Apophis

Serpentine Umbra

Overview

An Orccodro from Cologne in Elgron, she crossed the sea in search of her dreams. She is not a monster herself, but she has established a powerful monster kingdom and is thus called the "Monster Queen."

Chapter One

(4497–4603, Era of Frost Veil) Apoffis always dreamed of leaving Elgron to see the legendary land of Ciaran, the homeland of Orccodros.
Her acquaintances dismissed her dreams as childish fantasies, believing it impossible for her to cross the Storm Seas alone to reach Ciaran.
But Apoffis didn't see it as a pipe dream. With incredible determination, she learned seafaring and trained her body, preparing to cross the ocean.
Finally, the opportunity came. Fueled by passion, Apoffis set sail on a windy morning, crossing the sea to Ciaran alone.
The moment she stepped onto Ciaran's shores, she fell in love with the land. The fertile soil and unfamiliar sights filled curious Apoffis with joy.
After traveling through Ciaran, Apoffis found she preferred the forest's fresh scent and birdsong over the city's monotonous stone buildings. Naturally, she entered the Galadriel Forest, one of Ciaran's largest forests at the time.
In the Galadriel Forest, Apoffis met various monsters. Compared with humans, she found more in common with the monsters, especially the halflings, who saw her as one of their own because they have similar forms.
Apophis received help and respect from the monsters. But in the meantime, she realized they still lived in a primitive state, constantly facing danger. Determined to help, she used her knowledge to guide them toward civilization.
Under Apoffis's leadership, the monsters gradually formed a large settlement. Those who gathered around her called her Queen of Monsters.
Apoffis gladly accepted the title, as it represented the monsters' acceptance and recognition. Living among the monsters, Apoffis began to feel at home in Galadriel Forest.

Chapter Two

Apoffis then dedicated herself to creating a settlement where all monsters could live harmoniously. However, monsters were diverse with varying lifestyles, and uniting them was no easy task.
In Elgron, she taught monsters to read and write, fostering communication and understanding among them.
She also built various special facilities tailored to the needs of different monster groups. Apoffis actively promoted division of labor and cooperation among monsters, assigning tasks based on their unique characteristics.
Doubts and conflicts arose as monsters, new to civilization, struggled to coexist with those so different from themselves.
This situation was a constant headache for Apoffis. However, an unexpected visitor provided a solution—she met the "Thunderborn" Annex.
Annex was already famous, and Apoffis had heard of her. She invited Annex to visit her settlement. Annex agreed and lived in the settlement for a while. The Thunderclaw's lively nature caused quite a bit of trouble in the settlement.
The troubles ultimately aided Apoffis's vision; by tackling issues caused by the Thunderclaw, the monsters improved their cooperation and lessened inter-tribal frictions.
Despite Apoffis's efforts, Annex decided to leave the monster settlement, finding staying in one place "unnatural" and yearning for adventure.
By then, Apoffis saw Annex as her best friend and understood her nature; after giving her blessings, she watched her leave the Galadriel Forest.
As monsters expressed interest in the settlement, Apoffis took initiative, actively contacting isolated creatures to invite them to join.
To recruit monsters, Apoffis had to win contests, but her training in Elgron meant she encountered minimal obstacles.
Apoffis explored various cultures and types of monsters, climbing high peaks and venturing into deep valleys, facing many dangers to persuade them to join her.
Apoffis won the monsters' hearts by embracing their traditions and risking her life to complete their challenges, despite being the "Monster Queen."
Through her actions, Apoffis earned the trust of the monsters in Galadriel Forest.

Chapter Three

In peace, the monsters' settlement thrives with cozy homes and good food. Apoffis builds the Scarlet Bastion by the swamp, a sturdy castle that brings joy to its residents.
"Say something, Apoffis!" On the day the Scarlet Bastion is completed, the monsters push her onto a flower-adorned platform, turning the cold stone room into a warm, vibrant space.
Despite her hard work, Apoffis feels uncertain as happiness arrives. She reaches for her sword but only finds the soft fabric of her clothes. Not wanting to disappoint the monsters, she takes a deep breath.
"Thank you all for your love. From today, Scarlet Bastion is officially in use. It will be an important landmark in our settlement."
"It will shelter us from wind and snow... When we grow old, we can rest on soft cotton and straw mattress without worrying about the cold outside."
"I promised my friends to create a kingdom where every monster can be happy. For years, I fought alongside you for this goal, and now I'm glad I finally achieved it."
Her heart burning with passion, she spoke with growing fluency. Amid the monsters' cheers, she raised her hand and declared, "Thank you, everyone. I now proclaim the establishment of a kingdom for monsters!"
Hearing that, monsters started shouting for joy, repeating her name. The every night of the founding of the kingdom, Apoffis was elected queen.
Apoffis never imagined that running a kingdom would be so complicated, nor that her adventure would culminate in founding one. Monsters were considering an identity registration system, but her promise of giving everyone a voice in policies left her overwhelmed by written feedback. Additionally, as children ventured into the forest in admiration of her, the increasing troubles they caused compelled her to establish new adventure rules.
"Can I appoint another queen?" Apoffis murmured so as she collapsed in piles of documents.
Yet her friend and cardinal smiled and replied, "In your dreams."
Despite her challenges, Apoffis's achievements shone brightly. As the legendary queen of monsters, she created a true nation, a warm home for travelers and a peaceful haven for settlers. Some monsters married, others left, and many returned over time. Apoffis embraced the novelty of it all, celebrating each miracle with the wonder of a newborn.
"Aging is inevitable, even for the strongest." Apoffis often remembered the elders' words but had never paid them much attention. As winter turned to spring and new leaves bloomed, her friends aged yet appeared unchanged.
Apoffis believed their stories would last for generations, guiding newcomers. She valued her contributions to her people and toasted to her comrades daily.
Let the torch be passed down and the legend live for eternity.

Historical Notes

Elders:
The elders of the Obsidian Council.

Lamia:
Lamias are humanoid beings covered in scales with serpent-like lower bodies. They can breathe easily underwater.