Lóng Piǎo Bái

[Long Piao Bai]

Name: Lóng Piǎo Bái
Race: Dragon shifter
Location: Tian Xia
Age: 22?

Lóng Piǎo Bái, or Piǎo Bái to his family, is a dragon shifter from the Astral Realm, related to the noble ruling families only by virtue of being a dragon-shifter. Granted, the noble ruling families probably originated from the Astral and he is probably a cousin "x" times removed, but there, really, the relationship ends.

In his dragon form, Piǎo Bái is roughly the size of a large house cat or perhaps a raccoon, standing around 25 cm (~10 inches) when on all fours (when his back is not arched) and is roughly 40 cm long, including his tail. His scales are white and his body is long and sinewy, like a snake’s. His paws have five digits, ending in sharp claws, which he uses to catch food and for defense. Piǎo Bái has horns at the crown of his head that arch up over his neck before curving gently upwards. These serve to protect his neck, but he has been known to tuck in his chin and use them to ram into other small animals trying to take his food. His ears are just below his horns and are half the length. Piǎo Bái’s eyes are golden and shaped like a rabbit’s. He has two long whiskers that extend from his snout, which he likes to stroke and curl around his ‘finger.’ Piǎo Bái gives off a slight musky scent, which while not unpleasant, may require one to get used to it. After eating, he might also be reminiscent of a really large, chubby, scaly ferret. Speaking of his scales, they lay like a carp's or snake's would, very smooth. This is his preferred form.


Piǎo Bái does not remember he can shift into a humanoid form. He will probably discover this at some point. So, his humanoid form is a little ... off. In his human form, Piǎo Bái stands at 6’2 (1.88m) and weighs 184 pounds (84kg). His build is skinny and wiry. His skin is as white as his scales. He has a mop of white hair and large, golden eyes rimmed with white eyelashes. His ears are pointed and longer than those of a Darleone elf. The tips are visible, sticking out from the mop of his hair.

He forms mostly in proportion, except that he is quite slim for his height, giving the impression that his eyes are little too big and his arms a just a tad long, but that might be because his fingers are long and end in short claws. When he shifts he retains his horns as small, curved nubs placed equally apart on either side of his forehead and hairline. He also forgets to transform his sharp teeth into the more square versions of humans and elves, leaving slightly fanged canines. Simply put, when Piǎo Bái transforms into a humanoid shape, it is obvious he is neither human nor elf.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Magic Sense:

Piǎo Bái is able to sense other magical creatures and items, through a form of extra sensory perception or energy, for up to 1 mile (1.6km). He attributes this ability to his whiskers.

Sense of smell:

Piǎo Bái has a strong sense of smell, which allows him to sniff out people, food, and items, equivalent to a blood hound. Throw in the magic sense and he suddenly has a useful purpose.

Sense of hearing:
His hearing is very effective.

Night-vision:
He has night vision, similar to that of a cat’s.

Healing:
Piǎo Bái can magically heal small to moderate injuries, cuts, and bruises. Depending on the healing activity, Piǎo Bái may be forced to hibernate for a full 24-hours, followed by a voracious feeding, to recover. If a big meal is unavailable, another day's rest may be required.

Attack and Defense:
In his dragon form, Piǎo Bái can bite and claw. Damage by tooth and nails can be mild to moderate, given his size, the location of the injury, the ability of whatever he is attacking or defending against, and the size of his opponent (or dinner).

Piǎo Bái has never had to fight in his human form and would lose a hand-to-hand fight with an experienced opponent. He would probably lose to a child... He would naturally try to use claws and teeth to fight.

Hot and Cold:

Piǎo Bái prefers warm, humid days and likes to bask in the sun near a water source. He does not like cold, especially the winter months. He does not hibernate, but will seek warm shelter, with an easy supply of food and water, given the opportunity. Cold makes him slightly lethargic and prone to whining or complaining. He can move and will if prodded, but he doesn’t want to.

Non-verbal communication

Piǎo Bái can communicate telepathically with his kin. He can also communicate similarly with humanoids with magic capabilities. Non-magical beings would be like trying to carry on a conversation with a board. This skill does not mean he can read someone's mind. Only that he can establish and maintain a non-verbal communications link. Because he is young, maintaining the link can be exhausting, so he will speak physically or not at all, as it pleases him. Usually, he will speak, much to his companion's annoyance.

Fire breathing:

If you can call it that... Piǎo Bái can make a very small flame, the size of a match. Whether the flame appears or not is random and sometimes its appearance is unplanned. This skill is available in his humanoid form and just as useful.

Lazy, Sensualist:

Piǎo Bái likes nothing more than having a full belly and dozing beside a warm fire, cuddled against a nice warm body, or on a nice warm rock. If someone will rub his scales in scented oil, all the better. He likes to drink, enjoying the warm buzz. He prefers “real” food to whatever bugs, mice, and other things he can scavenge on his own, especially curry or meat, preferably together, with rice. He can put away a surprising amount of food for his size.

Social ineptitude

Being new to the material plane, Piǎo Bái has little experience in the ways of humans, elves, dwarves, gnomes, and pretty much anyone on the other side of the seal. Given that, he behaves according to his observations and his needs. This can lead to misunderstandings and impositions.

Blood Bond to Wénshēn Cai
Due to an unfortunate accident in which he slipped through the seal at an inopportune time (for him), Piǎo Bái is bound to serve Wénshēn Cai. The bond is symbiotic. Without the blood bond, Piǎo Bái would have died. His reduced stature also reduced his Qi and his life essence. While the blood bond is in place, should Cai die, Piǎo Bái will die. Piǎo Bái cannot fully return to the Astral plane while the bond is in place, either. Typically, he serves Cai by helping her in her role as Jinyiwei.



Shifting
As noted above, Piǎo Bái is a shifter. As he shifts, the more he will learn to control his body and its shifting capabilities.

Growth Potential
Piǎo Bái is young for an astral dragon shifter; however, transition into the physical realm provides an opportunity for faster growth than living in the astral provides. This growth extends from physical capabilities to personal development. The longer he resides in the physical realm, the more acclimatized he will become to it.

Special note: His initial transition into the physical realm resulted in his shrinking in size, resulting in his being around the size of a large, well-fed house cat.

History
When Lóng Beitzya was born, his parents had an unexpected surprise. Curled against Beitzya was a second child. Unlike Beitzya, who was a glossy black, the second child was gleaming white. Most residents of the realm thought the twin’s birth auspicious. The pair obviously represented the honored duality of nature. The Lord and Lady named the second son Pure White, or Piǎo Bái, because of his coloring.

Beitzya was the larger of the two, and, as first-born, the Lord and Lady of the Silvery River named him their heir. Cherished as a gift, Piǎo Bái was spoiled by parents and retainers alike. Beitzya was cherished, too, but as the heir, he was held to higher standards. Beitzya learned to fight and defend, to read and write, and to rule. Piǎo Bái learned to read and write; however, Piǎo Bái’s other studies included things such as deciding which sauces made the best accompaniment for meat pies, playing musical instruments, swimming, and ornamental dance.

Shifting forms was a common ability amongst the dragon kind and most dragons began to shift forms somewhere in their 3rd year. The design of the pair’s home compound allowed for both smaller humanoid forms and larger dragon forms, but the standard mode was to live and move about in the modified humanoid shapes. There was a certain grace and convenience to the forms, which the dragons found appealing. Additionally, when interacting with the other denizens of the realm, the forms allowed for a more equitable relationship when negotiating contracts and treaties.

An accident, in the twin's 10th year, resulted in Piǎo Bái’s nearly drowning. The young dragon lost consciousness and his shifting ability. The family physician assumed it was due to fear, but the young dragon could not (or would not) take humanoid form after that. The physician also instructed the family to allow Piǎo Bái the opportunity to rediscover the ability on his own.

As the years passed, Piǎo Bái grew commensurate with his age, lacking only the ability to shift to human form and billow a large flame. He was smaller than his brother was, but sought to keep up. Among all who lived in the Pagoda, Piǎo Bái adored his brother the most.

At the age of 17, Beitzya was sent away to finalize his education as heir. Piǎo Bái remained at home, despite his desire to follow his brother’s example. The time apart was filled with reports of his brother’s skills and accomplishments. For some, this might have been a time of rebellion or change in perspective, but not for Piǎo Bái. He was thrilled by the stories. Piǎo Bái’s golden eyes sparkled as he read the letters aloud to his parents, reenacting key scenes. Life was good.

~~~~~~~

Piǎo Bái stretched, arching his back, and splayed his claws in sheer satisfaction. He rolled his body through the warm waters, doubling back upon himself in lazy spirals, until finally settling on a back float. He tucked his legs against his body, slowly moving his tail to stay afloat. Stars sparkled above him. Cherry blossoms filled the air, falling like snow, and sending their soft scent everywhere. Puffing one fragrant blossom from his nose, Piǎo Bái lazily blinked his eyes.

In that blink of a moment, the stars were blotted from the sky. Piǎo Bái opened his eyes wide, but before he could brace himself, he was shoved under the water by a heavy, dark body. Spluttering to the surface, he was greeted by the sound of laughter.

“So lazy, living in the lap of luxury, while SOME of us serve in the army!”

“Beitzya!!” Piǎo Bái flung himself at his brother and the pair wrestled, splashing water and blossoms across ornamented tile. “When did you return?”

“Just now, Bleach.”

Piǎo Bái stuck out his tongue at the familiar nickname. “Whatever, Soot.”

Beitzya fell silent, contemplating his brother, and then leaned forward conspiratorially. “I have something I have to do.” Beitzya looked around; making sure no one would hear him. “…In the Garden.”

Piǎo Bái sucked in his breath. “The Ni –“

“Shh! It’s top secret!” Beitzya clamped a paw over Piǎo Bái’s snout. “… but… you could help me.” Beitzya fixed his brother with a stare, “If you think you’re brave enough.”

Piǎo Bái nodded his head vigorously. In the garden was an ancient Spirit Tunnel, said to link the Astral Realm to the Physical. A door blocked the entrance to the tunnel now, with the locking mechanism on the other side. Stories said the door had not always been there. The door appeared one day, closing off the Spirit Tunnel. Now, spells and were needed to unlock the door.

Beitzya nodded. “We need to go quickly.”

Piǎo Bái nodded again, this time following his brother as he navigated his way around the pagoda to the Garden. Once in the garden, the twins stood before the door. Curiosity about the door got the better of him and Piǎo Bái moved to place a forepaw against the door.

“It’s warm…,” he said softly, in wonder.

“I’m sorry.”

“What?” Piǎo Bái turned his head to peer at his brother.

“I ran into some trouble while I was training and ended up making a wager. I lost. But… “ Beitzya stared at his brother, the look in his eyes flat and distant. “I am the heir."

Beneath his palm, the door vibrated and Piǎo Bái could hear someone screaming. He let out a shaky chuckle. What was wrong with Beitzya?

“Yes, you are! And, I know you’ll make an excellent leader when Father chooses to retire.” Piǎo Bái, turning to face Beitzya, looked down at his brother’s hands as they shoved against him and pushed him suddenly into the open space where the door had been. Piǎo Bái grappled with all four feet, holding onto the edges of the opening. A vortex of force was pulling on him, trying to suck him backwards. His claws made a keening, screeching sound and made visable score marks as he slipped backwards.

“What? Why?”

“Because I should be the favorite. I’m the heir!” Beitzya gave another hard push. The look on his face was filled with hatred.

“Wait!” Piǎo Bái called out to his brother once more, reaching for him, but the spell had already taken hold. He was being sucked away to the Physical Realm and his brother… hated him.

Piǎo Bái tumbled through the Astral, feeling as if he was being stretched and pulled from the very center of his being. He could feel that his presence was not the desire, sense the wrongness. In another moment, his entire consciousness seemed to disappear and then return with a sharp, white-hot stab from his head to his tail. A pulsing light sucked him toward it, leaving him feeling nauseous, and a little cold. The next thing he knew, he was dumped onto a hard surface, gracelessly laying upon his back, surveying the world upside down, with his tail dangling above his snout.

"Behold your undoing, Imperial bitch!"

Piǎo Bái blinked and cast a glance at the Imperial Bitch. She was covered in blood and sweat. With pointy ears and a baldhead, she was a gruesome sight, reminding Piǎo Bái of a goblin he'd seen once.

The one who yelled was not much better, except the only blood on that one seemed to be splattered across his clothing and one hand. His purple-mottled, wrinkly skin, and bulging yellowed eyes were horrid as well. The creature’s mouth opened to reveal yellowed, crooked teeth as he yelled out again. Spittle flew from the man’s lips.

"Kill her! Kill the Imperial Whore! Slash her and shred her!"

The complete garishness and lack of art disgusted Piǎo Bái, enough so that any compulsion he might have felt, had one existed, to bite the Imperial Bitch disappeared just as soon as the spit left the man’s mouth. About to retort, Piǎo Bái’s eyes opened wider and his mouth dropped. A gigantic black dragon’s maw and a clawed foot slowly emerged through the opening, forcing itself through. Black lightening crackled around Beitzya, protesting his brute force.

The entire building shuddered as first one paw, then another hit the floor. Around them, the force of the dragon’s Qi vibrated. Rage, and possibly a mad sort of glee, showed in Beitzya’s eyes as he focused his gaze on Wenli.

“Our debt is paid.” Ebony claws slashed out. The old man’s body exploded in a rain of viscera and blood.
Piǎo Bái could not move no matter how much he tried. In his head, he cried out his brother’s name as the giant black dragon pulled back into the rift. When had his brother become so… so BIG??

Seconds passed and Piǎo Bái realized he could move. The rift was closing! Piǎo Bái twisted his body, trying to gain the right perspective. Every moment counted. If he could get back through, he could go home. Home first, then he would figure out why his brother hated him so much.

The thought hurt his heart, but he stifled it. Finally, on his feet, Piǎo Bái leapt for the closing rift, catching the edge with the tips of his fore claws. Piǎo Bái dangled there, scrabbling with his back feet against the air, trying to pull himself up. The result was clipped claws and another fall. This time he dropped to his bottom, sitting on his haunches with one leg stretched on the floor and the other tucked up next to his side.

Piǎo Bái dropped his head between slumped shoulders and stared at his dulled claws dumbly. Just this morning, he had been a beloved, spoiled younger brother. His whiskers quivered and large tears glistened in his eyes. Now… now where was he? Hated and exiled! Who was going to take care of him? How was he going to get home? Who was going to feed him? Growing dragons needed to eat!

A large tear dropped from his eye onto his left paw. The salt in the tear stung. Piǎo Bái realized, then, that one of his claws was torn upwards, loosened from the quick and bleeding. Blood pooled around his foot. For Piǎo Bái, it seemed as if time had stopped and everything was etched in stark clarity. The closure of the rift was like having all the air sucked from his lungs. The sudden lack of the Qi energy his brother exuded, like a vacuum, sucking out Piǎo Bái's very life essence.

Piǎo Bái tried to stand and stumbled. His pulse sounded in his ears, loud like drums, and he felt nausea once more. His color started to mottle to a flat gray. What was this? Had Beitzya known this would happen?

[Katona]

Love it! Very much approved.