Vermhaxaandes Sharhydrox, most often called "Hydrox" by non-Dragonborn, was born in the city of Karthene among the minor Vermhaxaandes Gold Dragonborn enclave. He was given the clutch name "Clever" for his early displays of insight and precision, and would pursue Spellcraft from a young age. As a teenager, he showed ambition and left the city as an Adventurer, seeking out forgotten lore and relics to refine his magic. Over time, the Ancientkin grew into a capable and well-resourced caster, though as his wealth increased, his pace slowed. In later years he became sedentary and plump, relying more on accumulated knowledge and contacts than personal fieldwork.
While traveling in the northwest of Commona, Hydrox encountered a young Crossborn child in the Woods of Elenmyr who spoke to a forest Owl as if it understood her. Recognizing her uncommon talent, he took the girl, Lola Windwisper, into his service. He trained the half-Elf in the fundamentals of spellcasting, but reached out to the elves of Elenmyr to provide her with more specialized instruction. The Druids of the forest provided specialized instruction in Wildshape theory, movement in armor, and the Druidic language, and Lola developed into a fledgling druid under this direction.
During his expeditions, Hydrox uncovered the remnants of an ancient Gold Dragon's hoard and took from it the Mirror of Dragonmorph. After studying the object's effects, he determined it could awaken latent draconic potential in others. He began recruiting and testing young adventurers from across Commona, though hi prodigy Lola showed no response to the mirror. In the nearby city of Oldoan, he intercepted a pair of urchin twins, Vesper and Valori, attempting to steal from him. Rather than turn them over to the authorities, he bound them to his service. Though neither reacted to the mirror, they proved capable fighters and formed a close bond with Lola.
Hydrox’s first confirmed success came with an older subject. The Angelborn traveler Auberon came to him directionless after years of unrealized promise. Hydrox exposed him to the Mirror of Dragonmorph, which altered him visibly, forming a draconic right claw and scattered gold scales. Auberon developed minor sorcerous ability, though he resisted Hydrox’s methods of study and preferred practical experience. Recognizing this, Hydrox placed the budding Sorcerer in charge of the three younger recruits and established them in the abandoned city of Umli, where they could train without watch.
In the old Umlian Church, the group formed the Vermin, taking their name from both the Vermhaxaandes clan and their origins as street rats. While they trained, Hydrox supplied them with work, and continued to direct their development from a distance. When not accompanying them with missions above their station, he secured items for the Vermin to use, giving them Riding Horses from his personal stables and identifying magic items they found on their travels.
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