• Shadow Wing

Appearance

Shadow Wing is fairly small for a dragon; her size is comparable to that of an earth pony. Her scales are a dusty gray, though there are silver highlights across her body. Her eyes are large and are of a burnt-orange hue.

Personality

Despite the reputation of dragons that she bears, Shadow Wing is very timid. Though her elders have indicated that she is full of potential, she does not see this in herself, and often feels that her elders are mistaken. Despite this, she is very loyal, and if she is needed, she will do the best she can.

Being a dragon, Shadow Wing is able to breathe flames, though she has always been wary of collateral damage. She is fascinated by dragon magic, and seeks to further her skills in this regard. Though she may not acknowledge it, she is a very quick learner--the elders have attributed this to her keen powers of perception. While her initial learning ability is average, she is quickly able to pick up on the nuances that the more experienced casters use.

Shadow Wing is generally indifferent to most animals, though she is fond of birds. She is proud of her silver scales, and feels that they set her apart. Consequently, she values silver objects more highly than she does other types of jewels. Though she is not required to kill small game for her nutrition, she does have somewhat of a culinary curiosity, and has often wondered if different colored squirrels carry a significant difference in flavor.

Out-of-universe, Shadow was recognized as the Cutest "Pony" by a 2015 poll of PRPG2's players.

Background

Deep in the heart of the Black Mountains, there was a dragon warrior known throughout the land for his fortitude. His name was Ironscale. Ironscale and his mate Mandible-of-Scythes (known for her extremely sharp wit) were among the draconic elite, and all who knew them respected them. This was in no small part due to the favor of the great prophet Saltclaw, who took an interest in them early on. "Your children," said Saltclaw to the couple "will have great promise. I should very much like to meet them when they have come of age. Visit me when your youngest has reached the age of five."

Ironscale and Mandible-of-Scythes had five young dragons. The first was named Diamond Horn. His strength was unparalleled, and the other dragons said "Surely he will be a fighter, as was his father before him!"

The second was named Felt Glossus. Her charisma was great, and all who met her were enraptured by her. The other dragons said "Surely she will be a great ambassador, to spread the gifts of dragons to others!"

The third was named Indurated Fang. From a very young age, her intelligence was apparent, and she enjoyed challenging adult dragons to her riddles and brain-teasers. The other dragons said "Surely she will be a great statesdragon and rise high in the ranks!"

The fourth was named Shadow Wing. Though she possessed some strength, charisma, and wit, none matched that of her siblings. However, she did prove to be perceptive and patient. The other dragons said "Surely she will have a good life, though she may not rise to the same peaks as her siblings."

The fifth was named Blazing Larynx. His proclivity towards magical flame was profound, and he quickly gained the ability to breathe mighty fire. However, his ability to control it had yet to develop. The other dragons said "Surely he shall be a great leader, so long as he learns to control his power!"

The five dragons grew and played together, each honing their abilities. All grew distinctly more able, with the exception of Shadow Wing. Her elder siblings often teased her about this, saying "Shadows can't have the spotlight." Though this was meant in good fun, Shadow often took this to heart--even the praise of her father seemed vague and dodging compared to that he gave to her siblings. However, Shadow was extremely fond of her younger brother Blaze, and decided that she would gain pride through his success.

When Blazing Larynx reached the age of five, Ironscale and Mandible-of-Scythes brought the children before Saltclaw. Saltclaw said to the two "I have foreseen the revival of the Elements of Harmony. While this is great news for the world, I fear that history may repeat itself if allowed. Therefore, I wish to send one of our kind to ensure a favorable outcome for our kind. I have asked you here that one of your children may serve this task."

"Of course!" said Ironscale, "Surely Felt Glossus will use her charm to gain a foothold amongst the bearers!"

"Or Indurated Fang shall use her intelligence to maneuver the situation to our favor!" said Mandible-of-Scythes.

"Or perhaps Diamond Horn or Blazing Larynx shall impress with their might!" said Ironscale.

"Your confidence is encouraging," said Saltclaw, "But I wish to hear from the young dragons themselves." Turning to the dragon-children, he first asked Diamond Horn "Why, young dragon, are you worthy to ensure the favorable return of the elements?"

"My strength is mighty, great Saltclaw," Diamond Horn said. "Should any danger come, who better to ensure the safety of the elements and their bearers?"

Saltclaw turned to Felt Glossus. "Who better to ensure favor than she who can most easily gain favor?" Felt Glossus said. "There is no situation that cannot be won by the power of charm."

Saltclaw turned to Indurated Fang. "Great Saltclaw, I pose this question to you. If there are six elements scattered throughout, must not a great mind orchestrate their coming together? I have the capacity, I know, to make this happen, and would be glad to do so for my kind."

Saltclaw turned to Shadow Wing. "Um..." Shadow Wing said, hesitantly, "I don't really know of the elements, and my siblings are all very talented....I would be very happy to help them in any way I can."

Furrowing his brow slightly, he turned at last to Blazing Larynx. Blaze looked at Shadow Wing, then began to speak. "My flame is mighty and hot, but I am yet young. As I am at this moment, I cannot bring about the elements' return on my own. But through practicing the virtues that the bearers of Harmony must possess, I myself will grow with them, adopting the principles of the elements. And thus my will be shared with that of the bearers and the elements themselves."

Saltclaw smiled broadly at the young dragon. "Little one, your answer showed a wondrous amount of humility, maturity, and understanding." He chucked slightly. "But you are so young! Though you will surely be well spoken, I know that these words are not your own." He patted young Blaze on the head and turned back to Shadow Wing.

"Shadow Wing. Did you tell your brother to say the words he said?"

"No, that was Blaze...he's very talented," Shadow said, though a part of her wanted to admit that those words were indeed her own.

Saltclaw laughed. "Your words may deceive many Shadow Wing, but they do not deceive me." He then turned to Ironscale and Mandible-of-Scythes. "Your fourth child, Shadow Wing, has shown wisdom befitting of one who will further our interests. Moreover, she has used her talents to let others shine. These are precisely the qualities I am looking for. There is none more fitting than she to serve as a guide and protecter of the bearers of the elements, and to ensure that the interests of dragons is preserved."

Noting the faces of the rest of her family, Saltclaw said "Do not be surprised or jealous. There is no doubt that you all will gain great acclaim here in the Black Mountains. But Shadow Wing has work to do elsewhere. I will take her under my own wing. I shall train her in the art of magic. I shall teach her geography and show her how to tell the truthful from the deceptive. She shall bring great honor unto your family."

Shadow was speechless. She was almost ashamed of this honor--she felt she had somehow cheated to get it. She wanted to cry out that Saltclaw had made an error, that her own interference shouldn't change his decision. But looking up at the great dragon, she knew this would be futile. With a sinking feeling in her chest, she walked to Saltclaw's side and faced her siblings and parents. Her mother's face showed shock, while her father's was completely impassive. Her siblings looked at her with jealous eyes. But then she set eyes upon Blaze, who beamed at her with happiness.

"Look at your younger brother, Shadow Wing," Saltclaw said. "See how he yearns for your success. This is the relationship you shall have with the bearers. By aiding them in their quest, they will desire to aid you as well. This is how you will protect the welfare of dragonkind."

Shadow looked at Blaze and slowly smiled back. Though still unsure of Saltclaw's choice, she resolved to follow his directions and learn from him. Maybe one day she would indeed bring pride to her family and her kind.