Quests & Challenges

CURRENTLY BUILDING - IN WIP INSERT Introduction and Rules HEADER GRAPHIC HERE [center][size=5]A Trial of Blood and Bone[/size][/center] [center][size=3][i]A Pinkerlocke inspired by [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3244658/1#post_3244658]Chasing Immortality[/url][/i][/size][/center] [center][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/335f8rj4xzh00m5/plaguebottom.png[/img][/center] [center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center]-----[/center] [center] The Wraith Mother had warned them against such a journey, yet Rogaldorn, Ebru, and Corrente had no intentions of heeding these warnings. They'd come across a sketchy poster advertising immortality while trading in a nearby town, finding it too enticing to pass up. After all, how difficult could it be to face a series of challenges, emerging victorious on the other side with the promise of a wish? [/center] [center] Rook, a scorned, power-hungry Skydancer with an appetite for forbidden magic, has crafted an arena for challengers to face off in a series of trials. Promising power, riches, and the ability to grant the winner any wish of their choosing, the arena has gained the interest and participation of many dragons across Sornieth. What she calls her greatest achievement is in reality a simple ripoff of the challenge Shui had created, only a few details being tweaked in the process. [/center] [center][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/s3jzrny53dz7pnh/plaguemid.png[/img][/center] Rules found [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/1904162#post_1904162]here[/url] with minor tweaks. [quote]Basic Rules: - Any death in the Coliseum means a death in actuality. The dragon must be exalted. - Loot that isn't a Pinkerton drop is not relevant to the Pinkerlocke. You may dress your dragons in anything you like. - Coliseum matches do not have to be consecutive. - Begin with two or three adult dragons. Drop table: Food: Enter the Coliseum! According to the table below, go through the amount of matches listed; it does not have to be all in a row! Plants: 10-20 matches Insects: 20-30 matches Seafood: 30-40 matches Meat: 40-50 matches - Optional hardmode: All Coliseum teams must be chosen by a random number generator. The area entered must correspond to the highest level dragon in the group. You can quit any time to regen health, and fleeing is permitted. Materials: A day for writing. While you can write for any portion of this, what are your dragons doing in their downtime? What's their latest battles, any hardships they might've faced, any newcomers to the group? If there's nothing new, how about some character introspection? Do any of them not have a biography? Trinkets: Draw some art, whatever medium you want to use; even a simple doodle is good! What do your dragons look like? Their home? A battle? Any trinkets they have? Alternatively, spend some time compiling something related to them. A playlist? Pinterest board? What kind of outfits would they wear, do they follow any sort of teachings? What's their backstory before any of this, outside the Pinkerlocke? Familiars: Buy the cheapest dragon in the AH of a specific breed, gems or treasure. Use a random number generator to determine which breed to get. 1. Fae 2. Guardian 3. Mirror 4. Pearlcatcher 5. Ridgeback 6. Tundra 7. Spiral 8. Imperial 9. Snapper 10. Wildclaw 11. Nocturne 12. Coatl 13. Skydancer 14. Bogsneak 15. Obelisk 16. Gaoler 17. Banescale 18. Veilspun 19. Aberration 20. Undertide 21. Aether 22. Sandsurge - Optional easymode: Exclude hatchlings and/or ancient breeds. Apparel: Breed two of your dragons. If you can't, you may either queue this for when it's possible or roll 1-4 for one of the food options. - Optional hardmode: Flip a coin for every hatchling. Every tails means a dead hatchling that must be exalted or removed from the Pinkerlocke. Battle Items: Chance for a death streak. Flip a coin; if heads, a death streak happens, and if tails, nothing happens. - Death streak: Three dragons must be chosen through a random generator and go through a Coliseum area corresponding to the highest level in the party. 10 rounds must be completed consecutively; if a dragon dies, the death streak is over and no more rounds are required.[/quote]

INSERT Table of Contents HEADER GRAPHIC HERE

1. The Call
2. The First Challenge
3. A Day of Rest and Mourning
4. The Newest Member
5. Behind the Curtain
6. Pillars and Runestones
7. Strawberry

INSERT Characters HEADER GRAPHIC HERE [center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center]-----[/center] [columns] [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/978379/97837888.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] [center][b]Corrente[/b] [size=2]The Poet | Challenger[/size] Emboldened by the ballads of great adventures, this tender-hearted Imperial hopes these trials will inspire him to write works of greatness.[/center] [/columns] [columns] [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/978417/97841668.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] [center][b]Ebru[/b] [size=2]The Warrior | Challenger[/size] A strong-willed Banescale, eager to sharpen his skills with a worthy challenge and gain fame and power in the process.[/center] [/columns] [columns] [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/978898/97889733.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] [center][b]Jadewing[/b] [size=2]The Opportunist | Challenger[/size] Finding a wish to be too alluring to pass up, this Coatl has set her sights on a challenge that could allow her to take over her father's clan.[/center] [/columns] [columns] [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/847064/84706356.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] [center][b]Rimestriker[/b] [size=2]The Nomad | Challenger[/size] Unable to locate his Charge, this Guardian hopes to find his purpose in life through the trials presented by Rook.[/center] [/columns] [columns] [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/979470/97946998.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] [center] [b]Rogaldorn[/b] [size=2]The Lover | Challenger[/size] A forlorn, cynical Pearlcatcher who's taken up the challenge in hopes of proving himself to a dragon of status he hopes to court.[/center] [/columns] [columns] [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/981014/98101377.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] [center][b]Rook[/b] [size=2]The Apostate | Administrator[/size] A mysterious Skydancer who's invited dragons across Sornieth to face a series of challenges with the chance of having a wish granted.[/center] [/columns] [columns] [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/913662/91366195.png[/img][/center] [nextcol] [center][b]Strawberry[/b] [size=2]The Coward | Challenger[/size] A fearful Coatl pressured into joining his friends on this journey. He wants nothing more than for this challenge to be over so he may return home.[/center] [/columns]

INSERT Fanart HEADER GRAPHIC HERE [center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center]-----[/center] [center][img]https://i.imgflip.com/962hjb.jpg[/img][/center] [i]not me bashing my own got dang self for not drawing art yet lol[/i]

[center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center]-----[/center] [center][emoji=deer skull size=1] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57734600]Next[/url] [center]-----[/center] [center][size=5]Chapter One[/size][/center] [center][size=4][i]The Call[/i][/size][/center] [center][item=ivy][/center] [left]There were arguments, hang-ups, shouting. But eventually they managed set off for the coordinates listed on the notice, trekking north through the plaguelands toward Dragonhome's Shattered Plain. [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/979470/97946998.png[/img] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/978379/97837888.png[/img] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/978417/97841668.png[/img][/center] "This is surprisingly similar to that other poster that was drifting around a few years ago," Corrente noted. "Remember that one? The challenge they held nearby in the Abiding Boneyard." Ebru rolled his eyes, flying to keep pace with the Imperial's steady trek. "Who cares? Maybe it's the same guy, maybe not. It's the chance of a lifetime — [i]obviously[/i] there's going to be mystery surrounding it. That's part of the appeal." "There will be strings," commented Rogaldorn gruffly from Corrente's back. "Lots of strings attached to this one — no matter who's running it." Out of the three, Rogaldorn had the largest disadvantage — he couldn't fly. An accident at a young age left his wings unable to support his body weight and, as a result, he often piggy-backed on Corrente. Despite his obvious reservations, he hoped desperately the immortality promised would heal his injury and allow him to experience the joys of flight. Ebru landed on Corrente's head with the grace of a sack of potatoes, finding purchase upon branched horns before turning to face Rogaldorn. "You don't have to come if you're so [i]worried[/i] about it," he snipped. A low growl bubbled in Rogaldorn's throat before being interrupted by Corrente. "By the Plaguebringer, you two, just [i]be nice[/i] to each other for once!" he snapped, flaring his wings to emphasize his point. The two relented, knowing if their bickering continued it would end in Corrente turning around and taking them both back to the clan by force. So, as the sun drew low and cast long, spindly shadows across the plaguelands, a quiet befell the trio and they continued on their journey in silence. [center]—•—[/center] Many dragons gathered at the camp that had formed at the poster's coordinates, all pitching tents or communing around crackling fires. It felt welcoming in a way, a presentation of warmth and camaraderie before the storm that would surely befall them in the trials. The trio put up their own tent before chatting with other dragons in the camp, finding they all intended to throw their proverbial hats into the ring. While Corrente and Rogaldorn retired to their tent, Ebru stayed up to talk with the other dragons. He didn't gain as much insight has he had initially been looking for and found himself frustrated at the lack of knowledge he had on these trials. Nonetheless, he did gain valuable intel on the other dragons present, making notes of their failings and potential weaknesses. A challenge to gain immortality would surely wind down a road paved with blood and Ebru wanted to be the one to paint it. [center]—•—[/center] Morning came with both a cold outpouring of sunlight and the soft, dead steps of a Skydancer. Her body had been mangled by crystalline magics that seeped through the cracks in her joints and she held herself aloft like a wraith in the moonlight. She perched above the campsite, standing upon a pillar that, upon closer inspection, had obviously been carved for her and her alone. [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/981014/98101377.png[/img][/center] "Oh, how wonderful." Her whisper carried through the wind, only heard by the most perceptive of dragons below. She cleared her throat. "Welcome, my challengers! You are among the very few, the very [i]special[/i], who have heeded my call and come forth to seek riches beyond your wildest dreams!" With her speech, she stretched her wings and exposed spots of amethyst that allowed sunlight to filter through them. Rogaldorn narrowed his eyes from his place in the audience below as she continued to lay praises upon the spectators. He bumped Corrente with his shoulder and the Imperial leaned down so his ear was close. "Those spots on her wings — your eyes are better than mine — what [i]are[/i] they?" he asked. Corrente raised his head, looking closely at the Skydancer's appearance as a whole. Her body was, for lack of a better word, completely ruined. He leaned in to relay his perceptions. "There are growths of amethyst — those purple spots — all over her body. From the way the sunlight shines through her wings, I'm guessing it's replacing her flesh. Her feathers are also afflicted by this and the rest of her body seems to be made of stone." Further conversation on the matter would have to wait. Now, the Skydancer found it was time to go into the details of the challenge they faced. "This is what you've all been waiting so patiently for: the rules of our game." Her wings drew into herself halfway in a coy manner. She was playing the audience eagerly, as if barely able to contain her own excitement. "It's a simple tournament, held underground in an arena of my own construction. You'll be pampered with lavish quarters and fine dining between trials with chances to earn yourselves even more rewards." She stepped closer to the edge of the column's platform. "To all who accept, please delve into my sanctum and may your bounties be great!" Her foot shifted, clicking something into place and causing a hidden door to open in the ground, revealing a staircase that led deep underground. The held torches that illuminated the steps, mangled shadows warping across the stone as dragons eagerly entered. Ebru reveled in the sensation he gained from staring down into its depths. The signals his body released for danger no longer held any meaning, only being used to fuel his thrill. There would be no turning back now.[/left] [center]-----[/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57734600]Next[/url][/center] [center]-----[/center] Thanks for reading! There’s more to come as I build this and I’m excited to see how it turns out! Edit: Formatting, minor grammatical corrections, added images

[center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57668958]Previous[/url] | [emoji=deer skull size=1] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57774507]Next[/url] [center]-----[/center] [center][size=5]Chapter Two[/size][/center] [center][size=4][i]The First Challenge[/i][/size][/center] [center][item=ambush][/center] [left]The three were surprised to find their quarters to be well furnished, decorated with comfortable furniture, colorful tapestries, and a beautiful gift basket of snacks and flowers. While Corrente and Ebru marveled at the details of their new, temporary home, Rogaldorn couldn’t help but continue to feel suspicious. All this work for the dragons heeding Rook’s call, but what for? He kept those doubts to himself, knowing Ebru would likely snap at him for making a fuss over the matter. After half an hour of settling in, a bell rang and all the contestants were ushered into the arena — a large, coliseum-like cavern with high ceilings, rows of seats for spectators up above high walls, and a cubiculum carved from marble, a stark contrast to the rest of the cavern’s granite and limestone. From the cubiculum, Rook presented herself and greeted the audience below. Always out of reach. ”Friends!” she called out. “Now is the time we begin assignments. Most of you came in groups while others came alone. For the purpose of most of our challenges, we’ll be sectioning you into groups of three.” Thankfully, Corrente, Erdu, and Rogaldorn were allowed to remain in a team together. Each team was given a name that represented a color and suit of cards. Their team had been given the name Black Diamonds. ”Some dragons will not make it through all these trials, so a…[i]reshuffling[/i] of sorts may occur in the future. For now, we’ll begin with our first assignments.” Rook turned to her familiar, a Tatterwing Carcass, who brought her a crystal. She motioned over it, claws dancing through the air. “We will begin with a simple roulette, as this is how most of your challenges will be assigned.” Underneath the cubiculum, on the wall of the arena, a wheel of magic appeared. Slices of color represented different activities, though it was admittedly difficult to tell [i]what[/i] those activities were. It seemed they’d have to find out once the wheel was spun. The first group called forth, the White Clubs, spun the wheel with vigor and landed on the slice that chose their fate. A glowing flourish of text came into view above the wheel: [i]Obstacle Course – Water[/i]. Other teams spun the wheel, some gaining challenges, others receiving rewards or time to rest instead. When it came time for the Black Diamonds, Rogaldorn’s stomach twisted into knots. Surely, [i]surely[/i] it couldn’t be so simple. Ebru, with the enthusiasm of a hatchling, spun with vigor. The dial rushed in circular motion, each color blending into the other until it became a dull gray. Finally, it stopped. [i]Battle – Random Assignment[/i]. They were the first to land on a battle slice, and the lack of knowledge of their opponent felt unsettling. Nevertheless, they had to work with what they were given; just like all the other teams present. Once all teams had spun the wheel, Rook addressed them again. ”How fun!” she exclaimed. “Everyone has something to do this evening! Now, here’s how it’ll work. I’m sure you’ve each heard the bell chime when it was time to come into the arena — each of your quarters is equipped with this bell and it will sound when it’s your time to return here. The arena will be set up with your task and be ready for when you arrive. To all others who gained rest and rewards, you won’t be called upon. Rewards shall be delivered to you within the hour.” She placed her foreclaws upon the rail that prevented her from falling out of the cubiculum. “You’re all dismissed.” The last sentence felt entirely too impersonal, yet nothing could be done but return to their quarters. Ebru paced the floor while Rogaldorn and Corrente lounged upon the available furniture. Ebru was an impatient dragon, always moving and unable to sit still unless sleeping. Even then he could usually be found twitching, caught up in some strange dream. He [i]hated[/i] waiting. If he had his way, their battle would commence immediately in the arena. It didn’t matter if other dragons had to get out of the way — that was their problem. He grit his teeth, continuing in the unchanging, back and forth pattern of his pacing from one end of the room to the other. Rogaldorn, on the other hand, had no such impatience boiling in his chest. Instead, he tended to harbor a quiet resentment that eventually resulted in lashing out. He, also, found the waiting to be insufferable yet didn’t let it show outwardly. Nothing would come of wishing their bell sooner. He stood, stretched, and peeked into the gift basket to find some fruit to snack on. That would at least keep him somewhat occupied. Corrente, to most, seemed to reside without anger or bitterness. He wore his heart on his sleeve and spoke with gentle words. The typical poet. Yet, if Rogaldorn were to admit anything, it would be that Corrente’s writings sparked emotions he never thought he could feel. The Imperial had a knack for it, one of his most famous works being of a fallen leaf that left most dragons in tears by the end. A sympathetic, gentle giant with too much love to give. [i]So why is he here?[/i] Rogaldorn thought to himself as he chewed on the candied peach. He'd always been the voice of reason for the group, keeping both Rogaldorn and Ebru out of trouble. In fact, he’d even tried to dissuade them from this quest altogether — but here he was, partaking in the challenge just as much as they were. He’d given them the excuse of needing excitement for his muse, yet Rogaldorn remained stoutly unconvinced. The explanations were hollow, empty — completely devoid of anything with real substance. There was another reason he’d come along and he seemed keen on keeping it secret. Ridiculous, yet not surprising. Before he had the chance to inquire further on the matter, the bell above chimed to signal it was their turn to enter the arena. ”Finally!” Ebru snarled with both impatience and excitement. “Let’s go!” The trio entered the coliseum, watched from above by Rook just as before. Another wheel sat on the wall beneath her, waiting to be spun. ”Another spin if you three don’t mind,” she called down. “Random assignments require an additional round of roulette.” Ebru, again, sauntered up to the wheel and gave it a hearty pull. Around and around it went until, slowly, it landed on a red slice. [i]Death Match - Boss Fight[/i] The blood drained from Rogaldorn’s face and fear took hold in his chest. ”Oh!” Rook gasped in surprise. “So soon?” She turned and began muttering to herself while pacing the cubiculum. “Ichabod, [i]no[/i]!” She shooed the Tatterwing Carcass from the crystal ball perched in the center. “Let me finish thinking…” Several moments passed before she returned to the railing. “Spin again.” He didn’t want to. The idea of something [i]worse[/i] waiting for them had become too much to bear, yet Ebru’s rash sense of audacious boldness took hold and the wheel turned yet again. The wheel did not land on anything new, instead spinning endlessly as Rook shouted at Ichabod from above. The rotted bird had done something, Rogaldorn knew it, but he had no time to wonder what it had been as a swirling mist spawned a massive beast before them. With no preparation or warning, they were thrust into battle against a Mossy Pohip.[/left] [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/familiar/art/23844.png[/img][/center] [center] ----- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57774507]Next[/url] ----- [/center]

[center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center]-----[/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57734600]Previous[/url] | [emoji=deer skull size=1] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57826970]Next[/url] [center]-----[/center] [center][size=5]Chapter 3[/size][/center] [center][size=4][i]A Day of Rest and Mourning[/i][/size][/center] [center][item=goose down][/center] [left]Death hadn’t been considered as a possibility. At least, not so soon. Not someone so close. Despite his rambunctious and often abrasive personality, Ebru had been a dear friend to both Rogaldorn and Corrente. So many things had gone unsaid and Rogaldorn felt a deep, ragged sorrow burn in his chest as he lay upon the lavish pillows and drapery against Corrente’s larger form. Would he lose the Imperial, too? Or would he be the next to fall? Rook had been in hysterics throughout the battle, fighting with that damned bird — whom she conveniently blamed for the trial starting before the wheel finished turning — until providing her sincerest apologies for such a tragedy. She expressed she had never intended to present a difficult challenge so early on and offered a week off with full catering as compensation. A lousy apology if he’d ever heard one. “Do you…” he almost couldn’t bring himself to say it. “Do you think she was telling the truth?” “Hm?” Corrente hummed, asking for clarification. “Rook. Do you think this was an accident?” A silence passed before Corrente spoke again, low and clear: “No.” The thought, though sickening as it was, couldn’t be ignored. [center]—•—[/center] The week passed slowly, leaving the pair restless. Eventually they settled into a sort of tournament between themselves, playing card games and keeping score by gouging tally marks into the stone walls. All respect for their lodging had been lost. Though, the furniture had been spared the majority of their outbursts of frustration. Rogaldorn flipped the card, showing Corrente had guessed incorrectly. Despite winning this round of Higher or Lower, he couldn’t focus on it. His mind all too often drifted back to the fight with the Mossy Pohip and Ebru, who had distracted the beast long enough to allow Corrente to kill it. The cost of saving his friends had been great. Rogaldorn wondered if it should have been he who fell instead. “What are you thinking about?” Corrente asked, shuffling the cards before laying them out again. “Nothing new,” he muttered in return. Looking at the card below, he ventured a guess. “Higher?” Unfortunately, the flipped card turned out to be a three against his five. Mark one point for Corrente. “I’ve been dwelling on the same matter myself. I’d be lying if I were to say I harbored a desire to stay and continue on.” The next card, an eleven, waited for his guess. Lower would be the smart play given the high statistical probability of the face-down card being one through ten, but this game operated on chance. No matter how great your likelihood of winning, everything could be lost in a heartbeat. He went with his instinct anyway. “Lower.” A correct guess. “I wish we could just bring him back somehow.” He adjusted himself to a more comfortable position. “What..?” The Imperial seemed astonished, claws stopping before they reached the deck to pull out the next cards. “It’s not that hard to guess the correct card,” Rogaldorn sighed. “You just—” “No, not that!” Corrente hissed. “About Ebru. What did you just say about Ebru?” “That I wish we could…” The gears were turning now, clicking into place. Despite the horrific ordeal they’d been through and the trials ahead, they could [i]wish Ebru back[/i] if they won. Cards suddenly forgotten, they instead worked through a plan to remain long enough to secure the wish that would restore their friend.[/left] [center]-----[/center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57826970]Next[/url] [center]-----[/center] Short chapter this go around, but there’s more to come!

[center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57774507]Previous[/url] | [emoji=deer skull size=1] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57837661]Next[/url] [center]-----[/center] [center][size=5]Chapter 4[/size][/center] [center][size=4][i]The Newest Member[/i][/size][/center] [center][item=hippogriff][/center] [left]Rimestriker knew the cost of a wish would be high — especially given the amount of magic he imagined went into it — but when his teammate drowned in a puzzle challenge, he wondered if the price could be worth it in the end. Now, he and Fallthor shuffled into the arena with all the other dragons. He looked up to see Rook, peering down upon her audience from her cubiculum. Always above everyone else. Always out of reach. [center][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/847064/84706356.png[/img][/center] “Friends!” she announced. “It has been just over a week and you’re all doing so well. Unfortunately—“ her wings drooped and her voice fell to a more somber tone “—a few of your teammates did not survive the trials you have taken. I won’t lie and tell you it’ll be easier from here. It won’t. As we grow nearer to the granting of a wish, these trials will only increase in danger and difficulty.” A hushed murmur passed through the crowd. Despite the unsettling nature of the news, no voice raised protest. “Now, because a few of our teams are missing members, we will begin reallocating our resources.” He hoped he wouldn’t be separated from Fallthor. The other Guardian had been intelligent and cunning throughout the trials they faced together, and, perhaps most of all, become a friend. “It’ll be okay,” Fallthor whispered. “Whatever happens, I’m still on your side.” Rimestriker offered a nod in response, thankful for the assurance. His attention soon returned to the Skydancer. “If you’re still part of a team of three, you are free to return to your quarters.” The majority of the dragons present left the arena, leaving about a dozen behind. “Good, good. There’s enough of you to split into even teams.” She disappeared for a moment, rummaging around for something in the far corners of the elevated room. A crystal ball, not unlike the one she used for the trials, hovered between foreclaws. “If your name is called, you’ll step forward and be assigned to your new team. Assignments are non-negotiable, so I recommend learning to get along.” The teams sorted out one by one as dragons were called forward and given a new group to work with. His heart dropped when Fallthor had been assigned to a new team, leaving him to brave the challenge alone. It didn’t matter if he were paired up with someone new — he liked [i]Fallthor[/i]. The other Guardian became a friend. [center]—•—[/center] The room of the Black Diamonds had little difference to the one he’d shared with Fallthor, though he imagined there would be quite a bit of adjustment as he learned to live with Rogaldorn and Corrente. He didn’t mind the Imperial too much, but the Pearlcatcher seemed less enthused than Rimestriker was to be part of the team. “Despite our recent loss, we’re glad you’re here,” Corrente offered. “I’m sorry you had to be separated from your friend; he seemed to have an excellent head on his shoulders.” Rogaldorn offered no such condolences, even when nudged by Corrente. It didn’t matter — he imagined it would take time to adjust to their new living arrangements. “Thank you,” Rimestriker replied. “It’s certainly going to take a bit getting used to, but I think it’ll work out.” After introductions, he joined the pair in a few card games. While he wasn’t good at it, he enjoyed the company it provided and found it to be a fun pastime. “What will you wish for?” he asked as Corrente broke out a few sets of Mahjong tiles. The question hadn’t been directed at any dragon in particular, but he could tell it hit a nerve by the way they both stiffened. Rogaldorn stoutly kept his mouth shut on the matter. “We came here with a friend,” Corrente stated. “He… He didn’t survive our first challenge.” The tiles fell into place, arranged perfectly for each dragon to partake in the game. “Our hope is to bring him back.” “Is that possible?” he asked, matching two Shadow tiles together and setting them aside. “I’ve heard tale of necromancy taking place on occasion, but I imagine you’re looking for something a bit more…[i]substantial[/i].” In truth, he had a bit of undesirable experience on the topic. His mother, a strange and unstable Guardian, did not take the loss of her mate well and threw herself into forbidden magic to bring him back. The results had been horrifying to say the least. A small lull passed before the Imperial offered his thoughts. “If Rook is able to grant any wish as she says, then we have to have faith she can fully restore Ebru. I’m not sure I can bear any thought otherwise.” The truth hurt and Rimestriker knew it would cut deep when both Corrente and Rogaldorn learned resurrection was forbidden for a reason. The dragon that comes back is never the same as the one who left, no matter the methods employed during the ritual. Some part of him hoped this would be different.[/left] ----- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57837661]Next[/url] -----

[center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57826970]Previous[/url] | [emoji=deer skull size=1] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57918277]Next[/url] [center]-----[/center] [center][size=5]Chapter 5[/size][/center] [center][size=4][i]Behind the Curtain[/i][/size][/center] [center][item=orthoclase][/center] [left]Fools, the lot of them. Rook paced the arcanium beneath the arena, taking laps around the edges of the magic circle that had been fed much more blood than she’d originally anticipated. Still yet, there weren’t nearly enough Imperials. She needed to ensure [i]all[/i] of them perished for this to work. [center]—•—[/center] [center][i]Ten Years Ago[/i][/center] The warm sun shone down upon the ivory architecture of the Hallowed Lumos Academy, accentuating its brilliant, ethereal features. A young Rook, known at this time as Adelphie, drank in the sight. She’d been living in their boarding program focused on gifted magical dragons for a few years now, making incredible progress in her studies and making friends along the way. Icarus, a Coatl in the same program, lay on his back in the grass nearby. They both enjoyed their day off, basking in the sun and exploring the grounds for the hundredth time. “I’m working on something, you know,” she stated, loud enough for Icarus to hear. “Is that so?” he replied, rolling over onto his stomach and listening intently. “What is it?” She trotted over to him, not wanting her voice to carry. “It’s big — [i]really[/i] big,” she whispered excitedly. “I think I got it right this time.” “What, your dream potion?” he guessed, an amused grin passing over his face. “Last time I tested that out I had nightmares for a week straight.” “No!” she hissed. She looked around, making sure no one could truly overhead. “The [i]other[/i] thing! The immortality ritual.” Silence passed between them as Icarus felt too stunned to reply. He managed to find his words again, trekking carefully. “You’re sure?” he asked, hardly disguising his disbelief. “That’s forbidden knowledge.” She looked away, frustrated and embarrassed. Of course he wouldn’t believe her. Of course he’d point out the obvious. Why wouldn’t he? “Oh my Lightweaver…you managed to sneak into the library basement!” He could barely hold back his excitement. The library had a wealth of knowledge and much of it had been hidden in the lower levels. “What–what did you find?” “Everything.” [center]—•—[/center] Rook shook herself. Dwelling on the past would do no good, yet she found herself missing the companionship Icarus had offered. Useless. He’d left her like all the others. She grit her teeth, returning her focus to the large magic circle. This time it really would be different. She’d made new calculations, studied darker, older tomes, and even drew in a multitude of gullible dragons to feed it. The thing about life magic, dark or light, that few understood was that it needed to be fed. And, for a feat as great as this, her magic was [i]starving[/i].[/left] ----- [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57918277]Next[/url] -----

[center]-----[/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_3369332]Introduction and Rules[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668951]Table of Contents[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668953]Characters[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332#post_57668956]Fanart[/url] [/center] [center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/1#post_57837661]Previous[/url] | [emoji=deer skull size=1] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/2#post_57966210]Next[/url] [center]-----[/center] [center][size=5]Chapter 6[/size][/center] [center][size=4][i]Pillars and Runestones[/i][/size][/center] [center][item=maple seed][/center] [left]Once again, the Black Diamonds shuffled into the arena to spin the wheel. Most dragons in the trials had begun calling it the [i]Wheel of Fate[/i], which seemed largely appropriate. Rogaldorn left Corrente and Rimestriker to figure out who’d spin it once it was their team’s turn. For now, he found himself caught up in why he’d signed up for the ordeal in the first place. As a crippled dragon unable to fly, his mating prospects had been abysmal in his home clan. This hadn’t sat well with his family as they’d been hoping their oldest son would marry up in life, bringing new riches to their hoard and solidifying a place in higher society. These broken expectations weighed heavily on him even now. If he were to wish for a body with healthy wings, he could fulfill his family’s desires and find a suitable mate of high standing. Originally, he’d had his eyes on a gorgeous Pearlcatcher his age. But now? After his travels with Ebru and Corrente? He found himself unsure he really wanted to go back. And why [i]should[/i] he want to? Bitterness crept into his thoughts too easily, tainting the memories of his home. Yet, Corrente and Ebru had become his home, hadn’t they? Wishing Ebru back had far greater value than wishing for wings that worked. Rimestriker took on the mantle of spinning the wheel, landing on a puzzle game labeled [i]Pillars and Runestones[/i]. It sounded simple enough, but the three knew better than to hope for an easy challenge. [center]—•—[/center] Back in their quarters, the trio waited to be called into the arena to complete their challenge. In the meantime, breakfast had been served and they spent their time enjoying it. “Despite the bleak nature of our predicament, the kitchen makes surprisingly delicious poached eggs,” Corrente commented, plucking another egg from the serving tray. He’d always seemed content, able to make the most of any situation the group had found themselves in. Rogaldorn almost resented him for it, but resigned himself. The Imperial’s often calm and pleasant nature had gotten the trio through more than their fair share of hard times. “I suppose,” Rogaldorn added, “the candied peaches are nothing to sneeze about.” “That’s [i]all[/i] you eat here!” Corrente barked. “We might be stuck, but you can at least live a little. Try the fried bean beetles.” With a great and dramatic display of faux disdain, he relented and snagged a beetle. Surprisingly enough, his friend was right. The beetles were delicious. And yet, he found himself hating it. He found himself hating everything here. The food, lavish decor, arena, Rook… A bell chimed above, breaking the train of darker thoughts and signaling them to return to the arena. [center]—•—[/center] Pillars and Runestones, as Rogladorn soon learned, had much the same elements of Runestones of the Arcanist. Except for a few major differences. He stood on a high platform, looking down on a set of limestone pillars meant to represent the face-down runestones of the game. The formation was eight by six, offering forty-eight stones with twenty-four needed matches. His teammates stood on platforms level with the top of the pillars, Corrente to the northeast and Rimestriker to the southwest. Rook had offered no explanation of how the game operated other than Rogladorn had to tell the others how to move. It couldn’t be as simple as making matches in Runestones of the Arcanist. [i]No,[/i] he narrowed his eyes, [i]there’s something else to it.[/i] “Rimestriker, move one pillar east,” he called out, watching as the Guardian followed instruction. Upon being landed on, the stone illuminated. “It’s the symbol for Metal!” Rimestriker looked down to the surface he now stood on. “Are you sure?” he asked. “I can’t see anything other than stone.” “Oh, great Shadowbinder,” the Pearlcatcher muttered. “I think I’m the only one that can see them!” he replied. “I suppose that makes it all a bit more interesting,” Corrente mused. “Which pillar do you want me on?” “Move west!” It lit with the symbol for Life. Because the two did not match, they faded back to the plain limestone it had been before. Rogaldorn would need to memorize the locations of the symbols in order to clear the board. He closed his eyes and concentrated deeply, envisioning the tile placement in his mind’s eye and assigning both Life and Metal to their respective locations. A timer usually accompanied this game and he didn’t want to know what would happen when it ran out. He had Rimestriker move east again to reveal a Spirit tile, and Corrente moved west to reveal Mind. He cataloged those as well. He had them proceed forward in the same direction again, this time both landed on a Light tile. The pillars glowed before turning to basalt. Rimestriker went on to reveal Blood, Pillar, Nature, Clan, and Lightning. Corrente turned up Ice, Spiral, Cloud, Chaos, and Time. “Alright, then. Rimestriker, move one pillar north.” The symbol for Blood appeared around the Guardian. They were getting somewhere. “Corrente! Fly five tiles south, then three tiles west to land on the Blood pillar.” Success. “Tell me where to go on the board, then have Corrente fly to the matching tiles when we find one!” Rimestriker shouted. Despite not liking him too much, Rogaldorn had to agree it was a solid strategy. “Got it! Go east again!” Wind. This one did not correspond to any of the known tiles. The next pillar held the symbol for Plague, then Earth, then Arcane, then [i]Clan[/i]! With Clan highlighted as a new tile, he had Corrente fly to its match just three tiles west of his location. Rimestiker then uncovered Shadow and Venom, neither of which had a match. However, with what Rogaldorn counted as the tenth incorrect pairing, a rumbling sounded as the arena shook. A change had occurred. Moving north to begin heading back west, a Life tile was uncovered and Rogaldorn quickly sent Corrente to its mate in the northwest corner. Rimestriker then trekked back west, uncovering Ice which also matched quickly. The next tile, Earth, matched as well, leading him to gain confidence in their strategy. The next tiles had no match, leading to an incorrect pairing of Fire and Lightning. The game’s darker side came into full force as flames and electricity erupted from the pillar Rimestriker stood on, burning him fiercely. As an Ice Flight dragon, he held a weakness to the elements he’d just been subjected to. “Gods above!” he shouted, bringing up his left foreleg in a wince. “That [i]stings[/i]!” “Rogaldorn!” Corrente shouted, and for a moment the Pearlcatcher worried he’d be chewed out for the mistake. “I’ll check the next tiles. Where should I go?” Rogaldorn struggled to put the mental map he’d created back together. He’d made a mistake. He made a mistake and someone got [i]hurt[/i] because of it. They wouldn’t be able to leave unless he got a hold of himself, so he bottled up his fear and pushed through. Corrente matched the Lightning tiles and moved to the pillar just west of Rimestriker’s, following the search pattern they had set in the beginning. They managed to match Chaos, Venom, and Shadow without incident, but the Imperial found himself caught in a torrent of Water. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d suspect you were choosing our elemental weaknesses on purpose!” Corrente called out. A joke, obviously, but Rogaldorn had been left rattled. “That’s not funny!” he responded, voice nearly a wail. [i]He’s on the Pillar symbol…What happens with Pillar?[/i] Rimestriker chose to take a turn. He couldn’t match Pillars as Corrente seemed to be stuck to the one he’d landed on, so he tried the next two columns. Truth and Spirit. A chill swept through the arena as a ghostly apparition cackled and screeched. Shouting as loudly as he could, Rogaldorn yelled over the fanatic shrieks of the apparition to guide Rimestriker to match the Spirit tiles. Thankfully, this caused the apparition to disappear and allow Corrente to move freely again. They matched Pillar, Metal, Cloud, Arcane, and soon had matched all the tiles available. The pillars and platforms slowly sunk into the floor of the arena, leaving it level again and allowing the three to reunite. With the game won, they were free to return to their quarters. “How did you do that?” Rimestriker asked. His wounds were harshest on his left foreleg and caused him to limp, so the trio walked slowly and Corrente offered a stabilizing shoulder. “Do what..?” Rogaldorn responded. Rimestriker lay down on the furnishings of their room with the help of Corrente. “Make those matches so quickly. If I were calling the shots I’d forget them all.” “It’s magic,” the Pearlcatcher admitted. “Our friend Rogaldorn was born to a family of cataloguers. He learned of magic that allows one to file away observations like books in a library,” Corrente chipped in. “That’s…[i]astonishing[/i],” Rimestriker marveled. Suddenly Rogaldorn didn’t dislike him so much. [/left] [center]-----[/center] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3369332/2#post_57966210]Next[/url] [center]-----[/center]