The Mystery of the Dragons’ Barrier

Authored by Archmage Zhorvynthas of Sylkaris, High Member of the Council of Scales
Delivered in Confidence to the Council of Scales

Esteemed Members of the Council,

It is with great care and reverence that I present to you this report, one of the gravest matters I have ever investigated. The existence of a phenomenon I have come to call the Dragons’ Barrier has been confirmed through exhaustive research. While much remains shrouded in mystery, the facts, conclusions, and speculations I offer here demand your immediate attention.

Confirmed Facts

1. An Invisible Stabilizing Force Through advanced magical scrying and the study of environmental anomalies, I have identified a global, invisible force that appears to regulate solar radiation across Azurythos. This phenomenon explains why the planet’s temperatures remain stable despite the absence of the southern polar ice cap, which otherwise should have caused catastrophic warming.
2. Celestial Influence The energy signature of this barrier is faintly tied to the star Aurelios, suggesting a connection between the barrier and the celestial forces that govern our world. It also fluctuates subtly with the cycles of Tiamis and Baharis, though the significance of this relationship remains unclear.
3. Localized Weaknesses Certain regions, particularly those in the southern hemisphere near the storm belt, exhibit periodic disruptions in the barrier’s effectiveness. These areas experience brief but intense heat spikes, which, if left unchecked, could destabilize local ecosystems.
4. Draconic Origins The arcane signature of the barrier matches the ancient magical resonance associated with dragonkind. This confirms that the dragons themselves, or perhaps their collective essence, are the source of this phenomenon. It is reasonable to conclude that this barrier was erected during or shortly after the fall of the gods.
5. Diminishing Strength Over the past millennium, I have detected a gradual weakening of the barrier. This decline is accelerating, though the precise timeline of its failure remains uncertain.

Conclusions Drawn from These Facts

1. A Protective Measure The Dragons’ Barrier appears to be a deliberate construct, likely created to stabilize the planet after the upheavals of the war against the gods. Without divine entities to maintain cosmic order, it is logical that the dragons took on this responsibility themselves.
2. Unprecedented Sacrifice The barrier’s energy drain suggests it is sustained by the dragons’ own life forces. This could explain their prolonged slumber, as they channel their power into preserving the balance of Azurythos.
3. Potential Purpose While the barrier’s primary role seems to be climatic stabilization, its connection to the star Aurelios and the moons raises questions about other potential purposes. Could it be shielding us from an external threat, or limiting the influence of some other cosmic force?
4. Implications for Mortals Should the barrier fail, the most immediate consequence would be a rapid and uncontrollable rise in global temperatures, leading to environmental collapse. Coastal cities would face inundation, arid regions would become uninhabitable, and storms would intensify beyond our capacity to endure.

Speculations and Unanswered Questions

1. The Role of the Demons The demons confined to the southern continent have not expanded their reach in millennia. Could the Dragons’ Barrier be the reason for this? If so, its weakening might embolden them. While the Council has long dismissed the polar kingdom’s warnings, we must consider the possibility that their concerns hold merit.
2. The Nature of the Dragons’ Slumber Are the dragons truly dormant, or are they in a meditative state, actively sustaining the barrier? If the latter, awakening them prematurely could disrupt this balance, potentially accelerating the barrier’s collapse.
3. Interaction with the Moons The fluctuating energy levels tied to Tiamis and Baharis suggest that the barrier’s strength waxes and wanes in harmony with their cycles. Could these celestial bodies serve as conduits or amplifiers for the barrier’s magic? If so, lunar events may hold the key to understanding its operation.
4. A Second Purpose? Could the barrier be more than a stabilizing force? Its complexity suggests a dual purpose, perhaps acting as a ward against interplanar intrusion. This might explain why demon incursions have not intensified despite their confinement.

Proposed Actions

1. Establish a Research Initiative I propose the formation of a multidisciplinary task force comprising the most skilled mages, scholars, and adventurers to study the barrier in depth. This group must prioritize understanding its mechanisms and identifying ways to fortify it.
2. Open Dialogue with the Polar Kingdom While our relations with the polar kingdom have been strained, their proximity to the demon lands provides them with unique insights. A formal delegation should be sent to assess the validity of their warnings and establish cooperative measures.
3. Seek Draconic Relics Ancient artifacts tied to dragonkind may hold the key to stabilizing or even strengthening the barrier. Expeditions to sites such as the ruins of Drakarthas and the Caverns of Ashenlight should be authorized immediately.
4. Monitor Lunar Events Scholars should intensify their observations of Tiamis and Baharis, focusing on their conjunctions and other significant alignments. These may provide opportunities to temporarily bolster the barrier or reveal more about its nature.
5. Prepare Contingency Plans In the event of the barrier’s failure, the Council must have a unified strategy to address the resulting climatic and ecological crises. This includes fortifying critical infrastructure, ensuring food and water supplies, and possibly relocating vulnerable populations.

Final Thoughts

The Dragons’ Barrier is a marvel of arcane ingenuity, a testament to the power and sacrifice of dragonkind. Yet its mystery is matched only by its fragility. The Council of Scales stands at a crossroads: to act decisively in understanding and preserving this barrier, or to risk the collapse of the world it protects.

I urge you, esteemed members, to treat this matter with the gravity it deserves. Though we are but mortals, it falls to us to honor the legacy of the dragons and safeguard the future of Azurythos.

With unshakable resolve,
Archmage Zhorvynthas