[Voting] Creative Writing Competition - Week One - The White Wizard

[Danny 2232]

Voting for week one of the Creative Writing Competition happens here. The topic was; The White Wizard.

Entries:

The Light of the Jungle:

After the success in the valley of the great Dwarven hold of Kal’Dwain word had spread fast of the blood boiling onslaught of the viscous drakes that had come swooping in to unleash hell upon the stout kind. It had been said that every single dwarf had drawn arms to construct a rallying force of opposition which in turn befell the ferocious beasts and won themselves a fantastic victory as well as securing their hold from danger. It was said that there was a magnificent wizard, one that few said they had seen before and not too much was shared about this wandering wizard except from what he did that day in Kal’Dwain. The wizard himself was told to have come down to aid the dwarves in this courageous battle and even present some of them with nostalgic gifts afterwards, some of magical prowess. This was quite the tale indeed. But what of the other races, had this mystical being started drawing favouritism towards this stalwart race, had everyone else been forgotten about? Or was it merely a waiting game in which they would have to participate...

Through the rampant floors of the city of Xer’Tlaasu Jikorr roamed, his paws beating heavily against every tuft of grass as he pounded at a high velocity, eager to get home after having a successful catch. He was scampering through the jungle with a whopping 142lbs Sja-Pike in his jaws, the very scent of the fish driving him mad as he ventured! The very limbs of the small Kha’Cheetrah flexed flimsily as he made his best to avoid every tree that stood in his path and it was not long before he indeed reach the walkways in the actual city. That city was always a welcoming sight, the houses hung gracefully upon the trees connected with sturdy walkways, the closest thing to home... His real home. Nevertheless his face lit up even more as the front door to his den lay wide open, almost as if it were ready for his arrival. Dropping the large fish he panted up at his mother, his face riddled with excitement. “Muuna, luuk wut Jikorr caught wenna he wuss fishang!” He pressed his heavy paw against the fish. “Purrhapss tha wanderang wizawrd reallay issa watchang ovawr tha Kha!” He looked down at the fish, filled with pride. “Nawnsens!” Snapped his mother. “Our fawrtune iss granted upawn us by Metztli, silly Kha! This ‘wizawrd’ will never be in our jungawl, so stawp lookang!"

Every last ounce of joy was stripped from Jikorr’s emotions; his face began to droop as he backed away from his prized fish and looked up at his mother with uneasy eyes. It was evident the amount of sadness that filled him and as if his dreams had been split open and killed from the inside, rather equal to what he himself felt at this moment. His mother folded her arms and shook her head and just then had heard the door slam, only to her shock seeing Jikorr sprinting off in the other direction, whimpering in anger and distress. Jikorr made his way to the surface tree and began to climb it, with each grip of the vine he cried out a different word, each growing in volume as he made the large ascend to the forest floors of Elandriel. “If. Wizard. Notta. Here. Jikorr. Find. Somewhere. Else.” And that is exactly what he planned to do, no more and no less as he made his way to the main tree of the forest, the ones in which the druids inhabited. Boarding the raft was not to his preference but preference wasn’t his priority and for the meantime he managed to forget about the waters, making his way to the Cloud Temple.

Jikorr had a chalk drawn copy of his father’s map in which he took everywhere with him, including here. It had detailed locations of all his points of adventure and one by one he began to travel to them, asking the locals the bizarre question as to. “Havva yu seen tha wanderang wizawrd?!” From the sanctuary to Salvus he went, scouring the lowland plains. He trekked through Riven and the arctic bluffs of Hanseti in his desperation still to no avail of course. Even in the heat of the War Uzg he remained focus and upon the heights of Malinor he remained vigilant as he continued to inquire upon any he saw. To the vale he prowled and to the isle of Holm he sailed and even into the depths of Menorcress he would delve but without success, determined to find this wizard and more than willing. Determination wasn’t enough.

Returning to the jungle Jikorr was blighted with a scowl that could kill a hawk and made not even an attempt to return to his mother but instead he took the long way around the city, making his way over the many tree tops that stood in his past and sneaking around the backs of the shops as he perched upon the temple grounds, worshipped land. Soon finding himself upon the path once again, his hope leaving him as he made his way to the shrine of Metztli to pray to the goddess herself for guidance. His legs failed him. Bringing himself upon his knees he fell cold in the darkness, surrounded in foliage and shivering as he begged for a sign from the goddess that she was still with him and suddenly his prayer was answered. A light struck his eyes, blinding him as he screamed out in terror, too scared and ashamed to look at his goddess in the face. His ears pricked up as a voice spoke, reassuringly. “Need not cry feline.” Jikorr looked up to see a glowing face, robed in white, hovering. “For your kind is not forgotten.” His eyes widen as he listens to the white wizard speak, feeling much inferior in his majestic presence. “Behold... the light of the jungle.”

Un-Named #1

A small, leather bound journal is upon Jaehaeyrs's desk, an old. Dusty tome, from the end of Aegis. He recalled parts of it, but Alice would be forced to read it, so he turned to her, looking around. Before she giggled, and he nodded. Alice repeating the words, in as faint, and logical tone she could muster.

The bells thrummed upon Al’khazar’s main gates, the iron bars receding into the top, piking outward. And going into the slot’s of which they were meant A man shouting from below, in a frenzy of awe.

“T’s im. ‘Teh ‘anderin’ ‘izard...!”

As the wizard stepped upon Al’Khazar, many were awed to see him.. It had been months, since his last visit. And many had believed him vanished, so as you can imagine. They had begun a near celebration, for the return of him. Men and women crowded the streets, waiting as he strode past. His black robe trailing magnificently behind, before his voice sounded. And a frown curled on his lips

“The tides have changed.. We’re losing the war against the undead.”

The cheers, turned to shrieks, and roars.

Availer bowed his head in disdain, as the peasants of Al'Khazar had lashed out to him, many attempting to throttle him where he stood, but he continued his walk. Leaving the Frey, the maniacal ramblings of humans behind. All eager to cut off his head, though for what. Even they did not know; Though he had made little effort to combat them, the guards themselves, who opened the gate. Had shouted curses, of 'SKAHING WIZHARD'. To him, fear echoed through the wizard. The hatred of the townsfolk, along with the knowledge of defeat.. Was not good upon his mind. He had strode outward, and contemplation had begun his mind. Before a thrum of feet was behind him, soft and echo. A child at his side, scraggly and malnourished.

The child looked up to the wizard, mimicking his stature, and steps. As he walked, asking to him in an innocent tone.

"What is happening?"

Ignorance plastered upon, the Wizard was bewildered to why the child had followed him, and he half-expected him to come out with a knife, and attempt to kill him. But the child just stared, curiosity there upon. Availer had thought for a moment, before saying in the bravest tone he could muster

"Iblees returns, and the undead with.."

The child still continued ignorance, before turning to him. Asking in another, ignorant sequence.

"Who is Iblees?"

The child had asked it in the bravest tone he could muster, and he was legitimate in his thinking, Availer could not help but chuckle. He was an innocent, but in the coming war. Children like this, would turn to soldiers, and die at the feet of the undead.. But even as the thought rained through his mind, he turned his neck. And said to the boy, once more. In the bravest tone he could say.

"He is a Daemon. Child. A being of chaos, and the undead are his minions."

The child had turned his head once more, before giggling in a lowly fashion. His hand waving, as they continued their walk.

"Why?"

Availer himself, could not help a chuckle. At the child's repetitive questioning, before he turned his head once more. And bowed it, before saying in the Rudest Tone he could muster.

"Did your father teach you to ask so many questions?"

The child put his finger to his lip, for a moment, then two. And then proceeded to nod, Availer himself was saddened by the child. And his thoughts still raced, and destruction, death. Was within his mind. So he did nothing, and said no more. Before he continued his walk, turning to the child. Saying once more.

"It's time you left.. Young one."

The child mustered a grumble, before he asked in one last, belligerent word.

"Why?"

Everlasting Sorrow:

The stench of death crowded the nostrils of the group. Late into the night, they traveled across the now dangerous lands of Aegis. Despite the torches the men held, the night clouded their eyes. Darkness had taken its hold on the lands of the brave and staked its foothold in the very heart of the nations. The corruption that began in the north had reached even the mightiest of races. This small group of dedicated warriors had volunteered for this purpose, the final defense of their lands.

At the front of the party, an older man appeared to be the leader. Despite his elderly appearance in his dark cloak, he clearly displayed courage, strength, and honor. The other members of the party never questioned his judgement and followed his commands without question.

The task at hand tonight was not for the light-hearted or the nay-sayers. The Wandering Wizard, as he was called, had recovered relics that would be devastating to their cause if captured by the forces of evil. For this purpose, he had called the strongest from every race to accompany him on their quest. Aegis was nearly lost and they placed their highest hopes on this strange, powerful wizard.

Finally, they were nearing the Cloud Temple where the relics could be guarded and further plans could be made. Unbeknownst to the group, however, the undead had been following them in the dead of night. From the trees, they stalked the brave survivors of their attacks. Tonight, they would make an end to the dwellers of Aegis.

Havoc was unleashed on the traveling group and they gathered tightly to defend the relics. If captured, Aegis would be lost and their homes destroyed. The battle was eerie and filled with confusion. Lightning raced through the sky towards the group. Fire raged in the trees and the night air was filled with screams from those perishing in the flames. The might of the undead seemed too strong and the group was slowly overwhelmed.

In the middle of the small group, the Wandering Wizard made his stand. Being the most powerful wizard of Aegis, it was his duty to defend the relics and fend off the undead hordes. Flashes of light erupted from his staff as he dueled the undead. The strength of his powers might possibly decide the fate of Aegis.

The warriors of Aegis engaged in fierce battle with the beasts summoned from the Void. Decayed flesh flew through the air as swords and axes swung in unison. The front members of the group raised their shield, allowing those behind them to remain safe. Arrows glances off the stout iron-cast shields. After every new onslaught of enemies, the shields were lowered and the rear-guard stepped forth. The Wandering Wizard protected the group as much as he could from the dark magic, although there were too many.

The undead had amassed secretly to steal the relics and defeat the final vanguard of Aegis. From every angle, spells were cast and monsters summoned. Slowly, the group’s numbers began to dwindle. Despite their desperate attempts to defend their leader and the relics, their position was overrun. The warriors were divided and forced into combat alone. They tried their best to fight through the masses to the relics, but it was of no use.

Deep in their cloaks, the undead surrounded the Wandering Wizard. Fire leapt from his staff as he created a barrier of flames between himself and the fiends. With a shout to his comrades, he quickly yelled out, “Rally to me! For Aegis!”

Hearing their brave leader, the last of the group rallied to his call. Adrenaline coursed through their veins as they desperately fought to reach the relics. Blood was spilled as their last effort for victory was pushed forth. Reaching the cries from the wizard, the few that were left of the brave group began to once more defend what was rightfully theirs. Hordes of beasts pounded against them and the undead struck fiercely at the warriors.

With a sudden yell, the Wandering Wizard fell to the ground. The power had been too great and he was overwhelmed. The group was filled with fear and confusion as the undead silenced their leader and took the relics. The undead, however, did not stay to finish the group off. They had received heavy losses themselves and from the efforts of the brave wizard, were unable to muster the power to defeat the rest of the warriors.

The retreat was swift and the party was left on a battlefield covered with their dead companions and the defeated horde. They turned to their nearly dead friend, who lie injured on the ground. His voice rang out softly, yet vibrantly clear, “I must leave for now. Any power I once had has been taken. I fear the worst for Aegis , yet I have hope in you, the people. It is your destiny to move on. Take whoever and whatever is left and escape, for one shall come shortly who will show you the way.” With a deep sigh, the wizard looked to the battered troops. “Thank you my friends, but I must admit I failed you. The relics are gone and Iblees power is stronger than ever. You have survived though. Remember, I shall always be with you, whether physically or in spirit. Take my memory with you to new heights and lands beyond.”

A single tear ran down the Wandering Wizard’s face as he saw the last of his friends for a very long time. As his eyes closed, a light surrounded his body. The group shielded their eyes as the power grew before them. With as loud thunderclap, he was gone leaving the leaders of the four great races to defend the last of Aegis and decide how to defeat the undead once and for all.

The Corruption of The Wandering Wizard | Rise of The Void

The moon peeked through the pitch-black smoke clouds over Al’Khazar. It was the day after the capital of Humans fell, the day the fate of Aegis was decided. The poisonous miasma surrounded most of the city, making any entering almost impossible. Only those blessed with the magical powers of Aeriel or Iblees were able to enter it…

Smoke rose over the once so mighty city, the fires of the sheer endless amounts of Netherrack still burning, lightening up the sky. On top of the palace, two hooded figures stood next to each other. The right one let out a sigh, her black robe with a pink trim fluttering in the wind. The other one stared down at the church of Al’Khazar or rather what was left of it. He tilted his head a bit, a wicked grin resting on his rotten face.

"Heh, now that the city is ours, we should marry in the church." he said, chuckling quietly. She frowned, pondering for a moment.

"That actually… sounds quite romantic!" she replied, starting to giggle madly.

Suddenly, lighting cracked down from the sky, hitting the ceiling of the church. The couple cringed, turning away from the blazing light bolt. Thunders roared in the distance, a storm was coming. The two hooded figures nodded at each other, deciding to head down to the church to figure out what just happened.

As they arrived, they realized the impact of the lighting. The ceiling was gone, simply vaporized by the incredible power of the lighting. It was not a natural one for sure. The couple entered the church, both having their golden staffs in their skeleton-like hands. The man who would soon be known as Inquisitor and Zealot of the Undead order mumbled a spell, extinguishing most of the fires in front of him and the female accompanying him. They could not believe what the fires and smoke revealed…

In front of them, on the altar of the church of Al’Khazar, stood a man the two knew only too well. It was the Wandering Wizard. The Inquisitor immediately pointed his staff at the Wizard, shouting at him. "I thought you were trapped in the eternal void, Wizard!"

The Wizard turned to him, laughing loudly. "Did you really believe you and your foolish, impure beings of Iblees could lock me away from this realm? You’re even more preposterous than I could have ever imagined!" the Wizard replied, still laughing somewhat madly.

The Wizard unsheathed his own staff, blinking towards the Undead Inquisitor in a heartbeat, almost killing him with a powerful, arcane punch. The Wizard instantly turned towards the other Undead, being about to slay her as well. The Wizard gave her no time to react, landing a hit on her as well.

The Wizard stared at their bodies or rather what was left of them, grinning wickedly. The Undead Inquisitor looked up at the wizard, coughing loudly as he was about to pass away. "Wh-… What made you… so str-… strong, Wizard?!" he whispered in an angry tone.

The Wizard grinned at him, a wicked smile fulfilling his cold face. "If you only knew what awaits one in the Void…" he said, breaking out into mad laughter. The Wizard left the two Undeads to die in the church and went out into the rain the storm brought with it. Still laughing, he stared up at the night sky, his staff that suddenly started to have a purple aura still in his hand.

“The Void awaits us, my Fallen Lord…” he shouted, his voice echoing through the streets of Al’Khazar.

Read and vote.

[Taiga 764]

The poll time has finished, I declare this poll closed.

[Danny 2232]

Voting ends at 23:59 on the 3rd of October (GMT+0)

[Danny 2232]

Congratulations to Lym for winning. He shall receive his reward once I manage to wake myself up fully!

[Danny 2232]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.