#blacktalon witches

[paniwarhamauser]

My personal favourits.

Soul Wars by Josh Reynolds. Intro book into second edition AoS(where the setting started to truly bloom). Therefore a very good at explaining how the world works. But also a great novel on its own.

Explains Stormcasts very well, and also conflict between Sigmar and Nagash.

Drekki Flynt series by Guy Haley. There are two books now. Compelling 'adventurous ship crew' cast. Something like fantasy Firefly. Really shows AoS High Fantasy crazyness to the fullest, from PoV of a small adventurers crew.

And my favourite bit - it's very much not about humans. First book has only one major human character. Second has none at all.

Blacktalon books. They are all good. But I recommend the newest one to start, by Liane Mercie. I think it is better for a new reader, and also it ties directly to animated show on Warhammer TV (please watch it too!). Older one is written by Andy Clark, and is kind of stand alone to a new one, so reading order does not matter.

Blacktalons are basically Sigmar's personal kill squad, and you get to explore the darker side of him.

Callis and Toll series. Similar to Blacktalon, the series had a writer change, so you can safely jump into the newest one by David Annandale (that also has some character overlap with animation) and then go back to earlier books if you like the main duo. Also it directly ties into most current AoS events.

But novels by Nick Horth are also great. Alas only one of them (The Crystal Shard) has audio version.

The series follows a Witch Hunter Toll (unhinged old man) and his bodyguard Callis (loyal protector who is VERY TIRED of Toll's shit). Support cast is amazing in both new and older books, but they do not overlap, unfortunately.

There's also a bit of genre switch. Horth books are more of action-adventure, and Annandale's one is full on criminal procedural before shit really hits the fan.

Van Denst family series - Hallowed Ground and Temple of Silence by Richard Strachan. Another Witch Hunter series. Father and daughter duo. If Callis and Toll are tied in major lore events, Van Denst are more of down to the ground monster hunters. Their stories happen in small towns, so you see how people fare without major Cities support. Also a really good exploration of how this job is breaking people.

Cado Ezechiar series by John French. So far only the first book - The Hollow Prince - is out. Second one - The Dead Kingdom - is on pre-order and should be out next week.

It follows a vampire who used to be a prince. His kingdom was destroyed by Chaos armies, and he had to embrace the vampire curse to pursue his revenge. He tries really hard to be honorable and not to eat innocents. Audiobook enhances the experience. I adore the voice they gave to Cado. Cannot wait for sequel!

Gloomspite and Bad Loon Rising by Andy Clark. Goblins. Mushrooms. Madness. Creepy and fun! Scary fairy tale vibes. Though might not be for you if you if you are squeaked out by mushrooms-based body horror.

That for starters. I can add more book recs is you want.

Give me book Recommendations

What is the best Age of Sigmar books out there?

(huge bonus points if they got audio books)

[fr-owlistuff]

crumbling

The consequences of disabling magic in Phos Myrrlathos are lasting and far-reaching.

Warnings: nsfw, mild sexy content, some violence, unedited as always

Magic was brutally bought to heel in the city of Phos Myrrlathos, smothered silently in the dead of night. It did not happen all at once, and trickles of it still clung to painted doorways and good-luck charms as the sun crested over the distant horizon.

Vigilant gold-plated guards roamed the streets that morning, and if their numbers had suddenly swelled no one remarked upon it. The scent of freshly baked bread took over the streets and fishermen carried their hauls up the hill to be sold in the marketplace. Gulls called to each other up in the sky as the city beneath them awoke.

No one saw the shadows that pulled people from their homes, slung their limp forms over broad shoulders and then vanished into shadowed alleys. If anyone noticed how the guards seemed focused on certain shops or houses, they soon forgot about it. Children danced around the newly erected obelisks spread throughout Myrrlathos, and busy parents either whisked them away or smiled, amused, down at them.

The day dawned bright and resplendent, with blue skies and nary a cloud in sight.

Marrok’s eyes swept over rows and rows of all kinds of flowers and plants, taking in the withered shapes of what had been perfectly healthy specimens only the day before.

His calloused fingers gently touched the stems and leaves, and he watched some of them turn to mulch in his hands. Dead, all dead. And he couldn’t do a thing about it.

His lined face spoke of a deep weariness. He closed his eyes and tried not to give into the deep sense of uneasiness rising from his chest.

Hircine was gone; Marrok had kept the younger man tethered to this existence and away from that cursed forest for as long as he possibly could. He still didn’t know what was going on, but what he did know was that Hircine now roamed free and unprotected.

He had met Hircine a long time ago, when no lines were carved onto his face, in a shadowed clearing where sunlight fought to reach the forest floor. He’d found the small spirit trapped and injured, and had nursed him back to health. Hircine, he later learned, was a fey creature, a gentle and innocent spirit born of the forest, but shackled to it. The forest was a harsh mistress, even to those who worshiped her.

And now the forest would claim him again.

Marrok’s hands shook as he locked the door behind him. He hesitated only for a second, unaware of the eyes that tracked his progress, before heading for the Ebon Forest.

His breath ghosted in the air and he huddled into the blankets all around him.

It was so, so cold.

Ashkiin shivered and blew into the warm cup of tea in his hands. The heat seeped from the cup into his skin, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the cold. Nothing was.

His fire was gone. He recalled the feeling of repulsion that had once overtaken him at the sight of the flames he conjured. The day burned bright and welcoming outside his window, but for once he had no desire to wander the cobbled streets performing for an audience of awed bystanders. Not that he could anyway, not as he was.

A masked head landed gently on his shoulder and Ashkiin sighed at the feeling of fingers ghosting over his torso and finally resting on his hips. Lips nibbled lazily at his neck, and a pleasant shiver ran down his spine. He let out a raspy moan when teeth bit down a little less gently and dragged over the sensitive skin beneath his ear.

He felt like he was being consumed.

Sometimes it was hard to even remember his own name, but he didn’t mind it. His old life was behind him and he welcomed whatever came next.

Kastian’s eyes glittered beneath long, dark lashes and the feathers braided into his hair caught the light, contrasting with his darker skin. Wild. Feral. Beautiful. Ashkiin’s blindfold fell down onto the sheets and his fingers tingled with the need to touch, to see.

At first he was confused by the bright shape in front of him, but then he blinked once, twice, and felt the whole world cease its motion. Shock hit him like a punch to the gut as he looked down at his unfurling fingers. His hands. His arms. 

He could see.

“Magic always demands a payment, whether you know of it or not.”

He looked over at the man by his side, let his eyes drink him in like a starved man. Ashkiin reached out.

Suddenly the bright day outside held a newly awakened appeal.

Downstairs, in a cramped room whose walls were decorated with bleached bones and overflowing jars of teeth, Brimstone grimaced down at the wooden table in front of her. Her bone runes were spread out all over the table and Brimstone’s eyes followed a path between them, reading a story no one else could follow.

She might appear ageless, but her hands were no longer those of a maiden. She leaned down, the bones in her hair clinking together as she took one of the runes into her hand. A cold smile stole over her lips as she observed the rune.

“Not long now, sister.”

There was a barrier in front of him.

Oleksander frowned, stretching out his arm to assess the anomaly. His fingertips tingled as his hand went in, and none was more surprised than him when nothing happened. He was too used to things blowing up in his face; sometimes literally.

His frown became more pronounced. Something wasn’t right here. Taking into account that he was about to enter the heart of the Lysistratum Imperium, Phos Myrrlathos, he knew that this wasn’t good news - especially for his business.

He edged closer to the barrier and narrowed his eyes. His blindfold made him appear weak and blind; and he was blind. Sort of. But he wasn’t weak - or dumb.

The golden bracelet around his wrist was nothing to gape at. A circular band of gold-plated metal, there was absolutely nothing interesting about it. No runes, no gems, no engravings. Oleksander studied it for a minute before launching the bracelet over the barrier.

When it landed on the other side, the gold plating had disappeared, and a band of metal wire stood in its place.

The curses that burst forth from his mouth would have made a sailor gasp.

She looked for him for hours, frustration and fear mingling in her chest as the sun went down.

The Underbelly was reeling from the sudden lack of magic, traders and relic collectors, potioneers, alchemists and spell-weavers running around like headless chickens. The illegal Underbelly marketplace was in shambles. It would not be opening up any time soon.

LittleRed had seen more people assassinated today than she’d seen in the whole previous year. She knew Underbelly opportunists would seize the chance get rid of rivals and enemies, especially those who relied on magic.

She just prayed she’d find him before the rest did. She prayed it wasn’t already too late.

His house was empty, his bed unmade and the sheets twisted around themselves. Everything else seemed untouched.

And so it would remain for weeks and months to come. LittleRed would come back the next day and the day after that and many other days following the disappearance of Vasilisk; she would turn the small house upside down in a frantic search for any sort of clue. For any sign that he had gone to ground, had protected himself, had known what to do. She would ask around for news of any kind, but Vasilisk would remain stubbornly elusive.

As far as anyone knew, friend and enemy alike, he had simply disappeared.

They saw him in brief glances, a vague shape in the corners of their eyes that wasn’t quite right.

He stalked their fields, stepped over their crops and spirited away their cattle.

They only found the blood later, and bones sometimes. Other times they found nothing at all except for the hair-raising feeling of being watched.

There were tales of fey green eyes in the dark. Of blood-splattered fangs flashing in the moonlight. Of howls echoing in the space between the trees.

They knew nothing of the hunger in his belly. Of the painful shivers and ripples of wild magic under his skin. Of being teared apart and pulled together too many times.

There are roots digging deep into the crevices of his mind. He doesn’t know how much of himself is his own anymore. He was gobbled down and what spit him out kept most of him in its greedy belly.

Now it was his turn.

[demi-lancer]

CONTENTS:

The Dance of the Skulls & Obsidian by David Annandale Blacktalon: Hunting Shadows by Andy Clark Vault of Souls by Evan Dicken Bear Eater, Force of Personality, Gods' Gift & The Hardest Word by David Guymer Pantheon by Guy Haley Callis & Toll: The Old Waysby NIck Horth Pilgrim’s Trial by Robbie MacNiven Auction of Blood, Eight Lamentations: The Tainted Axe, The Library of Forgotten Moments, Order of the Fly: Tourney of Fate & The Road of Blades by Josh Reynolds Gravesend Gold & The Witch Takers by C L Werner

[askrobouteguilliman40k]

CONTENTS

The Dance of the Skulls by David Annandale

Great Red by David Guymer

The Sands of Grief & The Volturung Road by Guy Haley

Callis & Toll: The Old Ways by Nick Horth

A Dirge of Dust and Steel, Auction of Blood & The Prisoner of the Black Sun by Josh Reynolds

Wrathspring by Andy Clark

Sacrosanct, Shiprats & The Witch Takers by C L Werner

Plus an extract from Blacktalon: First Mark by Andy Clark

(Oooooooh.)

[spiteweaver]

wishlist

It’s a long one, folks.

Genes/Scrolls:

Butterfly x1

Capsule x5

Laced x1

Metallic x1

Opal x2

Pinstripe x2

Rosette x1

Runes (Gaoler) x1

Scrolls of Eternal Youth x11

Shimmer x2

Skink x1

Spirit x1

Stained x1

Striation x2

Tapir x3

Vials of Scattersight

Accents:

Many Eyes Plague (Male Spiral)

Apparel:

Aeruginous Tail Tatters x4

Archer’s Tail Twist x3

Astonishing Sweater x1

Autumn Breeze x5

Autumnal Wreath x10

Bewitching Ruby Clawrings x1

Bewitching Ruby Grasp x2

Bewitching Ruby Pendants x1

Bewitching Ruby Tail Decor x1

Black Aviator Boots x3

Black Aviator Coat x1

Black Aviator Gloves x3

Black Aviator Scarf x1

Black Arm Bow x1

Black Leg Bow x1

Black Neck Bow x1

Black Tail Bow x1

Black Wing Bow x1

Black Currant Plumed Anklets x1

Black Currant Plumed Cover x1

Black Currant Plumed Jabbot x1

Black Currant Plumed Tuft x1

Black-Edged Claw x1

Black Lace Tail Ornament x1

Black Lace Waist Frill x1

Black Linen Leg Wrap x1

Black Linen Neck Wrap x3

Black Linen Tail Wrap x3

Black Spats x1

Black Tulip Flower Crown x1

Black Tulip Flowerfall x11

Black Tulip Tail Lei x1

Black Tulip Wing Garland x1

Bone Antlers x2

Brown Daredevil Cover x6

Burlap Mantle x2

Burnished Gold Belt x1

Burnished Gold Boots x1

Burnished Gold Gauntlets x1

Burnished Gold Pauldrons x1

Burnished Gold Tail Cuffs x1

Celadon Silk Veil x1

Citrine Talonclasp Pendant x2

Copper Amulet of Transmutation x6

Copper Earrings of Transmutation x6

Crimson Leg Silks x2

Crimson Silk Veil x1

Crimson Wing Silks x4

Daisy Flower Crown x1

Daisy Flowerfall x3

Dark Red Arm Bow x1

Dark Red Leg Bow x1

Dark Red Neck Bow x1

Dark Red Tail Bow x1

Dark Red Wing Bow x1

Darksteel Amulet of Necromancy x2

Darksteel Earrings of Necromancy x2

Darksteel Glasses x1

Dusky Rose Thorn Gloves x1

Dusky Rose Thorn Stockings x1

Dusty Highnoon Vest x2

Ebony Antlers x7

Ember Sylvan Anklets x1

Ember Sylvan Bracelets x1

Ember Sylvan Headpiece x2

Ember Sylvan Wings x1

Enchanter’s Cobwebs x2

Ethereal Flame Tail Ribbon x1

Filigree Rapier x2

Haunting Amber Grasp x1

Gloomy Highnoon Vest x2

Gold Halfmoon Spectacles x1

Golden Sage Cover x1

Golden Sage Shawl x2

Golden Sage Tassel x1

Golden Seraph Anklets x2

Golden Seraph Arm Piece x3

Golden Seraph Headpiece x3

Golden Seraph Hip Drape x1

Golden Seraph Tail Bangle x5

Golden Seraph Wing Ornament x5

Golden Leg Silks x4

Golden Silk Veil x5

Golden Wing Silks x18

Gossamer Arm Silks x2

Gossamer Silk Scarf x1

Gossamer Silk Veil x2

Gossamer Wing Silks x5

Gray Plague Doctor Mask x1

Grim Healer’s Reference x2

Grove Sylvan Anklets x1

Grove Sylvan Bracelets x1

Grove Sylvan Twist x1

Grove Sylvan Wings x1

Haunting Amber Forejewels x1

Haunting Amber Grasp x2

Haunting Amber Pendants x1

Haunting Amber Tail Decor x1

Hip Copper Frames x1

Hip Midnight Frames x1

Honeyed Woodbrace x1

Honeyed Woodwing x1

Horizon Starsilk Cloak x1

Horizon Starsilk Earrings x1

Horizon Starsilk Scarf x1

Horizon Starsilk Shawl x1

Horizon Starsilk Sleeves x1

Horizon Starsilk Socks x1

Horizon Starsilk Tailwrap x1

Horizon Starsilk Wingdrapes x1

Hunter’s Gloves x1

Hunter’s Leggings x1

Hunter’s Treads x1

Illuminated Emblem x1

Infectionist’s Emblem x1

Ivory Tail Tatters x2

Larkspur Corsage x1

Larkspur Flower Crown x1

Larkspur Flowerfall x1

Larkspur Lei x1

Larkspur Tail Lei x1

Leather Aviator Boots x1

Leather Arm Wraps x1

Leather Leg Wraps x1

Leather Neck Wrap x1

Leather Tail Wrap x2

Leather Wing Wraps x1

Lovely Seraph Anklets x1

Lovely Seraph Armpiece x1

Lovely Seraph Headpiece x1

Lovely Seraph Hip Drape x1

Lovely Seraph Tail Bangle x1

Luminous Halo x2

Maroon Chest Wrap x1

Marigold Corsage x1

Marigold Flowerfall x13

Marigold Wing Garland x1

Moondust Starsilk Cloak x2

Moondust Starsilk Earrings x3

Moondust Starsilk Scarf x2

Moondust Starsilk Shawl x2

Moondust Starsilk Sleeves x2

Moondust Starsilk Socks x2

Moondust Starsilk Tailwrap x2

Moondust Starsilk Wingdrapes x2

Moonlight Lace Anklet x2

Moonlight Lace Collar x1

Moonlight Lace Headpiece x1

Moonlight Lace Ribbons x1

Moonlight Lace Tail Ornament x2

Moonlight Lace Waist Frill x2

Moonlight Lace Wristlet x2

Mysterious Mantle x1

Nature Tome x1

Nebula Starsilk Cloak x1

Nebula Starsilk Scarf x1

Nebula Starsilk Shawl x1

Nebula Starsilk Sleeves x1

Nebula Starsilk Socks x1

Nebula Starsilk Tailwrap x1

Nebula Starsilk Wingdrapes x1

Night Sky Arm Silks x2

Night Sky Leg Silks x2

Night Sky Silk Sash x1

Night Sky Silk Scarf x1

Night Sky Silk Veil x1

Night Sky Tail Bangle x1

Night Sky Wing Silks x3

Obsidian Roundhorn x3

Onyx Seraph Anklet x1

Onyx Seraph Armpiece x1

Onyx Seraph Headpiece x3

Onyx Seraph Hip Drape x1

Onyx Seraph Tail Bangle x1

Onyx Talonclasp Pendant x2

Opulent Nightshade Gloves x1

Opulent Nightshade Ovalcrown x1

Opulent Nightshade Spats x1

Pastel Rose Thorn Tail Tangle x1

Pastel Rose Thorn Wing Tangle x1

Pearl Flourish Anklets x1

Pearl Flourish Belt x2

Pearl Flourish Bracelet x1

Pearl Flourish Eye Piece x1

Pearl Flourish Tail Drape x1

Pearly Amulet of Chemistry x3

Pearly Cuffs of Chemistry x1

Pearly Earrings of Chemistry x5

Pink Wooly Coat x1

Pink Wooly Tail x1

Poisonous Rose Thorn Gloves x1

Pretty Aqua Neck Bow x

Pretty Lavender Leg Bow x1

Pretty Lavender Neck Bow x1

Pretty Lavender Tail Bow x1

Pretty Lavender Wing Bow x1

Pristine Rose Thorn Arm Tangle x2

Pristine Rose Thorn Banner x1

Pristine Rose Thorn Crown x1

Pristine Rose Thorn Gloves x2

Pristine Rose Thorn Leg Tangle x3

Pristine Rose Thorn Stockings x2

Pristine Rose Thorn Tail Tangle x3

Pristine Rose Thorn Wing Tangle x1

Privateer’s Cutlass x1

Privateer’s Seaspray Boots x1

Ravenskull Broadsword x1

Raven Sylvan Anklets x1

Raven Sylvan Filigree x1

Raven Sylvan Twist x1

Raven Sylvan Wings x1

Raven Woodtreads x1

Red Rose Flowerfall x10

Respectable Alabaster Locket x4

River Royalist Cuffs x4

River Royalist Tail Rings x18

Romantic Red Rose x1

Roseate Scale Tassets x1

Roseate Scale Wingplates x1

Roseate Tail Tatters x2

Ruby Daredevil Cover x3

Sakura Flower Crown x3

Sakura Flowerfall x7

Sanguine Rose Thorn Gloves x1

Sanguine Rose Thorn Stockings x1

Sapphire Talonclasp Pendant x2

Scarlet Sylvan Headpiece x1

Scout’s Tail Twist x1

Seapetal Corsage x1

Seapetal Flower Crown x3

Seapetal Flowerfall x3

Seapetal Lei x1

Seapetal Tail Lei x1

Searing Emblem x1

Seashell Mantle x2

Silver Amulet of Science x1

Silver Earrings of Science x1

Silver Flowerfall x2

Silver Sylvan Wings x1

Simple Copper Bracelets x4

Simple Gold Bracelets x3

Simple Gold Necklace x4

Simple Iron Bracelets x1

Simple Pearly Bracelets x3

Sky Blue Silk Veil x1

Sky Blue Wing Silks x1

Sociable Striped Locket x1

Soft Pink Arm Silks x1

Soft Pink Leg Silks x3

Soft Pink Silk Veil x5

Soft Pink Wing Silks x9

Spectral Fuchsia Clawrings x2

Spectral Fuchsia Forejewels x2

Spectral Fuchsia Grasp x2

Summer Swelter x14

Swashbuckler’s Cutlass x4

Swashbuckler’s Seaspray Kerchief x1

Sweetheart Lace Waist Frill x1

Tanned Rogue Gloves x1

Tarnished Steel Belt x1

Tawny Antlers x1

Teardrop Jade Choker x1

Teardrop Jade Earrings x1

Teardrop Jade Ring x1

Teardrop Pearl Earrings x9

Teardrop Pearl Ring x1

Thresher Flatfins x1

Toxophilite’s Gloves x1

Toxophilite’s Tail Twist x1

Toxophilite’s Treads x1

Trickster’s Magic Cards x1

Umbral Scale Bracers x1

Umbral Scale Greaves x1

Unearthly Onyx Clawrings x3

Unearthly Onyx Forejewels x5

Unearthly Onyx Grasp x8

Unearthly Onyx Pendants x1

Unearthly Onyx Tail Decor x2

Verdant Sage Sash x1

Verdant Sage Shawl x1

Violet Daredevil Cover x6

Viper’s Arm Guards x1

Voltaic Halo x1

Well-to-do Sable Locket x1

White Spats x2

Windbound Plumage x1

Witch’s Cobwebs x3

Witch’s Herb Pouch x1

Witch’s Staff x1

Familiars:

Armored Duskflapper

Ashen Bicorn Whale

Bearded Yeti

Black-wing Hummingbird

Blackline Bicorn Whale

Blacktalon Striker

Blotched Quetzeel

Blue Tang Hippogriff

Bone Fiend

Boolean

Bubble Brook Gecko

Budwing Morpho

Buff Laced Cockatrice

Charoite Burrower

Clattercog Engineer

Cloud Chaser

Coarsefur Yeti

Cog Frog

Colorburst Buttersnake

Corrosive Depin

Crystalhide Jester

Dappled Dunhoof

Deeprealm Hunter

Downy Fox Rat

Driftwood Baron

Dunewind Manticore

Dunhoof Ambassador

Dwarf Unicorn

Enstatite Burrower

Fawn Fox Rat

Fire Sprite

Firefly Cockatrice

Flamerest Fiendcat

Flamescale Spearman

Fluted Pukasloth

Frost Delver

Glamourtail Hopper

Glasswing Flutter

Glossy Duskrat

Golden Featherfin

Golden Idol

Golden Kitsune

Golden Porpoise

Goldenbeast

Goldfin River Flight

Great Blue Waveskimmer

Greenwing Razorclaw

Hippojay

Hulking Greatowl

Ice Sprite

Iron Golem

Irregular Nekomata

Kelp Tender

King Parda

Lesser Wisp

Light Sprite

Lightning Sprite

Longhorn Capricat

Longneck Scrapper

Longwing Epiptite

Malevolent Spirit

Mammertee

Maned Cobra

Mantarune

Maren Ambusher

Maren Warrior

Maren Wavesinger

Masked Harpy

Melon Marzal

Melprin

Mimic Buttersnake

Mock Firebird

Molten Wartoad

Monkey Wrench

Mottled Buttersnake

Octoflyer

Orange Blotch Pansy

Overcharged Silverbeast

Pangolin Racer

Paradise Zalis

Patina Pangolin

Peacock Spider

Perching Java Sparrow

Plague Sprite

Quartz Cockatrice

Quetzeel

Rat King

Red-Footed Akirbeak

Regenerating Reedjumper

Rivermouth Flatbill

Rockback Charger

Rosy Peryton

Roundhorn Melprin

Ruffle Glasswing

Runic Bat

Seaglass Swimmer

Sentinel Mith

Shadow Sprite

Shimmering Xolo

Silver Featherfin

Silver Ferret

Silver Kitsune

Skycat

Smoky Bantam Fangar

Speckled Peacock Spider

Speedy

Spellwall Boran

Spined Cobra

Spinel Vulstal

Spiney Whale

Spotted Pukasloth

Steelhound

Stone Borer

Swift Volt

Torrent Tricktail

Tunnel Hydra

Ultimate Buttersnake

Undergrowth Shovelsnout

Undying Featherback

Velvet Floracat

Vermillion Epiptite

Wartoad

Water Sprite

Watermelon Coleus Gecko

Wave Sweeper

Wind Sprite

Wispwillow Peryton

Woodland Turkey

[fr-owlistuff]

How does Oleksander "see" others? Does that jerk have a bag of holding? DAD WHY HAVEN'T YOU SHARED THIS SECRET WITH YOUR SON?!? Also. Who is Vasilisk in the grand scheme of things? Minor player or??? I'm so curious about him, it's killing me. And Amaris, is he happy playing his part or is he going to try and escape that life? Or use it to his advantage? (I have so many questions.)

DRAC, I LOVE YOUR QUESTIONS. I always have so much fun answering these asks! ;D

OLEKSANDER IS A MAGE LOL SURPRISE!!! Hahaha, no, he’s not. He does have some really cool magical relics that allow him to… cheat a little bit. Just a little bit. And yes, that DOES include a bag of holding (and those are exceedingly rare so he hasn’t managed to find one for his beloved son; also, he loves to ‘see’ Aleksei’s confusion when he pulls something huge out of his bag). His blindfold is probably enchanted to allow him to ‘see’ where other dragons are even through walls. Maybe objects too. What can I say? He’s a resourceful assh*le. 

Ooohhh. Vasilisk. He’s definitely not a minor character. I guess you could call him a revolutionist of sorts, except that his goals are wholly selfish. He wants to see the Lysistratum Imperium brought down, but he’s alarmingly callous about whatever or whoever gets in his way. He can also be very reckless at times, and doesn’t mind putting others or himself in danger. The soft Skydancer who escaped the same flames that killed his clan was reforged anew into someone very, very dangerous. He’s already infamous in the Underbelly as a gang leader and someone not to cross unless you’d like a dagger in your gut. 

He’s also a powerful mage who has so far managed to avoid capture. The fact that he’s made a deal with a terrifying forest deity/monster might have something to do with it. 

Curiously, Amaris is a member of Vasilisk’s gang. Although it seems to everyone like he has come to terms with and even enjoys the way he lives his life, there is still an ember of rebellion burning within him. Over the years Vasilisk and Amaris struck up a strange friendship born out of respect and necessity and now the Spiral works as Vasilisk’s informant, happy to be given a new purpose in life working against the Lysistratum Imperium. Once a puppet to greedy masters, Amaris has taken a modicum of control over his life and will always been grateful to Vasilisk for the chance… Even if it kills him in the end.

[fr-owlistuff]

So tell me about the Blacktalon Witches- your lore looks like it implies some of them are still alive, how much of their cultural heritage are they able to preserve? What do they think of other magic-using groups?

Thank you for the ask! :D This got a bit bigger than what I was expecting. I’m so excited over the Blacktalons!!!

The Blacktalon Witches, as far as the world is concerned, are essencially dead (which was pretty much the Lysistratum Imperium’s purpose in burning the whole forest down). 

The few surviving members have gone their own ways, hiding in the shadows of the Citadel. Some of them, such as Marrok and Hircine, have adapted to city life and run a flourishing apothecary in the Underbelly (the seedier part of the Citadel). They haven’t forgotten their former clan, but they are pragmatic dragons and know enough to pick their battles. They still go against the Imperium in small ways, helping rogue mages escape the Imperium’s notice or smuggling forbidden substances into and out of the city. 

Ashkiin, another former Blacktalon Witch, just wants to forget. He’s carved a small home for himself in the Imperium and while he may not lead a perfect life, he’s adapted very well to the Citadel. Secretly he’s come to love the city, flawed though it may be.

On the other end of the spectrum you have Vasilisk. He was still young when the Lysistratum set his home aflame, but he remembers every second of it. It replays over and over inside his head when he closes his eyes. He wants to see the Lysistratum Imperium burn down to ashes and will do anything to ensure it happens. Vasilisk roams the Underbelly streets unnoticed, gathering power and followers and becoming infamous as a gang leader. 

In the days following the Blacktalon Massacre, Ashkiin and Vasilisk stumbled upon a strange and terrifying forest deity who promised them revenge for a price. An oath was made and though they don’t talk about it, they both feel the pull of the forest deep in their bones.

(Detail: Ashkiin was the one who saved Vasilisk from the flames, and now they are at odds with each other. Vasilisk has attempted to sway Ashkiin to his cause without success. Needless to say, the relationship between these two is severely strained. But, well, this is a story for another time.)

Has the cultural heritage been preserved? No, I don’t think much of it has survived the Blacktalons’ demise. The survivors were too busy trying to… well, survive, to protect what knowledge the Blacktalon Witches had. All they have is memories and in time those too will disappear. 

There is another magic-using group in the Lysistratum Imperium: the Magistarius (magistari). These dragons are taken from their families at a young age, as soon as they start displaying signs of magic. The Blacktalons pity these dragons as they are sequestered inside a stone fortress and are not allowed to leave. The Magistari are supposedly the only legal mages in the Imperium. Those who turn rogue and try to run are never heard from again. 

[demi-lancer]

Contents Cover Backlist Title Page Warhammer Age of Sigmar FORCE OF PERSONALITY PILGRIM’S TRIAL THE DANCE OF THE SKULLS ORDER OF THE FLY: TOURNEY OF FATE THE HARDEST WORD AUCTION OF BLOOD PANTHEON VAULT OF SOULS THE ROAD OF BLADES BEAR EATER GRAVESEND GOLD EIGHT LAMENTATIONS: THE TAINTED AXE THE WITCH TAKERS CALLIS & TOLL: THE OLD WAYS THE LIBRARY OF FORGOTTEN MOMENTS GODS’ GIFT OBSIDIAN BLACKTALON: HUNTING SHADOWS About the Authors An Extract from ‘Hamilcar: Champion of the Gods’ A Black Library Publication eBook license

Various Authors. Gods and Mortals (Kindle Locations 80-102).

[fr-owlistuff]

Ashkiin, dance. ;3

(I decided to write them as humans. I hope you don’t mind! Thank you for the prompt, Drac! You’re awesome! ;D)

@left-claw because Ashkiin ;D

prelude to a meeting

Warnings: some violence? also, unedited.

The drumbeat was in his blood. He let it wash over his limbs like a surging tide, muscles tensing in anticipation. His feet dug into the dirt as his world narrowed down to the deep staccato beats. 

Ashkiin could feel hungry eyes on him as soon as he started to move, heat licking at his heels from his own summoned flames. It was hard to ignore the whispers at his blalant display of magical ability, especially in the Citadel where magic was very tightly controlled, but by now Ashkiin was used to it. 

No one really cared about a measly street performer and his fancy dancing flames, no matter how magical they might be. He was just another entertaining distraction for the passing nobles and merchants, who stopped to gawk at him and maybe throw a few copper coins his way before walking away.

Ashkiin let the music reel him in, and for a heartbeat the presence of all others washed away and he was letting himself go, he was losing himself to the siren call and his body was not his own and his will was not his own. There was a sort of savage freedom in forgetting about the world.

That did not mean the world forgot about him. 

The last few notes of the song faded away and Ashkiin’s flames winked out of existence. The audience, feeling that the show was over, began to disperse. Ashkiin collected his share of the coins, counting four copper knells. Enough for his next meal if he liked greasy old meat on a stick.

 It would have to do.

The Market Sector was always a noisy, chaotic confusion of shouting merchants and riots of color. Every kind of ware was boldly displayed for the public, often in bizarre arrangements that drew the eye. Going to the Market Sector was always an adventure; it was hard to guess what one would find there on any particular day. Merchants from all over Sornieth came to the Citadel to trade and sell, filling the marketplace to the brim and becoming prime targets for cunning pickpockets.

The cry of seagulls came from the sky above him and somewhere beneath the smell of cooking food and human reek was the scent of the ocean. 

Ashkiin was surprisingly good at navigating crowds for a blind individual, sidestepping hurrying officials and avoiding the quicksilver hands of a child thief. He left the bustling and hustling of the marketplace behind him as he entered a filthy alley. Wooden crates were stacked on top of one another on one side of the alley, making it look even smaller than it was. Surprisingly, it didn’t smell half as bad as it looked.

He didn’t notice the shadowy figure that was leaning on the wall, but he stopped short at the sound of soft leather on stone. He stayed right where he was, still and unmoving as the stranger drew nearer, doing his best to ignore the fact that his heart had jumped to his throat.

There were lots of predators in this city and most of them would have found his blindness too good an opportunity to pass up… if not for Brimstone’s protection. The old seer, despite her supposed madness, was a very respected and feared individual, especially in the city’s Underbelly. Ashkiin knew Brimstone had connections, but she kept her secrets close to her heart where they’d never see the light of day. The fact that bad things seemed to happen to those that displeased her also had something to do with it.

There was a strange familiarity in the way the stranger walked, Ashkiin couldn’t help but notice. Even so, he only moved when the stranger’s crackling magical energy sparkled a flood of memories in Ashkiin’s brain. His mouth went slack for some seconds as shock wove through him along with recognition.

“Vasilisk!”

Ashkiin’s arm reached out and another kind of shock settled in. When he’d last been with Vasilisk, the young man had been his height and now… Well, Ashkiin must look like a midget next to Vasilisk. 

“This is what you’ve been up to, Ashkiin? Playing clown? Begging on the streets?”

Ashkiin flinched, his arm falling to his side, the truth of Vasilisk’s statement filling him with something akin to shame. He could feel Vasilisk’s judging stare burning holes into him. There was an edge to the younger man’s voice that was unlike anything that Ashkiin knew of him. 

He turned his palms face up in what he hoped would be a placating gesture. “It is a matter of surviving, Vasi. It would not have been my first choice, but you must understand-”

“I must understand nothing!”

The violence in the snarled words made Ashkiin take a step back and Vasilisk immediately followed, invading Ashkiin’s personal space. “Did you forget the day we came crawling out of that burning forest with the ashes of our dead clansmates clinging to us?” 

No, Ashkiin would never forget that day, not for a single second. Neither would he forget what happened afterwards.

There was silence for some time before Vasilisk settled his hand on Ashkiin’s shoulder, his sudden anger replaced by something akin to concern. 

“Can’t you feel it in your veins, in your mind, burning? Holding you to your oath? It won’t wait forever.”

Ashkiin let out a shaky breath. He didn’t mean to forfeit his oath, especially knowing that on the other side of it a monster awaited, hungry. He was just… taking his time. That, and maybe a part of him had begun to actually like this city and its people. And maybe that part of him knew that there had been enough destruction already, that the people responsible for the death of his clan weren’t the ones that came down to the marketplace to see him dance. Those in the Lysistrati Hall rarely came down to this part of the city.

“It will wait enough, until we are ready. Vasi, we are not… We are not killers. No matter how many oaths we took.”

He was surprised to feel a hand gently cupping his face. A small laugh escaped Vasilisk’s mouth, but it sounded… bitter. 

“No, Ashkiin, you’re not.”

If Ashkiin could see, he would have seen a cloud of black smoke and green flashes engulfing Vasilisk. As it was, he only felt the pressure of magic at work before Vasilisk disappeared.

Ashkiin was alone once again. He could feel the four copper knells burning in his pocket all the way to his house.

[fr-owlistuff]

Vasilisk hated losing.

(Not really important for the main lore. Just something that happened. B)

Not edited. Read at your own risk. )

He was in that awkward stage in which he was neither hatchling nor adult; a blurry in-between that often left him confused and sulky. 

Truth be told, Vasilisk had never been the most agreeable of hatchlings, stubborn and mischievous to a fault. He was sure some of his past caretakers still shared horror stories of Vasilisk’s tantrums between themselves. The thought made him grin.

A vicious tug on one of his wings broke him from his thoughts and he hissed, turning to confront the culprit. 

Sygmael smirked at him in that mocking way of his that Vasilisk had thought cool at first; now it just made his blood boil. Vasilisk couldn’t help the irritated growl that escaped his throat, which only served to made Sygmael’s smirk grow wider.

“You really shouldn’t let yourself so open, Vas. That’s just too inviting.” The honeyed words ruffled Vasilisk’s feathers the wrong way, as they often did. 

He forced his muscles to relax, smothering down the urge to leap at the slightly older Skydancer with claws outstretched. He could see the glittering amusement in Sygmael’s eyes aimed at him. 

‘What an annoying prick.’ 

“What are you doing out here? Shouldn’t you be gone by now?” The frown that marred Vasilisk’s features could be seen from miles away. Sygmael’s departure should have been the highlight of his day... If only the other Skydancer had the decency to actually leave.

Much to Vasilisk’s relief, Sygmael was a guest of his clan and not an actual member; as such, he only stayed for a few days at a time before taking to the road again. 

Unfortunately, that didn’t make the older Skydancer any less aggravating when he was around. 

“It truly warms the cockles of my heart to know that you will miss me so much, little Vas.” The younger Skydancer bristled at Sygmael’s nickname for him, hating the way Sygmael managed to burrow under his skin.

“I will miss you like one misses a thorn in their side,” Vasilisk hissed, frustration mounting and leaking into his words. 

A heartfelt chuckle filled the clearing. Sygmael took a step in his direction, a playful smile tugging at his mouth. “Care for a little duel?”

Anticipation was a heady sensation as it bubbled to the surface, replacing some of Vasilisk’s earlier annoyance. He shifted his position ever so slightly, distributing his weight in case he needed to move quickly. His fierce Wind green eyes flashed, and there was no need to answer Sygmael’s challenge. Before Vasilisk could blink, the older Skydancer had disappeared from his sight.

Immediately alert, Vasilisk forced his body into stillness. His eyes searched the trees around him as he did his best to ignore his racing heartbeat. He turned slowly, letting his senses extend well beyond his physical body. 

The forest called to him, a wild hymn that ran through his blood. He could feel the swaying grasses and the ancient trees becoming part of his awareness, welcoming him into their leafy embrace. Vasilisk turned them down just enough not to be lost to their beckoning-

And almost lost an eye to the sudden swipe of a clawed paw.

He jumped back just in time. The claw grazed the flesh just beneath his eye, but not enough to draw blood. He had a brief flash of Sygmael’s taunting features before he called to his magic. It filled Vasilisk like lightning, swift and brutal and begging to be set free. His sharp teeth glinted in a savage smile.

Sygmael suddenly stumbled, thorny vines breaking the ground underneath him and creeping up his limbs. They wrapped themselves around the Skydancer’s lithe frame with horrifying ease, too sturdy to be broken by strength alone. One of them curled around his fragile neck. He wasn’t smirking anymore.

A movement of Sygmael’s head and the vines were aflame.

Before Vasilisk could think to react, Sygmael’s limbs were tangled with his own and soon they were grappling on the ground, a mess of teeth and claws. The scent of ozone filled the clearing as bursts of magic clashed against each other, opening holes in the ground and burning the local flora. 

Vasilisk snarled with all his teeth, thoughts scrambling as a wave of adrenaline-fueled violence stormed within. He let his magic become a blade within him, crafting it carefully with bloodshed in mind. 

His opponent’s movements were too swift for Vasilisk to be able to counter them all, and so he let himself be thrown into a tree, ignoring his screaming bones. As soon as Sygmael approached, he let his power rush out of him. It coiled within him for a moment, then launched like an arrow in his opponent’s direction: chaotic, beautiful and deadly.

Sygmael’s eyes widened and he moved to dodge the destructive arrow of power headed his way. Vasilisk grinned in triumph as tendrils of his spell caught Sygmael’s retreating shape, bringing him down. When the Skydancer didn’t immediately fight back with his own powers, Vasilisk’s grin widened. “Getting slow in your old age, eh?”

The annoying prick didn’t answer him. Vasilisk frowned, wondering if the other Skydancer had escaped yet again.

“Sygmael?”

That was when he noticed the blood encrusted ground. Vasilisk stilled. The two had been fighting for some time. Blood was normal, wasn’t it? This... was a bit too much though.

“Sygma?”

Only silence greeted him. Dread pooled in his belly. He took a step forward, but found his limbs unable to take any weight. The world swam around him and he felt himself grow numb. Why was he so cold?

“You bleeding idiot.”

Vasilisk blinked and found himself being supported by Sygmael. The older Skydancer was bloody, but seemed otherwise unharmed. Vasilisk wanted to scoff at Sygmael’s lack of injuries, but he felt too relieved to do so. That, and he was too tired. 

Sygmael was usually all too happy to tell Vasilisk about his battle flaws, but he kept ominously silent as he dragged Vasilisk into a sun drenched area. There was a storm simmering beneath the surface, the younger Skydancer could tell. He’d never seen Sygmael being this serious before. Or this quiet.

“You almost killed the both of us! You just... you lost all control. What the hell were you even thinking?!”

The words were slow to register in Vasilisk's sluggish mind, but when they did he grinned anyway. "But I almost beat you."

Sygmael roared and Vasilisk found himself pinned to a tree. He’d never seen this kind of explosive temper in Sygmael. He could do nothing as the older dragon glared at him, disgust swimming in his eyes. “If you want to drain yourself, then go ahead! Just don’t drag me into it. You were almost dead when I caught up with you! If I hadn’t dodged that spell...”

The words seemed to die in Sygmael’s mouth and he threw Vasilisk against the tree once more, shaking its branches. The later could feel Sygmael’s grasp around his neck. “If I had been an enemy, you’d be dead now. You didn’t beat me; you nearly destroyed yourself.” There was a pause as Sygmael breathed deeply, every muscle in his body tense with anger. "You're a disgrace."

Weak as he was, Vasilisk felt his heart stop momentarily. Sygma had always taunted him plenty, picking at his temper like a child with a toy. But he'd never, ever spoken to him like that. Like Vasilisk was no more than the dust under his paws.

It wasn't until they'd gotten back to the Blacktalon lair, and Sygmael was gently lowering Vasilisk onto his cot, that the younger Skydancer realized that Sygmael had healed him fully. He opened his mouth to speak, but Sygmael was out the door before a single word could get past his lips. Even if the other Skydancer had stayed, there was little Vasilisk could have done, since he succumbed to unconsciousness immediately after.

It would be months before they saw each other again.

[fr-owlistuff]

Give us Avernos and Hypnos! Hypnosis and dreams =P

“There is terror in the farthest reaches of your beating heart 

I want to take it all for my own.”

@shadowdrac-rising @serpens-fr (I hope you don’t mind ^^’)

There was, Hypnos decided, a certain beauty in watching your reflection fade away.

Shadows sprawled like great ink stains across the ground, their shapes lengthening grotesquely as the sun began to sink over the horizon. The sky was a riot of saturated pink and orange and all the shades in between, stark against a background of starry indigo. It reminded Hypnos of his own colors.

His night silks fluttered in the evening breeze, the tantalizing scent of bluebells and jasmine sinking into his lungs when he breathed deeply. He could feel the incoming night settle around him as birds quieted down and settled into their nests.

Somewhere nearby, he could hear the faint, unearthly sound of wind chimes. Their tinkling seemed to echo inside his head for a long, long time.

“Interesting dream you made.”

Hypnos startled, a shock of adrenaline rushing through his body. He turned his head around almost painfully, eyes frantically searching for the origin of the voice.

“Who’s there?!”

He felt silly asking something like that when he knew that he was inside his own dreamscape, inside his own mind. He was supposed to be the only one here. Unless a part of him had become autonomous, which didn’t bode well for his mental health, there was no reason at all for him to be hearing voices (other than his own that is).

Nevertheless, he’d heard something. He was sure of it.

Hypnos’ luminous yellow eyes almost glowed in the dusk as he stretched his neck, searching for any possible kind of intruder. It had been years since his dreams had turned against him; he was now confident enough in his abilities to know that he had everything under control.

The woodland around him fell into a profound silence that would seem unnatural in the real world. Not even the rustling of trees could be heard, even as the branches moved. It was as if sound had simply… ceased to be.

And then, suddenly, the sound of distant wind chimes. Hypnos smiled.

The trees slithered out of his way, their branches curling away from Hypnos as if granting him passage. Countless fireflies illuminated the path ahead as the world slowly sank into shadow. It didn’t take Hypnos long to find the intruder of his dreamscape; a part of him was sure that said intruder had done this deliberately.

The throne was made out of some sort of dark stone and parts of it were crumbling, turning into dust as soon as they touched the ground. Vines snaked up the armrests, blooming into glowing, star-shaped flowers the likes of which Hypnos had never before seen in his life.

This… thing… was not of his own making.

As Hypnos’ eyes moved up, he found a serpentine shape perfectly draped over the throne’s seat, limbs stretching languorously in a picture of lazy contentment. Hooded jade eyes watched him, and Hypnos could see something flicker in them even as the dragon’s expression remained impassive.

(Later, if asked to describe the dragon before him, Hypnos would find his tongue tied. He would attempt to describe a dream being: a picture of pearlescent teeth and mercurial eyes, of extravagant laughter and nebulous intentions. No one would believe him.)

“Hello, little dreamer.”

Hypnos didn’t see the dragon’s mouth move, but the words reached him anyway. He was well aware of the whimsical, senseless nature of dreams, but even that knowledge didn’t stop the shiver that ran down his spine. No one but Hypnos should be able to command his dreams, yet this… thing had done it twice already - first with its presence, and then with the way it bent the dream to its will.

Veela, his teacher, had warned him of these dangers before she died: of Dreamstalkers just like Hypnos that would feed on others of their own kind, corrupting and consuming mindscapes for the pleasure of it - and for the power, of course.

The young Imperial took a step forward and the scent of jasmine hit him at once, heady and sweet, so much so that Hypnos found himself stumbling. He coughed and his eyes watered.

Had anything of this dream been truly of his own making?

As if answering to his unspoken question, a light breeze took away most of the smell, making it almost bearable. When Hypnos found the strength to raise his head from the ground, he found himself eye to eye with the creature. Hypnos blinked and it seemed as if whole constellations of creatures blossomed within the creature’s flank; he blinked again and those creatures disappeared, replaced by images of impossible landscapes and ominous thunderclouds; he blinked again and something was out to get him, its sharp claws reaching out, brushing against his cheek-

“It is time to wake up, little dreamer. Your dream doesn’t want you anymore.”

Hypnos attempted to take a step back, but the ground had swallowed his paws. With a jolt of panic, Hypnos realized he was sinking. This isn’t right, he thought, his mind scrambling for a way to get free, it isn’t right, this is my mind!

He turned his full attention to the jade-eyed dragon, hysteria creeping up on him as more of him was swallowed by the ground. “Who are you? What do you want from me?!” His voice was strained and high-pitched even as he attempted to control his fear.

The other dragon hmmm’ed and Hypnos flinched when he felt a paw under his chin, gently lifting his head. It felt as if thousands of miniscule creatures were running over his skin.

“Why, I’m your father of course.” A mocking grin stretched the other dragon’s mouth wide, too wide, and Hypnos had the sinking feeling that he was about to be devoured. “Now wake up.”

Hypnos couldn’t remember actually waking up, only the sudden scent of burning food entering his nostrils and a distant angry screeching in the background. He blinked groggily, shaking off the last vestiges of sleep. As he did so, faint memories came to the surface.

The scent of jasmine. Jade green eyes. A throne. A sudden feeling of dread that still clung to his bones. The earth swallowing him whole.

In the distance, Hypnos heard the sound of tinkling wind chimes. His eyes widened.

“Come find me, little dreamer.”

[fr-owlistuff]

WBW: If two dragons were to fight to the death, would someone intervene? What two dragons would do this?

THANK YOU FOR THE ASK!! :D

I have three clans (well… four, but we’ll leave the last one for next time) so I’m going to answer individually for each of the clans (I hope you don’t mind!).

LYSISTRATUM IMPERIUM: Someone would probably intervene, yes, if the fight was done publicly and with lots of witnesses. Most of the workings of the Lysistratum Imperium are steeped in blood and death and other not so nice things; not that they display their rot to outsiders. As far as 99% of their followers know, the Lysistratum Imperium is justice and law and equality. 

ANYWAY, if said fight to the death happened with the consent of Vox, the leader, no one would dare intervene. It would probably have to happen in a place hidden from curious eyes, but there’s no doubt that it would happen. It could even be used as a punishment. 

As for who would do this, I can’t see any of the major dragons of the Lysistrati behaving like this; to be able to reach and keep their place in the hierarchy of the Imperium, one has to be able to play with the wolves, so to speak. I think none would be foolish enough to engage in a fight to the death. 

I can’t speak for the prisoners and the sentient experiments that inhabit the lower levels of the Lysistratum Hall, though.

RIFTWALKERS: Yes, someone would intervene, if they were nearby. To be honest, not all would step forward because most of them are really weary and tired. If a fight to the death was to occur, only the Sentinels would feel obligated to stop the fight (and probably Invernoss too), and only if they weren’t guarding Madrigal, their dear former clan leader turned cosmic abomination. 

As for who would engage in a fight to the death, I’d have to say Mandragora (and Sauron by extension) and Furia. They’re both cold-blooded killers who feel no remorse whatsoever. Both have ambitious plans for the future and would do absolutely anything to get their way.

I could talk about Madrigal, but she’s a category wholly unto her own.

BLACKTALON WITCHES: The Witches are pacifists. They mostly just want to be left alone with their spells and plants. For something like a fight to the death to happen amongst them… Well, I can’t even imagine what it would take. Likewise, I can’t imagine a single dragon from the Blacktalons to want to participate in a fight to the death, at least not as things are right now. 

If Howl can be considered part of the clan (which is a bit strange given that he is a forgotten deity/forest horror), then I can totally imagine him mind-controlling two dragons into fighting to the death, just for his own amusement. 

That aside, I don’t think any of the Blacktalons would do something like that. HOWEVER, if it ever happens, the whole clan will be ready to intervene.

[fr-owlistuff]

Marrok, Ourian and Sigrun. Forest and potions! =D

Warnings: unedited and f/f if you squint your eyes

@shadowdrac-rising @serpens-fr

THE POTIONEER AND THE HEALER

Dawn was an understated affair in the Blacktalon lair. 

Weak, translucent sunlight poured through the trees, bathing the woods with a dreamy, golden sheen. The smell of wet earth and spring flowers flooded the air, and a faint breeze ruffled the foliage. 

There was always something so pristine, so pure about the forest at dawn, when everything was quiet and peaceful and it seemed as if time had ceased to be. If one was quiet enough, they would almost be able to sense the earth beneath them pulsing with a life of its own and feeding countless others; a heartbeat as ancient and as unyielding as the world itself.

Somewhere in the woods a distant musical humming joined the morning birdsong. 

Swift fingers worked through the bushes, taking care not to be prickled by the thorns. Ourian was an expert at sniffing out specific types of plants for her potions and poultices, having done this countless times before. She took care with the most dangerous plants, especially the poisonous ones. At the moment, she had enough of those in her small pouch to kill a dozen dragons - and to kill her too, if she wasn’t careful enough. Despite this, Ourian didn’t seem even a tiny bit worried. In fact, she was downright cheery.

She usually let her thoughts wander while she was out gathering herbs, and this time was no different. The shy sunlight warmed her feathers and the woodsy scent of the forest lulled her into a state of relaxed contentment.

Because of this, Ourian didn’t hear when the bushes rustled somewhere behind her, making way for a bigger shape. 

An alarmed squeak left Ourian’s lips when something cold wrapped itself around her tail. She let her tools fall from her paws and they hit the loamy soil in front of her with a solid flop. There was a brief period of time, no longer than two or three seconds, in which Ourian stood frozen in fright. When her brain caught up with her, she immediately turned her head back…

… only to be immediately confronted with amused crimson eyes. 

She let out a sigh of relief, even as indignation bubbled up in her chest. Before she could think to say anything, however, the other Skydancer had let go of her tail and her quiet, throaty voice met Ourian’s ears.

“You’re too easy to sneak up on, Ourian.” Even though the words were said with a carefully neutral expression, Ourian could hear the grin in the other Skydancer’s voice.

Ourian huffed, quickly picking up the tools she’d let fall earlier. “The only one who ever sneaks up on me is you.” 

This time the grin made it to Sigrun’s mouth, and a short peal of laughter left her throat when Ourian frowned at it. “All the more reason to continue to do so.”

Despite taking a great pleasure in teasing Ourian, Sigrun helped her gather the rest of whatever herbs she needed that day. Witty retorts were traded back and forth, until the two dragons lapsed into a comfortable silence. The herb gathering didn’t take very long, seeing as most of the work had already been done. However, when Ourian turned to walk back to the group of huts that was the center of the Blacktalon territory, an arm appeared before her, effectively stopping her progress. 

A caustic retort was on the tip of Ourian’s tongue, but it was swiftly silenced when it was met with Sigrun’s serious countenance. Ourian might not have known Sigrun for a long time, but she knew enough to keep her mouth shut. Her breathing was doing strange things, especially when Sigrun got closer, almost hovering over her. She saw a flash of something in Sigrun’s crimson eyes, but it was gone far too quick for Ourian to identify. 

“Maybe you should gather some more herbs for… special requests.” 

This didn’t surprise Ourian. The Skydancer might be a simple potioneer, but she was not altogether ignorant about what was happening out there. She probably knew more than she should’ve, especially in regards to Sigrun’s… activities. Ourian wasn’t kept apprised of everything the Resistance did, but she could deduce quite a few things given the right information. 

A nod from the smaller Skydancer was all it took for Sigrun to start mechanically listing off a considerable number of potions and poultices and, much to Ourian’s dread, some poisons too. 

She dutifully memorized everything, as Sigrun had been against all and any written proof of Ourian’s involvement with the Resistance from the beginning. By now, Ourian was used to it. 

“Your order will be ready in two days. Three at most.” Most of the requests were easy to make, simple healing poultices and strengthening potions. “There is one item, however…” A frown marred Ourian’s expression. 

Sigrun brushed her wing against Ourian’s, breaking the later from her deep thoughts. “Take as long as you must. Don’t worry about the time. You’re already doing us a huge favor.” Sigrun’s eyes examined the other dragon, taking in the darkness beneath her eyes. “There is no need to overwork yourself, Ourian.”

Ourian nodded, but she wasn’t really listening to what Sigrun was saying, her mind already too busy working out all that she needed to do in the next few days. Wait, was the red eyed Skydancer coming closer now? 

Her eyes widened when a paw rested gently against the side of her face, and everything about her stilled in unison. “Take care of yourself.” It was more order than advice, and the voice that said it was both soft and unyielding. There was no doubt in Ourian’s mind that there was an unspoken ‘or else’ somewhere in there. When she lifted her eyes to meet Sigrun’s, she found a very strange glint in the other dragon’s eyes; it made Ourian’s heart pound for no reason. However, the moment was brief, and Sigrun quickly took a step back and let a mask of neutrality fall over her.

This time no arm stopped her progress as Ourian made her way to the Blacktalons’ huts - and to her own too. Still, she couldn’t help her shiver (was it from nervousness? from uneasiness? or… or was it something else? something strangely warm and… fluttery?) when she felt two very familiar eyes following her all the way to the edge of the forest. 

Hidden amongst the vegetation, Sigrun watched as Ourian disappeared from view. A strange smile lingered on her face, even as she flew away.

Marrok was a peaceful sort of dragon and everyone knew it. 

He abhorred conflict inside the Blacktalons, but didn’t bother participating when he knew things would sort themselves out. Sometimes all that was needed was a simple push. 

Despite what the other Blacktalons thought, Marrok didn’t see himself as a leader of any kind. If anything, he thought himself a sort of counselor. He mostly left the others to do as they wished. That didn’t mean, however, that he didn’t know what was going on inside the clan.

It was with no small degree of amusement that he watched the two Skydancers dance around each other; or, more accurately, Sigrun tentatively dance around Ourian while the later lost herself in her potions. 

At least, Marrok thought while untangling a particularly stubborn vine from his paw, they could be a source of amusement for the clan. 

If he’d known at the time about the true nature of the conversation between the two Skydancers, be probably wouldn’t have felt as amused.

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I finally managed to write a little something about my dragons! It’s still WIP, but at least I already know where I’m going with this.  :D

@shadowdrac-rising  because she’s one of your children ;)

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TELL ME ABOUT OLEKSANDER, OWLISH >83 x3 Kidding! Tell me: What's Howl up to? What's his goal? How many people have fallen prey to him? Was he ever anything but a primal being? On a less serious note: Hircine, why you bite people? RUDE! But I still wish to kiss his snoot. Also, Marrok. Is his ability with plants innate to his species or something he learned?

I WILL TELL YOU ABOUT OLEKSANDER, I WILL. Eventually. It’s a work in progress. ^^’’

Oh, Howl… He’s probably one of my favorites. His bio can get a bit confusing, since it doesn’t really explain much of anything. BUT there is the suggestion of something in there. 

Howl is described as a Primal, and at least in my lore, those are… or were… nature deities, as old as time itself. You could say that they were the avatars of nature, brought into being to observe and (very rarely) interact with dragons. So, what happened? 

Once dragons discovered the existence of beings such as Howl, they began to build shrines and temples, deep within the forests, to honor these beings. As generations came and went, this systematic pouring of belief changed the very essence of these beings, of Howl. All the fearful whispers, the fervent prayers, the sweet rapture of spiritual abandon, the quiet terror and dread: every single one of these things became part of Howl’s very essence. 

 In the end Howl became what they unknowingly made of him: a thing of horror, the eldritch monstrosity that dwells in the darkest part of the forest. 

Howl has no apparent goal; he hunts and seduces and preys upon those that step foot inside the woods. He cannot be reasoned with, no more than a hurricane can be reasoned with. He is a tainted, perverse being, and more dangerous because of it. I don’t think he is evil, not exactly. Howl doesn’t understand the concept of right or wrong, of justice or fairness. Morality is a thing that doesn’t exist to him. 

As for how many have fallen prey to him: countless. He has lived past many generations of dragons and will live past many more. He plays with his prey like a bored puppeteer, and when they aren’t fit to serve him anymore, the forest swallows them whole. When a dragon meets Howl, they will see something terrible in his face, in his eyes; but the scariest thing is that it will be a familiar feeling, like peeling oneself open to peer at the mad, savage beast inside. After all, Howl was corrupted by these wants and fears; he’s just returning the favor, so to speak.

HAHAHA, Hircine is a cutie. A cutie with very sharp teeth, mind you. I’m not sure why he keeps biting other dragons, but most of the Witches have gotten used to it. He’s very gentle about it, seeing as his teeth are REALLY, almost needle like, sharp. He loves to have his belly rubbed, however. Makes him so relaxed he’ll fall asleep right after. 

One thing I do know about him is that he eats Shade for breakfast. No, really. He eats the Shade. Bits and pieces of it. His digestive system is a nightmare. He’s also fond of really weird food that has the other Witches wincing in disgust. Then again, when one’s favorite dish is toasted Shade… well… How weirder can Hircine get?

Marrok! He always knew he had a knack for sorcery and applied to learn several different subjects of magic. In all of his studies, he only really excelled at one thing: necrobotany. It’s something he enjoys, bringing plants back to life or controlling those that are dead. I’d say that yes, some of his gift with plants is natural, but like any ability, he’s had to study it and learn.

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69, 70, and 80 for wbw

69. Who’s the weirdest dragon in your clan? Why are they weird?

Oh dear Lightweaver, I could stay here the rest of the day just talking about the many weird and probably disturbing dragons in my clans, but I’ll have choose one. 

Hircine is probably one of the weirdest dragons of the Blacktalon Witches. He doesn’t have a bio yet (working on it!), but he’s basically a hunter for the witches. That is, if you appreciate green, radioactive looking meat or fishes that resemble arcane abominations. No one knows where he gets these things and by now they’re too afraid to ask. He has this raspy, dry laughter that weirds everyone out. He also has really sharp teeth.

Oh, and he eats Shade wraiths for breakfast. Did I mention that? His digestive system must be a nightmare (literally). 

As for the Riftwalkers, I’d have to say Madrigal. Definitely. She was once a clan leader (and still is, kind of), but then she trapped a sentient magical anomaly inside her and… well, sometimes she turns into a sort of ridiculously powerful cosmic horror. No one is safe when that happens. And the worst? No one knows when it might happen, so she has to be watched 24/7. And it can happen in the blink of an eye. Scary, I know. 

70. Is there a pair or group of dragons that make their lairmates go “oh shit” when they’re seen together?

Hmmmm. I’ll have to say Raziel and Brimstone from the Blacktalon Witches. They’re already two weirdos when apart, but when they’re together… Things go haywire. Raziel is a necromancer with a very loose moral compass and Brimstone is a Seer that collects teeth and bones and… who knows what else? They’re usually seen cackling and cooking up who knows what in Brimstone’s den. 

The last time they had a ‘brilliant’ idea, some clan members woke up with several missing teeth and splitting headaches that lasted for days. 

80. How does your clan view exaltation?

Interesting question. I have three clans and exalting explains for more than just sending dragons away to their clan’s deity.

The Riftwalkers: the few dragons that hatch from this small clan are always on a rush to get away from Madrigal. Most of the exalted dragons go to the Lightweaver as a means of escape (and their parents are usually relieved by that); but some… some simply disappear. No one says anything, but they’re reminded of when Rift was free and not trapped inside Madrigal. Dragons used to disappear all the time with no explanation. Maybe this means that the Rift isn’t as trapped as they thought it was…

The Lysistratum Imperium: they’re very strict about their hatchlings and those that show no promise are sent to the Lightweaver to serve a higher cause (and to get out of the way). Some are abducted along the way and come back to the Lysistratum Imperium’s territory, although nothing is heard from them ever again.

The Blacktalon Witches: Hatchlings are usually encouraged to freely choose their path; they can remain and become part of the clan, seek adventure in other parts of the world, or serve their deity. And then there are those who wander far too deeply into the woods: those usually choose to remain in the clan, but they’re… different. I mean, if they do come back, because not all do.

Thank you for the ask, dear Anon! :D