Grannyclaws

"So if you're being direct with me, I'm to believe that this monstrosity is a "Ship," that you are its "Cap'n," (using your pronunciation) and that all dragons who dwell within are its "crew…" and possibly "mateys" as well (I'm not entirely clear on that point.) …For how long has this tradition been passed down?"

May 31, Year 13

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Grannyclaws was born old.

There are many older dragons, but few have lived as fully. In her lifetime she's visited every region and subregion of Sornieth, even the secret domains of the Beastclans, and has amassed a hefty library of memories that she can recall with perfect clarity. When she felt she'd experienced the best Sornieth had to offer, she decided it was time to explore the heavens with the deities.

She hired a convenient clan to handle preparations for her sacred journey while inwardly she wondered if she was pious enough for this. But when she actually saw the clan- such incompetence! Such mess! Illiterate young goobers wallowing in idleness! How could anyone be illiterate in a lair where writing covers every imaginable surface? Grannyclaws realized she was still desperately needed on this plane.

Grannyclaws used her force of personality to institute herself in the Ship's mostly imaginary hierarchy and mandate a curriculum for all who dwell there. Classes include Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathemagics, Practical Magic, Proofreading, the Unnatural Philosophies, Aviation, Self Defense, Proofreading, Rap, and of course Writing. The Cap'n has been known to work on her, sowing misinformation in multiple subjects, but on the truly important facts the imperious Grannyclaws cannot be swayed. Bloodsore, on the other hand, is her most eager pupil (albeit her slowest)… and that's why people like her better, Humerus.

On top of doing bits of all preexisting jobs, Wormix wound up as her assistant teacher. In fact, for a skilled educator, and a fellow Wind dragon no less, to have appeared just when his hatchlings needed one seemed like a miracle to him.

Grannyclaws deals extensively with the Beastclans. At some time in the past, she seems to have sworn an oath of aid to their alliance, and she takes oaths very seriously. Beastclan members traveling through the Scarred Wasteland can rest safely on the Ship as long as they deal directly with Grannyclaws and avoid the more capricious dragons of the crew. Details aren't forthcoming, but the oath might even force Grannyclaws to oppose her own clan should they come into direct conflict with the beasts. She strongly disapproves of alchemy.

When not teaching or advising, Grannyclaws unwinds with Aureliano, an exquisitely handsome young pearlcatcher whom she'd bought as a hatchling to hand-raise. Though she keeps a cool distance from him physically, her gaze often lingers on his lithe form frolicking in the meat fields. This is one of those practices which she'd once disapproved of, but to which "…age has given perspective."