Dragons: Valoch

Valoch (pronounced vah-lock) is the Dragon of the Underlands.

### Personality

Valoch, unlike the other three living dragons, is quite anti-social. While he doesn't have an unkind nature, in fact the exact opposite, he tends to prefer being alone, only opening up to and chatting with those who earn his trust. Some theorise that this is due to his past, losing his family, and countless betrayals, but he's never stated his exact reasoning for the reclusiveness. Those who have gotten to know him share stories of his soft and gentle demeanor, saying he is on the level of being a sort of 'grumpy but sweet grandparent' and that he has a genuine heart. He can be somewhat standoffish and cold at first, but is known for being honest and caring later down the line. Valoch tends to spend most of his time alone in his cave and hates being disturbed. Every year, on his assigned Day of Honouring (which is the 21st Desosis}, he will *reluctantly* come out and spend some time with the townsfolk.

### Immortality

Valoch is one of the few immortal beings in Atheirdin. Due to scientific research, it was discovered that his immortality is a result of enchanted scales covering his body, known as 'Immortal Scales'. It remains unknown *how* exactly they became magical or how they formed, but is estimated that he was born with the powers. Valoch has the ability to grant other living creatures with immortality if they are given one of his scales - as long as they are holding it or touching it in some way, they can never die. Aside from touch, there have been one or two cases where the immortality has been consumed via potion, which forces the magic into their bloodstream and makes them completely imperishable. Consumed magic can only be undone with countered potions (ones that are cast with intent to reverse effects). Despite their intriguing nature, the scales have become a controversial topic of debate within Atheirdin. People often shame Valoch for not giving one to every living creature as a way of preventing death, however others argue that this would be meddling with the natural life cycle, which is against the laws of the world. There have been some cases where he *has* given out scales though, one of note is Roli, the royal family's pet dog and the only dog in Atheirdin. He wears it as a charm on his collar. In some cases, scales have been taken by force and violence, though this is rare. Even though Valoch is the most well-known creature with immortality in Atheirdin, he is not the *only* species to be born with it. He is, however, the only one that can share that power with others.

### Family

Valoch is the only living dragon who was ever married. After meeting his wife, Asta, at some point in Atheirdin's pre-European timeline, he finally married her in 1185 in a modest and casual ceremony. As there is no distinct culture for the dragons in the way that there is for the humans, there was no 'proper' way to get married, so they opted to have a small ritual in Valoch's home, the cave system below the Faena mountains. They invited the royals to bless the relationship and officiate it, then began referring to each other as husband & wife. In 1328, they had their first and only child, Symak, a son who, like Valoch, also possessed immortal scales. Upon realising that their son was immortal as well, Valoch offered a scale to Asta who politely refused it, citing that she enjoyed the idea of moving on at some point and that 'life should always have an ending' - a quote many people use in Atheirdin when discussing the politics of life cycles and the morals of immortality. In 1432, Asta's desire became apparent when she was struck and killed by magic. Upon her deathbed in her final moments, Valoch tried to force her to take a scale but again, she refused. Life went on, but in 1770, Symak unfortunately met a fate similar to his mother when he was killed by an unruly Prince that wanted a scale. This event caused a great deal of chaotic fallout for Atheirdin and is deemed as a big part of why Valoch is reclusive.