I've been working on this for a while, so I thought I'd post the existing chapters. Feedback is always welcome. 
Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Dawn
Disclaimer: Dungeons & Dragons and all associated terms are owned by Wizards of the Coast. No copyright infringement is intended. All characters in this fiction are owned by me.
Prologue
In the gray light of dawn, the mountains appeared as silver peaks. They jutted along the middle of the small, largely inhospitable island. It was an uninhabited chunk of land in the southern ocean, the last place anyone would ever want to go.
While the sun climbed high into the sky, awakening the peaks in a sea of light, the numerous caverns and cliffs retained an edge of shadow. The ocean around the island kept up its time-honored melody of roars.
And yet, even though this place was normally devoid of much life, in one small corner there was activity. Cooking fires glinted in the small camp, as its inhabitants awoke to a new day. They were a motley group from a variety of monstrous races - orcs, goblinoids, even a few humans. Opposite the camp was the entrance to a natural harbor, shaped like a narrow horseshoe. If one knew how to avoid the treacherous rocks flanking it on either side, it made a reasonable out of the way berth for a ship. Long ago the ocean had carved out the harbor, and once went even further - to a large gaping cavern on the opposite side of the camp. Only a few of the travelers ventured close to its maw, and most weren't entirely sure what was lurking within. But none doubted that something lurked.
In the black shadows of the cavern's walls, that something opened a pair of ruby eyes. It moved forward on four reptilian legs, seeming to carry the shadows with it. Even in the light of day it would have been an unsual sight, for this creature was in no small part a creature a shadow. With endless patience, it waited.
Chapter 1
The sun cast its golden light down, illuminating long rows of jeweled leaves. They made up a vast ocean of jade, a beautiful forest that reflected the good and timeless qualities of the world. This land belonged to the elves, who called it the Aestaesar Shyr - the emerald wood. They called themselves the Shasael Ossi Shyr, or wardens of the woods, but humans simply referred to the community as the Green Shields.
The forest spread out over many acres, supported by a broad river running through. Near the river was a small grove where near the borders of the wood, where the land passed on into fields and meadows. All along the trees were set up a variety of targets, obstacles and trainers.
Danira Melianthe squinted along her bow, aiming an arrow towards the target. This was her favorite training ground. The half-elf, with her green hair tied in a ponytail, sighted patiently as she prepared to fire.
Thunk!
The arrow hit the target dead center, neatly slicing the arrow from the previous down the middle. Danira smiled slightly and reached her hand into her quiver. She drew out two arrows this time, and nocked them one above the other.
She sighted again, and there was another thunk! as the twin projectiles landed flanking the first arrow. She reached back into her quiver, drawing a trio of arrows...
Suddenly Danira doubled over in pain, as a strange vision burst into her mind. She couldn't make out many details, but it seemed like a strong black burst. She sensed something terrible lurking in its depths. As suddenly as it had come, the vision passed. She stood back up, visibly disturbed. Abandoning her archery practice, Danira mounted her horse and took off at a gallop.
Within the enclave of the forest, the elvish guards stood watch over their citadel. The village was composed of a large number of houses, high among the branches, built of wood and leaves. They had always maintained a firm harmony with the natural world, and they felt comfortable watching the world from the privacy of their homes. Many elvish tribes were nomadic, but this settlement was more permanent than most.
Fanshen, the elvish warrior standing guard at the eastern gate, was bored. Though the elves took great pride in their unique perspective, there were times when life was slow. Sometimes the Shasael dealt with travelers passing through, often going to and from the nearby town center of Khet, but such visits were relatively rare. He broke out of his reverie as Danira galloped up.
"Fanshen!" she called excitedly as she dismounted. An elvish attendant took the reigns and led her mount to the stables. "Where is my father? I must speak with him immediately."
The warrior tried to keep up with Danira's stride as she headed towards the center of the camp. "He's in in council with the nobles, Danira. What's wrong, is there anything I can help you with?"
"No." The ranger replied hastily. They were approaching the upper level of a great birch tree, upon which the elves had built the homes of their nobility. She paused, not wishing to be rude, and turned to Fanshen.
"I need to speak with him now. This can't wait."
"No disrespect intended, but you can't exactly barge in on them? What's got you so worked up?"
She sighed, trying to smile. "I'm not quite sure. Thank you, Fanshen." He gave her a long curious look, then turned to head back to his post. Danira entered a small tent further down, trying to understand what little she could about the strange vision. Maybe it didn't represent anything, but it didn't feel good. She sat down on a small mattress used for meditation and studying her magical resources; elves did not sleep in the traditional manner, instead relying on a form of meditation to sustain them. Finally, after a while, she heard footsteps approaching, and the door to the tent parted. Lord Falrinn strode in.
He was noticably taller, with long black hair tied in a ponytail. Falrinn's eyes were a tranquil but piercing shade of green, not unlike that of the trees, with distinctive flecks of gold occasionally visible. He crossed his arms in front of him as he took several steps in. "Danira. You wished to speak with me?"
"Yes." She stood respectfully. "I apologize for interrupting the council. But I need your advice." Danira paused somewhat hestitantly. "I sensed today that something is not right..."
Falrinn came closer and Danira resumed her meditation position on the mat. Her father sat beside her, and she explained about what had happened at the archery field. For a moment there was a long silence; Danira often wondered what her father was thinking. His eyes, like those of most elves, did a fine job of concealing his true impressions.
"Is there nothing more to this vision?" He asked finally.
"No." Danira replied. "And truthfully I am glad of that. But I can't shake the feeling that there is more to it, and that this vision will not simply disappear."
Falrinn stood and sighed slightly. "Then what is it you wish to do?"
"I can only think of one possible source for the vision, if it indeed came from him." She replied as she stood, and walked to stand beside him. "Perhaps it's a call."
"You mean Pharaxes." replied her father. "He has not called you in some time, and I should think that if the vision was his it would not have been so terrifying. Perhaps you should consult our own scryers."
Danira bit her lip. "It's a nice thought. But I'm not sure they can help." She turned away, heading back towards the mat. "Before you came, I tried to contact him. I used every method of divination I've learned, and I received no answer." Danira turned back. "That's never happened. It's not like a spellcaster of Pharaxes' experience."
Falrinn raised an eyebrow. "Still, spellcasters are not idle folk. Perhaps your old mentor is simply unavailable right this moment." He walked forward and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Danira, you know I would never doubt your intution. And I hope that you are able to find the answers you seek. But you're needed here, to help train our warriors. Are we not capable of helping you? How can you ask me to simply let you go?"
Danira didn't answer immediately, and her father smiled slightly as he stroked a stray hair back. "You always have been impulsive. Human blood tends to do that."
"Right." she replied with a smile. "As if elves never act impulsively. I suppose you'd prefer the term passionately instead?" Danira gripped her hands and looked straight into his eyes. "For what it's worth, I hope it's nothing too. But I can sense something, and I need to follow it through." She turned away again, and began to pack some supplies. "I'll leave for Khet as soon as I can; if I leave quickly I can get there before nightfall. From there I'll make my way towards Pharaxes." Danira paused. "I just hope he can help me."
Falrinn didn't answer, but he had learned as Danira grew older that she was dedicated to whatever she set her mind to. "As do I. You will of course keep your mother and I updated as you can about this little... vision quest?"
Danira smiled. "Of course. I'll be home as soon as I can."

Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Dawn
Disclaimer: Dungeons & Dragons and all associated terms are owned by Wizards of the Coast. No copyright infringement is intended. All characters in this fiction are owned by me.
Prologue
In the gray light of dawn, the mountains appeared as silver peaks. They jutted along the middle of the small, largely inhospitable island. It was an uninhabited chunk of land in the southern ocean, the last place anyone would ever want to go.
While the sun climbed high into the sky, awakening the peaks in a sea of light, the numerous caverns and cliffs retained an edge of shadow. The ocean around the island kept up its time-honored melody of roars.
And yet, even though this place was normally devoid of much life, in one small corner there was activity. Cooking fires glinted in the small camp, as its inhabitants awoke to a new day. They were a motley group from a variety of monstrous races - orcs, goblinoids, even a few humans. Opposite the camp was the entrance to a natural harbor, shaped like a narrow horseshoe. If one knew how to avoid the treacherous rocks flanking it on either side, it made a reasonable out of the way berth for a ship. Long ago the ocean had carved out the harbor, and once went even further - to a large gaping cavern on the opposite side of the camp. Only a few of the travelers ventured close to its maw, and most weren't entirely sure what was lurking within. But none doubted that something lurked.
In the black shadows of the cavern's walls, that something opened a pair of ruby eyes. It moved forward on four reptilian legs, seeming to carry the shadows with it. Even in the light of day it would have been an unsual sight, for this creature was in no small part a creature a shadow. With endless patience, it waited.
Chapter 1
The sun cast its golden light down, illuminating long rows of jeweled leaves. They made up a vast ocean of jade, a beautiful forest that reflected the good and timeless qualities of the world. This land belonged to the elves, who called it the Aestaesar Shyr - the emerald wood. They called themselves the Shasael Ossi Shyr, or wardens of the woods, but humans simply referred to the community as the Green Shields.
The forest spread out over many acres, supported by a broad river running through. Near the river was a small grove where near the borders of the wood, where the land passed on into fields and meadows. All along the trees were set up a variety of targets, obstacles and trainers.
Danira Melianthe squinted along her bow, aiming an arrow towards the target. This was her favorite training ground. The half-elf, with her green hair tied in a ponytail, sighted patiently as she prepared to fire.
Thunk!
The arrow hit the target dead center, neatly slicing the arrow from the previous down the middle. Danira smiled slightly and reached her hand into her quiver. She drew out two arrows this time, and nocked them one above the other.
She sighted again, and there was another thunk! as the twin projectiles landed flanking the first arrow. She reached back into her quiver, drawing a trio of arrows...
Suddenly Danira doubled over in pain, as a strange vision burst into her mind. She couldn't make out many details, but it seemed like a strong black burst. She sensed something terrible lurking in its depths. As suddenly as it had come, the vision passed. She stood back up, visibly disturbed. Abandoning her archery practice, Danira mounted her horse and took off at a gallop.
Within the enclave of the forest, the elvish guards stood watch over their citadel. The village was composed of a large number of houses, high among the branches, built of wood and leaves. They had always maintained a firm harmony with the natural world, and they felt comfortable watching the world from the privacy of their homes. Many elvish tribes were nomadic, but this settlement was more permanent than most.
Fanshen, the elvish warrior standing guard at the eastern gate, was bored. Though the elves took great pride in their unique perspective, there were times when life was slow. Sometimes the Shasael dealt with travelers passing through, often going to and from the nearby town center of Khet, but such visits were relatively rare. He broke out of his reverie as Danira galloped up.
"Fanshen!" she called excitedly as she dismounted. An elvish attendant took the reigns and led her mount to the stables. "Where is my father? I must speak with him immediately."
The warrior tried to keep up with Danira's stride as she headed towards the center of the camp. "He's in in council with the nobles, Danira. What's wrong, is there anything I can help you with?"
"No." The ranger replied hastily. They were approaching the upper level of a great birch tree, upon which the elves had built the homes of their nobility. She paused, not wishing to be rude, and turned to Fanshen.
"I need to speak with him now. This can't wait."
"No disrespect intended, but you can't exactly barge in on them? What's got you so worked up?"
She sighed, trying to smile. "I'm not quite sure. Thank you, Fanshen." He gave her a long curious look, then turned to head back to his post. Danira entered a small tent further down, trying to understand what little she could about the strange vision. Maybe it didn't represent anything, but it didn't feel good. She sat down on a small mattress used for meditation and studying her magical resources; elves did not sleep in the traditional manner, instead relying on a form of meditation to sustain them. Finally, after a while, she heard footsteps approaching, and the door to the tent parted. Lord Falrinn strode in.
He was noticably taller, with long black hair tied in a ponytail. Falrinn's eyes were a tranquil but piercing shade of green, not unlike that of the trees, with distinctive flecks of gold occasionally visible. He crossed his arms in front of him as he took several steps in. "Danira. You wished to speak with me?"
"Yes." She stood respectfully. "I apologize for interrupting the council. But I need your advice." Danira paused somewhat hestitantly. "I sensed today that something is not right..."
Falrinn came closer and Danira resumed her meditation position on the mat. Her father sat beside her, and she explained about what had happened at the archery field. For a moment there was a long silence; Danira often wondered what her father was thinking. His eyes, like those of most elves, did a fine job of concealing his true impressions.
"Is there nothing more to this vision?" He asked finally.
"No." Danira replied. "And truthfully I am glad of that. But I can't shake the feeling that there is more to it, and that this vision will not simply disappear."
Falrinn stood and sighed slightly. "Then what is it you wish to do?"
"I can only think of one possible source for the vision, if it indeed came from him." She replied as she stood, and walked to stand beside him. "Perhaps it's a call."
"You mean Pharaxes." replied her father. "He has not called you in some time, and I should think that if the vision was his it would not have been so terrifying. Perhaps you should consult our own scryers."
Danira bit her lip. "It's a nice thought. But I'm not sure they can help." She turned away, heading back towards the mat. "Before you came, I tried to contact him. I used every method of divination I've learned, and I received no answer." Danira turned back. "That's never happened. It's not like a spellcaster of Pharaxes' experience."
Falrinn raised an eyebrow. "Still, spellcasters are not idle folk. Perhaps your old mentor is simply unavailable right this moment." He walked forward and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Danira, you know I would never doubt your intution. And I hope that you are able to find the answers you seek. But you're needed here, to help train our warriors. Are we not capable of helping you? How can you ask me to simply let you go?"
Danira didn't answer immediately, and her father smiled slightly as he stroked a stray hair back. "You always have been impulsive. Human blood tends to do that."
"Right." she replied with a smile. "As if elves never act impulsively. I suppose you'd prefer the term passionately instead?" Danira gripped her hands and looked straight into his eyes. "For what it's worth, I hope it's nothing too. But I can sense something, and I need to follow it through." She turned away again, and began to pack some supplies. "I'll leave for Khet as soon as I can; if I leave quickly I can get there before nightfall. From there I'll make my way towards Pharaxes." Danira paused. "I just hope he can help me."
Falrinn didn't answer, but he had learned as Danira grew older that she was dedicated to whatever she set her mind to. "As do I. You will of course keep your mother and I updated as you can about this little... vision quest?"
Danira smiled. "Of course. I'll be home as soon as I can."