Burning Treasure of the Lost King

[Sploda]

Welcome one and old! No doubt very few of you know who I am or what my profession is. Suffice to say that I am nothing more than a mere storyteller, and today I have a very special story to tell you.

Have you ever wondered how Magic came to be? How about how the adventure of a single boy and his friends could change the future? Well how about I tell you the story of...[font="Courier New"][b][size="4"]The Burning Treasure of the Lost King[/size][/b][/font]

[spoiler=Chapter 1 A meeting Among Friends]Laoudi. A planet I had visited many years ago. This planet shall be the setting of my story to you. This will not be a tale of a grand champion who goes off to save the world nor will it be a romantic where the hero gets the girl. No this story will tell you how Magic came to be and how a young boy would find the Burning Treasure of the Lost King.

The world of Laoudi was a diverse planet. It was home to five species that had achieved technological superiority. The Nortitian race came from the Northern regions, adept in Symbology and skilled in the art of alchemy. Nortitians were odd in statue that they are on average seven feet tall and had ears that curve downwards. Merchants would make routine trips to Nortitian territory to buy potions of the highest caliber. These were usually of the sort that someone would buy to gain true love or other hogwash like that.

Humans, the ones we all know and love, lived in the Eastern territories. Unlike the rest of the races of Laoudi, the Humans were they were split into several different kingdoms. The kingdom of Dramancia controlled one-fourth of the territory. This made it the largest Kingdom of the Humans and an important player in world politics. Meanwhile the rest of the Human Territories was divided among City-states like Rabernese and Baschuta.

The Ankolite came from the Western regions and an odd tribe could be found in the polar south. These creatures were distinct in the fact that they had slightly pointed ears and a tail. Every few years a rare Ankolite was born with two tails and with him an adventure of heroics and tragedy would be created. Ankolites are hired by many armies as mercenaries because of their superior strength, despite their appearance of being thin, this was actually attributed to their extreme running ability by Humans and Nortitians claimed it was malnourishment of sorts. Ankolites were also famed story tellers, and would record practically everything they did.

The Monkins were very elusive and were rarely seen, if ever, outside the southern regions as they long ago sealed off their territories to the outside. It is rumored that the Monkins have turned to ancient runes and spirits in an attempt to prepare for a war against the other races of the world.

The Grenklo were friendly wanderers that could become expert monster tamers. They would rarely be found with weapons, they would instead rely on their charms and tamed beasts to protect them. The Grenklo called no place home, but would instead live in the wilderness. Several records show that there were several locations in the West and North that Grenklo will gather from time to time. What is done at these gatherings is unknown.

Now it is time for my story to begin…

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A Green haired boy was rummaging around his room looking for something that was of obvious importance. He continuously ran his hand through his hair out of impatience and a sense of impending doom. Just as he was about to cry out in anguish he found what he needed.

Yet from down below a call could be heard. It was a rather arrogant call, that of which was; “Nicholas! Nicholas, are you still up there? Hurry up; we are going to miss the train if you don’t hurry!” Came the cries of a young girl, in her teens. Her face had delicate features accented by her slight tan. Her eyes were a golden color and her hair the color of the ocean waves. Samantha was a Nortitian from the Northern colonies. While not wholly uncommon in her people, her personality was another matter entirely.

“I’m already coming down. No need to yell, Samantha,” was the returned reply. Nicholas was not a very remarkable person. Lavender eyes were the most remarkable thing about him and these common among his species. He however was one of the rarely born members of the Ankolites; this was the fact that he had two tails

“Well you sure took your time getting down here. We are going to miss the train, and you know how Carlos gets when we are late. Humans, they have no patience I tell you, absolutely none,” Samantha said with a huff.

[i]The same could be said about you.[/i] Was the reply Nicholas withheld. “Sorry I had to collect my journals, I can’t leave without them,” Nicholas said hastily. Nicholas like so many others of his species took his journals everywhere to record the things he did and places he saw, he wouldn’t miss a thing. He felt that this journey would be memorable.

The two lived in the small city-state of Rabernese in the Eastern Kingdoms, their friend Carlos, a human, lived in the Mountainous region known as the Halcian Crevasse. The place was riddled with monsters, or so it was rumored. The fact of the matter was that neither of them had ever been there so they knew little of what to believe.

“I still dislike the idea of having to defend a train. The monsters along the way are supposed to be smarter and stronger that the ones that live around here,” Nicholas said with a tint of fright. While his people were physically strong, Nicholas was one of many that had turned away from fighting and instead sought a life through other means.

“It’s no less dangerous than any other part of Laoudi. Now would you stop worrying and come on?” Samantha said getting impatient, “We don’t have all day. At this rate we are going to have to run all the way there.”

“I doubt that entirely, if we run you’ll tire out before we reach the station.” Nicholas said with a slight chuckle. Samantha would never admit it, but he was right.

“Well we best be off, we don’t want to keep Carlos waiting, for all we know he could have made the find of the century!” Nicholas said with a sly smile creeping across his face. [i]A grand story that will be recorded by me![/i]

“Well then what are you waiting for? Get your pack and let’s go,” was Samantha’s reply with a broad smile crossing her face.

The two soon set out across the town’s central road and came across the end of the town’s road. They soon found themselves trekking through the lush greenery of the surrounding lands, with a clear sky above them, and a friend waiting to meet them. Their thoughts were on the journey ahead, however, little did they know they were embarking on the journey of a lifetime and would change the course of the world forever.[/spoiler][spoiler=Chapter 2 Should've stayed Home today]Now you all are probably wondering what a young boy and his impatient girlfriend will have to do with the future of this world.

If I told you now though I wouldn’t be much of a story teller now would I? No I think I’ll tell things as they should be, in time and proper places.

The trip to the train station wasn’t that far off; it took them only a good hour and a half to run there, including a break for lunch. It wasn’t long after this break that they finally saw the station…

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“Samantha, I can see the station! I knew we would be early if we kept this pace,” Nicholas yelled. [i]And I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep up.[/i] He added to himself.

“*huff* I didn’t ask you Nicholas, just keep moving. I’m getting tired of this running,” Samantha wheezed out, running did not suit her people. Ankolites were raised to run and defend themselves from very early ages. Nortitians aren’t ever raised to run more than a few feet, seeing as how they wouldn’t survive long out during the Northern blizzards. This of course was also the reason that most Nortitians thought that anything above forty degrees was blistering hot.

As the duo approached the station Nicholas’s ears caught the sound of trouble. His mind raced as he thought; [i]The world was covered in monsters and it was these monsters that had earned Nicholas and Samantha passage on the train. If there are monsters to guard against while riding the train, then why would they not show up during the trip there?[/i] Nicholas quickly came to the worst possible solution and whirled and looked at the nearby brush line. He eyes caught the sign of movement.

“GOBLIOKS, hiding in the brush along the tree line,” Was all Nicholas could say before the monsters burst out of their cover. These monsters were known for never fighting the fair fight so it helped that Nicholas’s ears had heard them. These creatures had hard chitinous hides and were able to shoot spines off their chest and head. Nicholas quickly put his weapon of choice, Custom-made Claws, onto his hands and took a battle stance and watched the enemies’ movements. [i]I really should’ve stayed home…[/i]

Samantha wasn’t caught in the trap and slowed down and quickly took in the scene. There were seven Goblioks surrounding Nicholas who had readied himself for battle. Samantha quickly drew her bow, which was slung over her shoulders, and nocked an arrow. She aimed at one of the grotesque things and let loose the arrow with a whoosh. The arrow found its mark but bounced off the creature’s chitinous hide leaving behind a large bruise. The creature whirled around to face Samantha.

Two of the ugly creatures rushed Nicholas who quickly darted to the side to avoid their poisonous spines as they ripped from the creature’s flesh and sped towards him. Nicholas quickly lashed out with his Claws, which were made for him with a few special characteristics by a friend, and left a small gash on one of the monster’s shoulders. One such characteristic is the claws were forged from pure Orgerinium Nicholas knew his claws would never be able to slice through that hide unless he made a full on attack. Knowing this he thought of the most simplistic way to deal with these creatures and as he did he began to reach toward his side with his right hand.

Samantha however was having much better luck with her target. Well in a way. She had climbed up a nearby tree and planted two arrows into the armpits of the monster rushing her, causing it to bleed every time it used its arms. She quickly drew, nocked, and trained her arrow on the Gobliok’s head. With a quick whoosh she let loose the arrow and planted it between the creature’s huge yet beady eyes. It took the creature a few moments to realize what happened before suddenly falling dead. Samantha looked over to check on Nicholas and saw him reaching for his side.

“I should’ve stayed home today,” Was all Samantha could mutter before taking cover behind the tree.[/spoiler][spoiler=Chapter 3 – A little Unknown Fact]
Nicholas reached for his side and opened a pouch. Inside the pouch were several items that were quite odd. Most of these items were covered in strange symbols and appeared to almost be alive if you looked closely enough. Nicholas drew one of the items out, it appeared to be a sort of pyramid with a crown resting on the top, and raised it up to Chest level.

As Nicholas stood there the symbols began to glow. His body was soon illuminated with a Blue glow that pulsed with energy.

In a booming voice Nicholas cried, “Winds of the Slashing Titan!” As Nicholas said this, the light that was being produced was suddenly sucked in. It burst forth kicking up all the dirt and dust nearby as a fury of wind broke free in every direction. It sliced through the hides of the Goblioks like a hot knife through butter, almost as if they had been struck with an enchanted blade.

As the dust settled Nicholas looked over his work, he was slightly tired after using the item. He hadn’t expected to utilize so much energy against such a weak foe. He eventually noticed Samantha climbing out of her tree and making her way towards him.

“That stuff isn’t natural. It just doesn’t sit right with me, I don’t know why but it feels like a coming doom every time it gets used.”

“Symbology is nearly as much a part of daily life as Technology. I don’t see your issue with it. Especially since Nortians like yourself have a natural affinity for it,” Nicholas responded, “Although if you feel that strongly about it I can’t force you to use it.”

“It just doesn’t seem natural, almost as if we are stealing from ourselves or the earth when we use them.” All Nicholas did was shake was head slightly as he turned to continue.

It took them nearly another hour to get there and when they finally arrived they realized they were early. With nothing else to do, Nicholas and Samantha went to check in with the staff and find out anything they could about their train.

“Sir, do you know when our train will be arriving? It’s bound for the Halcian Crevasse,” Samantha spoke as they approached the attendant. [i]The station is oddly quiet…almost as if something bad is going to happen…[/i] Nicholas was scanning the fairly empty corridors.

“Your train will arrive later today,” Was the attendants replied, “Feel free to wait in the lounge while you wait.”

“Thank you, Ma’am. Now, Ma’am, do you know exactly what the purpose of the train we will be boarding is and what path through the crevasse we will be taking?” Nicholas responded. The Attendant merely shook her head and directed them over to the lounge. After the event in the field, they were both secretly eager to get some rest.

It took them no time to find seats in the lounge, as it too was largely empty. Samantha took a seat on a couch and casually lounged, while Nicholas took a seat in a nearby armchair, pulled out a journal and began writing about the previous battle. While he did this he also scanned the room, noting all the exits and the few people in there. One in particular caught his eye. Before he could mention anything Samantha spoke up,

“Hey Nicholas, I know you study the world a lot and that kind of stuff. What do you know about Halcian?” Samantha asked Nicholas with a puzzled look on her face a few minutes after sitting down. “I’ve never been to the region before; our last trip was to the Southern wastelands, which frankly, now that I remember, was a big waste of time.” Samantha continued.

“Well give me a moment and I’ll find one of my journals,” Nicholas said as he placed his current journal aside and put his pen in between its binding. He reached into his pack and after rummaging for a few moments he took a dusty green journal out. “Here we are, the Halcian Crevasse,” He flipped open the journal and skimmed through the pages until he found the Geography section, “Ah now let’s see…”

“Hurry up and spit it out already, our train will be here soon enough,” Samantha urged impatiently. She wasn’t really interested; she was actually more unsettled by this one person who kept watching them. She wanted to make it look like they were busy and couldn’t be bothered.

“Calm down, No need to get your hair in a knot, jeez,” was Nicholas’s retort with a sly smile as usual. “The Halcian Crevasse is a stretch of Mountainous terrain that divides the Eastern and Western territories. It has been declared a neutral zone after the last conflict, though this is more likely due to the fact that the last armies to travel into the area never returned. It has always been home to some of the most dangerous monsters to be found on this continent, and rumors say that it even houses a mighty Wurm. The only City worth mentioning in the area is our destination; Bafisk. Furthermore the area known as the Adventure’s Graveyard is within this region. It earned its name after three-hundred adventurers traveled through the area and were ambushed by, what rumors say, is a large monster the size of a mountain. This wasn’t the first time this happened and over time ten-thousand adventures ended in this area, thus it became a Graveyard. Now only secure trains travel the area. “

“You really are a walking encyclopedia. Well at least with you around I’ll never need to buy a map!” Samantha remarked making them both laugh.

“Oh what woeful tales we weave, when we practice to deceive. Ah Sammy, how time has turned on us. Once there was never enough, now it is all there is. What does the mighty Ozalen have planned for us poor unfortunate souls?” Nicholas said to himself as he went back to his writing as they quieted down. He was so focused that he had failed to notice the figure that was approaching them…[/spoiler][spoiler=Chapter 4 – I’ve got a bad feeling about this…]

“Excuse me, would you two happen to be Nicholas Higros and Samantha Xilver?” An odd figure asked them. Neither of the two recognized this person and as such weren’t eager to answer him. However this stranger took this hesitation as an admittance that they were.

“I’ve heard many things about you both,” The Stranger went on, “Was it not you who found the ancient treasure of Rebonra?” The stranger said pointing to Nicholas. He then whirled and faced Samantha, “And are you not the one who quenched the flames of Yondsbrug?”

“How do you know so much about us?” Nicholas asked, with caution. He couldn’t make out the stranger’s face or any real features. All he saw was the large black coat the person wore, with the hood up obscuring his face from view.

“I’ve come to request your assistance…you see my daughter was lost in the Crevasse and I fear that she may be dead. She was a skilled Hunter, but she has been gone for the past several Cycles.” The Stranger said, nearly weeping.

“We sir I can’t promise much, but I’ll keep an eye out.” Samantha said, giving Nicholas’s glare a pleading look. The Stranger then thanked them graciously, and went off towards the exit. A few moments later a Train attendant came on the intercom and announced the arrival of Nicholas and Samantha’s train. The two hurried to gather their few belongings.

It didn’t take long for the train to arrive. They had actually only been standing outside for about a minute and a half. As the train pulled in Nicholas turned to Samantha, “Now comes the tricky part. We have to convince the security that we are actually escorts and not hitchhikers.”

“Then I’ll leave the talking to you. The only thing I’m good at is knocking a few heads around.”

“Don’t be so modest…” Nicholas grumbled as they approached the security cabin.

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Now this was just the simple introduction. Our tale continues from here, but it will take many twists and turns. For now you all should scurry to bed, this story isn’t going anywhere.

I bid you farewell and wish you luck in the Goddess Lyssa’s eyes.[/spoiler]

[Fusion X. Denver]

Interesting setting and very well-explained. I think my one thought on it would be to lessen the explanations of things during action sequences since it takes away from it a little, but I like the story.
Looking forward to what's next.

[Twig]

I've only read chapter one for now.

I think it would have been better if you explained the different races and the world as the characters encounter them instead of dumping it all at once in the intro.

[Fusion X. Denver]

Or even better, just rip that whole intro into the opening post so the chapter itself doesn't focus in on that.
Whatever works.

[Sploda]

Well you see, Each chapter will start out with the unnamed Storyteller and then flow into his story.

And if you've ever sat down to listen to a Story teller then you would know that they set up the setting before hand.

But I've actually got more details to go into as they meet the other races of the story.

[Sploda]

Chapters 3 and 4 added.