Jade Redford: Tales of the Earth Child

[Flasmix]

Not much is known about the Earth Genasi named Jade Redford. He has shared that he was born and raised in the deserts of Anauroch and that he currently resides in the Underdark, allowing himself to be 'Surrounded by the Earth'.

Recently, Jade has started sharing stories of his journey from Anauroch, to the Spine of the World and then back south to the Underdark beneath Baldur's Gate. Jade seems to have been a part of many unique and rare encounters, his simple mind doesn't allow him to see the significance behind them. After he shares his stories with others, I will transcribe them here. Please feel free to comment on them.

Jade and the Black Dragon

A powerful shock wave of thunder emanated from the black clouds. Heavy rainfall began falling from the sky, pelting down on Jade as he tried traveling through the already wet swamplands. In an attempt to find shelter, Jade entered a cave which was attached to hill that rose from the ground. The Earth Genasi walked down into the cave, entering a wide chamber. His eyes allowed him to see perfectly in the dark and were surprised to see the creature in front of him.

An Adult Black Dragon arose from his slumber, stretching out and yawning from being disturbed. Jade had never seen a Dragon before. He was only told about them as a child, being told that they were very vain and thought highly of themselves. Jade knew enough as well that a Black Dragon was one of the bad ones and if he wasn't careful, he could end up getting eaten!

Jade thought back to when he was a young boy, living in Anauroch. The other kids used to bully him. They would make fun of him and beat him up. He went to his mother for advice. "Bullies will always be around." She said to him, "They may come in the form of merchants who try to force you to buy their wares or as men who do not understand you. Do not strike out at them for their beliefs, pity them for their lack of understanding and be polite." Jade knew that the Dragon before him was intelligent and in the end, he was just another bully.

Jade bowed low to the Dragon, falling down to his knees and holding his head down low. "Oh great majestic beast, I am honored to be in the presence of one who is as powerful as you. Before I am to perish, grant me the honor of being able to touch your powerful claws."

The Dragon was taken back, he had thought that Jade was a would-be hero but it seems he knew his place. He stood up tall, towering over Jade. "Lowly mortal, you know your place and show courage and politeness. I will grant you your request." He held out his foot towards Jade, allowing the Earth Child to feel his mighty claw.

"Oh Great Black Lord," Jade began, "Your claws are sharp and deadly. They would put any foe down who comes before them and I tremble in awe at their power. Before I am to perish, grant me the honor of being able to touch your beautiful black scales."

The Dragon smiled, showing his fangs. "I will allow you to touch one who is as beautiful as I." The Black Dragon said, allowing Jade to run his hand along his beautiful scales.

Jade bowed low once more, "Oh mighty Lord of the Swamps, Your scales are most wonderful. You are a shining example of what your mighty race could ever hope to achieve. Before I am to perish, grant me the honor of being able to gaze upon the mighty hoard of treasure which you have collected."

Another toothy smile presented itself to Jade, "For your politeness, before I eat you I will allow you to feast your eyes upon my collection of gold and gems." The Dragon stepped to the side, allowing Jade to view the respectable pile of rare gems and gold the Dragon was laying down on.

Jade continued to bow, showing his host honor. "Oh great Black Master, your treasure is a sight to behold! I could only hope to ever have a fraction of that in what my worthless life would have been. Before I am to perish, grant me the honor of a last meal. I do not wish to die with an empty stomach."

The Dragon nodded, "For your politeness and how you honor me, I will grant you your final request. What meal would you like to eat?"

Jade thought it over for a moment, "Mighty lord, I would like my final meal to be that of a deer."

"I do not have a deer right now." The Black Dragon replied, "You are a man of honor, are you not?"

Jade nodded, "I am my lord. Surely I have proven this to you with how I bow to your feet and honor your great presence?"

The Dragon considered and nodded. "Then on your honor, you will wait here for me to return and I will go get you the deer which will be your final meal before I eat you."

Jade bowed lower, pressing his head into the ground. "Your mercy honors me great master! On my honor, I will wait here for you to return!"

The Dragon nodded and left his den into the storm, searching for the Deer that will be Jade's final meal. After ten minutes time, Jade creeped out of the cave entrance and looked around. The Dragon was no where to be seen and he made a dash out into the swamps, running as fast and hard as his legs would carry him.

He ran for two miles when from behind him, he heard a mighty roar of anger as the Dragon returned to his Den to find Jade missing. As Jade made his way through the swamps, he heard the Dragon flying overhead in search of him. Each time Jade would have to hide himself under the bog water or dive into a thick collection of tangleweeds. On the tenth day, Jade made it to the Spine of the World, leaving the swamps and entering into the caverns and into safety.

That is how Jade escaped the clutches of the Black Dragon who, through his vain attitude, lost what was sure to be a fine meal. Rumors say though, that the Black Dragon has never forgotten this humiliation and if given the opportunity, would seek revenge on Jade.