The year was 1063, the first day of Shovah of the new year in the age of war. The turning of the seasons had begun and a heavy fog was set into the forests of Jupin, home of the powerful Red Dragonflight. Though their leader, Volkara, had disappeared decades ago, the war with the humans had shifted to their favor. The great king Trent Godfrey had gone into seclusion and the great magics that guarded his kingdom all but vanished. Skirmishes were common among groups of small dragons, and the outlying cities of the humans were on the verge of starvation, their cattle nearly wiped out from the many raids from the winged beasts.<br/><br/>Beasts they were not however. Within the woods, deep under cover of leaves resided the heart of their flight. Among the greatest of the Red Dragons was a diminutive creature, seemingly there because she was not noticed. The eyes of the beast however regarded the woman, a half-orc, with familiarity.<br/><br/>"Rashada." The largest of them began to speak to her in a deep thrumming voice that shook the leaves of the trees surrounding them. "You have learned well and respected our ways throughout your life. It is time now that you prove your skill and devotion, and repay our hospitality. You will leave with these gifts at your feet, and explore the world. To return, you must obtain the greatest treasure to our kind. Only then will you be allowed back into these woods child." With a slow motion, the muzzle of the beast moved down to the woman and a gust of hot breath flew over her. "Start in the east child. To the north-east lies much wilderness, and to the south-east settlements of the humans. I leave it up to you to choose which, but be wary."