Beneath a roof of whispering emerald leaves, in a forest spun from dreams, Charlotte's eyes fluttered open. Plucked from one reality and forced into another, she leaned against the mossy embrace of a giant tree, her gaze drifting over the enchanted landscape. A tranquil lake, reflecting the sky like a lost jewel, whispering of icy relief, a silent beckoning. A sudden thirst tugged her forward, and as she knelt by the water's edge, her own reflection caught her breath. It was her, the familiar snowdrift of her hair a stark contrast to the burning rubies of her eyes. But a subtle magic had painted her features anew, a hint of wonder in the curve of her lips, a spark of the unknown in her gaze.
Her ears now tapered to delicate points, and crowning her head were majestic horns, obsidian black against her pale hair. Within her now resonated a new lineage, both elven and demonic dragon, coursing through her veins. On her wrist, her new constant companion, a magical bracelet, pulsed faintly, a vital tether to her formidable draconic power. Just like in the game... The thought echoed in her mind, a growing unease tightening its grip. Her eyes widened as recognition dawned. I look like... No... Am I in... LAND OF EMBERFALL?! The name burst from her lips, the sound of her own voice a revelation. Silky and soft, yet laced with an undeniable edge of command, it was a captivating blend of elegance and something fiercely untamed.
This was no longer the familiar embrace of Emerald Valley. In that instant, the sound of her new voice confirmed the impossible. This was Emberfall, the world born from her own imagination, the game where she reigned as a mage noble, commanding respect with the quiet authority of a seasoned leader. "This can't be happening," She thought. She'd become her character in her game. Her escape from her own sickly life. She felt suddenly overwhelmed with emotions. She'd never see her new Father, Ren, again but on the other hand... She was free! No more illness to plague her. Then a glimpse hit her, a vision, her new eyes turned white and she saw her old body, hovering like a ghost. It was officially her birthday and her father knew she'd be up gaming as it was her favorite pastime. She helplessly saw him excitedly burst into her room and yell, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Then his eyes saw her cold, pale, body.
"Charlotte?" He said as he rushed over and tried to shake her, no use. "CHARLOTTE?!" He said louder, trying to shake harder. "No, No, No! Not Yet! CHARLOTTE!" He took her body off the desk and laid it on the floor. First trying a sternum rub, nothing. Then trying CPR as he frantically called for paramedics. For hours, they tried everything. They got some signs of life and a glimmer of hope sparked in Ren's broken heart. "We've got her," The paramedics said as my heart weakly beat.
They rushed me to the hospital, and Ren rode with them. Holding her hand until they said he couldn't go any further. More hours passed. One hour turned into two, two turned into three and suddenly, eight hours had passed. A surgeon came and said that I was alive, but I'd never wake up again. My father's heart shattered, he broke into tears and pleaded. Begging, hoping that there was something, anything, they could do. "It's... It's her birthday... She can't... There must be something..." Eventually, his words were nonsense as he pleaded and cried but all the surgeon could say in response was, "I'm sorry. I wish there was more I could do..." I tried screaming, begging for them to bring me back too. Wanting to just hold him one more time but it was pointless.
Then Charlotte started to fade away and suddenly she was back in Emberfall. Her eyes flickered back to normal and tears streamed down her cheeks. "Daddy..." She weakly cried out. After taking a moment to process all that had just conspired, Charlotte wiped her tears and decided to embrace this twist of fate. No longer was she Charlotte Kagami. Now her new name, the name she chose for her character in the came, was Corvus Sylvani (Latin for Raven of the woods). Corvus came from an eleven village callen Silverthorn and her father hailed from a demonic black dragon Rocky hill area called Shadowfell.
The Land she ruled as a mage was named Moonscar as it was home to many mages as well as in honor of a brutal battle that took place many years ago. It took a while but after years of climbing up the social ladder, earning title after title for being a valiant protector of Moonscar, Corvus was awarded the title of Duchess with a beautiful piece of land and a castle of her very own. However, she ran from Moonscar as she decided not to marry a prince and wanted to be an adventurer instead but he always degraded her and said she'd never succeed at it. That she should just stay quiet and be his little queen. After continuous refusals, Duchess Corvus decided to leave and escape to Emberfall where hopefully she could become an adventurer.
Corvus was considered a Grand mage. A "Grand Mage" often refers to a very powerful and skilled mage who has reached a high level of proficiency in magic. Both "Archmage" and "Grand Mage" are titles for powerful magic users, but they often have different nuances and connotations.
An "Archmage" typically signifies the highest level of magical mastery and leadership, often with unique abilities or specialties, A "Grand Mage," on the other hand, might be a title for a highly skilled mage who has reached a high level or a specific stage in their magical journey, potentially focusing on knowledge, teaching, or other specialized areas. That means the Archmage is higher in rank. However it depends on where you're located. Each kingdom may have different rules.
There's the Guild Master. They're the leader and highest authority of a mage guild, often the strongest Mage in the guild and sometimes the kingdom. They have complete control over guild members and can make decisions like excommunication or reinstatement. All over this world, they're power politically rivals The King themselves!
Corvus was making her way to the guild to register and upon entering the beautiful dwarven made rustic doors, she entered a tavern where all sorts of mystical beings were getting drunk and brawling. Arm wrestles, wrestling, fist fighting, sparing, you name it! This guild was huge enough for all of it. Straight ahead was the adventure's desk but closer and to the right was the tavern's bar with a wolf beast person or beastie.
Corvus walked right up to the desk, dodging every flying fist and weapon. "Hi, I'd like to register." She said to the cute leopard beastie behind the desk. The leopard beastie said very cheerfully, almost overly cheerfully, "Hi! I'm Sunstone but you can call me Sunny!" Smiling, she slams a paper down on the counter as she says, "Just fill out this paper and then we'll test your magic level and get you an adventurer's card!" Corvus smiled in return and said "Thank you!" Sunny just smiled and did a quick nod. The paper looked more rustic and old but it seemed all the paper looked that way. The scrolls on the shelves behind Sunny looked the same way.
Corvus looked down at the paper. She thought hard as she looked it over. It read as:
Name? ...Corvus Sylvani
Title? ... Should I put the Duchess... Nah, I don't want to be treated differently.
Job? Adventurer
Gender? Female
Age? "Well my age is different in this world than it was back home... " She thought. "What age did I make her... Well she's a Duchess so at least twelve years after being an adult... Adulthood is two hundred years old for elves and their age is similar in draconic races... So she's at least two hundred and twelve... Add the mage rankings... Mages can pretty much be immortal unless killed... Same with dragons... If she studied her entire life... Minus the first few years for learning basic skills like walking and talking... She's about two hundred and seventeen at least.... Yeah, I'll write two hundred and seventeen." After pondering...
Age? 217
Race? "How do I explain that I'm a demonic elven dragon... I'll just put elf hybrid? Or just elf? Yeah, just elf. No ... The horns... Hybrid...? Hybrid-Elf? Yeah. Hybrid-Elf." In the end...
Race? Hybrid-Elf
Residence? None. Can't tell them I'm a Duchess.
Rank? Note: You'll receive this after you complete the form.
Class? "Hero, Mage, Healer, Thief? Can I choose all of them? I'll just write Mage/Healer for now." Eventually she wrote...
Class? Mage/Healer
Sub Class? Ancestral Guardian Barbarian
Role? "Offensive, Defensive, ect, ect... I'll choose Offensive, Defense, Healer. Why limit myself."
Role? Offensive, Defense, Healer
Weapon? Staff and throwing knives.
Traits? "Normal I guess?"
Traits? Normal
Skills? "How is that different from traits? Heightened senses, agility, and magic affinity, elemental affinity, cunning, intimidation, and a preference for stealth tactics, strength and power, and dextrous: preferring to use their intelligence and cunning over brute strength? So my... "
Personality? An intriguing blend of edgy and elegant, she carries herself with a fierce grace that belies a deeply caring nature. A tough leader who doesn't mince her words. She's transparent and loyal.
Skills
Passive Skills: My heightened senses, agility, cunning, intimidation, stealth tactics
Active Skills: Magic affinity, Elemental affinity, strength, power and dextrous.
Equipment? Elven bow, Dragon plated armor, Crossbow, Dragon breath sword
"This subclass focuses on summoning the spirits of your ancestors to protect you. These spirits are the echoes of dragon and elven lineage, manifesting as spectral wings or ancient elven warriors. Perfect."
Hobby? I love to see places and check out all I can.
(The repetition is to show thought process vs what's actually written on the form)
Corvus turned in the form and Sunny chuckled as she took the form and looked it over. "I've never seen someone think out their answers so thoroughly. So now we'll assess your magic level." She brings over what looks like a crystal ball on a fancy red pillow. "Put your hand on this and focus all your magic into it. This helps assess what level you are based on your magical ability and what rank to assign you. Adventurers are divided by ranks, from the highest SS - Rank to S - Rank, A - Rank, B - Rank, C - Rank, D - Rank, E - Rank, F - Rank, and the lowest, G - Rank. adventurers can level up my completing quests. Earning points raise an individual's rank."
Corvus nodded, understanding the explanation, and put their hand on the crystal ball. The ball started to glow. Faintly at first than brighter and brighter until the orb broke! Very much startled, Sunny said "Please wait right here." As she left, Corvus thought "Damn it. Now you've done it." When she returned she said, "The Guild Master would like to see you now." Nervous, Corvus hid her horns and began to follow Sunny to the Guild Master's office. *Knock knock* "Come in," A manly but friendly voice said. They entered and Corvus was told to sit down on the couch across from the couch the Guild Master was on with only a table between them. "So you're Corvus Sylvani?" He asked. "Yes, Sir." She replied. "Sunny told me your magic overflowed and broke our crystal." She gulped nervously and replied, "I'll pay for any damages." He chuckled slightly and said, "You misunderstand. That crystal is able to detect magic up to level 200! The fact that you were able to surpass that means you have an affinity, an abundance, of magic. A level so high, our crystal couldn't even read it!" Corvus sat there, confused. "So I'm not in trouble?" She asked. "No! Quite the opposite! Sunny?" Sunny hands him a silver card and he hands it to Corvus. She looks at it. On the left side it reads...
Name: Corvus Sylvani
Gender: Female
Race: Hybrid-Elf
Class: Mage/Healer
Sub Class: Ancestral Guardian Barbarian
Weapons: Staff and Throwing Knives
Skills
Passive Skills: My heightened senses, agility, cunning, intimidation, stealth tactics
Active Skills: Magic affinity, Elemental affinity, strength, power and dextrous.
Equipment? Elven bow, Dragon plated armor, Crossbow, Dragon breath sword
She's in awe. On the right side, it says...
Title: None
Residence: None
Rank: S - Rank
Age: 217
Role: Offensive, Defense, Healer
Traits: Normal
Skills
Passive Skills: My heightened senses, agility, cunning, intimidation, stealth tactics
Active Skills: Magic affinity, Elemental affinity, strength, power and dextrous.
After reading it all, Corvus is beyond surprised. "You're giving me S - Rank!?" She asks. "Our orb couldn't read your magic, you're clearly powerful. We can't give you SS - Rank until we know you can handle it out there but for now, here you go. Congratulations. You're officially a member of the guild." Overwhelmed with happiness, Corvus tries to keep her cool as she thanks the Guild Master. "I suggest you next put together a party. A group of a few other guild members to help you conquer quests. Since you're new to this, it might be beneficial to have someone show you the ropes. I know you can handle yourself but I think you'd benefit from it. It's ultimately your choice." Corvus thanked the Guild Master again and left.
Going down the stairs to the main hall. That's when she happens to notice some fellow Guild Members picking on these other members and not in the fun brawl way like the rest of the tavern does. Overcome with anger, she begins to walk over to the other side of the room but the chaos is slowing her down. Frustrated, she gots on a table and shoots a bolt of magic into the air from her fingertips. "SILENCE!" Her voice books as the bolt makes a loud noise, shutting everyone up but not damaging anything. "YOU!" She said as she pointed to the group of bullies on the other side of the hall. "What are you doing? Where do you get off, thinking you can pick on others just because they're beasties of a lower rank than you!?" With anger in their faces, the three bullies turn around. "What's it to you!?" One shouted. "Stay out of it!" Taking a few steps towards her another said, "Yeah! It's none of your business, STAY OUT OF IT!"
Corvus chuckled and then with hatred in her eyes said, "Oh but it IS my business." She jumped off the table and began slowly walking to the other half of the room as she spoke. "See, those beasties you chose to pick on are dead friends of mine. Regardless, if you mess with anyone in this Guild, you'll answer to me." The three bullies laugh and the last one who'd yet to speak said, "Yeah right, answer to you, you're not the guild master." With a smirk, stopping half way, Corvus stopped and asked. "That's true but what ranks are you?" Proudly one replied, " I'm a B - Rank!" The second said, "And we're both A - Ranks, so you better respect us! We're higher than them AND you!" This caused Corvus to burst out laughing. "Oh, you want to talk about rank?" A devious glare in her eyes, knowing not any other person in this tavern likely has the same rank. She pulls out her new card with an arrogant stance and shows them.
Almost the entire tavern was shocked, everyone knew the silver color of that card. "Yeah right," the other bully said. "No way that's yours! You probably stole it!" Deviously, I replied, "Yeah, I could've stolen it. Except all guild cards have a picture of you on it." Corvus brought it closer so he could see her picture on the S - Rank card. Shocked, the crew didn't know what to say. None of them could face her. "I highly suggest you get out of my way. Even the Guild Master himself is in favor of me. If I were to tell him what's happened here, you wouldn't just be banished from the guild, I could have you exiled."
The three bullies hurried out of the tavern. To calm the tension she then turned to the others and yelled, "NEXT ROUNDS ON ME! LET'S GET LIVELY AGAIN IN HERE!" The group all yelled, "YEAH!" And continued like nothing happened. Corvus turned to the ones being bullied. Two beastie girls, One panther and one more lioness looking. "Thank you," The lioness said. "Of course, I hate guys like them. Are you okay?"
They were trembling. "One sec," I reached into a magic bag I noticed I had on me and pulled out two warm blankets and fresh clothes as theirs were torn. "So what rank are you if those guys were targeting you?" They got quiet and looked sad. "We're D rank... But if we complete this new mission, we could get promoted to C - Rank! That's why they were picking on us. They thought a couple of D - Rankers could never do it... Maybe they're right..." The panther said. "Since when do three jerks get to determine whether you can succeed? I'm Corvus and the three of us are going to complete that quest together." Shocked, The lioness asked hesitantly, "Are you sure? We could ruin your reputation..."
I looked at her like she was crazy, "So? Who cares? Let's do this!" Their faces lit up. I went to the bar and said, "One barrel for every table please." After which she set a sack of money on the counter. "Did you just say a barrel...?" The barkeep asked. "Indeed I did. Of your finest alcohol. This should cover it and if not, let the Guild Master know and tell him what happened here today. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to lend a helping hand." Corvus said deviously. The barkeep just nodded, took the money and went to get the barrels. Then she turned to her new friends once more, "So are you ever going to tell me your names?" She said teasingly with a chuckle. "Oh sorry!" The panther replied. "I'm Blake and this is Aria." Corvus smiled. "Lovely to meet you both! What's this quest that you've both accepted?"
"We're escorting a merchant through Shadowfell, there's been an increase in bandits over in that area so they're requesting an escort." Blake explained. "Did you seriously just say Shadowfell?!" Corvus asked in shock. "Yeah, you know it?" Aria asked. "Yeah but most people don't but let me get this straight they're giving this mission to a couple of D - Rankers. Through Shadowfell. To escort a couple of merchants to another village. Copper is the lowest possible coin, very cheap, could buy you bread or a cheap drink. Silver could buy you a meal or maybe a tool. Gold is the highest for a dangerous job or quality equipment. Right?" They both nodded in confirmation. "And yet you're only getting a single gold and three silver plus 10% of the goods to get them through Shadowfell? In total? For the whole mission?" They nodded again. "Why do you keep saying it like that? A Gold coin is good!" Aria said. "Yes, except that this is an S or SS - Rank mission. If it truly has bandits, this is a suicide mission! I'll be right back." She said angrily. "I'm going to have a little talk with the Guild Master. Actually, you're coming with me." Corvus dragged them along and barged into the Guild Master's Office while he was sorta in a meeting.
"Corvus! What's the meaning of this!?" He said. She let go of the girls and slammed down the paper of the mission, "NO! WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THIS!" She yelled. "OR IS THE GUILD REALLY THIS IGNORANT!" He picked up the paper and started to read. "What are you talking about? Looks like a classic low risk escort mission." Corvus scoffed. "Low risk? LOW RISK! SO YOU REALLY ARE JUST THAT STUPID!" Frustrated, he replied, "How dare you speak to me like this?!" "NO! HOW DARE YOU SEND D OR C RANK ADVENTURES TO A PLACE SWARMED BY NOT JUST BANDITS BUT IS ALSO A HOME FOR BLACK DRAGONS!" She said as she showed her horns. "THAT'S BLACK DRAGON TERRITORY! YOU'RE SENDING ANYONE LESS THAN S OR SS RANK ON A SUICIDE MISSION! And as I'm your only S - Rank, I decide the terms. Ten million gold coins up front just for my team. 75% of the merchant's goods. Any Rare And Powerful Artifacts Or Materials we want in addition to a signed form agreeing to any amount of favors from any of my party in the future in addition to land for each of us."
"There's no way he'd agree to that." The Guild Master said. "Well if he convinced you then he's surely got deep pockets and not only is an idiot, he knows of the danger. Highly dangerous bandits in large numbers are still usually a job for B or A rank adventures!" She exclaimed. Uncomfortable, the Guild Master said, "Corvus... Meet... Duke Leon of Wessington... The... Merchant..." The Duke got up and turned around. "Hello, I'm this supposed idiot you've been yelling about. Duke Leon. Pleased to meet you." Her anger only grew. "So it's you! You knew the danger!" She yelled. "I'll admit, I did. However, all other routes are closed and I need to transport my goods." He stated. "Well if you can't pay up, no one else from this guild will help you. I'll ensure it." Corvus stated. Beyond anger in her voice. "I accept your terms." The Duke stated, shocking everyone. "You realize I'll need all of this in writing and my terms aren't including any of the guilds terms," She said.
"I understand and I'll make sure we both will have a copy of that agreement in addition to all parties having a copy of the agreement with the guild itself." Out of words and witty comebacks, Corvus just said, "Good. Okay then. And Guild Master, not only from you do I demand to know your actual name as you so rudely haven't mentioned it but I also would like these two to be upped to S class along with anyone else in my party and I to SS upon completion and I'll talk that in writing as well." He agreed and the contacts were written up. We signed them and the merchant only got the copies that were made by magic. I got the originals and safely put them in my bag. Same for the one I made with the Guild.
"Okay then. Give us three days to collect the proper materials and we'll be ready to leave." Aria, Blake and Corvus left the room. Aria carrying the mission. Once outside, Aria said, "Ok, what just happened?" All three of us were shocked, in disbelief, that he agreed. "What happened was all three of us will now have four million six hundred sixty-six thousand, six hundred sixty-six and six hundred sixty-six thousandths of gold EACH up front just for our team WITH 25% of the merchant's goods EACH AND Any Rare And Powerful Artifacts Or Materials we want in addition to a signed form agreeing to any amount of favors from any of my party in the future in addition to land for each of us! WE'RE RICH, LAND OWNERS AND NOW HIGHER UPS OWE US FAVORS!" Corvus said, excitedly.
"How the hell did he agree to all of that????" Blake asked. "I don't know, there's something fishy about it... Be on guard! I don't trust this guy." Corvus replied. The three of us stocked up on powerful armor and supplies. Corvus emphasizes my dragon side in hopes they wouldn't attack. Family heirloom armor made stronger by a local blacksmith and enchanted by a certain specialist. We all started riding and Corvus got a bad feeling as soon as we approached the crevice of my homeland right hours later.
The Duke's incessant droning had been a torment, a buzzing fly you couldn't swat. As the shadow of the crevice came closer, a sliver of hope flickered within – anything for silence, Corvus had muttered. Feeling the unease of the whole arrangement from the start. The exorbitant upfront payment, the merchant's too-eager promises of future riches. Now, his words echoed with grim prophecy. The horses shifted nervously beneath us, sensing the tension in the air. The ambush erupted with brutal efficiency. A volley of crude arrows whistled from hidden alcoves, some finding their mark in the horses, causing them to rear and whiny in panic. Rough-looking bandits, their faces masked by grime and malice, swarmed from the shadows, their rusty blades glinting in the dim light filtering from the entrance. Corvus's horse bucked as she struggled to maintain control. "Double cross!" Corvus roared, her hand already gripping the hilt of her sword. "Just as I suspected!" She spurred her horse forward, drawing steel.
The merchant, a pudgy figure with a sweat-slicked brow, remained near the entrance, a smug look replacing his earlier obsequiousness. He offered a curt nod to one of the lead bandits. "Indeed," he sneered, his voice now laced with a cruel confidence. "Why risk facing what slumbers above when a few well-placed coins can solve my little… escort problem?"
Then came the rustling, a leathery, ominous sound that made the blood run cold. From the darkness above, Black scales, the size of shields, shifted in the gloom. The bandits themselves seemed to shrink back, their initial aggression tinged with a palpable fear.
However, Corvus felt no fear. Unlike everyone else, she embraced in. In Draconic she roared, "FAMILY! IT IS I, DAUGHTER OF MALIGNUS NIGHTCLAW! CORVUS SYLVANI! DAUGHTER OF VALERIANA SYLVANI! HEAR ME!" Then, as a sign of respect, Corvus knelt before them with a hand crossing her chest as a group of them came out of their cave. Then they lingered over us, staring down. They saw the armor with my horns and knew what I said to be true. "Why do you come here, little one?" One responded back in Draconic. His presence commanded respect. He was clearly the leader. "Forgive me, I was trying to escort a merchant but was betrayed." The dragon looks at the merchant, then the bandits, before returning his gaze. "Evil betrayers?"
He asked. "Yes, but the two beasties behind me on horseback are friends." He huffed in agreement. Understanding not to hurt them. "It's been a long time, little one." I smiled, "I've missed you too, Grandfather. Do whatever you want with them but can we please take the goods and go?" He chuckled and said "No. Let's have a little fun first then you can loot their bodies too," I laughed, "Same old Grandpa, Huh? You never change. Sure, but I'm going to shield my friends while you do." He nods, then says, "Wanna do it?" Excited, I say, "Really!? I can do the call!?" He nods again. "Yay! Ok one sec."
In regular English I say to Blame and Aria, "You might want to stand back." Then in draconic I roar, so loud the walls shake, "BRETHREN, I CALL UPON YOU! HUMANS HAVE VIOLATED OUR TERRITORY. I, AS YOUR NEXT IN LINE SUCCESSOR TO THE THRONE AND WITH THE CURRENT DRAGON KING'S BLESSING, COMMAND YOU TO GET THESE FILTHY SCUM OUT OF OUR HOMELAND WITHOUT HARMING THE TWO BEASTIES ON HORSEBACK!" The longer the roar continued, the more the walls shook. The three of our party run out as the dragons all awake and begin to attack.
"What did you say to them?" Aria asked in English. Also in English, I replied, "I just talked to my grandfather." In response she got, "YOU'RE WHAT!?"