Many centuries ago, an ambitious young dragon ruled as a tyrant. Being the offspring of two extremely powerful dragons , he possessed unimaginable power for a dragon his age. A power that, after many centuries, would dwarf his sire's. Lacking his father's compassion for the more vulnerable races, the gold dragon looked down upon the non-dragons. A staunch devotee of the great Bahamut, he found it his duty to enforce his will among the mortal races for surely he would know better than lesser beings. So much so, he would conquer villages and demand their bodies and souls devoted wholly to him. He would guide them to better lives; all for their freedom of thought. It was his duty as a dragon to shepherd these beings after all. And yet, "heroes' would stand up to the dragon. Despite his age, any who stood up to him would soon turn to ash and the towns they resided in would share their fate to be engulfed in the dragon's divine blue flames.
It was only a matter of time until the platinum dragon took notice. The gold dragon protested, making claims that it was all for the better good. The platinum dragon would not hear of it. Engulfing the gold dragon in bright light, the dragon god forcefully transformed the tyrant into an aarakocra. "Discover the truth just as your father did" is all the platinum dragon stated before he vanished in his light.
The gold dragon was left bewildered. Unable to change back to his original form. Left with no choice, he flew. He flew and flew, enraged at his unjust punishment. His king failed to recognize what he had done for the greater good. Unfortunately, in his rage, he failed to account for his mortal visage. Fatigue had hit hard and quickly. He fell. After a few seconds he crashed, injured body and soul.
When the dragon came to, he found himself bandaged upon a pile of leaves. Looking around, he found himself among a nomadic aarakocra. One in particular towered the rest of his kind. The large one took notice and extended his arm with a smile. The dragon growled, at least as well as he could as an aarakocra could. The smaller aarakocra surrounded him, pointing spears at his throat. The large one motioned the others to put their weapons down. "Let him be," he stated, his smile unwavered, "I apologize my friend." He knelt down and grabbed the dragon's arm, lifting him up. The dragon stood surprised but quickly composed himself, reforming his scowl. "Join us!" as the large one handed him mead.
Over time, the dragon grew close to the tribe, though he would never admit it. He kept his signature scowl but would become fond of these aarakocra. The large one in particular who was the leader of said tribe. In time, they would see each other as brothers. Though the dragon's temper and pride would remain, he gained an understanding of the mortal races. Where he thought his father as foolish once, he now understood where his father's love for them came from.
After a few years, one fateful day, a young red dragon began to encroach the lands these aarakocra had decided to make home. The red beast had set their homes ablaze with crimson flame. The gold dragon grew enraged. But not as before. It was his love of his new family that fueled his fury. It was then he felt his mortal form begin to dissolve. With a terrifying transformation, he leapt at the red dragon. A terrifying battle between dragons. Crimson and azure flame exchanged, claws and fangs clashed. In the end, the red dragon retreated. Though injured, the gold dragon came out with only a few scratches. He flew down to the large aarakocra who had remained watching from a cliff. The dragon landed with a heavy thud, carrying the same smug, confident expression he always had before being transformed. He walked up to the aarakocra, pressing the side of his face upon the beak of the avian.
The dragon let out an ominous chuckle. "Surprised?" He narrowed his eyes ever so slightly as he pressed his face to the aarakocra. " Surprised your brother is the tyrant you and the other lesser races had greatly feared?" The dragons expression remained unchanged but his voice was low. He paused. He knew what the aarakocra would say. "Worry not… I think it was time for me to take my l-". The aarakocra gently grabbed the dragon's head and closed his eyes as he pressed his beak in slightly.
"Thank you, my friend."
The dragon's eyes slightly widened before returning back. "You're clan is really full of idiots aren't they?" He chuckled. "How the Phoenix clan managed to survive, no less lead, this long will never cease to amaze me." He closed his eyes. The dragon rubbed along his avian friend's head. "I am glad you are safe Ivanios."
"And I to you, Adamyl. Aurithax." "I won't hold it against you if you decide to leave but you are always welcome to stay with us."
The dragon opened his eyes. "Are you sure that's a wise choice." He chuckled. "Though I suppose you are getting on with your years. It'd be a shame to see your son and his heirs die out if they share the stupidity you have." Ivanios let out a a loud laugh. "I suppose it would be my duty as a great dragon to watch over your kind. If your heirs are anything like you, I suppose it won't be so bad."
Ivanios embraced the dragon. "I'm eternally grateful, my friend."
Aurithax responded with a gentle growl. "I should be the one thanking you."
