gold twists in delicate patterns, set with orange and green jewels. At first glance, this appears to be a purely ornamental weapon, but let it be known that the Rivensong’s ambassador keeps the blade sharp enough to pierce even the most armored heart. [b]The Tutor’s Judgement[/b] - Wielded by [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21689968]Amhara[/url], The Mentor of the Exalted Steel burnished to shine gold to match the scars of the great warrior, this poleaxe was given a size to match its wielder. A simple, deadly weapon never far from her claw, used to instruct and fight in equal measure. A battleworn but well maintained weapon, much like its owner. [b]The Bloodied Scream[/b] - Wielded by [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/26150924]Nytus[/url], The Raucous Raider Daughter of Struve and Gryzor, Nytus is a jovial and well-beloved figure within the clan. Seen as a mischievous and adventurous young dragon, along with her brother Whitevale, her laughter is quick at hand. Her weapon, however, betrays her other reputation- as one of the most fearsome raiders to ever take flight from the Windswept Plateau. A deadly cleaver that screams as Nytus descends on the defences of coastal clans, ready to prove her reputation as a hardened warrior. [b]The Reliables[/b] - Wielded by [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70527774]Molle[/url], The Cloth Master Not all dragons choose weapons as forms for their singing steel, but admittedly, it would still hurt to be stabbed by a pair of dragon-sized knitting needles. (Included [i]sheerly[/i] for the amusement of the author.) [/font] ------------------------- [size=2][font=Optima][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_3077472]General Information[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593743]Table of Contents[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593771]Dragons of Rank[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593788]Notes and Scrawlings[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593791]Maps and Locations[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593815]Clan Affiliates[/url] - [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3077472#post_49593832]Credits[/url][/size]

The giant mountain carving of the Windsinger must be awe inspiring for newcomers to the isles! I will admit to cackling a little at the thought of weaponized knitting needles.