A Day in R&R

From the serenity of space, a blue and green planet sits, quietly spinning as it has for eons. From this vantage, there is nothing but silence and tranquility. On its surface, raging battles betray this peaceful exterior. This is a Keldei planet. Your planet.

A bright yellow sun pierces the vivid blue sky, shining down upon a forest clearing, surrounded by tall, leafy trees. Their sinuous branches and bright green leaves gently sway in a cool breeze, as a few insects buzz about tall blades of grass and tiny bowl-shaped white flowers.

To one side, some rustling sounds, and a crack. From the shadows of the trees you emerge. You are a Keldei warrior. You are tall, and covered in longish glistening fur. Your head and facial features are reminiscent of a lynx with bear features. Your ears point up to the sky. Your fur rustles with the wind. Its soft appearance is deceiving; hiding a strong chest, biceps like stone, and several scars.

Across the clearing, you notice a figure. Massive, statuesque, implacable. It is a mighty Ralak warrior, descendant of dragons. He stands a full head taller than you, poised and unmoving. He is clothed in elaborate polished armour, and a fur-lined cape. He stares at you intently.

You stand facing each other; sizing each other up. You remember your training that led to this moment. Meditation to strengthen the mind. Physical training for brute strength. Secret Keldei herbs and charms to enhance your endurance. And repetitive combat training using the two-handed axe and short bow.

Without a sound, the Ralak reaches under his cape, as if to draw his sword. He does not pull out a weapon but something is in his palm. He gestures in an upward circular motion and suddenly his armour begins to glow brightly.

You recognize the eerie glow as an armour enchantment. Your eyes fixed on the Ralak, you slowly reach back and draw your two-handed axe. You hold it firmly in your hands, and stand, combat-ready, knowing that you will need more than just raw might to win this battle.

The Ralak draws his enormous sword, holds it high above his head and charges at you. As he nears, he slams his sword down with tremendous force, as you just barely dodge out of the way. A cloud of dust surrounds you, kicked up from the force of the Ralak's attack. You grip your axe firmly and swing fiercely at your enemy's chest. The clang of your Keldei-forged axe against Ralak crafted armour is deafening.

You weaken your opponent but his armour is strong. You trade blows back and forth. The Ralak is physically powerful but slower than you. You seem to manage avoiding his strikes half the time, while succeeding in smashing that axe into the Ralak every time. But he is resilient.

As you both stand, weakened and breathing heavily, you notice his armour is still glowing. Perhaps that is his secret. You reach for your pouch of herbal concoctions and pull out a mixture that dispels protective enchantments. The Ralak's armour glow fades. He is taken aback for a second. He charges at you as you once again manage to avoid his attack within a hair's width. You swing your axe around in a wide arc. The Ralak's armour shatters with explosive force from the impact of your blow. The Ralak stumbles.

Several more exchanges later, the once mighty Ralak falls at your feet with a shudder while you are left barely breathing. Though you have won this battle you remain humble with the knowledge that the greater war is still being fought. Your training must continue. The Keldei homeworld is still at risk.