Claude Greymander III (Master Po, Seas)
The life of the lucky, sailing, dragonslaying, wishing, alchemist was one that he would have hoped for following the return of the Golden Mother to the dragon throne in the unknown. Mostly retiring to the small town north of Port Talp that he called home, Claude took care of his family. Oddly, this included both his blood relations and the many unclaudes that had come into existence. Surely, that hadn't been his doing. Some force must have recognized the power in Claude and done some devious experiments to make more of himself, but bizarrely failed and these handsome, intelligent, but less powerful versions were the result. It was hard to keep track, so he kept a notebook:
• Ice Gnome, Gnandgrey Cloud - single minded, stubbron
• Jungle elf, Kanga Jivishvu - umm...I'm not female
• Vishtoo, Grey Cloud - keep away from children
• String mountain dwarf, Klendar Greystone - really shouldn't live near the sea
• Orc, Claudis Grisio Ambulant - doesn't age well
• Halfling, Clud O’mander - aren't they supposed to be good cooks
• Gatori, Klad Gutmanger - don't make him angry
• Gree, Klava Seriyahser - organizes everything
• Nipit, Claudio Vaygar Grigio - better singer than alchemist
• Gremlin, Clam - always hiding
While suspecting there might be more, they may have sadly never made it to Claude. He would try to find them from time to time, then a kid would call for his help. If he wasn't with the kids, he was working in the lab. Always working in the lab. Luckily, when help was needed somewhere, one of the unclaudes was happy to go an help. Claude himself would be sure to send a note letting those expecting him know that this was in fact a member of Claude's group and they were there to help. Of course, Claude would not send them out until they had been properly trained. For Clam, that meant never.
One time, during the reign of Iott, a poor unfortunate dragon came calling. Hoping to score fame and fortune, it was met with swift death. Such became the reputation of Claude and his group that for twenty year more the Greymander did not taste draconic blood.
Called into service by Tfop, Claude did participate in the breaking of the stones. While there were many names given to the day, Claude always liked Freedom from Magical Tyranny Day. It never caught on anyway except his home town.
Having done his part, Claude again went home and lived a peaceful life. The unclaudes did their part around the world. Claude occasionally heading into the city to conduct business. His long time friend Agniclair kept him up to date on events. When the Guardian of the Tides came to port, he would try to make it to see the ship and crew, but often mistimed things and missed them. Sometimes, he draconic friends would visit, but it was not often. Their lives were measured in centuries and what they thought of frequent visits was not what he thought.
When the plagues came, Claude feared for his town and brewed endless potions to keep it safe. Sadly, several of the unclaudes died from the plagues as they went out and about to help the world combat them. As reports came in and time passed, Claude looked long and hard at the Greymander. From what he understood, powerful magic like what he could use from the sword was incredibly rare now. What if he wished for the plagues to be gone? That would work, right? Perhaps it was Tfop or perhaps it was growing wisdom that came from age, but he decided against it. For years, it would weigh on him.
In 814, a guest came calling. It was night time, an odd hour to visit unannounced. Claude was nonetheless unworried. The last thief to dare something like this ended in a dragon's claw being flown to an uncharted island. Opening the door gave Claude a start and he immediately knew who stood before him. Bow, kneel, salute; Claude ended up doing all at once and finally gave up as his wife bid the stranger come in and sit. The parlor was beautifully crafted, as were the chairs they sat in and the rug the children laid on to hear the stranger's story. After two hours of entertainment, everyone but the stranger and Claude were asleep, snoring where they had settled two hours before.
"The world needs you one more time." the figure, who was in truth no stranger to Claude. "We have been called upon time and again through the centuries to champion a hopeless cause, and Habololy is looking to us once again. If we do not succeed, tyranny may rule for centuries. Others will do there part to shield you as you go. The other Claudes will provide a distraction, since others cannot tell you and them apart through magic. Once done, head to Amansky and to the Academy of Song. You will need to find others to help you in this quest, but fear not, I will guide you to them." The rest of the night was pleasant, and Claude did not tire. When the sun rose, he began to prepare.