Elarus the Golden Dragon

> "I quickly noticed that the beast was drawn to magic items, thriving on their arcane auras. Indeed, he did not partake in the hunting and charring andfeasting on flesh that sustained the dragons of the Material Plane. Instead, I would find him nestled amongst the remnants of magical items in the Vault, their runestones glowing in response to his presence, while the fire in his belly rumbled like a purring cat." --Aizek Aizendore, Aizendore's Journals
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It would, of course, be remiss of us not to include mention of Elaurus, the golden dragon rumored to have been another of Aizendore’s steadfast traveling companions. Whether or not Aizendore traveled with both Modepheus and Elaurus together is unclear. Certainly, there are no texts that mention the two together. The writings suggest that the dragon was birthed from the Great Flash itself, became an avid traveling companion of Aizendore’s and later, faded into obscurity, much like the wizard himself. Let us turn, first and foremost to Aizendore’s own writing on the matter.

This excerpt from Aizendore’s journal is the only entry thus far unearthed that makes mention of Elaurus and it appears to have been written a good deal of time after the dragon’s first appearance. Yet, there are other, more cryptic references throughout Aizendore’s journals that some assert are synonyms for the golden dragon. He mentions “Elliott the squirrel,” his “hot tempered friend,” and even his “scaly companion.” When cross-referenced with other testimonials and writings about Elaurus, I can’t help but wonder if indeed these are various terms of endearment for the same beast.

Of course, it was not long before the dragon outgrew Aizendore’s shoulder and began to pose his own problems in the search for the tragic items.

Considering the texts, it is indeed possible to imagine that the dragon polymorphed into a squirrel or even a plethora of small beasts and traveled with the wizard, aiding him in his quest to locate the magic items lost in the Great Flash. Which leaves the question, what became of the beast when Aizendore faded into obscurity? Indeed, a query posed by many. And one that many more have tried to answer. Some say it perished, bursting into flame and smelting down into no more than a glowing golden egg that splashed into the ocean, sinking to the seabed where it still remains. They say that Elaurus’ death was perhaps the very reason Aizendore retreated from public view.

Others, that Elaurus took to the Island, finding peace amidst the arcane auras emanating from the now full Vault. And still others, that it melded into the Vault door, becoming gatekeeper of the magic items therein. Some go so far as to say he would judge those not fit to enter with a burst of deadly flame.

Yet, the most outlandish suggestion is that the great golden dragon became the core of the Island itself, taking to carrying the Island on its back, his strong wings bearing it to worlds far and wide, hidden amongst the cloud that shrouds it. Indeed, those who hold this belief, suggest that it is the beating of the beast’s wings that causes the storms that so often accompany the sightings of Aizendore.

Of course, unless Aizendore or Elaurus resurface in some far-flung sea or plane, it is likely we will never know what became of the golden dragon, and we will have to satisfy ourselves with these few myths and legends that have been unearthed.