The Storm Spire is the tallest mountain located in Xadia, a needle of solid rock that pierces the clouds and is home to King Avizandum, Queen Zubeia, and Prince Azymondias. It is also the nexus and the main power source of magical creatures connected to the Sky.[1]
History[]
The palace of the Storm Spire was once carved out of solid stone by ancient Archdragons of the Sky. It is from this perch in the sky where Avizandum and Zubeia kept a fearless watch over the magical lands of Xadia.[2] Once Avizandum and Zubeia expected their first egg, the Storm Spire enjoyed protection by the Dragonguard, eight elite elven warriors who were tasked to protect the egg from harm. However, after King Harrow and Viren slayed Avizandum through the use of dark magic, the Storm Spire was broken into, the Dragonguard disbanded, and the egg was taken from the safety of its nest. Following these tragic events, Zubeia curled around her empty nest and fell into a deep slumber with the Skywing Elf mage Ibis keeping her company and attempting to heal her.[3] Eventually, it became the place where she reunited with Azymondias.[4]
After the great battle against Viren's army, Claudia managed to use a cave hidden deep beneath the Storm Spire as a refuge for herself, her resurrected father, and Aaravos's familiar for more than two years. The cave was also where Viren had his first meeting with Claudia's Earthblood Elf boyfriend Terry,[5] before it served as the hatching place for the Being.[6]
Information[]
There is a winding set of stone stairs carved around the side of the mountain. Due to the Storm Spire's immense height, the air grows thinner towards the peak, causing breathing difficulties while ascending. Only magical creatures such as dragons and those that possess a natural connection with the Sky Primal can linger on the Storm Spire without suffering any ill effects. For any other creature, they must either cast "Ventus Spiralis"[7] or a dark magic spell that consumes the essence of Puffer-Bats.[8] At some point up the Storm Spire's stairs, there is an archway engraved with elven writing,[9] telling climbers to "Prepare to draw your last breath". At first, it seems like a warning, but it is actually a clue about the "Ventus Spiralis" breathing spell. The word "draw" refers to the rune.[7]
The only other location that is known to rival the Storm Spire in terms of height is the Star Scraper.[10]
Geography[]
The Storm Spire is located northeast of the Midnight Desert and is considered the highest point of Xadia. The vast plains around the Storm Spire have become known as "Thunderfall" due to becoming Avizandum's deathbed.[9]
Architecture[]
The sculptures, frescoes, and decorations of the Storm Spire choreographed the most significant moments in Sky Dragon history. They were carved directly into the stone rather than being carried inside. A notable carving displays Avizandum firing lightning onto a human army. Blue mineral veins run through the stones of the Storm Spire.[9]
Notable Locations[]
Arcus Vault[]
The Arcus Vault[11] is located inside the Storm Spire and is opened when a pedestal is pushed down, revealing its spiraling stairs and its entrance. This is where Avizandum and Zubeia stash the treasures and artifacts they have collected. It was where the relic staff was kept following Viren's first defeat until Claudia and Terry managed to retrieve it. It was also where the last scale of Shiruakh was kept until Claudia took it for herself.[12][13] The Siren Stone that is used to summon Domina Profundis is also kept in the Arcus Vault.[11]
Dragon Queen's Lair[]
The Dragon Queen's lair is located at the highest point inside the Storm Spire and is surrounded by black, cracked mineral rocks, which emit a blue light. Inside its center lies the nest of Azymondias, a verdant cushion of soft moss and flowers that served as a bed for the unhatched egg and resting space for Avizandum and Zubeia. Blue crystals decorate the cave ceiling above the nest, while many smaller crystals are scattered across the moss.[9] Before Viren broke into the Storm Spire, the lair was also the place where the magic mirror that allowed Avizandum and Zubeia to peer into Aaravos's prison was kept.[6]
Pinnacle[]
The pinnacle is the topmost tip of the Storm Spire that displays a circular platform.[3] It served as the venue of Ibis's funeral after he was killed by Terry.[14]
Thunderfall[]
The vast plains that surround the Storm Spire are known as "Thunderfall", as they became the deathbed of Avizandum, also known in the Human Kingdoms as "Thunder", for his world-shaking voice. His petrified body stood on the plains like a memorial statue[9] until Ziard's spirit resurrected him to become Aaravos's puppet.[15]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Concept artists referenced opal veins in nature for the blue mineral deposits running through the stone of the Storm Spire.[9]
References[]
- ↑ Creator Q&A 16.12.2019 - Nexus
- ↑ The Dragon Prince - World: Xadia
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Book Three, Chapter 8: "Dragonguard"
- ↑ Book Three, Chapter 9: "The Final Battle"
- ↑ Book Four, Chapter 1: "Rebirthday"
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Book Four, Chapter 4: "Through the Looking Glass"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Book Three, Chapter 7: "Hearts of Cinder"
- ↑ Book Four, Chapter 2: "Fallen Stars"
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 The Art of The Dragon Prince
- ↑ Book Five, Chapter 5: "Archmage Akiyu"
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Deep Below
- ↑ Book Four, Chapter 3: "Breathtaking"
- ↑ Book Seven, Chapter 6: "Inversion"
- ↑ Book Four, Chapter 5: "The Great Gates"
- ↑ Book Seven, Chapter 7: "The Titan and the King"
[]
| Locations | ||||||||||||
| Human Kingdoms | Del Bar • Duren • Evenere • Evrkynd • Garden of Innocence • Katolis • Moon Nexus • Neolandia • The Border | |||||||||||
| Xadia | Blacksteel Sanctum • Elarion • Innean • Lux Aurea • Scumport • Silvergrove • Star Scraper • Storm Spire • The Drakewood • Umber Tor | |||||||||||