Zirael, known widely as Goldbrand, is a being of profound wisdom and immense power, revered across the Prime Plane as Archon of The Air and protector of the Ether, the magical fabric of reality. Created by the essence of Aether, the Unknown god of air, Zirael was sculpted to embody the limitless freedom, clarity, and boundless potential of the wind. Unlike his more reclusive counterparts, Zirael is a traveler, a wanderer who roams the Prime Plane on the whims of the winds, often taking the guise of a golden Dragonborn to blend seamlessly into the myriad civilizations he observes.
Appearance and Manifestations
In his true form, Zirael is a colossal Golden Dragon, radiant and awe-inspiring. His shimmering scales reflect the sun's brilliance, their glow casting a warm, golden hue on everything they touch. His wings, vast and feathered with an iridescent sheen, create ripples in the air with every beat, carrying the sound of a celestial gale. His eyes, twin pools of molten gold, seem to hold the wisdom of eons, reflecting both kindness and unyielding resolve.
However, Zirael’s most remarkable trait is his adaptability. He often assumes the guise of a golden dragonborn, seamlessly integrating himself into mortal civilizations. As a dragonborn, Zirael exudes an air of quiet authority and unassuming grace, his keen observations shaping his profound understanding of the mortal experience. His travels have taken him to the farthest corners of the Prime Plane, from the mist-shrouded Island of Mystera to the bustling cities of Tolria and Osira.
Origins and Role
Forged by the will of Aether, Zirael emerged during the Twilight of Creation, tasked with preserving the balance of the Etherstone, a relic of unparalleled power that channels the arcane flows of the Plane of Zephyron into the Prime Plane. His creation marked the first breath of ordered magic, the winds of the Ether beginning their eternal dance through the Riftways, threading magic through all planes of existence.
Zirael served as the progenitor of the Aether Drake (sculpted in Zirael's image by Unknown), the True Dragon of air and the first masters of Ether-Rifting, the manipulation of arcane winds and currents. These majestic beings carried his teachings, shaping the Vanir (High Elves) to become the custodians of the Etherstone and the stewards of magic. When The Aeonic Struggle ended and the True Dragons waned, Zirael remained the vigilant sentinel of the Etherstone, selecting Avatars of Air to guide the winds of destiny.
The Etherstone
Zirael’s primary duty is to safeguard the Etherstone, the nexus of arcane energy that binds the Riftways together and allows magic to flow freely. Situated atop an alpine lake at the summit of a lone mountain in Aerenal, the Etherstone is a radiant crystalline tree whose roots extend into the heart of the mountain, threading Ether throughout the cosmos. It is said that the winds around the Etherstone sing with the voices of every spell cast and every incantation whispered, the lifeblood of magic coursing through its veins.
Zirael shares a deep and abiding friendship with Mystera, the Goddess of Magic, who weaves the Ether he protects. Their bond is a unique partnership of elemental and arcane mastery, with Mystera guiding the threads of the Ether while Zirael ensures its balance. Together, they have shaped the magical destiny of the Prime Plane, their shared vision of harmony and balance inspiring countless mages and scholars.
Avatars of The Air
Zirael is renowned for testing those who seek the Etherstone’s wisdom through the Trial of Zirael. This mystical rite begins with a perilous journey through the mist-laden taiga of Tolria to the Island of Mystera, where candidates must navigate unyielding winds and rely on their connection to the Ether to find their way. On the floating island, Zirael tests their wit and resolve through a series of riddles designed to challenge their intellect and character. Only those who pass his test are allowed to meet Mystera and witness the Etherstone.
As one of the first Archon to walk the Prime Plane, Zirael has a unique relationship with the mortal world. He has guided countless heroes, poets, and scholars, often inspiring revolutions in thought and magic. His teachings have shaped the arcane arts, particularly in Ether-Rifting, which allows mages to manipulate magical currents with the precision and elegance of the wind.
Legacy and Mythology
Zirael’s legacy is eternal. As the guardian of the Ether and the Etherstone, he is a cornerstone of the magical balance that sustains the cosmos. His teachings have been passed down through the ages, inspiring generations of mages, scholars, and warriors. His presence in the world is both a reminder of the boundless possibilities of magic and a testament to the delicate balance that must be preserved.
To the Vanir of Aerenal and the High Elves of Mystera, Zirael is not just an Archon but a guiding light, a living embodiment of their most sacred ideals. Through his travels and trials, Zirael continues to weave the winds of fate, ensuring that the Ether flows freely and the magic of the world endures for all time.
To meet Zirael is to witness a paradox: boundless energy contained within serene form. His presence carries the scent of fresh rain and the sound of rustling leaves, a quiet promise of storms yet to come. His voice is calm yet commanding, a melodious blend of wisdom and power. When he speaks, the air itself seems to still, as though hanging on his every word.
In his guise as a golden dragonborn, Zirael often speaks in riddles, his words layered with meaning. He challenges those he meets to think beyond the immediate, to consider the ripples their actions create. When his true form is revealed, the sight is breathtaking—a living embodiment of the Ether, a being who carries the weight of the winds themselves.