The fiercest and most powerful of all the Namegiv- er races, dragons are creatures of immense size and
longevity. At full size the average dragon measures up to 90 feet long, with a 60-foot or longer tail, a shoulder height of up to 18 feet, and a wingspan of 130 feet. The thick scales that run the length of a dragon’s body vary greatly in color, ranging from deep greens to fiery reds, though each dragon is usu- ally a single color. Most dragons have long, narrow necks and horned heads. Though they walk on all fours, their front feet have thumbs that allow them to handle objects.
Though dragons properly belong among the Namegiver races, I have placed them in this section to differentiate them from the Namegivers who form the population of Barsaive. Their distinct, aloof nature calls for a unique treatment of their physical types, relations with each other and other races, and other pertinent details. —Jerriv Forrim, Scribe and Scholar of the Library of Throal
The dangers that dragons pose come from more than their great size, large claws, and thick hides. Some can breath fire, control animals, spit venom, and control the minds of people with whom they speak.
Few dragons are known to exist, and those whose existence we know of tend to live alone. In general, dragons consider themselves superior to the other Namegiver races and seem to show little interest in the Passions. They usually accomplish their mys- terious ends by manipulating members of other Namegiver races, often threatening to destroy people, entire villages, or towns unless the dragon’s will is carried out.
Dragons commonly lair in mountains, fens, bogs, and dense jungles, away from other Namegivers. The most popular tale about dragons—that their lairs run over with precious metals and other treasure— happens to be true. Would-be dragon slayers often bring these treasures to the dragon’s lair, hoping to use magical swords and armor to kill the dragon. As one might expect, these bold hunters rarely win the battle against the dragon, and their bones and wealth add to the dragon’s hoard.
Despite their solitary ways, dragons sometimes involve themselves in the affairs of other Namegiv- ers. Why they do so, no one save the dragon knows.
If they take sides in a conflict, they do so for their own reasons, not because they agree with one side or another. The ordinary citizens can only guess at a dragon’s reasons for doing any- thing. As exam- ples of individuality among this race, I provide the
following descriptions of
three dragons known to lair in Barsaive. Doubtless other dragons have hid- den themselves in our province and remain undiscovered.
Aban
The dragon Aban lairs in the steamy shadows of the Mist Swamps. She tolerates no intruders, and surviving travelers to the area describe the terrifying experience of being chased out of the swamps by the dragon. Some people believe that no one has found the pre-Scourge city rumored to be lost in the Mist Swamps because it lies beneath Aban’s lair.
Aban has dark red scales and black eyes and moves noiselessly through the swamps. Those who have survived an encounter claim that they had no idea she was near until her huge silhouette rose up through the steam before them.
Mountainshadow
Mountainshadow lives in the Dragon Mountains, which were so Named after explorers discovered the dragon laired in their peaks. A huge dragon, Mountainshadow differs from others of his race in his fascination with the other Namegiver races. The dragon studies us not for some obscure political end, but apparently to understand our hearts and minds. Alas, no one can guess what use he plans to make of whatever he is able to learn.
Mountainshadow’s lair lies in a deep cave high on a mountainside, the cave protected by winds too fierce to navigate in airships and sheer cliffs on all sides of the mountain. It is possible to see Moun- tainshadow only when the dragon wishes to be seen, usually when he flies down the mountain to retrieve one of his rare guests.
According to one tale, Mountainshadow’s lair is home to enough orphaned humans and orks to make up a village, all raised from infancy by the dragon.
Supposedly, the community lives on the chill and barren peak by wielding many of the same magics that kept kaers and citadels functioning during the Scourge. Other tales say that Mountainshadow has a second lair deep within the Badlands.
“It is one year after we opened our kaer, the kaer de- signed by our protector, the dragon Mountainshadow. We owe Mountainshadow. He aided us and showed us how to protect ourselves from the Scourge that rav- aged all of Barsaive.
“He asked but one payment…that we write down all that transpired during our time in the kaer and give him a copy of it. Today, our end of the bargain is fulfilled. “Today is the Festival of the Sun. On this day, we send our history to Mountainshadow as we promised.”
—From a speech by village elder Mila Neb of Jud-alam
“Do you know who you have disturbed, boy?” The voice boomed in my head until I thought my skull would explode.
“I seek Mountainshadow, the dragon,” I squeaked. “ I have the history of the village Jud-alam. It is a payment.”
“Humankind,” the voice
boomed even louder. “Ever the prompt creatures.” And the voice laughed until it seemed that the moun- tains themselves would collapse.
—From the testimony of the messenger Telemir of Jud-alam Mountainshadow is silver and blue with black eyes. Those who have seen him claim that he frequently
breaks into musical laughter, which unnerves peo- ple because they fail to understand what he finds amusing.
Usun
Usun makes his home in the Liaj Jungle; because of the dragon’s lair, few other communities settle in or near the Liaj. Observers report that animals living in the Liaj seem to fear him less than do the Namegivers; the jungle fairly teems with creatures of all types. Usun’s scales are green and his eyes are blue. When he sits motionless, it is nearly im- possible to distinguish him from the jungle trees and plants.