Maalshaedor the Speaker

### Physicality

Broad protective plate expands from forehead, spikes protrude from chin, frill running the length of its neck, tapered wings extend down the length of its tail, mottled green towards the edges, scales of a warm, burnished lustre, buffeted by sands, eyes resemble molten orbs

## Worship

### Offerings

Engaging conversation, interesting information, interesting new people or sentient items to speak with

**Maalshaedor the Speaker** is one of the World Bones of Illandor. He is a mythic brass greatwyrm created by Capron and Tanneth, and makes up the province of Khader Sar.

## Name

Maalshaedor's name translates to 'Knowledge, Sand Speaker' in Draconic, from *maal* ('knowledge') + *shae* ('sand') + *dor* ('speech; conversation; diplomacy').

## Description

Maalshaedor is thought to have been created by Capron and Tanneth, encapsulating Tanneth's flair for diplomacy and conversation and Capron's heat and flame. The final product is the framework for a sandy, rocky province populated by bright colours and diverse people. Maalshaedor lies with his vast tapered wings extended, the rippling fans creating the perfect landscape for rolling sand dunes, the spiked protrusions of his wings forming the various rocky outcrops across the region. Of course, the bulk of Khader Sar is comprised of a ring of ore-rich mountain ranges, like the bulky brass body of Maalshaedor, lined with a large tinted frill running the length of the neck, overlapping scale plates, as well as chin spikes and broad protective plates on the face. Maalshaedor is personified to be incredibly gregarious and intelligent, seldom running out of topics to discuss, and ever seeking new information and conversation. This is perhaps a reflection of the bustling culture of Khader Sar, with its booming mining and mercantile trades.

## Geographical Influence

The vast desert of Khader Sar is known as Maalshaedor's Desert, and is believed to be the heart of Maalshaedor's domain. However, his influence can be felt beyond the reaches of his sands. Much of Khader Sar is mountainous terrain, hot and rocky with sand, or sandy dirt. Heavy winds and sand-whips bluster across the region, and the sun shines warmly throughout most of the year. Within Maalshaedor's Desert itself, its numerous nomadic inhabitants are seldom in danger of getting lost, on account of finding tracks in the sand from an unknown source leading to safe shelters and hidden water sources. There have been several reports of large illusory creatures in the deserts, though this has usually been chalked up to mirages.

## Role in Creation

It is believed that Maalshaedor was created by Capron and Tanneth as a joint effort, combining Capron's fire and ethic with Tanneth's extroversion and fascination for people.

## Cultural Interpretation

### Physicality

Broad protective plate expands from forehead, spikes protrude from chin, frill running the length of its neck, tapered wings extend down the length of its tail, mottled green towards the edges, scales of a warm, burnished lustre, buffeted by sands, eyes resemble molten orbs

### Personality

It is common for cultures to personify the World Bones to understand them in terms they would be able to relate to. This is most prevalent in the humanoid races. Maalshaedor is often depicted as intelligent and gregarious, if a bit overbearing. Naturally, he is considered to be fluent in every language, and boasts an eidetic memory, particularly for things he has heard. He thoroughly enjoys conversation, which manifests in Khader Sar's apparent draw for interesting folk, and enjoys basking in the warm sunlight, an assumption drawn from the oddly steady hot weather the province sees comparative to its neighbouring provinces.

### Abilities

Stories paint Maalshaedor as a [key trait], able to [skills, charms]. In almost every iteration of Maalshaedor's tale, he is described as breathing [breath] and [element through scales]. Some stories posit that he is able to [special ability]. Many believe that he can [regional], due to the regional effects that indicate his presence.

## Religious Offerings

Maalshaedor's love of conversation has influenced his followers, too. A shrine to Maalshaedor has been set up in Brassguard, and it sees hundreds of visitors coming to pay their respects. Such respects include offerings of engaging conversations and useful information, as well as the odd offering of sentient weapons and the like.