Jump 028: Silmarillion

Jump 028: The Silmarillion

Identity: [-300] Dragon
Drawbacks: [+800] The Road Goes Ever On, Oath of Feanor, Wanted By Melkor, Nothing Lasts Forever

[400/1500]  The Age Of Man
[500/1500]  Raiment Of The World
[Free]      The Dragon Spell
[700/1500]  Winged Drake
[900/1500]  Large And Mighty
[1200/1500] New And Unforetold
[Free]      A Lair
[1300/1500] Gem Encrusted Soft Bits
[1500/1500] Hoard

It is said that when Melkor brought dragons into existence, the first created were twins that were unalike in every way but for the golden hue that their scales shared. The first wyrm was granted a name, Glaurung, and was loyal to his creator. He was a fell creature, impatient and aggressive, and though he lacked the wings of later dragons his breath was horrifying and fiery. His twin on the other hand spurned his master and struck out on his own - with unfaded scales that glistened as brightly as his hoard, he had the wings that his brother lacked, and could breathe ice instead. And where Glaurung brought strife wherever he went, it seemed the other was content to spend his time collecting trinkets and treasure and using them to line his hoard.

In whatever ways he was unlike his kin, in that way he was much the same as them. Which, of course, caused suspicion from all of those that came across him. In his earlier days, the dragon would go out into the world and meet others - he was sociable, and indeed downright friendly to certain individuals regardless of what suspicions they had - but as time wore on, Melkor (now Morgoth) sent his kin to exterminate him. When the attacks of a few independent dragons failed, an army was instead sent to him. And when that failed, Morgoth sent ever more after him, including once that he went himself, only to be unable to find his wayward creation, instead lured into a trap that he could not foresee that scarred him, though did no lasting major harm.

The dragon's hoard became legendary, which inspired some to seek him out. Whether out of greed or more righteous cause - after all, with a hoard of that size, could it not contain a Silmaril? - the hoard and its keeper were hunted by others, and this led the dragon to grow increasingly wary of the world, withdrawing himself, occasionally skirmishing, and hiding himself completely away after suffering a wound from the Noldor the second time they met him.

By the time the Second Age drew to a close, he'd not been seen in decades, and it was supposed that he'd either succumbed to a wound or been slain outright by someone wise enough not to speak of it.

In truth, he was simply too tired, and let the world turn without him; being a dragon in this world was much too troublesome.

"Ah, the old pilgrim. I should have expected our paths would cross again, at the turning of the age. Good morrow."
>"And to you. This, I did not expect."
"What, to be wearing the form of a man, rather than a scaled beast? I'll not prattle endlessly about the how, merely be content that I have done so. The best way to hide from the enemy, no matter their form, is to not be what is being sought."
>"Quite so. There is little that you've ever done without a reason, and I find myself wondering what reason there is behind your current action."
"Alone, on a hilltop with a good view of my surroungings, aside a crackling bonfire? Why, I thought I'd enjoy the sunset."
>"Is that so? One could be forgiven, considering your reputation, for suspecting otherwise."
"One indeed could. No, this world no longer needs me, if it ever did. The more action I take, the more it stunts others' growth. Instead... the world is far better served being a man, than a dragon."
>"Mm. You are singular amongst dragons. Most, when they seclude themselves, thought of themselves rather than the world around them."
"I admit such selfishness plays a factor, but I doubt we'll cross paths again for a very long time. If ever. I'll find a nice quiet place and live a man's life... several of them, perhaps, but simplicity has its place in the world and I ought to embrace it, even for a time."'
>"You mean to say you actually intend to settle down? Be a Man?"
"Once, a very, very long time ago, I was born as one. It's only fitting that I return to such, I feel, after centuries of being a dragon. I'll enjoy this sunset... and then it will be time for me to move onward."
>"Then I shall wish you fair winds and safe travels."
"Much the same to you."