Origin of Bloodtides
Bloodtides wasn't always a safe haven for dark mages, instead long ago it had been part of the Isles of Neeven, and watched over by the Fae'lon. Having only recently survived years of war with the demons, Volemar a mage of incredible power sought to bring a lasting peace between all the realms of Coroleya.
Founding the Guardians of Neeven, Volemar hoped to combat the growing forces of darkness that began to show its subtle influences upon the world, recruiting powerful mages from all across Coroleya to become his followers. But it wasn't enough. The demonic influence upon the land grew much stronger with many unwitting races worshiping demons as gods.
Having lost many of his friends in the continued fighting, Volemar's frustration and hatred began to show, and soon he believed the only true way to defeat the demons was to use the demonic energies that existed all around them and turn them against the demons. A tactic deemed far too dangerous by the priests of the Lightbearer who terrified of the darkness they saw in Volemar exiled him to the island of Tides in the hopes that he would one day begin to see reason and return to the light.
But instead, away from the burning fires of the Lightbearer, Volemar's anger began to fester, and soon those that followed him to the island began to change as well, mimicking the darkness inside of him. Enthralled by the demonic energies and the immense possibilities it offered, Volemar summoned a great storm to push Tides away from the Isles of Neeven and blanketed the island in a thick fog in order to have no interference from the Guardians, who upon realising the danger he posed, attempted to thwart his plans. However with their ranks badly depleted with so many breaking off to join Volemar found themselves no match for the former Guardians and were soon driven off.
Safe inside the Islands enchantments, Volemar found a secluded spot to study the demonic energies, and came to the conclusion that the demonic energies was simply raw power in it's undiluted form, without any trace of evil within it. But as the years passed, he slowly began to change. For you see the magic he wielded while not inherently evil, did come with a price, his soul.
Without a soul to attach him to the land of the living Volemar became gravely ill, and would have died, if not for the pact he made with the demons offering them more souls in exchange for eternal life. Reborn as a Lich lord with no soul, Volemar started a fresh war of conquest to harvest the souls of millions that was only ended by the second appearance of the Lightbearer. Badly wounded Volemar from his battle with the Lightbearer, he fled back to the Island, where he has remained ever since, biding his time, and collecting like minded individuals. Thereafter the Island became known as the Island of Bloodtides for the many souls who lost their lives, and for those who were enslaved.
Shadow Faction
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Silent, the grey robed mage stands staring up into the pale red sky, her eyes closed shut, and mouth slightly parted open, robes becoming wisps of dark smoke that float in the breeze. Her every movement so light and feathery, like a leaf blowing in the wind, form almost shapeless beneath drab grey robes, face a shifting mass of grayness that gave no hint as to her race.
After staring up into sky for what seemed like an eternity, her hands begin to move, releasing trails of smoke, her fingers drawing in the red energy all around her, the air pulsing thick with magic, when all of sudden you were free of your body, and floating in the breeze. The air currents taking you up towards the grey robed mage who flies above you while down below, you glimpse your body lying limp upon the ground. The buildings, landscape, and beating heart of Bloodtides shrinking slowly into the distance as you slowly float upwards. The gentle breeze buffeting you from side to side.
High above the world, you cannot help but feel a sense of wonder at the size and scope of Diablos, the Heart's sphere of influence stretching for miles around with streams of magical energy seeping into both the land, sea and air like a cobweb of veins that twist and turn.
Passing through pale white clouds, the grey robed mage stands waiting for you above, her feet barely touching an outcropping of snow white fog, a Tower looming up through the clouds beyond. "This here is our Realm, a Realm that stands between that of the Celestial Lights above, and the Surface Realm below.
"To become one with the Shadows. You must make the perilous journey beyond and survive the horrors that await. Now go!"
With that last word, you're blown forward and sent careening into a thick mass of clouds, your body slamming hard against it's stiff surface to release a puff of white smoke.(-50 Health points.)
Shocked and hurt by the landing, you cautiously stand up on what is surprisingly firm land and take a few ginger steps to make sure you won't fall through to the other side before your eyes lock onto the Tower in the far off distance.
For miles and miles around, islands of clouds like the one you were on, drift through the endless blue seas, bumping against each other to merge briefly before breaking apart to go their own separate paths, a cold white fog bellowing around your feet and waist.
Sensing that you needed to reach the Tower which resided on another large island to the far north, you begin making your way there, your feet kicking up puffs of smoke as you walk across the chilly surface of the clouds.
Your breathing becoming much more relaxed as you become more comfortable with walking on top of nothing but smoke, when Daedalus calls out a warning to you that something was coming.
(Click here if you wish to run.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Reacting swiftly to the danger, you start running across the uneven terrain, when monstrously bloated grey birds sweep out of the clouds above, their talons raking into your shoulder and spine before circling back into the clouds. (-120 Health points.)
(Click here to face whatever it was.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Drawing in magical energy, you wait for whatever it was to show itself, when monstrously bloated grey birds sweep out of the clouds above, their talons raking hard into your shoulder and spine before circling back around. The talons of one of birds tearing free a chunk of skin as it flies back up into the clouds. (-180 Health points.)
Heart beating with dread at the speed of their attack you scan the clouds for signs of their return before deciding to keep moving forward, your legs kicking up puffs of smoke as you run through the cool white mist, an ominous screech echoing through the air behind you.
Stomach churning with fear, you run even faster, the wind whipping against your face, and cheeks, when you hear the screech repeated again, and again. The sound coming from more than one direction.
Lips dry with the realisation it was a hunting call, you focus the magical energy burning inside of you, and do all you can to outpace the creatures, the cries of the beasts growing louder and louder with hundreds more joining in from all directions, the steady beat of their wings drawing closer.(-3 Mana.)
Lungs aching, you near the end of the first island only to jerk to a abrupt halt at the edge. The distance to next island too great for you to jump, but it does appear as though it was slowly coming back towards you, so perhaps you need only wait.
(Click here to hold your ground and wait for the island to come closer.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Seeing no other option but to wait, you call forth your enchanted blade and wait for the sky creatures descend upon you, your breath misting in the cold air, when thousands of ash coloured birds plummet from the skies, diving down towards you with malice filled green eyes, hooked beaks, and talons gleaming in the golden sun. (-10 Mana.)
Hardly any time to cover yourself up in the cloak and cast Iron Skin, you are hit with a storm of missiles that hammer into you, one after the other, your legs and back receiving the worst of the punishment as the beasts batter you tirelessly.Your body awash in rivers of pain as each attack sends a sharp stab of agony through your open wounds.(-25 Mana, -200 Health points.)
Groaning with each blow, you wait for a brief lull in their attack, and let loose a flurry of fireballs to drive the ghastly creatures back, dozens of blackened bodies falling from the sky, the air filling with screeches of rage as the beasts come on even harder, causing your magical protection to abruptly fail.(-90 Mana.)
Blade leaping outwards, you catch the nearest overripe bird with a slice to the neck, and quickly fall back to re-cast your protection spells, but the clearly agitated birds refuse to give you any time, pressing in with claws and beaks. (-250 Health points.)
Out of breath and close to collapse, you throw all of your remaining energy into sending an endless stream of fireball barrages to hold them at bay. The skyline darkening with smoke, and ash as you give everything you have into an all out assault. The screeches, and cries of rage becoming almost deafening.(-270 Mana.)
The island within reach now, you consider whether or not to wait a little longer or attempt to make the leap to the other side.(Choice continues on below.)
(Continuation of above choice - Click here to wait.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Having been able to hold out this long, you decide to wait it out a bit longer, when a creature much larger than it's smaller cousins charges out of the sky towards you, grey scales flashing in the sunlight, hooked beak gleaming razor sharp as it descends rapidly down towards you.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Hurling more fireballs, you try to halt it's rapid descent but the creature simply ignores your attacks, it's talons smashing into your chest to send you flying over the edge.(-60 Mana, -200 Health points.)
Wind whipping by you, you take one last look up into the clear blue sky, and wonder if this was the end, when you crash land onto the next island, pain flaring up, and down your body in waves of agony, your entire body on fire but it seems your troubles are far from over as the huge grey scaled bird lumbers back into view diving down towards you again.(-100 Health points.)
Bones aching, ribs cracked, and back stinging with pain, you roll quickly back up to your feet, and summon your enchanted blade. Waiting till the absolute last second before splitting the creature's skull open as you spin to the side. The blade sheering through muscle and bone to reveal a dark grey puss ridden mass with rivers of black blood that burn on contact.(-10 Mana, -150 Health points.)
Numb with pain, you stumble back up onto your feet, clutch your broken ribs and begin wobbling away, hoping and praying the rest of the creatures would leave you be. The eerie screeches of the sky creatures slowly drifting off into the distance.
(Continuation of above choice - Click here to make the jump.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
No time to think, you send one last blast of magical energy at the strange flock of birds, take a few steps back, and take a running leap for the next island, your feet flailing about in the air as you crash land onto the ground, leg and shoulders taking the brunt of the fall as you roll across the hardened white surface, fog bellowing up around you. (-80 Health points.)
Back stinging with pain, you quickly jump back up to your feet, summon your enchanted blade to start running again, when a creature much larger than it's smaller cousins charges out of the sky towards, grey scales flashing in the sunlight, hooked beak gleaming razor sharp as it descends rapidly towards you. (-10 Mana.)
Too quick to launch a fireball barrage, you wait until the absolute last second, and split the creature's thick skull open with a deft blow to the head as you spin to the side. The blade sheering through muscle and bone to reveal a dark grey pus ridden mass with rivers of black blood burning your fingertips.(-60 Health points.)
With no way to know if more the birds would come after you, you hurriedly begin racing away, hoping and praying the rest of the creatures would leave you be. The eerie screeches of the sky creatures slowly drifting off into the distance.
(Click here to keep running, and find another island to jump onto.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Too risky to stop and wait for the island to come closer, you veer your course off towards the west where you see a small island floating into close contact with the one you were on.
Heart beating loud in your ears, you can hear the cries of the birds drawing closer, their shrieks becoming so loud you were certain they were almost upon you, when you leap down towards the next island, crash land onto it's glistening white surface, quickly roll back up onto your feet, and continue running. Legs aching with the added strain you push yourself north in the hopes of finding another way towards the tower before growling in agony as you feel something hot burn across your back.(-80 Health points Magical Damage.)
Head twisting around, you catch a glimpse of half a dozen lizard warriors in armor made of bones flying high above you on leathery green wings, fireballs soaring out of their fingertips.
Almost gaping in shock at their sudden appearance, you weave your way back and forth to avoid being hit by their fireballs, the heat of their flames washing across your back. However it's soon becomes clear to you that you cannot outrun them, a fireball passing bare inches from your arm. (-20 Magical Damage.)
Teeth gritted in pain, feet spinning in the fog, you swing around and let out a growl of unbridled rage as you launch wave after wave of fireballs back towards the line of lizard warriors. The blasts of magic taking several of the warriors from the sky, while the rest rapidly descend with spears ready to meet you in battle.(-120 Mana.)
Parrying a stab to the chest, you rush forward to meet the three remaining lizard warriors, their faces twisted up in fury over their dead kin. Skilled fighters for the most part, you shift your stances to avoid being hit with a string of attacks, and slowly batter each one of them into the ground, your cloak soaking up most of the damage as you cut them to pieces, one after the other. (-10 Mana, -250 Health points.)
The fight over, you catch a quick breather before continuing on towards the north, your thoughts circling over your most recent battle.
Having only ever encountered lizard people out in the swamps of Tarstone you couldn't help but wonder what had brought these creatures and why? But you supposed that would have to be a question for another time as you find another island to the north west, cross over and continue on towards the Tower.
With the suns peering their heads over the clouds to the west, a soft orange glow soon covers much of the horizon, giving the place an oddly beautiful golden sheen, the fog vanishing away to reveal a village hidden down a slope where a few feet away stands a bridge guarded by lizard warriors, and the tower not far behind it.
(Click here to attack the bridge guards and cross over.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Eager to be done with this place, you traverse down the slope towards the bridge carved of what looked to be white stone blocks, draw your blade and charge down to meet the spear wielding lizard warriors, their scaly green hides shining in the sun as they come at you from all sides.
Blade moving in practiced movements, you snuff out each of their lives with barely a few scratches in return. (-100 Health points.)
(Click here to check out the village before crossing.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Surprised to learn that a village existed up here of all places, you decide to investigate the place, and travel down towards small hamlet made of snow white buildings that glow in the golden sunlight.
Eerily quiet, you walk through the empty streets, and duck your head inside a few of the buildings to see if there were anything worth taking but most of the place appeared to be deserted, except for a few bronze trinkets that pocket away. (You've acquired five bronze trinkets, each worth 50 gold pieces.)
Done, you head out of the village, and head over towards the bridge, draw your blade and charge down to meet the spear wielding lizard warriors, their scaly green hides shining in the sun as they come at you from all sides.
Blade moving in practiced movements, you snuff out each of their lives with barely a few scratches in return. (-100 Health points.)
(Click here if you've battled Lizard warriors before.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Unlike their winged brethren from before these fighters seem to be of a much lower class of warrior with none of the fighting prowess you'd seen earlier.
With the way clear, you loot the corpses of the dead lizard warriors before walking across the bridge where you meet the grey robed mage waiting for you.
"I am Isildreen, welcome to the Tower of Shadows."
New Spell Gained:
Spirit Form - Able to disconnect your body from your soul, you're able to endure much greater damage against magical attacks (-50 from any Magical Damage. Can only be used three times during a Chapter.)
Exhausted from the fight, you're are transported to a chamber in the citadel to rest, and given free access to the Towers, except for those of opposing Factions. (+40 Health points. As a member of the Shadow Faction you're paid a fee of +2,000 gold pieces per week. You've also acquired the Robes of an Apprentice +2 Resilience.)
For those still wishing to learn more, the Shadow Faction offers daily lessons in the courtyard to help improve the Shadow Arts and gain access to new spells. They also have a quartermaster who is able to sell a few items that are only available here on Bloodtides.
(Due to the urgency of your quest you can only improve or acquire one additional spell. Once you're done exploring, scroll to the last option at the bottom of the page.)
As a newly Apprenticed Shadow, you can either improve the or gain access to a new spell which can only be used once per chapter.
(Click here if you're a Dark Mage.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
As a Dark Mage you now have access to one new spell in the School of Shadow which can be used once during each Chapter. Or if you so choose, you can improve one of the spells you already have access to by reducing the cost of the spell by 5.
Shadow's Illusion
Mana cost: 10
Use the shadows to blend in with the darkness and strike from nowhere. (Slay any opponent instantly, except for Boss Level Creatures such as Dragons, Giants, etc.)
(Click here if you're a not a Dark Mage.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
As a newly Apprenticed Shadow, you have been taught Shadow's Illusion.
Shadow's Illusion
Mana cost: 10
Use the shadows to blend in with the darkness and strike from nowhere. (Slay any opponent instantly, except for Boss Level Creatures such as Dragons, Giants, etc.)
(Click here to view the Inventory of the Quartermaster.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
New Items
Twin Daggers: -20 Damage each. ( Cost: 2,000 Gold Pieces.)
Weapon of choice for most Shadow Hunters.
Shadow Robes: Avoid all damage for one scenario during each chapter( Cost: 3,000 Gold Pieces.)
Blend in with the shadows.
Night Eyes: +5 Resilience for encounters in the dark. ( Cost: 250 Gold Pieces.)
Imbued with eyes that can see in the dark, you no longer need the light spell to see, thereby giving you a huge advantage against enemies you face in the dark.
Smoke Balls: -30 damage each. As it is a smoke ball you can purchase as many as you wish but can only use once per scenario.(Cost: 200 Gold Pieces.)
Not all Shadows have mastered the Shadow Arts so many rely upon smoke balls to distract theirs enemies.
Potions & Elixirs for Sale (You may only purchase 1 of each item)
(Better practiced at potion making, the dark mages have improved some of the potions benefits.)
Shield of the Ancestor's Potion: Reduce the amount of damage you receive by half.(Can only be used once)Cost 1,500 Gold Pieces
Blood Reckoning Potion: Imbues the user with greater resilience for a short period of time +10 Resilience. (Can only be used twice) Cost: 1,500 Gold
Life's Glory Potion: Brings you back up to full health. (Can only be used twice) Cost: 2,500 Gold Pieces
Tear's of the Gods Potion: Allows you to deflect all damage. (Can only be used once) Cost: 2,000 Gold Pieces
Health Poultices: Heals 50 Health Points. (Can only be used once) Cost: 200 Gold Pieces
Bandages: Heals 35 Health Points. (Can only be used once) Cost: 150 Gold Coins
Mana Potions: Adds +50 Mana. (Can only be used once) Cost: 200 Gold Pieces
(Click here to continue.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Returning to your chambers, you see a letter on your desk requesting you to meet with the Counsel of High Magelords.
Considering no guards had been sent to get you, you take it as a good sign that you've not been discovered, and follow the instructions in the letter which take you back through the city streets and towards the Heart of Bloodtides.
Walking towards the great pulsing orb, you are lifted high into the air before flying towards a bastion floating amongst the clouds. The place obscured by a white fog that you hadn't noticed it earlier.
Greeted by mages in black robes at the entrance to the sky bastion, you're taken in to face the Counsel of Magelords, when Daedalus whispers to you, "It's here!"