De Eredan.
Sommaire |
Chronology of the Eredan Universe
- Approximately –6500 : Solar and Guem deliver a terrible battle against eachother in the void of this dimension.
- Approximately -6000 : Solar imploses and becomes a sun. Guem becomes a planet. The Universe is created, life starts on Guem.
- - 6000 to -300 : A few civilizations appear and disappear, the creatures inhabiting Guem evolve.
- - 300 : Erosion on Guem . Giant Crystals appear.
- 0 : The Xzia Empire is created and the Imperial Calendar as well.
- 20 : War explodes between The Xzia Empire and Draconia. Draconia wins the battle.
- 29 : Magic effects appear, creating great catastrophies.
- 31 : Start of the war against The Void.
- 33 : The Void disintegrates the kingdom of Bramamir. The land in this part of the world are islands floating above a black vortex.
- 34 : Temporary Nation Coalition against this common enemy. Defeat of the allies. Prophet spreads the Dragon's words, these words are heard around the world, heroes will emerge.
- 35 : The Kotoba, the Noz' Dingard envoys and many other Hero guilds are created.
- 36 : Eredan, the Guem Guardian is found by several heroes of different nationalities. With the help of the Guardian, the heroes trap The Void and create a forbidden zone in the south of Draconia. Since then, no one has ever seen the Guardian again. End of the war against The Void. Guild Treaty is created , recognizing a status of independence to people forming a guild.
- 85 : Death of Gaumatta, King of Yses, start of the Grand Tournament (Start of the Eredan GT storyline)
- 105 :The stone fallen from the sky , Several guilds meet at the impact zone (start of the Eredan iTCG storyline).
History of the World
In the depths of time, the two gods: Guem and Solar confronted each other in the void of this dimension. Solar imploded to become a sun, Guem transformed itself into a planet. Life started on Guem, this is how the world started. Then came the erosion that shaped the mountains, valleys and plains and made huge crystals emerge from the ground that are said to be magic. One of these crystals, a huge blue gem, would eventually become the city of Noz'Dingard, the holy place where the dragon appeared to the Guemelites.
Later, while many civilizations appeared and disappeared , the Xzia Empire made it’s stand. The Empire was led by a cruel and greedy conqueror. With the ambition to expand his Empire, he engaged into a twenty-year war against the Draconians of Noz'Dingard. Draconia was aided by the power of the Dragon and eventually won the epic battle. It was some time after these events, in the year 29 of the Imperial calendar that many disasters occurred around the world, all nations were attacked by creatures from the depths of darkness and powerful waves of magic tore the land into pieces. This being called “The Void “attacked all the living creatures in Guem. Even allied with there former enemies, the armies could do nothing against this terrible enemy, the great armies of the world could not overcome The Void.
This is when a man called Prophet spoke the Dragon’s words: « There is no Evil without Good. Evil has risen, it is time to search for Good. » While these words went round the world, many heroes emerged, searching for someone who could fight The Void. Guilds from different Nations sprang when all these heroes regrouped, amongst them the Kotoba and the Noz'Dingard envoys.
In year 36, the most destructive war finally ended. The heroes eventually found the one true savior: Eredan, the Guardian of Guem. All together, they managed to shut The Void in an area south-east of Draconia.The Guardian vanished after this final act. The guilds, which had acquired the right to independence, gained influence and became the main political actors in all the world of Guem.
Many years later, during the Grand Tournament to choose a successor to King of Yses, a large stone fell from the sky in an area disputed by the Xzia Empire and Draconia. To retrieve the magic stone, they will compete on the very spot where the blood of many heroes had already been spilt. The Xzia Empire sent their most ruthless Kotoba warriors and the Draconians Sent their famous Noz'dingard envoys. This is when a strange unknown guild by the name of Zil made their appearance. What nobody knew, is that the mysterious person hiding behind this guild was none other than ...
THE EREDAN SAGA
FALLEN FROM THE SKY
Journey
The Kotoba had been traveling for a few days now. They had left Okia, the furthest village from the Imperial capital but also the closest to the Tomb of the Elders.
The place where the stone had crashed was not too far away now, a two day walk at the most.
They had crossed the great gates of Ji built by their ancestors to lead the dead to the world of eternal rest.
In this they had broken the treaty between the Empire and Draconia.
But it mattered little, times had changed and their victory on the foreigners had made them confident. Or so they thought ...
The roads through these long forgotten lands were more than vague paths and a great sense of sorrow and melancholy could be “felt” in the air, it was a feeling that very few words could describe. Amaya was ahead of the group, scouting the area for any potential clues when suddenly she noticed footprints.
Amaya: Hold! Look over there! The young lady pointed towards large smoke not too far in the distance. Shyly, Aku walked slowly towards the Imperial Lord.
Aku: I think I know who it is...We have nothing to fear.
Soon after, the Kotoba arrived at the site well armed and ready for any ambush, however two mysterious individuals were waiting for them. One dressed in costume and face makeup and a huge muscular well yes... fat monster..
Young Iro: Kyoshiro! Okooni!
Gakyusha: Ha! Well well well, I suppose the Kotoba is now complete or nearly... It’s a good thing you are here my friends.
Kyoshiro, the smallest of the two walked towards the group and saluted his leader.
Kyoshiro: My Lord, we saw the meteorite crash not too far from here and I just knew you would come all the way here.
Sen’ Ryaku suddenly grabbed Kyoshiro by the throat
Sen'Ryaku: A bonefire, wow...that’s really subtle guys.. I mean really, Why not invite the dragons for dinner while you are at it!
Kyoshiro stared at Sen’Ryaku straight in the eyes for a few seconds and sighed.
Kyoshiro: They know we are coming. Don’t underestimate them.
Camp
The Noz’ Dingard had set camp at the bottom of the large stone fallen from the sky. Zahal, Eglantyne and Moira had left to explore the area to look out for their eternal enemy: The Kotoba. Meanwhile, the rest of the group discussed quietly. Prophet was sitting on what seemed to be a comfortable traveling chair patting his pet dragon: Kounok. A few steps away were Anryena and her grand son Aerouant. Aerouant was fascinated by anything that concerned his family and could not wait to hear his grandmother’s knowledge on the matter. Physically, Anryena looked like she could be Aerouant’s big sister. She had the beauty of a young woman and the knowledge of an elder.
Aerouant: You are Prophet’s mother aren’t you Anryena? So this means you are my Grandmother. But Prophet never told me who his father was.
Anryena: My child, your curiosity is natural. Tis perfectly normal to wonder about your family line. There are secrets that your father has kept from you... he should of told you a long time ago.
Anryena glanced at Prophet with resentment, Prophet stared back in a very cold silence.
Anryena: I am the daughter of the Dragon and Zaina, the first Witchblade. Aerouant felt like he was struck by lightning, it was now obvious, he was the Dragon’s grandson! Still sitting comfortably in his chair, Prophet listened to his mother in silence, eyes closed with a slight grin on his face.
Anryena: I had two children, your father was the first. The second...well, the most surprising thing in all this is that your uncle never was human...
Aerouant: Kounok !!
Anryena smiled in shock, she admired her grand son for his wit and enthusiasm. The small dragon stared Aerouant straight in eyes with respect.
Anryena: Concerning you, Dragon descendant, your mother is no other than the current Witchblade leader, the venerable Naya. But... Prophet and your mother have had their differences in the past and they haven’t spoken to each other in years. Only their respective duties require them to mingle.
Prophet: Mother, that’s enough ! This doesn’t concern him... at least not directly...
A little further on, Alishk seemed to be lost in extreme focus. Since their arrival here, he felt something strange with this stone fallen from the sky and tried to analyse his own magical senses to understand this immense magical gem. But he had struck some sort of energy field that was beyond his understanding. No one could touch the stone. It provided a soft yellow light that filled the exile of the Desert with protective energy.
Boy: erm...Alishk? Do you feel anything?
The small boy seemed shy and was wearing great big glasses.
Alishk: Strangely I don’t feel any negative energy yet I also suspect this to be a meer facade. You should maybe try yourself, Pilkim.
Pilkim: Yes, you're right ....
Storm
The wind was blowing through the branches of the Ancient trees in Murmur Forest.
Moira, Eglantyne and Zahal had gone around the edge of the woods exploring and scouting the area when suddenly the youngest Witchblade sensed something.
Moira: We have company. People are hiding not too far ahead.
Without a word, Zahal made a swift military gesture giving the sisters the head go to explore the area. The Witchblades were fast, in an instant they vanished into the dark woods. The Dragon Knight closed his eyes for a few seconds and dashed through the dark forest in an instant.
On the other side, The Imperial Lord had sent Tsuro, Amaya and Ryouken on a delicate mission to find some crucial information about the Noz’ Dingard envoys. The three Kotoba ventured towards the enemy’s camp. They saw the Dragon Knight and the two Witchblades heading towards the forest. This was the perfect opportunity to gather information on these strange individuals whose fame had reached the ears of the Emperor. The two trackers did not speak with their voices but through different gestures and signs, they could then communicate in silence and follow the envoys. Well hidden , they never did think for a second that they would be caught by beings from an inferior race. Amaya, still a novice in the Art of discretion was seen by the Noz’ dingard women..
Masters of invisibility. The Zil warriors had spied on the Kotoba for a long time. They had spotted their target.
However, Telendar never acted without making sure that he had all the right cards in hand.
Telendar: Soriek, Ergue, Bigrage, go to the forest and kill anyone you meet on your path. The young man then turned towards Marlok.
Telendar: You master elements, don’t you?
Marlok: That’s correct. But it’s been a while since..
Telendar: I don’t care. Do what I ask.
The mage obeyed his leader without resistance and placed himself on the edge of a cliff. Marlok started murmuring strange words that seemed to be incantations of some sort. In a matter of minutes the whole sky was filled with clouds, violent winds smashed the land and Mumur Forest. Marlok tried to focus the best he could but unfortunately lost control of it, this liberaed extremely violent forces. Lightning tore the sky apart and tornadoes could be seen all over the land. The mage was embarrassed by his mistake but Telendar seemed to love the fact that this so called mistake gave them a huge battlefield advantage. The young man smiled with delight and shouted from the very essence of his soul:
Telendar: Brothers, gather round, no retreat, no surrounder, that is Zil Lore, Show them hell!!!!
Confrontation
The storm was at its peak, Murmur Forest was now a battleground for the different guilds that traveled to see the stone fallen from the sky.
The Envoys confronted and observed the Xzia. Either party judged the strengths of the other. Up until a certain point, the Trackers had an advantage over their opponents.
Their discretion was unmatched, the two Witchblades and the Dragon Knight had a hard time keeping up with them .However, an unexpected event occurred disrupting their face to face...
Amaya the Tracker quickly but quietly grabbed her weapon. She was only a few steps away from Moira the Witchblade, there was no doubt in her mind that her trick would work . Amaya took a deep breath and pounced in the air to strike her opponent but whilst being in the air, she could feel some sort of wire tied to her ankle, before she knew what had happened, she was trapped in a tight net. Moira heard the sound, turned around and smiled like a hunter who had just captured his prey.
Moira: Well well well, It seems the mouse got caught! Amaya: Get me out of here you Witch! Moira: Wh.. haha I wasn’t responsible fo th...
The Witchblade stopped laughing immediately after foot steps were heard not too far away, she turned around and saw her sister running at full speed in front of her... Eglantyne: Get down!!
Eglantyne jumped right over her sister, weapon in hand.
Meanwhile, Tsuro observed the situation from a safe distance, he couldn’t leave his most promising student in the hands of these WItchblades. Taking advantage of the fighting situation, Tsuro climbed the tree where the net was tied too. Once Tsuro reached the top, he ended being face to face with a large strange green looking creature who stared right back at him with big evil eyes.
Creature: SSsssSss don’t touch silly fly or I will cut your tongue!
Tsuro jumped and kicked the creature in the face with all his strength , the creature fell but flipped back on his feet to the ground with ease and then vanished in the depths of the forest. The Tracker cut the wire holding his student and pounced back on the ground ending face to face with the creature once again, this creature was called Bigrage. Tsuro: I don’t know who you are, but you and I we already have a problem... Bigrage did not answer. She was indeed plotting to occupy him so that Ergue could hit Tsuro hard and fast. However, they underestimated Tsuro. At the same time, Amaya had just freed herself from the net and pounced on Ergue before he had time to strike. Seeing that his plan failed, Ergue threw his circular weapon towards Tsuro. Tsuro was suprised by the speed of it but managed to dodge it at the very last second.
Eglantyne et Moîra slowly stood back up in their traditional combat stance. This presence was close and they could feel it. Suddenly, a huge blue-skinned creature came out from the bush. The creature called Soriek rushed towards the two sisters. Eglantyne tried to hit him fast as she could but the creature warded off her blows.They were in trouble and they knew it, but just before Soriek could strike them both, Aez appeared from nowhere and paried Soriek’s attack with his sword in one hand, back turned. Aez was facing the two Witchblades and gave them a smile of confidence, Zoriek was then suddenly propulsed miles away from the conflict spot.
Execution
While the first confrontations were happening near the border between the Tomb of the Elders, Draconia and the seven Kingdoms, Lady Jane was already at that time head of a special mission given to her by the Temple of Precades. The Temple was multi fonctional, it served as a convent, hostel and a hospital as well, the temple was constantly frequented by travelers or residents of the neighborhood , most came to seek medecine or simply stayed the night before heading back to their travels. Indeed, the nuns of Precades were recognized for their unwavering faith in their god: the goddess Mera. The young woman had grown up in this place, loved by her sisters. She followed her own destiny: to help one’s neighbor. She had found her place in this hostile world ...
Woman: Jane...
The young woman was praying in a small vaulted room where she liked to take refuge from time to time. The voice was that of a woman. The voice was gentle and warm but completely unreal. She froze as this presence was already very familiar, but Mera never intervened directly in the life of her servants. She did not move an inch in fear that her presence would go away.
Mera: Jane... I’ve been observing you with great interest
This revelation was like a gift from the heavens for the young woman, tears were dripping on her hot cheeks, red with huge emotion. She said nothing.
Mera: Jane... A task awaits you where the stone from the sky fell. Go and never forget that I will always be with you.
She thanked the sky for this gift. But Lady Jane did not expect this task to arrive so soon... This ethereal surreal scene quickly transitioned into a harsh and violent reality. Jane felt a cold metallic object against the back of her head.
Man: Time to die...
This distorted and horrific cold voice could only come from one person...The Mystic Slayer. The young woman went from one extreme emotion to the other, she went from ultimate happiness to ultimate fear, fear for the Mystic Slayer. Indeed, The Mystic Slayer had built a certain reputation for himself for many years now, his executions were always disturbing and very theatrical. He pressed on the trigger with determination but the outcome was slightly unexpected. A light magical barrier protected Jane and the bullet bounced right into the Mystic Slayer’s Shoulder.
The Mystic Slayer’s rules were simple, if an execution fails, it was time to retreat, no questions asked. In a split second, the Mystic Slayer pounced through the church window, this attracted a lot of attention for pedestrians of course. The situation was getting worst for the Mystic Slayer, the only people who saw him were either dead or simply on the verge of death.
Mera: Follow him, Jane !
Mera's voice echoed in Jane’s head. Not being very agile, she ran as she could to get out of the temple. Those present quickly realized what had happened because the girl still had a shining halo of divinity. They beckoned her and showed her the way that the assassin took. Jane was very confused and shocked. Lots of questions came to her mind, mingled with excitement and fear. The trail was easy to follow. The assassin had left many blood stains behind. The trail led her straight to the Tomb of the Elders. In the distance, the storm caused by Marlok poured its rage and, unfortunately for Lady Jane, the legendary assassin was heading straight in that direction. The injury to the latter seemed more serious than he thought. Mysric Slayer: I must find the other one, he will help me stop this bleeding and dissipate this cursed theurgy that is gnawing me. Half of his clothes were burnt and part of his helmet was broken, letting out a long black hair ...
Vengeance
Not much more was needed for the Noz’Dingard Envoys and the Kotoba to battle each other. The Storm had served as a pretext to accuse one another. The Draconian Camp was savagely destroyed by this ancient hatred. But more and more, as the battle went on, Prophet felt that this storm was not the work of the Xzia. The magic used resembled the one practised by some Noz’Dingard apprentices. He decided to end the storm so that the dragon magic would no longer be disrupted. The rain ceased, the wind ceased, and the uncontrollable magic vanished. It is in this precise moment that Aku was released from the seal that held his fabulous power. The thin sheet of paper blocking Aku’s magic was torn and burned in an instant. Aku landed on the ground and immediately summoned Akujin who mewed with pleasure in seeing him again. And for good reason, the Weakness Seeker had had a grip on Aku since the first day their paths had crossed.
Aku: We are free at last my friend.
Man:Are you certain of that?
Aku instantly recognized the voice of his old master. Toran was standing before him, his eyes full of revenge. This was a timeless moment where teacher and apprentice were sizing up, then opened the hostilities.
Akujin started the fight with extreme violence and forced Aku to merge with him to become Akutsaï. Toran was waiting for this moment for years. He would finally avenge his family, killed by Akujin’s arrogance and ignorance. The old man’s tattoos then began to move out of his body in a spectral appearance. Both Tsoutaïs threw themselves against each other, exchanging extremely violent blows, the area resonated by the sound of the violent strikes. But Akutsai could not take over his old master. The fact that Toran had two Weakness Seekers made him an equal opponent. Akutsai hid in the ruins of the Tomb of the Elders, this was an ancient fallen city of the Empire, ravaged by Wars of the Old times. Toran had planned it all, His plan was perfect and his revenge unstoppable.
He had pushed his old student to follow him exactly to this place. He had prepared a unique Tsoutai ritual that once served to defeat the beast. Everything was going as planned. He had trained for this moment for months. The two rivals could be seen in the old town center face to face. Night was falling and hours seemed like minutes. Toran suddenly fell to his knees, his eyes staring the floor. Akutsai: Hahahaha ! So... The powerful Toran at my feet. How does it feel to feel so useless and weak? Do you wish to join your friends in the underworld? I will free you from your misery..
Toran moved his eyes and stared right into Akutsai’s eyes.
Toran: Free me? You are mistaken, it is Aku that I will free.
As night spread its cloak of darkness on the Tomb of the Elders, two Tsoutai spectral shapes appeared in front of Akustai, pale as ghosts.
Toran: Recognize them ? They have come for you Akujin, they have come to fulfill my dearest wish. In your fury and your influence over Aku, you have forgotten to call upon his knowledge. See for yourself my ...friend.
Toran pointed towards the ground. Akutsaï looked with discontent and suddenly recognized those he had killed years ago. The ground started to shake and strange complex shapes gradually appeared. All happened very fast, the two Weakness Seekers caught the monster from each arm. Toran started the ritual, he whispered strange words whilst closing his eyes . The magic stunned Akustai who started to feel great pain all through his body. The two Weakness Seekers pulled the arms very violently, as if they wanted to tear them like a piece of paper. The pain was too unbearable. Akutsai now knew what was happening to him. After a few minutes, the two entities separated again. Aku fell on the ground, knocked out. Whereas Akujin struggled to free himself from Toran.
Toran: Akujin, I banish you from this land. I cannot kill you but I will trap you forever. I am breaking the influence you have over Aku.
The old man unrolled a scroll on which thousands of symbols had been drawn. The latter began to emit a red glow. Akujin screamed as he disappeared, sucked into the scroll. All became very quiet and Akujin’s screams were just meer echoes that could be heard accross the land. Toran bowed to the spirits who had arranged a magic barrier during the ritual.
Toran: Thank you, you can finally rest in peace, you are now avenged.
The Monster
The fights were devastating Murmur Forest. Ergue and his comrads in arms were struggling against Tsuro, Amaya, Eglantyne and Moira. The wind was breaking branches and the leafs reduced visibilty for all the warriors present.
Cornered, The Zil warriors no longer relied on the element of surprise but on their greatest asset: Ergue. Ergue grabbed a purse of leather and untied the old rope holding it together . Pure white powder evaporated into the air forming into mist and began spreading the whole area. The wind stopped and the sun broke through the treetops. Soon, the fog rose, hampering visibility for the Trackers and the Witchblades... Meanwhile, Ergue had begun a exotic ritual. He was one of the rare people who knew a unique secret kept by old inhabitants of a remote island. Drum sounds were heard, they were slow at first but then became faster and faster. Moira and Eglantyne felt that something unusual was happening. A strange magic was at work here and it did not please them one bit. As soon as the myst appeared, the two trackers engaged in a Martial stance, making signs and speaking in their native tongue. Obviously, they suspected a dirty trick from their enemy. And they were right. Ergue, safe from enemy eyes, performed a very peculiar dance. Soriek and Bigrage did not move a muscle whilst the hunter ran around them as if he was in a trance speaking strange primitive dialect. Suddenly, the fog vanished. The three individuals were no more, instead, we could see a perfect hybrid, a huge terrifying green skinned giant with sharp claws.
Monster: It’s Showtime!
The terrifying voice was a perfect mix of Ergue, Bigrage and Soriek. The beast pounced and ripped a few trees off the forest as if they were simple dead branches. A real sense of worry took over the monster’s opponents. Tsuro: Amaya, Kaidan! Prepare yourselves, don’t underestimate him...
The young woman looked at her master with surprise, she knew that her master never spoke randomly and that this situation had gotten a lot more dangerous. Amaya did not hesitate one second. A scary colored mask suddenly appeared in her hand. She instinctively put the mask on before vanishing in the blink of an eye. The Witchblades also reacted quickly. Moira stepped in front of her sister and started spellcasting her weapon. Her sister followed by praying.
Eglantyne: O Dragon, please give us the power to defeat our foe. Please let my sister’s soul and I be in harmony.
Suddenly, the creature appeared right in front of them.
Monster: HAHAHAHA ! You should of ran when you had the chance! You are done for!
Tsuro: That’s what you think!
Just like his apprentice, a mask suddenly appeared in his hand.
In a quick move, Tsuro put the mask on and threw himself towards the monster.
The battle began, but this time the intensity was quite different!
The true battle had begun and lives were now at stake.
The offensive of the Abomination was formidable. The beatings by Tsuro and Moira just seemed like meer mosquito bites.
Very quickly, the monster took over. Moira was breathless and had very little energy left. Tsuro deployed his true Tracker Art, but alas his specialty wasn’t aimed against monsters.
A few minutes later our heroes were on the verge of collapse. Wounded and tired, morale sank.
Moira: Eglantyne ... Can you do this???!! We are done for if you can’t!
Moira felt a familiar energy, the Dragon. Her wounds were closed again. Her will and courage to overcome this abomination were revived. Eglantyne stood beside her sister determined as ever, blue smoke in the form of the dragon suddenly surrounded the two Witchblades. Their swords flashed a blue light and were suddenly as light as a feather. The ladies threw themselves on the monster who screamed at each brutal slash.
Meanwhile, Amaya also had finished her preparation. She had engraved tracker symbols around all nearby trees. Her master noticed this and immediately put himself in the appropriate Attack stance. An ideogram in a circle appeared on the floor below him. The symbol flickered a few seconds and disappeared suddenly. In a flash, the old man struck the abomination with incredible speed and strength. Each blow made the creature fly. Eglantyne pounced and grabbed the monster by the foot and violently smashed the creature to the gound , the Tracker barely had time to dodge the slam. In a fury, Moira plunged the blade of her sword into the monster’s back, Abomination screamed in pain. Tsuro took advantage of the situation and used a particular technique inherited from the great masters of his family. He touched many neuralgic points hoping that this creature was constituted like a real human. And, miraculously, it worked. The abomination fell down on the ground, a white mist escaped from its body, soon after, we could see the three Zil on the ground... unconscious.
The Guilds
The Guem World
Draconia (Coming soon...)
The White Isles (Coming soon...)
The Borders (Coming soon...)
