Masoud Ur'Shadrii

Masoud is a T'kel, a race of reptilian humanoids from the Gerborian Grasslands. Historically, the T'kel were a war-like and violent race, until one of their great Philosopher-kings, Zuras, led them to an enlightened age (see T'kel histories, Dragon magazine, March 2004). As a result, the T'kel have progressed toward a civilization of martial artists and nature worshipers. Although they still follow a somewhat nomadic hunter-gatherer way of life, most T'kel live in walled towns and villages near their legendary monasteries.

Masoud is now a member of the Shadrii (Clan of the Whispering Shadows), a nomadic clan that travels the breadth of the Grasslands and beyond. Theirs is a clan of Shamans, warriors and to some degree, assassins. It falls to the Ur'Shadrii, Ur'Kha-Sidim (Clan of the Night), and Ur'Vor'Paxx (Clan of the Swift Blade) to administer judicial sentences and the like throughout the T'kel clans. Together, the three clans are called the Hama-tolla (the Sworn Justice)and the carry out the will of the clans as a whole. The Hama-tolla are never used against each other, nor are they used as a tool of revenge.

Masoud grew up among the Doul'gahn clan (Clan of the Winddeer) of the T'kel alongside his three brothers and two sisters. The fifth son of a warrior father and healer mother, he lived much like the rest of the T'kel children, until his eleventh harvest. During one of the annual clan Gathers, Masoud travelled with his grandfather, Va-diir, to the Competition Circle to watch one of his older brothers wrestle. As the two watched the various competitions, one combat round piqued Masoud's interest. Two T'kel warriors dressed in simple garb were battling with blade and magic, to the excitement and delight of the crowd. Drawn to the competitors, Masoud was fascinated by the graceful dance of martial prowess and spellcraft exhibited by the two warriors. At last, one failed to defend himself properly, and the winner soundly struck a non-killing blow.

With a child's innocence, Masoud led his Grandfather to the two warriors and announced that he would like to be "just like them" when he was older. Chuckling, one of the warriors removed the head-covering they wore and revealed a female T'kel. With a smile, she asked Va-diir how old Masoud was and to which clan he belonged to. When the details were exchanged, both warriors exchanged a look and said they would speak with Masoud's father, mother and clan chief. Nodding a polite dismissal, the two returned to their previous discussion. Masoud and his Grandfather returned to their clan area.

Unknown to Masoud at that time, the two warriors were from separate clans of the Hama-tolla; one a Swordsage and the other a Dragonfire Adept. The next day, the two Hama-tolla, in ceremonial dress, approached Masoud's parents and their Clan Chief. They petitioned Masoud's entry into the Monastery of the Ancestors as a Novice. Proud of this honour, Masoud was granted permission and left with the two Dragonfire Adeptss for the monastery after the Gathering.

Not knowing which path he would choose, Masoud trained with the Masters of the monastery in different styles of weaponry, martial arts and magic for fifteen years. His own unique style has been further aided by an unexpected event during one of his training years. During his fifth year of training, Masoud trained with one of his Instructors along the edge of the grasslands. As the two sparred and his instructor sought to teach him one of many magical disciplines, Masoud's dormant Draconic heritage manifested. As the two sparred with bare weapons, Masoud was quickly disarmed by his Instructor. Without warning, as his instructor swung her battleaxe at Masoud, he opened his mouth to scream. Instead, a gout of fire erupted from his mouth to hurl and engulf his surprised Instructor. Confused, Masoud dropped his practice blade on the grass and ran to his instructor's side. Slightly hurt, but alive, his instructor ended the session and both returned to the monastery. There, the Masters conferred with each other about what occurred. After further tests and research into Masoud's bloodline, the Masters of the Hama-tolla offered him a path to the Dragonfire Adepts. Masoud continued the rest of his training within the Dragonfire Adept discipline. His Adept abilities and draconic lineage have grown since then.

Masoud is a powerful looking T'kel. Standing at 5', 4" and weighing 200 lbs, he is a striking creature, especially since the years of study as a Dragonfire Adept have developed his link to his Copper Dragon ancestry. Masoud's fine scales are a chocolate-brown colour, with indigo belly and back patterns. A faint copper sheen overlays his scales and emerald, slitted eyes gaze out of a masked face, with his body covered in leather armour under desert robes. Usually, his head is wrapped in the desert hood and shoufa, with only his mask and lower jaw showing. Besides his backpack, Masoud wears a belt with two pouches and a dagger attached to his right leg. His mace is strapped to his back, with his additional daggers attached to either side of his belt. A ring is on the index finger of his right hand. Currently he is on his journey-quest, a path that will enable him to know and understand the world around him. This journey-quest provides a Dragonfire Adept with the chance to develop his or her abilities and skills, as well as enable him to become more attuned to his draconic heritage. Masoud has travelled to the Northlands to try his skills on the snow and ice, and gather contacts and allies for his clan.