**Previous Links:** [Prelude](https://peakd.com/hive-164671/@mimerr/warlands-age-of-ice-preludes)

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**Thus Far:** Two hundred years since the Dataran horde was defeated the world is covered in ice. The theory is the Darklyte Armor's guardian dragon was killed and left a curse of ice on the world. Zeph the archmage has extended his life and roamed the world trying to put a stop to it. The Ryotians meanwhile have taken advantage and expanded their empire.

![IMG_20210902_120238.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/mimerr/23tvVmPf1hbRw9guNRX5nWx6oRkd4v75UpTYbYJN3s7Dvt4UkuijaDXgvqW5S1z5ioSFA.jpg)

Issue one had three covers that connected. I only have one and it is somewhat damaged sadly. :\

The issue begins with Zeph writing a letter to the elf sisters from the last war and a daughter named Elene. He has all but given up. The ice has overtaken the world. The Ryotians are enslaving humans and other races. He has been extending his life but knows some other enemy forces have noticed and are on the look out for him.

![IMG_20210902_120311.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/mimerr/23vhqV3fRZtuFWV96kU9GptuFgCRTJo7BM6bg51Y5hWDcTLagcBY25fpN8e6kzLzi59Ah.jpg)

He cannot stay put so he heads to a bar. In the bar is some Ryotian bounty hunters. An elf walks in looking for a blind sorcerer. She is not very subtle about it and draws a bunch of attention. She is clearly young and inexperienced at this sort of thing.

Turns out one of the Ryotians is a famous bounty hunter and is looking for Zeph as well. But he starts messing with the elf girl and no one in the bar will help. In fact, they want to watch. So he takes off his armor, which absorbs magical energy, to rape her.

![IMG_20210902_120328.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/mimerr/23w2HhBC1cXzU8KdGfdmMLitkCXJk2bjgMaPaufZqDe8MWBq5F1Sx3njqd8zHXEbTdCJE.jpg)

This is exactly the opening Zeph was looking for. He easily dispatches the guards and uses his magic to take Alkar, the bounty hunter, down.

![IMG_20210902_120351.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/mimerr/23u5bbYAqDYFvjsJ3ao5zCcAB8Ha3CCFYjjhYd3VexTXT78Dp4YaL4wbXvAQoHsPikHeE.jpg)

With that taken care of, Zeph drags Alkar out into the code. The elf girls follow, begging for Zeph's help. He clearly wants no part in this world anymore. Turns out the girl is Elene. More grown up than he remembers. But he just tells her to go home.

![IMG_20210902_120412.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/mimerr/23u5ZhbozWjSyxYFYnj78Yv2uNaU9H3MPJC2j92npuQiHCfYFQXM7qWGyyXa75YBhRanT.jpg)

Zeph tosses the Ryotian in a pit it seems. Word gets back to the Ryotians. Another bounty hunter, the one from the prelude is delivering a bounty of a Necromancer. Jaros seems to be friends with Alkar and now is pissed. He demands the contract on Zeph.

![IMG_20210902_120426.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/mimerr/23tbRmZS3p344w5YudAMja5VDsAX9ACjhiUFwh57tEAdMDPtZUp8rSPxhb7LrNuiifNRo.jpg)

Pretty good first issue! Zeph has clearly grown up to be quite powerful. He look smore like a Dran Berserker now, which would make sense because I think G'Dar probably took him to raise after the war. But he is obviously super powerful too. The Ryotians have had a bounty on him for a long time and no one can collect it seems. Jaros clearly intends to try though! He will definitely be a fearsome foe. But is he a match for Zeph? Will Zeph help Elene find an answer to the ice?

I really like the art and scenery in this series already. One criticism though. It is not super coherent IMO. If anyone is into comic art, one of the first things you realize is that drawing well is not good enough. You have to be able to tell a story with your panels. A lot of this issue failed to do that in my opinion. It wasn't the worst I've seen but it could have been better I think.

Till next time!

To Be Continued!