Books - Bazil Broketail

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	Books - Bazil Broketail

Bazil Broketail is 1992 fantasy novel by author Christopher Rowley, the name of its main character, and the name of the further series of books featuring him. Bazil is a leatherback dragon serving in the Marneri legions of the Argonath empire on the world of Ryetelth.

There are currently seven books in the series: #Bazil Broketail (1992) #A Sword for a Dragon (1993) #Dragons of War (1994) #Battledragon (1995) #A Dragon at Worlds' End (1997) #The Dragons of Argonath (1998) #Dragon Ultimate'' (1999)

History

Ryetleth is the name of the world where the events in the book take place. Containing two continents, there are several empires within the history. The first is Veronath, which was known as the "Golden Kingdom". It was brought down by the machinations of the demon lord Mach Ingbold, servent of the Evil wizards, the Masters of Padmasa. Outside of the area of Veronath there were small islands known as the Cunfshon Isles. The Cunfshon Isles eventually created an army, and pushed the Demonlord out of his hold. The Argonath empire was built on the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Veronath. This empire has stood ever since, gaining a tenuous hold against the great and terrible Masters of Padmasa. The Witches of the Cunfshon Isles have fought ever since to defeat the Masters. This is the primary history that concerns these books.

Background Information

Concerning Dragons

Dragons might actually be an incorrect term in labeling most of the dragons in this series. They are actually wingless Wyverns, and appear to have come from sea-monster roots. The original Wyverns who agreed to fight for the Legions were found as predators of the coastal areas. There are true dragons in this series - winged dragons who live wild in the far icy north. None of the dragons, winged or wyvern, are able to breath fire, although there is mention that the ancestors of the dragons were able to.

There are three main types of Wyvern: Leatherback, Freemartin, and Brasshide. The Leatherbacks are medium sized dragons, usually weighing around 2 tons and standing 10-12 feet tall. They are the perfect mixture of strength and speed, and are of a medium intelligence. Freemartins are slightly smaller than Leatherbacks, and are generally faster and smarter. They are however sterile, and unable to "fertilize the eggs" as the dragons express it. The brasshides are the largest of the dragons, weighing in well over 2 tons. They are slow and ponderous, and not overly bright. However, with the exception of the Purple-Green, they are easily the strongest of dragons.

Dragons are known for two things: fighting and eating. The dragons are happy fighting the Masters and their imp armies. Making up the backbone of the Argonathi Legions, the dragons are similar on the battlefield to modern day tanks. Their hunger for battle is only matched by their hunger for food. While in the Legions they are fed well, albeit on basic foodstuffs such as noodles, stirrabout, oatmeal, and bread. A dragon would consider a dozen loaves of bread as a snack, and often eat cauldrens full of noodles. The only reason dragons are able to eat these basics foods continually is because of the sauce known as Akh. Akh is a spicy combination of onions, garlic, and many other pungent spices. The dragons seem to crave this, and would like to put it on all of their food. In fact, the largest complaints by dragons is that "there is never enough akh." Dragons do not limit themselves to these foods however, and enjoy all types of meat, being predators. They especially enjoy seafood. Also, if in a pinch, they will eat troll, although they find this unpleasant. Finally, while the Legion discourages it, they tend to enjoy the flavor of horse.

Concerning Argonath

As stated before, the Argonath empire is built on the ruins of Veronath. The peoples still speak Verio. The significant change is that in the empire of the Argonath, men and women are truly equal. Women can do anything and everything men can do, with the sole exception of serving on the front lines. In fact, the people of the Argonath worship the Great Mother, their omnipotent Goddess. However, for some, the Gods of old Veronath still exist; the three covered in the books are Caymo, the God of chance and wine, Asgah, God of war, and Gongo, the ruler of hell and the dead.

The Argonath people fight a constant war against the armies of Padmasa.

Concerning the Enemy

The Enemy is the nation of Padmasa, a harsh regime ruled by five self proclaimed "Masters". These are men who have studied the arcane magics of death for centuries. Their magic is based primarily on death, and uses death and torture for its purposes. The Masters have found their most powerful magics to reside in the deaths of the Wyverns. This is the reason for the allinance between the Wyverns and the men of the Argonath to fight against the Masters. The Masters want total control of Ryetelth, and the total subjugation of all its peoples.

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