The Argent Summit

The Argent Summit is the highest mountain on Estia, and is the roost of the ancient silver dragon Tepyristes. The peak is almost always surrounded by dense clouds, letting Tepyristes and his brood come and go as they like. Few of the inhabitants of Estia know about this community, and even fewer have visited.

Like most metallic dragons, silver dragons can change shape into humanoids. The dragon community atop the Summit spend most of their time in their alternate forms, living in a smattering of tall towers built on the mountainside, connected by narrow rope bridges. The towers are made from alabaster and are roofed with shining metal plates. Some of the towers are magical laboratories and research libraries, others are living quarters. One of the towers belong is Tepyristes' sanctum, and one is a hatchery where young dragons are raised.

Around thirty dragons of different ages live here, spending their days in magical research facilities, ever trying to unlock the secrets of the runes. The dragons are not bothered by the cold (although the insides of the towers keep a comfortable temperature), and walk around in simple white silk robes, which makes them hard to see against the snow. They worship Heimdall, who has a shrine in one of the towers. The dragons have little need for martial weapons, as their true forms are far more deadly than any small arms.

Outsiders who manage the arduous trek to the Summit are given respite from the hostile world atop the mountains, but are not allowed to stay permanently. Tepyristes is as wise as he is old, and will grant courteous guests an audience.

Tepyristes

M Ancient Silver Dragon, LG

His preferred non-dragon shape is that of a thin elf with silver hair and a long, wispy beard which seems to float in the air as he moves. He lives in the tallest tower with his consort Argyxia (Adult Silver Dragon, LG), whose usual shape is that of a human woman, also of silver hair. In his true form, some 50 feet long, his scales shimmer like polished mirrors. His horns are inscribed with runic incantations, inlaid with blue gemstones, that enhance his magical prowess.

He speaks slowly and deliberately, keen to learn tidings from the world below his realm. Tepyristes knowledge of history and the arcane runes is nigh unmatched, but he will rarely trade his knowledge without something in return. Most of all, he desires knowledge of where chromatic dragons can be found, so he and his brood can seek them out and destroy them.

The bottom floor of Tepyristes' tower is an audience chamber, where the younger silver dragon sages and monks deliver new research findings and insights. Next up is a banquet hall, where honored guests might have the delight of dining with a being that is older than most. Atop the banquet hall is his private study and chambers. The last floor is a covered perch where he can transform into his true form and take wing.

Tepyristes wears a White Robe of the Archmage, and wields a Staff of Power. He prefers to study the schools of Divination and Enchantment, but his Evocation skills are still far greater than most magi.

Other dragons at the summit

Aurymixes

(Young Gold Dragon, CG): The only non-silver dragon who lives here. He is a ward and an envoy from a roost of Gold Dragons far from here. He stands out as he dresses in furs of ermine and squirrel in order to keep warm on the mountaintop.

Timystia

(Adult Silver Dragon, LG): The chief researcher in the Argent Summit. She is a master runescribe and second only to Tepyristes in her arcane knowledge.

Eridia

(Young Silver Dragon, NG): A runecarver apprentice. She is curious about the world and its secrets.