CC: How did you come up with
the name Order of the Silver Dragons? Do you have Dragons in your ranks, or
perhaps you serve the Silver Dragons? I’ve known people to be knocked over by
one of the emissaries flying into the Marketplace from Argonnessen; a Silver
Dragon I believe… Any relation?
Darlao: Well first may I
thank you as well for showing interest in our Guild and finally shining a light
on those like ours that do so much good in the world.
As to your questions, I will deal with the simplest - I am not aware of
any relation of the Marketplace Dragon to our guild in any form.....we
specifically disavow any relation especially for any injury claims that may be
caused by this mysterious summoning (damn lawyers made me say that).
Our guild name arises from our mystical protector, Silverrar. He has
been our protector from the beginning of time, an agent of good who has blessed
our ranks before every great battle and has provided our leaders with a guiding
vision at the turn of every age. We do not know much of his history or origin,
so he well may be a dragon in human form guiding us in the passage of the
draconic prophecy. It is said in our oral history that he has hinted at
draconic lineage in some long past visions. Some past leaders have also surmised
that he may have been part of 'The Chamber' and has been tasked with guiding a
select few mortals in bringing about the draconic prophecy, but no one knows
for sure.
CC: Well, I’m happy you are
not affiliated with that troublesome Dragon in the Marketplace, such a dreadful
thing to step on the innocent folks of Stormreach like that. You seem to have a
very interesting background, and one deeply steeped in Draconic Prophecy; how
has the prophecy influenced the actions
of the guild, and do you see yourselves as carrying out prophecy, or merely
instruments for those who do?
Darlao: First to clarify, we
are not a religious order. We are still at the core a band of adventurers
seeking to rid the world of evil in its many forms. But, we have over time come
to believe that each being on this world is an instrument of the prophecy -
even the dragons who hold the deepest secrets of the prophecy are merely its
tools. As an Order we hold a common belief that our every act should be made
with the highest regard for the common good. As for influencing our actions,
the guidance we receive is sparse and mainly only comes in the form of the
blessings we receive from Silverrar. In that way we are not so much guided but
aided in the endeavours that are more or less linked to the prophecy.
Other acts of good and righteousness that are not blessed by Silverrar
are still important to our members and we hope the fine citizens of Stormreach.
Be it something as simple as putting down a minor crime lord or as grand as stopping
a deranged mindflayer from making abominations of all the peoples of
Stormreach.
CC: I have heard of many of
your exploits, and must admit, I am very impressed. If you could pick out one
or two of the Order of the Silver Dragons’s most notable accomplishments, what
would you say they were, and how do you think they have affected the well being
of the Stormreach citizenry?
Darlao: Hmm, many of our
greatest deeds have saved the world so to speak but they have not had a direct
impact on the common citizens of Stormreach beyond the fact that the world
around them hadn't collapsed. I guess they would have noticed, and eventually
stopped haggling over the price of a package of bat guano, but I think the one
deed, well set of deeds, that most impacted them was the closing of the various
portals that the Devils of Shavarath attempted to erect in the very heart of
the city. It began with a simple attack on the barracks, then a plucky young
procurer went missing, following up on that we uncovered a plot to open a
portal in the center of the marketplace. We eventually closed that portal
before the full might of Shavarath could spew forth. Shortly thereafter we were
tasked with closing two more portals that had been detected under the city.
Three times we went into the underbelly of the city, the so called Subterrane.
First to scout and find the portals. Then twice more to close the portals which
were protected by some of the most powerful devils and horrors you have ever
seen. Many of our Order perished in the process but we did come out victorious
and gathered no small amount of acclaim. In fact, I believe those were the
deeds that resulted in our Order's inclusion in the 'Founders' shrine in the
harbor.
I still bear scars from those harrowing days, not just of the body but
also the mind and the soul. There are days when I think it would have been best
if I had fallen with my comrades..........but that is not my fate.
CC: Those are some notable
accomplishments, Indeed. I cannot imagine the horrors you and your companions
encountered; but, I for one, am eternally grateful for the sacrifice you, and
others such as yourself have undergone for all of us. Have you given any
thought to what you will do after your days of adventure are over? Will you
seek refuge in the solace of obscurity, or perhaps you plan on perishing in a
great battle?
Darlao: As much as I and my
Order are intertwined with the Draconic Prophecy I honestly say I don't look to
the future that much. I look to root out evil where ever the seed may land and
I can see no other future. If pressed to state a preference in how I am to pass
on...glorious battle or quiet solitude then I would have to say that I could
not bear listening to the quiet screams of my dying friends repeat themselves
in my head forever and a day....I could not go quietly into the night, no that
is not my choice. To die in the heat of battle, surrounded by my brethren, the
flames of hell licking at my boots and a froth of fury in my heart.....and
please no rancid tiefling arrow in my gut but may it be a great cleaving blow
from the death throes of a once mighty beast. That would be my
choice......Glory in Life, Glory in Death.
CC: A noble leader; living
as one might expect a true hero would. As I’m sure none of us ever want to see
one such as yourself fall in battle, it could be said to be an inevitable
consequence for the life you lead, and dear price paid for all of us to lead
the oblivious lives we lead. You have told us of your guild, some of your
glorious exploits, and I think our readers will have a good understanding of
what the Order of the Silver Dragons is all about.
One last question for you… What do you think sets your guild apart from
all the others; and what advice could you give to someone who may be interested
in becoming affiliated with your organization?
Darlao: Service - we are
about service to higher ideals, to the greater good, to our fellow man. We put
others before ourselves at almost any cost. We work to make each other better,
stronger, faster and more capable so that we may meet the coming storm head on
and prevail. A person lacking in those ideals should not strive to join our
ranks, but those who do would be welcomed into our fold with open arms and
brimming hearts.
CC: I truly thank you for
your time, and it was an absolute pleasure speaking with you, and learning more
about the Order of the Silver Dragons.
For those who have not had the pleasure of meeting or speaking with
Darlo, of the Order of the Silver Dragons, you are missing out on a fascinating
and often exhilarating experience. He gives off the appearance of a weather
beaten, gruff, veteran of many battles, but by speaking to him, you get the
sense of a deep and sorrowful past haunted by his memories of the deaths of his
comrades; a man who has a purpose, and a passion life, one of someone who truly
believes in the Draconic Prophecies and the positive outcome that will result.
At the end of our interview, Darlo ordered both of us a drink, we toasted the
prophecy, and good fortune to all. We drank, he slammed down the glass, got up
and walked toward the tavern door. Before he left, I noticed he absently
checked the hilt of his Khopesh to make sure it was clear in the scabbard, then
casually left.
CC Ragenguard
