Waking to the sound of thumping feet on the ground, Cole shot up, almost ripping his bedroll. He realized he was colder than expected, and rubbed his arms, shivering slightly. It had no effect, due to his leather armor covering his body. Thick leather chest, legs and arms. Black leather gloves and boots. Finally he looked around and found a spot covered by a good amount of shade. He stood up from his place of rest and after stepping into the shade of a great Oak, took off his hooded mask, revealing his pale skin and slightly reddish eyes. Cole, the Vampire, wiped off some moisture and morning dew admiring the craftsmanship and the ivory white skull attached to the front. Putting his mask back on and cinching it tight, he stepped away from the shade his gaze wandered around, taking in his surroundings. A large red figure caught his eye.

“Mornin’ shithead,” Cole called out. The one he was calling to was a friend of his, Tezzeret,or Tezz, a Brawler demon. Tezzeret was average size for his type, standing a little over 6 and a half feet tall. He had two thick horns that curved sharply out up then back in and slight forward. His skin was painted shades of red. The majority of what could be seen was a light rosy red, while some parts were striped like a tiger, a slightly darker hue. He wore a leather strap chest piece that cut from his left shoulder down to his right hip, and attached to his belt.He had large fabric pants and fingerless gloves on as well as boar hide boots. Attached by a little steel ring on his back, was his axe.”You get me some breakfast yet.” Cole smiled under his mask.

“Hey, fuck you.”Tezz retorted in his deep growl as a smile crawled across his face. Tezz stood from the fallen tree he was sitting on and poked the campfire a little with the branch in his hand before resting it against the stump. Looking at Cole again, he made a concerned face.

“There is a wolf spider on your head.” Tezz said with disgust. Cole, who is afraid of spiders, did a little wavy arm dance while beating his head, in an attempt to lose the spider.

Raucous laughter erupted from Tezzeret, pointing at his friend as he freaked out. “Works every time.”Tezz chuckled.”I told you what would happen if you did that to me again, didn’t I?” Cole asked, obviously very irritated by the prank.”Come and show me, batsy.” Tezz jeered, knowing the insult would rile Cole.

“Can you morons knock it the fuck off.” An annoyed woman’s voice called out from behind a bush. As she stood, Cole and Tezzeret could see Arrya the Light Elf. A beautiful elvish woman, with almost white skin, pointed ears, bluish gray eyes, bright blonde hair, donning purple robes, with a blue crescent moon pin in her hair. As she began trudging her way through the undergrowth, her robes caught on a twig, and ripped a small portion. She continued until standing a few feet away from Cole, then cast Mending followed by Prestidigitation to fix and clean her robes.

“There we go, all better. Now, if you two have stopped measuring dicks, let's go get some food.. Oh and where’s Ivo?” Noticing a neatly rolled up bedroll next to hers.

###

Ivo, barely an adult by elven standards, was a lanky, blond HighElf. His hair caressed his shoulders a little, and his thick rim glasses sat high on his nose. The beaded cord that hung around his neck had a symbol of Hyalfstan, a hand clutching a ball of flame. Ivo was curious about the forests that resided in The Ishigar Republic. Being from the neighboring country of Hyalfstan, Ivo had never really been in a forest before coming here. He wasn’t really much of an explorer to begin with, but he loved to learn new things, so always found ways to experience things for himself. Having never been past the city gates of the capital city, Den’vria, Ivo was excited to be a part of the Pilgrimage of Scholars. A grand occasion that happened only once every thousand years. Librarians, Wizards, Sorcerers, and Professors, would travel by the thousands, to the country of Lytalfstan, to take part in the Sun Shedding Festival. There the pilgrims would be invited to join in at the ritual and pray to the God of the Moon, Malan. Legend says that whoever among them is worthy, shall be made to be his Chosen. A great blessing, bestowing to the Chosen, a boon, of unknown power. Legend also says that Malan, God of the Moon and Magic, has not chosen anyone for 3 millenia, well after the last Chosen had died in battle.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Ivo continued to venture for a while, writing new notes about flora and fauna in his book while also rereading some old ones. He had been so intrigued by this area, and distracted by his surroundings, that he hadn’t noticed the Hyena stalking behind him. As he continued to walk, oblivious to the danger, he heard a familiar voice.

“Ivo..move!” That’s Arrya. Move? What? Ivo turned to see Arrya, Cole and Tezzeret running towards him. We heard a snap and a blur of brown fur before he could react.

“Reality Slash!” Arrya’s voice rang out, as an almost invisible curve of wind, resembling a scimitar, ripped through the bushes, and past Ivo, missing him only nearly. The crescent blade of distortion had sliced the hyena at the shoulder and decapitated it. Ivo’s heart sank.

I almost died just now. He thought to himself, before looking at his friends, who had gathered to check on him. Arrya’s hand on his shoulder brought him to his senses.``Thank you, for saving me, again.” Ivo said, holding back the lump in his throat. “It’s alright,but next time pay attention.” Arrya’s voice was sweet, and concerned. “Sorry, I will, thank you.” Ivo said on the cusp of tears.

“Well, now that he ‘s safe , can we go get something to eat? I'm starving.” Tezz grumbled as he began walking towards town. The rest followed, with no response besides their own stomachs growling.

After walking for a few more minutes the group came to a large opening in the forest, the tree line surrounding the town of Fort Ymin. Unlike any other town or city, Fort Ymin did not have gates in the traditional sense. The western gate had standard large wooden doors and walls, but the southern gate was unique. Instead of bricks or a gate, the south wall was actually a massive tree root that erupted from the base of a Great Oak. Great Oaks, fully grown, are known to be large enough to have small neighborhoods built onto the branches, even mansions built into their trunks. The root that made up the southern wall and entrance curved as to make an archway. The only thing defending the southern wall was a large pink jagged crystal. Resting on a small platform that sits in the middle of the road, directly under the root. It’s common knowledge that when the city is attacked the crystal forms into a Quartz Golem and attacks all who would harm the citizens of the city. It also acts as a detector. Scanning lifeforms that attempt to enter. If the creature is a monster or beast in hiding, it will alert the guards of the city.

“Alright everyone, let's get some brekky.”Tezzeret says, as they make their way towards the southern wall and the Crystal.As they approach, Ivo can sense the Crystal scanning them. Ivo, a Librarian wizard can do the same thing the Crystal is doing. He can scan people for information and their status. Off in his own thoughts it takes him a moment before he hears the alarm of the Crystal ringing, alerting the city guard that a monster has just attempted to enter the city.

The Crystal Golem unfolds itself and stands before the group, blocking the way into the city. As it readies itself into a defense position, it lets out a resonant shriek, causing Ivo’s glasses to crack slightly around the edges.