The World of Asperah

Somewhere within the dense forest encircling the city, a group of cloaked figures could be seen gathered over a small fire. An elderly figure presided, raising his hand to gain the attention of the others present. He was clothed in deep blue, with a wide brimmed hat placed upon his long, graying hair. "Children of the Carithe'¦. He began. "Hear my words.

Nathaniel's heart was racing. He breathed in quick, short gaps. Running was definitely not one of his favorite activities. The yfreen scouts have spotted him some few hours earlier and from then, he spent most of his time dodging claws, hiding in boulders and crags, taking a dip or two in murky swamp water and the like. Smoke powder was almost out. He only had three small pouches left in his bag. Afterwards, he would be totally defenseless.

"Asperah begins with the void, like most other worlds, Nathaniel. Giorno began the tale that brought forth their world. "This region of the aether was under the guidance and protection of the high immortal Ambross, the all-father as we know him to be.

Paris reeled from the first blow. Blood trickled down his chin as he fell back a few steps, gauging his opponent. The festivities have already begun and the crowd cheered at their favorite players in the fisticuffs competition. On the platform, he was no longer a young, flame-haired soldier of the lion army but a contender for this year's trophy. Unfortunately, so was his draconian opponent. Among all the warriors that join the jousts, the dracona were most feared. Their thick scaly hide makes up for twice the normal armor's strength, and coupled with their magical attributes and natural fighting skills, they are truly the mightiest fighters in all the land.

Nathaniel awoke from his laboratory only to hear the sound of horses charging through the woods. Last night was definitely something to be remembered. It was the first time he had that much to drink and he did not even remember how he got home. "Probably his master Giorno spirited me back when he noticed I had too much already¦ He groaned. "What in Asperah is all that racket?

Nathaniel was very busy that day, finalizing some potions and pills he needed for the journey, securing watertight pouches for his smoke powder, as well as memorizing a handful of spells he thought necessary. The journey will be a hard one, but getting the Skull Orb is the hardest part of it all. Sera had given him all the needed information, including the location of the item. Sadly, the ceremonial room deep within the bowels of mount Gerion is his target. It would have been a lot easier if spells did actually work in the realms of Kimohr, but one will have to be of equal level or given permission by the archjourdain before a spell can be cast in such a place.

It was early spring in Thean. At this time of year, the season of the goddess Anshae, wildflowers grow abundantly in the meadows of the outlands.

The king paced back and forth across the throne room. Its vastness outmatched any other room in the castle save the dungeons deep below the bowels of Thean.