McginnIsAwesome

Play My Games
they Are Good For Beginners

Answering some Questions:

Q: How the heck did you think of "McginnIsAwesome" as a username?!

A: Origin of name: Clearly, Infinity, the contrast between 'infinity' and a finite number, '781', represents the dualistic contrast that is all too manifest in life. Yet, like the number 781, it's just a bit too large for comprehension.

Q: Mr. Awesome, how do I know if what I'm doing in chat is right or wrong?

A: Check this out: http://www.kongregate.com/pages/conduct

Q: What rooms did you chat in, in the past?

A: 2007: Cafe Kong
2008: Cafe Kong
2009: (Not in Kongregate)
2010: Ineptitude
2011: Blackmyst
2012: Blackmyst

Q: How can I find a moderator if I modcall?

A: http://www.kongregate.com/accounts/modfriend/friends (Oh, yes, and I don't really recommend modcalling if a person is violating chat. They could easily run off, hide, or play innocent/stupid. They could even force the blame on you! So only use this if you feel you have to. Otherwise, report and mute.)

"We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year. Running over the same old ground--what have we found? The same old fears.... Wish you were here." R.I.P. Megan.

The History of Aranstand

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PART ONE:
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Of the Beginning:

In the beginning, there was Oblivion. Ere Arcrias rose, Oblivion consumed the Universe. It was blissful chaos, and it voided the Universe. It had no conscience; no purpose. For it was a superior formation, living yet dead. Its power was infinite. It would only devour what came in its path. As intellect developed, it formed a center. But as the center was made, so was Arcrias.

Of the Eternal Battle:

Arcrias solidified into a singularity, and launched an attack upon Oblivion's center, in desperate hope to end its reign. But, as invulnerable as Oblivion was, it was not prepared for battle. And the two powers wrestled. Arcrias smote Oblivion and, seizing the advantage, chained the force. The risk would've worked perfectly, save Oblivion's power was great, and it fused Arcrias into it. Thus the Great Discharge occurred, and the Twelve were made.

Of the Twelve Auran:

To be regarded as Gods, the Auran were born. Six males and females, they were the epitome of good. They dwelt in a Hall of Divinity, and all was good. Rea, the Queen, who ruled over Justice. Argan, the King, who ruled over Honor. Aisheen, the Princess of Humility. Her mate, Jayd, Prince of Trust. Sair, Princess of the Hearth. Melandhir, Prince of Faith. Elequist, Princess of Love. Intricur, Prince of Creation. Brindeir, Princess of Loyalty. Vlenheim, Prince of Bravery. Eiyaen, Princess of Motivation. And Archaeis, Prince of Loyalty. And as they molded together the World, Oblivion was held back.

Of the Rise of Corruption:

As life developed on the new world, named Aranstand, Archaeis grew envious of the Kingship their leader, Argan, owned. For in Archaeis' reasoning, he himself deserved the title. For he was the most beautiful of the Auran, and the most well-spoken. He was in possession of a silver tongue and, though he was not the strongest of the Twelve, he had a powerful instinct for leadership. As the Auran shaped mankind's ancestors--The High Men--he made sure that they were dystopian at the core.

Of the Ruin of the Auran:

Archaeis' envy overcame reason, and one eve, enveloped by his lust for power, he struck down Argan in his sleep with a dagger. This was demonstrated as the first weapon and kill of history, and the beginning of suffering in the world. As the limp body was tossed aside, Archaeis slew Rea as well, who was sharing the bed. Their energy tore apart and waned the Blade's power, and Archaeis glided silently to the adjacent room to execute Intricur and Brindeir. He throttled the latter in frenzy, and snapped Inticur's neck.

Of the Punishment of Archaeis:

As the remaining Seven found the bodies, they summoned a Council. Here, Archaeis was revealed, and he defended himself poorly. As punishment, the Seven Auran banished Archaeis into the newly forming world as Death, a creature that no human was above fear and hatred for. Archaeis' beauty was thrown aside for a body of evil. Shadow enveloped the exterior, and the core was molten with the blood of the fallen Auran. As the downed Aura drifted through the land, he vowed revenge. But at that point, he was weak from being smitten to Aranstand.

Of Death's Concealment:

Death hid in the hearts of the High Men, and learned how they think. Ere long, Death had gained significant intelligence of Man's mind and limits. He also inherited powers of creation of his own evils. So he pierced his wrist with a dagger he wrought from shadow, and the black blood drooled to the ground. From the blood spouted the Liches, the Harbingers of Death. And as his shadow of malevolence grasped the weak and consumed them, the Wraiths were formed. The Seven soon rued their choice of sparing Death, and sent down a heroine to hold back Death's power, for if Death had sent an army onto the world, all of the Auran's work would be to waste.

Of Aisheen's Sacrifice:

Aisheen was of illustrious beauty, and pure of heart. She was accepted quickly into Man's realm, and she wooed their hearts easily. But she did not look for a mate, for her aim was to enter Man's council, to be an adviser. This plan worked too well; Prince Haer found her wandering along the streets of the great city of Teleshein, and fell for her at sight. He led her to the castle, telling off the guards, for he sensed something great of her. Haer was a great man, but he was young, and his elder brother succeeded him to the throne. Their King, unbeknownst to them, fell during a hunting exercise, and they had yet to know.

Of Aisheen's Endurance:

The elder Prince welcomed her with ease into the palace of Teleshein and, as the younger brother, fell in love with her instantly. Tyrus was his name, and he was a great and noble Man, and a jaded fighter (The lands had far been piled with beasts by then). This time, Aisheen returned the love, and they blossomed together. He took her as his Queen, and her first success was established. But she was doomed to never age, and knew in her heart that Tyrus would pass away to the Second World without her to follow him. She knew this, but kept it secret to prevent chaos to the men.

Of Oblivion's Escape:

Great unease overcame the last Six remaining. The ethereal world in which they lived in had begun to crumble, and they sensed that Oblivion had aroused once again. Arcrias was weakening. They journeyed to the abyss in which Oblivion and Arcrias' eternal conflict dwelt, and met with a reincarnation of Oblivion. "Art thou here to stop me?" the terrible voice grated out. "Come. Smite me with thy weapons. Thou have not known fear ere this moment, so shall I teach thee what it truly means?" Terror gripped the Six and, in fear, they sent Two away, in case they were bested by the great Being. The main force was held back by Arcrias, but this little piece was powerful enough to wreak havoc upon the lands. The Four, prepared to cease their own existence for the land they molded with their hands, charged Oblivion's epitome. Vlenheim, the greatest, led the battle. And the Four wrestled with Oblivion. Oblivion, in its manic state, struck down and incinerated two unnamed Auran. Vlenheim stabbed Oblivion with a Divine sword, and the other, presumably Jayd, sacrificed himself to add power to Arcrias, and Oblivion retreated back to its interior state with Arcrias.

Of the Shadow of Death Rising:

Drops of Oblivion fell down upon the land, and smote a Man. Out of this man, Oblivion molded the Devourer, but this creature was weakened, and would not empower itself until the far years. Death harnessed drops of Oblivion and invested them into two of the Liches. These would soon lead to the races of the Demons and of the Death Angels. Death smelted a sword in his likeness, and it gleamed a pale green as its razor blade shone. Runes were encrusted along the blade, so that Death would install it with power. Armor of similar likeness was made for him, and it would soon grow with him as his power would climax. He was nearly prepared to wage war upon the land.

Of Aisheen's Preparation:

In contradiction to Death's pale green armor, Aisheen built herself a beautiful dark green laced armor for herself, with dual swords for the purpose for penetrating Death's armor. Haer was envious for her affection, but he was a good Man, and he would not fall suit to lust's temptation. Tyrus' armor was as Aisheen's, and they prepared for more word of Death's rise. Their love was strong, and they held steady to each other as they awaited the Auran or an emissary to send word to them of Death's dwellings.

Of the Auran's Fall:

Velmhein's journeys through Oblivion would take up a crucial amount of time, and he was of no use to anyone. If he would return at all, no one would know. And so the Two rode to Aranstand to destroy Death in his cave where he belonged to. As they met with him, he sensed their urgency and begged for mercy. "I have not wronged thee! Thy judgment is not sound! I beg of thee, spare me!" But they saw through his silver words, into his meaning. He would wait until the last of the Auran had fallen to attack the land. He would not have sensed Aisheen or Velmhein, though Velmhein was as good as dead. And as the Two poised to smite him, the Demon Lord and his army attacked from the rear. Unprepared, the Two were slaughtered. Ten demons were laid to waste, but forty others and the Lord were too many, and so fell the presumed last of the Auran.

Of the First Battle-Thalios:

Aisheen felt the Auran's power diminish from the land, and she wailed in pity and depressed sadness. Even Tyrus could not comfort her. And so they rode out to Death's cave, for they knew his whereabouts from an emissary. But they did not find a cave: a looming fortress placed a shadow upon the land, and the great army of the High Men looked on in fear as Death's army stood at wait. "To me, soldiers! We fight for the good of Man! Our blood must be strewn across the wretched land for us to be free of Death's shadow! Now, to me!" Aisheen called out to her army, and charged the onrushing force. And so met the armies of High Men and Death for the first time. As battle waged across the Infinite Plains, Aisheen called out for Death to come and meet her. "Thou coward! Fight an Aura for once, and feel the bite of the blade! For thou art weak, and will die humiliated!" And so Death came reluctantly, hand grasped firmly on his broadsword, to meet with Aisheen. His shadow consumed her, for he was three meters high, and yet Aisheen felt no fear. She charged at him, and they fought. Death's strength and swordsmanship skills were no match for Aisheen's speed, and she struck him to the ground, humiliated. She raised her swords for the killing blow, and her men jeered at Death. But as she pierced down at him, the High Death Angel smashed into her. Snarling, he spoke. And his voice was as dark as a fire bearing against coal: "Thus the great Queen of Men will fall! Thou shalt not fell our King! For I am the great and mighty Vex!" And he lanced her shoulder with one of his twin blades, made in mockery of hers, laughing at her vulnerability. And so the High Men retreated, arrows and spears striking them down and Death Angels picking them off from the sky, mounted by skeletal wings that spanned across the sky. Aisheen ran to her horse to escape Vex's wrath, but he intercepted her. Her left shoulder was left limp by the biting sting of his blade, and she gasped out as he slashed at her stomach. This only left a dent in her breastplate, and she dove underneath him, screaming as her shoulder pelted the ground. And as Vex pivoted to face her, the great General of High Men stabbed at him. And so Aisheen escaped the battle as the General held Vex back. But he was a mere mortal, and Vex struck him dead in frenzied hatred. And the defeat of Men reduced morale to none.

Of the Second Battle-The Canyon of Karn:

Death did not push forward his troops that day, for he wanted to install fear for Man. And it worked, for Men waited every day to hear the sound of an onrushing force. But, when two years had passed by, and after Aisheen bore her first child, Death's forces rampaged towards the great capital. Aisheen stayed to take care of her child as her husband rode to battle, for it was for the morale of men that he rode with them. They ambushed Death's army at the Canyon of Karn. They set up archers at the high grounds surrounding the valley and, as Death's forces marched up the valley, the archers fired. Death was not present during this battle, so Vex and the Demon Lord, Hieroglymineia, led the troops. Death Angels attacked the archers from above, and aerial battle ensued. The ground forces charged on, and the two armies met again. This time, the great Demons were present. And they stood above three men, evil and menacing. Their armor was full plate, for the skin of demons is of man's likeness. And great horror filled men's hearts. The Demon Lord took up his great polearm and swept any force of Men that came near it aside. And so Tyrus, in his full glory, rode to meet the Lord. As he reached it, he dove from his horse and rolled, even throughout his burdening armor, to the side. The Demon Lord's polearm ran straight through the poor beast of burden, and Tyrus stabbed at its stomach before it could retrieve the great weapon it possessed. He pierced through armor and skin, tearing through muscles and tendons to the organs inside. And he thrust out his sword to lunge at it again. By this time, Hieroglymineia pulled out the polearm to thrust into Tyrus' chestplate. And so both of them fell that day, and both armies screamed out in outrage. Rejuvenated by the death of the King of Men, Vex led his troops to slaughter Man that day, and again, The High Men retreated back to their city where Aisheen and Haer dwelt.

Of Aisheen's Child and Haer's Love:

Aisheen's heir's name was Aiden, and he was half Auran. He would grow up to play a crucial role in mankind later. In that day, Haer tended to Aiden with Aisheen. And he kept to himself, as always, his love for Aisheen. But Aisheen was cunning and could read a man easily, and already had assumptions about Haer. And she had affection for him, but her loyalty was to the kingdom and to Tyrus, and she could not sense her own intentions.

Of the Third Battle-Teleshein:

Unlike the First Battle, the second battle led directly to the next one. Vex, confident that the fall of man was a week away, charged to the capital of High Men, Teleshein. Men looked on in horror as the horde the enemy possessed marched towards the fortress as tirelessly as water slides along a groove. Archers rained biting death upon the enemy, but the force was too powerful, and the two armies met outside of the walls of the fortress. And the most brutal battle of the war began: Thousands upon thousands of bodies were strewn across the land, and the sun burned hot upon everyone. No one could escape the sun's burning gaze. Haer, sobered by his only brother's demise, rode to battle, expecting to part with his body during the conflict. Aisheen drifted across the walls of the fortress, watching for Vex's arrival. In his stead were three Death Angels, and they descended upon her. Desperation and revenge fueled her defense, and she held them back. She sustained no cuts, and smote one of the Death Angels with white lightning--the first use of Energy in the First World--before Vex struck the castle tower behind her. She struck down a second Death angel, this one with her blades, as he jumped down to her. She was pinned between the two Death Angels, but she saw a movement in her peripherals, and she lunged towards Vex, her feet pushing off the ground at extreme speeds. Haer had engaged the second Death Angel, and battle ensued. Swords blazed and gleamed a cruel light. Aisheen was thrown off her feet to the stone cobbles, and Vex pierced her. But his aim was diverted to her waist as Haer jumped into him. The razor wing of the High Death Angel sliced Haer's cheek, but he stabbed Vex twice where vital organs would've been kept. As Vex hit the ground with him, Vex rolled and jetted back up, screeching in agony. And Vex raised his swords to end Haer's life. But, yet again, he was thwarted Aisheen's swords flashed in the air, and Vex's decapitated body slumped to the ground. The dispatched Death Angel had flown in retreat at that point. Haer ran to Aisheen, noting her putrid wound. Blood seeped out of her side, but she was silent, knowing that screaming would only give her less time to live.

Of the Retreat of the Enemy:

Aisheen would prove strong and refused Death's grip. A great warlord of the enemy rallied his troops, calling forth: "Fight for Death! For his anger will prove far more devastating than our enemy's weapons!" And he rallied the troops, and in one final effort, Death's forces ran forth to scale the walls. But they were disorganized and weak ere their new general's rule, and a massacre ensued. Dusk erupted, and dawn came. A day passed felt like a year, and yet the enemy feared their master's wrath far more than death. Finally, the force waned, and stragglers ran off towards Death's castle. And High Men cheered as Death's most powerful surge of evil was thwarted.

Of Teleshein's Prosper:

Five years passed, and Aiden was seven years old. He learned quickly, and Haer taught him of the societies High Men enforced. Aisheen spoke with her advisors, for Death was weak, and she wanted to end his reign across the land forever. Of course, her advisors would agree with her; her supreme power, divinity, and beauty was too much to deny. But their people were growing; crops were thriving--and so were the people--off of the opportunity that the absence of evil in the region granted them. And they were weary to go to war again. But Aisheen saw through the apparent cessation of the enemy as something worse, for the enemy was regaining its strength. Unbeknownst to Teleshein's people, Death had grown in stature, and he stood tall and mighty on his throne. A man would only reach to his chest--or rather, where a chest would form--and his strength was far greater than when Aisheen and he met last. His molten black exterior was hidden by his armor, and black smoke trailed off of his green aura. He would soon be powerful enough to lay siege upon Teleshein. The final Lich and its Wraiths of Death would lead that assault: A far more powerful enemy than Vex and the Demon Lord provided. But Aisheen could assume, and she sent out emissaries towards the seldom seen towns that the less civilized men controlled.

Of the Fourth Battle-Thalios' Second Siege:

An army of epic proportions rose in Teleshein, bent on one final mission: Destroy Death's palace of Thalios. The first battle had been a disaster, but this time, High Men were hell-bent on destroying Death. And a massive force rode towards Death. As the army met the Deathly Plains surrounding the castle, they looked on in horror. For Death's final force consumed the plains, and Death was nowhere to be seen. Again, Death was waiting. Save this time, he was no coward. He was to scan the battlefront, and when a breach occurred, he would end its attempt to fall back to the rear of the army. And the Lich, a sorcerer of great, immortal power, would prove worse than Vex. For the Lich was soul bound to Death, and as long as Death was in the First World, alive or dead, the Lich would survive. And this erupted horror in men's hearts, for there was no way to rid Death out of the dimension. Yet they ascended towards the final battle, knowing that failure would lead to Death's total control of Aranstand. And no words were spoken. The quiet ere the storm, some might call it. And the armies met once again. The Lich would not be pierced by any weapon. Any weapons that touched its weathered rags that covered its ragged flesh would disintegrate. One could only survive its onslaught of Energy so long before he or she (For the attempt was so desperate that women were drafted) was struck down by the staff's power. Aisheen called out to Death yet again, smiting enemy after enemy effortlessly. And she spoke, "Death! Fight me again! For thou have hastened to thy fate! And a coward art thee! Fight me!" And Death grinned under his helm, and entered the fray, his great broadsword in hand. Men ran for him, but one sweep of his dark sword and seven men were flung backwards, dead instantly. Arrows were incinerated before they touched him, and he laughed. The sound of his voice was infinitesimally concentrated, and, though deep and evil, it pierced ears. And as Aisheen dove at him, he struck her aside, knocking her unconscious. Haer swooped between her, and attacked Death. And they fought each other. Haer's shield shattered from above him as he hid behind it, and his arm broke in the powerful stroke. He screamed out in excruciating pain, and Death pressed the advantage. Death's Energy blasted Haer backwards, flinging him upon the ground. And his right foot broke in the action. But he stood up nonetheless, and slashed at Death. The blow was easily parried, and Haer's sword splintered. And Death's blade swept forth again, to end Haer's life. Yet it did not reach its target; Vlenheim's shield stopped the blow, and white light blinded the battlegrounds. How Vlenheim exited Oblivion's realm was never known; for without any Auran in their Halls, the World in which they lived in dissipated. But he charged Death in his full power. As their swords met, a resounding shockwave spread across the fields. And Vlenheim smote Death across the chestplate, stunning him. Vlenheim's sword ran through Death's heart nearly instantly after the latter action, and Death was banished from the realm to his own icy World. But before so, Death had punctured Vlenheim's defenses with his own cruel weapon. From then on, Death would sit on a freezing throne, chained to the core of the Second World. And his army dispersed, demoralized, and the Lich fell to the Second World, along with Death's Wraiths.

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PART TWO:
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Of the Triumph of High Men:

As Death's forced ceased, Men and women alike cheered and cried, for through their victory, they had lost hundreds upon thousands of soldiers. Vlenheim died fulfilling his final purpose, and was at peace. Aisheen ran to Haer, sobbing for the first time since Tyrus' death. But Haer still drew breath, and they departed back to Teleshein. It was a sorrow, mourning ride back to the grand city, for more than half of their troops were murdered in the great battle, and seldom was it seen that someone did not sustain any wounds. But great rejoicing was done that night, honoring the dead's glory. Drinking and massive groupings in bars ensued, and stories were told of the deceased's accomplishments. Haer's heart hardened, and only his nephew, Aiden, who was heir to the throne, along with Aisheen, could cheer him up. And that night, Aisheen and Haer slept together, as Aisheen fell in love yet again. And the Lower Men of the North met with the High Men of the West, to share the mead in which both groups earned. For it was the Lower Men that supplied weapons and food, along with men. The Lower Men were less civilized and weaker in many aspects than the Higher Men, but they had far more troops, and without their assistance, the war would've been lost. Those days of gathering passed, and the Lower Men of the North retreated to their own families and homelands. But the days were full, and the harvest season had begun.

Of the Waning of High Men:

There were only three cities that High Men dwelt in; Teleshein, Marahill, and Dellen. These cities were massive, and hundreds of thousands of people populated each one. Two decades passed, and Aiden was twenty seven years old. Haer had grown to half a century, and Aisheen's age couldn't be recorded due to her lack of aging. It was a peculiar sight to see such a young woman sit next to the withering king, but no one questioned it. High Men weakened, for now Aisheen was the only Auran left to give power to the world. As Energy, an incredible ability to harness power, was realized by many, it was of great power. But High Men relied on the Auran's power to supply it, unlike the Lower Men, whom had seen seldom instances of Energy with their people. High Men were more powerful than Lower Men, save Lower Men required no Aura to supply their power. They were found naturally with it. But the people that could use it were seldom found, unlike how every High Man or Woman could use Energy. Aisheen worried of her people, and noticed that many had lost their supposed immortality, and that none were bearing children. Anxiety fueled her as she realized that time would be a strong enemy, one that no one could withstand save herself. She didn't realize it from Haer, but he had grown older and frailer, along with many others. And so she sought for the Cave of Oblivion. This cave was named this way, for many beasts not known to man were found on it, and Oblivion's essence concentrated to this point most during his manifest's demise. It was also a place of ancient Auran power, and only it could rejuvenate the Energy of the Higher Men.

Of the Journey to the Cave of Oblivion:

A ship was prepared for her to travel across half of the world. Three ships sailed along this. Aiden and Haer went to the journey with her, and in their stead, a man by the name of Kewley would lead the forming country. And as they rode to the Eastern Coast of Iceria, to leave their homeland. The men were in good spirits, for they had no action for nearly twenty years ere this journey. And so the preparation of the ships took up six months, and they departed on the seventh, to lands unknown. But Aisheen could faintly remember how the Auran saw Aranstand's geography, and she led them true to their path. And so the Two Hundred Days of sailing began. Aiden had grown strong and wise, and he helped out with the oars, though he was royalty. But the wind was fair, and as they hoisted the sail, they were swept by it. And so, eighty men a ship, the ships sailed out of sight of Iceria. As spoken of earlier, this journey is spoken of as The Two Hundred Days. The Captain of the ship, Ismel, taught Aiden swordplay, and he harnessed however much Energy he could as a Higher Man. And their journey was uneventful, save a storm on the eighty-eighth day that continued until they harbored on the island.

Of the Cave of Oblivion:

The cave consumed most of the land mass, and loomed higher than castle walls. Evil darkness shrouded its contents, and a putrid smell of decayed flesh swathed the interior, wafting out towards the oncoming men. And yet Aisheen, Aiden and Haer, along with their guard, glided in without fear. Their bravery was quickly cleansed and turned by their imaginations of the horrors inside. Multiple tunnels of colossal size branched off, and so the party shouldered on the right side of the system. After travelling for two hours, the tunnel system stopped abruptly, opening wide to an expansive room. Skeletons of departed beasts littered the floor, and loud cracks ensued as the horrified troops stepped upon them. And, looking in the center of the room, the soldiers, who were hardened veterans of the Great War, found the most petrifying sight they’d ever encountered. A dragon, massive in its eternal glory, dwelt in the Cave of Oblivion. And its sight drew upon Aisheen, who froze in the midst of its gaze. She noticed an assortment of crystals attached to the great beast’s torso, and a great Golden Crystal embedded in its forehead. She kneeled, feeling the great power of her siblings coursing through it. “Oh, great beast!” she shouted. “I am eternally gratified at your welcome!” But the dragon, selfish and corrupt, assumed that her purpose was to steal his great trophies, the Crystals. And his voice grated against the men’s heads, piercing their very core. Many men screamed out as it spoke. Great Goddess, it began in mockery, why have thou cometh here? For thou hath interrupted me in my slumbers. I only welcome thee for the offhand visit of thy troops hath caught me unawares. Aisheen curtsied to it, asking it, “What is thy name, oh humble dragon?” The dragon roared, and the walls of the cave shook. Men scrambled about in fear, but Haer held them steady, hands quivering. I have many names, Aisheen. Thy Auran king and queen called me Rakmandahl, before they banished me to this horrendous world. But I know they have fallen now. What is thy business here, Goddess? Aisheen replied, though more anxious now. “Our people are losing power. We were hoping that something on this island could redeem—” My Crystals! Thou have not come hither to speak to me, but to slay me and take my spoils! Aisheen felt Rakmandahl’s wrath, and hurried to treat with him. “These are the sources of thy power? May we take but a couple of them? For a beast of thy power would not mind such a subtle decrease of power, surely?” Thou know this. These Crystals I have collected over the eon are my works, not the Auran. Thy people have had thy chance! But now, the time of the Dragon has come! And the floor shook as the dragon roared yet again, rearing back. Aisheen flung out her shield as a torrent of darkness and flame took her. Her men pulled out their weapons to attack the beast but, not expecting such a massive, long range enemy, hadn’t brought many bows. And so Aisheen fought Rakmandahl with Energy, for she was weak in might compared to the dragon’s physique.

Of the Death of Aisheen:

It was not enough. Rakmandahl smote Aisheen with black Energy, and she fell upon the floor. And his claws dug into her flesh, killing the mightiest Auran left instantly. And men fell in grief and flame alike. Haer pushed Aiden, screaming at Aiden to depart the place and leave for the kingdom. And Haer joined the attempt to slay the dragon. And Aiden heeded the man he had come to love as his father’s words, sobbing for his mother. Rakmandahl’s cruel wrath enveloped the cave, and no man, save Aiden, lived through the battle. But Rakmandahl was not aware of the living man, and leisurely strolled out of the cave to hunt for the Kingdom of Iceria. Aiden watched in terror as the dragon’s terrible form took to the skies, great and terrible in its full majesty.

Of Aiden’s Journey across the Sea:

Aiden was completely perplexed, for he had no way to get back, save the boats that required many rowers. But he had food, and the deceased’s water supply. So he spent well past a month breaking apart the ships to make his own. And at this time, Rakmandahl ravaged the Higher Men, seizing the capital and enslaving their people with ease. And Rakmandahl, without a single minion, dominated the Kingdom of Iceria. The Lower Men stayed out of sight of the dragon, waiting for a chance to slay the evil beast. For the beast’s scales were tougher than steel, and its size was too crushing for any blunt object to damage; for Rakmandahl stood twenty meters in the sky in its crouched form, the largest creature to ever walk the land. But aside from that, Aiden set off to sea. But without the speed of many rowers and a large sail—disregarding Aiden’s lack of general direction—he took far longer to get home. And he faced death through storms and sea monsters without fear.

Of Aiden’s Return:

Aiden reached the icy cold shores of Iceria after a year had passed. He had run out of food and water a week prior, and he was on the verge of dehydration, when a Lower Man, a young woman, found him. And she brought him to her home, giving him her food and water. And he told her his story in return, delighted to see another human face, even if a Lower people, again. His heart had darkened, and he despised himself after his cowardice in the cave. Reason argued that he would’ve died if he fought, but his guilt yet flooded him. But her care assisted him, and, along with his health increasing, he felt no superiority over Lower Men. Soon, he was back to his full health, and he set off again, this time to rally his people to confront the dragon.

Of Aiden’s Withdrawal:

The young woman who had tended to him kept him from leaving. She was fond of him by then, and had not wanted him to throw his life away. Her name was Elyssa. Her life was spent as being a maiden to a wealthier family, but had always wished to be free and hunt and live for herself. And so she escaped one night, while her masters were making love. And so she left her family to make a living for herself. Five years she had been without company, and she had not wished to lose what chance had granted her. And Aiden was incredibly fair, in demeanor and physique alike. She was drawn to him. And Aiden heeded her pleas, and stayed with her. A year passed while they shared each other’s company. But one day, a lieutenant of the Lower Men visited their home by the seas, and recognized Aiden. And he demanded that Aiden come with him to the Lower Men’s court. For Aiden was the only free High Man remaining, and he knew the city well. If they could destroy the dragon before it noticed their presence, they could prevent the world from sliding into chaos. And Aelia and Aiden came with the Lieutenant, Duncan, to the desolate capital of Lower Men, Diread.

Of the Preparation of the Siege:

Aiden trained to harness Energy the ways the Lower Men, referred to as humans rather than be the degrading name the Higher Men made for them.