Scales of Justice Brown Rhazekth

From NorCon MUSH
Scales of Justice Brown Rhazekth
Impressee Emme
Hatching Date: 12 August, 2011
Day 22, Month 6, Turn 26
Current Age: 42 turns
Egg Name: Desiccated Foliage Egg
Size: 31.5 feet
Dam: Imperial Faberge Garden Gold Iovniath
Sire: Kinetic Knucklebones Bronze Cadejoth
Lineage: Here
Clutch: Clutch:41
Egg Credit: Lujayn
Dragon Credit: Lujayn
Puppeteer: Lujayn

Long and serpentine, this washed-out brown has been smoothly drawn from a hooked and beaky nose to an ink-tipped stylus of a tail. More inky-brown spots have stained his paws and talons, though the short strokes that outline each eyeridge and headknob seem more purposeful. The whole of his body has a sheen to it, a semblance of shiny mica and sandglass twinkling along his hollow flanks and long neck: a thin dusting of sand to blot up those last dark spills. At least the shadowy spars of his wings have been swept clear, though their generous sails have caught all the excess in their deep pockets; they sparkle in the light, each movement shifting grains until he seems surrounded in a hazy, eternal mirage.

Desiccated Foliage Egg

Maybe it used to be bright and leafy. Maybe it was once full of autumnal colors. Whatever the case, the colors of this egg have been smashed and sludged together into an unsavory dark brown, hints of sickly yellow peeking through here and there, a swath of slightly inkier oil slick snaking its way through the crevices between rotted redfruit crimson and moldy swamp green.

The Desiccated Foliage egg makes up for its lackluster efforts with a sudden burst of power, dark-padded paws and ebony talons ripping through the shell like parchment. A large, stubborn head follows, thrashing away until its mottled cage is left unrecognizable behind it, a wet and breathless brown hatchling in its place.

Scales of Justice Brown

Long and serpentine, this washed-out brown has been smoothly drawn from a hooked and beaky nose to an ink-tipped stylus of a tail. More inky-brown spots have stained his paws and talons, though the short strokes that outline each eyeridge and headknob seem more purposeful. The whole of his body has a sheen to it, a semblance of shiny mica and sandglass twinkling along his hollow flanks and long neck: a thin dusting of sand to blot up those last dark spills. At least the shadowy spars of his wings have been swept clear, though their generous sails have caught all the excess in their deep pockets; they sparkle in the light, each movement shifting grains until he seems surrounded in a hazy, eternal mirage.

Temperament

From the outside, Rhazekth may appear calm and placid - a gentle soul amidst the often more forceful personalities of your clutchmates, and later, your wingmates. His mind, however, is far from detached: he's an active observer of life, determined to catch dizzyingly precise details of a scene or interaction, or even smaller things like the dress you selected for the last Gather. He's constantly spinning questions from threads of curiosity, forever questing answers to his twin demons of 'why?' and 'how?'. Rhazekth knows what he doesn't know, and isn't afraid to ask - first you, his number one source, and then, should you fail to provide answers, others in turn. However, yours is the opinion he respects above all, Emme: he will never move too far from you.

Early on, Rhazekth will be all questions and very little actual observation, focusing on the 'what' and 'who' of his new world rather than its inner workings. He's likely to forget information nearly as soon as it is given, requiring great patience on your part to remind him of the most basic rules. Over time, this will fade, thankfully, as his ability to watch his siblings develop alongside other members of the weyr heightens, allowing him to form his own perspectives on the world. He's fascinated by his siblings: by Yanijath's adventurous spirit, by Amareth's triumph over disability, by Vysravth's dreams. Neither a leader nor a follower, he'll take up a spot all of his own, perhaps beginning to find himself attempting to play the mediator between some of the more highly spirited weyrlings. Not that that means he will necessarily be listened to any more than you always are, Emme - but while it may occasionally frustrate him, Rhazekth is not a dragon prone to hurt feelings, and will inevitably bounce right back.

Rhazekth is not chatty for the purpose of being conversational, as a general rule, but he's always willing to share what he knows, and to gather up that which others have learned. He has less interest in the intricacies of threadfighting and tactics than, for example, Temrianth and Sforzath, but he enjoys their enthusiasm - and should the occasion arise where their knowledge is important, he'll always remember the best person to ask. He will be interested in flying (and, indeed, swimming) on an academic level (where it can take him, which movements are most economical) rather than the purely physical; indeed, unlike some of his sensualist siblings, Rhazekth cares little for physical pursuits or sensations. Ultimately, he will be middle-of-the-road in many weyrling lessons, though his powers of insight may assist you in yours. In Between lessons, however, he will shine, his penchant for observation serving him well. After that, the world will be your oyster, and Rhazekth will want to see it all.

Rhazekth will find his voice as he grows into maturity, still an avid questioner, but increasingly inclined to give out his own opinion on matters. Reading between the lines of conflict - from petty squabbles to lifelong grudges - he will begin to step forward as a mediator instead of waiting to be called upon. Though sometimes inclined to whip himself into a frenzy over his newest ideas, he generally retains a relatively cool, calm exterior; his wingleader will likely consider him a solid asset, a dragon who can be depended on. You, Emme, will be his right-hand gal, his go-to for questions and his outlet for observations.

Ultimately, there's not a vindictive bone in his body: he sets himself apart, living his life according to a simple set of rules, determined to hear all sides and only then decide what is right. Unlike some of his siblings, who will instantly see themselves as 'exile dragons', it will take extraordinary events to convince Rhazekth to join one side of an argument or another: he loves his clutchsiblings, but he loves, too, his weyr. To follow one side over another, without logic and reason to back it up, is simply not his way.

He's a patient soul, but even Rhazekth has his limits: instead of fighting back, he's more likely to simply take his leave completely. He'll find good company in more level-headed dragons, like Temrianth, and with the imaginative, curious types like Rielsath; he judges each dragon upon their merits, and though he is generally quietly respectful to everyone, it will take a strong hand to make him respect one who loses his good will. Despite the different dynamics he will find amongst his own kind, every new acquaintance is a change for him to find out something new - and no topic is off-limits. All too often, Rhazekth might find that he is the one left standing alone by an impatient dragon who doesn't want to study - say - the ins and outs of trundlebug colonies. « But why do they-- wait. Where are you going? »

Flights intrigue him; he will have a habit of observing both the females and their suitors from a suitable distance, attempting to remain removed from the situation - right up until the rising itself - unless she happens to be a female with whom he has become particularly close. When the time comes, however, he'll come roaring forward with all the emotion stored away, using every trick he's ever seen to try and make sure he comes out triumphant. Afterwards, however, he's likely to take losses to heart, reading far too much into them: « I didn't win. She must not like me. » He'll be a picky chaser, avoiding those dragons he is not comfortable with and even, sometimes, eschewing those whose riders you don't like.

Should he catch a gold, he'll be as attentive and curious as ever, badgering the other queens and former sires about their clutches in order to build his knowledge. He'll take paternal pride in his offspring, eager to teach them and answer their questions, though as they grow into his peers, that connection is likely to fade into obscurity.

Sometimes, Emme, Rhazekth may be enough to drive you mad - but never doubt how much he dotes on you. He'll be your greatest supporter, cheering you in your chosen endeavours, providing a solid shoulder should the world ever become too much. His memory may be short, but should you achieve your goal of being a Harper Rider, he'll be the ideal companion for it, his gentle wisdom and curiosity backing you up at every stage.

Public Impression Message

His thoughtful pacing slowing with every step, the Scales of Justice Brown finally pauses, piercing eyes no longer scanning the white-robed crowds. When he finally resumes, his single-minded path shows new determination: the pale brown slinks forward as gently as a clumsy hatchling can, cautiously approaching a girl with a rich, emotive face before finally nosing his beaklike muzzle up into her hands. His. Hers.

Private Impression Message

A dervish of sand, and a lonely howling set upon your senses, whisking you away from the more immediate concerns of the hatching sands, the hatchlings, and the candidates around you. There's no time for fear, and no need, either: the sensation of balance is immediate, two souls becoming one. « Emme. » He whispers your name, and as he does, the storm clears as suddenly as it came, the scalding heat of the sands dissipating into the cosy warmth of the sun. It's a whole new world, but it's also the same one: as the storm clears, you can feel his snout pushing gently at your hands. « I am Rhazekth. All is well. »

Mindvoice

A comforting and all-encompassing warmth heralds Rhazekth's voice upon the sigh of desert winds, relying heavily on images and feelings to get his point across when words fail. A howling of sandstorms far in the distance is kept well under control within those reedy, songlike words, seeking to collaborate rather than overpower. His curiosity and vigor can call to mind the day's hot sun, while displeasure brings frozen desert nights -- an environment that can be harsh and untempered, but one that changes swiftly, his emotions betrayed even when not verbally expressed. Then there are the rains, infrequent but passionate deluges, those that give life to the special 'aha!' moment of surprise and delight. Small desert critters lurk in the background, their scuttling presence palpable even when silent through all those extra eyes, always watching.

Itchyspots

Whether the hide stretches tighter over his large muzzle or not, that is precisely the spot where Rhazekth will insist you oil more frequently or at least rub when you have a free hand; he might even lower his head to another's willing, friendly scratch. This may be a ploy for him to get closer and see exactly what it is you're working on there, but that beak will give him plenty of discomfort if not seen to. After all, it needs to be taken care of if he's going to use it to keep being nosy.

Dragon Inspirations

Following your request to have a male/female dynamic present in your dragon, Rhazekth is based on the clever and imaginative Egyptian god Thoth. He was credited as the author of all works of science, religion, philosophy, and magic; the Greeks later extended this to the inventor of a multitude of sciences and works of knowledge, both human and divine. He also appears in Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods' (soon to be an HBO series) as Mr Ibis. His name was loosely derived from the Egyptian word 'Rekh-Khet-Sa', meaning 'Knowing the Things of Books.' Rhazekth has been made as the balanced, arbiter counterpart to you, Emme, as Seshat - all that is wise and written, and perhaps a bit emotional.

Egg Inspiration: Television rots your brain, you know.


Clutch 41