The Crystal Grotto

There is a legend among sailors of the Shining Sea that details a place of mythical power. The Crystal Grotto is said to be the culmination of Metallic Dragon magics, a place where all goodly dragons are welcomed and protected by the energies of Bahamut himself. No mortal has ever set foot within the grotto, for so far beneath the waves of the Shining Sea is it said to be, that only the most powerful of arcanists would ever even glimpse its entrance. From there, the spirits of the most ancient dragons, manifest in forms of brilliant diamond and platinum, would surely prevent entry to any but dragonkind and dragonkin.   The legend of how the grotto was formed is speculated to be a kind of “last sanctuary” for all metallic dragons, or so thought in its intention. In the early ages after the creation of Aber-Toril, the most powerful beings, at that time the dragons, designed and crafted a bastion for their kind to flee should the world ever be overcome by dark forces. Some suspect this is why the grotto has never been found, for what power in the known multiverse can contend with the might of dragons? Especially the most ancient and powerful of their kind?   Yet, it is also known that metallic dragons, while narcissistic to a fault at times, are not beyond logic or reason. Ages passed have only proven that there are forces in the many outer planes that easily surpass those of dragonkind in might and will. Perhaps it was with this foresight that the dragons decided to form the grotto, for they knew that powerful as they were, gods they were not, and as such, a need for a sanctuary protected by their divine benefactor was the only thing that would be able to save them if ever they were endangered by forces beyond themselves.   In recorded history, such a force has never arisen, and as such, many dispute the existence of the grotto, fancying it a myth or legend of the Shining Sea’s inhabitants. However, others still hold to the legitimacy of the sanctuary, claiming to have witnessed metallic dragons plunging from the skies and disappearing beneath the waves, resurfacing days or weeks later. Some claim the Crystal Grotto now serves as a gathering point for the metallic dragons.   If such a congregation were to ever form, one can only wonder as to what might be discussed within the confines of the grotto. Dragons have been known to influence the course of history with the presence of a single one of their kind. But many all gathered into one place? Surely such an occurrence would be the stuff of legend indeed.   When the sky is gold and the moon unseen, Look unto the glistening sheen.     Where the beasts of sky and earth and fire, Hold no sway o’er fate’s desire.     Safely here can dragons dwell, Beneath the veil, within the well.     A place to watch the world unfold, A shelter wondrous to behold.     Dragon’s might and Mystra’s weave, Felt by all who might believe.     If dark or evil prowls the land, From this realm hope will withstand.     In this land, can dragons dwell… Within the veil, within the spell…