Races of the Dragon.pdf - The Techno Jesus

CHAPTER 2
SPELLSCALES
34
Illus. by E. Cox
them with cold words and an immovable mind. The
envoys felt as if they had been tricked. They sought out
Bensvelk, who tried to soothe their anger. She did much to
assuage their apprehension, explaining the eccentricities
of spellscale government. Bensvelk started up an entirely
volunteer militia, and she enlisted many recruits to patrol
the area. After all, the patrols helped Magehaven at least as
much as the other humanoids. The diplomats eventually
departed, appeased but ill at ease.
Now, more of the world knows about spellscales and spellscale
habits. As a race, they are viewed by most as unreliable
allies. Diplomats who know—or think they know—what
spellscales are about sometimes attempt to ensure that
every adult (that is, every potential leader) in a spellscale
community approves of any treaty and
agrees to honor it. In such a situation,
the diplomats suppose, a
newly elected leader can’t
disregard an agreement as
easily. In point of fact, however,
any agreement made
by a spellscale is subject
to being rescinded at any
time—a previous unanimous
vote notwithstanding.
LANGUAGE
Unquestionably, Draconic is the most
important language to spellscales. It’s
the language of dragons and of magic.
Spellscales also speak Common
and other languages for mundane
communication. (For more information
on Draconic, see page 146.)
NAMES
Spellscales born to spellscale parents
usually are given elaborate names in
Draconic. Their names refl ect their parents’
philosophy and interests at the time of the child’s
birth. It’s typical for these names to be idiosyncratic.
Many a spellscale has a name or part of a name
that translates from Draconic into odd aphorisms such as
“Diamonds Are Forever” or “Barbarians Are Butch,” haughty
statements such as “Daughter of the Master of the Illusion
School” or “Prettiest Child,” or even moment-dependent
sentiments such as “Rainy Season” or “Blooming Daisies
in a Vase on the Windowsill.”
Spellscales born to nonspellscale parents have names of
normal sort for members of their parents’ race. A spellscale
daughter born to an elf might be named Qillathe Liadon,
while one born to a half-orc sorcerer might be called
Ownka or Shautha.
Spellscales value their individuality and have distinctive
personalities. Along with that individuality comes more
than a touch of egotism. Most feel very strongly about their
names and representations of their identities. They enjoy
fame and recognition. Because of this, they never abandon
their birth names and family names, though they might add
monikers they earn such as “the Brave” or “the Talented.”
. . . or this . . .
SETTLEMENTS
Spellscales don’t easily fi t into other races’ communities.
They’re not constant or constrained enough in their philosophies,
feelings, and activities to be tolerated for long
by nonspellscale settlements. It’s hardly surprising, then,
that spellscales form their own communities.
Often, these communities are districts inside a larger
town. Spellscales take over a neighborhood through a
variety of means, ranging from lawful purchases to shady
deals. Some cities set aside areas for spellscale habitation,
and this arrangement suits the spellscales well. Within
such localities, spellscales have all the resources and
amusements of a larger settlement along with a place that
fosters their individuality.
STANDARD OF LIVING
A spellscale community has a disproportionate
number of talented arcane spellcasters in its
population. Magic is commonplace. Spellscales
like to show off, most especially
with their magical talents.
The community’s quality of life
is enhanced by simple aids such
as cantrips and unseen servants.
Continual flame torches serve
as ordinary lighting, and many
buildings are warded by alarm
spells. Travel by means of a mount
spell or even phantom steed is
nothing unusual.
ARCHITECTURE
A spellscale community is a
wonder to behold. Each building
reflects the personality of
the builder, as well as past and
current residents. In the space of
one city block, a tall inn with minarets,
gables, and numerous bay windows
might tower beside a plain, squat building
with a waterfall fl owing down its streetward
face. A stucco and oak-beam manor house with
mullioned windows seems quite ordinary beside a large,
smooth wall, likely the result of a wall of stone spell, painted
with lovely landscapes in muted hues on one side and
bright graffi ti on the other.
CREATING SPELLSCALE
CHARACTERS
Spellscales’ devotion to fulfi lling their magical potential
constantly comes into confl ict with their desire to experiment.
Many dabble in another class or two. In this way,
they can still experience the power and wonder of the
highest degrees of magic while indulging their curiosity.
Very few spellscales sidetrack their sorcerer careers for
more than two levels.
Barbarian: Some spellscales enjoy the fi erce, visceral
emotions that lend a barbarian his power to rage. The hardiness
of the barbarian is attractive to those who might view
themselves as fragile. However, while many spellscales toy