MORDEKAI BLACKFIRE
DrakoniansRetired Dragonbinder, Current Weapons Master
"Blackfire died so I could live. I honor that by making sure others don't have to make the same sacrifice.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Arsenal of Flame, Dragon Spire
- Civilization
- Drakonians
Appearance
• Physical: Mordekai moves with the stiffness of old injuries, but his eyes remain sharp and calculating. His scales have turned dark gray with age, and he walks with a limp from a dragonfall that killed his bond-mate. His hands are scarred from decades of weapon work. • Clothing: He wears practical workshop gear over his formal robes, always ready to demonstrate techniques. His tools are worn from decades of use. • Distinguishing Marks: A massive burn scar where his bond-mate's death throes touched him, a reminder he never covers.
Relationships
- Family - A daughter who followed him into service, grandchildren he rarely sees
- Allies - Fellow retired Dragonbinders who understand his grief, students who truly listen
- Rivals - Instructors who teach "glory" over survival, officials who want him to retire completely
Personality
- Traits: Grimly practical, deeply grieving, surprisingly patient with students, has a dark sense of humor about mortality
- Mannerisms: Touches his burn scar when remembering, tests every weapon he handles, speaks to his dead bond-mate
- Voice: Gravelly and slow, carries the weight of experience
Backstory
Mordekai bonded with his dragon, Blackfire, at sixteen and served for forty years until a battle wound sent them both crashing to earth. Blackfire died protecting him from the fall, and Mordekai has never forgiven himself. He retired from active service to train new Dragonbinders in weapon use, pouring his grief into preparing others to survive what he couldn't prevent.
Daily Life
He teaches weapons training to Dragonbinder candidates, emphasizing survival over glory. He personally maintains the Arsenal's collection, testing and repairing weapons. Evenings are spent in his quarters, talking to Blackfire's memory and maintaining a shrine to his lost partner.
Secret
2. Someone has discovered his research and wants to steal it for their own purposes
Narrative Value
Mordekai represents the cost of the Dragonbinder bond and the trauma of war. His weapons research creates moral dilemmas and potential threats. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════