Identity }
Dag's full name is pronounced '
I-or-dag-nyre', and was given the title
'The Fortress' in recognition of the guardianship he gives to and inspires in others. He is a symbol of unyielding strength of will and exhibits an impenetrable, one-pointed focus to rise above any situation. The emblem of victory - the Peregrine Falcon - still remains with him from his first and very old title of 'Wings of Peregrine'.
The Fortress }
Voice - Deep bass; an equal balance of gentility and authoritative power associated with a voice of moral substance and leadership. Feral vocalizations are rare from him, though he is known to produce brontidal rumbles and has an extraordinarily low, growling bellow.
Scent - His scent is very gustatory - likened to the smoulder of a warm, damp bonfire in the middle of open fields; burnt soil of old forests long gone.
Build - Based on an old-world ice giant
Eucladoceros species; the first species of deer genus to have highly evolved antlers yet is a primitive mass of strong bone and muscle. His body type is a visually solid domination with a dense muscular structure most noticeable around his barrel-chest and shoulders, reinforcing the relatively short, strong neck that bares the weight of a heavy square skull - resembling more bull than deer - and its gargantuan artillery; both of which being the most prominent indication of his skeletal bulk. Being top-heavy, his posture is almost restricted to one position when still. A long body means legs are stationed far apart to accommodate and spread the weight, and his head is always held high in balance giving him a kingly air, which is also reflected in his fluid and powerful gait. At full speed, there is very little that can stop his bulldozer momentum.
Antlers - Fortress by design. Supernumerary, elongated branched-antlers where the beam has grown outward behind him, tines growing upward; his outer primary tines are the largest and grow into long forward-facing pincers. There are 12 tines per pedical and are split into four sets, all of which together are specifically designed to interlock with any antler type. Central clusters suited to single beam pronged deer, outer and brow tines designed for the larger supernumerary or palmated antlers such as Irish Elk. They are incredibly thick, astonishingly heavy, and an impenetrable defense that cannot be breached.
Visual - His coat is made up of dense, varying shades of grey that give him an overall arsenic colouration, but his mane and face are the most striking; dirty white for the most part with a carnelian-red pattern draped around the contours of his beady-eyed, frill-cheeked face. The white of his mane continues only half-way under his stomach, and ends in a point with a very thin separating line of charcoal.
There is also an enormous patch-scar that tears through the left side of his neck which is coupled with the nick in his ear on the same side. This was given to him by the Spring Wolf in 2010*.
Conqueror - Being the placid giant he is, Dag never lowers his antlers without reason; rarely has his combat been seen within the peaceful confines of the forest. However, heed the warning of his scar. Events leading up to his present existence shed further light on this war-hardened battler. There is something prehistoric and almost predatory about his combat - the misfortune of colliding with such a monolith is simply an all-sensory deluge.
Antediluvian }
Iaurdagnire's story has become that of Endless Forest legend, starting in 2009 and ending in 2013. His story involves the Forest, the Gods, and the spiritual embodiment of the Seasons whom he served with perpetual lives as a God-given duty. Dag wanted to escape, and continually fought for a life and death that was his to dictate; to cease to be a higher power's fuel for intellectual evolution. But in learning about his place in the world and a way to put an end to his duties, he became even more lost. Ultimately, Dag's story is an exploration of purpose and morality in all forms, and almost entirely community driven. The community has been involved in each section in some way, and these are referred to as "Season Events" by those who have participated; the events were designed for everyone to enjoy, regardless of the story.
Background art by J!n
Core }
Ravenflight - The Queen His love and greatest treasure; indescribably bound to her like no other. Their history had long ran parallel, and although their paths crossed only rarely in bygone years, they were connected by a deep empathy for their respective trials and desire for freedom. Behind closed doors they each played a part in helping each other fulfill a purpose in order to escape, and then found themselves lost without it. When Dag returned to the forest, Ravenflight tried to help him re-adjust through her understanding of what it is like to feel truly detached from the world around you. As they spent more time together, Dag increasingly began to dote on her and fell very deeply in love. Captivated by her in every way. Ravenflight has given him a new purpose, and Dag is utterly devoted to her continued happiness. Adores and is enchanted by everything she is.
Cry - The Ace Guardian; a source of security; life indebted to. Dag has known Cry for a long time, and upon his return was healed by him (
see 'War Drum' Act V). Displays an affectionate "big brother" attitude towards the small white stag when around him.
Ephiré - The Jack An unspoken natural affinity; indebted to. The two giants have much in common with the way they cope with the world around them, and it is this understanding that lead Ephiré to become the catalyst in Dag's journey (
see 'Catalyst' story arc Act I-III). Has a profound trust in him and admires him greatly. He is also the only deer within the forest to have witnessed the full brunt of Dag's combat.
Virgil/The Red - Part of the Fortress' strong foundations. One of his oldest friends of a different world to his own, wild and unrestricted. At the time of his trials, Dag thought of Virgil's existence as "real", moreso than his own and one he wanted to achieve. Events between then and now strongly effected Dag, but their friendship remains strong and has been rebuilt. [to be re-written]
What a powerful character...
F2L - Dag's ears straightened
Dag's ears straightened up, feeling like somehow he had been told off in that matter-of-fact comment.
"You think Winter is reluctant this year?" He spoke with a hidden agenda, holding a knowing gaze and a secretive smile.
"If anything, I have never seen Winter in such a hurry to get away. Once it has had its use of the world, and can find nothing else, it has no reason to hold on."
The wise stag took a moment to bask in his success. His own feelings for Winter were more complicated than others, but at least he managed to now understand one thing.
"Winter is a cold, inwardly jealous spirit. It already has what it wants - the simplicity of unquestioned, unbridled rule. Yet it cannot see it until the object of his jealousy, shows it.
Do you think there is a story there?"
He had to stop himself from laughing. The story was already there: him.
ChildlessFather - Your words are encouraging; thank you, especially for saying he is powerful. My goal of him as a character is achieved when people can see that without it needing to be said. I'm very glad you like his story (:
Iolanthe didnt know it, but
I do believe there is a story there. It is a good one from how you speak of it. You sound.... like I started to. I want to hear the story you are so excited to tell, Dag. Tell me about Winter and Spring and Summer and Fall. She picked up from Iaurdagnire's speech how he referred to Winter as a "spirit."
What kind of spirits are they? Why is Winter so jealous? She was regressing, letting her curiosity take over and transport her to her human-fawnhood.... childhood and the love of storytelling that kept families together at night back in Ancient Greece.
Iolanthe shifted more comfortably, adopting an odd position of leaning her head on her front left knee... as she used to lean it on her hand during stories back before.
http://endlessforest.org/community/asiootus-owl039s-bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
Stalling, Dag leaned back and
"I don't know of any particular kinds of spirits that can be labeled. I believe a spirit - the core - and what it "is", is simply a feeling perceived. Like how one can comment on a friends spirit... Hm, I'm struggling to describe it. I think what I mean is that theoretically, we all have a kind of spirit. Think of Winter as a description of someone with a jealous nature and cold air about them, and you might understand what I mean."
One ear dropped down further than the other, and Dag cast a pondering look to the sky. Was that good enough?
He cleared his throat,
"Well, Winter's job is is hardly desirable for anyone but itself. The purpose is to help kill anything that should not be allowed to live on any further. 'Only the strongest will survive' is very true, and Winter safeguards the continuation of life by strengthening those worthy to continue. A ruthless King building an ever stronger Kingdom. Winter is loved for its beauty, and feared for the wrath of its snow brigade."
A soundless splat of melting snow fell down from the canopy above onto his shoulder. Dag raised a brow at it before continuing.
"Winter is jealous of those who live off the warmth of others. And like many Kings who fancy a trinket, it sees that it is its right to have it. It spares no thought for the possibility of -not- being able to have it, and acts purely on greed. And so, Winter experiences its own cold in the quest to acquire it. It discovers it cannot bare to be around warm things, to be kind, forgiving, and the concept of loving something other than itself is seen as ridiculous. Winter has no time to consider the feelings of others. Winter has no time to play - imagine that! No, Winter's reason for existing as a bitter wind, or an unforgiving blizzard is very simple.
To make sure things die in order to strengthen those he challenges to live. To ensure a fact of nature, and only a cold spirit without warmth can succeed in doing so."
I think I would want to be
I dont doubt that anyone could know a season, you just have to listen for them, right? Iolanthe thought the philosophical approach of her words would be enough to calm the giant bull's worried look. She used her cheek to lift his cockeyed ear.
Why is this talk of Winter bothering him? Her mind was troubled. If Winter were a tangible deer, I would dance with it and calm a blizzard or two. This past Winter was one of the worst I have seen. Io joked.
http://endlessforest.org/community/asiootus-owl039s-bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
"The rocks were like stars,
I still don't get it... XP
XP You disappeared, and I have to go.
star constellations XD Yeah
Yeah inet was a butt and died. D8 see ya later.
Noe's in your mind,
Would've dropped her by to say hi, but she was in revenge mode. |D I had a laugh at some of the games I saw over there, though. xD
Hello x3 I always wanted to
I always wanted to meet Dag
and give him a Bloo makeover!F2L - I haven't forgotten
Hraeth - After playing Bloo's twin, I was tempted to also blame Noelle for him saying "I woke up as Bloo, and so played with myself... wait." 8[
I &heart; Noelle.
gurgelin - I didn't know who you were at first, and then I looked at the map and was like SKJFHSJKLDFHBLOO. Bloo is awesome and I had a lot of fun playing with you =D
Made me melt with that "Nu ): -shakehead-" by the way haha
Aww really, thank you! OuO I
Edit: Bloo's a doe, btw, I only noticed just now that you seemed unsure! Her bio's undergoing some re-work so I'm guessing you didn't find it. Here. <3
ROFL. I would've screen cap'd
I &heart; Dag and his dirty little secrets.
F2L - "Listening for them is
"Listening for them is right."
Dag said quietly, distracted by her sudden closeness. Rarely was he the one to be affectionate from the off; he was far too aware of his antlers, his body-weight, and the fact that any careless move could hurt someone. He always waited until they came to him, then at least he had something to respond to accordingly.
"Ah yes, this year was particularly bad. My friends are lucky that I am a warm place to sit by. Or sit on... hm-hm." He enjoyed being that big bear to snuggle into, and a... climbing frame.
His reaction to her lifting his ear was a mutual return of the same affection, simply brushing her ear in a 'thank you'.
"My coat smells of summer, where you came from as a human?" Of course, he was not aware of his own smell.
"What was it - Greece - like, as a place? What did you live in? I would imagine humans would need some kind of den without a full coat..."
gurglin - He's a fun-loving gentleman! And like all distinguished chaps it's the silliness in his entertainment that earns him the most points ;D
Hraeth - Rofl oh man I wish I had now. Poor Dag, all so innocent... well, until he met Noe. And Virgil.
Dwelling, yes. It was made of
What is Spring like, Dag? Can you describe Spring the same as Winter? Iolanthe was happy with Dag's stories, too. They were interesting.
http://endlessforest.org/community/asiootus-owl039s-bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
Dag was very interested in
"I don't think I would like to be a human."
Came an idle remark. He didn't really want to hear anymore.
"The expanse of water, though. I have seen it in Spring." He exhaled sharply,
"The sea. Am I correct?"
I feel like Kao and I haven't
): I know. It's the same with
Dag asked of the sea. Yes!
I dont miss being a human. There are warped and twisted ways to them. I prefer this simple life. She smiled as the breeze that smelled of spring washed over her and made her antlers sing a wavering, short song. Iolanthe took in a deep breath of air, exhaling. I never managed to imagine this place. Shame on my imagination.
http://endlessforest.org/community/asiootus-owl039s-bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
"An adventure." He replied
"I thought it was the very edge of the world outside the forest. I feel as though the only way to break this forest's endlessness is to run in fear of ones life."
Dag remembered every moment of that day, surreal as it was. He glanced back quickly at his scar, recalling how it felt to have his skin torn away by the jaws of a wolf that should never have been real.
"Spring brings storms from the sea; its violence is what makes the land successful in facilitating new life. The tides create land... but can destroy it, too."
Hm, this story is short.
"I suppose in order to create life, a great force is needed."
He moved onto his side slightly and gestured for Io to look at what he was showing. On his side and around his hind legs - if he positioned himself right - the remnants of his experience could be seen. Thrashed against the rocks, the dents and old puncture wounds that littered him showed themselves very subtly in his coat, buckling in the wrinkles of skin underneath.
"No force is greater than that of the sea."
She peered at his web of
Iolanthe closed her eyes, and imagined the smell of the sea when it was angry. The smell of fish and salt and electricity. The sounds of the hurricane. The sights of her family being swept in a different direction than her mother. Bringing herself back, Io realized she had only been gone a split second and that her memories were far behind her, no matter how vivid. So... you ran for your life? I could never imagine you having to run from anything, Dag. She looked him over.
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Dag nodded his head briefly.
He tucked that thought away for later.
"I'm terribly sorry..."
He didn't mean to bring up such memories, even though he could not have foreseen Io having lost anyone to the sea.
"Hm-hm, that is the only time I've ever had to run from anything." True; fear was a complicated thing for Dag. Here, he feared nothing and no-one. His reason to run was based on how futile it would have been to attack something that couldn't be hurt.
"Perhaps I need to make some season stories that have a bit more of a happy note to them, hm?" He laughed lightly.
Io smiled at him. There isnt
So the Seasons made you afraid? She asked Dag, curiosity getting the better of the doe. That was the only thing she could think of that connected his statements.
http://endlessforest.org/community/asiootus-owl039s-bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
Dag took a suspiciously long
"Afraid... Perhaps initially."
Came an answer. Eventually.
"Let's just say that I am adamant in meeting any storm before me with a hurricane."
There was something ominous in his determined smile; his eyes seemed to be unusually focused yet were looking at nothing. Spring in particular knew of his deeply volcanic spirit,
"Are you afraid of anything, Io?"
.......Afraid? Iolanthe
So, in blatant terms, No. I am not afraid of anything. One can be aware of his or her surroundings and what could hurt him or her, but not fear. Just be aware.
Iolanthe was raised as a Greek and Greeks are fighters by nature and nurture, inside and out. She had her father's spirit inside her. He was a soldier, after all. All Grecian men were in her village.
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http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
"Hm, to simply be aware." He
He repeated, clearing his throat.
"It is good to be. I do find there is a fine line between awareness and seeking what wishes to harm you, however. I have seen some deer actively hunt... Revenge or otherwise."
Dag didn't say that he had experienced this feeling himself.
"I do believe I was on the cusp of a ramble just then; the notion of fear has so many ins and outs. I can reassure that you have very little to fear in this forest."
Sorry that was short - tired (':
when you say little sticky
Leea, Leeon,Lady Masquerade amd Lady Adora
Haha, yes I did mean her. I
I and Illrose does always
http://i52.tinypic.com/i6axlf
This cracked me up, rofl. It was nice spending time with you in game again.
(I am sorry I havent been
http://endlessforest.org/community/asiootus-owl039s-bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
here's her bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/lady-adora039s-bioya
and because you have not seen it yet i made her as a reson for why i've not been online most of last year lol http://endlessforest.org/community/reason-i039ve-not-been-here
and she did that because she remembered a story her aunt told her that you protected her from Bailar (can't spell it lol). see before you came on she was playing with 2 orca pelted deer i think they were male and female but not sure as the map was not working for me so could not find out who they where but any way the male one went to sleep so i followed the other one to a mushroom tree where we started spellspaming each other was great fun then the male orca pelted one came chargeing up and lowered his antler's and rearing at adora so i did the scared emote and backed off at the same time i think the other orca pelted deer was just as confused as i was XD and when adore was what i would call a safe distant from them the male started scratching the ground as if to say come here or some thing i thought no way dude you where just mean to me so i just stood there and every time he walked toward me i'd back up again i still wonted to play with the other deer so i followed them when they ran off and that's when i found you so stuck to you like glue as you said XD lol that was lonnnnnnngggggg XD hehe
Leea, Leeon,Lady Masquerade amd Lady Adora
Snow - Dag always has fun
Jin - Lol! I didn't know it was you until I saw the blog today; I was wondering why they suddenly appeared and nuzzled a lot.
F2L - It's alright, I've been busy too. With rps, I don't mind if replies take a long time; it's not like there's a time-limit (;
spiritslife - Awh, poor Adora! I do like her set, and she can stick to Dag anytime (;
"Little bird was flying high,
lmao I love that so much!
KAWAII DAG-SAMA~
KAOORI OKASAN
... MOTHER LEADER.
NO. I DON'T WANT TO BE GOOD.
I hope you enjoy your time. <3
HAI, IKIMASHOU~! ..YES,
..YES, LET"S GO!
You? Be good? Oh god no.
Oh have fun, You! I was glad
I WILL have you a reply by the time you get back!
http://endlessforest.org/community/asiootus-owl039s-bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
*hides the matches* >>
BYE.
BYE DAG YOU BE GOOD
Because I won't. >D
Hey guys c: I be in america
I be in america :B
Yesterday I found a full, complete with antlers, white-tail deer skeleton. We couldn't go and get the skull (with the antlers attached) because it was on private property D: and on a main road. But it was really quite something! A young deer though, 2-prong. We're still going to go out on antler-searches though which should be fun (:
I watched Legend of the Guardians yesterday too, it was an awesome film. I'm not a big fan of Soren... But I like Kludd because he is my new nick-name for having the same hairstyle as him xD
Tomorrow, off to NYC. (:
<3
hgnnngh you're so close
I'm 20 minutes away from NYC!
I shall wave in your direction!
I'm so jealous :I Hope you're
Hope you're having a nice time!
Iolanthe cocked an ear as Dag
I dont doubt there are hardly any fears in this forest, but then again I wonder why it is that all the small creatures here do not overrun our forest. What eats them? She chuckled a little, thinking. What was carnivorous in this forest? Nothing? There had to be something... some monster.
Iolanthe watched a squirrel hunt for food on the ground. Was it only crows that could eat them? Most rabbits were too big for crows... what ate them?
http://endlessforest.org/community/asiootus-owl039s-bio
http://endlessforest.org/community/spirited-one-0
*reaches for Kaoori and Pega*
NYC was awesome. Been there twice now (: I like the accent for some reason.
Food is always so deliciously cheap and awesome here. Ice-cream, cake and starbucks is my diet haha.
My 2 year tef birthday is tomorrow :]