Paola Rodrigo

Despite being a star student at Crysto University, Paola left behind the stifling world of book learning and studies searching for adventure – the only way to truly understand dragons!

She traveled to Numa in the hopes of tracking down a legendary hero and becoming her apprentice for unmatched opportunities for dragon research. Her natural affinity with dragons makes up for her somewhat lack of bravery…

Interactions

The Trainer interacts with this character in several dialogues, divided into sections below.

Events

Prisoners of the Northern Lights: Dragon Grid (22/12/05) (edit)

I can't believe it...! I'm not JUST meeting my greatest hero and biggest inspiration -- I'm escorting her on a top-secret dragon-finding mission!
AND I'm about to introduce her to my... g-girlfriend! Ah! Oh gosh, suddenly I'm as bashful as Ned!
Easy there, kiddo. I'm sure I don't need to remind you -- this is no joyride. If my research is sound, we're about to deal with some tough customers, and I'm not just talking about the--
V-Vikings! Ms. Portia, please -- leave me here and save yourself!
Ah, a nice warm welcome to offset the Vikolandian chill. Arya, what's with the pipsqueak and the, uh... *ahem* N-Nice to meet you, ma'am.
Eliza! This is the legendary, iconic, super-mega-powerful, awesome Dragon Trainer AND war hero, Ms. Portia Penanze... and her research student, Paola!
Dragon Girl's enthusiasm is blinding as always, but she's right. Mind your manners, Eliza -- you're in the presence of a truly legendary warrior!
Hmph. I didn't think humility or honor were concepts that Vikings understood. Especially not the Dunkelviking himself.
I go by Duncan these days... but this isn't about me. Come! I hope you brought some powerful beasts with you -- the path to our destination is long and treacherous!

Everyone accounted for? Good. We made it in one piece... to the most secluded spot in Vikolandia: Eliza's bachelor pad!
Don't judge me, brother! I have to hide away from Mother's meddling SOMEhow. Besides, it's not so bad if you don't let the terrifying, mysterious howling in the woods get to you.
That howling, young lady, is the reason we're here today. You certainly picked a dangerous place to shack up. We're not far from the Lake of Tears, are we?
N-No... we're not. It's nearby, but nobody goes there. The frozen cavern on the lake has been cursed for hundreds of years. ... It's the only way I could get my mom to leave me alone.
Well, Paola? What do you think? I'm sure you gave it a good listen on the walk here... Curse, or dragon?
... It's too sad to be a curse, I think. It's a dragon. But I'd need to get closer to make sure.
How do you know that, lass? Stories of the ghosts that haunt the Lake of Tears and the Howling Cavern reach back to before Mama Gunhilda's time!
Paola is an expert in dragon empathy. If she thinks it's a dragon, she's probably right. In fact, one of them's been following us through the woods this whole time.
I think Paola's on to something, but I've never felt a dragon presence like this before! Our dragons will need a rest before we try to handle it...
I agree. We'll put on some tea, let our dragons nap, and make our way to the Lake of Tears... You DO have tea here, don't you?
Erm... Does grog count?

Prisoners of the Northern Lights: Dragon Grid (22/12/12) (edit)

Huh... No wonder you guys never come around here. It really does feel haunted, and poor Eliza's afraid of ghosts!
D-Don't tell them that! Besides, if it's just a dragon haunting this place, I've got nothing to worry about.
I wouldn't write off our threat just yet, little Viking. Ghosts can't hurt you, but dragons can, and will.
N-No, Ms. Portia! We mustn't fight these dragons! They've suffered enough already...
Dragons, and humans, cope with their suffering in many different ways, Paola. Some find comfort in combat. More importantly -- is there a way inside this structure?
...
Get behind me, everyone!!! This could be our quarry.
Wait! I'll try to understand what it's saying...
Ugh... this is weird. It's friendly, I think, but I can't make sense of its words.
I can't either. It sounds ALMOST like an Ancient Dragon... but not quite. At most, I can tell it wants us to follow it. I don't suppose we have a choice?

Prisoners of the Northern Lights: Dragon Grid (22/12/26) (edit)

Th-This is incredible...! An ancient Viking throne room! Dunky, I had no idea this existed!
I didn't either... and Mother drilled me on Viking history until I could recite it in my sleep. This place could be completely undiscovered!
Could it have belonged to Carnelia Carnage -- the first Viking queen?
You know, Ned's been compiling his notes on the ancient past... He might be able to shed some light on this, but he's all the way back in Numa!
I, um... I could sketch the room in my notebook, so we can show him when we return...! I sorta, uh, specialize in details like this.
You're an artist, Paola? Oh, wow! Let me see--!
History will help us figure out what these dragons are, but remember: Our number one priority is getting them out of here safely... Stay focused.
I agree, Ms. Portia... But I have to tell you, in this room, the dragons seem very calm. It's almost as though... this was a sanctuary.
...
But, sanctuary or not, there's still something wrong... We should follow this one. I-I think it needs help.

U-Ugh...! This is it... this is where the wave of sorrow is coming from...! The howling sound... it's from the wind rushing through its frozen spines...
Gather around, team. We're freeing this dragon.
Are you kidding? We don't even know what it is! What if it's been frozen for a reason? I don't want this thing ravaging Vikolandia!
No dragon deserves this. No matter what it's done, it deserves the chance to live, and it's my life's work to provide that. I think you may understand what I mean, young lady.
... I wouldn't even be here if Arya didn't take a second chance on me. Fine. I'll help. Let's free this beast.
I'll lend you the power of my immense muscles! Our Fire Dragons can't handle a job this mighty on their own!
Thank you, both of you. I clearly misjudged you. I'd be grateful for any help you could give us...
We'll need strong hands to transport these dragons back to Numa. They can heal at my Dragon Sanctuary... and I'm sure my old comrade Hogwin will want a look at them.
I get the feeling they hold more secrets than we think... And I can't wait to figure out how THEY think!

The Dormant Volcano: Dragon Grid (23/04/03) (edit)

Entry 1... Following clues from my extensive research on the Ancient Dragons of Dragolandia's past, we have located an island where a strange, undiscovered species of dragon may be hidden...
Although we can't understand their language yet, we think it has similarities to Ancient Dragon speech, thus, we--
Hey, Hogwin, does your son always talk to himself when he's journaling?
Oh, yes, all the time. I'm just impressed he can write while he walks, and on this sandy beach, no less! Although, Ned, you might want to pay a bit more attention, or you'll walk right into...
Oof! S-Sorry, Ned -- I should look where I'm going as well... I just want to finish sketching these totems. Did you say they resemble the Water Ancients that used to live in these seas?
Sort of. Especially those crests on their heads... If I remember right. Man, it would have been great to have your talent when I was sent to meet the Ancient Dragons. I could've remembered so much more!
What a wonderful couple of youngsters we've brought with us, eh? And with dear Arya looking after the dragons you rescued from the Howling Cavern, I'd say we're in great shape, Portia.
... It IS nice to be working with you again, old friend. But we should focus. If these dragons are anything like those we found in Vikolandia, they'll be in dire need of our help.
Um... I think you spoke too soon, Ms. Penanze...
(You... follow...)

The Dormant Volcano: Dragon Grid (23/04/10) (edit)

That was a treacherous path through the jungle... and it seems we're not out of the woods yet. Is everyone okay? We should rest and make sure our dragons aren't too tired.
Indeed, and perhaps we can ask our NEW friend which way to go! It seems our dragon guide has been joined by another. Ned, my boy, can you hear what they're saying?
(Master... Time, now...)
(Agree... Time... magma... drain)
I-It doesn't really make sense! Something about... magma? Uh, do you think we're safe here?
I don't sense any hostility in their body language... Actually, it's like there's a bond between them.
Good eye, Paola. And are you sure the word was "magma," boy?
I think so. Um, yes. Yes, I'm sure...!
Good. That means we won't have to wait for that volcano to erupt...
Instead, we'll be going straight into it! And just our luck, I see an entrace up toward the summit. Fancy a long hike, old man?
Ha! Let's race the young'uns to the top, granny!
Oh, no... my hamstrings...

The Dormant Volcano: Dragon Grid (23/04/17) (edit)

... Incredible. I've never seen anything like this before. Paola, get your sketchbook out-- ...Paola?
S-Sorry, Ms. Penanze *huff* let me just *huff* c-catch my breath! I'm... not used to climbing to such heights... or dealing with such heat...! Oh, why did I only pack turtleneck sweaters?!
Very curious... Judging by Ms. Paola's sketches, this tepid laboratory looks nothing like the "sanctuary" you visited in the Howling Cavern. In fact, it looks a little like...
I know. Like something Otto would make. It's... Tyrant tech. Ancient Tyrant tech. At least, I'm pretty sure it is--
ROOOOAR!!
Stay back, you lot!! I'll calm it down... Easy, now. We don't need to fight... You're already tired, aren't you?
I, uh, REALLY think we should leave--!
W-Wait, Ned! It really does need help! Do you or the Professor have any idea what kind of dragon it is? Is it in your Codex, or is it one of the Ancients?
No... But, um, it looks like one of the laboratory monitors is still working. Maybe we could look it up? I don't really know how to work this stuff, though--
I might...! Th-There was a machine like this at Crysto University, but it wasn't as advanced. It looks like the info on here is... vital signs? But what for...?
Oh, look! This dragon's named... Lignorum. According to these notes, it was bonded to a dragon called Magma Lepus, who was... imprisoned due to aggression... alongside "Ignis Faber"?
Ms. Penanze! I think Magma Lepus and Ignis Faber are hidden underneath the magma in that chamber, through the window!
The dragon we met in the jungle spoke truth: It's time to drain the magma. Let's start pushing buttons and pulling switches, and don't stop until the magma's gone!

The Dormant Volcano: Dragon Grid (23/04/24) (edit)

Ms. Penanze, I'm glad we drained the magma from this chamber, but I wish you hadn't gone about pushing every button in the laboratory...
You're just as daring as I remember, Portia...! Why, you kids should've seen the sort of acrobatics she got up to during the war. I've never seen anybody fly a dragon quite like that!
Heheh. I've become a BIT more careful, old man -- I've got a student to consider, after all.
And dragons, too. They've become my life's work, although I guess they always were. Dragons like these, who have been hidden away, need our help the most.
S-Sorry to interrupt, but... is anybody else wondering how the technology in this room survived being submerged in MAGMA? I don't see melted metal or scorch marks anywhere!
Hmm... there's only one sort of technology I can think of that would survive such extreme temperatures...
Tyrants. I thought we were done with them after the war.
I-It's not really a question of "after," ma'am... Tyrants have been around for thousands of years. They made mechanical marvels before the Ancient Dragons put a stop to them...
If the Tyrants made all this to keep these dragons hidden away... we have to find out why! I-I know it's really hot in here, but I'd like to copy as much information from the computer terminals as I can!
Wait... I'll help, Paola! I've gotten pretty good at writing quickly thanks to all the, uh... danger.
Good. Act fast. Ol' Hogwin and I will free these trapped dragons and get them ready for the journey back to Numa. Surely we can keep up with the kids, old man!
And when we do get back, I think I have some questions for Otto... not that I ever wanted to ask them.

The Deepest Waters: Dragon Grid (23/08/07) (edit)

I really must thank you, Oddie, for letting us use your undersea machine like this. I know it's a strange request, but it's all in the interest of finding unique dragons, you see!
It's a "submarine," Hoggie. But you can call it whatever you like. I'm glad to escort you...
Um... "Oddie"? "Hoggie"? A-Are we using code names?
*sigh* That's Otto and my dad's old pet names for each other...
Ooh, I see. ... Can my nickname be "professor"?
Hoho! That's a fine choice, Paola, but I suppose I'm biased!
I realize we don't have Ms. Penanze here to bring us all back to task, but can we PLEASE focus?
Ahh yes, Portia was strangely taciturn about her decision to remain in Numa with Arya. Paola-- I mean, Professor! Do you have any idea why?
Hmm... well, she IS a little claustrophobic... But I think she mostly wanted to assist Ms. Arya with the dragons we've rescued so far.
(Actually, I think it's because she doesn't trust Otto... Not that I can really blame her since I learned he has Tyrant heritage, but--) WHOA! Wh-what was that?!
Chronos' Claw! A dragon's attacking the ship-- I can't control it!

Oof... Is everyone all right? I haven't seen a wild dragon attack a person like that in countless years!
Urgh... It might not've been US making that dragon mad. It might've been the submarine...
If these dragons are related to the ancient Tyrants like you say, then this machine--
Hrmf... Never mind. In any case, I've got no idea where we are now. That beast tossed us way off course...
Y-You mean we're lost? Deep under the sea...?
Wait! Look! There's a dragon strolling along the ocean floor...!
(... ... (Fo... llow...!))
I think it's friendly... Its hackles aren't raised or anything. Its stance is really relaxed. I don't think it'll give us trouble...
Dad, it wants us to follow it...!
Well, it's the only lead we have right now. I say we follow it -- but before we do, I have a favor to ask one of our dragon friends. Ned, perhaps you can help me translate!
Our Arcane Dragon has the magical capabilities to get back to Numa, and deliver a message to Portia and Arya. We must let them know where we are, in case we really do need help!
Did you get all that, Arcane Dragon...? Okay then... good luck out there.

The Deepest Waters: Dragon Grid (23/08/21) (edit)

Great. A shipwreck. That's not ominous at all...
Nah. I'm much more concerned with what's coming out of it--
(*crackle!* GRRR! *bzzt!*)
I-I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but that dragon is furious! Um, Oddie, can you get us out of here?
... No can do, little Professor. That thing's \shocking\ attack just fried our engine.
(ROOOAR! (... Stop...!))
Sweet Chrono Zeus! That helmeted fellow has just saved our hides! Ned, can you tell us what it's saying? Ned--?
H-He's fainted, sir, but I can tell this dragon is asserting its dominance over the one that attacked us! It... it seems as though they know each other!
Hrrm... Oddie, I'd normally forge full speed ahead at a time like this, but I'm worried about the young ones. Perhaps we should retreat for now.
... I'm sorry, Hoggie, but even if I wanted to, my pride -- and our engine -- wouldn't let me.
Your pride? ... What do you mean, old friend?
If these dragons have anything to do with the Tyrants, like the kids' research notes seem to indicate, then I owe it to the beasts to help 'em out...
Ah, looks like I won't have to tinker with the engine anyway... We're bein' pulled along by old helmet-head out there!

Otto -- I trust you, and you're my oldest friend, but... that odd helmeted dragon certainly has dragged us deep down!
Ugh... it's telling us not to worry... Easier said than done, stupid dragon...
Ah! Are you all right, my boy? You fainted dead away just a few moments ago!
I know... I wish I was still out cold, so I wouldn't have to see THAT!
(... *gurgle*... #&%$... *bloop*...)
(... No... afraid... friend...)
Th-This is crazy! I don't think that thing means us harm, but... those ruins! Could they be from the time of the Ancient Water Dragons?!
Hold that thought, Ned -- the Arcane Dragon we sent for help is back, and it brought... our research notes!
Oh, c'mon!!! We need a rescue team, not a pile of paper!
No, this is good! Now we can properly study the ruins, AND see if anything we've written down can give us clues about these dragons!
A professor after my own heart! I'll help you two sort through your notes -- the information you copied from that old Tyrant terminal in our last expedition MUST yield something.
Well, take your time... 'cuz, for now, we're stuck down here. Better get the Arcane Dragon to relay that to our friends on the surface!

The Mysterious Jungle: Dragon Grid (24/03/29) (edit)

Mmmggh... *creak* *pop* Ahh, I haven't taken a voyage like that in years. This place truly is as remote as they say...
M-Ms. Portia, were those your joints popping, or are we being attacked by dragons?
Just you wait, kid. Keep hunching over that notebook and you'll sound a lot like me in FAR less time.
Oh! While you're hunching, can you check your notes and see if this really is the Foros Jungle... or, what's left of it?
I don't even need my notes. I can tell. When we were sent into the ancient past, the jungle ruled by those Ancient Plant Dragons looked just like this...
You're right, but... it's looking a bit worse for wear nowadays! The temples aren't nearly as tall, or colorful. And this one looks like it's being excavated! Or... WAS being excavated.
The merchants who brought us here said that the jungle is haunted... Maybe that's why whoever was here left in a hurry.
Haunted... perhaps. But if humans are coming to this untouched paradise with greed in mind, then they deserve whatever they get.
I-Isn't that a bit harsh, Ms.--
HISSSSSSS!
EEK! No, not "Ms. Hiss"! Ms. Portia!
Now THERE'S a fearsome creature! Looks like we overstayed our welcome. Follow me -- we'll lose it if we're quick enough!