Being higher wasn’t always for the best, though. The weight of his responsibilities laid heavy upon him. He didn’t want to play the role he’d been called upon to fulfill, but it was his part in the play. The visions he experienced left little room for anything else.
The Emperor sighed. Sheraleigh had been a disappointment on every side. He’d hoped she would become like Nico, but there was something he was missing. The bonded blue dragon was far more powerful than even he had anticipated, yet there was something unique about him which had made that possible. Unfortunately, his sister displayed no interest in learning anything new.
Perhaps he should reach out to the Clan. They might have better luck with Sheraleigh. He could only keep pampering the dragon for so long. She was going to eat through his treasury at this rate. Normally, the system provided for dragons in the wild, or at least that was what his research indicated.
There was just so much to do. Ferdinand knew he was going to have to go dungeon diving again, and soon, if he wanted to keep up with paying for Sheraleigh. And that hardly counted what it was costing him to free the other dragons. Many nobles had investments in those dragons, and they weren’t letting them go easily.
At least Nico had revealed himself. Things were going to get rocky as the expectations of both nobles and citizens shifted, but Ferdinand hoped that, in the end, it would be for the best. Only time would tell. What he knew with certainty, though, was that the attacks in the west were only the beginning.
____________________________
Arjes Sillun, the former emperor, vented and screamed. That blasted dragon had ruined his plans—again. It was unbecoming of an emperor and lich to behave like this, but the only others in the room were mindless undead who served his will. He knew his time was running out. He had made a deal with powers from beyond this world, but his part in that deal was coming due.
It wasn’t that he cared about honoring his word. Rulers made the rules; they didn’t follow them. That might have been the only wise thing his father had ever said, but it had stuck with him for all of his very long life. The problem was that he wasn’t ready to deal with the fallout.
He, as his father and his father’s father before him, had sought a way to extend his life. Necromancy, among a wide assortment of options, had been tried. Arjes was the one who had succeeded where all his ancestors had failed. He had found a way to extend his life.
The problem was that it required a life force far beyond his own.
That was where the horrors came in. A hideous creature, one that even he had no name for, had come to him as an emissary. It had promised him that its masters could teach him a magic that would give him what he needed, a magic which only they had.
They had taught him so much about the soul, that he had ended up gaining the legendary class which had evaded him for so long. It wasn’t that being a level 20 Blighted Necromancer wasn’t powerful, but that it hadn’t given him the option he needed. What had opened the way, was when they had presented him the option to become a Soul Reaver.
It wasn’t just any souls that he needed, though. He needed souls which were infused with a type of power far beyond anything he’d discovered before—he needed the souls of dragons. With the dark magics he learned, Arjes mastered the ability to slowly drain the vitae, the life force or soul or whatever one wanted to call it, out of dragons.
It couldn’t be done quickly, though. Because if it was, then the soul would simply flee to wherever it was that dragon souls went after death. Arjes was confident that it wasn’t the afterlife provided by any of the gods of Ileria. No, as a necromancer, he knew more about those afterlives than even their own priests did.
Dragon’s souls went somewhere else that he wasn’t able to access.
The trick, he had found, was to siphon off a small amount of their vast souls over a very long period. Fighting even a mature adult dragon was risky, and anything beyond that required a great deal of preparation. So, Arjes came upon the idea of quantity over quality.
The best part was that the citizens of his empire praised him for what he accomplished. It wasn’t that he cared about their love or their fear, he only wanted to be free to perform his research. And with that, the dragon collars were born.
Arjes paid a veritable fortune to adventurers who were able to gather dragon eggs. Then he hatched those eggs and collared the resulting dragons. His first attempts failed, but with a stroke of genius he was able to recreate a form of the famous dragon bond which had won the last war against the horrors. Thanks to that bond, the dragons didn’t initially rebel.
It was a forced bond, but it still accomplished what he needed.
The problem was that with all the stolen life force, Arjes became lost in his magical experimentation and failed to realize that his empire was about to be taken from him. In that revolt, he had been pushed to death’s door. He’d barely escaped, by casting his soul into one of the objects he’d been experimenting on. He still shook his head, surprised that this had ended up being his phylactery.
It had taken him a hundred years to reconstitute his body the first time, but now he had mastered the art. During that time, though, a tremendous amount had changed in the world. The captive dragons had become something… less. His supply of soul energy had also dissipated.
Now, the horrors were coming, and calling his debts. He had promised them the continent of Taliea, but he hadn’t expected to be here when the bill came due. Now, he wasn’t strong enough to ascend, nor did he have the forces in place to conquer another continent to which he could flee. Arjes was bound to Ileria, and unless he could ascend to the phylactery, he couldn’t even hide in a pocket dimension.
All of his plans were unraveling before his eyes. Perhaps it would just be best to let the pesky dragon deal with the horrors. If the beast won, then he’d have time to find another way to gather the soul energy he needed to ascend. If it lost, maybe it would stall the horrors long enough that he could find another way out of his predicament.
Arjes could have screamed again at the thought. He was the one who held dark deals over others. He was not meant to be the one holding the short end of the stick.
Yes, the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea. Instead of trying to kill this Nicosandumas, he would help the dragon prepare for the horrors. Who knew, this might turn out even better than he had hoped.
Nicosandumas
Race: Blue Dragon
Maturity: Elder (10% to Ancient)
DKP: 729
Length: 90’1” Weight: 52,887 lbs.
Base Speed: 18 mph on land/198 mph in the air
1st Evolution: Mind
Aura of Perception
Enhanced Magic Sight
+1 Spell Slot per Tier
+1 to Maximum Spell Tier
-50% to Spell Elevation for Bonded Rider
+25% effect to spells when cast in human form
Astral Projection: 5
2nd Evolution Paths Available: Claw, Breath, Scale, Wing, Prismatic
Nascent link to oblivion***
Stats:
STR: 845
AGI: 276
DUR: 655
MIND: 427
Free: 50
HP: 6,505
Regen Rate: 655 HP/day (855 with Cami)
Immunities:
Electricity
Poison
Sleep
Paralysis
Resistances:
Magic- 55%
Physical Damage: 35%
Acid: 50%
Combat Proficiency:
Armor Rating: 52
ATK: 40
DMG: 5-50+50 (claws), 7-70+75 (bite), 5-40+50 (wings), 6-72+75 (tail)
Critical Strike: 33%
Racial Abilities:
Breath Weapons:
1: Spark storm 225’ x 30’ (30-240 damage)
2: Lightning Bolt 500’ x 8’ (50-500 damage)
- Forked Lighting 300’ x 4’ (40-360 damage)
4: Draconic Roar
5: Acid Breath 360’ x 7’ (40-320 damage)
6: Poison Breath- cloud 300’ x 300’ (15 dmg per second + toxicity)
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Sprint 2: Reach a maximum land speed of 180 mph for up to 30 seconds or maximum air speed up to 1050 mph for 1 minute.*
Sound Imitation/Ventriloquism*
Dragon Fear 7
Project Image (36% real)*
Shape Change 8*
Dragon Warrior Form*
Fabricate 1*
Soul Space 7*
Manipulate Sand 2*
Glass Manipulation 1*
Concentration 3*
Meditate 3*
Dracomorphic Breath
Darkness 1* (black hatchling)
Suggestion 1* (green hatchling)
Shocking Aura 5
Draconic Roar
Anti-Magic Pulse*
Astral Projection 5*
Soul Seer Talent 1*
* - These abilities can be used in either form
Companion Bond: Camille Westfork Level: 20
Bond Benefits:
Empathic Connection
Bond Telepathy (Range: 100 miles)
DKP bonus: +25% (minimum +1)
Gain 10% Age Rank Growth per level gained by companion Elevate Spell: Use 1 DKP to raise a spell’s effective Tier
Titles:
Morfi Apprentice- +5% Str in other forms, -50% transformation time
Making Do – double the area which can be affected by Fabricate if you are only making repairs.
Balance Warden- maintain the balance created by the Pact. A one time bonus of +50 stat points. Gain +10% respect with other dragons. Your Dragon Fear has a 10% greater chance of affecting other dragons. Gain +25 to your lowest stat, as dragons do not have weaknesses.
Mana: 4270 points
Regen: 42 MP/minute. (61 with Cami)
Innate Magic Spells:
1st Tier: 3/7
Force Darts
Identification
Tripping Vines
2nd Tier: 4/7
Lesser Regeneration - Miseria
Adoration of the Fearful
Burning Sphere
Resist Energy
3rd Tier: 5/7
Weave the Wind
Call the Charge
Life’s Blood – Miseria
Thunderclap
Fireball
4th Tier: 3/6
Airy Water- Temulara
Wizard’s Eye
Dimensional Ward
5th Tier: 2/5
Malcor’s Wings of Darkness
Cone of Absolute Zero
6th Tier: 3/5
Breakdown and Analyze
Earthen Construction
Sphere of Controlled Speed
7th Tier: 0/2
Mage Spells:
Tier 1- none
Pending Quests:
1) Free the Dragons: Shared with Cami Westfork. Cassandra Thomas, Modessa Lonerat, Lisella Forlay.
Primary objective: Dragons have been altered by bondage. Free as many of the domesticated dragons as possible.
Secondary objective: find a way to restore the freed dragons to their former glory.
Tertiary objective: (personal only) – meet a free dragon of each color and gain their perspective upon the place of dragons in the world. (2/5)
Rewards: Personalized based upon contribution.
2) Scale Nation - Possess a land where dragons can live without interference from the other races. Create a political structure for those dragons to live under. The form of that structure is up to you, but will determine the extent of your rewards.
Optional Modification: Join Me or Die - You have seen the fragmented nature of dragon society. Will you rise to become the first true Dragon Emperor since Tiamat?
Possible rewards:
- A magical item which is optimal for you of a rarity between Rare and Artifact.
- A unique spell customized for you of a tier between 4th and 9th.
Gold in a quantity between 100,000 and 1,000,000 coins.
Minions: 39/500
Named Minions:
Daggin - Blacksmith
Rubin - Enchanter
Cassandra - Alchemist
Sir Michael / Sir Thomas - Knights
William - Infantry and Archers’ Commander
Emilio - Head servant
Bob - Chief builder
Amos- Chief naval officer
Exalted Minions: 0/3
Hoard:
1,083,614 gold coins
2,632,885 silver coins
42,508 copper coins
Various gems worth 1,022,905 gold coins
Assorted magical items:
Amulet (Cami)
Ring (Cami)
Sword
Staff
Dagger
Assorted valuables worth 310,314 gold coins
HUMAN FORM
Nico
Apparent Race: Human
Height: 6’5” Weight: 229 lbs.
Apparent Age: 18
Class: Dragon Disciple/Living Storm
Level: 14th/10th XP: 31,150/25,000
Base Speed: 14 mph
Stats:
STR: 360 (238 from draconic form)
AGI: 269
DUR: 655
MIND: 422
HP: 6,505
Regen Rate: 650 HP/day (855 with Cami)
Armor Rating: 23
Immunities: Electricity, Sleep, Paralysis
Resistances: Magic- 40%, Physical Damage: 4% (bracer)
ATK: 27
DMG: 3-18+ 30 (punch), 4-24+44 (kick)
Critical Strike: 9%
Monk Fighting Style: Dragon
Monk Abilities:
Rapid Movement
Flurry Attack 1
Stunning Fist 1
Meditation 1
Stillness
Pure Mind-Pure Body
Make Me Whole
Evasion
My Body Poisons the World
Storm Abilities:
Eye of the Storm
Storm Rush
I Am the Storm
Gear:
Bracers of Natural Power (Armor +3, Dur: +5, +3 Unarmed dmg, +5 Agi, +25% of armor/senses, 3 stored attacks)
Choker of Freedom (Armor +5, Magic Resistance, Scrying Protection)
Belt of the Mountain (Str: +10, Dur: +40, Stone Skin 1/day, Weight of the Mountain 1/day)
______________
Name: Camille Westfork
Height: 5’5” Weight: 120 lbs.
Race: Human- draconic bloodline
Age: 16.8
Class: Dragon Knight / Elemental Valkyrie
Level: 10th / 10th
Crafting Class: Soul Forger
Level: 4th
DKP: 162
XP: 112,840 /25,000
Base Speed: 9 mph
Elemental Valkyrie Class Abilities:
Vigil for the Dying 2
Dragon Bond: Nicosandumas-Level: 20
Benefits:
Empathic Connection
Bonded Telepathy (Rang: 100 miles)
Bloodline: Claws and Wings
Spell Share
10% stats
Elevate Spell 2 - Your bonded companion may use DKP to increase the Tier of a spell you are casting.
Polymorph 3
Mentor: Modessa Lonerat
Stats:
STR: 182 (85 from Nico)
AGI: 185 (25 from Nico)
DUR: 205 (65 from Nico)
MIND: 195 (43 from Nico)
Unassigned: 0
HP: 2050
Regen Rate: 200 HP/day (855 with Nico)
Armor Rating: 27
Resistance: All Damage- 6
ATK: 28
DMG: 10-20 (non-lethal)
Critical Strike: 8%
Skills:
Tough Hide 2
Meditation 3
Concentration: 2
Rapid Cast 2
Empower Spell 1
Spell Swap
True Rider
Spear Mastery 4
Shield Mastery 4
Dagger Mastery 2
Dragon Jousting 2
Mana: 1950 (2200)
Mana Regeneration: 19 per minute (62 with Nico)
DK Spells:
Tier 1 (5/6)
Offensive: Force Darts
Offensive: Elemental Orb
Defensive: Shadow Cloak
Defensive: Tripping Vines
Utility: Identify
Tier 2 (6/6)
Offensive: Burning Sphere
Offensive: Venom of Silence
Defensive: Shadow Haze
Utility: Elemental Imbuement
Utility: See Flaw
Utility: Magic Disruption
Tier 3 (5/6)
Offensive: Call the Charge
Offensive: Thunderclap
Offensive: Fireball
Utility: Shadow Clone
Utility: Haste
Tier 4: (3/4)
Defensive: Elemental Armor
Utility: Summon Lesser Elemental
Utility: Shadow Step
Tier 5: (0/2)
Elemental Valkyrie Spells:
Tier 1 (1/6)
Death Watch (Nico)
Tier 2 (1/6)
War Horn
Tier 3 (1/6)
Shori’s Hand
Tier 4: (1/4)
Elemental Shield
Tier 5: (0/2)
Gear:
Masterwork Cold Steel Spear
Soul Spear
Buckler of the Bonded
Leather Armor
Amulet of the Bound Sun
Ring of Ethereal Bliss
Dragonscale Dress