Breath of Fire 3 was probably my favorite of the series. But just retelling that story in print format would be boring. Therefore, I'm adding in a few new ingredients to give the story a dash of spice. You have no idea how hard it was for me not to mix metaphors there. Anyway, this is a partial prologue; the rest of the prologue would cover the war between the Urkan people and the Brood, setting up chapter 1 to begin with Ryu's awakening. Terrible? OK? Promising? Let me know.
-- -- --
Many hundreds of years ago, there was nothing but the earth. No grass grew, no flowers bloomed; no fish swam, no birds flew. The land was pristine, but desolate. How long it existed this way is unknown, but what is known is what sparked the changes. The land came to the attention of a goddess named Myria, who wept to see a land so isolated and barren. Not being able to stand the current state of the land, but unable to affect change by herself, she sought the help of other beings like herself. Three others heeded her call, and together they endeavored to create a world of balance and life.
First was Yggdrasil, the sage. He rooted himself into the world, and from his influence grew other plants; great forests, spreading grasslands, even the aquatic kelp and seaweed. Yggdrasil further created magnificent, towering trees after his own image, and spread them about the land, to monitor and ensure the continued growth of his children. Yggdrasil was renowned for his wisdom and experience, and knew what sort of environment could foster continued life. His creations purified the air and the sea, creating livable atmosphere and water for those that would come behind.
Next was Myria herself, who created the lesser beasts; the fish and fowl, the herd and the pack. Every creature from the tiny mouse to the giant mammoth was crafted with loving care. She distributed them amongst the lands and seas, where the habitats prepared by Yggdrasil sheltered and fed them. Their incredible variety was something that gave Myria no end of satisfaction, as no two species were exactly alike. Though some of her creations would attack others for food or for territory, equilibrium was maintained between predator and prey.
After Myria came her sister, Deis. Where Myria created the lesser beasts, Deis created the greater; Human, Wyndian, Manillo, and many more. Deis valued intelligence, and so her creations were capable of thought and insight. They strove for more than simply to live, and sought to understand and improve their world. These beings were capable of harnessing the magic that existed in the universe, and they used those abilities to good end, creating ever more impressive means to harness the elements they were gifted with.
Lastly was Ladon, the mighty. He created one further race, known as the Brood. Where the other races were designed to improve their world, the Brood were designed to protect it, for there were other forces about the universe than these loving gods and goddesses. The Brood were small in number, but great in power, and they kept a watchful eye over the land their creators had endowed them with.
For a time, peace reigned over the land. The animals and plants thrived and grew diverse, spreading and multiplying in ways never imagined before. The people communed with their gods, and built great works to honor them. They continued to advance, developing machines of greater and greater complexity, and through it all the myriad races lived in harmony, no single race trying to take more than it needed. None of this, however, eased the discontent growing in the heart of the goddess Myria.
For passing millennia, she was proud of the fruits of the creation she had taken part in. As time went by, however, feelings of envy grew within her heart. Even though she had discovered this world, it seemed to her that her contributions were paltry compared to the splendor of her contemporaries. Her beasts did not praise her as did Deis or LadonÆs, nor were they as indispensable to life as YggdrasilÆs. Myria attempted to alter her creations, promoting growth towards more sophisticated and intelligent beings. She did so in secret, hopping to impress the others, and especially her sister, with her success.
Her attempts were only partially successful. Although the creatures she coaxed towards sentience did manage to achieve the gifts of thought and speech, they showed no inclination towards the peaceful coexistence and cooperation that defined the other thinking beings. Rather than integrating themselves into the existing society, they formed into tribal groups outside of it and attempted to take by force that which would have been freely given. Myria was horrified at her failure, and attempted to coax her new creations back towards peaceà but it was too late.
The Brood had been watching and waiting for such an incursion, taking seriously their role as defenders of the realm. Knowing not that it was the work of one of their own caretakers, they struck swiftly and decisively. Though only four warriors were dispatched, they proved more than enough to annihilate the forces arrayed against them. By the time Myria attempted to intervene, her new race had already been destroyed, leaving not a trace of their existence save the ashes of their bones.
Myria could have accepted this tragic act as a lesson, and sought to learn more from her sister or the sage before trying again. She could have embraced the compassion she was famous for, and understood that the Brood were only reacting as could be expected when faced with a violent barbarian horde threatening their protectorate. But MyriaÆs heart had already been twisted, and all she felt was rage.
Her next act was to create a true monster, a powerful creature that would crush the Brood as they had crushed her children. She toiled at it for centuries, fine tuning the abomination by adding bits and pieces of her favored creations as it suited her. When she finished, she released the creature from its volcanic womb and set it about its gruesome mission.
This time, only one warrior was sent. The prince of the Brood confronted the chimera, and battled it to a standstill alone. Unleashing the awesome power of his birthright, the Kaiser Dragon destroyed the monster with nary a single loss of life.
Rather than rage, what Myria now felt was fear. How could the Brood be so powerful? How could they so easily defeat a being bred solely to destroy them? Myria didnÆt know, and the fear consumed her. The BroodÆs record of service to the realm was forgotten. That they had never attacked a single being under their protection was ignored. Myria was sure that the Brood was a danger to her creation, and they had to be stopped.
Myria made her appeal to the other gods. She made an impassioned plea for their aid in ridding the world of the Brood. Their displays of power seemed self evident to Myria, and she was sure that the gods who had stood beside her in creating the realm would stand beside her now and defend it. But it was not to be. Ladon was insulted by her insinuation that his creation would deliberately abandon their duty in pursuit of meaningless conquest, and walked away from Myria. Yggdrasil counseled patience and understanding, feeling that a goddess with so much heart would surely understand her folly given time and perspective. And Deis, though she loved her sister dearly, simply brushed away her worries much as a mother might a childÆs fear of the monster in their closet.
Myria was cut deeply by this perceived betrayal. However, she maintained her composure, and merely said that she would think on YggdrasilÆs and DeisÆ words. And so she retreated to plot, for it was clear to her that she had more enemies than just the Brood. Despite how it pained her, if her fellows could not see the danger staring them in the face, they would have to be bundled away from it forcefully, before they were hurt.
Yggdrasil was the first. He was wise, but he was also sedate; careful in consideration and slow to act. Myria clouded his mind with her magic, reducing both his cognitive and expressive abilities. No longer could the children of the forest hear YggdrasilÆs words, and even if they could, there were no thoughts there to comprehend. Yggdrasil was reduced to what he appeared to be; a spectacular tree, but still just a tree.
After Yggdrasil was Ladon. Though he was furious with MyriaÆs accusations, he was still a noble and honorable soul. When Myria offered to apologize for her rash speech, he made to accept and forgive it wholeheartedly. However, MyriaÆs offer of succor was merely a ruse, and upon LadonÆs arrival he was sealed into a carefully prepared monument from which there could be no release. Though Ladon raged and roared, MyriaÆs trap was well executed, and the mighty dragon god was locked away.
Last was her own sister, Deis. Myria confronted her beloved sister once more, pleading with her to join her in her crusade. Deis, concerned over the seeming disappearance of her friends Yggdrasil and Ladon, could not be swayed, and demanded that Myria cease her foolish campaign and devote her efforts toward aiding Deis in her search for their lost companions. Although MyriaÆs behavior had grown erratic and suspicious, Deis was incapable of believing the worst of her sister, and so the attack which sealed her away also came as a total surprise. Because Myria also loved Deis, her prison was the least onerous. She was sealed in a grand pyramid, and promised her release once MyriaÆs designs reached fruition
-- -- --
Many hundreds of years ago, there was nothing but the earth. No grass grew, no flowers bloomed; no fish swam, no birds flew. The land was pristine, but desolate. How long it existed this way is unknown, but what is known is what sparked the changes. The land came to the attention of a goddess named Myria, who wept to see a land so isolated and barren. Not being able to stand the current state of the land, but unable to affect change by herself, she sought the help of other beings like herself. Three others heeded her call, and together they endeavored to create a world of balance and life.
First was Yggdrasil, the sage. He rooted himself into the world, and from his influence grew other plants; great forests, spreading grasslands, even the aquatic kelp and seaweed. Yggdrasil further created magnificent, towering trees after his own image, and spread them about the land, to monitor and ensure the continued growth of his children. Yggdrasil was renowned for his wisdom and experience, and knew what sort of environment could foster continued life. His creations purified the air and the sea, creating livable atmosphere and water for those that would come behind.
Next was Myria herself, who created the lesser beasts; the fish and fowl, the herd and the pack. Every creature from the tiny mouse to the giant mammoth was crafted with loving care. She distributed them amongst the lands and seas, where the habitats prepared by Yggdrasil sheltered and fed them. Their incredible variety was something that gave Myria no end of satisfaction, as no two species were exactly alike. Though some of her creations would attack others for food or for territory, equilibrium was maintained between predator and prey.
After Myria came her sister, Deis. Where Myria created the lesser beasts, Deis created the greater; Human, Wyndian, Manillo, and many more. Deis valued intelligence, and so her creations were capable of thought and insight. They strove for more than simply to live, and sought to understand and improve their world. These beings were capable of harnessing the magic that existed in the universe, and they used those abilities to good end, creating ever more impressive means to harness the elements they were gifted with.
Lastly was Ladon, the mighty. He created one further race, known as the Brood. Where the other races were designed to improve their world, the Brood were designed to protect it, for there were other forces about the universe than these loving gods and goddesses. The Brood were small in number, but great in power, and they kept a watchful eye over the land their creators had endowed them with.
For a time, peace reigned over the land. The animals and plants thrived and grew diverse, spreading and multiplying in ways never imagined before. The people communed with their gods, and built great works to honor them. They continued to advance, developing machines of greater and greater complexity, and through it all the myriad races lived in harmony, no single race trying to take more than it needed. None of this, however, eased the discontent growing in the heart of the goddess Myria.
For passing millennia, she was proud of the fruits of the creation she had taken part in. As time went by, however, feelings of envy grew within her heart. Even though she had discovered this world, it seemed to her that her contributions were paltry compared to the splendor of her contemporaries. Her beasts did not praise her as did Deis or LadonÆs, nor were they as indispensable to life as YggdrasilÆs. Myria attempted to alter her creations, promoting growth towards more sophisticated and intelligent beings. She did so in secret, hopping to impress the others, and especially her sister, with her success.
Her attempts were only partially successful. Although the creatures she coaxed towards sentience did manage to achieve the gifts of thought and speech, they showed no inclination towards the peaceful coexistence and cooperation that defined the other thinking beings. Rather than integrating themselves into the existing society, they formed into tribal groups outside of it and attempted to take by force that which would have been freely given. Myria was horrified at her failure, and attempted to coax her new creations back towards peaceà but it was too late.
The Brood had been watching and waiting for such an incursion, taking seriously their role as defenders of the realm. Knowing not that it was the work of one of their own caretakers, they struck swiftly and decisively. Though only four warriors were dispatched, they proved more than enough to annihilate the forces arrayed against them. By the time Myria attempted to intervene, her new race had already been destroyed, leaving not a trace of their existence save the ashes of their bones.
Myria could have accepted this tragic act as a lesson, and sought to learn more from her sister or the sage before trying again. She could have embraced the compassion she was famous for, and understood that the Brood were only reacting as could be expected when faced with a violent barbarian horde threatening their protectorate. But MyriaÆs heart had already been twisted, and all she felt was rage.
Her next act was to create a true monster, a powerful creature that would crush the Brood as they had crushed her children. She toiled at it for centuries, fine tuning the abomination by adding bits and pieces of her favored creations as it suited her. When she finished, she released the creature from its volcanic womb and set it about its gruesome mission.
This time, only one warrior was sent. The prince of the Brood confronted the chimera, and battled it to a standstill alone. Unleashing the awesome power of his birthright, the Kaiser Dragon destroyed the monster with nary a single loss of life.
Rather than rage, what Myria now felt was fear. How could the Brood be so powerful? How could they so easily defeat a being bred solely to destroy them? Myria didnÆt know, and the fear consumed her. The BroodÆs record of service to the realm was forgotten. That they had never attacked a single being under their protection was ignored. Myria was sure that the Brood was a danger to her creation, and they had to be stopped.
Myria made her appeal to the other gods. She made an impassioned plea for their aid in ridding the world of the Brood. Their displays of power seemed self evident to Myria, and she was sure that the gods who had stood beside her in creating the realm would stand beside her now and defend it. But it was not to be. Ladon was insulted by her insinuation that his creation would deliberately abandon their duty in pursuit of meaningless conquest, and walked away from Myria. Yggdrasil counseled patience and understanding, feeling that a goddess with so much heart would surely understand her folly given time and perspective. And Deis, though she loved her sister dearly, simply brushed away her worries much as a mother might a childÆs fear of the monster in their closet.
Myria was cut deeply by this perceived betrayal. However, she maintained her composure, and merely said that she would think on YggdrasilÆs and DeisÆ words. And so she retreated to plot, for it was clear to her that she had more enemies than just the Brood. Despite how it pained her, if her fellows could not see the danger staring them in the face, they would have to be bundled away from it forcefully, before they were hurt.
Yggdrasil was the first. He was wise, but he was also sedate; careful in consideration and slow to act. Myria clouded his mind with her magic, reducing both his cognitive and expressive abilities. No longer could the children of the forest hear YggdrasilÆs words, and even if they could, there were no thoughts there to comprehend. Yggdrasil was reduced to what he appeared to be; a spectacular tree, but still just a tree.
After Yggdrasil was Ladon. Though he was furious with MyriaÆs accusations, he was still a noble and honorable soul. When Myria offered to apologize for her rash speech, he made to accept and forgive it wholeheartedly. However, MyriaÆs offer of succor was merely a ruse, and upon LadonÆs arrival he was sealed into a carefully prepared monument from which there could be no release. Though Ladon raged and roared, MyriaÆs trap was well executed, and the mighty dragon god was locked away.
Last was her own sister, Deis. Myria confronted her beloved sister once more, pleading with her to join her in her crusade. Deis, concerned over the seeming disappearance of her friends Yggdrasil and Ladon, could not be swayed, and demanded that Myria cease her foolish campaign and devote her efforts toward aiding Deis in her search for their lost companions. Although MyriaÆs behavior had grown erratic and suspicious, Deis was incapable of believing the worst of her sister, and so the attack which sealed her away also came as a total surprise. Because Myria also loved Deis, her prison was the least onerous. She was sealed in a grand pyramid, and promised her release once MyriaÆs designs reached fruition
