Illus. by E. Cox
SPELLSCALES
CHAPTER 2
spellscale’s physical mistreatment or oppression of the other is likely to be allowed, however.
have the same purpose and the same drive. Fascinating in a way, if terribly dull. Dragon-Descended: Spellscales share a kinship with draconic individuals, since they both sprang unexpectGOVERNMENT Spellscales usually inhabit a land with its own system of edly from an otherwise “normal” society. Spellscales have governance, law, and taxation. They’ll do what’s necessary additional empathy for those with draconic heritage; most to get by as citizens of that land, but they have their own spellscales are born to sorcerers and thus have an easier ideas about government. Depending upon what the local time being accepted, but draconic individuals can be born authorities are willing to put up with, a spellscale commuto nearly any parent. Half-dragons are so mysterious that spellscales can’t help but be interested in them, much to nity within a larger municipality has its own organization the amused annoyance of most half-dragons. and its own ruler—either openly or in secret. The caprice and individuality of the spellscale race is Dwarves: Spellscales think dwarves are slow—ponderous nowhere so perfectly epitomized as in its form of governin their physical movement, their social bonding, and their ment. Every year, the spellscales in a community hold an decision-making. Nevertheless, dwarves are mesmerizing election lottery. In a public ceremony, a large, black box to observe in this slowness. A spellscale blissfully watches a is prepared. One gold bead is mixed with silver beads, the dwarf in action and often correctly predicts the outcome of lot equaling the number of adult spellscale residents of that action. Far from being boring, this activity is comfortthe community. Every adult spellscale then pulls a bead able and reassuring, akin to rereading a favorite novel. at random, and whoever pulls the gold bead is the new Elves: While elves have the right idea when it comes to holding a fine appreciation of magic, they’re too academic ruler. This individual rules in whatever fashion he chooses for one year. He has full authority and must in their approach to matters arcane. However, be obeyed, and he gets to choose his everyone is entitled to his own eccentricititle (often “King” but sometimes as ties, and the elves’ racial penchant for quirky as “Your Grand Pomposity” wizardry over sorcery is peculiar but acor as severe as “Autocrat”), advisors, ceptable. Aside from this, spellscales see and staff. elves as graceful, free spirits who have a The leader cannot alter two funlove of life nearly equal to their own. damental rules. A new, purely Gnomes: In their many musings, most random election must take place spellscales wonder what place gnomes have the next year. Also, any spellscale in the multiverse. Spell-like abilities in a huwho wants to do so can move manoid race are unusual, but what real away from the community ungood are a couple of cantrips and the ability to talk to furry creatures that til the next election. live in the ground? Further, many As can be expected from such a random process, gnomes only dabble in spellcasting the quality and intenas bards, forever isolated from the splendors of mighty magsity of leadership varies greatly. One year, the rulic. Most spellscales view these er might not do anything, sadly hampered humanoids making no rules and collectwith a mix of pity and compasing no taxes. The next leader sion, treating them gently, as might rule with an iron fist, one would a slow-witted child, to demanding military service and be protected and educated. taxes and imposing a tyrannical, bureauHalf-Elves: Most spellscales’ outcratic government. look toward half-elves can be summed up In general, spellscales find this diversity in a phrase: charming, quite charming. . . . or this . . . intriguing and fulfilling. Where else can Half-elves have a resourcefulness born from you live and experience such a multiplicity a mixed heritage. They have poise and personality. of governments? And, like humans, a half-elf can do just about anything. This flexibility and variability is to be respected. Half-Orcs: A bit too crude and boorish to hold much social attraction for spellscales, half-orcs nevertheless prove physically fascinating. Not even half-orcs notice the Spellscales view members of most other races as too limnuances of their physiology. A spellscale might marvel at ited in their perspectives and pursuits. No other race has how one half-orc’s lower teeth point inward and another’s the spellscales’ natural inclination for sorcery. No other outward, or at just how capable a half-orc is in toe-to-toe race finds the entire world so fascinating. battle and feats of strength. Halflings: Fellow storytellers and agreeable folk, halfDragonborn: Spellscales consider dragonborn distantly related creatures, as a human might view a third cousin lings and spellscales get along well. Spellscales appreciate by marriage. The dragonborn’s singularity of intention how halflings fi ll many niches in the societies of other races while retaining a distinct outlook. interests spellscales, because every dragonborn seems to
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