The Talons of Time

The Talons of Time are an extension of the Realm of Avalor, one of the first nations in Terra, and is located in the northern continents of the Old World. Like many in Terra, its core beliefs and culture are greatly based around the existence of dragons, winged serpents of power and wisdom.

## History

### Ancient Days

In days long since past, the land was dominated not by humans, but by dragons. In these ancient lands, realms formed, nation-states belonging to whatever family so held their heirloom. Like humans, these nations warred, made peace and traded with one another. Accounts of the ancient days are however, lost to time, with the Talons going throughout the lands to find what relics they can.

Since the days of losing who they once were, stories of old days have been past down through Serpent's Tale, and echo of the old realms religion. It was said in ancient days there were only dragons and humans, but at a time not specified, other newer breeds grew from both. Dragonborn, dragonblooded and the lizards of land and sea roamed the world soon after. It's not known to the Talons what eventually led to the end of the dragons, or truly what happened to create the various half dragons that roam Novaterra.

### Middle Ages

After the divergence of the species, dragonblooded made their way into human society unnoticed, blending in with their purely mammal counterparts. Dragonborn however were pushed into tribes in clans, forced farther north than their counterparts, left to scour the land until when in the modern day the idea of nations formed. These were tried and tested through the years, some would try to reclaim the old world of dragons, finding dragon relics from far off places.

In some kingdoms and principalities, monarch and peasant alike would fall to 'The Elder Dream' a psychosis of sort, claiming grand ambitions in the name of once was. Various lands stored relics unknown to them, claimed they had seen visions, even become a "pure" dragon themselves. But, as time went on, the idea of nations became more of a plague among Dragonborn, with few surviving the psychosis.

### The Realm of Avalor

The Realm of Avalor was formed on November 13th, 2021 by Kaiser Aso Wayfarer (Just\_Shooter), establishing itself quickly in the silent politics of the world, making quick work to contact other nations. Diplomacy was opened with the newly established Queendom of Lunara, and the Empire of South Asteda, with a defense pact being made with the Isles of Jumbila soon after. At this time, the Realm of Avalor was unsure of what it should be, or what its place should be within the world of Novaterra. Aso Wayfarer tinkering with gold and redstone, created the clocks. This enthralled the Realm, and began the belief that time was on their side, that perhaps they could master it. Aside from cultural developments, the Realm of Avalor turned from a Kaiserreich to a Principality, but other than the change in name the Realm of Avalor sat peacefully upon the vast plains.

Days turned to weeks, and weeks to months, and the world went on without the realm. Unknown to the Realm of Avalor, relations between the new nation of the Potato Empire (later Terra Annuum), and the Isles of Jumbila had turned sour. Slowly the Prince of Avalor heard of this, and made Avalor's reentry into world politics, a vastly different world than it left. To the west, hostilities between the Isles of Jumbila and Terra Annuum had reached a near breaking point, with conflict only moments away. While this was occurring, DragonTypes of the Doragonrando Shogunate approached Aso Wayfarer about joining an alliance known as the Association of Trans-National States (ATS for short), seeing allies and close friends alike in it, he agreed and joined the ranks of the ATS.

### The Talons of Time

Established on January 12, 2022, the extension of territory was a joint idea between Prince Aso Wayfarer, and Shogunate Advisor DragonTypes. Historical accounts suggest that the lands claimed that they were part of these old dragon realms of days past, thus in this case, making the land of great importance. But, along with this reason, politically the Realm of Avalor itself was small. It went by generally unnoticed by the world, even after the world grew fuller, and in this action it in some ways drew more attention to the old state. However, this action was met with lukewarm reactions, both from allies and non-allies alike. While this grab would be criticized, from without the Talons of Time, retorts from the Talon government and allies would be quick to put them aside. After the new state was established, the Prince name himself King of the lands, however is yet to have an official coordination.

### Terra-ATS War

Rising tensions between the Isles of Jumbila and Terra Annuum had finally led to war being declared, with the Shogunate, Talons of Time and the rest of the ATS following to help. However, once the battle had occurred, it was seen by the Talons that while even other nations such as the Draconic Empire had joined to help Terra, the islands defenses were quickly beaten, and what was to be only a push to capture the surrounding area turned into a slaughter. At the hearing of what might happen to the Draconic Empire after Terra's defeat, Aso Wayfarer declared the Talons withdraw from the war, and subsequently talked with other leaders of the ATS that felt what was being brought upon the coalition was unjust.

### The Sentinel Pact

The Sentinel Pact was a non-aggression, and defensive pact for Terra Annuum, and Draconic Empire. In its signing the Doragonrando Shogunate, the Talons of Time, and Jerv Vikings agreed to help in the rebuilding and support of the two defeated nations. It was proposed to the Terrans and Jervs, with the Shogunate soon following, and another individual named Amber Hallowswift. Over various talks, Aso Wayfarer grew to know both the Jervs and Terrans, starting relations with both. However, due to various situations, the Talons of Time were primarily left to see to both nations, with the Jerv Vikings swiftly preparing to defend threats to the Shogunate. After being warded off due to threats of various consequences, a battle between the Shogunate and Jervs never came to be, and an unstable peace was held.

#### The Terra-Talons Agreement

Rex, the last remaining members of the Terran government, and Aso Wayfarer met to discuss the situation surrounding Terra. It was proposed that perhaps its old leader, Amber Hallowswift that Terra Annuum could join the Doragonrando Shogunate, as it would allow her to lead the territory once more. However, it was said by Aso Wayfarer that with recent complaints about the Shogunate's expansion, and its distance that it wouldn't be the best idea. But, it was proposed that instead Terra Annuum's homeland be come a nation state within the Talons of Time. On January 18th, 2022 Rex and Aso Wayfarer signed the Terra-Talons Agreement, finally giving the nation state's governance to the Talons of Time. While Aso would ask time and time again if Amber Hallowswift could return to lead Terra, the Shogunate pressed their 'No Dual Citizenship' Policy greatly, and so for a time the issue was put aside.

### Departing the ATS

With rising tensions within and without the ATS, and the choices made by other members of the ATS, Aso Wayfarer declared that the Talons of Time would depart the alliance. From this point, the Talons of Time would focus more on itself, being neutral as it once was in world politics, but ever watchful with the changed world.

### The Draconic World

In various moments, the Talons of Time had found and excavated ruins from cities long thought lost, namely Rodean. Rodean from what the Talons can observe is a city of books, or rather was, but it contained a story of which some if not all has been translated titled 'Wonder Upon a Star.' These books were taken back to the capital of Avalor, allowing those of the Talons to read what is considered a historical document, of which author's name eludes the Talons.

The Talons after the departure of the ATS focused on internal issues, finding the secrets of the past, and reaching out to other neutral nations. Hostilities lessened between the various nations, leaving a rather silent world in its wake, however this time was not uneventful for the Talons. From across sea and land, Aso had encountered an individual by the name of Mystic, another seemingly Dragonborn. The two went to a meeting hosted by Siderios, one of which cake was handed out to nation leaders, one of which was handed to Mystic. As the two grew to know each other, Mystic showed interest in being adopted by Aso, as she herself had no other family to go to. Aso adopted Mystic, making her the princess of the Talons, expanding the royalty of the Talons of Time. As of modern day, the cake given to her at Siderios hangs in the capital building. Meanwhile in the east, the Doragonrando Shogunate leadership fluctuated, going from leader to leader.

Eventually, it fell upon someone named Shiroi Tsume, a draconic shapeshifter. With this new leadership, Aso quickly welcomed the new Shogun into the world of politics, and began to question if Amber Hallowswift would be able to return to the Terra Annuum. Much to his surprise, Shiroi worked with him to see if it could be done, eventually allowing with a tax for Amber to return to Terra Annuum. Terra Annuum was remade, with Amber as a chosen monarch, primarily from a vote of the people. But, while Terra Annuum would find its footing again, the countries around the Talons of Time would begin to rebuild their hostilities.

On one occasion, after a meeting where the Jervic King Nugget tried to convince the neutral nations of Novaterra of Isle's of Jumbila's wrongdoings,, the king was injured by Leonardo of Jumbila; it is said it was for a record of his "wrongdoings." Not much later, Aso Wayfarer found that South Asteda and the Isles of Jumbila encroached onto Jervic land, and so went to investigate. They were found talking, bantering, rather shockingly to the Talons that approached. While friendly relations seemed to last for a good while, eventually both parties found themselves at odds again, readying themselves for war. But Aso, frustrated with the state of the two nation's parties, ceased their fighting and negotiated terms between the two.

The peace would not last long however. Independence movements rose from within Jumbila, one of which for a time, the Aetherian State was made a vassal of the Talons of Time. Upon hearing of the displeasure with this move, the Talons of Time pulled from the Aetherian State, announcing the Talons neutrality soon after. While the fires of war sparked all around them, the draconic nations of the world (The Talons of Time, Terra Annuum, Doragonrando Shogunate and Draconic Empire) met. Each delegation, from the Talons to the Draconic Empire met each other with friendliness, bringing together a community of draconic nations. In these talks, the United Realms of Draconia were formed, bringing forth the idea of draconic unity among the nations.

## Culture

### Overview

The culture of the Talons of Time, and it's separate realms is one of peace, and neutrality. While wars have been fought by members of the Talons, most do not wish for combat, instead researching and building relations. Focus is put on housing and working with nature, in some cases living in overgrown hosing, as can be seen by individuals like Crow.

### Religion/Beliefs

Due to the various realms in the Talons of Time, it does not quite have a single religion, but rather a mix of ideas and philosophies from across the Talonland. Most account come from an exploration of the Ruined City of Rodean, where books with the titles of 'Wonder Upon A Star' were found, the first volume of which sits in the Library of Avalor. Two primary figures dominate all Talon culture and religion, Kinsilaken (The Moon, the Celestial Guardian) and Ardalun (Demon Prince of the Sun)

#### Serpent's Tale

Serpent's Tale is the more widely accepted belief system in the the Realm of Avalor, focusing on the telling of old stories, and in older tales telling of battles between the moon and sun. While the moon provides coolness and a guiding light in the dark, the sun provides a much more dangerous, and bitter force of nature. It is said that those who fell to the suns might were shown in the sky as the stars, little lights standing side by side with the moon, filling the sky with hope.

#### Thiccism

This concerning belief was created by various people around Novaterra, but accidentally spearheaded by Amber Hallowswift upon her creation of the Talons of Leg Day flag, to the dismay of Aso Wayfarer. Their belief is that the old Talon of Time flag was not accurate in its representation, and thus was modified to give glory to what the true form of a dragon. While it does not spread fast, the belief of Thiccism still persists within the Talons of Time, to now the dismay of many.

## Realms

**Avalor:** This is the first realm, and the place of the capital, placed upon the great plains of the northern continent and next to the sea. This currently serves as the capital for the Talons of Time.

Integrated: November 13th, 2021.

**Terra Annuum:** The Realm of Terra Annuum has gone though many phases. From a peaceful nation birthed from the ideas of its founders, to war, and desolation. While these lands have seen many a hardship, and blood soaks the land, grass still grows boldly. These isles are a standing reminder of mistakes, promises, but hopefully a bright and glorious future.

Integrated: January 18th, 2022.