Scorch

Unlike most ancients, Scorch was uniquely born within a human settlement. Scorch's story began when a dedicated volcanologist, immersed in his research on the effusive eruption of a volcano near Blackreach, stumbled upon a desolate wyvern nest, miraculously containing a lone egg as molten lava encroached upon its fragile surroundings. Recognizing the imminent danger posed by the advancing lava flow, he carefully retrieved the egg.   Unsure of the origin or type of the wyvern egg, the scientist sought the expertise of a renowned draconologist. The specialist instructed him to create a nurturing environment for the egg to incubate. They explained that while direct exposure to the lava would have been fatal, the gentle, radiant warmth of a fire was precisely what the egg needed to thrive. The shell of this type of wyvern egg is remarkably thick, preventing excessive heat transfer into its interior, safeguarding the delicate life within. Following this advice, the volcanologist set the egg near a wood-burning stove in his cozy home.   As time went on, the volcanologist endeavored to ensure the egg received even heating. However, during one such attempt to turn the egg, he burned his hand. This incident sparked a moment of inspiration, and with a chuckle, he decided to name the wyvern Scorch.   In Scorch's formative years, he became an inseparable companion to his caretaker, who affectionately cradled him as if he were an infant. This tender practice lasted only a few years, as Scorch grew rapidly, developing into a robust creature. One fateful day, when his caretaker was cradling him, he accidentally dropped Scorch onto his head. With no desire to repeat that mishap, the caretaker proposed an alternative of hanging off his shoulders like some kind of cape, if he wanted to be carried.   As he matured, Scorch developed an undeniable affinity for warmth, often settling perilously close to the flickering flames of wood-burning stoves or open fire pits. The volcanologist welcomed Scorch along on his outdoor excursions to study the wonders of volcanoes, and he was delighted to join his companion in the field.   When Scorch was finally large enough to carry a rider, the volcanologist bought a specially designed saddle and embarked on the thrilling task of training him to fly with a passenger. After several lessons and plenty of practice, their bond together grew stronger. With Scorch now trained, the pair soared over bubbling lava flows and the tumultuous landscape of volcanoes, gazing down at the fiery rivers from a breathtaking new perspective. This unique partnership not only advanced the volcanologist's studies but also deepened the remarkable connection between them, destined to stand the test of time.  

Twenty Year Scourge

As Scorch outlived his long-time companion, a profound sense of duty compelled him to focus on Blackreach and its denizens, especially during the time of crisis. By this juncture, Scorch had existed long enough to acquire a rudimentary understanding of human language, a distinctive trait among ancient dragonkin that allowed for surprising interpersonal connections.   During the volatile era known as the Twenty Year Scourge, a coordinated detachment of Wyrm of Chaos' allies was assigned the grim task of annihilating the northern Emberland human settlements. When this band reached the formidable walls of Blackreach, they encountered fierce resistance, and it was here that Scorch played a crucial role in the defense of his home.   The battle escalated until the notorious leader of the detachment arrived, determined to take the situation into his own malevolent claws. After a protracted and grueling confrontation, Scorch ultimately delivered a decisive blow that felled the adversary, marking a turning point in the battle and ensuring a temporary peace for Blackreach.   As the town began to recover from the ravages of the battle, a majestic figure descended from the sky. Airigold, a dragon renowned in human folklore for his golden accents, landed just outside the town's walls. Initially, Scorch instinctively assumed a defensive posture, mistaking Airigold for an enemy, but recognition quickly alleviated his fears. Airigold attempted to communicate with him in Draakhn, the ancient tongue of the dragons, yet when it became clear that Scorch could not understand, he switched to the common human dialect.   They exchanged words, with Scorch recounting the fierce battle that had just unfolded. Seemingly satisfied with the account, Airigold departed to relay critical information to the other ancient dragonkin and to confirm that Anaq had indeed dispatched a detachment across the ocean for the mission to desecrate the western world.   Not long after, Airigold returned, this time with an intriguing proposition. He suggested that Scorch accompany him to Eldrya to propose a strategic alliance with the newly formed Dragonguard. Scorch was initially hesitant, unwilling to leave Blackreach vulnerable in the wake of recent conflict. However, Airigold pointed out that Scorch had eliminated much of the detachment and defeated the commander, leaving their forces in disarray — thereby rendering the region more secure than before. After much deliberation, Scorch ultimately consented to join the Dragonguard Alliance, recognizing that unity was crucial for the future of both his people and the humans he had come to care for.  

After the War

Once the Draconian War came to a close, Scorch opted to remain in Eldrya for a brief period, engaging with other Ancient Dragonkin while the terms of the Draconian Concord were being meticulously drafted. This historic document aimed to foster peace and understanding between ancient dragonkin and humans, marking a new chapter in their history. After thoroughly reviewing the stipulations, Scorch signed the agreement, solemnly committing to a vision of coexistence.   Upon his return to Blackreach, the town bore the scars of recent conflicts yet exhibited a resilient spirit among its inhabitants. Unlike many of his fellow ancients who sought refuge in hidden enclaves following the rising tensions with humans and the emergence of the Dragonbane Order, Scorch chose to remain within Blackreach. However, he largely refrained from venturing beyond the city limits, keeping a watchful eye on the world outside, ready to protect his home should the need arise again.

Having been raised in the warm embrace of humans, Scorch has cultivated a distinctly different palate compared to his dragonkin brethren. Rather than favoring typical foods of a dragon's diet, he had developed a surprising fondness for human comfort food, with macaroni and cheese standing out as his favorite. What sets his version apart is the addition of jalapeños, which lends a delightful kick and a touch of spice to the creamy, cheese goodness.