Dragon of Cantonova

The dragon of Cantonova is a mythical figure said to appear in the city's greatest hour of need. They are usually depicted as a silver or platinum dragon that breathes green fire.

Summary

The first known appearance of the dragon was in the Third Siege of Cantonova at the end of the War of Great Sorrow. All seemed lost after the disappearance of General Xerxes(??), and the war mages of Dreibach had nearly destroyed the fortifications at the Free City's southern edge. The dragon arose from the sea, flew over the rubble, and obliterated the war mages and huge deaths of the invading army. General Xerxes herself signed the Treaty of Cantonova ending the war just three days later.
The dragon has since appeared, albeit extremely rarely, in times that threaten the city. They scare off monsters lurking in hagstorms and raze patches of the Gaeno Woods that grow malevolent. Some even claim to see the dragon on ordinary evenings, soaring far above the coast of the Aegirrán Sea.
The dragon was last seen chasing a blue dragon through the skies of Cuarto Perso, assisted by the Dragonslayers of Cantonova. The Warlock Rusalka has since been seen using a dragon-like form in battle that takes on aspects of the Dragon of Cantonova.

Variations & Mutation

The gender and origin of the Dragon are unknown. One commonly accepted theory is that they are an aspect of Bahamut and a guardian of the descendants of Bjalia in the High Elf Diaspora. In other tellings, they are a new manifestation of the Haderaa, the legendary Phoenix that escaped imprisonment in Avernus on the spot where Cantonova was founded. Still others think of the dragon as the guardian spirit of the city, called by great warriors who have the citys best interests at heart.

In Art

The Dragon of Cantonova is a popular decorative motif in Cantonovan architecture. It is often seen on doorways, hearths, and bannisters in Cantonovan mansions. The architect Arturo is particularly associated with popularizing the motif. There are said to be nearly a thousand dragons depicted in the Royal Institute of Cantonova, exhibits notwithstanding.

Date of First Recording

Y361