Blue Eyes Bright Dragon

There once existed a skilled and humble artificer by the name of Rokuta, whose creations and constructs were renowned as some of the most innovative and reliable around.  When news of his talents reached the ears of the dark sorcerer Aknadin, he sent his minions to abduct Rokuta and enslaved him to his services, declaring that his skills would now be put to use in furthering his own dark ambitions by providing constructed minions and implements of terror.  Trapped in the sorcerers tower, Rokuta had no choice but to obey Aknadin's bidding, all the while hoping for a chance to escape to make itself know.  Perhaps fate was on his side, for not too long into his captivity, the tower was attacked by a awe-inspiring sight: a dragon of shining white scales and blazing blue eyes.  The Blue Eyes White Dragon had discovered Aknadin's tower and having learned of the atrocities the sorcerer committed (Rokuta was not the first or only slave Aknadin had taken), assaulted his forces with the fury only a dragon can bring to bear.  The sorcerer and his forces (including constructs Rokuta had helped create to his dismay) fought back with every weapon and spell they possessed, most proving useless against the dragon's might.  After a long, devastating battle, the sorcerer was finally defeated, his body reduced to ash by the dragon's breath.  Alas, it was not without cost; the Blue Eyes had suffered grievous injury from the sorcerer's more potent spells and powerful legions, and its strength was already failing.  In its final moments, Rokuta approached the fallen beast, wishing to express his heartfelt gratitude to his savior, as well as his upmost remorse that his hands, even indirectly, had a part to play in the dragon's demise.  Having listened to the artificer's words and appreciating his humble thanks and apology, the dragon decided to bestow one final parting gift to the grieving man: a shining white stone containing the very essence of his power and spirit, the White Stone of Ancients.  Upon giving the stone, the dragon gave his final breath, then remained still.

Recognizing what was contained within the stone and still wracked by guilt over what had happened, Rokuta was struck with an idea for how he could make amends.  Using the bountiful resources left behind in the now abandoned sorcerer's tower, he used his expert skills to craft a large construct of metal and mineral, modeled in the shape of the dragon that gave his life to free him.  Once finished, he placed the stone in its head, its power and essence now channeled into the arcane contraption, granting the spirit within, he hoped, a second chance at life in a new body.  He christened this contraption with the name Blue Eyes Bright Dragon.  Yet, when the construct came to life, it displayed none of the behavior characteristic of the dragon it was supposed to be.  It stood rigidly at attention, awaiting the orders of its creator and making not a sound, just like every other construct he had made in the past.  There was no sigh the dragon whose stone he had implanted in the metal beast had taken possession of the body.  Just as he was about to resign himself to his failure, the construct twitch violently, arcane lightning arcing along its frame.  It gazed at its creator with an expressionless face , its eyes glowing a bright blue, then it let out a mighty roar, though whether in triumph, anger, or pain, Rokuta could not discern.  The constructed beast then took flight to the horizon, never to be seen by Rokuta again.  The artificer, now plagued by thoughts on if what he had done had met with the revived dragon's approval or disgust, left the tower in contemplation and returned to his home.  So deep in varied thoughts he was, he neglected to collect the design blueprints he had use to create the dragon, which remained within his workshop within the tower.  Some time later, scavengers and rival spellcasters, hearing of the sorcerer's demise, invaded the abandoned fortress to pilfer Aknadin's remaining treasure for themselves. Amongst the gems, gold, and arcane trinkets, they found an old set of blueprints detailing the process for constructing a might automaton, in the shape of and embodying the power of the legendary Blue Eyed Dragon......

While the fate of the original and its creator are still unknown, several similar constructs matching the description of the Blue Eyes Bright Dragon have been built over the centuries by other wizards, artificers, and craftsmen who have managed to obtain a copy of Rokuta's blueprints (or similar designs inspired by the original blueprints).  Even with the blueprints, construction of a Blue Eyes Bright Dragon is no easy feat.  Aside from the tens of thousands of GPs worth of ores, metals, and magical components needed, the construct can only attain life when powered by a White Stone of Ancients, a magical item only obtainable from a living Blue Eyes White Dragon or the Order with Eyes of Blue, neither of which are quick or willing to bestow such an item on just anyone who asks for it (particularly if they are aware of what the recipient plans to use it for).  Getting their hands on a White Stone of Ancients illicitly often requires slaying or stealing from a Blue Eyes Dragon or Order with Eyes of Blue member, both incredibly difficult and dangerous tasks that will earn the perpetrator many enemies.  The reward for doing so will be a loyal construct that embodies the ferocious strength, speed, and durability of the Blue Eyes White Dragon (though not to the same level as a living dragon), serving as a symbol to your enemies and allies of your influence, power, and ability.  Similar to the initial state of Rokuta's original creation, a Blue Eyes Bright Dragon will follow its creators orders to the letter without question, as well as any who come to possess the authority to command it (either through an activation spell, control accessory, or other means of discerning ownership).  It possesses no allegiance, nor any autonomy unless given a command.  This makes them great for guarding treasure hordes, protecting persons of importance, destroying enemy fortifications, providing escort for important deliveries, or simply standing silently as works of art to be admired by all who visit your abode.

On a few occasions, a Blue Eyes Bright Dragon has been observed entering a state of heightened activity and ability, where its power increases to a level close to the living Blue Eyes White Dragon.  Not only that, but the loyal, stoic, and robotic demeanor of the construct is replaced with an rebellious, violent, and almost self-aware personality reminiscent of a living creature.  This has been observed lasting for about an hour, after which the construct returns to normal.  No one is sure what triggers this state or why it occurs (though it seems the more damage the Blue Eyes Bright Dragon sustains, the greater likeliness it will occur).  Most attribute it to a flaw in Rokuta's original design, but some suspect it might be the result of the spirit within the White Stone of Ancient's taking control of the construct to shake off the shackles of enslavement the Blue Eyes detest so much, becoming truly a Blue Eyes Spirit within a bright vessel of metal......