Haaltilhen the Stormbreaker

### Physicality

Smooth bronze scales with green striped patterning, coated to aid swimming; ribbed and fluted facial crest; dark horns that curve back and upwards; webbed feet and joints; large webbed crest extending from the back of the skull down the neck, and then from the base of the tail to the tip; eyes reminiscent of glowing green orbs, coated to protect eyes in aquatic environments

### Personality

Curious, charismatic, fascinated by warfare

## Worship

### Offerings

Colourful coral, pearls, old books on military history, ceremonial items of alliance

**Haaltilhen the Stormbreaker** is one of the World Bones of Illandor. She is a mythic bronze greatwyrm created by Capron and Tanneth, and makes up the province of Hadar.

## Name

Haaltilhen's name translates to 'Wonder, Water, Battle' in Draconic, from *haal* ('wonder') + *til* ('water') + *hen* ('battle, war').

## Description

It is believed that Hadar's majoritarily flat terrain is caused by Haaltilhen's smooth scales, and the vibrant coastline comes from the patterning painted upon her body. Hadar's two main mountainous sections are reminiscent of Haaltilhen's two large crests, which run from the base of her skull to her shoulders, and from the base of her tail to the tip respectively. Between these crests is a body comprised of a brilliant bronze, which is thought to make up the golden Plains of Elysia, where the leonin roam.

## Geographical Influence

Aside from physically making up the province, Haaltilhen influences the weather and certain other phenomena as well, particularly around the coastal region. Along the coast, there are dazzlingly colourful underwater plants and coral reefs, filled with equally colourful marine life. At times, there are isolated thunderstorms and thick fog rolls across the sea's surface. There have been reports of illusory sounds like music or echoes from individuals standing upon the beaches at certain dates and times, and these have not yet been explained. Peculiarly, there have been times where salvaged shipwrecks have shown up in coastal caves pocketing the coastline cliffs.

## Role in Creation

It is believed that Haaltilhen was a joint project between Capron and Tanneth, creating a creature who is enthusiastic in equal parts about battle, history, nature, and interacting with mortals. Haaltilhen's original purpose was to be a protector of the inhabitants of the world the Four created.

## Cultural Interpretation

### Physicality

Haaltilhen's depiction is largely based on the land she makes up. Her bronze scales, tinged with green, are thought to be smooth and colourfully patterned, and she is thought to have webbed feet to aid swimming. Her head is adorned with a ribbed crest that extends down her neck and stops where her webbed wings extend. A second crest runs the length of her tapered tail. Her cheeks are made up of fluted crests lined with facial spikes, and two curving horns extend backwards from the top of her head. It is thought her eyes are glowing orbs of green to match the colouring on her scales.

### 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. Haaltilhen is often depicted as curious, enthusiastic and protective. Being the protector dragon, it is easily assumed that Haaltilhen is fascinated by battle and warfare, and acts as a patron of sorts for fighters and soldiers alike. Several coliseums in Hadar are devoted to her in some way. A cultural superstition has cropped up over time, claiming that Haaltilhen may take the form of friendly animals to observe features of interest, such as passing ships, coral reefs, or marine life. As such, it is commonplace for travellers - particularly sailors - to salute animals such as seabirds or water mammals who draw up particularly close to their ships or harbours.

### Abilities

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

## Religious Offerings

One of Haaltilhen's shrines can be found on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Tilo, not far from the polis of Sanopel. A wide variety of offerings are usually left here by travellers, ranging from pearls to old books on military history, to colourful coral to ceremonial weapons. All the treasure is well-organized upon her shrine.