The (Mis?)Adventures of GarThog

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     The dragon had been working on a few things for some time. It was time to stop looking out for others so much, and start working on, and looking after, his own needs. With a smile, he shifted to his human form went inside, and slid out of his icy, cold armour. He looked at the gathered items he had for various different projects he had started to do, but never seemed to finish. Around him, the construction on his store continued, with bricks, wood and other needed materials.

     The wooden walls were going up, with an interior brick reinforcement on the inside. The locals were starting to like him more, since he was breaking no laws and bringing more business to them. After all, how often can one afford a brick-layer, especially a non-dwarven one? Plus, nearly anyone could handle a shovel to dig out a basement. Woodcutters to gather the lumber, carpenters to cut andshape that lumber and erect it into a wall, a blacksmith to forge simple nails, all of these were employed because of the dragons shop.

     But what to do? First, the dragon would work on his icemail armour. He keeps putting that off. So, he took the suit of icemail and moved to the area with those components. laying the armour down on the cleared table top. Using his great skill as an artisan, he sharpened the jagged, jutting pieces for tearing into others more (the rending already in place) using a whetstone, added extra padding to the interior to ease the weight discomfort on the shoulders and added some extra icescales to the chest area to increase the protection the armour gave him. The sharpening stone scraped along the edge of the jutting pieces, sending icy, flying shards everywhere as he went a bit too fast.

     Next, he moved over to some of his own smallish scales, mixed in with mithral scales he had created himself in the forge.. He took them over to a small forge, with a design in mind. Slowly, he began piecing them together, hammering and shaping them, slowly forming a line of scales. He worked on them for hours, beating the pieces in place, adjusting the discs, layering them, creating a dark scaled belt with small areas to add pouches easily. Once the basics were done, he allowed the scales to begin to cool in place and harden.

     Moving on, he decided to skip improving his shield. After all, it was just not needed with all his other great objects. So, he decided to place a small enchantment upon his new Kitris stone. He embedded the pretty gemstone with a few gestures and utterances, granting the stone a glowing white light, able to pierce even the darkest, magical shadow with a bright light. This stone would allow vision in even the darkest of night, magical or normal. He went back to the belt, finishing the final details, and granting that belt the strength of a dragon, no matter his form (or maybe just a giant ~smiles~) as the construction of his stables, library and smithy continued.

     What else should he do? He had just picked up a few new toys, maybe he should enspell them. Let's see... he had a new amulet that had magical abilities to protect him from harm. Well, this should be improved. He looked over the amulet resembling a shield, thinking how best to further its abilities. Increase the magical barrier it had? No. It was strong enough. Allow it to cause him to take an ethereal nature, fading from this plane, ever so briefly? Again no, that could easily be countered with a very simple spell. How to make life more enduring... Ah! It came to him in a flash. He added an Ankh, the ancient symbol of life, and a swastika, the symbol of luck, life and prosperity, before proceeding. These additions he added at the forge, melting gold in the form of the ankh, then placing a swastika of platinum over the arm crossing of the ankh. With the proper symbols in place, raised upon the amulet, he conjured some herbs, placing them upon the amulet, followed by a chant and the enchantment was placed upon the amulet, granting the wearer more life force.

     After doing the amulet, he returned to his armour, adding on the finishing touches with sharpening, edging. and securing things in the proper location. With these two things done, as well as his new belt and the gemstone light, he looked at his new bracers. He went to work, modifying them, making them more like layers of scales, covering the forearm, front and back. But, simply strengthening their durability and protection was not enough. He did have a magic wind bow. He worked upon the bracers, adding a strip of oak in places, to strengthen it. Afterwards, he enchanted the bracers with energy from a living hawk, to aid in the aim and granting the bracers the power of the flying hawk, to pierce any target struck with a bow, by the wearer of the bracers. With this magic in place, the bracers were a unique object no one else in the Heart had, and it was unlikely any other would have such a pair. It would be a true honour to don those bracers now, a sign of his talent as a crafter.

     Now he was on a roll. He was enjoying his work. How long was he at it? A day? Two maybe? He was now looking at the leggings he bought from Wibbels. The black spidersilk was pretty and soft. But, would it tear when struck? That was next to make certain it would not happen. He bent down in a crouch, and took up a handful of earth, then dropped it to the ground. Rising back to his feet, he looked upon the silken garments. With concentration, he waved his hands, then pointed fingers downwards at the leggings. A black energy ebbed out, from his fingertips into the fabric of the leggings. They glowed with a bluish energy, like the light seen emanating from a blue diamond when light struck the stone, and then, the glow faded. The leggings were now far stronger than they had been before the dragon strengthened them. The silk should withstand the slashing or piercing of even magical weapons.

     Still feeling energized, the dragon in human form was uncertain what to work on next. But, it soon came to him. He had used his talons on the scorpions recently. If he might be using them so much more, it was time... time to make them the deadliest weapon seen in the heart. So, he began with the first step. His form shimmered, then shook, as it began to enlarge. The human body grew scales, beneath the armour he wore, the scales sprouting out like a flowers' buds, opening, then stretching downwards, out over the human skin. A tail began to grow from his tail bone, beginning with a small, spiked ball, followed by a short length of tail, covered with those dark black scales. The tail reached the floor as his hand made the shift. The middle finger grew longer, about the length of the last knuckle to the tip in extension. The thumb also grew in length, as it slid up the hand, the palm shrinking slightly as the hand underwent the transmutational process. The fingernails moved as well. The nails thickened, extending right, left and even back to the very knuckle of the four fingers. The nail increased in thickness, as they enwrapped half the finger, the backside. The nails also lengthened, forming very slightly curved claws, or talons, approximately an inch in length. But, the size increased, to nearly seven foot tall the humanoid form became. The tail was now upon the grown, similar to a short version of a lizard mans' tail, but with a spiked ball tip at the end, about the size of softball plus spikes. The neck extended, stretching up and out from the body. The head itself had the nose and jaw moving outwards, away from the eyes, extending in length, as the ears went up oin the head with scales moving on them. The teeth grew sharper, pointed, and stronger than that of a simple human. But... the transformation stopped. The dragon looked confused, eyes moving down to view his arms. The transformation had stopped in near mid-change. After a minute passed, the change continued, the body lengthening, the tail extending, the legs altering in form, as GarThog took his normal, dragon form.

     Next, he picked up the whetstone and began rubbing it against his claws. Those talons needed to be better, sharper; he went faster and faster with the stone. After some time, the whetstone was worn down too much to be of any use. The dragon reached over to one of the tables, fetching a metal cannister, a mortar and pestle, a vial and a small pouch. From the cannister he withdrew a greenish stone, placing it in the mortar and began pushing with force upon it with the pestle, grinding the stone slowly down into a grainy salt-like form, and then into a fine powder. The lid was double checked on the cannister, making certain it was sealed before that container was placed back in its' home. Next, he took the pouch, opening it lightly, and reached oer, picking up alchemists' tweezers. With those tweezers, he pulled forth what was some kind of leaf. He placed the leaf on a saucer like plate of glass, then withdrew nine more. With the ten in place, he put the tweezers back and took up a scalpel, which in his dragon form, was hard to handle deftly. The leaes were cut repeatedly, like a fine chef working on a spice, like ginger, he continued, until the leaves were very very small. Into the mortal the leaves went and the pestle ground them into the stone dust.

     Finally, the three components were ready. He took the vial and poured the oily substance that was more like vaseline than anything else, over his claws. Following this, he sprinkled the fine powder, ever so lightly, over the substance, upon his claws. The claws began to glow with a low, blue light. That blue light grew brighter, brighter and he began a mystical chant. When the chant ended, the light went out. The claws were now strengthened, superior to most weapons available to even the wealthiest of people. Those claws were now... Paragon eviscerators!

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Seeking Knowledge  






     It seemed like any other day in the dragons life. He had worked with his animals some, doing training of four horses, for pulling a wagon, jumping two in unison, over small obstacles, and moving as a group. He thought the unison jump would be the difficult part, but instead, the hardest part was getting an instant jump from the front pair, as individuals. Those horses were difficult; the one just refused to jump on the command. Once he taught the one to jump, the unison jump was very simple. Hooking up the second set behind the first, attached to a light wagon, the next part was even easier. That second set jumped together after the first, making them all seem to be of like mind. This was quite a success, he had thought.

     So done with that work, he went out, with a list of local sages, to inquire about the undead five, and see if he could learn more about the over all master. He was getting head shakes and puzzled looks most often, or common knowledge answers like "The Necromancers have strange, undead creatures as guards" and "I believe they plan to rise up, and lead an army of undead!". It was after he heard that last tad of information, that he noticed a being following him. He paused, looking over the scrap of paper that listed the sages, said hello to a passing young woman, who looked fetching, and feigned watching her to get a better look at the man watching him. He looked like either a half breed fae, possibly half elven, or a pure elf. The man had on a hooded cloak, hair of brown, like fertile soil, the typical elven features, but his ears were hidden beneath the hooded cloak he wore. It looked like a lute was on his back, over one shoulder, and an elven long bow over the other with no quiver though. Also, GarThog could see a sheath along his leg, which he believes held an elven blade of some kind. The pants and cloak were green, the boots were a leathern brown.

     The question now was... what to do about this person, standing back, but clearly watching the dragon. Most of the shops were far too small for him to enter, but a few were quite large, with doorways that could fit a dragon or giant. Maybe they gave faint answers because... they felt a little faint, seeing a dragons' head poking through the doorway. He had about half a dozen still to visit and that watching soul to deal with now. Then again, maybe he only watched because GarThog was a dragon. That was uncommon, after all. Or was that a she, that was watching? With that cloak on, who could say? Well, mayhaps the follower would stop if he just continued on his path. So, on to the next sage he went.

     The dragon took a turn, then another, as he headed towards the next sage he sought to see. The following continued, even with all the turns and bends the dragon took. Either this person was extremely curious, or, he must have been interested in GarThog in particular. A man was thrown through a set of double doors about fifteen feet in front of the dragon. The building was noisy as the dragon looked up at the sign, "Old Harmons's" and a picture of dice, cards spread out and a small roulette wheel. The man rose, wearing dark old clothing, and stumbled off as the dragon headed past, certain he was still being followed. But, he was close to the next sage. Head poked in, the five masters mentioned and what looked like an aged orc or half orc said, "I know weapons and warfare, dragon. Unless they were masters of war, I couldn't care less!". So, it was on to the next sage. He only had five left on his list, so hopefully, one would have information, or mayhaps more than one, if he were lucky. How others found information without any normal distractions always confused him.

     It was on to the next sage. So far, this attempt at knowledge was an abject failure. No new knowledge had been gained. Except knowing that someone else was interested in the dragon and was following him. The dragon poked his head into the next sages shop that he came to and asked about the five masters. The sage laughed and replied "Of course I know about those foolish old necromancers. But, information will cost gold. After all, I need to eat". A discussion was held on the price, the dragon made a small, black cloud appear, stuck his hand in and pulled forth a sack. He opened it, pulled out the needed coins, counting them, then closed the sack, placed his hand with the sack back into the cloud, then withdrew it, allowing the cloud to simply fade away. "Nice trick. Now let's see. Let me get a book so I do not forget anything". He rose from his seat, this small human, and went into the back. He returned with a tome that did not look too old. He opened that book, read some, then said, "Okay, It seems the Masters were just a bunch of apprentices. They sold their spirits, or souls, to buy a longer life from the one they served. Supposedly, the deal was that they would live one hundred years after the true master died. The master thought they would then attempt to keep him alive, figuring they would still live as long as he did, plus that one hundred years". The dragon nodded, "dat makes sense". "Ah, but the apprentices do not make sense. They got together, and slaughtered their own leader. You know, evil fools rarely stay loyal for long". The dragon nodded, thinking of how many in the Heart were evil. "After killing the old Master, the Lords, and I call them that because their name in Ancient translates closer to Lords than Masters, cut Vi'do'Wen into five parts". The dragons head tilted, "Vi'do'Wen?". The sage replied "Yes, that is the name of the Master. They feared that any one of them keeping the whole body might try to talk to his spirit, gain more knowledge, resurrect him or make him an undead monster, capable of killing the other four". The dragon blinked. It seemed he had found at least one sage with a lot of knowledge on the five. He asked for more answers "How is it dey can make exploding undead?". "Oh, the one Master was a great genius, and used simple logic. Alchemical knowledge. Physics. Combining chemicals together to create an explosion. Or so the story goes. I think it is true, that there are such things". The dragon then gave that snarl smile of his, "Yes, GarThog has fought dem in one crypt already". Just a simple statement, it seemed to the dragon. He spent the next few hours detailing the Hearts adventures in the crypts and the undead faced. The sage returned the favour, as he wrote much of the information down, by returning some of the gold and suggesting a visit and location of a shop, Jeffen's Junkshop. With that information and idea, the dragon stepped out to head for the next sage.

[Deleted]

The Search Continues

     Stepping out of the sages place of business, he saw that same person who was following him earlier. That one was patient, waiting the hours he spent telling the sage about the Hearts adventure with the exploding undead. This person could be dangerous, so it was time to confront him, or her. The dragon looked up, the sun was well past noon, closer to later after, or early evening, (about 4 or 5 pm). The dragon thought a moment, then gave a wicked smile. He went down the main thoroughfare quickly, and turned left down a wide street. Soon, he took a right into a narrow alley, speeding up, and then made a left back onto a larger street. The narrow one was a tight squeeze for him, but when he came out, he turned around and waited. It was only a few seconds before the green and brown clothed figure came racingaround the corner right into the large (comparatively) black dragon and stumbled, falling on his posterior.
"Who art thou?" the dragon said in a booming voice, trying to frighten the person.
"Woah! uhm... I, uh... I'm called Kauratain. Kauratain Willowbrook."
The dragon tilted his head, watching what sounded like a male elf, "Why doth thou follow GarThog?"
"Oh. Uh, I... what makes you think I was following you?" said as he crawled backwards a few feet.
The dragon moed a step closer, on all fours, looming over the elf, "It is obvious. Now WHY".
The raised voice of the dragon seemed to break the else resistance, "Well, yes, I was. Seems you were going to a lot of sages today. Care to say why?".
The dragon was honest as usual. "GarThog sought knowledge of the five apprentices and their master".
"Oh. Oh yes. They are attempting to bring an end to life as we know it. Or so goes one legend about them. Another is that they will raise an army of undead monsters, to try and conquer. We know a lot about them".
The dragons' head twisted around to the other side, neck and body immobile; "Who is WE?".
The elf stopped, pausing a minute. He had let slip the fact that he was not a lone individual. He then went on, to discuss the Watchers of the Coming Sunset and their goals. After a lengthy talk, they parted ways, having shared information, on very friendly terms.

     The dragon went onto an area and passed through a gateway with guards, who gave the dragon a funny look. He noticed there appeared to be far more guards about, and they looked sparkly. The armour was shined and bright, the weapons in good scabbards that looked very neat. He was curious about this change in scenery, then noticed the area was cleaner and even looked brighter. Ah! He realized, this sage was in the Sables, the wealthier area of Sarkotos. He had not gone far before he came to a rather large building with a wall around it. He knocked upon the door, and soon a man answered it, looking younger than the dragon expected.
"Ah, I do recognize you. The heroic and helpful GarThog. Do come in, and we shall look into things for you".
The dragon was surprised by this sage knowing his name, but happily went in. They spoke for some time, before the sage said "I see the past and more, concerning a person. More of a seer than a sage, but, my powers can often help others in many ways. For just a few coins, I would be most happy to read you". The dragon agreed, uncertain if this would aid any in the fight with the five, or six, if the master was revived, but thinking it would do no harm. The sage lead him to a large open area, lit some incense, sat down and asked, "Your hand, please". The dragon extended his arm, placing the large hand upon the table, palm up, and the soothsayer sage took his hand, looking at it, then reached to a set of shelves, pulling a crystal ball on a stand over to the table. While the dragon saw nothing in the crystal ball, the sage gasped, and the reading began.
"I see... three very small dragons. One is walking near an edge, a cliffs' edge. The other two are in the nest, one asleep, the other watching the third, by the edge. Oh! a band of humanoids are there now, coming into the area, but they look fuzzy. The awake dragon in the nest snaps at one, another swings a large hammer into that dragons head. The dragon staggers from the nest while the sleeping one wakes up. The one near the edge lets out a scream or call, and leaps off the edge. He is having trouble flying, but flies away. The staggerring one heads for the edge, running, wings spreading wide. A net falls over the other, with weights on it. Net looks like metal."
The dragon nodded "Dat sounds like da capture of GarThog".
The sage nodded in reply and then continued "I now see that small dragon attached to a long chain on his neck, a collar, chained to a stake in the ground. An old man in a robe, looks like a wizard, is waving his arms and screaming something. I have no sound to hear, I only see visions of the past. The vision fades. Now, I see the same place, but the dragon is larger, the old wizard is still there, but this time, with a wand of some sort. Oh! He just shocked the dragon with a minor lightning bolt. The dragon is cringing, the old man is laughing", the sage looked up at GarThog. "Dat was long ago". The sage looked back down, describing what he saw next, "There are a group of orcs with that old man, the dragon still chained, and a knight with a lance charging. One orc flies from the lance strike, arrows are flying into orcs, and there is... just utter chaos! The old mage is throwing fire everywhere! Hey, a bit landed on the chain, melting it some. The dragon tugs on the chain. Repeatedly, while bodies are falling all about" A battle is described for a few minutes until the sage says "the dragon has finally snapped the chain! The evil wizard has fallen, with an arrow in his shoulder and chest. The dragon is running now, away from the fighting. Oh, the knight... he points at the dragon then moed a finger oer his throat. Arrows are flying at the dragon. The knight is charging, lance high, as the dragon enters some woods! Th-the image is fading now". The dragon again nodded "long long ago... da mage was slain, GarThog escaped". The sage looked at the dragon, then back to the crystal ball.
"I see a field with deer in. Oh! That was bloody! The dragon, you, tore into one and ate it. The image fades... now, I see elves attacking, the dragon knocking three aside, and rushing into the woods. Now orcs are attacking the eles. The image is fading again. It's dark now. A bunch of humans are lighting torches! They hae the dragon surrounded, with all sorts of weapons. I cannot even count them. Oh! The dragon has leapt into the air, flying away". The dragon nodded, "GarThog was asleep... dey surrounded GarThog". The sage went on; "Next, I see a dozen humans, hunting the dragon. They have various weapons. There you are! They surprised you in a river. Oh my! That... was certainly messy. Did any survive?" The dragon shrugged "No know... no count dem, just kilt any dat kept fighting" stated matter of factly. The sage smiled at that, understanding the thinking there. He looked back to the crystal ball to continue.
"This is interesting. A raid on a town, stealing a cow, then it fades. The images are coming and fading faster. I see a wooded glen. Now a hilly mountainside with a river. Oh and a cave. Ah! You go into the cave to sleep and it fades. I see you waking up! You head for the exit and look surprised! Goblins in your cave!" The dragon laughed "GarThog remembers dat, so long ago". The sage spoke on for over an hour, telling of wars fought as the dragon raised an army and defended his lands, conquered towns, laid siege to villages and castles, then finally, started collecting tithes from those villages. The visions changed to another time. The dragon was fighting and at times, talking, in a very large tavern, that had a giant in. He was often talking to a beautiful woman, and listening intently to her. Then, they changed again, as the sage described them. Less war and death, no more devouring of meats, instead, the dragon was teaching others and being far nicer. A scene of a stable being described, with goblins tending to thoroughbreds, and racetracks. The dragon was collecting vast amounts of coins from bets upon the horses, as others frowned at his success. Until a scene was detailed of signs going up, saying "No Dragons Allowed!" at that race track.The dragon shook his head, remembering how they were upset because he had more wealth acquired as an individual, than any group or other individual ever had, and they hated that he purchased treasures at their auctions.
The sage then started upon GarThogs time in the Heart. The sage chuckled as he looked at the orb. Then, he was laughing so hard, he could not speak. Finally pulling himself together, he released the ball and spoke, "Oh this is too much! I can hardly believe it as I see it! These are your allies? They demand you heal, while you fight. When you heal, they wail that you are not fighting!", he chuckled more; "So when you do one thing they demand you do another thing you are talented at, yet you do that, they then complain you are not doing what you had done originally". The dragon nodded, "Aye! Dey did dat, yes". The sage shook his head with a huge grin "It seems they expected you to only do as they desired at the time and they were too chaotic to want the same behavior from escapade to escapade. I must say, it was funny to see!". The dragon just sighed, remembering all that, "Yes GarThog said he wanted a bow once... so one ran out, grabbed it... and claimed it as their own. Same with the head of our first kill and an ice sickle thrower" . "Oh, and when you said you would like that bow... one really dashed for it?". The dragon simply replied "yes". The sage shook his head, then touched the ball again "oooohhhhh! I see you learned! You started grabbing what you wanted and not saying it aloud. Seems you built up a huge pile of gear doing that. hmm", the sage released the orb, "What was this constant conflict with this big, dumb-looking northener?". "Oh, Fenris? That one destroyed statuary in a graveyard. Old, sculptures. Just because he was in an enemy village". The sage nodded, "I see, I see. You do not mind taking things from crypys and graveyards, but oppose destruction?". The dragon nodded to that vehemently. "Why does it look like you are taking pointless objects at times?". The dragon smiled "Wha looks pointless is useful later... da chains GarThog took down from a curtain of chains... GarThog used recently to tie up a prisoner. But... an evil one in da group slaughtered the restrained prisoner. Da rope covered in bat guano, it will burn nicely sometime, when a fuse is needed to ignite oil". The sage turned his head slightly, thinking. "Yes... yes, that would actually work" then nodded in agreement. "It seems you are maybe... obsessed with taking things that you come across". He touched the ball again and watched in silence, until speaking again, "Books, scrolls, artwork, gem stones... valuable things, maybe. But jars? beakers, tongs, a mortar and pestle, a set of tubes and a holder for them?". The dragon nodded "alchemical supplies... GarThog found in da ingredients and objects, prepared alchemical fire. A valuable mixture!". The sage smiled more and nodded "Seems you started grabbing things to get what you want, since otherwise, your so called allies would take them and you would get nothing. Now, you seem to just do it as a learned reaction". The dragon shook his head "We have some dat would destroy for no reason. GarThog takes things to save da tings. Art, books... even simple objects, should no be destroyed wif no reason". The stage stared at the dragon for half a minute before speaking "I see. You seem like one who may be interested in a group I know of. They feel much the same about ancient objects. I'll try to send one to speak with you. Oh, and our reading is done". The dragon thanked him and headed for the door, to step out into the night.

     Still in the Sables, the dragon began to head home. Darkness had fallen, but in the Sables, the area was clean and lanterns lighted the way. As the dragon was walking back towards the guarded area from whence he entered, an oerweight man dressed in silken finery, with a full, red beard and moustache stepped from a door directly in his path. The dragon came to an abrupt halt. "What the bloody hell? A dragon? On the very streets? And as black as night?". The dragon tilted his head, then gave that snarl-like smile as he replied, "Streets are made to be traversed" and the dragon made a fist, thumped his chest, and said "GarThog". The fat man blinked, then laughed "Oh, I've heard a bit of ye! The peoples friend. Some e'en call you the peoples champion, here in Sarkotos. I am Lord Alfred Von Schlassenbraun, close personal friend to Prince Albion Riverlan of Sarkotos!". The dragon recognized the name of the younger prince, and nodded to the man, surprised at the praise he gave to the dragon. Champion of the people? Sure, he healed a few and employed several, but had done nothing to be considered a champion as yet. "Tis a pleasure to meet ye, milord. Art thou partaking of residency within the royal residency?". Lord Alfred clutched his belly and laughed, "aye! Aye, thet I am! By Albions insistance.". Before the dragon could reply, a well dressed woman an out into the street, only partially dressed, carrying a small child, screaming, "GET A PHYSICIAN! GET A PHYSICIAN AT ONCE!". The Lord and the dragon both started to walk towards the woman. Seeing a dragon, she dropped the small boy, changing her scream to "A DRAGON IS GOING TO EAT MY SON! hELP! HEEELLLPPP!!!" and rushing off towards the gateway. The Lord stopped, watching her, shaking his head mumbling "Damn fool woman". The dragon walked over to the boy, wrapped in a blanket and opened the blanket enwrapping the child. He looked to be nine or ten, maybe, had on short pants, the legs going to just below the knee. He wore no shirt, but had a huge bruise upon his side. The dragon looked over that bruise and said lowly "Broken ribs. Easy to repair". The dragon rubbed his hands together, then placed a palm lightly upon the the bruise as a faint light began to emanate from his palm. The light glowed brighter, then soaked into the bruise, As the light faded, so did the bruise and the young boy opened his eyes "what's goin on?". The dragon did that smile-snarl and said softly "Thou broketh thine ribs... GarThog healed thee". The boy blinked a few times, "You talk funny". The dragon then switched his accent "GarThog healed da broken ribs. Better now, yes?". The boy nodded and smiled "Thank you master Thog". The dragon shook his head. "No... no Master... and name is GarThog". The boy nodded "Okay, thank you GarThog". The Lord then comments "Good man, good man, GarThog".  Again, before the dragon could say welcome, the screaming woman returned. This time with half a dozen guards. "THERE! THERE HE IS! HE IS TRYING TO EAT MY SON!". The Lord stepped in immediately, "This woman is crazed. The great dragon here healed her injured child. He had some bruising on his side". The woman stopped screaming and halted in her tracks. The guards ceased their onrushing pace, and looked at the lord, then the dragon and the smiling child, who waved, saying "I feel much better". After a brief discussion, the dragon was thanked and politely escorted back to the gateway out of the Sables. He headed back to his shop, his home, for the night.
(End part 3 of the (mis)Adventures, part II of the Aura of Strength).

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Found Contradictions

     The morning started out quite normal for GarThog. He started the day by checking on the dog he had to train and then the horses. He had them fairly well trained thus far, so worked on the unison run forward, stop, jump and so on, before starting with the dog. The horses seemed easy to train. They always learned quickly for the dragon. He was quite happy that he had a deal with a stable to bring in steady cash. The building was still going on with his shop expansion. Maybe he would have the largest combination shop in the city. As he worked, his mind wandered to expanding to other cities in Sarkotos. Hours passed, as the workmen put up walls, dug out a basement and started work on the very roof itself.

     He started out still in human form this day. He decided to not just go to the sages, but to explore a few areas in the market district. He would see the shops and possibly go in a few, to ask about prices and inquire about goods. He gave a nod to a guard he knew and a friendly smile to a passing seamstress, as he walked along thinking. So much to do and so little time. He finally arrived at what looked like a warehouse. The sign outside said "Rushhollow Monsters". He tried the door, but... it was locked. A sign stated that the shop was currently "Closed". What a wasted walk. Across the town to just find a locked door. So on he went. His next stop, he simply looked in a large window and tried to not drool. He would see if Maria could make some of the thing that were sold at "Sweets and Treats". He spent far too much time there, just looking at all the tasty morsels. Onwards to "The Sullen Sage" he headed. He arrived at the door and gave a tug. The door did not give way. Then, he noticed another sign, "Gone to Find Answers. Return in a Fortnight.". This day was not turning out very well. He decided to try another shop and began walking through the slightly crowded street. A hand fell upon his shoulder, "You GarThog, the dragon?". He turned around to see a short man, standing only five foot four, wearing a gray hooded cloak, a gray coat, gray pants and black boots. The hood was up, hiding the face, the voice deep and abrasive, no weapons were seen upon the mysterious man. Whilst in human form, he nodded to the man. At least this one was clearly a man, he thought, unlike the stranger who had followed him yesterday. "The sage sent me. I understand", he paused, then spoke in Castillon "that you enjoy the beauty of antiquities". The dragon in human form smiled. His helm of comprehend languages allowed him to understand the tongue used and reply in kind: "Aye. GarThog hates to ever see things that have withstood the wear of time to be destroyed in the present, and their existence ended". The man nodded, then spoke in Celestial, "Yes, a shame, a true shame, when old things that should be treasured by all are destroyed by the foolish". Oh, the dragon liked this man. His views seemed to match the dragons exactly. GarThog replied in that tongue, "Far more than that" and switched to goblin "No matter the creature, the objects should not be destroyed". The man chuckled then and shook his head, speaking now in common, :A fellow linguist is good to find. But what of evil items and cursed trinkets, hmm?". The dragon did not hesitate, "No matter the object, if a way can be found to save it, the treasure should be saved". The man nodded, then looked around, before replying in Ancient, "There is a group that believes just that. We are rarely seen or known. Perhaps, one day, if you continue with this view of preserving the creations of old, you, GarThog, will be asked to join the Order of Priori Historicus ". A group that shared his views? This idea was an utter surprise to him. He was not the only being who thought as he did? He replied to the man "Oh... that... would be an honour. GarThog had no idea such a group truly existed, only heard rumours". The man nodded, then said in common "I shall now be off" and true to his word, he departed, having never given his name.

     The dragon stood still, watching the man go round a corner. At least something good had happened this day. He was soon underway to the next stage, when he saw an argument between a human andan elf at the doorway of a shop. The two argued, one pushed the other, the other went on in. The dragon looked at the sign above the shops' door and saw a bow, an arrow and in bright blue paint "Falkon Feather", He would remember that shop and maybe talk to the owner sometime, but now, he was intent on finding the next sage. There were, after all, only two left on his list. He went through the wealthier stores, noticing one along his way of thinking, "Cybal's Sundries" was its' name. He liked the silken cord, silver bell, fancy cat collar and gold handled scalpel beneath a small, glass case, sitting on a table outside the shop. He suspected that case and bell were held down or secured from theft in some way, but the owner clearly collected things like he did. Next, he passed "Icabods Ingenius Imaginings", wondering what they sold, but did not pause to enter. He knew if he stopped at these interesting shops, he would get distracted from his goal. Soon he was near the sage, but a man started talking at him "Do you prefer white or red wine sir? Dry? Sweet? Just tell me, and I will give you a free taste of our great wines!". Free wine? Okay, that made the dragon stop, "White, sweet" he said in response. "Ahhhhhh! Yes Yes! One moment!" and the man dashed over to a set of bottles upon a table with wooden little cups stacked beside them. He lifted one and put it back, then a second, finally, a third, uncorked it, took a wooden cup and poured some wine in. Then, he dashed back to GarThog, "This is Kallasian White! Very very sweet! I am Erandior Calvasion, wine proprieteer extraordinaire! Note the cup has a glass interior and my mark upon the outside. Keep it as a momento of the fine wine this day!" and the man simply stared. "Thank you" said GarThog, before lifting the cup, swirling the wine within, then sniffing the bouquet. Next, he took a small sip and nodded slightly, thrice "Mmm excellent. Very good". The man called Erandior smiled, "Would you care to order a bottle or perhaps a case, good sir?". The dragon in human form smiled but said "What was the name of the wine?". "Kallasian White. This year. The very best in the wine of the new age, Only five gold a bottle". GarThog would recall the name, "GarThog will ask Maria to order a case for the inn". The man seemed pleased, smiling hugely "Oh, very good very good! Thank you sir! Take the cup, so she recognizes the dealer". The dragon gave a nod, and then, headed on his way. As he neared the Sage, seeing the door, he saw the shop beyond, "The Gilded Parchment". He would need to visit that store too, sometime.

     But now, it was time to visit one of the last two sages left. The building was small in diameter, but built like a tower. A sign outside showed a rolled up scroll, a second with two ends, stretched out then a book. Open the stretched out section it said "Answers by Skarzak" with the k looking like a lightning bolt. GarThog was seeking answers, so opened the door and looked in. He saw two beautiful young women, one a blond, reading an old tome by a window that let in light. The other was carrying three scrolls in her arms to a table, hair a bright red, and she looked at GarThog and said "One moment there sir!". She placed the scrolls upon the table and approached, "How may we help you sir?" with a very large and bright smile. GarThog smiled back and said "GarThog has questions on the five Lords, or Five masters, who were apprentices to a superior master they served". She lifted a finger to the tip of her nose, eyes looking up, to the left, "Hmm... that could be magic... or history. I'll consult the master and mistress and they will decide who should speak to you. Come this way". She turned and wiggled as she walked to a door and opened it. There was a small room, with six chairs, which looked very comfortable with their padding, a large window, letting sunlight flow in, and a large table with a lone tome upon it. GarThog walked in and sat in the sunlight to await the sage. It was only a few minutes before he was surprised. In came two humans, possibly in their late twenties or early thirties, both blondes, with blue eyes, one male the other female. The male started, "Oh, Mister GarThog", the female continued "we have decided to both aid you with your questions", the male finished "for one low price". The pair of sages spoke with GarThog, and he asked for any information they might have on the five who killed the one, their master. The male began "Some say the five will live only one hundred years after the death of their master",the female added "Others believe the hundred years was just the time of invulnerability, guaranteed time". Male then says "Some say the five killed the one" to which the female stated "others believe only the one can slay the five, for good". The male then smiled "It is one belief that the One, if revieved, will bring great evil to the world" the female added "But some think only the one, once revived, can kill the five". The dragon was listening... and getting a headache. The stories had similarities, but huge differences as well. Each view had a part that conflicted, was the exact opposite, of the other. Yet, there was no way to know if either had any truth at all, or if it did, to what degree. The male then said "Some say the hundred years has come to an end already" to which the female stated "others that the hundred years ends on the night of the moon", the male continued "and another view says it extends slightly past that date". This was not very helpful, GarThog thought, until the male commented "all seem to agree that they are necromancers and have revived the dead" to which the female had to add "while they, themselves... a few are undead, a lich, a vampire and a revenant. But, no one can very this". The dragon nodded, paid the gold and went on his way, with a successful days work, thus far, with only one sage left, as well as a huge headache.

[Deleted]

Knowledge Equals Power

(Note- This AoS and segment involving the Five takes place before the 2 2 part adventures and conclusion of that storyline. The Epilogue catches us up to the current time.)

     GarThog had stepped out of the sages place, where he had found two together, instead of only one. He started to walk across the town to the other, last, remaining sage, when he heard "pssst!... Hey, bud!". Well, of course he turned around to see who might be trying to get his attention. GarThog saw an older looking human, dressed in ragged clothing that looked older than the wearer. His hair was short and gray, as was the stubble upon his face. The man stood a mere two inches taller than GarThog, at five foot five, and had no weapons on him. Holes decorated his clothing and even the low boots he wore. The dragon in human form looked him over briefly "Yes?" expecting the man to be a beggar, but you never knew. The gray haired man looked left, then right, "You lookin for information on the five?". The dragon was a bit surprised. Did everyone know he was inquiring about them? "Yes, GarThog seeks information on them". The man extended a hand, "It'll cost ya". GarThog sighed. At least he carried gold in human form, even if it was just a little, and did not need to use magic. He reached into a pouch, pulled out a gold coin and placed it in the mans' hand. He looked at the gold, rubbed his thumb over it, then lifted it to his mouth and gave a light bite, pulled it out and looked at the indentation from his teeth, "It's not gonna disappear on me is it now?". It seemed this one knew a few of the tricks some annoying folks used to cheat others; "No, dat is from GarThogs' shop. It is good". He nodded in reply "For one gold, ya get... lets see... the five were five in number. They are old. They use dead bodies, supposedly. Want more?" the empty hand was extended again. "How much for better information?" GarThog asked politely. "Hmm... ten gold would be good" the old man answered. GarThog reached into his pouch, pulling forth ten gold coins, one at a time, placing each in the mans' hand. "Well, rumour has it... one, that they will return with an army of obedient followers. And two, a legendary creature, a dracolich, will be in the mix. Ya know what that is?". GarThog nodded. That was new information indeed. The old man gave a nod "Have a good day now, lad" and moved quickly through the crowds, being quite spry for his appearance. GarThog then continued on his way to the final sage.

     Moving through the streets, he stopped to aid a limping man. It seemed the poor fellow had injured himself while working on a roof. He landed upon his feet when falling off a ladder, but sprained the overly fragile ankle. With some simple wrapping, from the mans own clothing, the ankle was bandaged and a touch of healing energy aided in the soon to be fine recovery. Next notable encounter was a scantily clad young woman, whose breasts were nearly popping out of her top as she approached and asked "Hiya! Lookin for some fun, guy?". GarThog shook his head no and continued on. Then, he saw a bad pickpocket take a purse from what looked like a very wealthy man. GarThog thought a moment, but decided, the wealthy had excess gold, the thief did not, so why interfere? Laws did not give the thief more of the mans gold to use to live, so the man was helping himself without using violence. So, GarThog headed on, until he reached a small shop, with an oaken door with iron fittings. The sign upon it said "Sage" and nothing more. So, GarThog opened the door, looked inside and stepped in.

     Although small, the first room was very luxuriously decorated. There were pictures on the walls of various types of dragons, in different scenery: the common black, white, the less common green and blue, the copper, silver and gold, and even the crystaline dragons were painted and hung upon the walls here. The chairs, of which there were four, were padded arm chairs, looking well kept, regardless of their age. A light went on as GarThog entered, allowing clear viewing of the rooms contents. A lone old man stood there, human in appearance, smiling, dressed in a purple robe, silk, with a gray belt and a short gray beard but bald head, wearing spectacles with a voice that was clear and seemed young, "Yes, can I help you?". The dragon in human form nodded twice and said to the man "GarThog seeks information on the five". The mans' eyes widened, the smile broadened, and he closed the tome he had in his hands, with a golden coloured bookmark hanging from it, "GarThog? GARTHOG? Did you say GarThog? Our local heroic black dragon?". Well, GarThog had to smile hearing such praise as he nodded again, "Yes... GarThog seeks knowledge". The man looked energized now. He started to move left, towards a door into his other rooms, then right towards GarThog, then in the middle, towards the four chairs and ornate oaken table, and then stopped, "Wait wait!". He paused a moment to collect himself and gather his thoughts, holding up a lone finger.

     He was finally ready to continue, "I've been meaning to seek you out! But, I keep getting distracted", he waved one arm faintly to the left in a gesture, "and never seem to get to it. Do you think you could possibly change into a dragon for me? Outside, of course. I'd love to see the actual change take place". The man was definitely curious, but GarThog was there for information on the five, or six, if one included their master, not to give information again, "Mayhaps later. Now, GarThog seeks knowledge of da five". "The Five? Other than there are really six, and the sixth was the teacher, the master of the five, and... that will be either a payment in gold, or spending time talking to me after I tell you the scant knowledge I have on them". Was the dragon saving gold, or just enjoying the idea of talking more and possibly spreading his fame whilst gaining knowledge? "GarThog will be pleased to stay, if food and drink are provided". The sage nodded with a smile and continued; "Well, there had been six, a master and five apprentices. The master taught the five alchemical ideas, to create his idea of superior guards, undead guards. I have two tomes corroborating this idea. After they thought they had learned all they could, the five supposedly killed the master, Vi'do'wen, then cut the body into five parts, each taking one section. There was one section with a chest and arm. Some say abdomen, too. A leg with the groin, the other leg, the other arm, and of course, the head. Some think that each of the five may be nicknamed after the piece they took, that the one with the skull, Kaput, was called the head, and so forth". The dragon in human form tried to not chuckle, thinking what that would make the nickname of the one with the groin. The sage finished, "That is what I know of the five. Undead creators who strive for immortality. Oh, and are expected, by some, to return with the great astronomical event that is coming this very year. Now, let us step outside. I wish to see you do a transformation into a black dragon". GarThog nodded, and headed outside with the sage in tow.

     Once outside, the sage leaned against the wall of his shop and home to better enjoy the start of the show. GarThog moved out into the walkway, the street, to have more room. He tried to avoid transforming in public, but this was a special request, after all. GarThog stood there and concentrated. His body began to shake, quiver and even the air around him seemed to move outwards, away from the small, human body. Small scales began to protrude from the skin, initially as beads of black, like a plague, then the beads slowly spread forth, assuming the shape of a tower shield-like scale that was attached to the skin at its' top with the next scale overlapping the previous scale. From his posterior came forth a stub, which grew faster than the scales, reaching down to the ground, with a spiked ball tip on the tails end. The sage was walking around GarThog during the transformation, gasping at the sight before him. The fingers on the human hand had looked normal, the fingers slightly thin and long, but now, the middle finger elongated as the thumb moved up, as if that space, between thumb and forefinger, did not enlarge. The palm did not grow as much as the rest of the hand during the transformation. The fingernails grew thicker, and moved, not just forwards, but back two knuckles in length while wrapping about half way around the finger, like a shielding barrier. The tips grew outwards in length, gaining strength and hardness, as well as sharpness. At the length of an inch, the slight curve of the talon-claws could easily be seen by anyone looking. The head itself altered, the jaw and nose extending, the teeth growing in size, as the scales covered the face and the neck extended greatly to nearly two feet on its own, as the ears became covered by scales, enlarging but withdrawing into the flesh behind those scales. But, the transformation stopped, leaving the dragon standing only about seven foot tall without the neck extended, and the spiked ball being the size of a softball, but with spikes added to it, resembling the head of a morningstar. GarThog looked confused, and concentrated. The transformation continued as the sage said "Oh. Oh! Oh my!". A half minute passed before the legs and arms grew longer, the head and teeth enlarged as did the body, while the tail expanded greatly in width and length.

     The sage had his jaw hanging down. The dragon thought this was just an everyday occurrence, but the sage seemed shocked, "You, it.. there... oh my!". The dragon chuckled, looking at the man, "GarThog changes nearly every day". The sage wiped his brow, collecting his thoughts nodding. Finally, after three minutes he spoke, as he walked back, looking over the tail "You are an unusual specimen. A collection of the more unusual aspects of dragonkind". The dragon smiled, he already knew he was very different from most. "Do you realize..." the sage walked around the other side, examining the back and scales then the side "the combination of parts... these are very unusual! A dragon with two is rare, one is unusual". The dragon tilted his head, "Oh? Jus wha is unusual physically about GarThog?". The sage was now near the front, shaking his head "Duck down, so I may see your head, ears and teeth, please". GarThog lowered his head so that the rather pleased sage could look him in the eyes. "Ohhhh! Ahhh." came from the sage as he looked, then he stepped back "Open the mouth please". The dragon asked first "wha is so strange?" then opened his large maw. The sage leaned close, closer... even placing his head in the dragons mouth, it seemed, before withdrawing, taking two steps back "Hands please. I'll answer after I've seen it all". The dragon closed his mouth and held out his right hand, "GarThog has learned to fight better wif da claws". The sage nodded as he grabbed the hand, tugging on fingers, bending them, rubbing the talons, stroking the claws lightly, testing the digits flexibility, "Breath acid, not fire, yes?". The dragon nodded "Yes, Blacks breathe acid". The sage had a huge grin then, "Resume humanoid form, I mean human form, we will go back in and I'll start telling you of dragons and why you are quite the find, while my assistant fetches us food and drink" said with the utmost glee in his voice.

     After the transformation, reentry and a brief talk on food and drink, the young woman, the sages assistant, went out to get the meal for the two men. The sage began by scratching his head, then smiled, "Okay, we shall start... with your strangest part. The tail". The woman had poured the man a drink, which he lifted to his lips, savoring the brandy before beginning with his knowledgable information on dragons, "Dragon tails come in several forms, you see. I have studied all about dragons. There are various tail types. The more common types are the straight tails with nothing special to it, the spade end and the triangle tip. Then, there are the unusual tail forms,the club, the ball, the pointed, like a spear, and the whip tail. The rarest, though, are... the hook tail, like a grappling hook, the sharpened half discus, the morningstar, the ax head and double ax head and the prehensile tail that uses objects. Oh, and very rare two and three pronged pitchfork or trident type and the pincher, like a lobsters claw". He paused to catch his breath, then tossed out "By the way, your scales are the normal shield type scale, looking like a tower shield, no point on the bottom. Some dragons have scales that have a point on the bottom. There are also round scales, and even the rarest, the crescent moon scale. Then, your feet are more the norm, as well. While you have the five toes, close together, like a humanoid, with talons, some have toes that are just like fingers, with a thumb. Others have fewer toes than five, four and even three. Some have no claws on the back feet, others do. Next, let us discuss claws. No, wait, I'll save that for last!" as he said that, his female assistant returned with a large bowl of stuffed grape leaves for the dragon and a bowl of steamed vegetables for the sage. As the dragon took the bowl with a thanks, and started to eat, the sage declined, and continued "Have you noticed, other creatures have wings too? Your wings are relatively normal. The rarest would be the feathered wing. Few dragons supposedly have those. Most have the bat-like wings as you do. Your wing claws are a bit abnormal, but the location of wing claws do vary, on those who have them and the type of claws can also be rather different. Many dragons do not even have wing claws at all. But then, there are colourations and various types of dragons. Even dragons who fly without wings. They simply float up in the air through magic. You know, there are the basic coloured dragons, although the purple is the rarest of all, I do believe. Then, the crystaline dragons, the elemental dragons, whose bodies are made of the element completely, the sea dragons, the faerie dragons, the metallic dragons and, well, there are just so many types of dragons, most are rarely ever seen nor even heard of by most people". GarThog nodded slowly when the sage paused, absorbing the information. He had not really ever thought of all the different types there might be, and the types seemed innumerable to him. Thus, the sage continued again, "The more serpentine dragons have no wings, a rare few have no arms, looking more like a giant snake. But the normal body type is four limbs, plus two wings, a tail, a neck and a head. Of course, a few may have no tail, no wings, four wings, multiple tails and heads, no neck or even fewer or numerous limbs. Those reported with these stranger oddities may be just lone mutations, or a new sub class of that dragon type. Only time will tell. I even read of one ancient account of a dragon with hooves. There are many forms and types and variations of dragons. Rather like humans, being divided by skin colour, hair colour, eye colour, finger length and so on", the sage smiled at that idea, wondering if, some day, another species would study humans, or humanoids in general, as he now studied dragons. GarThog nodded when the sage paused for a short time, as the assistant returned, giving GarThog a stein of mead to drink now, as he continued to eat the grape leaves.

     "Oh, also... most dragons eat other intelligent humanoids, but the good dragons tend to not do so, or only rarely, like in combat, to scare enemy forces. Diet varies greatly from each individual, not just a generalization based upon colouration", the sage smiled, thinking he was stating the obvious with that comment. "But, I digress. You are so unusual because of many things, one, I noticed when you were changing, was that delay time in the transformation". GarThog nodded and replied, "GarThog has been having a harder time recently, taking dragon and human form". The sage nodded once, curtly, "Some dragons only have dragon and human form, some dragon and elven, others, rarer, take other humanoid races. But, some can take various forms. These forms can be in various sizes. I even hear of a dragon that could take a human form that could fit in a mouse hole, and become as large as a Titan. I believe that you, yes you, GarThog, may be able to learn to take more forms. How many can you take now?". Garthog blinked, then lowly said "only two... human and dragon..." The sage blinked in surprise, then smiled even more hugely than before, "I believe you could learn to take various forms, and many sizes. But, it would take time. Oh, and practice, of course. Are you, perhaps" the last word extended in a higher pitch, then the next few spoken quickly in the normal tone, "interested in learning to do that, more transformations of the body?". The sage then paused as he awaited a reply. The dragon in human form smiled nearly as largely as the sage, "ooohhh yesss, GarThog likes dat idea... take more forms, more sizes, be larger and larger, or small as a mouse!". The sage chuckled, "Well, I cannot say how large or small you might be able to be, but, by practicing, training really, you should be able to learn to transform quickly and into more than just the two forms you have now. Would you be interested... in my assistance, to watch and document it all, as you learn these new forms? I would even find locations for you to do so, such as the city arena. Oh, and you should, of course, try doing it in the nude, so no outside magic influences your attempts". GarThog nodded, smiling still, "Dat sounds wonnerful... GarThog learning to take udder forms, more sizes, better versatility... Sage documents andaids... and will feed GarThog during dis, yes?". The sage nodded. "oh, of course!". GarThog, still smiling, nodded back, "Den it will be so. It is agreed". The sage was then bouncing in his seat, excited beyond belief with his good fortune. A time was then agreed upon and a location, to begin this training.
(Thus, the increase to 3D, Knowledge IS power, after all)

Epilogue - As time went on, the dragon returned to visit the sage quite often. After the fall of the five, most days included a visit to the sage, or a location the sage had chosen, including the town arena, outside the sages home, outside the towns gates, the noble district and even the poorest, roughest part of Navahla. GarThog would practice his transformations, at first taking the shape of dragon and human faster than before. After the five fell, about two weeks after, the sage convinced GarThog to try other forms. Through time and practice, GarThog learned to take other forms, but not as quickly as his base two (taking a full round, for the medium form, and nearly a round for the other two). The dragon still attempts to learn other forms with the Sages influence (With comments like "You nearly have it! Try making the tail longer. The ball larger. The claws thinker. Widen those scales. You need the scales thicker. The ears look more protected with the hood", etc.

    GarThog currently has five forms, and is working on others, but only mastered two. These forms are described below, with his original 2 listed first.

Mastered:

Human - 5'3" human form. Regular human body, short in height, black hair, green tinted eyes, not weak in form, nor overly muscular.

Large Black dragon - About 12' at shoulders, 38' 4" long dragon form, from tip of snout to tip of spiked tail, black in colour. Shield shaped scales, spiked ball tail size 36", bat-like wings with claws, slightly unusual head shape, no apparent ears and fingers with talons, middle finger being longer, palm like a human, thumb closer to the fingers, talons/claws slightly curved going first up from the hand then curving to come back nearly level with the fingers if the hand was palm down on a table (allowing the ability to lift objects without poking them with claws, yet still swing the talons as a deadly weapon). Breath, of course, being acid.

New Form 1 Unmastered - Medium sized black dragon. A mere 12'5" in length, from tip of snout to tip of spiked tail, black in colour. 4'7" at the shoulders, Shield shaped scales, spiked ball tail size 1', bat-like wings with claws, slightly unusual head shape, ears small surrounded by a hood (like a cobras) and fingers with talons, middle finger being longer, palm like a human, thumb closer to the fingers, talons/claws slightly curved going first up from the hand then curving to come back nearly level with the fingers if the hand was palm down on a table (allowing the ability to lift objects without poking them with claws, yet still swing the talons as a deadly weapon). Breath weapon is acidic.

New Form 2 Unmastered - Small sized Black Dragon 2'9" at the shoulders, length of 7'6", from tip os snout to end point of the tail. Shield shaped scales, spiked ball tail size 4", bat-like wings with claws, the claws larger, like long knives or short daggers, slightly unusual head shape, ears large, surrounded by a hood (like a cobras but twice as large) and fingers with talons, middle finger being longer, palm like a human, thumb closer to the fingers but further apart than the medium and large dragon forms, talons/claws slightly curved going first up from the hand then curving to come back nearly level with the fingers if the hand was palm down on a table (allowing the ability to lift objects without poking them with claws, yet still swing the talons as a deadly weapon). Breath weapon is acidic.

New Form 3 Unmastered - Dragon Human mix, Looking like a 6'11" humanoid, the neck is nearly a foot of that height. The wings are still batlike and extend barely further than the arms stretched out. The wing claws appear as knives, while the tail is close to 4' long, ending with the spiked ball, about 1' 7" in diameter. While the fingers are the same, except the thumb is nearly unchanged from human form except for a small talon, and the middle finger is a quarter inch longer than the human norm. The ears are slightly enlarged with a small framing hood the size of a human hand being placed thumb behind the ear, cupping it, but of course, more rounded in shape. The nose juts out with the jaw about 5" and the teeth are pointed. The eyes are more slitted than a human, but not as much as a normal dragon. Scales cover the skin, black in colour, allowing good camouflage in darkness. The breath weapon is available and is acidic.

[Deleted]

Just a Day at the Shop (written Feb. 21, but I forgot to post)

     Kerrog went over to GarThogs shop, to inquire about why he had not been asked to fill any orders recently. GarThog was in his human form, playing with a few different pieces of eyeware; goggles, gems, glasses and even a mask that would cover the face. He looked up at Kerrog with one of those sets of goggles upon his face.

"Good day to you, GarThog. I was curious as to why I have not been getting any orders through you, to you know, make things for others".

     The dragon in human form tilted his head, looking the man over. The goggles created a colour around Kerrog, an aura of redness, "Is Kerrog... wearing dat demon tongue GarThog traded to Kerrog?".

The priest blinked, surprised by that inquiry, "Well yes, why do you ask?"

     GarThog nodded, "GarThog has dese goggles dat put auras of colours around people, telling if dey are good or evil".

     "Ohhh. well, yes, I wear the tongue. But as a priest of Mirk, the death god, many would consider me evil. I always look out for myself first and foremost. Because in the Heart, you never know if any can be trusted".

     GarThog thought about that comment in silence. Kerrog smiled, seeing he had found a point to tear into the dragons idea of Goodness within the Heart. But then, the dragon spoke up "Some can be trusted. Da ghost elf is usually nice. She has helped GarThog. Dorian aids often".

     Kerrog chuckled, "I don't know who the ghost elf is, but Dorian? The man with the undead who takes over minds? I've heard a lot about him. He controls the minds of others, you know".

     GarThog nodded, "Yes, Dorian takes control of da minds of our enemies. It is very useful. GarThog has seen his undead before. Why?".

     "Do you think their spirits are willing to be brought back as slaves to the necromancer? Would you consider that a good action, enslaving the dead? Do you think, if he so desired, he would not, or has not, even... swayed you in the past?"

     GarThog paused, as usual, thinking about that idea, before responding. Kerrog continued, "Some here profess to be good. Is it good, to risk yourself to save a fallen comrade? Is it good to run, when a comrade falls, after yelling that you would see that they all get through a passage way? The saving was not done, the leaving was. Is it good to allow one ally to kill another? Or, to kill an ally?".

     "Wait..." the dragon said, thinking in his weaker form. Then, he spoke anew, "GarThog no knows of dese tings Kerrog speaks of. GarThog no got involved in da fight Dorian had, because both parties sought it, and neither died".

     That response was news to Kerrog, so he played it off with a smile, "I see. Ask your one crafter, Kragnartok. He was slain by Raufak the half orc, while fighting these imps. No one came to his aid, and Maria issued no punishment for it".

     GarThog looked shocked by that idea. Usually, Maria enforced those rules on not killing each other.

     Kerrog continued, "One left the cow headed noble behind when he fell, in the Scarred Lands, after the others had gone through. No one questioned his actions at all. So who acts more good? Think a moment. One who abandons the fallen allies? One who kills an ally in battle, and no, no mind control was done. Or, am I more evil, because I believe in death as the ultimate power, the greatest being existing is Mirk, the god of death. I watch out for myself, so some call me evil. I do not kill my allies though. So tell me, with out magical aid... using that dragon mind of yours... which is the evil here?".

     "If dere was no good reason... " the dragon started, "killing an ally is evil... yes. Leaving a fallen ally, if dey have done no wrong and might be saveable... could be evil. It depends on many udder tings too".

     "Remember GarThog... actions speak louder than words. You are one of the most famous heroes in the land now. Yet, you think an evil person who looks out for their own welfare, without harming others, is an evil threat to your version of goodness, but that evil actions in your own group, by others, you can just look away from and ignore? Allow the evil ones with power to bully and even kill those who are weaker without avenging the weaker, for the wrongs done? Or do you think that good has nothing to do with justice?".

     As if on cue, the short dwarf, Kragnartok walked into the shop, whistling, "Have any work for me? If not, I'll need a gold loan next week, I think".

     Both men looked at the dwarf. GarThog spoke next, "GarThog knows of one you can start on. Wha is dis about an evil half orc killing Kragnartok, on a job for da Heart, when da half orc was to be an ally?".

"Oh, yeah. Bastard hit me while I was killing the demon things and chasin em. Caught me by surprise".

"Did Maria warn him about killing allies? Dat is suppose to be grounds for removal".

     The dwarf shook his head, "Not that I know of. Nothing was ever done about it at all. Least she bothered to bring me back though. You just can't trust your teammates here".

     GarThog sighed, "GarThog can be trusted. GarThog has yet to try to harm an ally. Even avoid fighting dem, when dey push for it. GarThog tries to remain good".

     Kragnartok had a huge smile then, "The Heart is not good. Most here are mercenaries. I joined to find a hero to do stories about. I have only saw one hero on any of the trips I went on, under Maria's orders. Others know this. Even had an orc hire a bunch of us to kill some paladins for supposedly, a few gold coins".

"Kragnartok killed paladins?" That certainly had GarThogs attention.

     "Not I. I tried to break this magic bell, and made one guy drop his hammer. But the others... especially that new demon beast, Ella. She took delight in killing the paladins. I even warned em all, the orcs would not even pay. And they were gone when we returned", he chuckled "Orcs left with out payin us, just as I said they would. I wanted to just slaughter the orcs from the start".

     Kerrg then added, "Actions tell more if one is evil, in a bad way. Stand idly by and let such things occur means allowing the evil you hate tooverwhelm the Heart. I am nt the villian here, GarThog".

     GarThog sighed hearing that. Was the Heart tipping towards evil? Maybe it was time for a force for good to appear. A force to bring Good back to the heart. To start removing the betrayers, instead of allowing them to continue causing evil and chaos within the Heart. To start eradicating the evil powers in the Heart that harmed their own allies, that seemed like a worthy cause. A hero with a mission was truly a dangerous thing.