View source for The Grey Dragons/Logs/20240417 Dragons 101 Life and Elemental

4/17/2024
<br>It has been 448 years, 348 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
<br>It is the 9th month of Dolefaren the Brigantine (ship) in the year of the Silver Unicorn.
<br>It is currently fall and it is late evening.
<br>You're positive it's 6 roisaen before the Anlas of Anduwen.

''Presented by: The Grey Dragons''

== Hostess ==
=== Illiya ===
You see Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Kirmiko of Zoluren, a Human.
<br>Illiya has a heart-shaped face, slightly pointed ears, a pair of copper buckled strawberry-hued punka leather goggles over silver-flecked silver-limned sparkling violet eyes, a small nose and dimples.  Her glittery rainbow-streaked pastel strawberry-pink hair is long and straight, and is worn in a deceptively careless-looking arrangement of upswept locks held in place by a radiant nine-leafed sungold tiara bearing an exquisite red diamond strawberry.  She has fair skin contoured with glittering swipes of translucent crystal dust and a pair of pearlescent valkyrie wings with sungold feathers arching away from a slender figure.
<br>She is tiny for a Human.
<br>A baby fruit bat covered in ginger-spotted black fur floats lazily around her left forearm, glowing with a lustrous sheen against her skin.
<br>She appears to be young.
<br>Softly glowing chains of truegold are looped elegantly over Illiya's head, suspending a glittering lotus carved out of winter emerald just above her eyes.
<br>She has a tattoo of a bleeding heart on her arm.
<br>She is in good shape.

She is holding a dark glass snifter of Dragon's Spine Winter Ice wine in her right hand.
She is wearing a dainty pet rat, a radiant nine-leafed sungold tiara bearing an exquisite red diamond strawberry, an elaborately wound bone white chestwrap oozing with blood, a lavish white spun glitter gown dotted with glistening merlot ruby strawberries, a glittery cupcake-shaped targe sprinkled with raspberry-pink spikes, a flashy ring pop set with a pink candy crystal jewel, a delicate sungold ring embedded with sparkling merlot ruby strawberries and a pair of dainty white winged combat boots adorned with tiny lollipop charms.

== Speaker ==
=== Lupdels ===
You see Leviathan Friend Lupdels Del'Albaum, Pack Storyteller, a Rakash Bard.
<br>Lupdels has crystal green eyes.  His golden brown hair is short and curly with stark white streaks at the temple, and is worn loose.  He has freckled skin.
<br>He appears to be archaic.
<br>He has a thick bushy mustache that droops heavily on his upper lip and a long shaggy beard.
<br>He is in good shape.

He is wearing a lumpy bundle, a small steel variog (small shield) embossed with a snarling asini badger, a gleaming helm shaped into the visage of a Rakash in moonskin, an asini duraka skefne (short spear) adorned with jaguar-pelt, some silver wire-framed spectacles with streaky ocean-blue lenses, a pair of weathered barkcloth boots lined in flannel, a carved howlite pick shaped like a large fang, a silver chainmail belt interwoven with cambrinth animals, a silver signet ring centered with an ornate crest and water opal accents, an embossed sword belt with a polished scimitar and a grusana kaft (putting knife) hanging from it, an indurium parry stick embossed with ravens, a blackened steel ankle knife, a simple silversteel ring, a regally high-collared black robe trimmed with complex copper piping, a cambrinth-beaded anklet accented with talan pearls, a deeply hooded cloak of charcoal grey silk lined in inky black, an elegant asini ring set with diamonds framing a polished round black disc and an uthamar anklet strung with tiny planets.

== Log ==
[Town Hall, Public Meeting Room]
<br>The largest room in the Town Hall, this is used for public meetings.  Both official meetings and ones held at the behest of townsfolk will be had here.  Sometimes visiting scholars will lecture for the edification of the populace as well.  Dark oak panelled walls and polished floor are surprisingly clean and in good repair.  Padded benches for the public's use are arrayed about a small stage and podium.  You also see a russet lynx that is sitting, an adorable snow-white husky puppy with enormous crystal blue eyes, a pale-eyed shiba puppy, a green-eyed dirt brown kitten, a dark green moire silk cloth with several things on it, a spotted white and black lizard that is sitting and some heavy double doors.
<br>Also here: Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is camouflaged in a swirling fog of frigid arctic currents, Exeret, Lady of Elamiri Ayrell, Herald of Justice Imroth, Valynn who is sitting, Pub Crawler Useff who is sitting, Manchineel, Funeral Director Leustyin who has a stony visage, Belzor, Langen Esturi Nilme who is sitting, Forgiven Numinor, Black Fox Xionara, Jinkkata, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Mage Slayer Golameth who is pestered by an incorporeal imp resting on their shoulder making nonsensical gestures, Vaerek who is sitting, Philomath Miskton, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel who is sitting, Leviathan Friend Lupdels, Planesweaver Navesi, Sublime Mender Leayne, Phantom Judge Crobin, Hydrophilous Kerennya who is sitting, Desert Dancer Zersha who is sitting and Lord Knight Hebion who is sitting.
Obvious exits: none.

Illiya exclaims, "Greetings fellow dragon lovers!"

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Illiya says, "We'll get started promptly to ensure everyone enjoys a smooth and informative session."

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Ezathiel gazes at Illiya.

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Illiya exclaims, "A huge welcome to everyone joining our Grey Dragons "Dragons 101 Lunch and Learn"! Once again, we're thrilled to see such a passionate crowd of dragon fans here today!"

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Illiya says, "Just a quick reminder to please keep things quiet so that everyone can hear today's exciting speaker."

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Illiya says, "For those new to our events, the Grey Dragons are dedicated to the cycle of life and death, much like the majestic dragons themselves."

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Valynn nods to Illiya.

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Illiya says, "This is our third event in our "Dragons 101" series, inspired by your feedback from the Dragon Research Symposium, focusing on foundational knowledge about dragons of lore and today."

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Illiya says, "In our first session, Ayrell unraveled the legend of the World Dragon and its devoted Dragon Priest followers."

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Illiya says, "Then in our second session, Navesi took us on a thrilling exploration of Xosiurion, the Gorbesh god of dragons."

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Raising his ice wine to Navesi, Lupdels gives her a toast.

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Illiya exclaims, "Today, the adventure continues!"

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Useff grins at Illiya.

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Xionara perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Illiya.

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Illiya exclaims, "So grab your lunch, get comfy, and prepare to delve deeper into the captivating world of dragons!"

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Navesi gives Lupdels a slight nod.

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Illiya exclaims, "This evening, we have the distinct honor of welcoming a speaker whose name is synonymous with dragon scholarship: Lupdels Del'Albaum!"

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Illiya lets out a hearty cheer for Lupdels!

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Nilme looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Zersha looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Navesi looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Lupdels beams!

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Miskton looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Illiya says, "Lupdels' fascination with dragons began in his youth, fueled by the thrilling tales of the Great Bard, Aaron Albuam, and his book, Journey to the Forbidden West."

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Leustyin lets out a hearty cheer for Lupdels!

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Navesi exclaims, "To the foremost Dragon scholar!"

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Raising her Black and White martini to Lupdels, Navesi gives him a toast.

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Illiya says, "Inspired by these chronicles, a teenage Lupdels found himself drawn to the very guild Albuam belonged to - the esteemed Bard guild.  This insatiable curiosity, along with a healthy dose of... well, let's say enthusiasm, has led Lupdels on a remarkable scholarly journey."

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Zersha nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

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Illiya says, "His research spans the history of the Bard guild, the enigmatic Dragon Priests, the threats of extraplanar corruption, and of course, dragons themselves."

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Illiya says, "In fact, his groundbreaking paper linking dragons and their domain to the World Dragon and Elanthia took first place at the Lorethew Mentor Society's Magic Symposium."

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Ezathiel raises an eyebrow.

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Illiya says, "Today, he is eager to share his extensive knowledge on life and elemental dragons."

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Illiya exclaims, "Please join me in giving a warm welcome to the one, the only, Lupdels!"

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Nilme looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Lupdels bows.

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Zersha looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Raising her ice wine to Lupdels, Illiya gives him a toast.

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Leayne applauds.

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Ezathiel looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Vaerek applauds.

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Raising her lime rum to Lupdels, Kerennya gives him a toast.

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Imroth lets out a hearty cheer for Lupdels!

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Ayrell looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Raising his Tavern Troupe coffee to Lupdels, Belzor gives him a toast.

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Raising her ice wine to Lupdels, Valynn gives him a toast.

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Imroth applauds.

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Lupdels exclaims, "Thank you Illiya!"

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Belzor says, "This should be good."

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Lupdels winks at Belzor.

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Lupdels says, "Hi, I'm Lupdels. You may remember me from the earlier symposium on dragon research, my performance for the Arthe Dale Concert series, or my contributions to experiments with the Plane of Electricity."

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Lupdels smiles.

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Lupdels says, "I am a very busy Bard."

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Leayne nods to Lupdels.

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Illiya grins at Lupdels, her dimples flashing into view.

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Ezathiel chuckles.

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Lupdels exclaims, "Firstly, we are in the eve of the holy week of Fanella, the Fairest of Bards!"

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Lupdels bows.

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Lupdels exclaims, "May Fanella sing through me the truth as I know it!"

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Ezathiel nods to Lupdels.

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Lupdels says, "I also want to thank the Grey Dragons for bringing together so many people interested in dragons."

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Lupdels says, "My lecture tonight concerns the dragons of today. Or perhaps the dragons of recent times, as the dragon Ael'tharaxus was last seen almost half a century ago. But I'll get to that."

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Lupdels says, "As indicated by the other lectures in this series, our knowledge of dragons comes from a combination of myths, legends, and tales."

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Lupdels says, "Combing through these stories, perhaps the most easily accessible and comprehension description of dragons available is a work known as "Journey to the Forbidden West" by the Bard Aaron Albaum."

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Ezathiel jots down some notes.
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Zersha cocks her head.

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Lupdels coughs.

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Lupdels says, "We can start with the core facts."

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Lupdels says, "In 371, almost eighty years ago, the Human Bard Aaron Albaum published an account of his travels to the western shores of Kermoria. In his travels there and back again, he spent a significant time in the land of the dragons."

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Lupdels says, "Albaum has developed a reputation of ill-repute among some, but it's worth noting that as a Bard known for adventure, drinking, and charming women, he left many jilted lovers and jealous rivals who have slandered him in life and in death."

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Lupdels takes a sip of his wine.

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Lupdels sighs.

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Ezathiel chuckles.

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Zersha gazes thoughtfully at Lupdels.

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Lupdels says, "A not uncommon experience for Bards."

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Illiya grins at Lupdels, her dimples flashing into view.

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Ezathiel snickers.

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Lupdels says, "And in contrast with myths that date back to the breaking of Grazhir or the intervention of the Heralds some millennia ago, it certainly is a more modern account."

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Valynn appears to be trying hard not to grin.

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Lupdels says, "Of particular interest is how it describes the world of draconic magic, based on Albaum's meeting with an ancient Life Dragon."

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Lupdels says, "Life Dragon ... that is perhaps the core of what we can understand from Albaum's account. Draconic society is divided between Life Dragons and Elemental Dragons."

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Lupdels says, "Dragons can only attune to two of the four known frequencies of mana, or at least known to us. The manipulation of Lunar and Holy magic is beyond them, making us Elanthians with the ability to do so curious little magical creatures to them. It makes dragons, supposedly, fascinated by the Immortals."

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Lupdels says, "You all may know about confounds, the supernatural ability that propels certain Guilds to heights of mana manipulation and magical effects beyond the mundane. As far as recorded, dragons do not have these confounds and rather there is a choice for pursuing Elemental or Life magic."

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Lupdels says, "Becoming a Life Dragon is like a distinct pathway one could compare to becoming a hermit or a priest. Life Dragons give up the use of their classical draconic abilities like flight and fire breathing for power over life and death."

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Lupdels says, "Conversely, Elemental Dragons display the abilities we typically think of as most ... draconic."

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Belzor says, "Interesting."

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Lupdels says, "Breath weapons of fire and other exotic elementals. Flying despite their significant size. Other abilities that perhaps would not be too unfamiliar with my Warrior Priest cousins."

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Lupdels says, "Apparently Albaum was offered to learn some Elemental Dragon magic, as a Bard, so this indicates that draconic magic does not appear to need a draconic confound."

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Lupdels sighs.

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Ezathiel gazes at Lupdels.

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Lupdels exclaims, "Unfortunately he declined, and the Bard Guild unfortunately has not benefited from draconic knowledge. But perhaps!"

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Lupdels says, "Some may wonder why anyone, dragon or otherwise, would give up feats like flight in order to pursue the more priest-king route of the Life Dragon. In fact, Elemental Dragons are almost presented as commoners."

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Illiya gazes thoughtfully at Lupdels.

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Siendra nibbles on her fingers contemplatively.

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Lupdels says, "But draconic Life magic seems to offer two main abilities."

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Lupdels says, "First, there is rulership over nature, which Albaum described as druidic in form."

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Lupdels asks, "Second, the ability to warp their shape--including the ability to assume the form of a S'kra Mur. Or more?"

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Lupdels says, "This shapeshifting ability may not be unfamiliar to Rangers who have learned new magic recently, which seems to have originated from dragons, one way or another."

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Useff raises an eyebrow.

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Siendra ponders.

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Lupdels says, "Draconic magic is most fascinating ..."

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Lupdels says, "Albaum describes in stark terms what is behind the raw magical attunement power of the dragon, their domain."

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Lupdels says, "Like a canary in a coal mine, dragons have a unique relationship with their domain. Like a Ranger who spends too much time in the big city, dragons seem to have a connection with their habitat. When the domain is corrupted, the dragon becomes unwell."

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Lupdels says, "The only sources of physical ailment that Albuam discussed are due to extreme age or corruption of the dragon's domain."

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Lupdels asks, "What does this relationship mean?"

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Belzor ponders.

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Siendra leans forward.

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Lupdels says, "Well, it seems that dragons are sensitive to the purity of their domain. Purity from what? Remember that dragons cannot manipulate Holy or Lunar mana, two streams with an intimate extraplanar connection."

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Zersha tilts her head inquisitively.

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Lupdels says, "Not just sorcerers and necromancers but even holy men and moon mages are corrupting to the dragon's domain! A domain must be as close to pristine, untouched nature as possible, free and pure of the touch of other planes."

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Lupdels glares.

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Lupdels says, "Unlike dragons, we of Elanthia mine the rocks, chop the trees, smelt the lead, call the Gods, and twist the dimensions."

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Siendra furrows her brow.

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Lupdels frowns.

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Lupdels says, "Our very society is polluting to their existence and survival."

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Lupdels gazes off into the distance.

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Ezathiel clucks his tongue and shakes his head.

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Lupdels exclaims, "And in wrapping up!"

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Lupdels says, "I will close with noting that almost fifty years ago, when the Dragon Emperor Ael'tharaxus appeared in Shard, it was perceived that he was maintaining an Air Manipulation spell, of unknown form, to dramatically affect the air currents around his two-story house sized body."

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Illiya gazes thoughtfully at Lupdels.

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Lupdels says, "An indication, perhaps, that at least part of Albaum's description of Elemental Dragon magic was correct."

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Leayne nods.

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Lupdels says, "And we furthermore have indication from our Ranger friends of some form of body shapeshifting Life Magic that may have been imparted, directly or indirectly, from those with knowledge of Life Dragons."

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Lupdels says, "Perhaps in the coming weeks and months we can explore further verification of his account."

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Lupdels beams!

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Lupdels exclaims, "Thank you! I look forward to your questions!"

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Ayrell smiles at Lupdels.

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Lupdels bows.

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Raising her ice wine to Lupdels, Illiya gives him a toast.

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Zersha grins at Lupdels, her dimples flashing into view.

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Nilme lets out a hearty cheer for Lupdels!

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Zersha looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Ezathiel looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Nilme looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Valynn grins at Lupdels.

Belzor applauds.

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Imroth lets out a hearty cheer for Lupdels!

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Lupdels beams!

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Leayne looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Lupdels blushes a bright red color.

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Raising her ice wine to Lupdels, Valynn gives him a toast.

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Crobin lets out a hearty cheer for Lupdels!

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Belzor exclaims to Lupdels, "Well done!"

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Illiya says, "Thank you Lupdels! Wow, that was really interesting."

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Miskton applauds.

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Useff applauds.

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Kerennya applauds.

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Illiya asks, "Do we have any questions for our speaker?"

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Lupdels smiles at Belzor.

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Leustyin says, "I have a question."

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Illiya nods to Leustyin.

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Leustyin asks, "You mentioned Life Dragons giving up fire breathing and flight. I wasn't aware that they could choose.  Do we have any insight into why a dragon would choose one over the other?"

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Lupdels nods to Leustyin.

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Kalinandra quietly says, "Clearly the antlers swayed them..."

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Illiya grins at Kalinandra, her dimples flashing into view.

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Xionara begins chortling at Kalinandra.

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Vaerek says, "Maybe the dragon has an internal roshambo."

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Vaerek asks, "?"

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Xionara smirks at Vaerek.

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Lupdels asks Leustyin, "Would you consider giving up flight in exchange for mastery over life and the ability to shape shift?"

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Siendra ponders.

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Leustyin says, "Personally? No."

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Lupdels asks, "We don't fully know the extent to the abilities of Life Dragons. Immortality?"

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Leustyin says, "But I have an affinity for fire."

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Lupdels chuckles at Leustyin.

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Ezathiel softly says to himself, "I would keep the flight if only to not have to swim that stupid river all the time."

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Kalinandra mutters something into the air about pyromaniacs.

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Lupdels laughs at Ezathiel.

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Illiya says, "I also didn't realize it was a choice that the dragons could make."

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Leayne nods.

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Lupdels says, "It's possible there's more to the pathway than what we know, perhaps it's difficult."

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Golameth raises his hand.

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Illiya nods to Golameth.

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Lupdels says, "The two Life Guilds we know of, Empaths and Rangers, have ... certain restrictions. Empaths with their ... ingrained pacifism. And Rangers with their ... isolation."

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Lupdels ponders.

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Imroth asks, "So elemental is the "default" and then life would be a choice?"

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Vaerek asks Illiya, "Maybe it's not a choice.  Maybe it's a gamble?"

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Hebion raises an eyebrow.

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Illiya says to Vaerek, "Interesting.."

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Lupdels says to Imroth, "We are told the Elemental Dragons are like commoners, and Life Dragons are more priest-kings."

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Imroth asks, "Is it possible there are other dragon paths we are just not aware of?"

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Lupdels nods to Imroth.

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Lupdels says to Imroth, "Of recent years, some explorers, the most humble Bard before you included, encountered agents of the Dragon Emperor Ael'tharaxus that displayed a most great interest in Holy Magic."

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Lupdels says, "It's highly likely that while interested in Holy Magic, Dragons cannot naturally perform it ... In their natural form."

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Lupdels frowns.

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Lupdels says, "In their unnatural form ... who knows."

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Useff says, "Hmm."

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Valynn ponders.

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Illiya asks Lupdels, "Agents of Ael'tharaxus?"

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Leustyin asks, "Unnatural form?"

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Lupdels nods to Illiya.

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Imroth says, "Seems strange for a dragon to be born from a moon when lunar magic is considered a corruption."

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Ezathiel raises his hand.

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Siendra asks, "Would there be other...choices they could make?  To gain other capabilities?"

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Lupdels says to Illiya, ""The Bards and others have been having ... encounters with the modern day Dragon Priests."

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Ezathiel pleasantly asks, "Do dragons of either type share domains? Or are they isolationists by nature?"

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Lupdels points at Ayrell.

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Illiya says, "Ahhh, right."

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Lupdels says, "Ayrell is leading up an investigation soon."

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Ayrell says, "The Dragon Priest who was specifically witnessed to use the Holy magic was the Ecclesiarch, Suulnir."

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Lupdels nods.

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Ayrell nods politely.

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Vaerek says, "I have to disagree with Lunar magic being corruption.  It's the most natural magic we have."

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Lupdels looks at Vaerek and shrugs.

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Imroth says to Vaerek, "You are not a dragon though."

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Imroth glances at Vaerek.

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Vaerek asks Imroth, "Are you sure?"

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Imroth grins at Vaerek.

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Lupdels says to Siendra, "We know of the two pathways described and can only speculation on others."

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Siendra nods to Lupdels.

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Hebion says in Ilithic, "Assuming your source is accurate."

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Lupdels says to Ezathiel, "The domain of a dragon is their ... area. Their land. It's loosely description. I suppose in some ways it's one dragon yelling at another to get off their yard."

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Ezathiel grins at Lupdels.

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Ezathiel pleasantly says, "Thank you."

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Illiya asks Golameth, "Did you have a question also?"

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Lupdels says to Ezathiel, "Or attacking a Holy Mage or Moon Mage that dares enter too close."

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Golameth asks Lupdels, "Is Aaron Albaum a relative?"

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Lupdels smiles at Golameth.

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Lupdels says, "I am inspired by the great Bard and following in his footsteps. A new comer to the eastern realms."

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Lupdels says, "Well, not new these days. I was new once, when young."

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Siendra smiles at Lupdels.

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Illiya asks, "Any more questions for our speaker?"

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Belzor exclaims, "It was a great lecture!"

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Lupdels hums to himself.

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Lupdels takes a sip of his wine.

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Belzor exclaims, "Thank you for sharing!"

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Golameth says, "Thats not a no...."

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Valynn nods at Belzor, obviously agreeing with his views.

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Ezathiel looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Illiya says, "It's a very interesting topic, one that I was really looking forward to hearing about as well."

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Lupdels says, "Or even the dreaded comment not a question."

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Siendra looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Lupdels beams at Siendra!

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Raising her ice wine to Lupdels, Valynn gives him a toast.

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Illiya says to Lupdels, "The extended comment that you keep waiting to see when the question is coming."

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Vaerek looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Illiya exclaims, "A big thank you to our speaker and to all of you for joining us tonight!"

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Nilme smiles at Illiya.

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Ayrell looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Useff looks at Lupdels and applauds!

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Illiya says, "Stay tuned for our next and last Dragons 101 Lunch and Learn in two weeks, where Kiiryn Greenbottle will enlighten us about the Heralds."