Chrysalis

There aren’t many scholars who take the time to learn about the… unique culture and properties of the Magpei people, leading them to dramatically underestimate their strengths. It is a source of eternal frustration to me, as a Magpei studies professor, that my colleagues seem to think the only trait of these interesting and enduring people they need to understand is that they are ‘aggressive’.

Yes, they are aggressive, yes, they famously lack what some would consider ‘social graces’, but that is merely the surface. As a people, the Magpei are fiercely loyal, protective of their families and forgiving, under the right circumstances.

Due to their… irascible nature, they are among the finest pugilists in the world, fighting almost exclusively with their fists. I’ve seen them shatter the skulls of tier five fish monsters in a single blow, even through metres of water.

If one is able to win their trust and friendship, the Magpei are a wonderful people, full of laughter, comradery and joy.

However… it is still necessary to fight with them.

- Excerpt from ‘The People of Light’ by Propentia

[OI! This is a good cuppa right ‘ere!]

[Aw yeah? Lemme have a taste!]

[Get your own!]

[Like that, is it? EYY? Come up here and say that!]

[Maybe I will, then!]

Aaaaaand they’re gone. Another pair fly up to engage in what I’m coming to understand is more like a fun pastime for the Magpei rather than a serious fight. They just seem to love smashing the heck out of each other, and for whatever reason, they don’t seem to get hurt much. Perhaps they’re just much tougher than they look?

After watching the market unfold and listening to these people interact, I’ve come to understand exactly what is going on here. I was confused at first, because they don’t have fur, waste energy speaking and are less prone to thumbs ups, but the Magpei are basically all just shiny, feather-winged versions of Tiny.

lay fists into everyone and everything he could if I let him? Absolutely! It’s not like he’s malicious, he just enjoys it, and he assumes everyone else does as well. I get the

put the billy on!

than my

it is, you

this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission

[EYYYY?]

[EYYYY!?]

They really seem to like the tea. That’s not the only thing which has grabbed their attention. As before with the

with setsulah attendants, everyone seems welcome

It almost seems magical. I wish I could exhibit that level of tolerance, because, for whatever reason, a group of Magpei have decided that they’ll get

all sad on the ground. Got no wings,

here and look at

here, unresponsive, in the centre of this impromptu market, they

anymore. The honour of the Colony is being impugned here. It’s not that I’m sick of these winged loudmouths slinging mug at me, it’s

could use a gravity well to drag them all down to the ground, or use one to lift me

Or… why not both?

Gweheheheh.

out gravity mana from my gland, weaving it deftly and carefully, masking my work as much as possible. They won’t know what hit

doing

the Dungeon Seer… Olivis! She’s watching me like a

Why would you suspect

I thought I felt a stirring of mana. You aren’t going

I’m getting really annoyed and was going to punish