Arelith: Dragons of the Archipelago
Author: Adelyn Belle'rose
Rozen Chalice Publishing, a division of East Arelith Trading
Original Publication: 175 AR
Revised & Updated Edition: Hammer, 187 AR
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"The Arelith Antiquarian Society is instituted to examine, preserve, and publish all antiquities connected with the art, language, literature, and history of the Arelith Archipelago. Articles bearing this notation have been selected for conservation regardless of race, faith, alignment, or affiliation. While all efforts have been made to ensure the information within is accurate regarding the subject matter covered, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein, whether such errors or omissions are the result of negligence, accident, or any other cause. If errors, inaccuracies, or omissions are discovered, please contact the author who will address the issue."
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INTRODUCTION
In my relentless exploration of Arelith, I have been continually astounded by the sheer prevalence of dragons, both in their physical presence and in the remains they have left scattered across the archipelago. It is a fascination that has consumed me, an obsession driven by an insatiable thirst to comprehend the creatures that so profoundly shape our world. Guided by the records of those who came before, I have meticulously gathered my findings into this compendium. Each page the product of personal exploration, commissioned surveyors, and countless hours combing through historical records. May this work not only preserve the legacy of these magnificent beings but also serve as a valuable guide for future generations.
WYRMSCALE RECKONING
The Wyrmscale Reckoning, devised by the esteemed scholars of the Arelith Antiquarian Society, is a system for gauging the threat posed by dragons across the realm. These classifications serve as guidance for knights, mercenaries, and adventurers who may encounter such formidable creatures. The rankings are as follows:
EXTREMIS: A peril of the utmost severity, requiring a party of highly seasoned and impeccably prepared adventurers.
MAJORIS: A significant threat, best faced by a well-disciplined and experienced party.
MINORIS: A moderate danger suited for well-prepared parties with some experience or lone adventurers of exceptional talent and prowess.
MINIMA: Unlikely to pose harm unless provoked.
EXITUS: Banished, missing, imprisoned, or otherwise relocated beyond known reach.
TERMINUS: Confirmed slain, excluding those who have risen as Undead.
OBSCURA: Sightings remain infrequent, and efforts to encounter the dragon may yield frustratingly inconsistent results. However, evidence suggests the dragon's continued presence within the archipelago as of this record.
COMPENDIUM DRACONUM
- I -
363RD ABYSSAL LAYER, ENDLESS WASTES
Zamishar, Copper Dragon
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
Once a majestic copper dragon, Zamishar was swallowed by the Abyss along with his city of Zanshibon during a cataclysm that ravaged the isle of Sibayad in ages past. Consumed by madness, he lingered for centuries, not as a captive but as a corrupted extension of Paush's demonic will. Roaming the searing wastelands of the 363rd layer as a tormented specter of his former self. Zamishar would ultimately be slain, his long torment ended. The once proud dragon's skull now displayed within the fortress known as Zamishar's Woe, located on Baator's first layer, Avernus.
- II -
363RD ABYSSAL LAYER, ENDLESS WASTES
Rendannath, Abyssal Wyrm
Wyrmscale: OBSCURA
Once the proud son of Darnoth, the mighty silver dragon of Brogendenstein, Rendannath was torn from his father's grasp and his soul surrendered to darker powers. Life cruelly ended his fleshless, bony husk yet endures in undeath. Animated by the furious energies of the Abyss and doomed to serve the merciless will of his masters for eternity.
- III -
ARELITH FOREST, PORTAL TO THE LAST BASTION
Imperator, Silver Dragon
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
Imperator, the silver dragon and steadfast guardian of Light Keep, was once the shining bulwark of the kingdom of Benwick. Though ancient and aloof by nature, the dragon was ultimately won over by a series of heroic deeds performed by King Galahad the Builder. In time, Imperator swore an oath to defend Benwick, taking a solemn place beside the kingdom's twin thrones. There, it served not only as a protector but as an arbiter of character, discerning the virtue of all who spoke in its presence. During the Fall of Benwick in 88 AR, the dragon met a valiant end in battle against the invading legions of Baator. Its body remained before the infernal portal it sought to defend until the rising waters of Lake Benwick carried it away in 177 AR. Now, only chronicles and legends preserve the legacy of its sacrifice.
- IV -
ARELITH FOREST, SECLUDED VALE
Ta'lishima, Green Wyrm
Wyrmscale: EXITUS
North of Lake Benwick in Twin Falls Gap, a hidden passage tucked away in an alcove leads to a hidden, serene garden, where the soft chorus of chirping crickets fills the air. At the heart of this secret haven lies a sheltered cave of living quarters fiercely protected by a formidable white bear. Long ago, this refuge was the lair of a fearsome cave-dwelling Green Wyrm, though the creature has since vanished, perhaps having sought a new domain elsewhere.
- V -
AVERNUS, RIVER STYX
Haldrathagalthyasryl, Styx Dragon
Wyrmscale: EXTREMIS
Across the desolate expanse of Avernus, where the River Styx winds its treacherous course surrounded by the empty souls of the damned, lies the domain of the styx dragon. This fearsome darkwyrm haunts the river's toxic waters, immune to their harmful effects, feasting on any creature that dares disturb its lair of hoarded treasures.
- VI -
AVERNUS, WASTELANDS
Innominate, Indeterminate Subspecies
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
Deep within the desolate wastelands of Avernus lie the remains of a once mighty dragon, its name and legend swallowed by the passage of time.
- VII -
BRAMBLE WOODS, GOBLINOID FORTRESS
Stil'rankarath, Green Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
Claiming the title of Goblin Protector, this green dragon has garnered both admiration and reverence from the goblinoid tribes who dwell in the region. Lingering above the Bramble Woods, West of Cordor, she vigilantly watches over the greenskin's fortress. Though young and smaller than most dragons, she is shrewd enough to avoid threatening the nearby settlement, choosing instead to safeguard her followers. Travelers venturing to the goblinoid stronghold should remain cautious of her tactics. Known for her ambushes, she often swoops down on adventurers as they reach the rooftop of the central keep and attempt to depart via the tower's one-way portal.
- VIII -
BROGENDENSTEIN, HALL OF LEGENDS
Darnoth, Silver Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINIMA
Darnoth, the silver dragon of Brogendenstein and steadfast Protector of the Earthkin Alliance, stands tall and majestic within the heart of the dwarven mountain stronghold. As both guardian and advisor to the dwarf clans, his presence commands respect and awe. Warm and approachable in demeanor, Darnoth is a delight to converse with for those eager to hear the wisdom and tales he has to share.
- IX -
CELESTIA, FAIRLIGHT SHORES
Bahamut, Gold Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINIMA
Nestled within the celestial planes, Bahamut can be reached through the mystical Astrolabe. Though locating this place is no easy feat, the most reliable method involves drinking a Potion of Attunement near the sacred stones of Heartwood Grove in Arelith's Forest. Upon entering the Astrolabe, a vial of holy water must be placed on the pedestal to unlock the path to Celestia's Fairlight shores. There, a coin tribute may be placed upon a small pedestal to seek Bahamut's wisdom and blessing. Yet, let all who summon him be warned. He is a wrathful god, swift to judge those who call upon him. His divine wrath striking those deemed unworthy vessels for his knowledge.
- X -
CORDOR CULTURAL DISTRICT, MUSEUM
Emal'rdldraxa, Green Dragon
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
Not long after Cordor transitioned from its modest beginnings as a fort into a more refined urban center, the green dragon Emal'rdldraxa carved its place in infamy. The creature gained notoriety after slaying and devouring a young Cordorian noblewoman who fancied herself an adventurer, along with her well-compensated mercenary entourage. Enraged by this tragedy, the noblewoman's family organized a hunt to avenge her death. Their efforts culminated in the slaying of Emal'rdldraxa, whose remains were later interred in the Cordor Museum as a grim testament to the encounter.
- XI -
DARK SPIRES, BARROW GROUNDS
Innominate, White Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
Patrolling the lofty realms high above the Dark Spires, this formidable adult dragon is known to descend without warning upon any adventurer bold, or foolish, enough to reach the summit of the central mound. Travelers are urged to keep one eye ever-watchful on the skies above while the other remains vigilant of the Undead rising from beneath their feet.
- XII -
DARK SPIRES, ICY SLOPES
Ichthyss, White Dragon
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
In ages past, Ichthyss the Revered reigned over the Dark Spires until the dragon Qorusthalatharxyl struck her down and claimed the territory for their own. Whether her remains still endure or have been lost to time remains unknown.
- XIII -
DARK SPIRES, MANOR OF MOURN
Innominate, Dracolich
Wyrmscale: OBSCURA
Rumors say that somewhere within the Manor of Mourn, perched atop a peak of the Dark Spires, dwells a dreaded Dracolich who appears with unpredictable irregularity to strike down any who disturb it. Though many chilling tales shroud the manor, with whispers of monsters masquerading as children, details of the undead dragon continue to remain elusive.
- XIV -
DARK SPIRES, TEMPLE OF AURIL
Qorusthalatharxyl, White Dragon
Wyrmscale: MAJORIS
After toppling the weaker Icythyss the Revered, Qorusthalatharxyl has nearly claimed complete control over the Dark Spire mountains. A feral force of dragonkin, Qorusthalatharxyl is a massive white dragon driven more by brute strength than intellect. Though its cunning is limited, its might is unrivaled, and its greatest desire is to one day overthrow Darnoth of Brogendenstein to seize all of the Dark Spires for itself. Nestled deep within a Temple of Auril high in the mountains above the Spires Citadel, its lair is defended by Ice Giants and the Frostmaiden's loyal followers. The entrance is marked by two colossal statues of Ice Giants flanking either side.
- XV -
FOREST OF DESPAIR
Innominate, Green Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
Having claimed the Forest of Despair as its own, this adult dragon will swoop down without warning upon any adventurer who piques its interest. While these encounters are unpredictable, a prepared adventure should have little difficulty dealing with the threat.
- XVI -
GULDORAND MOUNTAINS, JOTUNHOLD
Safrathryxh, Gem Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINIMA
Born amid the towering giants of Jutunhold, this young sapphire-hued gem dragon dwells within the mountain stronghold, safeguarded beneath the fortress's watchful eye. What it seeks and what legends it may one day forge remain stories yet to be told.
- XVII -
IRON MINE, EAST CORDOR FRONTIER
Innominate, Indeterminate Subspecies
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
At the deepest depths of the Cordor iron mines lie the skeletal remains of an unknown dragon. Though its story has long been forgotten, its connection to the half-dragon guardians who watch over the area is unmistakable.
- XVIII -
LOST CITY, ISLAND RUINS
Innominate, Sea Serpent
Wyrmscale: MAJORIS
Deep within the ancient ruins of Kohligen, accessible only by sea or through the Plane of Water via the elusive Astrolabe, lies the domain of the sea serpent matron. Those determined enough to navigate the shattered remnants of this once mighty city-state will find her dwelling in the submerged ruins beneath the fortress. To reach her nest, adventurers must locate The Descent, a secret passageway concealed within the forgotten corridors of the Lost Keep. As they wind through its labyrinthine halls, the correct path reveals itself upon reaching the second of two flooded passageways. From there, one must slip through a wide gap in a collapsed wall and follow the path downward into the depths.
- XIX -
MINAUROS, VALLEY OF SKULLS
Innominate, Indeterminate Subspecies
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
Located on the edge of a towering cliff overlooking Spire Freth lie the weathered remains of an unnamed dragon. Though the tale of this creature has faded into obscurity, it is speculated to have once served as the guardian of the former Lolthite stronghold. Struck down by the relentless forces of House Freth during the siege that claimed the tower in ages past.
- XX -
MINMIR, GNOLL CAVERNS
Innominate, Shadow Drake
Wyrmscale: EXITUS
Legend has it that long ago, near the shores of Lake Minmir, a hidden cave was fiercely guarded by a tribe of Gnolls. These brutal creatures, along with a fearsome adult shadow drake, watched over a passage to the Underdark. Despite numerous attempts, the cave's exact location has remained elusive. With the ever-changing landscape of Arelith, it is believed that the gnolls and the shadow drake have vanished into the mists of time. Perhaps destroyed or driven off by the giant clans now claiming the region's caverns.
- XXI -
MINMIR, HILLS
Hatred's Shadow, Green Dragon
Wyrmscale: OBSCURA
First sighted in the lands of Minmir around 181 AR by members of the Radiant Heart Auxiliary, the dragon known as Hatred's Shadow was described as a wyrmling resembling a green dragon with white scales and piercing emerald eyes. Though rarely encountered, its presence is often heralded by the eerie glow of green flames. Personal writings from that era, particularly those recovered from the Church of Bane in Minmir, reveal a deep connection between the dragon and the feared God of Tyranny.
- XXII -
RED DRAGON ISLE, ABAZUUR'S PALLADIUM
Abazuur, Red Dragon
Wyrmscale: EXTREMIS
Perched atop the peak of the aptly-named Isle, Abazuur is an ancient and immensely powerful red dragon who jealously guards his hoard of treasured possessions. Ruling as the undisputed lord of the island, he commands not only a small host of subjugated red dragons but also a loyal cadre of fire giants who serve as his devoted vassals. Second only to Glauros in proximity to the Nelanther Isles, Abazuur is known to make occasional visits to the island of Sibayad. A fearsome adversary, Abazuur defeated the great dragon Orias, casting her down to claim the mantle of the most powerful red dragon in the archipelago. For a time, long before the rise of humans in the region, Abazuur even boasted to be the ruler of the Arelith itself.
- XXIII -
RED DRAGON ISLE, SULPHUROUS GROTTO
Innominate, Red Dragon
Wyrmscale: MAJORIS
This ancient red dragon is hidden within a lower cave and serves the island's lord. Though its hoard may not rival Abazuur's, the plunder and the battle it offers are still a worthy challenge.
- XXIV -
RED DRAGON ISLE, SULPHUROUS GROTTO
Innominate, Red Dragon
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
The remains, found in a cave near the island's ancient red dragon liar, are thought to belong to one of the many draconic creatures that have called the island home.
- XXV -
SANCTORIUM, CHAMBERS OF THE PROVOST
Innominate, Shadow Guardian
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
In the Shadowplane, near the spectral remnants of old Wharftown, stands the enigmatic Library Sanctorium. Deep within its labyrinthine passages lie the Chambers of the Provost. A foreboding statue of a shadow dragon towers over an unassuming chest within this place. Whispers speak of a sinister enchantment: should anyone dare to open the chest, the statue awakens, springing to life as an adult shadow dragon. Though intriguing, this shadowy guardian is said to pose little more than a fleeting challenge to a seasoned adventurer.
- XXVI -
SIBAYAD COAST, MOUNTAIN RUINS
Innominate, Blue Dragon
Wyrmscale: EXITUS
Among the coastal ruins of the ancient Yuan-ti Empire, a fearsome adult blue dragon once prowled, striking down any who dared trespass upon its domain. Scholars debated the creature's motives, with some attributing its aggression to territorial instinct and pride. In contrast, others suspect it acted to defend a hidden lair and a precious clutch of eggs. Whatever the truth, the great sandstorm of 184 AR forever altered the landscape of Sibayad, burying the mountain ruins and reshaping the isle. Displaced by this cataclysm, the dragon vanished, relocating to parts unknown.
- XXVII -
SIBAYAD, LOST DESERT FORGOTTEN CITY
Innominate, Black Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
This adult dragon, now the undisputed ruler of the Forgotten City's ruins, descends without warning upon any adventurer who piques its interest. While these encounters are unpredictable, a prepared adventure should have little difficulty dealing with the threat.
- XXVIII -
SIBAYAD, LOST DESERT
Innominate, Gold Dragon & Black Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS to MAJORIS
Should one wander the fabled Lost Desert of Sibayad, they may chance upon a curious sight: a gold and a black dragon locked in mortal combat. In such a moment, the traveler faces four choices. First, they may charge into battle against both dragons, proving their bravery and lack of self-preservation. Second, they may rally to the side of the gold dragon, earning its gratitude and words of praise. Third, they may align with the black dragon, gambling that their aid might earn its mercy. Lastly, the most prudent may seize the opportunity to flee while the great beasts remain preoccupied, valuing survival over glory. Ultimately, the choice and the consequences belong to each adventurer alone.
- XXIX -
SIBAYAD, THE DUNE WASTES
Elidor, Brass Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINIMA
Perched high atop an eyrie in the Dune Wastes of Sibayad, Elidor bestows boons and wisdom upon adventurers daring enough to reach its domain. Through a vast obsidian mirror, the dragon communes with visitors, its demeanor amicable and open to negotiation. Content to share its knowledge from the safety of its lair, Elidor remains ever watchful. Fending off relentless assaults from its rival, Glauros, who seeks to claim the eyrie for its own brood. Yet, as with all such beings, one must not be lulled by the dragon's genial nature, instead meeting it with both reverence and caution.
- XXX -
SIBAYAD, THE DUNE WASTES
Glauros, Subspecies Unconfirmed
Wyrmscale: OBSCURA
Glauros, one of only two named dragons on the isle of Sibayad, covets the eyrie of the Elidor, for he has no lair to call his own. Though their broods occasionally clash, Glauros seldom reveals himself, favoring manipulation through agents and proxies. Denied his prize through open warfare, he and his wandering brood lurk in the desert sands, weaving schemes of trickery and intrigue to achieve their ends.
- XXXI -
SKAL FELL PEAK, DUN MAGOG
Geimhreadh, White Dragon
Wyrmscale: MAJORIS
Perched atop Skal's highest peak, this mighty white dragon has little ambition beyond claiming the entirety of the Skal Fell as its domain and toying with those adventurers who dare scale the icy mountain, seeking glory through his defeat.
- XXXII -
SKAL, ELIVAGAR CROSSING
Innominate, Bonewing
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
Located on a small plateau above the Corpsefeast Champion of Yeenoghu, these icy bones are all that remain of the once great beast. Its carcass stripped bare by scavengers and left to stand as gim testament to Skal's merciless environment.
- XXXIII -
SKULL CRAGS, WESTERN SLOPES
Innominate, Mist Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
Nestled in the foothills just off the main road, a solitary mist dragon dwells in serene contemplation. Preferring the quiet to ponder the way of things, it despises interruptions and will fiercely attack any adventurer who dares to disturb its peaceful solitude.
- XXXIV -
SKULL CRAGS, WINDSWEPT PEAK
Innominate, White Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
Having claimed the peak as its own, this adult dragon will swoop down without warning to attack any adventurer who piques its interest. While these encounters are unpredictable, a prepared adventure should have little difficulty dealing with the threat.
- XXXV -
UNDERDARK GLACIAL CAVERNS, THE MELT
Innominate, White Dragon
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
Along the path to the Ice Roads rests an ancient white dragon, its form entwined with the lifeless husk of a golem. Though the cause of their battle is long lost to time, the relentless cold has preserved them in an eternal moment of stillness, frozen forever at the climax of their struggle.
- XXXVI -
UNDERDARK, CAVERNS OF THE LOWERDARK
Ust'bath Bess'd & Inthuul Tagnik'zur
Wyrmscale: TERMINUS
Deep within the Lowerdark of Arelith lies one of its more haunting spectacles, the remains of two ancient dragons eerily preserved in death. The first, Ust'bath Bess'd, was a fearsome female shadow dragon that once menaced the Underdark through terror. Beside her rests Inthuul Tagnik'Zur, a formidable black dragon that once stood sentinel over the descent into the Lowerdark, rumored to have possessed a key to one of the fabled gate locks of "The Vault." Their remains are positioned alongside a ritual circle, their massive hearts placed at its center, in an enigmatic arrangement whose purpose was once whispered to unlock the secrets of forging and commanding dracoliches.
- XXXVII -
UNDERDARK, LOST PEAK
Orias, The Greatwyrm
Wyrmscale: MINIMA
The Greatwyrm Orias, Master of the Sevateem and Last of the Seven Great Wyrms of Wayland, was the ancient progenitor of the countless kobold dragonkin who revered him as both god and king. He and his devoted followers forged the first true kingdom upon Arelith, deep within the Underdark, in a land known as the Burning Shore. However, Orias's reign was brought to ruin by the drow of Udos Dro'Xun and their collaborator, Abazuur. Now, only ruins remain as echoes of his once great legacy. In defeat, the red dragon withdrew to the top of the bottom of the world, secluding himself upon the Underdark's tallest peak. There he waits, vast and brooding, until the day he shall descend to reclaim his throne below.
- XXXVIII -
UNDERDARK, THE BURNING SHORE EAST CAVES
Innominate, Steam Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
Steam dragons are a rare branch of mist dragons, dwelling exclusively within the thick vapors of volcanic regions. Masters of land and water, they are relentless hunters driven by instinct rather than reason. This specimen is no exception, striking with unyielding ferocity at any who dare trespass into its domain.
- XXXIX -
UNDERDARK, THE CITY OF SPLENDORS
Mllikiek'zztts , Shadow Dragon
Wyrmscale: EXITUS
In ages past, the shadow dragon Mllikiek'zztts ruled over a kingdom of darkness deep within Arelith's Lowerdark, her reign unchallenged until ambition and treachery festered within her court. Strife erupted, plunging the city-state into a ruinous civil war that tore it asunder. Amid the turmoil, Mllikiek'zztts was dethroned and cast from the material plane, her loyal followers fleeing into the endless gloom of the Plane of Shadow. With her downfall, the City of Splendors crumbled, its legacy devoured by time and forgotten by the world.
- XL -
UPPER SHYR, THE HOLLOW PASS
Innominate, Blue Dragon
Wyrmscale: MINORIS
A young blue dragon stands watch over a marble deposit in the northwest of Bendir Dale's Hollowing Pass, near two bridges that span a pair of picturesque waterfalls. For a prepared adventurer, this creature poses little threat. Given the number of wyvern that roam these verdant valleys, the presence of such a beast here is hardly unexpected. FIN
FIN
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BIBLIOGRAPHY:
* Written Records:
[1] Kaliyah Serafine, Anden Smith, Elwood Thron, & Anden Smith; "Librum Draconis: Arelithica Vol. I"
* Interview:
[1] Jack Topholiho
[2] Horrik Hellbelch
[3] "Roxxi"
[4] Brem Hastahar
[5] Elidor, The Brass Dragon
* On-Site Investigation:
[1] Adelyn Belle'rose
[2] Jhi Kir-Khala Belle'rose
[3] Lilith
[4] The Sand Dancer Gnoll Tribe
[5] Vestelle Duskmere
[6] Indis
[7] Stryder
[8] Tabby Glowpocket
[9] Arkhan D. Crestflame
* Special Thanks:
To the authors of the Librum Draconis: Arelithica for your dedication in chronicling the dragons of Arelith and inspiring future generations to continue your work.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The modest portrait of a young vermilion-haired woman with pallid flesh is positioned next to the paragraph below. Her emerald gaze looks intently at the reader, betraying the aspect's alluring facade with callous indifference. A subtle smirk, hinting at a predatory nature, appears hidden within the corners of full upturned lips.
"For decades, the vampire Adelyn Belle'rose has captivated readers with her historical explorations of the island of Arelith. Once curator of the Cordor Museum, she brought history to life through engaging exhibits and storytelling. Years later, as a member of Andunor's Erudite Arcanum, she played a central role in uncovering the mysteries of Shadow Wharftown's Third Iteration. Her later collaboration with the Merchant League of Sibayad unearthed a long-forgotten past, while her work in the Library of Sibayad helped return that heritage to its rightful stewards. Through organizations such as the Arelith Antiquarian Society and the East Arelith Trading Company, Belle'rose continues to champion the preservation and celebration of history across the archipelago."