Jectoma

A Lightning dragon’s purpose is that of a technician. They weld, wire, and solve the issues which come with attempting to harness the sheer power of the Stormcatcher. Thus, Lightning dragons are some of the craftiest creatures you may find in the lands of Sornieth.
Jectoma is no different. Born and raised in the lands of Lightning, her heart is filled with all the seething energy of a booming thunderstorm; if ever there was a dragon who was perfectly suited to serving the Stormcatcher, it was this particular Wildclaw. As a hatchling, joy could be found in any activity for this wonderful female, whether that was watching trails of lightning cascade through the clouds, or chasing her young co-conspirators around the tunneled dens of the Shifting Expanse.

Her sharp wit and quick thinking meant she was often the victor of squabbles, both her speed in movement and in thought resulted in her dominance over the other younglings. Even from a young age, it was clear that Jectoma would fit into the role of an engineer with no issue. So, when she began to mature, she was guided along the electrician’s path by the best of mentors, her accurate hands being taught by the best of the best on how to rig wires and fix machines. For a while, it was exhilarating, bringing something to life by pumping volts through its veins. But, like all machinations, it eventually becomes repetitive. Jectoma was still in the prime of her youth when the wires and volt-switches became a little too dull. Though proud of the crucial work she could grow to do, the ambitious Wildclaw found it meager.

The constant storms raged above her head while she worked, putting together some of the most intricate works the Shifting Expanse had seen. They were glorious indeed, glowing and slick, their movement clean and their functions well-done. Certainly creations to be celebrated. But there was only a certain amount of joy that Jectoma got from this. Sure, it was a virtuous profession with many high points, yet what she enjoyed most was laughter. Sweet, pure and echoing laughter, which caused joy in whoever heard it. Often, her jokes fell on deaf ears with the other engineers, they rarely even smiled at a joke. It was a crushing atmosphere, and so the Wildclaw pursued that which really made her heart full – making other dragons laugh.
The calls from her mentors not to leave the electrician’s calling fell upon deaf ears, Jectoma’s heart was set upon bringing joy to the people around her, in the form of performance, comedy, and bad puns. However, a comedian has a hard task indeed trying to earn a living in the Shifting Expanse. The inhabitants are often stoic, and focused on their work. Buried between wires and scrap metal, the adults are often too busy to unwind with a joke. The only dragons which shared in her abrupt jokes were the hatchlings; and however pleasing this may have been, hatchlings did not give any coin.

In order to survive, and continue working as a comic, Jectoma turned to illicit activity. Her crafty nature and sprightly limbs allowed for her to steal from others quite easily, only taking a coin there and a scrap of food here. It was not something honorable, but it allowed for the female to continue doing what she loved, while being able to survive. Soon enough, such duplicitous actions led to the Wildclaw falling into similar company. While sneaking around back passages and shadows, Jectora met a certain Ridgeback brute whose alias was ‘Dyar.’ She never knew his real name. Herself and Dyar were an excellent team, and could more than double their takings from every lair that they robbed.

Such actions did not go unnoticed for long. A small amount snagged from a large pile is not anyone's concern. But when piles of treasure or whole carcasses vanish into thin air, the local residents become worried, and set traps. Such a trap was precisely what drove Jectora far from the Lightning territories. Dyar and the female crept into a lair, deep in the looming pitch black of the night. Their footsteps were masked by the roar of a distant storm, its cries reverberating off the cold stone walls; the cave appeared empty, apart from a small stash of trinkets and a fresh carcass which lay by a rock. They approached in confidence, only to find themselves trapped between two large dragons, who had seemingly jumped from nowhere. In a wild flash of panic, Dyar tunnelled downwards, and vanished into the soft stone, worming his way out of the situation and leaving Jectoma to deal with the clean-up.

Without further ado, the potential victims of her crime gave chase.
If not for her quick movements, it is doubtful that the Wildclaw would have survived. She had no chance of outsmarting such dragons, for each move she made was counter-attacked with an equally sneaky move from her pursuers. Thank the Gods that she was able to make it to the neighbouring Light territory border before their teeth were buried in her hind.

It took days of wandering the light-blessed ruins before she became hungry. There was very little to eat in territories which didn’t have naturally large expanses, and soon the small mice were unsatisfactory. But her pride would not allow her to die after coming so far. She took to flying, gliding gently through the territory to find someone - anyone who could share a kill with her.

Eurys and Eloisa were those who were discovered by the Wildclaw. Their Home shared its food without blinking an eye; and finally, Jectoma could relax. Her belly full and her company good, she finally allowed herself to smile, and share her laughter with the others. Unlike those in her homeland, this mixed assortment of dragons laughed heartily, and actively sought her company for the enjoyment which it gave. They did not pay coin, but perhaps a better reward. Eloisa was quick to notice the potential which Jectoma harboured. After a brief line of questioning about how the dragon had survived back on the Shifting Expanse led Eloisa to the truth: she was face-to-face with a rogue of brilliant potential.

Without much other discussion, Eloisa enlisted the dame to fight beside her in what was described as a little rogue out-group of the Home. Skilled at both physically and mentally, Jectoma was a natural choice for second in command. Her proficiency at stealing had made her a valuable asset, while her stoic pride and her agreeable personality formed her into a wonderful leader, and loyal deputy to Eloisa. And thus, Jectoma had found her Home.

Written by vultureblood, 2020.