Aaron Dennis's Blog - Posts Tagged "eternus"

The Dragons of Eternus

Last post I kind of rattled on a little bit before providing what Eternus is about. This time, just enjoy who the Dragons are, what they look like, and what those sneaky lizards are up to.

You'll see how these siblings bicker and argue, what type of geography I have in mind for each province, the tribal leaders they've chosen for their play things, and little quotes to define their outlook.

Earth-Tiamat
Neutral, in contestation with none
Tiamat, a green and brown dragon with four stout legs, immense bottom jaw, bony protuberances, and a maul-like tail, tells her tribe that the only way to restore peace to Tiamhaal is to protect their own territory. "Best to remain home, and keep your borders safe"
The mark of Tiamat is chocolate skin, dark eyes, black hair, and green brands with swirling patterns.
Tribal leader-Jagongo, an old woman who wields power over stone.
Realm- Thalatte
Nation- Malababwe
Geography- Zimbabwe

Wind-Mireu
In contestation with Ice, allied with Water
Mireu, a feathery dragon with iridescent blue and purple amidst silvery plumage also has a beak, and very long tail like a peacock, tells his tribe that Ice is but a concatenation of Wind, and Water. As such, Slibinas is a lie, and its people are in actuality pretenders. Though they wield ice-like magics, both Mireu, and Naga, argue that the tribe of Slibinas has found a way to steal the essence of himself, and Naga. "We must hold our sister, Naga, dear to our hearts. It is those who follow Slibinas, who have perverted our ways. Let us fell the subjugators"
The mark of Mireu is a thin body, pale skin, light hair, and silver eyes.
Tribal leader- Shinjuru, a scowling warrior often wearing gray cloth with hood. He wields the power of the Wind, and carries an elegant blade he calls Windslash.
Realm- Cintamani
Nation- Zetsuru
Geography- Japan countryside

Water-Naga
In contestation with Life and Ice, allied with Wind
Naga is a serpent-like Dragon with no appendages. Her blue scales reflect the placid waters of Tiamhaal. Her eyes reflect the raging oceans, which shatter the vessels of her enemies. Naga, allied with her brother Mireu, holds fast that Slibinas is in fact a false God created by the manipulators of Wind, and Water. She is also at war with Khmer, as she tells her people that Life originated in water, and that every creature upon Tiamhaal requires water. "Heed my words, for I am Naga. It is within my domain that life sprung forth. My brother carries that life onto land. All the others are simply vying for a fraction of our greatest power"
The mark of Naga is a thin body, and very feint facial features. Skin tone, and hair color may vary, but is generally lighter. They all have bright blue eyes.
Tribal leader- Takashi, an aging warrior in scaled armor, and long gray hair. He wields the power of water, and carries a long spear he calls Tsunami.
Realm- Patala
Nation- Jinshuke
Geography- Japan countryside but with much more water

Fire-Drac
In contestation with Sun and Light, allied with Truth
Drac is a fire-breathing Dragon with enormous, bat-like wings. His scales are orange, and sometimes burn with a roaring flame. His long tail ends in a sharp point, and his maw is reminiscent of a beak. Two horns curl slightly from the sides of his head. Allied with Kulshedra, God of Truth (actualy a Dragon), Drac claims that the Sun and Light cannot exist absent flame, and those who worship Bakunawa, or Gyo, are false bearers. Though those people obviously wield respective powers, Drac maintains they are weak perversions of fire. By allying with Kulshedra, Drac promotes himself as a protector. "Let them bear false. We will forge ourselves in the fire, and we will clean this world with the almighty flame"
The mark of Drac is a large body with hair. Most of the men are bearded, and though their skin is light, and freckly, they often wear little to cover themselves from the sun. Their hair ranges from brown to orange, and they have orange eyes. Some of the most decorated warriors are branded with heated irons.
Tribal leader- Donovan, a young man who recently slew the former leader, and his own father. He is the tallest of his tribe, and has a large jaw. His overall look implies a lack of intelligence, but it is far from truth. He wields a terrible flame, and prefers to fight with his hands. Rumor is, he delved into a bear den when he was twelve, and killed them all without a weapon. He still wears a bear pelt kilt, and the head of a bear as a hat.
Realm- Vulgate
Nation- Eltanrof
Geography- Ireland with volcanoes

Light-Bakunawa
In contestation with Fire and Sun, allied with Dark (falsely)
Like Drac, Bakunawa is a winged dragon, only his scales are bright white, and he shoots beams from his eyes, which are so illuminated, one has never seen if there are physical eyes. Though he claims alliance with Bolla, it is a false pact, designed to trick his most hated enemy, who is also his sister. For the most part, Bakunawa contends with Drac, and Gyo, claiming that they are weak physical representations of the guiding light. He does not claim they are false Gods, but holds fast that they are weaker, or lesser Gods, simple messengers. "Be not swayed by the warmth of Fire, or the brilliance of the Sun, for these are lowly forms of the truest Light. Avert your eyes from me, lest they be rent from your face. Our potency is absolute"
The mark of Bakunawa is a silvery glisten to the skin. The people range in all sizes, though very few are stout. They also have lighter hair, and eyes. Those with the greatest power have shining eyes.
Tribal leader- Hashnora, a blind, old man. His eyes are so bright he can no longer see beyond the light, yet he claims to foresee what is to pass. Often, he wears a cloth over his eyes. He is bald because he ritualistically shaves his head.
Realm- Bathala
Nation- Qing Sho
Geography- Tibet

Dark-Bolla
In contestation with Death, aware that Light is a false allied, allied with Truth
Twin sister of Bakunawa has never been seen. She is but a raspy voice in a sea of darkness. Some say her eyes are a glittering void. Though aware that her brother bears contempt, she pretends to love him. In truth, she is biding her time. Also, she wages war against Scultone, the God of Death (a Dragon), stating that death is but a portion of the Dark. Her alliance with Kulshedra is loosely based upon the fact that the greatest truths are ensconced in darkness. "We are all born from darkness, and in the end, we return to the darkness"
The mark of Bolla is ebony skin, dark as the moonless nights. The people’s eyes are also black with glittering speckles. Often, they dust themselves with a white powder, which when mixed with oil, forms a long-lasting paste.
Tribal leader-Yuroga, a deformed woman with one large shoulder, clubbed foot, and hair lip. She wields the Darkness in inconceivable ways, though mostly for stealth. She is a master of poisons. Some claim she clutches a rattan doll when she sleeps.
Realm- Lernean
Nation- Dosvetyulia
Geography- Tibetan based inside caves

Ice-Slibinas
In contestation with Wind and Water allied with Life
She is wingless, with blue scales, a spiny tail, and her head, neck, and shoulders are covered in a fine white fur. Slibinas can spew a frosty breath. Her alliance with Khmer is more a maneuver to keep her safe from the attacks of Mireu, and Naga. She is unconcerned with from where their powers hail, and only worried about securing her territories. "The frozen mountains are harsh, and only the more stalwart people can ever survive here. Let us rain blows from above, shattering the bones of the weak upon our frozen rocks"
The mark of Slibinas is a hearty people with large muscles, and thick blonde hair. Most have blue or blue-green eyes, and lighter skin. Their cold climate forces them to wear heavy furs.
Tribal leader- Vamvos the resolved is an ogre of a man marred by scars. His thick lustrous hair is in many braids, and though his visage is aged, his bright eyes are fierce, and focused. He wields the power of ice, and an axe he calls Safnugahrd. The blades and point look like a dragon with spread wings eating the shaft.
Realm- Barad
Nation- Wuulefroth
Geography- Iceland

Sun-Gyo
In contestation with Fire and Light allied with Life and Truth
A mighty beast of gold scales, Gyo lacks wings, and is serpentine in appearance, yet he has four legs with sharp claws. He was the first to convince a tribesman that worship was key to survival, and the Tribe of Sun were the first to be blessed by a God (Dragon). They hold that though all the tribes are worshipping the wrong deity, it’s those who follow Drac and Bakunawa, who deserve to be slaughtered. They are allied with Khmer and Kulshedra, because they believe that any God of Life and Truth must surely hold good will. "I am Gyo, the Sun, and though I burn brightly, I will bless you as the Sun. Here, you will flourish. Here, you will spill the blood of enemies"
The mark of Gyo is dark skin, black hair, and dark eyes. Many of the people are thin and tall. They wear loose garbs to keep their bodies cool.
Tribal leader- Munir, a tyrannical ruler with one eye. He wields the power of the Sun, and a curved blade he calls Ereshkigal.
Realm- Edin
Nation- Sudai
Geography- Sonora

Speech-Fafnir
Neutral, though bickers with many, some good will to Earth and Truth
An odd beast, Fafnir has a body similar to that of a lion though his wings, tail, and head are more akin to the other Dragons. His fur is lightly interspersed, but does cover his entire form. A brilliant intelligence burns behind his green eyes. With a modest effort to remain outside the waging wars, he often finds raids on his borders. Some say that if not for his alliance with Tiamat and Kulshedra, his tribe would have fallen years ago. In reality, he is responsible for a great deal of misinformation. Rumors state, he is related to Kulshedra. "Let us not war, yet let us not be passive. When they raise their hands, we will raise our voice. They will listen, and they will come to learn the error of their ways"
The mark of Fafnir is a prominent brow, a bronze toned skin, darker eyes, and thick hair. They are all extremely cunning, and some of the best inventors.
Tribal leader-Longinus, a younger man who recently succeeded his father, who was in failing health for many years. His words always inspire, and teach a lesson in life. Well rounded with many weapons, his favorite item is his father’s old shield.
Realm- Gram
Nation- Closicus
Geography- Rome

Life-Khmer
In contestation with Truth and Water, allied with Death
Khmer is a hermaphroditic creature, and is consistently pregnant. No one knows just what it is carrying inside its swollen tummy. This yellow dragon has wings, and a stubby tail, but is only ever seen lying on its side. Khmer has convinced its followers that Kulshedra is not telling the truth, because if it was so, then Kulshedra would admit that Khmer is the true giver of all life. After asking for support against Naga, Kulshedra shunned Khmer, and so it allied with Scultone, the absolute inevitability of Life. "I have given to Tiamhaal many brave warriors. Come, protect your mother, and learn from me, your father"
The mark of Khmer is having men and women look very closely to one another. Though mostly androgynous, if nude, their sex would be apparent. They are mostly thin people, and not very tall, or hairy.
Tribal leader-Sahni, no one knows if this is a man or a woman. A thin stripe of long hair is pulled back high on Sahni’s head. Though Sahni prefers to avoid combat, it is unsurpassed in the art of strategy. Sahni wields the powers of life, mostly for healing purposes, and a bow it calls Pranayama.
Realm- Neak
Nation- Nabalhi
Geography- India countryside

Death-Scultone
In contestation with Dark, allied with Life and Truth
Scultone’s scales often reflect the faces of tortured souls, the deceased. He is a large purple and black Dragon. Though lacking wings, he has four stout legs, a long neck, massive bottom jaw, and bony horns. Some say his breath releases a mist of plague. Others claim it is leprosy. Scultone maintains that Darkness is but a portion of Death, and that Death, being absolute, is one of the few Truths. As such, he is allied with Kulshedra, something his other ally, Khmer, is not happy about. Rumors state that Scultone and Khmer are only allied because they are related. "Fear not that, which must come to pass. They will die. You will die. I will die…it is the one Truth"
The mark of Scultone is very dark gray skin. Some of the tribesmen have bluish brands on their bodies. Often their hair is shades of gray. Their eyes are purple.
Tribal leader-Sirokai is a large man with a perpetual scowl. He is one of few tribesmen with short hair. He wields the power of death, and a large hammer he calls Skullcrusher.
Realm- Ouranos
Nation- Balroan
Geography- Rome but much more ominous, bony Rome

Truth-Kulshedra
In contestation with Life, allied with Death and Fire
Kulshedra is but a form in the mist. When it moves, subtle curves imply it as a Dragon. Red eyes glimmer behind the fog. Kulshedra states that Truth has varying degrees, something defined only by one’s perception, and totality of life experience. Yet among these varying Truths, are some absolute truths. Kulshedra has formed an alliance with Scultone simply to wipe out Khmer, and though Scultone and Khmer are allied, the added bonus of an alliance with Drac will help to cloud the Truths among all tribesmen. "What is Truth? Do the hogs have Truth? Can they trick one another? You can, and so must sort the plethora of Truths, from the absolute. Meditate upon this"
The mark of Kulshedra is a bronze toned skin, light eyes, though mostly green, subtle features, and lean bodies.
Tribal leader-Gilgamesh is reputed to be the greatest fighter ever. He is large and fast. Well versed in many weapons, and armors he is a one-man army. Mostly, he sits in meditation. His hair is long and dark. He has a thick mustache down to the sides of his chin. He wields incomprehensible powers, and a strange suit of armor he calls Enkidu.
Realm- Drangue
Capital- Satrone
Geography- Mesopotamia

The All God-Zmaj
In contestation with everyone
Zmaj is a strange being. He is a writhing mass of many serpentine Dragons. They speak as one, but they don’t always think as one. Most of them are variations of blue, purple, and black with a sheen to the scales. Zmaj has no arms, legs, or wings. He bickers with everyone, claiming that he is the God of everything, and that the rest are only his children, who no longer want to listen. He only doesn’t kill them himself out of love. "I beg of you, force them in line. They will tear this world apart. Naga has lied today, and Kulshedra yesterday. Deal with them first. No, wait, where is Drac…he is an instigator…"
The mark of Zmaj is a swirling skin. Though mostly dark brown, there are always swirling patterns of purple, blue, black, or gray. None of them have hair save eyebrows, and lashes.
Leader-Zoltek an individual clad in a purple and gold robe. He has a hood pulled low over the face. No one knows what he looks like, and his powers are incomprehensible. He often carries a staff forged of steel. The tip can light up with different colors.
Realm- Pozoj
Capital- Usaj
Geography- Mesopotamia only grayer

So there you have it. This is really just notes I keep so that during the plot I don't make mistakes with who is at war with who. For now I will say that the plot involves an outsider, one blessed by no Dragon and he has no memory of who he is or what he is doing, but because he is a fantastic warrior, he is hired out by Zoltek to take the border from Gilgamesh. Things do not go as planned when the protagonist, called Scar for the first few chapters, is purposefully set up to fail.

Later on I'll provide some plot details and information on the real Gods and their strange duality as well as their paladins, or messengers.

It's coming along very slowly, mostly because of the little time I have to invest, but I think I really have something here.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more.

Bt dubbz, just about ready to release my short story compilation. XD
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Published on June 04, 2014 20:14 Tags: dragon, eternus, story, war

Eternus end of chapter 1

This time we're going to go ahead and provide the rest of chapter 1 of Eternus: The Dragon of Time.

If you haven't had a chance to keep up all you need to know is that Scar, the amnesiac mercenary has been hired by Zoltek, tribal leader of Zmaj, to lead an ambush on Kulshedran forces...or you could read the previous few posts ;)

Nightfall came. The men gathered behind small hills. To the north-only hundreds of yards away-the first outpost stood prominently. Wavering orange light cast by torches within fluttered throughout the windows.
It was a clear night, and no moon shone. Scar set his jaw. With a nod, he dashed over small rocks. The dry soil of the southern territories kicked up in his wake. Thirty men followed close behind. Booted feet resounded like a small stampede. Scar made for a hill less than one hundred yards from their destination. Hunkered down against the mound, the men took a breath.
“What do you see?” Scar asked.
One warrior produced a telescope. Looking through glass for a moment, he was silent. Then he turned to the mercenary.
“The three lookouts on the roof have not seen us, and I did not see anyone looking to the south through their windows,” the soldier answered.
“Excellent,” Scar breathed.
He stood, and towering over the soldiers he then slowly climbed the hill. At the top, amidst stunted shrubberies, he laid on his stomach. A beaten path through the thin chaparral rounded the tower. Two more paths curved to the east and the west. It was evident that supply wagons came about on a regular basis. Scar maintained his observation. No wagon was in sight, and it was too dark to see any other tower. The silence was his only concern. They may yet hear our approach, he thought.
He climbed back down, and addressed his group, saying, “Men, we must move slowly, lest our heavy feet draw unwanted attention.”
They nodded in understanding. Scar rounded the hill, and skulked to the outpost. His eyes were wide, ready for any movement. The soldiers behind him grit their teeth while doing their best to remain quiet. Before long, they reached the beaten path. With backs pressed to the brown stone of the tower, they waited for Scar to mount the attack.
He approached the massive entryway at the base, and peeked inside. The structure of the tower, as was similar with those in Zmaj’s territory, was a four-entry crossway at the base with a staircase leading to the top. The size of the entrances also allowed the supply wagon to pull into the tower proper. From his position, Scar saw two men with bronzed skin clad in brown, leather armor.
The guards sat at a table chatting about the recent drought. They had no clue a platoon had arrived with slaughter on the mind. Scar turned back to his men and pointed to round the other side. He counted ten seconds after they moved. Then he rushed inside, great sword at the ready.
The Kulshedrans had not even the time to comprehend the situation. Scar slashed his blade, and one’s head fell from his body. The other just came to his feet, but Scar had kept the momentum of his swing going by carrying the sword overhead. With a vertical slash, he killed the second man. In less than five seconds, the base of the outpost was secured.
Scar held his left fist up. In silence, the men waited a moment. A lantern sat atop the wooden table. Plates with dried fruit were neatly arranged. When no clamor from above resounded, Scar took the lead again. He rushed up the steps with his men taking the rear. Aware of the plan of attack, four remained at the base in the event of Kulshedran support from whatever sights unseen.
Twenty steps up was another large room, similar in design as the base only with windows in place of doorways. Coming off the steps, the Zmajans fanned out, and slew three Kulshedrans. Drunk from too much wine, the enemy gave no resistance.
Once more, Scar waited. There was no sound indicating their presence was known, and he proceeded up more steps, only with four less men to remain on the second the floor. Twenty more steps up, he spilled into the third room; it was lined with rows of beds.
Caught unawares, a Kulshedran guard gasped and made to grab his spear. A Zmajan warrior chucked his javelin. It struck the guard high in the back, and he crashed to the floor with a great deal of noise. Roused by the attack, the slow waking guards tried to resist, but Scar and the soldiers made easy of work the enemy.
“I’ll take the roof,” Scar whispered.
He walked slowly. Time was of little matter to him. The tower had been secured, and even if the Kulshedrans rang their gong, the aide was too far to provide help. Coming close to the last steps, his bald, white head poked through the floor.
“Hey?” a Kulshedran asked in shock.
One made for the gong, while the other swung an axe at Scar. He parried by simply pointing his blade forward. Following up with a lunge to the top step, he stabbed the guard in the midsection, leapt up to the floor, and spun with a slash across the back of the man about to ring the gong. In doing so, Scar left his flank open.
The remaining Kulshedran slashed at exposed skin. With a groan, Scar twisted his sword hand. The action brought his pommel against the guard’s head. Staggered from the blow, he was susceptible to a kick in the gut. Scar’s immense foot sent the man into the tower’s guardrail, and over it. The enemy plummeted close to a hundred feet, where he died upon impact.
The four Zmajans at the base saw the guard hit the ground. A large puff of dust came up, but was quickly carried away by the subtle winds.
“Guess he’s done it,” one soldier chuckled.
On the roof, beneath a thin but whipping cloth for day time shade, Scar took the rotating ballista. A bolt was already loaded. By pushing against a horizontal beam built into the framework, he pointed the giant weapon to the south, where the remaining Zmajans along with General Dumar waited for the signal that the supply wagon was on its way. Then, Scar went down a floor.
“Someone, gather oil and cloths,” he ordered.
While they did so, he went back to the roof and took a seat in a wicker chair. Frowning, he checked his flank. The blood was already dried, and the wound no longer ached. He scratched it. Dry blood crumbled away revealing a new scar. Why does it heal so quickly? A moment later, a young woman handed him the supplies.
“Gratitude,” he said.
She bowed her smooth head in welcoming, but did not leave. He looked at her. The black leather was laced about her firm body in aesthetically pleasing ways. Her bosom was small, but her shapely bottom caught Scar’s eye. He smiled. Zmajans were nearly as hairless as he, but the chocolate hue of their skins was breath taking.
“Will there be anything else?” the young woman asked.
“What is your name?”
“Kaviri,” she answered.
Her eyes were very dark green, and the swirling patterns of gray and purple graced her skin like veins on a leaf.
“Have a drink with me,” Scar suggested.
There were clay jugs of wine sitting on the long table by the guardrail. The fine clay craftsmanship-a product of Kulshedran creativity-was sublime. The jugs were triangular in design, but tall and elegant. Kaviri took one, and sat in Scar’s lap. After a few sips, they munched on the dried fruits and nuts.
“How long before the wagon comes?” Kaviri asked.
“We probably won’t see it until tomorrow.”
“Then we have plenty of time to rest before the next fight?” she asked.
“I believe so.”
They looked at each other. He was practically forbidden fruit to her. Romping with those under the blessing of different Gods was not usually frowned upon, unless they were enemies, but Scar was a very strange individual. His appearance was confusing to all who saw him. He did not look as though blessed by any God, and so some wondered if perhaps that was exactly the case. A man rejected by all the Gods was something to fear, but Kaviri was not easily frightened.
She stood, and took a couple paces over to the table. Scar looked the area over. The relief of a successful mission objective put him in the mood for fun.
“Maybe I should rid us of these corpses,” he chuckled.
Kaviri gave a nod of mock resignation. They smiled then hurled the dead over the tower. The impact startled the Zmajans at the base, but they quickly resumed their own devices.
“Now, you wanted to know if I needed anything else?” Scar asked.
“Mmm, what does one such as you want?” she asked with graceful movements of her butt and belly.
“That and more.”
After a moment of dancing, she climbed his form. They gave into each other while cool winds caressed their skin.

There you have it...

Certainly there was quite a bit of action in this first chapter, and there's still more in the next few chapters...these tribes are all at war, but the following few chapters, I think from 4 on, the action dies down to nill and a great deal of story line progresses quite well.

As always, thanks for reading and all feedback and comments are welcome.
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Published on August 08, 2014 09:00 Tags: dragon, eternus, mercenary, scar