Researcher's Journal: A Journey Across Pyrrhia

Prologue: Briefing on the Continent Called Pyrrhia

Chapter Notes: This is my first foray into writing so any suggestions, comments, or even a heads-up on a typo is appreciated.

Legend: "thinking" "talking" *sounds*

9:00 am, Portal station in the main Research Hall of the Lightingpeak Grand Library

Colonel Typheros, the imposing gray Wind Dragon, stood before a room full of eager and attentive dragons in the newly constructed portal room. His presence commanded the attention of all as he took his place at the head of a long table.

"Is everyone here? Alright, let's begin our final briefing for Research Mission Expedition 01A to the continent of Pyrrhia, codenamed 'Field Test and Animus Defense,'" the Colonel announced, his voice carrying both authority and gravity.

"As most of you are aware, we have spent the past year organizing this research expedition in the wake of the completed restorations of ancient portals that were discovered seven years ago." Colonel Typheros paused briefly, allowing murmurs of agreement to ripple through the room.

"These portals were uncovered and subsequently, with the support of the ThunderPeak Grand Library's esteemed Council and the Emperor's gracious donations, we have worked diligently over the past seven years to restore these ancient portals to their operational state." He gestured toward the control panel, a striking contrast to the weathered stone and steel of the ancient portal frame that stood nearby, watched over by a group of dragons.

"But the most interesting information was found alongside the discovery of the portals. The discovery prompted the Council to approve an investigation into our ancient archives, hoping to shed more light on the nature and history of the portals. What the archivists found were ancient texts about something more than just the portal, but of a world it could connect to." The colonel paused as he searched under the desk.

With purposeful motion, he placed multiple boxes on the table, filled with heavily weathered books, papers, and diagrams. "These texts are the only information we have, they all revolve around a continent called 'Pyrrhia.' This foreign continent is said to house many different species of flora and fauna, some are unique and interesting, worthy for research, but others you might find to have an uncanny resemblance to those of our world."

Colonel Typheros's voice echoed through the room as he continued to address the assembled researchers. He opened a large tome from one of the boxes, delving into the topic at claw.

"Pyrrhia's denizens include species similar to our own, ranging from plants and fish to humans and dragons," he began, his tone conveying both caution and gravity. The researchers leaned in, their eyes filled with curiosity and concern.

The Colonel's gaze swept across his audience as he delved deeper into the subject matter. "However," he continued, "it is the dragons of Pyrrhia that have drawn our attention for their dangerous capabilities." He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to settle in.

"You all know these texts allude to many classes of dangerous dragons, such as mind readers, seers, and most importantly, the class that we are focusing on in this expedition: those who possess a distinct form of magic. It is unlike our familiar elemental affinities; instead, it is described as a more destructive and potent force, animus magic."

With a gesture, he directed their attention to a set of boxes containing information about animus dragons and their formidable capabilities. "These texts provide a glimpse into their abilities and the potential dangers they pose," he emphasized. "We must not underestimate their power or the impact they can have on our Realms."

Colonel Typheros's voice grew even more serious as he delved into the reports. "The reports suggest the existence of dragons with a rare and powerful ability known as animus magic," he explained. "These dragons possess the extraordinary power to cast spells on objects, creatures, and even other dragons, bending them to their will. One name mentioned in these texts, 'Darkstalker,' serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers associated with animus magic."