| Glacoria, The Beginning� Chapter Eleven File Accessed: In the days before the ice, Glacoria was a tropical planet. Life was in abundance everywhere. Birds flew in the sky � fish swam in the oceans and seas and intelligent life grew and evolved all over the land. It was then that a darkness blocked the sun. A large lifeless asteroid was on a collision course with the planet! The inhabitants of the world tried to the best of their ability to avert the disaster, but it was to no avail. The mammoth piece of rock and ice penetrated the atmosphere and slammed into the planet�s surface. The ground shook violently. An explosion as to the likes that none had ever see erupted. The seas began to boil. The sky was filled with dust and smoke. The loss of life was staggering. But what made things even worse, the impact of the asteroid knocked the planet slightly out of orbit. One year later, the entire planet was covered in ice. Glaciers covered the lands and almost all of the water was frozen. Almost all of the life that inhabited the planet either perished when the asteroid exploded into the planet or when the first winter hit. Those that did survive began to change. It was believed to be a side effect of the radiation from the explosion. Some not only were able to adapt to the cold, some had actually changed color and were now blue. These were the first ancestors of the six Glacorian lines. As all Glacorians of the time, many were adept the ways of science. A part of the legacy that survived from the old culture. Although the six tribes were different, more often than not, all got along and respected each of the lines as a brother or sister. These six tribes were the Articurs, the Frydgadars, the Snowittes, the Chillins, the Iceions and the Coldans. Although each line was as different as night and day, each shared a bond. That bond was the resurrection of our once proud planet. The Articurs, with their cunning intelligence were able to create elaborate cities that were almost invisible to the untrained eye. The great and open plain is where this line felt most at ease. The Frydgadars, with their incredible speed and sharp blade like feet were able to race across the icy surfaces of the planet. Many potentially disastrous events were prevented due to the fast thinking and moving of the this line. Of all the places they have witnessed on the planet, on the glaciers is where they felt most at home. The Snowittes, with their thin bodies and lacy wings, this line was blessed with the gift of flight. As with the Frydgadars, this line chooses to reside on the glaciers. There the air currents are strong and flight is made easier. The Chillins, with their unique metabolism, the members of this line developed the capability to breathe in the oceans beneath the ice. The members of this line are relatively pacifistic and dwell beneath the ice. The Iceions, a breed of Glacorian whose power over ice is without peer. The members of this line tend to be nomadic, but tend to feel more at ease when near a great body of ice. It is said that they are close allies to the swimmers beneath the ice. The Coldans, an enigmatic line of Glacorian. Few know of the true motives of those that are of this line, but of all the lines � they are without a doubt the most resourceful � and the most dangerous. There are few settlements that house this line as they, like the Iceions tend to be nomadic. Although they all have their strengths and weaknesses, the one strong common bond that they all share is their mastery of the emission called the Blizzard. Through concentration, any Glacorian can harness the power of the world and emit winds that are freezing cold. Although all had the ability � those with more experience could use the Blizzard with more control and power. In the early days of our people, the First Ones, the elders of each line met for the first time. Each was respected and an age of peace and togetherness was forged. Although our people had accomplished great deeds independently � together we were able to literally shape the world. Monolithic cities stood above the ice and below. Intricate tunnels and roads connected the population. The Snowittes invented nimble vehicles that allowed the other lines to experience their gift. Frydgadars constructed special shoes so that others might be able to move more quickly. The other lines also contributed equally if not more so to benefit the whole of our society. Through this new brotherhood, new and growing industries emerged and through this forged our lines from a collection of beings � into an empire like none had ever seen. It was a time that was referred to as The Enlightened Time. A time of great changes � and great deeds. The advancements in science and technology have eased the burdens of the of the population. Many new and wondrous discoveries have cured once deadly ails and other discoveries have found was to prolong life. The First Ones had even pooled their vast resources and had created cities that reside in the air and at the base of the ice covered oceans. Many wonder where our destiny will take us. Others are content with the quiet life that our advancements have allowed. These are indeed idyllic times for our people. With grace and good fortune, these times will continue for many generations to come. An upset of sorts has occurred at the capital city. Several Coldans were at the brink of violence, but the situation was fortunately resolved peacefully. The problem that caused the upset was the wasting or natural resources by the southern pole. It was a situation was resolved by the First Ones. Shortly after the resource problem was dealt with, it was decided by the elected council that the time had come to explore the expanse of space. For numerous years, almost every Glacorian in the empire worked together to achieve this new and glorious goal. A goal which wasn�t the conquering of space � but of exploring it and learning more about how things work and our place in the universe as a whole. The first fleet was completed. Almost the entire population was there to witness the First Ones as they stepped into the great expanse of space. Not a soul moved or breathed until the last ship had flown up and had faded from site. The great journey had at long last begun. Much had been learned about our planet Glacoria. Seeing our home from the heavens was like nothing any had ever dreamed of. Never since the days before ice had any seen what our home really looked like. But as pleasant as the dream was, it was time to move on. For the greatest journey our people were to ever endeavor was about to begin. By chronological devices, it was twelve weeks before the fleet found another world. It was nothing like the world they had left behind. In a way, it looked similar to how Glacoria might have looked before the days of ice. From orbit, they studied the planet � it�s atmosphere � its climate � everything that would help in understanding what might be on the surface. Within a few days, they had all of the data they could obtain. It was time to see what the planet was actually like. They all boarded their shuttles and plotted their way down to the planet�s surface. From the sky they could see lush forests, open plains, rocky mountains that seemed to touch the clouds, clear blue oceans with wildlife near the surface. Some of them felt as though they were standing where their ancestors once stood. They continued on course towards their destination � the planet�s icy polar regions. Although the climate was not as hospitable as it was on Glacoria, it was an inconvenience that the First Ones were willing to tolerate. In the weeks that followed they built a research outpost to study the planet as they had been doing from space. From there the readings would be much more accurate then they could ever hope to be from in space. Once it was finally done, the study of the planet began. The world � which was called Gamose � the Glacorian word for paradise, was even more wondrous than was first believed. It possessed roughly sixteen different climatic regions. Everything from the cool climate that was enjoyed in the Polar Regions to the equatorial heat of the tropical regions. Donning special suits that would protect them against the elements of the hotter temperatures, the First Ones and several other scientists made their way from the polar regions and began to explore the planet�s surface. It was a little tedious at first, at least it was until they reached an odd looking forest that seemed to spread out for miles in all directions before them. What made it odd was that there was record of a forest being there since they began their study from the research base. Another thing that bothered them was that the plants looked to be tropical in origin and where they were at was a temperate climate at best. Deciding that it would be unwise to venture there with no knowledge of it � they all returned back to the base. The next few weeks they studied the phenomenon. According to their records � the forest grew in roughly the same length of time it took them to set up the research base. What made matters slightly more unnerving was that there was no clue as to how such a forest just happened to be there. There was little choice as to what had to be done. If they wanted answers � they would have to explore that forest on foot. It wasn�t a pleasant prospect as none of their scanners could penetrate the dense vegetation. They would have to go in blind if they wanted to learn more. It was eventually decided that the knowledge would be worth the risk. Once again, an expedition was planned and within a few days, they were off. Within days, the group was at the edge of the vast forest. With a great sense of apprehension, they made their way into the jungle. Nothing prepared them for what they would see. This jungle as it was � was not only alive � it was also very animated. The branches of the trees seemed to move of their own accord, vines and roots often barred the way and in rare occasions some of the expedition were actually attacked by the vegetation. Despite the trials and tribulations they trudged on. On the third day of exploration, they reached the center of the forest. The foliage of the trees completely covered the sky and made everything look a pale light green. Below us was a deep valley � at the base of it was something that looked like a hive. Hundreds of insects seemed to be swarming around the core of the hive while others seemed to continue with other chores. It was decided that these insects be called Pinciata � as most of them had the same claws that the ice crabs of Glacoria possessed. By what they could see � these bugs were growing the dense vegetation by way of some spore cloud. They learned as much as they needed to know. They began to leave when several of the insects blocked their path. Unsure of their intent, the First Ones and those with them used their Blizzard powers to blow the bugs away. They then began to run. By the time that they were safely out of the bug-infested forest � over seven of the party was killed and four others were deathly ill. With due haste they made their way back to the outpost. Three were deceased by the time they arrived at the base. The other was comatose. Through rigorous study it was learned that he was beyond any ability to heal. The next day, yet another development arose. The forest that housed these lethal bugs had grown exponentially. By numerical standards they were only two hours away by glider. Worse � this tropical jungle wasn�t affected by the cold in any way. With a great deal of reluctance, the outpost was evacuated and they all returned to space. Roughly ten days later, another fleet happened onto the scene. Although crudely constructed, it was decided that we stay out of sight. Our fleet moved behind the largest moon and watched as this new fleet assumed orbit. It was mildly distressing to see how many weapons were on each vessel � it was wise to remain unseen. They watched as these red skinned creatures forged a city � fortress would be more appropriate. It was made of solidified magma, rock and fire. Although they spoke in an alien tongue, they seemed to have a strict rule of order that was obeyed at all costs. It was decided that this new race of people be called the Soarans � which meant those that are like stars. It was then that we observed that a small group of Pinciata approaching the Soarans� fortress. All were curious to see how these people would fare against these lethal bugs. We watched as one Pinciata attacked a Soaran that was clearly attempting communication. We then saw the Soarans literally incinerate the Pinciata. Perhaps these people would be easier to cope with or at least reason with. The next few days, we witnessed what could only be described as their military burning their way through the forest hunting for the Pinciata. The canopy of foliage burned enough for us to see the hive being attacked without mercy. All of the insects were forced to flee. It was then that we noticed that a fleet of bug-like ships flew out of the forest and ran away. The Pinciata were not native to Gamose after all. The fleet remained hidden until the Pinciata were well away. Once they were, the fleet resumed orbit. A skeleton crew was sent back down to the research base to resume their studies. One ship and its crew descended to the planet�s surface. The rest returned to the dark area of the moon � in the odd event that the Pinciata decided to return. It was decided that a small delegation be sent to thank the Soarans for removing the Pinciata menace from the planet. From a safe distance we observed as our ambassadors arrived at the Soaran fortress. Instead of attempting communication, the savages brutally attacked them. In quiet amazement we watched as the ambassadors took down many Soarans with their Blizzard power. But regrettably, they fell. It was then that fifty Coldans stormed off the ship and made their way towards the Soaran fortress. Many had seen the Coldans angry before � but never were they this enraged! All watched as the fortress and other settlements of stone � magma and flame were frozen and encased in snow and ice. Just then, the core of the fortress exploded. The Coldans manifested their powers and managed to turn the flames into an ice crystal � but the cost of adverting the disaster was their lives. It was clear that the Soarans that were once believed to be intelligent as we had hoped � they were nothing short of brutish savages. Thus began our war. Over the course of the next few decades, our people ventured away from the peaceful trades and focused on the art of warfare. Many battles were won and lost against the Soarans � but more battles were lost than won against the Pinciata. It was a tiring venture and a never-ending cycle of hate. The First Ones and several other delegates have taken the fleet into the stars once more. This time it was not to fight a battle � it was to find a way to end the cycle of violence that was killing hundreds of Glacorians� �they were never seen again. *** Unfortunately, their loss couldn�t have come at a worse time. The empire that was once unified is slowly losing its unity. Although none are openly hostile at another � several of the lines have drifted apart. Some attribute this to change. Some believe it is the war efforts. Some believe it to be something deeper. The only thing that is fact in this is that without our unity � the Age of Enlightenment has reached an unfortunate end. Some time had passed. The tension between the lines has grown. Problems are occurring that are beyond comprehension. Everyone seems to blame the other for every imperfection that is witnessed. In the first time in ages � there has been reported violence between Glacorians. Things have once again become dire. Numerous elders have gone missing and everyone suspects everyone. To make matters even worse � several structures have been sabotaged. Dozens of Snowitte gliders have crashed inexplicably. Several Articur settlements caved in. the loss of life was in the hundreds. And to make matters even worse � the planet�s core temperature has risen by ten degrees. They came. Hundreds of Pinciata and hundreds of larger mutated creatures that looked like both Soaran and Pinciata. These monsters we called the Jakkle. It was the word for soulless monster. The capital fell without any noticeable resistance. We watched as a hive � similar to the one that was witnessed on Gamose � was erected where our capital once stood. There was no real choice but to flee. There was no real escape. All that ran were caught and were brought to the warm capital. Weakened by the temperature and guarded by Pinciata and the Jakkle few had any hope of anything. Just then, several Coldans descended out of the sky in Snowitte gliders. What surprised everyone was that these peaceful little contraptions were armed with weapons. In a fight that surprised all, the Coldans slaughtered all of the creatures that sought to enslave Glacoria. In an action similar to what was done on Gamose � they manifested their powers and encased the hive in ice. Peace was restored once more � or so we thought. Two decades later, more Pinciata � more Jakkle arrived � only this time they too had flying machines � only theirs were made of a metal substance. The Coldans fought bravely and eliminated most of the attackers, but regrettably � this time they were eliminated. It was then that the Snowittes surprised everyone and attacked those that sought to enslave them. It was a costly battle � but once again � Glacoria was free. It came� It must have stood eight feet tall and three feet wide. Its skin was a bronze metal that reflected the sun. The ice cracked with each step it took and its war cry was so shrill that all had to cover their ears. Two hundred Glacorians fought for three days to try to stop that monstrous beast. All of them died. There is no word that could properly describe that horrid beast � but we called it Storg � the legendary ice devil. No matter what was attempted � Storg stopped it. There are stories and legends of a beast beneath the ice that could stop Storg � but no one could find this mythical creature. If something does not happen soon � if nothing can be done to stop the evils being done to our world � Glacoria will be nothing except a distant memory. |