DRAGONS' LAIR

 

Hook: There is a rumour that a trio of small dragons have been making trouble for travellers along the western portion of The Road. They target lightly-protected units, often carrying off valuables and precious metals. They have been known to snatch and carry off a person or two (if bedecked in valuables), and/or small livestock. They aren't large, the travellers say. They strike fast, destroying wagons, spilling goods out on the ground, grabbing what they can, then winging off into the west over the trees with their spoils. Several have died, more have been wounded. But, in all related tales, the story is that they were less interested in fighting than clearing a path to the wealth. Witnesses say they are brownish in colour, one more orange, another yellower, ochre, and another a dark soil colour. They've been seen fighting over the spoils, snapping at one another, but, not for long. They quickly realign and take their spoils to the Plains where the smaller dragons are known to dwell.

Details: Indeed, a trio of dragons HAS taken up residence in the western plains! Normally, dragons don't live together, as they don't need to mate or have social gatherings, but these three are siblings. They inhabit the cave where they were born. Their parent quit the cave system, just using it to lay eggs away from its lair where they didn't want new dragons (even its own offspring) lusting after their treasures. The three stuck together and get along well. They figured they would be better as a unit, that their chances of survival greater, and unified guerrilla attacks on lightly-protected travellers more successful, if they stuck together and strategised. They argue, constantly, and pick on one another, when home. They rarely argue or bicker when away from home, however. They share their hoard and keep it routinely guarded by at least one of them. Prisoners and live food is stored in a 'prison' chamber it takes two of the dragons to move a large stone blocking the entry to grant access (Zsurizark can almost move it). They all sleep in the treasury.

Dragons can be commanded, if their True Name is known, but, they guard this secret with their lives, and never willingly betray another of their kind, unless absolutely necessary or the reason is good, even if it's selfish. They choose alternate, self-aggrandising names to make themselves seem bigger and more important than they are, or to extol their person and inspire worship or fear among humanoids. Each of them, though the political climate in their group is strained, understands how strong it is they stick together, and, though they may argue and even try a coup, will opt for peace and diplomacy over outright aggrandisement, or confusion. However, they may turn on one another, if convincingly fooled, but, it would be difficult. They won't endanger the hoard, if they can help it, even at the idea only one gets to claim it. That's the point. It is hard-won between them all. They work together to distract and attack and carry off their prizes. Even Azsurik knows, if pressed, Zsurizark is the better mind and leader.

The three dragons are:

Zsurizark (Thunderfang) - Dark brown, the leader, largest (20' long), bolder and commanding, clever, and smarter than the rest, bullies the others, is too sure of itself.

Azsurik (Goldwing) - Yellow ochre, the runt (10' long), always cowardly, but, tries to lead, and challenges Zsurizark's authority; attempts to convince Orsizsk to a coup, often.

Orsizsk (Doomclaw) - Rust orange, middle-sized (15' long), non-committal, follows and doesn't challenge Zsurizark and leaves Azsurik alone for fear it may get the same treatment

* Measurements are snout to tip of tail.