Decided to sketch a few of the scenes in my book to hype it up. Hope you enjoy
Chapter 1 Concept Art: Caged
Tag: dragon
Exploring New Lands: Spiegel
The twinkling land of Spiegel was once a land inhabited by scientifically advanced humans. An unknown cataclysm caused their city to be in ruins and their land turned to sand. It was left untouched for many years, until the Betrachs needed a new home. With the help of the Matahari, they turned most of the land into smooth slopes of glass. Of course, this attracted the doppelgangers as they found a parallel home within the reverse world. Still the Betrachs rebuilt the city left by the humans, adding mirrors to the outside of the skyscrapers despite the risk of attack. Sand roads lead travelers through this reflective land where eyes are constantly watching their every move.
Species Spotlight: Betrach
Dragons that hold their appearance in high regard, these creatures are a sight to see. Their skin is made of colored metal that they design themselves. Panels of mirrors spread across the length of their body. Most members of this species contain either a frill, sail, or fan made of glass to decorate their elegance. They are masters of the strange force that resonates in mirrors. The Betrachs are a type of dragon that came into existence during experiments conducted by the Jiqeeran while working with the fear wielding dragons known as the Hofoka. They were attempting to make the images that the Hofoka display stronger and give them the ability to portray more than one illusion at a time. While in the middle of experimenting, the Dracux, dragons who can bend light to their whim, attacked saying that science was a cruelty to any living creature. The prototype armors the fear dragons wore helped indeed boost their powers but with the drawback of slowing their movements. As consequence, they became bigger targets for the enemy to strike. With a might blow, the light dragons burst forth a blast of energy defeating their foes, or so they thought. As the Hofokas lay defeated, they began to glow; absorbing the very light that had struck them down. Their bodies changed, giving them metallic skin and mirrors that coated various parts of their body. The Dracuxes started to blast light at their enemies once again. The now Betrachs brought forth mirror shields from their skin, reflecting the attack back at their oppressors. The rebounded energy struck the Dracuxes, knocking them down. Filled with rage they countered, drawing their swords, and slashing their steel against the metallic bodies of the Betrachs. They grimaced when they found that their weapons did no harm to the mutated creatures. Realizing that this purge was unsuccessful, the light dragons retreated. The new creatures decided that it would not be safe to move back to their homeland of Hofu which was close to the land occupied by the Dracuxes, Lux. They settled for a land that was once a major human city but had long been abandoned. The buildings were crumbling, and sand littered the streets. The Betrachs sought to turn the barren land into a paradise for them. With friendship, the mirror dragons requested aid from the Matahari, who used their abilities to create the hottest fire known to Magitotum, to convert the sand into glass. The Betrachs then used the glass to make the reflecting land of Spiegel.
Confusing Concepts: Energies
There are six major energies that can be tapped into by the beings found in Magitotum. Werewolves and vampires can easily access the primal. This animalistic energy is made by every living thing that breathes. When it takes shape, you can see the pale light of the moon. It is thought that the moon can bring out the beast out of even the most civilized creature. Next would be the elemental, or Primus, these that occur in nature. This force flows through the world itself and through every living thing. Shamans use this energy mixed with their own magical network to cast spells. This brings me to a second one, magic. Much like our nervous system, those who can tap into magic have what we call a magical network. It serves as a way for their body to properly channel the power. This energy pools in three locations in a sorcerer’s body; the brain, chest, and the abdomen. Because of where these are found, the one using it has a limited amount they can perform at one time. Overtaxing themselves could lead to their very deaths. There are locations throughout Magitotum that naturally flows a wellspring of magic itself, like their home of Mendaxum which can expand their abilities in the immediate area. Metaphysical energy, or Eximus, is characterized as being beyond comprehension. It is not that it cannot be manipulated but that the energies are not fully understood. For example, over in the land of Orario are the Tempago who manipulate the very fabric of time; something they dedicate their lives to master. Not one of them have full control over the force; as is true for any of the metaphysical forces. The final two energies are less known by most of Magitotum. The first is called aura, the internal fighting spirit. Each person has a unique form of this energy that appears as a color and covers the outside of the body. The form it takes can show the abilities the individual may possess. Finally, the last one is called chakra. This form is wielded by very few and connects to the spiritual energy that flows from person to person. There are seven pools of this energy that are found within the body. If someone taps into all of them, it is rumored that they can avoid death until they are ready to accept it. Necromancers are one of the very few that can tap into this and usually end up as key keepers along with Reapers and the Phasm in the land of Peractium.
A Closer Look: Mount Storia
Home of the Raccontos is located in the land of Petram in the Northern mountain range. A single road winds from the top of the mountain to the bottom and onto the Plain of Nocciolo, This cobblestone path is used for an attack strategy where the Racconto roll down at high speeds and flatten anyone who dares threaten their home. Along it are their home and businesses, carved modestly into the mountainside. Each dragon has a small den which usually includes a bed of rocks, book shelf, and a fireplace to cook meals. This continues on and up to the summit. Here stands the great Pietrateca, the great library of the Racconto. A brown brick library that stands at the top of the great hill. Walls enclose the top of the mountain and have several lookout towers that watch the plains. The library stands above all with a tower pointed above with a tin top. The tower has a spiral of brown, gray, black, and white stones that lead to the uppermost part of the building. Below the tower, the main part of the library has white marble pillars that stand tall with ornamentation influenced of Ionian, Corinthian, and Doric scattered every other. The grand doors are made of Redwood before entering the inner part of the library. Inside are shelves upon shelves of books that curve all along the walls of the library, making a maze of information. The ceiling has further carvings of stories of the past. At the middle of the place, is a desk that is circular with an attendant standing by. On the second floor, is an array of artifacts pulled from different parts of Magitotum history. Among them include but not limited to; a robotic arm from the Tech War, the treaty of the Conflict of Elemental and Metaphysical Forces, and a ring that Merlin wore during the Wizard’s War. In a far-off corner behind one glass container, is a small medallion of a cat’s face with elongated ears known as the Amulet of Tawala. It is considered one of the most dangerous items kept by the Racconto. A large stone spiral staircase that goes from the middle of the second floor among the artifacts to the upper tower. If one looks out to see they could see the mountains that are topped with snow. After many steps, one would arrive at the top floor. Inside of this tower, usually sits the dean on a seat made of blue topaz. The leader of their people, they are found with a book in their hand or looking over important documents retaining the the welfare of their land.
KC J. Hutchins' Blog- A Journal of a Creative Creature 