Welcome to Gaia! ::

Tian Yue is the successor and heir to the role of Tien Lung, the Starscale Consort and Worldshield. The original Tien Lung, Shaiming, chose to merge with his host - a young man named Crispin - in such a way that his host's personality took preeminence in the formation of the new Dragon King, and that Shaiming ceased to exist as a separate entity.


Personality: Tian Yue is a warrior-scholar with a love of learning and a powerful sense of honor and loyalty. In public and when serving his Lord, he is composed and gives careful thought to his words. He is down-to-earth and friendly, cheerful and with great determination to do what is right. He has a firey loyalty to Harmodius, only approached by his feelings towards his fellow Dragon Kings. Tian Yue is polite and honorable, but when it comes to his office, he is bold and unafraid to do what must be done and say what must be said. He has a bit of a hero complex, and often volunteers himself for things because he feels it's his duty to do so. As a result, he struggles with taking on too many responsibilities, and the personal repercussions of prioritizing others' needs over his own. He also tends to blame himself if things go wrong, whether or not it's actually his fault.

While he is skilled with both sword and bow, Tian Yue is more gentle than he is violent. His power is meant for protection, not for aggression; he never initiates battle unless it is absolutely necessary to do so. He has a special soft spot for mortals, remembering that part of him was mortal once, and gives them more kindness and openness than some gods. He keeps a strong sense of wonder and appreciation for all things.

In his personal life, Tian Yue is devoted to his friends, though he has a tendency to overextend himself and try to be all things to all people. While he enjoys close friendships with many gods, to say nothing of his familial bond with his brothers and sister, Tian Yue has a hard time with romantic relationships. In the past, Tien Lung only ever courted one god - Universe - and that Ages-long bond was never properly recovered in their new lives. As Universe was eaten by Gehenna, Tian Yue is currently torn between loyalty to that past love and the possibility of other, newer relationships.


Likes: Books (especially scholarly works and histories), the heavens and all that is in them, flying, quiet every-day ritual and elegance, exotic and beautiful things, swordplay, archery, coffee and tea.

Hobbies: Research and learning for no reason other than the sheer joy of fresh knowledge, collecting rarities and curiosities, reading the occasional fantasy novel - though as of late Tian Yue has had little time for such things.

Dislikes: Perceived weakness within himself, his own tendency to guilt-trip about everything (whether it's his fault or not), unclear thinking, violence without thought, self-centeredness.

Image Songs:
'Worlds Apart (Searching for You)', Blue Stone
'Memories', Within Temptation
'Guidepost', Tales of the Abyss




The Powers of the Worldshield

Dragon Shape: Like all the Dragon Kings, Tian Yue can shapeshift into draconic form. As a dragon he is nine hundred feet long (!), more slim and lithe than his larger brother Chien Tang. Tian Yue can transform at will and maintain his dragon form indefinitely, as the shape is just as natural to him (if not more so) as human form. While in dragon form, Tian Yue can fly through the heavens with impunity, and is not vulnerable to temperature extremes or the vacuum of space.


Aura of Scales: Tian Yue has reclaimed the title Worldshield, and regained the full strength of his power. This aura lessens or cancels the acting influences of any other deity's powers (except for Void) inside the shielding field to levels that mortals can survive. The only way this shield can be counteracted is if the gods in question enter into the area-of-effect and expend triple the energy to try to enact influence.

This power was used to shield the mortal worlds from the realms of the gods, like the skin-like top of a plane of water between air and liquid. It is a neutral shield, unlike the protective powers of other gods, and does not affect or change the nature of the place it is protecting. Tian Yue can also maintain the shield from a distance - he does not have to be in the place he's guarding. This shield is actually his own scales, so while he does not have to concentrate to uphold it normally, godly amounts of damage harm him and can disrupt the shield. To do so would be considered an act of war against all the Dragon Kings.

This power can be extended over All That Is, and he still has some energy to create lesser (smaller/localized), more intense neutralizing fields within what Is.


Share Flight: Tian Yue can fly without wings, in both human and dragon forms; he can fly as fast as an airplane if he wishes. He can share this ability with others and bless them with flight as long as he is willfully bestowing it upon them and concentrating on it. He can do this for armies in the thousands.

Mortals under the influence of Share Flight gain flight capabilities analogous to birds of prey: speed averaging between 30-60 mph with a diving speed of up to 150 miles per hour. Ageless and other deities gain flight capabilities equal to Tian Yue's own.


Shield of Scales: Tian Yue can create a magic shield barrier that absorbs any mortal spells and/or a few deity-god spells.


Wall of Shields: a patron of defense, the Dragon can literally summon from air 117 shields as a boon to those in need. They can be of any size portable to the worshipers. They are infallible, for they cannot be broken by mortal weapon (deific intervention is another story). This is not to say that the bearers of shields of the dragon will not die in their battles - only that the shields themselves will not splinter, crack, or be pierced.

The Dragon Kings

Jin Huang :: Futs Lung - Futs Lung has returned! I am beyond grateful that his second host seems capable of bearing his jewel.
Feng Xi :: Shogun of Storms, Shen Lung - I saw you once... where have you gone, Wild Storm?
Xuan Yi :: Shadowshield of the Empress, Qian Lung - Thoughtful and noble as always, the Black Dragon. It will be good when she can join us in scales again.
Xun Jiang :: Lifewater of Worlds, Ti Lung - Another brother is returned to us! Though his first host failed him, he has come to us again. It is my delight to welcome them home.
Li Shing :: Blood Shogun of the Twin Crown, Chien Tang - A brother come late... but better late than never. I remember we were... not close, exactly, but comrades in arms, and in bickering. It seems that holds true in this life as well.
Zhijian :: Fangbridle to the Crown, Ying Long - Brother. Despite Destruction's initial rejection, he remained constant and encouraging - I'm not sure I can ever properly express how much that meant to me. Zhijian is my anchor to what it means to be a Dragon King, and I count him best friend as well as brother.
Xia Lu Ling :: Emblem Pillar of the Twin Crown, Yu Five Claws - The Pillar too, lives - and now that we have succeeded in our salvation, I must speak with him soon.
Shuo Huang Zhe :: Mediator of Crowns, Mang - (...)


The Pantheon

Lord Harmodius :: Twin Crown, Creation/Destruction - Loyalty, absolute and unwavering. We have saved Thee, Lord, and All with you. I rejoice at your rebirth, yet I still pledge to take a Dragon's vengeance on those responsible for this near-catastrophe.
Lucius :: Universe - An empty sky, an empty sphere. I will remember you always.
Gianfar :: Seat of Knowledge, Knowledge - A friend...? Kindred scholar, and he was actually thrilled to hear about the joining between mortal and god. That was a very pleasant change indeed. I would really like to see him again.
Byrne :: Rising Phoenix, Rebirth - A glorious dance, a most noble sacrifice. I pray your domain and the legends of the phoenix hold true for you, joyous one. Though I only knew you for a moment, I am awed by your joy and your purity.
Beryl :: Keeper of Winds, Wind - A surprising friend when I sorely needed one. Wind is deeply caring and unusually wise, though she has unorthodox ways of expressing those virtues.
Eamnonn :: Wild Hunt, Hunt - (...)
Melanctha :: Weaver of Shadows, Shadow - (...)
Morpheus :: Initiate of Dreams, Dream - (...)
Kaelin :: Scion of Depths, Water - (...)
Revei :: Dreamer's Guide, Dream - A somewhat twisted, strange, yet kind deity. I do not know if that strangeness is natural or imposed, but he provided great help when it was sorely needed, and for that he has my gratitude.
Illumin :: Piercing Radiance, Light - (...)
Khiviance :: Seductive Heart, Love - (...)
Lisana :: Joyous Idol, Laughter - (...)
Evadne :: Numen of Mountains, Mountain - (...)
Echo :: Voice of the Countless, Music - Kind, gentle, and warm. She is easy to talk with, easy to be around - a good, close friend, and I am grateful for her.
Panacea :: Balm of the Ages, Medicine - Penny met her once, high in the stars. I wonder how she now fares? Her information was invaluable to us.
Tilion :: Chariot of the Darkened Skies, Lunar - (...)
Kishara :: Life of All, Gaia - She is tentative in her rebirth, but I am glad to see her well. I must revisit her and offer her my honor in this new life.
Calico :: Confusing Cacophony, Insanity - (...)
Nergal :: Overseer of Souls, Underworld - An odd and cold sort of god, though not unfriendly. Very serious, very proper. I'd like to spar with him again in more balanced circumstances.
Gelezis :: Overlord of Magnetism, Magnetism - (...)
Desiderio :: Joyous Romance, Love - (...)
Tera Ilana :: Archery - I only saw her for a moment, but she certainly... er, has a set of lungs worthy of Wind's child.
Caolan :: Suffocation - (...)
Sh'khin :: Contagion, Plague - (...)
Halhigil :: He Who Lurks, Assassination - (...)
Melanthos :: Glory of Heroes, War - (...)
Itztlac :: Scion of Silent Hours, Night - (...)
Karaskis :: Milagro Rampant, Fire - (...)
Endiovar :: Sachem Aphonic, Silence - Silence, so deliberate and still, but there is motion in his stillness... a contradiction in terms.
Lucidique :: Wail of Ages, Suffering - (...)
Tien :: Commedia dell'Arte, Trickery - Gentle until the end - or, shall I say, until her own beginning... still, I don't know her all that well despite everything. We have held each other at arm's length, tiptoeing around the gulf between us. I do not resent her; quite the opposite, I'm deeply grateful that she was kind to Morgan and to me... but I'm not sure if I'll ever really be comfortable around her. Not for some time, in any case.
Jahara :: Fatalis Toxicity, Poison - Phaedra spoke her name... I wonder if she too has been reborn? I worry for Nebula's rescuer.
Phaedra :: Ruthless Desire, Greed - Heartless and cruel. I refuse to play her 'games'. I will allow her some small measure of gratitude for her service in recovering the Manacles, but no more than that.
Chari :: Gift of Ages, Charity - (...)
Cosine :: Counting Crow, Numbers - The goddess was quiet, but the host Lien was respectful and kind, though with an edge to her. Obviously something has hardened her and made her strong, but the forging was not easy.
Neva :: Frozen Heart, Winter - (...)
Dagny :: Scire Bombshell, Science - I haven't met her, but Colin said his lover had been taken by her, and that she was not kind.
Ankou :: Wantalon Psychopomp, Spirit Guide - Ankou has proven a most worthy ally. Self-sacrificing and deliberate, I value his insight and his... friendship?
Tista :: The One in a Million Chance, Random Chance - (...)
Eid :: Ceaseless Contract, Oath - I do not know him well, but he and his host stood with us at the gates to guard. He seems a steadfast and honorable sort, or at least his host does.
Umbra :: Spectre Shade, Shadow - (...)
Tajnevaki :: Cardinal Conundrum, Mystery - (...)
Glaucon :: Verdict of Midas, Judgment - (...)
Glyph :: Silvim Illustire, Forest - (...)
Bazyli :: Hollow Mouth, Famine - (...)
Alazne :: Amaranthine Thaumaturge, Arcane - (...)
Lacrymosa :: Wednesday's Child, Grief - (...)
Sotiris :: Ceaseless Eye, Guardian - (...)
Akakios :: Mournsong, Lament - My... godchild! What a cute and curious little one he is. I am delighted at Echo's honor.
Una :: Maiandros Riparia, River - (...)
Nixie :: Tears of Heaven, Rain - (...)
Adra :: the God's Hammer, Forge - (...)
Alecto :: Asonian Paroxysm, Anger - (...)
Ashanti :: Eternal Dune, Desert - (...)
Kyrjadis :: Sword of Conscience, Justice - (...)
Kikechum :: Heart of the Beast, Animals - (...)


Others

Morgan - My beloved, now gone, made part of the Trickster whom she hosted. That she loved me at all as Crispin was incredible; that she still loved me after everything, after changing to become Tien Lung, was amazing. I miss her terribly. While logically that will heal in time, right now it is still too raw...

Illario - Our discussion was... interesting. Not quite an argument, not quite a debate. Still, I think we parted on at least cordial terms, even if we disagree (though I fail to see how my own existence can be doubted, but... oh well). According to Colin, he has become host to the goddess of Science, though I have not met him since our initial encounter.

Colin - A pleasant young man. He asked some, er... interesting questions as well, though not at all the same kind of interesting as Illario.

Aboard the Nova Bandit:
Captain Jax Corvus - He... takes up space. Everything about him is larger than life, brash, exuberant in a grizzled sort of way. I rather like him, but there's an anger lurking inside him that's too deep for me to fathom. Still, now that he has come to believe (in the only way possible - by being beaten over the head by circumstances until he had no coice), I find he has turned that anger on better targets. I can only hope that holds.
Penny "Dreadful" Halloway - My first true follower? Odd, but it appears to be true. Penny has a strangely desperate yet powerful faith, tempered with solid common sense that she does not hesitate to employ on my behalf. She is a good soul, and I am pleased to call her both follower and friend. Xing Yun called her 'high priestess'... I wonder...

The Stars of the Zodiac are animals that were invited into the heavens long ago by Tien Lung, as part of his court. Kings of beasts were selected with the help of the Animals - Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. They were exalted in court, and when their mortal bodies died, they were given stars to inhabit.

However, with fall of so many stars caused by the Age of Destruction, the Stars of the Zodiac have been reborn in mortal forms... specifically, animal forms. They are slowly regrouping around their Lord.

The Rat: Called Lao Shu. He was one of the first to find his way to the Pantheon, but before he could reveal himself he was killed first by Toki in a rat trap (the Aoide not recognizing the Star for what he was) and then chased by Nebula for several weeks in a vicious cycle of death-and-reincarnation. Finally, Lao Shu returned to the Pantheon and made himself known to Tien Lung.

The Ox: Not yet found.
The Tiger: Not yet found.
The Rabbit: Not yet found.

The Dragon: Once called Xue Ling, but known now as Shartha. Her current incarnation was born among the cursed dragons on another world - a race that must bind themselves to humans in order to regain their ability to fly. Shartha is prone to being haughty and domineering. She likes to poke at the boundaries of her relationship with Tian Yue and requires a dominant hand to earn her respect. She is terribly fond of humans, but has learned to work and live with them.

Evin Talbot: Shartha's bound human, from the same world where the Dragon Star was reborn. A quiet and earnest youth with dusty blond hair and green eyes, tall and wiry with some small skill at the bow. His chest is marked with five claw-shaped scars around his heart. Evin was once thoroughly intimidated and broken by Shartha; nowadays, they work together as partners. He has a quiet (and so far undiscovered) crush on Penny Halloway.

The Snake: Not yet found.
The Horse: Named Gringolet in this incarnation; reborn as an erras. Gringolet was called to the Pantheon by Zhijian, the Fangbridle, who holds sway over equines. He served Tian Yue for quite some time before being revealed as a Star - only after Tian Yue ascended fully did the Dragon King recognize Gringolet's true nature.
The Sheep: Not yet found.
The Monkey: Not yet found.
The Rooster: Not yet found.
The Dog: Not yet found.
The Boar: Not yet found.


There was one more animal invited to Court, but the Cat did not attend - Tien Lung thought it was because the Cat did not care to come. Only much, much later did Tian Yue find out that the Cat was tricked by the Rat. The Cat died enraged, and her spirit lingered in madness until being reborn as the Aoide Nebula, who was quickly claimed by Phaedra (the Goddess of Greed) as her host.

When a Star dies in mortal form, their spirit 'jumps' into the nearest available body that resonates with them - whatever is closest of their core species. They overpower the creature's original soul and take control of the body.

Many thanks to Ogre and Britain for allowing me to use the concept of an Eastern zodiac-based retinue.

The Edelsteine are copyright to and exquisitely arted by Ivynian; Tian Yue, along with Crispin and Shaiming as they were, are all mine. Please do not post in this thread without prior permission or I will delete your post and kill you in the face.

Profile image art: lines by Aomidori, color by me.

Tian Yue's color code:


Dragon King Infodump
NPC/Location Post

Morph Dragon Form Sketch

Deity Portrait

Growth Requirements: Owned in the face. mrgreen