RE: The Search for Santinal
06-16-2012, 08:09 AM
(This post was last modified: 06-16-2012, 08:43 AM by Anomaly.)
Username: Yon Lama
Name: Sthiren Vrkmet, Third Subservient to Skorrevan the Elder, Lord of the Northern State
Race: Anguis glaciem minor (informally known as the Lesser Ice Dragon, but close connection to Anguis glaciem major has recently come into question. Reclassification may be necessary; see A Study of Northern Dragon Species by Aelyth Dewglitter for more information)
Gender: Male
Text Color: A very ice color no goddammit no ice puns (#339999)
Description/Abilities:
"...The Anguis glaciem minor is much smaller than its larger cousin, growing no larger than ten feet from the end of its head to the tip of its tail. Though, at a glance, they appear to be very similar species, many notable differences exist other than scale - enough, perhaps, to call the close relation of the species into question. I have not had the opportunity to study the creatures in great detail, perhaps due to the fact that both are, in fact, intelligent species that make up an odd sort of society deep in the northern mountains.
"(As an aside, such a society has not been observed among other Anguis species - for example, species of Anguis infernus are extremely territorial and, though quite intelligent, possibly moreso than many of the civilized species, they are also incredibly violent. Very odd. I shall expound on this society in a later chapter.)
"The Lesser Ice Dragon, as it is sometimes called, exhibits only a vaguely similar body structure to its larger counterpart - its back legs, for example, are much more developed, allowing it to take a bipedal stance (this skill seems to be uncommon among the species, however - in my travels, I have seen very few specimens proficient in this ability, one which appears to be highly valued among the Lesser Ice Dragons, and the Greater Ice Dragons they often serve). Their forelimbs, though often simply (and effectively) functioning as a secondary pair of legs, can also be used in this state as a pair of arms, complete with two pairs of opposable digits. Quite a surprising find, as the Greater species lacks opposable digits entirely.
"The most drastic difference, however, is in Anguis glaciem minor's wing structure. When not actively in use, the Lesser Ice Dragon's two pairs of wings are able to perfectly wrap around its body, granting a surprising amount of protection as well as assisting in regularing the unusually low body temperature of the species. These wings can be unfolded in just a few seconds, and, assisted by the extremely aerodynamic body shape of the species, allow Lesser Ice Dragons a high degree of aerial speed, albeit with somewhat limited control. They also seem to be unable to maintain flight for long periods of time, tiring themselves very quickly. Such drastic differences are the primary reasons I question the relationship between the two species - Greater Ice Dragons are not even slightly aerodynamic and are not as fast, but have an extremely high endurance, able to fly for hours at a time, as you will recall from chapter 3.
"Anguis glaciem minor does, however, possess a few commonalities with its larger brethren (?). First of all, as noted, is the extremely low body heat - cold enough to form frost on surfaces it contacts for a long time (though proximity is not a major danger - if you do encounter a specimen of this species, I would strongly recommend against extended uninsulated contact). They appear to have a significantly lower number of structures resembling ice crystals, unlike the Greater species - structures such as these are located on the back of the head, the neck, and the upper back, but are not especially prominent anywhere except the latter. Interestingly, the area often concealed by the wings, and the anterior side of the wings themselves, appear to be coated in a much lighter-blue shade of scales than the rest of the creature's body, resembling rough sheets of ice in both appearance, texture, and, to some extent, temperature.
"They also possess the ability to exhale a cloud of super-cooled gas, quickly freezing most liquids and unprotected organisms within seconds. It is this sort of weaponized breath ability that maintains their classification within the Anguis family, but anything further is still uncertain. More study will be necessary."
- Aelyth Dewglitter, A Study of Northern Dragon Species
Sthiren, a servant of one of the oldest and one of the most powerful (politically and otherwise) Greater Ice Dragons, is not particularly large among his species, being roughly eight and a half feet in length. However, he is moderately proficient at the aforementioned bipedal stance, an ability that has allowed him to maintain a relatively high position among the ranks of Lesser Ice Dragon servants.
Sthiren, above all, likes to avoid conflict with other intelligent races, but is often forced to fight back against invading forces, usually seeking either riches or vengeance against Skorrevan. He has personally killed many of these attackers, and could kill many more if necessary. Nonetheless, in his dealings with other races he attempts to be as civil and nonthreatening as possible (not many people tend to trust anything that looks like a dragon, let alone is one). In secret, he would very much like to escape the rule of Skorrevan entirely and live peacefully, but that isn't much of an option to him.
He is often quiet and slightly mistrustful of most everyone he meets outside of his own society, mostly because it's hard to tell if someone is going to be friendly or try to put an arrow through his eye. Tries to be fairly amiable when possible, but it often is not. He maintains a vested interest in advances in technology as well, though, as these are very rarely produced by his own race, he often uses what little time off he gets to see them firsthand. In his spare time he often attempts to replicate the devices he sees, though such things are often dismissed as frivolous by his peers.
He has taken very little with him on his journey to Khagash - concealed beneath the wings at his side is a bag full of basic supplies such as money and food, but he has no other items with him.
Biography: "Yes, my lord?" Sthiren hid any external signs of contempt for the enormous, ice-coated dragon stretched lazily before him within the completely-frozen "throne room".
"Sthiren. Have you heard the tale of the lost city of Santinal?" The enormous blob of airborne lizard didn't bother to visibly acknowledge his servant.
"I'm afraid not, my lord. What city is this?"
"Most seem to think it does not exist at all," the Lord of the Northern State continued. "It was lost a very, very long time ago, along with all of its riches. I would be very interested in obtaining these - for the interest in the state, of course."
"Quite naturally, my lord. I have to ask, though - how am I to find a lost city? How can we be sure it exists?"
"We can't. However, tales of the great lost technologies of the city may be more of interest to you. I have heard rumors that the city of Khagash has become of interest to a number of individuals. Some have already set out for this town, apparently interested in the lost city. Hurry to Khagash, Sthiren. These individuals may know more. Do whatever is necessary to find the city, if it exists."
"Yes, my lord." Sthiren, barely able to conceive how Skorrevan managed to make finding a long-lost city full of riches sound like no more of a big deal than bringing him a sandwich, began to slowly march out of the room.
"Oh, one more thing," Skorrevan added.
"Yes, my lord?"
"I know you would be much happier free of this service. As such... If you discover the city of Santinal and disclose its whereabouts to us, you will be free. No stipulations."
"Thank you, my lord." Sthiren's mind raced at the idea of it. Freedom at last. All he had to do was find a long-lost city that may or may not have ever existed, and, even if it did, would likely be guarded by exceedingly dangerous traps and monsters and the like.
No big deal, right?
Name: Sthiren Vrkmet, Third Subservient to Skorrevan the Elder, Lord of the Northern State
Race: Anguis glaciem minor (informally known as the Lesser Ice Dragon, but close connection to Anguis glaciem major has recently come into question. Reclassification may be necessary; see A Study of Northern Dragon Species by Aelyth Dewglitter for more information)
Gender: Male
Text Color: A very ice color no goddammit no ice puns (#339999)
Description/Abilities:
"...The Anguis glaciem minor is much smaller than its larger cousin, growing no larger than ten feet from the end of its head to the tip of its tail. Though, at a glance, they appear to be very similar species, many notable differences exist other than scale - enough, perhaps, to call the close relation of the species into question. I have not had the opportunity to study the creatures in great detail, perhaps due to the fact that both are, in fact, intelligent species that make up an odd sort of society deep in the northern mountains.
"(As an aside, such a society has not been observed among other Anguis species - for example, species of Anguis infernus are extremely territorial and, though quite intelligent, possibly moreso than many of the civilized species, they are also incredibly violent. Very odd. I shall expound on this society in a later chapter.)
"The Lesser Ice Dragon, as it is sometimes called, exhibits only a vaguely similar body structure to its larger counterpart - its back legs, for example, are much more developed, allowing it to take a bipedal stance (this skill seems to be uncommon among the species, however - in my travels, I have seen very few specimens proficient in this ability, one which appears to be highly valued among the Lesser Ice Dragons, and the Greater Ice Dragons they often serve). Their forelimbs, though often simply (and effectively) functioning as a secondary pair of legs, can also be used in this state as a pair of arms, complete with two pairs of opposable digits. Quite a surprising find, as the Greater species lacks opposable digits entirely.
"The most drastic difference, however, is in Anguis glaciem minor's wing structure. When not actively in use, the Lesser Ice Dragon's two pairs of wings are able to perfectly wrap around its body, granting a surprising amount of protection as well as assisting in regularing the unusually low body temperature of the species. These wings can be unfolded in just a few seconds, and, assisted by the extremely aerodynamic body shape of the species, allow Lesser Ice Dragons a high degree of aerial speed, albeit with somewhat limited control. They also seem to be unable to maintain flight for long periods of time, tiring themselves very quickly. Such drastic differences are the primary reasons I question the relationship between the two species - Greater Ice Dragons are not even slightly aerodynamic and are not as fast, but have an extremely high endurance, able to fly for hours at a time, as you will recall from chapter 3.
"Anguis glaciem minor does, however, possess a few commonalities with its larger brethren (?). First of all, as noted, is the extremely low body heat - cold enough to form frost on surfaces it contacts for a long time (though proximity is not a major danger - if you do encounter a specimen of this species, I would strongly recommend against extended uninsulated contact). They appear to have a significantly lower number of structures resembling ice crystals, unlike the Greater species - structures such as these are located on the back of the head, the neck, and the upper back, but are not especially prominent anywhere except the latter. Interestingly, the area often concealed by the wings, and the anterior side of the wings themselves, appear to be coated in a much lighter-blue shade of scales than the rest of the creature's body, resembling rough sheets of ice in both appearance, texture, and, to some extent, temperature.
"They also possess the ability to exhale a cloud of super-cooled gas, quickly freezing most liquids and unprotected organisms within seconds. It is this sort of weaponized breath ability that maintains their classification within the Anguis family, but anything further is still uncertain. More study will be necessary."
- Aelyth Dewglitter, A Study of Northern Dragon Species
Sthiren, a servant of one of the oldest and one of the most powerful (politically and otherwise) Greater Ice Dragons, is not particularly large among his species, being roughly eight and a half feet in length. However, he is moderately proficient at the aforementioned bipedal stance, an ability that has allowed him to maintain a relatively high position among the ranks of Lesser Ice Dragon servants.
Sthiren, above all, likes to avoid conflict with other intelligent races, but is often forced to fight back against invading forces, usually seeking either riches or vengeance against Skorrevan. He has personally killed many of these attackers, and could kill many more if necessary. Nonetheless, in his dealings with other races he attempts to be as civil and nonthreatening as possible (not many people tend to trust anything that looks like a dragon, let alone is one). In secret, he would very much like to escape the rule of Skorrevan entirely and live peacefully, but that isn't much of an option to him.
He is often quiet and slightly mistrustful of most everyone he meets outside of his own society, mostly because it's hard to tell if someone is going to be friendly or try to put an arrow through his eye. Tries to be fairly amiable when possible, but it often is not. He maintains a vested interest in advances in technology as well, though, as these are very rarely produced by his own race, he often uses what little time off he gets to see them firsthand. In his spare time he often attempts to replicate the devices he sees, though such things are often dismissed as frivolous by his peers.
He has taken very little with him on his journey to Khagash - concealed beneath the wings at his side is a bag full of basic supplies such as money and food, but he has no other items with him.
Biography: "Yes, my lord?" Sthiren hid any external signs of contempt for the enormous, ice-coated dragon stretched lazily before him within the completely-frozen "throne room".
"Sthiren. Have you heard the tale of the lost city of Santinal?" The enormous blob of airborne lizard didn't bother to visibly acknowledge his servant.
"I'm afraid not, my lord. What city is this?"
"Most seem to think it does not exist at all," the Lord of the Northern State continued. "It was lost a very, very long time ago, along with all of its riches. I would be very interested in obtaining these - for the interest in the state, of course."
"Quite naturally, my lord. I have to ask, though - how am I to find a lost city? How can we be sure it exists?"
"We can't. However, tales of the great lost technologies of the city may be more of interest to you. I have heard rumors that the city of Khagash has become of interest to a number of individuals. Some have already set out for this town, apparently interested in the lost city. Hurry to Khagash, Sthiren. These individuals may know more. Do whatever is necessary to find the city, if it exists."
"Yes, my lord." Sthiren, barely able to conceive how Skorrevan managed to make finding a long-lost city full of riches sound like no more of a big deal than bringing him a sandwich, began to slowly march out of the room.
"Oh, one more thing," Skorrevan added.
"Yes, my lord?"
"I know you would be much happier free of this service. As such... If you discover the city of Santinal and disclose its whereabouts to us, you will be free. No stipulations."
"Thank you, my lord." Sthiren's mind raced at the idea of it. Freedom at last. All he had to do was find a long-lost city that may or may not have ever existed, and, even if it did, would likely be guarded by exceedingly dangerous traps and monsters and the like.
No big deal, right?