Grimblood

“There weren’t always dragons in the valley. They mostly kept to themselves high in the mountains to the East, unreachable by land or sea. Above it all, In the land of Mountain Gods called Grausund, the birthplace of magic and a place where the sun and moon meet. Or at least that’s how some legends go. We never really knew the reason for their isolation. Although most legends involved the splitting of the land on the day of Umindrim. A story for another time. Sometimes if you were quiet you could barely make a faint howl in the distance echo, bringing with it a cold wind from the East. I experienced it a few times in my childhood. Although I am very hopeful I will feel it again, I fear those times may soon come to an end.”

Chapter one: "Worthy"

The valley of Hebridrid. Located on the furthermost northern part of the land of Lozaela. It is a place of immense beauty, bustling with people from afar and close alike. People of all races, Dwarves, races of Men, Elves, Goblins, and sprites -even- are not a rare sight in Hebridrid. The not so subtle sound of the steps on the stone ground, a daily occurrence where all who are weary from travel, or those who seek fortune and adventure make their day abound with fervency and voracity. Known as the "Land of All, for All".

Lofric wakes to the smell of freshly broiled moonlight rabbit. It was a small rabbit with little meat and barely any fat. But its delicate, sweet aroma was said to wipe the fear and aggression clean off a wild mountain jackal. Making it a staple of Hebridridian cuisine, especially within the Dwarf community. A very sought after commodity between travelers for sure. Pair that with some Sunderian-Dwarf morning brew and you have a powerful combination that gives even the meanest Goblin an outlook of undesired optimism. An elixir of sorts.

Lofric took a deep breath, taking in the sweet smell and filling his lungs with the warm memories of his father Sitdror and him, together on their first hunts. As a youngling he always wondered why the moonlight rabbit had its name, its fur was nothing but dirt brown. All but a small patch on its face and its tail being lighter of color. Nothing of consequence or moonlight like'. He also wondered “why hunt the darn thing at night?”. The moonlight rabbits speed increased three-fold when the sun met the moon, making it impossibly fast to catch. It is said that it is so fast that the moment your arrow leaves the bow it is already glancing mockingly from another position. Dwarves were the only ones capable of hunting the creature but Lofric didn't understand why. Sitdror never answered directly when asked about the unconventional naming and hunting tradition. "One day you will see it clearly, Lofric!" -he would always respond. Thirty one winters passed and Lofric's shots never got any closer to the moonlight rabbit. But Sitdror was always nearby and never missed. Always hitting the rabbit on the move, almost like forcing it into the path of the flailing arrow.

It was until one night, as a young adult on the foothill of Mt. Khundurum where Lofric understood the reason for the name. He saw a small ovate form hiding behind a medium size thorn-bread bush along the path. He grew steady, slowly moving his braided hair out of the path of his right hand and quiver and crouched. He then took a deep breath, pulling the string towards his cheek until he saw the shot clear in his mind. Short whiskers, dark brown body with a small lighter colored patch on its face and tail. But he waited. Too many times did he miss as a young boy leaving Sitdror having to compensate and take the kill. He waited. Crouched with his strongbow in hand, holding the classic Shieldbreaker stance of the old Dwarf armies, ready to fire. But again, Lofric waited. Then he began to see a kind of light, emanating from the Moonlight rabbit's tail. At first glance it was very faint, but then it became as visible as a ribbon dancing in the wild wind. "What is this" he thought to himself. "It looks like some sort of trail reflecting the moon. But it hasn't moved yet. Or has it? I can't tell!"- he said under his breath. Lofric then saw the ribbon dance ease and become more serene the more he controlled his breath. The rabbit seemed to follow the ribbon with its eyes for a quick moment, and in that split second Lofric released his arrow far ahead of the Moonlight rabbits trajectory. Striking the rabbit where he saw the ribbon end. All in the blink of an eye.

Lofric bellowed enthusiastically, letting out a howl that caused a stir in the nearby brush and a thunderous echo through the field. "FORHANN THUREND, MOSDROR!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. Standing straight with clenched fists, blanketed by the starlit sky, misty breath resembling a fire-breathing dragon. It was thirty two winters of hunting as a young Dwarf by his fathers side, this being the first time he could see and finally understand that that his father described. He felt like he was finally getting closer to his people. Lofric is what the Dwarves call a "Grimblood". That is to say, someone who is not of pure Dwarf descent. Although very rare, In this case Lofric's mother being a Human from a clan of seafaring men from the land of Oldurned, a little known land crescent in shape barely visible from the furthermost northern peak outside of Hebridrid. Lofric's mother was a woman named Yorna Gildwing. A very prominent sailor and merchant of the time. She died when Lofric was but a babe. And as such his memory of her lacks. All that's left is a simple scent accompanied by her voice calling out to him. "oh Loaf, my little cute Loaf!".

Although accepted by in large by the Dwarves of Hebridrid, Lofric suffered the fact that he didn't have much command over the magical ability that graced the Dwarves. He shared their long life span, as well as language, history, physical prowess and their culture. But he longed for those things which he thought made a Dwarf. To have the unique ability amongst the other races to see the flow of magic through in both the living and non-living. To cast spells by simple use of binding and restricting the flow of magic. Dwarves had extraordinary proficiency in material magic. The magic to alter the state of things. This made them an exceptionally powerful race. Lofric had their extraordinary strength but was of slight greater stature due to his human side. He also shared some of men's other affinities. Like a propensity towards adventure, and dreamt of seeing the lands of the North with his own two eyes. Something that Dwarves are not known for.

Lofric's father is named Sitdror Axebringer, a very respected member of the community and the most revered Stone and Weapon Smith during the "Hadrufury" war against the Western Trolls of Junderlan. Creating the Last Dwarf King's earth splitting 'Shattermund'. A legendary hammer of immense power said to give any dwarf capable of wielding it the strength to split a nation in two. This weapon was forged using the bright blue flame of a fallen star, and was imbued with the arcane magic of one of the last dragons of the Great Sea. Sitdror's most fabled achievement. Or close second, according to Sitdror himself. He is steadfast, stoic and a Dwarf of few words, but his demeanor is of a welcoming fire under an oak in a winter day. This was not always the case, but it all changed the day he met Yorna.

Yorna and Sitdror met during the last campaign of Hadrufury. She belonged to a clan of merchants who traded along Lozaela's northern coast. Men did not fight in the wars of other races, but their ability to traverse the sea was the greatest out of all other. They could reach lands unknown and trade in materials from places only heard of in legends. Yorna's eyes met with Sitdror's one day on the dock and their lives intertwined.

"Are you going to stare at your food all morning Lofric?" asked Sitdror, slightly amused at his sons behavior. Lofric quickly came to be. Snapping out of his stupor. "Oh, I'm... its nothing. Sorry!" he responded with a quick smile. Lofric seemed a bit uneasy, staring at yesterdays catch." Today is, uh, you're going to try to go into Arcane studies at Barirmun's Hall correct?" asked Sitdror wiping the Sunderian brew off his beard. "Just!... I mean. You dont have to..."-"Its ok father." interrupted Lofric. "I well understand what I am capable of. But I believe this is a place for me to learn more of who I am meant to be." Sitdror's eyes widen at Lofric's unrelenting optimism. Since he was a child Lofric has always been driven on a path of resistance, against all currents he always maintained his composure and never gave up.

Sitdror always admired his son’s relentless pursuit of adventure. His sheer audacity and fearlessness was almost scary at times. But it was said embodiment of adventure, that reminded him of Yorna. Her curious nature and intrigue was within his son and he knew better than try to suppress it. And so Lofric was constantly followed by trouble. Mostly within Hebridrid, but the other villages as well as he would never shy away from any challenge, regardless of its dangerous implications. From climbing the valley entrance statue of Queen Sindohilde, the founder of Hebridrid. To fishing in the depths of the raging river of bottomless sorrow of the old land of druids for its tasty grabbercrab. Lofric was always moving toward something. It seemed like he was always in search for answers, and the only place he could hope to find them were in the places that had something to hide.

Lofrics biggest challenge of his life was something out of an old legend. It made the moonlight rabbit seem like a short stroll through the valley. In his thirty sixth winter his challenge came in the form of a mythical beast from the steppes. The Darmu Ovistallion. He first saw one during a material gathering excursion with a party of smithing Dwarves towards the lands of the western cove, across the steppes of Wesnour. The land of an old nomadic race of men said to have disappeared before the forming of the great sea. It was when the sun hid behind the valley, when he saw a figure standing over a rock looking down on the travelers. It’s dazzling horns created a kind of eclipse as the sun slowly rested. Lofric stood still, gazing at the creature with awe. “Father!” He exclaimed quietly. “What is that creature?” Lofric was almost dumbfounded, a rare sighting, as he had witnessed Sea Serpents, Griffins, Lavapikes and even Sunderian cave Trolls on his adventures. Sitdror looked up, covering his brow, slightly squinting in an attempt to see further.

“Oh!!” He reacted with excitement. “That my boy, is an Ovistallion of Darmu!” Lofric seemed slightly puzzled. “Darmu?!-As in one of the ancient nomadic gods of men?” Lofric asked. Sitdror paused for a quick second, to seemingly wonder about the name also. “Seems that way.” He responded, brushing his long beard between his fingers while continuing his way on the trail. Sitdror and the elder Dwarves then told him and the others all they knew about the beast. There was something about this “unbreakable” Darmu Ovistallion that intrigued Lofric. It’s size was smaller than a horse and slightly larger than a Mountain goat. But its stoicism and commanding nature broke Lofric’s insecurities down to its knees. Sitdror told him of the only time where some unknown race was able to ride them. But that was long forgotten. Now, there was a challenge for Lofric. “No matter how long it takes. I will break, and ride a Darmu Ovistallion.” He said quietly, but not quiet enough so the rest of the party heard him. They all laughed in a teasing way. Sitdror laughed out loud. “arharha! Manage your expectations Lofric! That is no mere beast. But I guess it would be funny to see you come home with your hind quarters seared to a crisp!” He said mockingly. “Of course, if someone could do it…” He thought to himself.

Soon after their return from their expedition Lofric made his way to Barirmun's Hall, to research more about the Ovistallion. Darmu’s Ovistallion, the most stubborn of beasts. A non traditional, non-domesticable horned wild beast of the steppes said to cause crackling lightning sparks when colliding with another. They have very soft wool but are mighty in stature and composure. They have a grey-ish stripe from their mane to their short tail and both horns are adorned by some kind of ancient runes. It’s horns size vary depending on maturity and stock, but they usually share the same coloration and shape. Most being a kind of burned metallic with a kind of rainbow pattern visible more easily during the night. The Ovistallion is a herbivore but is no such prey. It’s hide is almost inpenetrable as its wool is naturally imbued with some kind of fortification magic similar to a dragons scales. There are stories of an Ovistallion that clashed with a Mythrilhelm Wyvern for seventeen days defending its flock, sometime around two millennia ago. This battle, according to legend was not a simple clash between predator and prey, but one between their gods.

In the end the Mythrilhelm was defeated, leaving the Ovistallion mortally wounded. They say it died standing, looking directly towards Grausund until it released its last breath. This according to Sitdror was the inspiration for his “Shattermund”. Since then the Ovistallion has never been seen as prey. With them even being impervious to lightning and the fact that they never backed off during a fight. Lofric saw this opportunity as a way to show all the races within Hebridrid that he could be more than what they expected. His commitment was forged within his heart like a burning sun the day he witnessed its presence atop that rock. Lofric battled that same Ovistallion of the rock he saw for close to two decades. Always returning home with tattered clothes, bruises, burns, even broken bones. As well as shattered weapons and shields. But he did not relent. He pursued, failing over and over again. Clashing with the powerful horns for years on end. Until one fateful day nineteen years later, when Lofric decided to not fight the Ovistallion any more.

He decided to leave his hammeraxe behind, and with him brought a single shield. A shield that once belonged to his mother. It was a shield of men so it covered most of his torso. It wasn’t very sturdy compared to Dwarf shields but it made it lighter and its material withstood heat very well. Lofric was a weapons smith apprentice under his father, so Sitdror explained these things in great detail. The difference between hardness and strength, material magic and weapon infusing. Lofric decided on his mothers shield because he never was able to master the art of weapons material magic and decided to count on his own strength instead. Lofric carried the shield in his back into the steppes until he reached the Ovistallions rock. But the ovistallion was nowhere to be seen. He waited like he always did but it did not come.

Lofric waited for three days and three nights but it never came. Lofric slowly looked down to the fire he built to stay warm. He thought to himself “I have been coming for close to two decades. Spilling my blood on this land for close to two decades. Two decades! Are you saying I am no longer worthy? If that is the case let me show you I am. I will make you submit!” Lofric slowly stood up, grabbed the shield that was perched against a rock for shelter. He slowly slid his left arm into the brace and tightened it with all he had, and slowly made his way up the hill to break his first rule. Never to step onto the ovistallion rock. Darmu Ovistallions have dominion over the land and when one establishes said dominion nothing can stand on it. He then perched over the rock overlooking a large field with the beasts in the distance roaming the land. Lofric knew this wouldn’t go easy. But there was no backing down.

Lofric leaned forward raising his shield hand and let out a yell from his core and towards the beasts. “ YOU! lord of these lands! You will suffer my presence!” He then, with a mighty blow slammed his shield against the rock. Crackling the stone beneath, letting out a magic spark from the shield, lighting the ground around him and creating a sound that echoed throughout the field. He raised his shield again. Slamming it onto the stone with even greater force this time. Over and over, and over again. Yelling “Forhanndr GRIMBLOOD!!” -“I am Grimblood!” with each slam. His repeated blows caused the fowl and all matter of creatures to disperse far from the field. Except the ovistallions. He repeated this, until he saw lightning strike on the field, bringing forward the beast. But he did not stop. Each blow became more powerful and as such reverberated through his body. With each crash of his shield, lightning struck closer bringing the Darmu Ovistallion forward. Like it was traveling through the lightning. Lofric had never seen this before. But he didn’t stop. And he didn’t face away. He shakily lifted his shield once more. Breathing profusely, panting and drenched in sweat. He then dropped his shield one last time onto the rock splitting it in two and causing the ovistallion to bellow a quick breath from its nostrils, lowering its head slightly and widening its stance.

“There you are!” Said Lofric looking directly into its greenish eyes. “Today you will surrender. Your throne is rubble under my feet” He said with tired breath. Slowly tightening the shield brace once again. The ovistallion let out a powerful bellow, that caused the rest of the beasts to run and hide. Like trying to escape an incoming storm. Lofric then remembered how his mother always looked so graceful when wielding the shield during her and Sitdror’s sparring sessions. They always ended in a draw, Yorna always said that Sitdror could beat her easily. Sitdror on the other hand said it was the other way around. Yorna was not like others in the race of men. The ovistallion dug its stance in slowly as if to bump heads with the Mythrilhelm wyvern of legend. Lofric held very tightly, cracking the bits of leather together with his eyes barely over the top of the shield. Waiting for the imminent clash.

Lofric then breathed deeply and tried to infuse the shield with fortification magic. Its sparkled slightly, and intermittently as Lofric could never command such magic efficiently. His magic level was weak and so his weapons were never considered prized weapons or even battle ready. Although beautiful, the best he could muster were practice weapons or ceremonial ones. He became a bit flustered at the notion but he always tried to maintain the magic that he could control, however weak it was. Then in a split second the ovistallion dashed full speed- like a flash of light- leaving in its wake a sort of sonic wave and crackling scorched ground where it stood. It’s iridescent horns clashed directly into the shield, creating a powerful wave that pushed the air, completely breaking Lofrics stance and his defense, leaving a large crack on the shield in the process.

His arm raised above his head from the force, leaving an opening for the ovistallion to charge again. The worst position to be in. He looked up and saw light and rain drops seeping through the crack on the shield. And in a newfound breath he quickly tried infusing the shield with magic from the rain. Trying to fortify it once again. He then quickly lowered the shield in between himself and the beast moments before the ovistallion dashed again. Instantly clashing against the shield, this time completely shattering it and tossing Lofric against the shattered rocks behind him with enough force to uproot a tree. Lofric let out a gasp as he was completely winded by the blow. He slowly gathered his breath again and began to breath erratically. His left arm broken in various places, he was bleeding and his legs were shaking. He had no more strength to stand. The shield would not survive another blow unless he figured something out. And then game over.

Lofric then mustered what strength he had left and was able to perch himself up in a crouched position with one knee on the ground. He lifted the shield once more. The shield resembled shattered glass, only being held in place by its Valdrium border. With every muscle in his body shaking, Lofric looked directly at the angry beast. “Today you will surrender! Your throne is still beneath me!!” He said with a short breath between words. Lofric then took one last deep breath. But this time was different. His breath could no longer draw any magic, he was too weak and injured. To infuse magic into an object is by default a permanent arrangement between the magic and the object. It is a strong bond that can only be cast by those who can command material magic. But Lofric never could. All this magic was chaotic and would dissipate quickly. Never bonding to any object for an extended period of time, making them simple weapons with no power.

Lofric had no other options. The ovistallion paced slowly side to side in front on Lofric. Almost like giving him one last chance to cower and run. A show of mercy. But Lofric had no intention of backing down. He, just like the beast will stand their ground to the very end. He took a large painful breath and remembered an old form of magic that allowed one to use the material magic directly from its user. This Magic became obsolete with the passage of time as it limited the user to be able to only maintain the magic in very short spurts and only on objects that were in direct contact. The ovistallion burried its hind legs and widened its stance, bellowing again. Lofric then let out a resounding breath. The ovistallion charged, this time going for the kill. It’s powerful legs broke ground, creating an even bigger crater where it stood.

With Lofric’s breath he called on a burst of ancient arcane magic from his chest to his arm, to the leather braces of the shield. Making it crackle and burst in small waves throughout the entire shield all the way down to the ground beneath Lofric’s feet, instantly fortifying his surrounding with ancient magic. He closed his eyes and held his breath. In that moment the ovistallions horns clashed with such force that it became as bright as the day time and all that was fortified shifted backwards like a carpet was snatched under it. Lifting dust and pebbles under the slight rain. Lofric opened his eyes and saw the ovistallion slowly backing into another blow. It’s horns were glowing like hot dwarven steel. It’s eyes turned a brighter shade of green. “It worked!” He said, still amazed. His surprise was almost enough to forget the excruciating plain he was in. It came again, with the force of “Shattermund” trying to destroy an immovable object. But with each blow Lofric called on the magic and was able to repel the attacks.

Then the ovistallion leapt further back, almost showing as if it was done with this game. “Let’s end this!” Said Lofric. In that moment Lofric witnessed something else that wasn’t in the ancient books. Lightning struck the ovistallion. Creating a kind of shield bursting with lightning magic bouncing from its wool. It’s horns also glowed like hot steel again, except this time they looked slightly longer. Lofric eyes widened. “Did it just infus…!”- but before he could complete the sentence the strongest clash came as the sound of thunder. Instantaneous, powerful and with blinding light. It vibrated the ground and became stronger with each lightning strike. The force was so great that it created a forcefield where the rain and dust could not reach. Lofric felt like he was stopping the earth from moving. But it got stronger and stronger. He took repeated breaths trying to hold his ground as the ovistallion gained momentum. Pushing the entire surrounding area further and further back. Lofric knew he was about to pass out. His blood was in a pool at his feet and he could no longer maintain his breath. His arm was completely useless, only being held into place by the tightened straps that were coming undone.

Lofric then mustered his last deep breath and yelled. Fortyfying a slightly smaller area and concentrating it directly in the shield and the ground beneath his feat. That moment his hair flew back, the surrounding area, once fortified blew away like dust in a high storm. “Forhanndr GRIMBLOOD!!” He yelled again. As his clothes ripped, gusts of wind whipping at his skin like small blades. He saw the horns turn bright hot as the surrounding light dimmed slightly. the force was concentrating in the center of the shield attracting light and even dust and rain drops to the center of impact, creating a force that reverberated with a humming sound. And then, a burst of blinding light that seemed to envelope the entire steppes, and with it an immense explosion of pure power and magic scattered through the land.

The noise subsided and the shaking of the ground ceased. Everything was calm. As rain began to fall, the dust then settled, opening the scenery to one of destruction. In the rubble lied Lofric, looking up to the sky blood running down his face over his left shut eye. Cuts and bruises, broken bones and barely any clothes on his back. He looked to his left to find his arm still holding onto the shield. The shield was shattered but still held together by the border.

He then slowly dragged himself up to the split rock. Where he found the ovistallion on its side breathing slowly with the other ovistallions surrounding it. He then sat up slowly against the rock near its head. “Do you surrender?” He said laughing, gasping for air. It slightly raised its head towards Lofric, almost like it was saying “as if!”. But then it dropped its head back down to the ground and closed its eyes. Trying to regain some energy. Lofric used his shield to perch himself up onto one knee, limping to a stand. “Lets never do that again, Darmundr” he said. Darmundr meaning, Lightning King.