How would you describe the Taiwenye? The simplest way to describe them would be as dragons with human body proportions. Not that they would like such a description, partly because they don’t know what dragons are, but also because they are a proud and noble race that would resent being compared to animals. They are born almost ready to fight, their bodies designed for battle, their minds full of cunning and quick thinking. Armed with razor-sharp fangs, talons designed to tear through flesh and bone, wings, the ability to breathe fire and scales that act more like armour than skin, you would think that they would be nigh indestructible. However, the creatures of Hedazi, where they live, are so deadly that their only safe havens are the mountains. They reside in cities carved out of living stone, either on the mountainsides or in the labyrinthine caverns under them. At first, they lived in solitary family groups, but eventually they started to live together in small groups for safety. These small groups expanded and towns were formed, which ultimately became fortified cities, impenetrable strongholds that housed more than ten thousand Taiwenye. However, with their bodies designed for warfare, a powerful instinct to fight and full of ambition and greed, peace was never long-lasting. Their history is full of examples of bloodshed, betrayal and hostile takeovers. Truces and alliances were formed, but they never lasted long. War was almost a constant state of existence for many of the city-states, a fact of life that many had been born and raised with. The citizens of Crimson Peak were no different. Having been at war for almost 20 years, it was hard for many to imagine what a peaceful life would be like. With many drakes called to arms, what would have been a bustling city was empty, the wide streets mainly deserted except for those who had places to be. The residents had to be notified that they were required to fight, otherwise there would not be enough resources for everyone, so strong was the sense of patriotism. They all wanted to fight, to smite the enemies of Crimson Peak, to achieve glory and to have their deeds recorded in song and verse. All except for one drake, whose name was Umloto. Aged 17, his scales were red and brown and he was a deadly shot with a bow. He refused to fight under the Crimson Peak banner, for Virax, the ruler of Crimson Peak, as the war had cost him the ones he cared for dearly. He placed the blame for this solely on Virax; though he knew that the desire to fight that was part of his people had also been part of the problem. This is his story, of how he stood up to authority, how he fought his instincts and redefined himself.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Story I'm working on
It doesn't have a title yet. also, odds are I'm gonna change this at some point. Criticisms and praise please.
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