Tales of the White

If one were to scour the great libraries of the Flanaess, they would find little reference to the ancient wyrm known only as the White. In my research into the dragon, I found a few morsels of information, but hardly the amount of data that has been collected on much younger dragons. Many wyrms hide their true identities for legends say that knowing the dragon’s true name gives you power over them. Of course this is but a tale told to young heroes looking for an edge in dragon hunting.

There is some information that has been accepted as fact. The dragon calls Gaeth-Orvus home. It is in the northern Lortmils near the dwarven clans of Mount Odenkor. The previous master of Gaeth-Orvus was another white dragon named Kossundelgotterix (see Wyrms of the Flanaess for further information). It is presumed that Kossun was the mother of the White. After the dwarves defeated Kossun (six hundred years before the declaration of universal peace), Gaeth-Orvus was inhabited by a large tribe of frostfell orcs.

The earliest known references to the White are nearly a thousand years ago. The wyrm was involved in the Nomad Wars in the Northern Flanaess. At this time reports indicated that the dragon was well into adulthood. It is common among the chromatics to actively spread their tales of destruction, which helps bolster their enormous egos. This did not seem to be the case up until the White’s first notable sighting. Perhaps this indicates a history that the White does not wish to be told, but any theories regarding this would be pure speculation. If the White had not returned to Gaeth-Orvus, it is likely that no connection with Kossun would have been established.

When the White did return to the Lortmils, the Odenkor clan had already reformed into their present day status of two disparate clans. The dwarven civil war reached its zenith prior to the return of the White, and they now coexisted without overt violence. The White dominated the orc tribes, but some problems arose. The nature of these problems is not well known, but within a few years of the dragon’s return, the orc tribe was smashed. The frost giant clan was formed. Their loyalty to the White appears unwavering.

With his base at Gaeth-Orvus firmly established, the White began his campaign of destruction across the northern Lortmils. The stories of his slaughter of a significant number of younger silver wyrms were told throughout the surrounding lands. It appears though that the Khannenhelm Defenders of Odenkor were a major thorn in his side. The fact that Odenkor is within a few miles of Gaeth-Orvus (separated only by the great ice plain) certainly served to anger the aging wyrm. Like most dragons, they can wait a long time to enact their plans. The white wyrms may not be the grand examples of dragonkind, but their capacity to hate and destroy is quite amazing.

Rumors of alliance with Iuz and the Boneshadow have persisted since the rise of Iuz. The timing of the White’s assault on Odenkor (two weeks after Iuz’s most recent invasion) cannot be a coincidence. It is this author’s opinion that they are not in any sort of formal alliance. That would be exceedingly rare considering the two individuals involved. They do appear to have similar goals though.

Over the last five hundred years, a number of would be heroes have attempted to assault the mountain fortress of Gaeth-Orvus. There is not much in the way of stories about these adventurers. The lure of great wealth often trumps good sense. The most common (and therefore likely) story is that the White toys with his prey. He draws them skillfully into his chambers, and it is too late to escape by the time the futility of their plans becomes apparent.

The other mysterious tale concerning the White occurred about a century ago. The event was said to have “offended all of dragonkind”. Attempts by this author to uncover any facts of the tale were fruitless for many years. Considering my connections in the draconic world, this was surprising. In the last few years, I discovered the truth of the tale. As I learned it in confidence, I have no intention of repeating the horrific event. Even if I was not sworn to secrecy, I would not pass on this tale. It was this knowledge that initially piqued my interest in the ancient dragon. Now I wish that I had not sought out the truth. Knowledge can be a heavy burden, and it cannot be forgotten.

- Morgan D’Amico, the Silver Sage