Akhekhu

For years, Akhekhu had watched the world change around her with a mounting dread. Everyone whispered of the Shade growing stronger, of the long disappearance of one deity and the silence of the others. No one spoke of it directly, but most knew the truth.

Evil was coming.

For years, she had lived as a mate and mother, nestled within the territory of the Ashfall Waste. One by one, many of her hatchlings left to fight in a war she didn't understand. Eventually, her mate left with them.

Akhekhu was alone and yet more full of resolve than she had ever been. No longer tied down, she journeyed to the Great Furnace. As a hatchling and young dragon, she had learned the basics of metalworking, but knew she wanted to sharpen her skills after so long away from the forges. There was only one problem, however. Though she was a Fire dragon by birth, and possessed nimble claws and a focused mind, Akhekhu had been born a Wildclaw, and so too long spent near the refining flames required for smithing left her hide burned and her feathers singed. If she truly wanted to commit to her efforts, she would need to forge herself into something new, too. Upon finding a skilled mage to change her, she became a Banescale, her plated scales immunizing her from the fires with which she worked so closely. She thrived under the tutelage of her masters, priding herself in the creation of serrated blades and other wickedly sharp tools. At last, she felt, she herself would be able to make a difference.

The time for hatchlings was over. Now, it was time for war.