![[KlauthPic.webp]] # Klauth _Ancient Red Dragon | [[Klauthen Vale]]_ ## Summary One of the oldest and most powerful dragons in all Faerûn. Extended his lifespan far beyond normal limits through forbidden magic and consuming the life essence of younger dragons. Feared even by his own kind, he rules his territory with absolute authority while maintaining a complex network of spies and magical surveillance across the North. Despite his fearsome reputation, he rescued infant [[Eldraki]] from certain death and considers him his "son." %% ## Now Keeps [[Eldraki]] leashed and surveilled — he planted Captain [[Ash]] aboard the [[Crimson Terror]] to verify Eldraki's story about the [[Abyssal Bomb]]. He declines to defend [[Bryn Shander]] unless paid in virgin sacrifices, and is disappointed Eldraki failed to kill [[Claugiyliamatar]]. ## Appearance Immense red dragon with scales glowing like molten lava and scarred, tattered wings stretched wide. Golden eyes burn with malevolent intelligence, and his battle-scarred body has armor pieces fused into his hide from millennia of combat. He speaks in a deep rumbling voice like earth itself speaking, deliberate and dripping with contempt. ## Personality Mastered arcane magic to extend life. Wields wing-mounted wands for unexpected magical attacks. Consumes dragon eggs and rivals to absorb life essence—reviled even among dragonkind. Despite immense size, moves with surprising stealth, orchestrating "natural" disasters to eliminate rivals before they can threaten him. Contradictory nature: merciless predator versus protective benefactor to chosen few. Extremely paranoid—eliminates potential threats before they can challenge him. Seething with rage over unauthorized detonation of his abyssal bomb at the Dread Ring. ## Quote _"You dare much, little one. Most who see me this close do not live to speak of it. Consider yourself... fortunate."_ ## Background **The Rise:** Over a millennium ago, pursued arcane mastery unlike other dragons who relied on brute strength. His lair in Klauthen Vale is a fortress steeped in arcane energy, filled with spoils of countless victories. **The Tragedy:** Survived a brutal ambush by three dragons during the Year of the Turret, escaping with a nearly severed wing and half his body frozen. This attack deepened his paranoia. During the Year of Rogue Dragons, the Dracorage Mythal drove him into a frenzy that devastated much of Mirabar. **The Son:** Mysteriously provided Lady [[Morwen Daggerford]] with a cure for her fatal illness, refusing payment. Years later, rescued infant [[Eldraki]] from certain death after [[Ulf Drazhan]]'s murder, delivering the child to Morwen's care as "Elmo." **Recent Events:** Destroyed [[Venomfang]] at Thundertree to protect Eldraki. Burst through the Dread Ring's spire to attack [[Lorragauth]]. When someone detonated his abyssal bomb without permission, his rage was legendary—demanding to know who dared trigger the explosion. ## Stats **Ancient Red Dragon** (MM 97). HP 650 (enhanced by consuming dragons), AC 24, Legendary Resistance 5/day, 20th-level sorcerer spellcasting, scrying at will, Life Drain (absorb essence when killing dragons). %%