[IC] Dragon Graveyard

[Aristocles]

Kosjurec stepped onto the dry, dead land. The island was two weeks by boat from his home continent, and the ship which dropped him off wouldn't be back for five days, as agreed. He had heard that others would be coming to this island, so for now, all the dracon could do was to wait for them. He took in the scenery, beholding an island of death. It was a dragon burial ground, a place few dared to tread.

It was said that dracons experienced locations differently than many other sentient species. Not only was their sense of smell better than a human's or an elf's, but they always went barefoot, so they got a sense of the feeling of the place beneath their claws. A bucolic farm might look fresh and alive to a human, but it would also smell and feel alive to a dracon. This place was not only dead, but it felt dessicated. Even the sands of his homeland felt more alive than this place. It was as if everything in this land was not merely dead, but depleted as well, if that made any sense.

A few meters from the shore, and Kos felt no hint of moisture, and apart from the salty spray of the sea, he couldn't smell much of anything, save the ash on the wind. He hoped his sword and armor would be enough to handle anything this dead realm could throw at him.

[Charlevoix]

Urubec stepped out onto the dry dead ground, his head aching from the recent sea travel. His hatred of water was made ever-apparent after several days travel on the small elvish ship that had carried him to shore.

He had been given less than a week for the ship to return yet Urubec could already feel the isolation. An imposing landscape was set before him. His elvish senses felt nothing but death, a dread that crept into him from the very earth. The ground was a dull pattern of decay and the familiar buzz of ancient magics rang out clear.

As Urubec strode forward, it was as if every step drew him closer to whatever evil corrupted this land. At a glance he saw nothing but barren landscapes and faded sky, as if the few steps he took were enough to dull the pale blue into a pallid grey.

He took careful glances to either side, taking in his surroundings carefully. As he checked, he noticed another figure a ways out, westward on the shoreline. Urubec couldn't make out much from the figure other than it was a large humanoid. There was no way of knowing if it was friend or foe.

He had been told that he wasn't alone and that other adventurers yet this figure showed no obvious affiliations, and from this distance nothing was certain. Placing one hand on his leather pouch, encasing his trusted throwing knives, Urubec cautiously wound his way towards this new figure.

The unknown, the landscape, another being along the same shore he had just stepped upon, it all felt very rushed. Urubec loved it already. The thrill he craved was already present. This was going to be fun.

[Siren]

"You were fortunate; very fortunate, Lilith."

"I know, Mother Superior."

The dilapidated and tiny boat began to appear just a few meters off from the coast. Its engine sputtered; as if trying to force itself to go beyond what was expected of it. The tiny vessel reached the shore as a woman, clad in tattered dresses that covered the entirety of her slim frame, stepped out clumsily.

"You knocked on Death's door, but as it seems, you were spared from his grasp. However, you do know, that Death's hold on you still exists?"

"I am completely aware, Mother Superior."

She stumbled a little bit as she got off the creaking vessel. Her worn-out sandals embraced the desecrated ground as she sniffed in the such a horrid stench which she had all been too familiar with; the stench of Death. The young maiden looked around as she adjusted the scroll on her back, and straightened the leather bag she slung over her shoulder, and began to take her first strides on a forgotten territory. She looked around, seemingly expecting other entities to appear. Indeed, she was aware that there would be others here, why else would the Mother Superior send her to this blasted land?

"It is a rule in our monastery, Lilith, that when you are saved... So should you try to save others, is that understood?"

"Speak no more, Mother Superior. I know what needs to be done."

She wandered a bit farther as she looked around her, at the same time, removing some of her crimson hair from her face. Lilith moved forward, trying to take in the devastation that had happened to this god-forsaken place... Nothing was JUST dead; everything was sent to oblivion. Not even some flora or fauna? It was way too much of an apocalypse that had occurred. Suddenly, her eyes caught some figures in the distance... One, a human-like, although taller, was approaching another figure, a humanoid? Lilith's mind was filled with two things: One, either these were her allies that she was suppose to assist, or two, this were the predators in this land, and she was going to die.

"Good. Then, I must send you on a voyage to a desecrated land. You must help the adventurers there, and if need be---"

"I understand, Mother Superior. Their lives above mine. I shall depart quickly."

Lilith smiled as she focused her mind to think positively. Those were her allies, no doubt. The young maiden approached them as their figures became quite clear as she neared the two. Much to her surprise, one was actually... well, a dragon-like creature.. err... human-ish? A Dracon? Lilith shook her head as she eyed the other figure... An elf? A dark elf.

Lilith's eye twitched a little bit... She was expecting humans... not these people. However, the words of her Mother Superior rang clear in her ears; NO ONE was not worth saving. With that quote in her tiny brain, Lilith smiled as she called out to the duo in front of her.

"Hey! Hey!" Lilith called out; her soft voice being carried by the winds. "Are you the adventurers here? I don't really know much of the details, but I was also sent here... mainly as support.. and..." Lilith's voice quieted as she realized that she, perhaps, was the only one who wasn't that much powerful when compared to her allies.

[Aristocles]

Kos turned and saw two others. They looked quite unusual to him, with hair, flat faces, and a rather odd lack of a tail. Not quite sure how they got here, the dracon went to meet them, first addressing the elf.

"Hail and well met, elf. What brings you to this... " he hesitated, as his elven was very poor. Switching to a common tongue, he continued the speech. Dracon snouts weren't the best for expressing the softer languages anyway. "I suppose you are here for the same things as I am. Treasure, glory, maybe some ideological end." That last one sounded better in his native draconic.

His stepmother had taught him that people are normally motivated by three things: emotions, ego, and conscience. As much as he hated to admit it, he was here for that second one. This was a chance to prove his malehood, to step out of his father's shadow, to impress the females and make the other males feel inadequate. He then turned to the female.

"Hello there. If you don't mind my saying so, you the bearing of a mage. Or maybe a cleric. And I'm an adventurer, at least. I suspect that we all are." Making sure that both of them could hear him, he told them "My name is Kosjurec, son of Adykon. You two can call me Kos for short."

[Siren]

"However, there's something you would need to know, Lilith, but, it will take some time before you are ready to hear it."

"I understand, Mother Superior."

"It involves your blood."

Lilith was a bit surprised at the sudden shift of the Dracon's behavior and mannerism; from someone so formal with the apparent elf, to speaking casually to her. However, the maiden smiled as she bowed to the unique being.

"I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance, Lord Kosjurec." Lilith nodded as she smiled. In the abbey, they were always taught to address their charges as Lords or Ladies; a pure act of humility and respect, to which, Lilith followed strictly. "Indeed, in my studies, I have read of your kind. I never thought I would live to see the day when I would meet warriors such as yourself." Lilith chuckled as she sighed. "My name is Lilith." Lilith intentionally didn't mention her heritage; knowing that her parents' deeds were not ones to be proud of. "On the contrary, I am not a mage, warlock or witch... I am a Healer; a cleric as you said. Even if I cannot fight, I would just like to assure you that I will do my best to not be a burden." the girl nodded as she turned to the elf.

The elf was a quiet creature, he was. Lilith's interest sparked; it was her first time seeing a dark elf. The normal ones were quite a common sight, but a dark elf? Quite unheard of.

[Aristocles]

"Oh, I'm no lord, not even a 'sir', not yet. I hope to change that, Lillith, but I'm glad you think of me as a 'lord' already" Kos replied, smiling. A dracon smile looked much like a crocodile's: one could hardly tell if they were happy or getting ready to eat you. It was hard to tell by their fangs alone. Luckily, the smile shone in his eyes, and there was no mistaking his tone. He didn't like lords or nobles very much, despite his stepmother's background, but he appreciated her use of the respectful title.

"And don't think a cleric is a burden. My father was aided many times by a cleric by the name of Ophion, and I can safely say that I wouldn't be around if not for his efforts. Come to think of it, my land would have been very different if my father didn't make it, but that's another story. Anyway, do you have any spells which harm the undead? We're going to need them." he asked.

[drallinix]

The sounds of a horse galloping could be heard along the beach. Outfitted in gleaming silver armor along with his mount Dante galloped at full speed towards the group. He sat astride his horse and raised his lance high signaling that he was a friend and displaying his coat of arms. He noticed a dracon, a dark elf, and an attractive human female. Starting to slow down he went from a gallop to a steady trot before stopping in front of the group. Pulling off his helmet he said in common tongue "I am lord Dante Delastruix from the order of the dragon I assume you are to be my allies for this journey?".

[Aristocles]

Kos thought to himself for a moment. "Did someone put out a call to adventure in a public forum?"

"You assumed right, Delastruix. I'm Kosjurec, but you can call me Kos. I'm glad to see you managed to get a horse here-"

"-somehow" he added mentally, thinking to himself again.

"-and we can use another sword. Tell me, do you have any experience fighting the undead?"

[drallinix]

Placing his lance in the special holster on his horse's armor Dante dismounted in a fluid movement. Smiling at the Dracon "My friend me and sorjec here" he paused to pat the white horse' flank "have experience fighting everything.". He stepped forward towards the young woman and bowed "hello my fair lady fear not I shall keep you safe in this perilous task." standing he turned towards the dark elf and nodded his head in greeting. "You are elven but not of high elf birth that is good I fought them on the plains of acralan I fear that would have caused tension in our party." he said to the white haired man. Turning back to kos "Dracon you should know that I am from the order of the dragon so when this is done I would like to accompany you back to your homeland." he suddenly stopped and said in apologetic voice "dear me I forgot to tell how I knew of you im terribly sorry by the way. My order is a fellowship of knights and this is one of our sacred grounds. I am on a pilgrimage and I decided to come here, shortly before I left I heard of a group of adventurers coming from those of my order so I decided to join you." he stopped then said "if that's allright?".

[Aristocles]

"Yes, you may join me, and accompany me home. My father might be interested in meeting you, I suppose" Kos replied as an odd sound blew in on the wind. It sounded like a strange, echoing howl. Kos drew his sword and turned around to face it, coming face to face with a spectral dragon, a transparent being, glowing white. It was not a particularly large being, only about twice the size of a horse. The creature was not very old when it died. Before any of them could speak, it addressed all of them.

"You who have landed on these shores, know that great treasure awaits, but none of you is entitled to it. It matters not what your motives are in coming here, for the spirits who inhabit this place guard their hordes as fiercely in death as they once did in life. My duty is to eternally warn would-be plunderers away from this island, and now, you have been warned."

Kos snorted at that, and gave a brief, derisive laugh.

"And what of the wealth taken by the dragons? Most of the treasure here was stolen, extorted, or coerced out of the subjects that these dragons lorded over. And this gold does no good for anyone just lying around. We're not here to steal, but to take some things back, including some ancient books and scrolls my stepmother said were originally looted from the most ancient of dracon temples, placed here by the archmages who made our species millennia ago."

[Siren]

Lilith began to panic. Spells to fight the undead? She barely had any spells to fight an insect!

"I uhh-- uhmm-- Sorry to disappoint but--." Lilith stammered as she was cut off by the sudden arrival of another human; FINALLY! Someone who was like her! The man was quite the royalty; evidenced from his top-notch equipment that signaled immense wealth. The girl observed the man, noticing his proud tone and his familiarity with the Lord Kosjurec. Apparently, these warriors go way back, and seeing that this man, calling himself Delastruix, had a bold and brave aura, Lilith relaxed a little bit. Lilith merely observed the observations around them, trying to keep track of how her allies would act soon.

Suddenly, her thoughts were broken as Lord Delastruix stopped in front of her and gave her a polite bow; offering her some chivalrous words of keeping her safe. Lilith returned the bow as she smiled as gently as possible.

"With all due respect, Lord Delastruix, it is my responsibility to protect my allies. I will do my best to not get in the way of your endeavors, and as such, I will offer necessary aid." Lilith replied as she looked at her allies. "Furthermore, I will take no treasure or bounty. Feel free to take whatever is allowed." Lilith assured them as she smiled. Suddenly, Lord Kosjurec drew his huge blade; startling Lilith greatly. However, Lilith was even more startled as she saw a large spectral... dragon?!

The dragon began to speak... its voice carrying vile omens and warnings. "Whatever choice that my lords would choose, I will be in full support. I'll see it through." Lilith said in a determined voice as she focused her attention on the spectral creature.

[Aristocles]

The spectral dragon let out a sigh. Kos didn't know how this was accomplished. "I understand that my warnings have fallen on deaf ears with you, dracon. It happens almost every time. Very well, mortals."

He looked at Lilith. "You, female, you may be spared if you keep true to your word. Be warned, though: if you help any of the others, you will be treated as an intruder and slaughtered as one." With that, the spirit faded away, turning more and more transparent until it finally disappeared. Kos took a few swings with his sword, slicing through the air where the ghost had once been. "It's gone. Either that, or it simply turned invisible and intangible. Be on the lookout. If we accomplish much here, it may come again."

[Siren]

Lilith cringed as the specter began to utter words of deadly omens. However, she stood fast and tried to hide the feeling of dread that was jumping in her insides. As the dragon vanished, Lilith shook her head as she tried to forget the words that the dragon had spoken. Suddenly, Lord Kosjurec swung his blade; slicing the air that was the location of the spectral guardian.

"Lord Kosjurec, I highly doubt that the guardian is still here... I think these restless dead value promises and oaths more than they value the treasure... I'm even willing to believe that the only reason why these undead still guard their treasures is because there is an oath or promise hidden among those valuables... The guardian said that his sole purpose is to warn intruders; I doubt he will contradict himself." Lilith smiled as she looked around, taking a glance at her allies; perhaps even prolonging that simple glance at Lord Delastruix. She then looked forward as she turned to Lord Kosjurec.

"My lord... Day is fading... It would be treacherous to traverse these desecrated lands without the sun on our side... I suggest we move now to maximize what daylight we have left. If it's okay with everyone, that is." Lilith suggested in a light tone as she bowed her head.

[Aristocles]

"Agreed. We've got to move on. This place will only become more dangerous at night, although I suspect that daylight does nothing to stop many of the more powerful undead" Kos replied, nodding. He put his sword back in its holster, but was ready to draw it again at any time. Soon, they were about a kilometer into the island when they came upon some tombs which had been hewn out of the nearby rocky hills. Each tomb was a square room behind a locked door, and there was an inscription in the middle of the four tombs.