Sheer chaos as what was once a longstanding monument casting a massive shadow across the Ash Lands erupted into flaming boulders, ash, smoke, and lava scattered across the sky. The ground around the once volcano shook and split into giant crevasses as the force of the volcano exploded into a larger than city wide crater. A surge of primordial energy erupted skyward coalescing into a giant sphere which solidified. All eyes focused on the scene above as the sphere turned into a crimson dragon that uncoiled and unfurled their wings replacing the shadow of Mt. Drakolt with their own massive presence.

There was no roaring, only the sound of the wind generated by the dragon’s massive wings as it landed in the crater, it would become quite apparent to the adventurers that had responded to the crisis that the dragon was approximately the same size as the volcano that birthed it. It could almost be said that it was the volcano itself manifesting as a living creature. That would not be an entirely inaccurate perspective to have of this colossal creature.

Eyes white as a star with the void of night as a pupil roamed over the array from adventurers before it. This was not the dragon’s first time, nor seventieth time seeing armed and armored individuals arrayed before it. This was Vulcadreaus, the God of Rebirth and Destruction, the Primordial Being of the Earth Domain. This land and all lands since before time existed as a concept were made by them through the cycle of its life. This fight was more than a necessity, this was a requirement by the laws of the universe itself. Are you, adventurers, up to the task? It was at this moment that the dragon roared and the adventurers could see the roiling flames of creation that birthed the world about to be breathed upon them.

---

Action System is Active

The deadline to get your reply in for this round is August 15th, 11:59 pm ET

Shaa looked up in wonder at the massive creature of earth that was reborn in front of them. It would have been a super impressive sight if he wasn’t so annoyed at how it came to be. Seriously!? he groused to no one in particular. I swear, by Ginma’s Green Beard that the next cultist I see, I will make him eat his own robe. Cleaning up after cultists was starting to become a full time job for him. Killing Gods, bringing Gods back from Primordial oozings, these guys were in serious need of a hobby. 

He looked around at the impressive gathering of adventurers. He was happy to see several people that he knew but was also worried that they may end up becoming dragon chow. Shaa could tell immediately that this dragon was coming to BBQ and everyone here was invited. As much as he loved the earth and this being was an embodiment of it, the big Minotaur was not about to let this thing take him or his buddies out. Shaa calls out to the scattered adventurers.

Everyone Team Up! There is no way we are taking this thing down alone. But if we work together, we just might be able to put his scaly butt back to sleep again. Vulcana the Fire Pixie appears by his head and starts yelling at him excitedly. Bzzz bzzz buzz. Yes thank you, I see the giant dragon in the sky. Can’t you see I’m like right in the middle of a rousing speech so people don’t panic or pee themselves or something.? Bbbzz bzzz bzzz?  Well I don’t know! The only dragons I know either deliver the mail or are pets to various people. It’s not like I fight primordial beings all the time and I try to AVOID dragons if possible. Bzzz bzzz Bxxzzz! Of course it breathes fire, it’s a friggen dragon…oh you mean now?

Shaa looks over as the gigantic beast prepares to roll flames towards them. Shaa is yelling even louder now. It’s coming! Help each other and get ready! The dragon was not the only one here who could tap into the forces of nature. He would show this scaly Gnoll sniffer what was up. Focusing hard, Shaa summons a giant reenforced wall in front of him and some of the other adventurers. He wasn’t sure how well it would hold up against dragon fire but, as one of the most experienced former Terramancers/ Elementalists out there, it was going to be strong and better than nothing. Maybe if other people helped enhance it, it might stand a chance.

It was what he could do for the group for the moment. Now he needed to prepare himself. Pulling living flame from the ether, Shaa’s body bursts into a fiery inferno as he takes the fully manifested form of a flame elemental. Vulcana loved seeing him in this form and danced around excitedly. How would the others prepare?

---

Action System

Action 1: Spell: Summon Wall

Action 2: Prestige Class Elemental: Full Elemental Manifestation- Fire

Pet: Fire Pixy

Passive Abilities in Effect: Fighters Sense

Ube's face was wide-eyed as they watched the descending monster before them. The fellblood had only heard of whispers of something akin to this from when they had gotten kidnapped, but the behemoth of a dragon was a creature they would never dream to see. For a moment, that unavoidable fear began to settle in. A choking lump formed in their throat as the sheer dread of a question, of how were they going to stop this, took hold of their legs. That was until a minotaur spoke out.

The voice of another broke the spell that froze the half demon. He was right. Looking out into the crowd, Ube found confidence once more. Despite only recognizing one, they could see in every person here the desire to protect this world. There was a chance- no, this was going to be a surefire win. After all, they had only just been able to see the world they hid away from for so long. Ube refused to simply allow this unworldly beast to have its way. And as the dragon reeled its head to begin its onslaught, a single thought called out in the fellblood's mind: Whatever befalls here, whether or not it's my last day, I'll happily die for the things I've missed and come to love.

With a raised finger gun pointed at their head, Ube spoke.
¹"Halika, manananggal." Darkened purple flings of magical energy shot through their fingertips, passing through the head as Ube's own monstrosity took shape. "Magtanggol." The literal half woman nodded as she spread out her entire wingspan, offering cover to Ube and those around them. With defense somewhat secured for themself, the fellblood peered around it for a moment. Aiming a finger gun at the dragon this time, Ube closed a single eye as they attempted to land a well placed shot. ²Aggressive pink sparks formed at the tip and with a deep inhale, they began to fire off a bolt of chaotic energy with intent to damage an eye.

---

Defensive Action
1. Summon: Dark Elemental to guard in front of Ube

Offensive Action
2. Chaos Bolt to Vulcadreaus' eye

"That's a big dragon!" Blue exclaimed  in awe as they looked up at the monstrous creature that replaced the volcano that used to be there, dominating the skyline before them. They'd never seen a dragon as big as this one! They'd never seen any creature that big! It would have been incredibly exciting to face such a monster, if there wasn't one little problem.

That was a lot of fire. Blue wasn't a big fan of extreme heat. The first time they'd ever visited Mount Drakolt, they'd had a bit of a melting situation going on that they didn't want to repeat, and now that volcano was a dragon. Them coming here to deal with this might have been a mistake, but it was too late now! They were here and they were going to help out!

With a wall of stone already summoned by that big speech-giving Minotaur they recognized from the beach party eating contest, they placed their hands one the ground and released a stream of blue ooze that formed a second wall right behind it. The ooze might not be great against flames directly, but maybe it could help reinforce the stone wall a bit and help protect everyone.

With the wall made and them standing safely (hopefully) behind it, they also took a spare moment to prepare for the battle by summoning their bird made of a combination of cloud-like gasified ooze and sparking red electricity and jump onto its back. The bird was large enough to hold them along with two more people and ready to take to the skies once the fire breath was finished.

---

1: Defensive Action: Wall of Ooze (Spell)
2: Summon Action: Cloud Waltzing (Elementalist Air Primordial Path)
(2 other characters can get on the bird to fly next round.)

Taki stood at the edge of the initial devastation, spirits of every shape and size fleeing as fast as those who'd survived the awakening Earth Dragon. The shaman's senses stretched out across the area^p, providing her with a relatively clear view of the ground and all that touched it for quite a distance. She caught the gaze of the creature, it's orbs a burning white from countless eons of existence. A comforting presence reached up from deep within the earth, her mind clearing as magic coursed through her body. To either side, her Spirit Guardians¹ shimmered into view with a misty blue glow. Their auras spread out amongst those within a 25 foot diameter and empowered her and her allies' magics to greater effect. Scanning the area around her, she let out a sharp whistle followed by another after a short pause. Shuna, Yukina and Kamina came to her side, tucking in close to one another.

"Anyone lacking defenses against the incoming breath attack, squeeze in as close as you can to me as I cast a shielding spell! QUICKLY NOW!! We don't have long!!" Shouted the shaman, who took a strange stance. Standing on one leg, her other supporting it tucked in close, the shaman's four arms traced arcane sigils of Light across the sky. A soft glow enveloped her form as adventurers from across Charon gathered round. Once the area was filled, the spell reached it's crescendo. A glowing ring of soft golden light² shrouded an area roughly 20 feet in diameter around Taki and those within it's bounds, prepared to break against the coming onslaught of earth and flame.

---

P: Passive ability Geomagnetic Sense (Elementalist: Earth Path feature)
1: Summon Spirit Guardians [Keta and Ryu]
2: Circle of Life [Empowered by Spirit Guardian Aura]

Pets
Kamina [Lightning Fae]
Shuna [Druid Familiar/Sleigh Bell]
Yukina [Snowy Owl]

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!" Aagha was practically screaming as Boromir, his dawn lion, and Cane, his red wolf, skidded to a stop right at a newly formed wall of earth in order to try to hide from the incoming blast of fire. Aagha himself pulled out his bow quickly and notched an arrow to begin their assault as soon as the blast concluded. This dragon was absolutely massive. Aagha was terrified out of his mind and yet here he was with Cane and Boromir. He felt his heart pounding in his chest. He heard words going through his head but they sounded far away to him. Everything had grown silent except the sound of his heart until finally a familiar voice in his head finally screamed perhaps even louder than he did.

Aagha! ENOUGH. Steel your heart. Do you not remember how you felt when you faced me?! Conviction! That is what you are seemingly missing, but it is there! Cane, Boromir, and I too, are all afraid, but we are with you!" Hearing his new companion's words ringing through his mind brought him back to the moment at hand as the hellhound too made it's way to the to the other three. There was no room for fear. He took in a deep breath. His hands were trembling, but with his beasts here along with him, he knew they would do the absolute best they could and hope to see another day.

This creature was massive, but aagha knew full and well that every creature had weaknesses. From what they had seen previously, dragons wings, underbelly, the inside of the mouth, and the eyes, would be the most vulnerable parts. All of this was going through his head. On the positive side, this beast wasn't so big that Aagha would miss his target. A deep breath in was taken. He would have to pull back and launch his first arrow the moment the fire being let loose upon them ended. The first targets for this beast should be it's wings and eyes. Aagha took in yet another shakey breath, but each of his companions and he were close to one another. Normally Ignis' flesh was hot to the touch but oddly this time around he felt it bring him a strange calm. The creature was not next to him with intent to burn him.

"Cane! Ignis!" He took in yet another deep breath. "When the fire ends you two are going to attempt to get to the creature! Boromir, I need you. I will remain mounted for this one. I am going to do my best to fire arrows at the dragon from your back. I need you to get as close to it as we can manage and focus on doing everything you can to keep us from getting his by anything from that thing. I have no idea how we're going to do this, but we'll find a way. With you all I know we can! And there are plenty of others here to help too! Let's make a good first impression!" Though perhaps the time for the pleasant impression may have passed after he had already screamed from the fear, but that thought would have to stay burried in the back of his mind until this was all over.

---

Action System:

Actions: 
[1] Bow out arrow knocked.

Pets:
[1] Redwolf - Cane
[2] Beast Master first beast - Ignis the hellhound

Mounts:
[1] Boromir - The Dawn Lion

Equipment in Effect:
[1] Animal Speak Amulet

Leandros sits atop Byrr watching the scene with a mix of awe and surprise. It was confirmation that everything before now had been leading up to something, the tremors across Charon, the rise in monster attacks, it had all be because something below was churning. Now, they saw the results of these efforts. Once more a cult was determined to send Charon into chaos, but adventurers would onc emore prevent that from happening.

He summons his ethereal armor, the lion helmet made of light covering his head as his eyes focused on the target ahead. The walls would be good protection for those who lacked it, but the knight was also leery of waiting in such a large group when it came to dragons. It was impossible to know the power and scope of one this big, it far surpassed his fight in the desert and in the Mesa.

Leandros snaps the reins of Byrr and heads off around the wall, "BE READY TO SPREAD OUT! DO NOT ALLOW IT TO SO EASILY FOCUS ON ONE AREA!" He called out hoping to bolster their resolve as he went to the left of the beast, retightening his grip on his newly acquired shield.

He banked around to try and head towards its flank. The least he could do was follow his advice and move away from the gaping maw of the beast and escape the direction its fire breath seems to be pointing. If the beast were to turn his way, well at least he had defenses for that.

---

Actions:

1. Defensive Action
-Devoted Spirits

2. Support Action
-Battle Cry -- Double Physical Damage for next two posts

Passives:
8/8 Armor Hit Preventions
8/8 Devoted spirits Hit Preventions
Holy Damage on Halberd
Heat and Earth Treated Shield
Lion's Strength Tattoo and Baloth Muscles

Dust and stone and smoke and sulfur. 

The ground shook, and it took her a while to realise her heart pounded to the compass of the earth. It felt like the rage of the earth itself rose from the gaping mouth that Mt. Drakholt had become, its heat and wrath hitting them in waves, several yards away. It was so powerful, so ancient she could barely grasp the entirety of the situation. Fear and excitement and absolute awe mixed together in a heart-racing concoction that was powerful enough to force her into action. There was no way she could stand idle and watch it unfold if she could do something - anything - about it. Thoughts raced as quick as her heart rate, and soon a voice she realized to be hers started to bark orders around.

"Allan, Mischief! Go warn the closest villages of what's happening! Allan, Poe, with me! Zhantal, where the fuck are you?! You're coming too!"

Perhaps the one most in awe of the entire situation was Kalaf. Rarely the black drake would encounter something bigger than himself - less yet something so imense and powerful and old. There was a mix of fear and admiration towards the giant soul of earth and fire, life and rebirth, order and chaos.

A kindred spirit, perhaps.

The paperman, Zhantal, quickly and quietly recoiled back to the shape of Kamille's spellbook, attached to her waist. The assassin Poe shoved a hesitant Allan towards the black drake, and in a matter of moments they all mounted Kalaf behind the Witch of Moonglade. He was not used to being afraid - such a weird feeling! It may have belonged to a hatchling, but not a fully grown drake... - but regardless of it, Kalaf acted the only way he knew: he flew towards it.

It was overwhelming and beautiful. Despite the potential for destruction, the power so raw the imense giant seemed to wield, Kamille couldn't help but find herself admiring the beast. Shaking her head, atop the black drake, Kamille looked where a few adventurers were already clumped together. A very large figure was already very easy to distinguish among them, and Kamille wasted no time, directing Kalaf close to it. Lowering its reptilian neck, in a matter of moments the drake closed in the distance, its giant wings casting shadow over the adventurers before landing with a ground shaking noise, right by Shaa's side - the minotaur was a known friend and ally that he liked and respected. 

By the shadow of Vulcadreaus, he looked like a child.

There wasn’t much time to think, as she saw fire gathering at the giant's mouth. Kalaf landed, and Allan and Poe imediately flung themselves out of the drake's back, even if the Witch remained. She extended her hands towards Vulcadreaus, sand coalescing in a golden twirl before them, solid and malleable enough to shape a wall that could absorb attacks [1]. 

"SHAA! TAKI?! WE NEED A PLAN!"

Yet, she would brace herself for it. The weight of the flames of the ancient being proved that no amount of preparation should be wasted: she would wait for the volley of flames to come through, then take her time to close her eyes and feel the earth in its entirety, beyond what could be seen [2], so that her next earth based spell could reach its full potential.

And, true to his nature, Mischief disregarded completely her orders, and soon approached the scene, cawing frantically.

---

Minions:

Allan (Warlord)

Poe (Warlord)

Zhantal (Book Golem)

Disaster (Arcanatek Researcher) Does not count against NPC cap

Pets:

Kalaf (Adult drake)

Mischief (Raven, because why not?)

Actions:

[1] Sand wall (Defensive action)

[2] Soul of the Earth (Buff action)

Cyran was utterly unsurprised to stand at the precipice of ruin once more.

The last time he had done so had been in opposition of Ziev, the divine being of space, the man who’d ascended to godhood. Cyran remembered disorientation, nerves alight with the uncertainty that he would escape that astral plane with his life. Now, there was no fear. Only a certain type of weariness that settled into his bones. A reminded of the cruel realities he’d always known of. Life was cyclical. And as the call of rebirth came, so would the echo of death. There would always be something that needed to die so that others would live.

Gods, he’d wanted to step away. He’d made a promise to himself, to the world. No more. But the primordial forces that be in the universe demanded that he not hang up his blades. They belonged in his hands, it seemed to whisper. There was no escape. You want to leave, put everything behind? You must fight for your home.

And so he would perform this dance one last time. For the lives that Vulcadreus had taken. For the lives he’d taken that fueled this flame. The massive fireball hurtling towards the group of adventurers, both familiar and unfamiliar. They would not be that way for long. Now, they were bound in camaraderie, their blades and spells taken up for a common cause. Cyran could see Shaa in the distance, in addition with Wolfe, throwing up a massive wall of earth and… ooze, offering protection from the massive fireball. Cyran was not sure he would be able to help them with the defense, nor would he be able to stick to the back line. No, he needed to get close.

He would make these blades sing.

He cast a fleeting glance at Del, seeking out his fiancé through the pandemonium. Defense, they needed defense. Del was strong, but could she make it through this onslaught unscathed? He found her, on guard, not far from his side. No time to offer words of encouragement, no time to tell her he loved her. Those were things she already knew. Instead, he grabbed her wrist, a fleeting touch, and muttered a prayer in elvish for her safety. The cooling shadows wrapped around her, a protective cocoon.^[1] He could not protect everyone, but at least he could keep after those closest to him.

Wind whipped around him, the roar of the approaching flames. Cyran met her gaze, then turned to Vulcadreus with a nod. Ever since the day both of them were kidnapped, and that awful incident with Zarius and Caedes, he’d had a feeling this day would come. Over the noise, the pandemonium of other adventurers shouting at one another, bracing themselves for the attack, Cyran shouted, “I need to get closer!”

Grabbing Spell Slicer and Cold Steel from his belt, Cyran darted forward, closer to the chaos. Around him, he saw a blur of familiar faces, loved ones and strangers and friends and allies and past regrets. To the uncertain ones, he pointed towards the wall being constructed from magic that others were quickly adding onto. “Find shelter behind the wall!” He warned as he ran. Cyran himself would not participate. He did not have anything to contribute, and moreover, the rogue worked best when he was separated from others. He sprinted around the wall, making a wide arc across crackling earth and through the simmering heat, waiting until the moment the fireball was almost upon him before going entirely incorporeal.^[2] For the next few seconds, he would be incorporeal, hoping that the fireball would phase through him entirely as he blazed a path closer to the elder being.

He was quite tired with the divine tearing those he loved away from him. Not today.

---

1. Defensive Action - Casting Resist the Elements on Delaela Fenastra-Asiliari  for immunity to fire for the next two posts

SPOILER: Click to show

You can choose yourself or an ally, coating them in an aura of energy. Upon casting this spell you must choose one of the eight elemental damage types (Fire, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Water, Ice, Light or Dark) For the next two post the effected target will become immune to that single damage type, taking no damage from spells or effects of that damage type. You can only effect one person at a time with this spell and can only cast it twice a topic.

2. Defensive Action - Casting Phase Walk on Cyran to become incorporeal for the next few seconds, avoiding Fireball

SPOILER: Click to show

This spell turns your body into a spectral form for a few seconds. This allows your entire body to phase out of the physical realm, allowing you to move through solid objects. This lets you do things like walk through walls, move through objects or even ignore physical attacks. For the next few seconds your body can not be touched in anyway. Can only use this spell once per topic.

Passive Abilities

Expanded Mind (Astral Soul I)

SPOILER: Click to show

The moment a spell is cast in your surrounding area you immediately become aware of it. Not only do you know the spell is being cast, but you know everything about it, the domain its from, its element, its effect and any additional bonuses that are applied to the spell from its owners abilities.

Insight Rune

SPOILER: Click to show

A small abstract rune tattooed somewhere on your face or head (above the collarbone) This tattoo prevents anyone from lying to you, normal or magic. They can still tell the lie to you or in your presence, but you will immediately be aware of the lie. This effect can not be removed from you or ignored.

Frozen Solid

SPOILER: Click to show

This graft will allow the user to not be bothered by non magical warmth or heat, and will constantly give off a small aura of cold around their body. This cold is not enough to deal damage, but can be uncomfortable if exposed to for an extended amount of time.

All Eye

SPOILER: Click to show

A pure white eye ball that replaces one of your two primary eyes. This eye works like a normal eye, however has the added effect of being able to see through vision impairing effects, such as mist, smoke or dirt. This eye is also immune to blinding effects from things like flashes and magic.

Cat’s Grace

SPOILER: Click to show

Your reflexes and basic body movement become extremely agile and nimble, allowing you to move around without the fear of falling or tripping over something. As long as you are moving you can not be knocked over or knocked off of something. If you do fall you will take no damage, landing safely on your feet as long as you have fallen less than two hundred feet. (falling off a mountain does not help you)

Again, Del finds herself staring up at the mountain in horror as it comes undone, and a dragon large enough to blot out the sun lands in its crater; the vast might of something more ancient than she could begin to fathom, risen once more. Again, she feels the pull of something, a call to arms. Again, she feels that this is why she was called to Darkveil so many times over her life, doomed to be present for what, ostensibly looked like the end.

Or, to do something about it.

There was more here in Darkveil than simply the calling she had felt. She had a home, family, friends, love. To bear witness to doom was one thing; but Delaela Asiliari was never one to sit idly by and watch that which she cared for most to be threatened.

A familiar image flashes in front of her mind, of a cabin in flames in the snowy mountains of the Crescent Isles forty-odd years on. It leads to another nauseating sense of deja vu, recalling Shades Valley as it toppled and crumbled under the fissures beneath their very feet. Mistakes that could not be rectified. Contingencies she could not prepare for.

Not until today. This time, she would not fail.

Her gaze shifts to Cyran-- her beloved, her Fiance-- just as he reaches out to hold fast to her wrist, his cool familiar magic pouring over her. She manages a wavering smile, her heart lodged in her throat as she feels it take hold. They had been through so much with this damned volcano over the past weeks, and once again, their home was under threat. As he whispers a prayer of safety in elvish, she cannot help but ask the same in silence, begging the ghost of her mentor to watch over him, as he had in the ritual chamber. She leans forward, tapping her forehead against his temple for a split second of comfort, before they peel off, running in opposite directions.

From there, everything moves lightning fast. The great creature opens its maw, a brilliant firelight beginning to swell. Faces she recognized had already arrived on scene-- Leandros, Taki, the minotaur from the Marsh Flats (good to see he was still alive) and others she had not met. It fills her chest with pride to see people running towards the danger, when so many were running away. Now, it was time to join them.

A wall was going up. Good. Del would not be utilizing it. She would use the magic Cyran had granted her to forge ahead and flank the enemy, while they still had the chance. "DO WHAT YOU CAN TO DISRUPT WHAT'S INCOMING! FIND MORE COVER!" she bellows as she runs, a smokiness pouring through her body as her mind quickly begins to formulate a plan. This monstrosity of a dragon, a God, was beyond gigantic. It's strength was it's size... but also it's weakness.

Get close. She had to get close.

With a faint snarl tugging her lips, she grasps at the darkness of the shadow under her feet, making it swell and expand to the people around her as she runs, the shadow of the wall itself, and the rubble at their feet. The shadows writhe, splitting off from one another to the side in their teeming multitudes to try and generate new targets, away from the attacking force behind the wall.

Drawing a line to target where she wants to go, in the massive shadow cast by the dragon, the shadows on Del's side of the field she runs straight into, vanishing from view. A few seconds later, of slipping through the quiet, muted world of the darkness-between, she reappears to the left of Vulcadreus, near and ready, determination set into her visage where she was hidden by shadow, knowing what she had to do next.

Climb.

---

Summary: Del does not stay behind the wall and uses two consecutive Shadow Dancer moves to get to Vulcadreus' left-most flank. Mass Shadow Control is making the shadows shift and move to try and cause confusion/a distraction to try and deviate the worst of the incoming attack. Del is still standing in the Shadow, as part of One With the Shadows and thus cannot currently be seen by anyone without the Shadow Sight ability.


Action Type

1. Defensive Action: Mass Shadow Control - Used to create shadows in Del's area to create the illusion of movement to try and confuse Vulcadreus, and to use for her next action.

SPOILER: Click to show

You can change the shape, size, motion and other features of any shadow in the area, regardless of it being yours or not. This can even be used to detach shadows from their source, moving them around and controlling them. Shadows can also now make noise, mimicking sound and voices. These however will sound a bit distorted, muffled or altered.

2. Defensive Action: Shadow Walk - Teleporting through the shadows to the nearest point on the left hand side she can get next to Vulcadreus, or on Vulcadreus if possible (she can ostensibly see the shadows on him.) The intent of this is, if there are no suitable structures to climb to get on the dragon, Del will climb Vulcadreus. If she is on a structure or Vulcadreus himself, she will hold onto it with Iron Grip.

SPOILER: Click to show

While standing in a shadow, you can instantly teleport to another body of shadows that you have detected in the immediate area. You do not need to see this shadow, but must be aware of its presence and it must be nearby. Your body will sink into the shadow, and rise up in the new shadow, allowing you to move from one location to another. You cannot be injured while moving shadows, but also cannot interact with others either. This can be done as many times as you wish but has a two post cool down in between uses.

Active Items
    - Gauntlets of Ginma - Strength, 1/1 Hit Prevention.

SPOILER: Click to show

These gauntlets provide one hit prevention, and allow the wearer to smash through stone as if it were glass, and lift natural boulders more than twice their weight. The abilities of these gauntlets will last as long as they have a hit prevention left.

Active Passives
    - Bare Hands
        - Enchantment: Deflective Rune

SPOILER: Click to show

Can be used to catch ranged or thrown physical attacks, such as arrows or spears. If caught the ranged item can be thrown back and used for its own offense.

        - Enchantment: Magic Blocker

SPOILER: Click to show

If this weapon strikes bare flesh (by cutting through fabric or armor) that target can not summon their magical energy for their next post. Active effects will continue to persist, however they can not use new spells.

    - Baloth Muscles x4

SPOILER: Click to show

It is now extremely easy for the bearer to use said limb to rip through doors, knock down walls, or break holes in structures such as created walls or blocked door ways. Applied to all four of Del's Limbs

    - Bull's Strength Tattoo

SPOILER: Click to show

This tattoo increases your normal strength, making you twice as strong as you normally would. This is a latent tattoo that is always in effect, making you permanently strong. Since Baloth Muscles are a graft, not an item, this stacks with the Baloth Muscles.

    - Heat Gland

SPOILER: Click to show

A Warm gland causes you to be be incredibly warm to the touch, giving off a small aura of heat and allowing you to ignore non magical cold.

    - Cat's Grace

SPOILER: Click to show

As long as you are moving you can not be knocked over or knocked off of something. If you do fall you will take no damage, landing safely on your feet as long as you have fallen less than two hundred feet.

    - Surface Scaling

SPOILER: Click to show

you have gained the unnatural ability to hang onto walls or solid surfaces and climb up vertical surfaces that normal people could not. You have expert knowledge of hand holds and vertical movement, letting you reach higher places than normal.

    - Resist the Elements (Granted by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari ;A;) [Immune to Fire] 2/2 posts remain.

SPOILER: Click to show

For the next two post the effected target will become immune to that single damage type, taking no damage from spells or effects of that damage type. (Fire)

Shadow Dancer Prestige:
    - One With the Shadows

SPOILER: Click to show

You are always aware of any form of shadow or body of darkness in the immediate area, able to passively sense where these shadows are and what is creating the shadow. In addition you can manipulate your own shadow, changing its size, shape and even removing it altogether. While within a shadow you have the effects of the spell Shadow hiding active at all times, but can now move and interact with objects without breaking the effect.

    - Shadow Sight

SPOILER: Click to show

While inside of a shadow created by you or another object, you can see perfectly, your vision not hindered by the darkness. You can also see others who would attempt to conceal themselves in the shadows or darkness. You can see the outline of others who are within the shadow or darkness as if you could see them in the daylight however this does not apply to magical means from spells or abilities.

Brawler Prestige:
    - Hands are Weapons

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The skin of your fist have become tougher, ignoring minor damage such as cuts or bruises. You can now use your fist like they were made of metal, able to grab sharp edges without being cut, or blocking a blunt weapon without feeling the impact.

    - Iron Grip

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Their grip is so tight now that they can no longer have things ripped from their grasping, preventing things from knocking or pulling objects out of their hand, regardless of how hard it was hit or how strong the force was. This also makes them excellent grapplers, able to hold onto an enemy without easily being pushed off.

    - Fighters' Sense

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A brawler can feel any enemy or creature within their immediate area, up to 10 feet from their person, gaining a sense of their location. They are able to react to close range melee attacks.

Charging Actions:
    - Heart Stopper : 1/3

SPOILER: Click to show

Requiring precise timing and knowledge of your opponent, after three posts of observing your opponent you come to understand the rhythm of their breathing. Once you are primed with that information, a strike specifically aimed at the heart will cause it to momentarily pause its beating if the blow lands, sending the victim into an unconscious state for their next post. Can only be used once per topic.

Recharge Tracking

    - Shadow Walk 0/2 Recharge.

Minions

    - Thistle (Earth Pixie)

SPOILER: Click to show

Once per topic this Pixie can coat its owner in earth magic, which turns all damage the owner would do into earth damage, regardless of the damage type it was before. For the next two post, any source of damage from the owner will be only earth damage, going back to their normal damage types after the duration.

The fight had not gone as expected at all. Who knew if the Ashen Father, or Javal and Vail for that matter were even still alive. The rumbling stone and the pyroclastic flow of the mountain told of a major eruption, but the shadow cast by the spread wings above told a different story. She was already exhausted from the fight, all she could do now was run towards the group to try and get away from directly under the monster. The surge of adrenaline pushed her forwards, where she met with the adventurers who had gathered to stop the beast.



Gulping in air, it was all she could do to communicate what had happened within. Even she knew not the cycle of events that led to this monstrosity unleashed, but for now it was only the basic that could be communicated. “Ashen Father… Chamber in the Volcano… Sacrifices… Cult” Everything afterwards was a blur. She prayed that Vail and Javal had made it to safety, but she still couldn’t see them in the crowd. Lord Wolfe was there, several notable nobility actually. She felt a bit renewed, this was turning out to be quite the classy affair.



“Sod it” She muttered, grinning with renewed confidence. Summoning Arkanon Aurelia, the poor thing had taken some damage in their fight, but renewed itself once it had gotten out of the sweltering heat of the volcano. It’s massive steel tubes glowed a deep blue, rotating freely before exploding into three shining bolts that struck forward into the dark sky. She inscribed the sigil for magic missile onto the weapons housing, and allowed it to charge for just a moment. She heard the various rallying cries from the gathered warriors, and she was just exhausted enough to believe them. They could win this.

Upon seeing the fire rocketing towards the crowd, she ducked behind the sand wall, and looked around for options. Sir wolfe was getting ready to hit the skies, the last thing she wanted to do was get into melee range of a god so that seemed like the best one so far.


Arkanon phase 1 (3 shots)
Magic Missile Charge

Free action, hoping on blues bird

Arashi was with Celeste, they were around the area when the volcano erupted, Hearing the commotion Arashi just had to go see what was happening... someone might need help, or maybe the true cause of the earthquakes across Charon would show themselves... "Celeste! I'm gonna go see what's happening!" Arashi ran of... And as some of the ash settled, Mt Drakolt was replaced by a dragon, it was bigger than the whole of Darkveil, in fact it seemed to be the Volcano itself... Arashi held his breath for a second a bit of dread surging from the instinctive side of things, this seemed like it would be it, the truth of life's insignificance, all too real now that an apparent god was ready to snuff out everything Charon is, and will be... but as more and more adventurers gathered, both familiar and not, something else seemed to take root in his heart.

Hope

Purpose

The will to fight...

Renewed.

Not even the gaze of Vulcadreaus, as intense as it was, deeming them nothing but ants, was enough to deter them now. Everyone working together for the common goal of saving those they loved and the world which they inhabit... He thought of the friends he had made, and the ones he recovered... He also thought of Cookie, She was young and still had much to enjoy of the world, She was tucked on on his gi, and looked at him fear clearly consuming her tiny pixie heart... "Hey, it'll be ok." Arashi tried to reassure her, patting her head with a finger. "Now go, Flee with the rest of the villagers. I don't want you getting hurt... I'll be fine, I promise." Cookie looked at him, a bit defiant, she didn't want to leave, but she was scared and knew there wasn't much she could do... "You promise..?" she looked for any sign of Arashi lying to her any sign of doubts... there were none. "I promise. Now go!" As Arashi said this the little wind pixie nodded and began flying away as fast as she could, following the escaping town's people.

A wall was raised, several people were standing behind it for cover as others rallied everyone, some even broke out to the sides trying to get the attention out of the main group and get closer... Arashi was fond of this idea too while he wasn't particularly armored or resistant he did have quite a few options to get out of danger quickly. As the dragon, began to Inhale signaling a coming breath attack. Arashi Jumped up and took off to the skies¹ Going as high as he could looking straight at the dragon's eye, he yelled "Hey! You overgrown mole lizard! Try and burp me out of the sky!" moving quickly Arashi pointed his finger towards Vulcadreaus left eye, sparks formed around his hand as he let out a powerful Lightning Bolt² Which would almost immediately reach the target.

---

Actions:

1) flight spell

Arashi went up in the air and insulted Vulcadreaus trying to get some of the heat away from the main group.

2) Lightning Bolt

Arashi fired a lightning bolt at Vulcadreaus' left eye, hopefully it'd cause some damage and distract it

NPCs

Cookie (Wind Pixie) She was sent away to get out of danger but is still in the thread

Rebirth. Renewal. The power to remake the world from scratch. As Cirice stands among her friends and comrades in the shadow of the colossal beast, she can’t help but feel awed by the creature’s sheer power. A power that could possibly be taken.

Do not let this chance pass you by, Mother Moon whispered in her thoughts, you stood before a god before and came out victorious, what is a Primordial but a greater god? Show me how much you have grown.

Cirice really didn’t have much time to think about the finer points of divine combat as everyone began to spring into action around her. The beast above roared an earth-shaking challenge, fire collecting in its gaping maw ready to rain down upon them all. Walls begin to grow around the army of combatants but Cirice doesn’t want to be confined. She sees Cyran and Del running toward the creature and follows their lead.

As she runs she peels off the elbow-length gloves she always wears, revealing the various runes carefully etched into her skin. The runes begin to glow with a deep amethyst light that spreads out around her to coat her entire body¹. But that isn’t enough. Just defense will not be enough, they have to weaken it.

She skids to a stop between the bulk of her comrades and the dragon and pulls a book from the bag on her side. The pages flip themselves according to her will and once again the runes along her arms flare brightly as she shouts, “Segnis!²”

Mother Moon please let this work, she prays silently as she clutches Ars to her chest, ready to bear the brunt of the flames.

---

Action System:

Action 1: Resist the Elements, fire (Defensive)

SPOILER: Click to show

You can choose yourself or an ally, coating them in an aura of energy. Upon casting this spell you must choose one of the eight elemental damage types (Fire, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Water, Ice, Light or Dark) For the next two post the effected target will become immune to that single damage type, taking no damage from spells or effects of that damage type. You can only effect one person at a time with this spell and can only cast it twice a topic.

Action 2: Slow on the Dragon (Debuff)

SPOILER: Click to show

You can cast this spell on an enemy or other target, causing them to slow down. During their next post their speed will be cut in half, causing them to move very slowly. You walk at a snails pace and your reactions are incredibly slow.

Active Items/Pets
- Ars Goetia (Book Golem)

SPOILER: Click to show

As long as you can see your golem, your spells, regardless of domain, can not be countered by spells or abilities. This means any spell you try to cast will go off and can not be prevented from being cast.

-1 dancing chain

Active Passives
- Aegis Animi

SPOILER: Click to show

While the circlet is worn, your memory may not be tampered with and your mind cannot be cleared, wiped or erased. You also cannot have your memories read, altered or affected in any way. You gain one hit prevention against mind-altering spells such as fear, suggestion, etc. When such a spell is attempted on the wearer, the caster is paralyzed by haunting whispers for a post and rendered vulnerable to counter attacks.

-Fiend: all attacks deal dark damage as well as their normal types, this dark damage ignores resistance or immunity
-Insight Rune

She, Soren, and Arashi were walking around in the area, taking a break for once. It was good for them to get out of moonglade occasionally. Of course, that wouldn’t last long, as all hell broke loose. Wind picked up, the sky darkened (more than usual), people screamed and everyone panicked. The three of them started helping people get to safety as the big-ass dragon propped himself up. Once it had gone from complete chaos to just simply chaotic, Arashi zoomed off.



Panic, immediately. Why does he always do this, knowing she’d have no choice but to follow? She reached out, and squeezed Soren’s arm. “Go with the crowd, make sure everyone is safe, and help whoever is in control to the best of your abilities.” Celeste ordered. The two stared at each other unwaveringly, knowing the other one’s immediate response would be rushing towards the danger, but with Soren’s arm injured, he receded off with the crowd, and she ran, following after Arashi and grabbing his hand just as Cookie runs off. Momentarily, he is safe, and then he is not. *This motherfu–* Whatever, no time. Celeste gathers her surroundings, pulls out her katana, and tries to make a decision. She won’t be able to avoid this breath attack on the ground, so instead, she jumps up into the air, as high as she can, keeping her height with it as she looked around.



There wasn’t many people she knew here. Nonetheless, all of them had impressive abilities, and it seemed they all understood the concept of working together. There was a few faces she recognised - Cirice, for one. She hasn’t seen her in a while, but she was happy to see her here, that’s for sure. There’s people she only knew by name - Lady Kamille, the witch of Moonglade. She was definitely a powerful ally. Once she felt like she could trust the situation, she met the dragon’s eyes. Well, she looked at his eyes. He probably didn’t care. Trying to calm her breathing, she glared at it, focusing on breaking it’s mental wall. If she could get into his mind, would he let her know his next moves?



There they were. Lady Cirice, facing off with the dragon in an attempt to weaken him. Arashi, distracting and angering him. Lady Kamille, walling herself off as she prepared for the flames, and many others, protecting themselves and their cohorts to the best of their abilities. “Come on, we can take down this ugly lizard!” She yelled, hoping to morale some of the troops.

---

Action system:

Support: Mind Parasite: Attempting to breach the dragon's mind in an attempt to read it's next actions. Active ability.

Defensive: Step of the wind: Used to elevate herself and dodge the flames. Currently an active ability.

Active items: Katana (Enchanted, Spell Blade)

It would not be an exaggeration to say that combat was Askr's first language.

There is still so much he does not know of the world, so much meaning packed into the minutiae of things he does not understand-- the thousands of ways words can be used and misconstrued, the language of a shifting face, the different things a hand alone can deliver. It is not as though he has not learned; he has become acquainted with the feeling of a warm, kind hand against his shoulder, the strange surge of energy that floods through him when someone sincerely smiles his way, the budding seeds of joy that flower to life when Mister Caedes or Mister Zarius or Nyr say his name, but there is still more he knows he may never properly grasp.

Yes, he knows more now than he ever did then, gazing at his "mother"'s face for the final time at the heart of Devil's Ridge, but Askr will always be more familiar with the feeling of a blade in his hand than the touch of another. He will always know the steps through a battlefield better than he'll ever know to navigate a conversation, will always be better at responding to danger than the words of another person, will always feel more at home with steel and embers than he'll ever feel in another's arms.

Perhaps that is why no dread takes root in his heart as he stares at the massive shadow cast by the form of the dragon that emerged from what was once Mount Drakolt, scales a glittering, flamelike vermilion, illuminated by the gentle glow of magma, eyes like slivered pearls wandering over the comparatively tiny frames of the people gazing up at it. He knows, objectively, that he should feel some degree of unease, that doubt should take root somewhere in his heart of glass as he thinks about the size of his longsword weighed against the size of the creature's talons, but instead, an almost comforting nothingness lingers there instead.

It is just a battle-- an unorthodox one, to be sure, but a battle all the same.

Battle is what he knows best.

Askr allows himself a moment to glance out at the sea of people already beginning to take action, at the shimmering steel of weaponry and armor lit up a gentle red with the aura of fire-- there are a few faces, a few silhouettes he knows and remembers. Miss Del is there, for a moment, at least-- Mister Cyran a short distance away from her, his daggers glinting, Sir Leandros atop his mount, halberd shining...

Mister Caedes. No Zarius, but there is Caedes, and seeing that familiar, pale silhouette is comfort enough. He is not alone, made to face down a dragon without a familiar face in sight, and while he would... prefer that Mister Caedes not be caught up in chaos like this, would prefer that he be safe somewhere else, perhaps even with Zarius, he cannot help but selfishly be thankful to have him nearby.

With that in mind, Askr reaches for the hilt of his blade, hand curling around leather straps and gold metal, and he draws it in one quick motion, light washing over it as two more long swords spark to life beside him, their blades segmented and embossed with glowing runes, chains linking the pieces together. Eik and Yr cannot offer him the same strength that Yggdrasil can, but they can spare him the bite of this dragon's might.

He steps forward, palm shining as magic surges through it, flowing from his gloved hand to Yggdrasil until it is capable of floating away from his hand, suspended in air beside him. [1] It is dangerous to wander so closely to a beast before you know what it can do to you-- and so he will linger back, and allow his blade to scout for him.

Askr draws his arm back, letting his mother's ancient power simmer before pushing his palm forward, directing his blade straight for the great dragon's front legs, intent on cleaving through scale and skin, intent on testing what it can do.

He does not know how much he can offer, but he is more than willing to try.

Summary: Askr casts Telekinesis on his longsword and launches it at Vulcadreus's front legs to attempt to deal some damage.

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Bringing Pets:

- Eik (Dancing Sword [Chain])

- Yr (Dancing Sword [Chain])

1. Casts Telekinesis on Yggdrasil (longsword). [Offensive Action]

2. Uses Telekinesis to direct Yggdrasil (longsword) at Vulcadreus's front legs and slash. [Offensive Action]

SPOILER: Click to show

Yggdrasil is enchanted with a Fire Rune and empowered by Spell Blade ability Arcane Soul "The weapon you bond with will now always do elemental damage equal to the element you chose, regardless of having an enchantment or not. This elemental damage also can not be ignored due to things like resistant or immunity, allowing your bonded weapon to always deal its damage."

SPOILER: Click to show

Passives:
- 2/2 hit preventions from Eik and Yr
- Fire damage applied to longsword, ignores resistances/immunity