Portia Penanze

Only a few people will remember the legendary Dragon Trainer Portia Penanze, though once upon a time, she was revered as a hero of the Tyrant Wars thanks to her innate skills in dragon training.

After hearing rumors of aggressive and problematic dragons, Portia has left behind her life of solitude among the remote mountains of Numa to find the lost Tyrant Dragons and help to restore balance to dragonkind everywhere.

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 (22/12/19) (edit)

Wow... This place is beautiful! But more than that, it's HUGE. Did the Vikings really have no idea a cavern like this existed?
I believe secrecy is the point. Somebody, long ago, wanted to keep these dragons hidden away.
And if those "somebodies" were ancient Vikings, well... that would be in character for thoughtless conquerors, wouldn't it?
Feh! Thoughtless? One does not conquer the entire Dragolandian archipelago without using their brains! Tell her, Dunky!
Huh? Listen, sister, I'm not interested in arguing with the Hero of Numa -- I'm too busy enjoying the acoustics of this cavern...!
FA LA LA LA LA~!
!!!
Oho! Perhaps I've underestimated you people -- I'd no idea the Dunkelviking indulged in opera. Dragon-approved, no less! I think you've just discovered our way forward.
We've gotten a bit more complicated than you may remember, Portia Penanze!

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.

Luminous Mountain: Dragon Grid (23/12/04) (edit)

Wow... so this is Gustyvale -- Otto's hometown! The Professor took Ned here once or twice, but I've never been. I wonder if it's always so... so... um...
So BRIGHT? Somehow I doubt it, kid. There's twinkling village lanterns and then there's... blinding lights. Something's definitely going on here.
I bet it's got SOMETHING to do with the rumors about a weird Energy Dragon up here on the mountain.
I do, too. There's a presence here, exerting influence over this town's electricity. And it's either angry or distressed...
That's probably why nobody's greeted us. If an unfamiliar dragon is making their electricity go haywire, the villagers have a reason to be afraid.
Eheh... actually, Ms. Portia, Otto says the villagers are just kind of "like that." He didn't have many friends growing up... until he met Professor Hogwin!
Ahh, that's right. The old bat has family in Twinkle Village nearby. I hear they're not too keen on dragons, but it was generous of them to lend us this Sweater Dragon...
Oh, yeah! This little guy knows the area way better than we do -- and with that warm sweater and those fluffy wings, snow will be "s'no" problem!
Hold your puns, child -- the Sweater Dragon seems to be picking up on a sound we can't hear... No, wait, I CAN hear it. It's a high-pitched cry... almost inaudible...
Go on, Sweater! Lead the way!

Did you find the source of the cries, Arya? Ugh, my legs aren't as reliable as they used to be...
No worries, Ms. Portia! With the Sweater Dragon's help we found a... well, it's a baby dragon, I think. But I've never seen anything like it before!
... Kwee! ... Kwee!
Hrmm... no, I don't recognize it either. But it radiates a sort of power, don't you think?
You're not kidding, ma'am! I don't think these mushrooms were, uh... glowing, until we arrived with this little bundle of joy...!
Eesh -- suddenly I've got a prickly feeling at the back of my neck. Is it this dragon's power--?
That, my friend, is the feeling of being watched. We're not alone in these woods...
... ... Hissss...
WHOA! Ms. Portia, could this be one of the special dragons you're looking for?!
Kweee!
Could be, indeed. And it looks like these two know each other--
Ah! It slithered away...! Sweater Dragon, can we count on you again to find our slippery friend?

Luminous Mountain: Dragon Grid (23/12/18) (edit)

... Now this is interesting. Something, or someone, was being... kept here. Perhaps something powerful.
Is that OTTO standing there? I thought he was on an expedition with Ned and the Professor and Paola--!
Hey! I resent that! I'm nothing like that soft-hearted fool! What in Chronos's name are you doing here anyway, dragon girl? And who is your friend--?
... Ah. I know you. You're Portia Penanze. A thorn in the side of many a Tyrant during the wars... I thought you'd disappeared for good.
I never went away; I only devoted my life to dragons instead of warfare. I'm sure that's something you wouldn't understand... if you are who I think you are--
Uh, let's calm down, everyone! Ms. Portia, I know what it looks like, but Heinrich doesn't work with the Tyrants -- he actually devoted himself to the Vikings! Even after Gunhilda rejected his love--
There was NO need to bring that up! *sob*
*grumble* This is getting us nowhere! Why are you here, you Tyrant deserter? If you've been putting dragons in this cell, I'll feed you to them myself!
I've done no such thing! I came back to Gustyvale, my hometown, when I heard the rumors of strange dragons. I... I thought I might know something about them...
Heinrich, you've always been a weirdo, but I've never seen you so cryptic. What do you mean? Can you tell us anything about these strange dragons--?
Grrrnngh...?! GROAAAR!
Kwee! Kwee!
That will have to wait, dragon girl -- the thing that was in here has obviously gotten out... and so should we. Quickly!

Just where have you led us, you strange bald man? What is this bizarre contraption?!
Gauuuu! Graauuuwr!!! BANG!
T-that big red dragon keeps hitting its head on the weird machine... We've got to stop it before it hurts itself!
Kwee... Kwee!
...?! Groarrr...
Look! It calmed down when it saw the baby dragon! They must know each other... just like this hatchling knew the other dragons on the mountain!
*gulp* I had a feeling this would happen. They're gathering at this secret generator for a very specific reason: Their leader is inside...
However it is you know this... and no matter what sort of dragon is in there... you'd better help us free it!
What?! No! It's a ferocious beast! It's been powering this mountain for centuries, but just because it's woken up is no excuse to--
This beast has been KNOWINGLY exploited?! Arya, help me rally the other dragons! If we work together, I know we can demolish this generator!
Kwee...! Kwee kwee! (Thankful...!)
Hey, we made the little dragon happy... That's reason enough! Let's free that beastie -- WITH Heinrich's help... or else!