#falagar

[albumarchives]

Rivendell | Unsung Tales (2024)

[darksilvershadows36]

The Kamas (Species)

Since I did reference the Kamas a lot in the last post, I though I might as well talk about their species in general.

Kamas are purely magikal beings, with solid forms that manifest around hearts made of various types of opal. They have a normal life-cycle, though and most can live up to a thousand years if they're lucky. They can only be killed if their magik is consumed, or their heart is shattered. If their physical form is killed, their form will melt into starry mist, leaving by their heart, and they will remanifest about a month later.

Kamas themselves are incredibly hardy, being able to live in harsh climates, and are exceptionally fast flyers, as well as being incredibly stealthy and agile on foot. They are roughly the size of a lion, but despite this, are able to hold their own against much larger creatures in their home realm of Morkanta.

They also exhibit large amounts of sexual dimorphism, with the females (Kamaracs), being more cat-like, with white fur, paws, and feathered wings, while the males (Karmarics), are more draconic, with black scales, claws and bat-like wings. Kamaracs also have blue, copper based blood, while males have red, iron based blood.

Kamas are the servants of the Beast Monarch, and their society is structured around upholding the balance and function of the Morkantian ecosystem, and how it affects the realms above, as well as sustaining this life-style. There are six major groups of Kamas, split by their opal heart and role. Each over-arching role may have hundreds of different sub-roles within it, they also have a set base of operations where the High-Kamas dwells, and serves as the base point for all operations of that kind, these are referred to as the Black Palaces.

Black Opal - Guardian - Akontos, Darkoltolontos, Milasolantos - Onyx Castle: Black Opals are the guardians of all the other Kamas. They are experienced fighters, and you'd be hard pressed to find one without scars of some kind. They protect the black palaces from attacks by wild voidlings, and can call upon Summoning magik to assist them, able to call other beasts to their aid. The Onyx Palace is located on a floating island in the sky, close to the Shamanic Basin and above the Obsidian Library.

White Opal - Keeper - Zirantos - Obsidian Library: White Opals are concerned with the keeping and protection of knowledge. There are hundreds of navigators, translators, map-makers and scribes, all working to keep the Obsidian Libraries sprawling archives in order, and constantly updated with every published piece of information they can get their claws on. Each can command Minding magik, in case that is needed to gain knowledge

Blue Opal - Collector - Maentantos, Gelotantos - Marble Hall: Blue Opals are tasked with going into the upper realms and capturing rogue Voidlings, returning them to Morkanta if a summoning spell goes awry. They are gifted with Location magik, using it to travel and track down their prey. The Marble Hall is located on the opposite side of the Shamanic Basin to the Obsidian Library and Onyx Castle, and hosts the Pool of Unity.

Honey Opal - Hunter - Rapartos - Hematite House: Honey Opals are tasked with tracking down, and gathering resources from various voidlings. Hide, horn, venom, feather, all are gathered. Some hunt for meat, others not, all to provide for the needs of the Kamas. They use Illusion magik in their hunts, confusing their prey and protecting themselves in the attacks. The Hematite House is located in the Falagar Swamps, north of the Shamanic Basin.

Girasol Opal - Nurturer - Asolontos - Jet Palace: Girasol Opals are the healers, natural gifted with Healing magik. They can be nurses, surgeons, doctors, the battle-field medic. The Jet Palace is located on a series of small, tropical atolls in the western ocean.

Fire Opals - Star-Charmer - Zileentos - Ice Observatory: Fire Opals take care of the young, old and sick of the Kamas. The Ice Observatory's position high in the frigid Ignanian Mountains makes them surprisingly safe, and with the Manipulation magik to change their environment, they are excellent care-givers, all in different ways.

All Kamas work together in different regards. It is common to see many different types in many of the different palaces, each serving individual roles. The High-Kamas themselves are direct links to the Beast Monarch, passing along information to the rest of them, but otherwise, they are incredibly self-governing.

[tolkienmetallist]

Rivendell

Music Style: Epic Black Metal with Folk influences

Country of Origin: Austria

Years Active: 1998 - ? (Last album was released in 2005, no word since then)

Current Member: Falagar (Gerold Laimer) - Everything

Discography: The Ancient Glory (2000) Elven Tears (2003) Farewell-The Last Dawn (2005)

Tolkien Band Name Reference: Rivendell is an elven outpost in the foothills of the Misty Mountains, and home to Elrond.

Website: No official website other than the bandcamp page - https://rivendell.bandcamp.com/

Youtube: No official Youtube channel, but the entire discography can be found on the channel Black Metal Promotion. I recommend the album Farewell - The Last Dawn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs2SSJVd88Q&t=1985s

Spotify Monthly Listeners: ~180

My Thoughts: Much like there are two main subgenres of Tolkien Metal, there are also two main lyric approaches. The first is “Tolkien Inspired”, which is where the lyrics are about Tolkien’s work and there may be a few quotes pulled directly from the books, but for the most part the lyrics are the original creation of the band. The second is what I am affectionately referring to as a “Tolkien Cover Band”, where the lyrics are just Tolkien’s original writings. Rivendell falls squarely into the second category. Almost all of the songs made by this band are covers of Tolkien’s poems. In particular, I recommend Rivendell’s versions of Eärendil and The Fall of Gil-Galad. I don’t think this is a bad approach to creating Tolkien metal as, even though the lyrics are going to stay the same between bands, there is still plenty of room for individuality and interpretation in the instrumentation of the song. Rivendell takes Tolkien’s words and combines them with black metal and folk influences to create something new.

The lyrics, combined with the use of folk instruments, as well as a mix of clean and harsh vocals, gives this band an enjoyable sound, even if you aren’t into black metal (I’ve seen several comparisons to Falkenbach, to give an idea of the sound). Persobnally, I’m a fan of folk music in general, so any time a band blends in a bit of folk influence, even if it’s just a touch of fiddle or bagpipes, it’s going to make me like the music a lot more. I know folk isn’t everyone’s preference, but I really like this band, and I hope more people will give them a listen.

[unbelievably-shitty-blog]

The History of Robin du Sorigal

When asked about his past, Robin stammers a bit and looks surprised you'd even want to know about him. Eventually, however, he calms down and tells of his life on the road with his older sister, Elizabeth. He never knew his parents very well, but Lizzy would always get angry whenever they were mentioned, so he learned to not ask too many questions about them. Elizabeth did her best, but she was also still somewhat young and learning about the world herself. She knew she wouldn't be able to raise him on her own, so she sought out the help of their uncle, Falagar, who had long since left the family home behind in pursuit of his own knowledge. Here, Robin would receive a proper upbringing - or at least, as proper an upbringing as a busy, reclusive wizard could give him. Elizabeth helped out, too, but her wanderlust was starting to take hold, and eventually she was around less and less often.

In addition to taking basic studies in the town of Lakeshire below Falagar's floating castle, Robin also learned magic from his uncle. He was taught basic arcane magic at first, but once he branched into the elemental schools it was clear that he had a knack for fire magic. Despite his regular attendance at school, Robin had grown to be somewhat timid and doubtful of his own abilities, a trait that wasn't helped by Elizabeth's constant and worrying absence. Eventually she did return, but not as Robin had known her. Somewhere in her travels, she had been turned by the Duskwood worgen and subsequently cured of her mindless frenzy by the alchemists of Raven Hill. Robin, however, couldn't process what she'd become, and in that moment he ran. He ran away from his family, back into the village, and further beyond. It was perhaps the single decision he regrets the most in all of his years, but at the time he didn't know what else to do. The village had already heard the rumors about Elizabeth, and so they shunned Robin for it, but thankfully there were those beyond the outskirts of town that would receive him.

Bastien Fairbrook. He was the man that accepted Robin into the ranks of the Empyrean Frontier, an adventuring company that had coincidentally also housed Elizabeth. Perhaps it was fate, but at the time Robin wasn't interested in such musings. He was simply glad he had found a home to return to. He still felt terrible about abandoning his sister, but at this point he felt too guilty to return. So it was that he joined the company, and so it was that he would meet the man who would become the love of his life, Perrin Fairbrook. Bastien's son was a devout follower of the Holy Light, but there was a frustration hidden deep within the lad. Robin empathized with his struggle, and soon the two bonded over a mutual understanding of each other's pain. Over time, bond grew to love, and though the pair faced pressure from all sides for their decision, Robin couldn't be any happier. Perrin, however, succumbed more readily to the stress of mockery and disgust that those around them had come to adopt. As a result, their relationship was less than picturesque, but despite their rocky road Perrin was ultimately a force of good in Robin. He brought up Robin's confidence in himself, and convinced him to finally return to Elizabeth, who was still acting in the Empyrean Frontier, and make up with her.

Afterwards, the three began taking on missions together, and quickly became known as perhaps the most effective team in the company. At least, until one chance mission took them to the sands of Tanaris. They were to investigate reports of a strange creature stalking the desert, from a species long since thought to have gone extinct, and eliminate it if necessary. Eventually the three had cornered the Qiraji they were investigating, but as they engaged it, another joined in the fight. This one was brutal and devastating, and Robin honestly feared for his life in that battle. As a result, his old insecurities and doubts came flooding back to him, causing him to be unable to react to the situation properly. It wasn't until his inaction caused Perrin to die at the new Qiraji's scythes that something in him broke. He channeled that torrential mixture of pain, sorrow, anger, and guilt into one final pyroblast, but before he could pull it off, he was knocked out by the larger Qiraji that they had been tailing.

The months that followed passed as a blur to the young mage, and in some ways he still doesn't believe they ever happened. Or perhaps, he doesn't want them to have happened. Perrin's death had sent ripples through the Empyrean Frontier, but none were more affected than their leader - Perrin's father, Bastien. The old paladin was shaken, so much so that he had to step down as leader for a time, promoting Elizabeth in his place. Robin could do nothing but mourn, but when one reaches rock bottom, the only way to go from there is up. Time passed, and though he still mourned the loss of his love, Robin begun to grow more understanding of those who had taken Perrin's life. It wasn't until the return of an old friend that he would begin to truly move on from Perrin's death.

Ilthimar and Vysegan Duskfire were another of the Empyrean Frontier's highly ranked teams, and as such they often collaborated with Robin's team on missions too tough for either of them to handle alone. Of the two, the quiet and studious Ilthimar was the one that caught Robin's eye, and the pair became fast friends. At least, Robin did. Ilthimar had never been a very sociable person, but Robin didn't mind. What little he did talk to the young mage about was fascinating, so Robin often hung around the elf when he wasn't with Perrin. After his death, however, Robin found himself yearning for the comforting presence of a friend - one who was no longer there. As such, Ilthimar's return came as a welcome surprise to many, Robin included, but ever since then it seemed as though something was different about him. Ilthimar was more openly talkative, and supported Robin more directly. It was nice to have that sort of presence back in his life, and was one that would eventually help him to move on from Perrin's death.

Now, Robin continues to study and practice his magic, though he doesn't actively take part in the Empyrean Frontier's activities anymore, not since Elizabeth was promoted to lead the company's charter branch in the north. "Ever onward do I travel the roads."

[witcherfic]

Gryphonheart May 21, 2020 at 12:12AM

by Gryphonheart

Led by a prophecy and dire circumstances, Geralt crosses paths with Skyiah, a sorcerer with unknown power and a forgotten past. Perhaps the witcher will become a believer in Fate and Destiny after all.

CROSSOVER - The Witcher, The Might and Magic series (including Heroes of Might and Magic), Diablo 3, and Skyrim.

Words: 2444, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Wiedźmin | The Witcher (Video Game), Wiedźmin | The Witcher - All Media Types, Might and Magic (Video Games), Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Diablo III, Heroes of Might and Magic (Video Games)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M, Gen

Characters: Geralt z Rivii | Geralt of Rivia, Original Characters, Falagar (Heroes of Might and Magic), Jaskier | Dandelion, Gaunter O'Dimm

Relationships: Geralt z Rivii | Geralt of Rivia/Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Crossover, Angst, Action/Adventure, Eventual Romance, Fate & Destiny

[tolkienmusicuniverse]

The Band: Rivendell

Country: Austria

Formed in: 1998

Genre: Black/folk

One man band created by Falagar. His three albums are inspired by Tolkien works. 

Tolkien Element: Rivendell

Rivendell (or Imladris) is a shelter city founded in Eriador by Elrond Half-Elven during the Second Age of the Sun. Aragorn grew up there and it is also in this place that the Fellowship of the Ring has been formed.

[unbelievably-shitty-blog]

Recollection and Reflection

   As Falagar turned from the stall manned by the pair of elves, his purchases from them floating lazily in orbit around him, he ambled off and away from the grounds. As he walked, the soft padding of his shoes echoed off the light taps of his cane against the cobbled stone road. After leaving the Night Market’s grounds, his cloak began fluttering back from a nonexistent breeze, though he continued walking. The ornately designed leather case that kept his arcana in tow then unfastened itself, flipping its lid open and allowing the cards kept within to stream outward, spiraling around Falagar and his newly acquired items in contrasting patterns. Once the entire deck’s worth had been spent, its contents began to glow, with runic sigils appearing on each card, seeming to be both inscribed in the material and floating off of it slightly, both at the same time. Even still, Falagar continued to walk, his hand secure in a pocket as his cloak settled back down, coming closed around him completely for a brief moment before his right arm tossed it open, his cane now gripped at its neck. With a twirl of the implement, Falagar’s cards surged forward, organizing themselves into a much more arcane structure - much like a runic circle, but composed in three dimensions and moving ever forward along with Falagar’s pacing. All it took was three steps. On the first step, the land beyond him shifted. On the second step, the land to his sides melded with their new cousin. On the third step, the land at his back enclosed him within this new plane of existence.

   Or, at least, a new location of existence. Where once there was the ocean spray and the tireless din of the city, there was now an almost serene calmness. A gentle breeze, thinned by altitude as it was, ever present along the castle’s grounds - for that is where Falagar now found himself: his ancestral home, Castle Alamos. A towering, yet inviting structure, with hints of the arcane all around. Caenum, the unbound water elemental, greeted him from beside the portal located on the satellite island.

   “It is good to see you well, Master Alamos,” the creature stated in its ubiquitous monotone. Falagar only afforded the elemental a nod and a smile, he had other matters stewing in the cook-pot of his mind this eventide. As he walked, Caenum followed, effortlessly gliding over the planks in the bridge that lashed this portal’s islet to the mainland of Castle Alamos. A daunting prospect for even the most seasoned of veterans, as the bridge was suspended well above the clouds, with what little windows into the beyond there were only affording view of the merciless seas below.

   “What troubles you so, Master Alamos?” Caenum spoke again, his monotone almost bending in the affectation of caring that time. Falagar, to his credit, responded to the creature this time, looking over his shoulder and giving the aquatic entity a weary smile after removing his masquerade.

   “It’s always been difficult for me to return here,” he speaks, as the pair veer away from the castle and down onto a terrace carved right into the mass of levitating earth that held the last of the Alamosian legacy. At the center of the terrace, there was the makings of a grand fountain, missing only the headpiece. Carved around the outside lip and along the molding of the inner pillar were innumerable human figures, each one seemingly hand-sculpted with loving care and attention to detail. Branching off from the central pillar were a quartet of equally as precisely carved arches, each holding a basin with a statuette of a different type of bird perched on the plinth in the center. Each, save one. One that, with a casual gesture of the hand, was given purpose as the final avian fountain - one that just so coincidentally happened to match the others in style - locked itself into place. A satisfied smile at the work in progress soon turned wistful as he gazed upon the empty space atop the grand fountain project. With a moment’s hesitation, Falagar tore his eyes away from the fountain they lingered upon, and averted them towards his penultimate destination for the night - a fondly carved archway that led into the aether-lit depths of whatever cave resided beyond.

   “I shall leave you to it, then,” came the voice of Caenum, as he performed a butler’s bow and sloshed up the stairwell from whence they approached. Falagar nodded and watched the elemental leave - to delay the inevitable or to gather his composure, he could not decide. However, it was a decision that need not be reached, as the magician removed his hat and hung it upon the empty sconce that played host to one of those magical aetheric lights, which still shone just as bright as if his hat were invisible. His golden locks now cascading freely down his neck and around his face, Falagar moved to descend the steps into the catacombs below, but not before leaning his sword-cane against the other side of the archway. As he reached the final turn of stairs that led into what was to come, Falagar hesitated for a moment - a somber look upon his face as the flickering arcane lamps played shadows across his face. With a deep breath, and an outward sigh, he rounded that final corner, entering into that room of which he wished not to return.

   Why such hesitation? What ailed the young mage so? Perhaps the simple stone marker that lie within that small, cave-like room bore the answer. As he approached the obelisk, the necklace and bracelet that dutifully flew alongside him came to the fore. With nary a flamboyant gesture, Falagar unceremoniously opened his cape, parting it just enough so that the jewelry could land in his open palms, one for each side. He knelt before the stone structure, bowing his head in what could be called reverence as he placed the finery in a plain, cast iron pot that stood before it - where it joined with a pair of earrings, long dusted over by time, and a single, golden wedding band. As Falagar rose and turned to leave what was unmistakeably a grave site, he recalled the final image imprinted on his brain from the night’s visit:

An engraving upon polished stone floor adjacent to the obelisk, stained by fresh drops of emotion: Here Lies Mirana Lockhart (née Alamos), Loving Sister and Bride-to-be Taken from this world by the cruel whim of fate and family Beside it, scratched in with a more natural-looking hand: Please forgive me.