Herion -- "Kisma"
Description
Herion is beautiful and terrifying at once. This long-bodied and powerfully muscled gold dragon is over 28 feet long and 4 tons of pure muscle and invulnerable scales. Here and there, colorful little gemstones -- topaz, peridot, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires -- appear lodged between scales from sleeping in such treasure for so long. His eyes glow like molten pools of that wealth for which his breed is named. Tiny black pupils regard his environment with sagacity. Even now, Herion radiates an intense calm and wisdom. His penetrating gaze seems to be able to puncture shields and lies alike. His ferocity is so gentle that it's almost impossible to heed anything else, so awesome and terrible is this drake. A pair of smooth horns sweep back from the dragon's brow. Twin frills adorn the length of Herion's neck. Twelve whiskers, like the barbels of a catfish, dangle from the dragon's fanged mouth. Sail-like wings rise high at his shoulders and trail down to the tip of his smooth tail. His four powerful legs seem adept for running, climbing, or fighting. Indeed, the four toes of each reptilian leg ends in especially razor-keen claws, as if he honed them regularly on the sides of mountains. Despite these frightening weapons, Herion smells more like incense and wild saffron herbs. He definitely possesses an exotic and oriental veneer. Coupled with his sinuous and fluid body and thoughtful expression, this majestic dragon's valor will not easily be vanquished.
Tall, dark, and handsome defines Herion's human form when he assumes one. Also called Kisma for his generosity in passing on good luck to those worthy, the gold dragon appears as a warrior in his late twenties. He boasts vibrant brown hair, swept back and tied into a short queue. Of course, his steady and wise gaze betrays his nature: his pupils are tiny islands in a sea of gold. His skin is fair and unscarred, at least what can be seen of it. Kisma prudently wears magical armor in this form; all his arms meld into his scales when he transforms back to his true form. Beneath the mail, peeks of a thick deep red tunic are noticeable. The armor is a suit of fine golden chain links that steal attention from his handsome face, for they glow with divine radiance. The celestial armor protections his entire torso and then. In his left hand, Kisma clutches a broad shield of oval shape and designed with the same hue. In fact, it looks a bit like a giant golden egg, but its unmarred condition proves it holds far more steadily than a shell. It could also be that Kisma wields a wide-bladed bastard sword that also glows like the sun in hand. This blade looks quite capable of cutting down all enemies of light in no time. Far more earthly, Kisma carries a pack of general gear on his back. Strapped diagonally across his back is a long staff about five and a half feet long. The yew staff is smooth and typical, save for long sigils of sorcery inscribed upon its length. Overall, Kisma is ready for defending the innocent and vanquishing the wicked no matter where and how the battle must be fought. But the gentle scent of saffron and incense still hovers over the warrior, illustrating the harmony between war and peace that Kisma maintains.
History
Herion hatched in 717 AK in a lair hidden deep in the Elenian Hills, south of Lake Elena. He and his siblings' birth was timed well; his mother actually laid this nest centuries prior. But metallic dragons were always wiser than their evil cousins, knowing to keep the population of dragons in Cael down to a safe level. When a metallic dragon retreated to another plane of existence, or was slain, that gave warrant to the hatching of other dragons long kept preserved in the earth. Herion was glad to be alive at last. He rejoiced with his few brothers and sisters. Though some of his siblings were more curious than he, Herion was much more active and rambunctious. He kept his siblings (and often his mother) on their toes with his playful games. When he got older…he simply took those games to the clouds or the depths of the lake. His mother made sure Herion knew how to fend for himself before releasing him onto the harsh world.
Fortunately, Artos was a fairly peaceful realm. Herion was at little risk from predators and lived in peace for decades. Though he did clash a few times with a terrible pyrohydra. He wanted the bloke to just leave him be, but the hydra kept bothering him. Finally, Herion slew the beast (and dined well for months). Out of nowhere, humans dared approach him, and offered him a reward for defeating that monster. He would have declined at first, but the coffer of gold was very pretty… Herion began to consider amassing treasure, and did so in earnest by taking human form and accepting jobs from towns that most heroes considered too dangerous. But hey, he was a dragon, and little threatened him…so he thought. Herion suffered many close calls, but always came out victorious, and stronger (and richer) than ever for his effort. Occasionally, Herion worked with other good mercenaries. He learned a few spells or sword tricks from such warriors.
And in return, he made sure luck was on their side when they went into battle with this monster or that. To the few that he revealed his true nature, he was nicknamed "Kisma". (None knew his true dragon name anyway, that was private.) Eventually, however, obligation called Herion back from this mercenary life. His mother summoned him from Cael into the Outer Planes themselves. Herion found himself flying up the mountainous layers of Heaven itself! Next thing he knew, he was given audience with Bahamut himself. The Platinum Dragon commanded Herion to return to Cael and continue his heroic journey, but he was not to do it for the wealth of human kingdoms anymore. In return, Herion was given great gifts with which to pursue his heroism and a valediction: evil from the south would soon spill onto the surface. With that somewhat enigmatic warning, Herion bid his mother and Bahamut farewell and returned to Cael. He knew he'd adjust quickly to this new quest for heroism, and hoped he'd make good friends in the process.
Personality
Kisma is more outgoing and active than many gold dragons (seem to be at least). His inherent wisdom and natural intuition helps him from going too far with anyone in any way. He's also a calm and patient person in social and combat situations alike. Herion decided the best way to combat evil was to get right in its face and combat it, putting all his puissant skills and gifts to good use. He knows he risks his life, but he never risks his life imprudently, and prefers to subdue not slay enemies. Hardly naïve, Herion still believes it better to try and persuade evildoers to turn from their wickedness. It's a matter of ethics, not hope, to which he is bound.
Goals
Herion will pursue the Fighter class until at least 10th level, after which he may multi-class as a Sorcerer to further augment his magical powers and knowledge.
Character Sheet