The Nine Wyrms
The Nine Wyrms are powerful demi-gods of the Nine Realms who serve as protectors and patrons of some of the races of the realms (including humans, elves, dwarves and others), as well as having deep connections with the realms themselves.
Although little overall is truly known about the Nine Wyrms, rumor, research and belief provide some insight. Myths, tales and stories used to scare children abound about the Wyrms. The Nine are believed to be among the oldest beings in existence. They emerged with the birth of the Nine Realms out of the Astral plane. Like a snake sheds its skin, some believe the Wyrms represent the cycle of life, death and renewal. Some stories tell how the Wyrms emerge from a great slumber every millenium (or several) to create death, destruction and chaos among the realms. This chaos leads to events like Ragnorak or other end of the world events. Other tales say the Wyrms consume the dead as food thus leading to a constant renewal of the realms. Disease, pestilence, drought and natural disasters have also traditionally been linked to the Wyrms. Myths circulate that each Wyrm also guards an enormous treasure or hoards items of immense power and magic (which some folks think is to guard the items from misuse.)
Several reputable myth cycles state that each Wyrm can take on alternate forms (human or otherwise) in order to move among the inhabitants and creatures of the Nine Realms. While in an alternate form, the Wyrms have all the powers and magics they have in their natural states. This transformation takes energy and stamina and can only be sutained for limited periods before needing to revert to their natural dragonesque or snake-like forms. No one is sure how long this transformation lasts before reversion is required. It is believed--among those that study such things--the reversion leave the Wyrms in a weakened and vulnerable state. This energy drain may require them to return to a lair or safe haven to rest prior to taking their alternate form once again.
A few stories state the Wyrms are each served by select members of a race or species aligned to that Wyrm (e.g. ice nymphs, dwarves, elves, etc.) Those selected serve until death and are totally loyal to their master. The Wyrms have granted these beings additional powers and magics not normally found among their kind.
Regardless of the truth, the Nine Wyrms are powerful beings not to be taken lightly nor seen in a trvial way.
Type
Religious, Pantheon
Alternative Names
The Nine, Dragon-Lords, Dragon-Gods; Serpent-Gods, Serpent-Lords
Leader
Location
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