theshimmeringisles

[theshimmeringisles]

Glad to see ya back! ^^

MOD: It’s good to BE back! No promises that I’ll be as active as I was back in the day; ye olde computer purge when my Skylanders blog was at its peak took a lotta wind out of my sails, plus I work full time and I’m gettin’ older.

But, I’m gonna try and post doodles of my dergs and other critters as I go along!

#Mod Post #Mod Update #theload

[theshimmeringisles]

Where do Poison and Fear Chroma come from? Is there a missing Sky Kin ancestor for them?

Melkiore: Chroma? Poison and Fear Chroma?! Pfft, everyone knows there’s none of those! Least, not anymore. The Chroma killed off any of the hybrids that had those elements an era ago.

Well...I mean, there are rumors of a big ol’ colony of unaffiliated dragons living in the swamps on the East of Bjartr Tunga, and in the underground caverns to the North of Wohrfayn. But those’re just rumors!

#Melkiore #Character Answers #Chroma #Chroma History #WINK WONK #theload

[theshimmeringisles]

A Daughter’s Revenge Preview

WARNING: The following mentions the death of children/unhatched eggs and general violence/war themes.

. . .

“You Kuros are all the same,” the Chroma spat, his blue eyes flashing as sparks danced between his teeth. “All you ever want to do is start wars and slaughter innocents.”

“Do not speak to me of innocence, whelp.” Green tendrils of magic danced about her muzzle and eye. “Not till you’ve walked across the broken eggshells of entire villages of nests, and have the scars under your claws to prove it. Not till you’ve had to snap the necks of children left to bleed out wherever your general could find them. My people. Your people. Destroyed by that wretch, who claims to hold onto honor, claims to uphold the peace and the balance we must all protect! No. This tir’kak, this mutrach’bachtein is no more innocent than any other general of yours.

“And I’ll not rest until I taste the blood of every last one, spilt fresh upon my teeth!”

MOD: So before Gaiia was born, and shortly after Astraeus was hatched, Ciar went on a little rampage. Once I’ve got that finished I’ll share it with all of you!

So uh...anyway. Hi folks! Long time no see eh?

#Mod Art #Ciar #Ciar Cred'vel

[theshimmeringisles]

What is the lore regarding a dragon’s core and the core less? Are Chroma the only dragon species with cores, or do all dragons have one, other than Coreles? Do different species have different names for them?

MOD: All dragons have a Core, which is their magical center. It has a different name for different species, but the Dunewyrms and the Chroma call it the same thing. Whereas the Coreless are usually only called that by the Chroma and the fourth dragon species, and it’s usually a derogatory term. Though I’m sure the Kuros also have little use for individuals in their species who are born without/with a weak element.

The Core is, according to the Chroma, the center of a dragon’s magick and essentially like a soul. It’s the very fiber of their being. Coreless dragons can still be affected by and affect magick, but not in the way dragons with a strong Core can. Cores aren’t actually the soul, but basically the ‘physical’ center of where their magickally replenishing breath magick originates from, somewhere in the chest. It’s basically another organ, but the Core itself is not a physical organ. The Core can, however, be damaged by outside (or inside) physical forces, as it relies on the individual’s body/health to keep it strong and controlled.

I had a story when I first tried my hand at TLoS story making where an Electricity Chroma had been struck by lightening, which caused his Core to become wildly unstable, and he needed to fasten an elemental focus on his tail (where he was struck) to keep the element balanced in his body. Otherwise he would randomly just start shooting out lightening bolts and generating crazy powerful arcs of electricity that could potentially harm others. In the same clan, another Electricity Chroma got the rough equivalent to magickal cancer, which would eventually make her Core implode on itself and kill her. These are just a few examples of how Cores can be harmful if individuals are in freak accidents/contract terminal illnesses that target their Cores. There will be more lore about the Cores as time goes on, but I hope this gives some idea into what they are!

Meanwhile, the Coreless are generally seen as weak as a whole by the Chroma and in some families, dirty little secrets. It’s an old practice generally frowned on now, but back when Titus was born, most families would cull Coreless hatchlings. Despite their weakness, they’re still Chroma, and if they can at least fight with claws and teeth and the rest of their bodies, they have to have some use as soldiers or arena fighters. The Coreless generally find it hard to fit into Chroma society, and a good handful of them either become lone wanderers, or move to the ever growing neutral territory Bjartr Tunga. In recent seasons, however, a territory has been claimed and is being repurposed for a home to study and train the Coreless or those with weak Cores, founded by Morpheus Starborn. The Coreless do indeed have patron gods, but I haven’t really cemented any details out about them yet.

Meanwhile, the Dunewyrms believe that every individual can contribute to society and find their own happiness, and value every member of their people regardless of how strong or present their Cores are.

#The Chroma #The Dunewyrms #Chroma Lore #Dunewyrm Lore #The Coreless #Coreless Lore #Kuros Lore #theload

[theshimmeringisles]

How do the Dunewyrms keep their population fed, living in a dessert and all. Do they use magic to grow food within their hidden cities? Or do they rely heavily on imports of food from allied nations/races to keep themselves fed?

MOD: The Dunewyrms do use magic to keep food hidden, yes! They also do rely on imports as well.

#Dunewyrm #Dunewyrm Lore #blueeyesreddragon

[theshimmeringisles]

Who was the Dunewyrm empress during Titus' time? Does she still rule?

MOD: Her name is Kamaria, and don’t worry! Y’all will be meeting her soon. She had a VERY personal reason for demanding Titus be stripped of his titles. ;)

#Dunewyrm #Dunewyrm Politics #Dunewyrm History #theload

[theshimmeringisles]

Where do the pearls come from?

Melkiore: In the oceans, duh! Kōkara, my ma, said that sometimes, fishers will find them and hoard them, but they get mixed in with regular pearls sometimes. So when a School finds them in enemy boats, they’re usually in HUUUGE chests. Tens of thousands of them, for the tens of thousands of us! But usually only about a dozen of them ending up being REAL Pearls.

#Melkiore #Melkiore Tairne'vok #Ibarntang #Ibarntang Lore #theload

[theshimmeringisles]

I believe you've mentioned previously that the Dunewyrms have allied with both the Chroma and the Kuros against each other at various points in history depending on the state of the balance at the time. But, have the Kuros and Chroma ever allied and joined forces against the Dunewyrms?

MOD: The Chroma and Kuros alliances usually never work, since there’s just too much bad blood between them. The Dunewyrms have pissed them both off enough in the past for them to try and team up to teach them a thing or two, which prompted the treaties drawn up that Titus went against.

This particular war is known as ‘The Two Season War,’ which is notoriously short for dragons of any species. Since dragons do have notoriously long lifespans, entire generations can be born and hatched and have their first flight (which is about 80-100 years) until wars end. The Two Season War is one that’s often brought up by the Kuros/Chroma to the Dunewyrms, who were quick to call for peace talks. The Dunewyrms stand for balance above all things, and were willing to give up a few territories (small in comparison to their main kingdom, which is the most important) in exchange for peace and balance to be restored.

Other than this, beyond small skirmishes when someone steps into places they’re not supposed to for too long, the Kuros and Chroma hate each other enough that it’s difficult unless it’s an individual-to-individual basis. Generally, the Dunewyrms are respected enough, though all other species of dragons like to call the Dunewyrms cowards since they aren’t as active in wars unless it looks like balance is going to be shaken up a bit.

#Dunewyrms #Dunewyrms Lore #Dunewyrms History #blueeyesreddragon

[theshimmeringisles]

What elements do Dunewyrms have?

MOD: Their first breath element is always Fire, and through learning magickal spells for long enough, they can materialize and weaponize maybe one or two other elements. But not for very long. They also don’t manifest from the Core, or the magick center of the Dunewyrm.

#Dunewyrms #Dunewyrm Lore #theload

[theshimmeringisles]

MOD: Hey folks! Y’all got any new questions for me? I know I haven’t been posting a lot lately but I’ve been in a Gaiia/Kurosia-Verse mood lately!

[theshimmeringisles]

So under what excuse did Titus give for his attack on the Kuro. Like did one transpass in Chroma’s land or something?

MOD: Titus’s excuse’s weren’t excuses, to him or to the other Chroma. Really they were just justifiable reasons, but also flat-out lies.

Titus’s reasoning for attacking the Kuros were because they were a threat to their numbers, which during his time were low, and he was evening out the playing field. The Chroma’s Circle didn’t know, however, that he was going after innocents (the weak/sick, children, unhatched eggs) without offering any kind of mercy (via allowing his soldiers to escort them as prisoners to The Veil to regroup with their own kind) and outright slaughtering them until after his return from Kurosia.

The true reasoning behind Titus’s attacks on the Kuros were simple: he wanted power. And Titus knew that if their numbers dwindled, that some of them would become desperate. Desperate enough to exchange knowledge for promises of safety. This is something that Titus didn’t expound on until after he duels with Astraeous, and something that essentially leads to him being quietly removed from the Circle and his wealth confiscated. Since most of it came from his exploits during the war, and the income from being a highly ranked War General.

Titus is just a power-hungry son of a bitch. (Though his mother was super kind; his dad was the bitch.)

#Titus #Titus Burntfeather #haelth01

[theshimmeringisles]

Are there monsters or the evil gods that Chroma fear beside Kuro's gods?

GAIIA: Yes, there are plenty of monsters throughout the Realms. Giant spiders, rogue elemental behemoths, dyr wolves, and our age-old enemies (besides the Kuros), the sphinxes.

Sphinxes have existed about as long as the Chroma have, and according to history, had their own civilizations long before we did. There’s nothing I’ve ever been able to find or be told why the sphinxes hate the Chroma so much; the only think I’ve been able to read is that they have flat, muzzle-less faces, the body of a lion, and wings. They can speak any known dragon tongue, as well as with the beasts of the Realms. While an adult sphinx is usually only half the size of a fully grown Chroma, they tend to hunt in packs, and every hatchling is warned that their cunning words and promises of safety or treasure are all lies.

There are plenty of others, but these are the ones that scare me the most, living on the outskirts of the clan’s territory.

#Gaiia #Gaiia Firestone #Chroma Fauna #sphinx #these are a semi-new addition to the long list of things I need to draw references for #but the sphinxes are like classic mythological sphinxes with people faces/lion bodies/wings #haelth01

[theshimmeringisles]

Tiál’Fuil (tay-al-ful) Young Kuros who were are killed before they can truly comprehend death often possess objects near them. Because of this, there are many wondering dolls and toys that haunt the crumbling remains of beneath the Kurosian Castle, outside it’s safe gates. They are confused spirits, childlike and innocent, however the century of loneliness cause them to act the most irrationally. However, they cause the least amount of physical harm, it is moreso their wailing for their parents that drive those brave enough to wonder the cursed city insane. Careful, if one cannot calm them or avoid, they often draw more murderous poltergeist your way…

[theshimmeringisles]

MOD: I can’t remember if I’ve posted the Sky Kin Bros before but here they be!

In order:

Conmuro: The Burning One and the patron of all Fire Chroma. Though not the leader of the pantheon or the Sky-Kin, Conmuro often is the first to act. Conmuro is also thought to be the patron of Passion, Rebirth and Justice for the Chroma.

Murex: The Sturdy One and predecessor of all Earth Chroma. Murex is the most level-headed out of all of the Brothers, and is thought to be the patron of Compassion, Family and Fertility. One of little words but is deeply protective of his siblings and the Chroma people.

Stiriracus: Wisest One and the sire of all Ice Chroma. Stiriracus is often portrayed as distant, but also deeply cares for his Brothers and Sisters, and is very mindful of his words with them and with mortals alike. Often touted as the one to pray to in matters of Intelligence, Memory and Honor.

Fulmen: Wiser One, the Quick One and ancestor to all Electricity Chroma. Fulmen usually comes in as a close second to quick, and sometimes thoughtless actions with Conmuro, and in that regard the two are very much alike. The main difference is that Fulmen thinks a little bit faster than his Brothers and Sisters. Said to to be one to seek out for Wit, Rationale, and Decision.

BTW, for those interested: the Sky Kin are all two-headed, six limbed (two forelegs, two back legs, and a pair of wings) dragons! Conmuro and Murex share a body, and Stiriracus and Fulmen share a body. The Sky Kin Brothers were created when Ksindæl, eldest of the Sky Kin, ‘used the stars from his scales, wings, eyes and horns to create The Brothers.(source)’ In the earliest years when the Chroma were turning away from a more feudal, uncivilized way of life, two headed or fused twins were seen as holy.

In later generations, however, it’s seen more of a curse, and often offspring with these features are culled.

#Chroma #Chroma Gods #Chroma Lore

[theshimmeringisles]

Who is Irriro?

MOD: Irriro is the Matron and Goddess of the Water Chroma! You can read more about her here and a little bit here!

#Irriro #Irriro Goldensea #Chroma #Chroma Gods #theload

[theshimmeringisles]

Do the Dunewyrms stick to the desert, or do they have holdings/colonies in other regions? How do they feed themselves?How vast are the Chroma lands in comparison with the Kuros and Dunewyrms? What kinds of natural resources do they both have in abundance?

MOD: (I answered the first part of this question and the one in regards to the Chroma lands in my last ask, which can be read here!)

The Dunewyrms have an omnivorous diet, and they tend to raise and harvest their own food in regards to vegetation and meat. Dunewyrms do like tropical fruits however, and are big fans of coconuts as well. As far as meat goes, Dunewyrms like sheep and goats quite a bit, though they enjoy hunting for the latter in the wild when they can. They’re a bit of a challenge for the Dunewyrms to sneak up on, mostly living in mountainous ranges.

Both the Dunewyrms and the Chroma have plenty of wine and other alcohol in abundance. Dunewyrms tend to prefer berry and fruit based alcohol, whereas with Chroma it tends to depend on individual and sometimes element. Fire and Earth Chroma like whiskey, Air and Electricity like wine, Ice and Water tend to like mead. 

Besides this, the Chroma are one of the only species who the Moles have shared the secrets of growing Magi-Crystals with. Magi-Crystals are similar to Magi-Gems, gems that grow on the bodies of Chroma and Dunewyrms that help focus their magic. Magi-Crystals cannot be organically grown on a dragon’s body, however, and are used more in regenerating magic, health and sometimes healing disease. 

#Dunewyrm #Dunewyrm Lore #Chroma #Chroma Lore #blueeyesreddragon

[theshimmeringisles]

How many continents are there in this verse? I know Kurosia is it's own landmass, but what about the Dunewyrm and Chroma lands? Are they all separate islands/continents? Do they share a single continent? =3

MOD: The Dunewyrm and Chroma lands all cross over each other, but the Dunewyrms also share neutral territories with all other species. Including but not limited to the Kuros. As their name implies, the Dunewyrms originally came from a landmass that is smack dab in the middle of one of the larger continents known simply as ‘The Great Desert.’ The Dunewyrms have a name for it (that I have yet to come up with) but to all other species, that’s all it is.

The Great Desert is so called because it is massive. A fully grown dragon skilled in long-distance flying would have to fly for at least a week to get halfway across where it’s the most narrow, and that’s only if they can manage to travel through the magical and uncontrollable sand storm that primarily occurs there. Otherwise, The Great Desert only has one or two major landmarks besides the storm, and those are on the outermost borders near Wohrfayn’s outskirt territories and the river that leads to Bjartr Tunga, the neutral territory inhabited by Chroma, Dunewyrms and Kuros.

The Dunewyrms have other territories, but these are typically shared with others and they don’t claim them as solely their own. Instead they offer up their protective services, and manage to live there without running out those who came before them, or deplete these places of their resources. Sometimes the Dunewyrms will be hired to live in these places initially, but eventually refuse payment out of principle.

As for the Chroma, the main capitol is Wohrfayn, and most of their other territories don’t spread out too far from there. Since the last major war with the Kuros, their numbers suffered quite a blow, and in the past ten or so generations the Chroma tend not to stray too far from their own. The furthest territory away from Wohrfayn that is undisputed Chroma lands are known as the Cerulean Seas, mostly populated by Water Chroma. These border the ocean closes to Kurosia, and for the most part both the Ibarntang and the Water Chroma try not to get in each other’s way unless one or the other encroaches on their territory. The only reason the Ibarntang haven’t taken over the Cerulean Seas is primarily because it contains so much Light magic in it, and is said to be the resting ground for one of Irriro’s first children, a demi-god in his own right. This tends to make the water around Ibarntang turn to poison, or boiling hot.

Eventually I’m going to draw a giant map for all of this, but these are the main places I’ve been focused on.

#Chroma #Chroma Lore #Dunewyrm #Dunewyrm Lore #blueeyesreddragon