Races of the Dragon.pdf - The Techno Jesus

CHAPTER 2
SPELLSCALES
30
Illus. by E. Cox
spellscale’s physical mistreatment or oppression of the
other is likely to be allowed, however.
GOVERNMENT
Spellscales usually inhabit a land with its own system of
governance, law, and taxation. They’ll do what’s necessary
to get by as citizens of that land, but they have their own
ideas about government. Depending upon what the local
authorities are willing to put up with, a spellscale community
within a larger municipality has its own organization
and its own ruler—either openly or in secret.
The caprice and individuality of the spellscale race is
nowhere so perfectly epitomized as in its form of government.
Every year, the spellscales in a community hold an
election lottery. In a public ceremony, a large, black box
is prepared. One gold bead is mixed with silver beads, the
lot equaling the number of adult spellscale residents of
the community. Every adult spellscale then pulls a bead
at random, and whoever pulls the gold bead is the new
ruler. This individual rules in whatever fashion he chooses
for one year. He has full authority and must
be obeyed, and he gets to choose his
title (often “King” but sometimes as
quirky as “Your Grand Pomposity”
or as severe as “Autocrat”), advisors,
and staff.
The leader cannot alter two fundamental
rules. A new, purely
random election must take place
the next year. Also, any spellscale
who wants to do so can move
away from the community until
the next election.
As can be expected from
such a random process,
the quality and intensity
of leadership varies
greatly. One year, the ruler
might not do anything,
making no rules and collecting
no taxes. The next leader
might rule with an iron fist,
demanding military service and
taxes and imposing a tyrannical, bureaucratic
government.
In general, spellscales find this diversity
intriguing and fulfilling. Where else can
you live and experience such a multiplicity
of governments?
SPELLSCALES
AND OTHER RACES
Spellscales view members of most other races as too limited
in their perspectives and pursuits. No other race has
the spellscales’ natural inclination for sorcery. No other
race fi nds the entire world so fascinating.
Dragonborn: Spellscales consider dragonborn distantly
related creatures, as a human might view a third cousin
by marriage. The dragonborn’s singularity of intention
interests spellscales, because every dragonborn seems to
have the same purpose and the same drive. Fascinating in
a way, if terribly dull.
Dragon-Descended: Spellscales share a kinship with
draconic individuals, since they both sprang unexpectedly
from an otherwise “normal” society. Spellscales have
additional empathy for those with draconic heritage; most
spellscales are born to sorcerers and thus have an easier
time being accepted, but draconic individuals can be born
to nearly any parent. Half-dragons are so mysterious that
spellscales can’t help but be interested in them, much to
the amused annoyance of most half-dragons.
Dwarves: Spellscales think dwarves are slow—ponderous
in their physical movement, their social bonding, and their
decision-making. Nevertheless, dwarves are mesmerizing
to observe in this slowness. A spellscale blissfully watches a
dwarf in action and often correctly predicts the outcome of
that action. Far from being boring, this activity is comfortable
and reassuring, akin to rereading a favorite novel.
Elves: While elves have the right idea when it comes to
holding a fi ne appreciation of magic, they’re too academic
in their approach to matters arcane. However,
everyone is entitled to his own eccentricities,
and the elves’ racial penchant for
wizardry over sorcery is peculiar but acceptable.
Aside from this, spellscales see
elves as graceful, free spirits who have a
love of life nearly equal to their own.
Gnomes: In their many musings, most
spellscales wonder what place gnomes have
in the multiverse. Spell-like abilities in a humanoid
race are unusual, but what real
good are a couple of cantrips and the
ability to talk to furry creatures that
live in the ground? Further, many
gnomes only dabble in spell casting
as bards, forever isolated from
the splendors of mighty magic.
Most spellscales view these
sadly hampered humanoids
with a mix of pity and compassion,
treating them gently, as
one would a slow-witted child, to
be protected and educated.
Half-Elves: Most spellscales’ outlook
toward half-elves can be summed up
in a phrase: charming, quite charming.
. . . or this . . .
Half-elves have a resourcefulness born from
a mixed heritage. They have poise and personality.
And, like humans, a half-elf can do just about anything.
This fl exibility and variability is to be respected.
Half-Orcs: A bit too crude and boorish to hold much
social attraction for spellscales, half-orcs nevertheless
prove physically fascinating. Not even half-orcs notice the
nuances of their physiology. A spellscale might marvel at
how one half-orc’s lower teeth point inward and another’s
outward, or at just how capable a half-orc is in toe-to-toe
battle and feats of strength.
Halfl ings: Fellow storytellers and agreeable folk, halflings
and spellscales get along well. Spellscales appreciate
how halfl ings fi ll many niches in the societies of other
races while retaining a distinct outlook.