Jaws of Dawn

***Jaws of Dawn*** is the first *IRIS* D&D/dungeon crawler/RPG campaign held in October 2020. The Behemoth Update was announced to be releasing in Summer 2024.

## Campaign

### Opening Narration

*Merely a floating rock to many who heed this tale, but for every star that explodes in space has a new tale to tell. This is the beginning of a new dawn on the planet we know as the Depths, a volcanic land inhabited by the first two beings to walk on Earth, Father Tyrant and Lady Fate, passing through to this barren floating planet.*

*Sooner or later, their world was about to be filled with many who passed through after them in the form of an alliance to protect what they had founded and to control their next lives on Earth's grounds, residing in a castle built out of the very ground they stood on, known as the Pergaprime. Here, souls would purify themselves in the Omen Water that lay in front of the castle, guarded by large protective walls, glazed by Fate's protective veil.*

*For those who brought peace and goodwill to the land, and reaped their rewards, would pass on as the land's soldiers: the Colony. For those who have brought destruction and anguish will be dissolved in the water, never to be heard of again. And for those who lived troubled lives and meant little malice to the world would reside in Fate's garden to help channel her energy into the sky and keep the Omen Water pure, as it would be the two things that would protect their symbolic emblem in the sky, known as the Iris: seer of all things, knowing of all pasts, presents and futures.*

*This proud land has existed since the first meteor strike to hit planet Earth. It hits prehistoric ages. The Depths is not what most would think: the Depths is the very meteor itself, floating in perfect orbit alongs* [glitch] *to harness the very kinetic energy needed to create the Depths. The Depths had never been seen by our very eyes, as, combined together, Tyrant and Fate were able to harness their magic entities to mask the Depths inside a cloak that protect them from overseers. Since its beginning, the Depths has long since known as a myth to all.*

*Order was ready. However, such simple beginnings could not go without an evil that emerges before them...*

*A rift in space had shattered open a wormhole that brought forward this broad light essence. Upon the wormhole closing, millions of sentient particles floated in the air and formed a dark energy that would create the land's very first beasts to roam the world.*

*The size of a kaiju, the wingspan double its own size and large scythe-like tail. This was no ordinary beast. This was the amalgamation of millions of sentient particle creatures choreographed into one unstoppable force, known only in legend as **the Mothohive**. Untamed and archaic, the Mothohive would storm towards Pergaprime and seek its prey, to maybe cease life on the Depths as we know it.*

*And that, my fellow traveller, is where YOU come in!*

*You, born into this land as a noble soldier of the Colony, must band together with our combined energies to destroy the minions of the Mothohive and charge towards it in hopes of slaying the foul beast and locking it away in what we call the Encrypt. Though our numbers may be few in comparison, we trust you have yourselves prepared. Before you valiantly slay this beast, you will need your weapons, your health stones and an assortment of potions as your disposal. You can either use them to heal yourself or use them to heal someone else.*

*However you wish to move forward is of your intuition. You will all require skill, energy, teamwork, communication and an artist's heart to tame what could very well be our last days on the Depths. Move forward, champions of the damned! Onward to the jaws of dawn...*

### Level One: Fortitude Abominate

***Tyrant**: Travellers, it is time to march forward! We are in the Mothohive's lurking grounds on the other side of the Depths. I trust you're sensing the energy looming closer. I warn you all that a brisk storm will commence once we see the Mothohive. You'll want to be careful about how you use your weapons and skillsets. We, Tyrant and Fate, will be your guides. Some lives may be lost, but your struggles won't go in vain.*

*[Anxosax caws]*

***Tyrant**: Soldiers, we are about to lay waste against the Claustronoctus, Bipolesian and Anxosax! Good luck, travellers. Now watch out!*

Tyrant and his soldiers fought long and hard against these beasts. The battle was tough, but with skill and triumph, the soldiers defeated them. In this level, all soldiers remained alive. However, the soldier Shivrus had a problem with his microphone, so he wasn't able to speak for the whole campaign. The soldiers continued onward into a cave...

### Level Two: Parasitic Yonder

***Tyrant**: Soldiers, the beasts are indeed slain. However, this is not the end for you- STOP! We are now in the center of a pitch black void and dare I say a point of no return. We've come too far to flee now. We must make haste and be prepared for what grievances the abyss has for us.*

*[Paradigm Worm squeals]*

***Tyrant**: What was that shriek? Stand your ground! ...It appears we may not be alone here. There are pitter-patters and squelch noises that can be heard. We may have stepped inside a nest. We are in complete darkness! It is now time to use your instincts. Work together as a clan! You'll need to reignite the flames inside this room in order to see your enemy. Sadly, for those who had not chosen the fire arcane, you must stand your ground. Move around if you must to slay as many bloodthirsty creatures as possible.*

*For those with fire arcane, you will be tasked to retreat to the entrance of this cave. There is a gauntlet we've passed that seems to act as a trigger mechanism. Use your might to emit a flame on the rope. I have a feeling that might come in handy. Once all flame arcanes are at their maximum, they will ignite together and perhaps all will be revealed to us. We can only hope to escape soon enough. For now, tread carefully, soldiers.*

The fire arcanes used their powers to light up the gauntlet to 500 light level while the lightning and water arcanes made strategic moves to avoid the Paradigm Worms. As the gauntlet lit up, 14 worms had been killed. The remaining worms gathered together to form the Grief. The soldiers fought once again. Shivrus died in the battle. After defeating the Grief, the campaign reached the cave's exit...

### Final Level: Rise Against the Hive

***Tyrant**: Well done, soldiers! We have slain the almighty Grief. You must understand what you’ve done for this land. The Grief worm was absorbing the magma core from the center of this world! Without it, the material we harness would break, the bridge would collapse, there’d be no more life in the great beyond and we would cease to exist.*

*While many of you had succeeded in our quest, let us not forget those who had died alongside battle. We must head back to celebrate! You will all be recognised as true warriors! You put your lives on the line to restore power here and would not go unrecognised. On the walls stands the tallest of memorials. Your names will go down in history, including those who have perished. Badges of honour for all who’ve helped in our aid. Let’s head back now.*

*[Distant roar]*

***Tyrant**: Wait a minute. Stand your ground. I fear this is not the end after all. …My god! What in the good lord is that terrifying beast?! It’s… It’s bigger than our palace walls! Wait a minute. No… No, it can’t be. This was only forged in myth, the legend! It’s true. The wingspan triple its own size, large lanterns, its slender posture, the tail on its back extremely sharp! And those menacing eyes…*

*Soldiers, we may not make it out here after all, but we’re about to face the most horrible and gargantuan parasite we have ever seen. We’re about to fight… **the Mothohive!** Soldiers, onward!*

The soldiers gave it their all, but they were powerless against the beast. They died at the Mothohive's hands one by one. Vermillion was the last man standing. Thankfully, the Mothohive was almost dead at 2.5 health. Unfortunately, Vermillion was defeated.

***Display**: GAME OVER*

### Revival

***Tyrant**: That's it! All of my warriors... lost to the swarm! All hell is going to break loose on the Depths as we know it. It's doomed! Take a miracle, a sign. Anything to change the outcome of this peril! I... wait a second. The talisman Devil's Bargain! One successful flip of the talisman can grant even our most desirable wishes! And under great circumstances should this be used. However, I need to sacrifice something in return to give us a fighting chance.*

*Alright, I'll call upon the souls of the Damned, wicked criminals that once plagued Earth and passed on through the Pergaprime water stream. As much as we hate to say this, they too still have power somewhere in the world. In order to activate this talisman, I need to sign over something to them. For them to decide the fate of whatever we sign over them! I shall make this quick.*

*[Tyrant enters the Damned]*

***Vyson Pavavorey**: Well, well, well... Father Tyrant in the flesh, I see. Still fighting for the inevitable chaos.*

***Tyrant**: Very funny, o dark ones. You're there for a reason, remember your place!*

***Vyson**: Face it, Tyrant! You need us! Oh how the (???) and (???) has become ever so unwelcomed. \*chuckles\* What is it you desire, old croaked one?*

***Tyrant**: My army is vanquished. The Mothohive has become a reality! And is about to destroy the very earth as we know it!*

***Vyson**: Did you just mention the Mothohive? ...My god- We leave you alone for an eternity and **that's** what you end up causing?!*

***Tyrant**: Do not be mistaken, foul ones! This is not of our own creation! In fact, if I didn't know any better, this creature was your own!*

***Vyson**: Have you seen that freak?! Tallest beast in the world untamable by nobody?! Do you not think this means it would harm our very lives as well?!*

***Tyrant**: All fair points... So it seems we have an equal understanding, a foe in both of us.*

***Vyson**: Fine! We must take it down, but as you remember, Tyrant, business is business. \*chuckles\* It's the (???) for you to offer something in return!*

***Tyrant**: What is it you require?*

***Vyson**: Hmm... Let it be set in stone! Tyrant, when the mightiest fall, your first born-*

*[Tyrant sobs]*

***Vyson**: He will pass through to the other side, right here, where he'll tortured for an eternity! A noble and humiliating sacrifice! Oh what did you you say?*

***Tyrant**: You horrible creatures! I should have you banished!*

***Vyson**: Ah, ah, ah. Remember who you're talking with and remember what lives are on the line!*

***Tyrant**: You win.*

***Vyson**: Marvelous! What a splendid turn of events! Very well! Here is your talisman. Let us pray that this flip will bring back your army to vanquish the common foe.*

***Tyrant**: I must leave.*

***Vyson**: Oh and do be sure to send us a postcard once in a while. We'd love to hear more about your boy! \*evil laughter\**

*[Tyrant returns to the Depths]*

***Tyrant**: We have the fate sealed in this very talisman. We must make the right flip. 1, 2, 3! \*talisman flips on the right side\* Soldiers, you have been revived from your tombs! I have made a deal with the damned to bring you back! Now onwards! Slay that parasite!*

Revived, the soldiers fought one last time. David dealt the finishing blow to the Mothohive.

### A Legend is Born

*The monster may have been weaken. However, it has still one final blow to give to our noble warriors. Father Tyrant runs in front of his soldiers and casts his staff as the Mothohive lunges its tail into the Colony, and with a quick swipe! The staff was able to save them and cracked open the sharp stinger on the creature's tail. It lays still on the floor. However, Tyrant and Fate had both drown blood. It is now on Mothohive's hands. With the Colony defenseless, they prepare for the worst fate.*

*The Mothohive grows still. Its belly begins to glow. Brighter and brighter it gets, it opens up as a loud shriek from the creature emits once more. A strange specimen falls out of the belly and lands in front of them. The Mothohive is growing weaker and plummets to the ground, no longer able to attack it. It appears the beast is now contained. Tyrant orders the Colony to grab what they can of the creature and travel back to Pergaprime to lock it inside their most powerful fortress, the Encrypt, where it will lay there forever.*

*Father Tyrant and Lady Fate, however, wounded in pain, move slowly towards this mysterious anomaly. It appears to be an egg. Mothohive must have bonded its own dark matter with the blood of another. This was no ordinary beast. It was also a surrogate! The egg doesn't look like it will hatch anytime soon. What appears to be inside is not dark matter nor human, it appears to be a hybrid of both.*

*And so ends our tale of old. A tale of the old beginnings on not only the dangers of the Depths, but the valiance of a newborn legend. Some say that legend has a name. And it was written **that Goliath was born.***

## Colony Soldiers

### Fire arcanes

* Axel
* **David** (Health: 1000, Attack: 1, Defence: N/A, Weapon: Sword, Arcane: Fire x2, Weakness: Water x2, Potions: 1)
* Gibraltar
* Hero
* Koga
* Reinhald
* Naved

### Water arcanes

* Aurelia
* Ezekiel
* Gnollum
* **Krystal** (Health: 1000, Attack: 1, Defence: Active, Weapon: Crossbow, Arcane: Water, Weakness: Lightning, Potions: 1)
* Laika
* Shivrus
* Vermellion

### Lightning arcanes

* Amber
* Galfron
* Isaac
* John
* Nocturne
* Victor

### Legion Soldiers

* Astrum
* Crimson
* Leo

## Beasts

### Claustronoctus

* Health: 500
* Attack: 3
* Defence: Fire
* Break Through: Fire
* Weakness: Spears / Water

Feral and feline-esque. It was made from the fear of isolation, limited space, hard to breathe environments. Claustrophobia in a nutshell.

### Bipolesian

* Health: 500
* Attack: 3
* Defence: Water
* Break Through: Water
* Weakness: Crossbows / Lightning

Eight-legged nightmare. It was the fear of the deeper and more tragic side of you: one moment a Jekyl, the other a Hyde, a split personality. And this beast shows you that other side, damaging you and causing a numerous amounts of emotional pain.

### Anxosax

* Health: 500
* Attack: 3
* Defence: Lightning
* Break Through: Lightning
* Weakness: Swords / Fire

Aviator of destruction. It was the fear of those loud and irritable noises creeping through your ears. Those thoughts of not being good enough, or that the world is against you. Some people hate you, and they're about to go behind your back and tell everyone else to stop interacting with you. Big fears from a big place, and so the Anxosax sends out a hideous shriek that reminds you of that ear piercing torture.

### Paradigm Worms

Worms that absorb energy from the Depths. They were always in dark places unknown. They're the leech mentality, sucking on your own soul, taking every bit of good about you because they crave the idea of making something that was once happy turn lifeless, through nothing other than the fact you are their prey and they just don't like you.

### Grief

* Health: 940
* Attack: 4
* Defence: N/A
* Break Through: Zero Defence
* Weakness: The Main Jaw

An amalgamation of Paradigm worms. It is a million jaws closing in on you, the constricted and helpless recluse of the things you lost, and the tight grip it has on you, as it goes right for your heart, and takes the rest with it.

### Mothohive

* Health: 3000
* Attack: 5
* Defence: D̶̺͒e̴͖͒s̸̱͘t̵͕̓r̸̳̚ö̸͉ÿ̸͓
* Break Through: F̷̦̚i̶̹̓ń̶̼ḍ̷̐ ̷̫͊t̵̤̓ḣ̵̰e̵͍̋m̴͔̂
* Weakness: A̵̭̾b̷̺̈s̷̻̚ȏ̴̡ȓ̴̬b̵̲͗

The result of all the beasts formed into one unholy force of darkness to not be reckoned with. There are actually several more creatures that make up this beast, but only a few of them were explored properly. The rest of them may not get a proper resolve until far off in the future, but for now, part of the Mothohive's strength it holds is known.

## Notes

* "artist's heart" mentioned in the opening narration is a reference to the first *IRIS* album, Heart of an Artist.
* Tormentus is a beast in the non-canon campaign.