[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/qI0IA2q.png[/img] & [b][h1][color=DAA250][u]Yamat[/u][/color][/h1][/b] & [img]https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/divinus-mk4/images/c/c3/Blue-heart.png/revision/latest?cb=20200229114953[/img] & [b][h1][color=Maroon][u]Fe’ris[/u][/color][/h1][/b][/center] [hr] Like many other times, Yamat found himself strolling through the great meeting place of gods, Antiquity, a pep in his step, ideas forming within his mind. His gaze darted from portal to portal, perhaps he could meet another god to spark some more ideas? So far he had met only agreeable gods, so he only hoped he could find another one he could agree with. Finally, one of the portals caught his eye, inside he could see a strange misty and endless stone, a rather bleak realm that was for certain, similar to both his and Neiya’s, perhaps he should give this god a visit? He pressed forward, entering into a vast stone plain, where thick mist covered the land and tall imposing towers dotted the horizon. Certainly interesting. He ventured further deeper, hoping his divine presence would attract the attention of whoever’s realm this was. In any case, to his divine senses the entire place stank of death, it seemed to surround all aspects of everything there, not that it lent itself well to showing them. So overwhelming that it was the great fog present blocking almost all sense and ability to tell in any detail what was far away. Another thing was off, it would have taken another being some time to figure it out but the rules that governed reality here were not the same as those on Galbar or the facsimile that existed in Antiquity. A mere few seconds after entering through the portal the ground shifted, the portal vanishing into the mist, the towers seemed to fade further into the horizon. What seemed to be stone shifted around Yamat although he felt like he was not moving at all. Soon vague figures at the edge of what he could perceive in the mists surrounded him and the stone came to stop. Several voices came from above, speaking as one in a demanding tone. [color=Fuchsia]“Who are you and why have you entered Aquibeophates?”[/color] [color=DAA250]”I am Yamat,”[/color] He spoke, offering a bow towards the figures. [color=DAA250]”I merely wished to meet the company of the god of this realm and make their acquaintance.”[/color] [color=Fuchsia]“Oh, Yamat?”[/color] The voices spoke much more pleasantly, almost cheerful. [color=Fuchsia]“I am Thaa, and I have to say I am a big fan of one of your creations. The Iskrill are quite a spectacular piece of work, at least I assume they are yours as they seem to be solely interested in the worship of yourself.”[/color] From above descended a great eye, behind it fading into the mists were what appeared to be the corpses of numerous species on Galbar, sapients were overrepresented among their numbers. It twisted to be more in-front and above rather than directly overhead. The figures in the mist faded back into it. [color=Fuchsia]“I have to say I don’t believe I ever did catch, from the souls of the dead you see, what exactly was the domain of your power? As you might suppose, I am Lord of Death, Guardian of Souls and all of the Afterlife. I am quite pleased to make your acquaintance, and would love to talk more if you have the time.”[/color] Yamat’s eye and halo brightened to see another fan of his work [color=DAA250]”Why yes! The Iskrill are one of my works, I’m glad to see there is another fan of my works, as for my domain,”[/color] Yamat bowed once more, his form doubling over and his left arm outstretched [color=DAA250]”I am the god of Tragedy and Misfortune, I am pleased to make your acquaintance Lord of Death, and I am more than free to talk.”[/color] He returned to a standing position. Thaa’s eye remained locked onto Yamat as he replied, [color=Fuchsia]“I am glad to hear that Yamat. In truth I have spoken little with the other deities so making your own acquaintance is quite welcome. Before your arrival I had just been ruminating on some plans of my own. Plans which I have to say were in part taken inspiration from your example with the Iskrill. Although very different in form and ultimately have a different purpose. Would you like to see a draft I have made of it?”[/color] [color=DAA250]”I would love to see them.”[/color] [color=Fuchsia]“This is just a facsimile of course, still too early in planning to truly create a form that would be suitable for Galbar.”[/color] As Thaa spoke a large figure that towered above came into form from the mists, it came closer thundering with each step. [color=Fuchsia]“In form it is quite dissimilar to the Iskrill, but in function and intent you might be able to take up a few notables that they may share.”[/color] The great thing finally came into greater detail and view. Upon initial viewing it could be compared to that of a giant carnivorous lizard although on closer inspection it was apparent it was quite different from such a creature. For one it did not share the same gait as beset most lizards, that of the legs which came out supporting their body from the side. This creature was supported from legs fully below it, and it moved with an alertness and steady speed that spoke to a creature that kept its own body to a high temperature. Four powerful legs supported the massive form, scales shimmered all across its body, evidently armored to extensive extent. A long tail circled back into the mist. Another dissimilarity with most lizards was the long neck that eventually reached out into a head, a mouth of sharp teeth, two forward facing predatory eyes and nostrils. Ears if it had them were a bit harder to see, ear-holes mostly likely partially obscured by the continuing scales. Thaa continued. [color=Fuchsia]“This is a draft you understand, just a puppet, there's not a soul there but I plan for them to be sapient like many of the mortals Galbar, thinking, speaking and worshipping while they approach their own purposes. Oh and I should say I have a name for them, although it's just a work in progress like much here. ‘Dragon’ is what I've taken to calling it, not entirely original but it works.”[/color] Yamat’s gaze was drawn to the mighty beast, taking in every bit of the “Dragon”, he found himself somewhat entranced with its being [color=DAA250]”My my isn’t that a beauty, a mighty fine draft if i do say so myself Lord of the Dead,”[/color] He turned towards the large eye, finally drawing his focus away from the creature [color=DAA250]”And what function do you wish for them to serve amongst the Great Play?[/color] When Thaa answered, his tone was thoughtful, but not quite masking his own cheeriness. [color=Fuchsia]“Oh that’s the true beauty of them, their ability and strength, combined with their intelligence allow for a great flexibility of purposes to which they may be put. I of course do not wish to flood Galbar with them, nor even intend that they live lives down on the surface of that world. No I think they shall remain here and will be deployed as necessary, a single one could change a great deal in its region, they’d serve a great place in shaping Galbar in my thoughts. Although sending them all in great numbers does have some attractive results, ultimately it is too rash and unthoughtful to be in any measure a good idea with the current state of affairs as they are.”[/color] [color=DAA520]”I see”[/color] Yamat replied, his own tone thoughtful as well, he stared once more at the draft, while its current form was indeed impressive and a beauty to Yamat’s eyes, it felt like it needed more. [color=DAA250]”Their form is rather impressive, but, I do feel like they need a bit more, perhaps I can be of assistance?”[/color] He thought for a few seconds after [color=DAA250]”I believe I could also get another god to lend a hand.”[/color] [color=Fuchsia]“I would enjoy your assistance very much, to have the mastermind behind the Iskrill on this project is a sure thing to lead to even greater success.”[/color] Thaa paused, clearly thinking for a moment as gentle sounds of shifting could be heard through the mists. [color=Fuchsia]“I do suppose as per your latter statement that if you think they would be good for this project that I will trust your assessment of that. I do have to ask, which god?”[/color] [hr] One could only remain languidly on a throne for so long before the simple act of doing nothing became exhausting in itself. Neiya leant back in her pavilion, staring out with bitter expression over her desolate realm. In her mind’s eye, she held herself apprised of Aveira’s progression on Galbar, and intermittently cut in to direct her avatar to take additional actions in her training of the Neiyari. Aveira was her own being, but was still so entirely in tune with Neiya’s desires that there was not much to do but watch her divine servant carry out the plan as it had been established. Like answering the prayers of the indulgent and insolent, it had begun to lose its novelty. Suddenly, a familiar voice entered into her mind [color=DAA250]”Hey Neiya? You there?”[/color] Neiya drew a sharp breath, straightening herself out in her throne even though no one was looking. [color=8493ca]”Yamat? Did something happen? Is it [i]her[/i]?”[/color] The voice paused for a few seconds [color=DAA250]”I'm going to be honest, I have no idea who [i]her[/i] is but everything is fine, I’ve come to ask your assistance with a design I'm assisting in.”[/color] Neiya went through a range of expressions; bemusement, irritation, and finally resignation. [color=8493ca]”I suppose such is to be expected,”[/color] she replied through the connection and glanced at her white talons as though they were nails, and Yamat was somehow watching. [color=8493ca]”Shall I come to your realm?”[/color] [color=DAA250]”No as I am currently not there, come to the realm portal with the strange mist flowing out of it, you can come meet me and Thaa there.”[/color] [color=8493ca]”Somehow, Yamat, I feel as though that describes more than one of these portals. But very well.”[/color] Neiya responded, and lifted from her throne, hovering up over the ground in the pavilion. With a dismissive lift of her chin she preempted Yamat’s response and broke the connection. His tomfoolery was more pleasant in person, after all. Flexing her talons briefly, she drifted up into the sky of her realm, and towards the portal to Antiquity. [hr] For the first time in eons, Fe’ris felt excited about something. He had just created shapeshifters, mortals that could be as fluid in their appearance as the gods, if not more so! If some other god had already created such a thing, he didn’t care. It was new to him, and that was what mattered. He couldn’t wait to see how it played out. The bat god turned his gaze toward the ever-present orange moon suspended above his cavern, beckoning him forth with its autumnal glow. It reminded him of Galbar, perched above Antiquity. He stretched his wings and yawned. It had been a while since he’d last been. It might be good to catch up with whatever riffraff paraded around the stone coliseum. Pumping his wings powerfully, he launched his massive form into the air, sending clouds of dust flurrying around the dark chasm. A few more impressive beats, and he climbed toward the moon, a portal to Antiquity appearing moments before he could crash into the hollow, floating rock. Having learned about the importance of portal size last time he appeared in the nexus of realms, Fe’ris landed in his base form, tucking into a roll and popping out of the portal with a flourish. The moderate sunlight stung his eyes, and he blinked ferociously as he scanned the archaic landscape. His eyes halted on a collection of three gods, none of which he had ever seen before. The fluffy, socially-awkward god approached, possessing just the wrong blend of self-importance and anxiety as he sauntered toward the other beings. The three beings hovered just around the edge of another portal. Literally in the case of one, a thin woman with skin like snow. White bone and metallic edges jutted from her form in an asymmetrical distortion of an otherwise sleek silhouette. Her fingers were as talons, which she seemed preoccupied with as she fidgeted despite not standing on the ground. One was a large eye that kept switching between the other two figures, it was emplaced onto a spiked disk which sat upon an enormous pile of corpses that shifted and stretched. Among the corpses were what appeared to be formerly members of life on Galbar, most were sapients that could be recognized as from one species or another, a few that seemed to be collating near the disk were not recognizably any particular mortal race, perhaps an amalgam. The last of the gods was tall and lanky, they had black skin with golden symbols and runes seemingly carved into their skin and they wore a long bright golden skirt that flowed down to the ground. Their face was covered by a faceless golden mask that possessed a singular eye that seemed to be just a bright orb of light, and behind their head was a softly glowing halo of golden light. Fe’ris arrived just in time to catch the tail-end of what seemed to be a longer conversation. [color=8493ca]”This is all very pleasant,”[/color] the pale goddess intoned with resigned tone, barely taking her eyes off of her nails. [color=8493ca]”but I hope you’re not going to call on me every time you make a friend, Yamat.”[/color] [color=DAA250]”This isn’t just to introduce you to Thaa, my new associate has a design he wishes to make, and I thought you and I could be of some help to him, especially given your new area of expertise.”[/color] The tall god spoke, looking the pale goddess up and down with their single eye. She lifted her chin with a regal confidence, the frown mellowing out to a more candid narcissism. [color=8493ca]”Well, I suppose there’s no harm in hearing you out, now that I am here anyway.”[/color] [color=Maroon] “Ahem.”[/color] The bat god did not seem to know where to start, as he had only ever seen one god at a time before, much less three. [color=Maroon] “To whom am I making myself acquainted? You aren’t the most sunny gods I’ve seen, to be sure.”[/color] The tall god turned to face the newcomer, well, their torso did, their legs seemed to stay in place facing forward, their torso now entirely facing the new god. They leaned forward, observing them [color=DAA250]”My my you’re an interesting figure, don’t believe I’ve met you before.”[/color] they extended their hand out [color=DAA250]”Yamat, pleasure to meet you, and you are?”[/color] [color=Maroon]”I am Fe’ris, and I am pleased to meet someone so unsettling such as yourself. A far cry from Cadien, if you don’t mind me saying.”[/color] He sniffed the air, pointy nose twitching as his attention shifted past Yamat, to the two equally sinister and beautiful beings behind them. [color=Maroon]”Who might you be?”[/color] The pale goddess scoffed quietly, watching the new arrival with a mixture of contempt and skepticism. [color=8493ca]”Neiya. Goddess of Love, among other things,”[/color] Her red and black eyes matched her venomous tone as they studied Fe’ris. [color=8493ca]”I’m surprised Cadien’s never mentioned you. Another name I did not know.”[/color] Yamat chuckled at the comment. [color=Fuchsia]“I am Thaa.”[/color] His eye had shifted to watch the newcomer, otherwise he held off sharing further of himself. [color=Fuchsia]“And what might your area of expertise be Fe’ris?”[/color] Fe’ris spread his gnarled, scaly hands, his skin shifting and cracking as he did so. Black keratin snaked up his arms as flexible spikes sprouted from the chinks exposing his bare skin. [color=Maroon] “Ambition. And change, as of late. I entail the good and the bad of yearning; the internal and external turmoil that goes towards changing oneself… and others.”[/color] As he spoke, patterns appeared on the scales, which were now covered in stripes and spots of all kinds. His voice deepened to a scratchy rumble. [color=Maroon]“Not every god is so… accepting, of the good and the bad. I hope that isn’t the case here.”[/color] Yamat drew closer, their one eye investigating the god further, before they suddenly shot straight up and turned towards the others [color=DAA250]”I like him, perhaps he could assist us in our little endeavor? More gods could make it easier.”[/color] [color=Fuchsia]“I have had enough of these antics, if you wish to be apart of something truly important then come along.”[/color] Thaa promptly turned upon his little annoucement’s end, and entered the portal, returning to his realm once more among the mists. Yamat quickly followed the god of death, motioning for the other two to follow as well, [color=DAA250]”Come now Thaa, don’t be so dire.”[/color] they spoke as the mists returned around them. Neiya gave the fourth addition a last glance and frown before following along, hovering in behind Yamat. As each entered the ground underneath them shifted till they were all gathered in the mists, away from the towers in the distance or the portal back to Antiquity which had so disappeared behind them. The dragon came back into view, with all its armored scales, its four great legs and the long neck and nail. It came from the mists as if remerging from some long forgotten place. A giant beast with teeth like daggers and claws like mighty blades. Its eyes gazed forward as it walked into view with each thunderous step, the eyes seemed empty devoid of any sign of intelligence, for now at least. [color=DAA250]"Now this Neiya is what I called you to help with."[/color] Yamat gestured at the dragon [color=DAA250]"Thaa wishes them to have a bit more pizazz to them, something I think we could provide.[/color]. They turned towards Thaa rapidly [color=DAA250]"I was thinking of adding an aura of decay, plants and the like wither away in a radius around them, would be a beautiful sight don't you agree?"[/color] Neiya hummed a soft agreement, black and red eyes swirling intently as they fixated on the large beast with growing fascination. Rarely had so many gears visibly turned in the pale goddess’ head all at once. [color=8493ca]”I’m pleased you called on me, Yamat. This is unlike anything I’ve seen. It’s-... majestic. Though perhaps a little too feral. True fighting spirit requires-... strategy.”[/color] Thaa cut in, [color=Fuchsia]“Yes, yes, it will have greater intelligence but as of the moment it lacks a soul, something I will remedy. For now this is a mere simulacrum of the true end product. The plates on its body should turn aside most mundane weapons as would its notable natural weapons and large size provide it with great power on its own, combined with an intelligent mind as Yamat’s kind suggestion we might be starting to get somewhere with this.”[/color] [color=8493ca]”Well,”[/color] Neiya retorted swiftly, [color=8493ca]”Now that I am here, we can certainly get started.”[/color] [color=Maroon]”It’s so… bulky. Does a beast of this stature not deserve more grace? More finesse?”[/color] He gestured at the long, winding, sinewy figure, full of sharp edges and smooth curves, yet stout and staunchly connected to the ground it prowled upon. [color=Maroon] “Should we add color, then we should also add wings, for brilliant displays of power and fury through the skies, as well as the earth.”[/color] The pale goddess lit up with a sudden epiphany, as though her interest was relit after the initial novelty had worn off. [color=8493ca]”Yes. Wings are an excellent idea. I’ve worked with them before for a project of… battle-testing… and I agree with-...”[/color] she peered at Fe’ris for a few moments. [color=8493ca]”...our friend here.”[/color] Not waiting for any other agreement, Fe’ris twirled a finger, the scales on it flipping and clicking back down like a set of dominos. On the dragon, scales shifted similarly, sliding out of the way to make room for the fleshy spines forcing their way out of its shoulder blades, expanding and warping to form a pair of branching, webbed wings, their exterior covered in strong, flexible scales molded to the shape of the wings. Patterns swirled and bubbled across the unfurled surface, almost like an avian mating display as they swirled and changed, from spots to stripes to glowing freckles, back to plain scales. Fe’ris grinned. [color=Maroon] “My, I think we’ve something spectacular on our hands.”[/color] [color=Fuchsia]“Indeed we do.”[/color] Thaa paused in his speech as he shifted around the dragon, his great eye looking over it as the bodies that made his form coiled around at a distance from the form of the great beast. [color=Fuchsia]“Come aid me in making this beast we call a ‘dragon’ a reality, that it or its kith and kin may one day come to Galbar.”[/color] The assembled deities each lended their power to bring the dragon forth, beyond just a replica of the ideas it became real. The Dragon became more full with contributions from each of the gods. Grown anew, massive wings stretched out from its back, long joints connected and controlled the wings, each connected by membranes that made the whole structure look like that of a bat’s writ large. The Dragon stretched out to its massive wingspan’s full reach before collapsing them onto its back to rest gently. It’s body glimmered in the mists of Aquibeophates, coated with armored plates along the entirety of its form. No mundane weapon would pierce, crush or slash through such a defense. Plate sat half over plate, each reinforcing the next from head to tail, back to foot. Its massive form shifted as the mists still coiled around it, larger than most of any mortal species on or away from Galbar. It bespoke of things powerful and full, able to exist and grow to such a size far beyond what most were capable of. Intelligence shined through its eyes as it gazed upon the figures before it, power radiated from the great beast in the eyes of divine beings that created it. Decay radiated from its form, its soul shining a brilliant gold resilient to all that would attempt to bend its will, its thoughts pounded with focus and desire for prey. Dragon lifted its head spew forth green fire, flames not of mundane means but rather a magical bane-fire, concentrated energies of death. Soon the flame was joined by faint glimmers throughout the mists, fell flame burning, showing the faint outlines of similar forms throughout the realm of death. [hider=Summary]Yamat wanders into Aquibeophates, ends up chatting with Thaa, gets shown a project of his, calls a buddy o friend o pal of his (Neiya) and runs into another odd character (Fe’ris) and they all go back and happily skip into creating Death Dragons. Yay![/hider] [hider=MP Summary] [color=Fuchsia][b]Thaa[/b] 5 Mp 5 Dp -2 Mp Half of Sapient Species -2 Dp Extraordinary Ability- Bale-fire breath attack -2 Dp Extraordinary Ability- Golden-Souled, resistance to magically changed minds and such influences -2 Mp Extraordinary Ability- Large/Growth, big bois 1 Mp 1 Dp[/color] [color=Maroon][b]Fe’ris[/b] 5 Mp 5 Dp -2 Mp Extraordinary Ability- Wings -2 Dp Extraordinary Ability- Bloodlust 3 Mp 3 Dp[/color] [color=8493ca][b]Neiya[/b] 2 Mp 2 Dp -2 Mp Half of Sapient Species -2 Dp Extraordinary Ability- Armored Scales 0 Mp 0 Dp[/color] [color=DAA250][b]Yamat[/b] 5 Mp 4 Dp -2 Dp Extraordinary Ability- Aura of Decay 5 Mp 2 Dp 3 points towards the decay portfolio[/color] [/hider]