Exploring New Lands

Exploring New Lands: Conflictus

As the name clues one in, it is a land found in a constant state of conflict. From the very beginning of Magitotum, its sun burnt plains have been littered with war machines and burial sites. Thus the creatures found within this land are experts in the art of war. Leading them are the goblins, who have sat as the ruling class to guide the land. With their wisdom and compassion, they incited the Armorph (dragons that can transform any part of their body into a weapon) to live among them in the capital known as Bello Cap. The houses and shops are made of brown stones for the walls and had teal slated roofs. One would notice that this place had still not recovered from a past war; evident by buildings that still have burns, singes, and are smashed in every conceivable way of damage. Most of the shops have since been closed and lie close to what appears to be the old local market. The stands have been tipped over and the fruit had fallen on the ground, rotting with flies pouring out of them. Looking above the town is a castle; that at one time had five towers of teal standing tall. Now all but one have fallen; most of which have slid down the hillside and into the town, crushing several other buildings in the process. It looks like the keeps have been stationed on each corner of the walled fortress. At a set of bronze doors, the only standing barbican towered over them with a cannon situated on the top. Inside the walls is a dome with a bronze top. The town sits in front of the beach that opens into a bay which have several small wooden docks built on it. The sand is surprisingly well kept other than the few bits of scrap metal and wood, probably damage caused from the same battle that hit the rest of the town. A far-off cliff exhibits more of the past scars with the rocks broken off, leaving columns of white rock standing in front of a cove under the castle.

To the South lies the fishing village of the trolls. Built entirely from stones pulled from the ocean floor, it has stood strong through many attacks. Simple looking at best, bridges connect village that sits upon the many mini islands that make of the town. Huts and small houses make the main part of the area. Only a few buildings stand taller than them, including a lighthouse, the banquet hall, and the occasional watchtower. It is common to see trolls sitting about with their lines in the water and eating the raw fish that they have caught. Though now the trolls have long been banished from their home by the sorceress Delsey for not following her.

To the East of the fishing village lies the caves of the Gremlins. These tiny impish creatures have made a series of catacombs out in the desert; all them pieced together with metal and mechanical creations. Over years of combat and scavenging, the Gremlins have learned the art of the machine. So much so that their inventions have the ability to rival the Jiqeeran and Lone Star’s men. Still, it seems no one has an interest in this race of genius.

Heading back to Bello Cap and to the Northeast is the city of Suregarde. A huge stone-walled city it has long been protected by the gargoyles that call it home. Eight towers in each direction of the compass are embedded in the ramparts. Only one gate leads into the city and that is being guarded by rather large gargoyles who are scary in appearance alone. If the guards bow then they will let you through the front gate. Hustling and bustling groups of goblins, humans, and gargoyles fill the cobblestone roads of the busy city. Houses of stone are tightly clustered together with slanted and flat rooftops. What is more interesting are the spires that are spread throughout the city. They are the tallest structures in the entire area where water flows down their tops in constant waterfalls. From there, it pools around in a moat like fashion before a pipe will bring the water back to the top. At least one gargoyle are perched on each of these, some encased in stone while falling asleep at their post. Once enough birds perch on them, they will awaken; scattering the feathered creatures into the sky. After weaving through streets and alleyways, one comes to a titanic building. It is easily the largest and most likely the tallest structure in the entire city. On the front end of the building ascending several long steps, are two squared limestone towers that roar with the sound of waterfalls that pour from each of their windows. They act much like the spires one had seen earlier but in a grander fashion. In between these giants is a rounded watchtower with a lookout stationed on top. Along the long roof are pools of water that reflects shimmering colors from the sun above. Rainbows can be seen if they are to stand at just the right position from the mists that arose. The back of the building has two more of the large towers with a spire on top of each. Ledges align the sides pouring water from the spout above it. Entering the building through two large wooden doors and past two guards would bring one inside the great Hall of Garacur. The inside is spacious, and every step echoes through the chamber. Spouts pour water into several pools where several gargoyles are found soaking. Down a middle aisle one can precede to an elevated platform where a large table is set. On top of a red table cloth with a golden embroidery, is laid out a map of Conflictus and Mendaxum.

A village half-hazard made with wooden planks, stone, and animal skins to the East of Suregarde keeps the gargoyles on their watch. Here the barbaric race known as the ogre lives. They are not builders by far, only knowing blood shed and chaos, thus why their homes look similar. It is not uncommon for a house to fall in at least once a day in their village. If you see these shaky structures, stay away unless you want to be crushed by the awful workmanship or possibly eaten by the monsters that dwell within it.

Species Spotlight

Species Spotlight: Gargoyles

A relative of the goblin, they have fish-like scales to help them improve their water based powers. These scales make for better movement and allow for water to move along their skin fluidly. Most have a human like face with bat-like features while some have beaks. Horns are found in a variety of ways on their head. Sprouting from their backs are wings that they use to patrol the city of Suregarde in the land of Conflictus. Found in the city are multiple stations where water flows from top to the bottom. Perched on these are gargoyles who keep an eye on their city. It is common to find these guardians encased in stone. The is because while they are asleep they turn into the hard substance. A simple wack to their reptilian tail, claws , or head will usually wake them up. If not, the feathers from the pigeons that perch upon them will do the trick.

About the Author

Apologies

I am so very sorry to my followers for not posting in the past week. The location I was vacationing was supposed to have wifi, but it ended up breaking. So, let me just say that you will be seeing a post tomorrow about the lands of Magitotum. Ironic how one gets tired from vacation after vacation, right? Anyways, I hope that your week has gone well and that you have explored some of prior posts to fill the void of new tales of wonder. A sneak peek for the post for tomorrow is about the race known as the gargoyle.

Exploring New Lands

Exploring New Lands: Pruina

Pruina, the land of blistering snow and covered in slippery sheets of ice, is found North of Fabulum across the mountain ranges that surround the frost bitten land. To the West is a vast forest of snow-covered pines where the Howling Winter tribe hunts their prey.  Once one travels through the trees, over roots, and trudges through the snow. After what seems like an hour, they will arrive at a series of caves. In the center of these is a large bonfire where many of the werewolves can be found talking and feasting around it. Behind this, is the largest cave that is covered in a wall of icicles. A doorway has been carved into it with a flap of deer skin that covered the entrance. Upon this is painted a symbol that showed a wolf howling and is outlined by a snowflake, the symbol of the tribe. In this cavern, the tribe will meet to discuss issues plaguing them. If you happen to be a prisoner of the tribe, you are led to a side cavern, away from the main part of the village and the warm fire. Once inside, your weapons are placed in a metal box before being led to a set of jails cells further down the hall. This is a better alternative then how most end up. If you find yourself in the woods with a storm that seems to be howling, you better duck or your head will roll from their silent kill.

In the center of Pruina is a long valley where several small villages of humans can be found. They are protected by the Zimkon, where there home city is found in the far North. Made entirely of ice, the leader sits upon his throne in a castle. Several swirling, frozen fountains lead up to the building, where curvy three towers look over the city. Decorated with such splendid sparkling ice and snow that the sun that rises sparkles magnificent colors unto the land. As for the city, it weaves in and out of caverns with its thick walls of ice that not even an ax could make a dent in, thus why they are protecting while hugging the mountains with their front gate being guarded at all times. Like most cities, there are market places, homes that range of a simple one room or towering spires, healing centers, and schools where young Zimkon learn to control their powers.

Across the valley to the South is found the fortress of Mr. Frost. Originally invited to stay in this land after the Tech War, he was seen as a new protector for the people of Pruina. So much so, that the Zimkon helped build his fortress. Three layers of thick ice walls protect the inner sanctum from attack. Catapults and cannons litter the walls that Frost can activate with his powers with a flick of his hands. The inner building is dull to look at, a simple dome one door leading into it. One when approaches it by air, their are met by spikes of ice that emerge.

Finally, to the East is found the Lake of Smeroza, a body of water with icy temperature that could cause frost bite and a quick death if no one is there to warm them. A thin layer of ice covers the water, meaning it is easy to break. If one travels far enough, the lake turns into the Sea of Maremanes found in the land of Peractium, also known as the land of the dead. For this reason alone, the lake is a place to stay away from and is feared by many. Tread carefully if you ever found yourself upon it.

About the Author

Perseverance

My apologies ahead of time that this is one of those author posts and shameless promotional propaganda, but it cannot be helped. First, a huge shout out to everyone who has become a follower on my cite; we are up to eighteen. Your support means a lot and gives me the confidence to dig my heels in the dirt and go for it. Also, I want to thank anyone who has liked any of my posts thus far. Glimmers of hope that fuel the light of a new day.

Now, to help further the development of a supporters, I encourage you to share my post with your friends and people who you think might be interested in this tale. If you have liked several of my posts and have yet to look at the one labeled, Scars and Scales (which can be found under the sample menu), I encourage you to read it. This is the first three chapters of my unpublished book that will further help you delve into the lands in Magitotum. Again, I want to stress how much you all have done for me already, and I hope that you help continue to support me.

Was that it? Is the shameless promotion over? Yes, indeed it is. So the last thing I wanted to cover is a little news of how I am still sticking through til the end for this dream. The last couple of days I had started to feel my self drift into the void of doubt and misery; the constantly tossing and turning of this will never happen and maybe I should try something else. One night of loss sleep later and I still cannot think of anything else I want to do with my life. It brings me joy to write about even the most simple of stories, a sense of finding who I am supposed to be. My trip across the valley of woe has made me realize that even if I get rejections over and over again, all it will do is make my stance even stronger. Make me fight for it so that in the end, it feels all the sweeter that my hard work is paid off. Let this be a lesson for you also. If someone says that you can’t do something, look them in the eye and tell them, “Watch me”. The only limits to one’s abilities are the ones you put on yourself.