Expansion begins.
Synthia gave a run down of the different available summons she was currently capable of and their uses.
Displaying nearby resources and identifying nearby dangers she urged that Threxar quickly musters a small draconian force for both Defense, security of the miners and gathering of essence as improving their current dungeon settlement, of sorts, was of the upmost importance.
After some thought Threxar started to summon a vanguard of draconians.
The ancient caverns echoed with the steady clatter of clawed feet and the hiss of low growls. Deep within the sprawling labyrinth beneath the surface, the Draconian species thrived — fierce reptilian warriors born from the molten heart of the Core. Their scales shimmered in hues of crimson and obsidian, a testament to the fire-essence that coursed through their veins.
The Draconian hierarchy was as rigid as the sharp edges of their serrated claws. From humble workers to elite warriors, their troop tree branched into three main paths each specialized for survival and domination in the labyrinth's harsh environment:
Draconian Workers (Gatherers and Miners):
These scaled laborers possessed a blend of brute strength and elemental resilience. Their tasks were vital — digging tunnels, extracting precious ore veins, and harvesting the fiery crystals unique to the Draconian domains. Their tough, heat-resistant hides allowed them to toil near magma flows and unstable rock faces where others dared not venture.
Draconian Foot Soldiers (Flameguard):
The frontline fighters trained in wielding serrated blades and elemental fire magic. Agile yet heavily armored, the Flameguard were the first to confront threats lurking in the labyrinth's depths. Their combat style was brutal and direct, combining sharp strikes with bursts of flame to overwhelm foes.
Draconian blacksmiths
Masters of arcane fire, these master craftsman could conjure and manipulate flame to devastating effect. Though fewer in number, blacksmiths offered essential battlefield support — lighting the dark with their bizarre inventions, weakening enemy defenses with siege weaponry and explosive concoctions, and shielding their allies with blazing armour. Being masters of the flame they could perfect the forges temperature, controlling it to their will when crafting weaponry, armour and more.
Draconian Workers: The Backbone of Expansion
Far from the glory of battle, Draconian workers were the unsung heroes sustaining their people's growth. Equipped with clawed gauntlets and carrying heavy yet profoundly magical backpacks woven from the scales of fallen enemies engraved with sigils which provided what seemed to be endless and near weightless storage, these workers excavated precious minerals, gemstones, and essence crystals. Paving hallways, excavation tunnels, locating anything within their pickaxes reach.
The Draconian workers would naturally operate in squads of five, their coordinated strikes at stone and ore uncovering veins rich with gems that would feed the Core's energy and their blacksmiths with ore. Their keen eyes detected even faint glimmers of ore deep within the rock, and their innate heat resistance allowed them to work near lava fissures, harvesting fiery crystals essential for forging weapons and fueling core magic. All though starting with two, they would have to make do with just themselves to start their mining expedition and later conceive new draconians as a couple to expand their mining empire.
A Draconian Foot Soldier's Trial: Khelzar's Hunt
Among the newly summoned foot soldiers was Khelzar, a young Draconian newly assigned to the Flameguard. His red-tinged scales bore the faint scars of training, and his eyes burned with determination. Today, he would face his first true test: a hunt against the subterranean beasts threatening their newfound territory.
Khelzar tightened his grip on his serrated blade, the edge humming faintly with fire essence. The Core's glow pulsed within him, igniting his veins with heat and courage.
Khelzar was sent out on his first mission, to kill beasts, collect essence and bring back any pelts, furs and salvageable meat.
Deep within the shadowed tunnels, the shrill screeches of a pack of Abyssal Rippers—fanged, wolf-like beasts corrupted by abyssal energy—echoed through the rock walls. The creatures were swift and vicious, hunting in packs to overwhelm solitary prey.
Khelzar moved with silent grace, flames flickering along his blade's edge as he prepared for combat. Creeping around a corner the reaper could see a flickering light, soon followed by a shadow the first Ripper preemptively lunged at khelzar, he parried with a flash of heat, countering with a burning slash that seared the beast's flank. The battle surged, flames and steel clashing against claws and teeth.
He struck down the first ripper and felt a surge of energy, but was soon swarmed.
Being attacked from all flanks, injuries piling up he soon slashed out of fear of death decapating a beast, another surge of energy was felt, pain dispersing, some wounds healing whilst others stopped bleeding . He felt stronger, faster and with newfound determination stood his ground.
Using his agility and fire-infused strikes, Khelzar picked off the beasts one by one, ignoring all injuries as each defeated beast.The Core's essence flowed through him, healing minor wounds and heightening his senses. Though the Rippers were relentless, Khelzar's training and determination proved stronger. As the last beast fell, a victorious roar echoed through the cavern.
Aftermath and Growth
Khelzar knelt beside the fallen creatures, gathering remnants of their abyssal essence, gathering any usable meat and fur. These would be brought back to the Core, fueling evolution and forging stronger troops. Each battle hardened the Draconians, their warrior caste growing sharper and more attuned to the Core's fiery power.
His first fight was just the beginning. Khelzar knew the true test of a Flameguard was not in victory alone but in their unwavering loyalty to the Core and the unending war for survival deep beneath the surface.
Khelzar took it upon himself to adventure and map the surrounding areas, finding more beats and unknown resources along the way.
After defeating some more beats, a surge of energy was felt within, followed by immense pain Khelzar lay their moving uncontrollably.
His hide thickening, more scales were growing, his limbs growing. He was changing, evolving…