Tag: #ScarsandScales

Exploring New Lands, Scales Series

Exploring New Lands: Staude

KC J. Hutchins

The land is a vast forest with trunks much larger than a person. Two types of tree grow here; glowing black bark Weeping Willows with purple shining leaves and vines that shower down to the ground and radiant white barked Ash trees whose leaves outshine their counterparts. At one time, these grew on two separate sides of each other. When Elfriede and Gundisalv joined together their people with the help of Pelzgrauen, the forest became intermingled with a large center hybrid tree known as Verbin. Here the new king and queen built the royal palace. As for other landmarks, there are none left. The constant civil wars of the elves have destroyed any places sacred to both sides.

Scales Series, Species Spotlight

Species Spotlight: Elves, Dark and Light

KC J. Hutchins

For many centuries, the forested land of Staude has been torn my civil war. Within its borders, two types of elves battle for dominance, the light and dark. There are only slight differences between the two pointed eared peoples. The fair skinned light elves are more elegantly dressed, preferring to use the mind rather than fist. This fits well with their skill over light based magic. On the other hand, dark elves are renown hunters. Unlike their relatives, they are experts at hand to hand combat using their aura based abilities. Their skin has a purple hint or pitch black skin which gives them the ability to camouflage with the dark night. At one time these two people were once one, but the history has long been forgotten.

Confusing Concepts, Scales Series

Confusing Concepts: Energies

KC J. Hutchins

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, Scales Series

A Closer Look: Mount Storia

KC J. Hutchins

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.

A Closer Look, Scales Series

A Closer Look: Skapejuvel

KC J. Hutchins

The underground kingdom lies in the Eastern mountain range that borders Epoca in the land of Petram. For many years, the dwarves have carved their home into the mineral rich ground. To the common eye, it would seem like a complete maze, but to the dwarves they have a unique system. Each cave route is marked with a certain gem that tells the traveler where it leads. Major caverns within the kingdom include the banquet hall, throne room, Smi, and Badimanskinn. The banquet hall has hanging from the ceiling, stalactites that glowed like fire above the tables. The walls are aligned with torches that light up the room further and show off the dwarves’ craftsmanship of stones. Three long wood tables are in the hall with many seats on either side. Each have thrones that stand at the ends of each table. These change in appearance with each new king. The huge throne room is a cavern that had pillars leading to the throne. Each pillar is made of a different gem, six in total. The gems are ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst, and peridot. The walls have lines of gold, diamond, and silver that run down to the throne which is made of the blue gem of lapis lazuli with a pink Thulite gem carved out into the emblem of the dwarves, a hammer on the top of the great seat. Found in one of the caverns is the magnificent Smi. A gigantic forge containing a rare item known as Inti, found only in two other forges in all of Magitotum. It burns brighter than any other and can make even the famous Uknustal malleable. Finally there is Badimanskinn, or the cavern bathed in moonlight. A simple room flooded with moonlight, it is a common place for lovers to spend holding each other tight. All around on the cavern room floors and walls are moonstones that reflect the pale light of the moon that pours in from a hole in the ceiling. It is arguable one of the most beautiful sights in all of Petram.