[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iwnV4Um.png[/img]
[size=7][font=Chiller][b][color=#dad6c8]«[/color] [color=#731d08]Bitter Sap Clan[/color] [color=#dad6c8]»[/color][/b][/font][/size]
[size=2][color=grey]WELCOME TO THE BARROWBOUGH[/color][/size]
[emoji=ice rune size=1]
[i]Long ago, before the ancients had faded into myth and the land of Ice had not yet disappeared beneath the southern ocean...[/i]
[color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
This clan is set in the Early to Mid 4th Age, at a time when the ancient breeds have retreated to the farthest corners of the world and the flights have just started to see new types of dragons in their midst. The Wars of the First Ones between Gaoler and Banescale have left a lasting impression -- Fire flight will gain no foothold here.
The will to survive has created a tentative bond between those of Ice, Plague, and Nature. Dragons from Earth and Water are seen as keepers of tradition and prophecy, but they are still viewed with reserved judgement. All others are regarded with suspicion.
Those of the Bitter Sap Clan are more accepting than others, seeing as their majority of clan members are non-native Ice breeds. Luckystone would have it no other way, having been through similar experiences in his youth.
[color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b][u]Thread Info:[/u][/b][/color][/size]
My lore has been a chaotic mess since I first started playing back in 2013, but I was recently inspired by the FR Tumblr community to revamp my very [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/64193829][u]first lore clan[/u][/url] and progenitors -- the Guardian [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/22311][u]Lightfoot[/u][/url] and the Tundra [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/22312][u]Luckystone[/u][/url] -- in an [b]Alternate Universe[/b]. They've been through so much over the years and neither of them are the same, both in appearance and character (especially in the case of Lightfoot, who has seen three separate reincarnations so far).
The fun part is it's been so long since I originally thought up my first lore and I was so bad at writing things down that I have [i]a lot[/i] of free rein for this AU retelling. Some dragons will have their original names, but most won't. There will be notes on their bio regarding a "who's who" in that scenario.
[b]Comments and questions are welcomed![/b]
This can be on the thread or sent via PM. Asking about clan alliances or other connections are okay as well. And if my writing inspires you, I'd love to see what you come up with!
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/main.php?p=pm&action=compose&to=Mask][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/layout/small_message.png[/img][/url]
I'll be cross-posting lore entries to my Tumblr, under [url=https://mask-fr.tumblr.com/tagged/bitter%20sap%20clan/chrono][u][i]#bitter sap clan[/i][/u][/url]. Most will likely be written lore, but a few drawings might sneak in from time to time.
I have no beta reader, so typos will be the bane of my existence.
[color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_3079781][color=#731d08]Thread Info[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663430][color=#731d08]Table of Contents[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663433][color=#731d08]Location[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663438][color=#731d08]Clan Members[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663442][color=#731d08]Culture[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663447][color=#731d08]Gallery[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663465][color=#731d08]Other[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781/4#post_56878737][color=#731d08]Pinglist[/color][/url][/size][/center]
This clan is set in the Early to Mid 4th Age, at a time when the ancient breeds have retreated to the farthest corners of the world and the flights have just started to see new types of dragons in their midst. The Wars of the First Ones between Gaoler and Banescale have left a lasting impression -- Fire flight will gain no foothold here.
The will to survive has created a tentative bond between those of Ice, Plague, and Nature. Dragons from Earth and Water are seen as keepers of tradition and prophecy, but they are still viewed with reserved judgement. All others are regarded with suspicion.
Those of the Bitter Sap Clan are more accepting than others, seeing as their majority of clan members are non-native Ice breeds. Luckystone would have it no other way, having been through similar experiences in his youth.
My lore has been a chaotic mess since I first started playing back in 2013, but I was recently inspired by the FR Tumblr community to revamp my very first lore clan and progenitors -- the Guardian Lightfoot and the Tundra Luckystone -- in an Alternate Universe. They've been through so much over the years and neither of them are the same, both in appearance and character (especially in the case of Lightfoot, who has seen three separate reincarnations so far).
The fun part is it's been so long since I originally thought up my first lore and I was so bad at writing things down that I have a lot of free rein for this AU retelling. Some dragons will have their original names, but most won't. There will be notes on their bio regarding a "who's who" in that scenario.
Comments and questions are welcomed!
This can be on the thread or sent via PM. Asking about clan alliances or other connections are okay as well. And if my writing inspires you, I'd love to see what you come up with!
I'll be cross-posting lore entries to my Tumblr, under #bitter sap clan. Most will likely be written lore, but a few drawings might sneak in from time to time.
I have no beta reader, so typos will be the bane of my existence.
[center][size=7][font=Chiller][b][color=#dad6c8]«[/color] [color=#731d08]Location[/color] [color=#dad6c8]»[/color][/b][/font][/size]
[color=#731d08][b]The Northern Taiga[/b][/color][/center]
The territory of the Bitter Sap clan is located at the northern region of the Southern Icefields in a dense pine forest at the southern base of the mountain range that hugs the coast. Even this far north, the land is still quite cold and uninviting. This close to the mountains made it easier for the trees to grow unbent from the wind. And while they may not be the tallest trees in the world, they were much taller than anything found on the open tundra nearby where the constant wind and permafrost made it difficult for plants to grow very big. Most of the pines wouldn't reach heights taller than Guardians or Ridgebacks, even with the mountains blocking much of the wind. To say it was an easy place to live would be a lie -- for it is not -- but that didn't stop Luckystone and Lightfoot from claiming it as their new home. After all, what was an Ice-born dragon if not sturdy and resilient to their harsh surroundings?
Across the mountains to the north lies the narrow ocean between the Southern Icefields and the Windswept Plateau, the distant coast a thin line on the horizon. To the northwest is the neverending storm of the Twisting Crescendo, with the billowing ash clouds of the Ashfall Wastes to the northeast.
The clan itself resides in a narrow valley near the base of the mountain. Smaller rocks and larger boulders litter sections of the ground further up the mountain side. The valley is divided down the middle by a shallow river, which splits into several creeks and empties into the tundra south of the forest.
[center][color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[item=pine logs][item=elk pelt][item=amber][item=pine branch]
[color=#731d08][b]Barrowbough[/b][/color]
[size=2][color=grey]/'bero 'bau/[/color][/size][/center]
The [i]Barrowbough[/i] gets its name from the pine branches that were carefully bent and woven together into an artificial mound. Initially built by the clan founders, __ soon took over the role of maintaining the clan's shelter.
WIP
[center][color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_3079781][color=#731d08]Thread Info[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663430][color=#731d08]Table of Contents[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663433][color=#731d08]Location[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663438][color=#731d08]Clan Members[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663442][color=#731d08]Culture[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663447][color=#731d08]Gallery[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663465][color=#731d08]Other[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781/4#post_56878737][color=#731d08]Pinglist[/color][/url][/size][/center]
The territory of the Bitter Sap clan is located at the northern region of the Southern Icefields in a dense pine forest at the southern base of the mountain range that hugs the coast. Even this far north, the land is still quite cold and uninviting. This close to the mountains made it easier for the trees to grow unbent from the wind. And while they may not be the tallest trees in the world, they were much taller than anything found on the open tundra nearby where the constant wind and permafrost made it difficult for plants to grow very big. Most of the pines wouldn't reach heights taller than Guardians or Ridgebacks, even with the mountains blocking much of the wind. To say it was an easy place to live would be a lie -- for it is not -- but that didn't stop Luckystone and Lightfoot from claiming it as their new home. After all, what was an Ice-born dragon if not sturdy and resilient to their harsh surroundings?
Across the mountains to the north lies the narrow ocean between the Southern Icefields and the Windswept Plateau, the distant coast a thin line on the horizon. To the northwest is the neverending storm of the Twisting Crescendo, with the billowing ash clouds of the Ashfall Wastes to the northeast.
The clan itself resides in a narrow valley near the base of the mountain. Smaller rocks and larger boulders litter sections of the ground further up the mountain side. The valley is divided down the middle by a shallow river, which splits into several creeks and empties into the tundra south of the forest.
Waste not, want not. This will make for a warm addition to your den.
45
Amber
Minerals & Ores
Legends say that most of the realm's amber was formed in an ancient battle between the Flamecaller and the Gladekeeper, where terrible forest fires polymerized resin within the trees in the Viridian Labyrinth.
45
Pine Branch
Organics
Easily mistaken for a Fir Branch.
15
Barrowbough /'bero 'bau/
The Barrowbough gets its name from the pine branches that were carefully bent and woven together into an artificial mound. Initially built by the clan founders, __ soon took over the role of maintaining the clan's shelter.
[center][size=7][font=Chiller][b][color=#dad6c8]«[/color] [color=#731d08]Clan Members[/color] [color=#dad6c8]»[/color][/b][/font][/size]
[columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/66733418][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/667335/66733418p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=TRANSPARENT]*[/color][nextcol]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b]Luckystone[/b] - [i]Clan Founder & Leader - he/him[/i][/color]
As one of the first Ice-born Fae, Luckystone has worked hard to be taken seriously by more traditional Ice dragons by developing a no-nonsense attitude and a stern stare.[/size][/columns]
[columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/73351046][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/733511/73351046p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=TRANSPARENT]*[/color][nextcol]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b]Lightfoot[/b] - [i]Clan Founder & Protector - she/her[/i][/color]
While she hasn't faced the same challenges as her mate as one of the first Ice-born Mirrors, Lightfoot is quick to defend her family from any and all perceived threats.[/size][/columns]
[columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/73966684][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/739667/73966684p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=TRANSPARENT]*[/color][nextcol]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b]Brightmoons[/b] - [i]Undeclared - she/her[/i][/color]
The adopted daughter of Luckystone and Lightfoot, Brightmoons has found a new life and family above the surface. Neither she or anyone else has made the connection that she is a Gaoler from the old tales... yet.[/size][/columns]
[columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/63192562][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/631926/63192562p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=TRANSPARENT]*[/color][nextcol]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b]Spiritsong[/b] - [i]Healer - they/them[/i][/color]
The only dragon to live outside the Barrowbough, Spiritsong is regarded with respect and unease. They are quite skilled with healing magic... but life must be given for life.[/size][/columns]
[columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/64718452][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/647185/64718452p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=TRANSPARENT]*[/color][nextcol]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b]Swiftrunner[/b] - [i]Hunter - he/him[/i][/color]
The only clan member to have left Ice territories and returned, Swiftrunner is sometimes consulted over what he learned during his time away from home. Has a soft spot for those with disabilities, like the Plague twins.[/size][/columns]
[columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/73771946][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/737720/73771946p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=TRANSPARENT]*[/color][nextcol]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b]Name[/b] - [i]Role[/i][/color]
...[/size][/columns]
[columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/73771949][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/737720/73771949p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=TRANSPARENT]*[/color][nextcol]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b]Name[/b] - [i]Role[/i][/color]
...[/size][/columns]
[columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/58403151][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/584032/58403151p.png[/img][/url][nextcol][color=TRANSPARENT]*[/color][nextcol]
[size=4][color=#731d08][b]Name[/b] - [i]Role[/i][/color]
...[/size][/columns]
[color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_3079781][color=#731d08]Thread Info[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663430][color=#731d08]Table of Contents[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663433][color=#731d08]Location[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663438][color=#731d08]Clan Members[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663442][color=#731d08]Culture[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663447][color=#731d08]Gallery[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663465][color=#731d08]Other[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781/4#post_56878737][color=#731d08]Pinglist[/color][/url][/size][/center]
Luckystone - Clan Founder & Leader - he/him
As one of the first Ice-born Fae, Luckystone has worked hard to be taken seriously by more traditional Ice dragons by developing a no-nonsense attitude and a stern stare.
*
Lightfoot - Clan Founder & Protector - she/her
While she hasn't faced the same challenges as her mate as one of the first Ice-born Mirrors, Lightfoot is quick to defend her family from any and all perceived threats.
*
Brightmoons - Undeclared - she/her
The adopted daughter of Luckystone and Lightfoot, Brightmoons has found a new life and family above the surface. Neither she or anyone else has made the connection that she is a Gaoler from the old tales... yet.
*
Spiritsong - Healer - they/them
The only dragon to live outside the Barrowbough, Spiritsong is regarded with respect and unease. They are quite skilled with healing magic... but life must be given for life.
*
Swiftrunner - Hunter - he/him
The only clan member to have left Ice territories and returned, Swiftrunner is sometimes consulted over what he learned during his time away from home. Has a soft spot for those with disabilities, like the Plague twins.
[center][size=7][font=Chiller][b][color=#dad6c8]«[/color] [color=#731d08]Culture[/color] [color=#dad6c8]»[/color][/b][/font][/size]
[color=#731d08][b]Daily Life[/b][/color][/center]
[b]Spring[/b] - The clan uses this time to collect sap from their pine forest, after which it's carefully processed into a number of things (rosin, salve, pitch are the most frequently made).
[b]Summer[/b] - Those quick enough help Luckystone gather insects to prepare storage for the coldest months of the year.
WIP
[center][color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[color=#731d08][b]Deity Worship[/b][/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/FeQ86Gb.png[/img][/center]
WIP
[center][color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_3079781][color=#731d08]Thread Info[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663430][color=#731d08]Table of Contents[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663433][color=#731d08]Location[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663438][color=#731d08]Clan Members[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663442][color=#731d08]Culture[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663447][color=#731d08]Gallery[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663465][color=#731d08]Other[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781/4#post_56878737][color=#731d08]Pinglist[/color][/url][/size][/center]
Spring - The clan uses this time to collect sap from their pine forest, after which it's carefully processed into a number of things (rosin, salve, pitch are the most frequently made).
Summer - Those quick enough help Luckystone gather insects to prepare storage for the coldest months of the year.
[center][color=#731d08][b]New Beginnings[/b][/color]
[color=#dad6c8]-[/color] [color=#731d08]I[/color] [color=#dad6c8]-[/color]
[size=2][color=grey]SUMMER[/color][/size]
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/66733418][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/667335/66733418p.png[/img][/url]
[size=2]Start | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781/2#post_49819465]Next >>[/url][/size]
[color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color][/center]
Freshly woven branches formed the final structural layer of the clans' home - a combination of pine, birch, and tamarack - with the gaps filled in with sap pulled from the local trees and turned rock solid by his Fae magic. It had been a little tricky to get right at first - his ice magic made the sap too brittle to build with - but he figured it out eventually. Luckystone sat back on his haunches and surveyed his handiwork, looking for any places that might need a little extra filling in. Satisfied with the roof, Luckystone made his way to the edge and spread his wings before jumping and gliding to the ground. His magic froze the remaining sap on his hands to make it brittle enough to flake off with a few pats before he went inside.
Compared to the small Fae the lair felt enormous, but it was built with the future of the clan in mind. The entrance formed a short hallway that followed the curve of the outer wall, narrow enough at the opening to discourage larger creatures and to limit the amount of wind that found its way past the hanging hides. A fire pit lined with flat rocks lay at the center, several firestarters harvested from an ember mouse glowed dimly at its base ready to ignite the next pile of logs tossed onto them. The inside was still pretty barren, but he knew that wouldn't last. It wouldn't house the larger breeds - a single Imperial would find it incredibly cramped if they managed to squeeze inside - but it would do. The clan only included himself, Lightfoot, and Swiftrunner at the moment - their lair would fit them several times over.
Luckystone's head fins fluttered slightly at the thought, amused. Times were certainly changing if a Fae, a Mirror, and a Wildclaw could form a clan outside their original flight - especially in a flight so drenched in tradition. Even this far north in the Icefields the majority of the clans preferred Tundras to fill clan ranks. There were a few here and there that allowed other breeds to join, but most of these were clans made up of newcomers, like himself. Former children of the Arcanist struggled with adapting their magic - finding order within chaos - something that caused many to regard them with suspicion. For those born in the Icefields, former allegiances were replaced with an Oath to the Icewarden and most petty squabbles were put aside. When the traditional clans closed ranks, what else could other Iceborn do but band together? Still, most gathered like with like - there was a clan built up of only Wildclaws to the east of Luckystone's territory - most Iceborn like himself. Swiftrunner bartered with them from time to time as they fiercely defended their home from all others.
The small Fae could relate. Luckystone knew that the Icefields were a treacherous place to live even when a clan would welcome you in. Dangerous creatures, freezing weather, winter storms, and limited food supply made that very clear. Protecting your small piece of the world meant you and your family would live to see another day.
Luckystone sat by the fire pit and stared into the glowing firestarters, mottled sunlight from the smoke hole scattered across the floor near his feet. The forest he'd originally claimed for himself and Lightfoot had been surprisingly easy to do so. The only nearby clan he knew of was the Wildclaws, but even they didn't enter the treeline. He hadn't seen any other creatures aside from an occasional elk herd that passed through, but then he'd also been focused on building the clans' shelter. He honestly could have missed seeing something for himself or hearing about it from the others. Luckystone had been elated to find a forest overflowing with sap, especially one that didn't show any signs of other dragons. The others agreed it would be suitable for hunting, even if it meant traveling a little way to find where the elk had wandered to. But that didn't take away Luckystone's uneasy feeling that maybe he had made a mistake.
The knowledge that Lightfoot and Swiftrunner were bigger and better fighters than he was made Luckystone feel a little better.
[center][color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[size=2]Here we go! Hope you guys don't mind the pings.
(If anyone else wants me to ping for new posts, let me know)[/size]
[size=1]@Pyrouge @Frostwyvern @Vicegrips[/size]
[color=#dad6c8]___________________________________________________________[/color]
[size=2][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_3079781][color=#731d08]Thread Info[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663430][color=#731d08]Table of Contents[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663433][color=#731d08]Location[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663438][color=#731d08]Clan Members[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663442][color=#731d08]Culture[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663447][color=#731d08]Gallery[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781#post_49663465][color=#731d08]Other[/color][/url] [color=#dad6c8]|[/color] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/3079781/4#post_56878737][color=#731d08]Pinglist[/color][/url][/size][/center]
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Freshly woven branches formed the final structural layer of the clans' home - a combination of pine, birch, and tamarack - with the gaps filled in with sap pulled from the local trees and turned rock solid by his Fae magic. It had been a little tricky to get right at first - his ice magic made the sap too brittle to build with - but he figured it out eventually. Luckystone sat back on his haunches and surveyed his handiwork, looking for any places that might need a little extra filling in. Satisfied with the roof, Luckystone made his way to the edge and spread his wings before jumping and gliding to the ground. His magic froze the remaining sap on his hands to make it brittle enough to flake off with a few pats before he went inside.
Compared to the small Fae the lair felt enormous, but it was built with the future of the clan in mind. The entrance formed a short hallway that followed the curve of the outer wall, narrow enough at the opening to discourage larger creatures and to limit the amount of wind that found its way past the hanging hides. A fire pit lined with flat rocks lay at the center, several firestarters harvested from an ember mouse glowed dimly at its base ready to ignite the next pile of logs tossed onto them. The inside was still pretty barren, but he knew that wouldn't last. It wouldn't house the larger breeds - a single Imperial would find it incredibly cramped if they managed to squeeze inside - but it would do. The clan only included himself, Lightfoot, and Swiftrunner at the moment - their lair would fit them several times over.
Luckystone's head fins fluttered slightly at the thought, amused. Times were certainly changing if a Fae, a Mirror, and a Wildclaw could form a clan outside their original flight - especially in a flight so drenched in tradition. Even this far north in the Icefields the majority of the clans preferred Tundras to fill clan ranks. There were a few here and there that allowed other breeds to join, but most of these were clans made up of newcomers, like himself. Former children of the Arcanist struggled with adapting their magic - finding order within chaos - something that caused many to regard them with suspicion. For those born in the Icefields, former allegiances were replaced with an Oath to the Icewarden and most petty squabbles were put aside. When the traditional clans closed ranks, what else could other Iceborn do but band together? Still, most gathered like with like - there was a clan built up of only Wildclaws to the east of Luckystone's territory - most Iceborn like himself. Swiftrunner bartered with them from time to time as they fiercely defended their home from all others.
The small Fae could relate. Luckystone knew that the Icefields were a treacherous place to live even when a clan would welcome you in. Dangerous creatures, freezing weather, winter storms, and limited food supply made that very clear. Protecting your small piece of the world meant you and your family would live to see another day.
Luckystone sat by the fire pit and stared into the glowing firestarters, mottled sunlight from the smoke hole scattered across the floor near his feet. The forest he'd originally claimed for himself and Lightfoot had been surprisingly easy to do so. The only nearby clan he knew of was the Wildclaws, but even they didn't enter the treeline. He hadn't seen any other creatures aside from an occasional elk herd that passed through, but then he'd also been focused on building the clans' shelter. He honestly could have missed seeing something for himself or hearing about it from the others. Luckystone had been elated to find a forest overflowing with sap, especially one that didn't show any signs of other dragons. The others agreed it would be suitable for hunting, even if it meant traveling a little way to find where the elk had wandered to. But that didn't take away Luckystone's uneasy feeling that maybe he had made a mistake.
The knowledge that Lightfoot and Swiftrunner were bigger and better fighters than he was made Luckystone feel a little better.
A mercenary band forged from darkness and desperation seek out a way to survive in a changing, dangerous world. [Modified Pinkerlocke + Lore]
@Pyrouge I'm happy to hear it! Luckystone got pushed into the background for my OG lore, so it's nice to make him the main focus in this AU. :)
(And anyone is welcome to comment on the thread, I don't mind. That's part of the reason I set up the table of contents at the top of the first page and will be adding in a 'next post' type link once the next part is added to the thread.)
@Pyrouge I'm happy to hear it! Luckystone got pushed into the background for my OG lore, so it's nice to make him the main focus in this AU. :)
(And anyone is welcome to comment on the thread, I don't mind. That's part of the reason I set up the table of contents at the top of the first page and will be adding in a 'next post' type link once the next part is added to the thread.)
