On the far islands of Stripleth, a relative peace has formed after the unrest of the recent civil war. The archipelago hosts quite a number of different cultures and small countries, and those tend to often get into scuffles with each other. The animosity between the refugees of the mainland and the native tribes is especially great, but all is well that ends well. Stripleth was about the only place left in the world that wasn't involved in the all-out war breaking out between the Negas Empire and... well, everyone else. In just ten or so years, the Negas Empire managed to dominate most of the adjacent countries and then reach out even further into wild Southern jungles and Eastern mountains. Only the northern islands remained untouched... Until now.
In the port town of Puerta, the biggest trading hub of Stripleth, bells of warning rung and sailors run as fast as they could, crying out warnings. Far in the sky, the source of the menace could be seen. Black spiky silhouettes flying through the stormy clouds, deftly evading strikes of lighting(!) as they rapidly approached the town. These aren't bandits or hostile tribals that the citizens of the Prurica Free Cities often deal with.
The Negas Empire is here in it's full draconic force. And unfortunately, it's too late for Du, who by some coincidence wound up in Puerta, to run away.
The wyvern riders swooped in, their powerful dives dispatching the local guard with ease. Even members of the Liberation, a force of the recently dominated kingdom of the mainland, didn't stand a chance. Total panic washed over the port in a matter of minutes, barely anyone managed to evacuate. Cries of pain and fighting could be heard all throughout as Du hurried through the streets. "Over here! The escape is tha-!" an armored Lance Knight got interrupted as a Wyvern landed on him, crushing the man completely. The Wyvern Rider, a woman, judging by her build since a helmet was covering most of her face, turned to Du and the handful of citizens that were running in the same direction. "It is too late," her voice deep and intimidating, but not one of malice. "If you try and escape or resist, the Palecrest Shadows will be forced to put you down. Now, surrender."
