-2003-
The Elemental Realms are an alternate dimension composed of five separate regions which all remain hidden from Earth, with few exceptions. Another alternate dimension, the Shimmering Plane, which is completely separate from the Realms, was discussed in further detail back in Book #2, Shocker Rising.
The Elemental Realms are home to an otherworldly order of elementalists known as the Mage Aspects; adept users of powerful magic who are regularly sent on missions to Earth in order to alleviate most natural disasters, though they may also try to stop a criminal or two as well, if they happen to see them. They are composed of four groups: the Ice Sect, the Fire Sect, the Water Sect, and the Earth Sect.
The Ice Sect, led by Frost King Alpin, are based in the Whitecap Tundra, a region of perpetual cold that fits their mages just fine.
The Fire Sect, led by Morton Flamestar, have set up their headquarters in the Firelands, an ash-choked environment that is mostly uninhabitable to normal humans.
The Water Sect, led by the eccentric Hydraxus, are stationed at the Tidal Throne, surrounded by thriving aquatic life and pristine waters that are immune to pollution.
Finally, the Earth Sect, led by Sledge, lead a relatively straightforward, relaxed life in the Stonemount Gorge, a ravine whose conditions may seem harsh, but give the Earth Sect a sense of closeness and familiarity.
The fifth region, the Grand Terminus, acts as a "hub world" of sorts; a massive city-like landscape where mages of all sects can meet up and chat about their day outside the hustle and bustle of their seemingly never-ending training sessions. Various amenities similar to those on Earth are established; bars, restaurants, shopping centers, a concert hall, and even a park, for those who simply wish to relax. Although it is possible for mages of one sect to travel to the region of a different sect to visit them---for instance, an ice mage from the Whitecap Tundra visiting a fire mage in the Firelands---the Grand Terminus is the more preferred meeting point due to how vast and spacious it was, even though the mages were tolerant of each other's intense regional climates.
A large chapel also sits within the Grand Terminus; it is here that the Mage Aspects and their leaders---who are said to be directed overall by a mysterious entity known only as the Ascendant---gather once a year to welcome another member to their ranks, and to decide which sect he/she/they will be a part of. Once every cycle, the Ascendant gains enough power to create another Mage entirely from scratch; their element specialty, appearance, personality, and disposition remain unknown until the day they are conceived, to the point that no two mages are exactly the same. This sense of anticipation is what has driven the Aspects to continue this tradition for countless years, ever since their original formation eons ago.
The year is 2003, and it is time for this ceremony to occur once again.
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The chapel was filled with the curious thoughts of the gathered mages, muttering amongst themselves about which sect would gain another pupil this time around.
"It's been the Ice Sect for the past two years, hasn't it?" a Fire Sect mage asked.
The Water Sect mage sitting next to him nodded. "I mean....it doesn't really bother me all that much. They could always use the help, after all. In fact....I wouldn't be surprised if it was the Ice Sect again this year."
YOU ARE READING
Coldsnap: Harbinger of Ice
Teen Fiction~PARAGON CINEMATIC UNIVERSE: PHASE 1, BOOK 5~ *This novel serves as a concurrent story to both Viper's Bite and Shocker Rising. It does reference some minor events from those novels, but this story may otherwise be enjoyed separately.* "Alpin would...
