Highlord Dorant Magthulia's Story

Nealaphh looked on in muted disdain as a three more mountains fell into cacophonous ruin at the power of Magthulia. There was no telling how many small farmers and their stock had just been obliterated, nor was there any point in finding out. The point was that these unwitting catastrophes were likely to continue so long as the Highlord remained in his current state. Even worse, the people of Gaia would more than likely simply interpret these as deliberate acts of destruction. The Highlord was mighty, but the will of the Children of Gaia was mighty as well. Nealaphh was neither interested in a being as powerful and old as Dorant being slain, or in the death that would result in the armies of Gaia bloodily dashing themselves against his bulwark.

"My name is Nealaphh, the Steward. I have many forms, faces, and duties, but it is my current oversight to ensure that catastrophe does not befall Gaia at the hand of an otherwise merciful soul. Allow me to grant you the magic to grow and shrink at will, so that you might experience new things walking amongst these people, and spare their ruin in turn."

Nealaphh stretched an old, dry hand towards the Highlord's form. Though the two godly beings were miles distant, Nealaphh felt as if he could touch the old dragon's hide, so large was Magthulia. Powerful enchantment hovered invisibly within his divine digits, prepared to imbue Dorant with this new succor, if he would have it.

Nealaphh raised a coy eyebrow and added one last thought.

"...besides, would it not be more enjoyable to discover more secrets than those which you might destroy in a single stride?"

Dorant blinked then looked up at Nealaphh as he introduced himself, and listened to his suggestion.

He paused for a long time and began to ponder, before asking aloud. "Your stating that I may change forms and thus be able to walk among the creatures I've not been able to actively interact with since I was a whelp... But how does such a thing work? Matter and energy are interchangable but where would the energy go from such a transition? A smaller form would barely be able to contain such massive amounts of power something in my current stature would generate. And condensing that much matter into a smaller state would only increase the density of the smaller form to the point that the destruction you hope to avoid would be brought about, like dropping the core of a black hole onto the planet"

"That leaves only two other options, the first being the shedding of energy, which would be extremely destructive and explosive, based on my size, and the formation of a simulcra. A simulcra would work I suppose, but my true body would then be left to the become a part of the mountains."

He stood in thought a while more before adding. "Actually such a situation wouldn't be altogether disagreeable. I admit that my size makes life difficult, especially considering my particular preference of socialization. Most others my age simply curl up and sleep for the remainder of their lives. Still though, in that event, what would happen should the simulcra be destroyed? Would I suffer death, or would I be forcibly returned to my true body?"

Dorant asked these questions, and then patiently waited for Nealaphh to answer. He understood that the Steward of the world probably wanted to alleviate the issues Dorants size was causing, but the Highlord had lived too long to be so trusting. Just because it was rare that something Dorant's size could be hurt, didn't mean that it hadn't been attempted before, and as such Dorant was wary of any offer of a "gift" of ability or power.

Nealaphh listened patiently to Dorant's inquiries as the function of the blessing the Steward wished to impart. Such questions of energy and matter transference irked him, inwardly, especially considering that Dorant was capable of such feats as moving moons with his mind. Still, the standard model of the universe was heavily ingrained in many a mind, and indeed was something that even his fellow divines sometimes felt beholden to.

But, Nealaphh was no mere God of the physical Multiverse, fated to port the children of one planet about like a mother scorpion bears her young. Time was running short, but if Dorant needed convincing, then so be it.

"There are many ways of looking at this Multiverse, grand in its design. Though it may be plain-seeming, there exist channels and mantras by which the normal constraints of physical existence might be bypassed. Surely thou knowest, forger of planets that thou art, that energy can be stored and transmuted to many forms, some which can be diminished to structure minute beyond reckoning. Tis' not a bounty of knowledge which thou demonstrate, but a lack, and if it is thine design to plumb the depths of this realm, there is chance yet I might share some of these secrets with thee."

The divine being's hand remained raised, ever offering Nealaphh's succor.

"But regardless, know ye this: It is my mandate to protect these realms from that which might undo them, and to that end, thou art also under my protection. Mine is not to meddle or subjugate, but to maintain. There are a great many troubles that the Children of Gaia must yet stand against, and it would wreak doom upon all of ye, were they to seek ruin upon Magthulia. So once more I beseech thee; accept my succor, and let me rest."

Dorant continued to peer at Nealaphh for some time, his expression, ever hard to read were the face of the dragons, seemed to express a curiosity. He was silent however, save for the flash of fire in his eyes that betrayed the debate he withheld to his own mind.

A minute would pass, and then five, before Dorant seemed to make his decision. "Very well, your words interest me. The idea of extraplaner energies and sources of power is strange, but you seem to make use of something beyond yourself as sustenance. And while I haven't the first idea of how to investigate such a claim, I admit that the idea of experiencing something new excites me."

"I accept your gift, as it were."

Dorant would then reach out with his snout, the whole of his head approaching Nealaphh like a massive meteorite that moved ever so carefully closer to him, until the Stewards hand came to rest atop his scales.

Instantly the energy and power that Nealaphh held would be released and flow into the Ancient one. Arcing bands of rainbow light, like bolts of lightning, struck out across every scale, every single part of Dorants being. In a matter of seconds Dorants form was overtaken by the explosive light, filling the mountains with it's brilliance, and shining like a beacon across the whole of the world, indeed the whole of the stars.

And then, very much like the strike of heavens light, it was gone, and with it was the massive dragon who had only moments before been inadvertently destroying a world.

To all who had witnessed it, the massive ancient dragon Dorant Magthulia would have seemed to vanish instantly in a brilliant flare of light.

This however was not the case. Far above their heads, where the dragons own had once been, there fell from the sky a small and frail appearing humanoid form.

For most, falling from such a great and terrible height would be a terrifying experience, but should any have been able to hear his words, they would think the man insane.

"Most curious... I would have thought the transformation would be slow, perhaps even painfully so, but no. Furthermore it appears that all the energy of my being has indeed remained within my grasp, although not within my body. My mass is no longer the same as it was, leading me to believe it has been converted to an energy state, which makes sense. Perhaps the most perplexing is, surprisingly, the lack of my tail. So strange to think something I live my whole life with, to the point of forgetting it's presence, is no longer there. Walking will be rather difficult I think, I'll have to compensate for the lack of counter balance that it provided. Flight will be a bit more laborious now I think, having no wings. I'll have to rely on magical conveyance for that now I suppose. Hmmmm I wonder how I change back."

This is only a sample of the ramblings of the old man who fell from the sky down upon the gates of the dwarven city, teeming with their forces as it was.

It was a long way up the mountain, and the path was rather dusty, and it was the perfect temperature and temperament of wind for a nap. The black cat stretched, ambling towards a rock half shaded by one of the many grand trees about. He flopped himself comfortable. Yes, a perfect time for a nap.

Up the path came a whistle; soon followed by a short man. He carried on his back a pack and a guitar. The tune wasn't somber, but it wasn't anything happy either. Perhaps he, too, had noted how dusty the path had grown. A small cloud puffed out with each step. He came to stop near the rock, the shadow of his head eclipsing just beyond the snoozing cat.

The cat, if he did take any notice to the looming shadow and man, didn't budge from his slumber.

After a few moments breath, right when the presence of man had begun to be familiar to the great forest, he opened his mouth and remarked upon the weather. When had it last rained, too thought the trees?

“It's been a while,” Purred the cat, rolling onto his back into another glorious stretch. There was a great rumble in the distant mountains, as if to accentuate the words of the cat.

There was a scuffle as the man balked, scrambling behind the nearest tree for cover. Had the cat just said something, as in used words, as in talked ?

“Too long for the trees to be happy,” Continued the cat; the trees bristled agreement. The man's heart raced. It had taken him this long to notice everything around him was not only alive, but truly living. A breeze rushed over the area, steady, haunting. Something in the air caught Brishen's eye, and he knew at this point he might be losing his mind; a man was falling from the sky. The figure was too distant to make out other than that yes, it was human.

On that note, Brishen fainted. Sireth the cat blinked thrice, stretched, and decided to keep watch over the human until it came to.

Aetheria awoke and stretched with a laziness well practiced. The sun washed over her like a comforting blanket of warmth, which caused her to stir with a sleepy yawn. Up in a tree, Aetheria had slept on the thickest branch and had not regretted her decision. While the birds chirped to greet the sun, she stretched her muscle and checked her weapons, along with potions, gadgets and anything else she had brought with her on her journey. She covered her mouth with a slender hand and yawned once more, then used her momentum to spin off the branch, using her hands to swing in motion. Birds fluttered from the disturbance by the young elf and twittered with nervous anticipation. Always nimble, the blonde elf landed with a steady footing and watched a little blue bird flutter near her.

She reassured the bird and allowed it to rest on her index finger. It puffed up its chest and ruffled its feathers in agitation, but forgave the exuberant elf. Aetheria giggled and watched him fly off to tend to his nest. She then realized she had rested near the birds family, which would make anyone agitated. The bird chirped back toward her in a friendlier tone, but she waved her goodbye's and headed off on her own.

Trees crested the edge of the path, which comforted the wood elf. All her life, she had grown up amongst the trees, wildlife and rarely experienced the political side of her mother. Aetheria watched the wildlife scurry across the worn path and munched on a handful of berries from a pouch. Her stomach grumbled for something more substantial, but hunger would have to wait. Perhaps a town was just up ahead and she could rest at an Inn, or grab something to eat at a tavern.

In the pathway, Aetheria squinted against the blinding light of the sun and thought she saw a cat. She loved cats! Aetheria shoved the remaining berry into her mouth and picked up pace to investigate the odd creature. It appeared to be by a sleeping being, so she approached with caution. She didn't want to startle the cat and lose her chance to converse with them.

Aetheria tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her pointed right ear and gazed at the cat. She ignored the growl of her stomach and eyed the still form of the man.

"You poor thing! Is this your owner? What happened?" She said in a soft tone and went to investigate the still being for any wounds. "Are you hungry?" Aetheria asked the cat, even though she understood how stubborn cats could be. While she hadn't spoken to a cat yet in all her life, perhaps it could be persuaded with a bit of food. She reached into her other pack and produced beef jerky and laid it on the ground.

The offering was small, but sometimes it was the gesture that gained a creatures trust.

There was some chirping down the path. The black cat perked up. Chirps meant food. Silently the cat waited for the birds to come flitting over the crest, and flit they did, however followed by someone. Sireth blinked and studied her approach.

"He fainted," The cat stated frankly, arching upwards from his place of rest in a stretch. He purred softly and approached the bit of beef jerky. It smelled delicious, what was it cured with? Sireth gnawed it up in half an instant, licked his lips, and sat back on his haunches.

"Thank you, I am hungry, and no the human isn't mine. Thank goodness," Sireth gave his face another big lick, "And who are you?"

Any other rogue would have looted the fainted man, but she felt an obligation to help the cat's human friend. Aetheria smiled toward the cat and beckoned toward him to pet him. She knew that cats enjoyed being petted, but this one might be feral. Birds warned her of the cat, but she waved their presence away. Aetheria was sure the cat could be trusted.

She sat down on a nearby stump covered in moss and began to get her rolled up bandages out and any healing salve that might help. First though, she'd need to wake the person up. Without a second thought, she dug through her sack and found the strong smelling solution. Aetheria waved the solution under the human's nose and waited for the appropriate response. Curious, she studied the fainted human's clothes, but didn't see any important emblem on their garments. She crossed her legs and popped the cork back into the foul smelling vial.

"Would you like more food? I have enough for a few days worth, but I will need to replenish soon." She gazed at Sireth and the fainted being with a smile. "Does he always faint, or did something scary come across his path?" Aetheria waited for the being to stir into full alertness and motioned for the cat to sit on her lap.

Most cats couldn't resist a little pampering.

"I am Aetheria Moonblade. I'm traveling to the next city for supplies." She explained, the cheerfulness in her voice never wavered.

"How fascinating" An old, wizened man placed his hand on the door, rubbing it and gazing at it with old curious eyes. How he had come to be there was inexplicable, none would have seen him enter, none would have seen anything that suggested he had arrived. One moment he wasn't, and the next, he was just there.

"I wonder how long ago this was made, and the hands that must have made it... perhaps the descendants yet live? This light is curious, I wonder what it's purpose is."

The oddity of this man was perhaps compounded by the fact that whatever seemed to be effecting the others had no hold over. The curiosity of the door however did cause a very strange sort of mirage to shift in and out of visibility.

At once there was two figures. The old wizened man with his robes and curious eyes, and the ungodly massive body of a dragon larger than the whole of the planet.

Dorant Magthulia, that was his name, and there were perhaps a handful of people that might recongnize him, for he the beast for which Dorant Valley Was named. He was the great and ancient dragon that had nearly destroyed the world merely through the act of being present upon it's surface.

He peered at Akio and said suddenly "My dear fellow, you seem to be surrounded by ghosts, and some of them seem quite old." The blue eyed Dorant carefully walked over to Akio, or rather to a space on his left, peering at something that wasn't there. "Hmm, interesting. They look like you. I figure your related? So very curious, you little things."

As the various adventurers progressed towards the end of the passage beyond The Impervious Door, which disabled most technology and damply muted all magical, supernatural, mutant, or otherwise superb abilities, a jumbled figure slowly emerged from the darkness. At first it looked like a pile of rocks. The Aschen flashlights revealed its true form.



By this time, Casren Bistreo was exhausted. Bristly clumps of hair emerged from random spots on his body. His ears had grown to points. His suit hung on him, and his pupils were far too large. The adult male, who had been of fair complexion, was now gray skinned and dark haired.

He gave a weak smile back at Cryoface, gesturing towards the Gollum. The two kinda looked alike.

Selene hung back a bit as the others made their way into the hall. She began to whisper in a demonic language and a small portal opened up. From the portal a a wolf like creature stepped out. It was covered in red fur with a row of curved spikes along it's back. Its tail was covered in quills like that of a porcupine. A green acidic poison covered them. It's eyes glowed green and a fel green fire burned within it's mouth.

Selene looks to the hall and the hellhound dashed into the hall. It let out a howl and it could be seen that the fire with it's mouth had died down. Selene didn't like this but she followed her hellhound into the hall. She felt a drain on her power and frowned she hoped this was only temporary... She hoped this even more as she reached the end of the hall and saw the gollum.

The Man in the Hoodie continued to ignore the advances of the others and continued on at a brisk pace. Havasikaji looked to Casren and gave an apologetic shrug. But she was very cold. The strange effects of the door had caused her magic to become weaker, and her breath came out in puffs.
When the golem suddenly formed, Havasikaji started a fire spell, but then saw it appeared to be friendly, so she left her powers on standby. The Man in the Hoodie, however, continued to walk forwards, attempting to bypass it and continue on his/her/it's/their way.

The Gollum’s eyes lit up, bathing everyone present in a green glow. He would prove completely impassable to the man in the gray hoodie, as well as any others who simply tried to press on.

“It’s... alive?” Casren panted out, maintaining his human form a labored task.

The Man in the Hoodie stood there, looking up at the massive yet peaceful golem, which would not let them pass. Casually, they lifted a gloved hand and attempted to bash the golem out of the way with an unnatural and crushing force.

As Aoi started to recover, somewhat, from the unfavorable feeling the Dungeon had just given him, it seemed to try and go further and further...before it let up, if only a little. As if the Dungeon seemed to understand that the further his powers were dampened in that manner, the worse he would be physically. If it wasn't for Aoi's headphones, he would probably be dead from that already.

"Well, that was...is...unpleasant. And, just dont keep forgetting me okay...old man? Sorry, dont think I got your name. Or, the vomit impulse is screwing with my memory a little" Aoi told him as they entered the main room, looking upon a huge golem with its arm in a weird way.

Curiosity took over Aoi a little, as he began to circle the statue. At least he could move himself just fine, and he had his mind and his ears. Not that his hearing could do much here, but...it was still something. At the very least, he was able to tell that this statue was strong, sturdy, and possibly invincible. It made him wonder if it was made from the same materials as his headphones, but he decided to not attack it in fear it would react...poorly...

Actually, as he circled it, and he looked at the position, a thought occured to him...however...

"No way...it can't be that. That would be ridiculous".

The only reason he even thought of it was because of that friend he had who did that all the time, but in a dungeon? He dismissed the idea entirely as being foolish...

"...well, maybe?"

Not entirely dismissed it though, but he still didn't bring it up because he didn't want to be seen as someone crazy or foolish on the likely chance he was wrong. At the very least, he decided to wait and see what all of the others thought up first before making the suggestion...if someone else considered it, then he might mention it as well. Or if they ran out of more plausible ideas.

Southpaw sentry was unable to be crushed, or moved with physical force. The man in the gray hoodie would find his powers weakened along with all else who traversed down the hall.

Southpaw Sentry frowned from his crouched position, hand extended forward and open. Slowly the Gollum’s mouth widened. In a low rumble, he spoke:

Dorant started at the golems voice and, Akio and his ghosts forgotten, The old man immediatly approached and began to appraise the golem "Absolutely fascinating.... So that's what that strange itch is, I was wondering about that."

He tapped the golem in several places with his walking stick, testing it's firmness and solidity. He gave it a slight kick in one of it's legs and, seeming satisfied by the impact he made, or rather the lack thereof, he came to circle in front of it, seemingly oblivious to the others in the room.

"I do so love riddles... Let's see now.. Power brought is power lost obviously refers to the studious drain on magic this place causes... I haven't the foggiest about the greatest tools, but Grip in numbers... perhaps that refers to cooperation among multiple members...." He turned and gestured widely at the group "I think the way it's offering it's hand is some sort of symbol, a gesture of unity."

Dorant then turned back and placed his hand in the golems own, looking up at it expectantly.

"Power brought is power lost? Well, that certainly explains why I feel like something's pushing against me," Cryoface grumbled with a voice that sounded more human than his usual timbre of a shifting ice sheet. "But I can push back. And if I have to arm-wrestle this golem to get through, then that's what I'm gonna do!"

A gigantic mitt reached up, but even he couldn't properly grasp the statue's outstretched hand. So he settled for leaning on it near the elbow. "I can hold a couple of you on my shoulders, we can push against him that way."

There was a mighty rumble. Southpaw Sentry's frown leveled into a neutral expression. The green light cast from the eyes, while still bright, was slightly less green. The shift was subtle, but those touching it would notice the great hand of the gollum sink ever so slightly towards the ground.

Casren wheezed out a chuckle, reaching to rest his own hand on the thumb of the gollum. As he did, the remainder of his vitality snapped, and he promptly assumed his bat form. Aggravated chirps echoed around the passageway. A sleek cell phone and an engraved pocketknife clattered to the palm of Southpaw Sentry. Casren, now a bat, landed on the great thumb and took his rest. The hand shifted again, slightly, down.