As the portal's shimmering light fades and the party steps into Volaire, the once vibrant town reveals a scene of devastation. The sky is overcast with swirling dark clouds, casting an eerie, flickering shadow over the town. The air is thick with the acrid smell of smoke and the distant sounds of battle, screams, and the chilling wails of the shadow creatures that now plague the streets.
Scattered across the cobblestone roads and the crumbled remains of buildings are the bodies of fallen warriors. The noble kingdom guards and the formidable Draconian sentinels lie lifeless, their blood mixing with the soot and rubble, creating a somber tapestry of sacrifice. Some bodies still clutch their weapons, their faces frozen in expressions of fierce determination, now forever still.
The heart of the battle draws your attention—a large skeletal undead creature commands the center of town. Its bones, darkened and strengthened with a black metal intertwined with white specks, make it a formidable and terrifying opponent. Its hollow eye sockets burn with a malevolent red glow, and each movement is accompanied by the sound of grinding metal and bone.
In front of this abomination, three familiar figures fight valiantly. Wolfrum, in his full dragon form, roars fiercely, his massive wings creating gusts of wind that momentarily clear the smoke around him. His scales glint with the faintest hint of his usual vibrant color, now dulled by the grim scene. Beside him, Jedash, also in dragon form, strikes with precision and power, his claws leaving deep gouges in the metal-clad bones of the undead. The two dragons work in tandem, their movements synchronized and their roars a terrifying symphony of rage and defiance.
Amidst the chaos, Selena dances through the battlefield with an elegance that belies the danger around her. Her spells weave through the air, striking shadow creatures with bursts of energy as she wields her sword as an extension of her own body, slicing through the advancing creatures while providing support to her dragon allies.
Despite their combined might, the battle is far from won. The skeletal creature seems almost impervious, its dark magic countering many of their attacks. The shadow creatures, though smaller and less formidable, add to the chaos, swarming the town and attacking any sign of life.
As your eyes adjust to the grim scene, the condition of Volaire's once-proud buildings becomes heartbreakingly clear.
The Tavern
The central hub of the town, the tavern, is now a shadow of its former self. The cheerful, welcoming glow that used to spill from its windows is replaced by the dull, flickering light of dying flames. One entire side of the building has collapsed inward, leaving a gaping hole that reveals the wreckage inside. Tables and chairs are overturned, some smashed into pieces, and the bar is barely standing, its surface marred with deep claw marks and scorched by fire. The once lively chatter and laughter are replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional creak of the remaining structure as it struggles to stay upright.
The Guild of Light
The Guild of Light, a beacon of hope and healing, is in ruins. Its beautiful stained glass windows, which depicted scenes of divine intervention and miracles, are shattered, their colorful shards scattered across the ground like fallen stars. The front entrance is completely caved in, and the interior is a chaotic mess of splintered wood and rubble. Despite the destruction, a faint aura still lingers, offering a glimmer of hope to those who approach, but the guild itself is no longer a sanctuary.
The Mage's Guild
The Mage's Guild, usually a place of arcane wisdom and power, now stands as a testament to the chaos unleashed upon Volaire. The roof has been partially blown off, likely from a powerful explosion. Charred books and scrolls are strewn across the floor, and the once grand library is now a smoldering wreck. The air is thick with the scent of burnt paper and lingering magical residue. The arcane wards that once protected the guild flicker weakly, their power severely diminished. A few surviving mages can be seen desperately trying to salvage what they can, their faces grim and determined.
The Artisan's Guild
The Artisan's Guild, known for its craftsmanship and the lifeblood of Volaire's economy, is in shambles. The forge, which was the heart of the guild, is now a pile of twisted metal and ash. The tools and projects that once filled the space with promise and creativity lie broken and scattered. The building itself is scarred with deep gashes and burns, evidence of the fierce battle that took place here. Despite the devastation, a few artisans can be seen sifting through the debris, their hands shaking.
[OOP Note]
There is no player combat permitted on the forum. Please keep your character actions to RP only at this time. If combat actions are unavoidable, then the scene will be placed on hold until the next live event.
