-last edited on Mar 22, 2017 21:45:04 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Mar 22, 2017 21:44:36 GMT
Chapter 11
Skrag couldn’t keep this up for much longer. Quickly, he glanced around at his surroundings. A tiny smile appearing on his face, he realized he knew exactly where he was. Just a couple of days before, he had been hunting here. In fact, it was among his favorite hunting places, and, as such, he knew just about every inch of it. Skrag probably knew it better than anyone else in the clan- or so he hoped. If he did not, he might not survive the day. Quickly, he slung his bag, bow, and quiver off of his back, thankful that he had decided to take them with on his walk. Holding them in one hand, he scrambled into his favorite hiding place- a cranny with a rock wall surrounding most of it, a fallen log obstructing one side, and a large shrub obscuring his entrance. Closing his eyes and holding his breath as he listened to the beating footsteps thunder past, he hoped he wouldn’t be found.
It was many hours later that Skrag emerged from his hiding spot, hungry and achy, but unharmed. He scanned the path to check that no one was around any longer, listening for any sound that would indicate his pursuers were in the area. Satisfied that it was now safe to come out, he walked off the path and into the deep forest that coated the mountains, heading the opposite direction of the tribe. He would find shelter when night came, and hunt in the morning, always moving, and occasionally looking for signs of civilization in the wilderness. That was how he would live from now on- a roaming hunter without any companions but the animals he saw. Maybe, someday, he would find a home again, but ,if that day ever came, he knew it would be a long time from now.
-last edited on Mar 23, 2017 20:24:45 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Mar 23, 2017 20:24:25 GMT
Goblins (Author's Note)
Goblins are a humanoid race of beings. Their skin is generally some sort of shade of green, and their eyes are yellow, while their hair is black or brown, and stringy. Their ears, noses, and chins are pointed and angular, and their teeth are pointier than human teeth. As far as size goes, they are shorter than humans, usually no more than four feet tall, and also thinner than the average human. However, they are stronger than they look, as well as fast and agile. Their lifespans are shorter than humans’.
Goblin society is organized into tribes, which can have anywhere from 20 to 200 members, though the average is sixty or seventy. The tribe has three leaders, each with separate duties and powers. The Chieftain is usually the highest authority, running the clan from day to day, and enforcing most laws. The Shaman is in charge of all things magical and medical, meaning he or she must be magically adept, and also advises the Chieftain. Finally, the Warlord is in charge of battle and war. All decisions made on or in preparation for the battle field rest on his or her shoulders. He or she also advises the Chieftain. These leaders serve for life, unless they resign for whatever reason. As is fitting, the new Chieftain would be chosen from the tribe’s greatest leaders, the new Shaman from the best spell casters, and the new Warlord from the strongest warriors. The leaders are usually men, though women are not unheard of. It is important to note that no goblin can hold multiple positions at one time, or switch positions at any point. Where legal matters are concerned, the decision is usually left to the Chieftain, but in matters of utmost severity, it is decided by a unanimous vote from the three. In these cases, they must be careful to make sure they have the support of the public, otherwise rebellion can ensue.
Because tribes live in separate geographic locations all over the world, they rarely meet. Therefore, the goblin language has countless dialects and variations. Customs also differ between tribes. Ultimately, however, the goblin people can and will unite to form massive groups in extreme situations, and these can function quite well before the tribes once again go their separate ways.
As far as relations with other races go, they are often strained and unpleasant. Many races, such as humans, elves, and dwarves, wrongfully consider them uncivilized. While goblins enjoy war and fighting, and seem to lack several features of more “civilized” races, they have a good governmental system, and are perfectly content with their calmer lifestyle and simple buildings. Unfortunately, goblins do not take kindly to humans and other races, other than orcs, who have a similar lifestyle, and this causes a lot of tension between goblin tribes and other groups nearby.
-last edited on Mar 24, 2017 14:42:49 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Mar 24, 2017 14:41:30 GMT
Part One Summary Skrag, a young half-goblin, is taken in by a goblin tribe, but shunned and friendless. When the chief who brought him in passes, the new chief takes this opportunity to exile him. Before he leaves, though, his power-hungry adopted father smashes the chief and frames Skrag, forcing him to flee.
Characters Skrag- The Half-Breed, our protagonist Skorj- Warlord of Skrag’s clan, father of Skirj and adopted father of Skrag, smashed Gorle and framed Skrag Gorle- Chief of Skrag’s former clan, smashed by Skorj Trok- Gorle’s deputy Skirj- Son of Skorj, adopted brother of Skrag
After each part, I will repost this with the all the current part summaries and all the characters that have been introduced. It will get quite lengthy.
Far to the north of Skrag’s former tribe, farther north even than the mighty giants who roamed areas of the mountains, lived dragons. They were by no means the only dragons in the world, but they were among the largest groups of them, and almost all of the dragons in the area lived with them. The leader of these dragons was the mighty Kalkuzar the Golden. The legends said that the earth shook and cracked when he walked and that he could defeat enemy dragons merely by flapping his wings and sending them tumbling out of the sky. This, of course, was an exaggeration, though it was true that he had once caused an avalanche with his footsteps, and that birds were sometimes blown away by the force of his wings flapping. As his name indicated, his scales were entirely golden, including the spines along his back. Now, Kalkuzar had many children, and one of them was his son Darkaraz. Darkaraz shared his father’s golden spines, but the rest of his scales were jet black. Darkaraz had three children of his own, each with a different mother. The oldest was Marrzak, who once again had the golden spines, but also dark red scales, then Zargan, whose scales were dark green, and, finally, his daughter, Lyzara, with midnight blue scales, and silver spines and belly. Marrzak was impetuous and short-tempered, often getting into trouble, while Zargan hung around him like a shadow, trying to keep his older brother out of trouble, but sometimes making it worse. Lyzara, though she was the youngest, was also the wisest, and stayed far away from her brothers’ misdemeanors. If she could, she would make attempts to stop them before they happened, but she was usually unsuccessful. All of this continued for years without major incident until the day that Marrzak began to hear a voice in his head- a voice that was not his own.
What do you think of this font face and size? I'm trying to make the chapters not look so short.
-last edited on Mar 26, 2017 17:12:18 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Mar 26, 2017 17:11:40 GMT
Chapter 13
Wherever Marrzak went, the voice followed him, working its way into his thoughts, emotions, and, worst of all, his dreams. His dreams became endless nightmares that tormented him every night, causing him to awake with a furious roar many times. Eventually, he stopped sleeping. It was too much- he could not take it any longer. As a result, he became grumpy, constantly tired, and nervous. No longer did he enjoy the things he used to, such as causing trouble among the other dragons, or engaging in practice battles. He shut himself up deep in a cave and refused to come out. He simply lay there, shaking. He grew angrier too. Before he could often be short-tempered, but now he would snap, shouting or worse, if anyone tried to talk to him. Twice, his brother, Zargan, who used to idolize him, visited, begging for him to return. The second time he was accompanied by their sister, Lyzara, who tried to talk sense into him, and who returned once more, but only for a short while. He was so furious upon these occasions that the two of them dared not return. For nearly a week, he wallowed in his solitude, not sleeping, and eating and drinking almost nothing. One day, it became too much for him and he simply fell into an unavoidable sleep. He dreamt, but his dream was no longer the nightmare it had been before. All around him was empty, black space, an inescapable void. He tried to call for help, but, of course, there was no one to hear him. Then he heard the voice once again. It said, “Marrzak… Marrzak...”
“What do you want?” he growled back, furious but also terrified.
“I need your help,” the voice explained, “You see-”
Marrzak interrupted it before it could finish, “Why would I help you? You’ve brought me nothing but misery and pain.”
“Because,” came the answer, “I can give you the one thing you want more than anything else in the world.”
Far to the north of Skrag’s former tribe, farther north even than the mighty giants who roamed areas of the mountains, lived dragons. They were by no means the only dragons in the world, but they were among the largest groups of them, and almost all of the dragons in the area lived with them. The leader of these dragons was the mighty Kalkuzar the Golden. The legends said that the earth shook and cracked when he walked and that he could defeat enemy dragons merely by flapping his wings and sending them tumbling out of the sky. This, of course, was an exaggeration, though it was true that he had once caused an avalanche with his footsteps, and that birds were sometimes blown away by the force of his wings flapping. As his name indicated, his scales were entirely golden, including the spines along his back. Now, Kalkuzar had many children, and one of them was his son Darkaraz. Darkaraz shared his father’s golden spines, but the rest of his scales were jet black. Darkaraz had three children of his own, each with a different mother. The oldest was Marrzak, who once again had the golden spines, but also dark red scales, then Zargan, whose scales were dark green, and, finally, his daughter, Lyzara, with midnight blue scales, and silver spines and belly. Marrzak was impetuous and short-tempered, often getting into trouble, while Zargan hung around him like a shadow, trying to keep his older brother out of trouble, but sometimes making it worse. Lyzara, though she was the youngest, was also the wisest, and stayed far away from her brothers’ misdemeanors. If she could, she would make attempts to stop them before they happened, but she was usually unsuccessful. All of this continued for years without major incident until the day that Marrzak began to hear a voice in his head- a voice that was not his own.
What do you think of this font face and size? I'm trying to make the chapters not look so short.
-last edited on Mar 27, 2017 20:19:21 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Mar 27, 2017 20:18:05 GMT
Chapter 14
“And what would that be?” asked Marrzak, sneering slightly, but also intrigued.
“Power,” the voice replied, “Power beyond your wildest imaginings.”
Marrzak raised his head, “How would I get this power?”
“I am trapped in a highly powerful artifact. If you can find it and free me, you will have both the power of the artifact and me as your servant.”
It was many minutes before Marrzak spoke again, hesitantly, “What must I do?”
“First,” the voice spoke, “you must prove yourself to me.”
Marrzak began by seeking out one of his rivals, a dragon named Kurukin, whom he found perched on a rock, eating a meal alone. Kurukin was a tad larger and faster than Marrzak, though he acted like the difference was enormous. His scales shined white, but his underbelly and spines were pitch-black, and he carried himself with the air of one who thought he was superior to everyone else around him. He was not a descendent of Kalkuzar, but of another dragon that had joined the group in the mountains. After watching for a few minutes, the red dragon approached him, “Let us battle,” said Marrzak, “I wish to test my skill against yours.”
Kurukin looked the red dragon up and down. He appeared thin and shaky from his week with little food, drink, or sleep. “Very well then,” the white dragon laughed, “but do not be surprised if I take you down within the first minute.”
“Oh, I won’t,” Marrzak hissed, slyly. “Shall we begin?”
-last edited on Mar 28, 2017 20:49:59 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Mar 28, 2017 20:48:40 GMT
Chapter 15
Kurukin made the first move, charging in while swinging with his claws and spiked tail. Guided by the voice still present in his mind, Marrzak simply stepped to the side and followed up by striking Kurukin in the back of the head. Momentarily stunned, the white dragon was unprepared for the flurry of strikes that came immediately afterward. Before long, and without a great deal of resistance, Kurukin fell to the ground, “I concede. You have bested me this time. Let this fight come to an end.”
Marrzak grinned a horrible, sickening grin, “I don’t think so.” He pounced on Kurukin with a barrage of blows that caused his opponent to cry out, helpless and in pain.
“Please…” Kurukin gasped, unable to lift his head from the ground and desperate to survive. He had no idea what was going on, but he did know that something was terribly wrong with Marrzak.
End him, the voice commanded, and Marrzak did. Now that he was done with his mission, the red dragon felt pleased in a twisted, sickening way. Marrzak rose into the air, intent on leaving immediately, when he heard a voice behind him.
“Where are you going, brother?” It was Zargan.
“It is no concern of yours,” Marrzak growled, “Be gone.”
“Let me join you,” the green dragon said, “or I will tell all of what I saw today.” It was no threat- it was a fact.
Let him, the voice whispered, he could be useful.
“Very well, then, join me, but it won’t be easy, what we are going to do,” said Marrzak.
“I know,” Zargan replied, rising into the air to join his brother. Without another word, the two of them flew off, leaving behind their, home, family, and lives. Neither of them expected ever to return, and neither expected the sudden turn their two lives were about to take.
-last edited on Mar 29, 2017 21:53:26 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Mar 29, 2017 21:45:42 GMT
Chapter 16
Skrag took a slow, deep breath as he nocked the arrow and pulled back the bowstring, focusing in on his target. The rabbit sat in the middle of a small clearing, around which was a ring of pine trees, and, on one side, a clump of thorny bushes. That was where he hid. Skrag knew he only had one shot, and if he missed it he would have to find something else or go hungry. On the other hand, if he succeeded, he would be able to use the meat to sustain himself for another two or three days. As he finished his breath, he released the arrow. It whistled through the air and found its target. Smiling slightly, Skrag walked over and picked up the animal. A year ago, when his new life had begun, he’d had no idea how difficult it would be. Skrag thought he had a rough life before, but that was nothing compared to what he now faced on a daily basis. When your entire food supply comes from what you can catch, scavenge, or find, you learn to use every bit of it, and make it last as long as possible. When you are totally exposed to the elements, save the protection provided by the clothes on your back, you must find shelter quickly and be prepared to defend it. It had taken Skrag several months, and many nights without food or warmth, but he believed he had come as close to mastering the art of survival as he ever would. Sometimes, he missed having a home, but it never lasted. Out here he was free and able to live his life without the shadow of his parentage hanging over his head. Of course, he knew he couldn’t live like this forever, roaming the mountains and facing a new struggle to survive every day, but for now it was perfect, and he was content. Besides, he dared not show his face in any town or village, in fear of how its occupants might react. When it came down to it, it would almost certainly be a long time before he made a move back into civilization.
-last edited on Mar 31, 2017 1:55:46 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Mar 31, 2017 1:51:22 GMT
Chapter 17
As had remained his habit, Skrag woke just before dawn to gather food and resources. Stretching, he got up from his sleeping spot, which was padded with leaves, grabbed his bow, quiver, and knife, and left his makeshift area. He still had plenty of rabbit left, but he could not survive on only that, and he needed his weapons to protect himself. As he passed his little fire pit, he grabbed a long branch that was resting against a nearby tree, sticking his knife into his boot. He found that a sturdy stick about his own height could help him walk on uneven or steep ground. This one he had cut from a stout oak tree, and it had served him well. He reckoned that it could stand up to almost any sword blow, and, so far, it had not shown any signs of weakening or breaking. The first stop on his hike was a small, green bush, upon which grew round, green berries with small hairs on much of the surface. He had discovered, in the first month of his time in the wilderness that they were edible and worked well to compliment his diet of mainly meat. He grabbed a handful of these before continuing on his way. Next, he stopped by a tall shrub, from which he harvested a few dozen nuts. Before eating them, he would crack open the shell so as to get to the meat inside. After collecting his food, he decided to take a short hike among the trees. He had been in this area for a few days, so he would be moving on soon. He did this once or twice every week- settling in a place for a while before moving on to the next.
Hearing a sound above him, Skrag looked up and saw two large birds, one green and one red. Upon a second glance, he realized they were not birds at all, but rather dragons! The sight sent a rush of energy into his being. Without a second thought, he ran back to his shelter, grabbed what few items he had there, and set off in the same direction he had seen the dragons flying. When he was younger, he had heard older members of his former tribe telling stories to the other children about such fantastical creatures. Now he would get the chance to see one of those mighty beasts up close. That is, if he managed to catch up to them. Skrag managed another burst of speed, hoping that it would be enough.
The water lapped at his ankles as Hithrol Jiwovz cast his fishing rod into it. After several minutes of waiting he soon became bored. He just did not have the patience for such things. He understood that he was nearly a man, and it was time for him to start learning his father’s trade, but he knew that the life of a fisherman was not one for him. Besides, what kind of job was fishing, anyway? Hithrol longed to go somewhere, do something, be someone, but a large part of him knew that it would never happen. His thoughts drifted to his house, which lay further downstream. Ever since his mother had smashed, and his sister, Alis, been born, things had been different. His father, busy taking care of Alis, hardly had the time to fish anymore. That meant it was left to him. While Hithrol knew that if he did not catch fish his family would go hungry, he still hated to do it. He was pulled out of his thoughts when he felt a tug on the end of the line- a fish!
Forced into action, he let go of the rod with one hand, pulling on it all the while, and grabbed the net. When he had brought the fish close enough, he scooped the net into the water in an attempt to capture it. To his dismay, the fish wiggled free before he could get it out of the water, and swam away. Hithrol groaned under his breath. This would mean several more hours of tedious, boring labor with nothing to distract him but the sound of the stream. He cast the line once again, feeling his eyelids droop. No! He couldn’t fall asleep now, he-
Hithrol awoke an hour later to the sound of screaming coming from the house. He leapt to his feet, shaking the sleep out of his eyes, and dropped the rod. With a sudden burst of energy, he began to run. What was happening? Could it be bandits, or worse?
-last edited on Apr 1, 2017 16:10:18 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 1, 2017 16:08:42 GMT
Chapter 19
The wind rushed along Zargan’s body as he flew through the sky, close behind Marrzak. In the few days since they had left home, he had had much time to think, and he was regretting his decision. He knew now that he had been foolish and impulsive in his decision to follow his brother. If he had only thought rationally, and moved past his admiration for Marrzak, but it was too late now. He could have told someone, found a way to help- Marrzak would never hurt him, so it would have been almost entirely consequence free. Now he and his brother were on a downward spiral, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Marrzak was content- he was free, powerful, and on his way to greatness. The voice spoke to him again, Look below you, we are coming upon a house.
What of it?
You can use it to exhibit your might. Crush it, burn it, destroy it.
Yes, that sounds like an excellent idea. Marrzak dived towards the house, a jet of flame roaring from his vicious maw. As he landed on it, he crushed the roof with his claws, roaring and shaking his head. He heard screams from inside. Yes, let them scream, he thought, cruelly.
Above him, Zargan stopped, horrified at what his brother had done- seemingly without any provocation. “Brother, what are you doing? These people have done nothing to you. Leave them alone!”
Marrzak looked up at him, “I am merely showing these people my power, my strength! What is so wrong with that?”
“You are destroying innocent lives! I don’t wish to fight you, but I can’t condone these actions!”
Marrzak frowned, “You know nothing! If you wish to leave, go, but know there is nothing you can do to stop me!”
Zargan shook his head, afraid at the change in his brother. He would not leave, but Marrzak was right- he could not stop him.
-last edited on Apr 1, 2017 19:33:37 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 1, 2017 19:33:05 GMT
Chapter 20
Before long, Hithrol smelled smoke coming from the direction of his house. Dreading what he might find, he ran even faster, desperate to arrive before it was too late. Finally there, he stopped short at the sight of his home destroyed and in flames. Then he realized the cause of the disaster. Perched on what remained of the roof was a large, furious dragon. Its dark red scales and golden spines reflected the fire, giving them a glowing, twisted appearance. Hithrol had heard tales of creatures such as these, but never had he seen one, nor had he expected to. Now that he did, he felt that he would like nothing more than to destroy it for what it had done to his home and family. Terrified, he scanned the ruins for Alis and his father. At first, he saw nothing but the roaring flames, but then he caught a glimpse of a figure moving through the wreckage. Seconds later, his father emerged with the six-year-old Alis in one hand and a long black box in the other. As Hithrol ran over to him, he collapsed to the ground. While Alis appeared largely unharmed, he was covered in burns and his clothes were tattered. When Hithrol reached his side, he looked up, “Son… take care… of Alis. She… needs… your help. This box… will… help you. Open… it.”
Hithrol looked down at him, tears in his eyes, “Yes, father.” He took the box and opened it, and, to his amazement, drew out a brilliant blue sword. “I don’t understand. What is this?”
“It is… called… Scalblas. One day… it appeared… to my… grandfather… and it… has been… passed… down in the… family… ever since.” Taking a final, shuddering breath, Dernis Jiwovz collapsed to the ground and was still.
Hithrol cried out in pain and frustration, “I promise, father, I will avenge you!”
He was just about to scoop up Alis when the dragon took to the skies again. It flew straight at him and knocked him aside with a flick of its claw. Hithrol was unable to do anything as the great beast picked up Alis and flew away. “Hithrol, Help!” she screamed, and she was gone.
Hithrol collapsed to the ground as tears ran down his face. Slowly rising to his feet, he grabbed Scalblas and began walking west, toward the village where he could get help. He would get his sister back and get revenge for his father no matter the cost.
-last edited on Apr 2, 2017 13:39:29 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 2, 2017 13:38:26 GMT
Chapter 21
Skrag had lost them. He had caught a glimpse of the dragons only once since he had begun pursuing him, and now he reluctantly admitted to himself that they were gone. Stopping to catch his breath, he took a good look around him. In the distance, he saw a shimmering blue line- a river, or a stream. He also saw the tips of several roofs. There must be a village over there, he thought to himself. Finally, and closest, he saw a column of smoke rising above the trees and into the air. It was not too far from the village, or the river, and so he figured it was another house. However, the column was too large to come from a chimney, unless the house was massive, pointing towards some sort of fire. If there was a fire, he thought he’d better steer well clear of it. People got suspicious when they saw unusual things, and he didn’t want a mob chasing after him because they thought he had started it.
Meanwhile, Zargan was at a loss as to what he should do. On one hand- or claw, rather- there didn’t seem to be anything he could do. On the other, his conscience had kicked in, and it was telling him that there had to be something he could do to help. He had just seen Marrzak fly off with the little girl, and the yellow-haired boy run off to where he could see the tops of a few houses. Hoping that it was the right thing, he flew down to the house and began trying to beat out the flames. It was difficult, and he was going to give up hope, when he saw the yellow-haired boy return with a dozen men. He called out to them, trying to get their attention so they could help him, but when they saw him, they began firing arrows. Many struck the vulnerable flesh of his wings. He tried to fly, but the damage they had done prevented him from taking off for the time being. Confused and somewhat angry, he instead began barreling up the mountain side, crashing into trees and rocks in an attempt to get away.
Skrag sprang to his feet as he heard pounding feet and shouting moving up the mountain. He wasn’t sure what’s going on, but he knew it would be in his best interests to get away. Unfortunately, that’s not what he did. He was too curious to leave, so he waited there to find out what’s going on. He didn’t have to wait long. The green dragon he saw before was bounding in his direction. It tripped and fell on the ground. Now Skrag could see why it was running so fast. A dozen humans were running up the mountain behind him. Clearly, they intended to harm the creature. Realizing this, a sudden, uncontrollable anger came over Skrag. He felt the need to protect the dragon, and stop any who would wish to hurt him. Quickly, he grabbed his bow and fired an arrow at one of the men, who was carrying a bow of his own. The man fell down, injured but not smashed. Since the men were then to close for ranged combat, Skrag grabbed his wooden staff and prepared to fight. The first man practically ran straight into Skrag’s attack, and he fell to the ground with a broken shin. Out of the corner of his eye, Skrag saw the dragon dispatch two more, careful not to cause serious harm. The next man was easily defeated, and then Skrag spotted a boy, just a year or two younger than him, who was clearly the leader. He ran at the boy, blocking a slash from his glowing white sword, and struck him on the head with one end of the staff. The boy fell to the ground, unconscious. The four remaining men- the dragon has dealt with two more- fled; probably back to the village that Skrag saw earlier.
The dragon walked over to the half-breed, “Thank you,” it said in the common tongue, “You saved my life, and I am in your debt.”
Skrag, slightly surprised replied, “I only did what I thought was right. Why were they chasing you?”
“That is a long story,” the dragon sighed, “but I suppose it is best that I tell you. Where should I start?”
